Saint Gadge Maharaj
Gadge Maharaj, also known as Sant Gadge Baba, was born on February 23, 1876, in a poor washerman family in Shendgaon village, Amravati district, Maharashtra. His birth name was Debuji Zhingraji Janorkar. Despite facing poverty and social discrimination, he developed a deep sense of compassion for the underprivileged from an early age.
He renounced his family life at a young age and became a wandering saint, dedicating himself to the service of humanity. Gadge Maharaj strongly opposed untouchability, casteism, superstitions, and blind rituals. He preached the values of cleanliness, equality, compassion, and social responsibility through Kirtans (spiritual songs and talks).
He built schools, dharmashalas (rest houses), animal shelters, and hospitals with the donations he received during his Kirtans. Instead of religious preaching, he focused on human values and practical reform. He would often clean the village roads and surroundings himself before addressing the public, inspiring people to adopt cleanliness.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar highly respected him and mentioned him as one of the true social reformers of the time.
Gadge Maharaj passed away on December 20, 1956, in Amravati. His work and teachings continue to inspire people even today.
Timeline of Gadge Maharaj’s Life
- 1876 – Born on February 23 in Shendgaon village, Amravati district.
- Early Years – Faced poverty, worked as a laborer; developed compassion for the poor.
- Early 1900s – Left family life and started wandering as a saint.
- Throughout Life – Traveled village to village, spreading messages of social reform, equality, cleanliness, and humanitarian values.
- Built Public Services – Established dharmashalas, schools, animal shelters, and hospitals with public donations.
- 1956 – Passed away on December 20 in Amravati, Maharashtra.
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