Second Peethadhish
P. P. Swami Shri Eknath Maharaj
(1549 - 1600)
Shri Eknath Maharaj was born in Paithan, Maharashtra, in Shaka 1455 (1533 CE). His family had a long tradition of devotion and service to Lord Panduranga.
In Shaka 1475 (1553 CE), through the grace of his Guru, Shri Janardan Swami, he was blessed with a divine vision of Lord Dattatreya and received his Guru’s guidance and initiation.
Swamiji’s first major literary contribution was Shri Eknathi Bhagavat, a commentary on the Chatushloki Bhagavat and the Ekadasha Khanda (11th Canto of Bhagavata Purana). His vast literary works also include Chiranjeevi Parva, Bhavarth Ramayana, devotional Abhangas, Padas, Gavalani, Bharuds, and Stotras.
Shri Eknath Maharaj played a crucial role in spreading the Nath tradition and the path of devotion inspired by Lord Dattatreya across India. On Phalguna Vadya Shashthi in 1600 CE, he attained Samadhi.
His life and teachings continue to inspire seekers, beautifully encapsulated in the following verses:
