Eighth Peethadhish
P. P. Swami Shri Gopalnath Maharaj
(1690 – 1767)
Born in Salabatpur (Marathwada, Maharashtra), Swami Shri Gopalnath Maharaj lost his father at a young age and later moved to Anjangaon Surji in Vidarbha with his mother, Anandibai, whose Samadhi now stands at Shri Devnath Math, Anjangaon Surji.
A devoted ascetic, he performed intense penance at Ramtirth near Anjangaon. Through his unwavering devotion, Lord Dattatreya appeared before him, granting him the ultimate blessing. It was Lord Dattatreya who guided him to meet his Guru, Swami Shri Ranganath Maharaj.
A verse from Shri Devlila describes their divine connection: "You are Machhindranath by nature, And Gopalnath is an incarnation of Gorakhnath, Born to restore Dharma and uplift the righteous."
Swami Shri Gopalnath Maharaj was a prolific spiritual scholar. His magnum opus, Siddhant Shiromani, consists of 9,000 verses. He also authored revered texts such as Guru Geeta Tika and Dayasindhu, along with numerous devotional hymns, abhangas, and aartis.
His influence was profound across India. Many eminent figures, including warriors like Shiva Panguliyya, Ganaji Bhosale, and even Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, revered him and followed his guidance.
Following the path of great saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, he took Sanjiwan Samadhi at Triputi near Satara in 1767. To this day, countless devotees visit his sacred Samadhi to seek his blessings.
