Seventh Peethadhish
P. P. Swami Shri Ranganath Maharaj
(1661 – 1724)
Swami Shri Ranganath Maharaj was a contemporary saint of Samarth Ramdas Swami and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Born in South India, he initially served as a warrior in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s court under the name Rangopant. He was held in high regard by Samarth Ramdas Swami, who often had him seated beside him.
His first divine encounter with his Guru, Muraharanath Maharaj, took place at Raigad. Their connection was instant and profound: "A brief meeting filled with love, Brought clarity in understanding divine wisdom."
Recognizing his spiritual depth, his Guru initiated him into the Nath tradition, bestowing upon him the sacred title of Peethadheeshwar.
On one occasion, he humbly declined a royal grant of land, upholding the significance of the Bhiksha (sacred alms) tradition. Through this act, he conveyed that the Nath tradition’s sacred alms bowl was a divine blessing, ensuring spiritual abundance for all.
In 1724, at the age of 63, Swami Shri Ranganath Maharaj attained Samadhi in the forests of Babhulgaon, near Shiur Barapada. Later, Swami Shri Gopalnath Maharaj established his Samadhi shrine there.
It is believed that Swami Shri Ranganath Maharaj was an incarnation of Machhindranath, one of the revered Navnaths, while Swami Shri Gopalnath Maharaj was an incarnation of Gorakhnath.
