Pavitra Bhai Maharaj Samadhi Temple Chhapur, Malshiras, Solapur

The profound understanding and philosophy of human life have been bestowed upon us by ancient traditions. The spiritual science of philosophy is a gift from Bharat to the world. Despite numerous adversities, the great heritage of spiritual tradition has been preserved to this day, thanks to yogis, rishis, and saints. Bhainath Maharaj Karkhanis was one such Siddhayogi and saintly soul. His Samadhi Mandir in Velapur, Malshiras Taluka, is a revered place of pilgrimage for thousands of his disciples. On Kartik Vadya Shashthi, thousands of devotees gather in Velapur to observe his Punyatithi.

According to information in the scripture ‘Anandamurti Sadhak Sanjivani’, Mahad in Raigad district was Bhai Maharaj’s birthplace. He was born on the २३rd of November, १९०५, to Tryambak Sitaram Karkhanis and Lakshmibai. His primary and secondary education took place in Pune. His father wished for him to become a doctor, so he was sent to Mumbai for the LCPS course of that time. After passing with good marks, he returned to Pune and started a medical practice at home. Bhai’s mother and aunt were Warkaris. Therefore, they would daily visit Keshavrao Maharaj Deshmukh to listen to pravachan, kirtan, and Dnyaneshwari parayan. Bhai would also accompany them. Keshavrao Maharaj, looking at Bhai, would tell his mother and aunt that this boy’s attention was not on worldly affairs.

Once, Bhai undertook the Pandharpur Wari with Keshavrao Maharaj. He would read scriptures such as Dnyaneshwari, Gatha, Dasbodh, and Amritanubhav. Later, Bhai accepted a job as a medical officer in the army. This led him to reside in the Deolali Camp area near Nashik. His friend, Dr. Godbole, lived in Nashik. He had received the anugraha (grace) of Gajanan Maharaj Gupte. Gajanan Maharaj was considered an avatar of Chaurangi Nath. Therefore, Bhai also wished to receive anugraha from him. Dr. Godbole took Bhai to Gajanan Maharaj. Bhai requested spiritual guidance from Maharaj. Maharaj placed his hand on Bhai’s head and initiated him. That day was Kartik Shuddha Panchami, in the year १९४४. From that day onwards, his japa and tapa intensified. Subsequently, in १९४५, Bhai left his army service, came to Pune, and resumed his medical practice at home.

When the British left Bharat, the government needed to appoint medical officers in rural areas. When Bhai was approached, he requested Velapur. Bhai arrived in Velapur on Ganesh Chaturthi, in September १९४९. Bhai often visited neighboring villages of Velapur to dispense medicines, which helped him expand his acquaintances. During this period, Bhai would occasionally visit Pandharpur. There, he would listen to the pravachans and kirtans of Dhundamaharaj Deglurkar, Mamasahib Dandekar, Mama’s guru-bandhu Bankatswami, and Rangnath Maharaj Parbhani. As Velapur is on the Alandi-Pandharpur route, the Wari would halt there for a day.

After examining patients, if a patient had no money, they would bring Bhai grains. He would spend one month’s salary and the grains received as fees from patients during Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Palkhi procession. Bhai initiated Dnyaneshwari Parayan on the Vadya Ekadashi of every month. He would ask the villagers to read Dnyaneshwari for an hour. In १९६५, Bhai resigned from government service and joined a private institution in Nashik. However, his heart was not content there. After some days, he left Nashik and returned to Velapur. The hut where Bhai resided in Deshpande Mala was made of grass. Bhai named that room ‘Shridhar Kuti’.

In Shridhar Kuti, every Thursday from ८ AM to ११ AM, Bhai would deliver pravachans on Dnyaneshwari and Gatha. He never discriminated between the rich and the poor among the sadhaks who came to him. In १९९१, when Bhai was ८५ years old, his Raudrishanti ceremony was performed. Gagangiri Maharaj was invited to this shanti. However, eight days before the event, he arrived at the hut at २ AM with the sadhak who had gone to extend the invitation and offered his blessings to Bhai. Bhai would frequently visit Gagangiri Maharaj, accompanied by his sadhaks. At such times, Gagangiri Maharaj would say, “Knowledge resides in Deshpande’s Mala. You must take care of him.”

Due to his age, Bhai experienced discomfort from the summer heat. Therefore, from १९९३, when he was ८८ years old, Bhai began to stay with his nephew in Nigdi, near Pune, for two to four months each year. In September १९९७, he fell ill. As per his wish, he was brought to Velapur. For almost a month, Bhai was in a state where he could not speak. He communicated everything through gestures. Once, Bhai had a vision of a snake in his sleep. He then told a sadhak to draw an image of a snake on his samadhi after his passing. On Kartik Vadya Shashthi, २०th November १९९७, in the morning, his life’s flame extinguished. All subsequent rituals were performed in Shridhar Kuti. With his demise, a living, breathing scripture of spirituality had vanished from Velapur.

After his passing, Jaysingh Mohite-Patil and Sulakshanadevi Mohite-Patil, the president of Shankararao Mohite Patil Sugar Factory in Velapur, with the cooperation of sadhaks, built the Bhainath Maharaj Samadhi Mandir here. This temple is located on the outskirts of Velapur village. In a spacious courtyard, there is a Sabhamandap in front of the temple, situated on a high plinth. One enters the Sabhamandap by ascending four steps. The Sabhamandap has seating for devotees and a palkhi used during festivals. The Samadhi Mandir is located in front of the Sabhamandap. This hexagonal temple stands on a high plinth, leaving space for a circumambulation path. In the center of the Samadhi Mandir is the Samadhisthan of Bhainath Maharaj. It contains his black stone padukas and a silver canopy above. On the Vajrapitha adjacent to the back wall of this Samadhisthan, there is a large image of Maharaj. The shikhara (spire) of this temple, which is hexagonal at the bottom and circular at the top, has devakoshthakas (niches for deities) on all sides, containing idols of saints.

Adjacent to this temple is Shridhar Kuti, the residence of Bhainath Maharaj. Maharaj resided here from १९६९ to १९९७. Every year, Maharaj’s Jayanti Utsav is celebrated here on Kartik Vadya Ekadashi, and his Punyatithi on Kartik Vadya Shashthi. At this time, his followers from many districts of Maharashtra are present.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery