Pujya Shree Rang Avadhoot Maharaj (Panduranga Vitthala Valame), also well known as Pujya Bapji, was born on 21 November 1898 in Godhra Gujarat to Vitthalpant and Kashiben (Ma Rukmamba). After a bright student career, he joined Indian Independence movement and also served as a Teacher for a brief period while focusing on social activities.
Shree Pandurang was constantly searching for suitable place for his spiritual practices. When he decided to go to the Himalayas, he met a saint named Dada Dhunivala. Dada Dhunivala was a very eccentric person. Whatever placed before him by the visitors was immediately thrown into the dhuni by him. Pandurang took a mango as an offering to Dada Dhunivala. He placed the mango in front of Dada and lay prostrate before him. In total amazement of all the visitors present at that time, he stared to eat it. At midnight, Pandurang’s desire to meet Dada quietly was granted and met Dada personally. Knowing Pandurang’s question Dada Said “Renouncing home to set out for the Himalayas. What lies there? It won’t serve. You are destined to stay on the banks of river Narmada. Go there”.
In 1925, He choose Nareshwar on the bank for Holy river Narmada for penance and lived in tune with infinity since then. Nareshwar was a cremation ground for seven surrounding hamlets or villages but today it is one of the holiest places in the world. His holy Mother Ma Rukmamba also stayed with him. He guided the seekers of truth and inspired many more for social and religious activities. Numerous books published by his devotees describe divine experiences with him. Pujya Bapji also profoundly contributed with his prolific writings in various languages including Datta Bavani, which recited by many around the globe. He lived very simple life and never accepted any gift or money from anyone.
He attained Maha-samadhi on 19 November 1968 at Haridwar on the banks of the Holy River Ganges. The body was brought to Nareshwar and was cremated on November, 21, 1968. Shree Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj was his Guru, whom he met only once at the age 8 in Narsobavadi.
Shree Gurudev Datt !