Shri Chakrapani Maharaj Jayanti

Shri Chakrapani Maharaj was a great saint in the Bhakti tradition in Hinduism and his teachings inspired in the formation of Mahanubhav sect. Shri Chakrapani Maharaj Jayanti 2025 date is October 15. This is the birth anniversary of the great saint.

The five great gurus in the Mahanubhav sect are Sri Krishna, Lord Dattatreya, Shri Chakrapani, Govinda Prabhu and Chakradhar Swami.

Mahanubhava Sect follows the Bhakti tradition of Vaishnavism but does not follow complicated rituals.

The Mahanubhav sect emphasizes:

• Bhakti (devotion) towards the five gurus.

• Equality beyond caste and creed.

• Detachment from material life.

• Strict code of conduct and asceticism.

Shri Chakrapani Maharaj Jayanti is annually observed on the Ashwin Krishna Paksha Navami Tithi – ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Ashwin month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Short Biography of Shri Chakrapani Maharaj

Shri Chakrapani Maharaj was a revered saint in the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism, who lived during the 12th century CE. He is considered one of the five great Gurus (Panchakrishna) of the Mahanubhav Sampradaya, a spiritual movement that emphasized pure devotion to God, equality, and detachment from worldly attachments.

Chakrapani Maharaj led a deeply ascetic life, focused on the realization of the Supreme Being. Though not much is known about the details of his early life, his spiritual influence was profound. He became a guru to Govind Prabhu, who later guided Chakradhar Swami, the principal founder of the Mahanubhav sect.

Teachings of Shri Chakrapani Maharaj

Shri Chakrapani Maharaj emphasized:

• Bhakti (Devotion): Devotion to God (especially Krishna) as the ultimate path to liberation.

• Detachment: Renouncing worldly pleasures and attachments to attain spiritual freedom.

• Guru Bhakti: Reverence for the guru as a guide to spiritual enlightenment.

• Equality: The soul is beyond caste, creed, or social status — a key idea that influenced the Mahanubhav sect.

• Spiritual Discipline: A simple, disciplined life focused on God-realization.

Modern-Day Relevance

Shri Chakrapani Maharaj’s teachings continue to hold deep significance today:

• In a world increasingly distracted by materialism, his call for simplicity and spiritual focus is a powerful reminder of inner peace.

• His emphasis on equality and the oneness of all souls resonates with contemporary ideas of human rights and social justice.

• The guru-shishya tradition he upheld remains central in many Indian spiritual paths.

• His influence on Chakradhar Swami helped shape one of the earliest organized Bhakti movements in Maharashtra, which in turn had a major impact on Marathi literature, language, and culture.

Earlier

A Comparison Between Mahanubhava Sect Of Chakradhara And Varkari Sect