Manmath Swami

Sant Shiromani Manmath Swami Maharaj

Manmath Swami Maharaj (1561-1631)(Marathi: मन्मथ स्वामी महाराज), also known as Sant Shiromani, was a Hindu saint, based in Maharashtra. He was a saint and poet of the Veerashaiva sect and a Shiv Yogi in the Veershaiv Lingayat tradition. He was born in Ninagur, which is now known as Nekanur in the Beed district of Maharashtra. His parents were Shivling Swami and Parvatibai, both of whom were very devoted to Shiva.

Biography

Manmath Swami dedicated his life to promoting devotion to Lord Shiva and is particularly known for his role in spreading the Lingayat philosophy. His central belief was that Lord Shiva and Vishnu were two manifestations of the same supreme deity, promoting the idea of spiritual unity beyond sectarian divisions. He was a staunch advocate for spiritual equality, emphasizing the importance of personal devotion (bhakti) and moral righteousness.

Manmath Swami received Shaiva teachings early in life. He was a disciple of Shri Gurubaswaling Swami at the Nagnath Math. Under his guidance, Manmath Swami embraced Virashaiva philosophy and wrote several devotional works, including Param Rahasya and Shri Guru Gita.

Samadhi

Manmath Swami's Samadhi is located in Kapildhar, which is considered his cremation ground. He is said to have attained a living Sanjeevani Samadhi here at the age of 26.

Manmath Swami is considered one of the second saints in Maharashtra to attain a living Sanjeevani Samadhi. The Kapildhar area is a place of pilgrimage for the Lingayat community and lakhs of devotees visit the area during the yatra.

Manmath Swami is one of only two saints in Maharashtra, alongside Sant Dnyaneshwar, to have taken Sanjeevan Samadhi. The Kapildhar pilgrimage site, also known as a sacred place for the Lingayat community, is renowned for this long-standing tradition, drawing millions of devotees. Manmath Swami wrote the Param Rahasya at Kapildhar. It is said that wild animals, including tigers and snakes, coexisted with him during his penance, often playing around him as he meditated. Over the years, several Dindis (devotional processions) have visited, uniting followers from various communities.

Writings

Manmath Swami wrote numerous books and described the Abhanjas and Astang Acharan for common people. He wrote the book Param Rahasya in Kapildhar.

Manmathswamy has written a large volume of poetry and literature in Marathi, although not all of it has been published. The Shivpar Ambhag composed by him is still read with interest by Veerashaiva people of Marathwada. And sing. There are village-by-village 'Manmath Bhajani Mandals'. Apart from this, the Pararamrhasya, a spiritual book composed by him on Shatsthalsiddhanta, is also recited.

Gurunagi, Guruprasad, Shivagita, Shivastotra, Anubhashananda, Swayamprakash, Anandalahari, Abhangagatha etc. Marathi literature is named after him. Two of these books, Pararamrhasya (17 chapters, 1,386 ovyas) and Abhangagatha have been published.

Festivals

Manmathswami lived in a dense forest near a small waterfall called Sivakada in the hills near Manjarsumbha village in Beed district. This place is known as Kapildhar area. It was there that he did penance, yoga and composed all his books. There were 8 disciples in his family of disciples. At the age of 53 (Bhadrapada Shuddha 3) he took a living Samadhi there. At present there is a big mausoleum of his and there is a Shivlinga on the mausoleum inside.

A 5-day long Yatra is held there every year during Kartik Purnima. Even during Shravan, devotees come there for Vari. This Kapildhar area has become an important pilgrimage site for Veer Shaivas in Marathwada. The Samhadi ceremony is being celebrated by the Kapildhar Pournima Padayatra Mandal and the Devasthan Panch Committee.