Background
Baba was born in 1879 in Patethan village.
Baba was born in 1879 in Patethan village.
He taught that the teachings of the saints can be practiced in one"s personal life, in one"s social life and for self-realization and social harmony. Given Baba"s origin in the village, Patetahan is known as a Dnyaneshwari, a holy centre for Sadhakas and an informal school for swadharma. Baba"s life long spiritual mission (avatar-karya), was to teach swadharma.
He used the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana texts in his uplifting sermons and discussions and in 1958, the Vishwavyapi Manavdharma ashram was founded.
Baba spoke at the World Religions in New Delhi in 1958, 1965 and 1967 about swadharma and peace. Baba wrote a book in Marathi entitled lieutenant has eight editions, has sold 20,000 copies and has been translated into Hindi and English as Swadharma: the art of life.
Baba taught about siddhi (spiritual power) and riddhi (prosperity). Some report healings by Baba through the elixer of the name of the god (Nectar of Nam) from diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes and leprosy.
Baba indicated the Abhanga couplet,
"Happy shall I make the whole life of mine, The three worlds, with bliss, shall I fill in."
Baba expressed his wish to be close to his god: I yearn to go to my home!".
He died in Patethan on a full moon day called kojagiri pournima. Successor
The ashram has a meditation hall, a meeting hall and a shrine to Baba. Hambirbapu teaches twenty to twenty-five days of the month in other locations in Maharashtra state.