Nisargadatta Maharaj, born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli on April 17, 1897, in Mumbai, India, was raised in a devout Hindu family. He was one of six children born to Parvatibai and Shivrampant Kambli. From a young age, Maharaj showed a keen interest in spirituality and religious teachings.
In his thirties, Maharaj met Siddharameshwar Maharaj, the leader of the Hindu Navnath Sampradaya, who would become his spiritual guru. Under Siddharameshwar Maharaj's guidance, Maharaj embarked on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Maharaj is best known for his teachings in the Indian nondualist, or Shiva Advaita, philosophical tradition. He gained worldwide recognition after his Marathi-language lectures were translated into English and published in 1973 as the book "I Am That." In this seminal work, Maharaj delved into the nature of the self, reality, and consciousness, emphasizing the importance of self-inquiry and self-realization.
He opened his Mumbai apartment to visitors seeking spiritual guidance, welcoming all who were interested in exploring the depths of their true nature. Maharaj's teachings emphasized the primacy of pure awareness and the illusion of the ego, encouraging his followers to transcend their limited identities and connect with the ultimate truth.
Throughout his life, Nisargadatta Maharaj inspired numerous devotees, including the American spiritual writer Wayne Dyer, who became one of his disciples. Maharaj's profound insights into the nature of reality continue to resonate with seekers of truth and spiritual seekers around the world.
His teachings have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape, challenging conventional beliefs and inviting individuals to look beyond the surface of reality to discover the essence of their existence. Maharaj's legacy lives on through his writings, teachings, and the profound impact he had on those who were fortunate enough to encounter his wisdom.
Married to Sumatibai, Nisargadatta Maharaj raised four children while pursuing his spiritual path. Despite his humble beginnings in Mumbai, Maharaj's dedication to truth and enlightenment transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, touching the lives of individuals from all walks of life.
His commitment to self-realization and his unwavering dedication to the spiritual path continue to inspire spiritual seekers to this day, reminding us of the transformative power of inner inquiry and the limitless potential of the human spirit.