From time immemorial, in India, Rishis and Munis have worked for the welfare and training of man for his own upliftment. To reach their aim in life, some men practice yoga and some follow the path of devotion (Bhakthi Marg). Among those Sadhus who followed Bhakthi Marg, Baba has a unique name.
Baba’s devotees are spread in many parts of the country, but are in large numbers in Karnataka and Maharashtra. These devotees had many opportunities to hear and see Baba and getting blessings from him without discrimination of caste, creed, state and language. He treats his devotees as his own children, solves their difficulties and sorrow and puts them on the path of devotion. His motto is “One who removes the sorrow and hardship of the devotee is the real guru”. He tells again and again that he is not a guru who wears saffron-dress and recites scriptures, but one who solves difficulties of the devotees and removes the tears from their eyes. Many devotees believe that he is an incarnation of God, Dattatreya wished to know more about his life and deeds. But writing the life story of such peripatetic Baba is a real adventure for the devotee and the writer. Any writer of a life story of the saintly man has to write about the place and date of birth, about bis parents, about his training et al. In case of Baba, however, in spite of the best efforts, none of these details were available as in case of Shri Saibaba and Shri Siddhharood Swami. Though he himself is the great source of knowledge, there is no evidence of his learning in any school. So naturally his biographer has to depend on the authentic narration of the devotees who witnessed his miracles and incidents of his life as a saint. Even with these difficulties many devotees wanted his biography in writing. Shri Nagesh Joshi, a close devotee, promised to assist me if I write about Baba’s life. With the help promised, I readily accepted the task and felt quite privileged. Many devotees narrated their incidents, and wherever sufficient details were there I have chronicled them. Of course, this may not even be 1/100th of Baba’s achievements. I also humbly assert that my effort has not covered all that Baba has done. It is just a drop in the ocean of deeds and kindness of great unassuming saint.
Many learnt devotees expressed their desire that I should translate the book on Baba written by me in Kannada into English. This translation is to honour their request and I have done it with my devotion to Baba. Hope readers will like the work.
In this task the contribution of my friend Shri S.A. Harnahalli is great. I sincerely thank him.