A model of spiritual politics

The 34-year old Maharaj’s list of disciples include chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and TV anchor Shekhar Suman. A whopping 250 of the 288 MLAs and 40 out of the 78 MLCs of the Maharashtra State Legislature are his devout disciples.

So why is he revered? “I do not claim to be God. My teachings are more acceptable because I speak the language of the common man. People come to me when they are at crossroads. My vision is more concept-based than superstitious,” says the Maharaj.

From a model to a spiritual guru the transition has been dynamic. He took a six-month sabbatical from modelling and remained incommunicado. Then he came back enlightened. That was eight years ago.

Of politicians he says, “Their minds are in a turmoil. I help channelise their energies in a positive way. I sensitise them to the three aspects of development – education, health and religion.”

Obviously it works. Ranjeet Deshmukh, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee swears by him. “He has an impressive aura and his solutions are backed by ancient teachings. I am hooked,” said Deshmukh.

Concurs Anil Deshmukh, minister for Food and Drugs Administration, “I visit Bhaiyyu Maharaj at least thrice a year and speak to him regularly on telephone. I have total faith in him. He advises me on social and political matters. All incidents he has predicted have became true,” said the minister.

Speaking to The Indian Express on his enlightenment the Maharaj said, “I was a successful model. I had reached a point when I was lost. My path was destined. You cannot explain enlightenment, it has to be experienced.” According to the minister for Marketing Harshavardhan Patil, the Guru’s guidance has helped him win all elections he’s contested. “I became a more responsible citizen and owe my personality development to Bhaiyyu Maharaj,” said Patil.

Inspired by the Guru, the minister has established the Suryodhay Ashram in his home constituency, Indapur in Pune district. Indapur and its surrounding area have over 10,000 Maharaj devotees. Housed on 70 acres the Surya Mandir project, propagating Sun worship, will see a state-of-the-art ashram in Maharashtra.

Though his disciples sing paeans about him the Maharaj himself is disillusioned with the political system. “All the politicians who come to me leave all charged after meeting me. But this does not often translate into positive action,” said the Guru.