Santaji Maharaj

Saint Santaji Maharaj Jagnade, a Teli by profession and caste, was a writer who served Saint Tukaram Maharaj. He was based at Sudumbare near Chakan, Pune in the 17th century. Santaji Maharaj wrote many Abhang (poems of devotion for Lord Vitthal) which Tukaram Maharaj composed. It was said that Saint Tukaram Maharaj came from Vaikuntha (Heaven) for the last rites of Santaji Maharaj after his death. The temple of Santaji Maharaj is at Sudumbare, Dehu and there is a large annual gathering at Margashirsh Trayodashi (around December) on the death anniversary of Saint Santaji Maharaj.