Baba Maharaj Satarkar

Baba Maharaj Satarkar, aka Neelkanth Dnyaneshwar Gore, was a famous preacher and kirtankar. He was born into the Gore Satkaar family. His family has been practicing the tradition of preaching and kirtan for the last three generations.

He sang many devotional songs like "Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari," "Kirtan," "Vithoba Rakhumaai," "Roop Pahata Lochani," "Samprun Haripaath," "Apala To Ek Dev," "Tuka Aakasha Evadha," "Utha Jage Vha Re Aata," "Shree Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sanjeevan Samadhi Sahola," "Hechi Dan Dega Deva," "Dharila Pandharicha Chor- 1," "Ivlese Rop Laviyale," "Sant Tethe Vivek," "Pachasahit Layatit," "Vitthal Vitthal Sthali Bharla," "Hari Jai Jai Ramakrishna," "Vitthal Vitthal Kamaiche Khataal," "Nanapari Samjhavite," "Aarambhi Aadi Aadare Aale Naam," "Sundar Te Dhyan," "Majha Dnyaneshwar," "Dev Ghya Kuni," "Pandharicha Nila," "Mhanuna God Sarva Bhave," "Kirtan Ane Pravachan," "Shree Anant Madhusudna," "Bhaktichiya Poti Bodh Kadka," "Ka Ga Kevilvana," "Kanha Tujhi Gongadi" etc.

This fada was started by Dada Maharaj Satarkar. After him, his son Appa Maharaj Satarkar took responsibility for Dada. He died in 1962. After his death, his nephew Neelkanth Dnyaneshwar aka Baba Maharaj Satarkar, took care of the Fada practice. His songs were quite appreciated at that time. Few people still follow him and listen to his songs. He has made a mark on our society through his spirituality and devotion.

Another version of the bio..

Baba Maharaj Satarkar was one of the most popular musical artists around the globe. He is considered to be the pride of India. Satarkar was born on 5th February 1936 in Satara. His birth name was Neelkanth Dnyaneshwar Gore. Satarkar was born and brought up in a Warkaris family. Since childhood, he had witnessed how his family was devoted to Lord Vitthal. However, his childhood was fascinating. His family supported him a lot in completing his education. After schooling, he stepped towards acquiring a law degree. Moreover, his degree and education did not stop him from following his family legacy. Almost for 135 years, Satarkar's family had been serving the Varkari community. Nonetheless, for three generations, the Satarkar family has been involved in preaching and kirtan. On the other hand, in the Varkari community, the Satarkar family gained the highest kirtankar title.

Baba Maharaj Satarkar was very involved in social development. Through his kirtans, he brought various changes in the society. At a young age, he started his involvement in music and kirtan. He wanted to make numerous changes in society through his kirtans. Anna Maharaj and Appa Maharaj selflessly provided Satarkar with various sessions about kirtan. However, at 11, he stepped towards learning classical music. The two legendary personalities of the Agra family, Latafat Hussain Khan, and Purohit Buva were his gurus.

Moreover, Baba Maharaj Satarkar had an extraordinary kirtan style. His kirtans always contained messages. These messages were all about spirituality for the betterment of the society. Nevertheless, he also spread some ideologies for the Bhagwat community through his kirtans. These Kirtans were organized around the globe. However, his kirtans were also arranged in small villages. Satarkar was married to Rukmini. She was popularly known as Mai Sahib. She played a vital role in his journey. Mai Sahib supported her husband at every juncture of life. She was with him on his spiritual journey.

The couple had two daughters, Raseshwari Sonkar and Bhagwati Maharaj. Now, his daughters are carrying on his legacy. They were involved in spreading the teachings of his father. Baba Maharaj Satarkar took his last breath on 26th October 2023, in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, due to prolonged illness. After his demise, the entire Kirtan community suffered a significant loss. His absences will also affect the Bhakti and Bhagwat communities of Maharashtra. Various ministers came to his last ride to see him for the last time.

Neelkanth Family Tree (Infographic Family Tree)