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Parampoojya Prabhakar Keshav Sardeshmukh Maharaj, the founder of Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust located at Wagholi, Pune (India), was an authority in Ayurveda and spirituality. He was born on 25th November 1920 at Tadval (Solapur) in a well acclaimed family with a tradition of Ayurveda and spirituality for several generations. Maharaj, from his early childhood years was inclined towards learning and was guided by his parents. He was the youngest of all the siblings and it was foresaid by a yogi before his birth that the child to be born would be a blessed one possessing divine qualities.

Maharaj, being born in a family of royal physicians and tradition, was well versed in the ancient science of Ayurveda and it’s different branches like Nidan (Diagnosis) with special reference to the Nadi pariksha (Pulse examination), Rasa Shastra (Medicine preparation), Dravya guna (Different herbs & minerals), Jyotish Vidya (Astrology) etc. After completing his basic education, Maharaj came to Pune where he met his Sadguru, Rev. Marutinath Mali Maharaj in the year 1943. To be near to his Guru, Maharaj was then residing in Somwar Peth area. It was in Pune that Maharaj also met his better half, Sou. Indirabai, who stood by and accompanied Maharaj in his works and left for her heavenly abode  in a short but very meaningful and memorable period.

Maharaj had a great vision by the guidance of his Sadguru which was not only limited to a nation but the whole of the universe.

It was with his vision and ambition, that he established the Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust at Wagholi, Pune in 1959.

As Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust is growing up with new achievements as dreamt by Parampoojya Prabhakarnath Sardeshmukh Maharaj the fond memory of revered Maharaj floods our minds who is the pioneer of different ventures being run by the Trust. With Maharaj’s blessings and his divine presence in atmosphere we are sure to make his dreams true!

Revered Shri. Sardeshmukh Maharaj was a multi-faceted personality. Maharaj who had an exhaustive knowledge of the Samaveda, a connoisseur in pulse examination, renowned for his knowledge in the veterinary science also had a striking knowledge in the field of music.
Personalities renowned for their knowledge in literature, music etc were regular visitors of Maharaj. The acumen of his knowledge in music was well appreciated by them.Knowing the interest his younger son, Shri. Chandrakant P. Sardeshmukh had in music, he promoted him to achieve a doctorate in Samaveda. Shri. C. P. Sardeshmukh has been the disciple of Pandit Shri. Ravishankar & Annapurna Devi. He has performed in concerts all over the world. Maharaj believed in worshiping the Gods through serving his fellow beings. Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust’s Vishwashanti Dham was established with the purpose of having in-house students. Staying with the Guru (Preacher) would help them to have full concentration & devotion and would imbibe in-depth knowledge in their fields. Students learnt Music, Bharatanatyam, Dramatics under expert guidance.

Revered Shri P.K. Sardeshmukh Maharaj has been a self-made & enlightened personality. Born to a family known for their knowledge of the Vedas & Medicine he carried forward this trend. Since childhood his prowess was well known. With the blessings of his holy self Shri. Marutinath Mali Maharaj, the depth of his knowledge spread far & wide. Luminaries in the field of literature & music would seek his advice. They were impressed by his personality, knowledge & abilities. With the power of meditation he helped to discover the tombs of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj & Maloji Rao of Indapur & Queen Yesubai of Satara.
With the depth of his Ayurvedic knowledge, his spiritual self healed many patients. Inspite of his imposing knowledge, he choose to remain aloof from limelight. This was an ethical bonding he put over himself. He used his spiritual knowledge for good cause. With the blessings of his philosopher & guide Shri Mali Mharaj he established the Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust for the welfare of his fellow beings. We humbly adore & respect this personality who has been second to none!

Revered Shri Sardeshmukh Maharaj had an imposing knowledge about the vedas, music & Ayurvedic medicine. He being a multifaceted personality also showed skills in veterinary science. By the feel of the pulse he could accurately diagnose ailments in horses & elephants. His knowledge of pulse examination was so intense that he could even judge the attributes of the species.
Agood daily regime of a proper diet & exercise help to improve the performance of the animal. This he proved with a practical example. In 1969 Maharaj inspected a four-year-old colt, which looked ill and had a running nose. None of the prospective buyers would bid for the horse, although he belonged to a good pedigree. An instinct in Maharaj, who had deep love for horses, took upon him the responsibility of this colt. He also predicted that this despised colt had the capability of winning a race, and that he would win three races. With the knowledge of “Ashwa Ayurved”, Maharaj treated the colt with medicines and a guided diet. This colt did win three races, one in September 1970, at the Pune season, another in October 1970, at the Kohima Plate Derby, the third in August 1971 at the Pune season. This colt was called Ablukh Waru whose tomb was built by Maharaj in Wagholi, and is fondly remembered and worshiped. Under his guidance & endeavor, derby horses won the jackpots.

Revered Shri. SardeshmukhMaharaj, to conserve the Indian traditions, literature, arts, music etc, established Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust. He believed that having a scientific approach to these fields would help in their better understanding. A research oriented approach & progression in these fields, was his prime persuasion among the younger generation. Dr. Sadanand Sardeshmukh, his eldest son has been successful in relieving the symptoms of many cancer patients. Maharaj strongly felt the need for further analysis & research and therefore established the cancer research project in 1994, under the Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust. To have a modern approach Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Oncologist of Bombay Hospital, has been looking into this project as per Maharaj’s desire. Maharaj also desired that, there should be an in-depth study of the Patanjali yoga sutra which has helped him, have a sharp sixth sense. He also desired the research of the pulse examination technique, that he had a command over and has been a challange to the modern medical stream. While pursuing a scientific approach, there is a need to have a commanding knowledge in the required field, is what he emphasized on his students. With his guidance some of his students have had a doctorate degree in the fields of sanskriti grammer called Panini, some in Atharvaved & some in the electronic branch. Dr. Sadanand Sardeshmukh one of his son has a doctorate in Ayurved, the other son Dr. Chandrakant Sardeshmukh has a doctorate in Music a part of samaveda & his daughter in law Mrs.Vishakha Sardeshmukh a doctorate in the electronic field. Maharaj had a foresight with which he felt the need to blend the modern & ancient science. We bow down to this personality who has given us this vision of today!

Ginger, garlic pods, chilies, curry leaves, chopped onions are placed separately on a plate. Autensil is placed on the gas stove & Maharaj is awaiting with full concentration for the utensil to reach the right temperature required for tempering. Maharaj known for his medicinal, music, arts, veternary , dramatic etc. knowledge, pleasently surprise the friends present beside him. Maharaj not aware of there surprised looks is still a addly various ingredi of the vegetable . The concentration & devotion with which cooking is done seems to look so similar to one offering prayers to God! Yes, Maharaj would treat cooking too as a work of devotion. the pleasure he would get in cooking and the immense satistaction that he would get in feeling the loved ones was something that he would not feel, after all the praises for the good treat the good had prepared. the would feel that nature itself tought as that a simple but good quality food gives satiety to a hungry person. food should be prepered with devotion , offered with love & presenter idealy. He would say that one these three things are there together them even simple food & the right combenation can be learnt or tought but the kind of devotion and the desire to serve with happiness is something the each one has to feel & do for oneself. That cannot be tought. Once a person is able to experience such pleasures then the efforts in preparing the meal are easily relaxed.

SardeshmukhMaharaj would describe two aspects of a teacher. One who teaches or instructs and the other who helps to develop qualities in his students not just impart knowledge. An instructor shares with his students, the knowledge he has, on a particular subject. But the other, just observes and understands his students, learns his strengths and weaknesses and also imparts knowledge. An architect designs houses, a builder builds them. One does get shelter here. But if the architect is not totally involved then the house may not be very beneficial to the occupant. A thoughtfully made house gives peace, health to a resident. He prays for eternal peace in this abode. Thus a good architect helps in making a good home. One cannot teach someone to be a teacher. An ideal teacher help to clear obstacles from the learning path of his students. He gives good morals & knowledge. Personal limitations like laziness, unorganized lifestyle, lack of concentration are corrected by the teacher. Maharaj also describes ego as an obstruction to in-depth learning. Here the teacher has to play the role of a preacher to help the student overcome his ego. Giving him good values & morals gives the student the quality of acceptance. Maharaj, with his maturity & involvement would patiently wait till his student attains the expected level to grasp the in-depth knowledge he would impart.
As nature decides the right moment when the well grown fetus grown in the mother’s womb should be delivered, a good teacher judges the right time to bestow knowledge on his student.
Listening to Maharaj speaking on a topic would be a treat. The words would touch the soul and the mind would feel enlightened. This multifaceted personality would speak so fluently on any given subject that the students would be enchanted with the flow of knowledge. The students trained under the brilliant guidance of Maharaj, have imbibed the teaching qualities and are in the making of good students. These students are helping to keep good work of Maharaj continue and dispense far and wide.
The state of mind and experience has been on the precedence list of Maharaj where his teaching technique is concerned. His direction and thought of what needs to be taught to the student has been very clear. He believed in “Practice what is preached”, policy & followed it dutifully. Generally a student seeks knowledge to know better. Maharaj would follow a reverse system. He would help the student to know and understand better, give him a clear vision by which he would be in a better state to grasp better & gain more knowledge. He would not set aside students who were ignorant but instead maintain a very healthy and encouraging atmosphere around them. He believed that an healthy environment would help the student in self-realization through which he would achieve a clear vision. He would only then realize his dependency and be able to concentrate fully with his mind. & senses to gain knowledge. “ Environment development ” is a very essential state a teacher needs to develop for his students. For this he needs to dedicate his body – mind and soul. He needs to detach himself from wealth, fame and luxuries.
Revered SardeshmukhMaharaj believed in truth and nothing else but the truth. A peep in his heart would reveal the purity of his thoughts, the devotion he had for his Guru, Shri Mali Maharaj, and the concern and thoughtfulness he showed towards his students. An indepth look would bring out the essence of his teachings, which was truthful, pious and beautiful. His style of imparting education was quite different from the others. Astudent under his guidance would be in a state of accepting knowledge as and when it came. He believed that giving or taking education was a limited task But imparting or accepting knowledge is a continuous process, which cannot be time bound. He did not have any examination system. The students would spend as much time with Maharaj, in order to gain knowledge. This continuous association would help Maharaj to closely observe his students, find out the best, and the limitations in them. He would then carefully correct the limitations without the knowledge of the students. The students would not be put through an examination process but a self-examination process, by which they would evaluate themselves and thus know their strengths and weaknesses. They would reach a stage to understand their own weaknesses and at the same time would not boast of their achievements. Being in his presence would be described as of one being in close contact with a pious fire. The fire gives gentle warmth, light and also burns the evils away. As the student realized the limitations he had, he would also realize the time spent in correcting them. Thus he would now value time better. He would always be with his students, physically and mentally. He would continuously assist his students in difficulties of understanding & grasping. The students would always feel his presence and Maharaj too would feel the impulses of his students. This was Maharaj, a teacher and a preacher. The teacher in him would impart knowledge, while the preacher would help in overall personality development of the students. No wonder his students would describe him as being so exceptional as a teacher or GURU!

In modern times social contacts would have totally different meanings. People tend to use their social contacts either for help or for fame. A look at the social contacts that Maharaj had would give a totally different picture. People would gather near him either with the desire of seeking knowledge or some kind of help. The needy person would generally come to him in a rather disturbed state of mind. He would seek Maharaj as being the sole helper. Maharaj too would set aside all his essential daily regimes to comfort the needy. He would peacefully and patiently listen to what one has to say, understand the intensity of his difficulties, and then offer help and solutions. He would then offer solutions in the language and way, best understood by him. He would help them to feel the presence of God. He would behave as a mediator. He would never offer help with the desire of returns or name. While sharing the difficulties with Maharaj, a person would feel as though he is conversing with his own soul and thus feel the union with the pure soul, God. Maharaj, who’s actions, reactions and deeds were based totally on true values, were never disturbed by the favorable or unfavorable results they gave. He gave help in true words and as humbly as possible. At times this form of truth would be difficult for a person to accept; he may feel a little hurt, though the environment, which Maharaj would maintain around him would be so supportive that he would easily overcome and accept this initial feeling.
While interacting with the masses, he would keep a very simple approach, never making a show of his achievements, knowledge, neither make a deliberate attempt to make himself feel humble to the people. He would be his true self. Rather than displaying his own talents he would try and bring out the talents of those around him. With his tender feelings, candidness of thought, and flexibility, he would easily bring out the best talents a person had. He would never let them realize the authority he had in them, thus making their expressions comfortable. Indian tradition does not believe in just formal conversation. Rather than verbal communication, it emphasizes on having a healthy communication of care and concern by which one could be able to get conversant with the soul. This helps to develop an intimate contact between two people, which is true and long enduring. These traditional values could be best seen as Maharaj interacted with the masses.

Maharaj was a staunch believer that a weak mind finds weak support in the form of ‘blind faith’. He believed , worshiped and respected the presence of God, although he was not in favor of elaborate procedures. He felt that, one should worship and follow procedures according to one’s own understanding. He emphasized the need to understand God with one’s self abilities and experiences, rather than follow the path as told by others. He strongly felt that a good level of understanding and awareness, would help an individual to face hardships, the ups and downs of life and pray to the almighty for strength and support. He would then , not be bullied by the circumstances, nor by those who wish to take advantage of his difficulties. Maharaj would never collect a crowd of students and pose as an idol before them. The students and followers who seeked support in their disturbed state of mind, from Maharaj, would be consoled and counseled to handle the situation, rather than be led into elaborate worship procedures. The mental strength that they would derive from the preachings of Maharaj, would make them bold enough to tide through the situation. Maharaj believed that sitting and chanting the name of God, was a form of idle worship. He instead preferred doing his duties, helping the students, helping the fellow-beings and helping the students in understanding the prowess of the almighty, without fear. Maharaj also respected the feelings of those, who do not identify the presence of God. He while accepting their views, respected their honesty of thought and sincerity of speech. Although he himself was a devotee, he never held a grudge towards those unlike him. He loved, respected and helped them on par with those followers who identified God.

Revered Shri Sardeshmukh Maharaj, an enlightened soul, was a noble heart that saw many dreams. Since childhood, this enlightened soul took great interest in various sciences, arts and other subjects. This multifaceted jewel stone glistened even brighter with the blessing of His Holiness Shri Malimaharaj since the year 1943. Maharaj dreamt of dispersing the knowledge he had on various subjects. With this feeling in mind, he established the Vishwashanti Dham, an abode to seek world peace through information interchange. For this he donated an expanse of 63 acres of land, which he owned. He dreamt this to be an ideal place for students, who wished to seek knowledge in various subjects. They would live together as a family, under the kind shade of the Gurus (teachers). This system would be much different from the regular schooling, as staying with the Guru would give him the opportunity to observe and develop the overall personality of his students. The Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust was established to harbor various Indian sciences and cultures. A very symbolic logo was designed, which reflects the ideology of this trust. The tree of Maharaj’s dreams has flourished. Today its various branches have borne blissful fruits. The Ayurved Hospital & Research Center, Ayurved College, Panchakama Center & Atharva Ayurved Pharmaceuticals have been developed. Various projects like the Cancer Research Project, AIDS Research Project, Female & Child Welfare Research Project, Bone Healing Project etc., are the medical branches of the trust, guided & nurtured by Dr. S. P. Sardeshmukh. Many patients have benefited by these projects. The Ayurved College has been successful in giving its first batch of Ayurvedic physicians to the society, who have passed in the first class, making the college proud with a cent? per ?cent result. The Sama Sangeet Sabha, yet another activity of the trust, headed by Pt. Shri. Chandrakant Sardeshmukh, the youngest son of Maharaj, has introduced the innovation of Maharaj, the Sitar Music Therapy, to patients abroad. They have found soothing relief. Dr. S. P. Sardeshmukh, who heads the Ayurved Hospital & College, also various research activities, has been successful in restoring the goodness of Ayurved in patients nationally & internationally. The newly started Atharva Ayurved Pharmaceuticals insures purity & hygiene in the making of medicine. The immortal soul of Rev. Maharaj blesses the various activities of the trust, which is trying to reach out to the people in various ways through medicine, music, arts, culture etc.

The thoughts of Maharaj, as a guide to a person, are very well worthy. The way he would lead to an individual, to live a progressive life, showed his involvement and deep thinking. He said that the “Road to Progression has to be started with total determination. It should be initiated with the mind set, towards an acceptance, of all that comes and as it comes.” It should not be traveled with too many expectations of emotions. The emotions should be good enough to motivate oneself to walk through the path of progression but not as aggressive to make one desperate to achieve it. Maharaj would preach his pupil in such a way that his mind itself would maintain a progressive state by which he would have a smooth walk towards progress. He would suggest that one should prefer a slow race towards progress, at times even being stagnant should be acceptable rather than facing a somersault towards regress. One should walk the path of progress with happiness and confidence. There could be a phase of failure or depression. But one should not fear its consequences. This is always a passing phase and knowledge and awareness will help to bring us out of this and lead to progress. Confidence, in our walk towards progress helps us to feel the happiness along the path and experience the ultimate pleasure on reaching the goal.