The last village in Bhudargad taluka of Kolhapur district is Patgaon, the site of Saint Mauni Maharaj's Samadhi (final resting place). Just like Samarth Ramdas Swami, Mauni Baba was also regarded as a guru by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In his work Samarth Pratap, Samarth Ramdas Swami described Mauni Baba as “Mauni of Patgaon, who has lived there for seven hundred years.” Mauni Maharaj is also mentioned in the Shivdigvijay Bakhar. Renowned historians like the late Sardesai and Shejwalkar have affirmed the guru-disciple relationship between Mauni Maharaj and Shivaji Maharaj. Originally from Uttur village (taluka Aajra, district Kolhapur), Mauni Maharaj later came to reside in Patgaon near Rangana Fort. ... There, he adopted silence (Maun), which earned him the name Mauni Baba or Mauni Buva. There is no known information about his life prior to this. His lifestyle resembles that of an avadhuta in the Nath sect, and he may have been associated with the ‘Giri’ branch of the Gosavi. He used storytelling and devotional discourse (kirtan) as a medium to impart spiritual teachings to common people. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj first met him in 1676 before embarking on his southern campaign. The sanctum of the current Samadhi temple at Patgaon Math was built during Mauni Baba's lifetime by Shivaji Maharaj himself. He also arranged for annual provisions sufficient for a thousand people. Later, during the reign of Sambhaji Maharaj, Turutgiri became the head of the monastery (Peethadhipati) until 1728. Turutgiri constructed the audience hall (Sabhamandap) and drum house (Nagarkhana) in front of Mauni's Samadhi. He also allocated an annual grant of eighteen hons for the temple’s puranik, bard (haridas), and others. Documents relating to these arrangements are available. Chhatrapati Rajaram and Tarabai also paid due attention to the monastery of Mauni Baba. All Chhatrapati of the Karveer royal lineage held this religious seat in high regard. Since the Patgaon monastery lies on the way from Kolhapur to Rangana Fort, most fort enthusiasts visit this place before continuing on their journey.
© Suresh Nimbalkar