MP: Bhaiyyuji Maharaj, guru to top-politicians, shoots himself to death
Self-styled spiritual guru Bhaiyyuji Maharaj, consultant to top politicians like former Maharashtra CMs Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde, shot himself to death at his Indore home today. Maharaj was one of five saints chosen by the MP government in April to be accorded ministerial status, but he had refused. Hours before his death, he tweeted birthday wishes to Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
Maharaj was known to live a life of opulence
Maharaj, originally named Udaysinh Deskhmukh, was born in a family of zamindars. Earlier, he was a model, who eventually took to spirituality. He attributed the transition to the lineage of Nath Sampradaya, a mystical branch believed to be initiated by Lord Shiva. He was known for his opulence- Maharaj drove flashy cars, rode horses, frequented places like Taj Chambers, and relaxed at 200-acre farmlands.
Maharaj's political connections cut across party lines
Maharaj's political-connections spanned across parties: his shot to fame came when the Congress in 2011 deputed him to convince Anna Hazare to call off his fast. The Congress had also chosen him to break then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi's 'Sadhbhavana Upavas.' Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and singer Lata Mangeshkar are among his thousands of devotees. He commanded a large following in MP and Maharashtra.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pays tribute
Maharaj didn't charge fees or accept offerings, reports claim
Maharaj was an expert in several techniques of spiritual healing - Vaastu, meditation, gemology and more - and used them to solve people's problems. Interestingly, he didn't charge any fee or accept any offerings, India Today claims. He is survived by a daughter from his first wife, who died in 2015, and current wife Dr Ayushi Sharma, whom he married in April'17.
