Saint Damajipant

Damajipant was born into a family of farmers in Mangalvedha. His entire family was follower of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. He served as a general in the army of the ruler of Bidar, Mahmud Shah. Due to his victories in battles against Abdul Shah, he was appointed as the treasurer, and later he became the incharge of Mangalvedha. With his intelligence and astuteness, he earned these positions. In the years 1376, 1377, and 1378, a severe drought struck Mangalvedha, causing widespread suffering among the common people. Damajipant had constructed two large granaries. Witnessing the plight of the people due to the drought, he opened both granaries for the public. This act did not sit well with the emperor, who ordered Damajipant to be arrested and sent to Bidar. According to folklore, during this journey, Lord Vitthal appeared to emperor in the form of his servant, Vithu Mahar, and handed over a bag containing hundred and twenty-five thousand gold coins to the emperor, took receipt of the same and kept a copy of receipt in Damajipant's Diary or pothi. Because of this, later Damajipant was released and accorded proper respect. Damajipant passed away in 1382. Initially, his Samadhi was built simply, but later, under the supervision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, a temple was built, and idols of Lord Vitthal-Rukmini and Damajipant were installed in it