The Miraculous Divine Play at the Old Royal Palace
Numerous miraculous events that affirmed Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj as an incarnation of the Divine took place in Akkalkot. Among the most extraordinary is an incident that occurred within the Old Royal Palace, as recorded in the traditional biographies of the Master.
This remarkable episode illustrates Shri Swami Samarth’s boundless compassion for His devotees. In response to the heartfelt vow of one earnest seeker, He leapt from the towering ramparts of the palace simply to grant him darshan. Even today, the ancient palace wall stands as a silent witness to this extraordinary act of divine grace.
Ramchandra Balwant Bidkar – A Seeker’s Journey
The story begins with Ramchandra Balwant Bidkar, later revered as Pujya Ramanand Bidkar Maharaj of Pune.
Born in 1832 CE into a Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin family, Ramchandra displayed deep devotion to Lord Hanuman from an early age.
At the age of twelve, he undertook a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, where he experienced the divine vision (darshan) of Lord Vitthal. Later, while visiting the shrine of Saptashrungi Devi at Vani, a sacred betel leaf (Traydashaguni Vida) miraculously fell from the Goddess’s mouth into his hands, an event traditionally regarded as a sign of Her divine blessing.
From Prosperity to Spiritual Longing
As a young man, Ramchandra worked briefly in employment before establishing successful businesses dealing in perfumes, cowrie shells, and precious metals.
While residing in Kalyan, he came into contact with an enlightened saint from whom he acquired certain mystical spiritual practices. These contributed to his growing wealth, influence, and social standing.
Yet, despite attaining material prosperity, his heart remained restless.
He gradually realised that worldly success alone could never bring lasting fulfilment. This awakening turned his mind toward the pursuit of spiritual truth.
The Call to Akkalkot
One day, a holy ascetic told him:
“Acquiring wealth is easy; attaining spiritual realization requires renunciation.”
These words profoundly transformed his life.
He dedicated himself to intense spiritual discipline, worshipping Lord Hanuman with unwavering devotion. He observed a strict vow of reciting the Hanuman Kavach eleven times every day before taking even a single meal.
After months of this rigorous practice, Lord Hanuman appeared before him and commanded:
“Go to Akkalkot and seek the darshan of Shri Swami Samarth.”
Ramchandra firmly believed:
“The very Lord Rama who resides within my heart now dwells in Akkalkot as Shri Swami Samarth.”
Filled with this conviction, he took a solemn vow:
“I shall not eat until I have received the darshan of Shri Swami Samarth.”
He then set out for Akkalkot.
The Master’s Response
Upon arriving, Ramchandra stayed at the residence of Appasaheb Sherkhane.
He was informed that Shri Swami Samarth was currently residing inside the Royal Palace, and that once the Master entered the palace, He often remained there for many days without coming out.
The devotees urged Ramchandra to abandon his fast.
He refused.
One day passed.
Then the night.
Soon, a second day dawned.
At that very moment, inside the palace, Shri Swami Samarth suddenly became restless.
He exclaimed loudly:
“Hamareku bandikhane mein daalte hain. Logonko takleef hoti hai; darshan nahin milte.”
(“They keep Me imprisoned here. People suffer because they cannot receive My darshan.”)
Those around Him tried to calm Him.
The palace gates, however, could not be opened without the king’s permission, and attendants hurried to seek royal approval.
The Leap from the Palace Wall
But Shri Swami Samarth was never bound by worldly rules.
Without waiting for anyone’s permission, He climbed the high fortification wall of the palace and, without a moment’s hesitation, leapt down from the ramparts, appearing before the devotees gathered outside.
When Appasaheb Sherkhane learned of this astonishing event, he immediately brought Ramchandra Bidkar to the spot.
Overwhelmed with devotion, Ramchandra received the long-awaited darshan of Shri Swami Samarth and performed the ceremonial Padya Puja, washing the Master’s feet according to sacred tradition.
From that moment onward, his life was transformed forever.
Shri Swami Samarth’s grace remained with him throughout his life, and in time Ramchandra Balwant Bidkar became the revered saint known as Pujya Ramanand Bidkar Maharaj of Pune.
The Sacred Wall
To the left of the Old Royal Palace, beside the former royal kitchen (Mudapak Khana), stands the fortification wall, rising to a height of more than sixteen feet.
It is traditionally believed that this is the very wall from which Shri Swami Samarth leapt.
By then, the Master was already advanced in age.
Yet, despite His elderly body, He effortlessly performed this astonishing feat solely to fulfil the heartfelt vow of a devoted seeker.
For devotees, this miraculous leap is remembered not merely as an extraordinary event, but as an enduring testament to Shri Swami Samarth’s infinite compassion, boundless freedom, and unwavering commitment to answering the sincere call of His devotees.
Even today, the ancient wall of the Old Royal Palace stands as a silent witness to this unforgettable expression of divine grace and unconditional love.