Those Enshrined in his Heart

His Mother Smt. Mathurabai

Mathurabai Phulambrikar was his very first guru. She was from the holy town of Alandi, and was a devotee of Lord Vitthal and had abiding faith in Sant Dnyaneshwar. She lost her husband, Master’s father Ganeshpant, when the children were very little, and had to undertake many hardships to keep her home running.

She would do the household chores, like making flour on the grinding stone, with the little boy on her lap, and sing him Ovi, tell him stories from the ancient scriptures Puranas. This was the cultural and emotional capital with which he grew up.

It was his mother who recognized the musical abilities and leanings of her son, and later took him to Sawai Gandharva, and on his advice, took him to eminent singer Pt.Bhaskarbuwa Bakhle for training in classical singing.

Lord Shrikrishna

Master adored Jagadguru Lord Krishna and was deeply devoted to him.

The idol and photo of Gopalkrishna had a special place in his home and heart, and he worshipped this deity, throughout his life.

He felt the presence and divine grace of Lord Krishna upon him at all times. No wonder that he composed many sublime bandishes centred on praising and invoking Lord Krishna. Some such bandishes he composed are Anathan Ke Nath Tu Yadunath, Chalat Chalat Mathura Nagarimen, Maan Pooja Ye Meri Jasoda, Nand Ke Lala, Brijki Baat Chalo Tum Shyam Mohan Pyare, Rang Rang Mukhpe Mat Feko Banwari, Manmen Mohan Biraje, Khelat Hain Giridhari, Shyamsunder Re, O More Pyare Kisan Kanhai.

Sant Dnyaneshwar

Master’s entire family had a deep and abiding faith in Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli. His religious and spiritual orientation was influenced by Bhagavat Dharma. In accordance with the preachings of Shri L.R. Pangarkar, Master would not have his meals without first reading a chapter from the holy text Shri Dnyaneshwari every day, all this life. He wore bukka, the holy ash, on his forehead and a garland of tulsi, Holy Basil seeds, around his neck. Even on his last day on this earth, Varkari pilgrims were singing bhajans at his door; he breathed his last, attaining moksha, to the sound of this devotional music.

His Holiness Satchidananda Swami

Master Krishna had received the blessings and grace (Anugraha) of His Holiness Satchidananda Swami Aka Mouniswamy (Mokshaguru), having met him in person.

He was also fortunate to have performed for many spiritual leaders and gurus, like Shri Sai Baba, Dasganu Maharaj, Shankar Maharaj, Meher Baba, Narayan Maharaj, Upasani Maharaj, Gulvani Maharaj when they passed through or when he visited.

Pt. Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale

The famed musician and teacher took the child Krishna under his wing and taught him music, treating him like his own son. Master’s musical thought, training and his life were shaped by the great man, now also referred to as Devgandharva, and Master was an able and reverential student all his life.

He carried forward his legacy, and even after Bhaskarbuva’s death, remained active in the Pune Bharat Gayan Samaj founded by him.

Mother India

Master Krishna was a true son of India, a staunch patriot. He played an important part in seeing to it that Vande Mataram was declared the national song of independent India.

He had an abiding belief that it was this soul-stirring song that paid homage to the motherland. The picture of Bharatmata/Hindmata found pride of place on his living room wall along with pictures of his guru, saints and leaders.

Lokmanya Tilak

Master was greatly inspired by the life, personality and thoughts of freedom fighter and leader Lokmanya Tilak.

He took particular pride in the fact that he had the opportunity to sing at Kesari Wada in Pune, in the presence of his guru Pt. Bhaskarbuva, in front of the venerated Lokmanya Tilak. Lokmanya was his inspiration behind the musical fight which he had given for the independence through Vande Mataram.