Brahmachaitanya Maharaj, also known as Gondavalekar Maharaj, was an Indian Hindu saint and spiritual master born on February 20, 1844, in Gondavale Budruk, Maharashtra, India. He was a disciple of Tukamai and a proponent of Bhakti Yoga, advocating for Japa meditation using the 13-character Ram Naam mantra "Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" to attain enlightenment. He traveled across India to various places, including Ujjain, the Himalayas, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Calcutta, Indore, and Nashik, and returned to Gondavale in 1866. In his later years, Brahmachaitanya continued to expound spiritual methods revolving around devotion to Rama and had temples built in various rural regions of Maharashtra. He died on December 22, 1913, in Gondavale.

Brahmachaitanya taught that spiritual practices such as chanting the name of God and seeking the company of saints can lead to the attainment of eternal bliss and purity of heart. His teachings emphasize the importance of Naam Japa, or the continuous remembrance of God, as a means to happiness, contentment, and peace. Brahmachaitanya's teachings are summarized in his subodh, which includes guidance on being mindful of the divine presence in life, being polite and nice to people, performing bhakti with complete devotion, and controlling desires. He taught his followers to consider Ram as their friend, guide, and master and to surrender to him wholeheartedly. Brahmachaitanya's teachings have been compiled in the book of discourses called 'Pravachane.'

Notable disciples and followers of Brahmachaitanya include Shri K. V. Belsare, a philosopher and author who became the cornerstone of propagating Maharaj's teachings, and D.R. Bendre, a Kannada poet and recipient of the Jnanpith Award who credited Brahmachaitanya for bestowing on him the gift of poetry.

Brahmachaitanya and his followers built and consecrated many temples around India, including temples dedicated to him in Maharashtra and other places in India. The daily Ram Nam Japa ritual is held in these temples. The Samadhi Mandir of Brahma Chaitanya Gondavlekar Maharaj at Gondavle is a popular temple where people come to seek his blessings