Shripad Shri Vallabha Blesses a Brahmani and Her Son
Namdharak-"How long Shri Guru Shripad Shri Vallabha stayed at Gokarna and what happened later?"
Shri Siddha: - "Shri Guru lived secretly for 3 years and from there he went to Shrigiri. After 4 months he went to Nivriti Sangam and thence to Kuravapur on the bank of the Krishna river.
There lived a Brahmin well versed in Veda and Shastras. We had a good-natured devoted wife Ambika by name She begot children but none survived except one son. In due course his thread ceremony was celebrated; but he was dull, foolish and dumb. Hence the parents were much worried. The Brahmin got tired while training him and at times beat him for not learning his lessons. His wife could not bear this cruel treatment to her only son.
The Brahmin died after some time. The woman lived with her son begging for their livelihood. The boy grew up; but being foolish and poor no one liked to give one's daughter in marriage to him. People said to him, `your father was a learned man; but you are like a stone. You have brought disgrace to his family. How are you not ashamed of begging for your living? Better give up your life in the Ganga River.
He was aggrieved to hear such harsh words off and on. He therefore intended to give up his life in the deep waters of a river. Seeing this his mother said to him in grief, `I shall also company you.'
They both went on the river Krishna. Shripad Shri Vallabha also had been there. Seeing him, the mother bowed to him and said, `we both have decided to give up our lives in this river; but as committing suicide is a sin, how shall we be relieved of our miseries without being offended?'
Shri Guru asked, `Which miseries induce you to give up your lives?'
Narrating her whole account the woman said, `Swami, we visited holy placed and observed `Vratas' for getting a son and after this we got this son; but he is a dullard. All despise him and scold him. I therefore, request you to bless me with a son who will be pious like your good self at least in the next birth. He should prove good for all our further generations.'
Seeing her devotion Shri Guru said, `you worship Ishwar i.e. Shri Shiva with devotion and you will have godlike son. Nanda Gawali worshipped God and hence Shri Krishna lived at his home. Your desire will also be fulfilled if you worship him devotedly.'
The woman asked, `How did the cowherd worship Shri Hari? What `vrata' did they observe?'
Shri Guru -`On every `Shani-pradosh.' worship God Shiva. A tale in this respect is narrated in the Skandha Purana.'
There lived a righteous king Chandrasen in Ujjain. Manibhadra was his chief counselor. He worshipped Shri Shiva most devotedly and Shri Shiva and favored him with the most bright `Chintamani' bead which he had given to his master Chandrasen. A mere touch of the bead turned iron into gold. By mere sight of the bead, one's desires were fulfilled. So all other kings desired to have such bead. Many kings tried to get the bead from the king and offered him money for the same. But all efforts were in vain. So they all combined their forces and attacked Ujjain, when Chandrasen was engaged in worshipping Shri Shiva on a `Shani pradosh' day.
The children of the cowherds watched the worship of the king and they also wished to worship Shri Shiva similarly. The boys gathered stones and prepared a Shiva Temple and placed one stone as image of Shiva Linga and began worshipping it with flowers and other herbs. The mothers' of the boys came there and took their sons for meals to their homes. But one boy did not go home. His mother thrashed him angrily and said, ‘it is night now. Come to have your meals.' She broke the Temple and threw away the image of Shiva Linga. Seeing this the boy began to weep in grief and intended to give up his life. But after some time he felt asleep.
Shri Shiva was pleased with his devotion and created a beautiful Temple a Linga of precious Stones was installed in it. Shri Shiva awoke the boy, looked at him with affection and asked him to have a boon from him.
The boy was much delighted. He bowed to Shri Shiva and said 'My mother has broken the evening worship. Kindly forgive her.'
Shri Shiva said, 'As your mother has seen the evening worship, she will get a son named Shri Krishna in next birth and you will also have all the pleasures.'
The forces of the enemies were emerged. They spoke amongst themselves. 'What wonder is this! How this bright beautiful Temple has been created here within a night. Let us give up enmity and see the king, who is so virtuous on friendly terms.' They sent their messengers to the king. The king requested them to come to the Shiva Temple, where he would see them.
Chandrasen was also wonderstruck to see Sun like bright Shiva Temple sprung up during the night. The cowherd boy’s house also looked very bright. The king asked the boy the reason of this miracle. The boy narrated the whole story to all the kings who had gathered there. All were much pleased to hear him. They said, 'You really become the king of the cowherds.' They offered the boy many gifts and land and excepting Chandrasen all the kings returned to their places.
The boy went home and narrated to his mother all that had occurred. He said, 'Shri Shiva was pleased with my evening worship. As I requested him to forgive you even though you had broken the temple, he was not angry with you. Besides he assured that the incarnation of Shri Krishna will stay at your home.'
Shripad Shri Vallabha narrated the significance of the 'Shani pradosh' worship to the Brahmani and seeing her devotion, placed his palm over the head of her son and blessed him. Eventually the boy instantly had the knowledge of the Vedas, Shastras, Tark, Bhashya etc. All the Brahmins and his mother were wonderstruck to see this. The mother respectfully bowed to Shri Guru and said that she was fortunate to see Shri Guru and to get his blessings. She said, 'you are God yourself. We shall worship you in the evening. I hope I sahll have a son like your good self in my next birth. Let not your words be untrue.' Saying this she began to worship Shri Guru every evening with devotion.
Her son got married and had sons and grandsons. Those who are blessed by Shri Guru, receive all leisure in the same way.'
A Washerman Blessed to be a King
"There lived a washerman at Kuravpur. He was a great devotee of Shri Guru. Shripad Shri Vallabha used to go to the river, have bath, morning Sandhya and other rituals just like ordinary Brahmins. The washerman would go to the river, wash Shri Guru's clothes and would bow to him with reverence.
Once Shri Guru asked him, 'why do you take so much troubles for me. I am pleased with your services. Go home and live happily.'
Hearing this the washerman gave up household attachment, lived at Shri Guru's dwelling place, swept the courtyard and sprinkled water on it everyday. Thus he served Shri Guru with more devotion.
Once in spring, in the month of Vaishakh, a Muslim king came to the river along-with his harem of beautiful woman, wearing precious ornaments and clothes with many servants, elephants, horses, musical instruments and was enjoying joyfully.
The washerman was looking at the splendor and glory of the king. He began thinking, 'How fortunate shall I be, if I could also enjoy such glorious life.'
Knowing his intentions, Shri Guru asked him what he was thinking about. The washerman replied, 'I was just thinking what deity this king might have pleased, so as to have such splendor and glory? However I do not long for it. I have all my pleasures at thy feet.'
Shri Guru said, ' you are struggling hard in life. Do you aspire to enjoy royal glory? If enjoying their objects does not satisfy the senses, they obstruct the path of 'Moksha' (freedom from worries of life and death). So you better take birth in a Muslim royal family and enjoy kingly life.'
Washerman- 'Kindly do not ask me to go away from you'.
Shri Guru- 'You will have birth in the Royal family of Bidar and I shall meet you in your later life, I shall also have another birth and shall be known as 'Narasimha Saraswati.' I shall be leading a Sanyasi's life.
Saying this, Shri Guru allowed him to go, but again asked whether he would like to enjoy Royal life in that very birth or in the next birth.
Washerman expressed, 'I am now grown old. It would be good if I enjoy royal pleasures from the childhood.'
Soon after the washerman died. He was later born in the Royal family of Bidar. His account is narrated later in the 50th chapter of this book.
Shri Guru was thus much praised and respected during his stay at Kuravpur, I am unable to describe all the miracles of his life, Kuravpur has become a famous holy place due to his residence. Shripad Shri Vallabha disappeared in the river Krishna on Ashwin Vadya 12, which is known as 'Guru Dwadashi'. Real devotees can still see here Shripad Shri Vallabha, the Dattatreya incarnate. Many have experienced this.'
Vallabhesh Saved from Thieves
Namdharak, - 'Please tell me the next birth (incarnation) of Shripad Shri Vallabha'.
Shri Siddha- 'Shripad Shri Vallabha had many incarnations. All possessed the omnipotence of Shri Narayan. Devotion of Shri Guru is never futile. Shri Guru never disappoints his disciples. Therefore serve him from your heart. I shall narrate to you one tale as an illustration.
Vallabhesh, a righteous Brahmin, was doing business. He used to go to Shripad Shri Vallabha Padukas at Kuravpur every year. Once he declared that if he made good business he would feed 1000 Brahmins at Kuravpur. Fortunately he earned good profit. He always recited Shri Guru's name. He started for Kuravpur with good money.
Knowing this, some thieves also accompanied him. After two or three days, one night the thieve killed the Brahmin when he was asleep and wanted to take away all his money. In the meantime Shripad Shri Vallabha, with locks of hair on his head and trishul and Khatwang in his hands appeared on the scene. He killed three thieves; but one, who surrendered himself saying, 'I am innocent. I did not know that these three persons would kill the Brahmin. You are omniscient. Kindly save me'.
Hearing his prayer, Shripad Muni told him to rub the "Vibuthi" (enchanted ashes) all over the body of the Brahmin, As soon as the enchanted Vibuthi was applied to the Brahmin's body, he woke up It was dawn when Shripad Muni disappeared from the place.
Vallabhesh asked the person sitting by his side, 'why have you held me; who has killed these men?'
The person replied, ' A great ascetic had come here. He killed these thieves with his Trishul. He saved me for you. He asked me to rub enchanted Vibuthi to your body. He woke you and made you sit by his hands. He has just disappeared. He might be the great god Shri Shiva.
Hearing this the Brahmin realized that all this has been done by Shri Guru Shripad Shri Vallabh. Taking the amount from the thieves, he went to Kuravpur. He worshipped the Padukas (foot symbol) of Shri Guru with great devotion and fed about 4000 Brahmins.
'Oh! Namdharak, though Shripad Shri Vallabha has disappeared he still comes to protect his devotees.
Birth of Shri Narasimha Saraswati
An account of a Brahmani has been given in the 8th chapter. She was worshipping Shri Shankar devotedly in the evening on Shani Pradosh (12th day of a fortnight falling on Saturday). She died in course of time and took the next birth in a Brahmin family at Karanjia in Bidar. Her name was Amba Bhavani. She was married to a Brahmin youth Madhava, who was also a devotee of Shri Shiva.
As per her nature of the previous birth Amba Bhavani worshipped Shri Shiva along with her husband devotedly. She became pregnant when she was sixteen years old, customary ceremonies were performed in the 3rd and 5th months. She used to have good desires. She advised people with high principles. Filing of 'oti' (putting of corn, coconut etc. in the open side of the sari worn by a woman) in the 7th month and Simanti was also observed.
After completing 9 months, a son was born to her. The baby uttered 'Om' from the very birth. People wondered to see this. The astrologers foretold, 'He will be a great ascetic and Jagatguru. He will not marry; but will be known and revered all over the earth. Being an incarnation of god, he will wipe off all your miseries and fulfill your desires.'
The parents of the child were very much pleased to heart this and they gave money and clothes to the Brahmins. In order that the baby may not suffer from the evil eye of any person, lemon and salt were waved on him and thrown away.
He was named 'Shaligramdeo' but his pet name was 'Narahari'. He was later publicly known as Narasimha Saraswati.'
One day Amba told her husband that there was not sufficient milk in her breast for their baby. So let us have a feeding nurse or a sheep Hearing this the baby smiled and just touched the right pap of its mother. Immediately milk sprang out in 32 teats and her clothes became wet. Knowing thus that the baby was an incarnation of god, the parents bowed to him.
The mother put the baby in a cradle and sang lullaby songs. But the baby would prefer to lay down on the floor and play cheerfully. The child became on year old; but it did not utter any other words except OM. The parents were anxious to see that the child speaks other words also. As days passed on, they were afraid of his being dumb. Some would say he has all the knowledge, but purposely he does not speak.
The child became 7 years old. The parents could not known how to celebrate his thread ceremony. As they were Brahmins, the thread ceremony was most essential. They worshipped Gouri, observed Pradosh and other fasts but they were of no avail. They were now anxious to know how to make the child recite Gayatri Mantra (the mantra in prayer of the Sun god), which a Brahmin boy learns at the time of his thread ceremony.
Seeing the parents in dejected mood, the son would approach them and try to console them. Once he held an iron bar in his hand and instantly it was turned into a gold bar. Seeing this the parents were astonished. They gave him some more iron and that too was turned into gold. Then the parents asked the son, when and how he would speak.
He moved his hand around his chest and loin and expressed that when the sacred thread would be worn and Nunj grass would be tied around his loin, he would speak.
The parents were much pleased and they started enthusiastically the preparations for his thread ceremony, still some doubted the success of the function. The parents invited all the relatives, friends and learned Brahmins for the function.
The ceremonies started. On the first day 'choul' (shaving the hair on the head) and dinner took place. Next day after the bath of the boy, the sacred thread was put on his left shoulder. The boy dined with his mother and other boys of his age. The father then uttered 'Gayatri Mantra' in the ears of the boy Narahari, who recited it in his mind.
The mother then came with alms. After offering the first alms, the mother asked the boy to recite Rig Veda (the first of the four Vedas). Narahari recited "Agni Meele etc". After giving the second alms, the mother asked Narahari to recite Yajur Veda. Narahari recited " Yajur Veda Ishetwa etc. After the third alms Narahari recited "Agna Aayahi" from Sama Veda, the third Veda. Thus people realized that Narahari had the knowledge of all the Vedas and they all bowed to him with reverence.
Narahari then said to his mother, "You have asked me to beg for alms. I would, therefore, live on begging. So allow me to go to visit the holy-places".
Hearing this the parents were much aggrieved. The mother fell on the ground senseless. After recouping she said, "We expected that you would take out care. So far due to out misfortune you were not speaking. Now seeing that you can speak, we are much delighted and we think that our devotion to God has been fruitful. But now you are talking of leaving us and this make us very uneasy."
Narahari said, "You need not be sorry. You shall have four sons and they will look after you very obediently." So saying he placed his palm over her head.
She instantly recollected her previous life and saw Shripad Shri Vallabha standing before her. She bowed to him humbly Narahari raised her head and said, 'Mother, keep this a secret. We Sanyasis keep ourselves aloof from family life. As I have to do my mission please allow me to go.'
Mother - 'Dear son, do not go leaving us alone. No religion asks one to be an ascetic in such a tender age. You should have Brahmacharyashram for 12 years. The second is Grihasthashram, the most important in all the four ashrams. After going through the third Ashram viz. Vanprasthashram, one becomes liable for the fourth Ashram viz. Sanyasashram. So say the Shastras. So study Vedas in the Brahmacharyashram. Later on get yourself married and have the pleasures of the family life. Then perform sacrifices and thereafter become a Sanyasi. But it is not desirable to be a Sanyasi in the childhood.
Narahari Becomes Shri Narasimha Saraswati
Narahari said, `This body is perishable. What is its guarantee? So long one has sound body, one should act virtuously. Your advice is for them, who have won victory over death. They can say, they will follow religion later. So one should do religious deeds in the childhood. There are three stages of life - the childhood, the youth and the old age. But it is not certain when one will die. Yamraj (God of death) is counting every moment of man's life, day and night. Knowing that the life is running fast, those who do not lead religious and virtuous life are like beasts. House, property, wife, children, mother - nothing is eternal. Old age kills a man, just as a crocodile devours him. Therefore, the wise man should do virtuous deeds in young age. Why do you then prevent me from going? This life is like a dream. As a power dries in air, the body of a man is getting more and more dry day by day. This body may perish in a moment.
Mother - `Dear child, you are advising me. You told me that I would have four sons. So you should stay with me till I have at least one son. If you go disregarding my request, I would give up my life instantly.' Narahari smiled and said, `what I have said will not be otherwise. However, after you get two sons let me go. Then I shall not stay here. I promise to stay here for one year.'
Thus Narahari lived there happily. All people wondered to see that a boy of seven knows all the Vedas and can teach the same. Crown up learned persons also came to him to learn Vedas and Shastras.
His mother became pregnant. After nine months she gave birth to two handsome sons. The parents were glad to have two more sons. By the end of one year the two babies became 3 months old. Narahari told his mother that her desire was fulfilled. She would get 2 more sons and they will all live happily. She should now permit him to live as per Sanyasdharma.
The parents bowed to Narahari and said, `You are our family God. We cannot say anything before you. Please forgive us if we have spoken any harsh words, thinking you to be our son. Our devotion to Shri Shankar has materialized. You made us glorious. When shall we see you again?
Narahari - `I shall be before you whenever you remember me. You will have one daughter and two more sons. You will have no miseries and in the end you will attain the best place in Parlok. I have now to proceed to Badri Narayan to meet Siddhu. So please allow me to go'
The parents, males and females of the town walked with Narahari. Some said `see how a Brahmachari is going for penance. He is an incarnation of God. Else at such tender age of only seven, how can he know all the four Vedas?' All others bowed to him and returned. The parents still followed Narahari, who then appeared before them in the form of Shripad Shri Vallabha. The parents put their heads on his feet and then Narahari immediately went away.
Narahari started for Badrinarayan. On the way he reached the holy `Kashi'. He did penance here and saw the Vishweshwar. He also practiced here all the kinds of Yogas. Many Sanyasis also observed penance at this holy place. Narahari showed great proficiency in Yoga. Many Sanyasis came to see him.
There had been one old Sanyasi named `Krishna Saraswati' who had realized Brahma. He also showed respect for Narahari. He said to all the Sanyasis, 'He is not an ordinary human being but he is an incarnation of God and deserves respect from all. Let us request him to be a Sanyasi and bless the people'.
Accordingly all went to him and said, `It will be better if you now accept Sanyas-diksha as per religious rules and accept worship and respect from us and favor us with your blessings. Sanyasis are despised in this Kaliyug. Though there are different means of devotion, Sanyas in particular is dishonored. Shri Shankaracharya rejuvenated Sanyasdharma in the seventh century. But now Kali being more influential, the Sanyas is being degenerated. So you please rejuvenate it.'
Narahari conceded to the request and accepted Sanyas-diksha from Shri Krishna Saraswati.
Namdharak interrupted, "When Narahari himself was Shri Guru Dattatreya incarnate, why did he have another Guru?"
Shri Siddha, "In former days Vasishta was the Guru of Shri Ram, and Sandipani was the Guru of Shri Krishna, in the same way, Krishna Saraswati became Guru of Narahari and hereafter he was known as `Shri Narasimha Saraswati. In human life human customs are to be followed and so Narahari approached the well known aged Yati (sanyasi) Krishna Saraswati and accepted him as his Guru."
Shri Shankar is the first Guru, Shri Vishnu the second, Brahmadeo is the third. After these followed Vasishta, Parashara and Vyasa, who was the incarnation of Shri Vishnu. Thereafter Shuka, Goudpad, Govind-guru, Shankaracharya, Vishwarupvarya, Dnyanbodhgiriya, Giriraj, Ishwartirth and bharatitirth succeeded one after the other. Thereafter, Vidyaranya, Shripadmuni, Vityatirth, Malianand, Deotirth, Saraswatitirth, Saraswati Yadeovendra and his disciple was Krishna Saraswati. Such is the line of succession of Gurus.
Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati was very much respected in Kashi for his deep knowledge of the Vedas. After some time Shri Guru went to Badrinarayan with many followers. Talking a round of the Marugiri and seeing the holy places of Navakhand, Shri Guru came to Ganga sagar. He then went by the bank of Ganga and came to Prayag. A learned Brahmin `Madhav' saw him there. Shri Guru initiated him with Sanyas and named him `Madhav Saraswati'. Later on Shri Guru had many more followers."
Brahmin's Colic Pain Subsided
Namdharak: - "Guru dev, Shri Guru initiated Sanyas to Madhav at Prayag. Please let me know what occurred later".
Siddha - "Shri Guru lived at Prayag for some days. He had many disciples there. These included Bal Saraswati, Krishna, Saraswati, Upendra Saraswati, Madhav Saraswati, Sadanand Saraswati, Dnyanjyoti Saraswati and myself as seven chief disciples. He then visited holy places in the south and came to Karanjahim, he was invited door to door. The mother recollected that he was Shripad Shri Vallabha and called herself fortunate. She told this to her husband when both requested him to liberate them from the worldly-sea. Shri Guru said, `If a person accepts Sanyas his forty-two generations (21 Parental & 21 maternal) are liberated. Their issues have no fear of the God of death. You will see that your sons live for hundred years. Then you will go to Kashi, the holy place of liberation. There is no doubt about this.
Ratnai, his sister requested Shri Guru, `I am entangled in a family trap. Please take me out of this. I wish to do penance.'
Shri Guru - `Serve your husband and this will liberate you. One has to suffer as per one's fate. Females can win over this worldly sea only with the help of their husbands. Thinking the husband to be Shri Shiva, serve him. This is what the Vedas, Shastras and Puranas dictate.'
She further asked, `you know the past and the future also. Please tell me what is my future.'
Shri guru - `In the previous birth, you hit a cow with your legs, you made the neighboring couples quarrel amongst themselves, so you will develop leprosy for hitting the cow and your husband will leave you and be a Sanyasi.'
Hearing Guru - `You shall live amicably for some years. In old age your husband will accept Sanyas. When you have leprosy, you will see me. You come to Papvinashi on the bank of the Bhima River in the South. Nearby is the Bhima Amarja Sangam and Ganangapur. After bathing in the Papavinashi, you will be cured of leprosy.'
Shri Guru then went to Tryambakeshwar, the place of penance of Goutam Muni. Shri Shankar was pleased by the penance of Goutam who brought Ganga (Godavari) on the earth for the benefit of the people. Shri Guru traveled by the Bank of Godavari and came to Manjrika. A learned Brahmin `Madhavaranya' lived here. He adored `Narasimha'. Seeing that Shri Guru appeared just a `Narasimha', he bowed to him and praised him in Sanskrit. Shri Guru was pleased and he appeared before him in his divine form. Madhavaranya prostrated before him and chanted prayers. Shri Guru then blessed him.
Shri Guru then went to Brahmeshwar. Here a Brahmin suffered from acute colic pain. He was rolling in the sand of the river due to severe pain. He had to be on fast for several days. Whenever he dined he had severe pain. He was intending to give up his life by drowning himself in the river and thus getting rid of the acute colic pain. Knowing his intentions, Shri Guru asked his disciples to bring the Brahmin to him. When he was brought before him, Shri Guru asked him, `Why are you committing suicide? This is a great sin. What is your misery?.'
Brahmin - `I am burdensome on this earth. I dine once in a fortnight or a month, but I have to bear a very severe colic pain. The body lives on food and if food cannot be taken how can this body survive?'
Shri Guru -`I shall give a medicine. You have a full meal today.' The Brahmin was much encouraged with Shri Guru's words. In the meanwhile the officer of the town came to the river for bath. Seeing Shri Guru, he bowed to him with reverence. Shri Guru inquired `May I know your name and whereabouts?'
The officer said, `I belong to Koundinya Gotra and am a Brahmin of Apastamb shakha. My name is Sayamdeo. I come from Kanchi. I am serving here as a Town - officer of a Muslim Ruler for one year. I feel myself very fortunate to see thy holy self today. Sins are wiped off by seeing the Ganga, heat of the body subsides by seeing the moon and poverty is destroyed by the favor of a Kalpa-Taru. But by seeing thyself along, all these three miseries are wiped off and one gets all the four valours.
Sayamdeo humbly expressed, `Gurudev, he dined yesterday after one month and subsequently he had severe colic pain. If he is given food today and if he dies, shall I not be held responsible for his death?'
Shri Guru - `I am giving medicine which should be fried in ghee and given to him. Besides give him food containing sugar and milk. Do not have any doubt in the mind.'
Sayamdeo agreed and further requested Shri Guru to grace his home by his presence and accept alms at his house. Shri Guru gladly accepted his invitation.
Shri Guru, three Brahmins and other disciples came to Sayamdeo. Sayamdeo's wife Jakhai was a devoted wife. Both worshipped Shri Guru ceremoniously. They worshipped the disciples also. All had a happy dinner that day. The colic pain of the Brahmin disappeared instantly by the grace of Shri Guru. All were wonderstruck to see this miracle. Shri Guru blessed Sayamdeo saying, your family will flourish and devotion of Guru will be continued in the later generations of your family.
Muslim King favors Sayamdeo
Sayamdeo bowed to Shri Guru and said, `Gurudev, though you are Trimurti incarnate, due to our ignorance, you appear to us as a human being. In truth, you are all pervading. It is beyond our intellect to describe your greatness.
I am the servant of a Muslim King, who is very cruel. He invites a Brahmin every year and kills him. He has invited me to day. If I go to him, he will kill me, but as I have now seen your holy, how can he dare to kill me?'
Shri Guru placed his palm on his head and said, `you do not care a bit. You go to the king fearlessly. He will receive you well and send you back to me. Have faith in my words. I am here till you return and then I shall proceed further. You have been my devotee, you will live happily and have lasting wealth.'
Sayamdeo went to the cruel Muslim King. He was reciting Shri Guru's name all the time. As soon as the king saw Sayamdeo he turned his face and went inside. Sayamdeo said to himself, `What harm a cruel king can do to one, who is blessed by Shri Guru? How can a serpent bite the kids of a garud? How can an elephant kill a lion? A Devotee of Shri Guru has no fear even from death'.
The Muslim king felt drowsy and had a sound sleep. He saw in a dream that a Brahmin was beating him. When he awoke and came outside, he saw Sayamdeo. He came to him, fell at his feet and said, `you are my master, who called you here? You can go back happily'. Saying this he offered clothes and ornaments to Sayamdeo.
Sayamdeo soon returned to his place. He first went to see Shri Guru on the bank of the river. He bowed to Shri Guru and reported what had happened. Shri Guru again blessed him and said that he would now proceed southwards.
Sayamdeo folded his hands and said, `Now I shall not leave these feet. I shall also come with you. You only can liberate us from this worldly sea. Sagar brought the Ganga on this earth for the liberation of his forefathers. In the same way you have descended on the earth for our liberation.'
Shri Guru - I am going southwards for certain purpose. You shall again see me after 15 years, I shall be then staying near your place. You should then come to me with your family and children. You should live without worry. All your miseries and wants are wiped off now.'
Sayamdeo offered clothes and ornaments to Shri Guru. Shri Guru came to Arogya Bhavani Vaijnath and lived there secretly."
Principal Holy Places of Bharat
Shri Guru lived at Arogya Bhavani secretly because many persons approached him at any time. These included the good and bad, honest and dishonest, cunning, rich and poor, diseased men of all castes, cults, sex, and ages. Parashurama killed Kartikeya (Arjuna) and gave the earth in charity to the Brahmins. Still the Brahmins approached him and asked for more. So Parashurama lived in the sea secretly. Similarly Shri Guru sent all his disciples on pilgrimage and himself lived secretly.
The disciples asked, 'Gurudev, why are you indifferent with us. Vedas and Shastras say that- all the holy places are at thy feet? When Kalpataru is near us, why should we go elsewhere?' Shri Guru- As you are Sanyasis, you should visit different holy places and make your mind firm. I shall go to Shri Shailya in Bahudhanya Sanwatsar. You should come and see me there.
The disciples - one disobeying Shri Guru has to go to hell. So we go to the holy places as per your instructions but kindly tell us to which places we should go.
Shri Guru - Kashi is a famous holy place on earth. It is on the bank of Bhagirathi (Ganga). You travel 60 yojans (yojan-2miles) by its bank and observe 60 Krishhra prayashchittas. Then go to Prayag (Alahabad) and observe 120 Krichhras. There are 25 gram (town) on the bank of Yamuna and 40 on the bank of Saraswati. Take bath in the river daily. This is like performing a sacrifice. One attains Brahma in the end.
Travel by the tank of rivers as Varuna, Kushavarti, Krishnaveni, Vitasta, Saraswati, Marudvriddha, Asikni, Madhumati, Payasvini, Ghritvati, Deonadi etc. At every place take bath and Prayashchitta. Even sin of Brahmahatya is wiped off. Travel by the banks of Chadrabhaga, Revati, Sharyu, Gouthami, Vedika, Koushiki, Mandakini, Sahasravakra, Purna Bahuda, Aruna. Bath at a Sangam confluence of rivers is like that of Prayag.
There are other holy places as Pushkar, Vairochani, Falgu, Tirth at Gaya, Setubandha, Rameshwar, Shri Rang Padmanabh, Purushottam, Nemisharanya, Badri Narayan, Kurukshetra, Shri Shalya, Pitru Tirth, Kedar, Koti. Narmada, Matrukeshwar, Kunj, Kokamukhi, Prabhas, Gokarna, Shankh-Karna, Ayodhya, Mathura, Kanchi, Dwarka. Gaya, Shaligram and Shambalgram are the 7 cities giving liberation.
Traveling by the bank of Godavari gives fruit of doing Vajpeya sacrifice. Visit Bhimeshwar, Vajra sangam and Kush. Travel by the bank of Purna, Krishnaveni, Tungabhadra, Bhima. Visit Pampa saroval, Harihar, Pandharpur, Matruling, Gangapur, Near Bhima Amarja-sangam. There is an Ashwattha on the Amarja and in the north is Varanasi, in the east are Papivashi Rudrapad, Chakratirth, Kesheodeo, Vinayak, Kotitirth, Mammath, Kallwshwar. See Varada Malprabha Sangam and Nivritti Sangam.
When The Guru (Jupiter) is in the Sinha (leo) all the rivers have union with Bhagirathi. When guru is in Kanya (Vibro) Bhagirathi comes in Krishna. Have bath in Patal Ganga and see Mallikarjuna. Baths at Kaveri Sangam, Payaswini and Bhavanashini are virtuous. See places like Samudraskanda, Sheshadri, Shri Rangnath, Padmanabh, Shrimat Anant, Trimamalla, Kumbhakonam Kanyakumari, Matsyatirth, Pakshitirth, Rameshwar, Dhanushkoti, Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, Mahabaleshwar, origin of Krishna. Bahe, Narsinhadeo at Kolegaon Bhuvaneshwari at Bhilawadi, Shrupali, Chhaya Bhagwati (Vishwamitra's place) Shweta Shring, whence Krince flows northwards, Kalyan etc.
A river is said to be in menses when she gets new rainwater and so bath in the river is not desirable on that day.
All the disciples then bowed to Shri Guru and departed for visiting the various holy places.
Greatness of Shri Guru
Namdharak- when all the disciples went away on the pilgrimage who served Shri Guru?
Siddha- I was in a swoon of delusion. But your question has given rise to the Sun of knowledge. Shri Guru's life is like Kamadhenu. Shri Guru lived secretly at Arogya Bhavani near Vajnath. I was with him this time. A Brahmin came to Shri Guru, praised him and said humbly, `I am doing penance, but my mind has not become still. I am greatly appeased to see you, kindly tell me means to attain knowledge and liberate me.
The Brahmin further said, ` Gurudev, I had a Guru, He used harsh words and asked me to do undesirable service. He did not teach me logic, grammar, bhashya etc. He said that my mind is not still, so I left him in anger.'
Shri Guru-You are a fool, harming yourself and treacherous to Guru. You speak ill of Guru, how can you have knowledge? Why did you come to me leaving Guru, who is a Kamadhenu? By pleasing the Guru by service and giving respect to him one can know Vedas, Shastras and eight Siddhis (a boon to do particular miracles).
The Brahmin placed his head on the feet of Shriguru and asked, `Gurudev, kindly tell me who is a Guru and how to serve him?'
Shri Guru- Mother and father are Gurus. Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara are Gurus. One serves his Guru with devotion. I narrate to you a tale in this connection.
Dhoumyarishi lived at Dhwarawati. He had three disciples; Aruni, Baid and Upmanyu. In former times, the Guru tested his disciples before giving knowledge to them. Dhoumys said to Aruni, `go to my field and fill it with canal water.' Aruni went to the field. The canal water was flowing with great force. Paddy was sown in the field, which was on higher land than the level of the water. He placed stones to divert the water to the field. He then laid his body across the canal and thus half the flow of water entered the field. Even by sunset, as Aruni did not return, Dhoumya went to his field and called him loudly. He feared a serpent might have bitten or a tiger might have attacked him. Hearing the Guru's voice, Aruni came out of the canal and bowed to the Guru, and stood near him Dhoumya embraced with pleasure and blessed him saying `you will know all Vidyas. Go home get married and live happily'.
Dhoumya then said to Baid, `Go to the field, keep watch on the crop and when it is reaped, bring it home. Baid accordingly went to the field, and kept the watch day and night. When the crop was reaped, a cart with one buffalo was given to him. Baid placed the corn in the cart, yoked the buffalo on one side of the yoke and he himself pulled the cart on the other side. He could not draw the cart with the buffalo; still he drew it with much strain. The buffalo got stuck in the mud and could not go forward. So he alone drew the heavy cart. Subsequently his neck was strangled and he had to face great strain. In the meantime, Dhoumya came there and released him from the yoke. He embraced Baid and said, `you know Vedas and Shastras well.'
The third disciple Upmanyu was fat and dull Dhoumya asked him to take the cattle for grazing the forest. Upmanyu took the cattle to graze. At times, being hungry he would return early from the forest. The Guru told him not to come from the forest till sunset.
The cattle would graze on the bank of a river Upmanyu would bathe, take alms from the Brahmins living nearby. Thus he satisfied his hunger. One day the Guru asked him, `How are you living?'
He said that he took alms and dined. Guru said, `How do you dine without us? Give the alms in the Ashram and again go to the forest.'
Upmanyu acted as directed by the Guru. He would give the alms in the Ashram. But as he did not get full meals at the Ashram he again took alms from some Brahmin houses and satisfied his hunger. When the Guru knew this. He angrily said, `Give both the alms in the Ashram.'
As directed, he gave both the alms in the Ashram. He was anxious now how to satisfy his hunger. He saw calves drinking milk of cows and much milk fell on the ground and was wasted. He held that milk in his hands and drank it.
After some days the Guru asked him how he was fat, He said that he drank the milk that fell while the calves drank the milk from the cows. The guru said, `you should not drink milk tasted by calves as this milk makes you dill.'
While remaining in the forest, he saw milk like paste coming out of the "rui" plant. He held the milk in leaves and while he was drinking it, some drops thereof entered his eyes. Subsequently he lost his eyesight and became blind. Now he thought the Guru would be angry with him. He began to collect the cattle; but as he could not see, he fell in a well.
When Dhoumys knew that Upmanyu did not return by the evening, he went to the forest and called him loudly. Upmanyu responded from the well and informed him about his whereabouts.
Dhoumya came near the well and said to him with sympathy `Recite Ashwinikumar mantra'. After doing that, he got back his eyesight. He came out of the well, bowed to his Guru and stood by him. Dhoumya placed his palm on his head and instantly he had all the knowledge. Dhoumya said to him, "Go home, get married and live happily. You will be well known. One of your disciples, Uttank will bring Kundal (ear ornament) and win the Shesh. He will advise King Janme jaya to perform sacrifice of the serpents and kill all the serpents in the sacrifice"
As stated, Uttank caused Janmejaya to perform the sacrifice in which even Indra had to come down along with Takshak (the king of serpents). This is all due to the greatness of Guru. He will liberate you. You should try to please him.
The Brahmin said, `Gurudev, you have given me the right advice. As I have offended my Guru, how can I please him now? It is very difficult to appease the wounded heart. I would, therefore, leave this worthless body of mine,' saying this, he bowed to Shri Guru. Shri Guru realized his repentance and knowing his desires, Shri Guru said, `All your sins are wiped off now. Remember your Guru.'
The Brahmin folded his hands and prayed, `You are the Guru of all the world and incarnation of three great Gods. How can there be darkness after the rise of the Sun? You please protect me.'
Hearing this Shri Guru was kind to place his right palm on his head and instantly he had knowledge of Vedas, Shastras, Mantras etc. By the touch of the philosopher's stone, iron is changed into gold, similarly the Brahmin became learned. Shri Guru again asked him to go to his Guru.
The Brahmin went to his Guru. Shri Guru then went to Bhuvaneshwari near Bhilavadi and stayed under an Audumber tree on the bank of the Krishna secretly.
A Dull Brahmin boy becomes learned
Shri Guru observed Chaturmas living under the Audumber tree near Bhuvaneshwari secretly. Still his name and fame spread in all the quarters.
Namdharak-Why Shri Guru lived secretly? Why did he observe anushthan and asked for alms?
Siddha-Shri Shankar and Shri Guru Dattatreya like to beg alms. Shri Guru roamed through holy places for protecting his devotees. People came to him and harassed him for trifles and hence he lived secretly. But though the Kasturi is hidden, its fragrance cannot be hidden, similarly brightness of Shri Guru could not be hidden.
There lived at Kavir a learned Brahmin who knew the Vedas. He had a dull foolish son. His parents died in his childhood. When he was seven, his thread ceremony was celebrated, but he could not do Sandhya and recite `Gayatri' mantra. Local Brahmins abused him saying, `your father knew Vedas and Shastras; but you have spoiled his name. Your life is worthless. Chintamani is best among the beads, so is the knowledge for a person. A man is honored for his knowledge. A King is respected by his people; but even a king respects learned persons, as knowledge is wealth.'
The boy requested them to suggest means for his improvement. The Brahmins said, `you will have knowledge in the next birth. You should beg for your maintenance in this life.'
The boy being dejected went to a forest. He was thinking of giving up his life. In the evening he reached Bhilavadi. He took Darshan of Bhuvaneshwari and sat at the door of the temple. Next morning he cut his tongue and placed it at the feet of the goddess and said, `If you do not be kind with me. I shall even offer my head at your feet.'
That night he had a dream in which Devi appeared before him and said, "Oh Brahmachari, why are you getting angry with me? There is an Avatarik Purusha sitting under an Audumber tree on the bank of the Krishna. Go to him. He will fulfill your desires."
He woke up and at once ran and crossed the river. He rolled at the Guru's feet and started praising Him. Guru was pleased with him, blessed him and put his hand on his head as Varad Hastha. At once the boy got knowledge and enlightenment. He also got his tongue back.
If a crow has a dip in the Manasa-Sarovar it will become a Hamsa (swan). So also he who touches Guru's feet will acquire all knowledge. Guru is Almighty. His glory needs to be sung.
A Poor Brahmin Gets Wealth
Varuna Sangam is known as Kashi in the south. Shri Guru came here from Bhilavadi and stayed near Panch Ganga Sangam for 12 years. Shiva, Bhadra, Bhogavati, Kumbhi and Saraswati are the five rivers. This is a famous holy place like Kashi and Prayag. There is a temple of Amareshwar and an Audumbar tree as a Kalpataru. Sixty four Yoginis lived here. There are 8 holy places in the neighborhood. They are Shukla Tirth, Papavinashi, Kanya Tirth, Siddha Varad, Prayag Tirth, Shakti Tirth, Amar Tirth and Koti Tirth.
Shri Guru lived under the Audumbar tree here. He would go to Amarpur for alms. In Amarpur lived a Brahmin knowing Vedas. He had a devoted wife. He had a sem creeper at his door. When he could not get sufficient corn he would live on the boiled seems. He adored Shri Guru with devotion. He invited Shri Guru for alms one day. After taking the alms Shri Guru blessed him saying that his poverty was wiped off. While leaving the premises, Shri Guru cut the root of the sem creeper. Seeing this the Brahmin’s wife bitterly saying `our means of livelihood are lost.' The Brahmin tried to console her saying; ‘there must be some good intention of Shri Guru in cutting the root of the sem. It is our good fortune that Shri Guru in cutting came to us for alms. Do not blame Shri Guru who blessed us. He will protect us’.
The Brahmin took away the leaves of the creeper from the courtyard and while digging to take off the root of the creeper, he found a vessel full of coins. He told this to his wife ho was much pleased and now repented for blaming Shri Guru. Both then went to Shri Guru and worshipped him with devotion and reported what had occurred.
Shri Guru said, `Do not tell this to any body, else the wealth will be destroyed, you shall live happily with your sons and grandsons.'
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