Chapter XXXVIII
Four Thousand Fed with Food of 3 Seers only
Someone did Samaradhna (feeding of Brahmins) on every day and Shri Guru was invited with his disciples. Once a poor Brahmin named Bhaskar, of Kashyap Gotra came there. He also wished to do Samaradhna and offer alms to Shri Guru; but due to poverty he was anxious as to how this could be achieved. He had gathered some flour and rice, which he kept in the math. Other Brahmins ridiculed him saying, `How can you do Samaradhna? Out of whatever rice you have, you cannot give even one particle to each Brahmin.
Seeing his devotion, Shri Guru asked Bhaskar one day to do samaradhna. He was glad and even encouraged by Shri Guru's words. He brought ghee and vegetables and prepared the food after bath. All Brahmins thought that they would have to dine at their homes and have ordinary meals that day.
Shri guru asked Bhaskar to invite all the Brahmins for Samaradhna. Bhaskar said that the Brahmins played joke with him. So it would be better if a disciple was sent. As instructed the disciple invited Brahmins to come to Math for Samaradhna.
Shri Guru asked Bhaskar to bring the food prepared by him and cover it with Shri Guru's cloth. When this was done, Shri Guru sprinkled holy water from his bowl on the food and said, `without removing the covering cloth, take out the articles in other pots and serve them o the Brahmins
The Brahmins sat for dinner. Food was served to thousands and yet much food was in balance. After the Brahmins, had taken food they were requested to send their wives and children for dinner. After them, all others in Ganagapur were invited for dinner with families. Then Shri Guru asked Bhaskar to dine. After his dinner, it was found that all the food originally prepared was still in balance. Shri Guru asked Bhaskar to throw the food in the river so that the creatures in the water would also be satisfied.
This was a great miracle. The food sufficient only for three persons was provided to over 4000 persons. Several such incidents have occurred in the life of Shri Guru."
60 Year Old Sterile Woman Begets Children
There lived one Shounak Gotri, Apastamb Brahmin named Somanath. His wife Ganga was a devoted wife, pious by nature. She was 60 years old, but she had no issue. She used to come to Shri Guru and bow to him devotedly every day.
Shri Guru being pleased, one day asked her, `Why are you worshipping me daily? What do you desire? God will fulfill your desire.
She said, `Gurudev, a woman's life is futile without an issue. Without a son the home is like a forest. Issueless persons go to hell. Please give me a boon so that I will have a son at least in next life.'
Shri Guru smiled and said, `Service to the Ashwattha will not be futile. There is an Ashwattha tree at the Bhima Amarja sangam. I am present there after the bath in the river. Therefore worship the Ashwattha devotedly. The greatness of Ashwattha is narrated in the Puranas. Brahmadev is at its root, Vishnu is in its middle portion and the Rudra is on its top and the Agni (fire god) lies in the interior of this tree.
In the months of Ashadha, Poush or Chaitra, when Guru and Shukra are not set, when the moon is favorable on an auspicious day, observe fast and start worshipping the Ashwattha. Do not touch the tree on Sunday, Sankranti and in the evening. The floor at the root should be smeared by cow dung and have Rangoli designs. Worship the Ashwattha thinking it as a Trimurti, with 16 upchars, then saying Purushsukta and observing `moun' take rounds of the tree. Two lakhs rounds destroy even the sin of Brahmahatya. The Ashwattha gives four purusharthas. He also fulfills the desire of a son.
Recitation of Mrityunjaya sitting at the Ashwattha on Saturday avoids accidental death and gives long life. One gets credit of feeding several Brahmins, if one Brahmin is fed under this tree. If one Ashwattha tree is grown, 42 generations are liberated; but if one Ashwattha is cut, it is a great sin performed. Home performed under the tree gives credit of a great sacrifice. Do Homa of one tenth of the number of rounds and feed Brahmins and give golden Ashwattha in charity.
She started worshipping Ashwattha as advised by Shri Guru. On the third day, she had a dream. A Brahmin told her to go to Shri Guru at Ganagapur, have seven rounds of Shri Guru and take the prasad that is given to her and that her desire will be fulfilled. She awoke. On the fourth day she went to Shri Guru and had 7 rounds. Shri Guru gave her 2 fruits and said, `Eat these fruits. Your desire will be fulfilled.'
She then completed her vrata of the worship of Ashwattha. During meals she ate the fruits given by Shri Guru. In the evening she started menses. On the fourth day after bath she went to Shri Guru and bowed to him. She had sex act on he fifth day. She became pregnant, In the seventh month she was given `Oti' and she gave `vayan' to married women. `Seemant' was performed in the 8th month. After 9 months she begot a daughter.
After 10 days she came to Shri Guru with the baby. Shri Guru smiled and blessed her baby and said, `You will have one more son, what do you prefer? A well-behaved son of 30 years of age or a fool having 100 years' life?'
The woman said, `I would like to have a well-behaved son, who should have 5 sons.' Shri Guru blessed her, as she desired. Later on she had a son who became learned and won fame. He had 5 sons in course of time. The daughter's husband performed sacrifices and was well-known as `Dixit.'
Leper Brahmin Cured
Once a Brahmin `Narahari' by name came to Shri Guru at Ganagapur and bowing to him said, `My life is futile. I studied Yajurveda, but as I am suffering from leprosy. All people despise me and do not invite for Karma. I have visited several holy places but the disease is there, kindly bless me.'
Shri Guru gave him a dry log of Audumbar and said, `Go to the Sangam and plant it on the bank of Bhima in the east. After bath, worship Ashwattha at the Sangam. Again bathe and give water to this log thrice a day. When it sprouts green foliage, your sins will be wiped off and you will be free from leprosy.
As instructed by Shri Guru, Narahari planted the log on the bank of Bhima and began to water it thrice. Some persons said to him, `Are you mad? How can a dry log bear green foliage? Still Narahari continued his watering of the log devotedly. He also observed fast for 7 days.
Shri Guru was informed by his disciples regarding the devoted service of Narahari to the log. Shri Guru said, "One gets the fruits as per one's devotion. There is a tale in the Skandha Purana in this connection.
Soot narrated to the Rishis, `In former days there lived a king Sinhaket in Panchal. His son Dhananjaya once went to a forest with a Shabardut, who picked up a Linga-like stone near a Shiva Temple. Rajkumar asked him `What will you do with this stone ? There are so many Lingas like this spread over here.'
Shabardut said, `I wish to worship this Linga daily. Please tell me how to worship it.'
Rajkumar said, `Take this Linga home, worship it with flowers and bel leaves along with your wife. Offer naiveidya of fresh chita (corpse) bhasma daily. Whatever food you have, should also be offered.' The Shabar took the Linga home and started the worship. One day, he could not get fresh Chita bhasma. He was much worried. His devoted wife said, `Burn my body and offer Chita bhasma to god Shiva, `the Shabar was very much pained to hear this. He said, `I shall be doing a great sin if I burn you.' The wife said, `Death will occur some day or the other. If I give my body for Shiva's worship, I shall have place in Kailas. So you need not be sorry.'
The Shabar burnt her and the Chita bhasma was offered to the Shiva Linga. As usual he called his wife to take prasad. She also came smiling and took the prasad. The home appeared to be normal, as if nothing had occurred. Seeing this, the Shabar was much astonished. His wife said, `I heard your voice and was as if aroused from sleep. `Gouri Raman Shiva appeared before them. Both bowed to him Shri Shiva was pleased and blessed the couple. Such is the greatness of the devotion of Guru. One who has implicit faith in the words of Guru's gets such fruit.'
Shri Guru went to the Sangam to see the leper Brahmin. He was pleased to see his devotion. The Brahmin was giving water to the log. Shri Guru sprinkled the holy water of his bowl on the log and instantly green foliage sprouted on the log. The leprosy of the Brahmin disappeared and his body became healthy and bright. Narahari bowed to Shri Guru and began to pray Him.
He composed 8 slokas, which are being chanted at Ganagapur in the night, after Aarti daily, till now.
Shri Guru placed his hand on the head of Narahari and blessed him. He returned to the Math with Narahari. All persons wondered to see this miracle. Many did Samaradhna. Shri Guru named Narahari as 'Yogeshwara' and asked him to come with his family and live with him. Shri Guru gave him "Vidya Saraswati" mantra also.
Sayamdev Serves Shri Guru: His Kashikhand Mahayatra
Namdharak. `How did my forefathers serve Shri Guru?'
Shri Siddha - Your grand father's father, Sayamdev, had worshipped Shri Guru at Osargram. Shri Guru had affection for him. Shri Guru later came and stayed at Ganagapur. His fame spread all over the country. Knowing this, Sayamdev also came to Ganagapur. He came to the Math, bowed to Shri Guru and prayed him. Shri Guru was pleased. He placed his palm on his head, blessed him, and said `You will be my devotee for generations.' Shri Guru asked him to bathe at the Sangam and return for the meals to the Math.
After returning from the Sangam, Sayamdev worshipped Shri Guru with 16 upchars and offered several delicious articles of food, as naiveidya. He dined with Shri Guru, who inquired about his family. Sayamdev said, `My relatives and sons are living at Uttar Kanchi (Gadganchi) hail and healthy. I wish to stay with you and serve your holy self now.
Shri Guru said My service is difficult. I live in a town for some time, while in the forest at other time. It is troublesome to live in a forest. If your mind is firm then only you should stay here.'
Sayamdev conceded and said, `A devotee of Shri Guru has no fear.'
Three months passed. One evening Shri Guru went to the Sangam along with Sayamdev alone and sat below the Ashwattha tree. There was a great storm, followed by heavy rain, Sayamdev stood stretching a cloth over Shri Guru to protect him from the rain. There was a shivering cold in the night. So Shri Guru asked Sayamdev to go to the Math in the town and bring fire. Thick darkness and spread all over and there was lighting now and then. Shri Guru warned Sayamdev not to look to his right or left side. Anyhow Sayamdev reached the Math, took fire and returned. Out of curiosity, he looked to his right side and saw a Cobra going with him. He was frightened. He then looked to the left side. Here too he saw another Cobra. He recited Shri Guru's name and walked straight. He came to Shri Guru and lit the fire. The two Cobras came before Shri Guru, bowed to him and went away.
Shri Guru said to Sayamdev, `Why are you so much afraid? I had sent these Cobras to protect you. I shall tell you a tale, about service to Shri Guru, to pass this night.
`When Shri Shiva was sitting on a peak of the Kailas mountain with Parvati, she asked him, `How can Shri Guru be served with devituib.'
Shri Shiva said, `One who serves Shri Guru with sincerity, can attain all that one desires. Brahma had an incarnation, which was called Tashthra Brahma. He had a handsome son. When his thread ceremony was performed his father sent the boy to a Guru for study of Vedas and Shastras. He served the Guru devotedly. Once there was rain and the water came in the ashram of the guru. The guru told the pupil to construct a lasting house with all conveniences, which should look always new. The wife of the Guru asked the boy to bring her a blouse, which should neither be sewn nor woven. The son of the Guru said, `Bring sandals for me, that would enable me to walk on waters and take me to any desired place. The daughter of the Guru asked the boy, `Bring earrings for me and a playhouse of an elephant tooth having one pillar and all the conveniences. Also bring pots in which food will be warm and which will not be black due to suit.
The pupil took leave of Guru and went to a forest. He was anxious how all these things could be obtained. On the way he met an ascetic, who inquired `child, why are you so worried?'
The Brahmachari boy bowed to him and said, `Kindly guide and protect me. It is my good fortune that I could see you in this forest. `He told him what his Guru, Guru's wife, son and daughter had asked him to do. He said, 'I am anxious as to how all these things can be achieved.
The ascetic assured him and said, `Don't worry. Kashi is a holy place of Vishweshwar. You go there and worship Him. All your desires will be fulfilled. Kashi is known as `Anand Kanan'. One attains all the four purusharthas after going there'.
The Brahmachari asked, `Where is Kashi? How can I go there?'
The ascetic - I shall take you there. Due to you, I shall also have the fortune to see the holy place again.'
Saying so both went to Kashi instantly by yogin power. The ascetic then told the Brahmachari to do Antar Grahayatra, Dakshin manasyatra and utta manasyatra. While visiting holy places bath should be taken there. Then do Oanchkroshi yatra; Shukla and dark fortnight yatras should also be performed. Worship nine Lingas and Kashi Vishweshwar. If your devotion to Guru is firm, Shri Shiva Shankar will be pleased and fulfill all your desires,' Saying this the ascetic went away.
The Brahmachari performed all the yatras as instructed by the ascetic. Shri Shankar was pleased. He appeared before the boy and asked him to have a boon. Twashthrakumar narrated his account and mentioned the articles required for Guru, Guru's wife, son and daughter. Shri Shankar blessed him saying, `You will be as efficient as Vishwakarma.'
The Brahmachari prepared all the articles skillfully returned to the Guru's place. The Guru was also pleased to see him back with success. He also blessed him saying, `You will be proficient in all Vidyas.'
Shri Guru explained the greatness of Guru to Sayamdev in this way. By this time the sun was rising on the eastern horizon. Sayamdev said, `You explained Kashi yatra in details. While hearing the same, I could see and also visit the respective holy shrines, tanks and places with your holy self and thought as if we were in Kashi. He then prayed Guru with 8 slokas, which are daily, chanted after Aarti at Ganagapur till now.
While praying, his throat choked and his hair stood erect on his body. Shri Guru was much pleased. He blessed him and said, `Bring your family and children here and stay with me. Do not bow to Muslims hereafter.'
Sayamdev went to his place and returned to Ganagapur with his family and children on bhadrapad Shuddha 14, the Anant Chaturdashi day. This time he prayed Shri Guru with eight Slokas in Kannad. Shri Guru seated him by his side and inquired about all. Sayamdev had two sons. Shri Guru loved the elder, Nagnath. Shri Guru placed his palm on the head of Sayamdev and said, `You do not serve the Muslims now. You all have bath at the Sangam.'
Sayamdev and his family bathed at the Sangam, worshipped the Ashwattha there and returned to the Math. Shri Guru said to Sayamdev, `Today is Anant Chaturdashi. All Brahmins worship Anant on this day. You too should do Anant Puja.' Sayamdev said, `You are my Anant.' Still Guru insisted on him to do the Anant Puja.
Significance of Anant Vrata
Shri Guru narrated the significance of Anant vrata to Sayamdev. He said, `Dharmaraj, the son of Pandu, did this vrata. He regained his kingdom, which was lost in a game of chess with the Kauravas. Thereafter the Pandavas were living in the forest with great sufferings. The Kauravas sent Durvas Rishi to the Pandavas for harassing them even in the forest. Shri Krishna, protector of his devotees, assisted Pandavas in difficulties. Once Droupadhi and the five Pandavas bowed to Shri Krishna and asked , `How shall we be relieved from this vanvas (living in forest)?'
Shri Krishna advised them to do the Anant vrata. Shri Krishna said, `Anant should be worshipped on bhadrapad Shuddha 14. I will tell you a tale regarding this Vrata. In the Krit-yug there lived a Brahmin named Sumantu of the Vasishta Gotra. Deeksha was his devoted wife. She begot a daughter named Sushila. Later Deeksha died and in order to continue the Grahastha rites he married with Karkasha, who used to quarrel with her husband and daughter every now and then. Due to this, Sumantu was always dejected.
As Sushila grew, she became fit for marriage. One day Koundinya came to Sumantu, who gave Sushila to him in marriage. In Ashadha and Shrawan months, Sushila and Koundinya lived with Sumantu, but Karkasha quarreled with Sushila daily. So Koundinya requested Sumantu to allow him to go home. Sumantu felt very sorry, as his only daughter would be going away. He said, `This is not my wife but she is my enemy. Now my daughter will go away. Where there is no peace, the home is like a forest.
Koundinya consoled him. Due to his persuasion, he agreed to stay for 12 days more. On the 13th day Sumantu asked his wife to prepare delicious food for his daughter and son-in-law, as they were departing. Karkasha entered the inner room, shut the door and placed stones against the door so that it should not be opened easily. At least Sumantu gave wheat konda to Sushila and bade them good-bye.
Next morning they reached a river. Koundinya got down from the chariot and went to the river for bath and rituals. Sushila saw that many females wearing red silk saris, had gathered in the sand and they were worshipping some god. Sushila went to them, and inquired what they were doing. The females replied, `We are worshipping Anant. By doing this vrata, all the desires are fulfilled.' Sushila took instructions from them. She gave 14 knots to a red string and prepared Anant and Shesha (cobra) of darbha and worshipped Anant with 16 upchars. She then tied the Anant on her wrist.
Once when they were sitting, Koundinya observed the red string on the wrist of Sushila. He asked angrily, 'Did you tie this red string to keep me under your thumb?' She said, `This is Anant, by whose favor we got this kingdom and prosperity.' Hearing this, Koundinya took the string by force and threw it into fire. He remarked, `It is due to my penance that this kingdom is obtained by us.'
Sushila was very dejected. She hastened to take out the Anant from fire and put it in milk. But due to this the Anant was enraged. The kingdom and all their glory was destroyed in no time and Koundinya became a pauper. Koundinya now repented and resolved that so long as he would not see Anant, he would neither drink nor eat.
Having resolved, he started with Sushila and went into a forest. He saw a tree laden with fruits but no bird touched its fruit. Koundinya asked the tree if it had seen Anant. The tree said, `I have not seen Anant, but if you see, please speak to him about me.' Further he saw a cow and a calf. They were trying to eat grass; but they could not do so. Then he saw a big bull. Further he saw two lakes. The goose and other birds did not drink the water. Later he came across an elephant and an ass who could not speak. Koundinya had asked all if they had seen Anant. They all denied, but said if he saw Anant, he should speak about him to each of them. At last Koundinya was tried of walking and he lay down on the ground.
In the meantime an old Brahmin came there and inquired about him. Knowing the cause of his worry he said, `I shall show you Anant. Come with me.' Koundinya followed him and saw a fine city. Brahmin seated Koundinya on the throne of precious stones and appeared before him in his real form. Seeing this, Koundinya was amazed and he bowed to Shri Anant and began to praise him. Shri Anant was pleased and gave him 3 boons. By the first he attained Dharma, by the second his poverty was destroyed and by the third he got abode in Vaikunda.
Koundinya referred to the tree, the cow with the calf, the bull, the two lakes, elephant, ass and the old Brahmin. Shri Anant said, `The tree, laden with fruits, was a Brahmin, who was proud of his learning and did not teach his students, hence he became a tree. The cow had given an infertile land to a Brahmin in charity. The bull was a rich Brahmin who did not give in charity to anyone. The two lakes were two sisters who exchanged charity among themselves. The elephant is your anger and the ass is your vanity. The old Brahmin you met was myself. Whomsoever you have seen, are all liberated?
After receiving the blessing of Shri Anant, Koundinya lived as a ruler for many years and in the end went to heaven.
Sri Krishna told this to Yudhistra, who then worshipped Anant with devotion. Shri Guru told this Sayamdev and asked him to let his eldest son Nagnath to do Anant Pooja. Sayamdev did as advised, arranged grand samardhana and dined with Shri Guru. Sayamdev then returned to his place, kept the family there and he alone returned to Shri Guru to serve him. In this way your forefathers attained the favor of Shri Guru.
Tantuk's Shri Shailya Yatra on Maha Shivaratri
Tantuk, a weaver, was one of Shri Guru's devotees. He served Shri Guru devotedly. He did his profession till afternoon, then bathed and swept the courtyard of Shri Guru's Math. Maha Shivaratri was approaching. His parents and other relations started for Shri Shailya, and asked Tantuk to come with them. Tantuk said, 'My Shri Shailya is here' and he lived alone at home.
Shri Guru asked him 'Why did you not go for yatra?'
He replied, 'My yatra is at your feet.'
On the Maha Shivaratri day Shri Guru went to Sangam for bath. Tantuk observed fast and he also went to the Sangam and bowed to Shri Guru.
Shri Guru said 'All your relatives went for yatra. You only remained behind. Do you want to see Shri Shailya? Follow me, I shall show you. Shut your eyes and hold my Sandals firmly.' `Saying so, he took him to Shri Shailya within a moment. Shri Guru asked him to open his eyes. Tantuk saw Shri Giri before him. Shri Guru told Tantuk to do Kshour, bathe and see the Malleshwar. He went to the river where he met his parents and relatives. They asked him `why did you not come with us but came stealthily,' He asked, `I came just now with Shri Guru.' Some people did not believe in his words.
Doing Kshour and taking `bel' and flowers he went to the temple. While worshipping, he saw Shri Guru sitting on the Linga. He offered Pooja with devotion and came back to Shri Guru who asked him, `Will you stay or come with me?'
Tantuk said, `I saw a wonder today. While worshipping Shri Shankar, I saw you in the place. When you are there why people come so far? Kindly explain this to me.'
Shri Guru said, `God is all over. But significance of the place is there. The greatness of this place is narrated in the Skandha Purana. Formerly Vimarshan was a king of the Kirat desh. He had won all the kings. He was adulterer, and ate was pious and devoted. She once asked the king, `You are adulterer and eat meat. Yet how are you devoted to God?'
The king said, `I shall tell you an account of my previous birth. I was a dog in Pampa city. On the Shivaratri day all were worshipping Shri Shiva in the temple. I went there hoping to get something to eat. The people began to drive me out of the temple and beat me with sticks and stones. I ran round the temple and entered into a drain. I saw the worship of Shiva that was being performed there but due to the thrashing given to me by the people; I died in front of the temple. Due to that meritorious deed, I became a king in this life, but the nature of dog of eating anything has not left me.'
The queen asked, `You narrated your previous life. Please tell me of my previous life.'
The king said, `You were a Kapoti (Bird). You were flying with a piece of flesh in your mouth. A kite saw this and it attacked you, You ran in the forest at Giri and began to take rounds at the Shiva temple. The kite followed you all along. Ultimately you got tired, you sat at the top of the temple and the kite attacked you and took away the flesh that you had. You too died instantly. Due to the merit of the rounds of the Shiva temple, you became my queen in this life.'
The queen further asks, 'What will be our future life? The king said, 'I shall be king of the Sindhu desh and you will be born in the Srinjaya desh and you shall again be my queen. Later I shall be the king of Sourashtra and you shall be born in Kdaling and shall be my queen. In the fourth birth I shall be the king of Gandhar and you will be born in Magadh and shall be my queen. In the fifth, I shall be the king of Awanti and you will be born in Dasharha and shall be my wife. Next I shall be the king of Anart and you being a daughter of Yayati, you will marry me. Seventh time I shall be the king of Pandya and 'Padvarma' will be my name. You being the Vidarbha princess 'Vasumati' shall marry me in a Swayamvara. After performing many sacrifices, I shall accept Sanyas and study Brahmavidya at Agasti Muni’s Ashram and in the end I shall go to the heaven with you.'
Such is the greatness of the worship of Shri Shailya. 'Shri Guru then said, 'There is Kalleshwar in Gangapur. Thinking him as Mallikarjuna worship Him. 'Tantuk said, 'When I saw thyself at the place of Mallikarjuna, why should I worship other shrines?'
Hearing this Shri Guru smiled and asked Tantuk to shut his eyes and hold his Padukas (sandals) firmly and instantly both returned to Ganagapur. Shri Guru sent Tantuk in the town to call his disciples.
Seeing Tantuk in clean shave, people wondered and asked him why he had shaved. Tantuk said, 'I had been to Shri Shailya. Here is the bukka and prasad.' All laughed and said, 'We saw you here in the morning. How can you go to and return from Shri Shailya so soon?' He said, ' I had been there with Shri Guru and have just returned. Shri Guru is at the Sangam and he has asked me to call you.'
Hearing this all were astonished. They went to the Sangam and praised Shri Guru. The persons, who had been to Shri Shailya, returned in a fortnight. They also wondered to know this episode.
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