Krishnam Bhat
In those days Sri Swami Samarth was in Mangalvedha village, Solapur District,
Maharashtra. In this village, there was a Brahmin named Krishnam Bhat Kapashikar, who was well-versed in Vedas and Shastras. He never accepted his daily food without taking the ‘Darshan’ of all the temples in Mangalvedha. When Sri Swamiji came to Mangalvedha for the first time, he sat in the temple-shrine of the Saint Shree Damaji Pant. When Krishnam Bhat went to this temple-shrine he was very surprised by the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swami Samarth. He prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and made kind enquiry “Maharaj, may I know about you and your origin?. It’s going to be night shortly. Kindly favour me and come to my house and purify it”. Noticing Krishnam Bhat’s true feelings of great devotion Sri Swamiji went to his house. Offering a seat for Sri Swamiji, Krishnam Bhat asked his wife to prepare sumptuous food. His wife Geetabai became very worried as to what to cook since there was no rice in the house. Sri Swamiji, intuitively, came to know about the shortage of rice in the house, and said, “I like dashami177. So, prepare the dish with whatever is available in the house”. Geetabai went out to bring milk but the situation was such that she could not even get milk. She came home and told her husband about the unavailability of milk. So both the husband and wife, fully ashamed of the situation, stood before Sri Swamiji. Then Sri Swamiji said “Having a cow in the house why are you going out in the search of milk? ”. Geetabai said “Maharaj, the cow does not give milk and she has been totally unproductive for the last four years. What to do? ”. Sri Swamiji said “Is that cow, not giving milk? Bring a vessel and start milking the cow. She will certainly give milk”. Therefore, Geetabai started milking the cow. To Geetabai’s pleasant surprise, the cow gave three seers162 of milk. The Brahmin couple became ecstatic. Geetabai immediately prepared ‘Dashami and offered it to Sri Swamiji. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji Krishnam Bhat’s poverty was completely wiped off from that day onwards.
Bavadekar Puranik
In Kokisare village, there was a Brahmin Puranik, well versed in Puranas57, named Bavadekar. He was stricken by extreme poverty. So he left the village along with his mother and wife and came to Akkalkot to render devotional service at the lotus feet of Sri Swami Samarth. He maintained his family by collecting alms. Now with the intention of rendering devotional service, he procured the mythological book, ‘Srimad Bhagwat’, to read in the presence of Sri Swamiji. One day, when Puranik read the first verse in that book by sitting in front of Sri Swamiji, Sri Swamiji shouted at him “Stop this non-sense. Who asked you to read this book? ”. Puranik became distressed and left the scene. Next day when he again tried to read the book, Sri Swamiji rebuked him “You rascal, go away from here”. However, Puranik stuck to his routine stubbornly and tried, on a daily basis, to read the book. However Sri Swamiji would drive him away by verbal abuses. Puranik became very disappointed. He knew that Sri Swamiji was always
merciful towards poor people. But possibly, his position might be insignificant and
worse, than that of the poor people and he did not deserve favour or mercy from Sri Swamiji. Thinking such he became dejected and silently left the village. Then he went to a nearby hill and sat in a cave. When Puranik did not return home his mother and wife became very anxious. They started searching for him. Two days went by. On the third day they came to Sri Swamiji with this tale and started crying. Sri Swamiji was smiling after hearing their woes. Puranik’s mother prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. At that time, a dog named Moti, was sitting near Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji asked Moti, “Go and bring that Puranik here”. That dog went to the hill, caught hold of Puranik from the cave and dragged him back. Puranik prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and washed them by his tears. After a few days, Bavadekar Puranik had a dream, which showed that in his previous birth, Puranik was a butcher. He had slaughtered a number of cows and animals. Nevertheless, he had carried out one virtuous act. A Brahmin was shivering with cold on the riverbank. At that time Puranik offered a dhotee148 and a blanket. As a result of this virtuous act, Puranik was born as a Brahmin in this life but because he had slaughtered animals, Puranik, his mother, and wife suffered from sickness and poverty. When Puranik woke up from the dream, he was very surprised and started thinking about his dream. Next day when Puranik went to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’, suddenly, Sri Swamiji spoke “Instead of realising the sins committed by oneself, you are blaming other people. You rascal, what should one say about your understanding? Do you remember as to how many animals you had slaughtered in your past birth? ”. Listening to this, Puranik prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and started praying “Maharaj, even if I make you wear the shoes prepared out of my own skin or I give away my life at your lotus feet, it shall not compensate for all the sins, which I had committed in my previous birth. Nevertheless, the very touch of your lotus feet has blessed me in this birth as well as in all my future births. Now I shall not give up the blessings of your lotus feet throughout my life”.
He became a unique devotee of Sri Swamiji. Within a few days, he got freed
from all his worries.
Narasappa
One day Sri Swami Samarth was sitting in a street side shop. Narasappa was going to his farm. He prayed to Sri Swamiji to come to his farm to eat hurda178. Sri Swamiji went to the field along with his attendants. Narasappa had even brought sugar canes to eat. Sri Swamiji tested the sugar cane juice and buried the shreds of the sugar cane in the field. Taking this as a clue, Narasappa grew sugar cane in his field. There was a good harvest of sugar cane this time. Narasappa earned twenty times more income from the sugar cane crop.
Bhau Rasool Sahukar
There was a businessman named Bhau Rasool Sahukar in Mumbai. Once he came to Akkalkot for Sri Swami Samarth’s ‘Darshan’. He worshipped Sri Swami Samarth in Shodshopchar way and prayed “If I get prosperity in my business I shall offer two hundred rupees in the devotional service”. He then returned home. By the grace of Sri Swamiji, his business prospered but he forgot his vow. One day Sri Swamiji appeared as a three-year-old child in his house. The Sahukar family was taking meals at that time. Seeing the strange child Sahukar asked, “Whose child is this? ”. Then Sri Swamiji gave up the form of the child, manifested himself as ascetic and spoke “Are you giving my two hundred rupees or not? ”. So saying Sri Swamiji disappeared. Sahukar started repenting for his offence. As repentance he went again to Akkalkot along with his family. He prayed to Sri Swamiji for forgiveness of his offence and offered two hundred rupees in the devotional service of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji asked him “That day in your house, did you not forget to offer any food to me? The guest devotees present here did not get even a morsel of food”. Sahukar repented for his serious offence and by making a solemn promise of offering sumptuous food to all the guest devotees, he returned home.
Maharudrarao Deshpande
Near Ambejogai in Beed District, Maharashtra, there is a village called Kaej. In this village there stayed a Rigvedi Brahmin179 named Maharudrarao Deshpande. He was very rich. The Nizam of Hyderbad had gifted him land. Unfortunately though, the Government seized his land. He tried his best to get his land released but he failed in his attempt. In the nearby Beed regime there was a saint. Deshpande took ‘Darshan’ of this saint and weeping before him, narrated his woes. The saint advised Deshpande to go to Akkalkot. Therefore, Deshpande came to Akkalkot and stood before Sri Swami Samarth with folded hands. Before Deshpande could narrate his woes Sri Swamiji said, “Go to Hyderbad where Char Minar is located. Your land will be released”. Deshpande was surprised to hear Sri Swamiji’s words. He took permission from Sri Swamiji and went to Hyderbad. Same day, The Government had given an order to release his land. Deshpande came back again to Akkalkot and prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Till the end of his life, he remained devoted to Sri Swamiji.
Govind Mohite
In Marathawada, near Dharashiva, there is a village called Kajale. In this village a gentleman named Govind Mohite stayed. He was a devotee of Sri Swamiji. Once he came to Sri Swamiji and started praying, “Maharaj, my house-hold expenditure has gone up. How to maintain my family with respect? What shall I do? ”. Sri Swamiji said, “Dig a well in your field and cultivate sugarcane crop as well as haldi180”. Mohite replied, “I have dug up a number of wells in the field, but there is no water”. To this, Sri Swamiji said, “Dig up the well between Audumbar Tree and Peepal Tree”. Mohite dug up the well between Audumbar and Peepal Trees But still he did not get water. So Mohite went running to Sri Swamiji, who said, “Break the head of that black elephant (Black Stone) and you will get water”. Therefore, Mohite went back to the field and broke the black stone and plenty of water started flowing. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji, he started reaping good harvest of sugarcane and haldi. Thus his worries disappeared. This way by his miraculous works Sri Swamiji removed the poverty and difficulties of innumerable people. Even today a number of devotees experience the kind grace of Sri Swamiji in their difficulties.
A Crippled Person Climbs the Hill
A Cripple From Hanumandhari
Before his manifestation in Mangalvedha in Solapur District, Maharashtra, Sri Swami Samarth, while roaming from place to place, passed through holy places like Dwaraka and Girnar in Gujarath and finally reached a place called Hanumandhari. There a crippled person got the Divine Darshan of Sri Swamiji. He started thinking of Sri Swamiji “He is certainly some incarnated person. I have never come across a great personage like him till now. Being crippled, I am unable to go near this great personage. Oh! Lord! You are always merciful to the poor and very kind to the devotees. I pray to you to kindly walk up to here and allow me to take ’Darshan’ of your lotus feet and get blessed”. The crippled person, out of distress, started rolling on the ground and blaming his fate for being unable to walk up to Sri Swamiji. Omniscient Sri Swamiji came to know from a distance and he spoke to the crippled person “You crippled person, close
your eyes. Do not look back and come walking here fearlessly”. On the orders of Sri Swamiji, the crippled person became spellbound; he stood up and started walking till he reached Sri Swamiji. Then he prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and washed Sri Swamiji’s feet with his tears of joy. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji he was able to walk. He took the ‘Divine Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji and became fully satisfied by accomplishing his object.
Jagannath rao
Jagannathrao from Mumbai had become crippled due to an injury he had suffered on his leg. In order to move around he had to sit on the shoulders of a servant and get going. He came to Akkalkot. As he took Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’ bandages on his legs dropped automatically. Then he started drinking the water, which was used to wash the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Within a few days his injury was completely healed. Then he collected the Padukas of Sri Swamiji and returned to Mumbai. Those doctors who had advised Jagannathrao to cut his legs off were highly amazed seeing this miracle.
Dumb Person Starts Speaking
Dumb Brahmin
A dumb Brahmin came to Akkalkot and rendered devotional service for nearly twelve years. Thus he completed his penance. Then one day he came under the kind grace of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji gave him the Tambul181 from his mouth and said, “Eat this Tambul. And carry on your works”. No sooner that Brahmin ate the ‘Tambul’, his speech was restored and started talking outright. Thus the dumb Brahmin was freed from his distressful condition.
Dumb Manyaba
There was a Brahmin in Maindargi village. He had five children who were all dull.
Unfortunately due to ill fate, the Brahmin, his wife, and four of his children died. Only one son named Manyaba survived. Manyaba was dumb and mentally dull. Being shelter less, for twenty-five years he was roaming about in the village. He would eat something and sleep anywhere. By sheer chance some people from Maindargi village came to Akkalkot to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. They brought Manyaba along with them. They made Manyaba prostrate on the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji for his kind mercy. Then Sri Swamiji spoke “Dumb man, what do you want? ”. Being dumb, what would he say? Those people accompanying him prayed to Sri Swamiji “Maharaj, have kind mercy and cure his dumbness and mental dullness”. Then they left Manyaba under the shelter of Sri Swamiji. Later on Manyaba remained at Akkalkot under the shelter of Sri Swamiji. Eventually after a while Manyaba came under the kind mercy of Sri Swamiji. He was dumb but now he learnt to talk in Marathi and Kannada languages. Later on he also gained some super human powers. He became a fully accomplished person.
Blind People Gets Eyesight
Chimatai
There was a rich lady in Pune, named Umabai Saheb. Her niece Chimatai Raste lost her eyesight after marriage. For nearly six years she underwent different types of treatments but all in vain. Ultimately they took Chimatai to Sri Swami Samarth at Akkalkot. Sri Swamiji asked Chimatai “What do you want? ”. She was very young and fearless. She said “What else? I want my eyesight”. Sri Swamiji said, “Why is it so difficult? Put the milk of a she-cat in your eyes for seven days and also drink that milk”. After returning to Pune, she was treated by she-cat milk and she regained her eyesight.
Nagoo Anna Lawyer
In Moregaon village of the then Hyderbad State there was a lawyer named Nagoo Anna Kulkarni. At the age of forty he lost his eyesight. He spent lots of money taking all types of treatments but in vain. Finally he came to a holy place Tulzapur in Osmanabad District, Maharashtra, to render service circumambulating182 the temple of Goddess Bhawani183. He rendered this service for nearly six months. One day a middleaged nlady wearing white saree came to him and said, “Don’t continue here. Go to Akkalkot”. Nagoo Anna was confused. However, the lady again appeared in his dream and ordered him to go. Ultimately, he completed all the formalities of worshipping Goddess Bhavani and
went to Akkalkot to render service to Sri Swamiji. When he reached Akkalkot Sri
Swamiji was resting on a cot. Sri Swamiji said, “Why is this calamity sent to me? If one keeps silent such calamities will continue to come here”. Then Sri Swamiji spoke to Nagoo Anna “Why have you come here? Go to Pandharpur184. Hearing this Nagoo Anna became angry and said “Six months I rendered service at Tulzapur. Goddess Bhavani directed me here for treatment. Now Sri Swamiji has directed me to go to Pandharpur. Saints and ascetics advise people in difficulties to approach Gods or Goddess for relief. So I went to Tulazapur and rendered my service to Goddess Bhavani. Had the Goddess told me that my eyesight would not be restored, then why should I undergo so much pain? ”. He would continue to say more things but Sri Swamiji rebuked him “Now go to Pandharpur You talk big things and act as though you have come here bringing an order with you. Now leave this place and go away”. Devotees present there convinced him to go to Pandharpur so that his desire would certainly be fulfilled. When he reached Pandharpur he learnt that a well-known eye-surgeon has come there. Then Nagoo Anna got his eye operation done through the surgeon. His eyesight was restored but some dimness in his sight still remained. There was some pain too in his eyes. So he again returned to Sri Swamiji and prayed “I am unable to bear this acute eye pain. Have kind mercy on me and give me relief. Then Sri Swamiji spoke “Treat your eyes with horse urine”. Nagoo Anna treated his eyes accordingly and within two days his eyesight was completely cured and the pain
disappeared. Nagoo Anna continued rendering devotional service to Sri Swamiji and happily returned home.
Buffalo Urine Put In The Eyes
A lady was suffering from severe eye-pain. One day she prayed and told Sri Swamiji about her eye ache. Swamiji said “Put the buffalo urine in your eyes and it will get cured”. She tried this remedy for three days, which cleaned all the dirt in her eyes and improved her eyesight and got rid of her eye ache.
Diwan Dinkarrao
In the then Akkalkot State Dinkarrao Anand was the Prime Minister. He started
suffering from a peculiar eye problem. He would get burning sensation in his eyes day and night. So he was very bothered due to this pain. He tried allopathic treatment and Ayurvedic as well, but there was no use. Finally he told Shripad Bhat “Pray to Sri Swamiji and ask for some remedial treatment”. Therefore, Sripad Bhat went and prayed to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji gave him the remedy “Put elephant urine for three days in the eyes and the eyes will get cured”. The Prime Minister tried this remedy and within three days his eyes got completely cured.
Blind Pandit
A Brahmin named Pandit was blind. He had been to Jagannath Puri. There, he came to know that Sri Swami Samarth had greatly favoured Alavani Buva and his
companions. Sri Swamiji had cured them from blindness. During his wanderings Pandit came to Akkalkot. At Akkalkot he prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and prayed “Maharaj, you are the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey. You have absolute power to destroy this universe and recreate it. I wish to take your ‘Darshan’ with my own eyes and get blessed. If you do not fulfil my wish and bless me, then I shall give up my life at your lotus feet”. Pandit started crying and tightly embraced the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Hearing his cry filled Sri Swamiji with compassion. He took out the garland of flowers from around his neck and threw it towards the blind Pandit. Pandit took the garland and with great devotion touched his eyes softly with it. The very touch of that garland restored his eyesight. With this miracle, Pandit got so much overcome by vehement emotion that he spoke “Maharaj I was blind by birth. By your kind grace I regained my eyesight. Kindly allow me to render devotional service at your lotus feet”. He returned home with great happiness and continued rendering devotional service to Sri Swamiji.
Janaki
There was a lady named Janaki from Pune. She suffered from some eye-illness and she lost her eyesight. She tried all types of treatment but there was no use. Then she came to Sri Swamiji at Akkalkot. While she was taking ‘Darshan’, Sri Swamiji spoke to her “Treat your eyes with elephant urine and you will regain your eyesight”. She did accordingly and her eyesight was restored. Then she worshipped Sri Swamiji and offered food as Naivedya. After this she returned home happily.
Soordas
Before his manifestation, while wandering, Sri Swami Samarth went to Dwaraka145 in Gujarath State. At Dwaraka, there was a blind saint who was known as Soordas. Sri Swamiji touched the eyes of Soordas with his hand. Soordas regained his eyesight and when he opened his eyes he was stunned to see Lord Krishna Himself, standing in front of him holding a conch, a chakra (A holy sharp circular weapon) and a mace. He became fully content by the ‘Darshan’ of his tutelary deity. Sri Swamiji, seeing his true devotion, blessed Soordas with a boon saying “You will get freed from threefold botheration and attain Divine Knowledge”.
Liberation From Calamities
Man faces a number of difficulties during his life either small or big, which makes him unhappy. During his incarnation Sri Swamiji has saved numerous people from their difficulties. He awakened full confidence in devotees and directed them on the path of devotion. Out of several such miraculous works of Sri Swamiji some known cases have been stated here.
Nathoba Treasurer
There was a gentleman in Akkalkot named Nathoba. He was a treasurer. He was
a great devotee of Sri Swami Samarth. He would remain absorbed in Naamsmaran,
‘Darshan’ and worship of Sri Swamiji. At the same time, he would honestly carry out his job as a treasurer. Once a wicked person stole two thousand rupees from the treasury and then complained to the King of Akkalkot that there is shortage of money in the treasury. The King and the Prime Minister, Dadoba Bhosle, investigated the case and confirmed the shortage in the treasury. Nathoba was arrested. He was crying continuously and trying to convince everybody saying “I have never taken even a single pie from the treasury, then how can there be a shortage of rupees two thousand? ”. In an afflicted tone Nathoba started calling upon Sri Swamiji for help. Sri Swamiji who is always kind to his devotees heard his distress call. Next morning when the King and the Prime Minister came to Sri Swamiji for ‘Darshan’, Sri Swamiji spoke very angrily to the King “What type of mean and dishonest person are you? Is this the way of counting money in the treasury? Are you not harassing some poor man? You will have to repay heavily for your wrong act”. Hearing these angry words of Sri Swamiji, the King and the
Prime Minister, became nervous and very worried and they prayed for forgiveness. After returning to the palace the King and the Prime Minister recounted the money in the treasury. There was absolutely no shortage. Both started repenting. Nathoba was immediately released from custody. The King and the Prime Minister requested Nathoba to forgive them for the wrong decision and requested him to attend his old duties in the treasury. Nathoba realised that this is the miraculous play of Sri Swamiji. He decided not to serve anybody in future, except Sri Swamiji. Therefore, he resigned from his job and continued rendering service to Sri Swamiji till the end of his life.
Scarcity of Water
During a particular year in the then State of Akkalkot, there was severe scarcity
of water. There was water shortage everywhere. People started performing religious ceremonials like Parjanyasookta185 and Shivabhishek186. Sri Swamiji, who was wandering at the time, reached village Jehur. There is a temple of a jagrut daivat187, Lord Kashi-Vishweshwar188. Sri Swamiji went and sat in the same temple. Ceremonial ablution of Lord Shiva was in progress. People who were present in the temple started asking, “Maharaj, when will it rain? ”. In this temple the idol of Shivalinga and Lord Ganesh were present. Swamiji asked these idols “Why does it not rain? Do you need grams? ”. Sri Swamiji had grams in his hand; he threw those at the idols and sat in the Dharmshala189. In about half an hour, the sky started getting filled with clouds, wind started blowing fast, and within no time, there was downpour of torrential rain. Within surroundings of sixty miles it was raining continuously for three days. This solved the problem of water and the difficulties faced by the people of the village. All the people of the village worshipped Sri Swamiji.
Missing buffaloes
Ganapatrao Hukir lived in a village called Borman, near Akkalkot. He possessed a number of cows and buffaloes. One day, three of his buffaloes were missing. He searched everywhere but in vain. He resolved mentally that if he gets back his missing buffaloes, he would offer one buffalo in the service of Sri Swamiji. The very next day a man came and told him that outside the village some buffaloes are crying loudly. Go there and check up. Ganapatrao went to the old building outside the village and found his missing buffaloes. He offered two lamp stands worth the price of one buffalo to Sri Swamiji.
Inscription
In South of India, there are two villages known as Shivakanchi and Vishnukanchi. The Vaishnavas190 had received these two villages as gift from the then government. Once the Government ordered the Vaishnavas to produce the necessary gift document, failing which, both the villages would be confiscated. Since there was no gift document with the Vaishnavs, the Government confiscated both the villages. Vaishnavas were seized by great anxiety. During those days Sri Swami Samarth who was wandering in south of India came to Shivakanchi village. All the Vaishnavas went and sought shelter under Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji was overcome by compassion. He asked them to call the concerned Government officers. When the officers came there, Sri Swamiji spoke “Do you want to kill us all, on empty stomach, by confiscating both the villages? ”. The officers said, “If we get any proof, the villages will be returned to them”. Then Sri Swamiji replied, “You will find a stone in that river flowing in front. Everything is written on that stone”. The Officers went there and removed the stone from the river. There was an inscription on the stone. All the details like the year, when the villages were gifted, the month, the day, the name of the person who had gifted, the reason for giving the gift etc. were inscribed on that stone. The officers released those villages. The Vaishnavas were so much pleased with this miracle that they all worshipped Sri Swamiji with full devotion and they offered
Naivaidya.
Pandu Goldsmith
In village Maindargi, there was a goldsmith named Pandu. He had lot of debts, so he was very worried. Once a rich man gave him gold prepare ornaments but he swallowed up that gold, and prepared ornaments using silver with a coating of gold and gave them to the rich man. Thus he saved himself from the heavy debt. However, within a few days his secret was divulged and he was exposed. The rich man filed a suit against him in the court. The court ordered caning his as punishment. Now Pandu became very nervous. Nevertheless, he was a devotee of Sri Swamiji. With full repentance, he started calling upon Sri Swamiji for help, promising not to make any such commitment in future. Considering pandu as a most faithful devotee, Sri Swamiji got filled with compassion and decided to lift him out of the adversity. Sri Swamiji took bath in the morning. Giving up his bath, he called for a dolly (Palanquin), sat in it, and started off. At about 3:00 pm. he reached Maindargi village and then went straight to the office of the Tahsildar191. The Tahsildar got up, welcomed Sri Swamiji, and then offered his own seat to Sri Swamiji. At that time Pandu was standing there. Sri Swamiji called Pandu with affection and made him sit nearby. The Tahsildar was rather surprised seeing the sympathetic feelings showered on Pandu by Sri Swamiji. He started preparing for the hospitality of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji asked Pandu to extend help to the Tahsildar in this preparation. Sri Swamiji kept Pandu busy in the service of self. Seeing the extent of compassion showered on Pandu by Sri Swamiji, the Tahsildar released him from custody and set him free.
It is always true, that the Lord, who is always kind to the devotees, comes running for help in times of their serious difficulties.
Stopped From going To the Royal Court
One day in Akkalkot the royal court was held to celebrate the festival of Rangapanchami192. At that time Chintopant Tol was the Prime Minister of the then State of Akkalkot. He wanted to go to the royal court but Sri Swamiji was personally present in his house at that time. Then how would he go to the royal court? A messenger came to summon him but Sri Swamiji stopped him from going to the royal court. The messenger came for the second time and even for the third time, but Sri Swamiji did not allow him to go to the royal court. Chintopant Tol was rather confused and totally worried. Then Sri Swamiji angrily spoke “What would you do, if your throat is cut? ”. Chintopant realised that something serious would take place in the royal court that day. He quietly remained at home without going to the court and did not worry even though he knew that the king would get very upset by his absence. Later on it was learnt that there was a quarrel between the Chieftains. In that quarrel, Chieftain Baste went running to kill Chieftain Ganapatrao Khandagale. People mediated between them and stopped them. The King deported Chieftain Baste from the State. If Chintopant were to be present in the royal court at that time, he would have got involved in this serious complication. Hence Sri Swamiji who is always kind to the
devotees had stopped him from going to the royal court.
Vitthalrao
In the then Hyderabad State, there was a tahsildar by name Vitthalrao. Because of some bad deeds his service was terminated. He was worried that he would be imprisoned. So he hurriedly went to Akkalkot to take ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swami Samarth. No sooner he stood there with folded hands Sri Swamiji angrily spoke to him “Smilingly you work, but afterwards run away in a crying mood. Were you so much intoxicated with the power of your job? You wanted to enjoy with the ladies and the money of other people. Do you consider me your father’s servant? ”. Vitthalrao prostrated with repentance at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji, started rolling, and prayed earnestly “Maharaj, kindly forgive me. From today onwards, I will not commit such sins. Kindly save me. There is nobody else than you, in this world who can save me”. Seeing the genuine repentance of Vitthalrao Sri Swamiji said, “Go away now, I have forgiven you for your sins, Henceforth act and behave properly and carefully”. The Govt then declared him as ‘not guilty’ and he was made permanent in the post of Tahsildar.
Worm-eaten Grams
The well-known Bhausaheb of Baroda in Gujarath State, came to Akkalkot to take Sri Swami Samarth’s ‘Darshan’ . With great devotion he offered his humble salutation to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji gave him seven worm-eaten grams and said, “Go to your village and execute big work”. Bhausaheb was very pleased by this blessing. After coming back to Baroda he got a big contract for execution. The seven people, who maintained hatred towards him, died of cholera. Then Bhausaheb remembered about the seven worm-eaten grams given by Sri Swamiji and thus started experiencing the kind grace of Sri Swamiji.
Earnest Desire for Offspring’s
It is a fundamental right and an earnest desire of every man to bring up a child. Because of offspring’s, there is a perpetuation of family tree and parents get exceptional pleasure as they bring up their children. Hence a man gets an earnest
desire to bring forth his offspring’s. Without children, man feels a great drawback in his life and becomes unhappy. Hence a person born as an incarnation blesses his devotees with offspring’s and thereby awakens zeal towards God in that devotee. Sri Swami Samarth was very compassionate during his incarnation and had blessed numerous devotees with children by miraculous works.
Bhausaheb Jahagirdar
Sri Swamiji once had been to the Naladurg village in Osmanabad District, Maharashtra. There he got a prayer of invitation from the Jahagirdar193 of Neelgaon
village, Shreeman Bhausaheb Jahagirdar, to pay a visit to Neelgaon. Sri Swamiji
accepted this invitation and went to Neelgaon along with his attendants and devotees. Then the Jahagirdar applied Akshata194 on Sri Swamiji’s forehead. Out of that, three grains of rice fell down. Sri Swamiji picked up those three grains and gave them to Jahagirdar as Prasad . Then out of these three grains of rice Jahagirdar ate one grain and gave two grains to his wife. Jahagirdar had no offspring’s. Sri Swamiji blessed Jahagirdar “A good son will be born to you”. Bhausaheb Jahagidar, in the great honour of Sri Swamiji, arranged for Mahapooja195, Bhajan196, Kirtan82 and Brahmin - Bhojan197. Sri Swamiji accepted the hospitality extended in his favour by Jahagirdar and then returned. In due time, wife of Jahagirdar gave birth to a son and then two daughters. Jahagirdar remembered this kind favour blessed on him by Sri Swamiji, till the end of his life. He always made it as a practice of visiting Akkalkot to render devotional service to Sri Swamiji for four days and then return home.
Harivansh Puran
Bhausaheb of Baroda was a wealthy landlord. He had a daughter but no son. He
prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and offered his prayers unto him for a son. Sri Swamiji blessed him “Listen to Harivansh Puran57, then you will get a son”. Bhausaheb listened to the Harivansh Puran according to the rites and he was blessed with a son by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji.
Milk from Tree
This incident took place when Sri Swamiji was in the village Mangalvedha in Solapur district, Maharashtra. In this village, a sixty-year-old man with his wife who was fifty-two years old stayed. Being childless they were very unhappy. Basappa Teli a great devotee advised them “You render devotional service to Sri Swamiji. Without ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji never accept any food. Then your wish will be fulfilled”. The woman started to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’ regularly with great devotion. Sri Swamiji was pleased seeing her devotion,. He told her “There is a tree on the other side. Take the milk of that tree mixed with sugar, then your wish will be fulfilled”. The oman went near the tree, which was giving milk-Sap, collected that, added sugar and ccepted the same. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji she was blessed with a son.
Do You Want A Son?
A European gentleman was served in Railway Department at Solapur, aharashtra, as an officer. He didn’t have any children. Hearing about Sri wamiji, he came to Akkalkot. He stood before Sri Swamiji with a feeling full of devotion. Sri Swamiji looked at him and said, “Do you wish to have a son? Certainly your wish will be fulfilled and you will get a son within a year”. Recognising his strong mental wish Sri Swamiji blessed him. The European gentleman was highly astonished with this kind of direct blessing coming from Sri Swamiji. Later, he returned home. By the blessings of Sri Swamiji he got a son within a year. He came again along with his wife and the child to Akkalkot for Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. After this miraculous incident, a number of Europeans started visiting Akkalkot.
Mate Blessed With a Son
An old man named Mate belonging to Maratha community came to Akkalkot with
his wife to take Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. His wife was sixty year old. They didn’t have any children so both were very unhappy. Seeing their unhappiness Sri Swamiji blessed the old woman placing a cocoanut in the lap of her saree and said, “Take this son”. And by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji she gave birth to a son within a year.
Foolishness of Untouchability
A Brahmin along with his wife rendered devotional service to Sri Swamiji. They
didn’t have any children. They earnestly yearned to have children. With this intention, they offered daily prayers to Sri Swamiji for his blessings and kind favour. Sri Swamiji told the lady, “Your destiny does not allow you to rear a child”. The lady replied, “If it is not in my destiny then why should I go in search of God? ”. With great stubbornness she continued her devotional service towards Sri Swamiji. One day Sri Swamiji gave her two dried date fruits and said “These are your sons, take them”. The lady was very aware and sensitive about untouchability. She thought that people of different castes visit Sri Swamiji for his ‘Darshan’ and as such, there is a possibility of lower caste of people polluting it with their touch. She decided to take the ‘Prasad’ given by Sri Swamiji only after taking a bath. Hence she went to the lake to purify herself for her bath. To avoid this ‘Prasad’ getting lost in the water just by chance she buried the two dried date fruits in the sand. After taking bath she came home and forgot to bring the ‘Prasad’ along with her. At night she remembered about the ‘Prasad’. However, she could not go to the lake since it was dark. Therefore, she went in the morning to the lake. She dug up the place where she had buried ‘Prasad’ but instead she found two eggs in place of the two dried date fruits. She picked up those two eggs. By that time both the eggs cracked, two birds came out of them and flew away. When the people came to know of this, they criticised her for her foolishness in neglecting the ‘Prasad’ given by Sri Swamiji. She went crying to Sri Swamiji and narrated the incident. Sri Swamiji became very angry and said “You foolish lady what do you expect from me? Get lost from here”. Sri Swamiji, out of anger gave her abuses. Nevertheless, she continued her devotional service with great determination. Pleased by her devotional service Sri Swamiji blessed her and gave her a cocoanut. Within a few days her strong desire of motherhood was fulfilled by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji.
Jujube Tree
Ramkrishnarao Sirdesai from Mumbai served in Department of Railway. He had
no children. So he came to Akkalkot along with his wife Annapoornabai. Sri Swamiji said “Render your service to Jujube tree, then you will get a son with the radiance of fire”. However, Ramkrishnarao came to know that nobody goes round a Jujube Tree. Therefore, his wife Annapoornabai started going around the Peepal Tree instead. This did not serve any purpose. He asked saints and ascetics about this Jujube Tree. An ascetic named Brahmanand told him “You have not understood fully the true meaning of Sri Swamiji’s words. Sri Swamiji calls Saint Sri Swamisut as ‘Jujube Tree’.” Ramkrishnarao along with his wife went to Sri Swamisut’s Muth and started rendering devotional service. In due course Annapoornabai gave birth to a son, by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji.
Prasad of Bones
A lady of Lingayat merchant community was childless. She came to Akkalkot to offer her prayers to Sri Swamiji. At the time, Sri Swamiji was sitting in the locality of Mahar community. A large bone piece lay nearby Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji picked up this bone and gave it to the lady with blessings and said, “Take this boy”. However, the lady thought that touching the piece of bone, which had contact with untouchables, would pollute her. She did not go forward to accept the bone piece offered by Sri Swamiji. At the time a lady belonging to the Mahar community, was sitting nearby and she had no children as well. She prayed to Sri Swamiji “Maharaj kindly bless me with a son”. So she extended her Anchal198 with an earnest prayer. Sri Swamiji was pleased with her prayer and put the bone piece in her Anchal instead. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji, good fortune dawned on the lady from the Mahar Community and she gave birth to a son.
Jahagirdar of Abdulpur
In Abdulpur of Hyderbad State, under the then Government of Nizam, there was a Jahagirdar by name Deshpande who had two wives but no children. Deshpande was sixty year old. To earn God’s favour he went to the holy place Ganagapur in Karnataka State. There he got a vision in his dream directing him to go to Akkalkot. So he went to Akkalkot with his wives. After taking ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji they stood in front of him. Sri Swamiji said, “If a hundred gold coins donated, you will get a brinjal (daughter) and if a thousand gold coins donated, you will get an elephant (son)”. And Sri Swamiji put a cocoanut in the Anchal of the first wife and then asked them to put the same cocoanut in the ‘Anchal’ of the second wife. Jahagirdar Deshpande worshipped Sri Swamiji in Shodshopchar way and arranged sumptuous meals to thousand Brahmins. Then Deshpande returned home by mentally offering continuous prayers to Sri Swamiji. Then in time, Deshpande got one son and one daughter by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji.
Nagar Brahmin
Moreshwar Hari was a Nagar Brahmin staying at Burhanpur. He had no children.He came to Sri Swamiji and prayed “Maharaj, without a son, life becomes a total failure. Hence, kindly shower your grace and bless me a son”. Sri Swamiji became compassionate towards him and gave him a cocoanut as a blessing and Moreshwar got a son. He named his son ‘Datta’. Moreshwar carried out the first hair cutting ceremony of his son at Akkalkot itself. Then he arranged for sumptuous meals to the Brahmins and returned home by singing merits in praise of Sri Swamiji.
Pandurang Jadhav
In Pune, there was a gentleman named Pandurang Bapuji Jadhav. He had four sons but unfortunately all the four sons died within a period of two months. Jadhav couple became very unhappy. Jadhav’s wife Bhagubai was very pious. One day she listened to the biography of Sri Swamiji and she became his devotee. She started mentally repeating the name of Sri Swami Samarth regularly. One day she got a vision in her dream and Sri Swamiji spoke “If I give you a son, what would you give me in return? ”. Bhagubai said, “I shall offer my son at your lotus feet and make him Brahmachari199”. After few days she became pregnant and then she gave birth to a son. Then as per her promise she offered her son at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji.
Heir To The State
The King of the then Akkalkot State, Shriman Maloji Raje was a great and loyal
devotee of Sri Swami Samarth. He desired for a son. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji Queen Rani Sahiba became pregnant. People asked Sri Swamiji “Maharaj, Our Rajesaheb will get a son or a daughter? ”. Sri Swamiji did not reply straightway but said, “Bring a bangle”. So as per Sri Swamiji’s hint Rajesaheb got a daughter. The second time too, Rajesaheb got a daughter. Now for the third time Ranisahiba became pregnant. When people asked, Sri Swamiji made a dramatic gesture of handling a military handgun and said, “start simultaneous discharges of many fire arms” (i.e. he meant – start celebrating) and Rajesaheb got a son. He got his heir to the then, State of Akkalkot.
Naivedya from Brahmin Lady
A poor Brahmin lady had brought Naivedya for Sri Swamiji with great devotion but the attendants were not paying any attention to her. She mentally started praying unto Sri Swamiji and took a seat away from the prime area. In the meantime Sri Swamiji spoke “Who has stopped Naivedya of that Brahmin lady? Bring your Navaidya here”. The Brahmin lady came forward and placed the Naivedya in front of Sri Swamiji. He accepted the food with great love. He was pleased and blessed her “You will give birth to a mischievous boy”. Hearing this the Brahmin lady became ecstatic. In fact she had no offspring till the age of forty-five. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji she became a mother of a son.
Lord Hanuman In Darkness
A lawyer from Mumbai named Dwarakadas came to Akkalkot for the ‘Darshan’ of
Sri Swamiji. It was 7:00 PM and Sri Swamiji was taking nap on a cot. The lawyer burnt camphor in front of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji got up and spoke angrily “You have come to pray for a son and our Hanuman200 is sitting in darkness. If you observe, Swamisut Maharaj is sitting in darkness in the temple of Lord Krishna”. Dwarakadas went to the temple of Lord Krishna and lighted all lamps. Then Sri Swamiji asked the lawyer to bring grams. Sri Swamiji took the grams in his hand and started playing for nearly an hour. Later he gave those grams to the lawyer as Prasad . After a few days the lawyer became the father of a son. In this world, a household person becomes very happy by begetting a son. This does not mean that without a son, parents will not get liberation from bondages of this world. Sri Swamiji did not agree with the understanding that parents having no male offspring will not get liberation from the bondages of this world.
No Liberation For Parents Having No Male Child
Once a Puranik166 from South India had come to Akkalkot. He started displaying his knowledge in the presence of Sri Swamiji. He started saying “Person without a son will not get liberation from worldly bondage”. Listening to these words uttered by Puranik, Sri Swamiji said “Why do you cross the decorum of good manners and mode of Puranas and exhibit your meaningless learning here? How do you make a definite conclusion that without a son one will not get liberation from this worldly bondage? Did the parrot (Shukmuni, son of Vyas) had a son? Did the lutanist (means: Naradmuni25) had a son? Did Vamdeo had a son? You are also without a son, would you go to hell? Instead of singing the merits in the praise of God, what type of useless talk have you started? Why do you state your definite conclusions that a person without a son will not reach heaven? The deliverance from the bondages of life and death does not depend upon the son. If did depend upon the son, then dogs and pigs certainly would have attained this deliverance. Hence it is a fact that the deliverance and death or the attainment of heaven never depends upon the son. On the contrary, whatever sins a father commits for bringing up a son takes him to hell”.
Sri Swamiji never agreed with the established truths. He always blessed a childless person with a child with the sole purpose that a household person should experience happiness, which would eventually invoke sincere love towards God and start singing hymns in the praise of God.
One Who Is Protected By God
Sri Swami Samarth during his incarnation period has saved a number of devotees from death and granted them new life.
Brahmin’s Son
Sri Swami Samarth Maharaj went to Pandharpur and then came to Mohol, both in Solapur District, Maharashtra State, during Hindu year Shake 1775 (1853 A. D.). He
stayed in a cave of a hill. The son of an honest Brahmin of Mohol died unexpectedly. His mother started wailing loudly. The Brahmin and his wife cried and cried till they fell unconscious. Seeing their extreme sufferings people took pity on them. They all convinced the Brahmin saying, “A virtuous and lustrous ascetic has come to our village; offer your prayers to him for a remedy”. Therefore, the Brahmin went in search of Sri Swamiji and reached the cave. In an afflicted tone the Brahmin started earnestly calling upon Sri Swamiji for his kind help. Compassionate Sri Swamiji woke up from his deep meditation. He came out from the cave and spoke to the Brahmin “Revered Brahmin, get your son seated properly on a horse and send him across the sea”. The Brahmin did not understand the true meaning of the words of Sri Swamiji. However, a lady devotee explained him the true meaning “Your work is done. Go home”. The Brahmin returned home and found his son woken up and was sitting. Then the Brahmin got dressed his son and adorned him with ornaments. He then seated him on a horse and took him for Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. Then the Brahmin worshipped Sri Swamiji in a Shodshopchar way and then offered food as Naivedya unto him. The Brahmin and his family remained fully devoted to Sri Swamiji till the end.
Babasaheb Escaped From Death
In the then State of Akkalkot, there was a Chieftain named Babasaheb Jadhav. He was a great devotee of Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji always called him ‘potter’.
Omniscient Sri Swamiji knew that Babasaheb’s death is very close by. Sri Swamiji said, “Potter, a letter has come in your name (i.e. Your death is nearby)”. Babasaheb became very nervous hearing this. He prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and entreated him earnestly “Maharaj, I still desire to render some more devotional service at your lotus feet”. The kind-hearted Sri Swamiji looked and perceived the imperceptible and told Babasaheb “Go near that bullock”. A miracle took place. The bullock standing in front, suddenly fell down dead and the death of Babasaheb was averted. Thus, by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji, Babasaheb got a new life.
Snake Bite to Ravanna Vani
Sri Swamiji along with his disciples and devotees went to village Idagi and took
a halt in the temple of Maruti156. At that time a villager named Ravanna Vani was ploughing his field. Around afternoon at about 4 0’clock a poisonous serpent bit him. He started getting pain cramps, the snake poison started to spread throughout the body and eventually he died. People brought him to the Maruti Temple where Sri Swamiji was sitting. To give some relief to the dead man Babasaheb Jadhav placed Sri Swamiji’s shoes on dead Ravanna Vani’s head. Sri Swamiji woke up from deep sleep and started showering volleys of abuses on Babasaheb. People present there got scared and they ran away. Sri Swamiji took off his clothes and became stark naked. Babasaheb started trembling with fear.
Rebuking Babasaheb, Sri Swamiji spoke “You foolish fellow, who had asked you to keep these shoes on the head of a dead man? ”. He asked Babasaheb to shake off his (Sri Swamiji’s) clothes on the ground and call on Ravanna loudly. There were no signs of movement when Babasaheb called on loudly in one of Ravanna’s ears. Then Sri Swamiji ordered him to call in both the ears. When Babasaheb started calling in both the ears, Ravanna woke up from his death-sleep. He was very hungry. Sri Swamiji asked Babasaheb to feed Kheer to Ravanna. After taking Kheer he became fully conscious. In fact Ravanna had already died before they had got him to the temple. But Babasheb took Ravanna as being unconscious and placed the shoes of Sri Swamiji on his head. To keep up the honour of his shoes, Sri Swamiji himself endured the snake-poison, shook off his clothes, and restored the life of Ravanna. In fact, a person bitten by snake is never given anything prepared out of milk. Can there be anything else to match this incomprehensible
miraculous work of Sri Swamiji.
You Horse! Swallow This Child
The health of a male child of a village lady started deteriorating. She tried all types of remedies but there was no use. So finally she came to Akkalkot along with her child to get the kind favour of Sri Swamiji. When she came to Akkalkot she found her child dead. She started weeping very loudly and openly for her dead child. Sri Swamiji softened with compassion. He got up from his seat and came near the child. He lifted the child upside down and started whirling him. A horse was standing nearby. He brought the child near the mouth of the horse and said “Horse, swallow this child”. Then Sri Swamiji threw the body of the dead child in a nearby pit. No sooner the child fell into that pit, it became alive and started crying. The village lady went running to the child, embraced him with great affection, and then started feeding him with her breast milk. Tears of joy started flowing from her eyes. She repeatedly started singing in praise of Sri Swamiji and returned with the child.
Feed Sesamum and Sugar
In Kashi201 there was a famous scholar and astrologer named Bahireshastri. After worshipping Lord Dattatrey, he got a son. He named him ‘Datta’. When they prepared his horoscope it showed his life span as only fourteen years. Both, husband and wife became very anxious. They apprised a saint about this matter in Benaras (Varanasi). He advised Bahireshastri to approach Sri Swami Samarth, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey in Akkalkot. Bahireshastri along with his wife and son came to Akkalkot and started rendering service to Sri Swamiji. At that time, Sri Swamiji was sitting in Khasbaug. One day, Bahireshastri’s son suddenly started shivering and fell down unconscious. Sri Swamiji asked Bahireshastri to bring Sesamum (an oilseed). Hearing the word ‘sesamum’, Shastriji became nervous and prostrated at the feet of Sri Swamiji and started crying. Sri Swamiji spoke “Oh! Why do you become nervous? Feed your son with sesamum and sugar”. Bahireshastri put sesamum and sugar in his son’s mouth and his son got up. Sri Swamiji snatched Bahireshastri’s son from the jaws of death and returned him to his parents. After rendering service for few days, Shastri and his wife returned to Banaras with great joy.
His Marriage Still To Be Carried Out
Cholappa, the devotee and attendant of Sri Swamiji, had two sons and one daughter. His daughter was named Rajoobai and the two sons as Krishnappa and Appa. When Rajoobai grew up she got married but within just a few days she died due to Tuberculosis. The sacred –thread ceremony of Krishnappa was performed but within fifteen days he died due Cholera. The family started mourning. By that time, Sri Swamiji arrived at the scene. He spoke “You fools, why do you cry? The marriage of Krishnappa is yet to be performed”. Then Sri Swamiji went near Krishnappa and started saying “Oh! Neelkanth (Krishnappa) wake up. At least you speak two words with me”. Hearing the words of Sri Swamiji there was some movement in the dead body and he woke up and sat. All the people present there were stunned and they started continuous shouts of victory in the praise of Sri Swami Samarth. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji, Krishnappa grew up and eventually got married.
Who Is Giving Farewell To Him
Sri Swami Samarth had been to Manoor Village and then took a halt in the temple of Goddess Renuka. Severe disease cholera seriously affected this village. Everyday around 10 to 15 people were dying. At that time the kind-hearted Sri Swamiji was sitting in the Renuka-Temple. In the meantime, the Patil 202of that village came there crying loudly and started praying unto Sri Swamiji “Maharaj, my son Hanumant is dying due to cholera disease. There is no surety about his survival. I pray you to kindly come and see my son”. Sri Swamiji’s heart softened with pity seeing the severe suffering of Patil. Therefore, Sri Swamiji went to his house and sat in the veranda of the house. Patil’s son Hanumant was writhing in acute pain like a fish out of water. He was slowly and steadily getting suffocated.
There was loud lamentation going on in the house. Patil prostrated and tightly embraced the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and started crying loudly. At that time Cholappa too was standing nearby. He told Sri Swamiji “Maharaj, let us go to the temple. I am not able to bear this situation. It is not good to sit here”. Sri Swamiji said “Oh! Who is bidding farewell to that boy Hanumant? You get Hanumant covered by the leaves of Neem tree and feed him juice from Neem leaves”. No sooner this treatment was over, the boy started making body movements. He opened his eyes and started looking outside. He got up by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji. Next day Patil worshipped Sri Swamiji and offered Naivedya to him. From that day itself that village was totally rid of cholera disease.
Laxman Koli - Anand Bharati
In Thane, Maharashtra, there was a boatman named Laxman Koli. There was a big storm and his ship started sinking in the sea. Laxman Koli was a great devotee of Sri Swamiji and he had come to Akkalkot 3 to 4 times. When the ship started tossing about, all the sailors became very nervous. Laxman Koli started calling upon Sri Swamiji for help “Akkalkot Nivasini Sri Swami Mai (Oh! My mother Sri Swamiji who is dwelling at Akkalkot), now please come here running. We are helpless. Our ship has started sinking”. When Laxman Koli was calling upon for help, here at Akkalkot Sri Swamiji suddenly stood up and lowered his right hand and then raised it. It appeared as though he had lifted a big load. Then he sat on his cot. At that time water started dripping down from his right hand. His disciples who were present there at the time tasted the dripping water and found it salty. They asked Sri Swamiji “Maharaj, your right hand was dripping salty water. Where did it come from? ”. Sri Swamiji answered “Have I not lifted a drowning ship from the sea? ”. None of the disciples could understand what is really meant. Here in the sea, the ship of Laxman Koli came up from the water as though somebody lifted it up using heavy force. The sailors brought the ship to seashore. Laxman Koli realised that this miracle has taken place only due to the kind mercy of Sri Swamiji. Then he came with his family to Akkalkot. There he told the disciples and devotees as to how the serious calamity was averted in the sea. The disciples realised that Sri Swamiji’s lifting action before and the time of the sinking ship occurred simultaneously. They started continuous shouts of victory in the praise of Sri Swamiji for this miraculous play.
Laxman Koli was so much influenced by this miraculous incident that he abandoned everything in his life and devoted himself in the service of Sri Swamiji. Later on he became a fully accomplished person and came to be known as Anand-Bharati. His Samadhi46 is located near the temple of Lord Dattatrey in Thane, Maharashtra.
The Mouse Became Alive
Sri Swamiji was kind hearted not only towards human beings but also animals. One day Sri Swamiji had been to the palace and was sitting on a swing. He was talking to the King. The temple priest was sitting in the Devghar203 and rubbing sandalwood to prepare sandal-paste. Around this time he saw a mouse in the Devghar. In fact, mice had been a perpetual nuisance in the devghar. Seeing the mouse angered the priest and he threw the sandalwood towards the mouse. He hit the target and the mouse died. The priest went out to throw away the dead mouse. When Sri Swamiji saw this, he said, “Bring that dead mouse here”. Sri Swamiji caught the dead mouse by its tail, shook and moved it to and fro and spoke to the mouse “Now go away”. The dead mouse became alive, started running and reached its burrow. People were amazed to witness this miracle of Sri Swamiji.
Saved the Life of a Male Calf
In Akkalkot there was a great devotee of Sri Swamiji named Narasappa Sutar. He had a she-buffalo in his house. Every time when the she-buffalo gave birth to a calf, the newborn would not survive and the buffalo also would not give any milk. So having a she-buffalo in the house, did not serve any purpose at all. Once due to coincidence when the she-buffalo gave birth to a calf, Sri Swamiji too was present in the house. Sutar prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and prayed “Maharaj, the she-buffalo would start giving milk only if you kindly save the new-born calf”. Compassionate Sri Swamiji went near the she-buffalo. The newborn calf was writhing in pain and gasping for breath. Sri Swamiji moved his foot on the calf’s body and immediately the calf became calm and normal. The calf’s life was saved by the kind grace of Sri Swamiji and Sutar started getting milk from the she buffalo from then onwards. This way, Sri Swami Samarth, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey, saved a number of lives by his miraculous powers. Saints have truly said that nobody can destroy the one who is saved by God.
Take Off the Veil of Illusion
Man possesses limited life and power. Nevertheless, he gets infatuated with wealth and youth and ultimately he becomes arrogant. Then he behaves with misconduct. He also commits injustice, adultery, and outrage. These are but the various forms of illusion. Since eyes are covered by illusion, man cannot see God. He does not recognize his Guru and gets involved in misdeeds. The Sadguru is fully capable to lift the veil of illusion from the eyes of his devotees and acquaint them with absolute truth. For the devotees possessed by illusion, Sadguru tries to put them on the right path, sometimes by lifting them from difficulties, sometimes by granting them boons and sometimes by surprising them by his miraculous works. Sri Swami Samarth, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey, during his incarnation period has uplifted numerous lives that had gone astray, by his miraculous works. One can dispel illusion by surrendering oneself on to the Sadguru.
Kirtankar Ramkrishna Buwa
There was a Kirtankar204, named Ramkrishna Bua Mate. He had thoroughly studied Vedanta. On the basis of his study he had developed an inordinate sense of self-importance and he was always trying to humiliate other learned people. On the pretext of the narrating the Vedanta in the presence of Sri Swamiji, he started slandering Sri Swamiji. He started saying, “Shankaracharya was such a great teacher of Advaita Philosophy, but to win over people to his side, he performed duties in conformity with the (four) castes and (four) stages of life”. Sri Swamiji recognized the hypocrisy in Mate Buwa’s speech. Sri Swamiji said, “At that time. Where were you? Is it life’s objective to fill up one’s treasury with money in the false name of religion and indecent conduct? ”. Hearing these words of Sri Swamiji, Mate Buwa realized his fault and started repenting. When Mate Buwa sat down at the end of his ‘Kirtan’, he saw a virtuous learned man sitting near Sri Swamiji. The learned man reprimanded Mate Buwa sharply and said, “The Supreme Being, the eternal Swamiji has manifested himself in the form of Lord Dattatrey. All these Veda- Vedanta and all Shastras have originated from the Supreme Being. Therefore it is not graceful on your part to speak with arrogance, and with the diversity of sentiments in the presence of such a Puran Purushottam205”. Hearing these words from the learned man, Mate Buwa started regretting his remarks. He surrendered to Sri Swamiji and prayed for forgiveness. For such false exhibition of one’s learning, Sri Swamiji used to say, “Where are those genuine learned people? Those present now are all treacherous”. Seeing the power of Sri Swamiji, pride of Mate Buwa was shattered and he started rendering service to Sri Swamiji. Every year he came to Akkalkot and offered his ‘Kirtan’ service at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Once when he was narrating the ‘Kirtan’ he uttered “Who will deliver me from the bonds of this worldly ocean? ”. Sri Swamiji was seated on a throne right in front of him. He lowered down his right foot on the ground and Mate Buwa prostrated himself down and embraced the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and said “These lotus feet are fully capable of delivering me from the bonds of this worldly ocean”. When his pride was totally destroyed, Sri Swamiji showered his kind grace on Mate Buwa.
An Alchemist Ascetic
There was an ascetic who had acquired knowledge of alchemy206. On the basis of this knowledge, he enjoyed an easy life filled with pleasures. He was very arrogant. He had his own team of about 25-30 disciples and attendants. He would never go out to collect alms. Sweet and delicious dishes were being cooked on a daily basis. He was so arrogant that he would utter loathsome abuses and beat people up in anger. Vamanbua Badodekar, who was absorbed in the contemplation of Brahma, had gone to Nasik. He had gone to the abode of Saint Gholap Swamy. Saint Gholap Swamy told Vamanbua, that there is an alchemist ascetic, but he has neither prudence nor asceticism. Vamanbua along with his associates went to the alchemist ascetic. The ascetic started boasting in the presence of Vamanbua and his companions “Everyday, I prepare 3 to 4 tolas207 of gold from plants. I also prepare gold in a chillim208. The ascetics Gorakh Machhindra had also acquired this secret knowledge. The incarnation of Lord Dattatrey is also meant to acquire this knowledge of alchemy. One who has the favour of God’s kind mercy should never beg for alms”. He asked Vamanbua, the name of his Guru. Vamanbua said, “Sri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot is my Guru”. The associates of Vamanbua started continuous shouts in praise of Sri Swami Samarth. The alchemist ascetic who was obsessed by arrogance started uttering abuses and asked “Can your Guru, Sri Swami Samarth create gold? ”. Vamanbua replied, “If you can acquire the knowledge of alchemy by the kind favour of our Sadguru Sri Swami Samarth, then you will see gold everywhere. At least, once go to Akkalkot and experience this miracle”. The alchemist ascetic started growling with arrogance and said, “There is no necessity for me to go anywhere. If I witness this miracle here only then will I believe your words”. Vamanbua came and narrated Gholap Swamy about this incident. Then Gholap Swamy announced, “Sri Swami Samarth will certainly teach him a lesson”. Next day, when Vamanbua and his associates went to Gholap Swamy they came to know that since that morning the alchemist ascetic was trying to create gold but the only thing that came out of his process was charcoal instead of Gold. They also came to know that the alchemist ascetic has felt very offended and intends to kill all the associates of Akkalkot who had come to visit him. With this knowing Vamanbua and Gholap Swamy along with their associates started continuous shouts of victory in praise of Sri Swami Samarth and went out to visit the hypocritical alchemist ascetic. When the ascetic saw Vamanbua, Gholap Swamy and associates coming near him, he started uttering dirty abuses and throwing stones
at them. It was almost certain that somebody would die. Vamanbua, Gholap Swamy, and their associates stood there and started chanting the name of Sri Swami Samarth continuously. The ascetic came near to hit them. However, the stone which he had lifted to throw and hit these people, fell on his head itself and he fell down unconscious. When the ascetic regained consciousness, he went on uttering “Akkalkot Swamiji is a gentleman and a genuine man. Till I get his ‘Darshan’, I will not accept any food. Simply just by hearing the name and fame of Sri Swamiji, if a highly intoxicated person like me asks for repentance then would anything not happen by the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji? ”. Next day the ascetic along with his attendants went to Akkalkot. When he reached there, Sri Swamiji was sitting in Khasbaug and playing with himself. The ascetic offered fruits to Sri Swamiji and prostrated before him. Sri Swamiji got up and started thundering “Hit a stone on my head. Have you not become neglectful of others in arrogance? You mean fellow, what are you looking for? You have become like a coal. Now die!. How would you judge an ascetic? Now hit that stone on your head itself. Open your eyes and look on your left side for the miracle of alchemy, “ So saying, Sri Swamiji started laughing uncontrollably. The alchemist ascetic started perspiring with shame. When he saw the tree on his left side, water was trickling down from the tree. Wherever the water trickled down, that place was shining like gold. Seeing this miracle, he got very frightened and started trembling. All his sense organs started becoming inert and he could get the realization of his inner soul, which is quite different from his physical body. While praising Sri Swamiji, he started saying “There is greatness in the glory of this ‘Darshan’. It is really a blessing. Sri Swamiji is really a true Sadguru by whose Darshan, touch, and mercy, one gets realization of the inner soul. He is God. He is the inner spirit of everyone. He is the sole observer and the imperishable. I am really blessed to get ‘Darshan’ of such a Sadguru. The knowledge of alchemy, witchcraft, ignorance, and illusion are all senseless and full of pain. The supersoul in the heart can be identified with the Supreme Being, the Universe, and the Divine Essence. It represents eternal happiness. It is fully liberated, pure and beyond the reach of senses. Oh! Maharaj, you are only the Swami Dattaguru209. You are the Lord, the Omnipotent, and the Kind-hearted. I am fully satisfied. Oh! Swami Dattaguru, What are your orders for this servant? ”. Swami Dattaguru spoke to him “Now go from here to our Mahurgad and pass your time silently there”. Then Sri Swamiji gave him red-ochre coloured cloth and deerskin as Prasad. After rendering service for few days the ascetic took the blessings of Sri Swamiji and went to Mahurgad. Sri Swamiji manifested himself at Mahurgad and gave ‘Darshan’ to the ascetic. The ascetic prostrated at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and washed the feet with his tears of joy. His life was changed. By the kind grace of Sri Swamiji, the ascetic attained everlasting happiness. The ascetic himself informed this complete statement, in writing, to the Brahmanishta210, Vamanbua.
Vishnubua Brahmachari
Maloji Raje, the King of the then State of Akkalkot, was a religious person. He would arrange for discourses on Vedanta. He was very fond of studying philosophical and religious books. He would invite learned people with due respect. In Mumbai there was a person named Vishnubua Brahmachari. He had defeated Christian priests in debates. The Rajesaheb wanted to know about Vedanta from the Brahmachari. So he called the Brahmachari, who came to the palace and delivered a lecture on Vedanta. One day, the Brahmachari went for Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. In the presence of Sri Swamiji he started exhibiting his theoretical knowledge and then gave a long narration of Vedanta. At the end, he put a question to Sri Swamiji “How do you accomplish the stage of Brahmatadakarata 211? ”. Sri Swamiji did not say anything. So Brahmachari thought, “Sri Swamiji is crazy. He does not know anything. Still people have unduly exalted Sri Swamiji. I am really a learned man. How could Sri Swamiji understand whatever I have spoken about Vedanta? ”. At night Brahmachari got a dream that thousands of scorpions have fallen on his body and one of the scorpions bit him. He got terrified and woke up screaming loudly in his dream. Nearby, there was a Parsi gentleman who woke him up from his deep sleep. When he woke up he was seized with fear and started thinking “whether it is true or not, I have condemned Sri Swamiji. Is this dream not the result of my condemnation?”. In the morning he came for Sri Swamiji’s ‘Darshan’. Again he narrated Vedanta in the presence of Sri Swamiji and put a question to Sri Swamiji “What is Brahmatadakarata? And what is the required means to accomplish it? ”. Sri Swamiji spoke “You stupid fellow, in your dream thousands of scorpions fell on your body. Out of them, when one scorpion bit you, you started screaming in the dream as you could not bear the pain and you are making a big show by talking about Vedanta? Do you
think you would become a Yogi by making childish and hair-splitting narration about Vedanta? Get up and leave this place”. Brahmachari pulled a long face and returned to his place. He realized that Sri Swamiji is not crazy but a superhuman who can make others crazy.
No comments:
Post a Comment