AVATARS : PERFECT MASTERS : SADGURUS

SADGURU :
The function of the Sadguru is to give a universal push to all the human beings and other species towards spiritual evolution. For them, caste, religion, sex, nationality and even difference in species etc. does NOT matter. When they start playing this role, people from far and wide start getting drawn as if by the pull of an invisible force. Sadgurus or Perfect Masters attract or reach their disciples when the appropriate time comes, to lead them to their spiritual goal. Their attraction becomes so powerful that it becomes difficult for anyone to resist. The Sadguru is the Universal Guru. He deals with each person at his level of consciousness. He tries to destroy their ego through his superior power in order to evolve that person. Sadguru removes all such limitations of mind and body that are not conducive to the evolution of a soul slowly. What methods in the gross, subtle or mental level the Sadguru may use can never be predicted by anyone.

Hazrat Babajan

Hazrat Tajuddin Baba

Meher Baba

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi

Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj

Upasani Baba

Narayan Maharaj

Shankar Maharaj

Gajanan Maharaj

Datta Linage - Dattavtars:: SADGURUS of Datta Linage "Whenever there is decline in righteousness and rise in unrighteousness, O Bharata, then I send forth Myself. For the protection of the good and the destruction of the evil and the establishment of righteousness, I come into being from age to age". said LORD KRISHNA. Bhagavad Gita (IV. 7-8)
Sadgurus or Perfect Masters are in reality, the seers who have realized the Absolute or have reached the highest realm of spiritual attainment, are present for ever in the whole universe whether in an embodied or in an un-embodied state. They can operate in gross, subtle, or mental world. They have been actually chosen to execute the Divine Mission and for that, free from individual ego, work together for the execution of the Divine Mission.

A Sadguru is the one who leads the created to the creator. Their actions are universal in nature cutting across religions, nations and all divisions of society. In fact the descent of the Divine in human form is to create conditions for the human to ascend to his Divine essence. Everything that happens is but the expression of the Divine Will and the descent of the Divine energy and the ascent of the human aspiration are mutually complementary

"I bow to him the Sadguru who is the embodiment of the bliss of Brahman, the bestower of Supreme happiness, the absolute, and the personification of pure knowledge, who is beyond duality (as pleasure and pain). He is all pervasive like the sky. He is the final goal of the Vedic dictum "Thou art that!" He is one eternal. Pure, Steadfast and the witness of all thoughts, abiding ever beyond all modifications of mind and body and attributes of the three gunas Raja, tama and sattva (all the three qualities of passion, ignorance and excellence). "

Shri Krishna recommended, we should approach the wise Teacher "Learn THAT (Eternal Truth, the Brahman) by humble reverence, by inquiry and by service. The men of wisdom who have seen the Truth will instruct you in that wisdom". Sadgurus are infinite existence, infinite knowledge and infinite bliss. The form of Guru is the root of meditation, The feet of the Guru are the root of worship, The teaching of the Guru is the root of all hymns and The Grace of the Guru is the root of salvation. The Sadgurus or perfect masters are born at different times in different places and with different cultural backgrounds. Strangely enough their external situations may be widely variant but their actions in their embodied stages display a common theme and common approach to solve the human problems. While Lord Dattatreya was the primal manifestation in the Guru tradition, the other Guru incarnations in this tradition were: 1. Shripad SriVallabh 2. Sri Narasimha Saraswati 3. Shree Swami Samartha 4. Sri Sai baba of Shirdi These divine incarnations by their spiritual splendor and eminence, as well as by their guidance to the mankind have made India a glorious place.

Dattavtars: Shripad SriVallabh Sri Narasimha Saraswati Shirdi

Shree Swami Samarth Sri Sai Baba of

The Perfect Masters : Shankar Maharaj , Hazrat Tajuddin Baba , Narayan Maharaj , Meher Baba , Hazrat Babajan Shri Upasani (Baba) Maharaj , Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj , ParamSadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami, Swami Swaroopanad of Pawas, Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj

Shri Dattatreya - Datta Guru

Shri Dattatreya is a very ancient incarnation, highly venerated through the ages. Dattatreya a Universal Gurumanifested in the recess of time of 'Kaliyug', when humanity had gone far from its pristine state and steeped into threshold of a timewhen all kinds of vices had already taken root, and the pious souls made fervent appealed for the salvage of the mankind surging forward in manifold way. He had descended on this earth to establish ' Satya' (the Universal Truth), 'Rta' (the CosmicOrder), Dharma', (the perennial principles), in all its entirety. Seer Atri was one of such Seers who had seen and experienced the Brahman, the eternal Wisdom. To him was born a son, the product of the Grace or the Divine Will, which was the manifestation of all three Primal Energies ofBrahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He was ordained with the three energies; He came to have the concentrated wisdom of the three God-heads or symbolically three heads. The three heads signified as Brahma:Tejas personified, Vishnu:Ojas' personified, Shiva: Tapas personified. Under these heads, illumination of knowledge, vigorosity of action and stringency of penance were represented as three aspects or state of being of the same. Birth: Dattatreya had descended into the realm of world as progeny of Atri and Anusuya, a sage couple of the Vedic age. Anusuya became very famous for her devotion to her husband. She was the embodiment of chastity. Such was her spiritual power that hard, uneven earth turned soft and smooth for her as she walked about. This pious woman induced jealousy and envy in others, however, and the three Gods decided to prove these doubting elements how wrong they were. They transformed themselves into mendicants, approached the hermitage of sage Atri and begged for alms. At that time sage Atri was away at the river offering his daily oblations. Anusuya came out and offered food to them. They made a strange request; the food be prepared and served to them by Anusuya, in the nude. In the Indian tradition any 'athithi' (guest) cannot be turned away, as they are considered to be an aspect of God. Hence she was placed in a dilemma. She smiled to herself and reflected thus: I am totally purified by the long association with the holy sage Atri. What harm can the god of lust ever do to me? So I do fear nothing. As they have sought food from my hands, I look upon them as my own children and not as strangers and grown up men! Her thoughts the thoughts of a pious and chaste person instantly became reality; the elderly guests became babies! Sage Atri on his return to the hermitage saw his wife Anusuya fondling three babies. Anusuya said "These children are the gift of God to us who have been childless so far". Sage Atri was overjoyed and named them Datta, which means 'given'. At this the three Gods reverted to their real forms and disclosed the truth. They extolled the power of chastity and purity of Anusuya which vanquished the combined and colossal powers of all three of them. Sage Atri and Anusuya prayed that they should remain as their sons. They consented and the three Gods merged into one body. This is how Shri Dattatreya incarnated and is known as Gurudeva Datta the Guru of all Gurus. Splendorous form of Datta Guru: Shri Dattatreya or Datta Guru, an incarnation who came to light the lamp of wisdom among the people.

Shri Dattatreya is a splendorous form. His face radiates all wisdom and draws us away from the lures of the world. Though He is the Supreme Lord of this universe, yet He is a total and supreme recluse. Though He moves from place to place, His favorite abode is the Holy Audambar tree (A type of fig type, Ficus glomerate). He has matted hair on His head. His body is ever smeared with holy ashes and He wears tiger-skin for His garment. A cow and four dogs are always with Him as His constant companions. He is an 'Avadhoot', ever anchored in Spirit, but always overflowing with compassion for all the beings and the entire creation. He is the embodiment of total Godhead. All the aspects of Godhead are fully manifest in Him. His faces and form are ever radiant with peace and divine charm. The Cow, which is always with Him, represents the Mother Earth and Dharma. She is the wish fulfilling cow 'Kamadhenu'. The four dogs symbolise the four Vedas the external repositories of Spiritual Wisdom. The trident indicates that He has transcended the three gunas, which constitute the illusory world: Sattva-illumination, Rajas-activity and Tamas-inertia. The 'Sudharshana chakra' , disc indicates that He is beyond the cycles of time i.e. the past, present and future and His holding of 'chakra' means He is the controller of time. The conch represents the eternal sound AUM which is the manifestation of the Spirit. It is also the life principle in us and the cosmos. The 'bhasma' ashes indicated His 'Vairaagya' dispassion as well as His purity. Ashes indicate the evanescent nature of all created nature of all created objects and the ultimate state of all matter. He always carries a begging bowl so as to teach us the lesson that we will have to share our wealth and food with others. The japa-mala, rosary He wears reminds us that our primary duty is chanting the sacred name of the Lord and meditating on the feet of the Lord, and our redemption depends on this discipline alone. Shri Dattatreya, in order to bless His devotees and the righteous ones, wanders about in the guise of a random guest at the lunch hour. That's why it is said that a random guest has to be treated as the very embodiment of Lord Dattaterya. God's creation was His Guru: He had twenty four Gurus. Shri Dattatreya had twenty four teachers from nature "many are my preceptors," he told King Yadu, "selected by my keen sense, from whom acquiring wisdom freely, I wander in the world. The earth, air/breeze, sky, fire, the sun, pigeon, python, sea, moth, elephant, ant, fish, Pingala the courtesan, arrow-maker, infant/playful boy, the moon, honeybee, deer, bird of prey, maiden, serpent, spider, caterpillar and water are my twenty four preceptors. His Teachings: Guru Dattatreya gave Ashtanga Yoga (eight fold path of Yoga) to the world thousands of years ago. Patanjali codified this knowledge in sootra forms. It comprises: 1. Yama non-killing, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-receiving of any gifts. Moral discipline

2. Niyama cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study and self-surrender to God. Moral discipline Yama and Niyama are moral training and form the basis of Yoga. As these two become established, the Yogi will begin to realize the fruits of his practice. 3. Asana posture 4. Pranayama Prana is the life-force, yama is control. 'Pranayama' consists of breath control exercises. 5. Pratyahara withdrawal of senses from sense objects. 6. Dharana concentration. 7. Dhyana meditation. 8. Samadhi the transcendental or super conscious state of being one with God:

Principle tenets of the Dattatreya tradition The principle tenets of the Dattatreya tradition are: 1. Everyone should know oneself first and should know one's own reality, which is but God. 2. One should realize the relationship between God, man and creation the underlying kinship, unity and oneness of these three entities. Brahman is the immanent and all pervading reality in all matter it is the origin, the support and sustenance of all. 3. To obtain this vision and discern this truth, one should conquer one's ego through Yoga and renunciation. 4. Guru's grace is indispensable. One has to surrender oneself totally and unreservedly at the feet of the Guru. His grace awakens 'Jnana' (illumination) by which we can recognize the Reality of Brahman, which is the real self of all. Apart from this the disciples should: Have purity of thought, word and deed. Do 'Nama smaran' remembrance of the Lord's name and meditation on it. Have compassion and love for all beings. Render selfless services at the feet of the Guru and surrender completely and unconditionally. Incarnations of Shri Dattatreya : While Shri Dattatreya was the primal manifestation in "Datta Sampradaya" and Guru tradition, His incarnations are:

1. Shripad SriVallabh 2. Sri Narasimha Saraswati 3. Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot 4. Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Shripad Sri Vallabh

'Digmbara, digambara, Sripaad vallabha digambara; Digambara, digambara, Advdhutachintana digambara'
Sripaad Shri Vallabh was born in a Brahmin family in a village named Pithapur (East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India). A Brahmin couple Appala Raju Sharma and Sumathi, were devotees of Lord Datta.They had many children of whom only two survived. One was lame and the other was blind. They worshipped Lord Datta and never failed to offer food to mendicants and monks. They looked uponon all such as they very forms of Lord Datta. One day, they were performing the annual ceremony in their house and many Brahmins were invited as guests for thefeast. Tradition holds that none should eat on that day before these guests partake their food. At that time Lord Dattatreya appeared at their threshold in the form of a renunciate sadhu (saint), bearing the staff and the water-vessel (Kamandalu) and asked for food. The housewife, with immense faith that the visitor was none other than the Lord to whom the whole annual ceremony was being offered, gave Him food even before the Brahmin guests were fed! Her faith touched the Lord's heart and He at once granted her a vision of this true form. His glorious form had three heads, clad in a tiger's skin and his body besmeared with sacred ash (vibhuti), he looked like a silver mountain in moonlight. The blessed housewife drank the divine glory of the Lord's from and felt that the highest object of her birth was fulfilled. The Lord said, "Mother, I am pleased with your devotion. Even before you fed the Brahmin guests, you have given me food with the full faith that this is the Lord in the guise of a holy mendicant. Now, ask me for anything you wish and it shall be granted". The sight blessed her eyes and now her ears were sanctified by His sweet words. "Lord", she said, "Lord! You addressed me as mother, please let your word be turned into reality" Lord replied Tathastu (so be it) and disappeared. Lord Dattatreya, in order to bless his devotees and the righteous ones, wanders about in the guise of a random guest at the lunch hour. That's why it is said that a random guest has to be treated as the very embodiment of Lord Dattaterya. Then Sumathi told her husaband of the Divine vision the Lord had bestowed on her and of his granting her wish for a divine son. Not long after, Sumathi conceived and delivered a male child at the proper time. She gave birth to one who is indeed birth-less. There was no birth in the normal sense, the Lord just manifested Himself as a child in this house. As the child has all the Divine features with celestial radiance, he was fittingly named as Sripaad. This was the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. As days and months passed, the child Serenade grew ever more glorious, the age of eight. As per the tradition, he was invested

with the sacred thread. Normally, after the sacred thread ceremony a boy has to be trained by a Guru for 8 years before he can memorize the Vedas (external repositories of Spiritual Wisdom) completely. But this boy, Sripaad, started imparting vedic knowledge to this pupil right from the moment of his upanyana (sacred thread ceremony). It was all a purely Divine miracle. When Sripaad attained marriageable age, He was asked His opinion, "All women in this world are like my mother. I am married to sannyaasa (renunciation). My mission is to give initiation and guidance to sadhus (holy men)". Speaking thus he sought permission from his parents to become a sannyasi and to leave the house. The parents were loathe to forego such a son. Apart from this the other two children were dumb, deaf and blind. If Sripad left his parents, who will look after them in their old age. Sripaad understood their anxiety. He called these blind and lame brothers, his heart, melting with compassion at the sight of the tears in his parents, Sripaad touched his brothers and made them whole in a moment! What is impossible for the Almighty and the lord of the universe? The miracle dispelled the veil of delusion that blinded their understanding. Then the Lord granted them the vision of His real Divine form. The handsome, tender lad at once appeared radiant like a million suns and pleasing as myriad moons. His blissful nature seemed to enliven every atom of existence. With their permission, He renounced all worldly ties and trekked to several Holy places like Dwaraka, Brindavan, Mathura, and Badrinath. After wandering there for sometime, He marched down to the Holy Gokarna in order to bless the spiritual seekers. Sripaad lived for three years in Gokarna. Having uplifted several seekers there spiritually, the Lord went to Kurvapur and settled down there. One day a widow, Ambika came to the river to end her life due to her unbearable poverty and to run away from the world which made fun of her for having given birth to a dullard and an idiot boy. Miraculously Sripaad came there and said 'Oh Brahmin, do not be hasty; otherwise you would incur the sin of committing suicide, as well as the sin of killing a Brahmin. No one can help you out of it. It is better for you to live on, facing any amount of suffering.' The Brahmin lady then said, 'Oh Holy one, people are humiliating me for being cursed with the birth of a stupid son. They consider it a sin even to see my face. What could I gain by continuing to live?' The Lord was moved by compassion at her words and said, 'Mother, by committing suicide, you only add to your former sins and you will have to suffer more in the next life. Therefore, devote your whole life to the worship of Lord Shiva. You shall be blessed with a noble son in your next life'. The above event was perhaps Shri Gurus own sankalpa to reincarnate again as Sri Narasimha Saraswati . Therefore He had pre-arranged this leela so as to meet and bless His next incarnations mother-to-be. Sripaad Vallabha disappeared one day after entering the Ganges river. Though he is physically no more, devotees ever feel His presence and grace. His divine spirit is ever manifest. The Lord is eternal. As He is the seed of the whole universe, His activities are infinite. So His purposes are infinite. In fact, He is ever in front of His devotees, granting their prayers. Yet he is invisible to all those who are blinded by the spirit of the Kali age he has been granting the wishes of his devotees, though he is invisible to them. He can even be seen by those who are pure of heart. That village has become a Holy by His eternal presence.

Sri Narasimha Saraswati

Sripaad Swami told a Brahmin lady to devote her life to the worship of Lord Siva. She did accordingly and, as a result of it, she was born in Karanja a town near Akola (Central India) in a pious family and was named Amba.She grew and she was married to a pious man Madhava Sharma. She was devoted, heart and soul, to the service of of her husband. His noble company added to the holy tendencies she developed as a result of her spiritual discipline in her previous life. She now became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. In course of time, she gave birth to a son.The child did not cry, as usual, at birth.On the other hand, the only sound he uttered was 'AUM' (the eternal sound - 'AUM' is the manifestation of the spirit) and

everyone was amazed at it. Astrologers assured Madhava Sharma that their child was indeed an avatar of the Lord. They also prophesied that he would renounce all worldly ties and that he would uplit the fallen souls. The child was named Narahari. The name signified that he was the dispeller of the sins and miseries of human beings. The child Narahari grew up to be a handsome boy of five, but he could not speak and the parents were very much worried about it. One day, the boy conveyed to them through gestures that he wished to be invested with the sacred thread. Young Narahari learned the 'Gayatri Mantra', adopted the vows of a young celebate (Brahmacharya), accepted the first offering of food from his mother's hands and at once recited the Vedas (external repositories of Spiritual Wisdom) . The parents were overjoyed but their joy did not last. According to tradition after the sacred thread ceremony, the initiate is a sannyasi and has to beg alms from his mother and leave for pilgrimage. Thus, the mother asked him to beg alms and young Narahari, taking it as her adesha (command) sought permission totake sannyasa, renounce worldly life and leave for pilgrimage. The mother bewailed her plight and pleaded with him to give up such an idea. Narhari said "I do not want to enjoy the objects of the senses which can only lead to misery. So, I shall pass on from the state of celebacy directly to the life of a sannyasi. Wealth, family ties and responsibilities are as unreal as a dream. Youth is transient as a flower which soon withers. Thus life is very short when viewed in the light of the only purposed of it, i.e., Self-realization. To be emotionally attached to anything in this phenomenal world amounts to mere self-betrayal and is self-defeating too. This body, with the skin as its surface layer, flesh, bones and the blood within, is as frail a structure as a water bubble. Excessive fondness for one's spouse and children is the root of all other evil tendencies. In itself, this body of ours is made of inanimate matter and is ever changing and perishable. Only the 'Self' within is eternal and is our only true being. Joys and sorrows of worldly life are merely relative, subjective and are therefore illusory experiences to the realized. Man can break the fetters of this illusion only through the grace of the Guru. Therefore, Oh mother, do not hinder me in my resolve. You shall be blessed with some more children. Go on meditating on me and thereby you shall cross the ocean of misery and ignorance too" . So saying, Narahari again blessed His mother with the vision of His Divine form. She perceived it through the eye of wisdom and wasat once reminded of her previous birth. So she said to the Lord : 'Holy one, you are indeed Lord Sripaad, who, in my previous life, saved me from my unwise resolve to commit suicide. I bow before you. You are, indeed, the Unbounded one. All the universes have their being in your infinite expanse. To say that you are born to me as my son is but a fallacy; for you are eternal. Yours is the omnipotent will. I shall not hinder your resolve to renounce the world for the welfare of all sentient beings. You have assured me that I shall be blessed with a few more children. Pray, stay with us, at least till such time!' Lord Narahari graciously acceded to her request and stayed away. The blessed couple used to worship the Lord every day with full awareness of his divinity. Many were the learned who flocked to Him for the elucidation of intricate questions in scriptural knowledge. Many of them got their doubts clarified and attained Self-realization. This is no task to one who could uplift even the dull witted. After his mother got more children He covered His head with a piece of cloth, put on wooden sandals, covered His body with the ochre robe and wore a codpiece. Taking a staff in His hand, He set out from His home in joy to fulfill His mission which was to revive faith and uplift the people morally and spiritually. On his way to Badrinath, Narahari reached the Holy Varanasi (Kashi) in the guise of a seeker after liberation. Lord Narahari, in accordance with Holy tradition, resorted to His Holiness Swami Krishna Saraswati as his Guru and from him took the vow of sanyas. Henceforth, He came to be known as Shri Narasimha Saraswati. He formally took the vow of lifelong celebacy. Thus he became a full-

fledged sannyasi who has transcended the opposites of joy and sorrow and the limitations of a selfcentered will. This World Teacher has laid down the tradition of sanyas for seekers after liberation. Shri Nrishimha Saraswati expounded the nature of sanyas to some and the meaning of the Vedas, which can secure the true objects of life (Purusharthas), to others. Then, he proceeded in his wanderings round the country in a clock-wise direction, along with his disciples. He had seven disciples and they were Baala, Krishna, Upendra, Janajyotim Sadaananda, Madhava and Siddha. All have the title 'Saraswati' suffixed to their names. He took holy dips in all the holy rivers along the way and reached the sacred place where the river Ganga joins the sea. From Benares he went to Badrika Ashram with his disciples. Then moving from place to place for the welfare of common people, he arrived at Ganga sagar, near calcutta. Some Twenty years passed this way. Shri Nrisimha Saraswati reappeared at his home to the wonder and joy of his family and town people, He blessed them all. In the Guru Charitra the miracles performed by him are described. These miracles were meant to increase faith among people in a higher power and start them on the path of spiritual path. Shri Narasimha Saraswati then went to Trumbakeshwar, Parli and Parli vaijnath. At Parli Vaijnath he did penance for one year and remained in seclusion. Afterwards he went to Audumbar and Amarapur near the confluence of the rivers Krishna and the Panchaganga. At Amarapur he stayed 12 years. This place was called "Nrisimhawadi" and later "Narsob awadi" by his affectionate disciples and devotees. From Amarapur he went to Gangapur and remained there for 24 years. During his stay there many astonishing incidents and miracles took place. Shri Narasimha Saraswati was now considered as 'Siddha Purusha' (Perfect, almost Godlike being) with Divine powers of healing physical ailments and alleviating worries of his devotees. Hindus and Muslims used to come to him considering him their Sadguru. One day he bade good-bye to people of Gangapur and with his 7 select disciples went to the confluence of Bhima and Amraja rivers and stood for a while under the Aswatha tree. He stated "worship this tree and practice penance, your wish will be fulfilled and your life will be blessed". He announced his departure from this world and his disciples were plunged in grief. A float was prepared on the banana leaves and was adorned with flowers. This float was placed in the river and Shri Nrisimha Saraswati sat on it. All the disciples offered worship although their hearts were weighed down by grief. Shri Nrisimha Saraswati cheered them up and told them he was going to Kadalivana (grove of banana trees) near Srisailam (One of the 12 "Jyotir Linga" is located here) and upon reaching there, as a mark of his safe arrival, clusters of flowers would come back floating against current. Soon after, as per the Master's promise, clusters of flowers came to them drifting on the river against the current! When the Master got ready for departure, the natives of the village rushed to him and begged him not to deprive them of His Divine presence, but to stay on. The Lord said, "Do not feel sad that way. How can I bear to be away from my devotees? I only seem to leave for Srisailam only to the grosser vision of the physical, but I will ever abide at Gangapur in my real state as the Spirit or the real Self. I will seek my noon alms in this village and accept your loving devotional services . My living presence will be experienced by anyone who bathes in the Sangam (confluence of holy rivers), worships the Holy peepal tree and takes darshan of my'pudukas' (sacred foot-wear) here. "The Master can be seen even today by the virtuous and the devout. Only the unrighteous cannot experience his living presence. Taking his daily dip at the holy Sangam, he ever abides there. In fact, he has been blessing devotees with his divine acts (leelas) on countless occasions. The aspirations of those who worship him there with true love will be fulfilled. Indeed, the Lord is ever present with those who incessantly adore him. The miraculous experiences of such will ever remain hidden in their own hearts. He is the granter of prayers!" When people were in utter despair, Shri Nrisimha Saraswati brought about a religious and spiritual renaissance and restored their morale. The places where He stayed, have become centres of pilgrimage viz., Narsobawadi, Audumbar and Gangapur. Gangapur is believed to be the abode of Lord

Dattatreya. There is a holy hillock of Vibhuti (holy ash) from which devotees pick up the sacred ash as Prasad to take home. This hillock has not been depleted, even though devotees have been taking away sacred ash for centuries. The atmosphere in all the three pilgrimage centers is sublime and devotees feel peaceful and spiritually uplifted. Miracles take place at Gangapur specially, even now. The message of Shri Nrisimha Saraswati is summarized as under: 1. In our short fleeting span of human life, we should attempt to realize God through devotion 2. Use Buddhi (intellect) and Viveka (discrimination) to purify the minds. 3. Never think of hurting others in thought, word or deed. 4. Consider yourself blessed, if you secure the blessings of a Guru. 5. Strive to realize God who is inherent in your own heart.

Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot

Believed to be an incarnation of Shri Dattatreya the name of this spiritual master, popularly called Swami Samarth, is a household word in Maharashtra and the region around. As this Perfect Master chose to reside at a place called Akkalkotfor 22 years where he took Mahasamadhi (left his mortal body) in 1878, he is also known as the Maharaj of Akkalkot, Akkalkot is situated in district Solapur of Maharashtra state of India. For the devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, it would be inspiring to learn about the life and deeds of 'Swami Samarth'. A comparative picturisation of the lives of these two great Saints, i.e. Swami Samarth and Shri Sai Baba of Shirdiwould establish a surprising amount of commonness in their lives and deeds which includes their methods of teaching, the universality of their approach and the miracles they performed. Even a critical approach by a non-conformist would ultimately lead to the assertion that the over-all role of these two spiritual masters during the second half of the nineteenth century was similar, if not same. One, who is capable of making finer spiritual analysis, would be faced with a bewildering reality. The reality is that Swami Samarth and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba were the manifestations of the same Divine Spirit in two gross bodies Many published writings on both these Saints by different writers authenticate about the interaction between these two Sadgurus both in the gross, and the subtle planes. Just before Mahasamadhi, Swami Samrath advised one of his disciples to worship Shri Sai at Shirdi saying that he (the Swami Samarth) would stay at Shirdi in future. The early life of Swami Samarth like that of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba is shrouded with mystery. For that matter, even Shri Shirdi Sai Baba's advent and early life has not been established. Yet it does not really matter for those who have faith in Him and continue to experience his benevolence in different ways. How does it matter if Christ was born of a virgin mother! He took the pain of the suffering humanity and led them in the path of spirituality. That is what the world needs. Shri Narasimha Saraswati, about three centuries before the advent of Swami Samarth is believed to be the earlier incarnation of Shri Dattatreya. The 'Guru Charitra' one of the most famous books gives lot of information about Him. As per the most popular belief, Shri Narasimha Swami, after helping and spiritually uplifting a large number of people over a few decades, went away to the Himalayas for penance and went into Samadhi. In the Samadhi state He remained for about three hundred years. With the passage of time a huge anthill grew over him and he was lost to the outside world. One day accidentally a woodcutters axe fell on the bushes grown around the ant hill. He was shocked to find blood stains on the blade of the axe. He cleared the anthill and Lo, he found a Yogi in meditation. The Yogi slowly opened his eyes and consoled the dumbfounded woodcutter saying that it was the Divine Will for Him to re-appear in the world to resume His mission. This Yogi, in his new role came to be known as Swami Samarth.

Prior to his settlement at Akkalkot, Swami Samarth visited far and wide. While moving in the Himalayan region he visited China. Thereafter, he visited places like Puri, Benaras, Hardwar, Girnar, Kathiawad and Rameswaram in the South. He also stayed at Mangalvedha, a town near Pandharpur in Solapur district Maharashtra, which had been inhabited earlier by famous saints like Domojipant and Chokhamela. He came to Akkalkot in 1856 where he continued his physical existence for 22 years. He came to Akkalkot on the invitation of one Chintopant Tol and stayed at a place on the outskirts of the town. What we call miracles are the normal ways of functioning of the God realised ones . The Risaldar of that area, a Muslim person, wanted to test the Swami by offering him a 'Chilum' (an earthen smoking pipe) without tobacco in it and asked him to smoke. Swami Samarth started smoking the empty Chilum after lighting it as if nothing had happened. Realising him to be an advanced spiritual person, the Risaldar apologised and made arrangements for his stay in the house of one Cholappa. It is in this small house that Swami Samarth lived upto his last. Soon, the name of Swami Samarth as a Spiritual Master spread all around and devotees came for taking his blessings. The ordinary people did not understand many of his gestures and mystic statements, which he used to make cryptically, although their meanings became apparent on later dates. He treated Muslims, Christians and Parsees all alike. His Kindness was always bestowed on the poor, needy and the people at the lowest rung of the society. Both Hindus and Muslim festivals like Dusshehra and Moharram etc. used to be celebrated by Him. As in Shirdi, Thursday became a special day of celebration at Akkalkot. Like Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Samarth of Akkalkot was fond of mass feeding. Once, on his visit to a place called Rampur, a devotee named Rawaji, to celebrate his visit, cooked food for 50 people. However, hearing the news of Swami Samarth's arrival hundreds of people from the neighbouring villages started rushing to the village. Seeing such a large number of people at his doorstep Rawaji became visibly panicky. Moved by his plight, Swami Samarth asked Rawaji to get some empty baskets. When the baskets were brought from the market, idols of all the deities like Khandoba, Annapurna, etc were put in them and food materials like chapatis (bread) etc. were piled over them. Bawaji and his wife were asked to carry these baskets and take three rounds around the Tulsi plant. After that, they were asked to serve food from these baskets to the guest without looking into them. When food were being served, Rawaji and his wife were amazed to see that the baskets never exhausted even after a few hundred people had been served. After all the people who had come finished their meal, Swami Samarth took his meal. This is known as 'Annapurna Siddhi'. Swami Samarth had the capacity to read the minds of all the people coming to him and also was able to know about their past and future. Baba Saheb Jadhav, one of his great devotees one day came to meet the Master. Seeing him suddenly Swami Samarth said "Oh Potter! There is a summon coming in your name. The potter being in the close circle of Swami Samarth understood the meaning of this sentence and begged of the Swami to save him from the approaching death so that he could continue to serve him (the Master). Moved by his devotion Swami Samarth looked-up towards the sky and muttered something as if he was addressing to someone who was invisible. Suddenly, he pointed his hand towards a bull passing nearby and said in a loud voice "go to the bull". In the presence of a large number of devotees, the bull instantly fell dead. Jadhav, with a fresh lease of life, devoted himself totally to the service of Swami Samarth thereafter. Similarly, A European engineer from Solapur visited the Swami with the earnest hope of having a son. As he approached Swami Samarth, the latter just looked at him and told that he would have a son within a year. That is what exactly happened. The Sadgurus or the Spiritual Masters always endeavors to change the quality of men that encounter them. Besides bestowing material benefit, they try to uplift them spiritually. Once a Jewish doctor, who was working as an eye specialist in the J.J. Hospital, Bombay met Swami Samarth. The doctor was very proud of his professional competence. Seeing him Swami Samarth asked "tell me doctor, how many of the eye patients you have treated have lost their eye sights for ever"'. This sentence made a tremendous impact on the doctor. He realised that many people had lost their sights forever even if they had been treated by him. His ego immediately vanished and thereafter he became a devotee of Swami Samarth. After retirement the doctor settled-down at Akkalkot and served the Master till his last.

It is said that a touchstone can convert an ordinary metal to gold. The Spiritual Masters are such touchstones that they can convert any ordinary metal not to that of gold but to that of a touchstone. They are capable of giving spiritual life to any person in a fraction of a second by a touch, a look, a word or even by a mere thought. A person like Ramanand Bidkar who had lived an immoral life for a long period was converted to a Saint called Bidkar Maharaj by the kind grace of Swami Samarath, who by one grace i.e. Drishti Diksha evolved him spiritually. Under his guidance Sri Balappa Maharaj, Shri Gangadhar Maharaj, Sri Gajanan Maharaj and many others rose to spiritual eminence and contributed a lot to the society. After serving the poor, curing the sick and helping the spiritual seekers over a few decades, Swami Samarth one day suddenly announced that the time had come for him to go out of his physical existence. By Hindu calendar It was Chaitra Sudha trayodasi, Shaka 1800 i.e. the year 1878 AD Tuesday at 4 PM. At this time he seated himself in Padmasana (Lotus Posture) and uttered his last words - "no one should weep I shall always be present at all places and I shall respond to every call of the devotees"". Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi had also said exactly the same thing before his Mahasamadhi. Just before he had left his gross body, one devotee named Keshav Nayak who was emotionally charged, asked "Maharaj, since you are going, who will give us protection?". Swami Samarth gave him a pair of his sandals to worship. He told him "in future I will be staying at Shirdi in district Ahmednagar". Another devotee, Krishna Ali Bagkar decided to go to Akkalkot and worship the padukas of Swami Samarth. Thereafter he got a dream appearance of Swami Samarth who told him "now I am staying at Shirdi, go there and worship me". Bagkar went to Shirdi where he stayed for six months. Later, when he wanted to take leave of Shri Sai and go to Akkalkot again Shri Sai told him "what is there in Akkalkot, Maharaj of Akkalkot is staying here". Bagkar realised that there is no difference between Swami Samarth and Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi as he recalled his earlier dream. The divine game (leela) of Swami Samarth did not end with his Maha Samadhi (shedding his mortal coil). His devotees continue to experience the miracles of his visible and invisible help even till today. It is exactly like the experience received by the devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi after his Mahasamadhi in 1918. Many people have authenticated his appearance in physical form before them. These people are not the faith-blind rural folk. Many of them are well educated people like doctors, educationists etc. For example, Dr. S.V.Marathe, a private medical practitioner of Pune once underwent treatment in a chest Hospital at a place called Aundh in 1964. Many of his friends were anxious to come and visit him. At this juncture, Swami Samarth appeared before many of his friends in a dream and gave the same message to all of them. He asked them not to worry about Dr.Marathe, as he was under His (Swami Samarth's) protection and also not to come to Aundh. Hundreds of devotees continue to have miraculous experience about the Perfect Master even today. But his miracles and those of Shri Sainath are so alike that one would be drawn to the conclusion that they are not two masters but are one, and the ONLY ONE TRUTH.

Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai Baba, a personification of spiritual perfection and an epitome of compassion , lived in the little village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra (India) for sixty years. Like most of the perfect saints he left no authentic record of his birth and early life before arriving at Shirdi. In fact, in the face of his spiritual brilliance such queries do not have much relevance. He reached Shirdi as a nameless entity. One of the persons who first came in contact with him at Shirdi addressed him spontaneously as Sai which means Savior, Master or Saint. Baba means father as an expression of reverence. In the Divine play it was designed as such, that He subtly inspired this person to call Him by this name, which was most appropriate for His self-allotted mission.

All that we definitely know of Sai Baba is that his arrival at Shirdi was anonymous. He was first noticed in the outskirts of the village Shirdi, seated under a neem (margosa) tree, about the year 1854. However, even this date is not definitely noted. Sai Baba of these younger days remained a stranger staying under the neem tree for some time and then suddenly he left Shirdi to come back again sometime in 1858, and stayed on there till he left his gross body in the year 1918. The second advent of Baba at Shirdi, around 1858 was interestingly quite different from the first. This time he accompanied a wedding procession as guest of honor. On the arrival at Shirdi, he was immediately recognized by someone as the same anonymous saintly personality who used to be seated under the neem tree a few years earlier and, greeted Him as "YA SAI" Welcome SAI ! In the early days of his stay at Shirdi he spent his time either wandering in the outskirts of village and neighboring thorny jungles or sitting under the neem tree totally self absorbed. The first set of villagers who regarded this saintly figure were Mhalsapati, Tatya Kote, Bayyaji Bai and few others. Bayyaji Bai felt deeply motivated by this Divine Saint, and with her motherly instinct she used to walk miles on end into the jungles in search of him, carrying food in a basket on her head. Often she found Sai Baba sitting under some tree in deep meditation, calm and motionless. She would boldly approach him, serve the meal and return home. After sometime as though out of compassion for her, Sai Baba ceased wandering and moved into a dilapidated mosque in the outskirts of the village. He referred to this mosque, where He resided till the end, as Dwarkamai (Dwarka was the place where Lord Shri Krishna stayed to fulfill His divine Advent). This mosque Dwarkamai abode of Sai Baba became Mother of Mercy for all the time to come. He had a body of athlete built and in his earlier days he was fond of wrestling. Another aspect of Sai Babas personality was his love for song and dance. In those early years of his life he used to go to Takia , the public night shelter for moslem visitors to the village.There in the company of sojourning devotees and fakirs, he used to dance and sing in divine bliss, with small tinkles tied around his ankles. The songs he sang were mostly in Persian or Arabic. Sometimes he sang some popular songs of Kabir. He donned a long shirt Kafni and tied a cloth around his head, and twisted it into a flowing plait like manner behind his left ear.He used a piece of sackcloth for his seat and slept on it with a brick as his pillow. He always declared that Fakiri (Holy poverty) was far superior to worldly richness. He was no ordinary fakir but an Avatar (incarnation) of a very high order. But His external appearance was of simple, illiterate, moody, emphatic at times fiery and abusive and at times full of compassion and love. In the moments of towering rage people with him thought it was ungovernable rage. But his anger never prevented his compassion dealing with the devotees. His anger was evidently directed at unseen forces. He enacted all these simple traits only to hide His real identity as the God incarnate. Under the cover of simplicity He silently worked for the spiritual transformation and liberation of innumerable souls human beings and animals alike, who were drawn to Him, by an unseen forces. He begged for alms and shared what he got with his devotees and all the creatures around him. He never kept any food in reserve for the next meal. He maintained the Dhuni the perpetual sacred fire and distributed its ash Udi as token ofHis divine grace to all who came to Him for help. Baba would ask for Dakshina (money offered with reverence to the Guru or the master) from some of those who came to see him. This was not because he needed their money but for deeper significance, which the devotees realized at, an appropriate time. Baba used to freely distribute all the money that was received in the form of Dakshina to the destitute, poor, sick and needy the very same day. This was one of Baba's methods for testing out the devotees attachments to worthy things and willingness to surrender. He ploughed up the village common land and raised a flower garden thereon, he watered the plants, carrying pots full of water on his shoulders. In the later years he spent a few hours in this Lendi garden which he himself had laid out in the early days. He was every moment exercising a double consciousness, one actively utilizing the apparent Ego called 'Sai Baba' dealing with other egos in temporal and spiritual affairs, and the other - entirely superceding all egos as the Universal Ego or Over soul.

He was the common mans God. He lived with them, he slept and ate with them. Baba had a keen sense of humour. He shared a chillum (clay pipe for smoking) indiscriminately with them to write off the cast superiority and orthodoxy in their minds. He had no pretensions of any kind .He was always very playful in the presence of children. Baba used to feed the fakirs and devotees and even cook for them. Saibabas perfect purity, benevolence, non -attachment, compassion and other virtues evoked deep reverence in the villagers around him. His divinity could not conceal itself for long. Initially when people wanted to worship him formally, Baba protested and dissuaded them. But gradually he allowed it with the prescience that it would become the means for temporal and spiritual benefits to millions of individuals for all time to come. The Dwarkamai of Sai Baba was open to all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. As the days passed devotees from all walks of life started streaming into Shirdi. The village Shirdi was fast assuming prominence. As the gifts and presentations flowed in, the pomp and grandeur of Sai worship also increased. But Babas life of a fakir remained calm, undisturbed, unaltered and there is the Saints spiritual glory. He lived His divine mission through His pure self in a human embodiment. The immense energy that was manifest in the body of Sai was moving in a mysterious way, creating and recreating itself every where beyond the comprehension of time and space. This fountainhead of unsurpassed spiritual glory shed His gross body on 15th October 1918. Every limb, every bone and pore of his body was permeated with divine essence. Baba claimed that though one day his physical body will not exist his remains will communicate with all those who seek him with inner yearnings. His self-allotted labour of love in His physical body was perhaps over. Today He continues to work ever vigorously as the Sai Spirit.

The Perfect Masters Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon

Official Website of Shegaon Sanstha (Trust) is http://www.gajananmaharaj.org There is hardly any authenticated information about the early life of Shri Gajanan Avdhoot, popularly known as Gajanan Maharaj.His place of birth, date of birth, parentage etc. are shrouded with mystery, although people speculate that he was born in a place named Sajjangarh in Maharashtra. It has been experienced that the terminal points (birth and death) in the lives of spiritually advanced souls is often mystical. Shri Gajanan did not reveal about his past and did not encourage people to search for it. However, Shri Gajanan Avdhoot was first noticed collecting left over food items in a garbage dump on the outskirts of village Shegaon in Mahrashtra by a person named Bankatlal Aggarwal. The Maharaj, although having a shining and extremely healthy body, was at that time in a Super conscious state without a sense of his body; for he had no clothes on his person. Bankatlal, who had earlier association with some spiritually advanced persons, sensed that the apparently crazy person collecting food from the dustbin might be a Siddha. It was 23rd February, 1878. Bankatlal, along with a friend named Damodar Pant Kulkarni approached Maharaj with humility and asked "Maharaj, why are you eating left over food, if you are hungry, I will certainly make arrangements for you." However, Maharaj paid no heed to his words and continued to eat his food in a state of utter detachment. Seeing this, Bankatlal ran to the Ashram situated nearby, collected whatever food he could, and came back to

Maharaj. As he offered food, Maharaj mixed up all the food items and gulped it down. It may be understood that the saints at this level actually do not have a sense of taste as they are beyond the body state. Bankatlal, thereafter, went away to collect some drinking water. By the time he returned, he was shocked to see Maharaj happily drinking water from the reservoir meant for cattle. Bankatlal was convinced that he was in the presence of no ordinary mortal but a highly evolved spiritual entity. He prostrated in reverence and asked for blessings. By the time he lifted his head, Maharaj had vanished from there. Disappearance and reappearance are one of the eight siddhis or powers that yogis of India used to possess in the past. Bankatlal was extremely sad and depressed at the sudden disappearance of Maharaj but at that time little did he know that Gajanan Avdhoot was his own Sadguru (the Master) who had himself come at that time. Sadgurus or Perfect Masters attract or reach their disciples when the appropriate time comes, to lead them to their spiritual goal. Their attraction becomes so powerful that it becomes difficult for anyone to resist. No doubt, therefore, that Bankatlal was so sad at his disappearance. His mind could think of nothing except Gajanan Avdhoot all the time and he searched for him whole day without any success. However, he again found Maharaj in the evening when he went to the old Shiva temple to join the worship. He was overjoyed to find him and in an emotionally choked voice requested Baba to come and stay in his house. Maharaj, on his request, came to his house from where his divine function (Leela) started. The function of the Sadguru is to give a universal push to all the human beings and other species towards spiritual evolution. For them, caste, religion, sex, nationality and even difference in species etc. does not matter. They are humans with human beings and animals with animals. When they start playing this role, people from far and wide start getting drawn as if by the pull of an invisible force. In fact, this is what Shri Sainath used to say, "I draw my children from thousands of miles like a child pulling a bird with a string tied to its legs". With the advent of Gajanan Avdhoot thousands of them experienced temporal upliftment. With so many people visiting his house, Bankatlal tried to make whatever arrangements he could.It is not easy to have a perfect master as one's guest, as social or religious laws do not limit them. Whatever they say or think, happens as they only carry out the functions of God with the help of nature. Their behavior at times becomes extremely unpredictable to the common man. At times they behave like children, at times like a mad man or even like a person possessed. Nevertheless whatever they do, it is for the good of others. Only spiritually advanced people can understand this motivation behind the actions of a Sadguru. Maharaj often used to quietly escape out Bankatlal used to search him out by strenuous efforts and would request him to come back. One day Maharaj quietly strayed away to another village named Adgaon. At about mid day, when the sun was on the high, he approached a farmer cultivating his land and requested for drinking water, the farmer had with him. The farmer, named Bhaskar Patel, thought that he was one of the ordinary types of mendicant sadhus and started rebuking him saying that he would not give a drop of water which he has carried from home to a sadhu who is a parasite on the society. Maharaj only smiled without any reaction and slowly walked towards what looked like an old well. Bhaskar Patel again started teasing him from behind saying that it is a dry well and how can any fool get water from there. Maharaj reached the well and meditated for a few moments and soon the well, which was dry for about twelve years, was filled with clean water. He quenched his thirst with this water. Seeing this miracle, Bhaskar Patel realised that he (Maharaj) was no ordinary man and profusely apologised for his intemperate behavior. The Sadgurus are the ocean of love and mercy, and they are incapable of getting annoyed or angry-far to speak of being revengeful to the creations of God. That is why the epithets "Kripa Sindhu" (Ocean of grace) or "Daya Nidhi" (Abode of Mercy) etc. are used for them .

Seeing the plight of Bhaskar Patel moved Maharaj told him that he has created water for him in the well so that Patel does not have to carry water from the village strenuously every day for cultivation or drinking. The love that we sometimes feel within us, the depth of kindness that stirs in our heart when we are in touch with a Sadguru, is because the Sadguru first showers his total love and compassion on us without any qualification and even without our asking. This is what in known as "Ahetuk Kripa" (the grace without asking) Thus, by total sacrifice of himself, the Sadguru tries to evolve his children towards their goal and teach that sacrifice for others without any intention of getting returns raises Godly qualities in human beings. The Sadguru teaches, by his own examples that in order to shine one must sacrifice one self. No one can truly help others without any sacrifice on himself. Protection of the Sadguru is the strongest armoury in a persons life because the extent to which a Sadguru can go to protect his children cannot be imagined. Once Maharaj; invited by Bankatlal, went to his farmland to eat corn stalk (Bhutta). Baba, along with a group of devotees sat under a tree, lit fire and started roasting the corn (Bhutta). No body had seen that there was a honey beehive on the tree. As the smoke from the fire reached the hive, the honeybees got out in swarms and started stinging everybody. Except Maharaj all of the devotees ran away. All the honeybees, thereafter, settled on the body of Maharaj who continued to stay unmoved and in his normal composure. Suddenly Bankatlal saw this from a distance and was moved by the plight of Maharaj. When he approached Maharaj to render help, Maharaj addressing the honeybees said, "you go back to your own place. My dear devotee Bankatlal should suffer no pain". No sooner than he uttered these words that the entire swarm of honeybees returned back to the hive. The devotees on return saw that Baba's whole body was full of stings. No ordinary person can quietly bear the stinging of a swarm of honeybees. All of them started thinking that Maharaj must be in pain. Seeing their plight Shri Gajanan Maharaj gave a smile and took a deep breath. At once all the stings fell out of his body in hundreds. In this case what the Sadguru did was to take on his own body the pain of the honeybees stings and not allowing his children to suffer. After a short stay at Khodgaon, the Maharaj returned to Shegaon. There he moved to the house of one Khandu Patil. His style of living was so ordinary like that of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi that it was not easy for everyone to make out about of the depth of his spiritual personality in the first look. One day, about ten South Indian Brahmins, with the intention of earning some money came to Maharaj, who was sleeping under the cover of a blanket. Suddenly Maharaj woke up during the recitation and pointed out to the Brahmins that they were pronouncing the vedas in a wrong manner. Thereafter, he himself started reciting. Soon the Brahmins realised that Maharaj was a Saint of very high spiritual order and prostrated at his feet. Maharaj blessed them all and also gave them dakshina. One day Maharaj went to the Nilakanth temple near the village and desired to stay there. Patil built a palm cottage for him and people started visiting the place. Once a group of Gossains (a type of Sadhu) claiming to be the disciples of one Brahmin Guruji reached the place where Baba was staying. The pretentious Sadhus demanded halwa, puri (a variety of food in India) and ganja (opium) from Patil. They also told him that by doing so he would get more virtue than by serving a mad and naked person like Gajanan Maharaj. After taking his food just in order to prove his superiority over Maharaj the group leader, Brahmagiriji started lecturing on Bhagavad-Gita to draw attention of people. He started explaining "Nainam chhindanti Sastrani, Nainam Dahati Pavakam"- meaning neither weapons can destroy the soul nor can fire burn it. In spite of his efforts, people were found to be collecting around Gajanan Maharaj who was smoking his Chilum (clay tobacco pipe) sitting on a wooden bed right opposite to Brahmagiriji. His ego was hurt and he became very angry finding absence of proper public appreciation and attention. Strange are the ways of Sadgurus. In this situation a strange thing happened. The bed on which Maharaj was sitting suddenly caught fire. As the fire rose up the disciples of Maharaj requested him to get out of fire and also started arranging for water. Maharaj said that neither water would be used

to extinguish fire nor would he get out of the fire bed. Addressing Brahmagiriji who was enjoying the sight, Maharaj said, "since you have been telling people for the last one hour that neither weapon can destroy nor fire can burn the soul, please come and prove it by sitting on fire." On this Brahmagiriji did not react but tried to avoid the situation. Then Maharaj asked a physically strong disciple to catch hold of Brahmagiriji and bring him before Maharaj. One can well imagine the condition of a pretentious sadhu in such a situation. His ego was totally shattered and he repented not only for his behavior but also for his pretentiousness. Maharaj pardoned him and advised him on the path to be followed for spiritual upliftment. The Sadguru is the Universal Guru. He deals with each person at his level of consciousness. He tries to destroy their ego through his superior power in order to evolve that person. Sadguru removes all such limitations of mind and body that are not conducive to the evolution of a soul slowly. What methods in the gross, subtle or mental level the Sadguru may use can never be predicted by anyone.

Shankar Maharaj
Official Website of Shree Shankar Maharaj Smadhi Math is http://www.shreeshankarmaharaj.com Shankar Maharaj was a Perfect Master in the tradition of Nath Siddhas. Different stories are told about the birth and early life of Shankar Maharaj. But the following story of his birth and initiation by his guru appears to be most authentic, having been told by Maharaj himself to his prime disciple Dr. Nagesh Dhaneshwar of Nagar, about 200 kms from Pune. Once Dr. Dhaneshwar asked Maharaj his age. Instead of answering, he asked him to judge his age from physical examination since he was a medical doctor. Dr. Dhaneshwar judged his age to be more than 125 years. Maharaj agreed with him and told him that he was born in about 1800 at Mangalwedha (near Pandharpur) in the family named Upasani. He used to be a very naughty boy. Once, when he was seven to eight years old, he went chasing a deer. The deer entered the forests on the banks of the river Chandrabhaga towards a place called Machnur.He followed it and soon reached a Shiva temple. When he was about to shoot the arrow a large sanyasi came, lifted the deer and held it in his arms .He said My child, why do you kill the innocent animals? If you want to hunt, hunt wild animals, but dont kill this nevertheless he shot the arrow at the deer in the sanyasis arms. It hit him but became blunt aad fell down. Another arrow also met the same fate.he become confused but the sanyasi smiled, kept the deer down, came near and fondled him. Thus Maharaj got Sparshdiksha or initiation by touch of the Yogi, who was no other than Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. Maharaj stayed with him for six months during which he gave him all knowledge and instructed him to go on pilgrimage. He went to the Himalayas where he did a very hard penance .On returning from there he spent his time with Siddha-Yogis in and around Vriddheshwar (near Nagar) which is known as the center for meditation of several Nath Siddhas in the past. Maharaj remembered having received Dakshina from Peshwas hands in Shanniwarwada in Pune, the seat of Peshwas rule. After the British took over Pune, he met a British Collector who developed a faith in Maharaj and considered him his Spiritual guide. He took Maharaj to England where he stayed for ten years teaching the yoga path to this British officer.

Being asked by Dr. Dhaneshwar whether this is how he is able to speak such good English, he said, No Doctor, he who understand the principle which is beyond the source of all languages and who becomes one with it, knows any language, even the language of animals and birds. He becomes the energy itself therefore he is able to decifer the vibration. I understand the English language perfectly .I have read complete Shakespeare .He had rich experiences of life. Among his plays, I Like Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and Romeo-Juliet. One can surmise therefore that at the time of samadhi Maharaj was about 150 years old . It is not clear when Maharaj came to Maharastra, Pune in particular. From the biography of Dr. Dhaneshwar who was born in 1899, it is seen that Maharaj met him at Nagar when he was a schoolboy, that must have been around 1910 when Maharaj was already past hundred .He used to move frequently between Nagar, Pune, Solapur and Akluj, also visiting in places with Shri Dattatreya influence like Gangapur, Narsobawadi, Mahurgad and Girnar.Wherever he went he attracted devotees. In appearance Maharaj is described as Ashtavakra or bent in eight places . Maharaj had a short stature, but was "Ajunubahu" or having long hands reaching below his knees . Most noticeable were his large and bright eyes and a child like expression on his face. In later years he had a beard .He often had a brandy bottle in his hand and a hunter whip with him. He used to address people by the swear words, but without malice. It was believed that if Maharaj rebuked anybody he got rid of misfortunes. He used to talk with lisp which was due to his unusually long tongue. The immense kindness and compassion of Maharaj were consistent with his being a Nath Panthi in the Guru tradition. According to what Dr. Dhaneshwar told "The aim of a Nath Panthi is to help people without bothering about his own personal liberation. Because of the compassion for all living, he takes birth again and again all over the earth in all communities and not necessarily ordained as a Nath Panthi during that birth. It is because of such selfless liberated souls that the fabric of human society is maintained." Maharaj did not stay long at any single place. He used to move from devotee to devotee. He was fond of smoking honeydew (popularly known as Pilo hatthi) cigrattes. He was also fond of drinking brandy and appeared to be often intoxicated. He used to like the scent (attar) of hina and loved music. Maharaj used to drink with a purpose. His drunken appearance helped him in keeping unwanted people away. Only those people who saw Maharaj beyond the external looks could come to him. There are instances when Maharaj drank and another person nearby got drunk. Some people to whom Maharaj gave a brandy glass and asked them to drink it told later it was not liquor but nice tasting coconut water. Maharaj was fond of wearing rings and jewels but he could throw them or give to others easily. The life of Shankar Maharaj has been full of miracles he performed to help his devotees. Such miracles are associated with many Yogis. The miracle includes the knowledge of past and future events, creation of matter going from one place to another instantly, being at several places at the one time, feeding a multitude from the small quantity of food and so on. Maharaj did these miracles to instill faith in them and to draw people to spiritual path. Maharaj had said, "I am a slave of the simple and teach lessons to the scoundrels. I am the blotting paper of egotistic persons. I cannot tolerate ego. I suck it out." Maharaj had large number of devotees and disciples world over. Dr Dhaneshwar, Maj. Abhyankar and his son Dattareya , Raobahadur Navale from all from Nagar; G.K Pradhan and Keshavbhai Asher from Mumbai, Raosaheb Mehendale and his wife Taisaheb, Vasudev Pandit, Baburao Rudra, Mamasaheb Dhekane, Yellubahi and Gosavi all from Pune, Mr.Girme and Mr. Vasant Kulkarni from Akluj, are some of well known names from the large family of disciples. Maharaj gave spiritual guidance to millions, who are evolving spiritually under his protection even today. Dr Dhaneshwar was his principle disciple. According to Maharaj, their association was for more than six hundred years. Being Nath Panthis in the earlier births also and closely connected to Gahininath. Maharaj had shown him the place where he i.e. Dr Dhaneshwar used to do sadhana in the caves in the Vrishdheshwar hills near Nagar in the previous birth .He was a very capable person and Maharaj gave him all his knowledge. Maharaj first appeared before Dr Dhaneshwar when the latter was a schoolboy but the real training started just after his

Graduation in medicine. Maharaj used to visit him often and throw things around. This used to make the doctor angry. One Day, Maharaj scattered some importance articles here and there. Doctor, who was under tension due to personal worries asked Maharaj to leave and when he did not, pushed him down the stairs. As a result of this outburst the doctor became unconscious. When the doctor recovered from unconsciousness he found his head was on Maharajs lap and Maharaj was gently caressing his head with love of a mother. At that moment he suddenly realised the real nature of Maharaj. He realised that the Gurus love is deeper than mothers love. From that moment he completely surrendered to Maharaj. Raosaheb Balwantrao Mehendale who was a barrister and his wife Taisaheb Mehendale were also close disciples of Maharaj . One of his friends Sardar Mirikar was instrumental in bringing Raosaheb to Maharaj. Maharaj initiated Tai Saheb and asked her to give discourses on Dnyaneshwari (an exposition on Geeta). The Mehendale couple left Bombay and settled in Pune in their ancestoral house Mehendalewada at the Appa Balwant Chowk in Pune. Spiritual programs like the discourses, bhajans and kirtans were held in Mehendalewada which became a center of solace for people who were frustrated in life and needed a relief. These discourses from Taisaheb used to impart deeper bliss to the listeners and they used to feel the meaning of their life being unfolded. It was as if Shri Shankar Maharaj was speaking through her, for he had already told that I myself cannot give discourse. I need some intelligent person with pure mind This incident of giving darshan of the desired deity was unique. Sir Chunilal Mehta, once Governor of Bombay Presidency in British Raj was a close friend of Raosaheb Mehendale. He was a a kind natured person and scholar, well versed in both Western and Indian literature. He used to attend the discourses in Mehendalewada. One day he told Raosaheb that inspite of his vast reading, travelling all over India visiting holy places, he felt something was lacking in his life. This was just before Taisahebs discourse on Dnyaneshwari was to start. The stanzas Taisaheb had selected that day related to seeing manifested God. Sir Chunilal was considerably influenced and said that he wanted to experience something like that. Raosaheb took him next day to meet Maharaj who was at that time in Mama Dheknes house. Maharaj was as usual reclining on a cushion, laughing and talking to himself. Lady Mehta sat with Taisaheb on ground. Sir Chunilal stood and did namaskar to Maharaj. Raosaheb spoke to Maharaj and told him that Sir Chunilal had come with his wife to meet him. Maharaj first ignored him and then fixed his eyes on Sir Chunilal who instantly went into a deep trance, tears started flowing from his eyes. And then Sir Chunilal ran to Maharaj and fell on his feet making them moist with the tears. Lady Mehta was also in a similar condition. Sir Chunilal later told that in those moments Lord Vishnu his personal deity had appeared before him. Sir Chunilal was still in trance for a long time. The feeling of incompleteness left Sir Chunilal permanently. Thereafter Sir Chunilal continued to remain in that internal trance state. He never went any more on pilgrimage to holy places. A few months before taking samadhi Maharaj had chosen the present site. It was a farmland owned by one Mr. Malpani who had agreed to give him the land. A few days before the samadhi, Maharaj told to his devotees, who had gathered at Mama Dhekne's house, "These clothes have become old. They must be discarded." everybody realized he was referring to his body and not real clothes. He then asked them to gather there after four days and that he would make 'khichdi' for them. Four days later, when they gathered at Mama Dhekne's house, Maharaj himself cooked the 'khichdi' and distributed it. Then Maharaj said, "Dnyaneshwari is not to be read. One must live by it. This world has been saved only by the advice of the Saints and Dnyaneshwari He who fills his life with Dnyaneshwari will surely have a happy life. I have nothing more to say." And with that he bid good-bye to those who had gathered, except Dr. Dhaneshwar, Gosavi, Dnyananath, Mehendale couple, Mama and Mami Dhekne. He said, "For Yogis and liberated persons, samadhi should be taken at an auspicious time. This time is coming on Vaishakh Suddha Ashtami. I am going to deposit this material body in the ground that day." During the next ten days or so, Maharaj broke all outside contacts. Only the usual group used to visit him at Mama Dhekne's house. Not a word was spoken. On the seventh day, that is the day before the

samadhi, he told Mami," Give me just a cup of tea. Inside the shelf spread a small mattress and keep a cushion. I am going to take bath and sit here. I don't want to speak a word nor meet anyone. The door should not be opened." And they did accordingly. Mama and Mami were sitting the whole night in front of the shelf keeping watch. At four o'clock in the morning voice came from inside the shelf, "Make further arrangements. Take care of this material body. This flame of Dnyanadeo is now leaving it". It was April 24th 1947. People gathered to have a last sight of the body of the Master. Next day around noon the body was taken in procession to the place and by the route indicated by Maharaj. Ground was dug at the indicated place for the body. About five o'clock in the evening the body was interred and in no time only a mound of garlands was all that could be seen. An unusual thing about Maharaj has been that even after samadhi he visits his devotees Most visits have been out of a need to save them from calamities or to give guidance.

Hazrat Babajan
Babajan hailed from Afghanistan (Central Asia) and was the daughter of well to do Afghan of noble lineage. Her maiden name was Gulrukh (rose faced) and her early training was that befitting the status of an Afghan aristocrat. At a very early age she learned Quran by heart and later became conversant with Arabic, Persian, Pushtoo and Urdu. From early life she developed mystical tendencies, and unlike girls of her age, she used to pass a good deal of her time in prayers, meditation and solitude. This mystical aspect in her asserted itself, as when coming of age, she was found to be against any idea of marriage. The parents could not understand her and to them the idea of a Pathan girl remaining unmarried was extremely scandalous. Finding the situation no longer tenable and the parents bent upon forcing the issue of matrimony on her. Gulrukh managed to escape and came to Peshawar (India) and then to Rawalpindi. For a Pathan girl brought up under the strictest discipline of the Parda system, wandering at the age of 18 years, was not an easy undertaking. Surely it was her spiritual destiny landed her safely into India unscathed and undetected. At Rawalpindi, Gulrukh led an ascetic life for some years, and eventually came into contact with a Hindu saint, who initiated her into the spiritual path. After this initiation she went into seclusion in a nearby mountain outside Rawalpindi and underwent very severe penance for nearly seventeen months. Thereafter she came down to Punjab and stayed a few months in Multan. It was in Multan, while Gulrukh was 37 years of age, that she contacted a Muslim saint a Mazjoob (immersed in Divinity) who put an end to her spiritual struggle by giving her God-realization. Gulrukh once again wended her way to Rawalpindi, and there she was again spiritually drawn to the same Hindu saint, responsible for her first initiation. The saint helped her to come down from the super conscious state of God-realisation to the normal consciousness of a Master. Hereafter for Gulrukh began a long trail of journeys from one part of India to another. In one of her itineraries she visited Bombay, and after a few months' stay in Bombay, went back once again to the Punjab, and spent a good number of years at different places in Northern India. It was at this time that she happened to utter in a moment of ecstasy words connoting her divine state. This was treated as blasphemy by orthodoxy, which, with the connivance of the church, got her buried alive Gulrukh miraculously, survived this ordeal, and finding the country unsafe for her she bade good bye to the Punjab and Northern India forever. She travelled south to Bombay took up her abode in a locality know as Chuna Bhatti near Byculla. Bombay however, was not to be graced by her presence for long and the enviable honour of manifesting Gulrukh's spiritual greatness goes to Poona, that the sepoys of the Baluchi Regiment, which had only recently arrived from the North and who knew that Gulrukh was buried and dead, had a surprise of their life to find her all alive and seated underneath a neem (margosa) tree at a place called Malcolm Tank within Cantonment limits. The Baluchi sepoys looked upon this as a great miracle, and thus feeling convinced of her spiritual greatness, gave Gulrukh an ovation, by bowing to her Hazrat

reverently. After this incident her saintly fame spread far and wide, and she came to be universally known as Hazrat Babajan. Sometime after her entry into Poona about the year 1903, Babajan had no fixed place of abode. She was seen sitting or resting at odd places in different parts of the city and cantonment. Although shabbily dressed, there was something magnetic in her personality very unusual in a street mendicant that she looked, that no passer-by could resist giving her a second glance. She was seldom seen moving about or sitting anywhere all alone. Her bodily requirements were very few, and food she ate very sparingly at long intervals. She was very fond of tea, which was offered to her very frequently by visitors. While walking in streets, on whomsoever her eyes feel that person could not but halt or stand up reverentially unit she passed by. An unsettled life of some years in and around Poona saw Babajan at last settled at a spot near Char Bavadi, Malcom Tank, underneath the neem (margosa) tree. At this time the locality mentioned was a picture of dirt, desolation and ugliness. The Cantonment authorities became alive in the situation, and had it been possible they would unhesitatingly have had Babajan shifted to some out of the way spot. But they dared not risk a public demonstration in the matter. By now Babajan's fame as a saint hand spread far and wide and 'Char Bavadi' became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over India. In place of Babajan's shabby shelter, when the new structure which was only a few feet away from Babajan's original seat was ready to every one's surprise, she refused to be moved there. The awkward situation however, was got over by extending the structure a little more so as the include and embrace Babajan's original seat, as well as the neem tree. When Babajan first came to Poona people surmised her age to be not less that 90 years, and thereafter even 30 years added to her life in the city wrought no changes in her personality. Short in stature, firm and agile fair and sunburn, face broad and heavily wrinkled, high cheek bones, liquid blue eyes possessing great depths, head covered with a silvery crown of thick white hair hanging loose up to the shoulders, deep sonorous voice, all conspired to make her personality very unique and unworldly. Her attire was simple, consisting of a long apron extending below the knees, a pyjamas narrowed round the legs and a linen scarf thrown carelessly round the shoulders. Babajan slept very little, one day she would feel out of sorts, at times even high fever, and the next day she would be her usual self without recourse to any medication. Young and old, male or female, she used to address everyone as Bachcha or Baba (child). Her method of healing was quite unique and entertaining. When anyone approached her for a cure, she would hold between her fingers, the painful or diseased part of the person concerned, and calling upon some imaginary being, simultaneously ordering the troublesome entity to quit. Surprisingly enough, this funny operation would impart instantaneous relief. A Zorastrain child aged about 10 years had lost his eyesight altogether. His guardians brought him to Babajan, and when told of the sorry plight of the child, Babajan mumbled some words, and blew her breath upon his eyes. The child immediately recovered his eyesight and began to jump about joyfully saying "I can see now, I can see". One Hindu woman, a devotee of Babajan very humbly and supplicatingly submitted to Babajan that she was married over ten years, but was not yet blessed with an issue. She requested Babajan's blessings in her case. Babajan blessed her, and said. "Your first issue would be a son.". Exactly after a year and half, the lady returned and placed the male baby at the feet of Babajan. Babajan took up the child in her arms, played with it for some time, and allowed the mother and the child to depart with her blessings. Babajan's love and charity towards humanity was supremely Divine in expression; it could not but reclaim a most confirmed sinner and subdue the cruellest of minds. Articles of clothing and other presentations to Babajan, people would remove without her permission. Once a man tried to steal a costly shawl covering her body while asleep, but he found its removal rather risky, as some portion of it was held underneath her body. Babajan instinctively raised herself bodily a little, thereby helping the thief to achieve the purpose. On another occasion, a person from Bombay, in

token of his fulfilled desire, placed two bangles of solid gold round Babajan's wrists. At the earliest opportunity, an unknown person snatched away the bangles so very roughly that it gave her wrist a nasty cut which bled profusely. A lyrical show was to be staged in a theatre at Talegaon, a small town about 2 miles from Poona. That particular night, owing to the popularity of the cast in the play, there was an unusual rush, and the theatre was choked to its capacity, that management had no go but to lock the doors. Hazrat Babajan's spiritual status in the hierarchy of saints is that of Qutub. Literally the word Qutub means a peg or a pin, and a Qutub functioning on the physical plane is the hub round which the universe revolves. After a spiritual sojourn of about 35 years in Poona, Hazrat Babajan left her mortal coil on 21st September 1931 at the ripe old age of 125 years. Her funeral procession was tremendous affair, never accorded to any dignitary or royalty in the annals of Poona. Her remains were laid at rest at the very spot underneath the neem tree where she sat and dispensed Divine Grace for such a long number of years. Babajan's seat being in the Cantonment area, everyone though that the military authorities would refuse permission for Babajan's burial within their limits. The trustees saw and proposed many sites in different parts of the city, but there was no unanimity amongst them about any one particular spot. One day they decided to approach Babajan herself and settled the question of her burial ground direct. No sooner they approached her, Babajan flew into rage at the sight of them and said, "Get away from here. How can the dead show concern for the living? I am not going to leave this place." Thus Babajan decided the question of her burial ground at the same time conveyed to them that materially minded people are more dead than alive.

Hazrat Tajuddin Baba

Website of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba >> click on http://www.geocities.com/nagpurbaba/ Hazrat Tajuddin Baba was one of the five Perfect Masters (Sadgurus) of his Age. Such is the play of nature known as maya (illusion) that this Perfect Master was declared a lunatic and kept in confinement in the Nagpur Lunatic Asylum for more than sixteen years. However, Baba Tajuddin started his divine play from this place and virtually converted the asylum to a place of worship. Baba Tajuddin was born on the 21st of January in the year 1861 at a place called Kamthi situated near Nagpur in the state of Maharastra. From the birth itself, there was something unusual about the child, for the newborn baby would not at all cry. He would, at times, open his eyes and look at people and again go to sleep. All normal methods to induce the child to cry having failed, the parents took recourse to a traditional shock method of touching hot iron to the forehead and ear of the child. With the application of this method the child jerked out of its stupor and started crying. The burnt marks thus made on the head and ears of the child remained on his body till the last. More often-than-not, it is seen that highly developed souls become orphans in their early childhood so that they become free to operate in their spiritual world. This had happened with Shri Shirdi Sai and this also happened with Baba Tajuddin. His father expired when he was about one year old and his mother expired when he was only nine years old. The care of this orphan was taken over by his maternal grandmother and maternal-uncle Abdul Rahman. As a child, Baba started his education at the age of six in a local madrasa in Kamthi. During this time a spiritually - developed soul, known as Hazrat Abdulla Shah, visited the madrasa and saw the child Tajuddin.

He immediately told the teacher - "Why are you teaching this child. He has got all knowledge from his past life." Saying thus, he took out a dry fruit (Khumani) from his bag, ate half, and put the other half in the mouth of the child saying "Eat less, sleep less and speak less. Read Quran. As soon as the child ate the dry fruit, God - consciousness dawned on him and for about three days he remained in a state of spiritual ecstasy.Obviously Hazrat Abdulla Shah had given Tajuddin the spiritual power or consciousness known as "Shaktipata" in Hindu Yoga system. Thereafter, the child was found to be always in a state of contemplation in secluded places. At the age of 18, the financial condition of his maternal - uncle's house deteriorated due to floods. As a result, both Baba and his maternal - uncle searched for a job. In 1881, at the age of 20 Baba joined the Nagpur Army Regiment. Soon a contingent of the Regiment, where Baba was serving, was sent to a place called Sagar. At Sagar, Baba used to manage his duties as an army sepoy (soldier), somehow spending the best of the time in doing namaz and contemplation. Most of the nights he used to spend with a highly developed spiritual soul known as Hazrat Baud Saheb under-going spiritual practices. Hazrat Baud Saheb is, therefore, recognised as one of the spiritual masters of Tajuddin Baba. His absence from the army camp at nights, and his least regard for the service created problems from the higher authorities. One day, in a God-intoxicated state Baba suddenly submitted his resignation from the army and left the camp. He then roamed about in the streets of Sagar like a mad man; without any sense of body. Soon his maternal grandmother heard of the news and took him away to Kamthi. She tried to get him cured through doctors and Hakims thinking that he was mad. The doctors and Hakims could hardly improve his condition as Baba Tajuddin's consciousness had, by that time transcended the gross and subtle body and was floating in the vast ocean of divine consciousness - beyond multiplicism and dualism of Nature. As the destiny of many spiritual seekers, children started throwing stones at him to which he would never react. The society around him discarded him to be useless for their purpose and declared him as mad and, therefore, humiliated him whenever and wherever they could. However, miracles also started taking place around him. He would suddenly tell people about their past and warn them about future problems. One day in that Videha State (Beyond body state) he went near a British woman in a naked state. The horrified woman complained to the army authorities about such uncivilized behaviour. An army officer caught hold of him and got him admitted in the lunatic asylum of Nagpur on the 16th of August 1892. This is one of the biggest illusions of Nature (Maya) the mad people of the mad world declaring the Knowledge- Incarnate, who had come to redeem them of their worldly madness, as mad. But how could the authorities, confine a soul that is in a state of pure consciousness within the four walls of a lunatic asylum. As was the practice, the inhabitants of the asylum used to be locked up in barracks and cells at night. Similarly, Baba was also put in confinement under strict vigil. Soon after he was locked up in the asylum that a strange incident took place that spread Baba's name far and wide. Baba was admitted in the lunatic asylum on the 26th August 1892. On the same day many people saw him moving freely in the streets of Kamthi, even after he was locked up. On the next day i.e. 27th an army sepoy, who, under the orders of the magistrate had brought Baba to the lunatic asylum the previous day, saw Baba roaming in the street. The shocked sepoy ran back and informed the British officer of the regiment, about it. The officer immediately rode his horse and searched for Baba. He ultimately found him sitting under a tree smiling at him. British officer was so enraged at seeing him moving freely that he straight away rode to the lunatic asylum at Nagpur situated at half an hour distance from Kamthi. He asked the doctor on duty Where is that insane whom I sent here yesterday? The doctor informed that he was in a locked room and also showed the officer where Baba was locked, and behold, the officer found the Baba Tajuddin was sitting inside the room in the same posture in which he had seen sitting under the tree only half on hour back smiling at him. On seeing the officer, Baba said. " Brother, you are doing your work and I am doing my work". The officer was

so influenced by the divine personality of Baba that he instantly became his disciple and started visiting Baba on every Sunday with his family members. Thereafter, the asylum authorities were reconciled with Baba moving at various places inside the asylum compound and outside. Gradually, Babas name became so famous that thousands of people from near and far started lining up before the lunatic asylum everyday to have Babas darshan, blessing and help. During his 16 years stay in the asylum, Baba cured thousands of people of diseases , granted children to the childless and took on his shoulders the responsibilities (both temporal and spiritual) of lakhs of his devotees. Miracles are the way of functioning of the Masters. Since more often, they work through the subtle and mental mediums than in gross which ordinary mortals cannot perform, they are termed as miracles. The forces creating miracles are subtle forces of nature not yet discovered. Since the work of the Perfect Master precipitates hundreds and thousands of actions at different place at the same time, they employ the subtle methods. Those who have become mediums of miracles know for sure that there are definite principles on which the so called miracles operate. For them they are not miracles but a normal way of functioning at their levels of consciousness. The Perfect Master are not confined by any religion, any creed, caste or even by scriptural injunctions or prescribed methods of worship etc. They are in a state of total 'freewill' without any limitations of nature. This is not to be misunderstood, as a negative state of assertion for free will. Baba's fame and love for people had been drawing thousands of people daily to the lunatic asylum. Even the staffs of the asylum including the doctors were his devotees. The doctor gave report that Baba was not mad but a person of unusual qualities which medical science cannot explain. In the meantime, Maharaja Bahadur Shrimant Raghoji Rao Bhonsle, the Maharaja of Nagpur had become an ardent devotee of Baba and started visiting him regularly. One day, in the evening, he thought of getting Baba released from the lunatic asylum and bring him to his palace at Shakardara. The same night, he saw a vision in the dream in which Baba appeared and pointing towards Red Palace said "Oh, elder brother, let me stay here." It was early morning- (3.00 AM) of 9th July 1908, a Thursday. The Maharaja immediately called his officials and discussed about the steps to be taken to get Baba released. The Council decided that the Maharaja should immediately make an application for release to the Governor, Central Provinces. Ultimately after depositing a security money of rupees two thousands, the Maharaja secured the release of Baba on the 21st of September 1908 and brought him to his palace. From his palace Baba started his divine work. Once Baba was lying down on the sands of the river Kanhan when two ladies by the name of Shantabai and Subhadrabai from Amaravati, approached him. While touching the feet of Baba they mentally prayed to him for children, as they were childless. The omniscient (Pragyan Ritambhara) Baba heard their inner prayers and gave a ladoo (a type of sweetmeat) to each after testing them. He blessed them to have sons. While they were returning, Shantabai ate the ladoo as a blessed prasad, but Subhadrabai did not because Baba had tasted the ladoo and was Muslim by birth. She quietly got the ladoo buried in the sand. As the Divine Will could have it, Shantabai got a son nine months later. When the child was about two-month-old, she came to Baba with the child for his blessings. Subhadra, who had not conceived even by that time, accompanied her. When Shantabai put her child at the feet of Baba, Subhadra could not control herself. She fell at the feet of Baba and cried -" Baba where is my child?" Baba told her to search the child from beneath the sand (indicating that he knew where the ladoo was) Subhadra immediately realised her mistake and repented profusely before Baba. The Perfect masters are incarnation of kindness. Her repentance and plight moved Baba. He blessed her to have a son, which she got after a year. The perfect master is a wish- fulfilling tree Kalpvriksha who even shower unconditional grace (Ahetuk Kripa).

A poor scheduled- caste woman called Tara once wished to feed Baba but since Baba was staying in the palace. Tara did not know how to approach him and was also afraid that some people may not take it kindly. So, she cooked the food and tied the food in a piece of cloth with a tree near the palace. Sometime later, people from high classes kept the best of dishes before Baba for his lunch. Baba Said, " I will not eat all these. Get my food tied in the Jamun tree". Everybody started searching but could not find the food. Ultimately Baba got up from his seat, brought the food from the tree and ate only that with utter satisfaction. The Perfect Master are hungry not for the food offered by the people but for the love behind such offer. The spiritual masters never encourage anyone to change his religion. They are above all religions. They only see the theme of humanism, which is the basis of all religions. There was a prostitute by the name of Giriji who was a devotee of Baba. Suddenly, she caught some disease and remained sick for long. Another devotee of Baba, Kashinath Patel, one day sent a person to the house of Giriji to enquire about her health. The man came and found Giriji dead and informed Kashinath accordingly. Kashinath directed him to go and ask Tajuddin Baba whether to bury the body of Giriji or to burn it. On his way to Baba's place, he found a close attendant of Baba carrying tea in a pot. During discussion, Patel's man told the attendant of Baba that Giriji is dead. When Baba's attendant heard that Giriji is dead he told the other persons that Baba has asked him to ensure that Giriji drinks that tea. Therefore, he insisted on carrying the tea to Giriji, Both of them reached Giriji house and found her body surrounded by mourning women. The attendant of Baba, said in a loud voice - "Giriji, Hazur has sent tea for you. Take it." He repeated the sentence thrice. After the third time Giriji opened her mouth and little by little tea was poured in. After taking the tea, she came back to life and lived for a few years more. The love of a Perfect Master for his devotees is somewhat like but more than the love of the mother towards the child. Whosoever surrenders to him, he takes care of his biggest and even the smallest problems. Since his words are the ultimate truth, whatever they promise is fulfilled, even after they have left their body. Let us see one example. Sometimes, Baba used to travel in a horsedriven cart to distant places. One devotee named Hiralal used to be his driver (coachman). When Baba once declared that he would leave his body in few days (he left the body on the 17th of August 1925), Hiralal started crying. He asked Baba "Huzur, under whose protection are you leaving us and going". Baba told him "you always stay in front of me (the driver sits at the front in a horse cart) and I will always stay behind you". It so happened that in 1965, on the day of the Moharram, the annual procession i.e. Baba's Tazia started from Baba's place by now name as Tazabaad and moving towards the main square (called Jhad Square) with people shouting 'Allah ho Akbar'. Suddenly the people carrying the Tazia heard the cry 'Ram naam satya hai' from another procession moving in front of them. Those who knew what Baba had told Hiralal during his last days, found that the procession in the front was carrying the dead body of Hiralal. Tears rolled down from their eyes when they saw Hiralal's body going in front and Baba's Tazia following a promise kept by Baba forty years after his departure. One of the main functions of a Sadguru is to stand by his devotees at the times of their death, in gross or subtle form, to lead the soul towards further evolutions. None else - i.e. no other Guru, parents, relatives, or even yogis have the power to render such help to the souls once they have left the body. By 1925, Baba had completed his 64th year. In the month of August his health started deteriorating. Maharaja Raghoji Rao pressed the best doctors for service, but which doctor could cure Baba who only had decided about his departure. Raghoji Rao understood that Baba is getting ready to depart. He asked Baba to allow people to have darshan even if medical advice did not permit. The ever-benevolent Baba just smiled and agreed. As the news spread thousands of people came to the king's palace and had last sight of their beloved master who had served and protected them for decades. The stream of visitors continued till the last moment of Babas departure on the 17th August 1925. On that Monday, Baba lifted his hand as blessing to all, looking at them lovingly and quietly laid his body on the bed. By the time doctors could check him he had already left the gross body for its universal abode. But, today the

experience of people visiting the Samadhi of Baba establishes the truth that the Perfect Masters always exist, in whatever form, in the time continuum for they are in the Beyond state.

Narayan Maharaj
Narayan Maharaj was born on 20th May 1885, at Bagalkot in Karnataka. His early childhood was full of calamities. He lost his father, when he was hardly 14 months old and lost his mother when he was four. As a worldly duty his grandmother looked after him. His sacred thread ceremony was performed at the age of nine. His grandmother was planning to appoint Narayan as her heir, but it created problems with the other relations and he was also not interested in any material acquisition. He left his grandmother's place and all his relations, as he was keen on establishing the only relationship with Lord Dattatreya. After leaving home he took rest for the night in Shiva's temple, but no one came to enquire about him.This proved to be an important event to break all the worldly ties for him. Whatever is destined to take place must take place. Suffering is a great blessing in disguise, it has the ultimate objective to bring sufferer on the path of love and realisation. His life was full of hardships, trials and traumas but he had the absolute and unflinching faith and devotion for Lord Dattatreya, hence he had no fear of any kind. There are many incidences which prove that the unseen divine hand was constantly guarding him in many ways. When he was just 12 years of age, he was residing in Lord Shiva's temple. Everyday for more than a week a tiger was coming to the temple, bowing to the Lord and touching Narayan's feet, who used to be meditating in the corner. Once when he was deep into meditation, the roof of temple collapsed. He protectively covered over the Shivalinga. The Shivlinga (Lord Shivas Idol) and Narayan, both were saved. Once while meditating in the riverbed seated on a big rock, the river got flooded all of a sudden, water level was increasing menacingly, however instead of flowing over the rock, water currents took the detour leaving Narayan safe and untouched. He was going through a dense forest, where leave aside human beings even animals were hesitant to stir out. Narayan was extremely thirsty. Suddenly a horse rider came from nowhere showed him the spring water and disappeared. Once he was sleeping under the tree and a large snake encircled his legs. Fear did not enter Narayan's mind. After a while it started raining incessantly and the snake loosened its grip from his legs and went away. Hundreds of incidents like these happened in Narayan Maharaj's life, which gave a glimpse of the Divine power standing behind him. He was asked by a Saint to go to Gangapur and serve Lord Dattatreya. He was in Gangapur for about 10 months and Lord Dattatreya showed him the definite and fearless path to achieve his cherished goal. At Gangapur he completely and earnestly surrendered to the Lord and the Lord made His abode in his heart. While moving from place to place, he came to Bet and heard the conversation of a pair of Pingla birds, "This place was sanctified by the brief stay of Lord Ram. This is a Holy Land, where thousands will get food and true satisfaction". So the 4 hectares of land was taken by Maharaj to create the place for his divine service rendered to humanity. He created a magnificent township in 4 hectares of land at New Bet, which was known as Narayan Nagri, adorned by the majestic temple of Lord Dattatreya. The place was abound with spiritual bliss. Lord Shiva's temple, Sadhana (Practice) place for Maharaj, a large Dharamshala (Rest house) for devotees and many small cottages were built by the devotees, who wanted to live near the Master. Distribution of free food everyday to thousands of people and chanting the Lord's name made the whole place pristine and divine. Maharaj had all the siddhis or spiritual powers at his command, but he never used them for himself but there are many instances where these spiritual powers came into use on their own as result of his spiritual perfection.

The voice of Smt. Anjanabai who was a singer of reputed fame was miraculously restored, a ship and its owner were rescued from the cyclone storms with his divine intervention. A famous doctor was pulled back from jaws of death by a mere glance from him. Limited food was prepared for few, when covered by Maharaj with a cloth was more than sufficient to feed thousands of people and still remained in the utensils. Drunkards were inspired to leave the alcohol forever by the mere glance. He saved a devotee and his car from falling into river by physically appearing in front of the car. He cured many incurable diseases and helped thousands of families by giving food, clothes, medicines and education. He organised many religious ceremonies at New Bet between 1928 to 1935, when communication and transport facilities were non-existent in this remote place. He had outstanding organizational skills. The ceremonies were so flawless, perfect and divinely inspired. The scale, grandeur, serenity and purity was so profound on all these occasions that everyone felt, that God Himself was present there. His message was very simple and practical, "Treat every being as God." Chanting of Lords name was so dear to his heart that his basic advice to his devotees was "Chant Gods name and experience the bliss". His devotees were renowned Doctors, Advocates, Professors, Artists, Kings of erstwhile Indian States and Nepal and a number of foreigners. But he was a Saint for the under privileged, weaker and poor people. He was a Perfect Master and was known far and wide. He traveled to religious places - Varanasi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Nepal, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleswar, Rameshwar, Madurai, Chidambaram, Shiv Kanchi, Vishnu Kanchi, Tirupathi, Ramakrishna Ashram, Calcutta, Banglore, Mysore, Dwarka, Somnath, Dakornath, Shri Gokarna Mabaleshwar and host of other places. From 1942 his health started falling, for a change of weather he decided to go to Ottacmond. Whenever he used to leave on earlier occasions his parting words used to be "I will be back soon; but this time while leaving his words were, "I am going. But no one could grasp the meaning at that moment. Ottacmond did not suit him. He came to Banglore and in spite of failing health he decided to organize 'Ati Rudra Swahakar' to Lord Mallickarjun (a form of Shiva). State of Mysore made outstanding arrangements. He performed the Maha Pooja (grand worship) and gave Mantra for chanting to the large gathering of the devotees and returned to his chamber without visiting 'Yajnashala' (a place for fire sacrifice) due to complete exhaustion. The whole ceremony was conducted in an exquisite style, without any slackness in the presence of around 1,00,000 devotees. After the completion of all Poojas (worships), Maharaj was given the message. He was in Padmasan (Lotus posture in Yoga). Before anyone could realise, he took a long breath and finished his mortal journey on 3rd September 1945. Though Mysore State arranged an aircraft for carrying the body to Bet, devotees of Banglore were not ready to part with the body and wanted to have his Samadhi Mandir at Banglore. Mysore State gave two acres of beautiful land near the lake, where his mortal remains were buried and now a beautiful Samadhi, where the Sadguru is resting, came into existence. Even today at Bet, the vibrations can be felt of the presence of this Master and He is still helping scores of devotees, who ardently call on him.

Meher Baba
Meherwan Sheriar Irani (Meher Baba) was born in Pune, India in February 1894 . His parents were of Persian origin. He was first educated in Dastur Girls School and later in St. Vincent High School, from where he was matriculated. In 1913, while in his first year at Deccan College he came in contact with Hazrat Babajan, one of the fivePerfect Masters of the Age , who by a kiss on his forehead awakened him to the experience of what one may call God-realization. During the course of subsequent seven years Upasani Maharaj, another Perfect Master of the age gave him knowledge of his infinite state and integrated his God-consciousness with the consciousness of

the

gross

world,

preparing

him

thus

for

his

role.

He was reported to have met the other three perfect Masters of the time before he came in contact with Upasani Maharaj, but no record of what happened in such meeting is available, except that Sai Baba of Shirdi uttered Parvardigar on seeing him. In 1921, he began his divine work with the early disciples he had collected around him while living in a hut built for him by Shri Sadashiv Govind Shelke at Shivajinagar, Pune near the popular shrine of goddess Chatusringi. After a few years of intensive training of these disciples and travel with them in India and Iran, Meher Baba finally established, what is now called Meher Retreat at Meherabad, on the outskirts of Arangaon village in Ahmednagar. Here he instituted various activities of ego service and self-giving love for the disciples. Judged from the standard of worldly activities, these may appear to an objective observer as charitable, social, cultural or educational activities, which though valuable in that period of Indian history, were insignificant. But viewed from an angle of spiritual emancipation of mankind for which alone Perfect Master is ordained in the divine plan of Gods functioning these activities were motivations or spiritual stimulation for the transformation of all spheres of existence, planes of consciousness and departments of life. Meher Baba began his unique silence on 10th July 1925, and stopped writing in 1927 . At first he communicated by writing on slates, then by pointing to letters on an alphabet board, which he gave up on 7th October 1954. Thereafter he conversed through his own unique shorthand system of representative gestures. Though silent and abstaining from writing, Meher Baba had released a large volume of works revealing the spiritual theme of human life clearer than any master had ever done before him, explaining creation, evolution of consciousness through infinite variety of forms, re-incarnation and involution of consciousness in a language intelligible to an average mans understanding and at the same time scientific and logical in convincing the rationalist. The history of mans search for his soul has produced few works dealing with the technique for the souls discovery. Meher Babas discourses are a major contribution to that small body of literature. In this work, given to his close disciples in the period 193843, he describes the means of incorporating daily life into ones spiritual ongoing. He also outlines the structure of Creation, but only to clarify the relationship of the aspirant to the Master. In his classic later work God Speaks Meher Baba described in detail the vertical system of God, His Will to know Himself consciously, and the purpose of creation in the Will . The discourses on the other hand are the practical guide for the aspirant as he slowly finds his way back to Oneness, after having developed consciousness through the deeps of evolution. While the discourse provide detailed descriptions of the Path and its disciplines. Rather, they are a constant, firm reminder of the need for a Master on this Path of apparent return to Oneness. The Master is the knowing guide who had already traversed the Path, who provides with infinite patience the secure and steady pace that can lead to the goal. While Baba admits the possibility of achieving progress without such a guide, he makes it clear that it is fraught with almost insurmountable problems, and difficulties. To one who debates allying himself with a teacher of the inner processes, the discourses provide invaluable insight. To one who senses that life is to be lived for its positive contribution to the discovery of the inner being, Baba provides the unarguable description of one who knows. His other books, Listen, Humanity, Life At Its Best, Beams on the Spiritual Panorama, The Everything & The Nothing were given by him to educate the minds of earnest aspirants after Truth, giving them enough intellectual insight to understand the falsity of this material world and ego-centric and separative existence, and to awaken love for Truth (God) and longing for living in Truth (God).

Meher Baba had widely traveled all over India. Iran and other Eastern countries contacting large numbers of people. In the 1930s Babas travels began to reach Europeand then to America. His name rapidly became known to those deeply and sincerely interested in the spiritual discipline on both continents. When not on travels, which were practically stopped in 1958 after his last global tour, he lived mostly in Meherabad, in Ahmednagar District, the field of his concentrated activities and where almost all of his lovers gatherings were held till 1958. During summer months from April through June every year he used to stay in Pune, where his activities began centralising since 1956 and finally shifted to from 1958 onwards. Babas life can be divided into Ekantavas (seclusion) Upavas (fast) and Sahavas (living with others). His life in seclusion and fasting was considered to be a period of intensive work in invisible spheres of existence and on planes of consciousness speeding up the evolution of Creation, descending divinity into the gross plane raising the consciousness of mankind. His external activities of contacting men individually and collectively sowed the seeds of love in their hearts which awaken them to a life of love and sacrifice and perpetuate his name and the truth he revealed. A persistent theme throughout the forty eight years of Meher Babas work had been his seeking out of what he called mast (God-intoxicated) and his homage to those afflicted by disease and want. The Wayfarers by Dr. William Donkin is a valuable record of these activities of Meher Baba which unfold avenues of understanding the psychology of human life as never before known to mankind. Those stricken by leprosy have been a constant concern of Meher Baba. With infinite care and love he washed their feet, bowed his forehead to the often twisted stumps on which they toddle, and sent them on their way with renewed hopes and peace. They are like beautiful birds caught in an ugly cage, he once said on such an occasion. Of all the tasks that I have to perform, this touches me most deeply. His disciples, known as mandali, resident with him were representative of what one may call miniature world family not only unified diverse religions and regions of the world, but represented all aspects of human nature through whom he worked to free the consciousness of mankind from the illusion of separative existence and tendencies. While Baba manifested divinity in its pristine beauty and glory through his ever changing moods and movements his mandali expressed humanity in all its nakedness through their life of love and service. His was a life of infinite suffering which he termed as moment to moments crucifixion, sustained by what he called His infinite bliss. The drama of his divine life on earth ended at 12.15 p.m. on 31st January 1969 establishing his individuality in the indivisibility of Gods infinite existence.

Shri Upasani (Baba) Maharaj

An explanation about the role and greatness of Shri Sai of Shirdi would remain incomplete without the understanding of the life of Kashinath Govind Upasani Sastri, who later came to be known as Shri Upasani Maharaj. Shri Sais deeds and life was full of miracles, but the greatest miracle was His creation of this once inconsequential person to the status of a Sadguruwithin a period of four years! The methods used by Shri Sai to completely transform Kashinath Sastri, the pain taken by him to protect the neophyte and the assurance with which he grew this unsure and confused disciple to the state of a Perfect Master, would indicate where in the spiritual hierarchy of this world Shri Sai remains. Born on 5th may, 1870 at Satana, Maharashtra (in India), Kashinath did not exhibit traits of a normal child from the beginning, although his deviations did not indicate existence of any super-intelligence or excellence in him. He held extremely strong views about two vital aspects of life when in his teens. First, he declared that the formalised educational learning was only for bread winning and, therefore, after

doing three years in a vernacular elementary school left it; merciless canning by his teacher becoming the immediate cause of such realisation. Secondly, he hated and condemned the body (i.e. his own body) as the creator of limitations and pain in life. He spent all his time doing in Asans (exercises as per Yoga), Pranayama (Breath control exercises), repetition of mantras etc. With such an attitude he could earn nothing and for his family members he was a problem child. To make matters worse, he was married with the hope that his ways would change. Old habits die hard. Not only did Kashinath not change, but also a few months after marriage he ran away from home (at the Dhulia district in Maharashtra) leaving a departing note and reached Nasik. However, two months later anxiety about the plight of his parents compelled him to return home. Shortly thereafter his wife expired, but before the cup of sorrow could be emptied, Kashinath, now fifteen was got married second time. To earn livelihood he went to places like Pune and could not find a job because of the absence of any formal education. At times he did menial work for others and at other times, he took to begging. He was in a miserable state of life. Sometimes, he even had to sleep on footpaths (sideways) and live only on Margosa (Neem) leaves. During this period of trials and tribulations, he met a saint who impressed upon him the virtues of Brahmacharya (celibacy). Leaving Pune he went to a place called Kalyan where he restored to begging as a means of livelihood, often quenching his hunger only by drinking water. A few days later, frustrated and exhausted, he decided to return home moving through Nasik. He reached home at Satana in July 1890. Soon after his father passed away. To earn livelihood, he practiced medicine for some time, followed by a job of a Malgujari (tax collector for the king or ruler). However, he failed in all the material ventures he undertook. His health also deteriorated substantially due to neglect and lack of comforts. While practicing Pranayama (Breath control exercises), his breath-cycle also got disturbed. Even his sleep, digestion and evacuation systems got difficult. All efforts of medical and religious having failed, he tried to get occult help of a Yogi. A Yogi called Yogi Kulkarni whom he met at Rahuri told him that Kashinath had entered a high yogic state and therefore, must take the help of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Presuming Shri Sai to be a Moslem, Kashinath did not take the advice seriously. One day when Kashinath was walking in the streets of Rahuri, an old man approached him to take hot water as a curative measure and to avoid taking cold water. Kashinath did not take this unsolicited advice given by a unknown person but continued his search for a Hindu Yogi. While on such a move, at a certain place called Jajuri, he went into a Samadhi state while sitting in a lonely place surrounded by prickly-pear bush. When he awoke, he felt very thirsty and went to the stream nearby to drink water. At that time the same old man re-appeared from nowhere. He repeated his advice in an angry tone and disappeared suddenly. Kashinath took his advice (this time) seriously and found sudden relief. In a short time his health became all right by this hot-water therapy. Then he went to meet Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon a famous Saint. On his way back he again met Yogi Kulkarni at Rahuri who again insisted upon him to meet Sai Baba, as Shirdi was on the way. Ultimately Kashinath came to Shirdi and met Shri Sai on 27th June 1911. Little did he realise at that time that he had met his Sadguru (Master) and that the course of his life would undergo complete thereafter. After staying at Shirdi for about two or three days, Kashinath wanted to leave for home. Obviously he had been wishing for a happy union with his family members and to live with them happily ever after. However, Sai would not agree. Everyone in Shirdi knew that if Shri Sai did not permit one to leave Shirdi, there must be something more to it. Those who disobeyed faced problems, which could have been avoided, had they heeded to the words of Shri Sai. When Kashinath pleaded vehemently, Shri Sai ultimately permitted him on the condition that he (Kashinath) should return to Shirdi in eight days. Kashinath, at that time, not having full faith in Sai, started worrying and fretting as eight days was too short a time. Sai knowing his mental state told him well, go if you like, I will see what can I do. Very happy at the prospect of going home he made a quick departure. However, strangely enough, moving from place to place, he reached Kopergaon (a village 8 miles away from Shirdi) on the eighth day. He was utterly confused and

did not know that as to how in eight days of continuous walking he could only cover eight miles. Willy-nilly from Kopergaon, he came to Shirdi with a group of pilgrims and met Shri Sai again. When he bowed before Shri Sai, the latter asked him:Sai : So You have come, when did you leave this place? Kashinath : Thursday Sai : At what time? Kashinath : At Three Sai : What day of the week is this? Kashinath : Thursday. Sai : How long since you left? Kashinath : A week. To-day is the eighth day. Sai : Thats it. When you left, you protested that you could not return within eight days! Kashinath : I do not know how this has happened. It is all your doing. Sai : Man, I was behind you all these eight days. Now go and stay in that wada (i.e. Kaka Sahebs, where visitors of Shri Sai usually stayed. Wada means a building within a compound) From that day onwards Kashinath was put on probation by Shri Sai who asked him to stay in the wada (a place where the other pilgrims were put up). Kashinath attempted to understand Sai by starting to enquire from other devotees and observation of His daily activities. On one day, Sai as usual narrated a peculiar story in the form of a self-experience to the assembled devotees. He said that once he met an emaciated and pregnant woman whom he advised to take only hot water and avoid cold-water, so that the child could be delivered early. She did not heed His advice but went on to drink cold water. He again came and advised the lady not to take cold water but to take hot water only. When she started to take hot water, she delivered the child. While narrating the story Shri Sai pointed frequently at Kashinath, who was convinced that it was Shri Sai who had appeared at two places to save him. Love and gratitude engulfed him so much that he started crying. Sai told him clearly that he and Kashinath had Rinanubandha (Karmic obligations of the past, including the previous births) for many centuries. To protect Kashinath from all external factors that effect spiritual growth, Sai asked him to go and sit in Khandoba Temple and do nothing so that Sai would be able to do whatever he wills to do i.e. to work within Kashinath and evolve him. Sai told Kashinath that Khandobas (Lord Shiva) full grace will come on him after a period of four years. Like a mother protecting its child from the on-slaughts of nature and people around even at the cost of her own life, Shri Sai protected Kashinath whole-heartedly and openly. Before the assemblage of jealous devotees who asked about the reason of His extreme grace He said, yes, yes, everything has been given, whatever he is, good or bad, he is mine. There is no distinction between him and me. Now, the whole responsibility for him rests with me. Kashinath still could not understand the import of the words of Shri Sai. To further indicate his future, Sai said wherever you are, you are God You will realise everything. The grace of the Sadguru is immeasurable. It is said that whereas a touch stone can change a stone to gold by mere touch, the Sadguru (Perfect Master) is such a touch-stone who can convert a stone (disciple) to a touch-stone i.e. to His own state (Perfect Master). The Sadguru, at this stage is responsible for everything, good or evil, done by the pupil. At this stage, the Sadguru virtually remains at the mercy of the disciple. By this total sacrifice of Himself, the Sadguru evolves the disciple to a state of perfection i.e. His own state. Shri Sai, once told one of His close-associates that the endeavor should be to create these perfect men so that they can, in turn, spiritually uplift thousands and millions of other souls from the state of Jivatma (bonded souls) to the state of Shivatma (Perfect souls). To evolve Kashinath was no easy task for Shri Sai. It is said that the

difference in the state of consciousness between a stone and an ordinary man is what is the difference between an ordinary man and a Sadguru. Like a man turning a piece of stone by the use of hammer, chisel to a beautiful piece of sculpture, the Sadguru can change a gross individual to that of a perfect soul. This is what Shri Sai was trying to do on Kashinath. The methods he used were, sometimes, harsh from the point of view of Kashinath, but, none the less were meant for his evolution to that perfect state only. To begin his work Sai told Kashinath Sit quiet, somehow. Have nothing to do with anyone. Sai wanted Kashinath not to create further Samskaras or impressions for himself in attachment with other people but to draw his mind inwards. As he followed the master, a series of mystic reactions happened in Kashinath and around him. To make Kashinath realise that, his Guru (Shri Sai) was present in every living being irrespective of the species, He once told Kashinath that he would one day visit Khandoba temple (where Kashinath used to stay). He further said that would Kashinath recognize Him, He would have chillum (earthen pipe for smoking) with him. About two or three months later Kashinath was taking some food to his Guru (Sai, who was sitting at the DwarkaMai mosque). A black dog who had been watching Kashinath while cooking, followed him. Without giving any food to the dog, Kashinath went straight to Sai, who said, why did you take the trouble to bring the food here, in this hot sun. I was sitting there (i.e. near the temple). Kashinath was shocked to hear that his Guru was at the temple and he did not know. He told Sai that there was none in the temple except a black dog. At that, Sai said yes, yes, I was that dog. Hearing this Kashinath could not stop crying and resolved never again to commit such a blunder. On the next day, while cooking, he watched around cautiously lest the dog would come again. The dog was no where to be seen. A shudra (lower-caste) beggar was found leaning against a wall and watching him cook. Kashinath the Brahmin (Uppermost-caste) grown in the orthodox tradition, immediately asked him to go away. Later when he approached Sai, the latter asked him yesterday you did not give me food and today you also ordered me not to stand there and drove me away. Do not bring food for me hereafter. Again Kashinath was surprised and again he was told that shudra was Sai Himself. These two lessons taught Kashinath that God and Shri Sai are in everything, and that the essence of God pervades everyone and everything. On the Gurupurnima day (Ashadha full moon day) of 1913 , Shri Sai asked a devotee Chandrabai, a strong willed lady to worship Kashinath the way Sai was being worshipped. This lady approached Kashinath in Khandoba temple with the Puja (worship) material for his worship. Kashinath refused to be worshipped and, even, threatened her for her audacious act. But Chandrabai told him (the language of Sai said through her) that even his body, which he thought was being worshipped, did not belong to him. From this day onwards Kashinath was called as Upasani Maharaj as officially Sai installed him as a Guru even in his probation period. After this incident, he started losing the sense of his body (Dehabhava). Now Upasani Maharaj started having visions and feelings of a highly psychic and spiritual nature. For example, he lost his normal vision by looking at the sun constantly. The sun and other light sources looked dark to him. When in this state, one day, he suddenly started seeing circles of light, which expanded and then came near him. These circular specks of light would disappear coming near his body. Now he started seeing spiritual visions inside these circles of light. One day he saw himself standing at some place in the space and saw the whole cosmos including the sun, moon, sky revolving. The whirling cosmos slowly became smaller and smaller, came towards him, and vanished near him or into him. Upasani Maharaj now experienced that the whole world was illusory and revolving and that he, as a soul, was outside it. This was a higher stage in his spiritual growth. From his childhood Upasani Maharaj had identified the body as the cause of all evils in life and had made conscious attempts to punish it. For a spiritual aspirant identifying the body with the self is a big limitation. How Shri Sai removed it is an interesting story. One day Upasani Maharaj saw a vision that in an old

building he (Upasani) and Sai were there. Shri Sai beckoned him to bring his ear close to his (Sai) mouth so that he could give a mantra. When Upasani Maharaj tried to do so, a shabby figure, which looked exactly like him tried to pull Maharaj away from Sai. Then Sai beat-up that shabby figure carried him out and burnt him in a pyre. Identifying himself with this figure when Upasani complained about this action (of burning). Shri Sai told him that it was his (Maharajs) evil form, which has been burnt. Little later, he saw an illuminated figure of himself. Again on being asked, Sai said that it was his (Maharajs) virtuous form. Maharaj was surprised and asked if he had an evil form and also a virtuous form who was he! Shri Sai told him that he was beyond both these forms and was the pure soul the element with which Shri Sai himself was made of. As Upasani Maharaj proceeded from the stage of illumination to self-realisation occult powers and siddhis came to him. When an aspirant evolves in the spiritual path higher psychic and occult powers gradually grow in him. He could read the minds of everyone his past, present and future. People started surrounding him and he had some following. Often, when he would be worshipped by a few persons, a crazy ascetic called Nanavali, who stayed at Shirdi, would come and pull out his cloth and talk with him with disrespect and contempt. Once he tied him up and beat him up. As Nanavali was a tough and dangerous person, no one could protect Upasani Maharaj. His cup of sorrow was full but inwardly his Godly qualities were evolving to perfection. He was getting ready for his new and bigger role. Every time he faced a problem, Sai assured him by saying that He (Sai) was always with him and that the more he suffered at present, better it would be for his future. One night in July 1914 Upasani Maharaj left Shirdi quietly taking mental permission from his Guru for a role he was destined to play elsewhere . First he went to a place called Shindi, then to Nagpur where he stayed for about a month and finally Kharagpur. At all these places, people started worshipping him even when he tried fervently to run-away from such situations. He tried to remain incognito but people would not leave him in peace. At Kharagpur, he deliberately stayed in a dirty condition and used filthy articles and even abused people in most unparliamentary language that he could. People followed him everywhere and conducted his Puja (worship) and demanded advice out of him. When a flower blooms and its aroma spreads, butterflies and insects naturally get drawn towards it. Same was the case with Upasanji Maharaj. Since he had become a Satpurush (Perfect one) people naturally flocked to him whether he liked it or not. All persons coming in contact with a Satpurush get purified. His following increased everyday and his surroundings became a place of activities like poor feeding, kirtan and Naamjap remembrance of the name etc. Although Upasani Maharaj would not agree to be the creator, but a number of miracles started happening around him. After staying for about a year in Kharagpur, when people tried to build a permanent abode for him, he quickly left the place. Soon he reached Nagpur, where also, people surrounded to have his darshan. After two months of stay at Nagpur, he visited places like Poona and also his home at Satana. As his four-year period was over, he returned to Shridi and stayed at Khandoba temple for about seven months. Thereafter, he left for a place called Rahata where he conducted naam japs, poor feeding etc. From there he went to Ahmedabad for some time. Returning to Shirdi, a third time he stayed near to his Guru for about two to three months. In 1917, he finally shifted to Sakori and started functioning as a spiritual master (Sadguru). This child of Shri Sai served thousands and thousands of people, day in and day out with least regard for his personal comforts and finally left his gross body in the early hours of the 24th day of December, in the year 1941. Like his Guru, Upasani Baba had given enough indications about his final departure earlier. Upasani Baba was Shri Sais loftiest creation a stone turned into a touchstone.

Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj

Official Website of Manik Nagar Math is http://www.manikprabhu.org

The life and the message of Shri Manik Maharaj, has many similarities with the life of Lord Dattatreya. Lord Dattatreya himself, out of compassion took descent in the form of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj for establishment of dharma (righteousness). At the time of Shri Prabhus birth, there prevailed the religious hatred, social inequality and a total cultural chaos. The seekers of true knowledge were in a confused state of mind and ran from pillar to post in search of spiritual solace. Birth and early life: In a village called Ladwanti, near the town of Kalyan, in the erstwhile state of Hyderabad, a child was born to a pious couple, Shri Manohar Naik and Smt. Bayadevi on 22nd December 1817, the birthday festival of Lord Dattatreya. They had in all three sons and one daughter. Amongst the sons, the middle one was the one who was to make history in time to come. He was named Manik. As he grew, one and all were attracted to the child, who was fondled not only by his parents but also by his neighbours. His pranks were endearing to everyone. He started collecting a group of his friends and roaming the hills and dales in the vicinity of the town. He was, as it were, a child of nature, more close to the trees, the breeze, the birds and the flowers.

In the course of play He would occasionally, casually disclose his divinity. Once, when one of His playmates, Govinda, failed to turn up for play for a couple of days, Manik went to his house to enquire after him. Arriving there He was informed that Govinda has passed away after suffering from fever for a few days. Manik told Govindas mother to stop grieving, as her son was alive. Sure enough, when Govindas mother called out to him to go out and play with Manik, he arose as if out of a deep slumber. All present were overjoyed and amazed at this occurrence. This and such other occurrences caused his fame to spread far and wide. On the whole however, Manik behaved in such a carefree manner that the members of his family were concerned. It was, therefore, decided that at the age of seven his thread ceremony should be performed, so that a sense of responsibility may dawn on this wayward child, who, it appeared, preferred to roam rather than sit and read. When the sacred thread was being bestowed on Him and the sacred Gayatri hymn was being recited in his ears, as was the custom, a strange thing took place. Manik behaved as though all this was superfluous for him and he knew all about Gayatri and the significance of the eternal sound, AUM. He recited the hymn unaided, to the great surprise of the assembled people Manik was again free to roam in the woods. When he was sent to the school, his attention was to the open sky, the cool breeze, the rustling leaves and the chirping of the birds. He liked to seek teachers in the lap of nature, listen to Natures natural education rather than the artificial or contrived lessons in the classroom. It was not surprising therefore, that he was given to sneaking out of the classrooms and wandering in the woods. Nature became his classroom and his very Self became his teacher. His receptivity became keen, intelligence sharp and thoughts synchronized. Maniks parents worried about his wanderings ignoring the formal education sent him to his uncles place. Maniks uncle sincerely felt that this boy should grow up like a normal child and should be trained and educated to take up the responsibilities of life. He was deeply frustrated by the failure of his measures in sending this boy to school. He then thought that employment may inculcate a sense of responsibility in him and thus got him appointed as a clerk in the octroi check post on the outskirts of Kalyan town. Maniks uncle sincerely felt that this boy should grow up like a normal child and should be trained and educated to take up the responsibilities of life. He was deeply frustrated by the failure of his measures in sending this boy to school. He then thought that employment may inculcate a sense of responsibility in him and thus got him appointed as a clerk in the octroi check post on the outskirts of Kalyan town.

From then onwards, his journey on the pathless path was within the folds of Mother Nature. As he breathed in the fresh, unconditioned atmosphere, a new wave of awareness came over him, spreading before him the universality of the Divine presence in every thing he saw, touched or heard. One by one the mysteries, long concealed, came to be revealed to him. Shri Krishna's assurance seemed to echo in every action of his. "He who see Me everywhere and sees all in Me, I am not lost to him nor is he lost to Me" (Bhagavad Gita VI.30). Consequently within himself and without himself, in nature, in creatures, in trees and streams, hills and dales, in the wise as well as in the foolish, in the saint as well as the sinner, in those who love and in those who hate, he saw only the same Divine essence, the Brahma. In jungles-, hills and woods: The family members accepted the strange behaviour of Shri Manik, it nonetheless created anxiety in their minds, especially when he would wander from place to place without notice. Shri Manik was looked at with due respect. An aura enveloped his personality. He preferred to stay in solitude and alone concentrating on the Supreme Self. He went to nearby places such as Manthal and especially to Ambilkunda or Amritkunda. Shri Prabhu told his family members in most compassionate words about His Mission in life. "With the Grace of Shri Dattatreya I took birth in your family. Your desire for a child was duly fulfilled. I stayed with you as long as it was necessary. Now that I have been initiated in Brahmavidya, wisdom of Brahman, My life is devoted to humanity. I will now have to wander from place to place to spread the message of the Compassionate Datta, Datta-Dayaghana, so that the misery of human beings can be alleviated. Therefore, it is futile to grieve for my loss. I will ever be with you. Go back to your home and leave me to fulfill my Mission. Whenever and wherever one needs me, I will come. This is certain; this is my promise." In Search of the Self Shri Prabhu was greatly attracted to the hills around Manthal where the environment was quiet and peaceful and conducive for communion with the Supreme Self. He lived for many days immersed in the blissful state of realization. Some time he would come down from the hills and roam around the town. His behaviour was some so different from normal ways of life, that people would shun him as though he was demented. The wise ones, therefore, recognizing Shri Prabhu as a great Yogi honoured and worshipped Him, which Shri Prabhu accepted as though all this was natural for Him. But at the same time like a simple, unassuming child of nature, He would distribute the things received by him among the assembled persons. Often when in spiritual rapture, He would sing and dance and many of his bhajans were the product of such ecstatic moods. When He sang these bhajans, which in Marathi are known as "Abhanga" he seemed to be inseparable from "Datta-Dayaghana" his chosen deity. Shri Prabhu moved from place to place like a free bird or breeze, which knew no bounds. In the bosom of Mother Nature, he had all the satisfaction and contentment which the world of the attachment and possessions would not give. During one of his wanderings, he arrived at Chalakpur, a small town near Kalyan and stayed at Lord Hanuman temple for few months. People thronged in thousands for His darshan and to seek His blessings. The entire atmosphere was surcharged with religious fervour. Bayadevi, Shri Prabhu's mother and Nrisimha, His brother came over to Chalakpur. All experienced the overflowing Grace of Shri Prabhu and no one went back empty handed. Such was the compassion of Shri Manik Prabhu. Shri Manik Prabhu further proceededto Mailar, which is one of the ancient holy places. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Marthanda Bhairava and is also venerated locally as Khandoba. During this period, his fame as an Avatar of Shri Dattatreya spread further in the surrounding areas. Later Shri Prabhu left Mailar with some of his close associates to visit Holy places like Parali-Vaijanatha, Tuljapur, Pandharpur etc. From Pandharpur he went to visit Shri Junglee Maharaj at Poona and from there onward to Girnar to have communion with Guru Shri Datta, the compassionate one. Sourcing His power from the Primal source, He traveled further to Gangotri, Haridwar, Badari, Kedar, Prayag, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Mahur, Tirupati, Gangapur and to many Holy river banks and hills on the way.

This travel established in Him the unique feeling of all-pervading nature of his Self and the manifestation of the Supreme Brahma in everything which he saw, touched, heard and breathed. Finally he came to Kalyan, his hometown. He decided to live there for some time to consider the steps to give shape to his mission, for the time had come when the first step was to be taken. Some misguided Mullas, who could neither understand nor digest the popularity of Shri Prabhu in their blind orthodoxy, decided to counter the effect of Shri Prabhu's message on the people, amongst whom many were also Muslims. With a view to embarrass Shri Prabhu, they brought some plate covered with shawls, ostentatiously full of gifts. They wanted to embarrass him and make him look insignificant in the eyes of his devotees. They, therefore, surreptitiously brought beef in the plates instead of fruits etc. and offered the plates to Shri Prabhu with a false pretence of devotion. However, from a Yogi nothing is hidden and nothing can be hidden. He saw through their game and yet, graciously accepted their offerings by touching the plates. He then asked the contents to be distributed among the assembled peoples as Prasad (blessed food). When the shawl was removed what every one found was fruits and sweetmeats. The Prasad (blessed food) was distributed to all the assembled people. The miscreants were humbled and felt ashamed. They fell at the feet of Shri Prabhu and asked for his pardon. All that Shri Prabhu did was to bless them to have good thoughts and follow the noble path, which the Koran (Holy scripture of Islam) has prescribed for them. The area where Shri Prabhu spent much of his human life was ruled by a Muslim King and the population was also predominantly Muslim. Therefore, the above incident created a lasting impression on them and they considered Shri Prabhu to be an Avatar of Mehaboob Subhani, a Muslim Saint, which belief they can now hold. The Manik Prabhu Sampradaya also reciprocates this faith. In the festivities at Maniknagar both Hindus and Muslims take part with equal enthusiasm. This is indeed the unique example Sakalamat Sampradaya, equality and universality of religions and faiths. A Yogi sees no difference between the various manifestations of the Lord, and for him everything that is in the world is but the manifestation of the Lord. Large followings need a focal point to gather together. Shri Prabhu felt the need to have such a spiritual centre. Till now he was wandering from place to place in his own state of constant awareness of the Supreme Bliss. The descent of the Lord is not only for the sake of destruction of evil but also for the establishment of righteousness. Lord Krishna said "For the protection of the good and destruction of the evil, for establishment of righteousness, I come into being from age to age". (Bhagavat Gita IV.8) Later while traveling with some devotees He stopped near the confluence of the two rivers. There as Shri Prabhu sat under the Audumbar tree (Lord Dattatreya is believed to dwell under this tree) in ecstatic meditation, the decision to establish the spiritual centre at that very place was taken. Thus was established what is today known as the village of MANIKNAGAR. MANIKNAGAR The time and place selected by Shri Prabhu for establishing the spiritual centre near Humnabad seemed significant as well as ideal. Those were the troubled times, both politically as well as religiously. He selected the confluence of the two rivers for establishing his spiritual centre, as if to emphasize that he wanted to bring the two communities (Hindus and Muslims) together. In his visionary mind he saw these two streams of great faith come together and live life of peace and understanding. How prophetic his vision was can be seen by the fact that even today both the Hindus and the Muslims flock to Maniknagar each year, to honour the great founder of the Universal Truth, the SAKALAMATA. Originally, a small hut was constructed to establish the GADI, or the Spiritual Seat, which in time to come was to be associated with the living spirit of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj. Sitting on the Gadi, he would give Darshan to audience and His very Darshan would give peace and contentment to all who visited Maniknagar. Shri Prabhu's mother, who had till then endured separation from her son, came to Maniknagar with the rest of the family.

In the Durbar, the people gathered would bask in the aura and the benevolent grace of Shri Prabhu. The entire atmosphere would be surcharged with spiritual splendour. Shri Prabhu would cast his compassionate glance on all, making everybody participate in the bliss, which he was experiencing. People from far and near would come with their doubts and Shri Prabhu, even though he had not received formal education in the scriptures than the philosophers in his Durbar and was able to clear all doubts with great ease. Sometimes he would reply even before the questions were asked. Such was his authority, wisdom and spiritual insight. The graceful presence of Shri Prabhu that his very Darshan would assuage all the misery of a person. He treated all devotees alike and wanted true devotion than outward austerity echoing the words of Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita (IX.26) "Whosoever offers to Me, with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that offering of love, of the pure heart, I accept". Devotion to the Guru should be like that of the child towards its mother. Whether the mother is nearby or not, the child is ever confident that the mother will listen when it is in distress. If such confidence and faith is there, then Shri Prabhu's Grace will ever be with us to guide us and tide us over the difficult times. Many devotees have experienced this expansive Grace of Shri Prabhu even when they have been in places far from Maniknagar. For surely Shri Prabhu does not reside only in Maniknagar but in the heart of all the devotees as well. The grandeur of Shri Prabhu's Durbar proved one thing. When the Lord oversees us, He knows our needs and so ordains accordingly. Whether we ask for little or more, Shri Prabhu knows fully well what is good for us. If there is 'Shraddha' (Faith) in us, nothing else is needed. If there is no Shraddha (Faith) then all efforts and endeavours to please Shri Prabhu are to no avail. He distributed wealth as well as health as needed by the sincere devotees. He was a great Yogi, a great recluse. For him wealth was as good as dust. He saw the Lord in both. Therefore whether he sat on a throne or on an earthen mound, for him it made no difference. No one was stranger to Shri Prabhu. He knew each one by name as well as his problems. It was the Durbar of Srhi Manik Prabhu Maharaj and each one returned from there with a satisfied and contented mind, for Shri Prabhu was, indeed, the Kalpavriksh (Wish Fulfilling Tree). Mahasamadhi (leaving the gross body) Shri Prabhu himself was not bound by the gross body. He had realized his Self. When he realized that the time had come for him to shed his mortal coil and merge in the Infinite, he considered seriously the future course to be laid down for the mission to continue, which was as important as the manner in which he would discard the gross body. As Shri Prabhu was reluctant to disclose the time of his own departure to all, he took only three or four persons into confidence, those who understood the significance of his Avatar (incarnation). The news was kept in utmost confidence and all the required work was carried on with a smile on the face but with remorse in the heart. He advised them, "You think that once I take Samadhi everything will end and I will no more be available to you. What you will miss is the sight of my Gross body, but my Self, the spirit within, will ever remain with you to guide you without your realizing that fact. There will not be any breach in your spiritual path. Remember that decay and destruction of the gross body is certain. When every breath has already been numbered and assigned what is the purpose of grieving?" Shri Prabhu consoled them; "It is good that my work here is now coming to an end. You will all be able to carry the mission further by the Energy, which I will be leaving behind. What's the use of remaining alive in this worthless body when the work is complete?" One day, a small boil was noticed on Shri Prabhu's back. He supervised the place where he was to take Samadhi (shedding themortal coil). The pit was dug in all secrecy and no one in Maniknagar could get even a breath of it. Soon the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived. People from great distances flocked Manik Nagar to celebrate the annual Shri Datta Jayanti (birth day celebrations of Lord Dattatreya) festivities. Somehow that year was considered auspicious for Muslims also. Consequently, Shri Prabhu's Muslim devotees also came in thousands. As time passed, Shri Prabhu's health was deteriorating steadily. The small boil was getting bigger and more painful. Yet,

Shri Prabhu's face bore no trace of the pain and it was blissful and tranquil as ever. On the tenth day of Margashirsha, Shri Prabhu decided to summon the Durbar, so that people could have his final Darshan. All arrangements were made for Shri Prabhu to sit in as comfortable a position as was possible. The next day was Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the month. For Hindus it is one of the most auspicious days. It is the day on which, thousands of years ago Shri Krishna delivered the message of Bhagavad Gita to Arjun. This day is observed as Gita Jayanti. This 29th day of the month of November 1865 was the day on which Srhi Prabhu had decided to take Samadhi and merge His Self with the Supreme Self. Before samadhi He called two sons of His brother Narisimha and blessed them and thus the line of succession to the Gadi (spiritual seat) was laid down for all to know. He made the elder one Manohar the successor to Gadi by transferring His Eternal Energy to him. Thus the Guru-Parampara of Shri Manik Prabhu Sampradya was established for all time to come. The successors to the Gadi (spiritual seat) after Shri Manik Prabhu took Samadhi are: Shri Manohar Manik Prabhu Shri Martan Manik Prabhu, Shri Shankar Manik Prabhu and Shri Siddharaj Manik Prabhu Having done this Shri Prabu started walking towards the hut where the pit was dug. With his face glowing with extraordinary spiritual splendour, Shri Prabhu took each step. It was like the space merging within the space leaving no trace whatever. For Shri Prabhu the occasion was joyous for it was like going back to the origin from where He had started. He sat in the pit in Padmasana (lotus posture), forcing His Kundalini to rise and reach the Brahmarandhra. The pit was closed slowly by the close associates, in a mood that was surcharged with spiritual fervour. The news of Shri Prabhu having taken Samadhi was kept secret till Poornima (full moon day), lest the grieving crowds might vitiate the solemn and serene occasion, in their ignorance if the significance of the event. When they came to the Gadi for Shri Prabhu's Darshan as usual, before they departed from Maniknagar, they were shocked to hear the news. They rushed to the hut in uncontrollable grief. Close devotees and associates had to pacify the crowd. Shri Prabhu had assured time and again, His continued presence in Maniknagar. He answers the prayers of all who keep Faith in Him. ParamSadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot

1. 2. 3. 4.

SHRI KRISHNA SARASWATI SWAMI

In Maharashtra and Karnataka and partly in Gujarat and Andhra states, Lord Dattatreya is being worshipped very widely. The Lord has taken many incarnations as human forms in order to uplift and help people on spiritual path. The incarnations are - Shripada SriVallabha, Shri Narasimha Saraswati, Shri Manikprabhu at Maniknagar, Shri Swami Samartha at Akkalkot, Swami Shri Krishna Saraswati at Kolhapur, Shri Saibaba at Shirdi, Annabua at Miraj and Dhondibua Paluskar. Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami of Kolhapur is also known widely as Dattaswami as he is incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. He stayed at Kolhapur in Kumbhar Lane (Potters Lane) and hence he was called as Kumbharswami. Swami had initiated many followers in spiritual path of which Namdev Maharaj became very much famous in Kolhapur after Swami. Namdev Maharaj left his body at the age of 130 years in 1970AD. Meanwhile our Master- Guruvarya Appa (Shrisadguru Madhavrao Tikekar, Mumbai, born 13th June 1929) got a directive from Swami in 1970AD, to give spiritual initiation to deserving

persons and as such Guruvarya Appa has initiated more than 2500 people. Namdev Maharaj had initiated many, of whom Shri Nanasahem Gadre from Pune carried the path forward. I have written about Swami Shri Krishna Saraswati of Kolhapur in the following few pages. For any inquiry please contact: Dr. Dinkar D. alias Bhau Deshpande at: dinkar_deshpa30@hotmail.com Divinity on the Earth: A Short Biography Of SHRI KRISHNA SARASWATI SWAMI by : Prof. Dinkar D. Deshpande and Ms. Jeroo Bharucha

dinkar_deshpa30@hotmail.com

PART - 1 Childhood And Arrival At Kolhapur

The divine parents In India, in the state of Maharashtra, there is a small village Nandani situated in Shirol hamlet in theKohlapur district. In the 19th century, there lived Appa Joshi, a very pious priest. He was always engrossed in conducting his daily religious rituals and was very helpful and hospitable by nature. He would receive with open arms everyone who needed food and shelter. He was a practicing priest and conducted religious ceremonies and rituals for the people of Nandani as well as for those in the neighboring villages. Appa was a great devotee of Shri Narasimha Saraswati - the second avatar (incarnation) ofLord Dattatreya (the holy trinity - Lord Brahma, the creator; Lord Vishnu, the preserver; Lord Shiva, the redeemer - in one form). On every Saturday and on every full moon day, Appa would visit Wadi - a place where Shri Narasimha Saraswati stayed twelve long years during his lifetime. To date, his wooden padukas (feet impression / footwear) are symbolically worshipped. On every visit, Appa would ritualistically attend to his divine service and then feed the priests and the poor. Appa had a wife named Annapurna. Her prime cause of unhappiness was that the couple unfortunately did not have any children. She would often request her husband to pray Shri Narasimha Saraswati to grant them a son, as a boon. However, Appa would disregard her wish, as his standpoint was that Shri Narasimha Saraswati who can bestow Mush (ultimate merging with God), should not be troubled with trivial requests. It was like asking peanuts from an emperor who could give gold and diamonds. Once on his regular pilgrimage to Wadi, Appa performed his usual rituals and works. When it was time to return home, there was an extremely heavy rainfall causing the river Krishna to flood. Appa was stranded at Wadi for the night. Whilst sleeping there, he had a dream in which Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared and promised him that he, Shri Narasimha Saraswati himself, would take birth as his son. On his return home the next day, he revealed his dream to an ecstatic Annapurna. Soon, Annapurna was pregnant. During pregnancy, she would crave for solitude and peace. She would be most happy in secluded places. Often she would go and sit for long in the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. On Sunday, February 7, 1836, [in the month of Magha, 5th day after full moon, according to Hindu calendar],she gave birth to a healthy, radiant child - a son. A group of astrologers predicted that this divine child would remain a celibate and guide thousands on the spiritual path. Appa Joshi and Annapurna named their son Shrikrishna because of his attractiveness and allure which was similar to that of Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Unlike normal babies, Shrikrishna disliked being confined to the cradle or being supported on the lap. He would, instead, be constantly crawling on the floor. Annapurna tried to breast-feed him but he would drink very little. Surprisingly, he was yet very healthy. But even at the age of three years, his mother had to forcibly feed him the small amount of rice and milk.

To the despair of his anxious mother, Shrikrishna would not speak even at the age of five years. Her friends and neighbors would advise her to perform certain rituals like worshipping the peepal (betel tree) tree and feeding the priests and the poor. Annapurna would abide by all their advice. As time passed by, Shrikrishna started speaking but no one could comprehend what he was saying. This disturbed Annapurna. Shrikrishna reached the age of seven years. His parents decided to arrange for his Upanayana ceremony (thread ceremony - a spiritual initiation conducted by the Hindu Brahmins for their children at the age of seven years). During the ceremony, the sacred Gayatri Mantra(chant to Goddess Gayatri) was recited in Shrikrishna's ears. All that he could repeat were the first two words of the mantra twice, "OM BHURRA, OM BHURRA", causing a peal of laughter from all those present. Appa Joshi was calm and unperturbed, as he was aware that the life of a divine child had to be different from an ordinary child's growing up stages. Shrikrishna started to play with the children of his neighborhood. He would mount a high rock and sit on it as if seated on a throne. He would call on his friends saying, "Come to me! Surrender to me! Take this holy water and holy ash. These will ward off evil and save you." The ignorant children and their equally ignorant parents could not grasp the meaning of the gems uttered by this divine child. Instead they thought he was a fool. Shrikrishna's words are similar to those described by his namesake Lord Krishna in the Bhagawat Geeta (holy text) instructing his devotees thus, "Leave all your rituals and surrender to me! Only I can save you from your sins and bless you with Moksha." Pilgrimage One day Shrikrishna asked his mother's permission to go to a nearby village Mangasoli to visit the temple dedicated to Lord Khanderaya(another name for Lord Shiva). Annapurna was greatly worried about her son going anywhere alone. She worried as any doting mother would worry about their seemingly helpless child - how would he find his way, who would feed him as he still had to be forcibly fed and so on. Overhearing their conversation, Appa Joshi interrupted them. He readily allowed Shrikrishna to go for the pilgrimage. The anxious but helpless Annapurna packed a few snacks for her son and instructed him to return at the earliest. Shrikrishna started his journey. On the way, he came across a village Bedagagram. On its outskirts was a well. Shrikrishna decided to take a bath in it. He kept his clothes and the bag of snacks on the wall of the well, and jumped in the well. No sooner had he soaked himself in the water, a dog ran away with his bag of snacks. A little while later, a lady came to fetch water from the well. Hurriedly Shrikrishna came out and found his bag missing. Naturally, he questioned the lady about his bag of snacks and accused her of stealing it. He directly asked her, "Would you do such a thing to your own child?" The woman was understandably upset, as she did not have any children of her own. She told the divine child, "I have not seen your bag nor taken it. Come to my house and I shall feed you." Shrikrishna readily went with her. She laid in front of him a feast of rice and milk. However, he did not touch it. The lady, therefore, sat next to him and with lots of love started feeding him with her own hands. Shrikrishna ate all the food without making any fuss. Whilst eating, he thought, "By feeding me, all her sins have been washed away. She will be blessed with a son." After finishing the meal, he verbally blessed the lady and told her she will bear a son. Then he started to leave. She repeatedly pleaded with him to stay overnight. He adamantly refused. She gave him some fruits to carry with him for the journey. Shrikrishna started on his onwards journey. In time, his blessings fructified. The lady bore a son. Throughout life she remembered Shrikrishna. She, later, attained Moksha. Temple of Lord Khanderaya

Upon reaching Mangasoli, Shrikrishna went to the temple of Lord Khanderaya. He paid his obeisance and prayed, "O God, I am so happy to visit this place, to see you. You are Shiva! But, alas where is Goddess Parvati (name of Lord Shiva's consort)? Where is Nandi (name of the bull that is Lord Shiva's vehicle)? You are fond of bhasma (holy ash ] but here, there is only bhandara [turmeric powder). O Lord, you killed the demon Malhara, hence here you are also named Malhari, the enemy of Malhara. O Lord, I pray to you to appear before me. Till you appear, I shall sit here without taking in food and water." No sooner had he prayed and made his petition, an old Brahmin appeared before him and said, "O child, do not be so adamant, sitting here without food and water. In these days, God does not appear before human beings by praying thus. Please take the holy prasad (eatables offered first to God) and go home." Immediately, Shrikrishna retorted, "how could you read my mind and know my plan? Anyway, it's only been a few years since Lord Vithoba (Lord Vishnu is known in Maharashtra state by this name) appeared before Namdeva (saint of Maharashtra, contemporary of Shrikrishna)". Hearing this, the old man disappeared. Suddenly, Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati and Nandi appeared before Shrikrishna. Lord Shiva said to Shrikrishna, "You are a part of me. Now, go home. Later, meet Shri Swami Samartha at Akkalkot. You are born to help people and take them onto the spiritual path." Saying thus, Lord Shiva and his entourage disappeared. An exuberant Shrikrishna happily started on his journey home. Home again A week had passed since Shrikrishna had started his journey. His mother Annapurna was worried and anxiously awaiting his return. So, when he came back home, she was happy to see him. Shrikrishna looked more radiant, glowing, illuminating with spiritual enlightenment. Annapurna did wonder as to "who would have fed him or if he was really a yogi (ascetic)?" Since Appa Joshi was a practicing priest for Nandani and its neighboring villages, the villagers often called upon him to perform the requisite rituals. Once when he was invited to the Jambhali village to perform some rituals, Shrikrishna accompanied him. After the religious ceremony got over, one of the guests - an old lady started to complain that this year she had lost the chance of going to Pandharpur (place of pilgrimage) to see Lord Vithoba. People consoled her that she could take the pilgrimage next year instead. This made her cry inconsolably, "I am over sixty years of age. I do not know whether I'll be alive next year to make my visit." Hearing her predicament and finding her sincere in her urge to visit Lord Vithoba, Shrikrishna told her, "Don't worry, you need not travel all the way to Pandharpur, instead I shall give you the prasad here." He went out and returned immediately with two packets of prasad and gave them to the old lady. Everyone started laughing at this act of a "foolish child". The old lady opened the packets. Suddenly, there was a stunned silence - for one packet contained churmure ( rice popcorn) and the other contained bukka (perfumed black powder applied on the forehead) - these are offered as prasad of Lord Vithoba, available only at Pandharpur. Hereafter, people started viewing Shrikrishna differently. Their attitude towards him became more reverential. Many started often visiting him. They found his irrelevant uttering contained answers to their questions, solving many of their problems. Shrikrishna leaves home After two years, when Shrikrishna was twelve years old, he felt it was time to leave his household in Nandani for good, to go to Akkalkot. He, therefore, asked his mother's permission. Annapurna was shocked! She pleaded with him to stay, not to leave them alone. When Appa Joshi became aware of Shrikrishna's intent, he resolutely told his wife, "Do not stop him. Let him do what he wants to do. The very purpose of his birth is to help people on their spiritual journey. We do not have the strength nor the power to stop him." With heavy

hearts, Appa Joshi and Annapurna bade adieu to their son Shrikrishna. On his part Shrikrishna assured his sorrowful parents that he would appear to them whenever they remembered him. Thus, Shrikrishna left his family and home in Nandani. Mere words cannot describe the grief of the distraught parents. It was similar to the great sorrow suffered by Nanda and Yashoda, whenKanhaiya (Lord Krishna's childhood name), their foster son, left Gokul and went to Mathura. Likewise, Appa Joshi and Annapurna constantly remembered their son Shrikrishna and repeated his name like a mantra. After a short period, his unhappy parents passed away. They attained Moksha. Shri Swami Samartha of Akkalkot Shrikrishna traveled on foot towards Akkalkot where Shri Swami Samartha - the third known incarnation of Lord Dattatreya - was staying. Days before Shrikrishna's arrival at Akkalkot, Shri Swami Samartha had been restless. He was constantly heard excitedly muttering, "Krishna's coming, Krishna's coming". As Shrikrishna approached the boundary of Akkalkot, Shri Swami Samartha speedily came out of his math (ashram or abode of a holy sage), his disciples and devotees followed suit. As soon as Shri Swami Samarth saw Shrikrishna, he held his hand and rushed him to a nearby forest so fast, that those who were following them, could not locate them. Shrikrishna and Shri Swami Samartha remained at an unknown place in the forest for seven days. What divine play was enacted in isolation is not known. Perhaps the elderly Shri Swami Samarthacharted the divine course of future action for the young Shrikrishna to undertake. Since they were both incarnations of Lord Dattatreya in manifestation at the same time, it is very unlikely that Shri Swami Samartha gave any spiritual initiation to Shrikrishna. Perhaps because of the age difference, people inferred that Shri Swami Samartha was Shrikrishna's Guru (Spiritual Master who leads us from darkness to GOD). It is, though, well known that Shrikrishna had great love and respect for Shri Swami Samartha, whom he held in extremely high esteem and which was equally reciprocated. Whilst Shri Swami Samartha was away, a gloom had descended on his devotees and disciples. Finally after week, Shri Swami Samartha returned to Akkalkot along with Shrikrishna. People were delighted to see their Guru - their God again and hastened to get food for him. Shri Swami Samartha called out to them,"Shrikrishna is hungry, get laddus (Indian sweetmeat) for him." Shrikrishna stayed on for some time at Akkalkot with the elderly sage. Shri Swami Samartha renamed Shrikrishna as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. As we unfold the life story of Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami, we will henceforth refer to him as Swami, as his devotees popularly addressed him during his lifetime. The leper Brahmin One day, a Brahmin suffering from leprosy came to solicit Shri Swami Samartha's favor to cure his disease. He related that for the past three years he had been worshipping Lord Dattatreya at Ganagapur (place of pilgrimage), desperately begging God to cure him. There one night, he was directed in a dream to proceed to meet Shri Swami Samartha at Akkalkot for his cure. Therefore with great hope in his heart he had arrived at the great sage's door. Shri Swami Samartha pointed out to Swami and said, "This is Guru Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami . Go with him to Kolhapur, serve him well and you will be alright." Dejected at not receiving grace from the sage, the desperate Brahmin moaned, "O Lord, I have been sent to you by the Lord of Ganagapur and now you are

sending me elsewhere. Cure me, if not kill me, for I am not going any where else." This infuriated Shri Swami Samartha. Notwithstanding the sage's anger and scared lest he would curse him, the Brahmin started to tremble. He begged for forgiveness for his ignorance and agreed to go with Swami to serve him. Doubts disappear The next day, Swami started walking towards Kolhapur with the Brahmin in tow. At dusk, they reached a small village. At the outskirts of this village was a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Swami decided to stay there overnight. The only thought the Brahmin had was doubts of whether he would be cured. Swami decided to put his faith to test and at rest. He said to the Brahmin, "I am very hungry. Go and get some milk from the village." The Brahmin took a pot and went in search for milk. By then, it was pitch dark. The entire village had gone to sleep. Nevertheless, the Brahmin kept on walking through the village, searching lest someone in the village was awake to spare some milk for Swami. He suddenly came upon a place, which was crowded. Wondering why a crowd had collected at such a late hour, he inquired with the people standing around. He was told that the daughter-in-law of the house was having difficulty in delivering her baby. In fact, she was undergoing severe labor pains for the past three days. The Brahmin, as a matter of fact, informed them that "A sanyasi (ascetic) is living at the temple. He needs milk. If you give some, he might confer a favor." The helpless husband of the woman immediately filled milk in the pot and accompanied the Brahmin to the temple. As they reached the temple door, Swami yelled from inside, "Govinda, go home. A son has been born to you." The man was flabbergasted that the ascetic knew his name and his problem. He went inside and reverentially offered the milk to Swami. Filled with gratitude, he humbly requested Swami to visit his house. Swami politely refused saying, "We have work to do." Govinda went home and found his wife had delivered a baby boy. Both were safe and well. Seeing this miracle, the Brahmin had a change of heart. He started doing his work with a renewed sense of devotion and his faith immensely increased. He thought to himself, "Immaterial of whether my disease is cured or not, I am certainly fortunate to serve this holy man." Reading his mind, Swami laughed and said to himself, "At least his doubts have disappeared. Once his past sins are washed away by his dedicated services, I shall cure him." Goddess Amba's Temple The next morning, Swami and the Brahmin resumed their walk. By evening, they reached Kolhapur. At Kolhapur, there is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Amba (another name of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva). This ancient temple has a beautiful architecture. The main hall and the inner sanctum sanctorum have been carved in stone, in the Hemadpanthi style. There are also other numerous smaller temples in its courtyard dedicated to other deities, namely, Lord Shri Ram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Dattatreya, Lord Ganapati (God with elephant-head, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati), Lord Shani (Ruler of the planet Saturn, son of the Sun God) and many others. Swami and the Brahmin arrived. Swami decided that they would stay in the corner of the hall of the temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram. Exorcising the Ghost One day, a woman accompanied by her friends came to worship at Lord Shri Ram's temple. As soon as her eyes met Swami's, she cried out, "O Lord Datta! I beg you to help me. Please be kind enough to bequeath Moksha on me." So saying, she collapsed and fainted. A few of her friends ran to fetch her husband while the others tended to her and sprinkled

water on her. After some time, she regained consciousness. In the meantime, her husband arrived and was updated on what had occurred. He at once rushed towards Swami and disclosed, "My wife has been possessed by a ghost these past twelve years. We went to many places and people to seek help, but no one could help her. But today, by exorcising the ghost, you have bestowed a great favor on us, for which we are indebted to you forever." He, then, invited Swami to his home to bless his family and home. Swami did not utter a word. The blessed couple reverentially bowed to Swami and happily went home. The news of this incident spread throughout the city. Scores of people flocked to the temple to seek the holy man's blessings. Phadnis Two of the spectators of the above happening were Phadnis and Krishna Lad who started visiting Swami regularly. Phadnis was a wealthy and pious man. He visited Swami daily and requested him to come and stay with him. Swami would say, "I will come to stay at your home when the time is right". Cured atlas! The Brahmin carried on his daily chores diligently. He worked hard for Swami - giving him a bath, washing his clothes, procuring food, running errands and performing any and every work Swami requested him to do. One day, Swami decided that because of his dedicated services to him, the Brahmin had washed away his past bad karma (actions) and it was time to cure him. He called the Brahmin and said to him, "Go to the river Ganges and bathe in it. Today, you will be completely cured". The Brahmin rushed to the river immediately and plunged into it with glee. This bathing experience must have been his best throughout life. When he came out of the water, his disease had disappeared. His skin gleamed of vitality and good health. Overjoyed and grateful, he ran back to show it to Swami. While the Brahmin was bathing, Phadnis visited Swami at the temple and again invited him to stay at his house. That very moment, Swami stood up and accompanied Phadnis to his home. So, when the Brahmin returned excitedly to the temple, he was dejected that Swami had disappeared without a trace. He had no clue as to where he would find Swami to show his eternal gratitude and reverence. He sat gloomily, totally in despair. Neither food nor water would go down his throat. By night, he was so distraught that he went to sleep thoroughly exhausted. Swami appeared in his dream and said, "Son, you will not see me ever again. But, you do not have to worry. Now, go back home. Always remember me. I promise you a prosperous and peaceful life". Swami's stay at Phadnis' home Meanwhile, Swami reached Phadnis' home. His family comprised of his wife and his child. Phadnis was exceptionally devoted to Swami. His wife did not share his belief and disapproved of Swami living in their house. Swami's every need was met by Phadnis. Despite this his wife would constantly pick fights with him, nagging, grumbling and picking faults with Swami's behavior. One day, Swami predicted that "Bad days are here". After a couple of days, Phadnis' child fell ill and died. Phadnis' distraught wife accused Swami for their misfortune and created a rumpus. She would tell everyone who came to offer their condolences that "My child has died because of this visitor. He stays with us, eats our food and we look after his every need. In return, we lose our child. If he was a real sage, our child would have been alive today." Thus, she insinuated that Swami was a fake. Phadnis tried to console her, but in vain. To add fuel to fire, Swami affirmed, "You reap what you sow". One day, Swami took Phadnis to his neighbor's house. Standing in their doorway, he called out, "I am shivering with cold. Please give me a blanket". The neighbor came out but could not fathom what Swami was hinting. Just then the neighbor's mother hurriedly came out and said, "Swami,

please forgive my lapse. Please wait. I will fetch the shawl at once". She went in and brought back a beautiful shawl and put it around Swami, saying to the amazed onlookers, "A few days ago, my son had extremely high fever. He was shivering with cold. I mentally prayed to Swami to bring down his fever, keep him warm and speed up his recovery. In return, I promised to gift him a shawl. He recovered, but I forgot to keep my promise. Nobody in the house knows about it, as I had not told anyone. Today, Swami in his kindness came to me, to remind me of my promise". Once again she begged for Swami's forgiveness and expressed her gratitude and reverence. As a token of his blessing and protection to a fervent devotee, Swami gifted the shawl back to her. News of this occurrence soon spread. More and more devotees flocked to Phadnis' house to seek Swami's blessings. Mahisalkar Amongst the many who visited Swami was Mahisalkar, a landlord of Mahisal, a neighboring village. He had a spiritual bent of mind. He requested Swami to come and stay with him. One day, Swami agreed. When Phadnis heard this, he was very upset. In his depressed state, he questioned Swami, "What is my fault that you are leaving me? Have I made lapses that I need to rectify? Only if you tell me, I'll know. Please stay". Swami looked lovingly at his devotee whose faith stood firm like a rock despite tremulous circumstances and said, "Son, do not worry. I am going to stay at Kolhapur. Visit me regularly. You have a prosperous future. In due time, you will be blessed with four children. They will all have long lives". Tarabai Before departing for Mahisal, Swami told Mahisalkar that he had an incomplete job to finish. At noon, Swami accompanied by Mahisalkar walked towards a small lane named Kumbhar Galli (Potter's Lane) in Kolhapur. He stopped at a house and called aloud, "Mother, please give me some food to eat". Hearing this, the woman of the house came out. She looked at Swami and said, "You seem to be a Brahmin, so how can I give you food cooked by me. Instead I shall give you some raw grains. Please wait". She went inside the house to fetch the food articles. Swami walked off grumbling, "The woman still has doubts. She has not yet chased away caste differences from her mind". He returned to Phadnis' house for his meal before setting out for Mahisal with Mahisalkar. Have you wondered about the identity of the fortunate woman Swami detoured specially to visit? She was Tarabai, the famous prostitute of Kolhapur. She earned extremely well and had amassed a good fortune. Since many years she suffered from severe stomach pains. The best medicines available could not cure her. Despite her shameful occupation, she was a good human being, a pious soul and a humble devotee ofLord Dattatreya. She visited the Wadi on every full moon day to pray to Lord Narsimha Saraswati. After completing her routine rituals, she would distribute food grains to the priests and feed the poor. This brought about slight relief to her stomachache. A couple of days after Swami returned without any alms from her house, Tarabai set out for her fortnightly visit to Wadi. She finished her prayers and works, and decided to spend the night there. Lord Narasimha Saraswati appeared in her dream and said, "I came to you begging for food. You sent me back hungry. I have taken birth in the present age and am known now as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. At present, I am staying at Mahisal at Mahisalkar's home. Come to fetch me. Take me to your house. Serve me and I promise to cure you of your pains." Tarabai's happiness was beyond measure. She immediately returned to Kolhapur. From there onwards, she took a horse carriage to Mahisal, to fetch Swami. SWAMI'S STAY AT KUMBHAR LANE Tarabai reached Mahisalkar's home at Mahisal. The moment she saw Swami, she fell at his feet begging for mercy for not recognizing him and sending him hungry from her house. Humbly, she requested him to come and stay at her home. Swami said, "I was expecting

you. In fact, I was awaiting your arrival. Let us go." Mahisalkar was understandably upset and moaned that his holy guest should depart so soon. Swami consoled him, "Kolhapur is not far away. Keep visiting me regularly". Thus Swami left for Kolhapur with Tarabai. Due to Tarabai's heartfelt devotion, Swami in this incarnation stayed with her throughout his sojourn on earth. Tarabai was not receiving grace for nothing. She had undergone intense sadhana (meditation] in her previous life that was now bearing fruits. The story of this blessed soul Tarabai's spiritual journey will be narrated later as Swami's story unfolds. For almost forty-five years, Swami stayed at Tarabai's home in Kumbhar Galli that was situated near the earlier mentioned temple of Goddess Amba. Perhaps that is the reason he is also known as Kumbhar Swami. He is also known as Datta Swami as he is the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Tarabai's family comprised of her mother Bhimabai and her son. Tarabai personally looked after Swami - she bathed him, washed his clothes, fed him. This completely altered the atmosphere in her house. Day and night visitors would come regularly to seek Swami's help. Bhimabai disapproved of this change. She would often grumble that due to the sanyasi residing at their residence, the "business" had stopped completely, there was no income coming in and there was no privacy in the house as people kept on coming, crowding their small house. Slowly, Bhimabai's irritation and dislike changed to hate for the Swami. In the evenings usually there would be more visitors to see Swami. One day in the crowd, a visitor lost his gold chain. Everyone suspected Bhimabai. The police was called in. They would not allow any visitor to leave till they completed their search. Understandably, Bhimabai was upset that all were suspicious of her. She was intelligent enough to understand that this was her retribution for ill-treating the holy sage. Remorse took over. Silently, she begged Swami to forgive her trespasses and prayed to be proved innocent. Soon, the real culprit was caught. This incidence changed Bhimabai's adverse attitude towards Swami. Then onwards, she started to respect Swami. One afternoon, Tarabai, Bhimabai and a few others were playing a game of saripat (an Indian game, similar to chess but its moves depended on points made by throwing 2 or 4 dices). Swami came in. He made a move in the game and said, "Be careful how you make every move. In life, one wrong move (read "wrong deed") can take you to the path of hell". This is an appropriate advice to every human being, especially disciples on the spiritual path. Perhaps Bhimabai thought that Swami was taunting her. Her suppressed evil nature came to the fore. She got up and firmly held Swami's hand and dragged him to another room. The room had no ventilation. Except one door, it had no other windows or doors. Bhimabai locked Swami in this room. She was satisfied that there was no way Swami could escape and disturb the game. But, she forgot one thing. Who could lock up God, he who pervades everything, everywhere? The Omnipresent One - Swami. Unknown to Bhimabai's mischief, Tarabai and the others played on with Bhimabai till dusk. They stopped as it was getting dark. Tarabai got up. She went to the backyard of the house. She was perturbed to see Swami perched atop the audambar (- a very favorite tree of Lord Dattatreya) tree. She screeched aloud, "Mom! Come and see where Swami is". Hearing her daughter's scream, Bhimabai, thinking that her daughter was perhaps searching for Swami, replied, "Do not worry Tara. He will soon be out". Hurriedly she opened the lock, lest the others realize her mischief. But alas! The room was empty. Shocked, she almost collapsed. Wondering where Swami had disappeared, she rushed towards Tarabai whose sight was fixed on top of the tree. Bhimabai looked up and was aghast to see Swami perched merrily on the tree. Bhimabai felt disgusted and ashamed at her bad behavior towards the Godincarnated Swami. This incident transformed Bhimabai completely. She started chanting Swami's name and devotedly served Swami for the rest of her life. She died at an old age. Swami's grace ensured that she attained Moksha.

Krishna Lad If you recall an earlier incident at Lord Shri Ram's temple where Swami exorcised a ghost from a lady devotee, you will recollect that a gentleman by the name of Krishna Lad had witnessed this incident. Krishna Lad had a spiritual bent of mind and would often visit temples and dargahs (tombs of Muslim saints). After witnessing the above incident, once in a while he started visiting Swami. Krishna Lad was an athlete. Daily at dawn he would exercise and then go to bathe in the river. Near the riverbank was a dargah of a well-known Muslim saint Babu Jamal. Krishna Lad's daily routine was to exercise, take his bath, go and pay his respects at the dargah and then go to work. One day, when he reached the dargah, a fakir (ascetic) came out from the dargah, saying, and "Don't come here anymore. Go to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami". Stating this, the fakir disappeared. Krishna Lad was stunned. He thought he was hallucinating. He went through his daily work routine and forgot all about the morning incident. The next morning Krishna Lad finished his exercise and bath, and proceeded to the dargah to pay his respects. The moment he entered the dargah, he started shivering and caught fever. Frightened and at his wit's end, he rushed to Swami at Kumbhar Galli. The moment Swami sighted Krishna Lad, he said, "Babu Jamal is my friend. Do not worry, your fever will descend". Krishna Lad was flabbergasted for he had not even pleaded his plight. From that day onwards, he became Swami's ardent devotee. Vasu Dalvi Vasu Dalvi, a resident of Kumbhar Galli started visiting Swami regularly. In every visit, Swami would tell him, "Give me your shendi" (tuft of hair). Vasu could not comprehend the meaning of Swami's regular utterance. Vasu was a good man in every way but he had one vice - he was hot tempered and quarrelsome. He would pick fights on small issues with almost everyone - his family members, neighbors, colleagues at work. His wife was an easy target for his bad temper. One day he had a serious altercation with his wife. When the heated argument reached its crescendo, Vasu decided to leave home for good. He revealed his decision to his emotionally battered wife and left home. In despair, he rushed to Swami's residence.Swami hugged the distraught man and said, "At least now give me your shendi". The veil which had clouded Vasu's mind till now lifted. Now, he understood Swami's injunction. At once he rushed out and went straight to the barber. He had his head completely shaven. He went and bought saffron robes and returned to Swami. With Swami's blessings, he became a sanyasi (ascetic). He stayed with Swami. Krishna Lad had been observing these happenings. He requested Swami's permission to take up sanyas. Swami consented. Both these sanyasis Vasu Dalvi and Krishna Lad stayed with Swami all their lives. With great reverence and devotion, they served him. In fact their devotion has been compared to that of Jaya and Vijaya, the faithful guards of Lord Vishnu's palace at Vaikunth (heavenly abode of Vishnu). However they begged for their food from householders in Kolhapur and did not impose on Tarabai's depleting resources. Ramdasbua Ganagapur is a place made holy by Shri Narasimha Saraswati's stay for two decades. A brahmin Ramdasbua stayed there, worshipping Shri Narasimha Saraswati by continuously reading the sacred book Shri Guruchatritra. This sacred book narrates the life stories of various incarnations of God - Lord Dattatreya, Shri Shripad Vallabh, Shri Narasimha Saraswati - and their sojourn on earth. Ramdasbua lived without eating food and only ate neem leaves. He did this for three years. One night, Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared in his dream and said, "In my present incarnation, I am living at Kolhapur as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. Come to me and offer your services. Your vigorous fasting has made you very weak. Travel by bullock cart. I am giving you

rupees five for the fare". When Ramdasbua woke up, he cried with joy at finding rupees five by his pillow. This indicated that his dream was indeed true. He came to Kolhapur and resided with Swami throughout life.

Inner Circle Almost at the same time, a saraswat brahmin Ramkrishna Farrukh and a weaver Mahadba joined the other three disciple - Krishna Lad, Vasu Dalvi and Ramdasbua. This group of five lived with Swami throughout their lives. They gave their dedicated services to Swami doing menial work like sweeping, cleaning utensils, fetching river water, washing clothes and abiding by every wish of Swami. Rest of their time was devoted in singing bhajans (devotional songs) and doing japa (chanting Swami's name). Whenever and wherever Swami went out, he was always accompanied by Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi. Many devotees visited Swami daily. They would crowd around him. Most times, it would appear as if Swami was talking to himself or muttering something incomprehensible. However this was not true. It would inevitably be an answer to a question posed silently by a devotee or an advice to someone who needed it. Only the person concern could fathom what Swami said. With more and more devotees experiencing divine help, slowly most devotees realized that the person they had in their midst was indeed God incarnated. They started worshipping Swami with rituals. Three times everyday, they would conduct Swami's aarti (act of worship by waving lamps lit with ghee, incense and camphor, simultaneously singing devotional songs and prayers). Swami expected his disciples and devotees to be well behaved and disciplined. He encouraged them to treat all human beings as equal, no matter what caste or status they belonged to. Many a times he arranged situations to rectify the behavior of his devotees and transformed them totally. Goddess Amba complains about Swami's devotees One morning, a young lady hurriedly walked in to meet Swami. In a high pitched tone, she angrily told Swami, "Keep a check on your children. They misbehave and talk in abusive language. This causes trouble to others. I will not tolerate such behavior anymore". Swami lovingly caressed her chin and consoled her, "Mother, please forgive them for they are our children." Hearing this, the lady collapsed. After a short while she got up and left. The devotees who had witnessed this scene were naturally curious. One devotee mustered up the courage to question Swami. Swami explained, "She was Goddess Amba who had come to complain about you all". Taming of Vasu Dalvi's temper One does not become a sanyasi by wearing saffron robes. He should forsake worldly affairs, passions and be free of desires. He should have full control over the six entities viz., sexurge, anger, lust, temptations, ego, and hatred . What had occurred was that Vasu Dalvi, the sanyasi, had been boiling with anger over some petty matter. So, the Mother Goddess had come to complain about him. Our nature is governed by the food we eat. Therefore, to correct the volcanic side of his nature, Swami ordered him to hereafter eat only soaked channadal (grams). For several years thereon Vasu adhered to the simple meal. One day, Swami found Vasu craving to eat his meal. Swami said to him, "So, are you still desparate to eat channa dal?". Hence for three years by Swami's grace, Vasu lived without a morsel of food. When Swami felt that his mind was completely purified, he allowed Vasu to eat normal food. Thereafter, Vasu would go to beg for food. Whatever he received he would first offer to

Swami. He would eat only as much as Swami would place on his palms. Thus Swami tamed Vasu's temper. Haripant Shidnorlikar Haripant Shidnorlikar, a brahmin, used to frequently visit Swami. One day, it occurred to him that he should invite Swami to grace his home. Accordingly, one morning he went to Swami to invite Swami for lunch. Although Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi were present, Haripant did not extend the invitation to them. This he did purposely as they were nonBrahmins. Swami said he would come to his home provided the food was good. Haripant was so excited that he did not bother to decipher the real meaning behind Swami's words. He went home and had the most tasty delicacies and sweetmeats prepared. When the lunch was prepared, he set out to fetch Swami. Before his arrival, Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi had just returned after begging alms. Swami called out to them, "Boys, what food have you received today? Come and share it with me for I am hungry". He, then, sat and ate with relish the rotis (chapattis) and the chutney (condiment) that they had received as alms. He finished his meal and got up to wash his hands. Just then Haripant arrived to fetch him. Swami told him bluntly, "I have just finished my lunch". Haripant realized his folly. He felt ashamed of looking down on people of lower castes. After this incidence, he never let his upper caste ego come in the way of treating people. Swami had taught him a lesson of his life - that when all are one in the eyes of God, who is he to differentiate? Thereafter, Haripant decided to progress spiritually. He took upon himself the task of reading the Shri Gurucharitra daily and continuously chanted Swami's name. He did this sitting in a nearby temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Daily, at the same time, a cat would enter and sit on the windowsill. The temple was dark with only a dim light peeping through the window. The cat seated there, therefore, blocked the little sunlight that penetrated through. This caused difficulty in the reading of the sacred book. One day, Haripant got irritated by this daily interruption and lost his temper. He threw a utensil at hand at the cat to drive it out. The utensil landed bang on the cat's face and hit its mouth. After finishing his morning rituals he went to pay his respects to Swami. Haripant was aghast to see Swami's face swollen. Swami said aloud to the devotees present, "I went to hear Haripant read the sacred text. He hit me instead". Ashamed at what he had done, Haripant repeatedly apologized. Once again, Swami humbled him and taught him a lesson that all creatures are after all one. What are the lessons learnt in Swami's stories? Swami is God incarnated on earth to help people and show them the path to him. Since he is the Creator and the Creation, he pervades everyone, everything, everywhere, at all times. He assumes all forms, therefore, one should be good to everyone and everything. Krishna Lad's mother Krishna Lad's mother was ill due to old age. Naturally Krishna Lad requested Swami to release his mother from the bondage of the cycle of life and death. Swami refused. He said she had to atone for a lot of past sins before she could be freed. He, however, promised that she would stay near him in her next birth and at the end, she would attain Moksha. After a few days, Krishna Lad's mother started to cry. She was very frightened. She said four demons were advancing towards her and they wanted to kill her. Krishna Lad always wore Swami's padukas around his neck, he put the same around his mother's neck. Immediately, the mother's face turned serene. She said, "The demons have vanished. Four priests are reciting holy chants". Krishna Lad realized the efficacy of his Guru's padukas. Soon after, his mother died in peace. After a short period, in the same vicinity where Swami lived, a bitch gave birth to four puppies. On seeing the new born litter, Swami called out to Krishna Lad. Picking up one puppy, he said, "Recognize her. This was your mother". Swami named her Kusari. The puppy stayed on with Swami. She grew up. Unlike most dogs, Kusari was much disciplined. She

would not touch anything in the house or mess it up. She would only eat what Swami gave her with his own hands. Many a times, Tarabai tried to feed Kusari some rice and milk, but Kusari would not even touch it, let alone eat it. This annoyed Tarabai. She even tried bribing Kusari with laddus and pedas (types of Indian sweetmeats), but Kusari would not touch them. Swami's throne Since Swami came to stay at Tarabai's house, the visitors who flocked here to get his grace increased many folds. A gentleman whose name was Vishnupant was one of the regular visitors. Usually, his sister Annapurna accompanied him. One day, Swami told her to fetch him a 'Meghdumbari' (a seat and a canopy held by four pillars covering it). Annapurna could not fathom exactly what Swami wanted. Nevertheless, after consulting her brother, relatives and Swami's other devotees, Annapurna had a carved and embellished wooden chair made for Swami. It almost resembled a king's throne. Swami, the Emperor of all emperors would thereon sit on the throne in his court and give audience to the suffering humanity that came in droves to seek his grace and help. Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi like the legendary Jaya and Vijaya stood on Swami's two sides as he sat on his throne. Now, aarti was conducted five times a day. Many devotees would sit the entire day chanting devotional songs. The entire atmosphere of Tarabai's house and at Kumbhar Galli had totally changed. Tarabai's house was now called'Vairagya Mathi'. Vairagya means dispassion towards the material world that leads one to God-realization. Mathi means abode of a holy sage.

Divinity on the Earth: A Short Biography Of SHRI KRISHNA SARASWATI SWAMI PART - 2 SOME RENOWNED DISCIPLES, Page 4
Balakoo Balkrishna Rashivadekar, a youth of seventeen years of age, was informed by an astrologer that according to his horoscope he had a short life span of twenty-two years. Nevertheless, the astrologer advised that if he sought the grace of a godly personage, his lease of life might be increased. Obviously, Balkrishna was worried. He was frantically in search of a spiritual sage who could bless him with longevity. When he heard about Swami, he rushed to him and bowed. Before Balkrishna could open his mouth, Swami said to him, "Some time or another, everyone has to leave their physical body. Then, why should one fear death? Come, we shall remove your fears". Balkrishna was astounded! That moment onwards, he became Swami's ardent devotee. Throughout the day, he would chant Swami's name. Twice a day, he would come to pay respects to Swami. However, his parents disapproved vehemently. To add to their indignation, after a few days, he left his job. Throughout the day, he would stay with Swami. Annoyed with his behavior, his parents started ill-treating Balakrishna. Due to his good behavior and devotional nature, Balakrishna made deep impression on Swami. Fondly, Swami would address him as Balakoo. Balakoo was strong and well built. Whenever Swami went out, he would carry Swami on his shoulders. One afternoon, as Balakoo carried Swami on his shoulder, accompanied by other devotees, they passed Balakoo's house. Swami urged Balakoo to take him to his home. Balakoo was in a dilemma. He could not say no to Swami and at the same time, he was

apprehensive that his parents would insult his beloved Guru. Nevertheless, he took Swami to his home. As they reached the entrance, Balakoo's mother came out. She was enthralled by the sight of a short man with a fair complexion, with warm and kind twinkling eyes with a beautiful smile that brought radiance to his face. He exuded the glory of divinity. The moment her eyes fell on Swami, a gamut of emotions ran through her. But, her inner spirituality surfaced. She fell at Swami's feet and surrendered to him. With tears trickling down her face, she said, "O Lord! Please forgive me. It was erroneous on my part to talk ill of you. You are kind hearted, please forgive me. Please accept my son Balakoo as your child". At once, Swami retorted, "Do not worry, Balakoo is my child". Balakoo's mother invited Swami and the other devotees into her house and made them comfortable. She requested Swami to stay and have lunch with them. Swami replied, "If your offer of lunch is for everyone present, then only shall I accept your invitation". Balakoo's mother sincerely answered, "Whatever I have cooked, I will offer it to all". Swami and the accompanying devotees partook of the lunch offered with plenty of love by the gracious lady. While Tarabai had to forcibly feed Swami, here he ate with his own hands and relished every morsel. This shows that God is ever hungry for true love and devotion. From that day onwards, at noon, Swami and his devotees would go to Balakoo's home for lunch. With Swami's permission and blessings, Balakoo made marble padukas. Swami showered his blessings and empowered the padukas. He promised that "Whosoever worships my padukas; I shall give that person audience and fulfill his wishes". Throughout his life, Balakoo worshipped Swami's padukas. After his demise, they were passed on to Krishna Lad. Later, they were given to Vyas. Vyas built a small mathi at a place known as Gangaves at Kolhapur. In approximately 1902A.D. the padukas were installed there. From that day to date, at this very place, there is a non-stop chanting of Swami's sacred name and continuous singing of devotional songs. When Balakoo died due to a minor illness, he was chanting Swami's name. He was fretful that he should have got more time to serve Swami. The wish one makes at the end of one's life is always fulfilled. Na A few months after Balakoo's death, his sister became pregnant. In a dream, Swami said to her, "Balakoo is coming back as your son. Take good care of him". Balakoo's sister delivered a baby boy. The moment the news reached Swami's ears, he rushed to her home. He took the infant on his lap; oil massaged him and gave him a bath with warm water. Swami clothed him in the new clothes he had brought and named him "Na". Swami put Na in a cradle and started singing a song to him. Though one cannot fully understand the deeper esoteric meaning of the song Swami sang, the literal meaning is as follows: "Son, one gets a rebirth as per your desire at the last moments and thus he gets Involved in this cycle of birth and death again and again. He is awfully disturbed by shadripus like sex and anger. Do not worry; they will not trouble you due to meeting with Shrikrishna. You would be having control on your sensing organs. Your mind would be Thoughtless. Na, have a peaceful sleep I am keeping here two guards- peace and forgiveness for your protection. Egoism would not show you fear and urges would not make noise to disturb you. They would run away by seeing Shrikrishna. I have shown you a secret fine path to go to the citadel of peace . Go to the ultimate destination. On reaching there, your joy will have no bounds. Na, now sleep peacefully." Swami, then, kissed the child several times. He said to the people present, "Na is my good child". Everyday after kakad aarti (the first worship of the day before sunrise), Swami would rush to Na's house. Swami would get him new clothes, sing songs to him, carry him around while going for walks or take him to a corner shop. Swami would whisper

in Na's ears and this baby of less than a fortnight old would answer him saying, "Hum", as if he understood all that Swami said to him. Na became more attached to Swami than his own mother. Three years passed thus. One day, Na had fever. After a couple of days, he breathed his last on Swami's lap. Hugging and kissing him, Swami wept like a common man. After the funeral, Swami told the mourners, "Na is sitting here in the dark. Please light a ghee lamp here". In India, it is a custom to keep a lit lamp for ten days at the spot where death occurred in the house. The same night, Swami appeared in the dream of Na's mother. He consoled her by saying, "Do not be sad. Na has attained Moksha. Who survives on earth forever? When God incarnated on earth in the form of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, even they had to go. Where are your beloved ones - your father, your uncle, your grandmother? Are they alive? Henceforth, you concentrate on your own life. Lead it as well as you can". With this divine dream, Na's mother felt at peace. She, too, became an ardent devotee of Swami's and started worshipping him. Madhava A Brahmin couple of Vene village, which is situated near the city of Ratnagiri, were very worried as all the children born to them would die at birth. They went to several temples to seek divine intervention. One day, they came to Lord Shiva's famous temple at Ratnagiri. Here, Lord Shiva is commonly known as Lord Kedarnath or Lord Revananath. The couple prayed ardently to the Lord to give them children with long life. In return they pledged that they would gift their first born to him. Soon, God granted them their wish. They named their first born Madhava. When Madhava became seven years old, his upanayana ceremony was performed. With a heavy heart, the Brahmin couple decided to fulfill their vow. The Brahmin brought Madhava to the temple of Lord Kedarnath and left him there alone. The child was confused, sad and scared. With no one to look after his needs, he started begging for alms. Rest of the time, he would stay at the temple and chant Lord Shiva's name. Whatever he received as alms, he would first offer to Lord Shiva, then take the rest. In the short period he had spent with his family, his father had educated him in the performance of rituals and how to read the panchanga (Hindu calendar signifying the auspicious and malefic days) and interpreting it. Slowly, he started performing rituals and interpreting the panchanga to the devotees. People started seeking his help and posed questions. He, in turn, would pray to Lord Shiva and happily dispense advice to them, which was usually the very first thought that occurred in his mind. People soon realized that the little bhatji's (priest) words were efficacious. Soon, little Madhava started earning well. He did not have to beg for alms anymore. From his daily earnings, he would conduct rituals to worship Lord Kedarnath and offer him food. Thus, three years passed. One night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed him, "Life is useless without a Guru (spiritual master who guides you from darkness to God). Go to Kolhapur and offer your services to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami". The next day, the exuberant Madhava quickly finished his daily work and rituals, bowed to Lord Kedarnath and proceeded to Kolhapur. He reached Kolhapur. He started to wonder where to search for his Guru. Just then, Swami who was taking a walk along with his other devotees saw this ten-year old boy wandering about. He stopped him saying, "Bhatji, are you searching for a Guru?" Madhava immediately understood the identity of this divine personage. He, at once, bowed and surrendered at his feet on the road itself. Swami lovingly said, "I have to help you as Lord Shiva has sent you into my care". Madhava stayed with Swami. His charming manners endeared him to Swami and all those lived at the mathi. Swami addressed him by several names - Venimadhava, Veni, and

Venkarbhatji. After a few days, Swami instructed him to return to Ratnagiri to serve Lord Kedarnath. So, Venimadhava returned to Ratnagiri and commenced his daily routine. Within a few days of his return, Lord Kedarnath re-appeared in his dream and instructed him to return to Swami. This confused Venimadhava and put him in a dilemma. He was fed up of being shoved to and fro. He wondered why he should keep shuttling between Ratnagiri and Kolhapur. Like any irritated ten-year-old, he decided not to stay at either place. He decided to move to yet another place. He left Ratnagiri and started walking towards the forest. He moved on and on, climbing a mountain to find a lonely place for him to stay. On top of the mountain, he came across a small temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. He decided to stay put at the temple. The whole day he chanted Swami's name. Tired, he fell asleep. When he woke up in the morning, he found that someone had left food articles, viz., rice, lentils, wheat flour, oil, vegetables, utensils, wooden logs for fire and everything else that is required for cooking a meal. Venimadhava's joy knew no bounds. He went to a water stream nearby, had a bath, carried some water back with him and cooked a meal. He carried out rituals to worship the Mother Goddess in the temple, offered food to her and then, sat down to eat. Since his needs had been met without any effort on his part, he spent rest of his time chanting Swami's name. A week passed. Everyday food articles were present when Venimadhava woke up in the morning. Venimadhava thought, "Whoever is supplying these food articles, if only they would serve me cooked food". When he woke up the next morning, he was dumbstruck to find food lay out on a plate - hot steamed rice, chapattis (Indian bread), cooked vegetables and lentils. It suddenly dawned on him that it was indeed Swami who was taking care of him even deep in this dense forest. His throat choked as he remembered Swami and the love he had showered on him during his stay with him. He had a quick bath, performed the rituals and rushed hastily to Kolhapur. Venimadhava reached Kolhapur, went straight to the mathi and entered in. He bowed to Swami. Swami was exuberant to receive his prodigal child back. He pulled him and sat him onto his lap and affectionately kissed him. He said to his devotees present, "Look at this brave ten-year-old. He stayed alone in the forest. He had no fear of tigers, lions or snakes. For a week, Goddess Annapurna (another name of Goddess Parvati, provider of food) fed him". Swami, then, showered his blessings on Venimadhava and gave him a spiritual initiation through a secret yogic (state of union of man and God) process. With this, the little boy went into a meditative trance. For quite some time Venimadhava stayed on with Swami. One day, Swami reluctantly called him and told him that Lord Kedarnath was calling him back to Ratnagiri.Venimadhava felt very sad at leaving his beloved Guru. But since that was his Guru's order, he decided to abide by it. At the time of departure, he could not control his emotions and started crying. Swami consoled him with a promise that he would always be present by Venimadhava's side throughout life. Reluctantly, with a heavy heart, Venimadhava trudged towards Ratnagiri. On reaching the temple, Venimadhava surrendered himself before Lord Kedarnath. He put his head down on the Shivalinga and sobbed like a baby. It was a heart-wrenching scene. Even God must have been moved by the plight of this child. A few minutes passed thus. Absorbed in his own sorrow, Venimadhava was suddenly brought out of his despondency by a solemn voice that said, "I reside everywhere in the cosmos. I observe everything at all times. And I personally promised you that I would always be with you. Then my son, why are you so sad? Why are you weeping?" Wondering as to who was talking to him thus, Venimadhava lifted his head and opened his eyes. Lo behold! He was shocked to see Swami smiling and lovingly looking at him in place of the Shivalinga. The very next moment the scene changed. Swami disappeared. In place was the Shivalinga covered with flowers which were only available at Kolhapur and used at the rituals conducted at the mathi. These

flowers were not available at Ratnagiri at all. This divine experience acted as a balm to the sad boy. He started to carry on his duties at the temple. The devotees at the temple who revered him for his accurate predictions saw a new side. He had become more disciplined. Material objects no more attracted him. People now started giving him the respect and devotion that a divine sage commands and deserves. Childless couple A childless Brahmin couple was visiting temples and holy shrines all over Maharashtra. They were on the look out for blessings by which they could have children. They came to Kolhapur to pay their respects to Swami. Swami explicitly told them, "Due to very serious sins in your past life, you will not have any children". Disappointed, but not disheartened, the couple started visiting other holy places, meeting other holy people. They finally reached Ratnagiri. The people there directed them to Venimadhava. Venimadhava blessed them. He promised them a son within a year. Gently he said to them, "My Swami is very kind. He can do and undo anything and everything on this earth. With his divine powers and blessings, your wish will be fulfilled. Go to Kolhapur and serve him". With hopes raised, the couple went back to Kolhapur to meet Swami. Before the couple could restate their case, Swami said, "I give you what he has promised". Within a year, a bonny baby boy was born to the now joyous couple. Thus Swami altered the course of destiny of the couple to fulfill the promise made by one of his dearest disciples. Scholar of Vedanta At Kolhapur there was a famous Brahmin scholar of Vedanta (interpretation of philosophy revealed in the Vedas). He had a young son whose name was Vyas. Vyas had learned Vedanta from his father and had in fact mastered it. He was so well versed on the subject and was such a beautiful orator that he was invited to give discourses at various religious meetings. He would usually talk of the relationship of the Atman(soul) with the Parmatama (God), their main characteristics being nirakara (without form) and niraguna (without criterion), and how they pervade the entire creation. Since Vyas had no spiritual experiences, after a while he got bored preaching the same old sermons. Vyas happened to meet an illiterate man in his neighborhood who often visited Alandi, the shrine of the famous Saint Dnyaneshwar who lived in the 11th century and wrote Dnyaneshwari the poetical interpretation of the Bhagwat Geeta in the Marathi language. In a casual conversation, the man described that on sincere prayers the saint would appear before him and guide him on the spiritual path. This advice perplexed Vyas as it was six hundred years since Dnyaneshwar had taken live Samadhi He wondered how the saint could give him an audience or dispense advice to him - impossible, unimaginable. Vyas then asked other people for advice but was not satisfied. He, therefore, decided that if someone else directs him to Alandi, he would take it as a hint for him to visit the shrine of Saint Dnyaneshwar. Yet somebody else guided him to meet Swami. As he entered the mathi, Swami said to him, "You must visit Alandi". This left Vyas astounded as he had not even asked Swami for his advice, but had already received it. The young man immediately went to Alandi. He sat under the sacred Ajanavriksha (tree) and started reading the Dnyaneshwari religiously. A month passed thus. Nothing happened - no dream, no spiritual experience, saint Dnyaneshwar did not appear. One day, a devotee approached Vyas and requested him for some spiritual guidance. He said, "Sir, you seem to be a devout and learned man. I see that you are undergoing hard penance. For the past twelve years, I have been praying to Saint Dnyaneshwar. I regularly visit his shrine. Please guide me so that he may give me an audience". Immediately Vyas

retorted, "Visualize saint Dnyaneshwar's image in front of your eyes and chant his name with full devotion. He will definitely appear before you". The next morning, the grateful and exuberant devotee came running to him. He said, "Sir, I am deeply grateful for your advice. I obeyed your instructions. At night, saint Dnyaneshwar appeared in my dream along with his brothers Nivruti and Sopan, and his sister Mukta". You can well imagine the state of Vyas' mind. He was shell-shocked. He had given the advice only to get rid of the devotee who was wasting his valuable time. And on his advice, he had already had a spiritual experience! Perhaps his devotion was more sincere. Vyas then thought that perhaps he needed to go inside the shrine and pray. Thus he started walking towards the shrine temple. While walking, he started to think that "God is everywhere and so is Dnyaneshwar. Thus, he is right besides me. So, is it really necessary to go inside?" As he walked to the entrance, the doorkeeper stopped him and said, "Why do you need to go inside. You can as well see it from outside". Vyas started to think, "Although I have had no spiritual experience, yet I simply know that God is everywhere. Henceforth, I shall chant saint Dnyaneshwar's name with full devotion. Today onwards, I shall stop eating and drinking till the saint guides me onto the spiritual path". A week passed thus. Saint Dnyaneshwar appeared in his dream and said, "Now wind up your penance. Go to Kolhapur and serve Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. He is Hanuman himself". Vyas' joy knew no bounds. It was noon when he returned to Kolhapur and entered the mathi. Swami embraced him, "Come my son. Since Saint Dnyaneshwar has sent you, I must do your work". Swami sat besides Vyas and lovingly fed him lunch with his own hands. Vyas was very dear to Swami who lovingly called him shendephal (an endearing term used to address the youngest child of a family). A devotee of Shri Samartha Ramdas A resident of Kolhapur was Swami's devotee. He regularly visited the mathi. One day, he had a guest - a priest who was the devotee of Shri Samartha Ramdas. The priest was also a scholar and gave religious discourses. When the host prepared to set out for his daily visit to the mathi, the guest inquired where he was going. The host told his guest about Swami. The guest immediately said, "There cannot be anybody like Shri Samartha Ramdas, but nevertheless I shall come with you". On the way he purchased a coconut to offer to Swami but mentally he thought, "What a waste!" They entered the mathi. The priest offered the coconut to Swami who immediately retorted, "Your coconut is wasted. Alas! I am not Shri Samartha Ramdas". The priest was rendered dumbstruck. He apologized profusely to Swami who smiled mischievously and said, "It is true I am not Ramdas. But Ramdas was an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. And I am Hanuman! See my tail". Swami turned around and showed his tail. He turned around again and lo behold! All present at the mathi saw a giant monkey - Lord Hanuman - sitting on the 'throne'. He exuded an extremely bright divine glow of light. All present were not only stunned but also trembling at this divine sight. Within a moment, the scene resumed normalcy and all present were relieved. The priest was deeply satisfied. He bowed to Swami with a newfound reverence and with full devotion offered him the coconut. Swami's Rudra Abhisheka 'Rudra Abhisheka' is a ritual wherein water, milk or sugarcane juice is poured continuously on the Shiva Linga while the priests chant theRudra mantra. During this process, the number of priests who chant the sacred mantras is in the multiple of eleven. One day, a devotee invited eleven learned priests to the mathi to conduct the ritual of 'rudra abhisheka' on Swami's feet. The priests who came started grumbling for various reasons. One priest said it was wrong to conduct such a high ritual at a mere mortal's feet. Another priest was furious that he had been invited to perform such a high

liturgical ritual at a prostitute's house. Yet another priest remarked that they should ignore such petty matters as long as they were paid their fees. The priests started the ritual ceremony. Swami, who could not recite the simple 'Gayatri' mantra at his thread ceremony, now started chanting the difficult 'Rudra' mantra. To the astonishment of the priests, Swami pronounced each word correctly with scientific notations. At the end of this ceremony, all the priests surrendered to Swami who revealed, "Your abhisheka has reached the feet of Lord Panduranga. Since Lord Shiva lies on his head, it has reached him too". This left the priests amazed as Swami was referring to the crown of Lord Panduranga at Pandharpur that has the shape of a shivalinga. Jatarat A sanyasi from North India came to Kolhapur. Here, he lived at the temple dedicated to Goddess Amba. He remained naked. He never asked for alms. He came to be known as Jatarat. On the request of the local people, Jatarat started to cover his loins with a cloth. When devotees offered him milk, he would drink a drop and distribute the rest to the needy children. He never accepted eatables. Nevertheless, if someone offered eatables, he would immediately give it away to the beggars. If devotees forced him to eat, he would not be able to retain the food in his body. He would immediately vomit it out. He was evolved in many yoga techniques. He could even take his organs such as the liver, intestines and other parts out of his body wash them and place them again in their place. People were highly impressed with this young yogi. Soon he had a large following of devotees who would gather around him and listen to his advice. One evening, a very excited Jatarat asked his devotees seated around him, "Do you all want to meet a yogi who is a Paramahansa?" Literally the word 'paramahansa' means the supreme swan (a symbol of spiritual discrimination). The title signifies one who manifests the supreme state of unbroken communion with God. Everyone present replied an equally excited "Yes". Jatarat at once got up and started walking. His devotees followed suit. Jatarat must have covered a small distance when he saw Swami with his devotees coming towards him. Jatarat rushed towards Swami and bowed reverentially to him. When he got up, he whispered something to Swami who whispered a reply to him. Jatarat was heard saying to Swami, "Thanks! This was the exact point where I was stuck in my yogic progress". Jatarat was tall and strong, Swami was short and frail. Jatarat and Swami embraced each other. In all the excitement, Jatarat picked up Swami joyously. Then both parted ways. The moment Swami departed from the scene, chaos and confusion prevailed amongst Jatarat's devotees. They bombarded him with angry questions, "You are a pious sanyasi, while he is a fool. Why did you bow to him?" "He stays with a prostitute". "Only stupid people visit him". "You promised to show us a paramahansa". Jatarat placed his hands on his ears and shut them. He could not bear to hear blasphemous statements darted towards Swami. When he could not bear any longer, he yelled, "Shiva! Shiva! You all are criticizing a great man. He is God himself staying in your city in human disguise. And all of you are ignorant of the fact. Fools, you all are so ignorant! Surrender to him! Get your life's dreams fulfilled by him". Lord Vithoba visits Swami A sanyasi, presumably from the Himalayas, visited the mathi in the early morning hours. He was young and handsome. He entered, went straight to where Swami was seated and stood in front of him. He asked Swami a question in Sanskrit. Swami replied back in Sanskrit. He then lay down in front of Swami, turning on the side, facing Swami and then using his hand as a headrest propped himself up. He kept on staring straight at Swami without so much as blinking his eyelids. Evening set in, he did not stir from that place. The other devotees

irritated at this behavior asked Swami if they should move him to a corner. Swami would not allow them. Three days and three nights passed thus. The young sanyasi remained in the same position. Devotees again requested Swami to allow them to move the sanyasi. Swami whispered something to the sanyasi who immediately got up and departed from the room. Swami gave a disgusted look at his devotees and said, " Pandharinath (Head of Pandharpur known by several names - Lord Vithal, Panduranga, Vithoba) was here and you all did not so much as offered him anything to eat or drink as prasad'. Devotees rushed out in different directions but he had disappeared without trace. How could he have disappeared within a couple of seconds? Seeing his devotees' crestfallen faces, Swami laughed and said, "Okay. We will bring him back". Within a fraction of a second, the young man reappeared and bowed to Swami who gave him prasad. All the devotees bowed to him and then he made his exit. Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda, the foremost disciple of Ramkrishna Paramahansa visited Swami at the mathi at Kolhapur. Swami blessed him with the boon of vacha siddhi. This boon meant that all he spoke would come true and his speech would be so impressive that the listeners would be convinced of his point of view. After receiving this blessing, Swami Vivekananda was the first Hindu monk from India to ever visit the United States of America. He addressed 'the Parliament of Religions' at Chicago on September 11, 1893. He addressed a select audience of nearly 7,000 enlightened representatives of different branches of American thought who were thrilled to hear his message and welcomed him with sustained and thunderous applause. He charmed the audiences with his magical oratory, and left an indelible mark on America's spiritual development. History has recorded Swami Vivekananda's speech for posterity. Dada Pandit Dada Pandit was a resident of Kolhapur. He used to visit the mathi occasionally. He had however no faith in Swami and never bowed to him. He just could not fathom why ignorant people bow to a mere mortal being. Dada Pandit soon lost his wife. He then remarried. A ghost however possessed his new wife. She suffered immensely. She would often cry out and urge her husband, "Take me to Swami at Kumbhar lane". But Dada Pandit would turn a deaf ear to all her pleadings. Dada however took his wife to Wadi. His wife's pain increased terribly. The ghost within her body told him, "Take me to the Swami at Kumbhar lane or I'll trouble her more". Dada was just not convinced. They stayed put at Wadi for three more days. On the third night, Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared in Dada's dream and said, "Your problem will not be resolved here. Take your wife back to Kolhapur. I am living there as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. I will only help you there". The next morning when Dada woke up, the ghost who possessed his wife laughed hysterically and said, "Now take me to Swami or I'll trouble her more". His wife then started crying due to severe pain. Dada was left with no choice but to return to Kolhapur and take his wife to the mathi. Ashamed of his earlier haughty behavior, he bowed humbly to Swami and said, "O Lord! Please forgive me for not recognizing you. We are ignorant beings. The veil of illusion that you draw over our eyes keeps us away from recognizing the truth for what it is. Sir, you are the ocean of kindness. Please forgive me! Please help and cure my wife. We have come to surrender at your feet. It is well known that those who surrender to you, their wishes are fulfilled". Swami looked at Dada's wife with kindness. The ghost left her immediately and she recovered fully. The couple then became ardent devotees of Swami.

It may be noted that Dada Pandit was the maternal great-grandfather of Guruvarya Shri Madhav Saraswati - A true devotee Swami had an ardent devotee who was a farmer who owned a small piece of land. Although his income from the farm produce was limited, he managed his finances very well. He had two daughters who he had married off and were well settled. Times changed and so did the circumstances. His limited income became meagre. It became difficult for him to procure even three square meals a day. One day in a state of deep depression, he wandered to the outskirts of the city. Tired after wandering for long, he sat down under a tree. In his misery, he prayed to Swami, "O Lord! Death is a better option than these hunger pangs at noon. Please God relieve me from this sorry state". He suddenly heard a voice saying, "God creates food first. Then he creates living beings. One, who feeds an ant without fail, feeds an elephant too". The devotee looked around wondering who was speaking but found no one present. The cool breeze brought with it a paper that floated around and dropped at his feet. On picking it up he found that it was a promissory note bearing the royal seal and signature of the King of Kolhapur ordering that the bearer of the note be given rupees ten from the royal treasury. The devotee realized that someone had lost the note. He waited till sundown lest someone comes searching for the note. But no one came. The devotee then considered the note as God-sent and encased it. In those days, this was a handsome amount of money. He invested it well and his circumstances changed for the better. Grateful at the good tide of fortune turned his way, he increased the chanting of Swami's name. What's more, he resolved to offer all that he ate to Swami before taking the same. As years rolled by, he aged. Due to old age, he fell ill. He had to swallow several bitter medicines everyday. To the dismay of his wife, he would even offer the medicines to Swami before swallowing them. His wife would berate him, "It is alright if you offer food to your master. But it is incorrect that you should offer him the bitter medicines". The devotee begged to differ. One day, the devotee fell unconscious and his wife administered him a medicinal dosage in that state. On regaining consciousness, he learnt what had happened. He turned miserable that his resolution had been broken. He simply stopped eating! Three days passed thus. He felt weak and drowsy. He yawned! Lo behold! Swami, the size of his thumb, came out of his mouth and stood in front of him. Swami said gently, "Son, why are you being so foolish? You have certainly not broken your resolution! Are you and I different? Look at yourself". The devotee glanced at himself. He saw Swami lay on his bed. He joined his two hands in gratitude. The thumb-size Swami laughed and vanished. What an incredible experience! He cried with joy! Katonah Althea Kashinath Altekar was a strong, well-built, young man. He was in the service of the King of Kolhapur. He was in charge of the godown that stored goods and grain to be distributed amongst the poor. Being pious and God-fearing, he showed great generosity while distributing to the poor and the needy. He had a very clear conscience, "The goods belong to the King of Kolhapur. If he wants to give them as charity, why should I be an obstacle in distributing"? Although he never siphoned off a single grain, many detractors complained about him. The complainants could not prove any charges they made against him. What's more, the King trusted him and was very happy with his services.

Kashinath was an ardent devotee of Swami. As soon as he finished his official duty, he would rush to the mathi. He would carry the river water to wash the mathi. He spent his nights chanting Swami's name. One evening as usual Kashinath finished his duty and rushed to the mathi. There was no one present except Swami seated on his 'throne'. The moment Kashinath entered the room, Swami got up and walked towards him. To Kashinath's great surprise, Swami embraced him. He then lifted Kashinath like a child and seated him on his 'throne'. A gamut of different emotions ran through the bewildered Kashinath. One moment he was shocked, the next moment he was frightened and at his wits end. Swami stood in front. Soon Kashinath fell into a trance. Now he saw Swami in front of him, Swami behind him and Swami all around him. He looked at himself and to his surprise he saw Swami seated on the 'throne'. Swami simply pervaded the entire place. Extremely puzzled and amazed, Kashinath even wondered as to who was seeing and experiencing all this. As suddenly as he went into trance, as quickly he came back to his senses. Seeing Swami standing before him, he fell at his feet and cried out, "O Lord! Why did you do this?" Swami patted him gently and answered, "Are we both different? The master and his devotees are one. You deserved to experience the knowledge of Advaita, to know that God is one and He pervades everyone and everything, everywhere, at all times". The above two stories reveal the firm faith and devotion these devotees had for their master, which was amply reciprocated by their master. Devdhar There was a scholar named Devdhar who was well versed in the philosophy of the Vedas. He had the rare privilege to study under the great scholars at Varanasi. This is a pilgrimage town with many ancient temples located here as well as a center of learning. Devdhar was an orator par excellence in the various Vedic philosophies. Time passed. He became bored juggling with words, propounding dry philosophies without having any spiritual experience. Dissatisfaction drove him to become an ascetic. He went for pilgrimage to Badrikedar eight times. Still discontented, he settled down in Kolhapur. Devdhar was a thorough gentleman, soft spoken and well behaved. Even at philosophical debates, he would not annoy or criticize anyone. His knowledge was so extensive that even the Shankaracharya (the religious head of the Hindu religion) of Karavir (ancient name of Kolhapur) would ask him doubts on any the Vedic philosophy. Devdhar learnt of Swami's existence and started visiting the mathi. Everyday without fail he would come to seek Swami's blessings before going to give discourses. At the mathi, Devdhar would sit gazing lovingly at Swami's face, losing complete track of time. One day he requested Swami to show him the path to progress on the spiritual journey. Swami said, "It is not easy. A lot of hard penance is required". Thereafter Devdhar started practicing various methods of fasting. He stopped consuming salt and chillies in his diet. Thereafter he subsisted only on milk, later only on oil and so on. People criticized him that since he was a sanyasi, he should not resort to such methods. But Devdhar was keen to cleanse and purify his mind. He wanted to go to any length to please Swami. Finally it dawned on him that bhakti or devotion is the only way to understand God and get close to him. With realization, Devdhar gave philosophical discourses with a new insight. Large number of interested students studied Vedic literature under him. Devdhar lived to the ripe age of ninety-three years. Even on the last day of his life, he had given a discourse in a temple. Basavappa Basavappa was a Telugu Brahmin youth from a small village of Andhra state. His uncle was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and had remained a bachelor all his life. Throughout life his uncle stayed at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which was adjacent to Basavappa's residence. From childhood, Basavappa observed the way his uncle conducted his life. Since

his uncle was as good as his father, he treated him as a Guru. With this in mind, he offered his services to him. Daily he would fetch the river water, clean the temple, wash the utensils used for rituals, make sandalwood paste and pluck flowers. Impressed by the selfless services rendered, the uncle called Basavappa and said, "Child, life is useless if you do not have a spiritual Guru. Go to Kolhapur and offer your services to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. He is Lord Dattatreya himself". Basavappa was dejected. He nevertheless told his uncle, "Why should I go to anyone else when you are my Guru? However I shall abide by your instructions". Thus he informed his parents and his wife that he was going to Kolhapur to meet Swami and he would soon be back. Basavappa walked to Kolhapur wondering what Swami would look like. He wondered if he would be loving and gentle like his uncle. He entered the mathi and bowed to Swami. To Basavappa's surprise and delight, Swami asked him to stay at the mathi. Here he did various odd jobs and spent rest of his time chanting Swami's name. He got so involved with the life at the mathi that he completely forgot about his home and family. He did not even send a single postcard to his family informing them about his well being. Since Basavappa had not returned as promised nor sent a word about how he was faring, his wife was naturally worried. His wife was so upset that she inquired with his uncle, "If anything has happened to him, tell me so honestly. He has not come back as promised". The uncle assured her that he was faring well and narrated stories of Swami's greatness. Basavappa's wife then started praying to Swami, "Call me to Kolhapur. It is my duty to serve my husband. So I have to stay wherever he stays". Swami could not turn a deaf ear to a sincere prayer. He called Basavappa and asked him to fetch his wife and return to Kolhapur immediately. Basavappa returned home. He went to the temple to narrate all that had happened to his uncle. The uncle asked him to go and freshen up first, and meet his family. He requested him to return to talk to him in the afternoon. Basavappa entered his home. On seeing him his wife implored him to take her along with him. To her joy she was astonished as well as delighted to hear him say, "Do not worry. Swami has sent me home to bring you along with me to Kolhapur". In the afternoon, he went to meet his uncle who narrated his own life story, "From childhood I was reluctant to lead life like everybody else. I did not want to earn a living or get married. The only thing I wanted to do was to worship Lord Shiva. Hence I kept myself busy conducting rituals at the temple. One day Lord Shiva appeared in my dream and instructed me to go to Kolhapur to serve Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. I went there. Swami gave me a spiritual initiation. But after a few days he directed me to return home to serve Lord Shiva here. I was heartbroken but reluctant to disobey his orders. When I returned I came directly to the temple to bow at the Shivalinga. How long I bowed I cannot remember but when I lifted my head, the Shivalinga had disappeared. In its place was Swami smiling benevolently at me. Then I realized that Lord Shiva and Swami are one and the same. After that I worshipped Lord Shiva with full devotion. Son, you are very lucky that he has allowed you to stay with him. After staying at home for a few days, Basavappa and his wife arrived at Kolhapur. For some time they stayed with Swami. One day Swami called Basavappa and gave him a pair of padukas made of stone. He said, "Go and install these padukas at Ganagapur and worship them there. I shall always be present with you". Thus Basavappa and his wife arrived at Ganagapur. They searched for a house. They found one near the Kalleshwar Temple and stayed there. It is here that they installed Swami's padukas and started their worship. Basavappa continuously read the Shri Gurucharitra. He was hospitable to pilgrims. But he started to talk less even to his wife.

Years passed by. Basavappa and his wife grew old. Basavappa regretted that after coming to Ganagapur he had not had the privilege to see Swami. One night, Swami appeared in his wife's dream. He patted her and said, "Child, tell your husband that I am always with you both". Next day, when his wife narrated her dream, Basavappa said, "You are very fortunate to have seen Swami". But nevertheless he felt miserable that Swami had not appeared to him. He stopped eating food and drinking water. Within a week Swami appeared to him and rebuked him, "Why are you so skeptical about my presence? I am always with you". The couple worshipped the padukas throughout their lives till their very end. Even today the padukas are where they were installed. Jatratkar Yogi GokulShirgaon is a small village twenty kilometres away from Kolhapur. Samadhibaba an old devotee of Lord Shri Ram stayed there. He had many children but only one daughter survived to adulthood. He got her married. One day he was given certain instructions in his dream, "Your grandson will become a great saint. Take proper care of him". Thus Samadhibaba went to stay with his daughter. Over a period of time she gave birth to a baby boy who was named as Jatratkar. Samadhibaba was extremely fond of this divine child. When he was eight years of age his thread ceremony was performed. When the boy grew to be fourteen years old, Samadhibaba once again received instructions in his dream to send his grandson to Kolhapur to serve Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. Accordingly he guided Jatratkar to proceed to Kolhapur. After instructing his grandson, as if his life's work was over, he left for his heavenly abode at the ripe age of one hundred and twenty years. Jatratkar was extremely sad at his grandfather's demise, as he was very attached to him. After performing the death rituals, he commenced on his journey to Kolhapur. Jatratkar walked to Kolhapur. He resolved not to drink water nor eat food till he met Swami. It was a great feat for a child to cover such a long distance without water and food. All the way he wondered what Swami looked like. He also wondered if he was as kind as his grandfather. Jatratkar reached the mathi late at night. The entrance door had been locked for the night. He felt sad and sat on the steps in dismay. As if to confirm that he could see Swami only in the morning, a person came out of the mathi and on seeing Jatratkar he said, "Swami retires to bed as soon as the aarti gets over. He will not see anyone till the next morning". The boy was almost in tears. Parched, hungry and tired, he prayed to Swami, "O Lord! I have come from afar with great hope and expectations. When there is no guarantee for one's life the very next minute, how can I wait to see you till the next morning?" His sincere prayers reached Swami who came out at once. The boy heard his kind words, "Son, come inside". Swami caught hold of his hand and led him inside. Swami sat on his 'throne'. Jatratkar sat down in front of him on the floor. He kept staring at Swami who lovingly asked him, "Am I like your grandfather or not?" But the boy was already in the trance-state. Swami gave him a spiritual initiation. Jatratkar stayed with Swami only for a few days. Swami asked him to return to his village. However he regularly visited Swami. He later became a yogi. He had a large number of devotees who experienced the effect of his blessings and his mystical powers. His name and fame spread and he was well known as Jatratkar Yogi. A full book has been written on his life story. Swami lighted many sparks, known and unknown, who treaded on their spiritual voyage. Some gained fame, others preferred to stay unknown and yet many still continue to enlighten others. The story of an ordinary 'Namya' who became 'Shri Namdev Maharaj' the heir apparent toShri Krishna Saraswati Swami's spiritual legacy is very interesting and readers are requested to read the separate 'link' on "Namadev Maharaj".

PART - 3, Page 7, THE SUNSET

Swami's Photograph In the late nineteenth century photography had just been developed. The common man was wary of this magic process by which one's image would be printed on paper. The British company AGFA was trying to popularize photography by encouraging their representatives to photograph Saints and Kings. Naturally people were more than eager to have these photographs in their homes, thus accepting this technology. Same was the case with Swami's devotees, they too were keen to have Swami's photograph in their houses, especially to help them in their meditation. But Swami refused to have him photographed. Many photographers came to the mathi and tried to photograph Swami but failed. The plate would come out blank or fogged or only half an image would appear. Whatever the reasons, Swami could not be photographed. There were two friends in the photography business who failed to obtain Swami's photograph on several occasions. They understood that it was perhaps the sage's wish. Nevertheless they started visiting the mathi daily, surrendered to Swami and prayed that sometime somewhere Swami would consent to have his photograph taken, at least for the sake of his devotees. One day at Kolhapur's royal palace, a professional photographer from Baroda, Gujarat state, had been summoned to photograph the King and the royal family. In the morning, the royal durbar (king's court) hall had been spruced up and readied for the photography session. The King's throne, regal attire, his ornaments, and the royal arms were kept ready in the royal durbar hall. The King had gone for his bath. At that moment at the mathi, Swami suddenly got up and quickly walked out. A few devotees ran behind him, following him wherever he was off to. Swami walked straight into the royal palace. Who could stop him? He went directly to the durbar hall where the arrangements to photograph the King were ready and walked to the King's throne and sat down. He removed his white kurta (long shirt) and cap. He put on the numerous strings of pearl necklaces lying nearby. He sat regally as if he belonged there. The King's staff and servants were left stunned and stupefied. Knowing Swami's spiritual status, not one of them had the audacity to order him to get off the King's throne. But at the same time, they were petrified lest the King gets outraged and angry with them. Nevertheless, one member of the staff mustered up enough courage to inform the King of the happening in the royal durbar hall. Far from being angry, the King felt blessed that Swami had arrived at his palace and was sitting on his throne. He ordered that Swami be photographed and be allowed to do as he wished. The photograph was taken. This is the photograph that is still in circulation and is widely distributed even today amongst devotees as if Swami had got himself photographed for posterity. He had got himself photographed to reach his devotees and to remain accessible to them even in this twenty-first century. As soon as the photo session was over, Swami removed the pearl necklaces from around his neck and placed them back where they were in the first place. He put on his kurta and cap, and left the palace. By the time the King dressed up and walked to the durbar hall, Swami had already left. The King sent his chariot to bring Swami back, but Swami used it instead to return to the mathi. Later the King came to the mathi and offered his obeisance to Swami. He gifted the royal throne and the pearl necklaces to Swami. Tarabai's end Swami was now old. Tarabai started to construct a Samadhi place for him in the hall of the mathi. Swami thoroughly disliked the idea and would wonder aloud, "She does not know

who will go first". Within a few days, Tarabai passed away. Swami cried like a child at losing a loving parent. Sitting next to her body, he suddenly said, "Mother! Before leaving, please eat one pedha (sweetmeat) from my hand". To the bewilderment of astonished devotees, Tarabai sat Swami fed her a pedha. She ate it and fell dead. What could Swami, the Lord of the entire creation not do or undo! Swami falls ill Soon Swami fell ill and was burning with high fever. The frantic devotees would bring ayurvedic (Indian herbal medicine) and allopathic doctors for him, anyone or anything that could cure their beloved Lord.Swami would sarcastically joke with the doctors, "Will this medicine give me the strength to fight off Yama (God of Death)?" "Doctor, why should I fear death when you are giving me the elixir of life." "Yama will run away when he sees this tube (stethoscope)." Alas! Even GOD in human form has to leave the earth The year was 1900A.D, the month was August end (shravana according to Hindu calendar), and the day was a full moon day. That day Swami kept on mumbling randomly. Most devotees, then, did not understand the importance of his vague utterances. He said, "O Audambara Tree! You really are great. You offer shadow to one and all without distinction. Now onwards, I shall not be able to sit in your shadow." "O Light! You are like a saint. You spread your glow equally to all. Whether it is a student studying Vedas, a thief at work or a couple enjoying a private moment." "O Five Elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky! I will now return the loan I took from you." "Am I going away somewhere? Where can I go? The entire cosmos is not big enough to contain me! I shall always stay there where my devotees sing and chant". The few wise devotees understood the eventuality and fell into depression. They felt sorry for themselves and very lonely. Suddenly Swami's thoughts wandered and he started calling favorite disciple Namdeva who was away in in Ganagapur. Swami repeatedly murmured, "Why has Namya not arrived yet?" On the ninth day after the full moon, i.e., on Shravana navami, Namdeva arrived. Swami asked all his other devotees except Namdeva to go out of the room. Swami held Namdeva's hand firmly and said, "Namya! This tree of spirituality must grow tall like a vata tree. Remember that it is for you to make it grow." Perhaps this was Swami's way of anointing Namdeva as his heir apparent! At 3.30a.m. Swami laid his head on Namdeva's lap. He smiled and said, "Goddess Amba is calling me". At 4.00a.m. The sounds of bells were heard ringing at the temple of Goddess Amba as the early morning aarti started. Swami left his physical body! Namdeva went berserk. He felt absolutely orphaned. He called out to others and informed them hysterically about the great loss. Crying hysterically, he then started running home. As he ran, others present saw a blue flame coming out from Swami's body following Namdeva. When Namdeva reached home, the blue flame merged into the stone padukas installed at his home. The other disciples and devotees were inconsolable. After all they had lost their God! Many fell into depression. Even after Swami was no more, devotees would flock at the mathi. They would remember Swami and talk about him and the miracles they had experienced and witnessed. But they felt an inexplicable void that tugged at their hearts. One evening, a few devotees assembled at the mathi. There, reminiscing of Swami, their talk steered to him. Just then all of them happened to look at Swami's throne. Suddenly they fell silent! Each one of them present could see Swami resplendently sitting on his

throne, smiling at them. After a moment, the scene vanished. But once and for all, the devotees were convinced that Swami had not deserted them although he had left his physical body. He is very much present amongst all for us!

PART - 3, Page 8, NIJABODHA MATHI

NIJABODHA MATHI Vairagya Mathi gets deserted Now that Swami was not present, disciples and devotees visiting the vairagya mathi started getting an uneasy feeling there. As it was occupied by Tarabai's son and his family, sitting there would make them restless. Hence they started to sit at the Shiva temple situated on the banks of river Panchaganga. There, they would sit and talk of Swami for hours together. Swami gives directives to Vyas One day, Vyas, a devotee received a directive from Swami instructing him that a new Samadhi temple - a mathi should be built. He was also instructed to approach the King of Kolhapur to procure land at a place known as Gangaves. When the devotees heard this news, they were filled with excitement and enthusiasm. However many devotees discouraged Vyas from approaching the King and told him that all his efforts would prove futile. Nevertheless, four devotees encouraged him to meet the King. Vyas along with those four devotees went to the palace. As they approached the durbar room, the guard on duty would not let them enter as the King was conducting a meeting regarding state affairs with his ministers. Vyas and the other devotees waited outside patiently. They had full faith in Swami that he would arrange their meeting with the King and their effort would bear the required fruits. Seeing that Vyas and his friends had waited for a long time to meet the King, the guard good-naturedly inquired as to what business they had with the King. Vyas told him about Swami and the dictum he had received from him to approach the King for the land. When the guard asked them if they were carrying the letter of introduction from any important personage, they replied in the negative. To this the guard said, "Without such a letter, I cannot allow you to enter as I am bound by rules and regulations of my duty. I can see that you are a pious man for I can feel peace pervade my entire being by merely talking to you. May God bring success to your endeavors ". An uneasy feeling descended on Vyas and the other devotees. Not knowing what to do next, they just stood outside the courtroom with prayers on their lips. To their sheer amazement, just then the King happened to come out of the room and saw them. He approached Vyas and asked him as to what was the purpose of his visit. Vyas respectfully bowed to him. He then took out one piece of laddu (sweetmeat), which was part of the offerings made to Swami earlier in the day. He broke it into two pieces. He ate one half and offered the other half to the King. Bewildered by such behavior, the King asked him for an explanation. Vyas explained, "Sire! You have many enemies who may want to poison you. I have therefore eaten one half of the sweetmeat so that you may have no doubts about my intentions". The King was thoroughly impressed. He asked Vyas the reason for his visit. Vyas related to him about Swami's directives. The King told Vyas to come and see him the next day in the morning. He assured him that he would have the royal decree ready and signed for him. The King also instructed the guard to allow Vyas to enter the courtroom.

Vyas and the devotees accompanying him returned happily after this successful meeting with the King. The next day, Vyas visited the King in the morning. The King was extremely busy with state affairs and Swami's work was not done. Everyday without fail Vyas would visit the palace but his visits seemed futile. Although Vyas and the other devotees were getting impatient, somewhere deep in their hearts they knew that Swami was putting them to test and it would just be a matter of time before the task gets completed successfully. One day, the Prince of Kohlapur organized a religious function at the temple. There, he invited groups of singers who sang devotional songs in praise of God. Vyas was also invited. Just when Vyas started to sing, the King arrived to attend the function. For two hours Vyas sang songs devoted to Swami and enthralled the King and others in the audience. At the end of the function, the King himself approached Vyas and said, "Holy Brahmin, never in my entire life have I heard such inspired singing of heavenly songs and melodies filled with godliness and devotion as I have today. You almost transported me to God's presence! Never before have I experienced such peace and harmony. Come and see me in the morning tomorrow. Your unfinished task is very much on my mind. I shall surely get it done tomorrow". The next day when Vyas entered the premises of the royal palace, he saw the King taking a walk in the garden. Vyas walked towards him and when he was in close proximity, he bowed. The King took out a paper from the pocket of his apparel and handed it over to Vyas. The paper was a signed and sealed order from the King of Kolhapur to the presiding officer of the municipality to bequeath the required land at Gangaves for the purpose of building of Swami's Samadhi mathi to Vyas as the managing trustee. The King advised Vyas to get the land legally registered in the math's name and get the land's deed documents drawn out. Vyas along with his mason friend went to meet the presiding officer at the municipality office. After reading the royal decree, the officer suddenly started to scream rudely, "You cheat! People like you take advantage of the King's generosity. By falsely taking God's name, you want to snatch the land for yourself. I shall not let this happen. Our good King may not recognize fraudulent people like you but I do." Furious at such uncalled for uncivil behavior, Vyas loudly told his friend, "Look at the audacity of this man. He is actually defying the royal decree. Let us not waste a minute here. May God help him." Although Vyas had put on a defiant front, he was actually devastated from inside. He felt he had done his best and he prayed to Swami to intercede and do the rest. When Vyas did not show up the next day, the presiding officer at the municipality office started to panic lest Vyas reported his rude behavior to the King. He had behaved thus in order to get a fat bribe to prepare the documents. Horrified at the consequences, apprehensive at the resultant punishment and filled with jitters, he could not eat nor sleep. Finally, he decided to visit the concerned site. Everyday for a week, he visited the place. Realizing that Vyas was not reacting to his visits and was instead absolutely calm, the officer then brought two of his assistants to measure and mark the land to be allocated. He then drew the land's deed documents. He then asked Vyas to come to his office to sign the documents as the managing trustee of the bequeathed land. On the appointed day, he handed over the documents to Vyas. He also personally gifted a coconut and rupees five. During this entire period, Vyas had not uttered a single word. But finally with documents in his hands, grateful tears flowed from his eyes. Now that the land was available, money was still needed to build the four walls and a roof of the mathi. The devotee who was a mason offered to build the mathi with his fellow masons free of charge. Nevertheless money was still needed to buy the raw material. Vyas' friend provides the money as thanksgiving to Swami

A friend of Vyas who held a job in the royal service was falsely accused of fraud and was put behind bars. Vyas advised him to surrender to Swami and keep on reading the sacred Shri Gurucharitra. In jail, the man refused to eat or drink but kept on reading the holy text. The jailer felt sorry for his plight and cajoled him to intake something but the latter firmly refused. Thus seven days passed. On the eight day, the King paid a surprise visit to check on the running of the jail. When he saw this prisoner, he inquired about him. He checked on the relevant papers related to him and found him innocent. He ordered that the man be set free immediately. The grateful man rushed to Vyas and gave rupees four hundred for the construction of the mathi. The money was sufficient to build the mathi. Thus Swami's Samadhi temple, the Nijabodha (self-realization) Mathi, was built. The stone padukas made by Balaku, which were later given to Krishna Lad were installed there. From the day of installation to this day, daily rituals like pooja (worship) and aarti are conducted there everyday. What is significant is that everyday since the first day, continuous non-stop chanting is done by devotees without a single break. The chanting is always accompanied by veena (an Indian stringed musical instrument). Centenary celebration In the year 2000A.D., to celebrate the completion of hundred years of the Nijabodha Mathi, the building has been completely renovated. Swami's full size bronze statue has been installed. A spacious hall has also been built for reading Shri Gurucharitra and for chanting and meditation. Those who are lucky to visit this place are pervaded with peace, harmony and eternal bliss. And a true devotee can see Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami present there. ----- OM TAT SAT ------