SHREE GURU CHARITRA

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!

DAILY SHREE GURU CHARITRA PARAYANA
Thursday 11th June 2015  to Friday 31st July 2015

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara
Guru Sakshat Parabrahmah Tasmai Shree Guru Veh Namah


Rules to follow for Shri Guru Charitra Parayan:

1.  The Shri Guru Charitra must be read sincerely with devotion
     and with Complete Physical and Mental Purity & with Fresh Mind.
2.  Wherever you read, the Place of reading must be neat and
     clean & the Chapter should be completed in one sitting &
3.  One should not speak while reading.

Suggestions:

Always try to understand the following when reading a sacred Granth

1. The inner-artha- -why is Shri Guru saying thus? Think deeply
2. The inner-artha of the person involved - why did Shri Guru say thus?
    why did the character say thus?
3. The context–which period and to whom was it said?
    which place was it said
4. The circumstance- -what made the following to occur?
5. Read with Shraddha. Read with Bhakthi.

May BABA & SHRI GURU DATTA Shower His grace,
Love And Blessings On Each One Of Us,

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 01
Namdharak sees Shri Guru in Dream

A devotee of Shri Guru by name Namdharak,
greatly worried due to domestic miseries,
left home and started on foot with the intense
desire of seeing Shri Guru.

While on his way, he was praying Shri Guru
all the time.

"Oh,Guru,all say,' Thou art Paris' (the Philosopher's
stone then turns iron into gold by mere touch).

But then why should I be required to suffer so much,
so I have been reciting your name all the time,
and absolutely having full faith in you?"

"In this Kaliyug, you are the incarnation of Trimurti
(three principle Gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.)
Oh , Shri Narasimha Saraswathi, you are the Guide
and treasure of the kindness of the devotees".

"As a mother does not forsake her child, in the same
way please do not keep me away from yourself, as
you are my mother, father, brother, sister, friend,
relative - one and all".

"You are the protector of this Universe, donor of Gods
you have all the knowledge. You made Bally, the king of
Patal very humble, you gave Bibhishan the Kingdom of
Lanka (Ceylon). You made this Earth devoid of the
Kshatriya race and then gave it in charity to the Brahmins.
You offered ever lasting place to Dhruva : But what did
you receive in return from everyone of these? If you
have received nothing, then what can an innocent
human-being like myself, can offer you, who is him- self
the Lord of Lakshmi Goddess of Wealth)?"

"When a child, on the lap of its mother, opens its mouth
to drink milk, what does the mother expect from the child?
It does not become you, a great Donor, first receive and
then to give"

"All the wells on the earth do not adore Varun, the
God of rains, but yet Varun gives rains in abundance
to one and all."

"My forefathers have been your devotees for generations.
I possess only this treasure of services of my family
unto you.

Kindly give me some loan from this treasure, as I am in
very peculiar circumstances. I am seeking your shelter
considering my misdeeds, please do not be angry with me."

"If a mother is angry with the child the child seeks father's
shelter.

So will you not protect me, an innocent child?
Are not even inclined to listen to my miserable tale?"

Being tired of walking, he sat down under a tree and soon
he was asleep.

In his dream, he saw a Personality with hair-locks on head,
ash markings on all the body and face full of kindness.

He soon recognized him to be Shri Guru, who applied ashes
to his forehead and placed his blessings hand in his head.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 02
Siddha Muni Guides Namdharak

Namdharak was greatly amazed to see the dream.
He awoke and began to proceed further on his path.
While going he was all the time thinking over the dream,
he had seen in the previous night. He now observed
that similar personality, alike that seen by him in the
dream, was coming from the front. He prostrated
himself humility before him and said, "You are my mother
and father. Kindly favour me, an orphan child. Kindly
tell me your name and place of residence."

The Siddha Muni said, "I am a Yogi. I live on earth
and in heaven also. I have been visiting holy places
and now I have come here. I am a disciple of
Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswathi, who resides at Ganagapur
near Sangam, the meeting place of the Bhima and Amaraja
rivers. He is in the incarnation of Trimurties and always found
in meditation. He has come to this earth for the
salvation of his devotees. His devotees get food,
cows and other wealth in abundance"

Hearing this Namdharak asked him, "Though my
forefathers have been devotees of Shri Guru for generations,
why should be in such adverse conditions? Will you kindly
satisfy me in this respect?"

Shri Siddha said ,"You say that you worship Shri Guru
and yet complain adversities. Then it seems that you are
not worship Shri Guru wholeheartedly. Even if Shri Vishnu
or Shri Shiva is angry with his devotee, Shri Guru can surely
protect him. But if Shri Guru is enraged, even Shri Vishnu or
Shiva cannot protect him."

Namdharak said, "Kindly tell me why Shri Guru is said
to be the incarnation of Trimurtis - Bhrama, Vishnu,
and Mahesh. How is it that if Shri Guru is enraged none
else can protect? Where can I find this reference?
Kindly explain all this to me, so that my mind
would become more firm in devotion"

Shri Siddha said, "Four vedas came out as utterances
of four headed Brahma. From the Vedas 18 Puranas were
construed. Brahma Vaivarta is one of these and it is stated
in it that in the Dwapur Yug, Vyas, the Vishnu incarnate,
spread the light of knowledge on Earth, through such volumes
known as Brahma Sutras. Rishies and Munis
listened to the tales from Vyas, which I am narrating to you.

"Once upon a time , Kaliyug asked Brahma about the
Greatness of Shri Guru".

Namdhrak intervened asking, "Why did Bhramha narrate
this to Kali?"

Shri Siddha proceed saying, "In the stat of evolution
Adinarayan, Shri Vishnu was lying on a leaf of Vat.
He desired and lotus came out of his umbilicus. On it was
seated Brahma, who looked to the four directions and he got
four heads. He thought that he was all Supreme. Realising this
Shri Vishnu smiled and said "Ah, I am here, bow to me".

Brahma bowed to him and praised him. Being pleased
Shri Vishnu asked Brahma to create this Universe.
Shri Vishnu gave him four Vedas and also told him to
create this world according to the process given in
the Vedas.

Brahma then created this World, which has several
animate and inanimate things such as:-

1) Swedaj : those born of perspiration as bugs etc.
2) Andaj : those coming out of eggs as birds,
3) Jaraj : those begetting from placenta
    i.e., womb as human beings and
4) Udbhij : i.e. coming out of earth i.e. plants,
    creepers,trees etc.

Similarly Brahma created three Lokas (Worlds.).
This process of creation has been stated in the Brahma
Vaivarta Purana in the following manner :-

Brahma called every Yug one after the other and
asked him to go on Earth. first came Krith Yug,
who did not speak a lie was learned and devoid of family
attachments, had sacred thread and necklace of Rudraksha-beads
around the neck. He said, "The people of Earth speak a lie,
and are sinful. How can I go and stay their? Brahma said,
"Stay there for some time. I shall be sending another
Yug to follow you".

Then came Treta Yug. Fat in body possessed articles of
sacrifice in his hands. In this Yug people performed sacrifices
and abode by the rules of religions and rituals and most of
them were Brahmins.

After the Treta Yug, Dwapaur Yug is approached Brahma.
He had arrows and other weapons in his hands. He was
both kind and wicked. Virtue and sin were both visible
in him.

Lastly Kali Yug was called for ghost like appearance,
thoughtless heart, old age, struggling and despising mentality
were his characteristics. He came before Brahma and began
dancing and uttering childish words. At one moment he laughed,
at another he welted and then abuse anybody. Seeing him in
such strange mood, Brahma asked, "Why are you naked and
abusing so filthily?"

Kali replied, "I shall win over people by these two means.
I am not afraid of anybody."

Brahma smiled and told me to go the Earth and show
the influence of his evil intentions.

Kali said, "I selfish, destroyer of Dhrama, I like quarrel,
despising and I long for the wealth and wives of others.
I am a friend to those who pretend to be a saint and
I am an enemy of all the virtuous."

Brahma told him, "In Kali Yug the span of life of the
 human beings would be only hundred years. In the former
Yugas, as the life span was too long people followed the path
of penance and devotion in order to attain supreme knowledge.
In Kali Yug, a man can attain salvation, the observing penance
and devotion for less time. You should help such
virtuous persons."

Kali said,"Such virtuous men are my enemies.
I am afraid of such persons. How should I then go to
the Earth?" Brahma said , "Take Kal and Atma with you.
They will destroy the religious mindedness and even induce
virtuous persons to commit sins."

Kali said, "They are enemies, who abide by the religion
and are devotees of Vishnu and Siva, who listen to puranas,
give charities and who have peaceful hearts. But on the contrary,
I love those who love their wives and children, dishonor
their parents who despise Vedas and Sastras, who see separateness
in Vishnu and Siva and despise them. " Brahma said",
You are clever. People will follow you and act as per your wishes
as soon as you go there. If a few persons are virtuous,
you do not trouble them."

Kali said, "I am cruel. Please tell me how I should help
the virtuous? Please direct me as to how I should behave
on the Earth."

Brahma said, "I am sending Kal and Atma also with
you who will direct you. The virtuous only can will you,
all others will soon be your slaves."

Kali asked, "How a Sadhu(Saint) is to be known?"
Brahma said "Please do not harrase the learned and
those who worship Hari, Har , who serve parents, Gods
and Brahmins, cows and plants as Tulsi, you need not
affect these". Kali again asked, "What is the importance
of Guru? How he is to be known?"

Brahma said 'Alphabet (gu)means Siddha and
(R) and (U) imply Shri Ganesh who is Guru. Shiva, Vishnu,
Brahma, parents are all Gurus of this Earth. Knowledge
imbibed with devotion and rational thinking (vivek) is seen
in the heart of the Guru. Study of Dhrama and Shastras without
Guru is futile. He directs in action, thought, devotion and
disintegration. One cannot surpass wordly miseries without the
help and guidance of Guru. He throws a flash light on the
dark illusionary path. Service to the Guru makes one pure in
body, speech and thinking. I shall just tell a tale as
an example.

On the bank of Godavari, there was the Ashram of
Angiras Rishi.

Many disciples were being trained in this Ashram.
One disciple named Sandeepak served his Guru, Veda
Dharma, with great devotion.

Once Veda Dharma Muni gathered his disciples together
and said,"If you really love me, do as I bid you."

All replied, "Gurudev, we shall act as per your command,
for one who does not obey his Guru, goes to hell and
cannot get salvation."

The Guru said, "I have committed sins in my previous
births. The effect of many of them has been wiped off
by my penance, but still some of them are persisting. I will not
get salvation unless I suffer the evil effects of these sins with
my body. I, therefore, wish to go to Kashi, stay there
and get rid of these sins. You have to attend on me and
serve me during this period. One who is strong enough should
undertake this hard task".

Sandeepak accepted this bid. Veda Dharma said,
"It is better to get rid of the sins so long as one has sound
health, otherwise they spread like poison. So I should go to
a holy place and suffer the bad effects myself. Even Gods have
to suffer, then how can a human being like myself avoid
the same".

Sandeepak said, "Kindly tell me what I should do.
I shall spare no pains in serving you."

Veda Dharma said, "I shall become blind, lame and a leper,
you will have to serve me for 21 years in such condition.
If you are resolute, then only you should accept this job."

Sandeepak said, "Gurudeo, I resolve that I shall also be blind,
lame and a leper and serve you devotedly and see that
you get rid of all the sins".

Veda Dharma was much pleased with his words.
He further said, "One should suffer the evil effects of one's sins
oneself and should not allow the son or the pupil or anyone
else to suffer for him.

The sins will not be wiped off unless they are borne
by one's own body. It is very taxing to serve a diseased person.
So you will have to take troubles even more than myself.
Please take me to Kashi and do serve me there."

Sandeepak assured his Guru and soon he took him to Kashi.
They lived there at Kambaleshwar to the North of Mankarnika.
The Muni took a bath in Mankarnika and worshiped Vishweshwar
and began to suffer the pangs of diseases.

As the time passed on, leprosy developed all over his body
and he became blind losing his eyesight. His body was petrified
and pus, blood and germs flowed out of it. He began to have
fits also. Still Sandeepak took all pains to nurse his Guru with
great devotion. He used to bring alms daily for his Guru,
fed him and served him, thinking him to be Kashi Vishweshwar.

Veda Dharma being in a diseased condition, became peevish
by nature and often was enraged and spoke harsh words
to his disciple, Sandeepak. Some day he would not take food,
some day he would abuse him cruelly for bringing insufficient
for undelicious alms. Some day he would throw away the food
in anger and despair. Sometimes he would even beat him severely.
Another time he would complain that he did not clean his body,
wounds, clothes smeared with stool and urine and consequently
he was much troubled by flies. When Sandeepak was attending
on him, he would say why did he not go out for alms. In this way
Sandeepak was harassed every now and then.

Yet sandeepak tried his best to bring good delicious food
and vegetables as directed by his Guru. Though he was living
in Kashi, he never went to the Vishwehwar temple to worship and
see the most holy shrine of Vishweshwar. Similarly he did not think
of any other thing but he solely devoted himself to the nursing and
giving best service to his Guru, whom he respected as God Shiv,
Vishnu and Brahma. Though the Guru got enraged off and on,
he did not retort harshly.

Seeing his such devoted service to his Guru, Kashi Vishweshwar
was sopleased that he appeared before him and told him to ask
for some favour or blessing. Sandeepak replied, "Without the
approval of my Guru, I cannot ask for your blessings". He then
came to his guru and said "Kashi Vishweshar is pleased to offer
me some blessing. If you permit me, I shall pray him to
remove your physical pangs and give you sound health."

Hearing this, Veda Dharma was enraged. He said to Sundapeek
"Donot pray Vishweshwar for my health. If I donot suffer
these pangs, I will have to suffer in the next birth and this
would abstract my path of salvation."

Sundeepak returned to Kashi Vishweshwar, and told him,
" My Guru doesnot like me to accept any blessings from you.
" Being amazed Kashi Vishweshwar went to Shri Vishnu and
reported this wonderful incident to him.

Hearing this, Shri Vishnu and Shri Kashi Vishweshwar desired
to see this disciple and his Guru and so they both came to Kashi
and approached Sandeepak. Shri Vishnu said, "Oh Sandeepak,
I am pleased with your devotion to your Guru. You may ask
for what ever you desire. I shall fulfill your wishes."

Sandeepak said, "Oh Narayan, even after undertaking penance
in dense forest for infinite period, you disappoint your devotees.
But when neither did I worship you, nor recite your name,
why should you be pleased with me and ask me to have a
boon from you?"

Shri Vishnu said, "Whatever devoted service you have
rendered to your Guru, has been received by me. I love such
disciples very much. I am under his influence and I willingly offer
him my blessings. I like wife's devotion to her husband, bowing
to Brahmins. Ascetics and Sanyasis, and such persons come
to my place in the end."

Sandeepak said, "Oh Mahavishnu, I have full faith that I shall
attain all knowledge of Vedas and Shastras from my Guru.
As Guru is my God, Trimurties (Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh)
are within my reach, whatever blessings you give me, I shall be
getting the same easily from my Guru. I am, therefore,
serving my Guru devotedly."

On this Shri Vishnu said pleasingly, "Sandeepak, you are the
best amongst all the disciples. You are my loving child.
Shri Shiva and myself are pleased with your devotion.
Ask for a boon."

Sandeepak said, "If you are so keen to favour me with
your blessings, kindly give me such guidance as would enable me
to serve my Guru with still more devotion."

Shri Vishnu said, "Amen! We offer you what you desire.
You have known Guru and also experienced Par-Brahma
in yourself. The word Guru contains only two alphabets,
still it is the ocean of nectar. One, who dips into it even
for a moment, will cross this wordly ocean. One who always
remembers Guru is respected in all Lokas."

When Sandeepak went to his Guru, the Guru asked him,
"What did Mahavishnu give you?"

Sandeepak replied,"I asked him to guide me to serve
my guru with more devotion and he was pleased to
give me this blessing. I wish I should serve you well
and incessantly".

Hearing this Veda Dharma too was extremely pleased.
He said,"You are the best of all the disciples. You should stay
in Kashi. What ever you say will be true. You will receive
the wealth of Kuber(God of Wealth), the miseries of those
who remember you will come to an end".

The same moment, the body of Veda Dharmamuni
became healthy and bright. He had suffered from leprosy
and other pangs only for testing his disciple.

In this way, Brahma told Kali this tale of Sandeepak,
Oh, Namdhrak, you should also worship Shri Guru with
such devotion and then only, you shall easily pass over
the worldly miseries. Control your sense, Karma, Dnyan
and also heart and other by you will win even the
Great God i.e., Parameshwar."

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 03
Durwas Curses King Ambarish

Namdharak - "Swamiji, you have removed my doubt
by giving me the knowledge of the greateness of
Shri Guru. I am much pleased at heart.

Will you kindly inform me where you stay?
What is your food?
I wish to be in your service.
Kindly accept me as your disciple".

Shri Siddha embraced him with affection
and blessing him said "You will see that miraculous
incidents are occurring at the dwelling place of
Shri Guru.

Studying the life of shri Guru is like draining nectar.

I always read this life again and again" saying this
he showed his sacred book titled (Life of Shri Guru)
to Namdharak and further said, "Whatever pleasure
or social status we desire, we shall get it soon by
reading this. We shall not be affected by any disease
incurred due to displeasure of the planets
or other reasons. The sin of killing a Brahmin,
is also wiped off if this book is read with devotion
and concentration of mind".

Namdhrak - "Oh the Ocean of kindness, you appear
to me be Shri guru himself. I wish to know the life
of Shri Guru. Will you please remove the darkness
of my ignorance by the light of this life of Shri Guru,
which is as bright as the Sun?"

Shri Siddha assured him and holding his hand took
him to a lovely place, seated him under Ashwatha
tree which is like Kalpa Vriksha, i.e. a tree fulfilling
one's desires and began to narrate him the nector
like life of Shri Guru.

He told him, "You do not know how to serve
Shri Guru and hence you have to suffer from anxieties,
pains and miseries. You should therefore, try to know
Shri Guru by good actions and firm belief".

Namdharak - "My body is burning due to threefold
fires in this earthly ocean. I am obsessed by sex,
anger and temptation. So kindly take me in the
boat of knowledge, steer it by the wind of kindness
and thus give salvation to me".

Shri Siddha said, "You need not be anxious. You will
surely be relieved of your miseries, engrossed in
illusion and temptation, those who doubt the great
power of Shri Guru, they have always to suffer from
poverty and hardship. So give up suspicion. Shri Guru
is an Ocean of Kindness. He will give you everything.

Just as clouds give rain everywhere, similarly
Shri Guru gives showers of kindness. As water is stored
in the deep portions of earth and on the rocky place,
so an individual attains Shri Guru's favour.
Therefore worship Shri Guru wholeheartedly."

Namdhrak - "My mind is clear now and I am anxious
to listen to the life story of Shri Guru. Kindly tell me
why Shri Guru took birth in Bharat?"

Shri Siddha - "Oh ! my good disciple, you have
given inspiration to me. Shri Guru's life is like Kamadhenu.
You will get all the four valours or favours viz.,
religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation.

"Shri Hari and Shri Har have to come this Earth in the
form of different species at different times for the
benefits of their devotees. Three Murtis have three
different characteristics - Brahma's Raj, Vishnu's Satwa
and Shiva's Tam. But these do not exists separately.

"In former times there lived a King by name Ambarish.
He observed Ekadahsi fast(11th day of every fortnight
dark and bright). He induced Shri Vishnu to come to Earth.

"In order to test Ambarish's Ekadashi Vrat, Durwas Rishi
came to him as a guest. That day Sadhan Dwadashi was
only for 24 minutes after Sunrise. Ambarish received the
Rishi warmly, worshiped him and requested him to return
soon for dinner finishing his morning bath and rituals.

"Durvas went to the river, took bath and started rituals.
Seeing that the time for Dwadashi (12th day of fortnight)
was finishing and fearing the break of his Vrat, Ambarish
took holywater and dines. In the meanwhile Durvas
returned and seeing that Ambarish had dined before him,
he was enraged and so he cursed Ambarish.

"Ambarish prayed Shri Vishnu, Protector of devotees.
Shri Vishnu came from Vaikunth, his abode. Ambarish
told Shri Vishnu that Durvas had for no reason cursed him
to take birth in different species. Shri Vishnu told Durvas
that he had cursed Ambarish in vain and that he should
curse him (Vishnu) instead of Ambarish.

"Durvas thought that people on Earth cannot see
Shri Vishnu, so it would be better to ask Shri Vishnu to
descend on Earth with Shri Lakshmi for the salvation
of the people. So he said to Shri Vishnu,
 'You should descend on the Earth ten times'.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 04
Birth of Shri Dattatraya

"In the first instance there was all water everywhere.
Then an egg `Hiranya garbha' (with Gold inside)
came into existence. Universe has come out of it.
Due to `Raj' Brahma came in to existence. He is
known as Hiranyagarbha. It broke into two hemispheres
& the earth & the sky came into existence. Brahma
thus created 14 Bhuvans, 10 directions, mind,
speech, time, six enemies as desire, anger etc.
Brahma created seven sons (manas putras) namely
1.Marichi,
2.Atri,
3.Angiras,
4. Pulasti,
5. Pulaha,
6. Kratu and
7. Vashishtha.

Of these Shri Guru took birth in the house of Atri.
"Ansuya (devoid of hatred) was the devoted wife
of Atri Rishi. She was very beautiful also. Seeing
her exceptional devotion to her husband, the
Gods in heaven began to fear that someday
she might overcome them. Hence Indra and
other Gods went to Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh
and said to them, "How can one describe the
greatness of the devotion of Ansuya to her
husband Atri. She served her husband with body,
mind and speech . She also serves guests giving
them desired food. None returns disappointed
from her place. Fire, Sun and Wind are also
afraid of her. We all are afraid of her. She may
sometime win over this heaven. Therefore
kindly do something to give us relief'.

Hearing this, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh
said angrily, "we shall test her devotion".

Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh came to Atri Muni's
Ashram in the mendicants' disguise, when Atri had
been out to the river for daily rituals. The mendicants
said to Ansuya, "We are very hungry. Give us food.
We have come here hearing your good name for
offering the guests their desired food".

Ansuya bowed to them respectfully and said,
"you please return soon after finishing your
bath and daily rituals".

The three Gods replied, "We have already taken
bath and finished the rituals. Atri Rishi may take
time to return. Better you serve us food soon".

Ansuya seated them on carpets and began serving
food on leaf-plates. The guests said to Ansuya,
"We have one more desire. We have come here
from a long distance as we have heard of your
beauty. We wish you to put off your garments
and then serve us with food. If you do not comply
with this. we shall leave this place without meals".

This made Ansuya bitterly anxious. She realised that
some great personages have come to test her chastity.
She thought that if they return without food she would
lose sanctity of her penance. Believing that her mind
is pure and that her husband's penance will protect
her in this ordeal, she told them, "You have your
food without any doubt. I shall serve you food as
you desire".

She went into her kitchen and remembering her
husband, put off her garments and saying
`The guests are like my children', she came out
to serve food to the guests. Instantly all the
three Gods were transformed into three newly
born crying babies. She was terrified to see
 thee crying babies. She put on her clothes and
took the babies one after the other to her breast
for feeding. What great power does a Pativrata
possess? Those who have 14 bhuvans, 7 oceans
and fire in the belly, were all satisfied with the
little milk in her breast. Ansuya thus became the
mother of the three Great Gods. She placed them
in a cradle and pulled the string to and fro and
began singing lullabies.

It was midday.Atri Rishi returned from the river
after finishing his rituals. He was very much astonished
to see Ansuya pulling the string of a cradle and singing
songs. Ansuya narrated all that had happened. Atri Rishi
by power of intuition knew that the babies were Trimurties
and so he bowed to them. The three Gods were also much
pleased. They stood before him and told Atri to ask for a
boon. Atri said to Ansuya, "You may ask for whatever
you desire".

Ansuya said, "These babies should stay in this Ashram
as our sons". The Trimurties readily complied. Ansuya
began to nurse and feed them. Brahma was known as
Chandra, Vishnu was called Datta and Mahesh was
called Durvas.

After some time Chandra and Durvas told their mother
Ansuya that they both were going away for penance and
that the third Datta would be staying with her; she should
know him as Trimurti. After this chandra and Durvas went
away, Chandra went to Chandralok and Durvas went to
he forest for penance. Datta or Dattatraya remained with
Ansuya. Dattatraya is the founder of the seat of shri Guru.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 05
Birth of Shripad Shri Vallabh

Shri Siddha - "Namdharak, Shri Vishnu had several
incarnations as Matsya (Fish), Kachha (Tortoise),
Varah (Bear), Narasimha (Man with lion's head),
Waman, Parashram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and
Kalanki to protect the Sadhus and punish the
wicked.

Bhagirath did his utmost to bring the Ganges
on the Earth for the salvation of his fore-fathers,
the Sagar Kings. Similarly a Brahmin women
worshipped Shri Dattatraya and hence Shri Dattatraya
took birth from her womb. I shall now narrate this
tale to you.

"A Brahmin named Apalraj lived at Peethapur in
the East. Sumatha was his most devoted wife.
On one Amavasya day there was an anniversary day
at the house of Apalraj. On that day Shri Datta came
in disguise to his house for alms. Generally alms are
not given to beggers, on the anniversary day.

But though the Brahmins invited for the ceremony
had not dined, Sumatha offered him alms. Hence
Shri Datta was much pleased and he disclosed his
divine appearance to her. She humbly bowed to
Shri Datta who said, "Mother what do you desire?".

She said, " You are a treasure of kindness and protector
of the devotees. You are well-Known in all the 14 Bhuwans.
You just called me `mother'. I begot children, but some
of them died soon and of those that are surviving, one is
blind and one is lame. I therefore feel my life to be futile
without a good son. I wish I should have a son who would
 be world famous and learned like yourself. Will you
fulfill this desire of mine?".

Shri Datta said, "You will have a son wellknown in Kaliyug.
You abide by his wishes. He will be learned. He will fulfill
all your desires". Saying this Shri Datta disappeared.

Sumatha told this to her husband. He too was much
pleased. Both believed that Shri Datta himself will come
to their home in the form of a child. The husband said,
"Shri Datta lives at Mahur and Kolaphur. He comes in
the mendicant's form daily alms at midday. You should
always give him alms".

Sumatha told her husband that she had offered alms
to Shri Datta that day even before the Brahmins invited
for performing the Shraddha had dined. The husband
said You did very well My fore-fathers will be more
satisfied, as Shri Datta himself has taken alms to day.
As you have obtained blessings from him, you will
surely get a son. You need not worry".

Thus they were passing their time with pleasure.
Sumata became pregnant. After the full period of nine
months, she gave birth to a son. Brahmins foretold
that this child will be a great Guru and an ascetic.
Thinking him to be an incarnation of Shri Datta,
 he was called after one of Datta's name `Shripad',
His thread ceremony was performed when he was
seven years old. Even at this age, he knew all four
Vedas, Mimansa, Thark (Logic) etc. All people wondered
at his brilliancy and said he must be a God in human
form. He taught the Brahmins of the city various subjects
as Achar, Vyuawahar, Prayaschitta, Vedant, Bhashya,
Vedarth etc. When Shripad was sixteen years of age his
parent began to think of his marriage. Shripad warned
that would marry with the woman called disintrigation.
All other ladies liked mother to him. He said,
"I am a Brahmachari and an ascetic. I love Yoga and
my name is Shri Vallabha. I now intend to go to the
forests for observing penance and obtaining divine
knowledge."

Hearing this, the parents recollected the words of
Shri Datta, the mendicant and realised that he would
have his own way. Still due to affection, they were
very much aggrieved. The mother said, "we expected
you to protect us in our old age". Saying so the mother
became unconscious. Shripad consoled her and said,
"Do not be anxious. I shall give you what you wish.
Believe in me and live happily".

The mother said, "My Dear son, I forgot all my previous
miseries only on account of you and I cherished a great
hope that you would protect us in our old age. We have
two other sons; but one is lame and the other is blind,
who will look after them?"

Shripad looked at his lame and blind brother with
nectar like sight. Instantly the blind brother got his
sight and lame one got his legs. Both became learned,
well-versed in Vedas, Shastras and Vyakaran. Thy
prostrated before Shripad Shri Valabha and he blessed
them. Just as iron is transformed into gold by the touch
of the philosopher's stone, so both the brothers were
enlightened and they became respectable due to the
blessings of Shripad. He then said to the brothers,
"You will have sons, grand-sons and great grand-sons
and you all shall live happily."

He told his brothers further, "Serve your parents.
You will be happy in this world and shall get
salvation in the end."

He then said, to his mother, "you should be happy now.
But your sons will live for 100 years. They will have
sons and daughters and you will see them living merrily.
They will have wealth for generations and shall be famous
for their learning. Now donot prevent me from going to
forest. I have to go to the North to guide the Sadhus."

Saying this, Shripad Swami disappeared and came to
Kashi where he began to live secretly. After some days
he went to Badri Narayan. He visited holy places one after
the other and in course of time one day reached Gokarna."   

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 06
Ravan and Gokarna Mahabaleshwar

Namdharak- "Swami, though Trimurti was Siddha,
(Having Yogic power to do and undo things)
why did he visit different holy places and
why did he prefer Gokarna to other places?
What is its significance?"

Shri Siddha "I am much delighted with your question
and I am encouraged to narrate incidents from
Shri Guru's life. Shripad Shrivallabha reached
Gokarna and on his way he made disciples and
gave them divine advice.

Gokarna is a sacred place of Shri Shiva and
one of the Twelve famous Jyotirlingas.
Shri Ganesh founded here the original Linga-image
of Shiva. It is known as Mahabaleshwar,
the tale of which I shall narrate to you now.

"Ravan's mother Kaikaya (wife of Pulasti Manasaputra
of Brahma) was a great devotee of Shiva. She
worshiped a new Shiva Linga every day. One day
she could not get a new Shiva Linga. Fearing that
her `Vrat' would be futile, she prepared an earthen
Linga and began to worship it with devotion.

Seeing this, Ravan asked her what she was doing.
she said that she was worshiping a Shiva-Linga.
Ravan said, "You being my mother, it is a great
misfortune that you should earthen Shiva Ling.
Well what do you intend to achieve by this worship.?"

Mother replied that thereby she will get a place in Kailas,
abode of Shiva after death. Thereupon Ravan said,
`why do you take so much troubles?
I shall bring Kailas itself to you'.

Saying this, he went to Kailas and began to shake it
violently with his 20 hands. He tried to lift it up.
Due to this action of his, 7 Patals were shaken,
Shesh moved his hood, the tortoise began to
tremble with fear. Amarpur (capital of Indra the
King of Gods) and Heaven were shocked. Parvati
went to Shri Shiva with fear and said, `What has
happened to Kailas to day? When everyone was
distress how are you lying at ease? Please do
something to check this calamity.'

Shri Shiva said to her, `You need not be anxious.
Ravan, one of my devotees, is playing a game'.

Parvati entreated, `Kindly protect the Gods who terrified'.

Shri Shiva pressed Ravan's 10 heads and 20 hands
underneath the Kailas. Finding himself in distress,
Ravan uttered `Shiva-Shiva' and further prayed
`Shri Shiva', I have made a mistake. For give me.
I seek your shelter. Kindly do not kill me, your devotee.'

Shri Shiva, who is very simple and kind, was pleased
by his prayer, so he took him up from breath. Ravan
then cut his head, turned his hands into violin,
he attached his intestines to serve as musical wires.
He then began to chant Samveda and sing other Ragas
on the tune of this musical instrument. He praised
Shri Shiva in Nine Rasas and Thirtysix Ragas.

Being much pleased by Ravan's performance at
great personal sacrifice, Shri shiva appeared before
him and said, `I am much pleased. Ask for
whatever you desire'.

Ravan said `Oh God of Gods, Laxmi is my maid-servant.
I possess all the 8 treasures. Brahma is my priest,
and all 33 crore Gods are serving me day and night.
The Sun, the Moon, the Varuna and the Wind also
obey me. Agni (Fire God) washes my clothes,
Yama does not take away anybody without my
permission. Indrajit is my son and Kumbakarna
is my brother. Kamadhenu is at my doors.

Now I have come to take away Kailas with me
as my mother has accepted a `Vrat' to worship
you daily. Kindly fulfill my mother's desire.'

Kailaspati Shri Shiva said, `If your mother wishes
to worship me, what is the necessity of taking Kailas
to her. I shall give you Atma-Linga which will fulfill
all her desires instantly. It is just like my soul.

Saying this, he gave his Atma-Linga to Ravan and
said, `After bath, place this at a holy place reciting
Rudra sukta and worship it with 108 lap recitation
of a particular mantra). One, who worships this
Linga continuously for 3 years, will again my prowess.
One, who possesses this Linga, will live for eternity,
one is relieved of any great sin, simply with the
sight of this Linga. Do not place this on the ground
till you reach Lanka.'

Taking the Atma-Linga, Ravan at once started for
Lanka. Naradamuni immediately approached Indra
and said to him, `How are you sitting idle? Ravan
has become immortal. You will lose all your prominence.
Shri Shiva has given him Atma-Linga and has assured
him that if he would worship it for 3 years with devotion,
he will be Ishwar himself. How will you then rescue
33 crores of gods who are in his custody. Better you
all be his slaves. Also send divine damsels like
Urwashi, rambha, Menka etc. to him'.

Being shocked, Indra requested Narad to advise
what he would do. Narad asked him to go to brahma.
Indra and Narad went to Brahma and narrated
what had taken place. Then accompanied by Indra
and Narad, Brahma went to Shri Vishnu and requested
him to devise some means to overcome this calamity.

Shri Vishnu was enraged to hear this tale. He, with all
others immediately went to Shri Shiva. Shri Vishnu said
to Shri Shiva, 'What made you give Atma-Linga to Ravan,
the most wicked, who has made all the gods his captives?
How do you bless such cruel persons? Now he will conquer
even heaven.'

Shri Shiva said, 'I was extremely pleased with his
devotion. He cut his head and hands and made a violin
using his intestines as strings and sang Samveda and
other songs in different ragas. This time if he had asked
for Parwati, I would have given her even to him.'

Shri Vishnu said, 'You give such blessings and the
demons become impudent and then we are troubled much
as they harass the gods and Brahmins and I have to
descend on the earth. Well tell me when did you give
the Ling to Ravan?'

Shri Shiva said, 'I gave it to him only two hours
before.' Hearings this Shri Vishnu immediately sent his
Sudarshan Chakra to hide the Sun and asked Narad to
Ravan and induce him to linger on the way, as he would
like to observe evening Sandhya. Then he called Ganesh
and said to him, 'Ravan always disregards you. All bow
to you first and you fulfill their desires. While those
who speak ill of you, you bring obstacles in their
undertakings. Ravan deceived Shri Shiva and has
taken away from him the most valuable Atma-Linga.
So you should go to him in the form of a Brahmachari
boy and winning his confidence, take the Atma- Linga
from him at Sun-set, when he would engage himself
in the evening Sandhya and place the Linga on the earth.
If you do so, the Linga will remain there. Saying this
Shri Vishnu gave Ganesh various sweets, tilballs,
gur, coconut kernel, milk, gee sugar etc.

Narad had already proceeded. Ganesh followed him
hurriedly. Narad approached Ravan and said, 'I had just
been to Kailas and knew that you pleased Shri Shiva
by your hard penance and have brought his Atma-Linga
from him. You have obtained extraordinary power and
strength due to this. This Linga has great significance.
Please let me see the Linga, I shall explain to you all
its qualities.'

As Ravan did not believe Narad, he showed him the
Linga from a distance. Narad asked, 'Do you know when
and how this Linga came into existence? This is a very
interesting account. A black skinned bright deer having
all fragrant things, was lying in Brahmand-Khand. Brahma,
Vishnu, and Mahesh once went there for hunting. They killed
this deer and satisfied their hunger with its flesh. The deer
had 3 horns on its head and 3 Lingas below. Each one of them
took one Linga and preserved it as his Atma-Linga. One,
who worships this for 3 years, becomes Ishwar himself.
The place where this Linga is place, is like Kailas. Therefore
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh have great prominence over
all other gods.'

Ravan intercepted, ' I have no time to listen to you,
as I have to reach Lanka soon. Let me proceed further
on my way.'

Narad said, 'This is evening time. You know the Vedas,
you should act as prescribed by the vedas. This is the
time for evening Sandhya. Let us perform the same.'
Saying this Narad went away for Sandhya.

In the meantime Ravan saw Ganesh in the form of a
Brahmachari boy who was plucking 'durvas'(a particular grass).
Ravan thought that that boy would not deceive him.
Better observe Sandhya entrusting the Linga to that boy.

So thinking he approached Ganesh, who was afraid to see
ravan with ten heads coming to him. But he began to
run away. Ravan asked him, 'who are you? who are
your parents?'

Ganesh said, 'Why are you inquiring? What does my father
owe you? Ravan smiled and said 'Don't be afraid of me.
I am asking this only out of curiosity.'

Ganesh replied, 'I am the son of Shri Shiva. He has ash
marks all over the body, has a necklace of Rudra-beads
around his neck and bears hair-locks on his head. My mother
is Parwati. My father rides a bull Nandi with my mother
and begs for alms daily.

Ravan said, 'your father is a pauper. He begs for alms
from door to door. So it seems that you are unhappy
at home. Inside in a beautiful city Lanka, rich with
magnificent buildings, gardens and other wealth.
You live with me. I shall give you whatever you desire.'
Ganesh said, 'there are many rakshasas in Lanka.
They will devour me, a boy living in forest.
 Hence I would not come to Lanka. I am hungry
and so I am eating these sweets.'

Ravan again entreated him to hold the Linga
in his hand till he observed Sandhya.

Thereafter Ganesh said with hesitation,
 'I am an ignorant boy. I won't hold this Linga
in my hand as it may be heavy. Let me go to
my place.' Still Ravan persuaded him and induced
Ganesh to hold the Linga and he proceeded to
observe Sandhya on the sea shore.

Ganesh warned him, 'Mind, as soon as I feel
the Linga heavy, I shall place it on the earth.
' Saying this Ganesh took the Linga and waited
 there. All the gods had gathered in the sky
and were witnessing this event.

When ravan was offering arghyas (water ablutions
to fire god), Ganesh called Ravan and said that
he is fatigued and he should take his Linga from
him soon.' Ravan made signs by hand and asked
 him to wait for a little more time.

After a while Ganesh again called Ravan and asked
him to come immediately as it was becoming
unbearable for him to hold the Linga.

Ravan was meditating this time. Seeing that ravan
was not coming, Ganesh recollected Shri Vishnu's
words and placed the Linga on the ground in the
presence of the gods in the sky. All the gods
were greatly pleased to see this and showered
 flowers in the head of Ganesh in admiration.

Soon after ravan returned and seeing that the
Linga was placed on the ground, he was much
annoyed. He began to thrash Ganesh in wrath.

Ravan tried his best with all his might to lift up the
Linga. The earth trembled but the Linga could not
be shaken a bit. As Ravan tried to lift it up by screwing,
it took the shape of an ear of the cow and so it is
known as "Gokarna" and as Ravan excercised all his
might to lift it up it is called "Mahabaleshwar".

In dispair Ravan then went to the forest for hard
penance. There are many other incidents signifying
the greatness of this holy place. This is narrated
in the Skand Purana. 

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 07
Soumini and Madayanti at Gokarna.

Namdharak- "Swamin, will you tell me who were
benefited by visiting this holy place of Gokarna?"

Shri Siddha- "Just listen. Formerly there lived
a brave king in the family of Ikshwaku. He knew all the
Shastras. He was considerate, strong and kind. Once
he wwent on hunting and seeing a demon like a flame
of fire, he aimed an arrow and the demon fell on the
ground senseless. The brother of the demon wept
bitterly in grief. Before dying, the demon asked his
brother to take revenge of his death.

The brother approached the king in human form and
sought his service and was engaged as a cook. On the
anniversary day the king had invited rishis like Vashistha
and others. When Vashistha and others were seated
on their seats, the new cook served human flesh in the
plate of Shri Vashistha. Being enraged, Vashistha cursed
the king that he would become a Brahmarakshas.

The king was also annoyed to see that he was being
cursed for no fault of his. He therefore, took water
in his hand and intended to curse Shri Vashistha in return,
Maharani Madayanti hestened to the king and entreated
and prevented him from cursing his Guru. She requested
him to pray Vashistha for `Usshap' (blessing to nullify
the effects of the course).

Being pacified, the poured the water in his hands on
his own feet, whereby after being a Brahmarakshas,
he was called 'Kalmashpad'. Madayanti bowed to
Vashistha and prayed for Usshap for the king. Vashistha
was also cooled by this time. He assured her that the
king would attain human form and return from the
forest on completion of 12 years.

Kalmashpad lived in a dense forest. Once he saw a
young Brahmin couple passing by. He clasped the Brahmin
youth with the intention of devouring him. The young wife
of the youth wept bitterly and requested Kalmashpad
with folded hands, saying, `kindly release my young
husband who is well-versed in Vedas and thus give me
my Sowbhagya. By doing this you will add to your vitues.
Treat me as your daughter. If I beget a son I shall
give him your name.'

But the demon did not listen to her and killed the youth
and ate his flesh. The wife of the youth collected the
bones of her husband, arranged a pyre and set fire to it.
Before burning herself in the same pyre, she cursed the
demon, `You will die instantly, when after 12 years
you become king and touch your wife.'

The king returned to his city after 12 years. He told his
wife Rani Madayanti all about the curse of the Brahmin's
wife. Madayanti was much grieved to hear it. She exclaimed,
`Even after staying in the forest in hardship for 12 years
you are not relieved of the evil effects of your evil actions!
There is no son in our family. What should we do now?

The king called the old priest and told him `I have killed a
Brahmin when I was a demon and was staying in the forest.
How can I be relieved of its evil effects?'

The priest said, `you should visit all the holy places
and then all your sins will be wiped off'

The king then started to visit all the holy places one
after the other. He performed sacrifices, gave money in
charity, served meals to the Brahmins and the poor and
did other virtuous acts. Still the sin of Brahma-hatya
followed him like a shadow. Accidentlly he met
Goutam muni. He bowed to the muni respectfully.
Goutam asked, `When you have your own statee (kingdom)
why are you wandering from place to place and
why are you so much worried?'

`I have committed a Brahmahatya. I performed sacrifices
and several Vratas. I visited holy places and did virtuous
acts. Yet I am not relieved of this sin. I am fortunate
to see your holyself to day,' replied the king.

Goutam said, `You need not worry. Shri Shiva will protect
you. You should go to Gokarna to get rid of this sin.

Mrityunjaya (the conqueror of Death) Shri Shiva, always
stays there. Though the fire and the moon can do away with
the darkness of the night, yet there is the necessity of the
Sun.

Similarly though your sins are not wiped off even
after going to several holy places, still if you go to Gokarna,
all your sins will be destroyed.

Even if you have committed 1000 Brahmahatyas,
all will be destroyed and you shall become sinless.

Even Vishnu and Brahmadeo lived there for penance and
their desires were fulfilled. Gokarna is like Kailas and
Shri Shiva stays there.

At the instance of shri Vishnu, Shri Ganesh installed
this Shivalinga. All the gods, demons, rishis, munis,
siddhas live and worship Shri Shiva and thereby they
attain all the four valous (purusharthas) with the
blessing of Shri Shiva. Brahma, Vishnu, Kartavirya,
Vinayak, Durga and others have also installed lingas
here known after their names. All waters here holy.
This is thus the most important holy place.

In Kritayug this Linga was white, in Treta it became
red, in Dwapar yellow, and in the Kaliyug it has become
black.

The root of this Linga is in the Sapta Patal below.
Even with the sight of this Linga one is relieved of
the sins of Brahmahatya, gets one's desires fulfilled
and after death one attains salvation. The devotees
staying here go to Kailas in the end.

One should bathe and offer charities on Sunday,
Monday and Wednesday. It is virtuous to worship
here on "Vyatipat", Makar Sankrant and Mahashivaratri
days.

Bholenath Shiva passes judgement over all our actions.
In the month of Magh, if one observes fast on the
Shivaratri day and offers "Bel" leaf to Shri Shiva Linga,
one's entrance in the heaven is ensured.'

Goutam Muni further said, `so many have been benefitted
by visiting Gokarna. I myself have wwitnessed a
most wonderful incident, when I had been to that place.

When I was sitting under a tree, I saw a leper shudra
woman. She was without food the whole day.
All her body was affected and pus and germs were
seen all over. She had lost her teeth and had no clothes
on her body. Being a widow, her head was shaved and
she was much troubled due to midday hot Sun.

She sat under a tree being tired, and soon died.
shiva Dootas came there with a divine place to
take her to the Kailas.

While living with the shudra, she ate flesh Shudra,
she ate flesh and took wine daily. One day she killed a
calf thinking it to be a lamb and reserved its head for
the next day. When it was time for milking the cow
she looked for the calf and she came to know that
my mistake, she had killed it.

In grief she uttered the words Shiva' `Shiva' and
`What a great sin I have committed unknowingly'.

Fearing the warth of her husband, she burried
the head, flesh and bones of the calf and told people
that her calf was taken away by a tiger.

When she died Yam Dootas took her to the Yampuri
and placed her in hell. She suffered tortures and
was again born as a Shudra woman. She was ugly,
black and blind. Her parents cared for her for some time
and afterwards shebegged for her food. She was an
orphan without any shelter. She developed leprosy
and in course of time she grew old.

Many people were going to Gokarna on Maha Shivaratri
day Expecting to get good alms, she also followed them.
It being a fast day nobody offered her food.

In joke, some one placed "Bel" leaf in her hand. Knowing that
it was not etable, she threw it away, which by chance,
fell on the Shiva Linga and thus she had the credit of
worshipping Shiva in that dark night. This pleased
Shri Shiva and hence we have come to take her to
Shivalok.

Shivadootas sprinkled nectar on her body and soon
she looked like a heavenly woman, she was then
taken to Shiva Lok'

Hearing this the king was delighted. He went to
Gokarna and was relieved of all his sins. Gokarna
has great significance. Hence Shripad Shrivallabha
had also been there and stayed therefor 3 years."

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!



OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 08
Shripad Shrivallabha Blesses a Brahmani and Her Son.

Namdharak-"How long Shri Guru Shripad Shrivallabha
stayed at Gokarna and what happened later?"

Shri Siddha:- "Shri Guru lived secretly for 3 years and
from there he went to Shrigiri. After 4 months he went
to Nivriti sangam and thence to Kuravapur on the
bank of the Krishna river.

There lived a Brahmin well-versed in Veda and Shastras.
We had a good natured devoted wife Ambika by name
She begot children but none survived except one son.
In due course his thread ceremony was celebrated;
but he was dull, foolish and dumb. Hence the parents
were much worried. The Brahmin got tired while training
him and at times beat him for not learning his lessons.
His wife could not bear this cruel treatment to her
only son.

The Brahmin died after some time. The woman lived
with her son begging for their livelihood. The boy
grew up; but beingh foolish and poor no one liked to
give one's daughter in marriage to him. People said to him,
`your father was a learned man; but you are like a stone.
You have brought disgrace to his family. How are you not
ashamed of begging for your living? Better give up your
life in the Ganga river.

He was aggrieved to hear such harsh words off and on.
He therefore intended to give up his life in the deep waters
of a river. Seeing this his mother said to him in grief,
`I shall also company you.'

They both went on the river Krishna. Shripad Shrivallabha
also had been there. Seeing him, the mother bowed to
him and said, `we both have decided to give up our lives
 in this river; but as committing suicide is a sin, how shall
we be relieved of our miseries without being offended?'

Shri Guru asked, `Which miseries induce you to give up
your lives?'

Narrating her whole account the woman said,
`Swamin, we visited holy placed and observed `vratas'
for getting a son and after this we got this son; but
he is a dullard. All despise him and scold him. I therefore,
request you to bless me with a son who will be pious
like your goodself at least in the next borth. He should
prove good for all our further generations.'

Seeing her devotion Shri Guru said, `you worship Ishwar
i.e. Shri Shiva with devotion and you will have god-like son.
Nanda Gawali worshipped God and hence Shri Krishna
lived at his home. Your desire will also be fulfilled if you
worship him devotedly.'

The woman asked, `How did the cowherd worship Shri Hari?
What `vrat' did they observe?'

Shri Guru -`On every `Shani-pradosh.' worship God Shiva.
A tale in this respect is narrated in the Skand Purana.'

There lived a righteous king Chandrasen in Ujjain. Manibhadra
was his chief councellor. He worshipped Shri Shiva most
devotedly and Shri Shiva and favoured him with the most bright
`Chintamani' bead which he had given to his master Chandrasen.
A mere touch of the bead turned iron into gold. By mere sight
of the bead, one's desires were fulfilled. So all other kings desired
to have such bead. Many kings tried to get the bead from the
king and offered him money for the same. But all efforts were
in vain. So they all combined their forces and attacked Ujjain,
when Chandrasen was engaged in worshipping Shri Shiva
on a `Shani pradosh' day.

The children of the cow herds watched the worship of the king
and they also wished to worship Shri shiva similarly. the boys
gathered stones and prepared a Shiva Temple and placed
one stone as image of Shiva Linga and began worshipping it
with flowers and other herbs.

The mothers' of the boys came there and took their sons for
meals to their homes. But one boy did not go home. His mother
thrashed him angrily and said, it is night now. Come to have
your meals.'

She broke the Temple and threw away the image of Shiva Linga.
 
Seeing this the boy began to weep in grief and intended to
give up his life. But after some time he felt asleep.

Shri Shiva was pleases with his devotion and create a beautiful
Temple a Linga of precious Stones was installed in it.

Shri Shiva awoke the boy, looked at him with affection
and asked him to have a boon from him.

The boy was much delighted. He bowed to shri Shiva
and said 'My mother has broken the evening worship.
Kindly forgive her.'

Shri Shiva said, 'As your mother has seen the evening worship,
she will get a son named Shri Krishna in next birth and
you will also have all the pleasures.'

The forces of the enemies were emaged. They spoke amongest
themselves. 'What wonder is this! How this bright beautiful
Temple has been created here within a night. Let us give up
enmity and see the king, who is so virtuouts on friendly terms.

They sent their messangers to the king. The king requested
them to come to the Shiva Temple, where he would see them.

Chandrasen was also wonderstruck to see Sunlike bright
Shiva Temple sprung up during the night. The cowherd
boys house also looked very bright. The king asked the
boy the reason of this miracle. The boy narrated the whole
story to all the kings who had gathered there. All were
much pleased to hear him. They said, 'You really become
the king of the cowheds.' They offered the boy many gifts
and land and excepting Chandrasen all the kings returned
to their places.

The boy went home and narrated to his mother all that had
occurred. He said, 'Shri Shiva was pleased with my evening
worship.

As I requested him to forgive you even though you had
broken the temple, he was not angry with you. Besides
he assured that the incarnation of Shri Krishna will
stay at your home.'

Shripad Shrivallabha narrated the significance of the
'Shanipradosh' worship to the Brahmani and seeing her devotion,
placed his palm over the head of her son and blessed him.

Eventually the boy instantly had the knowledge of the Vedas,
Shastras, Tark, Bhashya etc. All the Brahmins and his mother
were wonderstruck to see this. The mother respectfully bowed
to Shri Guru and said that she was fortunate to see Shri Guru
and to get his blessings. She said, 'you are God yourself.

We shall worship you in the evening. I hope I shall have
a son like your goodself in my next birth. Let not your words
be untrue.' Saying this she began to worship Shri Guru
every evening with devotion.

Her son got married and had sons and grandsons. Those who
are blessed by Shri Guru, receive all pleasures in the same way.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 09
A Washerman Blessed to be a King

There lived a washerman at Kuravpur. He was a great devotee
of Shri Guru. Shripad Shri Vallabha used to go to the river,
have bath, morning Sandhya and other rituals just like
ordinary Brahmins. The washerman would go to the river,
wash Shri Guru's clothes and would bow to him with
reverence.

Once Shri Guru asked him, 'why do you take so much troubles
for me. I am pleased with your services. Go home and
live happily.'

Hearing this the washerman gave up household attachment,
lived at Shri Guru's dwelling place, swept the courtyard and
sprinkled water on it everyday. Thus he served Shri Guru
with more devotion.

Once in spring, in the month of Vaishakh, a Muslim king
came to the river along-with his harem of beautiful woman,
wearing precious ornaments and clothes with many servants,
elephants, horses, musical instruments and was enjoying
joyfully.

The washerman was looking at the splendor and glory of the
king. He began thinking, 'How fortunate shall I be, if I could
also enjoy such glorious life.'

Knowing his intentions, Shri Guru asked him what he was
thinking about. The washerman replied, 'I was just thinking
what deity this king might have pleased, so as to have such
splendor and glory? However I do not long for it. I have all
my pleasures at thy feet.'

Shri Guru said, ' you are struggling hard in life. Do you aspire
to enjoy royal glory? If enjoying their objects does not satisfy
the senses, they obstruct the path of 'Moksha' (freedom
from worries of life and death). So you better take birth
in a Muslim royal family and enjoy kingly life.'

Washerman- 'Kindly do not ask me to go away from you'.

Shri Guru- 'You will have birth in the Royal family of Bidar
and I shall meet you in your later life, I shall also have another
birth and shall be known as 'Narasimha Saraswati.' I shall be
leading a Sanyasi's life.

Saying this, Shri Guru allowed him to go, but again asked
whether he would like to enjoy Royal life in that very birth
or in the next birth.

Washerman expressed, 'I am now grown old. It would be good
if I enjoy royal pleasures from the childhood.'

Soon after the washerman died. He was later born in the
Royal family of Bidar. His account is narrated later in the
50th chapter of this book.

Shri Guru was thus much praised and respected during his stay
at Kuravpur, I am unable to describe all the miracles of his life,
Kuravpur has become a famous holy place due to his residence.
Shripad Shri Vallabha disappeared in the river Krishna on
Ashwin Vadya 12, which is known as 'Guru Dwadashi'.

Real devotees can still see here Shripad Shri Vallabha,
the Dattatreya incarnate. Many have experienced this.'

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 10
Vallabhesh Saved from Thieves

Namdharak, - 'Please tell me the next birth (incarnation)
of Shripad Shri Vallabha'.

Shri Siddha- 'Shripad Shri Vallabha had many incarnations.
All possessed the omnipotence of Shri Narayan.
Devotion of Shri Guru is never futile. Shri Guru never
disappoints his disciples. Therefore serve him from your heart.
I shall narrate to you one tale as an illustration.

Vallabhesh, a righteous Brahmin, was doing business.
He used to go to Shripad Shri Vallabha Padukas
at Kuravpur every year. Once he declared that
if he made good business he would feed 1000 Brahmins
at Kuravpur. Fortunately he earned good profit. He always
recited Shri Guru's name. He started for Kuravpur
with good money.

Knowing this, some thieves also accompanied him.
After two or three days, one night the thieve killed the
Brahmin when he was asleep and wanted to take away
all his money. In the meantime Shripad Shri Vallabha,
with locks of hair on his head and trishul and Khatwang
 in his hands appeared on the scene. He killed three thieves;
but one, who surrendered himself saying, 'I am innocent.
I did not know that these three persons would kill the
Brahmin. You are omniscient. Kindly save me'.

Hearing his prayer, Shripad Muni told him to rub the
"Vibuthi" (enchanted ashes) all over the body of the Brahmin,
As soon as the enchanted Vibuthi was applied to the
Brahmin's body, he woke up It was dawn when Shripad
Muni disappeared from the place.

Vallabhesh asked the person sitting by his side,
'why have you held me; who has killed these men?'

The person replied, ' A great ascetic had come here.
He killed these thieves with his Trishul. He saved me for you.
He asked me to rub enchanted Vibuthi to your body.
He woke you and made you sit by his hands.
He has just disappeared. He might be the great god Shri Shiva.

Hearing this the Brahmin realized that all this has been done
by Shri Guru Shripad Shri Vallabh. Taking the amount from
the thieves, he went to Kuravpur. He worshipped the
Padukas (foot symbol) of Shri Guru with great devotion
and fed about 4000 Brahmins.

'Oh! Namdharak, though Shripad Shri Vallabha has
disappeared he still comes to protect his devotees.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 11
Birth of Shri Narasimha Saraswati

An account of a Brahmani has been given in the 8th chapter.
She was worshipping Shri Shankar devotedly in the evening
on Shani Pradosh (12th day of a fortnight falling on Saturday).
She died in course of time and took the next birth in a
Brahmin family at Karanjia in Bidar. Her name was Amba Bhavani.
She was married to a Brahmin youth Madhava, who was also
 a devotee of Shri Shiva.

As per her nature of the previous birth Amba Bhavani worshipped
Shri Shiva along with her husband devotedly. She became
pregnant when she was sixteen years old, customary ceremonies
were performed in the 3rd and 5th months. She used to have
good desires. She advised people with high principles. Filing of
'oti' (putting of corn, coconut etc. in the open side of the sari worn
by a woman) in the 7th month and Simanti was also observed.

After completing 9 months, a son was born to her. The baby uttered
'Om' from the very birth. People wondered to see this. The astrologers
 foretold, 'He will be a great ascetic and Jagatguru. He will not marry;
but will be known and revered all over the earth. Being an incarnation
of god, he will wipe off all your miseries and fulfill your desires.'

The parents of the child were very much pleased to heart this and
they gave money and clothes to the Brahmins. In order that the
baby may not suffer from the evil eye of any person, lemon and
salt were waved on him and thrown away.

He was named 'Shaligramdeo' but his pet name was 'Narahari'.
He was later publicly known as Narasimha Saraswati.'

One day Amba told her husband that there was not sufficient milk
in her breast for their baby. So let us have a feeding nurse or a
sheep Hearing this the baby smiled and just touched the right pap
of its mother. Immediately milk sprang out in 32 teats and her
clothes became wet. Knowing thus that the baby was an
incarnation of god, the parents bowed to him.

The mother put the baby in a cradle and sang lullaby songs.
But the baby would prefer to lay down on the floor and play cheerfully.
The child became on year old; but it did not utter any other words
except OM. The parents were anxious to see that the child speaks
other words also. As days passed on, they were afraid of his being
dumb. Some would say he has all the knowledge, but purposely
he does not speak.

The child became 7 years old. The parents could not known how to
celebrate his thread ceremony. As they were Brahmins, the thread
ceremony was most essential. They worshipped Gouri, observed
Pradosh and other fasts but they were of no avail. They were now
anxious to know how to make the child recite Gayatri Mantra
(the mantra in prayer of the Sun god), which a Brahmin boy learns
at the time of his thread ceremony.

Seeing the parents in dejected mood, the son would approach them
and try to console them. Once he held an iron bar in his hand and
instantly it was turned into a gold bar. Seeing this the parents were
astonished. They gave him some more iron and that too was turned
into gold. Then the parents asked the son, when and how
he would speak.

He moved his hand around his chest and loin and expressed that
when the sacred thread would be worn and Nunj grass would be tied
around his loin, he would speak.

The parents were much pleased and they started enthusiastically
the preparations for his thread ceremony, still some doubted the
success of the function. The parents invited all the relatives,
friends and learned Brahmins for the function.

The ceremonies started. On the first day 'choul' (shaving the hair
on the head) and dinner took place. Next day after the bath of the boy,
the sacred thread was put on his left shoulder. The boy dined with
his mother and other boys of his age. The father then uttered
'Gayatri Mantra' in the ears of the boy Narahari, who recited it in
his mind.

The mother then came with alms. After offering the first alms,
the mother asked the boy to recite Rig Veda (the first of the four Vedas).
Narahari recited "Agni Meele etc". After giving the second alms, the
mother asked Narahari to recite Yajur Veda. Narahari recited
" Yajur Veda Ishetwa etc. After the third alms Narahari recited
"Agna Aayahi" from Sama Veda, the third Veda. Thus people realized
that Narahari had the knowledge of all the Vedas and they all bowed
to him with reverence.

Narahari then said to his mother, "You have asked me to beg for
alms. I would, therefore, live on begging. So allow me to go to visit
the holy-places".

Hearing this the parents were much aggrieved. The mother fell on
the ground senseless. After recouping she said, "We expected that you
would take out care. So far due to out misfortune you were not speaking.
Now seeing that you can speak, we are much delighted and we think that
our devotion to God has been fruitful. But now you are talking of leaving
us and this make us very uneasy."

Narahari said, "You need not be sorry. You shall have four sons and
they will look after you very obediently." So saying he placed his palm
over her head.

She instantly recollected her previous life and saw Shripad Shri Vallabha
standing before her. She bowed to him humbly Narahari raised her head
and said, 'Mother, keep this a secret. We Sanyasis keep ourselves aloof
from family life. As I have to do my mission please allow me to go.'

Mother - 'Dear son, do not go leaving us alone. No religion asks one to
be an ascetic in such a tender age. You should have Brahmacharyashram
for 12 years. The second is Grihasthashram, the most important in all the
four ashrams. After going through the third Ashram viz. Vanprasthashram,
one becomes liable for the fourth Ashram viz. Sanyasashram. So say
the Shastras. So study Vedas in the Brahmacharyashram. Later on get
yourself married and have the pleasures of the family life. Then perform
sacrifices and thereafter become a Sanyasi. But it is not desirable to be
a Sanyasi in the childhood.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 12
Narahari Becomes Shri Narasimha Saraswati

Narahari said, `This body is perishable. What is its guarantee?
So long one has sound body, one should act virtuously.
Your advice is for them, who have won victory over death.
They can say, they will follow religion later.
So one should do religious deeds in the childhood.

There are three stages of life
- the childhood, the youth and the old age.

But it is not certain when one will die.
Yamraj (God of death) is counting every moment of man's life,
day and night. Knowing that the life is running fast,
those who do not lead religious and virtuous life are like beasts.
House, property, wife, children, mother - nothing is eternal.
Old age kills a man, just as a crocodile devours him.
Therefore, the wise man should do virtuous deeds in young age.
Why do you then prevent me from going? This life is like a dream.
As a power dries in air, the body of a man is getting more and
more dry day by day. This body may perish in a moment.

Mother - `Dear child, you are advising me.
You told me that I would have four sons.
So you should stay with me till I have at least one son.
If you go disregarding my request,
I would give up my life instantly.' Narahari smiled and said,
`what I have said will not be otherwise.
However, after you get two sons let me go.
Then I shall not stay here.
I promise to stay here for one year.'

Thus Narahari lived there happily.
All people wondered to see that a boy of seven knows
all the Vedas and can teach the same.
Crown up learned persons also came to him to
learn Vedas and Shastras.

His mother became pregnant.
After nine months she gave birth to two handsome sons.
The parents were glad to have two more sons.
By the end of one year the two babies became 3 months old.
Narahari told his mother that her desire was fulfilled.
She would get 2 more sons and they will all live happily.
She should now permit him to live as per Sanyasdharma.

The parents bowed to Narahari and said,
`You are our family God.
We cannot say anything before you.
Please forgive us if we have spoken any harsh words,
thinking you to be our son.
Our devotion to Shri Shankar has materialized.
You made us glorious.
When shall we see you again?

Narahari - `I shall be before you whenever you remember me.
You will have one daughter and two more sons.
You will have no miseries and in the end
you will attain the best place in Parlok.
I have now to proceed to Badri Narayan to meet Siddhu.
So please allow me to go'

The parents, males and females of the town walked with Narahari.
Some said `see how a Brahmachari is going for penance.
He is an incarnation of God.
Else at such tender age of only seven,
how can he know all the four Vedas?'
All others bowed to him and returned.
The parents still followed Narahari,
who then appeared before them
in the form of Shripad Shri Vallabha.
The parents put their heads on his feet and
then Narahari immediately went away.

Narahari started for Badrinarayan.
On the way he reached the holy `Kashi'.
He did penance here and saw the Vishweshwar.
He also practiced here all the kinds of Yogas.
Many Sanyasis also observed penance at this holy place.
Narahari showed great proficiency in Yoga.
Many Sanyasis came to see him.

There had been one old Sanyasi named
`Krishna Saraswati' who had realized Brahma.
He also showed respect for Narahari.
He said to all the Sanyasis, 'He is not an ordinary human being
but he is an incarnation of God and deserves respect from all.
Let us request him to be a Sanyasi and bless the people'.

Accordingly all went to him and said, `It will be better
if you now accept Sanyas-diksha as per religious rules
and accept worship and respect from us and favor us
with your blessings.

Sanyasis are despised in this Kaliyug.
Though there are different means of devotion,
Sanyas in particular is dishonored.

Shri Shankaracharya rejuvenated Sanyasdharma in the
seventh century.

But now Kali being more influential, the Sanyas is being degenerated.
So you please rejuvenate it.'

Narahari conceded to the request and accepted
Sanyas-diksha from Shri Krishna Saraswati.

Namdharak interrupted, "When Narahari himself was
Shri Guru Dattatreya incarnate, why did he have another Guru?"

Shri Siddha, "In former days Vasishta was the Guru of Shri Ram,
and Sandipani was the Guru of Shri Krishna, in the same way,
Krishna Saraswati became Guru of Narahari and hereafter
he was known as `Shri Narasimha Saraswati.

In human life human customs are to be followed and
so Narahari approached the well known aged Yati (sanyasi)
Krishna Saraswati and accepted him as his Guru."

Shri Shankar is the first Guru, Shri Vishnu the second,
Brahmadeo is the third. After these followed Vasishta,
Parashara and Vyasa, who was the incarnation of Shri Vishnu.

Thereafter Shuka, Goudpad, Govind-guru, Shankaracharya,
Vishwarupvarya, Dnyanbodhgiriya, Giriraj, Ishwartirth and
bharatitirth succeeded one after the other. Thereafter, Vidyaranya,
Shripadmuni, Vityatirth, Malianand, Deotirth, Saraswatitirth,
Saraswati Yadeovendra and his disciple was Krishna Saraswati.
Such is the line of succession of Gurus.

Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati was very much respected in Kashi
for his deep knowledge of the Vedas. After some time Shri Guru
went to Badrinarayan with many followers. Talking a round of the
Marugiri and seeing the holy places of Navakhand, Shri Guru came
to Ganga sagar. He then went by the bank of Ganga and came to Prayag.

A learned Brahmin `Madhav' saw him there.
Shri Guru initiated him with Sanyas and named him `Madhav Saraswati'.
Later on Shri Guru had many more followers."

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 13
Brahmin's Colic Pain Subsided

Namdharak: - "Guru dev, Shri Guru initiated Sanyas to Madhav at Prayag.
Please let me know what occurred later".

Siddha - "Shri Guru lived at Prayag for some days.
He had many disciples there.

These included Bal Saraswati, Krishna, Saraswati, Upendra Saraswati,
Madhav Saraswati, Sadanand Saraswati, Dnyanjyoti Saraswati and
myself as seven chief disciples. He then visited holy places in the
south and came to Karanjahim, he was invited door to door.

The mother recollected that he was Shripad Shri Vallabha and
called herself fortunate. She told this to her husband when both
requested him to liberate them from the worldly-sea. Shri Guru said,
`If a person accepts Sanyas his forty-two generations (21 Parental &
21 maternal) are liberated. Their issues have no fear of the God of death.
You will see that your sons live for hundred years. Then you will go to
 Kashi, the holy place of liberation. There is no doubt about this.

Ratnai, his sister requested Shri Guru, `I am entangled in a family trap.
Please take me out of this. I wish to do penance.'

Shri Guru - `Serve your husband and this will liberate you.
One has to suffer as per one's fate. Females can win over this worldly
sea only with the help of their husbands. Thinking the husband to be
Shri Shiva, serve him. This is what the Vedas, Shastras and Puranas dictate.'

She further asked, `you know the past and the future also.
Please tell me what is my future.'

Shri guru - `In the previous birth, you hit a cow with your legs,
you made the neighboring couples quarrel amongst themselves,
so you will develop leprosy for hitting the cow and your husband
will leave you and be a Sanyasi.'

Hearing Guru - `You shall live amicably for some years. In old age
your husband will accept Sanyas. When you have leprosy,
you will see me. You come to Papvinashi on the bank of the
Bhima River in the South. Nearby is the Bhima Amarja Sangam
and Ganangapur. After bathing in the Papavinashi, you will be cured
of leprosy.'

Shri Guru then went to Tryambakeshwar, the place of penance of
Goutam Muni. Shri Shankar was pleased by the penance of Goutam
who brought Ganga (Godavari) on the earth for the benefit of the people.
Shri Guru traveled by the Bank of Godavari and came to Manjrika.

A learned Brahmin `Madhavaranya' lived here.
He adored `Narasimha'. Seeing that Shri Guru appeared just a
`Narasimha', he bowed to him and praised him in Sanskrit.
Shri Guru was pleased and he appeared before him in his divine form.
 Madhavaranya prostrated before him and chanted prayers.
Shri Guru then blessed him.

Shri Guru then went to Brahmeshwar. Here a Brahmin suffered from
acute colic pain. He was rolling in the sand of the river due to
severe pain. He had to be on fast for several days. Whenever he dined
he had severe pain. He was intending to give up his life by drowning
himself in the river and thus getting rid of the acute colic pain.

Knowing his intentions, Shri Guru asked his disciples to bring the Brahmin
 to him. When he was brought before him, Shri Guru asked him,
`Why are you committing suicide? This is a great sin.
What is your misery?.'

Brahmin - `I am burdensome on this earth. I dine once in a fortnight
or a month, but I have to bear a very severe colic pain.
The body lives on food and if food cannot be taken how can this
body survive?'

Shri Guru -`I shall give a medicine. You have a full meal today.
' The Brahmin was much encouraged with Shri Guru's words.
In the meanwhile the officer of the town came to the river for bath.
Seeing Shri Guru, he bowed to him with reverence.
Shri Guru inquired `May I know your name and whereabouts?'

The officer said, `I belong to Koundinya Gotra and am a Brahmin of
Apastamb shakha. My name is Sayamdeo. I come from Kanchi.
I am serving here as a Town - officer of a Muslim Ruler for one year.
I feel myself very fortunate to see thy holy self today. Sins are wiped off
by seeing the Ganga, heat of the body subsides by seeing the moon
and poverty is destroyed by the favor of a Kalpa-Taru. But by seeing
thyself along, all these three miseries are wiped off and one gets
all the four valours.

Sayamdeo humbly expressed, `Gurudev, he dined yesterday after
one month and subsequently he had severe colic pain. If he is given
food today and if he dies, shall I not be held responsible for his death?'

Shri Guru - `I am giving medicine which should be fried in ghee and
given to him. Besides give him food containing sugar and milk.
Do not have any doubt in the mind.'

Sayamdeo agreed and further requested Shri Guru to grace his home
by his presence and accept alms at his house. Shri Guru gladly
accepted his invitation.

Shri Guru, three Brahmins and other disciples came to Sayamdeo.
Sayamdeo's wife Jakhai was a devoted wife. Both worshipped
Shri Guru ceremoniously. They worshipped the disciples also.

All had a happy dinner that day. The colic pain of the Brahmin
disappeared instantly by the grace of Shri Guru. All were wonderstruck
to see this miracle. Shri Guru blessed Sayamdeo saying, your family
will flourish and devotion of Guru will be continued in the later
generations of your family.

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

[ShAivI]

OM SAI RAM !!!



Chapter - 14
Muslim King favors Sayamdeo

Sayamdeo bowed to Shri Guru and said,
`Gurudev, though you are Trimurti incarnate, due to our ignorance,
you appear to us as a human being.

In truth, you are all pervading.
It is beyond our intellect to describe your greatness.

I am the servant of a Muslim King, who is very cruel.
He invites a Brahmin every year and kills him.
He has invited me to day.
If I go to him, he will kill me,
but as I have now seen your holy,
how can he dare to kill me?'

Shri Guru placed his palm on his head and said, `
you do not care a bit.
You go to the king fearlessly.
He will receive you well and send you back to me.
Have faith in my words.
I am here till you return and then I shall proceed further.
You have been my devotee, you will live happily and have lasting wealth.'

Sayamdeo went to the cruel Muslim King.
He was reciting Shri Guru's name all the time.
As soon as the king saw Sayamdeo he turned his face and went inside.

Sayamdeo said to himself, `What harm a cruel king can do to one,
who is blessed by Shri Guru?
How can a serpent bite the kids of a garud?
How can an elephant kill a lion?
A Devotee of Shri Guru has no fear even from death'.

The Muslim king felt drowsy and had a sound sleep.
He saw in a dream that a Brahmin was beating him.
When he awoke and came outside, he saw Sayamdeo.
He came to him, fell at his feet and said,
`you are my master, who called you here?
You can go back happily'.
Saying this he offered clothes and ornaments to Sayamdeo.

Sayamdeo soon returned to his place.
He first went to see Shri Guru on the bank of the river.
He bowed to Shri Guru and reported what had happened.
Shri Guru again blessed him and said that he would now proceed southwards.

Sayamdeo folded his hands and said, `
Now I shall not leave these feet.
 I shall also come with you.
You only can liberate us from this worldly sea.
Sagar brought the Ganga on this earth for the liberation of his forefathers.
In the same way you have descended on the earth for our liberation.'

Shri Guru - I am going southwards for certain purpose.
You shall again see me after 15 years,
I shall be then staying near your place.
You should then come to me with your family and children.
You should live without worry.
All your miseries and wants are wiped off now.'

Sayamdeo offered clothes and ornaments to Shri Guru.
Shri Guru came to Arogya Bhavani Vaijnath and lived there secretly."

!! दिगंबरा दिगंबरा श्रीपाद वल्लभ दिगंबरा !!
!! हे दत्त योगेश्वर वासुदेव श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नारसिंह !!
!! श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नरहरी दत्तात्रेया दिगंबरा  !!

!! Digambara Digambara Sripaada Vallabh Digambara !!
!! He Datta Yogeshwar Vasudev Sripaad Vallabh Naarsinh !!
!! Sripaad Sri Vallabh Narhari Dattatreya Digambara !!


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!