SRI GURU CHARITRAM
Sri Gurubhyo namaha – Hari Aum
CHAPTER 49
Importance of Guru Mahima
Siddhayogi narrated Gurumahima to Namadharak. Wherever Guru resided, turned out to be a Kshetra. Ganagapur, a small village drew crowds in large numbers.
The Master never initiated any one any Mantra. He just asked them to live a true and simple life. Whatever may be our occupation we shall do it honestly. We shall be content with what we get. More we yearn for money, farther it goes.
Satsang-company of righteous was what he preached them. Once he told his disciples to have tristhali yatra. It was Aswayuja Shuddha chatrhurdashi. Tristhali means Kashi, Prayag & Gaya. When the disciples wondered how he said we can have it here. Amaraja & Bhima have six holy ponds. They are very auspicious. He narrated the greatness of Amaraja Sangam.
There was a demon by name Jalandhara. He was very powerful to drive away Gods from heavens. He sat on Indra’s throne. Gods went to Lord Shiva to rescue them. Prayed to them:
Shiva gave them a pot of amrita and asked them to sprinkle on dead gods. Indra enlivened them and took nectar to heaven. On the way, few drops fell on earth and flew down as a river. A bath at Sangam removes sins and physical agonies.
Magha masa, Mondays, ekadashi, Amavasya, Paurnima, Sankranthi are some of the holy days for bathing in Sangam. Peepal tree opposite to Sangam is very auspicious. There is a shiva temple called Sangameshwara.
There was a Brahmin Uddhava by name in Nageshi. He was a Shiva bhaktha. One of his relatives called him to Kashi. He politely said, My Kashi is Sangam.Vishwanatha manifests here. You can go. And sat deep in meditation after bathing in sangam.
Lord Shiva manifested to him. Uddhava re quested him to bring Kashi to him. It was granted, Many who had gathered there, saw this rare vision. His family and relatives thereafter called Aradhyas started towards Pandarpur in Maharashtra. Such is the greatness of Sangam.
Sri Guru blessed many, gave Moksha to some, granted wishes of all. His sister Ratantayi came to him. He remembered his earlier promise and cured her of lukaemia.
Papanasini, Koti, Rudrapada, chakratirtha, Gayatritirtha are some of the ponds near Sangam. This Kshetra is equally sacred as Gokarna. Sri guru thus said:’When you are blessed with holy tirthas here, why do you go to Kashi? All bathed with Guru and got blessings.
Here ends the 49th chapter of Sri guru charitram.
Sri Gurubhyo Namaha!
Aum Sai Ram!
May Lord Sri Dattatreya bless us all!