Shri Guru Charitra

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter XLVI

Shri Guru Visits Eight Places at One Time

At the time of Diwali festival, seven devotes of Shri Guru came to Ganagapur Math and requested Shri Guru to come to their places for Diwali. As Shri Guru loved them all alike, it was a problem before him as to whose invitation should be accepted Shri Guru said to them, 'You are all from different places. How can I come to your homes at the same time. You decide among yourselves as to where I should go first and where I should go later.'

Each devotee wished that Shri Guru should come to him first. So they could not decide and began to quarrel, Shri Guru called the devotees one by one and told each of them 'I shall come only to one house. So don't argue unnecessarily.'

Then the devotees said, 'Oh Guru, do not make any distinction between the rich and the poor. Please treat us equally. If you neglect us we shall end our lives, we serve you and we do whatever you say."' With these words they all prostrated themselves before him humbly.

Thereupon Sri Guru said, 'All right, I shall visit you all. Rest assured about that.'

One of the disciples asked him, 'How can we be sure that you will visit the homes of all of us?

Then Sri Guru called each of them separately and said, 'I will come to your house, but do not tell others."

All the seven devotees thereafter went back to their respective places, pleased.

When the devotees of Ganagapur knew this, they requested Shri Guru, 'You should not go out of Ganagapur for Diwali.' Shri Guru promised them also that he would be there, and that they need not worry.

In the morning of Narak Chaturdashi day, Shri Guru took eight forms and went to 7 places of 7 devotees and also stayed at Ganagapur Math. He accepted Puja in all the places.

Later the devotees gathered at Ganagapur for Deeparadhan on the Kartik pournima. Each one told that Shri Guru had been to him in Diwali and showed the cloth presented to him by Shri Guru. The people of Ganagapur said, 'Shri Guru was here in the Math during Diwali.' But on seeing the articles presented by Shri Guru all realized that Shri Guru had taken 8 forms in Diwali and they all were amazed. The conviction that Shri Guru is the incarnation of Trimurties became more firm and they adored him with greater devotion. He who worships Sri Guru will have all is desires fulfilled. All try to experience the value of Guru Bhakti, but fools cannot appreciate Amrit. Only Jnanis and devotees can relish the Amrit of Guru Nama.

The Vedas and Shastras proclaim that he who looks down upon Guru as an ordinary human being will be born an animal. Sri Guru Charitra is equal to Veda-Shasta. Only Guru can liberate one from the throes of Samskara.

Those who go to Ganagapur and serve Guru with devotion will surely get all their desires fulfilled. So listen, all of you, purify your mind and visit Ganagapur.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter XLVII

Parbati had Bumper Crops even in Scarcity

There lived pious farmer, named Parbati, in Ganagapur. He used to bow to Shri Guru when he went to Sangam in the morning an again at midday when Shri Guru returned. His field was on the way to the Sangam. Once Shri Guru asked him, "Why do you take this trouble daily? What is your desire?"

Parbati said, "I wish that my field yields a good crop".

Shri Guru, "what have you sown?"

Parbati said that jawar was sown in his field. He further added, "It is due to your favor that this year the corp is good. I wish that you should kindly come to my field and have a look at the crop by your sight which showers nectar.'

Shri Guru went to the field, looked at the crop and said, 'If you have faith in me, do as I bid you.'

Parbati said, 'I shall obey you from the bottom of my heart'.

Shri Guru - 'Till I return at midday, cut off this crop'. Saying so, Shri Guru went to the Sangam.

Parbati approached the Revenue Officer and asked him to permit him to reap the crop on the rent as per the previous year.

The Officer said, `This year the crop is good, hence the old rent will not suffice'.

Parbati said, `I shall pay double the rent. So please give me permission'. The Officer agreed and granted the permission.

Parbati took some men with him, went to the field and reaped the crop. His wife and children tried to prohibit him; but he did not listen to them. The wife complained to the Officer, `The crop is good this year; but before the harvest, my husband is reaping the field on the advice of a Sanyasi and is depriving us of food. Kindly prohibit him to cut the crop'.

The Officer sent his men to ask Parbati why he was reaping the field before the harvest. Parbati said, `If the Officer has doubt of getting the rent; I shall pay the corn from reserve and keep my cattle at his door'.

Parbati reaped all the crop. Seeing that Shri Guru was returning from the Sangam, he bowed to Him and reported that he had cut the crop as instructed.

Shri Guru `You have reaped in vain!'

Parbati `I have read the crop as advised by you. I have full faith in you.'

Shri Guru `You will have the fruit of your devotion, the wife and children of Parbati said that they have lost their food. Parbati consoled them by saving ,`Shri Guru is Shri Shiva incarnate. With his blessing,We shall have no loss. He told us to do this due to some unforeseen reason.'

In about a week, there was a severe code and all the crops in the country were lost. Then on Mul Nakshatra, there was heavy rain, which was also harmful to the crops; but Parbati's field yielded hundred times more crop of good quality. All wondered to see this.

The wife and children of Parbati also rejoiced. They begged apology of Parbati and repented for underestimating Shri Guru. The mention of all the above facts is made here in order to show the affinity of Shri Sai Baba to Shri Vitthal of Pandharpur. One Sai Mandir at Phanaswadi, in the Girgaum area of the Bombay city, was formerly a temple of Vitthal and it was known as "Shri Premal Vitthal Mandir". In this temple the idols of Vitthal and Rakhumai were installed by Shri Gajanan Vinayak Pradhan, as the temple itself was constructed my him as his own private property. However, Shri Vasantshastri alias Aba Panshikar completely changed the Mandir and gave it the present form. One Shri Prabhakar Panshikar, is a famous actor on the Marathi stage and Shri Aba Panshikar is his brother. Shri Aba Panshikar was performing Keertans in the Vitthal mandir regularly. Shri Bhole Guruji, who is a Sai devotee, used to attend Shri Panshikar's keertans as he was staying very near the above mandir, in the Mugbhat area Girgaum. Shri Bhole Gurugi requested Shri Panshikar to start praying to Shri Sai Baba. Shri Panshikar was not aware of greatness of the saint of Shirdi up to that time and on being initiated by Shri Bhole Guruji, he gladly became a devotee of Shri Sai Baba. He very soon became a staunch and sincere devotee of Sri Baba and very soon thought of changing the vitthal mandir into a Sai temple. It is because of the zeal and efforts of Shri Aba Panshikar that the Premal Vitthal mandir is now converted into a Sai mandir and is now known by that name.

In this temple, we see the idol of Shri Sai Baba in plaster, which is about four and a half feet high. This idol is seated on an altar. It will be seen from the photograph of the temple published along with this article that the original idols of Shri Vitthal and Rakhumai installed in the temple have still be retained in the temple as Shri Sai Baba had reverence for that god as stated at the beginning of this article. The beautiful idol of Shri Sai baba in plaster was made by one sculptor Shri G.V.Patkar. Though the temple was originally constructed as a private temple, still it was later on thrown open to everyone for worship and at present anybody can go and offer flowers or garlands to Shri Sai Baba or Shri Vitthal - Rukhumai.

In the rear side of this temple, there is a banyan tree about hundred years old. Around this tree we can also find the idols of Shri Datta, Hanuman and Pindi of Shri Shakar. In addition to that, there are the Padukas of Shri Sai Baba in silver in this area. These Padukas were installed at the October 1952.

The practice of getting prepared the silver Padukas of Shri Sai Baba and give them to different people or institutions dedicated to Sai worship, was started by this temple. So far, the Sai Padukas got prepared by this mandir have been installed at five different places. It may be noted here that the Padukas installed at the Sai temple of Smt. Ajibai Wanarse at London, were got prepared by this mandir.

"Service to humanity and Service to the dump mutes is the service to God" this was the motto of Shri Sai Baba and the management of this temple has borne in mind this fact. They have therefore coupled a social duty with this religious institutions. On the first floor of this temple, arrangements have been made for the free accommodation of poor and deserving students, Who have no arrangements to stay in Bombay. A great number of students have taken advantage of this facility and because of the religious atmosphere of the temple, these students are grooved in Sai devotion from the young age of their life.

Aarti, worship etc. are carried out at this temple every day as per those performed at Shirdi. Ramnavami, Gurupournima and Vijayadashmi are the great festivals observed at this temple on the same lines as is done at Shirdi. This temple has started one more practice. On every Shivaratri day, the offering of fruits is made to Shri Baba and they are later on distributed to the devotees by way of prasad. Shri Pandurang Mahadeo Warang is a staunch Sai devotee, who manages the daily affairs of the temple with great care. He is only thirty-one years of age at present, but for the last twenty-two years he is staying in the temple premises and is attending to the work of this temple. The management wants to expand the activities of the temple and arrange some further programs on a large scale; but due tot shortage of space they feel sorry that it is not possible for them. Shri Warang always says that all his difficulties are readily solved by Shri Sai Baba. This shows his great faith in Shri Sai Baba and his devotion to Him.

Girgaum is a very crowded locality of Bombay city. They area round about Lalbaug and Parel which is known as the "Mill area" is perhaps another equally crowded area in Bombay. The people in the "Mill area" are so very busy in their struggle for existence, that they have hardly any time to think about god or existence. The people in the Girgaum area are mostly white collar people. They have regular hours of their office work. Similarly religious practices are imbibed in them from their childhood. Hence they find the need of a place for worship where they can get mental peace. The people who were formerly they devotees of Vitthal have started visiting this temple for the worship of that god; but after seeing the idol of Shri Sai Baba in the temple and having come to know. His greatness, they automatically become His devotees. Thus this temple has a good place of worship for the devotees staying in Girgaum area of the Bombay city and is therefore frequented by a number of devotees every day.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter XLVIII

AmarjaSangam and the Greatness of Ganagapur

On the parva day of Ashvin Vad 14, Shri Guru said to the disciple, 'We shall have bath at trishali (3 Holy places i. e. Prayag, Kashi and Gaya ) with family and children.

The disciple said, 'For such a long journey, we require some time for preparations'.

Shri Guru, 'These holy places are near about. So there is no need for special preparation.'

Saying this he went with them all to the sangamam. All took bath there. Shri Guru said, 'The Sangam is like Prayag. Bhima flows there northwards. This Amarja Sangam is as holy as the Ganga-Yamuna Sangam of Prayag. There are other eight holy places (Tirthas) near about.'

The disciples, -'Why this river is called Amarja?'

Shri Guru, -'Jallundhar Rakshasa were on War. Indra went to Shri Shankar and said, 'We kill Rakshasa but from each drop of their blood, new Rakshasa are born and they have spread in Three Lokas. They have killed many Gods.'

Hearing this, Shri Shankar was enraged and started to kill the Rakshas in the form of Rudra. Indra said, 'You will kill the Rakshas: but kindly suggest any device to make the gods alive.'

Shri Shankar recited Amrutmantra and gave a jar filled with nectar. Indra sprinkled the nectar on the Gods and made them alive. While Indra was going with the jar of the remaining nectar some drops fell on the earth and a river was created called 'Amarja'. Bath in this river prevents diseases and untimely death. This river meets Bhima and this Sangam is great like Triveni Sangam of Prayag. Bath in this Kartika and Magha months, on Somwati, Sankratini grahan (eclipse) Parva at this Sangam is very virtuous.

Before this Sangam is the Ashwattha, bath near which fulfills all the desires. I also live here. After worshipping this Ashwattha, worship the 'Sangameshwar' with devotion. This is like Mallikarjuna of Shri Shailya. Bow to Nandi and Chandi, have three rounds and see Shiva Shankar.

There is the 'Varanashi' Tirth i. e. Kashi one mile ahead. One Brahmin of Bhardwaj Gotra was a great devotee of Shri Shiva. He roamed everywhere without clothes, people called him 'mad'. He had two brothers Ishwar and Pandurang. They were thinking of going to Kashi. At this time one devotee of Shri Shiva came there and said to his brothers, ' Why do you go to Kashi? Here is Kashi Visheshwar.' The brothers said, 'Where is it? Show us'.

The devotee took a bath and sat in meditation. Shri Shankar appeared before him. The devotee requested him to create an idol of Kashi Vishveshwar there for daily worship and darshan. Shri Shankar conceded and Manikarnika Kund was created first and the shrine of Kashi Vishveshwar came out of it. A river flowing northward like Bhagirthi also came into existence. All the principal places of Kashi were thus created here. Both the brothers then worshipped Kashi Vishveshwar. These brothers lived at Pandharpur and were known as 'Aradhye'.

Hearing this from Shri Guru, all took bath there and worshipped Shri Vishveswar with devotion and observed other rites.

Shri Guru -'Here is ' Papavinashi Teerth' bath in which destroys all sins.' Shri Guru called his sister Ratnai here and said, 'You had killed a cat with a stick and therefore you are having leprosy. You bathe in this Tirth daily and your disease will disappear.' As advised, she bathed here for three days and her disease was wiped off.

A little further is 'Kothi Tirth'. One should bathe here on Sankranthi, Grahan, Purnima and Amavasya and give a cow with a calf in charity. Further to this is 'Rudra Tirth'. It is as holy as Gaya. Observe Sraddha here.

Further is 'Chakra Tirth' like Dwaraka. Beyond is 'Manmath Tirth'. To the east of it, is 'Kalleshwar' like Gokarna Mahabaleshwar. By doing this, eight glories are obtained.'

Shri Guru thus narrated the greatness of the eight holy places and all were pleased. They bathed and observed other rites and returned to Gangapur with Shri Guru. A grand samardhana was arranged jointly.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter IL

The Gist of Guru Geeta

Namdharak bowed to Shri Siddhamuni with folded hands and said, "gurudeo, you have narrated to me the life of Shri Guru and have given me the real gnyan(knowledge) which has wiped off my karma and by your blessing, I have known the essence of religion. Devotion to Shri Guru is like the Kalpataru and Rishis like Vashishta and Shuka also follow this path. Now kindly tell me the path of Sadguru."

Being pleased with the question, Shri Siddha said, "Namdharak, you are very fortunate as you as you have asked question regarding the eternal principles, knowing with illusion and ignorance are wiped off and the mind becomes becomes as clear as the light of the sun.

Once when Shri Shankar was sitting on a beautiful point of Kailas, Devi Parvati with folded hands said to him with devotion, "Great God of Gods, Guru of the universe, give me Gurumantra and kindly tell me the means by which one's soul becomes united with Brahma".

Shri Shankar said, "Dear Devi, this is a question which has never been asked to me so far by anybody. You are my second form. So I shall tell you this gist and this will benefit all the people also".

Veda, Shastra, Purana, Ithihas, Mantra-tantravidya, Smriti-jaran-maran (using the the power of doing miracles by the devotees of Shiva and shakti) and other various sciences put one in illusion. Without knowing the gist of devotion to Guru, people perform sacrifices, observe penance, vrat, charity, recitation and go to the holy places but only after the rise of the light of Shri Guru, difficult vidya, worldly illusion and ignorance are all wiped off. By serving Shri Guru, all sins perish and the soul becomes pure and united with Brahma.

Taking the holy water, touched by the lotus like feet of Shri Guru, is like a bath at a holy place. This Tirth is as holy as Kashi or Prayag.

Always remember Shri Guru. Recite Shri Guru's name all the time. Obey his orders, serve and worship Shri Guru with devotion. Doing this, one can even attain my position.

The alphabet 'Gu' means darkness and 'Ru' means light. Guru means the knowledge of the light of Brahma, that destroys darkness of ignorance. GU is the first alphabet to create illusion and other attributes. RU is the second alphabet of Brahma which destroys illusion and vain appearance. This power of Guru is supreme and is difficult even for the Gods to obtain.

A Sadhak (disciple) should offer to Shri Guru good seat, bed, clothes, ornaments, conveyances etc. He should serve him with devotion for getting one's position, ashram, caste and pray him with body, senses, money, son, wife, etc. clearly and should not be ashamed to lay prostrate before him.

Men go to hell by living in family life as one's body is full of worms, night-soil, urine, phlegm, blood, flesh and bad odor. Bow to Shri Guru, who liberates a person from the worldly miseries.

Shri Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha and Para-Brahma. He is the cause of the creation of Universe, liberator of persons from this worldly sea and giver of the knowledge of all the vidyas.

By applying the ointment of Shri Guru's knowledge to one's eyes, closed eyes are opened, parents, brothers, and good men who give real knowledge of worldly life, are all Gurus. Though there is diversity in the universe, yet there is oneness. Shri Guru protects one from all difficulties, showing the cause and effect.

If Shri Shankar or Shri Vishnu are enraged, Shri Guru protects the devotees, but when Shri Guru himself is enraged, even Shri Shankar or Shri Vishnu cannot protect them.

Just as the blind man cannot see the light of the Sun, so the dull persons do not see the nectar-like appearance of Shri Guru, which is visible only to the eyes of the thoughtful. Shri Guru is like a monarch, who is witnessing the drama of creation and destruction of the universe.

Three Nath, Ganesh, 3 Bhairava Peethas, Siddha, 3 Batus, 2 Pad, 3 Dooties, Shri Shankar, 4, 6, 8, 9 Veeresh, 5 Veeravalies are all associated with the best 'Shri Malini' mantra. Bow to this Shri Guru mandal.

To think about Shri Guru's body is like thinking about everlasting Shri Shiva and to recite Shri Guru's name to praise to eternal Shiva's qualities.

Shri Guru is birthless, devoid of old age and has no beginning. He is self created, devoid of change, full of bright bliss, minutes of the minute, greatest of the great and eternal. He is self shining, spotless, sky pervading, everlasting and has no decrease. Vedas and Manu describe Shri Guru's penance in this way. Therefore always remember Shri Guru.

By the knowledge of self, which is pervading all the universe, moveable and immovable, sins of several births are atoned. There are no greater principle than the knowledge of self. There is no greater penance than the service of Shri Guru and there is no deeper knowledge than the advice of Shri Guru.

Shri Guru is Jagannath (lord of the universe) and the Guru of the 3 Lokas. Shri Guru is the universe and our soul is the soul of all the creation. Bow to Shri Guru, who gives this knowledge.

The persons, who are proud of penance and knowledge and who are engrossed in the worldly affairs, are like the pots moving on the wheel of a pot-maker. Gods, Gandharvas, fore fathers, yaksh, kinnar, rishi, siddha, who do not serve Shri Guru do not get salvation.

Bow to Shri Guru, who is supreme joy and who gives the best pleasure. He is shrine of knowledge, above division, sky pervading, knower of 'Tattwam Asi' (that thou art) principle, only one, eternal, pure, immovable, who witnesses everything and who is devoid of existence and three qualities(Satwa,Raj and Tam).

To know one's self is the supreme knowledge and the utmost goal of life. This is attained only by the favor of Shri Guru.

Remember Shri Guru till death. Even if he is fickle minded, do not forget or forsake him.

The wise should not speak about Shri Guru with disrespect. Do not tell a lie before him.

Those who despise Shri Guru go to hell. Those who discuss vainly with Shri Guru become Brahma Rakshas and have to live in barren and waterless places.

Oh Parvati, Shri Guru protects his disciples, even if god, muni or pannag curses. Gods and munies are weak before Shri Guru, whose curses can destroy them in no time.

O Devi, according to Smrities and Vedas, Shri Guru is Parabrahma. Guru is a mantra of two syllables.

Bow to Shri Guru, who is pervading all the universe from Brahma to grass, who is eternal, whole, formless, devoid of qualities, engrossed in self-knowledge, above divisions and full of real bright-joy (sat-chit-anand rup).

Brahma is eternal like fragrance in camphor and flowers and like the coolness and warmth in an object. This knowledge can be got only through Shri Guru. So worship and serve him with pure and clear heart and singular devotion. One, who is united with Brahma in meditation, realizes Kundalini, Brahma Randhra and formlessness and gets salvation without doubt.

The ignorant wins over the worldly sea and the wise besides gets knowledge of actions and no-actions by following the path of Shri Guru.

Those, who read, hear or write Shri Guru Geeta and give it in charity with money, all their desires are fulfilled. Always read Sri Guru-Geeta to get rid of the miseries of the worldly life.

Each and every syllable of Guru-Geeta enables to win death, remove all difficulties and fear of yaksha, Rakshas, ghosts, thieves, tigers and diseases. It gives the power of using Bhasma, mesmerism and hypnotism.

O Devi, read Shri Guru-Geeta, sitting on a site of kush grass(dharbhasan) or white blanket with attentive mind. Use a white seat for peace, red for mesmerizing, black for punishing the evildoers and yellow for getting wealth. For peace, sit facing the north, for mesmerizing facing the east, for punishing the evildoers facing the south and for wealth facing the west.

Recitation of Guru-Geeta, gives one incentive power, develops one's qualities, destroys evil acts, makes good acts successful, removes fear of Grahas(planets), destroys evil dreams, gives issues even to sterile women, gives good luck to the married women(keep their husbands alive all their lives) and gives peace of mind.

If a widow reads Shri Guru-Geeta without object, she gets salvation. If she reads with desire, she will get a good husband in the next birth and all her miseries, difficulties and curses will perish.

Shri Guru-Geeta is like a Kamadhenu to those who read it with some expectation. It is like a kalpataru to those, who read with desires. It is like a chintamani to the thinkers of everything good. If you read it for salvation you get salvation, if you read it for worldly pleasures, you will get them.

One can read Shri Guru-Geeta with some object, sitting on a bank of a river or the sea shore, in the mandir of Vishnu, Shiva, Devi or other God, math, cowshed, under vat, awala, mango tree or near a plant of Tulsi or dhotra or in the cremation ground at a lonely but clean and neat place.

Even though a devotee of Shri Guru may be a fool, still he is great, all his good acts, penance, vrat, diksha become successful. They are never futile.

As Shri Guru knows Brahma, he is always pure and wherever he goes, there is the presence of God, Tirth and Peeth. One who reads Guru-Geeta sitting or lying on a bed, standing, walking, speaking, riding on a horse or an elephant, is pure. He has no rebirth.

A soul is one with God, just as the water in the sea, the milk in the milk pot, the ghee in the ghee-pot and the sky in the broken pot are one with them, similarly the Dnyani (learned), is united with God and lies lost in himself day and night.

O Parvati, when one is blessed by Shri Guru, all his doubts vanish, goddess Saraswati resides on his tongue and he gets both the pleasures and salvation by the favor of Shri Guru. One's recitation, vrat and penance of several births bear fruit.

O Waranane (having good face), I told you, this principle of Sankhya sastra One God, one religion, one devotion, one penance are nothing else but Shri Guru himself. There is no higher principle than that of Shri Guru.

The home, where is devotion of Shri Guru, parents, family and race, is fortunate. Those, who do not adore Shri Guru due to Vanity of knowledge and penance, are unfortunate.

Even to Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Gods, Rishi, Forefathers, kinnar, siddha, charan, yaksh, munies, the favor of Shri Guru, is like the great holy Tirth. Shri Guru's Tirth is the root of all the Tirths.

If one reads Shri Guru-Geeta in travel, or during war, at the time of the attack of an enemy, he gets victory in life and salvation at death.

If Shri Guru-Geeta is read with evil acts, at evil places and with fickle mind, it gives evil effects.

As you are dear to me, I have told this gist to you. Keep it with yourself. Tell this to one, who is not engrossed in worldly pleasures and has devotion; but do not tell it to him, who is not devoted, who is a deceit, cunning, atheist and who discusses vainly.

Here ends the gist of Shri Guru-Geeta in the form of a dialogue between Ishwar and Parvati, included in the Uttarkhand of Skand Purana.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter L

The Muslim King Comes to See Shri Guru

We have seen a reference of a Rajak in the 9th chapter. By the blessing of Shripad Shri Vallabha, he was born in a Muslim Royal family and he became king of Bidar. Due to devotion of previous birth he was kind and pious. He treated all religions and sects equally. There were several temples for which he had due sympathy. He also had respect for Brahmins. Muslim priests despised Brahmins and Vedic religion. But king said to them, "God is one. Only the names are different. All are created from 5 great elements (Panch --- Mahabhoot). The earth is the mother of all. Cows are different colors, but their milk is white. Ornaments may be many, but the gold is the same. Similarly Paramatma (God) is everywhere. So make no difference between the religions and castes."

Thus the king was ruling impartially. Once he had a tumor on his thigh, Vaidyas and Hakims treated him but to no effect. The king had great pain due to it. He called some Brahmins and requested them to suggest a remedy.

The Brahmins said, "Sins of the previous birth harass one in the form of some disease. For this, visit holy places and give something in charity. Live in the company of saints. You go to the Papvinashi Tirth and bathe there. The tumor will subside."

The king went to the Papvinashi Thirth. He met a Sanyasi there. He bowed to him and showed him his tumor The Sanyasi said, - "When you see a saint, you will be relieved of the disease. I shall tell you a tale in this connection."

"A Brahmin lived in Awanti i.e., Uijjain. He gave up bath and the Brahmin's rites i.e., sandhya, puja etc. and lived with a prostitute named Pingla. Once Rishabha Muni came to them. They treated him well. They worshiped him and took the tirth of his feet. When the Muni was asleep, both served him keeping awake the whole night. Next morning the Muni went away. Later on in their old age, both the Brahmin and Pingla died.

The Brahmin became the son of king Vajrabahu in the next birth. When he was in Sumati's (eldest) womb, the younger queen became jealous and she gave poison to the eldest queen, who got eruptions all over the body. She delivered a male child, who was also affected by eruptions all over the body. The king got them treated by physicians but they could be cured. The king suspected that the infection would spread in the whole family and he therefore asked a fisherman to take the queen and her son to the forest and leave them there. People were sorry to know about this evil act of the king. Sumathi was roaming in the forest with her son in despair. Due to exertion, she was thirsty and was searching for water. She came to a mandir and met some females, who told her, "Padmakar is the king of this country. He is kind and pious. He will protect you." In the mean time some maid servants of the king came there. Sumati narrated to them her sad account. They took Sumati to the palace and reported to the king about her. The king was very kind and he arranged for her stay.

Here too the eruptions on the body of the mother and son harassed them. One day due to unbearable pain, the child expired. Sumati began to weep bitterly. The ladies of the neighborhood tried to console her, but she continued mourning.

In the meanwhile Rishabha Muni came there. King Padmakar received him warmly. As he heard a mourning sound he inquired. Padmakar narrated to him the sad account of Sumati. Rishabha Muni came to her and began to console her, saying, "It is futile to mourn for the bygone. All lives are like bubbles in water, This body is made of five elements and when these elements separate, nothing remains behind. So do not mourn for the perishable body. One has to suffer as per one's previous actions. For self-emancipation adore Shri Shankar".

Sumati said, "I had to come here leaving the kingdom and here too I met this fate. Now I do not wish to live any longer." Saying so she fell on the feet of the Muni.

The Muni was moved to see her state. He remembered the service that her son had given him in his last birth. He applied a little bhasma to his forehead and put a little in his mouth. Suddenly the child got life and began to move. The eruptions on his body and on his mother's body also vanished by the powerful sight of the Muni. Both looked as bright as gold. Sumati and the child bowed to the Muni devotedly. The Muni blessed them and went away. The greatness of the blessing of a saint is like this. "If you serve a saint you will be relieved from the tumor."

The Muslim king asked with folded hands, "Kindly tell me where there is a saint, I shall go there". The Sanyasi said "Shri Guru lives at Ganagaput on the bank of Bhima. You go to him."

The king immediately went to Ganagapur and inquired about Shri Guru. The people were afraid when the saw that the Muslim king had come to Ganagapur. They did not speak due to fear. When the king asked again he was told that Shri Guru had gone to the Sangam and he would return soon. Hearing this, the Muslim king started to go to the Sangam. On the way he saw Shri Guru coming. He came down Palanquin and bowed to Shri Guru respectively.

Shri Guru said, " O, Rajak, where have you been so far? I am seeing you after a long period".

Hearing this, the Muslim king recollected his life of last birth. He lay prostrate before Shri Guru and began to shed tears of love and joy. With choked voice he asked "Gurudeo, why did you keep me away so long? Being entangled in the royal pleasures, I forgot you. Now I have come to your shelter. Liberate me. I am much harassed due to this tumor on my thigh."

Shri Guru smiled and said, "Show me, where is the tumor?". The king began to look his thigh. But no! The tumor had vanished! He said, "By your blessings, I could enjoy the royal pleasures and glory. All my desires are fulfilled. I now wish that your holyself should come to my palace and bless my family members."

Shri Guru said, "We are Sanyasis. We should not live in cities. You being Muslim, cows are slaughtered daily in your city. This is a great sin. Prohibit killing of cows in your kingdom."

The King said, "I am not a king now. I am your devotee, a Rajak. Give me a place at your feet."

Shri Guru began thinking. Now in this Kaliyug, cruelty will be increasing. It would be better if I disappear from here. He therefore thought of going to Gautami (Godavary). While returning to the math, the king seated Shri Guru in his palakhi and he took his padukas (sandals) in his hands and walked on foot behind the palakhi.

Shri Guru said, "You should ride on a horse as you are a king. Your persons will blame you for serving a Brahmin and a Sanyasi."

The king said, "I may be a king for the people, but for you I am your devotee, a Rajak. My body of iron is transformed into gold by your sight. All my desires are now fulfilled".

By this time all the elephants, horses and soldiers of the King had reached the place. Shri Guru said, "Listen to me, ride a horse ".

The King first seated all the disciples of Shri Guru on the horses and then he rode a horse and the procession started ceremoniously.

Shri Guru then said to the king, "If we come with you, we cannot observe our rituals punctually. Therefore I will go ahead. You come to Papvinashi to see me".

Saying this, Shri Guru disappeared instantly with all his disciples and reached Bidar. Nagnath the son of Sayamdeo met Shri Guru there. He worshiped Shri Guru and did a samaradhana. Then Shri Guru went to the Papvinnashi tirth.

The Muslim king was very sorry to see the disappearance of Shri Guru from the procession suddenly. But he remembered that he was asked by Shri Guru to see him at Papvinashi. He rode a swift horse and started for Papvinashi. He covered the distance of 88 miles in a day. He saw Shri Guru and again requested him to grace his city by holy presence.

The kind decorated his city with flags, buntings and arches. He seated Shri Guru in a Palakhi. Nine kinds of gems were waved on him. The citizens waved aarati at various places. The Muslims censured the king for serving for the Brahmins; but the Hindu citizens and Brahmins praised him for liberal, learned and pious.

The procession was going with musical instruments. Coins and clothes were being distributed to the poor. When the procession reached the main gate of palace, Shri Guru walked on the costly carpet spread on the path. Shri Guru was seated on the decorated throne and all the queens and children of the king bowed to Him respectfully. Shri Guru blessed the king and his family members and asked, "Are all your desires fulfilled by now?"

The king said, "I have fully enjoyed the royal glory I now wish to serve at your feet".

Shri Guru asked him to come to Shri Shailya and went to Gautami at Nasik. He bathed there and returned to Ganagapur. All the citizens were pleased to see that Shri Guru had come back safe.

Shri Guru called all the disciples and said, "Now I wish live secretly. Therefore I intend to go to Shri Shailya. Still I shall be staying at Ganagapur. If I live fear openly, the Muslims will come here daily and trouble me for fulfillment of their desires as the King himself had been here."

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter LI

Shri Guru's Journey unto Bliss: Disciples Get Flower-Gift

Knowing that Shri Guru has decided to go to Shri Shailya, all the disciples and citizens felt very happy. They said, "You are our treasure. Why do you go leaving us?"

Shri Guru smiled and said, "You need not worry. I shall stay here secretly. I shall have bath at the Amarja Sangam in the morning. In the midday I shall come to Gangapur math and accept nirguna puja and give darshan to the devotees. From the view point of the public, I am going to Shri Shailya Yatra. Have no doubt. I shall always stay at Gangapur. The Aswattha here are like Kalpataru."

Saying this Shri Guru started for Shri Shailya. People accompanied him for some distance and when they returned to the math they saw Shri Guru there. After some time he disappeared. All wondered at this miracle.

Shri Guru went to Patal Ganga, flowing at the base of of Shri Shailya, He asked his disciples to prepare a flower-seat and said, "I have to go to Mallikarjuna on Shri Shailya on the other side of the river." The disciples prepared a nice seat of flowers of Shevanti, lotus, malati, kanher etc. on the leaf of kardali and placed it on the river side.

Shri Guru said, "Now you should return to your respective places". All were greatly aggrieved. Shri Guru sat on the flower seat on Magh Vad 1st, on Friday when Guru (jupiter) was in Kanya (vergs) Rasa at evening time and before going away said, " I am going to the place of self-bliss. I shall send flowers as gift which you should distribute amongst yourselves and worship them daily. I like singing. I shall be near those, who sing prayers. They will get all the pleasures".

Saying this Shri Guru disappeared in the river. After some time some boatmen came from the other side of the river. They told, "We saw Shri Guru on the other side. He was looking like a sanyasi and was holding a dand (stick) in his hand. He had golden sandals. He told his name as 'Narsinha-Saraswati. He has given a message for you, 'I am going to the Kardali-Van. Still I shall be at Gangapur. Do not worry. I am sending flowers as gift, which may be distributed amongst yourselves."

All were waiting for the flowers. After a little time, four flowers came flowing. They were taken one each by Sayamdeo,Nandi, Narhari and myself. Here is the flower given to me. Saying this, Shri Sidha showed the flower to Namdharak.

Such is the greatness of Shri Guru. I have narrated only a part of Shri Guru's life, which is very exhaustive. Those who read, hear and write this life, will attain all the pleasures. These nectar-like tales will give four Purusharthas and also Paramarth."

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter LII

Conclusion: Week-Reading Awatarnika(Contents)

After hearing the 51 Chapters of Shri Guru-Charitra, Namdharak lost senses and got samdhi. His body perspired, his throat got choked and tears flowed from his eyes. He could not speak out a word. Shri Siddha Muni was pleased to see this state of Namdharak. Though the disciple got samadhi, he should be awakened for the benefit of the people. Thinking thus he moved his hand over his face and body with affection and called him and said, "Dear boy, come on senses. You have got 'dnyan' and you will get salvation. But if you remain in meditation, how will the people be benefited and enlightened? You asked me and I narrated to you these nectar-like tales of Shri Guru's life. You also heard them conscientiously. You should therefore elaborate them and propagate amongst the people."

Namdharak opened his eyes and placed his head on the feet of Shri Siddha and said, "You are Shri Guru yourself. Shri Guru's life, that you have narrated, is even more sweeter than the nectar. I am not contended yet. Please tell me the whole life again in short".

Hearing this just as a physician prepares the Sanjivani pills mixing many medicines and keeps the pills with him, similarly I am telling you the summary of this life of Shri Guru.

Further Shri Siddha said, "Though Shri Guru has disappeared still he gives darshan to his sincere devotees as before".

Namdharak- "Kindly tell me the procedure of week-reading and other rules to be followed during the week".

Shri Siddha-"Shri Guru-Charitra can be read any time with pure mind. The credit of reading it in a week is still great. For this, one place and seat should be selected. Keep control on the senses during the week. Before starting the reading bow to God, Brahmin and elders. Worship the volume of "Shri Guru-Charitra". One should complete 7 chapters on the first day, read upto 18th chapter on the second day, upto 28th on the third day, upto 34th on the fourth day, upto 37th on the fifth day, upto 43rd on the sixth day and upto 52nd chapters on the seventh day. After reading, worship the volume and take light dinner. Some observe fast for the week; but if this is not possible have food of only one type of corn. On the eighth day, for completion of the week reading, take meals with a Brahmin couple and offer money as dakshina. If the reading is done with devotion and pure heart, Shri Guru gives darshan in dream and fulfills one's desires. The trouble of spirits and ghosts vanishes and one gets peace of mind.

Namdharak again expressed to Shri Siddha Muni his gratitude for narrating the life of Shri Guru, which has made his life fortunate and enabled him to attain the bliss.

Dedicated to Shri Dattatraya. OM TAT SAT.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal

[Dipika]

OMSAIRAM!


Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM

dipika duggal