YOGIRAJ VASUDEVANANDA SARASWATI (A Biography) —Shri S. N. Huddar

[JR]

(CHATURM ASAS - Continued )

Jalwan

Swami Maharaj stayed here at the request of people. On Ramdas Navami, Swami Maharaj wished that Ramdas's Dasbodh be read. One local Shastri, proud of Sanskrit, said, "Dasbodh is for those who do not know Sanskrit". While reading Dasbodh that night, Swami Maharaj explained the meaning of Veda Richas. He read out an Ovi from Dasbodh of similar meaning and asked the Shastri, "Is Dasbodh in Sanskrit or Prakrit?" The Shastri could not reply and begged for apology. Swami Maharaj said, "Ramdas Swami was an incarnation of Hanuman and a great devotee of Ram. No one can say that he did not know Sanskrit. He wrote Dasbodh in Prakritfor the benefit of all so that they should know the principles of Shastras. It is a blessed (Prasadic) volume and so it can be of greater use in these days even than the Sanskrit volumes. You read Sanskrit volumes but a spirit trouble cannot be removed. You should read Gurucharitra in a week and-the spirit will vanish".

Chaturmas Il-Shak 1814 (1892 A. D.). Brahmavarra

Swami Maharaj, in his tour, reached Brahmavarta for the first time. He lived in a hut near Rim temple on Antaji ghat.

After bath, he shut the door and sat in meditation till evening. He stayed there for 8 months but was not known by the people.

When Chaturmas commenced he would go to Ram temple to listen to Purana. After 3 days he said to the Puranik, that after his Purana, he would explain a verse (Shloka) next day. The Puranik agreed and announced this to the congregation.

Next day, after Parana, Swami Maharaj chanted a 'shloka' of Geeta and began his sermon. People realised Swamiji's deep learning and efficiency from his speech. The Puranik bowed to him and said, "My Chaturmas ends today and your Chaturmas commences. You may please recite Purana from tomorrow". Thus Swami Maharaj began to read Purana from the next day. Many persons came to listen to him. Some students came to learn Yadnik, Astrology, Vedanta, Yoga, etc.

He stayed for a year and a half. Gopalacharya Pandit of Gwalior came to see Swami Mabaraj with his disciples. After Purana he took Gopalacharya to his hut where they had discussion. Pandit returned with great content.