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Indian Spirituality => Stories from Ancient India => Topic started by: SOWMYA_4 on October 04, 2010, 03:58:28 AM

Title: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 04, 2010, 03:58:28 AM
Sairam,

From today i will share with u all the great saint.. a king of yogi shri Gajanan Maharaj pothi. It is composed by Das ganu in marathi.It has 21 chapters.

I seek Baba's grace to bless me this.Oh great Gajanan maharaj please forgive me.. today i am able to post this by your grace..

All saints are one.. they are gods in human form in this kaliyug..

i know u all will have nice time reading this great Gajanan vijay..May sai fullfill all our desire..

Jai sadguru sainath :)
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 04, 2010, 04:01:14 AM
Gajanna maharaj English Pothi

Gajanan Maharaj-Pothi 1

Shri Ganeshayanmah! Shri Ganesha, You are famous for Your generosity and valour. O Gouriputra, all intellectuals and saints first remember You before starting any work.
With Your powerful Blessings all obstructions are just like cotton before fire. So I solemnly bow at Thy feet and invoke Your blessings to bring out the best and the sweetest poetic recitation of my narration. I am ignorant, dull and have no qualities of a poet. But if You bless me, my work will be done.
 
Now my obeisance I give to "Adi Maya Saraswati-Sharada", who is born of Brahma and who is a great inspiration to the poets. Next I pay my obeisance to Jagadamba, to whom I pray for upholding my self-respect. Her blessings are so great that with her "Ashis" even a lame will climb a mountain and a dumb become a good orator. In keeping with that reputation kindly help Dasganu to write this book of Shri Gajanan. Now I beseech the "Puran Purush" Panduranga of Pandharpur, to have an obliging glance at me. You are the sole supporter of this universe and occupy every animate and inanimate object here. You are the creator of everything, omnipotent and You command all the universal actions. You are this world, the life in this world and also the ultimate power. You are Saguna, Nirguna, my father and also my mother. O Purushottama You are so great that I am too small to comprehend You. Shri Rama blessed the monkeys who thereafter gained enormous strength. Same thing happened with the Cowherd boys of Gokula. Saints have said that money is not required to receive Thy favour. A complete surrender at Your feet earns us the support from You. That is why I have come to Your door. Please do not disappoint me. 0 Panduranga of Pandharpur, kindly help me to write this great saint's biography, by residing in me.

O Bhavanivara, Nilkantha, Gangadhara, Onkarrupa. Trimbakeshwara bless me. "Paras" changes iron into gold. Now Your favour is "Paras" and I am iron. Kindly help and do not disappoint me. Nothing is impossible for You since every thing is in Your hands. Kindly come quickly and help this child of Yours to compose this book. Now my obeisance I pay to my family Deity who resides at Kolhapur. I beseech Her to bless me with everything auspicious. O Durgamata Bhavani of Tuljapur, I invoke Your blessings by having your hand on my head. Then I pay my obeisance to Dattatraya and request Him for inspiration to sing in praise of Gajanan.

Now I bow to the Saints of Saints Shri Shandilya, Shri Vashishta, Shri Goutam, Shri Parashar and Shri Shankaracharya the sun in the sky of wisdom. My obeisance to all the saints and sages who should, by holding my hand, get this writing done. Shri Gahani, Nivrutti, Shri Dyaneshwar, Shri Tukaram and Ramdas are dependable ships in the ocean of life. I bow to them.

O Saibaba of Shirdi and Waman Shastri (Shri Dasganu's Guru) kindly free me of all my fears. By the kind grace of You all only, I shall be able to write this book. So be kind to me. Only the real affection can teach a child to speak; and I share a relationship with you as that of a child with the mother. Pen writes letters, but not by itself. A pen is only a means for writing. Dasganu is a pen and I beseech all the saints to hold it to write and make this biography melodious.

Now listeners, get ready and listen single-mindedly to the biography of a saint for your good. On this earth, saints are Gods, ocean of renunciation, and giver of Moksha. Saints are the embodiment of all that is good, sacred and full on sanctity. Now calmly listen to the life story of such a Saint. Saints never deceive anybody. They are full of wisdom that guides us on the path leading to the ultimate truth. God Himself is indebted to those who surrender themselves at the feet of the saints. Now with an open mind listen to the biography of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

No other country is as fortunate as Bharat in being a birthplace of so many saints and therefore it has never fallen short of any happiness so far. It is so because, since time immemorial, our land continuously has had the touch of sacred feet of saints. Shri Narad, Dhruva, Kayadhukumar, Uddhava, Sudama, Subhadravar, Anjanikumar, Dharma Raja, Jagatguru Shankaracharya, We are all born in this country. Madhawa, Vallabha, Ramanuja, the able defenders of our religion, too were born here. The greatness of Narsi Mehta, Tulsidas, Kabir, Kamal, Surdas and Gourang Prabhu is quite beyond my power to describe.

Intense devotion of Princess Mirabai made lord Vishnu swallow poison for her. The great deeds performed by the supreme yogis like Shri Goraknath, Macchindra and Jalander are described in detail in the sacred book "Navanath". Shri Namdeo, Narahari, Janabai, Kanho, Sakhubai, Chokha, Savata, Kurmadas and Damajipanth won over Shri Hari by "Bhakti" only. God became "Mahar" for Damajipant. Since Mahipati has already written the biographies of Mukundraj, Janardan, Bodhala, Nipat and Niranjan, I do not repeat them here. I only suggest you to read the sacred books "Bhakti Vijay" and "Bhaktimala". After that I have composed songs in praise of three saints and equal to them is Shri Gajanan Maharaj who greatly influenced the public. With my good fortune, I am now getting an opportunity to write this detailed biography of this great saint. In fact, He was first seen by me at Akot, but His biography is being written by me last for the following reasons. First we prepare a plain garland and the middle gem (Merumani) in it is attached at last. So the story of Shri Gajanan Maharaj is like that Merumani.

Shegaon, a small village in Khamgaon Taluka of Berar is a great market center. Though a small village, it gained importance due to this Saint and became a world famous place. In this Shegaon Lake, a lotus in the form of Shri Gajanan Maharaj has sprung up and its fragrance spread all over the universe. Shri Gajanan Maharaj is a diamond of Shegaon mine and I, with my limited intelligence, wish to narrate His glory. Please listen to it and do not forget that you can attain "Moksha" by complete surrender at His feet. Shri Gajanan biography is like a cloud and you the peacocks. The rain in the form of Shri Gajanan stories will make you dance in gaiety. People of Shegaon are really fortunate to get Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Good deeds only can invoke the blessings of Saints who are superior even to Gods.

It was Kartik Ekadashi day when Ramchandra Patil met me at Pandharpur and requested me to write the biography of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. It was in fact my long cherished desire to sing in praise of Shri Gajanan, but was not getting the opportunity. Shri Maharaj seem to have understood my wish and so made Ramchandra Patil a tool for the fulfilment of that desire. Nobody can know the designs of great saints like Shri Gajanan Maharaj who was a gem amongst the saints. Historically, nothing is known about His caste, creed or place of origin, like Brahma whose origin nobody knows. Like a brilliant diamond we should only appreciate its brilliance and not bother about the mine of its origin.


Shri Gajanan Maharaj appeared at Shegaon on 7th Vadya Magh of 1800 Saka. Some say that he came from Sajjangad the place of Shri Ramdas Swami. Though there is no sufficient proof to accept this fact, it may have some sense in it.
There was wide spread corruption and misery and it is possible that Shri Ramdas Swami, for the good of the people, took rebirth as Gajanan Maharaj. Yogis can enter anybody and many saints have done so in the past. Gorakh was born in dustbin, Kanifa in the ear of elephant and Changdeo in the "Narayan Doha" - all unlike the traditional human birth. Same may be the case of Shri Gajanan Maharaj - the king of Yogis. It will be seen from His actions that Shri Maharaj had a detailed knowledge of all yogic feats. Yoga has got a unique importance incomparable with anything else.

Shri Gajanan appeared in Shegaon on 7th Vadya Magh for the spiritual liberation of the sinners. It so happened that there was one pious Brahmin named Devidas Paturkar at Shegaon and to celebrate the puberty function of his son he had arranged a lunch for his friends. The leftover food from the plates was thrown out-side the house and Shri Gajanan Maharaj was seen sitting near that food. He had a worn out old shirt on His body, a dry gourd for drinking water, a pipe of clay for smoking and nothing else. His body was lustrous like the rising sun and eyes concentrated at the tip of nose indicative of His yogic strength. Sitting by the roadside He was picking particles of food thrown there. His action of picking up the food particles from the leaf plates lying on road was to convey to the common man that food is Brahma. "Shruti" and "Upanishad" say the same thing. Bankatlal Agrawal and Damodar Pant, who were passing by, were surprised to see His behaviour. They thought that had this man been really hungry He would have begged for it and Shri Paturkar, being a pious man would have given the food to Him. Thinking such, Bankatlal said to his friend, "Let us watch His actions. Vyas has said in Bhagawat that real saints, many times, behave like mad men, and this can be a case like that".
Thousands of people must have passed that way but only these two persons were attracted to observe this person. Only wise men and experts can detect a diamond lying in the heap of pebbles. Bankatlal asked Him as to why He was eating the food lying on the road and volunteered to serve good food. In reply Shri Gajanan simply looked at them. They were delighted to see His broad chest, Muscular shoulders, eyes concentrated at the tip of nose, and gay face. They respectfully bowed to Him and asked Devidaspant to immediately bring a dish of food. Shri Devidas brought and put it before Shri Maharaj. He having no likes and dislikes, mixed (all the food & sweets together and satisfied His hunger.

It was like an emperor being presented with a small village. So was this food presented to Shri Gajanan who had already satisfied Himself by consuming "Brahma Rasa". Bankatlal regretted having called Him a mad man. It was very hot noontime and even the birds did not dare come out of their nests. Under such unfavourable conditions, Shri Gajanan was sitting fearlessly and full of joy as if He was Brahma himself. So Shri Maharaj had taken food but then Damodarpant observed that there was no water in His Tumba. Bankatlal Said  "Maharaj, if You permit I will bring water for You". Shri Maharaj smiled and said, "If you wish, go and bring water. Brahma is everywhere and he won't differentiate between you and me, but we have to follow the worldly traditions. So when food is taken the body needs water too". Bankatlal felt happy over this reply and rushed to bring the water for Shri Maharaj. Meantime Shri Maharaj went to the roadside tank where water was stored for the cattle and satisfied His thirst with that water. Bankatlal returned with a jar of cold water and requested Shri Maharaj not to drink the dirty water from that tank. Shri Gajanan said, "Everything in the universe is pervaded by Brahma without any differentiation of clean or dirty, good or bad. Brahma is in clean water as well as in dirty water and the one who drinks it is also occupied by Brahma Himself. You should try to understand the omnipotent nature of God and also to know the origin of this world. Instead of this, you are involving your-self in wordly attachments".
Hearing so from Shri Maharaj, both Bankatlal and Damodarpant bent down to prostrate before Shri Maharaj, Knowing their intentions Shri Maharaj ran away with the speed of the wind.

May this " Gajanan Vijay" Granth bring happiness to all.


"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter One.


Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: v2birit on October 04, 2010, 04:50:13 AM
Thankyou dear Sowmya ji. Stories of Saints always do good to us, remove our suffering of all kinds & give us knowledge.

Om Sai Ram
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 04, 2010, 11:24:21 PM
Gajanan Maharaj - Pothi2

Shri Ganeshayanamah! O lord of Rukmini residing on the bank of Chandrabhaga (river), God of Gods, Friend of the poor, kindly look at me.
O God! Everything is futile without Your favour. No one cares for a lifeless body. Beauty of a lake is due to the water in it. Juicy core of the fruits gives importance to its husk. Same is the case of your blessings. Kindly oblige me by removing all my sins, woes and poverty.

In the last chapter we have seen that Shri Gajanan suddenly left Bankatlal and went away. Since then Shri Bankatlal was craving to see Shri Gajanan again. Forgetting all worldly things like food and water he was constantly thinking of Shri Gajanan only, like a calf for its mother. But he could not share his mental condition with anybody not even with his father. His search continued throughout Shegaon but could not find Shri Gajanan. His father however, noticed the anxiety and despair written large on the face of his young son. He asked him the reason for his unhappiness especially because God had blessed them abundantly with every thing required for a happy life. Bankatlal did not reply and continued his search for Shri Gajanan. At last Bankatlal told everything about Shri Gajanan and his search for Him to a neighbour Ramajipant Deshmukh, a pious old man. Hearing the details from Bankatlal, Ramajipant noted that He must be some yogi, and meeting with such yogis is possible only if one has to his credit a lot of good deed from the previous birth. He, therefore, encouraged Bankatlal to continue his search and also to take him for the Darshan of that yogi when found.

After a few days there came the renowned Kirtankar, Govindbua Taklikar to Shegaon. His Kirtan was arranged in the Shankarji's temple where a lot of people assembled to listen to him. Bankatlal also went there. He met his friend Pitambar in the temple and narrated to him everything about Shri Gajanan. They sat listening to the Kirtan and lo! There was Shri Gajanan Maharaj also attentively listening to Govind Bua. They were as delighted as does a miser at the sight of gold or a peacock at the glimpse of a cloud. Bankat and Pitamber got up, went to Shri Gajanan, bowed before Him and asked if He would like to eat something. Gajanan looked up and said, "Go and bring some bread for me from the house of some Mali (Caste). Bankatlal immediately brought bread and vegetable and gave it to Shri Gajanan. He ate it and asked Pitambar to bring some water in His "Tumba" from the river. Pitambar said that the river was practically dry and so offered to bring water from somebody's house. Shri Gajanan insisted to get water from the river only and with a further condition that the water not be filled by hand, but taken directly by dipping the Tumba in the river. Pitambar went to the river and saw that the water in the river was not at all sufficient to dip the Tumba in it. What to do? He was in a fix. Ultimately he dared and lowered the Tumba in the water and there was a miracle. The Tumba went straight full in the water and the dirty water from the river became clean in the Tumba and it was full. He tried again and was surprised to see that wherever he dipped the Tumba in the water, clean water rushed into it to the brim. He now understood that it was due to the yogic power of Shri Gajanan. Pitambar brought and offered the water to Shri Gajanan. He drank the water and said "Don't try to satisfy me with the bread of that Mali. I want a nut from you".
Bankatlal gave Him the nut and along with it offered a copper coin as Dakshina (offering). Shri Gajanan said that He was not a businessman to accept money, and asked for Bhakti only. Then Shri Gajanan asked Bankat and Pitambar to listen to the Kirtan attentively.

Govind-Bua started the Kirtan with a stanza from Shri Bhagavat. Govind-Bua recited the first part of the stanza and Shri Gajanan loudly recited the latter part of it. Govind-Bua was surprised and said that the man who recited this stanza must be a man of great authority. Saying so, he requested Shri Gajanan Maharaj to come inside the temple. Likewise other people also requested Shri Maharaj, but Shri Gajanan Maharaj ignored them all. Then Govind-Bua himself came out and said to Maharaj, "You are the incarnation of Lord Shankar. Please come in. The temple will be empty without You. By the grace of some good deeds of my previous birth I have come across saint like you. So kindly come in the temple". Shri Maharaj said, "Be firm on what you say. Just now you have said that God is every where, then why force me to come in the temple ? You should practice what you preach and a student should avoid playing with words. It is not proper for you to behave against the preaching of the stanza from Bhagavat that you preached to these people right now. I don't wish you to be a preacher preaching just for lively-hood. Now go and continue your Kirtan". Bua returned and announced to the audience, "An invaluable gem has come to your Shegaon. Protect Him careful. With the arrival of this Pandurang in human form, Shegaon now becomes Pandharpur. See that He lives with you, serve Him well and obey Him. That alone will bring you all immense happiness".

Bankatlal brimming with joy returned home and told his father Bhavaniram about Shri Gajanan and received his consent to bring Shri Maharaj home. Then he started his search for Shri Gajanan. After four days of wondering, Bankatlal Saw Shri Maharaj in Manik Chowk. It was evening time and the sun was setting, but for Shri Bankatlal it was the rising of sun in the form of Shri Gajanan. Cows returning home, gathered around Shri Gajanan thinking Him to be Shri Krishna. Shopkeepers were preparing to light the lamps when Shri Bankatlal brought Shri Maharaj to his house. Bhavaniram overjoyed at the sight of this saint,  prostrated before Him and offered a wooden Pata to sit and said "You are Shri Shankar incarnate, coming to us in the evening time. I wish to offer to You food, so please kindly accept it. I am really very fortunate to have You at my place in the evening time. Skandhapurana says that it is a great fortune to worship Lord Shankar in the evening time."

Saying so, he respectfully worshipped Shri Maharaj with Bilwapatra. Bankatlal's father was now worried because he had requested Shri Maharaj to accept the food at his house; however, in fact the food was not yet ready, and if this saint did not wait till the food gets ready, it would be a great disappointment, as this would mean that Lord Shankar went away without taking food in the evening time from his house. So he was in a fix. What to do? He thought over and decided to offer Shri Maharaj puris which were prepared in the morning, as fried food is not treated as stale. Moreover he knew that his mind was pious and sincere in offering food to Shri Gajanan. Accordingly he brought a thali full of puris, almonds, dates, bananas, and oranges and put it before Shri Gajanan. He applied Bukka on His forehead and put a garland round His neck.

Shri Gajanan ate everything that was served, consumed about three seers of food and stayed that night with Bankatlal. Next morning Bankatlal gave Shri Gajanan a ceremonious bath with one hundred pitchers of water. Men and women washed Him with soap and massaged His body with scented oils. After the bath, a very costly Pitamber (yellow robe) was given to Him to wear and made Him sit on a well-decorated high seat. Garlands of flowers and Tulsi were put around His neck, Kesar paste was applied on His forehead and fruits and sweets were offered to Him to eat. Thus Bankat's house became Dwarka for all the devotees. That was Monday, the auspicious day of worshipping Lord Shankar. All the people fulfilled their desire of worshipping Shri Gajanan except one. That was Ichharam, a cousin of Bankatlal. He was a devotee of Lord Shankar and it being a Monday, the day of Lord Shiva, he wished to worship Shri Gajanan at evening time by treating Him to be Lord Shiva. At Sunset time, Ichharam took a bath and with great devotion offered Puja to Shri Gajanan. He told Shri Maharaj that he had a fast since morning and would take food only if Shri Gajanan accepted and ate food offered by him. Saying so, Ichharam brought a thali full of rice, many varieties of Sweets, curry, puris, ghee, fruits and many other things, sufficient to feed at least four persons and put it before Shri Gajanan. Looking at that thali Shri Maharaj said to Himself, "You, greedy Ganpya, always want to eat and eat. Now eat all this food without hesitation and let all these people see Your greediness". Saying so, He started eating everything that was served to Him and did not leave even a grain of salt in the thali. Then to show the result of forceful eating, Shri Gajanan vomited everything that He ate. Shri Ramdas Swami once did the same thing. It so happened that he felt a craze to eat Sweet Kheer. He asked for it and ate it to His full content. Overeating resulted in vomiting. Shri Ramdas started eating that what he vomited just to win over his obsessive eating desire. Similarly Shri Gajanan, though quite strong to digest anything, vomited only to teach a lesson to those who pressurize Him to eat. Thereafter the devotees cleaned the place, gave a bath to Shri Gajanan and made Him sit on a raised seat. Many people came to pay respect to Gajanan.

They started singing devotional songs. Shri Maharaj was very happy to listen to them and then He began chanting to Himself "Gan Ganat Bote" in the same tune in which the Bhajan was composed. It continued this way for the whole night. Because of His above utterance of "Gan Gan Ganat Bote", people started calling him as "Gajanan". In fact He Himself being Brahma needs no name. Yogis are perpetually engrossed in their yogic trance and the joy that  they derive out of that has no comparison. As people go to Pandharpur in Ashadha, to  Nasik in Sinhastha or to Haridwar for Kumbhamela, so they started going to Shegaon to worship Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Swami Samarth Gajanan, and some believe is the incarnation of Vithal Narayan, is standing like a rock of determination at Shegaon. His words were the bank of holy Godavari, the joy begotten out of it was Haridwar and the whole Shegaon was crowded by people who wished to meet Shri Gajanan in this temple which was Bankatlal's house. Thus innumerable people were coming to Bankatlal's house for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan. One who has attained Brahmapada has no caste. The rays of the sun equally bless everything and everybody. Fresh batches of people were coming daily to Shegaon and food was served to hundreds of people. In fact it is all beyond the power of description of a small fly like me. Everything is being said and narrated by Shri Gajanan Himself by using me as a tool for that purpose. His life story is vast and I fall too short to describe it. However, I now narrate to you His daily routine. At times He took a good bath and some times used to drink dirty water. His daily routine was most uncertain like the speed of air. He loved smoking but had no craving for it. Now listen to the next chapter with faith.

Dasganu desires this book to be an ideal guide for the devotees.

"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter Two

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: v2birit on October 05, 2010, 03:37:27 AM
Dear bhaktas,
     Two Questions,
1.  Does anyone know the meaning of "Gan Gan Ganat Bote".
2.  Is it possible for us to get darshan of a Siddha such as Gajanan Maharaj or Sai baba live face to face, in this lifetime. Does anyone know of any such siddha who is living in bodily form, in present times. Anybody already had darshan ?

Om Sai Ram
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 05, 2010, 06:13:56 AM
sairam V2BIRIT ji,

even i feel same think.. around 100  ya 200 yrs back.. so great siddha's like akkalkot maharaj then Gajanan maharaj then Shirdi saibaba was there people used to get darshan of god so easily...  :)  but now ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: v2birit on October 05, 2010, 08:51:10 AM
Well there are but not so easy to get access

I know the following Siddhas living at present,

1. Satya Sai baba of Puttaparthi
2. Domak Maharaj , somewhere in Domak, in Vidharbha Region of Maharashtra
3. Aniruddha Bapu in Mumbai.

but they are not easily accessible.

It requires great Merit (Punya) to get thier contact without effort.

Om Sai Ram
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 06, 2010, 03:13:02 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi3
 
Shri Ganeshayanamah! O Sachhidananda Shri Hari, be kind to me as You have never been harsh to the fallen ones.
You are the ocean of kindness, a mother to the sufferers and Kalpataru to Your devotees. O Rama, such is Your reputation as sung by the saints. So, Purushottama, please bless this Dasganu also, without delay.

Shri Gajanan Maharaj stayed at Bankatlals house. People from distant places started coming to Him for Darshan. Flies gather where there is honey with no invitation.

Now listen to what happened one day. Shri Maharaj was sitting in a jubilant mood. It was morning time. Eastern horizon was red and birds were singing. Soft breeze was blowing and old people, sitting in their beds, were chanting Gods name. The sun peeping up of from the east drove away the darkness. Pious married ladies were sprinkling water in their courtyard and calves were running to the cows.
At such a pleasant morning time, an ascetic came for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. With his worn out clothes he was looking like a beggar. How can such a beggarly looking person expect good reception from the rich people sitting around Shri Maharaj? He had a small loincloth, a kerchief around his head and a small bag hanging from his shoulder. His dry disorderly hair was hanging on his back. He quietly sat in one corner before Shri Gajanan. Amongst many people coming for the Darshan of Shri Maharaj, this poor man was totally neglected. Sitting there, he was wondering as to how to get near Shri Gajanan to touch His feet. Having heard of the greatness of Shri Gajanan at Kashi, he had vowed to present Ganja to Shri Maharaj. In the first place, now he was finding it difficult to get a chance to fulfil his vow, and if at all he got a chance, the utterance of the word Ganja in the temple would make him face kicks from the people around. But after all, his coming to Shri Gajanan was only for the fulfilment of the vow of offering Ganja to Shri Maharaj. His vow of offering Ganja was because he liked it the most and so he thought it to be the best offering. While he was thinking so, Shri Gajanan understood and pointing to him asked the devotees to bring forth that ascetic to him. He was happy to see that Shri Gajanan knew everything that was going on in his mind. Saints know everything of the past, present and future. So he now expected Shri Gajanan to know the purpose of his coming to Shegaon. When he was brought-forth, Shri Maharaj said, Take Out that bundle which you have been keeping in your bag for last three months. Overwhelmed with joy, the ascetic started rolling like a child before Shri Maharaj. Maharaj said, Shamelessly you vowed to offer Ganja to me and now feel shy to take it out of your bag. The shrewd ascetic said that he would take it out and offer Ganja with a request that Shri Maharaj, as a token of his remembrance, accept the offering permanently. He further said, I know that You dont need Ganja, but kindly accept it as my humble offering. God fulfills all the desires of devotees. For example, Anjani prayed to Lord Shiva to come to her womb and take birth as her child. Lord Shiva accepted and took birth as Maharudra Hanuman. Taking the form of a monkey was accepted by Lord Shiva to fulfil the desire of His devotee. Shri Gajanan hesitated a bit but then agreed. The ascetic then took out Ganja, rubbed it in his hand, filled in the pipe and gave it to Shri Maharaj to smoke. This is how Shri Gajanan started smoking Ganja; but He never became an addict to it. Just like a lotus leaf he was free from attachments. The ascetic stayed there for a few days and then went away to Rameshwar.

Some-times Shri Maharaj used to recite Vedic verses in sweet clear tones, and at times observed silence. His Reciting of the Vedas indicated that He was a Brahmin. Sometimes he used to sing a composition in different ragas or go on singing His Mantra, Gan Gan Ganat Bote At other times He observed silence or quietly slept. Some-times He behaved like a mad man, or wandered in the jungles or entered somebodys house unexpectedly.

At Shegaon there was a famous man by name Janrao Deshmukh. He was on deathbed and all the doctors declared him to be as a hopeless case, and accordingly notified his relatives the sad news. They prayed to God, took vows in exchange of his life to God but to no avail. So they thought of the last remedy i.e. of approaching Shri Gajanan Maharaj with the belief that saints can perform any miracle. Shri Dnyaneshwar brought Sachhidananda back to life, and the same can be done by Shri Gajanan for Janrao. So one of the relatives went to the house of Bankatlal, where Shri Gajanan was staying, and narrating the whole story of Janrao requested him to give Pada Tirtha of Shri Gajanan which they would give to Janrao Deshmukh. Shri Bankatlal with the permission of his father Bhavaniram, took a glass of water touched it to the feet of Shri Maharaj and told Him that the Tirtha was being given to Janrao Deshmukh. Shri Gajanan Maharaj gave His consent. Thereafter the Tirtha was given to Janrao Deshmukh who immediately regained consciousness and thereafter slowly recovered from the illness. All the medicines were stopped and Janrao was kept on a daily dose of the Tirtha from the feet of Shri Maharaj. He gained his normal health within a week and went to Shri Bhavanirams house for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Look, the water from the feet of Shri Maharaj had the effect of life saving nectar. This is so because the saints are the God incarnates in Kalyuga.

With such a happening one may say that no body should die in Shegaon so long as Shri Gajanan Maharaj is there. This statement however, is not logical. Saints do not prevent death, nor do they behave against the laws of the nature. But they can avoid a death if it is unnatural or accidental. Shri Dnyaneshwar avoided the death of Shri Sachhidananda at Newasha but the same Sachhidananda later on had to die at Alandi. That means, the saints can check unnatural or accidental death and it is not at all difficult for them.
There are three types of deaths namely, Adhyatmic (subjective) meaning natural or destined, Adhibhoutic (Phenomenal) means by material effects and Adhidaivic (God sent) means accidental or un-natural. Of all these three, the first is most powerful and no body can avoid it. The second i.e. Adhibhoutic death is the result of bad eating and living habits and an undisciplined life style which gives rise to various diseases in the body. But this type of death can be averted with the help of a competent doctor. The third i.e. Adhidaivic death can be prevented by prayers and blessings of Saints. This category again is divided into two types, namely Bhoutic cause by material effect and the other is Daivic    caused by not pleasuring God.
Adhyatmic i.e. the natural death cannot be prevented by anybody. Remember that Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, died in the presence of Shri Krishna Himself. Janraos death was of an un-natural type and so could be prevented by Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Some deaths can be averted by vows of offerings to God. But it should be done with full faith in the Almighty. In fact it is the strength of the faith involved itself that works to prevent the unnatural type of death. This sort of death can also be avoided by the Pada Tirtha of a saint who is pious and free from the six hostile forces of life. One should surrender to a real saint only and keep away from the hypocrites. After his full recovery, Deshmukh celebrated the blessings by feeding hundreds of people at the Math where Shri Maharaj stayed.

The incident of saving Deshmukh created problems for Shri Gajanan Maharaj and to avoid them, He had to become rather strict and indifferent to the people. His real devotees; however, could bear with that attitude of Shri Maharaj. God Narsinha, by His very appearance created terror in the minds of people, but Pralhad was not afraid of that outward look. Tigress is fearful for others but not to her cubs playing in her lap. Likewise the real devotees were not afraid of the strictness shown by Shri Maharaj.
Now listen to another story. It is seen that the earth when in contact with musk gets its fragrance. Similarly by mere contact of sandal wood and ordinary wood also gets its fragrance. This is quite natural, but it will be absurd if the wood thinks itself to be sandalwood. Along with the Sugarcane also grows some useless bushes. Saints and Satan both are born on the same earth. Along with the diamonds are found ordinary pebbles too in the mines. Though found in one place they differ in their values. Ordinary pebble cannot get the lustre of diamonds and they will simply be trampled under our feet and the diamonds picked up.

Vithoba Ghatol, like above pebble, a hypocrite, was staying with Shri Gajanan Maharaj at Shegaon. He was dishonest and insincere, but showing off as if a great devotee. He used to call himself Kalyan of Shri Maharaj, and said that Shri Gajanan depended for everything, i.e. food, pipe and other comforts, on him. He was taking all sorts of advantages by his association with Shri Maharaj and boasted himself to be a bull before Lord Shiva. By his divine vision, Shri Gajanan Maharaj knew what Vithoba was doing and so taught him a lesson by following incidence.

It so happened that some people come to Shegaon for the Darshan of Shri Maharaj. At that time Shri Gajanan was sleeping, and no body could dare wake Him up. These people were in hurry to go but at the same time wanted Darshan of Shri Maharaj. They approached Vithoba and said, Vithoba, we are in hurry to go back and want Darshan of Shri Maharaj before going. Amongst all the disciples you are the most intelligent, nearer and dearer to Shri Maharaj. So kindly wake him up and let us have his Darshan.  This request flattered Vithoba and he immediately went and woke up Shri Maharaj. People got Darshan but it invited calamity for Vithoba. Shri Gajanan got a stick and thrashed Vithoba severely with it and said, You rascal, you have started business here, and if I tolerate you, I shall be guilty before God. So I must punish you: Wine should not be treated as sweet drink, poison should not be touched, and thieves should not be made friends. Saying so, He knocked him again with the stick. Vithoba ran away and never returned again. This is how the real saints behave.

Hypocrites pose as saints, with the help of selfish people, and misguide the public. This is an antisocial act. Real saints will always try to eliminate such elements from the society. A chaste lady will not like a prostitute as a neighbour. Gold will not like the ornaments of aluminium. Saints may accept bad people but will not give them importance. It is so because the saints realise that these people are sufferers because of their sins of previous life. It is just like the earth, which allows a prickly-pear also to grow along with Mogra. Mogra and prickly-pear are both the children of earth but they get different treatment. So also the saints will offer protection to all but have different values to individuals.

Vithoba was most unfortunate. He got the touch of the Saints feet but unfortunately lost the same. He failed to understand the greatness of the saint. Had he realised it, he would have attained divine pleasure. By sitting under Kalpavriksha he desired for an ordinary pebble or asked for a coconut shell from Kamdhenu. No body, in association with saint, should do like this.

May this Gajanan Vijay Granth be a saviour to all devotees.

SHUBHAM BHA VATU
Here ends of Chapter Three.


Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 06, 2010, 11:31:47 PM
Chapter - Pothi 4
Shri Ganeshayanamah! O Almighty! All Powerful God, Nilkantha, Gangadhara, Mahakal Trimbakeshwara, Shri Omkara manifest Yourself to me. You and Vishnu are one and the same as water and aqua. People worship either of Your forms as per their liking. One who sincerely loves You gets Your affection as a child gets from his mother. I am Your innocent child craving for Your love, You are all powerful, a Kalpataru. Kindly fulfil all my desires.

Swami Gajanan was staying at the house of Bankatlal when the following incident occurred. On the third of Vaisakh Shudha day, people offer an earthen pitcher full of water to their dead forefathers. In Vidarbha, this day namely Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on a large scale. On this day, Shri Maharaj was sitting with some boys, probably to reveal some of His super natural power. He told the boys to fill up His pipe with tobacco and light it for smoking. Boys prepared the pipe and started searching for fire. They could not get it. So Bankatlal suggested them to go to Jankiram the Goldsmith to ask him to ignite the pipe for Maharaj, as all goldsmiths first ignite fire in the morning to start off with their business and then attend to other works.

The children then went to Jankiram and asked him for an ignited piece of coal for the pipe of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Jankiram got angry and refused to oblige the children saying that he did not like giving fire to any body on Akshaya Tritiya day. The boys told him not to be superstitious as the fire was required for the pipe of Shri Gajanan, the God of Gods. Jankiram turned down their request and said, "I don't accept Shri Gajanan as a saint. He has no caste, eats from anybody's hand, smokes tobacco and Ganja, remains naked, drinks sewage water and behaves like a mad man. Bankatlal is a fool to go after Him. I will not give fire for His pipe. If He is really a Saint, He should be able to create fire by His super natural powers as was done by Saint Jalander. So get out." The boys, disappointed went back to Bankatlal's house and narrated everything to Shri Maharaj. Shri Gajanan Maharaj smiled and took the pipe in His hand and asked Bankatlal to hold one matchstick, without igniting it, on the pipe. Bankatlal did it and was surprised to see the match stick igniting itself on the pipe. Such were the supernatural powers of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Now listen to what happened to Jankiram by this incident. Neem leaves have a special significance on the New Year�s Day (Gudi Padwa), so has the tamarind curry on Akshaya Tritiya day. Shri Jankiram had invited many people for lunch on that day and the main dish was tamarind curry. When this curry was served to the people it was seen full of small dirty worms. It created nausea amongst the people gathered to eat and so the people left Jankiram's house without eating any food. The gold smith felt very sorry and it suddenly occurred to him that because of refusing to provide fire for the pipe of Shri Gajanan, all his food was wasted. He thought to himself, "Shri Gajanan is the pure water of Janhavi, the king of Kings and I treated Him like a beggar. He is the knower of the past, the present and the future and I thought Him to be a mad person. A Kalpavriksha was taken by me to be a thorny bush. He is a Chintamani and I thought Him to be splint. I could not understand His divine power. By my ill luck I lost an opportunity of getting the Blessings from a great Saint. I am a mere burden to the earth, an animal walking on two legs."

Saying so, he condemned himself again and again. At last he decided to go and surrender at the feet of Shri Maharaj. He took some tamarind curry with him, went to Bankatlal's house and narrated his misfortune to Bankatlal. He said "Bankatlalji look to this curry full of worms. I am completely disgraced as all the invitees for lunch had to go without food. It is all due to my own fault. I refused this morning the fire for the pipe of Shri Maharaj and this is the result."
Bankatlal said that the tamarind used by him might be worms infested. Jankiram said, "The tamarind was new and clear. Now all that I want is to prostrate before Shri Gajanan and beg His pardon for my blunder". Jankiram went and falling at the feet of Shri Gajanan said, "0 Maharaj I beg to be pardoned for all my mistakes. You are lord Shiva in Shegaon but I did not recognize You. Now I am free of all doubts, and whatever punishment is given to me today should be enough to improve me. You are the protector of orphans like me, so kindly pardon me." Shri Maharaj replied, "You are telling a lie. Your curry is fine and there are no worms in it". And really the curry was clean and fine. All the worms had disappeared in a moment. The people around, saw the miracle and bowed before Shri Maharaj.

Now listen to the story of Chandu Mukin, a devotee of Shri Maharaj. In the month of Jeshta in summer all the devotees were sitting around Shri Maharaj. They were offering Him fruits, sugar balls, garlands, applying sandalwood paste to his body and some of them were cooling air by hand fans. At that time Shri Maharaj said that He did not want mangoes or fruits but two "Kanholes" kept in the earthen pitcher at Chandu�s House. Chandu, with folded hands said that there were no Kanholes at his house, but would get prepared fresh if necessary. Maharaj replied that He did not want fresh Kanholes, but only those stale ones lying in the earthen pitcher at his house. Chandu went home and told his wife what Shri Maharaj had said. His wife said that the "Kanholes" were prepared a month back on Akshaya Tritiya day and all were consumed the same day, and if at all some were left, they must be stale and hard by this time. She however, showed her readiness to prepare fresh "Kanholes" for Shri Maharaj. But Chandu replied that Maharaj wanted only the stale ones and not fresh. He asked her to remember where she kept them since Swamiji couldnot possibly utter a lie. She paused and tried to remember and in a flash said that what Swamiji had said was correct. She remembered that two Kanholes were really kept by her in the earthen pitcher. She took out the Kanholes and gave them to Chandu, and the wonder was that they had not hardened or dried at all. Looking to it they both were happy. Chandu went back and offered the "Kanholes" to Shri Maharaj. All were surprised at the divine knowledge of Shri Maharaj. Shri Gajanan happily ate the "Kanholes" as fruits offered by Shabari were devoured happily by Shri Ram.

At Chincholi, a town near Shegaon, there was a Brahmin by the name of Madhao. He was over sixty years old and was physically very weak. He passed away his youth years in attaining material pleasure only. It is not possible to change ones fate. Madhao lost all his children and wife and was left alone in this world at an old age. He lost all interest in his life, sold out all his possessions and regretted that while in material pursuits he never remembered Almighty God. Again and again he begged pardon from God and prayed for helping him out of the tragedy of his life. Full of repentance he came to Shri Gajanan and squatted at His doors fasting and chanting the name of God. After one full day of his fasting Shri Gajanan said, "What you are doing is not proper. Why did you not remember God like this before? It is just like calling a doctor after the death of patient or like marrying in an old age after spending one�s youth being a bachelor. Everything should be done in its proper time. Otherwise the action bears no fruits. It is no use digging a well when the house is on fire. The family for whom you toiled in your good days has left you alone. You wasted all your time attaining things that were transient and forgot the One truth which is eternal. As a consequence you have now to bear the results of your actions from which there is no escape. So do not be obstinate. Be reasonable." Other people also tried to persuade him but he ignored all and kept up his fast and the chanting of �Narayan, Narayan�.

 At mid night when it was pitch dark, and nobody was near about, Shri Gajanan played a trick with Madhao. He changed His human form into a fearful form of Yama, the God of death, and with a big open jaw rushed to Madhao, as if to eat him. Madhao was dumb founded his heart throbbing, he started to run away. Looking at his condition, Shri Maharaj regained His normal self and loudly said, "Is this the boldness that you have got? Remember that you are the food of death, and it will swallow you like this only. What I have shown is an indication of future happening of Yamalok wherefrom you will not be able to run away. Madhao said, "Kindly save me from Yamalok. I do not want this life also. My last request to You is to send me to Vaikunth. You have already shown me the Yamaloka once, so do not send me there again. I am fully aware of my sins and if you wish, it is not difficult for You to free me from them. I am fortunate enough to be at your feet, probably because of some good deeds from the past to my credit. The one who meets a saint during his lifetime cannot go to Yamalok". Shri Maharaj said, �Keep on chanting the name of Narayan, as your death is quite near now. If you still want to live, tell me and I will extend your life span." Madhao said, �I do not want to live any more. This world is all unreal and so kindly don�t let me get involved in its attractions any more.� Upon which, Shri Maharaj said, "TATHASTU - I give you what you want. You will not be reborn on this earth.� Such was the secret conversation between them, for which my words fall short to describe. Madhao lost all the worldly responses and looking at his behaviour, people thought it to be the effect of his fasting. Madhao died at the feet of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and finally escaped the cycle of birth and death.

Once Shri Maharaj wished to listen to the Vedic recitation and so asked the devotees to get some learned Brahmins for reciting of Vedas. Devotees said that learned Brahmins able to recite Vedas, were not available there days. Swamiji however, asked them to go ahead with making the necessary preparations saying that the Brahmins would come the next day. The devotees were happy; they started the preparations and collected a sum of a hundred rupees for the purpose. Next day, at noontime, a team of learned Brahmins arrived at Shegaon and they recited the Vedas before Shri Gajanan Maharaj. All of them were given "Dakshina". Then they went away. This shows that Almighty God fulfils all the desires of the saints. Bankatlal, and now his descendants continued this recitation of Vedas on that particular day every year. 

"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter Four.
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 07, 2010, 12:14:36 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi5

 
Shri Ganeshayanmah. O God You are unconquerable to the foes.
O Adwait,
Sachhidananda, Karunalaya, relieve this Dasganu of all my fears. I am a fallen,
poor, sinful person and possess no authority. Thus I am entirely helpless. But great people often help the poor. Look, Lord Shankar has applied ash to His body.
The smallness of the smalls does not degrade the great ones. So with this understanding let this Dasganu be at Your feet. A mother fulfils all desires of her child. I am at Your mercy. Do whatever you like, but be kind to me for all my aspirations depend on You.

While Maharaj stayed at Shegaon, hundreds of people started coming to Maharaj to receive His Darshan. His reputation spread far and wide; but Shri Gajanan wanted to keep away from all people. So he used to wander in forests for months without giving anybody any knowledge of His movements. In His wandering once He went to Pimpalgaon. There was a temple of Lord Shiva in the forest near Pimpalgaon Shri Gajanan went there and sat in Padmasan Mudra. There was a small stream near the temple where cowherd boys came with their cattle. As the cows were drinking water at the stream, the boys went to the temple for Darshan of Lord Shiva. They saw Shri Gajanan sitting there with closed eyes and were surprised. They used to visit that temple but never saw anybody sitting there like Shri Gajanan. Some of them sat before Him, but the saint did not open His eyes nor spoke anything. The boys could not understand the reason why He sat like that at the temple. They thought that He must be very tired and so unable to open His mouth and eyes. Some of them thought that He must be very hungry and so they put some bread before Him and started shaking Him. Even then there was no response from the saint. It was all very surprising for them. The boys said that He couldn't possibly be dead since He was sitting straight without any support also His body was warm. One of them suggested that He might be a ghost. Some people; however, argued to that saying that a ghost couldn't dare come in the proximity of Lord Shiva. Then they thought to themselves that He must therefore be a God from heaven, and with this idea occurring to them, considered themselves to be fortunate to get the Darshan of God. So they decided to offer Him puja, and brought water and flowers to wash His feet, put flowers on His head and some bread and onions before Him as Naivedyam. They performed Bhajan sitting there for some time. Being engrossed in performing the Bhajan they forgot about returning home. When they remembered that they were late and that it might create anxiety amongst elders and their parents might even come out in search of the cowherds. Moreover the calves also might be lowing for the mother cows. So they returned home immediately and narrated everything about that Saint to the elders. Next morning the villagers came to the temple and saw the saint sitting in the same position without touching the bread that was offered to Him the previous day. Some said that He must be a yogi, while others thought that Lord Shiva Himself might have come out of Lingam to give them Darshan. They, however, were unanimous on one point that the saint was in deep Samadhi and should not be disturbed till He came out of the trance. They remembered that in Bengal Saint Jalander was in Samadhi for full twelve years. Then a palanquin was brought and the saint put in it and brought to Pimpalgaon accompanied by a great fanfare of procession and on the way Gulal and flowers were scattered on Him. After reaching Pimpalgaon, He was ceremoniously put on a raised seat in Lord Hanuman's temple. That day also passed but the yogi did not come out of trance. Next day the villagers decided to sit in prayers observing complete fast till He came out of the trance, and surprisingly, the saint immediately opened His eyes and came out of the Samadhi. The jubilant villagers prostrated before Shri Gajanan as a mark of respect, and offered Him sweets and food. The news of Shri Gajanan spread to the neighbouring villages. The following Tuesday, people of Pimpalgaon went to Shegaon for marketing and incidentally told the people over there that they too had got a saint at Pimpalgaon, who is a God incarnate. The news spread in Shegaon and reached Bankatlal also, who immediately went to Pimpalgaon along with his wife and with folded hands said to Shri Maharaj, "You had promised to return soon, but it is now more than a fortnight since You left Shegaon. Shegaon is lifeless without You and all are anxious to see You back. I have brought the cart for You, so let us go back to Shegaon. It is not good to separate a child from his mother. Because of Your absence, many regular visiting devotees might not have taken food. And despite this if You don't come to Shegaon, I will kill myself." So Shri Gajanan sat in the cart to leave for Shegaon. At this sight, the people of Pimpalgaon remembered the occasion when Akrura had come to Gokul to take away Shrikrishna. They thought of Bankatlal as Akrura, who however, told them that Shri Gajanan Maharaj was not going far away as He would stay in Shegaon only and they could very well visit Maharaj there whenever they liked. Most of the people from Pimpalgaon were tenants for Bankatlal and so were unable to displease him. They helplessly saw the saint go away with Bankatlal. On the way Maharaj jokingly said to Bankatlal, "It is not proper for a "Savkar" to forcibly take away others property. Looking to the affairs at your house, I am afraid to come with you. You have locked Lakshmi, the mother of the people, the wife of Lord Shri Mahavishnu, and the most powerful deity Herself in your house. Looking to the plight of Jagadamba, I got frightened and so ran away". Hearing that, Bankatlal laughed and said, "Gurunath, the mother was not scared by my locks but stayed in my house because of your presence there. Mother and child have to stay together. Your feet are the real wealth for me. I do not care for any other wealth. That is why I had to come to Pimpalgaon in its search. My house is not mine any more. It now belongs to you. How can a watchman obstruct the owner of the house? You may do anything you like, go anywhere you want to go, and Bless the whole world, but do not forget us, the people of Shegaon. Cows go out in the morning to feed themselves in the woods, but return home in the evening. That is what; you too should do with us."
Thus Bankatlal brought Shri Gajanan Maharaj to Shegaon.

But after some days Shri Maharaj again went away. It so happened that one fine morning, Shri Gajanan left for Adgaon without anybody's knowledge. Like Lord Hanuman, His speed was that of the wind. It was the month of Vaishakh and the severe summer had dried up water everywhere. In such hot noon Shri Maharaj reached Akola. Perspiring profusely and His lips gone dry due to the thirst, He looked around for water. At that time a farmer, named Bhasker, was working in his field. A farmer is an important person in the society who provides food to all, bearing all the agonies of heat and cold. There was an acute shortage of water around Akola, so much so that one might get ghee under normal circumstances, but not water in that area. Bhasker had brought water for himself in an earthen pitcher and kept it under a bush. Shri Maharaj came to him and said, "I am thirsty. Give me water and do not refuse. As one cannot live without water, it is a great "Punya" to give water to the thirsty. That is why rich people during the summer open water booths on highways to quench the thirst of thirsty people." Bhaskar replied upon that, "How can one get "Punya" by giving water to the useless naked man like you? This talk of Punya is good only in context with, orphans, disabled or a social worker; religious books too say the same thing. And it is sin to give water to sluggish people like you. Will anybody nourish a snake on humanitarian grounds or give shelter to a thief in his house? You have become fat by begging from door to door and are a dead weight to the society by your actions. I have brought the pitcher of water on my head for me and not for you. I will not give water to you. Go away immediately from here, you rascal. Because of lazy people like you amongst us, we have become useless in the world." Hearing Bhaskara, Shri Maharaj smiled and went away. He saw one well at some distance and went there. Seeing Him go to that well, Bhaskara shouted loudly saying, "Do not go to that well, it is dry". There is no well filled with water within two miles of radius from here. Maharaj said, "It is true, but I will try to fill water in it. When People like you get tormented due to lack of water, I must do something in the interest of the society. God will help me if my intentions are honest."
Saying so, Shri Gajanan went to the well and peeped into it. It was completely dry. In a dejected mood he sat on a nearby rock under the tree, closed his eyes, meditated for some time, and solemnly implored the Almighty to give water to the village. Shri Maharaj said,
"0 God, Wamana, Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Raghava, Vithala, Narahari, the people of Akola are worried about drinking water. There is not a drop left in any of the wells in the village. All human efforts have failed, so now You come to their rescue. You can do the most impossible things. Panduranga, You have saved cats in the burning furnace, You have appeared out of a pillar to honour the words of Pralhad. Vaishwanara, You have swallowed twelve villages in Gokul, O Murari, You lifted up a mountain on Your finger tip, You became a Mahar for Damajipant, You did the work of Chokha Mahar, and protected the birds of Savata Mali. You had created water for Namdeo in the dry land of Marwad. If You wish, anything can be done."
After Gajanan Maharaj made such an imploration to the Almighty, a powerful spring burst in the well and in minutes it was full of water. The might of God is unlimited, enabling Him to do anything that is desired sincerely by the devotees. Shri Gajanan drank water from the well and quenched His thirst. Bhaskar saw it and could not believe his eyes. He knew that the well contained not a drop of water for last twelve years and now it is full of water. How can it happen? It meant that this man was not an ordinary, useless person, but must be a great saint. Bhaskar realising his fault, left his field, went running to the saint and fell at His feet. He said, "O God incarnate, kindly pardon me. I am an ignorant child of Yours, please be kind to me. Not knowing Your real self I insulted you. I regret it now. Please excuse me. Milkmaids at times insulted lord Krishna, but He never took it seriously. O kindhearted God, Your external appearance has deceived me. By this act of miracle, You have freed me of ignorance and manifested Your true self to me. I now realise Your power by this creation of water. I will, now never leave Your feet, and, You as a mother, should not desert this child of Yours. I have now fully realized that the material attachment is unreal, so do not discard me."  Shri Gajanan said, "Don't lament like this, I have created water in this well to save you the trouble of bringing water on your head from long distances. Then why do you renounce prapanch? This water has come for you, use it and grow a nice garden." Bhaskar said, "Gurudeo, don't tempt me like this. My determination itself is a well; It was absolutely dry without a drop of water. Your miracle was an explosive, which broke the rock inside that well, and out came a fine spring of faith. With that water, now I will grow the garden of deep devotion to You. By Your kind blessing, I will plant the fruit trees of good moral and flower plants of good deeds everywhere. I will do away with all the momentary attachments of worldly property."
Look, 0 listeners, what a transformation had taken place in Bhaskara's attitude, with a brief association with a saint! Darshan of a real saint is of a unique nature, which has been narrated in detail by Saint Tukaram in his hymns. Read those hymns, meditate over it, and experience the truth in your own interest. The news of creating water in a dry well spread like wild fire and people, like flies rushing to honey, or ants running after sugar, came for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. They went to the well, drank water and quenched their thirst. The water was clean, cold, tasty and sweeter than nectar. People cheered Shri Gajanan Maharaj again and again. Shri Maharaj did not stay in Adgaon, He instead returned to Shegaon with Bhaskar.

May the "Gajanan Vijay" epic composed by Dasganu, be an ideal guide for devotees to understand the greatness of a real saint.

"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter Five
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 08, 2010, 03:11:50 AM
Chapter 6
Shri Ganeshayanamah! O most auspicious one, it is the experience of saints that says that Your Blessings drive away everything that is inauspicious. Believing it, O God, I have come to Your door with great hopes. If You disappoint me, it will mean disrepute to You and the saints as well. So, Madhava, uphold my prestige and never be angry with this innocent child of Yours. Please remember that any shortcomings of a child bring blame to his mother.

One time Bankatlal took Shri Maharaj to his farm to eat maize corns. Many other people had gathered there for this party of corns and the seating arrangement was made near a well. The well had ample water and there were many tamarind trees around. Fire was lit at 8-10 places to fry the corn and a lot of smoke was rising up in the sky. There was a big honeycomb on the tamarind tree and due to the smoke, the bees rushed out to attack the people seated below the tree. Leaving the corn the people fled the place. Some of them covered their heads with blankets. In this world nothing is more precious than one�s own life. So was the case with these people. In all this havoc, Shri Gajanan Maharaj sat undisturbed and thought about the honeybees. He thought to Himself, "I am the bees, I am honeycomb. The one who has come to eat corn is I, and the corn is also me.� While he was thus thinking bliss-fully, innumerable bees landed on his body giving an appearance of the blanket of bees. The insects were biting and piercing their needle like thorns in His body, but Shri Maharaj did not bother about it. This went on for some time making the helpless devotees miserable. Bankatlal felt very sorry for having brought Shri Maharaj to the farm and felt that he himself was responsible for the bites inflicted by the bees on Shri Gajanan. Thinking so, Bankatlal was about to rush to the rescue of Shri Maharaj when by His divine power Shri Gajanan understood it and said to the bees, "Oh insects, go back to the honey comb and don't harm my beloved Bankatlal, who is the only real devotee amongst all the people here."
Bankatlal said, "Oh Maharaj, I very much regret for having brought You here. I am responsible for causing You these bee bites today. I am a great sinner. Kindly tell me what I shall do to relieve You of these bee-bites. Shall I call a goldsmith to pull out the bee thorns with his pincers?" Shri Maharaj replied "Bankat, nothing extraordinary has happened, as it is the nature of bees to bite and they behaved according. I assure you that these bites will not affect me as I know the "Sachhidananda" in those bees. He is in those bees and I am His incarnation. How can water hurt the water? You have given a good feast of these bees to me. These poisonous insects attacked me and all the Laddu-Bhakta ran away. Give a thought to it and remember that in times of calamity none but God helps you. These selfish people gathered here for a feast, and ran away when the bees attacked?" Hearing this divine knowledge, Bankatlal kept quiet and brought a gold smith to pull out the bee thorns from the body of Shri Maharaj. The goldsmith came with a pair of pincers and started searching for the thorns in His body. Shri Maharaj laughed and said that eyes would not see the thorns and the pincers are useless to pull them out. And in order to prove what he said, He inhaled the air and held His breath. The thorns immediately came out of the body. Looking at this miracle, people were glad to realise the greatness of Shri Maharaj. After that, all the people enjoyed the feast of maize corns and returned home in the evening. Once, Shri Maharaj went to Akot to meet his saint brother Narsinghji, who was a disciple of Kotasha. Although Maratha by caste, he had become dear to Shri Vithala by his Bhakti (devotion). Since I have narrated his detail life in �Bhaktileelamrut", I don't repeat in here. Akot is 36 miles to the north-east of Shegaon and Gajanan Maharaj went there with the speed of wind. Shri Narsinghji was staying in the dense forest near Akot to get solitude. This forest, without any habitants, was very dense with big trees, creepers, wild grass and many snakes in it. In such dreadful forest Shri Narsinghji was living all alone. Shri Gajanan went there to meet him. Water mixes with water and like things merge with each other. Unlike things never mix with each other. So looking at Shri Gajanan, Shri Narsinghji was happy beyond description. One was Hari and the other Har, one was Rama, while other, the son of Vasudeo-Devaki. One was Ganga and the other that of Godavari. One was the Kohinoor, and the other Kaustubha. One was the Vashistha and the other, son of Anjani. Both of them met each other and were very happy. They sat near each other and exchanged their experiences.
Shri Gajanan said, "Narsinha, you have done well by leading a family life. I renounced that and followed the path of Yoga, to know the ultimate reality, the "Brahma". In this path of yoga, many strange things, incomprehensible to the common man, happen, and to hide them I, many times, behave like a mad man. To know the ultimate Truth there are three paths - Karma, Bhakti and Yoga. Apparently they look like three different paths, but in reality they reach the same goal. If a yogi feels proud of his path, he will remain away from the ultimate Truth. He should keep himself clean from the effect of Yogakriya, like a lotus leaf. Then only he can know the ultimate Truth. Same is the case with family life. You should not have attachment with your family. A pebble remains in water, but does not allow the water to enter it. Such should be your behaviour in family life - free from any expectations and with full concentration in Almighty. Then nothing is impossible. You, me and God are one, and the people too are not different from Him."

Shri Narsinghji said, "I am grateful to you for meeting me. This "Prapanch" is unreal like the shadow at noon. I will follow your advice, but keep on coming to me. Everything is predestined in this world, and we have to perform our duty in this life as per desire of God. My only, request is that you should come frequently to meet me as I am your younger brother. Just like Bharat, waiting at Nandigram for Shri Ram, I am here at Akot for you. With your yogic achievements, it is very easy for you to come here. A yogi, without touching anywhere, can traverse around the universe in minutes."

With intimate love for each other, they were speaking all that night. Real saints behave like this only, but the hypocrites quarrel with each other. These hypocrites should not be accepted as Guru as they are like a broken ship on the sea. They receive a lot of publicity, but carefully we should discard them. Living in a "math" or learning an art of composing poems does not make one a saint, but only self knowledge does it. Can we accept gold-coated articles as gold, or a prostitute as a house wife? These two saints were real and pious. When people knew that Shri Gajanan Maharaj had come to meet Shri Narsinghji, They thought it to be the confluence of Godavari and Bhagirathi and by going there they could get the satisfaction of taking a dip in that confluence. So the people with coconuts in their hands started rushing to the forest. But Shri Gajanan, with the permission of Shri Narsinghji had already left and all the people were disappointed.


Once, in his usual wandering, Shri Gajanan, with his disciples, reached a village named Shivar. This place is on the bank of Chandrabhaga (not of Pandharpur) but the one near Daryapur where Shri Vrajabhushan, a learned man lived. He had the knowledge pertaining four various languages and was famous all over the Vidarbha, was also a great devotee of the God sun. It was his daily routine to get up early in the morning, take a bath in the Chandrabhaga and offer prayers to the Sun. He was respected by all the intellectuals. Shri Gajanan Maharaj came to this Shivar village as if to give Vrajabhushan the fruits of his prayers. He as usual came to the Chandrabhaga for his bath and saw Shri Gajanan Maharaj sitting on the bank of that river. It was morning time with twilight spreading all over the sky, cocks crowing all around while Chatak and Bharadwaj birds were flying as if to pay respects to the rising sun. With the sun peeping up the horizon, darkness quickly disappeared, like fools leaving the congregation at the sight of the learned. At such a pleasant morning, Shri Gajanan was sitting there in full bliss of "Brahmanand" and his disciples around him like the rays of the sun. While offering his usual prayers to the sun, Vrajabhushan saw Shri Gajanan Maharaj with his lustrous body, long arms and the eyes concentrated at the tip of his nose. With great joy he went running to Shri Gajanan Maharaj, poured water on his feet, offered puja, went round him, and prostrated before him twelve times reciting the holy names of the sun. Then respectfully performed Arati and prostrated before him singing hymns in the praise of Shri Gajanan.
Vrajabhushan said, "By the Darshan of these divine feet I got today the fruits of my penance. So far I was offering prayers to the sun in the sky, but today I see him in the form of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. 0 Gajanan, you are the real Brahma full of knowledge and the supporter of this universe. You take many births, ages after ages, and by your Darshan all the woes vanish. Kindly bless me." Saying so, Vrajabhushan finished his prayers and Shri Gajanan affectionately embraced him like a mother to her child. Then placing his hand on the head of Vrajabhushan Shri Maharaj said, "You will be respected and loved by the people. Don't leave the path of Karma (duty) nor think the rituals to be meaningless, but at the same time don't get involved in it. Do your duty and renounce the fruit. This will enable you to meet Shri Krishna and keep you clean of the effects of your actions. Remember my words and go home. I will always meet you in meditations."Saying so, Shri Maharaj gave Vrajabhushan the prasad of a coconut and went back to Shegaon.

This Shegaon was formerly known as Shivargaon and later on became Shegaon. There were seventeen Patils in this village. Shri Maharaj returned to Shegaon but did not stay there for long. He kept on moving from place to place. He visited Akot, Akola, Malkapur and many other places. Months of Jeshta and Ashadha passed, Shravana came and the annual functions of Lord Hanuman started in the temple. This is a big temple a Shegaon and all the Patil families were devotees of Hanuman. Patil being a powerful authority in the village, all the people normally co-operated with everything that he did. The function lasts for a month with Abhishek, reading of holy books, Kirtan and feeding the people to their hearts content. Khandu Patil, noble hearted, was the leader of the function. The authority of the Patil is like a tiger's skin, and who-so-ever puts it on, becomes a terror to the people. There is a proverb in Marathi meaning that whatever a king cannot do, can be done by the united people. The proverb aptly applies here. So Shri Gajanan Maharaj came to this temple in the month of Shravana to attend the functions, and told Bankatlal,"Henceforth I will stay in this temple and you should not mind it. Saints and sages are not supposed to stay permanently with men leading family life. I am a Sanyasi and so shall stay in this temple only, but whenever you want me I will visit your house. I am giving you this secret knowledge. Shri Shankaracharya had to move from place to place. Sages Macchindra and Jalander avoided the houses of people leading family life and stayed in forests under trees. Shivaji, who protected Hindus and punished Yavans, loved Ramdas Swami, but Swamiji preferred to stay away at Sajjangad. Think over this, obey me, and don't bother about my place of stay. This is in your own interest."

Helplessly, Bankatlal gave his consent to what Shri Maharaj said. Shri Maharaj came to the temple and all were happy. Bhaskar Patil stayed there in His service.
May the "Gajanan Vijay" epic composed by Dasganu, be an ideal guide for devotees to understand the greatness of a real saint.

"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 08, 2010, 11:13:26 PM
Chapter - 7 ~
Shri Ganeshayanamah! Jai to You, Rama, Meghashyama, Sitapati, Dasharathe, You are the refuge to the saints. It was by Your blessings that the monkeys gained strength and defeated Ravana in Lanka. Your blessings always bring victory and fulfilment of all desires. A favourite of the King, howsoever incapable he may be, becomes lovable to the ministers. Am I suitable for such a favour? With this question, O Panduranga, I realise that my condition is most pitiable as I lack real knowledge and devotion. My mind is always unsteady, suspicious and full of desires. With all this, how can I expect to get your favour? Logically it is all right, but O God, even Puranas say that you have got a genuine liking for the Sinners. It is no wonder if you liberate the pious ones. But real greatness lies in saving a sinner. Since there is nobody greater than you in this world, I invoke you to ignore my sins and bless me. O Narayana, accept this Dasganu who has surrendered at your feet and uphold your greatness.

Under the leadership of Khanderao Path, all the villagers actively participated in the function at Hanuman temple. These Patil people have an ancient heritage of wealth and landed property. Devotion to saints and sages has been their family tradition and now with the authority as village head, this worshipping is done with greater enthusiasm. Mahadaji Patil had two sons, Kadtaji and Kukaji. Kukaji, the younger was a great devotee of Pandurang of Pandharpur. The family had the blessings of Shri Gomaji Maharaj of Nagzari. Kadtaji Patil had six sons and Kukaji none. After the death of Kadtaji Patil, Kukaji did the bringing up of these six children as his own, and also brought great prosperity to the family. After Kukaji, Khandu Patil became the head of the family. He was a terror to the village and used his authority fearlessly. He had five brothers, Ganpat, Narayan, Maruti, Hari and Krishnaji. In addition to the authority of Patil, wielded by him, he possessed a lot of wealth too. All the brothers were fond of regular exercise, playing swords & sticks. Hari Patil liked wrestling. For name's sake the celebrations were for Lord Hanuman, but in fact everybody was interested in pleasing the Patil. The attitude of the Patil was rude and unreasonable which frequently resulted in quarrels and disputes in Shegaon. He abused everybody and did not spare even the saints. Patil, with his brothers, went to the temple of Lord Hanuman and started jesting at Shri Gajanan Maharaj by making bad puns on his name. One of them even challenged Maharaj to come out for wrestling and prove the greatness bestowed upon Him by the people. The brothers asked Shri Maharaj to prove His greatness, failing to do which ,he should get ready to get beat up at their hands. Shri Maharaj just laughed away their remarks and never got angry. Looking at all this rude behaviour of Patil brothers, Shri Bhaskara said, "Maharaj, let us go to Akoli, away from these insolent boys, corrupted by their strength, money and power". Shri Maharaj replied, "Bhaskara, wait a bit. All these Patil brothers are my great devotees. They lack modesty but see them closely to know their affection for me. They are just like my sons and already have got blessings from the saints. Executive power generally is accompanied by rudeness. How can a tiger behave like a cow? Can fire ever be cold? Sword will be useless if it is soft. After some time this insolence will disappear as muddy water of rainy seasons becomes clear in winter."

One day Hari Patil came to the temple and said to Shri Gajanan, "come on wrestle with me and I will defeat you, don't sit quietly chanting "Gan Gan Ganat Bote". All people praise you and I want to test that greatness of yours today. If you defeat me in wrestling, I will give you a prize." Maharaj accepted the challenge and sat down saying, "Come on, if you are really strong, come on pull me up." Hari Patil wrestled and applied all his strength but could not move Shri Maharaj even an inch. He used all his strength and the tricks of wrestling and all his body started perspiring, but could not move Shri Maharaj at all. He realized that though Maharaj appeared thin and frail, His strength was like an immovable mountain and that is why, like an elephant, he ignored all the teasing from others. Hari Patil felt himself like a jackal before an elephant or a barking dog before a tiger. Accepting the defeat he, who never bent before anybody, now decided to surrender and bow before Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Looking to his condition Shri Maharaj said, "Now, defeat me or give me the prize promised by you. Wrestling is the best of all manly sports. Shri Krishna and Balaram played wrestling in their childhood. Mushtik and Chanur, the great wrestlers and bodyguards of Kansa were killed by them. Good health is the best wealth, second is landed property and third is money. Shri Krishna, who was living on the banks of Yamuna, made all the boys of Gokul strong. I want you to do the same and make the boys of Shegaon strong. Shri Maharaj said that this was the only prize he wanted. Hari shrewdly replied that it was possible only with His blessings. Since then Hari started behaving well with Shri Maharaj. Looking at this, his other brothers started questioning such cowardly behaviour of Hari Patil. They said, "We being sons of Patil, the highest authority of the village, should not bow before such a naked man. This mad man is getting unnecessary popularity and we must take immediate steps to stop it in public interest, and if we neglect our duty, people will go astray. It is our duty to caution the people in time. Hypocrites put on the garb of a sage and innocent people are befooled. Gold has to stand acid test to prove genuineness. Incident of sugarcane showed saint Tukaram's control on mind and Dnyaneshwar was accepted as saint only when he made a buffalo speak. As we should not respect anybody without proper test, Shri Gajanan Maharaj too should be put to test."

Saying so, they came to the temple with a bundle of sugarcanes. Hari was quiet, but other brothers said to Shri Maharaj, "You fool! If you want to eat these sugarcanes, fulfil our condition. We shall beat you with the sugarcanes and if this beating does not raise marks on your body then only we shall accept you as a yogi." Shri Maharaj smiled and ignored their talk as children's prattle. Maruti said, "He appears to be afraid of sugarcane beating." Ganapati said, "His silence implies acceptance to the beatings." Saying so all the brothers rushed and started beating Shri Maharaj with the sugarcanes. All people in the temple, except Bhaskar, started running away. Bhaskar appealed to them to stop beating Shri Maharaj. He said, "Please do not beat him. You are born in the Patil family and so should be kind to others. If you do not think him to be a great saint, treat him as an innocent man and ignore him. Brave hunters always attack the tigers and never shoot at insects. Hanuman attacked and burnt Ravana's Lanka and not hurt poor people." The boys replied, "People of this village treat him as a great saint, and therefore, we want to test his greatness so you keep away." So saying the boys started beating Shri Maharaj with the sugarcanes like a farmer beating grain bunches for taking out the grains. Shri Maharaj kept smiling and did not reply back. The beating did not raise a single mark on His body. Looking to this fact the boys got afraid and bowed before Shri Maharaj saying that He was a real yogi. Shri Maharaj said, "0 boys, your Hands must be aching by beating me, and so to refresh you I will give you sugarcane juice." Saying so he took sugarcanes one by one and by his hands squeezed the juice from the sugarcanes and gave it to them to drink. Thus Shri Maharaj squeezed juice out of sugarcanes without any machine. The boys were very happy. People said that this was possible due to the yogic strength in Shri Maharaj. By this miracle Shri Maharaj conveyed that if we want to make our nation strong, we must learn yoga. The boys prostrated before Shri Maharaj and went away. They told the whole story to Khandu Patil saying that Shri Gajanan is really a God in Shegaon. He was surprised and started going to Shri Maharaj, but his rough way of speaking with Shri Maharaj did not change. He used to call Shri Maharaj as Ganya or Gajya. This type of addressing a person in a singular fashion occurs in two cases. One when there is intimate love involved as is between a mother and child. Second is when a person speaks to his servants or poor people. Patil is accustomed to speak in a singular manner as all the people in the village are his subject and that was the reason that Khandu Patil called Shri Maharaj as Ganya or Gajya. But in his heart he had great respect and love for Shri Maharaj. It was just like a coconut that has a hard and rough surface externally but inside there is a sweet and tasty fennel.


Once Kukaji called Khandu Patil and said, "You always say that Shri Gajanan is a great saint, then why are you dumb before him? You have no child and since I am getting old I very much like to see a grand child to me. You go and request him to bless you with a child; if he is a real saint he will fulfil our desire. Thereupon Khandu Patil went to Lord Maruti temple and said to Shri Maharaj, "O Ganya, my uncle has grown old and desires to see me getting a child. People call you a saint, able to fulfil the desires of his devotees and I wish you prove it by giving a child to me." Maharaj said, "It is good that you have begged for something from me. You have got power and money and you believe in your efforts. Then why are you asking me for this favour? You behave like power or money can give you anything, and then why not get a child by your own efforts? You have got a lot of land, money, mills and shops and nobody disobeys you, then why don't you order Brahma to give you a child? Khandu said, "This is something beyond human efforts. Crops need water for its growth, but bringing rains is not in the hands of human beings. That is why during famines lands lie dry. But once the rains come human efforts prove fruitful. Same is the case with me." At this, Swamiji smiled and said, "You have now begged for a child. Since it is a begging, I bless that you will get a son whom you should name Bhikya. It is not entirely in my hands to give you a child, but I will request the Almighty to fulfil your desire. You will get a son and in return I ask you to feed mango juice to Brahmins every year; as a token of your gratefulness. Khandu accepted it, went home and told this conversation to his uncle. Kukaji was very happy. After some days Swamiji's blessing proved true and Khandu Patil got a son. He was very happy and Kukaji�s happiness knew no bound. Khandu Patil distributed jaggery and wheat to the poor and sweets to the children of Shegaon. The child was rightly named Bhiku who like a moon, went on growing. Khandu Patil, as promised, fed Brahmins with Mango juice and this practice is still continued by his descendants. The child, by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj started crawling in the house of Khandu Patil.

Happiness of Patils made Deshmukh people unhappy as Shegaon was a divided village since long. There were two rival groups in Shegaon; one of the Patil's and the other of Deshmukhs. They were always at daggers searching for an opportunity to destroy each other. Two Pundits, two ministers, two fighters, two mechanics and two dogs when face-to-face, always fight. Same was the case with Patil and Deshmukh. After seeing the grand child, Kukaji died at Pandharpur on the bank of river Bhima, and Khandu Patil was sad to have lost his protector. Looking to Khandu Patil's state of mind, Deshmukh exploited the opportunity to put Patil into trouble, the details of which will be narrated in the next chapter.

"SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter Seven.

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 10, 2010, 01:17:24 AM
Chapter - 8 ~
Shri Ganeshayanamah! O! Son of Vasudeo & Devaki, O! Beloved one of Gopa & Gopis, O Killer of demons, Bless me Shri Hari. Devotion and penance is required to get your favour, but I am not able to attain any of these. I do in ancient language not know all your gospels; I am also dull and so cannot study that language. Tell me how can a frog get honey of lotus? If I try to get your favour by feeding people, that too is not possible due to the poverty bestowed upon me by you. Getting your blessings by visiting holy shrines and places is also not possible due to poor health & fading eyesight. Thus I am helpless all-round. It is seen that hopes of poor are never fulfilled. Apparently it is true but, if you wish, your blessings can enable me to attain all the bliss. Specialty of your blessings is that it does not require money to obtain. When clouds pour water, all the rivers and lakes get filled with it. I am hungry of such blessings from you. Please give me at least a morsel of it and make me happy. A drop of nectar can remove all the diseases.

Let it be as it is. In the previous chapter we have seen that Patil and Deshmukh were divided. Whenever there is such division, it destroys all happiness. Tuberculosis to the body and division in the society entail death and all attempts prove futile.

On the bank of the lake one Mahar was arguing with Khandu Patil regarding some work given to him by Patil who is the highest authority in the village. That Marya Mahar had the support of the Deshmukh�s clan. Patil told him to do some work but he refused to do it expressing himself in a very rough language. Patil asked him to behave himself reminding him that he was addressing the head of the village and admonished Marya thereby. Marya did not obey the Patil and instead ridiculed the Patil. The cause of the argument was the fact that Patil wanted to send some important dak to Akola Police Station and asked Marya to carry it, while Marya blatantly refused to go saying that he was subordinate to Deshmukh only. He made some nasty gesticulations at Patil, which infuriated him. In the fury, Patil gave a forceful blow of a stick on Marya's hand, which resulted in a fracture to Marya's hand, making him unconscious. Patil sent the dak with some other man. Relatives of Marya took him to Deshmukh, who grabbed this opportunity to corner and trouble Khandu Patil. Deshmukh took Marya to the police station and reported the matter to the officer. Whenever there is conflicting groups in the society, even the small things are magnified by the individual groups to denounce each other. The Officer registered the complaint and issued orders to arrest Khandu Patil. The news spread like wildfire in Shegaon and Patil naturally got frightened and worried over the impending danger. He prayed Almighty God to save him from the humiliation of an arrest. For a man of dignity, insult is worse than death. All his brothers were worried as well and felt helpless. Then it suddenly occurred to Khandu Patil that he better surrender himself to Shri Gajanan Maharaj and seeks his help as none else could be able to save him from this calamity. His brothers went to Akola for legal and personal efforts. Khandu Patil went straight to Shri Maharaj at night. He prostrated before Shri Maharaj and narrated the whole episode. He said, "I gave a beating to one Mahar as he refused to do a Government work and that matter is being used by Deshmukh people to put me in trouble. They are arranging to get me arrested and there is nobody to save me except you. Tomorrow policemen will come to arrest me. Please kill me before that. I am a man of dignity and soul and insult of arrest is as good as death to me. I do accept my mistake, but that is being exaggerated out of proportion. Please save me from this contempt. Arjuna was prepared to burn himself to save his dignity in the episode of Jaydratha. God saved him and protected his honour. God also saved the honour and respect of Draupadi by covering her by Saris one after another. Similarly my self respect, like Draupadi's is being stripped off by these Deshmukh Kaurawas." Saying so Patil wept bitterly. All his brothers were very much worried over the impending humiliation to the family. Shri Maharaj took Khandu Patil in his embrace to pacify him and said -"A man with responsibilities has got to face such situation frequently, and so should not mind it. Such things are the outcome of selfishness, and a total lack of pious thinking. Both of you, Patil and Deshmukh belong to the same caste, but due to selfishness, are trying to destroy each other. In the past the enmity between Kaurawas and Pandawas was also the result of selfishness only. But as Pandawas were legally right, they received God�s blessings for the upkeep of truth. Consequently the Kaurawas were killed. So don't be afraid. All of Deshmukh�s efforts to arrest you will fail." This prediction made by Shree Gajanan Maharaj came true. Patil was declared innocent by the court of law. The words uttered by true saints can never be futile. After this incident, the Patil brothers became more devoted to Shri Maharaj. Who will not like to drink nectar? After some days, Khandu Patil requested and affectionately took Maharaj to stay at his house.

While Maharaj lived at the house of Khandu Patil, there came some Telangi Brahmins. These Telangi Brahmins are known to be quite orthodox, learned and in charge of the authority of Vedic knowledge, but their biggest drawback is that they are somewhat greedy for money. They came to Shri Maharaj with the hope of getting some money from Him. When they came, Shri Maharaj was sleeping. The Brahmins started reciting Vedic hymns loudly to awaken Shri Maharaj. There was some mistake in their recitation, but they did not correct it, so Shri Maharaj got up and said to them, "Why have you become Vedic? You are lowering the greatness of Vedas unnecessarily. This knowledge is not for the purpose of running a business but for the salvation 0f human beings. At least show some respect to the saffron head-dress, which indicates that you are a Vedic. I will now recite the hymns and you repeat the same as I pronounce. Do not misguide innocent poor believers." Saying so Shri Maharaj recited the same chapter of Vedas, this was being recited by these Brahmins incorrectly. His pronunciation was clear, loud and there was not a single mistake in His recitation. It appeared as if Vashistha himself was reciting the holy Vedas. The Brahmins were astonished and felt embarrassed to even lift their faces. The analogy can be compared to a lit candle fantasizing that it has better capacity to spread light around itself than the sun itself. The Brahmins first thought that Shri Maharaj was a mad person, but now found Him to be a learned saint. They were convinced that all the four Vedas were on the tip of His tongue. They took Shri Maharaja to be a God incarnate and a Brahmin by caste - a yogi free of any bondage or attachment, and because of their good deeds of previous life, they believed they were fortunate enough to get the "Darshan" of such a Godly saint. Shri Maharaja asked Khandu Patil to give them a rupee each as "Dakshina". The Brahmins accepted this dakshina and happily went away.

Shri Maharaj, like a true saint disliked the attachment of Shegaon�s locals. In the northern region of Shegaon there was a garden where vegetables were grown in abundance. Under the cool dark shade of a neem tree, there was a temple of Lord Shiva in the Garden. Krishnaji Patil owned the temple. Shri Maharaj went there and sat on a platform under a tree near the Shiva temple and said to Krishnaji, "I have come to your garden to stay here for a few days near Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the God of all Gods and since He liked to stay in your garden, I too wish to be near Him. So erect a small shade for me here." Krishnaji thereupon erected a tin shade on the platform. The Garden became a holy place due to the presence of Shri Maharaj there. This is so because a place of the king's stay becomes the capital of the Kingdom. Bhasker & Tukaram Kokatya - stayed with Shri Maharaj to render Him necessary service. Krishnaji used to attend personally to His food and personally ate only after Shri Maharaj had taken His meals. While Maharaj lived thus in Krishnaji�s garden, some 15 to 20 ascetics who had already heard about Shri Gajanan Maharaj arrived there. They told Krishnaji Patil that they were on a pilgrimage and were on their way to Rameshwar, carried the holy water of Ganga with them. They also said that they were the disciples of Shri Brahmagiri Maharaj, who was also with them, and with him they had visited on foot the holy places like Gangotri, Jamnotri, Hingla and Girnar and Dakur. They further said, "Our Brahmagiri, who enslaved God Himself, has come to you probably due to the good deeds of your past life. So feed us "Shira Puri" and also give us some Ganja to smoke. We shall stay here for three days and leave on the fourth day. Do not hesitate to take this opportunity to serve us, which is a way better thing to do than serving the mad man whom you are feeding here. It is analogous to kicking a cow and feeding a donkey. We are ascetics who have renounced everything and also know all the Vedas. If you would like, do come and listen to our discourses."


Krishnaji said, "I will entertain you with Shira Puri tomorrow, however for today please take these breads and besan. You will get a lot of Ganja to smoke as Shri Shiva Himself is sitting there in the form of Shri Gajanan Maharaj." It was noon time when the ascetics took the meals of bread and besan near the well. In the evening they sat under the shade before Shri Gajanan Maharaj and their Maharaj, Shri Brahmagiri, started reading the Bhagwad Geeta. The ascetics and some people from the town were listening to the discourse of Brahmagiri, who started to preach on the first stanza of Nainam Chindanti. The Bramhachari was a pure hypocrite with no personal spiritual attainment. The people therefore, were naturally not impressed by his talk and said that he was only playing with the words. When his discourse was over, all the people went to Shri Gajanan Maharaj for His Darshan. They said, "We heard philosophy over there, but see here in Shri Maharaj the reality itself. There we heard the history and here is the Man himself." The ascetics who were smoking Ganja were irritated by these remarks. Shri Maharaja Himself was sitting on a cot and Bhaskar was giving him Ganja pipe to smoke. A spark from the pipe fell on the cot and slowly smoke started coming out of it and in a little while the entire cot was in flames. Looking at the sight, Bhaskar requested Shri Maharaj to leave the cot and come down, saying that the cot was of teak wood and won't extinguish without water. Thereupon Shri Maharaj said, "Don't bring water to extinguish the fire O! Brahmachari Maharaj come and sit with me on this cot. You know the entire Geeta with its meaning and now the time has come to put your knowledge of Geeta to test. Prove the fact mentioned in the Geeta that the element of fire does not burn a true Brahman. You have just imparted a discourse on "Nainam Chindanti" for an hour, so you should not be afraid of sitting with me on this burning cot. Bhaskar, go and bring him with due respect to sit with me here.�


Bhaskar being a well-built strong man at the orders of Shri Maharaj caught hold of Brahmagiri's hand and brought him to Shri Maharaj. The entire cot was on fire and the flames were leaping up from all around the cot; however, Shri Maharaj did not move a bit and was sitting firm on it. Shri Vyas wrote in Bhagwat that Shri Pralhad, son of Kayadhu, was made to stand in fire and in a way the same scene was relived by Shri Gajanan Maharaj in the garden of Krishnaji Patil. When Bhaskar caught hold of Brahmagiri to take him to Maharaj as per Maharaj�s order, Brahmagiri prayed to Bhaskar to let him go by saying, "Please do not take me to the burning cot. I accept that I failed to appreciate the authority and greatness of Shri Gajanan Maharaj." But Bhaskar not paying any heed to it dragged and brought him before Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Shri Maharaj said "Now prove that 'Nainam Dahti Pawak" At this Brahmagiri got frightened and said, "To tell the truth, I became ascetic to enjoy good food only, so excuse me I fruitlessly tried to learn Geeta and called you mad, but I now regret all this and surrender before you. Please forgive me." People of Shegaon begged of Shri Maharaj to leave the burning cot for their sake, as they were afraid of seeing Him engulfed in flames. Brahmagiri hung his head in shame and said nothing. Shri Gajanan Maharaj got down from the cot to respect the public sentiments and immediately thereafter the burning cot collapsed. Practically all the cot was burnt, but people poured water and extinguished it, thereby salvaging a portion of it as an evidence to demonstrate Maharaj�s greatness to other people. After this incidence occurred, Brahmagiri shed away his entire ego and prostrated before Shri Maharaj. The objects that Ganga water touches cannot remain impure. Then at midnight Shri Maharaj advised Brahmagiri. "Leave all the hypocrisy as an ascetic has to denounce all worldly attachments. Without self-realization one should not preach anything to others. Learning of words without understanding or practicing the spirit behind is useless. To save our culture from destruction it is necessary to understand the spirit behind the things we learn. Saints like Macchindra, Jalander, Gorakh Gahaninath and Dnyaneshwar were of great authority.

Shri Shankaracharya was a saint who attained self-realization, and Eknatha, though a man of family attained Brahmapada. Swami Samarth Brahmachari too had attained self-realization. You should remember all these great sages and stop wandering for Shira Pun, as it will be a useless and fruitless wandering. Brahmagiri calmly listened to all this advice and felt real detachment for the material things. Early next morning he left the place along with his disciples without meeting anybody else. Next day when people heard of the happening in the garden they came to see the burnt cot.
SHUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here ends Chapter Eight
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 11, 2010, 12:26:44 AM
Chapter - 9 ~
Shri Ganeshayanamah! O Rukmini's consort, O you, who lives on the bank of Chandrabhaga, adores flute and blesses saints, you are the saviour of the fallen and giver of blessings. Greatness of the great cannot exist without the presence of small ones, and God cannot get his importance without the existence of sinners. Oh God please remember that because of us, the sinners, you are called the saviour. "Paras has the importance because its touch turns iron into gold. Godavari is called a holy river because it accepts the water from all small brooks. Oh, Madhava think over this and give a helping hand to this Dasganu, to save him from drowning.

One "Kirtankar" named Govindbua Taklikar once came to Shegaon to perform Kirtan. There was an ancient temple of God Shiva at Shegaon and it was renovated by a rich man named Mote. Now-a-days the rich people are not very fond of spending money over building or renovating religious institutions like temples, instead they like investing their money on motors, cars and cycles. Mote Saokar was not that kind of a person. Though he was rich, he was a believer in God, and that was why he got the temple renovated. So the temple was called Mote's temple. Now listen to the story. Govindbua Taklikar camped in the above-mentioned Mote's temple and had tied his horse in front of the main door. The horse had very bad habits like kicking anybody coming near it, and biting people as well. It frequently snapped the ropes holding it, never stayed steady and at times used to run away in the jungles. Day and night it used to neigh causing lot of noise. Govindbua had got specially prepared iron chain for it, but forgot to bring the same with him during his trip to Shegaon The horse was some how tied with a rope while Govindbua slept in the temple monitoring the horse at all times.

It was past midnight and everything, had drowned into a pitch darkness. Night birds, creating fearful sounds, were searching for their feed. All the doors in the villages were closed and there was a fearful dead silence all around. Nobody was seen on the roads. At that time Shri Gajanan came to the place where the horse was tied. Saints' birth on this earth is ordained by Gods to improve the bad people, and as medicine cures disease, the saints help remove the wickedness from the disillusioned people. So Shri Gajanan Maharaj on that particular night came to the horse and happily slept between its four legs. He was reciting His usual Mantra-"Gana Gan Ganat Bote", the meaning of which nobody knew. My interpretation of this symbolic Bhajan is as follows - Gani means count, Individual soul, (Gana) means devotee, who is not different from Brahma and to suggest it the word "Ganat" is used. Bote appears to be the corrupt form of Bate meaning individual soul in Brahma Himself and not anything different from it.

There are two versions of this Bhajan, but we need not bother about it, as we are concerned about the story only. So Shri Maharaj slept in the four legs of the horse and was reciting the above mentioned Bhajan. The horse stood still as if restrained by the means of the �Chain� of this Bhajan.

Govindbua was constantly anxious about his violent horse and so frequently got up and saw to it that the horse was restrained and not creating any havoc in the neighbourhood. When he saw that his horse was standing still it surprised him and he feared that his horse might be inflicted by some sort of an illness. The horse�s silence was quite unusual as it was never silent like this before. So, anxiously he went to the horse and was astonished to see that somebody was sleeping below its stomach. When he carefully looked down, he found that Shri Gajanan Maharaj was sleeping there. He now knew the reason as to why his horse stood so peacefully. It dawned on him that it was due to Shri Maharaj�s presence that the horse kept quiet. Just like the fragrance of Musk driving away the bad smell, the divine power emanating from Maharaj drove away all the sins surrounding the horse. Govindbua prostrated before Maharaj, placed his forehead on the feet of Maharaja and said, "O Maharaj, you are really Gajanan who clears all the obstructions. I have seen and experienced this today. My horse being very wicked caused all the people a lot of worry and anxiety, and so you have come to drive away its wickedness. It has been possessed by several bad habits like jumping and kicking while someone was riding it. I was fed-up with it and had offered to sell it off, but nobody wanted it, not even if I gave it away for free. It is really a good thing that you have obliged me by calming down this animal. Horse owned by a preacher like me should be a gentle one, since it is the sole means of transportation for us. Tiger is harmful in the house of a cowherd." Thus the horse suddenly became gentle and thereby Shri Maharaj manifested His power to save even the animal life from straying away to the wrong path.

Then He said to the Horse "O friend, don't be naughty hereafter and quit all your bad habits from this moment on. Remember that you are standing here before Shiva and so should behave like a bull. Do not trouble anybody henceforth." Saying so, Shri Gajanan, who controlled the behaviour of an animal, went away. Next day, while Shri Maharaj was in the garden, Govindbua came there riding his horse. All people of Shegaon knew the misbehaving horse of Govindbua very well and feared it greatly. When they saw it coming one of them said, "Govindbua, why have you brought this trouble with you? This horse will harm the ladies and children here." Thereupon Govindbua said that Shri Maharaj had made the horse sober last night and forced it to abandon all its bad habits and that there was no need for anyone to fear it anymore. The horse was allowed to stand unrestrained under a tree and lo, it stood there for an hour in a well behaved manner. There was lot of vegetables & grass around the horse but he did not touch it at all. See how powerful are the saints, who can control the mannerisms of even the animals and change their habits. In praise of Maharaj, Govindbua chanted as follows:
Nobody in the world is able to understand your actions.Your Blessings can bring-round any villain. Please place your hand on my head as my benefactor." So praising Him, Govindbua left for Takli on his horse.

Every day people used to come to Shegaon with the intentions of fulfilling their desires. Among them were two persons from Balapur, who, on their way, vowed to offer "Ganja� to Shri Maharaj the next time they visited Shegaon in the exchange of the completion of their desirable tasks. They believed that Shri Maharaj liked Ganja more than sweets. The other time they visited Shegaon; however, they forgot to bring Ganja along with them. They felt shy and vowed to bring twice the quantity next time they visited Shegaon. The next time they visited Shegaon too, they forgot to bring Ganja with them. Referring to them Shri Maharaj said to Bhaskar, "Look at the way people behave these days. They vow to do something enthusiastically and then forget all about it. They are Brahmans by caste and yet do not know the fact that Brahmans are expected to practise as they preach. That is why this caste has lost its superiority. When they vow something and forget about fulfilling it how can they expect to get their desires fulfilled? Bhaskar, one should adhere to what he speaks or vows, in order to get the blessings of God." These words hurt the two Brahmins very much and they looked at each other in surprise to realize that Maharaj knew everything that was in their mind. When they saw that Shri Maharaj knew everything about their vow and subsequently having failed to fulfil it, they were guilt struck and immediately got up to go to the market to shop for Ganja and thereby bring the Ganja to Maharaj right away to correct their mistake. Thereupon Shri Maharaj said, "Why are you now crying over the spilt milk? I do no craze for Ganja; so don't go to the market now. Only remember the lesson that one should keep up his vows and promises made before God or saints in order to deserve God's blessings, as liars don't get them. Now you go, and bring Ganja only after the fulfilment of your desires. It will be fulfilled by next week. But remember to come here five times for the Darshan of Shri Shiva, by whose blessings Kubera became rich. Go, prostrate before Him and do not forget to bring Ganja next time you visit Shegaon. One should not violate the vows made to God and the saints."
They accordingly bowed before Lord Shiva and returned to Balapur. Next week after the fulfilment of their wishes, they came to Shegaon to offer Ganja as per their vow.

Now listen to another story of Balapur. Balkrishana of Balapur was a great devotee of Shri Ramdas Swami. His wife Putalabai was an equally pious lady, and they both used to visit Sajjangad every year on foot. Their journey started in the month of Poush with a horse for company to carry their luggage which consisted of three things - A kubadi, and the sacred book of Dasbodh. His piety was free of any form of ego. They accepted alms of food in the villages on way and the same food was offered to Shri Rama before they had their meals. Every year he used to leave Balapur with his wife, on the 9th Vadya of 'Poush' month. On the way they continuously chanted the name of Rama and thus with the chant of Shri Ram Nama emanating from their lips they travelled via Shegaon Khamgaon, Mehkar, Deulgaon Raja and Jalna, where they paid respects to Shri Anand Swami. Then from Jalna they went to Jamb, the birthplace of Shri Ramdas Swami, where they used to stay for three days. From there went to Divara, Bid, Mohari, Beleshwar and Domgaon, the place of Kalyan, the arch devotee of Shri Ramdas Swami. Thereafter to Narsingpur, Pandharpur, Nate Pote Shingnapur, Wait at Satara. Thus he used to reach Sajjangad on 1st Vadya of "Magh" month to attend the celebrations of Navami (Magh). As an offering to Shri Ramdas Swami, Balkrishana used to feed the Brahmins to the best extent possible for him. He was a real Ramdasi, it is really difficult to find any Ramdasi like him, now a days. After the celebrations of Ram Navami he used to return the same way he followed while going there. This routine continued for years till he became 60 years old. On the eve of starting his return journey, he sat near the "Samadhi" of Shri Ramdas Swami with tears in his eyes, and with extreme grief said, "O all powerful Ramdas Swami, O my teacher and guide. I have become old now and as such it will not be possible for me to come here all the way hereafter on foot. Even journeying here by a vehicle appears difficult for me. I could follow this routine of an annual visit so far, but it may not be possible hereafter. You know that to follow any sacred or devotional routine, good health is required of the follower. Praying thus, Balkrishna went to sleep. In the dream he saw Shri Ramdas Swami saying to him, "Don't despair. You need not come to Sajjangad hereafter. I am very much pleased by your devotion and so wish you to celebrate "Navami" at your home next year. I will come to you that time. This is my promise. Expenditure for the celebration of Navami should be within your means.


Balkrishna was very happy about the dream. He returned to Balapur with his wife. Now listen to what happened next year at Balapur. Balkrishna started the celebration of Ramdas Navami on the first day of Magh Vadya at Balapur. The daily routine was that of reading the �Dasbodh� during the daytime, and performing the Kirtan at night. At noon he offered food to the Brahmans and performed Arati in the evening. But all the while Balkrishna was eagerly waiting to see Shri Swami come and visit him as per His promise. The villagers contributed money for this celebration as requested by Balkrishana, and thus the "Utsava" continued for all the nine days at Balapur.
And on the 9th day there was a surprise. At noon on that day Shri Gajanan Maharaj appeared at the door of Balkrishna Bua when he, along with other people, was offering worship to Shri Ram. People at the door called for Shri Balkrishna so as to receive Shri Maharaj. He was very happy to see Shri Gajanan Maharaj, but at the same time said that he was eagerly waiting for Shri Ramdas Swami to come to his house as per His promise. He was certain that His word would not go waste. Shri Gajanan Maharaj started reciting �shlokas� from Dasbodh. Hearing those lines, Balkrishna rushed to the door and saw Shri Gajanan Maharaj with his long arms and usual self without any clothes adorning the body. He prostrated before Him and when he looked up he saw Shri Ramdas Swami in place of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Balkrishna Bua was overwhelmed with the love and affection of his benefactor for keeping up the promise, and his eyes were full of tears due to the extreme happiness. Moments later He appeared to him to be Shri Gajanan Maharaj in place of Ramdas Swami and as he was disappointed at the disappearance of Shri Ramdas, again Shri Swamiji appeared in place of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Thus alternately Ramdas Swami and Gajanan Maharaj would appear before him like intermediately disappearing images in a cinema. He was confused and could not understand this mystery. Then Maharaj said, "Don't get confused, I am your Ramdas Swami. In the past I was staying at Sajjangad and now I reside in the garden at Shegaon. As per my promise given to you last year at Sajjangad, I have come to you. Do not have any doubts, I am Ramdas. Know the "Atman" only and forget its covering of a body. Remember what is said in the Geeta. Come on now and offer me a "Pat" to sit on."

Shri Gajanan Maharaj got hold of his hand, entered the house with him and sat on a Pat. The news of the Saint's arrival spread in Balapur and people started coming to get His glimpse. Balkrishna worshipped Shri Maharaj, but the whole day he was thinking about what Shri Maharaj said. At night Shri Ramdas appeared in his dream and said, "Shri Gajanan Maharaj is My incarnation, and so do not have any doubt about it. Otherwise it will entail your downfall. Your worship to Him is the same as worship to Me." On seeing the dream, Balkrishna most respectfully prostrated before Shri Maharaj and said, "You have removed all my doubts by appearing in my dream. I am now fully satisfied with the celebrations of Navami, and feel very much grateful to You. Now please do me a favour by staying with me for a few days." Thereupon Shri Maharaj promised to come again after some days and went away. He reached Shegaon in a moment and was not seen by anybody on the way.

BABA BLESS ALL
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 11, 2010, 05:46:30 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi10

Shri Ganeshayanamah! O Poorna-Brahma of Pandharpur, You are a shelter for pious people.
Please do not send me away from your feet. O Narayana, do not disown this Dasganu nor think of my sins. I know that there is no Punya to my credit and as such I dont deserve to come to you. lnspite of it please accept and oblige me like that holy Godavari does to the small nalas entering her. Please do like that and save me from all grief and sins. You are all powerful and if You wish, can do anything. Even a pauper becomes rich by Your blessings.

Once Shri Gajanan Maharaj went to Amravati and stayed with Shri Atmaram Bhikaji at his house. This Atmaram, Kayastha Prabhu by caste, was a big officer at Amravati. He was a well-behaved, pious man who loved and respected saints very much. Shri Maharaj went to him and Shri Atmaram worshipped him with full devotion. Bathed him with hot water and applied Chandan paste to his body. He also offered him silk bordered Dhoti of Umred and applied Keshari Tilak on his forehead. Then he garlanded Shri Maharaj, gave an offering of many sweet dishes and a Dakshina of one hundred rupees, followed by an Aarti, which was scented by Agarbathis and placed flowers on His head. Atmaram did all this with great love and devotion. People of Amravati came in great number to get a glimpse of Shri Maharaj. Everybody wished to take Shri Maharaj to his house for worship. Though many desired so, only a few could get that favour, as it requires a lot of Punya to ones credit to feel the presence of the holy feet of the saint in their house. Whosoever had that Punya to their credit, Shri Maharaj went to their houses. The saint understands everything by His divine power.

There was one leading pleader at Amravati by the name of Ganesh Shri Krishna Khaparde alias Dadasaheb. He was a pious Shukla Yajurvedi Brahman, at whose request Shri Maharaj went to him and accepted his worship. There was one Ganeshappa, a Lingayat Wani who had a devoted wife by name Chandrabhai. She said to her husband that the saint must somehow be taken to their house and asked him to request Shri Maharaj accordingly. She said, If our minds are pious enough then our house will be graced by Shri Maharaj because God always helps his devotees. Ganeshappa said that it was foolish on her part to think so, as it requires a lot of recommendation from influential people to arrange the saints visit. He further reminded her of the troubles Shri Khaparde had to face in order to invite the saint to his house and in view of that wished her not to press the matter any more. But Chandrabai said, I dont agree with you. My mind says that he will come to our house. You know that saints have special affection for the poor. So just request him to come to us.Inspite of her constant urging, Appa could not gather enough courage to invite Shri Maharaj to his house. But Shri Maharaj read their minds and eventually said, I wish to come to your house. Tell me how far it is from here. You should not hesitate to open your mind before me. Hearing this Ganesh Appas happiness knew no bounds. He took Shri Maharaj to his house and reverently worshipped him. Appa offered all his belongings at the feet of Shri Maharaj. Many such Pujas were offered to Shri Maharaj at Amravati and for every such puja one particular gentleman was present. He was a nephew of Shri Atmaram Bhikaji and a Telegraphist in a post office at Bombay. His name was Balabhau and he had come to Amravati on a leave from his job place, to see his maternal uncle. He felt great attached to Shri Maharaj which is why he did not wish to leave him or Shegaon. He started thinking that it is better to renounce the family life as it was purely transient. This thinking made him desire to stay with Shri Maharaj. He thought - �who will reject the nectar and take to poison? That is why he attended all Pujas at Amravati with no other reason behind it. After some days Shri Maharaj returned to Shegaon and went straight to Motes temple instead of the garden where he formerly stayed. To the east of this temple there was a vacant plot of land. Shri Maharaj went and sat there. Krishna Patil got the news of the arrival of Shri Maharaj and also of his having abandoned the former place in his garden. So be came rushing to Shri Maharaj, prostrated at His feet and sat with bowed head before Him. Tears started coming from his eyes and the clothes on his chest got wet. Shri Maharaj said, Why are you weeping? What is the grief? Tell me immediately. Patil, with folded hands asked Him the reason for leaving the garden and said,What is that unpardonable offence committed by me? O learned one. I am your child, tell me the reason, this land where You are sitting belongs to one Mali and he is of Deshmukh group. Please do not stay here. If You like to come to my house, I will vacate it for You. Let me tell You that I can sacrifice everything to get You. All Patil brothers knew about this and they too came to request Shri Maharaj to stay with any of them. Shri Maharaj said My coming to this place for stay is in your interest, and you will realize it later on. So dont ask anything now. I assure you that the dispute between you two (Patil & Deshmukh) will be settled amicably. All the executive Officers in the world have one defect about them, and that is, they fail to foresee the consequences of their actions. Now you do one thing, go and bring Bankatlal. He was not angry at my leaving his house. You go and ask him why he was comfortable about the fact that I left his home. My Blessings are always with you and will always be so in the future. Later Bankatlal arrived at the scene and said, Please dont take Him back to the garden against His wish, Remember that I did nothing to obstruct Him when He went away from my house. We are all His children and His love is the same for each and every one of us. Sakharam Asolkar is generous at heart and, I think he will not hesitate to give this land to Shri Maharaj. Once he gives the land, our further planning will enable all of us to come together
Thus there was compromise and a Mathwas built for Shri Maharaj, with great efforts by Parashram Saoji. Shri Maharaj had four deeply devoted devotees with him, Bhaskar, Balabhau, Pitamber, Ganesh Appa of Amravati and Ramchandra Gurav also who was with them. They were like five Pandavas and Shri Maharaj was the Shri Hariamongst them. Balabhau, felt completely detached from the worldly life and cared least about being late to report to his job on time. He frequently received letters from his work place asking him to return to work immediately; however he paid no head to it. Bhaskar finally had a talk with Maharaj and said to him, Gurudeo, this Balabhau is not leaving us simply because he gets a lot of Pedhas (Sweets) as long as he is here. I am afraid that he will leave this place only when he receives a good beating at your hands. The only way to tame a monkey is to thrash it real hard with a stick the same way that big mountains can be threatened by thunderbolts. Once Bala Bhau was driven out against his wish, but he returned back to Maharaj having resigned from his service. At that time Bhaskar said to him in an agitated tone, Why are you troubling us by frequently visiting this place like a shameless bullock keeps returning to the green pastures? Only those who have renounced everything in life can rightly visit this place so frequently. Shri Maharaj did not like this egoistic talk of Bhaskar and so decided to remove his ignorance. Maharaj did as follows.
There was a big umbrella in the hands of a gentleman sitting nearby. Shri Maharaj took hold of that umbrella and beat Bala bhau till it broke. He continued the beating by means of a cane. People that were around got scared and some of them ran away, but Balabhau was lying still before Shri Maharaj. Many thought that he must have died owing to such beating and even Bhaskar now got worried about what was happening, but did not dare to say anything to Shri Maharaj. That cane also broke by the merciless beating. Then Maharaj started trampling Bala bhau with both His feet like a potter trampling the mud. While this was going on, some of the disciples went to call the devotees whom Shri Maharaj loved the most. Bankatlal and Krishnaji came running to the temple but they too could not dare restrict Shri Maharaj from what he was doing. At last Bankatlal, most hesitantly, requested Shri Maharaj to stop beating Balabhau, saying that he too was his devotee. At that Shri Maharaj laughed and said, You are speaking something irrelevant. I have not beaten or trampled Balabhau. You can see yourself and examine his body. O, my dear Balabhau, get up and show your body to these people.So Balabhau got up and people examined his body carefully. There was no trace of beating on it. He was happier then ever before. With this incidence Shri Maharaj proved the authority and greatness of Balabhaus devotion to Bhaskar, who thereafter treated Balabhau with due respect. Gold is treated with acid test, and if it sustains it only then it is accepted as an object of value.

There was a man named Sukhlal Agarwal at Balapur who owned a wicked cow. She used to wander in the town trampling and hurting people by the means of her horns. She would enter any shop eat grains to her hearts content and then pushed and spilled the remaining on road. She even kicked oil and ghee containers thereby spilling the contents on the road. If tied down at home, she snapped the rope and broke the chains. She behaved like a tiger and the people of Balapur got fed up with her nuisance. She was not getting pregnant and never remained indoors. Many folks advised Sukhlal to hand her over to a butcher or get her shot down by a bullet. He permitted them to do whatever they liked to her. One Muslim man once tried to kill her by gun, but some how she seemed to have gotten some warning about it and so she attacked and threw him away by her horns. Sukhlal then took her and abandoned her in another village but she returned back to Balapur again. Somebody then remembered the fact that it was Shri Gajanan Maharaj who had tamed Govind buas horse, and so advised Sukhlal to take her to Shegaon and offer her to Shri Maharaj, thereby serving dual purpose of getting rid of her and obtain Punya for giving a gift to a saint. All liked the idea, but their attempts to catch her failed every time. Then they kept a heap of green grass and some cottonseed on an open ground. As the cow rushed to eat it, 10-15 people surrounded and trapped her by ropes. Then she was lifted and tied on a bullock-cart with iron chains and brought to Shegaon for giving her to Shri Maharaj. As Shegaon was nearing, there appeared a significant change in her behaviour, and when brought before Shri Maharaj, she appeared to be an extremely tame creature. With tears in her eyes, she looked at Shri Maharaj. Thereupon Shri Maharaj said. it is your foolishness to have tied and tortured a poor cow like this. Her neck, horns and legs are tied with rope and chains. Such type of Bandobastis all right for a tiger but not for a poor cow like this. You fools! you should know that this is a cow, a mother of all, and by tying her like this you have committed a sin. Release her at once, she will not trouble anybody.However, no one dare go close to her. Maharaj, with his sacred hands released her of all the restraining chains and ropes. As Soon as she was free the cow came down, folded her fore-legs and with bowed head went round him three times and started rubbing his feet by her tongue. All the people saw this miracle and were surprised. Shri Maharaj said to the cow, O cow, do not trouble anybody hereafter and dont leave this place at all.
When this happened all people raised cheers in praise of Shri Maharaj. Since then She was never tied by any rope and became a wise cow. Even today her progeny exists in Shegaon. This incidence shows that whatever is said by the saints always comes true.

Now read the story of Laxman Ghude. He was a rich Brahman of Karanja and had some disease of the stomach for which he had taken lot of treatment spending much money but to no effect. Hearing the fame of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, came to Shegaon with his wife. The ailment was so acute that he could not even walk and so 2-3 persons lifted and brought him to the Math. He was not able even to bend his body to bow before Shri Maharaj. His wife bowed and begged for the health of her husband. She said, O Maharaj, I am like a daughter to you and request to cure my husband from the agonies of the disease. When nectar is present the death must go away kindly save my husband. At that time Shri Maharaj was eating a mango and he threw the same at Laxman's wife crying. Now go and feed this mango to your husband. It will cure him of disease, you are a good devoted wife to him. Then he kept quiet and started smoking his pipe. Since the lady was still sitting there Bhaskar said, O Lady, Now do not sit here, Take your husband back to Karanja and feed him the Prasad of mango given to you by Shri Maharaj. As soon as he eats the mango it will cure his ailment.
She returned to Karanja with her husband and fed that mango to Laxman. When this couple reached Karanja, people started asking her as to what had happened at Shegaon. She told all the details and also about the prasad mango which she had fed to Laxman. There upon the doctors said that it was wrong for Laxman to eat mango as it would aggravate the ailment of the stomach. They pointed out that great Vaidyas like Mahaonid, Sushrut, Nighant and Sharangdhar clearly stated in their writings that the mango is a prohibited fruit for stomach ailment. They further said that if she had eaten the Prasad, instead of her husband, her Punya would have been useful for curing Laxman. Everybody started criticizing her for what she had done. But a miracle happened. Laxman suddenly excreted stools and his stomach became soft. Gradually he recovered completely. His ailment passed away through the stools. Doctors cant help when things are beyond nature, because at such times only the blessings of God and the saints are useful. When Laxman was fully recovered, he went to Shegaon and respectfully invited Shri Maharaj to his house, saying Please purify my house by the touch of your feet. Shri Maharaj was reluctant, but Laxman requested again and again and at last Shri Maharaj agreed. Shri Maharaj went to Karanja along with Shankar, Bhau and Pitamber. Laxman very warmly received Shri Maharaj at his house and performed his detailed Puja. As for the Dakshina (offering) he said, Maharaj, every thing that belongs to me is yours, so who am I to give you anything? Saying so, he placed some money in a plate and offered it to Shri Maharaj. Having looked at that Maharaj said, When you say that you possess nothing, then wherefrom have you brought these rupees? Laxman dont try to trick me by your hypocrisy. Since you have given me everything of yours, open all the doors and throw away the locks. Laxman kept quiet. But Shri Maharaj insisted upon his opening the safe. Hesitatingly, Laxman opened the locks of his safe, sat at its door and asked Shri Maharaj to take whatever he liked from it. Though he said this, he was not that honest or sincere from his mind. Shri Maharaj could understand his hypocrisy. An actor cannot keep up his disguise for long. A bitter fruit appears fine from outside but inside of it there is nothing but bitterness. Saints are never happy at the house of hypocrites, so Shri Maharaj left Laxmans house without eating anything. He did not care for Laxrnans house or his money as He was the ocean of renunciation himself. He only wanted to find the truth in what Laxman had said, and when found his falsehood, He just left the place and while leaving said. You are most selfish, trying to own everything. Now get ready to face its consequences. I had come to bless you and give you double of what you have, but it appears that you are not destined to get it. It proved true and within six months of the above mentioned incident, Laxman lost everything and was reduced to a beggars state. By this incident, Shri Maharaj wanted to show that one should not be insincere and dishonest in parmarth. Shri Maharaj was Chintamani i.e. capable of getting anything and as such did rot care for the pebbles of Laxman. Can aluminium decorate the God?

May all devotees listen to this Gajanan Vijay Katha for their own good.

May all devotees listen to this Gajanan Vijay Katha for their own good.

SHUBHAM BHAVATU
Obeisance to the Har and Hari

Here end of Chapter Tenth


Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 11, 2010, 11:03:41 PM
Chapter - 11 ~
Shri Ganeshayanmah! O Pashupati, Bhavanipati, you have as many forms as number of people in the universe. Your formless form occupies the entire universe and it is also the manifestation of maya in its original form. 0 Dear God, it is impossible to apprehend your form, and so you have been kind enough to manifest yourself in forms with different attributes. Devotees name you as they like, and the names do not make any difference for you. Shaiva call you Shiva Vedantis call you Brahma, Ramanujas call you Sitapati and you are Vishnu of Vaishnavas. Various methods of worshiping have given you these names, but you are the same everywhere. You are Vishveshwar at Somnath, Kedar in Himalaya, Mahankal on the bank of Kshipra, Naganath, Vaijanath, Ghrushneswar at Verul and Tryambak on the bank of Godavari. You are Bhimashankar, Mallikarjuna and Rameshwar. You are Shankar in the form of Gokarna and Mahadeo at Shinganapur. I bow before all of them. O Benevolenl God, please rid me of the troublesome elements of nature. O Girijapate, it is you who made Kubera wealthy in a moment. Then why this hesitation for me?
Next year Shri Samartha came to Balkrishana at Balapur for Das navami. At that place there were His two most devoted devotees - SukIal and Balkrishna. Bhaskar Patil, Balabhau, Pitamber, Ganu, jagdeo and Dindokar accompanied Shri Maharaj. The celebration of Dasnavami was most satisfying, but fate had something else in store for Bhaskara. A rabid dog bit him and people were afraid that he would soon go rabid. All the possible treatment was given to him, and it was also suggested that he be taken to some doctor. But Bhaskar said that he did not need any doctor as Shri Maharaj was his real doctor to whom he wanted to be taken soon. Accordingly Bhaskar was brought before Shri Maharaj and Balabhau narrated him everything about the dog bite. Shri Maharaj heard and smilingly said,

"Nobody can escape the effects of murder, enmity and debt. This Bhaskar removed the wickedness of Shukhlal's cow at Shegaon, and that wickedness has now come in the form of the dog to bite him. Bhaskar is so selfish that he had requested me to remove that wickedness from the cow so that he could get her milk for himself. You enjoyed drinking her milk, and now feel sorry for

the dog bite. Do you want me to save you? Be frank. This dog bite is only an excuse to end your life. Your life is now over, and soon you have to leave this material world. If you wish to live more, I can save you, but that will be a sort of give and take affair in this illusive world. So be quick and let me know your mind. You will not get such chance again."

Bhaskar said, "I am an ignorant child of yours. You do whatever is good for me. Shri Tukaram, in his Abhang has said that mother only understands everything that is good for her child. I am your child, so why should I request You 7 You are the ocean of all knowledge and know everything."

Hearing this, Shri Maharaj felt very happy, as truth always satisfies people who are themselves truthful. Some devotees requested Shri Maharaj to save Bhaskar as he was one of the most dedicated disciple.

Shri Maharaj said, "Gentlemen, it is your ignorance that makes you say so.
Know that, this life and death itself is unreal. Nobody is born and nobody dies.
The intellectuals to have advised the knowledge of the Supreme self

understand this illusion. You cannot be liberated from the present life, without suffering the effects of your deeds of previous life. You do something in you past life and take birth to suffer the effects of those deeds and again to take birth for the deeds of present life and so on the cycle goes on. How long will you continue this chain? Bhaskar has finished suffering the effects of the deeds of his past life and now is liberated to attain Moksha (to merge with the Brahma). So please do not come in his way, let him go. It is difficult to get a devotee like Bhaskar. Know that, this dog was his enemy in the previous life and so it has bitten him in this life at Balapur. The revenge is over. But if this incident leaves any bitterness in the mind of Bhaskar, it will be a cause for another birth to him to avenge the bite. So understand that, as at today, the enmity of the previous life is over and Bhaskar is cleansed of all effects of that life. He is left with two more months of life, and I will save his from the effects of that dog bite for two months. If I do not do that he will have to take birth again and live for two months."

So me people were unable to understand this supreme knowledge given out
by Shri Maharaj, but Balabhau could comprehend and so was happy. He praised Bhaskar again and again for his sincere devotion to the saint and thereby againing the ultimate liberation from the cycle of life and death.

Then all of them returned to Shegaon. Bhaskar narrated everything that happened at Balapur, to other devotees in the Math and with folded hands requested them as follows

Shegaon is most fortunate to get Shri Gajanan Maharaj and so we in the form of some permanent memorial should retain this invaluable Trust. In fact He himself does not need any memorial but it is necessary in the interest of future generations. Like the monuments of Sant Dnyaneshwar at Alandi Shri Ramdas Swami at Sajjangad and Shri Tukaram Maharaj at Dehu, We should have a grand memorial of Shri Gajanan Maharaj at Shegaon."

Bhaskar went on telling this to everybody but was doubtful about their conviction. So he, in the absence of Shri Maharaj, called a meeting of all devotees at
Shegaon. Bankatlal, Han Patil, Maroti, Chandrabhan, Shripatrao Vavikar, Tarachand Saokar and many others attended.

Bhaskar said to them, "Now my stay with you is for two months only, and I wish that a grand memorial of Shri Maharaj should come up at Shegaon. If you promise me to do it. I shall leave for "Vaikunth" with real happiness. Remember that service to saint never goes waste. He will fulfill all your desires. The memorial should be such that it attracts praise from everybody. This is my last desire. You vow to raise such monument for Shri Maharaj."

All promised to fulfill his desire and Shri Bhaskar was satisfied.

Day by day, Bhaskar was getting gay as a child waiting for the gayety of some ensuing festival. On Magh Vadya 13th maharaj said,

"Bhaskara, let us go to Trimbakeshwar for Shri Mahashivaratri, as there resides on the bank of Godavari, Shri Shiva - the Bhavanivara. The Jyotirling at that place is most pleasant and capable of dispelling all sins. Don't delay. Let
us go there and have holy bath in the sacred Godavari. Moreover, there is a hill named Brahmagiri near Tryambakeshwar and on it are lot of medicinal herbs Gahininath, Who knows all the medicinal herbs also resides over there. We can get some herbs for your anti-rabit treatment from him."

Bhaskar said - "Why should I need any medicine now? Your blessings are more useful for me, than any medicine. By your grace I was freed of the poison at Balapur, and have to live for another two months only. So permit me to stay at Shegaon, as for me you are Trimbakeshwar, and your feet the Godavari where I shall take bath. Thus I don't need any other holy place to visit.

Thereupon Shri Maharaj said that it was all true, but one should not ignore the importance of the holy and sacred places. He asked Bhaskar to get ready and also to take Pitambar and Balabhau with them.

They all went to Tryambakeshwar on Shivaratri day, took bath at sacred Kushavarth, had darshana of Shri Shiva at the temple, and then offered Pujas to Goutami at Gangadwara, Ma Nilambika, Nivrutti and Gahaninath. From there
they came to Nasik to meet Gopaldas who was always sitting at the entrance of Kalaram Temple in Panchavati. In front of it was a piple tree surrounded by a platform. Shri Gajanan Maharaj, along with his disciples, went and sat on it. Shri Gopaldas was very happy, and said to the people around him,

"Today my brother has come from Vidarbha and his name is Gajanan. Go and have his darshan respectfully. Offer him coconut and sugar as a present from me, and put this garland around his neck. Though we have two bodies, still we are one.

The disciples accordingly offered the coconut, sugar and garland to Shri Gajanan Maharaj and had his darshan. Looking to that Shri Maharaj said to Bhaskar,

"Bhaskara, distribute this prasad to all. In this Panchavati I have met my brother today. So the work over here is finished. Let us now go to Shri Dhumal Lawyer of Nasik."

Shri Maharaj came to Nasik where many people took his darshan. After staying

there for few days he returned to Shegaon. Zyam-Singh came to Shegaon and requested him to go with him to Adgaon. Shri Maharaj was reluctant but looking to the fervent request of Zyam Singh, said that he would go to Adgaon after Ramnavami. Zyam Singh went back to Adgaon and returned to Shegaon again after Ramnavami as per the wish of Shri Maharaj. After the celebrations of Ramnavami Zyam Singh brought Shri Maharaj alongwith other disciples to adgaon for "Hanuman Jayanti". While at Adgaon Shri Maharaj performed many miracles. One afternoon he pushed Bhaskar flat on ground, sat on his chest and started beating him. All people were looking at it, but nobody could go to rescue Bhaskar from that beating. Then Balabhau said,
Maharaj, kindly leave Bhaskar, he is getting scorched on hot earth below him."
Thereupon Bhaskar said, "Don't obstruct him like that. Let him do as he likes. he is my God. You think that he is beating me, but infact he is playing with me. This experience can be understood only by those who know Him." Then Maharaj along with Bhaskar and other disciples came to Adgaon where they stayed.
Shri Maharaj said, "Balabhau, now only two days are left for Bhaskar as he will leave this world on Panchami. You must have understood the reason for my beating him today. Do you remember that this Bhaskara had made me beat you with umbrella at Shegaon? To dispel the effect of that act, I beat Bhaskara today. There was no other intention."
Now listen to what happened after Hanuman Jayanti celebrations at Adgaon.
Prasad of 'Kala' was distributed and the day of "Panchami" dawned. On that day, in the morning, Shri Maharaj said to Bhaskar,

"Bhaskara, your departure is scheduled for today. Facing east, sit in the "Padmasan" posture. Make your mind steady and concentrate on Almighty "Han". You are nearing the time of departure. Get prepared".

To others he said -"Keep on chanting Loudly Vithal, Vithal, Narayan. This brother of yours is going today to Vaikunth. Worship him by offering flowers and "Bukka."

Bhaskar sat in the Padmasan posture, concentrated both eyes on the tip of his

nose and calmed his mind in complete surrender to Almighty. All the devotees were offering Puja to Bhaskar and Shri Maharaj was happily looking at them. The chanting of holy verses and "Bhajan" continued till midday when Shri Maharaj loudly said - "Har Har". And with those words Bhaskara's soul left for "Vaikunth". Only those who are blessed by saints go straight to Vaikunth. People asked Shri Maharaj about the place for Shri Bhaskara's burial, and He advised them' to bury him near the Shiva Parvati temple Then they brought a palanquin and decorated it with leaves of banana tree around it. Bhaskara's body was kept in it and carried in a procession with devotees singing Bhajans in the front. They reached the Dwarkeshwar temple and all rites of Samadhi were performed, near the place of burial. People were weeping with grief, saying that the greatest disciple of Shri Maharaj had left them forever.

From next day started the feeding of poor people in memory of Bhaskar. This Shrikrishna - Shankar Parvati temple is about a mile away to the north of adgaon. The surrounding of Shrikrishna temple was very lively with the greenary of trees like Nimb, Ashwatha, Mandar, Audumbar and many flower plants. The

place is between Akola and Adgaon. The feeding of people, called "Sant Thandara" continued for ten days. People sat under the tamarind tree for their food, but the crows started trouble by continueous cawing, lifting away food from their plates, and even dropping dirt on them. All this annoyed the people rery much and the called the Bhill to shoot arrows at them. Seeing that, Shri Aaharaj said,

Don't shoot at the crows. They have done nothing wrong, as they have come iere to get the Prasad of Bhandara just like you. Bhaskaras' soul has as ended straight to Vaikunth without any break on the Pitrulok. Normally the souI of a dead person keeps on wandering in the sky for ten days. On eleventhday a ball of rice (Pind )is offered to crows, on whose touching it only (by crow)the souldgoes ahead. In Bhaskar's case, his soul went straight to Vaikunth and so there was no need of offering the rice ball (Pind) to the crows. That is why the crows are angry. His soul has been liberated immediately and by this rime it has reached the Vaikunth. While on earth he had attained the detach-
ment and so needs no offering of the rice (Pind). Rice ball offering is given those persons who are not favoured with direct ascent to the heaven. Now knowing that Bhaskar's soul has gone straight to heaven, the crows are angry and by their such behavior they only want to say that they be given Prasad Bhaskar as given to other people. So don't shoot at them. I will tell them. crows listen to what I say. Don't come to this place from tomorrow, as it m lower the prestige of my Bhaskar. Eat the prasad today to your heart content and don't come here from tomorrow."
All the devotees were pleased to hear Shri Maharaj, but a few non belivers were sarcastic and said that it was all nonsense. "How can birds obey t orders of human beings ?", said they to each other. Next day they even went that place to see effect of what Shri Maharaj had said. There was not single crow there. They were surprised and then surrendered to Shri Maharaj. T crows did not visit that place for twelve years.
After 14 days Shri Maharaj returned to Shegaon with his remaining disciple

Now listen to another story.

It was a year of famine and so a work on digging of well was going on. Diggir of about 10 feet was done and then came up hard black rock making it impossible to dig further. So four holes were made for dynamites, and putting or end of string inside. Gun powder was packed in them. The other ends of ft strings were taken up and through them were passed small burning wooden   pipes, so that they slide down and ignite the gun powder. But some how the   wooden pipes got stuck on the string knots in between. They were not sliding down and the water in the well was about to enter the gun powder holes thereby making it ineffective to explode. Somebody had to go down & push the pipe down to save the situation, but nobody was ready to take such a risk. The   contractor on the work asked Ganu Lavarya to go down the well immediately Because of his poverty Ganu had to obey. It is always seen that poor sheep killed as an offering to God . Ganu had great faith in Shri Gajanan Maharaj and so remembering Him. Ganu went down the well and pulled one obstructed pipe which immediately slid and touched the gun powder before he could pull
another. The first one exploded. Ganu Javarya was caught inside the well. He
fervently prayed Shri Maharaj to save him. Whole well got filled with smoke and before the next dynamite exploded Ganu got hold of one side rock below which there was a cavern. Ganu immediately slid in it. One after the other all
the remaining three dynamites exploded and lot of stones were thrown out
People thought that Ganu must have been split into pieces and thrown ou Contractor asked other workers to search the body around. Ganu heard hir and shouted from inside the well.

"O mistry, Ganu is not dead he is perfectly alive in the well. By the grace of Shri
Gajanan Maharaj I am sate in a cavern here, but there is a big rock obstructin me to come out."
People, rejoicing to hear the voice of Ganu, went down the well and removing the stone by spades, brought his up. Ganu at once went running to Shri Maharaj and prostrated at his feet. Shi Maharaj smilingly said,
"Ganu, hiding inside the cavern, how many stones have you thrown out? It big stone which obstructed you from coming out. intact saved you. Don't r peat such feats again and never in future touch the ignited pipe, once it h~ slid down a string. Now go You are saved from a great disaster today."
When people came to see Ganu he said "O Maharaj, when the dynamite exploded, it was you who, holding my hand, put me safe inside that caver and saved from death." Such is the greatness of Maharaj for which I have r words to express.

BABA BLESS ALL
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 13, 2010, 01:52:11 AM
Chapter - 12 ~
Shri Ganeshayanmah. O Ganapati, Mayureshwar, come, sit in my heart an help me complete this book. You are the giver of knowledge and intelligence and the only one to fulfill the desires of his devotees by removing all the obstacles. Puranas also say so. O Ekdanta, Lambodara, Parvatisuta Bhalchandra, Sindura please get me rid of all anxieties.

There was one Bachchulal Agrawal at Akola - a rich and generous person. H heard about the episode of Laxman Ghude of Karanja which created som doubts in his mind. As he was thinking to find out real fact behind it, Shri Gajana Maharaj himself came to Akola and reached his house. Bachchulal wa immensly happy and expressed to Maharaj the desire to worship Him. H gave his consent. Shri Bachchulal made elaborate arrangements for the Puj~ First Shri Maharaj was given a Bath with scented water and then offered a fin silken Pitambar, a Kashmiri Shal and a silken Pheta. A gold chain was placed

around his neck and gold rings on all his fingers. A bracelet of diamonds ware
put on his left arm and perfumes were sprinkled on the body. Then, meals with Jalebi and other sweets was given to him. Thereafter golden Thali full of rupees and Moharas was offered to Shri Maharaj as Dakshina - which amounte to about Rs. Ten thousand - and on it was put a coconut. Then with folded hands Bachchulal said,   "Maharaj, I wish to construct Shri Ram temple as the space in my court-yard I insufficient for the annual celebration of Ram-navami. Kindly fulfill my desire.
Saying so he most reverently put his head on the feet of Shri Maharaj. Then upon Shri Maharaj said,

"I bless you that God Shri Ramchandra will fulfill your desire. But what have you done this by putting so many ornaments on my body? You have made me look like a bullock of 'Pola" festival. You see, I am not a bullock of Pola nor a horse
of Dasera. These ornaments are of no use to me, or rather they are poison for
me and I should not have even a touch of it. Don't try tempt me by all thee material attachment or Bachchulal, have you done all this exhibit your wealth? You should offer only those things which can be liked by the receive I am a mad wandering naked saint. Let it all be with you only. It is useful f4 people leading family life like you. My lord standing on a brick on the bank Bhima can give me any wealth if I want."

Saying so, he removed all the ornaments and clothes and threw them away, Took only a piece of sweet and went away. Many people of Akola witnessed this and were unhappy to see Shri Maharaj leaving like that. Amongst them, some were from Karanja, who felt sorry for Lakshman Ghude who worshipped Maharaj like Bachchulal but was not sincere while offering Dakshina. It was not difficult for Shri Maharaj to understand his hypocrisy, how talk, and false modest Ghude's Puja was of only words. Such people while worshipping say - "O God accept this Mahavastra" and actually may offer some grains of rice only, saying "O God accept these sweets", may put before Him some grains of ground

nut. Such dishonest & hypocritical worship gives the same type of fruit to Th worshipper. Laxman was a victim of such behavior, unlike Bachchulal, whose actions and words were the same. So Bachchulal's prosperity never recede He, who gets blessings of saint, ever remains happy. Bachchulal thereaft searched for Shri Maharaj in whole of Akola, but could not get him.

At Shegaon, in the Math of Shri Maharaj, there was one devotee nam Pitambar a Shimpi by caste. He rendered most sincere service to Shri Maharaj whereby his devotion bore fruit.

Once it so happened that he was wearing a dhoti which was in tattered condition. Looking to that Shri Maharaj said,

"Eh, your name is Pitambar and you don't have even a good dhoti to we Atleast try to cover your buttocks which are seen by others. It is just like woman by name Sonubai going without even aluminium bangles, or a lady name Gangabai dying for want of water. Same is the case with you. This dhoti is useful only for making a duster. By wearing such clothes, you are exposing your buttocks. Take this Dupatta, which I am giving you, wear it without hesitation and never remove it at anybody's asking you to do so."

Pitambar obeyed and wore the Dupatta, but others could not tolerate it. It is the way of the world that, in the wake of selfishness, your own brothers become your enemies. There is no use talking over this subject as by opening the drainage you get bad smell only. There were many people claiming to be the disciples of Shri Maharaj, but real devotees were very few who could be counted on finger tips. It was like few sandalwood trees in the midst of scores of other trees in the forest. Same was the case with people around Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Seeing that a Dupatta was given to Pitambar by Shri Maharaj other disciples started teasing Pitambar out of jealousy, and said that he should not wear the Dupatta which in fact was meant for Shri Maharaj. In reply Pitambar said that he only obeyed the orders of Shri Maharaj who had specifically told him to wear it. Thus, the incident created rift among the disciples of Shri Maharaj, who

to overcome it, said to Pitambar,

"Pitambar now you go away from here, as a grown up and wise child is kept aloof by his mother. My blessings are with you. Go and save the fallen ones. With tears in his eyes, Pitambar prostrated before Shri Maharaj and with lingering eyes, looking back again and again, left the Math. He reached Kondhali and sat under a tree meditating with the name of Shri Maharaj on his lips. He was sitting there for whole night, but as the ants started climbing his body in the morning, he went up the tree and sat on a branch. There too he had to face the menace of ants, and so went from branch to branch, small or big, to find out a safer place to sit, but could not get any. There were some cowheards nearby who were surprised to see Pitambar moving like that on the tree. They could not understand the reasons for his such going from branch to branch like a monkey, and were more surprised to see that he did not fall down even by going on smallest of the branches. One of them said that disciples of Shri Gajanan Maharaj do perform miracles like this, and so he thought that this

man must be a disciple of Shri Maharaj. Then they went back to the village and told other people about what they saw near that mango tree. Hearing the story from the cowherds, people of Kondhali came to the Mango tree to find out who this person was. Seeing Pitambar, they thought that he must be hypocrite doing all these tricks to make us believe that he was a disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. There was one Bhaskar Patil, a real disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, but recently he died. Some said, disciples of Shri Maharaj are not likely to come here, leaving the sweets they get over there at Shegaon. Ultimately they thought it better to ask Pitambar himself about him before forming any opinion. So one of them asked Pitambar as to who he was, why he had come there and who was his guru.

Pitambar said -

"I am resident of Shegaon, Shimpi - Pitambar, and disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, I have come here as per my Guru's orders. I first sat under the Mango
ree, but due to lot of ants climbing my body, I went up the tree and sat on the )ranches."

people got angry at this reply and they warned him not to fool them by using he name of great saint. They further taunted that it was like saying he was a queen of a king and had come there to do a laborer's job for lively hood.

Shamrao Deshmukh of that village said,

You impostor, listen to me. Shri Gajanan Maharaj is God himself and you are arnishing his name. You fool, do you know that once Shri Maharaj created mangoes on a mango tree out of season. He created mangoes and now we challenge you to create atleast leaves on this dried up tree of Baliram Patil. Do or get prepared for a beating from us. If you do you will get all the respect from us. It is generally seen that disciples of great saints, to some extent, attain the heights of their guru. So don't delay. Make this tree green with leaves."

Pitambar got frightened and said, "Please don't corner me like this. Listen to what I say. You see, diamonds and pebbles are found in the same mine. I told you the truth about me. You can very Nell treat me a pebble amongst the disciples of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and ignore. What I said is not a lie at all. A pebble does not lower the importance of the mine, I cannot hide the name of my Guru."

Thereupon Shamrao said,

'Don't talk nonsense. Whenever a disciple is in difficulty, he prays for the favor of his Guru, who do come to the rescue of such disciple even if he has not attained the real height required for a disciple.'

Thus Pitambar was caught between the devil and the sea, got worried and felt helpless. All the people gathered around the mango tree to see what happens further. Helplessly Pitamber folded his hands and started praying Shri Maharaj,
O Swami Gajanan, My Narayana come running for my rescue. Because of me they are blaming you. Make this tree green with leaves for the sake of your

greatness. I am entirely depending on you. Come for my sake, else I will have to face death here. Narhari appeared in a pillar to uphold the worlds of Pralhad,
and the pointed piller on which Jananbai had to be killed, turned into water.
janabai depended on God and I entrust myself to you. There is no difference
between God and Saint. God is saint and saint is God. I am recognized as a
disciple of Gajanan Maharaj and have no individual existence. So it is you
whose honour is at stake. Thread gets importance because of the flowers in
the garland. You are flower and I am the thread. You are musk (Kasturi) and I
am mere dust. I am caught in this calamity because of you. Please don't test
me any more, and come running to create fine green leaves on this tree.'

Thus praying he called upon peple to chant in chorus the name of Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. So the bhajan started saying "Jay Gajanan" - "Jay Gajanan" This continued for some time, and Lo! there was the miracle. Delicate green eaves started shooting out on the tree and soon it was all green. People looked at it in wonder. Some of them thought that it could be a dream, so they just pinched each other and were satisfied that it was not a dream. Others thought it to be a sort of some magic. But that doubt too was removed as white liquid drops came out on plucking the leaves. Then they were convinced that the leaves came on the three because of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. This made them accept the greatness of Pitamber. They took him to Kondhali with a hope that some day, like a cow going to its calf, Shri Gajanan Maharaj may come to Kondhali to see his disciple. Shri Ramdas Swami had sent his disciple Kalyan to Domgaon for the spiritual upliftment of the people there, likewise this Pitamber was sent to Khondhali by Shri Gajanan Maharaj. It was the good luck of Kondholi. That mango tree is still there at Knodholi and bears more mangoes than any other in the vicinity. People of Kondholi started respecting Pitmaber. He established a math at Kondholi and also died there.

At Shegaon once Shri Maharaj was found to be restless, so his disciples asked urn the reason for it.

Shri Maharaj replied, "Krishna Patil, who was daily giving me nut (Supari) has
gone and today I am remembering him. His son, Ram is now very young, and as such there is nobody to give me supari. Ram may render me service when he grows up. So I donot wish to stay in this Math hereafter."

These words created anxiety in the minds of people as it was clear indication of His intention to leave the place. They decided to catch his feet and desist him from leaving Shegaon. Shripatrao, Bankatlal, Tarachand, Maroti and others came and touching the feet of Shri Maharaj, said, "Maharaj, please don't leave us by going away from here. You may stay wherever you like, but don't leave Shegaon."
Shri Maharaj said that since the people of Shegaon were divided among themselves, he did not wish to stay in anybody's house. He however, added that He may stay in Shegaon if given a place not owned by anybody. This demand put the people in a very awkward position. He is not ready to stay in anybody's place, so the only alternative is to get land from Govt. But how can Government, which is of foreigners, have respect for our Saint ? So Bankatlal equested Shri Maharaj not to put them in such difficulty as there was no guarantee of this alion Govt. donating land for religious purpose. They again 'equested Shri Maharaj to ask for anybody's place from amongst them. Shri Maharaj said, "You are ignorant people. Know that land is fully owned by Almighty. Many things came and vanished, but this land always belonged to Pandurang. Kings own land by way of tradition and nothing more than that. Go and try at the lands of Han Patil. You will succeed in getting the land from Government."


People came to Han Path and after consultation with him applied to the Government for land. Mr. Karl was district Collector at Buldana. He agreed and pave one acre of land on that application. In his order he had said that initially anctioned only one acre of land, but if they use and develop it properly - within year, more land would be sanctioned. That decision of the Collector is still there on record. This was all due to the "word" of Shri Maharaj. Then Han and Bankatlal started collection of funds and the required amount was soon collected. Thereafter started the construction. Subsequent story will be narrated in the next chapter. God is always ready to fulfill the wish of saints. Vithu Patil of Dongargaon, Laxman Patil of Wadegaon and Jagu Aba of Shegaon were the leaders to collect the donations.

BABA BLESS ALL
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 05:58:08 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi12

 
Shri Ganeshayanmah. O Ganapati, Mayureshwar, come, sit in my heart an help me complete this book.
You are the giver of knowledge and intelligence and the only one to fulfill the desires of his devotees by removing all the obstacles. Puranas also say so. O Ekdanta, Lambodara, Parvatisuta Bhalchandra, Sindura please get me rid of all anxieties.

There was one Bachchulal Agrawal at Akola - a rich and generous person. H heard about the episode of Laxman Ghude of Karanja which created som doubts in his mind. As he was thinking to find out real fact behind it, Shri Gajana Maharaj himself came to Akola and reached his house. Bachchulal wa immensly happy and expressed to Maharaj the desire to worship Him. H gave his consent. Shri Bachchulal made elaborate arrangements for the Puj~ First Shri Maharaj was given a Bath with scented water and then offered a fin silken Pitambar, a Kashmiri Shal and a silken Pheta. A gold chain was placed
around his neck and gold rings on all his fingers. A bracelet of diamonds ware
put on his left arm and perfumes were sprinkled on the body. Then, meals with Jalebi and other sweets was given to him. Thereafter golden Thali full of rupees and Moharas was offered to Shri Maharaj as Dakshina - which amounte to about Rs. Ten thousand - and on it was put a coconut. Then with folded hands Bachchulal said,    "Maharaj, I wish to construct Shri Ram temple as the space in my court-yard I insufficient for the annual celebration of Ram-navami. Kindly fulfill my desire.
Saying so he most reverently put his head on the feet of Shri Maharaj. Then upon Shri Maharaj said,

"I bless you that God Shri Ramchandra will fulfill your desire. But what have you done this by putting so many ornaments on my body? You have made me look like a bullock of 'Pola" festival. You see, I am not a bullock of Pola nor a horse
of Dasera. These ornaments are of no use to me, or rather they are poison for
me and I should not have even a touch of it. Don't try tempt me by all thee material attachment or Bachchulal, have you done all this exhibit your wealth? You should offer only those things which can be liked by the receive I am a mad wandering naked saint. Let it all be with you only. It is useful f4 people leading family life like you. My lord standing on a brick on the bank Bhima can give me any wealth if I want."

Saying so, he removed all the ornaments and clothes and threw them away, Took only a piece of sweet and went away. Many people of Akola witnessed this and were unhappy to see Shri Maharaj leaving like that. Amongst them, some were from Karanja, who felt sorry for Lakshman Ghude who worshipped Maharaj like Bachchulal but was not sincere while offering Dakshina. It was not difficult for Shri Maharaj to understand his hypocrisy, how talk, and false modest Ghude's Puja was of only words. Such people while worshipping say - "O God accept this Mahavastra" and actually may offer some grains of rice only, saying "O God accept these sweets", may put before Him some grains of ground

nut. Such dishonest & hypocritical worship gives the same type of fruit to Th worshipper. Laxman was a victim of such behavior, unlike Bachchulal, whose actions and words were the same. So Bachchulal's prosperity never recede He, who gets blessings of saint, ever remains happy. Bachchulal thereaft searched for Shri Maharaj in whole of Akola, but could not get him.

At Shegaon, in the Math of Shri Maharaj, there was one devotee nam Pitambar a Shimpi by caste. He rendered most sincere service to Shri Maharaj whereby his devotion bore fruit.

Once it so happened that he was wearing a dhoti which was in tattered condition. Looking to that Shri Maharaj said,

"Eh, your name is Pitambar and you don't have even a good dhoti to we Atleast try to cover your buttocks which are seen by others. It is just like woman by name Sonubai going without even aluminium bangles, or a lady name Gangabai dying for want of water. Same is the case with you. This dhoti  is useful only for making a duster. By wearing such clothes, you are exposing your buttocks. Take this Dupatta, which I am giving you, wear it without hesitation and never remove it at anybody's asking you to do so."

Pitambar obeyed and wore the Dupatta, but others could not tolerate it. It is the way of the world that, in the wake of selfishness, your own brothers become your enemies. There is no use talking over this subject as by opening the drainage you get bad smell only. There were many people claiming to be the disciples of Shri Maharaj, but real devotees were very few who could be counted on finger tips. It was like few sandalwood trees in the midst of scores of other trees in the forest. Same was the case with people around Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Seeing that a Dupatta was given to Pitambar by Shri Maharaj other disciples started teasing Pitambar out of jealousy, and said that he should not wear the Dupatta which in fact was meant for Shri Maharaj. In reply Pitambar said that he only obeyed the orders of Shri Maharaj who had specifically told him to wear it. Thus, the incident created rift among the disciples of Shri Maharaj, who

to overcome it, said to Pitambar,

"Pitambar now you go away from here, as a grown up and wise child is kept aloof by his mother. My blessings are with you. Go and save the fallen ones. With tears in his eyes, Pitambar prostrated before Shri Maharaj and with lingering eyes, looking back again and again, left the Math. He reached Kondhali and sat under a tree meditating with the name of Shri Maharaj on his lips. He was sitting there for whole night, but as the ants started climbing his body in the morning, he went up the tree and sat on a branch. There too he had to face the menace of ants, and so went from branch to branch, small or big, to find out a safer place to sit, but could not get any. There were some cowheards nearby who were surprised to see Pitambar moving like that on the tree. They could not understand the reasons for his such going from branch to branch like a monkey, and were more surprised to see that he did not fall down even by going on smallest of the branches. One of them said that disciples of Shri Gajanan Maharaj do perform miracles like this, and so he thought that this

man must be a disciple of Shri Maharaj. Then they went back to the village and told other people about what they saw near that mango tree. Hearing the story from the cowherds, people of Kondhali came to the Mango tree to find out who this person was. Seeing Pitambar, they thought that he must be hypocrite doing all these tricks to make us believe that he was a disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. There was one Bhaskar Patil, a real disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, but recently he died. Some said, disciples of Shri Maharaj are not likely to come here, leaving the sweets they get over there at Shegaon. Ultimately they thought it better to ask Pitambar himself about him before forming any opinion. So one of them asked Pitambar as to who he was, why he had come there and who was his guru.

Pitambar said -

"I am resident of Shegaon, Shimpi - Pitambar, and disciple of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, I have come here as per my Guru's orders. I first sat under the Mango
ree, but due to lot of ants climbing my body, I went up the tree and sat on the )ranches."

people got angry at this reply and they warned him not to fool them by using he name of great saint. They further taunted that it was like saying he was a queen of a king and had come there to do a laborer's job for lively hood.

Shamrao Deshmukh of that village said,

You impostor, listen to me. Shri Gajanan Maharaj is God himself and you are arnishing his name. You fool, do you know that once Shri Maharaj created mangoes on a mango tree out of season. He created mangoes and now we challenge you to create atleast leaves on this dried up tree of Baliram Patil. Do or get prepared for a beating from us. If you do you will get all the respect from us. It is generally seen that disciples of great saints, to some extent, attain the heights of their guru. So don't delay. Make this tree green with leaves."

Pitambar got frightened and said, "Please don't corner me like this. Listen to what I say. You see, diamonds and pebbles are found in the same mine. I told you the truth about me. You can very Nell treat me a pebble amongst the disciples of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and ignore. What I said is not a lie at all. A pebble does not lower the importance of the mine, I cannot hide the name of my Guru."

Thereupon Shamrao said,

'Don't talk nonsense. Whenever a disciple is in difficulty, he prays for the favor of his Guru, who do come to the rescue of such disciple even if he has not attained the real height required for a disciple.'

Thus Pitambar was caught between the devil and the sea, got worried and felt helpless. All the people gathered around the mango tree to see what happens further. Helplessly Pitamber folded his hands and started praying Shri Maharaj,
O Swami Gajanan, My Narayana come running for my rescue. Because of me they are blaming you. Make this tree green with leaves for the sake of your

greatness. I am entirely depending on you. Come for my sake, else I will have to face death here. Narhari appeared in a pillar to uphold the worlds of Pralhad,
and the pointed piller on which Jananbai had to be killed, turned into water.
janabai depended on God and I entrust myself to you. There is no difference
between God and Saint. God is saint and saint is God. I am recognized as a
disciple of Gajanan Maharaj and have no individual existence. So it is you
whose honour is at stake. Thread gets importance because of the flowers in
the garland. You are flower and I am the thread. You are musk (Kasturi) and I
am mere dust. I am caught in this calamity because of you. Please don't test
me any more, and come running to create fine green leaves on this tree.'

Thus praying he called upon peple to chant in chorus the name of Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. So the bhajan started saying "Jay Gajanan" - "Jay Gajanan" This continued for some time, and Lo! there was the miracle. Delicate green eaves started shooting out on the tree and soon it was all green. People looked at it in wonder. Some of them thought that it could be a dream, so they just
pinched each other and were satisfied that it was not a dream. Others thought it to be a sort of some magic. But that doubt too was removed as white liquid drops came out on plucking the leaves. Then they were convinced that the leaves came on the three because of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. This made them accept the greatness of Pitamber. They took him to Kondhali with a hope that some day, like a cow going to its calf, Shri Gajanan Maharaj may come to Kondhali to see his disciple. Shri Ramdas Swami had sent his disciple Kalyan to Domgaon for the spiritual upliftment of the people there, likewise this Pitamber was sent to Khondhali by Shri Gajanan Maharaj. It was the good luck of Kondholi. That mango tree is still there at Knodholi and bears more mangoes than any other in the vicinity. People of Kondholi started respecting Pitmaber. He established a math at Kondholi and also died there.

At Shegaon once Shri Maharaj was found to be restless, so his disciples asked urn the reason for it.

Shri Maharaj replied, "Krishna Patil, who was daily giving me nut (Supari) has
gone and today I am remembering him. His son, Ram is now very young, and as such there is nobody to give me supari. Ram may render me service when he grows up. So I donot wish to stay in this Math hereafter."

These words created anxiety in the minds of people as it was clear indication of His intention to leave the place. They decided to catch his feet and desist him from leaving Shegaon. Shripatrao, Bankatlal, Tarachand, Maroti and others came and touching the feet of Shri Maharaj, said, "Maharaj, please don't leave us by going away from here. You may stay wherever you like, but don't leave Shegaon."
Shri Maharaj said that since the people of Shegaon were divided among themselves, he did not wish to stay in anybody's house. He however, added that He may stay in Shegaon if given a place not owned by anybody. This demand put the people in a very awkward position. He is not ready to stay in anybody's place, so the only alternative is to get land from Govt. But how can Government, which is of foreigners, have respect for our Saint ? So Bankatlal equested Shri Maharaj not to put them in such difficulty as there was no guarantee of this alion Govt. donating land for religious purpose. They again 'equested Shri Maharaj to ask for anybody's place from amongst them. Shri Maharaj said, "You are ignorant people. Know that land is fully owned by Almighty. Many things came and vanished, but this land always belonged to Pandurang. Kings own land by way of tradition and nothing more than that. Go and try at the lands of Han Patil. You will succeed in getting the land from Government."
People came to Han Path and after consultation with him applied to the Government for land. Mr. Karl was district Collector at Buldana. He agreed and pave one acre of land on that application. In his order he had said that initially anctioned only one acre of land, but if they use and develop it properly - within year, more land would be sanctioned. That decision of the Collector is still
there on record. This was all due to the "word" of Shri Maharaj. Then Han and Bankatlal started collection of funds and the required amount was soon collected. Thereafter started the construction. Subsequent story will be narrated in the next chapter. God is always ready to fulfill the wish of saints. Vithu Patil of Dongargaon, Laxman Patil of Wadegaon and Jagu Aba of Shegaon were the leaders to collect the donations.
O listeners, listen to this Gajanan Vijay classic singlemindedly for your own emancipation. May all happiness come to you.

"SUBHAM BAVATU"
Om Shri Han Hara Pranmastu.
Here ends Chapter Twelve



Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:02:48 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi13

 
Shri Ganeshayanmah. O Shri Han, you are the supreme saint, ocean of kind ness and intimate friend of Gopa and Gopis.
O Shri Han, please manifest your self to me. Brahmadeo had to steal cows and calfs in Gokul to see the Godliness in you. At that time you yourself became cows of calfs and manifested the Godliness in you to Brahmadeo. You crushed Kaliya Cobra in Yamuna and sent him to Ramanakdweep to free Gopas of his menace. Likewise I request you to trample my misfortune to rid me of all fears. O Han, I am most ignorant devote4 of yours, undeserving and not suitable for your blessings, but even then request you to please oblige me by your favor to free me of all worries immediately.

Now listen. Bankat, Han, Laxman Vithu and Jagdeo together went round for collecting donations for Math of Shri Maharaj. Believers readily subscribed while some mischievous people taunted them saying, "Why should your saint need donations? You always say that Shri Gajanan Maharaj is a great saint capable of performing any miracle, then why should he need money for his Math? Kuber is his banker - Just draw a Hundi in the nam of Kuber instead of going from door to door for money." At this Jagdeo laughed and said, "This begging for donations is for your good. There is no need to build Math or temple for Shri Gajanan Maharaj. All this exercise is meant for bringing happiness to you. This whole universe is a Math for Shri Maharaj. All these forests are gardens and the earth a cot for him. Eight Siddhis serve him like maids. He does not care for you, as his glory is entirely different than what you imagine I to be. How can a candle help the sun to diffuse darkness? The sun himself light and does not need candle at all. How can a watchman bring grandeur t an emperor? Human Beings desire material pleasure and that can be fulfill by this good deed. Remember that the medicine is required to cure the disease of the body and not of soul. Body is susceptible to disease and not the soul
What of that, even birth and death does not affect the soul. Thus this medicine of Punya (Good deeds) is required to protect your material pleasures, which are in your body, and sin is its disease. This medicine of Punya will destroy tha sin. Therefore, increase, your Punya and stop all this perverse thinking so the wealth of good deeds to reap the crop of happiness. Grains sown on rocks get wasted and they never germinate. Bad desires and acts are like rocks and birds and insects will consume grains thrown on it only. There is n better Punya than rendering service to Saints. At present Shri Gajanan Maharaj is a gem amongst saints. A single grain sown gives out a bunch of grains Likewise - anything given for cause of a saint adds to your punya countless times. One grain gives back multiple of grains - same is the case with Punya.

Hearing this, the slanderers kept quiet, as truth puts an end to all arguments Donations can be collected only with the help of men having prestige in this society. Ordinary persons are of no use for such work. People then started the work of constructing a compound wall around the plot acquired for Shri Maharaj

Everybody in Shegaon extended help for this work. The material like stone lime and sand for the work was carried in bullock carts, At that time Shri Mahan was sitting in the old Math. He thought that unless he himself went and sat i the new place, the work of the construction would not be expedited. Thinking so he climbed up a bullock cart carrying sand to the new place of Math. Th cartman, being a Mahar by caste, immediately moved away from the cart. Shri Maharaj asked him the reason for his such behaviour and added that he being a saint-a Paramhansa, was not affected by the contact of untouchables. There upon the Mahar said,

"It is true, but even then that is not proper for me to sit beside you on the cart. Maroti became one with Shri Ram, but never sat by his side. He always stood before Him with folded hands."
Shri Maharaj agreed and asked the bullocks to follow the cart man. They really behaved well, and brought the cart, without cart man, to the desired place.
Shri Maharaj got down and sat in the center of the plot where the temple stands at present. This place is in two survey numbers - 43/45. The spot where Shri Maharaj sat was treated as the centre for construction and for doing so they had to take land from both the survey numbers. In fact they were sanctioned only one acre of land, but due to the centre already being fixed as above, an encroachment of eleven gunthas of land was done for the construction ol the Math. They dared do this because the Collector had promised to allot more land after looking to the progress of construction. But some mischeuous ele ments reported the matter to the Government. The devotees were disturbed a' ~ the news and informed Shri Maharaj that an Officer by name Joshi was comin� to enquire in the matter of encroachment. Shri Maharaj laughed and said tha Y the fine imposed for the encroachment would be exempted. It proved true. Shri Joshi on going through the enquiry passed orders exempting the fine impose on Shri Gajanan Maharaj Trust. When this order was received Han Patil fel very remembered the episode when he had beaten a Mahar. At that time als
Shri Maharaj had promised him protection and ultimately saved Han Patil frorr prosecution. Thus whatever Shri Maharaj had said proved true.

Now I will narrate the miracles performed by Shri Maharaj after coming to the new Math.

A man named Gangabharti came to Shegaon from a village Savadad near Mehkar. He was suffering from leprosy and his whole body had become rotten with cracks on both the legs. The disease had eaten away his finger tips, reddened all skin and he had itching all over body. Gangabharati was tired of the suffering and so when he heard of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, came to Shegaon. The devotees there did not allow him to go near Shri Maharaj as the disease was contageous. They advised him to get the Darshan of Shri Maharaj from a distance. Despite this advise one day Gangabharati took an opportunity, rushed and direct Darshan of Shri Maharaj by prostrating and putting his head on his feet. Shri Maharaj gave a big slap on his head and as he got up to look at Shri Maharaj again got slaps on both his cheeks. Thereafter Shri Maharaj kicked
him by feet and spat on him. The spittle that fell on his body was treated by Gangabharati as a gift (Prasad) and, like an ointment, massaged all his body by that spittle. Looking to that a person, standing nearby criticised him fo applying the spittle to his already rotten body. He advised to wash it away by soap and to keep away from such actions of blind faith. He even went to the extent of saying that Gangabharati should better take some medicine instead of coming to such mad men like Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Gangabharati smiled and said, "you are wrong. There is nothing unclean wit saints. Kasturi (Musk) will never emit bad smell. What appeared like spittle t you, was in fact a medicinal ointment and it smells like musk.lf you doubt, ju~ touch my body and smell, you will find that there is no trace of spittle in it. It is all medicine. I am not a fool to treat this spittle as an ointment. Since it was n meant for you, it looked like spittle to you. You do not know the greatness Shri Maharaj. To prove my statement, let us go to the place where Shri Mahar4 takes his daily bath and wherefrom I take the mud and apply to my body.'
Both of them went to that bathing place,Gangabharati took the mud from tha place and it turned in to ointment in his hand. The criticdid the same thing but i remained only mud in his hand.This made him realise the real thing and sc surrendered to Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Nobody allowed Gangabharati to go near Shri Maharaj, so he used to sin� bhajans sitting away from him. He had a melodious voice and was a good singer too. This continued for a fortnight and there was a miracle. The redness on his body disappared, the earlaps regained normal luster and shape, cracks on the feet closed and the stinking from body vanished. Gangabharati continued singing bhajans in his sweet voice, It pleased everybody.

Anasuya, Gangabharatis wife, alongwith her son, Santosh Bharati, came to Shegaon to take her husband back home. They with folded hands, said,

"Your disease is cured by the grace of Shri Maharaj, so we request you to take permission from him to go home with us."
Gangabharati replied- "Please don't pray to me. I no more belong to you. Shri Maharaj slapped and brought me to senses, saying that I should not defame the saffron robes I wear. My eyes are opened now and so wish to keep away from family life. Santoshbharati, now you better go home with your mother, be obedient to her and keep her happy. Follow the ideal of Pundalika for rendering service to the mother. That will bring you blessings from Vasudeo. If I return to Savdad, the disease will catch me again. So do not force me. Till now I belonged to you, but hereater I will devote myself to almighty God to free me from the cycle of life and death. This change in my thinking has come by the grace of Shri Maharaj. Please don't tempt me anymore."

Saying so he sent them back to Savadad and himself stayed at Shegaon. Daily evening, sitting before Shri Maharaj he used to sing Bhajans, which enchanted every one. He was completely cured of the disease and then went tc Malkapur as per orders of Shri Maharaj. Once, in the month of Poush, Zamsing~ came to Shegaon and requested Shri Maharaj to come with him to his village
He reminded Shri Maharaj that when he had come some time back with same invitation, he was told to come later on. Accordingly he had come now to takE Shri Maharaj to Mundgaon. Shri Maharaj went with him. Many People gath ered at Mundgaon and took his Darshan. Zamsing arranged grand feast tc celebrate the visit and Mundgaon became second Paithan. At Paithan there was saint Eknath, as Shri Gajanan Maharaj was at Mundgaon. Many singers groups reached there to sing Bhajans in praise of god. Cooks started preparation of food on large scale, and when it was half way through, Shri Maharaj said to Zamsingh,

"Zamsingh, today is Chathurdashi which by nature is an empty Tithi, so it is better to arrange feeding the people tomorrow which is Pornima."

Whereupon Zamsingh said that the food was nearly ready and people had gathered to take prasad.

Shri Maharaj replied, "What you say is correct in your own way, but it is not
acceptable to Almighty God. Azmsingh, this food has to go waste. You, men of family, always wish things to happen as per your desires, but it is not possible.' Even then people sat in rows to take food. Suddenly clouds gathered in the sky and it started raining heavily with thunder storm. The roaring lightening and the storm uprooted many trees and in short time the down pour spread water everywhere even in the food. All food was wasted.

Zamsingh then said to Shri Maharaj,

"0 Maharaj, All people are greatly disappointed by these rains. Now tomorrow atleast it should not happen like this. It is not a rainy season to rain. So it appears to have come just to destroy our preparations. Such untimely rains may rains the crops and the people will taunt me saying this to be the fruit of Zamsingh's Punya."

Thereupon Shri Maharaj assured him that it will not happen like this next day, and then he just looked up towards the cloulds and in a moment they all van-
ished and clear sunlight came out. Such was the will power of Shri Maharaj. Next day Zamsingh held "Bhandara' and fed all the people of the village. This tradition of feeding the people on this particular day still continues at Mundgaon. ~amsingh surrendered all his estate at the feet of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

On this occasion of the visit of Shri Maharaj, many people of Mundgaon became his Shishyas (disciples)) among whom was a young boy by name Pundalika Bhokre. He was the only son of Ukirda - a Kunbi by caste. It is customary in Berar to name a child as Ukirda when the survival of such children was doubtful. Similarly Pentayya in Telengana and Kerpunja in Maharashtra are the names given to children to ensure their survival.

This Pundalika was visiting Shegaon regularly on every Vadya Ekadashi, like a
Varkari going regularly to Pundharpur, Dehu and Alandi. So was the routine of
Pundalika to go to Shegaon every month for the Darshan of Shri Maharaj.,
Once there was a spread of plague epidemic in Berar, and people left their ~
houses and started living in open fields away from the towns and villages. In ~
this disease the patient first gets shivering and then temperature. Eyes become blood red followed by eruption of a tumour on some of the joints of the body. Then the patient loses his sense and dies. This disease was never seen in India in the past. It was rempant in Europe from where it came to India and sprea all over the country. It made people to leave their houses and reside in open fields to protect themselves.This terrible killer disease came to Mundgaon also. It was the day of Vadya Ekadashi and Pundalik had to go to Shegaon as per his routine. He was feeling feverish but even then left for Shegaon with his father. After walking about ten miles he was hot with fever and could not walk a step ahead. A tumour also erupted in his armpit and flet completely exhausted. Looking to his condition, father anxiously enquired about his health. Pundalik said that he hand a high fever, a tumour in the armpit and feeling of extreme weakness.

Pundalik, with folded hands said,

"0 Gajanana, Please see that my Van (routine of coming to you on Vadya
Ekadashi is not distrubed. Let me reach at your feet today. Once I reach Shegaon I won't mid death thereafter. Please protect me from this plague enemy till I reach Shegaon. Visits to shrines in possible only if you are in good health. "Looking to the condition of Pundalik, his father felt sorry and tears rolled from his eyes. He prayed to God to save his only sons from this calamity. He offered Pundalik to get a bullock cart for his journey to Shegaon. Pundalik replied,

"No. I must go to Shegaon on foot only. Slowly I will walk and reach Shegaon some how. If I die on way, please carry my body to Shegaon and don't worry. Saying so Pundalik started walking slowly and with great difficulty reached Shegaon. He saw Shri Maharaj and prostrated at his feet. Looking to Pundalika Shri Maharaj pressed his own armpit by another hand and said,

"Pundalika, your danger is averted, so do not worry at all.'

When Shri Maharaj said so, the tumour in the armpit of Pundalik suddenly vanished. He was, however, feeling a bit of weakness, but that too disappeared
when Shri Maharaj ate two morsels of Naivedya offered by Pundalikas mother. Pundalik began feeling normal. This was the result of Gurubhakti, and example to be noted by disbelievers. It shows that devotion to proper Guru never goes waste. Real Guru is like having a Kamdhenu at home, to fulfil all your desires.

After completing his rituals of the "Van' Pundalik returned to Mundgaon. If you read this Chanitra, all the dangers to you will be averted. It is a biography of a great saint and not any imaginary story. Everything given in this book is real and actual by happened. Nobody should show any disbelief in this story of the great saint.

May this Gajanan Vijay Granth, written by Dasganu, bring happiness to all. Thus prays Dasganu.
May good come to you all.

My obeisance to both Har and Han.

"SUBHAM BHAVTU"
Here ends Chapter Thirteen

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:03:51 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi14

 
Shri Ganeshayanmah ! O Kausalya's son Rama! O gem of Raghu dynesty Sitapati, have compassion for this child of yours.
You have liberated Tratika an gave life to Ahilya who was lying in the form of a stone. You have fulfilled th desire of Shabari by visiting her. O son of Dasharatha, You renounce the thron to protect your devotee, and by your grace monkeys got strength. O Killer of Ravana, your mere name made stones to float on sea and it is you, who ii stalled on throne your devotee - Bibhishan. Whosoever surrendered at yoi feet, got rid of poverty, sorrow and calamities. Please remember it and prote this Dasganu. How can a child go away from its mother 7 You are my mothe father and Guru (Preceptor).You are the Kalpataru - the tree that meets eves desire of devotees. O Rama! you are the ship to float in this ocean of life.

There was a brahman named Bandu Tatya at Mehkar. He was most pious ar liberal at heart. In family life one comes across many calamities, but even thE he does not leave the attachment for life and its pleasures. Many guests use
to come to this Bandu Tatya and he personally looked their comforts. This cc tinued for long and he spent all his money. He even borrowed money fro money lenders by mortgaging his house. Due to mounting debts, he h ashamed to face people. He even sold the utensils in the house and the remained nothing more to sell. He was completely bankrupt and the credito were after him to get the money back. He could not afford even two time meals and had to bear insult from wife and childern. Thus losing all his credi nobody would lead him any money. He got frustrated with life and started thinl~ ing to commit suicide. Without money one has no value in this world, and th sweet home becomes a place of sorrow. This is the way of the world. He thougl that if he jumps in the well, somebody may see & bring him out, under whic circumstances, instead of death, he would be required to face prosecution f committing suicide. So he decided to go to Himalayas to kill himself and g absoved of the sin of suicide. Thinking thus he finally left the house with onl lioncloth and ash applied all over the body to hide his identity. It is a well know fact that people of respectiul families are always afraid of public condemn~
tion. In his mind Bandu Tatya said -

""0 God why are you so much displead with me? I lived with full faith in you, and Puranas say that even a beggar becomes rich by your grace. But my present experience proves it to be false and makes me think that the poets have wrongly described you to be the benefactor of the poor. 0 Shri Han -now lay down my life and you will be blamed for my death. So I request you to save yourself from this blame.~~

Saying thus to himself Bandu Tatya went to the Railway booking office to purchase ticket. A brahmin approached him and said,

"Don't purchase ticket for Haridwar. First go and take darshan of saint and then go to Haridwar. There is a great saint - Gajanan Maharaj - at Shegaon. Go and meet him first. Don't take hasty steps by momentary frustration. Know that the darshan of saint is never wasted."

At that Bandu Tatya got confused, fearing that the Brahman might have
recognised him. But he felt shy to ask him about his identity, nor could he kno~ as to who he was. He however, decided to go to Shegaon and pay respects tc Shri Gajanan Maharaj. When he reached there and bowed before Shri Maharaj He laughed and said,

"Bandu Tatya, why are you going to Himalayas to commit suicide ? 0 boy, One should not kill himself, never lose hopes and don't not stop trying to get the desired things. If you now commit suicide due to the calamities in the family life, you will be required to take birth again to undergo the sufferings which you may avoid by suicide in this birth. Now don't go to Himalayas to end your life ir the holy Ganga. Instead, go home immediately. Have you recognised the brahman who met you at the Railway Station ? Go home, and don't stay here anymore. There is an idol of Mhasoba in your garden. Go there at midnigh alone, and dig three feet deep near Babul tree - which is to the east of Mhasoba idol. You will get some money there. Give some of it to your creditors and keep rest for you. Don't leave your wife and children, and forget this false renuncia tion."
Hearing thus brahman returned to his village Kherda and as per advice of Shr Maharaj started digging near that Babul tree at midnight. He dug three tee deep, and inside found a copper pitcher with covered mouth. He opened it anc saw that there were about 400 Moharas (gold coins) in it. He lifted it and started dancing with happiness saying - "Jay Gajanan" "Jay Gajanan". He then paic to his creditors and got released his mortgaged garden. By the grace o Shri Gajanan Maharaj he set right his affairs and was very happy once again It was just like getting nector at the time of death, or like seeing a life saving boat when drowning in the sea. So was the state of Bandu Tatya, and gone were the bad days for him. Then he came to Shegaon and spent lot on Charity He prostrated at the feet of Shri Maharaj - who said to him -

"Why do you bow before me? Instead, go and bow before Him who gave yo~ all this wealth. Now take a lesson and be judicious in spending money hereafter, it is useless toi be over liberal. People come to you only in your good days, but Almighty Narayan is always with you in bad times also. Always pray to Him and He will never neglect you."
Hearing this advice, Bandu Tatya again prostrated at the feet of Shri Maharaj and happily returned to his village.

Once there was an auspicious occasion of Somavati, which occures when there is coincidence of Monday and Amavasya. Puranas describe its importance at great length. it is said that one must take bath in holy Narmada river on this day. So People of Shegaon planned a trip to Narmada for Somavati. Among them were Martand Patil, Bankatlal, Maruti, Chandrabhan and Bajaranglal who decided to go to Onkareshwar. Bankatlal thought that it would be better if Shri Gajanan Maharaj also accompanied them for a holy dip at Narmada. So all the four approached Shri Maharaj and requested for his company to Onkareshwar. They said that his presence would fully protect them from every evil, and so again and again requested Shri Maharaj to oblige them by conceeding to their request. There-upon Shri Maharaj said,

"Holy Narmada is already with me and as such there is no need for me to go and trouble her. I will have the Narmada bath here, but you all go to Onkareshwar.
In ancient days there ruled a brave & famous king named Mandhata at that place. Shri Shankaracharya took his first vow of renunciation at Onkareshwar only, and then started on his mission of liberating people from their worldly bonds. So, you go to that place and meet my Narmada, but do not force me to go with you. Now there is no need for me to undergo such rituals."

But they won't listen to him, and firmly caught hold of his feet and again requested their request.

Shri Maharaj said, "You people appear to be hypocrite. This well here contains the water of Narmada, and if I go to Onkareshwar, leaving her here, my dear Narmada will be angry. So, in your own interest, I again advise you to go, leaving me here. Believe me it is for your good."

But Maroti and Chandrabhan said that they won't go without him.Thereupon Shri Maharaj warned, that they should not blame him if something bad happened by his accompanying them.
hey all came to Onkareshwar with Shri Maharaj. Lot of people had gathered here on that auspicious occasion of "Somavati", and all the men and women vere spread on both the banks of the river. Some were taking holy dip, some vere chanting holy hymns, while others were going to the temple with flowers n their hands. Many people were seen eating sweets and "Bhajan Dindis" vere coming in scores. During the auspicious period, the temple was full of devotees offering "Abhishek" to Shri Onkareshwar. At that pleasent place of onkareshwar Shri Maharaj sat in "Padmasan" posture on the bank of the holy narmada. His four devotees took Darshan and came back to Shri Maharaj. they suggested that it was not safe to travel back by road, as there was lot of t raffic on road, and the bullocks of their cart were not dependable. So they wished it better to go back by river in a small boat. Shri Maharaj instead of giving any opinion asked them to do as they liked. Saying so Shri Maharaj sat n the boat with them and the journey to Khedighat started by river. On their  way the boat dashed against a rock and a plank at the buttom of the boat was  washed away. The water started rushing in through that hole and looking to it
the boatmen jumped out in the river for safety of their lives. But Shri Maharaj was sitting quiet and started chanting, "Gin-Gina-Ganat Bote" contineously. mAroti, Bajarang, Martand and Bankatlal got scared and their hearts began throbbing with fright. They, with folded hands, said,

'0 kind hearted Maharaja, we are guilty of disobeying you at Shegaon, as a result of which this holy Narmada is punishing by drowning us. 0 swami, we shall hereafter obey every word of yours as if it were a directive from the Vedas. So kindly save from this danger and take us safe to Shegaon."

As they were praying so, half of the boat had already gone under water. On lookers were saying that these five persons would soon be drowned.

Thereupon Shri Maharaj said, "Don't get panicky. This holy Narmada will not hurt you at all."

Saying so Shri Maharaj started reciting as follows in praise of Narmada -"'0 Sacred Narmada Devi,
Destroyer of everything that is inauspicious, Pardon their fault by your kindness."

As he was reciting above prayer, the water went away from the boat, and the hole was closed by the hand of Narmada. The Boat came up floating on the water as before and alongwith it was seen Narmada herself in human form. She, in the dress of a fisher woman, and with curly hair, was wet upto her waist. The boat reached the shore and all of them looked surprisingly at the bottom of the boat and said,

"0 lady, you have saved us. Kindly tell us who you are. Please change your wet clothes. We have dry clothing to offer you."

Holy Narmada said - "I am daughter of Onkar fisherman. My name is Narmada and it is my habit to be in wet clothes. I always remain wet and my form is water."
Saying so, she bowed before Shri Gajanan Maharaj, and suddently disappeared like a lightening in the sky.

Looking to that, all the four were overjoyed to see the authority wieded by Shri Maharaj, as the holy Narmada herself came for his Darshan.

Even then Bankat asked Shri Maharaj to tell them as to who the lady was.

Shri Maharaj said, "What you are asking has already been told by Narmada to you. The fisherman Onkar, is this Onkareshwar. When She said that the water is her form means she herself is Narmada river. Do not have any doubt in your mind. She always extends her helping hand to her devotees in times of danger. So, say loudly "Jay" to her with a prayer requesting to save us in times of danger."

Hearing this, Bankatlal and the three other again and again prostrated before Shri Maharaj. They returned to Shegaon and with great happiness narrated the incident to the people there.
Once Sadashiv Ranganath Wanawale, alongwith his friend came to Shegaon for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. This Sadashiv with nick name as Tatya, was disciple of Shri Madhaonath Maharaj of Chitrakut, who had mastered the art of yoga and had a large following in Malwa. When Sadashiv came for the darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, he was taking his meals. At the sight of Sadashiv Shri Maharaj remembered Shri Madhaonath Maharaj. Saints know each other even without meeting.

Shri Maharaj said,

"Bring those disciples of Shri Nath before me. His Guru just went away after taking meals with me. Had they come a bit earlier, they would have met their Guru here only. Now they have come after their Guru went away without taking "Pan". Being the children of a brother, Shri Maharaj embraced Wanawale and gave him traditional reception. Then he gave him two leaves of betel for giving to Shri Nath and asked to convey message as follows without change of word.
'We had meals together but you forgot your pan here." We have now brought foryou.

Nanawale heard it and returned with those two leaves of betel. He narrated :he detailed talk at Shegaon to Shri Nath and asked if he had realy gone to Shegaon that day.

Shri Nath said, "What Shri Gajanan said is true. His remembering me at the time of meals is our meeting. We meet each other like that quite frequently. Don't have any doubt about it. Remembering each other is our meeting. Though ye have different bodies, our life breath is the same. This is a deep knowledge md you may require some time to understand it. It is good that you brought the Pan" which I had forgotten at Shegaon."

then Shri Nath took betel leaves, crushed and ate it. He also gave some to Vanawale as Prasad.
Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, in his "Changdeo Pasasti," has described in detail the way saints meet each other. One should read that to understand their manner of meeting. It is interesting to know that Yogis meet each other from any distance without leaving their places. Skh. Mohamed was in Shri Gonda and Shri Tukaram at Dehu, but when the pendal at Dehu where Shri Tukaram was doing Kirtan caught fire, Skh Mohamed extinguished if from Shri Gonda. This has been narrated by Mahipal in "Bhaktivijay". Shri Manik Prabhu saved Patil's son from drowning in a well, by reaching Hali village. Only true yogis can perform such miracles.Yoga is more powerful than anything else. So learn Yoga to make the nation strong.
May the affectionate devotees with full faith, listen to this Gajanan Vijay epic. Let Joy be to all.
Obeisance to Hara and Han.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here ends the Chapter fourteen.

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:04:44 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi15
 
Shri Ganeshayanmah ! O Kashyapa's son Wamana ! O little Narayana! You have obliged Bali Raja by accepting an offering from him.
You took away his kingdom of this earth but gave him that of other world (Patala). You, by this action took Amla from him and in return gave a coconut to that saintly Bali Raja. Moreover due to his extreme devotion, you accepted to remain as guard at his doors.By your blessing only Bali Raja is to become the king of Gods at the end of this epoch. O Ananta, you learnt all the Vedas in a moment. Amongst all your incarnations, this is, Shri Han, most pious, as you killed nobody and have pleased both friends and foes. That is why you are respected both by gods and demons. You have, in this incarnation, given happiness to Gods, protected demons and thus justified your Godliness. O Wamana, I again bow before you. Kindly put your blessing hand on the head of this Dasganu.

Shri Bala Gangadhar Tilak - the Kohinoor of Maharashtra - had keen foresight and excelled in politics. He was brave and worked hard for the independence
of our country. Stubborn like Bhishma, looking to the plight of our country, too vow for its liberation from foreign rule, and being true to his cause, was fear less. Orator like Brihaspati, he created panic in the minds of Britishers by hi fiery writings. Tilak was such a brave man that he earned the title of "Lokmanya by his deeds and not by anybody's offering it to him. Once he came to Akola b public request to deliver a speech on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti. Many learne people extended their helping hand for this celebration. Among them were Damle, Kolhatkar, Khaparde and many others who reached Akola specially fc this Shiv Jayanti. People of Berar were happy to know that Shri Tilak was in vited to preside over this function. In fact the birth anniversary of Shivaji shoul' have been celebrated in Berar much before this, for the reason that the mothe of Shivaji - Jijabai - was born and brought up at Sindkhed in Berar. She gave birth to brave Shivaji and united Berar & Maharashtra by dint of her abiIity Mother from Berar and father from Maharashtra was as excellent incomparable couple. The celebrations for Shivaji was a great occasion for Maharashtr and its greatness was enhanced many fold by Tilak presiding over it. The preparations for the celebrations started one month in advance and everybody were happily participated in it. President and Vice President of Reception committee were elected and volunteers selected. To make the function more majestic many people expressed their desire to invite Gajanan Maharaj for the celebrations. They said that Shivaji's service to the nation succeeded due to the blessings of Shri Ramdas Swami. So the political fight of Shri Tilak should have th blessings of Shri Gajanan Maharaj for its success. Some people did not uk the idea and said that the "Avliya" of Shegaon may come naked and even be8 Lokmanya. But others did not agree and insisted that the sacred feet of Shi Gajanan Maharaj must touch that place. They argued that he might behave like a mad man among the mad people but not among the learned people gathering there. One of them said that if Lokmanya was really a great leader Shri Maharaj would definitely come for the function. So most of them sup ported the suggestion to invite Shri Maharaj for the function. There-upon group of leaders of the function went to Shegaon to extend Him the invitation Looking at them Shri Maharaj said to Shri Khaparde,
"I will come to attend the birth day celebrations of Shri Shivaji and behave well, to the entire satisfaction of the social reformers coming over there. Tilak is the most able national leader working for the liberation of the country and will remain unparrelled in future also. I will come to Akola to see Tilak and Anna Patawardhan, who is disciple of Shri Narsinha Saraswati of Alandi."

Shri khaparde was glad that Shri Maharaj accepted the invitation. He said to Kolhatkar that Shri Maharaj, the gem of Berar, could know everything that happened at Akola, and the acceptance of the invitation by Shri Maharaj was a good omen for the function. They bowed to Shri Maharaj and went back to Akola.

Eight days were left for the great celebration of Shivaji Jayanti, and people were very eagerly waiting for the arrival of Tilak to Akola. The function was tc take place in the month of Vaisakh of Saka 1830, and for that a huge penda was erected. lnspite of the fact that the day of the function was Akshya Tritia, an important religious festival for the people of Vidarbha, lot of people from
distant places gathered at Akola to see Shri Tilak. They also knew that Shri Gajanan Maharaj too was to come for the function, and it added to their happiness. Shri Maharaj reached in time as promised, and sat on the dias alongwith Lokmanya Tilak, Anna Patwardhan, Khaparde, Damle, Kolhatkar, Bhave, Venkatrao Desai and other leaders of the function. The meeting was called tc order and after introductory speech, Shri Lokmanya Tilak, the lion orator, stood up to speak. He said,

"Today is the most auspicious day, as the great Shivaji who spent his life in th� service of the nation, was born on this day. The blessing of Shri Ramdas Swamy helped to spread the fame of Shivaji all over the country, so will be the blessings of Shri Gajanan Maharaj for this meeting. I wish that today's meeting should be successful like great Shivaji's life and work. Nation today needs such meetings and functions. The sun of independence has set and all around there is darkness of slavery. Any nation without independence is lifeless. It is therefore, necessary to impart such training to the people, which will enhance their love for independence. But can the present rulers give us such Training?'
Hearing these taunting words - directed towards the rulers of the country, Shri    Maharaj got up and smilingly said,

"No, No, No. Don't say like that. It can invite your arrest by the Government

Saying so, Shri Maharaj started chanting his usual bhajan "Gan-Gana-Gan Bote."

The function concluded successfully and people cheered and praised Lokmanya
Tilak. But the prophesy of Shri Maharaj came true the same year. Shri Tilak we arrested under section 124. In the face of the Ruler's strength everybody was helpless. Renowned lawyers rushed to defend Tilak on legal side, while other devotees wanted to try the spiritual way to save him from the punishment.

Shri Dadasaheb Khaparde was a great man, who went to Bombay from Am ravati to attend the trial of Lokmanya. On way, at Akola, he said to kolhatkar,

"You go to Shegaon and request Shri Gajanan Maharaj to save Tilak from the calamity. In fact I wished to go myself to Shegaon, but I have to attend this trial at Bombay. So go and request Shri Maharaj."

Kolhatkar, the devotee of Tilak, immediately went to Shegaon, but when he reached there, saw that Shri Maharaj was sleeping. He did not get up for three days. Kolhatkar, being very sincere man, did not move from there for all those three days. His love, affection and reverence for Tilak was really great. It is said in marathi that there cannot be a boiling without fire, and grief without affection On the fourth day Shri Maharaj woke up and said, "Your all efforts will be fruit less. Remember that despite blessing from Shri Ramdas Swamy. Shivaji was arrested by Moguls. There can be no Liberation unless good people Suffer. Remember the history of Kansa, and you will understand what I say. I give you a bread, take it and let Tilak eat it at the earliest. With the Prasad of this bread he will do a great work, though going far away. It cannot be avoided."

Hearing all this, kolhatkar got confused. He bowed before Shri Maharaj, ar went away with the bread given by him. At Bombay, narrated every thing at gave the Prasad of Bread to Shri Tilak. Hearing it from Kolhatkar, Tilak said,
"Shri Gajanan Maharaj is a great saint and what he said must be true. You wil definately not succeed, as Government will follow the law to defend itself. It is an universal truth that the law is strictly adhared to, when self interest is no' involved. Shri Maharaj said that I will do some great work, which I am not able to understand. Saints know all the past, present and future. We are ordinary men, so let us see what happens in future.'

As he had not teeth, Tilak powdered the Prasad of bread and ate it. Thereafter, he was sentenced to imprisonment and sent to Mandaly where was born the memorable treatise on the "Geeta" by Lokmanya. This was the great work done by him and earned the respect like "Jagat Guru". Many treatises were written on Geeta and every intellectual interpreted it, on the background of the era he lived in, to help liberation of the common man. Some of the interpreted it on "Adwait" and others on Dwait philosophy, while some thought that ii preached "Karma". The treatise on Geeta by Shri Tilak was itself a great work done by him, incomparable with anything else. It made Tilak immortal and spreac his fame far and wide. Even achieving the independence would not have beer
so great a work as nis treatise on Geeta. Achieving independence is something material and transient in nature. But Geeta can achieve liberation of human being from material bondange and also help keep up the social discipline. By this work, the fame and name of BaI Gangadhar Tilak will last so long as the sun and moon shine.

A poor chitpavan Brahmin boy, named Shridhar Govind Kale from Karvi, Kolhapur, joined english school and passed matric. Then he joined college but failed in Inter. While reading "Kesari" news-paper he came across the biography of Oyama Togo. Inspired by it, he wished to go abroad, for some technical education, Togo and Oyama did it, and brought prosperity to Japan by their knowledge. Shridhar wished to do the same thing for his mother land, but fel helpless due to poverty. Nobody helps ther poor. He then went to Bhandara tc meet his friend who was teacher in Monro High School there. He told his friend eveything that came to his mind, and he too appreciated the idea. But wha about money? Nothing is possible in this world without money and the P00 people have to build castles in the air only.
Due to hot summer of Vidarbha, they decided to go to Kolhapur. Having heard much about the great saint, Shri Gajanan Maharaj, they, on their way got down at Shegaon to see the saint. They kept their luggage at the post office and went to the Math of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, and prostrating before him sat with folded hands. By his divine power, Shri Maharaj knew the desire of Shridhar, and said,

"Don't think of going abroad. You can get everything here only. This physical science is useless, and so try to get some spiritual knowledge that can bring satisfaction to you.

By this advice Shridhar experienced sudden change in his thinking and that reminded him of one saint of Kolhapur who used to talk just like Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Sensing the confusion in his mind. Shri Maharaj further said,

"Don't think of leaving Hindustan, as one gets birth here, only after doing lot of good deeds. Yogashastra is superior to any other material science, and one who knows yogashstra will not care for other science. The knowledge of the self (Adhyatma) is further superior to Yogashastra. Try to learn that and don't
go any where."

Hearing these words, Shridhar felt very happy and thought that the sun of thinking that had set in the west rose again in the east to make him happy. Only saints can bring about such transformation of thoughts, because they know the Truth.

Shri Maharaj further said, "You will prosper here only. Now go to Kolhapur with your friend as your wife is waiting for you.

The prophesy proved true and Shridhar prospered well. He passed B.A. and M.A. Examinations and became Principal of the college at Shivpuri in the Kingdom Schindias. Saints are Gods incarnate on this earth and those, who get their blessings, always prosper. The change in Shridhar's thinking was due to the blessings of Shri Maharaj. This crop of Saints can grow only in our holy
land. Trees of heaven will not get root elsewhere.

May this Gajanan Vijay Granth, composed by Dasganu, always show right path to the devotees.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here ends Chapter Fifteen

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:05:37 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi16
 
Shri Ganeshayanmah, O Parshudhara, son of Jamdagni, Jai to you.
Please do not ignore me. Not bearing the insult to brahmans you killed Sahasrarjun and protected your brahmans. But now you seem to have closed your eyes to their plight. Are you asleep? Please open your eyes as it is most necessary in the present emergent situation. All actions are useless without your support. This Aryan culture cannot be preserved without your help.

Mysterious are the actions of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and nobody can predict them. There was one devotee of Shri Maharaj at Mundgaon. His name was Pundalik. He used to go to Shegaon regularly on a fixed day every month, and was very much devoted to Shri Maharaj who was a prime deity for him. There was one Bhagabai in the same village, who could not concentrate on anything, as she had a wavering mind. In a way she was a great hypocrite and her only business was to befool people. She once said to Pundalik,

"Your life is wasted as you could not get any Guru so far. You go to Shegaon frequently and treat Shri Gajanan Maharaj as your Guru. But tell me, has he given you any Guru Mantra (i.e. secret - incantation which is whispered in the
aar of devotee by the Guru)? Mind you, one does not become Guru without proper rituals. In fact this Gajanan of Shegaon is a mad person, and you are accepting him as Guru only because you got relief from fever, It was a mere coincidence and you should not be a victim to that. His chanting of "Gan, Gan, Ganate," mad like behavior, and eating food at anybody's hands, all this confirm that he is a fallen person. So I have come to tell you that we shall go to Anjangaon and make Kekaji's disciple as our Guru. Early morning tomorrow we will go to attend his Kirtan at Anjangaon. Guru should be well read, learned, wise, expert in all shastras, of high caliber and a guide to help you attain self realisation. None of these qualities are visible in your Gajanan, so let us go to Anjangaon". This talk of Bhagabai disturbed Pundalik, a pious man. He gave his consent to her for going to Anjangaon next morning. Pundalik, having decided as above, slept well. In the later half of the night he saw a person like Shri Gajanan Maharaj in his dream. He said,

"Pundalika, you seem to have decided to go to Anjangaon with that Bhagabai for getting a Guru. You may go if you like. His name is Kashinath, and I tell you that you will be completely disappointed on going there."

Can a person become Guru by whispering something in the ear? Many people
whisper in one another's ears. Does that mean that they become Guru of each other? Pundalika, don't go after hypocrites. Come, listen to me. I will chant ~ Mantra in your ear."

Saying so he whispered - "Gan-Gan" and kept quiet. He further told Pundalika to ask for anything and it would be done.

At these words, Pundalik felt very happy. He minutely observed the person ir the dream and was glad to see that he was Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon Thereupon Pundalika asked for His 'Paduka' to worship and nothing else.

Shri Maharaj said - "Take these Padukas and worship them tomorrow after noon".

As Pundalika got up to take Padukas he awoke. He looked around, but there was nobody and no Padukas. He felt confused, but at the same time knew than the words of Shri Maharaj can never go waste. He remembered all that Shri Maharaj had said about Bhagabai, and also the instructions to worship the Padukas next day afternoon. If he has to follow the instructions of Shri Maharaj Padukas were necessary for worship, but he did not have them. He also though
of getting prepared new Padukas for worship, but again remembered that Shi Maharaj had given him, His own Padukas in the dream. Then why to prepari new ones? While Pundalika was thinking like that, he heard Bhagabai calling him for going to Anjangaon. He refused to go with her saying that he would not accept anybody other than Shri Gajanan as Guru. So Bhagabai went alone to Anjangaon.

Now listen to what happened at Shegaon. Just two days prior to this incident Zyamsingh Rajput had gone to Shegaon for the Darshan of Shri Maharaj. When he was about to leave for Mundgaon, Shri Maharaj called Balabhau and told him to send His (of Shri Maharaj) Padukas with Zyamsingh for handing over the same to Pundalika at Mundgaon. Balabhau did so. Zyamsingh took the Padukas and went. At Mundgaon Zyamsingh met Pundalik at the entrance of the village. He enquired of Zyamsingh if Shri Maharaj sent any Prasad for him. Zyamsingh was surprised. He took him home and asked the reason c his enquiring like that. Pundalik frankly told about his dream, which cleared a the doubts in the mind of Zyamsingh. He immediately handed over the Paduka to Pundalik, and the same are still there with him, at Mundgaon. Pundalik, with great devotion worshipped those gifted Padukas in the afternoon.
From this story it will be seen that, saints will never allow the devotees to go a wrong way.

Now listen to a story which shows as to how Shri Maharaj fulfil the desires of his devotees.

There was one Rajaram Kavar, a brahmin at Akola, who was a dealer in gold and silver ornaments. This Rajaram had great faith in Shri Maharaj, and so his Sons also respected Shri Maharaj. He had two sons named Gopal and Trimbak. Trimbak, the younger, nick-named as Bhau, was a student of Medical College at Hydrabad. He was a great believer right from his childhood, and so in times of any difficulty used to remember Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Thus he was the devotee of Shri Maharaj. He once came home in vacation and wished to offer meals of his liking to Shri Maharaj. But how to do it? His mother had died when he was a child, and his brother's wife named Nani was hot tempered. He prayed to Shri Maharaj -

"O Maharaj, I wish to offer you the food of your liking - a bread, onion, curry of Ambadi and green chillies. But how shall I tell my aunt to prepare all this? Only
mother can do everything for the son."

When he was thinking like that, his aunt Nani happened to come there, and looking to his depressed mood asked him the reason for the worry. When he hesitated to tell, she said that he should treat elder brother's wife as mother and open his mind. These words encouraged him, and so he told her that he wanted to go to Shegaon and offer to Shri Maharaj the food of his liking. Aunty smiled and asked the menu to be prepared. Bhau told her what he wished to offer to Shri Maharaj. She happily went to kitchen, prepared the food and came back with a tiffin containing three breads with butter on, three onions and Besan. She gave it to Bhau and asked him to hurry to station and catch the train in time. Bhau, then taking permission from his father, went to railway station. But unfortunately missed the 12 O'clock train. He was greatly disappointed and trears came to his eyes. He sadi,

"O Maharaj, why have you disapointed me? I am a small orphan always missing the pleasure of doing Punya (Good deed). I am like a crow who cannot reach Man Sarovar. Tell me, what is that unpardonable mistake committed by me making me miss the 12 O'clock train? This is my ill luck and nothing else.
But I vow what if this food is not served to you today, I will not eat anything
myself. O Gurudeo, please do not ignore this child of yours, and come running
to accept this food which is specially prepared for you only. You are all powerful
You can reach Kedareshwar in a moment; then why hesitate to come here? am not
ordering you, but calling with love, and so it does not mean any insult t you. There are still three hours for the next train to come, and I think by that time you will finish your lunch".

Bhau stayed at the station without eating anything and went to Shegaon by 3 O'clock train. On reaching Shegaon Bhau saw that Shri Maharaj also had not taken his meals. Lot of thalis (Plates) full of all sorts of food were put before him as offerings. They included sweets like Jelebi, gheever, Motichur, Kheei Shrikhand and Pun. Balabhau brought and put these plates before Shri Maharaj
and requested him to take the food so that the devotees would get Prasad, but he did not touch any of them. Shri Maharaj said that he would take his food ii the evening and the persons offering this food to him, may, if they like, wait c
go away. Bhau reached there and was immensly happy to see Shri Maharaj
like a child seeing a long lost mother. Bhau prostrated before Shri Maharaj an
stood up with folded hands awaiting further orders from his Guru.
Looking to Bhau, He smiled and said - "What sort of invitation is this? Is it time for taking food? As I was bound by your invitation, I am still without food. No give it to me immediately.'

Bhau was overjoyed at these words, and said that the delay in reaching was due to his missing the 12 O'clock train. Balabhau then asked Bhau to serve the food to Shri Maharaj early without feeling sorry for whatever had happened.

Then Balabhau took out, breads, Bhaji and onions and offered it to Shri Mahara who ate two breads and gave back one as Prasad to all devotees. Looking at this, all were surprised to see the love and affection Shri Maharaj had for his devotee, It was just like Shrikrishna, who preferred to stay with Vidur and accept the poor food at his place instead of sweets of Kauravas. Similarly Shri Maharaj waited for the bread from Bhau Kavar, declining all the rich food and sweet~ brought by other devotees. Bhau also took prasad from Shri Maharaj.

Where ever there is sincere devotion, such things do happen. Shri Mahara asked Bhau to go back to Akola and blessed that he would pass the medical examination. Bhau replied that he had come only for blessings, and not to asking any things else. He further said that his wealth was the only feet of Shri Maharaj, which he would ever cherish in his mind. Saying so, Bhau Kavar went back to Akola.

There was a pious person named Tukaram Shegokar at Shegaon. He was poor agriculturist. After working whole day on his field he used to go to Math for Darshan of Shri Maharaj, and serve Him by filling up his pipe with tobacco and other sundry work. This routine of his, continued for many days. Destiny spares nobody, and destined things do happen.

As usual, one day Tukaram went to his field. There came a hunter with a gun in his hand, in search or rabbits. It was a morning time and Tokaram was sitting in his field warming himself near fire. The hunter saw behind him was sitting a white rabbit near a bush, and it. He took up his gun, aimed at the rabbit and fired. The rabbit was killed, but a small shot hit Tukaram behind the ear and entered in this head. Doctors tried, but failed to take it out. As a result of this, he got continuous pain in the head and could not get sleep also. He then offered vows to God but did not get any relief. He continued to go the Math in that condition also. One of the devotees in the Match advised him to stop taking
medicines, and start offering sincere service to Shri Maharaj, like sweeping the floors of the Math, to get his blessings which only would give him cure for the ailment. Tukaram agreed and started sweeping the floors daily and kept the Math clean like mirror. This service of his continued for 14 years, and one fine day, while sweeping the floor, the shot which had entered his head, slipped oul from his ear and fell down. Suddenly the pain in his head also vanished. This was certainly the result of the service the rendered to Shri Maharaj for those 14 years. He continued his service of sweeping the floors of Math through out his life.Spiritual belief generally generates from self experience and then it remains firm. The service offered to the saints never go waste.

May this Shri Gajanan Vijay epic prove a savior to the devotees in this ocean of life.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here ends Chapter Sixteen

Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:06:39 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi17

Shri Ganeshayanmah ! Jai to you, the most auspicious one! Jai to you the protector of devotees.
Jai to you to recover or darkness. O Saviour of the fallen. O God.

Hiranyakashyapu was very cruel and an enemy of good people. You killed him by emerging out of pillar to protect Pralhad. That time you had a peerless form with fearful teeth and jaw, mane flowing on the neck and your fire red eye looked as if it were going to burn the universe. But this horrible appearance did not scare the devotees, like cubs playing in the laps of tiger. Looking to your appearance even Lakshmi dared not go near you, but the devotee touched your feet.

O Lakshmikant, you are lover of your devotees and saints say that you fulfill aIl their desires and never say "no" to them. Now Dasganu prostrates before you and prays to keep up that fame of yours by making me fearless.
There were many devotees of Shri Gajanan at Akola to whom he frequently used to go. They were, Bapukrishna of Chapadgaon, Khatauseth, Bacchulal son of Gondulal, Jijibai Pandit and many others. Once Shri Maharaj came to Akola and stayed at Khatau mills. Vishnusa, a devotee of Shri Maharaj wished to take Shri Maharaj to him at Malkapur, and requested Bhaskar to arrange it. This was the same Bhaskar who had later attained Nirvan at Adgaon. He was with Shri Maharaj to look after his needs and comforts. Vishnusa depended on him for getting the grace of Shri Maharaj. Bhaskar requested Shri Maharaj to Visit Malkapur as Vishnusa had come to invite him.

Shri Maharaj said, "Bhaskara, I don't wish to go to Malkapur so don't force me. I tell you that if you force me more, it will make you regret. If a rope is stretched too much, it breaks. I don't wish to move from here, so do not bother me at all."

Bhaskara said, "Whatever you may say. I still request you to visit Malkapur for the sake of Vishnusa. I, your most beloved devotee, have promised Vishnusa
that you will go to him at Malkapur. Your refusal is shocking to me. Please honor my promise and let us go to Malkapur."

Forcing like this, Bhaskar brought Shri Gajanan Maharaj to Railway station for going to Malkapur. On Bhaskara's request the station master got one compartment vacated for Shri Maharaj. Shri Maharaj did not move, nor said anything till the departure of the train. When the bell rang for the train to start, he moves unnoticed and instead of entering the vacant compartment, entered the ladies compartment. The sight of the naked saint scared the ladies and they immediately informed the police. The Officer of the police came and started dragging him out of the compartment saying.
"You naked man, you do not have any sense. How did you enter ladies compartment?'
With a jerk Shri Maharaj freed his hand and continued to sit there without fear of that officer. Then the police Officer went to the Station Master and brought
him to the ladies compartment. He saw "Yogiraj" sitting in the ladies compartment. The station master requested police officer that Shri Maharaj be permitted to travel in that compartment, as he was a great saint, unlikely to commit any offence. Thereupon the police officer said that he had already sent a telegram to his higher officer and nothing was left in his hands, so he may do whatever he liked. Thereupon the station officer, as a mark of respect, took out his cap, and most humbly requested Shri Maharaj to come out of the compartment to respect the law. Subsequently a case was filed against Shri Maharaj as per law. It was put for hearing in the court of Shri Jathar, who fixed the date for proceeding at Shegaon. He came to Shegaon and stayed at the rest house for the hearing of the case. Venkatrao Desai of Akola also happened to come to Shegaon on that day for some other work. Hearing the announcement of the case, lot of people gathered at the rest house. Shri Desai enquired from Shri Jathar about the case which made so many people to gather there. Shri Jathar was surprised at his ignorance and told that the case was against Shri Gajanan
Maharaj for his moving out naked in public. Shri Desai felt sorry and with folded hands said,

"This case is not proper. Shri Gajanan Maharaj is a great saint - the God incarnate, a divine person. He is a holy man having no bondage, a yogi of yogis respected by all. Police have committed mistake by prosecuting him and now you should correct it by withdrawing the prosecution."

Shri Jathar said that the police should have thought over it before filing the case, and under the circumstances was helpless as per law. He then ordered his clerk to call Shri Gajanan Maharaj. The clerk thereupon sent one police constable to bring him to the court. The constable went and asked Shri Maharaj to accompany him and further threatened to take him forcibly if resisted. Shri Maharaj refused to go and challenged the Javan to take him by force. Saying so Shri Maharaj extended his hand and caught hold of the hand of the constable. The grip was so tight that the blood flow in his hand was obstructed,
making the constable uncomfortable with pain. As the Javan did not turn up, Shri Jathar sent Venkatrao Desai to bring Shri Maharaj and ordered people around to disperse. Shri Desai got information about the plight of the constable on reaching there, and asked the devotees to put on clothes to Shri Maharaj. So Shri Maharaj was made to wear dhoti, but he threw it away on way to Rest house and went naked to the court.
Shri Jathar respectfully received Shri Maharaj and offered him a chair to sit.
Shri Jathar said to Shri Maharaj, "It is not proper to move out naked in the town as it is against law. So I request you not to move out naked."

Shri Maharaj smilingly replied, "How are you concerned with that ? Fill up tobacco in my pipe and don't give any importance to such things."

Hearing this Shri Jathar just melted and realized that he was far above the ways of material world, a Vrushab Dev of Bhagwati, A Shukachrya or an incarnation of Namdeo. He saw his blissful mental attitude and realized the state of
liberation attained by Shri Maharaj and as such, Shri Jathar thought, that "This saint cannot be charged of any offence. Fire cannot be void of its fiery element, so it has got to be kept in a safe bowl. Otherwise it can burn the entire house. In such case the fire cannot be blamed for what it does. Likewise the nakedness of Shri Maharaj is similar to the fire and his disciples are guilty for keeping him in that state, guilty of not keeping him in a bowl of clothes."

Thinking so Shri Jathar ordered as follows:"Shri Gajanan Maharaj is basically a liberated soul and his proper upkeep & the responsibility of Bhaskar, who has neglected it. So I order Bhaskar to pay a fine of five rupees."

Shri Maharaj, hearing the order, asked Bhaskar to desist from doing anything against his will, in future. Bhaskar kept quiet. But all the devotees decided to avoid train journey for Shri Maharaj thereafter, and accordingly bullock car was used for his travel.
Once Shri Maharaj came to Akola and stayed at the house of Bapurao. At the time there lived a muslim saint named Mehtabshah at Kurum near Murtizapur He had told Bapurao to inform him when Shri Gajanan Maharaj came to Akola Accordingly Bapurao sent a man to Kurum to inform Mehtabshah about this arrival of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. But it so happened that Shri Mehtabshah ha already started for Akola and this messenger sent by Bapurao met him on was Seeing that man he said,

"Don't go to Kurum, come and sit in our cart. I am Mehtabshah."

Look, how one saint knows the movements of other saint! They are really omnipotent. Mehtabshah was accompanied by 3-4 muslim devotees and all o them stayed at Bapurao's house. Next morning Shri Gajanan Maharaj came to the room where Shri Mehetabshah was staying and catching his hair gave Mehtabshah a good beating. His intention of doing so was to convey that the birth in Muslim community was being wasted as the roughness, peculiar to that
community, still existed in him and the same could come in his way of sell realization. Shri Maharaj wanted Mehatbshah to justify his name by keeping away the darkness of malice. In beating him Shri Maharaj hinted that Mehtabshab was not free from malice. Saints understand each others mind. So, Shri Mehatabshah was happy to get, the hint. When Shri Maharaj was beatin� Mahatabshah the accompanying muslim devotees were agitated but Shri Mehatabshah asked them to keep quiet and go back to Kurum in their own interest. Except Sikh. Kadu all others left for Kurum. At that time Seth Bachchula came invited Shri Maharaj for meals at his place next day.

Next day, Shri Maharaj was taken in a "Tanga" to Bachulal's house for meals. But on reaching there he did not get down and asked the Tanga to be taken back. All were surprised at his action, specially because he had accepted the invitation previous day. One intelligent man amongst them, suggested that ii might be, because Shri Mehtabshah was not invited along with him. Sc they went and invited Mehatabshah. The both of them came in the same Tanga
to Bachuchulal's house. Shri Mehatabshaha's stay was arranged in the nearby theatre and of Shri Maharaj in the Shri Ram Temple, but subsequently Shri Maharaj also went to the theatre. All took their meal and then Shri Mahatabasha told his disciples to get him a ticket for going to Punjab. Skh Kadu requested Shri Mehatabshah to leave Kurum, only after completing the construction of the mosque, which was half built. Thereupon he said,
"I got orders from Shri Gajanan Maharaj for going to Punjab, so I must g without any delay. I tell you the truth that the work of the mosque will be completed by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Saints do not believe in difference of religions and they treat all the religions equal. The fads of mosque and religions, if given undue importance, will ruin all of you. Both the same material builds the temple and mosques, and to fight because of their different shapes is foolish. Do you mean to say that only muslims belong t God and Hindus to ghosts? Think wisely in the interest of all humanity Remember that the same God creates both Hindus and Muslims. One should love his own religion, but also respect that of others. Without such thinking, happiness will be far away. Now go. The mosque will be completed by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.'
Shri Mehatabshah went away and never returned thereafter. Both Hindus and Muslims should give a thought to this advices. Look, even though Shri Maharaj beat Shri Mehatabshah, his heart was full of love for him. There was no malice at all. Shri Maharaj did not go take meals without Mehatabshah. All should think over this aspect.

The wife of Shri Bapurao came under the spell of Bhanamati. In a moment sh used to get Kunku on her forehead, next moment a rope round her neck and a times her clothes used to glow with fire. Some times she used to get black scars on her back and her clothes spread for drying used to catch fire. Such mysterious and maddening happenings had affected her health. She lost test for food and consequently became very weak. Bapurao had spent lot of money for her cure but to no effect. At last, and as a last resort, he surrendered to Shri Gajanan Maharaj and with folded hands said, "Maharaj, my wife is suffering from Bhanamati, I tried my best to get her cured but failed. I am completely fed up with the malady. How can Bhanamati enter place of your abode? How dare a fox come and shout in the lion's den? How can a stink exist in the vicinity of the musk fragrance?"

Hearing this, Shri Maharaj glanced at Bapurao's wife and her Bhanamati vanished.

Once in his wanderings Shri Maharaj reached Akot to meet Shri Narsinghji-his brother saint. There was a well near his 'math'. Shri Maharaj went and sat on its parapet with his legs hanging inside. He was constantly looking in the well. All were surprised to see him do like that and Narsinghji even asked him the reason for doing so. Shri Maharaj said,
"See Godavari, Bhagirathi and Yamuna in the well, and want to find out which
other holy rivers are there alongwith them. When you are daily getting their waters for you bath, why should I be denied that pleasure? These rivers must come out and give me holy bath today, and I will not leave this place till they do so."

Hearing him say so, people thought that he was really mad to except such
things to happen. But a moment later, the well water came up gushing like
fountain and poured on Shri Maharaj. He called upon all people to come and join him for taking bath in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and a
other rivers. Believers went and took holy bath with Shri Maharaj. God Almighty always   
fulfils the wishes of saints. After the bath Shri Maharaj went away, and
the fountain of water withdrew, taking the water in the well to its original level Shri Maharaj 
met Shri Narsinghji and went away to Shegaon with the mind's speed.
May this Gajanan Vijay epic, Sung by Shri Dasganu, prove a savior to all devotees.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here ends the chapter Seventeen 
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:07:33 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi18

Shri Ganeshayanmah! Jai to Chidvilasa. O Govinda, Shrinivisa, O Embod ment of Bliss, brother of the fallen, look to me.
O Keshava - Keshimardana Madhava, Madhusudana, O killer of Putana, Panduranga, consort of Rukmin You know what I want. Is it necessary to speak it out? Puranas say that you fulfill all the desires of your devotees. So I beseech you to fulfill the wishes  this Dasganu, who is entirely yours only.

There was a devotee named Baijabai at Mundgaon near Akot. She was born I a family of Haldi Mali. Her father was Shivram and Bhulabai the mother. She was married in her childhood only. Every thing happens as per one's destiny Baija, having attained puberty, her father took her to the son-in-law's place, bi. it was of no use as he was found to be a neuter. The fact hurt the parents Baija, but looking to her young age, Bhulabai suggested that he be remarrie to somebody else. Shivram did not agree and said that the masculine nature times gets active with the passage of time. So they decided to wait and keep
Baija with her husband, expecting that proper medication might revive his masculine character. Both of them then returned to Mundgaon. Baija with her age
of 15-16, and though wheatish in colour, had a youthful body. Her tall figure with beautiful eyes and sharp nose, had the power to attract any sexy person Her husband's elder brother, enamored by her beauty, wanted to make by with her. He tried many ways to persuade her, saying that he be treated a
husband by her. He even promised to maintain her through out the life. His a efforts to tempt her were wasted.

On this background Baija prayed -

"O God why are you troubling me like this? I worshipped your feet since my childhood, and is this the fruit I am getting for my devotion to you? The man married proved to be a "no-man" and I knew my fate. In a way it is good, as can fully devote myself at your feet. Now my only request is that no other man should touch me."

One night her husband's brother came to her to let her know his intention. But
Baija declined his advances by calling him a shameless person. She pointed out that an elder brother of the husband is like a father and as such should behave accordingly. But ignoring her remarks, he tried to catch hold of her when he heard his elder son failing down from the first floor, causing him great wound on the head. Baija rushed and took the child on her lap and applied medicine. Then Baija told him to take a lesson that it was not good to have desire for other woman. Looking to the wound of the child, he regretted to his action and did not trouble Baija thereafter. Shivram then took his daughter to Mundgaon. Bhulabai suggested her husband to go and ask Shri Gajanan Maharaj about the future of Baija. So both of them, along with daughter Baija went to Shegaon and prostrating before Shri Maharaj, requested him to bless Baija with a child. Shri Maharaj smiled and said,
"She is not destined to get any children. All men in the world are like father to her it is better to forget about her marriage.'

Shivram was sorry to hear this from Shri Maharaj. They returned to Mundgaon
But Baija was extremely happy to know her future and with this visit to Shegaon she became a firm devotee of Shri Maharaj.

Baija started going to Shegaon regularly with Pundalik of Mundgaon. Parents did not object to it as they thought that these trips to Shegaon may help revive her married life. But her going to Shegaon with Pundalik created doubt in the minds of people, and they even started spreading rumors that, in the guise of Shegaon trips, Pundalika and Baija were satisfying their lust for each other. They further objected to it saying that Pundalika was a Maratha and Baija belonged to Mali community, and thus a great hue and cry was raise to break their association. But both of them were pure at heart. Bhulai rebuke Baija for her frequently going to Pundalika, saying that young men and female came together only with physical attraction. She even advised Shivram arrange her remarriage to a suitable boy of their community.

Then she thought of taking Baija to Shri Gajanan Maharaj to find out the reason of her association with Pundalika. She believed that saints know every
thing and Shri Gajanan Maharaj was like a sandalwood which never can emit bad smell.

Bhulabai, Shivram, Baija and Pundalik all went together to Shegaon and prostrated before Shri Maharaj. Looking to Pundalika, Shri Maharaj said,

"Pundalika, Baija was your sister in the previous life, and so don't deny her affection, even if it becomes a matter of public criticism. Both of you together worship Almighty God. Bhulai, you also should not obstruct or blame your daughter for what she is doing. She is sister of Pundalika. Moreover, Baija is not destined to get any husband. She will remain maid throughout her life, like Janabai of Pandharpur. Janabai got Namdeo as Guru and Baija has surrundered to me. So nobody should trouble my Janabai."

Hearing these words, Shivram got overwhelmed with emotion and could not speak anything. Then they returned to Mundgaon with Baija and thereafter never obstructed her for going to Shegaon with Pundalik.
Now I will tell you a story about how Shri Maharaj always protects his devotees.

There was one Dr. Bhau Kavar in charge of the Govt. Hospital at Khamgaon He got a nasty, boil, and eminent doctors were brought from Buldans, Akola and Amravati for its treatment. All attempts with medicines and even surgeon failed to give any relief to Bhau. He was restlessly lying on bed due to unbearable pain. His elder brother was very much worried over the ailment of Bhau Then there was no alternative but to remember the holy feet of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. Thinking so, Bhau folded his hands and prayed Shri Maharaj to come to his rescue and cure him of the ailment.

It was about midnight with pitch darkness and foxes were howling nearby, when
a bullock cart, with a hood above, and a fine pair of bullocks, came to doctor's
door. Doctor, from his bed, could see the cart coming and stopping at his door
A brahmin got down from the cart and knocked at the door of doctor's house
His brother opened the door and asked the person the purpose of his visit. The
brahmin said that his name was Gaja and had come from Shegaon with 'Tirtha' and 'Angara' for Bhau Kavar. He further advised to apply the Angara to the pain-full boil of Bhau and to put Tirtha in his mouth. Thus giving these two things to Bhau's brother, the brahman went away, saying that he had no time to stay.

Hearing all this, Bhau immediately sent a man to call back that person, but could not get any trace of him, nor of the bullock cart. Then Bhau applied that Angara to the boil and it immediately burst emitting out pus. In an hour all the pus passed away and Bhau got sound sleep. Subsequently he was completely cured and went to Shegaon to pay respects to Shri Maharaj. Looking at Bhau, Shri Maharaj smilingly said,

'That night you did not give even grass to my bullocks."

Bhau understood that the nocturnal visitor with Tirtha an Angara was Shri Maharaj himself. Bhau then, as a token of thanks giving, fed people at Shegaon.

Once Shri Maharaj left for Pandharpur to meet God Vithal on the bank of
Chandrabhaga. There were many devotees with him. Government had arranged
special trains for going to Pandharpur as lot of people were going there for the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadasi. Jagu, Aba Patil, Bapuna and mans
others with Shri Maharaj first went to Nagzari. There is an underground cave
on a hillock at Nagzari and as there are many natural water springs near that hillock the place is known as Nagzari. The great saint Shri Gomaji had attained communion (Samadhi) with God in that cave at Nagzari. Shri Gomaji Maharaj was the first Guru of Mahadji Patil who got blessings at his hands for the welfare and prosperity of Patil dynasty. That is why Patils of Shegaon, while going to Pand harpur, first visit Nagzari to pay respects to Shri Gomaji and then go ahead. With this tradition they entrained at Nagzari for Pandharpur. Alongwith Han Patil were, Shri Maharaj, Bapuna and about 50 other people. It was 9th day of Ashadh Shudha and thousands of Varkaris (regular visitors) started reaching Pandharpur. The sky was cloudy and it was lightly raining. Pandharpur appeared a Vaikunth (heaven) on the earth and was like a sea of humanity. All the space meant for going round the temple (Pradakshina) was full of devotees
chanting - "Jay Jay Ramkrishna Hari." The whole atmosphere was charged Auth joy. Palanquins of saints - Nath, Nivrutti, Dnyaneswar, Savata, Gora kumbhar, Shri Tukoba Dehukar, Sopan Muktabai, Janardan, reached pandharpur. The devotees threw up 'Bukka' in the air to offer respects to them and the whole sky appeared full of 'Bukka' spreading its fragrance around. PeopIe threw Tulsi and flowers also on the Palanquins. In such atmosphere Shri Maharaj reached Pandharpur and stayed in the house of Kukaji Patil which s on the way of 'Pradakshina.' There was a big crowd around the temple and scores of police personnel were present to keep the crowd in order. On the day of Ekadasi all the Shegaon people, except Bapuna went to the temple with
Hari Patil. Bapuna had gone to take bath and so he was left back. On return from bath he learnt that all had already gone to the temple. He too then hurried to follow them, but due to big crowd around the temple that poor Bapuna could not get entry from any where. Helplessly Bapuna, in his mind prayed -

O Vithala, Rushikesha, why are you so much dissipated with me ? Why don't
you allow me your Darshan ? You had gone to "Aran" to give Darshan to Savata Mali, like that, O Panduranga, come from the temple to meet me. Aran was 16 miles away, but now I am here just near the temple. People call you the helper of the helpless, then why are you ignoring me?"

Thus he prayed and prayed and at last disappointed returned to kukaji's house towards evening. Whole day he had not taken any food and the additional disappointment had made him pale and sunken. Such was his Intense desire to meet Vithal, that his mind was continuously moving round the temple. All the people started laughing at Bapuna saying that he was the most unfortunate person. They said that he came to Pandharpur and must have gone round visiting stalls Instead of going to the temple. Some said that he was a hypocrite and unfortunate. Other's taunted him saying that Bapuna knew all the Vedant and so had no need to go to the temple. Vedantis believe that the God is in their heart and not in the stones. Only fools go to temple. Bapuna had his God standing for him on the road. They said that Bapuna instead of coming to Pandharpur, should have called Vithoba to Shegaon. These "Vedantis" advise
others without any experience - preach without practice. They do not understand that self realization is possible only after worshiping the visible God. Without childhood how can one attain adulthood?

Such were the taunts and criticism directed at Bapuna. Nobody protected him in this attack. He was just sitting quiet without taking any food. Shri Maharaj was looking at him and at everything that was happening there. God only comes to the rescue of the poor and helpless people. Fortunate are those who get the association of saints.

Shri Maharaj said, - "Bapuna, don't worry come on I will show you "Rukmin Ramana" just now."

Saying so, Shri Maharaj stood up, positioned his feet like Vithoba and put ur his hands on the waist. Bapuna saw him in the above form with garlands O Tulsi and flowers around the neck. He prostrated at his feet and looked up again, but now he saw Shri Maharaj in the place of Vithoba. Bapuna was immensely happy for this darshan of Vithoba. When subsequently he went to temple he saw exactly the same idol as Shri Maharaj had showed him at Kukaji's Wada. Other people learnt about this darshan to Bapuna and they requested Shri Maharaj to bless them also with the Darshan of Shri Vithoba.
Shri Maharaj replied - "First develop your mind like - Bapuna and then I will show you Vithoba. This Darshan is not a commodity available in the market. It requires a pious mind to get such Darshan as Bapuna got."

Look, how Shri Maharaj showed 'Vithoba' in reality to Bapuna at Pandharpur. It was because he was a real saint. There is no difference between God and saint. it is just like a sugar and its sweetness which cannot be separated from each other. After taking Prasad all of them returned to Shegaon. With the blessings of Vithoba, Bapuna got a son who grew up as a very intelligent boy. Service to saints never goes waste. Since Bapuna got the son due to the blessings of Vithoba, he was named as Namdeo.

A devotee of Kavathe Bahadur, being from Vidarbha, lodged at Kukaji's Wada. On "Dwadashi" day Pandharpur was gripped with Cholera. Scores of people.
and helping him to sit, said,

"Come on, get up and let us go to our Vidarbha."

The Devotee said, "How can I go to Vidarbha now? I am nearing the death have no relations by my side."

Shri Maharaj said, "Don't get scared like this. The danger to your life is averl Saying so Shri Maharaj put his hand on the head of that devotee. By that tc his motions and vomiting stopped immediately and he felt strength enough stand up. How can death take away a man who is in the hands of a sai Within an hour he was fully recovered and returned home alongwith O people. Having rescued, from the grip of death, he was very happy prostrated before Shri Maharaj again and again. He said,
"Swamiji, you brought me back from the jaws of death."
Looking to this miracle, the devotees cheered "Jay" to Shri Maharaj.
Thus all the people who had gone to Pandharpur with Shri Maharaj returned Shegaon safe.
A very strict orthodox brahmin once came to Shegaon for the darshan of Shi Maharaj. Having heard about the greatness of Shri Maharaj, he had come from very distant place. Being a strict orthodox he did not tolerate anybody to even touch him. And so after looking to Shri Maharaj he regretted for having come a that distance to meet him. He thought that Shri Maharaj was a mad person behaving contrary to all the established - religious practice, and therefore, did not like people worshipping such a mad person In the Math he saw a dead dog just on his way to the well, where he had to go to fetch water. He therefore could not go and so murmured - "Nobody is caring to remove this dead dog and they call this "Ganjya smoker a Maharaj. I am a fool to have come here for his darshan."
Shri Maharaj heard it and so went to the brahmin and said, "Don't have any doubts. The dog is not dead. Freely, go ahead with your Puja The Brahmin angrily replied,
"I am not mad like you. The dog is dead and its body is lying there since hour, but nobody cared to remove it."
Shri Maharaj said - "We are ignorant and spoult. We have no knowledge Ii you, but don't worry. Take the pitcher and follow me to the well for water."
Saying so Shri Maharaj came to the dog and touched it with his feet. Sudden the dog stood up. The miracle made the brahmin dumb founded. He realize
the greatness of Shri Maharaj and regretted for having criticized him. Prostri ing at his feet, the brahmin begged to be pardoned for the misbehavior. TI same day he served food to all people there, and with doubts removed, fu surrendered before Shri Maharaj. Then, after taking prasad, he went back with firm - conviction that Shri Gajanan Maharaj was God himself.
May this Gajanan Vijay epic, written by Dasganu, guide the devotees to rema on right path. This is the only desire of Dasganu.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
SHRI HARI HARARPANMASTU
Here ends Chapter Eighteen
 
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:10:40 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi19
Shri Ganeshayanamah! Jai to the giver of Joy! Jai to the Abheda!
Let my head always bow before You. O Raghava! Raghupati! Please come to bless me without delay. It is not befitting for great ones to be harsh. O Ananta, please give a thought to what I say. O Jagannath, I call You most earnestly, don't disappoint this Dasganu.
When Shri Maharaj was at Shegaon, one Brahmin named Kashinath Khanderao Garde came for His "Darshan." He prostrated before Shri Maharaj and was very happy to see in Him all the signs of a "Jeevan Mukta" as written by his father. He found himself very fortunate to have come from Khamgaon to see Shri Maharaj. While he was thinking so, Shri Maharaj gave him a push by an elbow and said, "Go, your desire is fulfilled. The postman is waiting for you with the telegram. Kashinath was confused, and could not understand the meaning of what Shri Maharaj said, as he had not come to ask for anything from Him. Neither could he dare to ask Shri Maharaj the meaning of what He said. With folded hands he bent before Shri Maharaj and returned to Khamgaon. At Khamgaon a postman was really waiting at his door with a telegram. Hurriedly he took the telegram and saw that it contained the news of his promotion as Munsif and he was posted to Morshi. Then he understood the meaning of the elbow-push given to him by Shri Maharaj and was surprised at the knowledge of the saint.
On receiving an invitation from Shri Buty, Shri Maharaj went to Nagpur. Nagpur was once the capital place of the Bhosle's kingdom but now has lost all its grandeur. It is the result of losing independence, which has turned an owner into a beggar, and bestowed greatness on foreigners. Elephants, horses and palanquins have disappeared giving place to motors. Changing times do have such effects and nobody can be blamed for this. Shri Gopal Buty's residence was in Sitaburdi. Gopal kept Shri Maharaj in that palatial building just like enclosing a tiger in a fort. Shri Buty desired Shri Maharaj to stay with him forever. For the people from Shegaon, he appeared like Akrura taking away Shrikrishna to Mathura. Without Shri Maharaj, Shegaon became a deserted place and so, all the devotees requested Hari Patil to bring Him back to Shegaon. Shegaon without Shri Maharaj was like a body without life in it. The devotees reminded Hari Patil that he was the head of Shegaon and Buty a great "Savkar", and as such only an elephant can fight another elephant. Maruti was selected to fight Jambu Mali and Arjuna to fight with Karna. Saying so, they requested Hari Patil to go to Nagpur to bring back Shi Maharaj to Shegaon. In fact Shri Maharaj stayed unwillingly with Shri Buty just like Shrikrishna who stayed most unwillingly at Hastinapur. Shri Maharaj repeatedly asked Buty to let him go to Shegaon, but he ignored and did not allow Shri Maharaj to go to Shegaon. Though Buty was a pious and good person, he was too proud of his wealth. Along with Shri Maharaj he used to feed scores of people, and the singing of Bhajans continued through out the day. But people from Shegaon were not permitted to see Shri Maharaj Once some people from Shegaon went to bring back Shri Maharaj, but they had to return empty handed.
Now it was the great devotee, Hari Patil, who along with some friends, started for Nagpur to bring back Shri Maharaj and as he was entering the train at Shegaon, Shri Maharaj said to Buty, "O Gopal, Hari Patil is coming to Nagpur, so let me go from here before he comes. When he reaches here, all the peace will be lost. Mind that he is an executive officer. Your strength is your wealth but he will take me away with his physical strength."

Hari Patil arrived at Nagpur and entered Buty's house by force, pushing aside the watchman who tried to obstruct his entry. At that time Brahmins were getting ready to have their lunch at Gopal Buty�s grand residence. All of them were served food in silver plates and bowls, and had sisam wood planks to sit on. Several dishes were served to them. At the centre of these people was a raised and decorated seat on which Shri Maharaj was sitting. Such was the show of Buty's wealth. He was rightly called the Kubera of Nagpur. As Shri Maharaj saw Hari Patil in the door He got up and rushed to meet him, like a cow rushing to meet its calf. Shri Maharaj said, "O Hari, come, let us go to Shegaon. I don't want to stay here. It is good that you have come." As Shri Maharaj was going out, Gopal Buty rushed and, respectfully caught hold of His feet said, "O Maharaj, please do not reject me like this. Kindly take the meals and then go wherever You like." Then he said to Hari Patil, "Please oblige me by taking Prasad with Shri Maharaj and then go. I have understood that He won't stay here anymore. I request you to protect my prestige in the presence of these Brahmins. If Shri Maharaj leaves now without taking any food, all these Brahmins too will not eat and it will then, be a matter of great shame and condemnation for me in Nagpur." He agreed, and then Shri Maharaj, along with all the Shegaon devotees stayed and took the meals. After the meals, while the preparations were being made for the departure of Shri Maharaj, a lot of people came to take His Darshan. Janakabai, wife of Gopal Buty was a very pious lady, the Lakshmi of his house. She fell at the feet of Shri Maharaj and said that her wish was not fulfilled. Shri Maharaj understood and applying Kunku on her forehead said, "You will get one more son who will prove to be most virtuous, and in the end you will attain Moksha in the life time of your husband." Then Shri Maharaj left Sitaburdi and went to the palace of Raghuji Raje.
Raghuji was the most liberal, noble and pious person and a devotee of Shri Ram. He lost the kingdom in this transient material world, but in Shri Maharaj, got the kingdom of eternal nature. He most devotedly worshipped Shri Maharaj, who then went to Ramtek and after taking the Darshan of Shri Ram returned to Shegaon along with Hari Patil. Once Shri Ranganath, the great saint of Dhar, Kalyan came to meet Shri Maharaj at Shegaon. They exchanged their views on Adhyatma in their own way, beyond the understanding of others. Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, born at Mundgaon, and living on the bank of Krishna, was a believer in the ritualistic worship (Karma Marga). When he was to come to Shegaon, Shri Maharaj said to Balabhau, "O Bala, one of my brothers is coming tomorrow to meet me. See that he is properly respected. He is most orthodox; so keep the surrounding clean and see that there should not be even a piece of cloth lying anywhere. If he sees any dirt, he will be annoyed, and angry like Jamdagni. These Karhade Brahmin, always clean, are amongst the most learned people and will never compromise on the discipline of religious rites." This is what Shri Maharaj said to Balabhau a day prior to Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati�s visit to Shegaon. The next morning the Swamiji arrived at Shegaon. They looked at each other and smiled. Both appeared immensely happy. One was a believer in Karma, while other the king of Yoga. One was the sweet fragrance of Mogra and the other that of Rose. One was the Ganga and other the Godavari. One was the incarnation of Pashupati and other of Narayan resting on the bed of Cobra (Shesha). When Swamiji came to the Math, Shri Gajanan Maharaj was sitting on his cot and snapping his fingers. When Shri Swamiji arrived, the snapping stopped, the eyes met each other, and Swamiji sought permission, to go. Shri Maharaj said "Very good" and bent His head in consent. Swamiji went away. But Balabhau was confused and requested Shri Maharaj to remove his doubts. Bala said, �Both of You have got different spiritual ways, then how do You call him Your brother? Please enlighten me." Shri Maharaj said, "Bala you have asked a good question. There are three paths to reach God. All of them take you to the "town" of self-realization. They appear to be different and so confuse the onlooker.
Rituals of "Karma Marga" are to keep clean, wear silk dhotis, not to touch anybody, offering of worship three times a day, fasting and observance of rituals in a strict disciplined manner. One who observes these things is a real learned orthodox. Any deviation or omission in this discipline will deprive him of the "Karma Marga". He has got to be careful when treading this path. He should not hurt others even by words.
For those pursuing the "Bhakti Marga" their mind should be crystal clear. Even a shadow of an unclean thought will deprive him all Bhakti rahasya. Compassion, love and modesty must be his accompaniments. He should have faith in listening to scriptures and worship, and must continuously chant the name of (God) Hari. These are the requirements of the "Bhakti Marga" and the one, who practices it, will meet Shri Hari. In fact it is the easiest way of self realization but practising it is more difficult than "Karma Marga�, like trying to reach the sky which appears to be so close to our eyes.
Now listen to the principles of the �Yoga Marga� The spread out of the �Yoga Marga� is far bigger than the former two, but it is within us. The person practising the �Yoga Marga� requires no paraphernalia from the outside. Whatever is in the universe can be found within ourselves, and with the help of those things within us we should follow the �Yoga Marga�. For that purpose it is necessary to know the various Asanas namely �Rechak�, �Kumbhak� the knowledge of "Ida' and "Pingala" the knowledge of veins, Dhouti and Mudra Tratak. The follower of "yoga marga" for his success should first have full knowledge of Kundalini and Sushamna.
The ultimate fruit of all these paths lies in self-knowledge; but that "knowing the self" should not be without the love for it. Any act without love for it is a waste. So it is necessary to protect the "love aspect" in all these three paths to "realization". Black, fair, short, tall ugly and beautiful are the attributes to body, and it has no effect on the soul. Bodies are different but all have got the same soul. Likewise it is applicable to these three paths of Realization. Externally they have different appearances, but the ultimate goal is the same for all of them. Once they reach the goal, the different paths are forgotten. Whatever path one follows becomes important for him. Only those who fail to reach the goal fight for proving the greatness of some particular path. All the followers of these three paths, after reaching the goal become saints and then merge with each other. Vashistha, Vamdeo, Jamdagni, Atri, Parashtar and Shandilyamuni, reached their goal by the path of "Karma yoga". Vyas, Narad, Kayadhukumar, Maruti, Shabari, Akrura, Udhava, Sudama, Partha, and Vidur followed �Bhakti Yoga�. Shri Shankaracharya Guruwar, Macchindra, Gorakh and Jalander climbed the great staircase of Yoga. Vashistha, Vidur and Macchindra got the same fruit.
There was no difference in their ultimate gain. The same traditions continued thereafter so, do not have any doubt about it. Shripad Vallabha protected the importance of �Karma Marga�. The great saint, Shri Narsinha Saraswati of Gangapur, did the same. Nama, Savata, Dnyaneshwar, Sena, Kanhu, Chokha Mahar and Damajipant Thanedar followed �Bhakti Marga�. Sheikh Mohammed of Shri Gonda, Anandiswami of Jalna, Devnath Maharaj of Surji, Anjangaon liked �Yoga Marga�. And now at present Vasudeo follows Karma Marga. Many others and I like Bhakti Marga. Dhondibua of Palus, Nana of Songir, and Yashwantrao of Jalna are successful in Bhakti Marga. Khalla Amma, Saibaba of Shirdi, and Gulabrao have also achieved the ultimate realisation of the self. Adkuji, the saint of Varkhed in Chandur Tahsil, saint Zingaji of Murha and Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur followed the Bhakti Marga. All these saints had different behaviours, but attained the authority to become one with the God. It is not the path that matters, but the ultimate reaching of the goal is important. We, all brother saints, have come to this world to guide the pious men to the path leading to Moksha. They may follow the path of their liking and attain Moksha. Now don't ask me anything more, nor tell anything of this to others. Let me sit peacefully under the guise of madness. Only those, having faith in me, and whom I love will get their desires fulfilled. I don't need the others. �Brahma-dnyan" (knowledge of the supreme Reality) should be told to the repentant, and not to the non-believers. To meet the God, we must be firm on our path." Hearing this advice, Balabhau was overwhelmed by love; his eyes brimmed with tears of joy. All his body shivered with extreme bliss, beyond the powers of words to describe. Balabhau quietly paid respects to the great saint of Shegaon whose incarnation was for the sole purpose of the salvation of humanity.
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:11:14 AM
Salubai was a sincere devotee of Shri Maharaj. Once Shri Maharaj said to her, "Salu, take flour and pulses and keep on cooking day and night. Go on feeding all those who come here; by doing so you will be loved by Narayan." That Salubai of Vaizapur is still alive at Shegaon. Pralhad Bua Joshi once had an opportunity of receiving the Blessings from Shri Maharaj but unfortunately lost it. There was one Tulsiram at Jalamb near Khamgaon. His son, Atmaram was very intelligent. He had special liking for Vedas, and so had gone to Kashi for its study. Daily bath at Bhagirathi River, food of Madhukari (Alms) and going to Guru for the studies of the Vedas was his daily routine. Contrary to this is the behaviour of the present day students, who waste their time in all types of entertainments instead of their studies. Can they gain any knowledge by such behaviour? Atmaram was not like that. He knew his responsibility well. After completing the studies, he returned home and first went to Shegaon to pay his respects to Shri Maharaj. Atmaram now knew Vedas but Shri Maharaj was the sun of knowledge. He recited Vedas along with Atmaram, and corrected him whenever necessary. It was a surprise for all to see Shri Maharaj reciting Vedas. Atmaram continued to stay with Shri Maharaj. How can a honeybee leave the honey? Daily he used to come to Shegaon from Jalamb and offer his services. So much was his devotion that when Shri Maharaj left the material world, Atmaram stayed at Shegaon only for the daily worship of the Samadhi. He did not accept any remuneration for this service, but on the contrary gave away his own property, which was a house and some land, to the trust of the temple. It is not the value of the offering one makes, but the devotion that counts. Shabari gained the grace of Shri Ram by offering jujube fruits, same thing happened here also. Swami Dattatreya Kedar, Narayan Jamkar, and Dudhahari Bua who lived on milk only, all of them had sincere devotion for Shri Maharaj.
Now listen to the story of Marutipant Patwari of Morgaon Bhakre in Balap Taluka. That Marutipant had Timaji Mali in his service for protection of the crops in the field. One night, while keeping a watch on the heap of grains in the field he fell asleep. At that time some donkeys entered the field and started eating the grains. But, Maruti being a sincere devotee, Shri Maharaj had to rush and saved the grains. He suddenly appeared in the field and called Timaji to wake up. Timaji woke up and Shri Maharaj disappeared from the field. He saw the donkeys and drove them away, but then thought of his master's likely wrath due to this loss. He realised the betrayal of the trust of his master in failing to protect the grains. The donkeys consumed nearly half of the heap of grains, and he could not find any excuse for his negligence of duty. See, how the servants had a sense of responsibility in those days, as against the present day servants who never care for the interest of their masters, and over and above are arrogant and dishonest. Timaji was not like that. He was unhappy over the loss and could not find any reason to excuse himself. He decided to own up to the responsibility for the loss and beg for pardon from his master, what he was sure, would for give him. He went to his master and touching his feet said, "O Sir, my sleep has put you to a great loss. The donkeys, while I was sleeping consumed half the heap of grains. Kindly come to the field to assess the loss and then only I will feel relieved." Thereupon Maruti said that he had no time to go to the field, as he was to go to Shegaon for the Darshan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. He however promised to visit the field on his return from there. Maruti reached Shegaon at about ten in the morning. Shri Maharaj was sitting on the Asana with Jagu Patil and Balabhau sitting near him. Seeing Maruti Shri Maharaj smilingly said, "I had to go through a lot of trouble for you last night. You become my devotee and make me do the job of a watchman by employing lazy servants and yourself sleeping comfortably at home. Maruti, last night Timaji fell asleep and several donkeys entered your fields and started eating all your grains in the field. So I woke Timaji and alerted him to protect the grains. Maruti understood, and touching Gajanan Maharaj�s feet said, "You are our sole supporter. All responsibility of a child is on the mother, and You are our mother. Whatever we possess belongs to You, and everything is in Your hands. That heap of grains is Yours. Timaji is a servant for name�s sake. You protect the whole universe from this place. A mother tolerates all the whims and fancies of her children. You, being my mother had to rush to Morgaon and save me from the incurring loss. Kindly let me receive such grace from You perpetually. Now I will go and relieve Timaji from the service." Shri Maharaj said, "No, No, don't remove Timaji from service. I know that he is really honest and felt sorry to see the donkeys eating your grains. Had he not come to you in the morning to report the loss? He even requested you to visit the field and assess the loss; but you said that you were going to Shegaon and would visit the field on return from there." Maruti was overwhelmed by the unlimited benevolence of Shri Maharaj. Nobody had told Him about the donkeys entering his field, but knew it by His omnipotence.
Now listen to another story. In Shaka 1816 it happened at Balapur. Once, Shri Maharaj was happily sitting in the Veranda of Sukhlal Bansilal's house. He was completely naked, without any clothes on the body. People passing thereby were paying respects to Shri Maharaj. It was the main road in the market area and a police constable happened to go that way. His name was Narayan Asraji. As he noticed Maharaj he lost his temper and said, �This naked man is not a saint, but a hypocrit who is sitting here intentionally and so should not be ignored. Saying so, he started pouring abuses at Shri Maharaj, and further whipped Him with the cane in his hand. Marks appeared on the body of Shri Maharaj. Even so Asraji continued the whipping. Seeing this, one Shri Hundivala came forward and said, "It is not good to whip a saint, like this without any reason. God is the protector of saints. Look at the cane marks on His body and withdraw your hand. With this act you are bringing your end nearer. A sick man invites death when he over-looks the restrictions for good health. You have done the same thing today by whipping this pious man. It is still not late to beg for pardon from Shri Maharaj. But the Havaldar said, "I see no reason to beg for pardon. I know that the curse of a crow won't kill animals. This naked mean man, sitting on the main road, is uttering filthy words, and if God finds me guilty for whipping such man then it is the height of injustice." The prophecy proved true. The Havaldar and his relatives died within fortnight as a result of beating a saint. Therefore everybody should be cautious in his behaviour towards the saints till the reality is known.
One time there was a Gosavi who came to the Math for the Darshan of Gajanan Maharaj. He was a pauper and did not even have sufficient clothing to cover himself up. His name was Hari Jakhade Sangamneri. He looked at Maharaj and realized that He was surrounded by all important and rich people and felt insecure as to never be able to meet with Maharaj or ask a boon from Maharaj.  He had a desire that needed to be fulfilled. He lusted for a familial life and hence arrived at Shegaon to pray to Gajanan Maharaj for the same. However there was an obstacle owing to which his desire could never be fulfilled and that was that he was poverty stricken and did not have sufficient money to start a family or own a house where to keep his wife and children, now did he have any source of money like a reliable job. He thought to himself, �I get food for a day and don't know the fate of next day. Such has been my life so far. I don't have money or any property. Who will offer me a bride? O Swami Gajanan, the abode of happiness, I keenly desire to have the pleasure of a family life. Kindly fulfil it by giving me a virtuous wife from a good family and then children too." As he was thinking so, Shri Maharaj, knowing his mind, spat at him and said to Himself,
"I spat at him because he has asked for worthless thing from me. People come to me for liberation from the bonds of this material world, but this Hari has asked for that worldly pleasure from me. See, how the ways of the world are. All seek material pleasure, and nobody wants to see the Almighty Hari." Then Shri Maharaj looked at Hari and said,
"You will get everything that you have presently desired in your mind. You will get a wife, children and money too. Now go home and lead a happy married life, but don't forget the Almighty God." With this advice Shri Maharaj gave him some money for his marriage. Thereafter Hari Jakhadi got married and was happy. How can the words of Shri Maharaj go waste?
Once, Shri Ramchandra Govind Nimonkar, an overseer, and Vasudeo Bende went to the Mukana River in the hills of Sahyadri in Igatpuri Tahsil of Nasik District. The forest over there was lush green with trees bending with the weight of fruits, and there were freely roaming wild animals. Near that Mukana River is a small stream in a narrow valley known as Kapildhara. It is believed to be a holy place and so people go there to take a bath on an auspicious day. Shri Nimonkar also went there on one such auspicious day. He had some elementary knowledge of yoga and was very keen to develop it further, and as such was enquiring of every ascetic he met at that place. They all denied possessing the knowledge of Yoga that he sought which disappointed him very much. He with folded hands, implored God to show him a person who could teach yoga to him. Suddenly, at Kapildhara, he saw a man with long arms reaching his knees, who appeared to be a sage. This tall man, with calm face, was sitting in meditation. Nimonkar prostrated before Him and waited till the evening to see Him open His eyes. But the yogi wouldn�t open His eyes or speak at all. For the whole day Nimonkar sat there without eating any food. As the evening approached, all the other ascetics at Kapildhara were returning. So Shri Nimonkar, with folded hands, implored the sage to teach him yoga. The sage gave him a picture and said, "Your wish will be fulfilled by this picture on which is written a Mantra (hymn) of sixteen words. Keep on chanting it continuously and by its power you may learn some yoga. Yoga Marga is the most difficult amongst all yogas. A small insect cannot go around Himalaya, nor can a snail climb the Meru Mountain. You may try Yoga by remaining a strict bachelor and cleaning your inner body by "Dhouti" and �Nouti�. If you do it sincerely, you shall be able to perform some Asanas. Now don't ask me any more questions, and take this Prasad.� Saying so, He gave him a red pebble, and disappeared. The same yogi met Nimonkar again on the bank of Godavari at Nasik. Nimonkar went running to Him and touching His feet, said, "Sir, You seem to be fed up with me. Last time You went away without telling me Your name and your whereabouts." Shri Maharaj said, "I told you my name by giving you a red pebble. God Ganesh from Narmada is always red but you being dull could not understand it. I am from Shegaon, and my name is Gajanan. You come with me to the house of Shri Dhumal, where we shall meet again." Saying so, Shri Maharaj disappeared and Nimonkar could not see Him. Then he went to Dhumal's house, where he was very happy to see Shri Maharaj sitting there. Mentally he bowed to Shri Maharaj and told Dhumal, everything that had happened from Kapildhara to Nasik. Shri Dhumal was very glad to hear all that, and then praised Shri Maharaj again and again for all his divine powers. He advised Nimonkar to worship that red pebble devotedly every day and perform yogasanas before it. Thus Shri Nimonkar learnt yogasanas by the grace of Shri Maharaj.
Tukaram Kokate of Shegaon had the misfortune of his children dying in infancy. So he vowed to Shri Maharaj that he would give away one child to Him if his children survived. Thereupon Kokate got three children and all of them survived, but he had forgotten his vow, and one child as promised, was not given to Shri Maharaj. His elder child Narayan got ill and did not respond to any medicine. His condition was getting grave everyday. Tukaram suddenly remembered his vow, and said as soon as Narayan was cured he would be given away to Shri Maharaj. Narayan really recovered soon, and then he was given to Shri Maharaj, to serve Him, as per the vow. Narayan is still there at Shegaon, and advises the devotees, that any vow once made to Shri Maharaj must be honoured. Shri Gajanan Maharaj, along with Hari Patil, went to Pandharpur to meet God Vithal, who is the ultimate goal to reach, a Kalpataru, Kamalnabh and all in all to all the saints. He is the supporter of this universe, the virtues of whom are praised by all Vedas, Lord of Rukmini, and the One residing in the hearts of all Saints. He is full of compassion and kindness to the devotees. Shri Maharaj reached Pandharpur, took a bath in the Holy Chandrabhaga River, and went to the temple for the Darshan of Shri Panduranga.
Shri Maharaj said, "O God Pandharinatha, benefactor and protector of devotees, and all powerful Rukmini Kanta, listen to my request. As per your command, I have so far lived on this earth and fulfilled the desires of all pious people. You know that my mission on the earth is now over. O Panduranga now permit me to go. God, I wish to reach Vaikunth for permanent stay at your feet, in the ensuing month of Bhadrapada." Saying so, Shri Samarth folded his hands. Tears brimmed his eyes at the thought of separation from Shree Hari. Hari Patil said with folded hands, "O Gurudeo, why these tears in Your eye? Have I hurt You in any way? Kindly tell me immediately."
Shri Maharaj replied, "You may not understand it even if I tell you the reason. It is very deep knowledge, and you need not bother to know that at present I can only say that our association is coming to an end. Come on; let us go back to Shegaon. You and your descendants will never fall short of anything. After their return from Pandharpur, all the religious rituals (Mavanda) were performed, but Hari Patil was full of anxiety. He told other people about what Shri Maharaj had said of their association coming to an end.
"Shravana" month passed and Shri Maharaj was getting weak every day. The "Bhadrapada" came, and now listen to what happened. On Ganesh Chathurti day Shri Maharaj said,
"Now all of you should come to the Math for immersion of Ganapati. It is said in "Ganesh Purana", that an idol of earth Ganapati be made on Chathurti and after offering Puja and sweets, He should be immersed in water the following day. That day has now dawned, and it should be celebrated by immersing my earthly body in water. Don't weep at all. Do not forget that I shall ever be here to protect and guide you. I can never forget you. Shrikrishna has told Arjuna in Geeta that, this body has to be changed like clothes. Remember that all the Brahmavetta (Saints) did the same thing, i.e. they only changed the body.� Shri Maharaj passed the whole day of Chathurti in a gay mood along with Balabhau. Next day he held Balabhau's hand and made him sit beside Him. Then He said, "Don't think that I have left you, keep up your Bhakti, and never forget me. I am always here only."
Saying so, that great saint stopped his breath, and pulled it up to his head by Pranayam. It was the noon of Thursday, Bhadrapada Shudha Panchami, Sadharan-nam - Sanvatsar, shak 1832. While holding up his breath, he uttered the words "Jai Gajanan." and merged himself with the Supreme Brahma at Shegaon. All his movements stopped. Looking to the "Samadhi" of Shri Maharaj all shed tears of sorrow. Then it was publicly announced in Shegaon that Shri Maharaj had attained Samadhi. With the spread of this news people started beating their chest with grief. They said, "Gone, Gone is our living God - Gone for ever. Gone is the saviour of the poor and the fallen. Gone is our nest and happiness. The wind of time has extinguished this flame of knowledge. O Gajanan, who will protect us now? Why have you left us so soon?" All the devotees of Shri Maharaj, namely Martand Patil, Hari Patil, Vishnusa, Bankatlal, Tarachand, Shripatrao Kulkarni gathered in the Math.
It was the day of Panchami, and all of them decided to close Shri Maharaj in Samadhi the next day. Since Shri Maharaj was now to disappear forever, they proposed to wait till evening for the devotees to come for the last Darshan. They said that those who were fortunate would get Darshan. So the messages were sent to outside places about Shri Swamiji's Samadhi.
Shri Govind Shastri Dongaonkar, a learned person, said that Shri Maharaj would keep the life flame alive in his forehead till all his affectionate devotees get Darshan. And to prove what he said Shastriji put some butter on the head of Shri Maharaj. The butter melted with the warmth in the head. It was the effect of "Yogashastra" acquired by Shri Maharaj.
Shri Govind Shastri said that Shri Maharaj could live in that trance even for a year, but never-the-less, it was advisable to close him in Samadhi pit after all the devotees got His last Darshan; and all agreed to it. Bhajan was started before Shri Maharaj and about thousand people participated in it. Shri Maharaj Himself gave the message, through dreams. On that Rushi Panchami day innumerable people gathered at Shegaon for the Darshan of Shri Maharaj. A Chariot was prepared for his last journey. Many Bhajan singers reached Shegaon in procession. Ladies sprinkled cow dung mixed water on the roads, and beautiful designs of Rangoli were drawn on it. All the houses on way and roads were illuminated. The body of Shri Maharaj was put on the decorated chariot, and the procession of the last journey of Shri Maharaj started. It was going round the town throughout the night. Various music instruments were playing ahead of the procession followed by Dindis singing Bhajans and people chanting the pious name of Vithala. Tulsi, Bukka, Gulal and flowers were showered on Shri Maharaj, and prasad of sweets was distributed. Some people even showered rupees and coins on the chariot carrying Shri Maharaj. Thus the procession moved on all the streets of Shegaon and returned to the Math in the morning. The body was carried to the place of Samadhi and the last Rudrabhisheka was performed. Final Puja was offered with full rituals, and honours, and the devotees raised their voice saying, �Jai Gajanan� �Jai to Narayan in the form of man� �Jai to the giver of indestructible happiness� �Jai to the Lord of this world.�
Saying so, the body with His face to north was put in the Samadhi pit. All devotees took the last Darshan shouting, "Jai Gajanan."
Then the pit was filled with salt, Argaja and Abir, and with heavy hearts, devotees closed the Samadhi with a big flat stone. Shri Maharaj is still there.
For ten days all were offered food daily as prasad of Shri Maharaj. Innumerable people got that prasad. The greatness and the authority of the saint are really supreme, and even an emperor is insignificant before Him.

So let this Gajanan Vijay epic, narrated by Shri Dasganu, show the right path to the devotees and help them develop Hari Bhakti.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here ends the Chapter Nineteen
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:11:39 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi20
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Shri Ganeshayanmah. O Rukminivara Jai to you. O God residing on the bank of Chandrabhaga, please blesses this Dasganu.
You are the king of kings. Everything is in your hands. Then why are you ignoring me? Let your kind grace destroy all my sins and worries, and make the mind cheerful to sing in your praise. If it is not done, unnecessary blame will come to you. Greatmen should avoid such blame. Therefore, O Shyamsundara, O Lord of Rukmini, O generous Pandurangs fulfill my desire.

After the "Nirvan" of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, people started saying that there was nothing left now at Shegaon, except some dust. The sea without water and a flower tree without flowers lose their importance. So they thought I useless to visit Shegaon as it is meaningless to offer flowers at the temple without God in it. So said many people, but they were wrong. The invisible divine life flame of Shri Gajanan Maharaj is still there at Shegaon. Though Shri Dayaneshwar Maharaj attained Samadhi long back on the bank o Indrayani, he did meet many of his devotees at that place. Similarly, Shri
Gajanan Maharaj gives Darshan to those, who believe his existence at Shegaon.
Following incidence will prove it. There was one Shri Ganpat Kothade, a great devotee of Shri Maharaj. He was the agent of Shegaon branch of Rayali Company. It was his daily routine to go to Samadhi of Shri Maharaj in the evening, and sit there in meditation for some time. Once, while sitting there, he wished that on Vijay Dashami day (Dasera), he should perform Abhisheka to Shri Maharaj and feed some brahmins. Accordingly he made all arrangements and sent sufficient ration and grocery to the Math. His wife did not like it and said,
"O Sir, what are you doing this? It is a waste of money. Tomorrow being a Vijaya Dashami day, you should in fact, purchase some new clothes for our children. All this spending on Abhisheka and brahmins is not good. We have got our own children to feed, and I don't have a gram of ornament to wear. Does it befit a family man? You are supposed to save some money for the family and our future also."
Ganapatrao did not like this sort of advice from his wife and told her that he treated divine truth (Parmarth) supreme than the domestic life.

Same night Shri Maharaj appeared in the dream of his wife and told her, "Don't harass your husband any more. Let him do what he likes, and you are not going to loss anything by that. Don't have love and attachment for the transient things. At the end all this money will stay here and only the good and bad deeds will accompany you. Abhisheka and feeding of brahmins is 'a good deed as it involves sacrifice, and is something that is done for others. Money spent on it is never wasted. It is like a seed sowed in the earth. So I tell you not to obstruct him."
Next morning she told about this dream to her husband who was very happy to know it. He then advised her to have full faith about the continuing existence of Shri Maharaj in Shegaon, and also to believe that all these children, money and everything belonged to Shri Maharaj and therefore, stop worrying about them.
Then Ganpatrao very happily offered the Puja to Shri Maharaj on the Dasere day and spent generously for it. Since then Shri Ganpatrao's faith in Shri Maharaj became more firm.

Now listen to the experience of Shri Laxman Han Janjal.

Laxman was a devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and had gone to Bombay for some work in connection with his business. He was in disturbed mood due to certain domestic problems. When he went to Boribunder railway station for his return journey, he saw a tall sage with arms reaching his knees, eyes concentrated at the tip of nose and lips chanting the name of God. He said to Laxman,

"Being a devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, why are you looking frustated remember what happened when you had made preparations to celebrate "Punya Thithi" (Death anniversary) at Amravati and got food cooked for about 400 persons. That time Bapat had lost his son and even then he had come to you with Shri Pethkar to take prasad. It was due to the fact that Shri Gajanan Maharaj had appeared in their dream, and advised them to go to you for prasad. Have you forgotten all this." All these references by the sage confused Laxman and he was wondering as to who this man could be. Laxman respectfully bowed before that sage, who suddenly disappeared then and there. He returned home, resumed his normal behavior, and started celebrating "Punya Thithi" every year.

Shri Maharaj had met Avadhoot Jairam Khedkar at Rohit village in the dress of a sage.

Madhao Martand Joshi, a Government Revenue Officer, once came to Kalamb Kasur village for land survey. It was Thursday, and being a devotee of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, felt like going to Shegaon in the evening for the Darshan. He, therefore, told his peon Kutubuddin to get ready the bullock cart for going to Shegaon. Kutubuddin most humbly told him that the weather was cloudy and the 'Man' river was getting flooded with muddy water. Ignoring his request, Joshi got in the cart and asked Kutubuddin to drive to Shegaon. The cart entered the river and suddenly the water rushed in it before they could cross over. Storm accompanied by lightening started and the 'Man' river got flooded.
Pouring of heavy rains and the storm uprooted the farmer's huts. Kutubuddin got frightened and said that in such conditions their death was certain. Joshi too got scared and started praying Shri Maharaj to save them from the
With tided hands hi said,
O Gajanana, kindly save us. Nobody, except you, can save us now. It is said in Puranas that a sage had saved a sinking ship by his hand only You too are a great saint Kindly come and save us from this flood."
When water entered the cart, the bullocks too got frightened. Joshi told the peon to leave the reigns and pray Shri Maharaj for help. Then he said to Shri Maharaj

O    all powerful Maharaj, our lives are in your hands, do as you like."
Saying so the reigns of the bullocks were thrown away and both of their dosed their eyes.
Then a miracle happened. The cart safely crossed the river and was seer
standing on the other shore of it. Looking to that, both were happy to experience the authority of Shri Maharaj. They were thus saved from the flooded river. Joshi reached Shegaon at night, prostrated before the Samadhi of Shri Maharaj and attended evening procession. Next day Joshi offered lot of charity and gave some money to Shri Balabhau for feeding Brahmins, as per his vow. Since Joshi had an urgent work to attend, he left Shegaon soon.

Yadao Ganesh Subhedar was a Cotton-broker at Hingni. Once he suffered a loss of Rs. Ten Thousands in his business which affected his health very badly. He tried his best to re-establish and recover the loss, but failed. During that period he went to his friend Asarkar at Wardha. At that time a beggar came to Asarkar's house for some alms. He was dressed like a Marathi man with a big stick in his hand and a dirty cap on the head. He was trembling like an old man. Looking to him, Asirkar got annoyed and asked him to go and beg at the door of the house. The beggar ignoring his words entered the house and sat beside Yadao Subhedar.
"Give me some alms." saying so the beggar held a bowl before Yadao. He wondered at the obstinacy of the beggar and looked at him minutely. He appeared like Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon, with the same luster in the eyes and the speaking style too was the same. The only difference was that, this man was continuously shaking due to some disease. Face too was like Shri Maharaj, and Subhedar thought,
"How can he be Shri Gajanan Maharaj who had taken Samadhi long back? Whatever it may be, I should give him some money treating him to be Shri Gajanan Maharaj."
The beggar took the money and asked for more. He further told him to distribute jaggary as per his vow to Shri Gajanan Maharaj, and said that the loss in the business was the result of his non-fulfillment of the vow. Yadao gave him some more money but the beggar again asked for more. So he gave him money. At that time Asirkar went inside the house for some work and Yadao was left alone with the beggar, who said, "Why do you have doubts about Shri Gajanan Maharaj? Remove your clothes
and let me see your entire body so that all your ailments will vanish. As you are like a son to me, don't feel shy."

Saying so, Shri Maharaj moved his hand all over the body of Yadao. At that time Asirkar returned and the beggar also went away. Yadao thereafter, tried to find out that beggar in the town but could not see him anywhere. He thought that if the beggar was Shri Maharaj, he would certainly gain substantial profit in his business. Same day his carts of cotton were brought to Wardha for sale and he got a very high price for it. Then Yadao believed that Shri Maharaj had come to him in the guise of a beggar.
Shri Maharaj always protects his devotees. Now listen to the experience of Kavar.
Bhau Rajaram Kavar was doctor at Khamgaon, and was transferred to Telhara Before joining his duty at Telhara, he along with his family came to Shegaon for Darshan. At Shegaon he hired one bullock cart for going to Telhara, and when he was about to start in the evening, Balabhau said to him,
"It is my request that you should leave Shegaon only after taking prasad tomorrow. Before this, you never went from here without taking food. Why are you behaving like this today? Moreover today is 'Vyatipat', an inauspicious day for travel."

Kavar agreed partially. He said that he would start immediately after taking meals at night. Accordingly he left with his family. It was a pitch-dark night. It so happened that in the darkness he missed the road to Telhara and strayed on a narrow path with jungle all around and a big lake in front.

The cart stopped. There was nobody nearabout from whom they could enquire. The cartman said that they were on a wrong path. Kavar was surprised. He got down and saw that they had really missed the road o Telhara. Kavar abused the cart man for that mistake. Thereupon the cart man said,
"Why are you abusing me? I frequently take the passengers to Telhara and as far as I think I followed the right path, the bullocks too walked straight without turning anywhere. They stopped only when they saw this lake. This
surely is not the road of Telhara."

Then Kavar understood the reason of all this happenings. He thought it U be the act of Shri Maharaj, as he had left Shegaon without taking prasad and that too by ignoring the request of Balabhau. With folded hands he implore Shri Maharaj to protect him in that forest. Immediately thereafter he heard the ringing of bells of bullocks. That made him regains the courage, and then asked the cart-man to drive towards the direction of that sound. He did accordingly' and reached a big road. On enquiring there, it was learnt that they were still within the field boundaries of Shegaon. Then Kavar asked the cart-man to drive them back to Shegaon. They reached Shegaon in the early hours of the morning, and narrated everything to Balabhau.

Balabhau said, "It was good that Shri Maharaj did not allow you to go or
Vyatipat day. Now take prasad today and go to Telhara tomorrow. One should
never refuse Prasad of Shri Maharaj. It is He who brought you back safe
One should not expect fulfillment of all our desires. Whatever the saints wish
will happen. So with full faith in Him we should keep quiet." Next day Doctor Kavar went to Telhara after taking Prasad.

Now listen to another story.

There was a man named Ratansa, a Bhavsar by caste. His one year old son, Dinkar was afflicted by some disease which made him pale and weak. Many doctors were consulted and medicines given, but got no relief. He did not take any milk, and the continuous - high fever made him cry. Doctors told Ratansa that the case was beyond any cure. Ratansa, was very much grieved. The child was nearing death with hands and feet getting cold, eyes becoming dull and pulse missing. With such state of the health, Ratansa brought the child to the doors of Shri Gajanan Maharaj Samadhi and puffing there, said -
"Maharaj, please cure my child. If he survives, I will distribute sweet worth Rs. five. You have blessed so many devotees, and now I too want to experience that grace of yours. I am also your devotee, so do not ignore me. If my child dies at your doors, it will bring disgrace to you. People say that touch of your feet is like nectar, so please oblige me by your blessings. And
if my son dies, I will break my head at your doors. O Gajanan, the great look to me by your nectar like glance and save the child."

A little later on, the child moved and started crying. All were surprised an happy to see the miracle. It was all by the grace of Shri Maharaj. What ca darkness do before the sun? In few days, Dinkar was fully normal, hale and hearty. It was the result of the vow which was taken with full faith.

Similarly by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, Dada Kolhatkar got a son whose name is Raja. The grace of the saint has no limits.

Sixteen year old Chandrabhaga, daughter of Shri Ramchandra Patil had difficult delivery. Generally delivery is a great painful affair for womanhood As per tradition she came from Ladegaon to her mother's place for the delivery After delivery she was running temperature for some days. It was declare to be the case of typhoid. Many doctors treated her fever did not come down She was therefore, taken to Akola for better treatment. Every doctor dignose her illness differently and there was no unanimity in their opinion. Tired of a
the treatment without any result, Patil decided to surrender to Shri Maharaj for her treatment. He started giving her udi and Tirtha every day and implore Shri Maharaj to cure her. With his great faith in Shri Maharaj, Chandrabhaga showed signs of recovery. The lady, who once could not move from her bed was now able to go to the Samadhi of Shri Maharaj for Darshan. That was the effect of udi and Tirtha of Shri Maharaj. God always blesses them, who have real faith in him. The devotee therefore, should have full unshakable faith in the subject of his worship.
Janakabai, wife of Ramchandra, could not escape the sufferings destined foi her. Due to the gastric trouble, she used to have continuous stomach ache. The medicines used to give only temporary relief, and her suffering continued. At last the ailment affected her brain and she was behaving like a lunatic. She lost control on what she said and at times lost sense of hunger also. Some said that evil spirits haunted her, while others dig nosed it as some sort of disease. They said that Paul being an executive officer of the village had created many enemies, and the weaker ones, unable to retaliate, must have tried a magic spell on his wife. Medicines and all other types of
remedies were tried, and Patil, being a rich man, was fully exploited b~ unscrupulous people. In the process he spent lot of money, but the wife did not get any relief. Tired of all these efforts he said,
"Now Shri Gajanan Maharaj will be our doctor, saint, God and everything. My wife is his daughter-in-law. That is my belief and so she needs no other remedies hereafter."
Then he asked his wife to take bath early in the morning, go to the Math and perform Pradakshina of the Samadhi of Shri Maharaj every day. She obeyed her husband and started doing as advised. The Pradakshinas were not waste and she was cured of her ailment. Sincere service to real saints is never wasted, but it should be done with full and unshakable faith.
After Shri Gajanan Maharaj, Balabhau took his place and performed somi miracles. He attained Vaikunth at Shegaon on Vaisakh Vadya Shashty, and Narayan then took his place.
When Balabhau attained Vaikunth, Shri Gajanan Maharaj appeared in drear
to Narayan at Nandura and told him to go to Shegaon and protect to devotees going there. Narayan held the authority, for some days and went into Samadhi on Chaitra Sudha Shashty. Service to saints is a great Punya but it is not possible without past good deeds to your credit. Like the star in the sky, the legends of Shri Gajanan Maharaj are uncountable. I am a diignorant man and so unable to describe the ocean like life of Shri Mahara I have said only that much, which has been told by him to say. The pen writes but it has no credit of the writing. In fact one who holds the pen, writes. Pen is only a means to that writing. Some is the case here. I have become a pen and the writer is Shri Gajanan Maharaj It is by his grace that I have written this holy book. O listeners, I own no credit for this at all.
So, this Gajanan Vijay Granth, composed by Dasganu, is nearing the china and now the final chapter is ahead.

"SHUBHAM BHA VA TU"
Here end's Chapter Twenty
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:12:20 AM
Gajanan Maharaj- Pothi21

Shri Ganeshayanmaha. O Anantvesha Jai to you. O Avinasha Jai to you.  Brahmandadhisha I bow before you.
O God! remember that you always ca yourself as 'Patit-pavan' i.e. saviour of the fallen. You really have more affection for the sinners, and 0 graceful one, it is they who have brought importance to you. So, kindly don't look at my sins. Dirty clothes come to water for getting clean. O God, so don't ignore the fallen. Has the earth ever discarded the thorny plant? You are the Savior of both, the sinners and th righteous, and still away from their touch. The sun needs no efforts to destroy the darkness. Sun's only arrival vanishes the darkness. The conceptions sin and righteousness are your creations, and you create sinners also t maintain your greatness.

Whatever it may be. I have to request you to free me from all worries by your blessings. O Panduranga, you are all powerful, and I have nobody else I support me other than you.
O devotees, now listen to this climax chapter. You are really most fortunate to hear this biography of a great saint. Those who have full faith in Shri
Gajanan Maharaj, are saved from all the pain and miseries of life.
While building the temple, there was one laborer working at the top with the mason. As he was passing stones to the mason, he lost the balance and fell down from the height of 30 feet down on a heap of stones. People saw him falling and presumed his death as certain. But No. A miracle happened, and he was unhurt like a ball safely caught in hands, or like one coming down by a staircase. The laborer said that, when he lost the balance, somebody held his arm firmly, and left it when his feet touched the ground. But nobody was seen around him. People rejoiced to hear and knew that it was Shri Gajanan Maharaj who saved the laborer. Shri Maharaj would not let anybody be hurt in the construction of his temple. The laborer was most lucky to get the touch of Shri Maharaj by this incident.
A Rajput lady, afflicted by an evil spirit had come to Shegaon from Jaipur. God Dattatraya had inspired her to go to Shegaon on Ramnavami day to get rid
of that spirit by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj. She accordingly came to Shegaon on Ramnavami day. The celebrations of Ramnavami had started
there from first day, i.e. Pratipada of Chaitra,and on the Navami huge crowd had gathered to celebrate the birth of God Rama. At that time the construction
work of Sabhamandapam was in progress and huge stone pillars, measuring
5 feet by 11/2 feet were kept there without proper support, and the work was
suspended temporarily for Shri Ramnavami celebrations, leaving the piIIars
like that. After Shri Ram Birth, the crowd rushed for Prasad. The lady, with her and her two children, went to one piller for safety, but that piller itself fell
on her two children. People feared that she must have died with the weight
of the piller. Nobody knew her where about. They lifted the piller, took he
out and gave some water to drink. She was then taken to Dr. Lobo, a devotee
of Jesus Christ, and a very good surgeon. She examined that lady and was
surprised to see her unhurt, with that stone piller falling on her. The falling
of that piller on her had a different significance. Shri Maharaj, by letting that piller fall on her, had liberated the evil spirit from her body. Then having go
completely rid of that spirit, the lady went back to Jaipur.

Similarly on the occasion of another festival at the temple of Shri Mahara a huge wooden beam had fallen on the head of Shri Naik Nawara, who miraculously escaped unhurt by the grace of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.

Ramchandra, son of krisnaji Paul, was a sincere devotee of Shri Mahara At one noon time Shri Maharaj went to him in the garb of an ascetic, an calling Ramchandra Patil out, asked for some food to eat. Ramchandra being a pious man, came to the door at that call of the ascetic who looked like Shri Gajanan Maharaj. He respectfully holding the hand of that ascetic, brought him in the house and gave a 'Pata' to sit on. Then Ramchandra offered Puja at his feet and stood before him with folded hands. Thereupon the ascetic said,

"O boy, I have specially come here today to tell you something. Listen carefully Don't worry about your debts. It will be repaid soon. Remember that rive Godavari dries up a bit in Summer. But with the rain of blessings from Shri
Hari, there will be flood of prosperity for you. Wherever I take food, that house will never be short of anything. Bring a dish full of delicious food for me to eat. If you like, give me some clothing also. Worship, food and monetary offerings to one, who asks for it, undoubtedly reaches God, provided he is really a pious person." Ramchandra brought a Thali full of delicious food and the ascetic happily ate it. Then Patil offered him five rupees as Dakshina. Thereupon the ascetic said,
"I don't want this Dakshina. I have come today to ask you to take up the management of Shri Gajanan Maharaj temple. I shall be happy if you givE me that Dakshina of 'Service to Shri Maharaj'. As at present I don't seE anybody more suitable than you for this work. Your ailing wife will regain his health by giving me this Dakshina. Call your son, and I will tie a holy "talisman round his neck, so that the evil spirits will keep away from him. This executive job of yours is a difficult one, as your own people at times go against you It is like a covering of tigers skin. Use it carefully. Don't have jealous mind Stick on to honesty. Never do anything that goes against the interest of the
king. Give proper respect to sages and saints and keep away from the hypocrites. If you observe these principles, God will always bless you. Keep your expenditure within the limits of your income and never feign to be what you are not. Sages and saints should not be allowed to go empty handed from your doors. The insult of real saints angers God. So always love the real saints. Never think of harming your blood relations; and other relatives be given, traditional respects as per established practice. If at all you get angry, it should be only superficial, with full love inside like a jack fruit. Remembe, that I am always with you."
After tying the talisman round his neck, the ascetic went out and suddenly disappeared.
Patil thought over the happening whole day and came to conclusion that the ascetic was none other than Shri Gajanan Maharaj himself, who had come in the garb of an ascetic to advise him. Same night Shri Maharaj appeared in his dream and removed all the doubts. Shri Gajanan Maharaj has great attachment for his devotees. The biography of Shri Maharaj is most pious and
a savior for the humanity. But it requires unshakable faith to experience it. Now, without wasting anytime, I give below brief summery of all the chapters of this holy book. Be attentive to it.
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: SOWMYA_4 on October 13, 2010, 06:13:04 AM
Chapter 1-  Starts with obeisance to Lord Ganesh, then to Gods and Guru; and narrates the life style of Shri Gajanan. He first appeared and was seen on Magh vadya Saptami day near the house of Devidas. Bankatlal and Damodar, the two wise persons, recognized the greatness in Him.

Chapter 2-  Shri Maharaj went to the kirtan of Govindbhua showed miracle to Pitambar Shimpi and at last went to the house of Bankatlal,

Chapter 3-  An ascetic made a vow to offer "Ganja" to Shri Maharaj. Hi~ desire was fulfilled and since then Shri Maharaj started smoking Ganja at Shegaon. Holy water touched by the feel of Shri Maharaj saved the life of Janrao Deshmukh.
Explained the classification -
types of deaths.
Gave a beating to vithoba for his hypocrisy.

Chapter - 4 -  Jankiram did not give the burning coal required for the pipe of Shri Maharaj. As a result, the curry prepared at his place for feeding people got infected with insects and therefore, all the food was wasted. Jankiram, with folded hands, surrendered and begged for pardon. Shri Maharaj pardoned him and the insects in the curry disappeared. Since then Jankiram became a sincere devotee of Shri Maharaj.
Shri Maharaj asked for two stale 'Kanholes' from Chandu Mukinda.
Showed the life after death to Madhao and liberated him. Vasant Puja was performed at the hands of disciples.

Chapter-5 - Shri Maharaj sat in Samadhi at the Mahadeo temple.
Cowherds worshipped him. People took him to Pimpalgaon. Bankatlal went and brought him back.

After some days he went to Akoli to liberate Bhaskar. At Akoli Shri Maharaj created water in a dry well - Freed Bhaskar of all doubts, and brought him to Shegaon.

Chapter-6- Bankatlal took Shri Maharaj to his farm for eating maize.
Honey bees aftacked them and all people,    except

Bankatlal, ran away. The bee did not affect Shri Maharaj
bites. The incident tested Bankatlal's devotion to Shri
Maharaj.
Shri Maharaj went to Akot to meet Narsinghji who was a disciple of Kotasha Au. Stayed there for some days and had brotherly chat with Shri Narsinghji.
Went to Shiver village on the bank of Chandrabhaga river and blessed Vrajabhushan
Shri Maharaj went to Shri Hanuman temple to stay there for the Shravan month's celebration.

Chapter 7-  All the Patil boys, being rough in behaviour, used to speak arrogantly to Shri Maharaj. Shri Maharaj had a wrestling bout with Han Patil and proved his superiority of strength. By the miracle of sugarcane the ego of Patil boys was smashed.

Blessed Khandu Patil with a son, and named him as Bhikya. Asked him to feed people with mango juice every year. All Patil boys started respecting Shri Maharaj.

Chapter 8- Taking advantage of the dispute between Patil and Deshmukh, a Mahar Choukidar lodged a complaint against Khandu Patil. Offence was registered but Patil was exonerated by the grace of Shri Maharaj.

Recited Veda hymns before Talangana Brahmins and thus conveyed his authority.
Maharaj went and stayed in a shed near Shiva temple at the garden of Krishna Path.
Removed the ego of Brahmagiri ascetic by explaining him the meaning of a couplet from holy geeta.
Shri Maharaj sat Unhurt on a burning cot thereby conveying that fire cannot harm a real saint.
Chapter 9- A naughty horse was calmed.
A person was reminded of his vow of offering Ganja. Shri Maharaj, along with his disciples went to Balapur to Shri Balkrishna's house on 'Das Navami day.
Balkrishna was shown a glimpse of saint Ramdas, and his mind was freed from all doubts.
Chapter 10- Happenings at Amravati and realization achieved by Balabhau. Ganesh Appa and Chandrabai devotedly surrendered all their worldly belongings at the feet of Shri Maharaj.

Blessed Ganesh Dada Khaparde.

Tested Balabhau by beating him with umbrella.

Naughty cow of Sukhlal was calmed.

Exposed the hypocrisy of Ghude.

Chapter 11- Bhaskar had a dog-bite. Took him to Trimbakeshwar.

Met Gopaldas at Nasik.

Shri Maharaj went to Adgaon at the request of Zamsingh. Bhaskar expired and his body was interned near Dwarkeshwar by the side of Satibai.

Crows were ordered to keep away from that place.

Saved Ganu Javare from the explosion in the well.

Chapter 12- Story of seth bachchulal.
Pitambar Shimpi put on clothes given by Shri Maharaj.

He came to Kondoli and created leaves on a dry barren tree.

Pitambar stayed at Kondoli till end. New temple was built at

Shegaon. Shri Maharaj came to new temple from the old one

in bullock cart carrying sand.

Zamsing took Shri Maharaj to Mundgaon. The rain distrupted the feeding programme.

Zamsingh gave away all his property to Shri Maharaj.

Pundalik was saved from plague infection.

Chapter 13- Gangabharati was cured of leprosy by Shri Maharaj.

Chapter 14- Bandu Tatyas luck favored.

Found underground wealth got free from debts by the grace of Shri Maharaj.

On somavati Amavasya day went for bath to Narmada river.
The boat carrying them got a hole at the bottom. Narmada closed it by her hand.

Panvidaa was sent to saint Madhaonath at the hands of his disciples.
Chapter 15- Tilak came to Akola for Shiva Jayanti. Bhakari, as prasad, was sent to Tilak. Shridar Kale was not allowed to go abroad.
Chapter 16- Pundalik was restrained from going Anjangaon.
Sent Padukas to Pundaik with Zamsingh. Enjoyed the food - 'Bhaji-Bhakar' brought by Kavar. Tukaram was relived of a small gun shot which had accidentally entered his head.
Chapter -17  Shri Maharaj went to railway station for going to Vishnusa at Malkapur.
Police prosecuted him for remaining nude. Shri Mehetabshah was sent to Punjab. Advised him to creating better understanding between Hindus and Muslims.

Effects of evil spirit removed from Bapurao's wife.

Ganga, Bhagirathi river water was brought in the well at Akot

Chapter 18-  Story of Baija.

-    Dr. Kavar's Boil cured.

-    Shri Maharaj, with disciples goes to Pandharpur

-    Bapuna kale was given Darshan of God Vithoba.

-    A devotee from Kavathe Bahadue suffers fron Cholera. Shri Maharaj cured him in minutes.

-    A dead dog was brought to life, thereby removed the eg~ of an orthodox brahmin.

Chapter 19-  Blessings to kashinathpant.

-    Gopal Buty takes Shri Maharaj to his house at Nagpur.
-    Han Patil brought Shri Maharaj to Shegaon.
-    Meeting with Shri Wasudevanand Saraswati.
-    Balabhau had his doubts about that meeting. Shri Maharaj removed those doubts.
-    Protected heap of grains from donkeys.
-    Narayan dies for beating Shri Maharaj at Balapur.
-    Jakhadya gets married with the blessing of Shri Maharaj.
-    Gave darshan to Nimonkar at kapildhara.
-    Tukaram presented his son Narayan for service to Shri Maharaj.
-    Shri Maharaj went to Pandharpur.
-    Took permission from God Vithoba and returned to Shegaon.
-    On the holy day of Rushipanchami, in the month ot
Bhadrapad this great sage of the modern era took Samadhi

Chapter-20  Miracles that happened after the Samadhi of Shri Mahara are narrated. All those who have faith, still get Darshan of Shr Maharaj and also get the fulfilment of their desires.

Chapter 21 - The twenty first chapter is the climax of the whole biography and also its summery. The listeners are the essence of this biography.

In fact several incidents occur to remember Shri Maharaj, that is why this Chapter is called only the essence of his biography.
Collecting donations did the construction work of the temple. It is a majestic structure, unparalleled anywhere in the world. Resting places, to the devotees, are built all around the main temple. Many people extended help for building this temple. The full list of the donors will be too long, So I give below the important names from amongst them. Han Kukaji Patil, Bana of Sangwi, Ganaji of Umari, Mesaji of Watvadi, Gangaram of Ladegaon, Bhai
Gangu, Gujabai Banabai of Akola. Mother of Sukdeo Path. All of them donate in thousands. Other donors are Ramchandra Krishnaji Patil, Dattu Bhikaji Sukhdeoji of Palaskhed, Martand Ganapati of Shegaon. Ratanlal Balchand Dattulal and Bisanlal of Panchgavan, Ambarsingh of Takali, Kisan Belmandalekar Vithoba Patil Chavarekar, Gangaram of Hansanapur. They donated big amounts and helped construction of the monument of Shri Gajanan Maharaj All around the Samadhi are beautifully built sitting halls, office rooms an kitchens. All the money, collected from donors, was spent on construction won and still some items remained incomplete for want of funds. So a novel idea was floated for collecting money. The land owners were asked to pay a sort of religious cess of one anna on every Rupee they pay towards land revenue Similarly, every bullock cart, coming to Shegaon for sale of cotton of grain was asked to pay half anna per cart. People very happily paid this cess a~ they had great faith and respect for Shri Maharaj.
Shatchandi at the hands of brahmins. This yagnya is rather difficult to perform as Jagadamba Kalika won't tolerate any irregularity in the rituals. A small mistake immediately invites punishment, while faultless performance of the rituals brings her blessings. So this yagnya is always performed under great tension. Bankatlal, the father of Kisanlal was a devotee of Shri Maharaj. 0 the final day of the Yagnya this Bankatlal got such an ailment, that he was on the point of death. All got very much upset, and wondered as to why such thing should happen at all, when the Shatchandi Yagnya was in progress

Bankatlal said to his son - "My son, don't be anxious. My Savior is sitting here in the Samadhi and He will set the matters right. So go ahead wit performance of the yagnya as per rituals, My Swami, Shri Gajanan, is sitting here only for the protection of the devotees and as such will remove all the obstacles."

It proved true and Bankatlal was soon well. During this yagnya one lady wa relieved of the effects of evil spirit on her.
Banaji Tidke Sangwikar, Gujabai of Kasura and Waman of Chapadgaon also performed Yagnas before Samadhi. Thus many religious functions were held before Shri Maharaj. He is really a great saint. So long as people were pious, this Berar was very happy. With decrease in faith, the downfall of berar started, and the output from the land also diminished. Shri Maharaj could not bear to see the misery of Berar, and probably for that reason, got himself enclosed under water. In fact the foundation of the Samadhi Shrine was built in mortar right from the depth of thirty feet and as such there was no reason for any water seepage. Therefore it was felt that Shri Maharaj got angry at the attitude of the Berar People and so created water around him. If the people of Berar wish to regain their lost glory they should start worshipping Shri Gajanan Maharaj with full faith, otherwise they would be required to face more miseries. Whatever is sowed in this land of Gajanan, will come back in multiples. Remember that grains sowed on rocks are totally wasted. So whenever the service to saints is neglected, the result is famine in that area. Faith in religion is like a tiger, and if it leaves the cave of mind, the jackals of evil thinking
enter it. Bhakti (devotion) is like a clean pious lady and Abhakti (non-devotion) is like a concubine and any association with her brings disgrace. Don't deviate from the righteous path and don't leave the religious faith. Don't be enemies of each other, as then only, your strength will increase. Behaviour on these lines, will ensure a bright future for you. Go to Shegaon, at-least once a year for the Darashan of Shri Gajanan Maharaj and also read Shri Gajanan Vijay once a year. The reading of twentyone chapters of Gajanan Vijay Granth will be like offering twentyone Modakas to Shri Maharaj. Do it, or treat these chapters as twentyone Durvankur, and keep on offering them to Shri Maharaj, by repeated recitations of Gajanan vijay. Pious thinking of a man is Chaturthi and from it should rise the moon of love. Then every letter of this book becomes Durvankur and the meaning of it be taken as a Modak. offering of these Durvankurs and Modak be done in the form of the full recitation of this book. This is a holy book describing 'Shri Gajanan Leela', and not a novel. One who does not believe this, will be a great loser. One who regularly reads this biography of Shri Gajanan Maharaj with faith, will have all the desires fulfilled by his grace.
This holy book of Shri Gajanan Maharaj is like the holy Bhagirathi river with stories in it as water and the stanzas as waves. This biography is a Kalpavrisha with its Chapters as branches and the stanzas as leaves. One who keeps faith in this holy book, will have blessings from Shri Gajanan Maharaj, and be always protected by him in difficult times. This book is a chintamani that gives everything you wish, provided you have full faith. Every house, wherein this holy Gajanan-Vijay is reads daily with get perpetual prosperity.
The reciting of this book will bring wealth to the poor, health to the sick, children to childless pious ladies, son to one without a son, selfless friend, and will remove all his anxieties. One who recites this hold book in full on Dashami, Ekadashi and Dwadashi will bestow with great prosperity by Shri Maharaj. And that one who completes its full recitation in one sitting, in the suspicious period of Gurupushya Yoga, will get all his desires fulfilled and cure all his ailments.
This book, by its mere presence in the house will keep away all sorts of evil spirits. Such is the importance of this Grantha, but it can be experienced
only by the believers. The famous lake of Manas is meant for Rajhansa birds, and Similarly this biography of Shri Gajanan Maharaj is for the saints and pious people.
As the great saints of past like Dnyaneshwar, Mira, Mehta, Kabir, Nama, Savat, Chokha Mahar, Gora, Bodhala, Damaji, Ainath at Umarkhed, Sakharam at Amalner, Deo Mamaledar, Yashwant or Manik Prabhu at Humbanabad, so is Shri Gajanan Maharaj at Shegaon. There is no difference among them.
Now my only request to all the devotees is that you should pour all your love at the feet of Shri Gajanan Maharaj to enable you to liberate yourself from the cycle of birth and death.
Now I request Shri Gajanan Maharaj to free this Dasganu from all the miseries. I have become your spokesman. Show me the right path. I hate everything that is evil. Let me keep up the ritual of visiting your shrine regularly still my death. Let my love for saints be maintained, and give me the pleasure of permanent stay on the bank of Godavari River. Let there be no occasion for
me to beg for anything from others. 0 Maharaj, kindly see that you will always be proud of me. I am the dust at the feet of all saints, and beg for protection from you.
O Swamy Gajanan, Whatever I have said here, is entirely as per your inspiration.
While writing this book, Ratansa showed me some papers from the Math at Shegaon, and that has been the base of my writings here. No scope was given for imaginations, and so I am not responsible for omissions or commissions in it. And even then, if there is any mistake, I beg Shri Gajanan Maharaj to pardon me.
Let this "Gajanan Vijay Granth be a savior to devotees in this material world. Obeisance to Pundalika, Hari Vithal. Sitaram, Parvati, and Mahadeo.

"SUBHAM BHAVATU"
Here Ends Chapter Twenty-one.
 
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 13, 2010, 07:30:32 AM
Shri Gajanan Maharaj Namavali (108)
 
Sri Ganeshay  namaha

Sri Guru Omkaraya namaha

Sri Guru Aadityaya namaha

Sri Guru Amrutaya namaha

Sri Guru Alakshya mudraya namaha

Sri Guru Aaradhyaya namaha

Sri Guru Aksharaya namaha

Sri Guru Avinashaya namaha

Sri Guru Achyutaya namaha

Sri Guru Avadhootaya namaha

Sri Guru Anantaroopaya namaha

Sri Guru Antahasakshine namaha

Sri Guru Achyutayeh namaha

Sri Guru Aavartine namaha

Sri Guru Asambhavaya namaha

Sri Guru Atma prabhavaya namaha

Sri Guru Anna Brahma poojitaya

Sri Guru Atharva shirshaya namaha

Sri Guru Anaasaktaye namaha

Sri Guru Atmaniranjanay namaha

Sri Guru Ajaaya namaha

Sri Guru Aabrahasthambhaya namaha

Sri Guru Antahasakshine namaha

Sri Guru Aavartine namaha

Sri Guru Adbhutaya namaha

Sri Guru Anantaroopaya namaha

Sri Guru Asambhavaya namaha

Sri Guru Atma prabhavaya namaha

Sri Guru Anna Brahma poojitaya

Sri Guru Aabrasthambhaya namaha

Sri Guru Aniruddhaya namaha

Sri Guru Artha siddhaye namaha

Sri Guru Atharva shirshaya namaha

Sri Guru Anaasaktaye namaha

Sri Guru Atmaniranjanay namaha

Sri Guru Ajaaya namaha

Sri Guru Aabrahmathambambaya namaha

Sri Guru Agnihotraya namaha

Sri Guru Arthakaraya namaha

Sri Guru Avatara maya vine

Sri Guru Atma goodhaya namah

Sri Guru Adhyatmik bodhaya

Sri Guru Aniruddhaya namaha

Sri Guru Artha siddhaye namaha

Sri Guru Abheda roopine namaha

Sri Guru Anathanathaya namaha

Sri Guru Atmai kavidyana shreshthine

Sri Guru Anakalnaya namaha

Sri Guru Samarthaya namaha

Sri Guru Swayambhootaya namaha

Sri Guru Swayamnaathaya namaha

Sri Guru Supradharaya namaha

Sri Guru Sacchidanandaya namaha

Sri Guru Swatidhanaya namaha

Sri Guru Sannidhaya namaha

Sri Guru Satta dharine namaha

Sri Guru Sadacharaya namaha

Sri Guru Sadvicharaya namaha

Sri Guru Sandighdhaya namaha

Sri Guru Janardhanaya namaha

Sri Guru Jyotishe namaha

Sri Guru Jagadeeshwaraya namaha

Sri Guru Jitendriyaya namaha

Sri Guru Jivitvagataye namaha

Sri Guru Jagatpataye namaha

Sri Guru Janhave namaha

Sri Guru Jivandharaya namaha

Sri Guru Jalaya namaha

Sri Guru Jyotibindu swarupaya

Sri Guru Jagat sarvaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmane namaha

Sri Guru Brahmine namaha

Sri Guru Brahmaroopaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmandaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmanda dheeshaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma lokaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmachalakaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmapalakaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma balaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma harshaye namaha

Sri Guru Brahma moortaye namaha

Sri Guru Brahma tejase namaha

Sri Guru Brahmatpase namaha

Sri Guru Brahmavigrahaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahmagunaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma anubhavaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma adhyakshaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma jite namaha

Sri Guru Brahma Pradnyaya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma mantraya namaha

Sri Guru Brahma tantraya namaha

Sri Guru Gunaya namaha

Sri Guru Gajananaya namaha

Sri Guru Grahaya namaha

Sri Guru Gana palakaya namaha

Sri Guru Ganaya namaha

Sri Guru Gitaaya namaha

Sri Guru Gaganaya namaha

Sri Guru Golokaya namaha

Sri Guru Garbhaya namaha

Sri Guru Gaja priyaya namaha

Sri Guru Grantha rathnaya namaha

Sri Guru Chidrati priyaya namaha

Sri Guru Durva priaya namaha

Sri Guru Chakravartine namaha

Sri Guru Chakravartine namaha

Sri Guru Chaitanyaya namaha namaha

Sri Guru Chamatkaraya namaha

Sri Guru Chandra bimbasthitha anaghaya namaha

Sri Guru Chalaya namaha

Sri Guru Chaturved vidhaye namaha

Sri Guru Chaturaya namaha

Sri Guru Chaturatmane namaha

Sri Guru Chaitanvamankaya namaha

Sri Guru Chetan sandhyatmakaya

Sri Guru Bhairavaya namaha

Sri Guru  Bharghavaya namaha

Sri Guru Bheeshghwaraya namaha

Sri Guru Bhadra Kali nathaya

Sri Guru Bheema ya namaha

Sri Guru Bhavani nayakaya namaha

Sri Guru Bhootha nathaya namaha

Sri Guru Bhasma priyaya  namaha

Sri Guru Bhavatara kaaya namaha

Sri Guru Bhava chakraya namaha

Sri Guru Bhooshanaaya namaha

Sri Guru Shivaya namaha

Sri Guru Shaswataya namaha

Sri Guru Shilpa kaaraya namaha

Sri Guru Shabdha sadhanaya namaha

Sri Guru Shastra  visharade namaha

Sri Guru Shankaraya  namaha

Sri Guru Shankha chakra gadhadharaya

Sri Guru Shankhi ne namaha

Sri Guru Hruta Chakrankita kundaline

Sri Guru Shata shastra nu charaya

Sri Guru Kalpavrukshaya namaha

Sri Guru Kalyanaya namaha

Sri Guru Sri Hari Krushnaya namaha
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: samarthasai on October 13, 2010, 11:53:45 PM
OM SAI
Here is the link of Gajanan maharaj shegaon temple

http://www.gajanandarshan.org/about_maharaj.html
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: anshul.udapure on March 11, 2012, 11:48:43 PM
sai , har jagah sirf nirasha hi nirasaha dikah rahi he kahi koi ummid nahi aa rahi he. sai please help me sai . kuch to sahi kar. muze prbolem ko relaise karwa. ussko thik karwa sai. mai ab paal ho jauga. ek ke ek bad pareshania zelte zelte me pagal ho jaunga ab.raksha kar sai raksha kar.itna vishwas tere pe rakha he uski rakhsa kar.mere bibi bacche sabhi pareshan he.unki raksha kar.
Title: Re: Gajanan Maharaj Pothi
Post by: sai ji ka narad muni on June 30, 2016, 11:51:47 AM
https://youtu.be/3fo97eFoncM