|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 8

A Journey of Devotion and Challenges

Gajanan Maharaj, a revered saint from the late 19th century, has inspired countless followers through his teachings and miraculous deeds. The Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth, a poetic compilation of his life and philosophy, captures the essence of his teachings and their impact on devotees. In this blog post, we will delve into Chapter 8, exploring its themes, teachings, and the profound spiritual lessons that emerge from its verses.

The Essence of Devotion

Chapter 8 opens with a deep expression of devotion. The narrator, acknowledging their shortcomings, emphasizes the importance of sincere worship and the need for divine grace to achieve spiritual growth. This theme resonates throughout the chapter, illustrating how the path to enlightenment requires humility and the recognition of one's limitations.

Maharaj’s teachings encourage followers to engage in bhakti (devotion) through various rituals and practices. This chapter highlights how these acts, when performed with pure intention, can lead to divine blessings. It serves as a reminder that true spirituality lies not in grand gestures but in the sincere, everyday actions of devotion.

The Struggles of Life

As the chapter unfolds, we see a shift from the internal journey of devotion to the external struggles faced by individuals. The narrative introduces characters who encounter various social and personal challenges, reflecting the harsh realities of life. Through these stories, Gajanan Maharaj emphasizes that life is fraught with obstacles, and spiritual seekers must navigate these difficulties with faith and resilience.

One poignant moment in the chapter discusses the societal issues faced by the less fortunate. The dialogue between the characters illustrates the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, reminding us of the importance of compassion and kindness. Maharaj's teachings advocate for the upliftment of the downtrodden, encouraging followers to act as agents of change in their communities.

Miraculous Interventions

Maharaj's miraculous powers are a recurring theme throughout the chapter. His ability to heal the sick and provide for the needy serves as a testament to the divine energy that flows through him. These miracles not only reinforce the faith of his followers but also illustrate the connection between the spiritual and the material worlds.

In Chapter 8, there are instances where Maharaj intervenes in the lives of those in distress, showcasing his role as a compassionate guide. These narratives serve to inspire readers, reminding them that divine support is always available, especially during times of hardship.

The Importance of Community

Another significant aspect of this chapter is the emphasis on community and collective devotion. The interactions among the characters highlight the strength that comes from unity and shared faith. Gajanan Maharaj encourages his followers to come together in worship, illustrating that collective prayers and rituals can amplify spiritual energy and foster a sense of belonging.

The sense of community is further enhanced through the sharing of experiences and teachings among devotees. This not only strengthens their bond but also allows for the exchange of wisdom and support, essential components of spiritual growth.

Facing Trials with Faith

In the previous chapter, we learned that the Patil and Deshmukh were staying at a place where a woman named Duphlibai had arrived. It was known that wherever she went, trouble followed. Her mere presence could create havoc, and her influence was like a plague that caused turmoil and distress among people. Just like tuberculosis affects the body, her presence caused a societal illness that dragged people to their doom.

Near a pond, there was a Mahar, who was working under the Deshmukh. He got into an argument with Khandu Patil, who was a respected figure in the village. The Mahar, being supported by the Deshmukh, spoke disrespectfully to Khandu Patil, which enraged him. Patil, who was usually a calm and composed person, was provoked by the Mahar's insulting words and actions.

The argument escalated over a minor issue regarding the delivery of a document to the local administration. The Mahar refused to deliver it, citing that he was under the Deshmukh’s protection and didn’t have to obey the Patil’s orders. This open defiance and the Mahar’s mocking gestures angered Khandu Patil, who then struck the Mahar with a bamboo stick he had in hand. The blow was so strong that it broke the Mahar's arm, and he fell unconscious.

The injured Mahar was carried to the Deshmukh's house by his relatives. The Deshmukh was pleased to see that the Mahar's arm was broken, as it provided him an opportunity to create trouble for Khandu Patil. The Deshmukh took the Mahar to the authorities and filed a complaint, fabricating the incident to make it appear as though Khandu Patil had unjustly attacked the Mahar.

The authorities recorded the Mahar's complaint and issued an order to arrest Khandu Patil. The news spread quickly in the village that Khandu Patil would be arrested and paraded in shackles. This news terrified Khandu Patil, who was known for his honor and respect in the community. He couldn't bear the thought of such humiliation and was deeply distressed.

In his despair, Khandu Patil thought of approaching Shri Gajanan Maharaj, the only person who could help him in this dire situation. He realized that without the Maharaj’s intervention, there was no one else who could save him from this disgrace. That night, he went to the Maharaj, placed his head at the Maharaj’s feet, and narrated the entire incident. He pleaded for help, expressing his willingness to even die rather than face such a shameful situation.

The Maharaj listened to Khandu Patil’s woes and consoled him, assuring him that such challenges are a part of life, especially for those who are involved in important work. He advised Khandu not to worry about the consequences, as the truth would eventually prevail. The Maharaj reminded him that in history, there have always been conflicts due to selfish interests, but in the end, righteousness triumphs.

Shri Gajanan Maharaj assured Khandu Patil that the shackles would not touch him, no matter how much effort the Deshmukh put into it. As the Maharaj predicted, Khandu Patil was proven innocent, and the charges against him were dropped. The truth that was spoken through the mouth of a saint never fails. The Patils continued to show their devotion to the Maharaj, realizing that true blessings lie in serving the righteous.

Later, Khandu Patil, out of gratitude and love, invited Shri Gajanan Maharaj to stay at his house.

Gajanan Maharaj's Divine Lesson to the Brahmins

While Gajanan Maharaj, the powerful saint, was residing at Patil’s house, unexpectedly, ten to fifteen Brahmins from the southern region (referred to as Tailangis) arrived. These Tailangi Brahmins were learned and had a deep affection for the Vedas. However, their minds harbored a strong greed for wealth, which was their predominant trait.

Hoping to receive some gifts, they approached the revered Gajanan Maharaj. At that time, Maharaj was resting, covered with a blanket. To wake him up, the Brahmins began chanting mantras loudly, using the elevated tones typical of their recitation.

But in their chanting, they made errors in the pronunciation of the mantras. Yet, they did not bother to correct themselves. Witness what happened next as Gajanan Maharaj rose from his seat. Maharaj addressed the Brahmins, saying, "Why have you chosen the Vedic path? Do not bring disgrace to the sacred Vedic knowledge by using it for meaningless purposes.

This knowledge is not meant for filling your stomachs; it is truly meant for salvation. If you value the cloth you wear on your heads, then respect this knowledge as well. I urge you to chant these mantras correctly, with true intent in your hearts. Do not deceive innocent devotees by pretending to be something you are not."

Maharaj then flawlessly recited the same hymns that the Brahmins had started, without any mistakes in pronunciation. His recitation was so precise and powerful that it seemed as though the sage Vasistha himself had taken form to recite the Vedas. Hearing this, the Tailangi Brahmins were astonished. They sat down with their heads lowered, feeling ashamed and fearful.

Just as the light of the sun makes the lamps insignificant at sunrise, so too did the Brahmins feel insignificant in front of Maharaj's divine knowledge. The Brahmins thought to themselves, "What kind of a madman is this? He possesses immense knowledge. The four Vedas seem to reside in his very speech."

They concluded, "He must be a manifestation of the Creator Himself. There is no doubt that he is a true Brahmin by birth." They realized that Maharaj had attained the highest state of a Paramahansa, a liberated soul free from all worldly attachments and restrictions.

The Brahmins felt fortunate to have witnessed this divine presence, thinking that only great merit from past lives could have brought them to see such a person. They compared Maharaj to the sage Vamadeva, finding no other suitable comparison. Eventually, Khando Patil, moved by compassion, offered each Brahmin a donation of one rupee. Satisfied with the offerings, the Brahmins departed for other villages. Maharaj too grew weary of the disturbances in the village and retired to rest.

The Humbling of Brahmagiri: A Lesson in True Spirituality

To the north of the village, there was a small farm abundant with vegetables and greenery. There was also a Shiva temple in that area, where the cool shade of a lemon tree provided comfort. This farm belonged to Krishnaji, the youngest brother of Khanduji Patil.

One day, Maharaj came to this farm and sat near the Shiva temple, under the shade of the lemon tree. Maharaj said to Krishnaji, "I have come to your farm. I wish to stay here for a few days, near this great Lord Shiva. This Bholenath, pure as camphor, with a blue throat, the consort of Parvati, is the supreme king among all gods." He continued, "Since He is residing in your farm, I thought it would be good to come here as well. Provide me with some shade."

Hearing these words, Krishnaji immediately brought six leaves and constructed a small canopy over the platform. Because Maharaj chose to stay there, the place became a holy site, like a royal capital where a king resides. Accompanying Maharaj were Patil Bhaskar and Tukaram Kokate, who served him tirelessly. Krishnaji Patil took care of all the arrangements for food and drink. After Maharaj finished his meals, Krishnaji would partake in the blessed offerings.

While Maharaj was staying at the farm, something extraordinary happened. About ten to twenty Gosavis (wandering ascetics) arrived at the farm. They had heard of Maharaj’s greatness and decided to take shelter in the farm. The Gosavis said to Patil, "We are pilgrims on a sacred journey. We are on our way to Rameshwar, having bathed in the holy Ganges. We have traveled to various holy sites such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Hinglaj, Girnar, and Dakor. We are true disciples of the great Brahmagiri Gosavi, and Maharaj is with us." They continued, "This great saint Brahmagiri, who serves Lord Hari, has come to your home due to your good fortune. Please provide us with food and cannabis for our use. We will stay here for three days and leave on the fourth. Don’t be troubled by our presence; consider it a blessing." The Gosavis added, "You have provided for a mad, naked ascetic here in your farm. Then why hesitate to offer us what we need?"

They criticized, "You feed donkeys but kick cows. Is this the right way to act? Think about it. We are Gosavis filled with detachment. We know the entire Vedanta. If you wish, we can recite scriptures here in your farm."

Krishnaji replied, "I will arrange for the cannabis tomorrow. For now, please manage with the bread we have." He added, "As much cannabis as you smoke, you will find it here. Lord Shiva, with his blue throat, resides in this place." At the proper time, the Gosavis took the bread and went to sit near the well for their meal. In front of Maharaj, under a canopy, the Gosavis spread out their seats.

Their leader, named Brahmagiri, began reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The Gosavis sat listening, and some villagers also gathered to hear Brahmagiri’s discourse. The verse he recited was "Nainam Chindanti Shastrani," but his interpretation was misleading, as he lacked true experience. The villagers, upon hearing his explanation, were not satisfied. They murmured among themselves, "This is just empty rhetoric."

After listening to the entire discourse, the people came and sat before Maharaj, eager to have a darshan of the true saint. The people said to the canopy, "The discourse is over. Now, under this thatch, we see a man of true experience." Upon hearing this, the Gosavis grew angry. The Gosavis, who had been smoking cannabis, sat with their pipes under the canopy.

Meanwhile, Maharaj was sitting on a cot above the flames, and Bhaskar was offering him the pipe. Suddenly, a spark from the pipe fell on the cot, but no one noticed. After some time, smoke started to rise, and the cot caught fire from all sides. Seeing this, Bhaskar called out to Maharaj, "Sadhguru Nath, please leave the cot quickly and come down!" He added, "The wood of the cot is sandalwood; it won’t be extinguished without water, my Lord!"

But Maharaj calmly said, "Bhaskar, there is no need to extinguish the fire. Do not bring any water." Then Maharaj addressed Brahmagiri, "You have given a discourse on the Bhagavad Gita. Now show us the truth of the verse 'Nainam Dahati Pavakah' by sitting on this burning cot." He ordered Bhaskar, "Go and bring Brahmagiri, and seat him with respect on this burning cot."

Immediately, Bhaskar rushed to Brahmagiri, grabbed his hand, and brought him before Maharaj. In front of the burning cot, Maharaj asked Brahmagiri to prove the verse 'Nainam Dahati Pavakah' by sitting on it. But Brahmagiri, terrified, said, "I am merely a beggar saint, here to eat my fill." He pleaded, "Please forgive my sins, O abode of peace. I have wasted my time pretending to study the Gita." Brahmagiri confessed, "I called you mad, but now I regret it. I come to you with grass in my teeth, begging for your protection."

The villagers of Shegaon pleaded with Maharaj, "Please come down from the fire for our sake. We are afraid, seeing you in this situation." Reluctantly, Maharaj descended from the cot, and the cot collapsed in an instant. The entire cot was burnt, and the remaining part was extinguished by the people, who witnessed this miraculous event.

Brahmagiri, humbled and free of ego, fell at Maharaj’s feet, realizing that his pride had been washed away like dirt by the Ganges water. Later, at midnight, Maharaj advised Brahmagiri, "From now on, stop playing around and misleading others. Do not speak without true experience; otherwise, your words will be meaningless. Empty rhetoric has spread widely, causing great harm to our culture." Maharaj continued, "Great saints like Machindra, Jalander, Gorakhnath, Gahini, and Dnyaneshwar were all realized souls. Shankaracharya and Eknath, too, experienced the state of Brahman while living in the world.

Swami Samarth, the great celibate, also realized Brahman and left behind stories that should be contemplated. Do not wander the earth merely to eat. If you continue in this way, you will not attain the truth." After hearing this profound advice, Brahmagiri became detached and left early in the morning with his disciples, without meeting anyone. The next day, the entire village learned of the incident, and everyone came to see the burnt cot in the farm.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Chapter 8 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth encapsulates the journey of a devotee navigating the complexities of life while striving for spiritual elevation. It urges readers to embrace devotion, confront challenges with courage, and foster compassion within their communities.

As we reflect on the teachings presented in this chapter, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and the importance of uplifting one another. Gajanan Maharaj’s life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding us toward a path of righteousness and inner peace.

In the spirit of Gajanan Maharaj, let us strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives, nurturing our devotion and extending our hands to those in need. May we find solace in the wisdom of this revered saint and continue our journey towards spiritual enlightenment.