|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 5

The Divine Grace of Gajanan Maharaj

Gajanan Maharaj, a revered saint from Shegaon, Maharashtra, is known for his profound spiritual wisdom and miraculous acts. His life and teachings are chronicled in the sacred scripture, the Gajanan Vijay Granth, which serves as a guiding light for his devotees. Chapter 5 of this text is particularly significant, as it recounts several miracles and divine interventions that highlight Maharaj's boundless grace and compassion. In this blog post, we will explore the essence of Chapter 5

The Humble Servant of God

Chapter 5 begins with the devotee's humble admission of feeling unworthy and powerless, expressing a sense of inadequacy in receiving divine grace. This humility is a recurring theme in the teachings of Gajanan Maharaj, emphasizing that true devotion lies in recognizing one's limitations and surrendering to the divine. The devotee’s heartfelt confession sets the stage for the miraculous events that unfold, underscoring the idea that divine grace is often bestowed upon those who approach with humility and sincerity.

The Sage of Pimpalgaon

One day, Gajanan Maharaj visited Pimpalgaon, a village with an ancient Hemadpanti-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the forest. Maharaj entered the temple and sat in deep meditation, assuming the padmasana (lotus position) in front of the Shiva deity.

As evening approached, the village herdsmen were returning home with their cattle. They stopped near the temple to water their cattle at a nearby stream. Some of the herdsmen decided to enter the temple to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. To their surprise, they saw Maharaj sitting there, deeply absorbed in meditation.

The children were astonished, as they had never seen anyone meditating in the temple at that hour. Some of them stepped outside to call others, while a few remained seated before the saint. Despite their attempts, Maharaj did not respond or open his eyes.

The herdsmen began to speculate about Maharaj's state. Some thought he was a tired sage, too exhausted to speak, while others believed he might be fasting and suggested offering him some food. One of the boys brought a piece of bread close to Maharaj's mouth, trying to rouse him, but there was no response.

The boys were puzzled by Maharaj's condition. He appeared alive, as his body was warm, yet he remained completely still and silent. Some even wondered if he might be a spirit or a divine being, but they reasoned that no spirit would dare to be in the presence of Lord Shiva.

Eventually, the herdsmen decided to revere Maharaj, believing him to be a divine being. They went to the stream, brought water, and respectfully poured it over his feet. Some adorned him with wildflowers, placing a garland around his neck, while others offered simple food, such as onions and bread, on a leaf as naivedya (offering).

The herdsmen bowed to Maharaj and spent some time singing devotional songs in his presence. As the sun set, one of the boys reminded the group that it was time to return to the village, as it was getting late and the villagers might worry about their absence. They agreed to share the story of the sage with the elders in the village to learn more about him.

The next morning, the villagers, eager to see the sage, arrived at the temple. They found Maharaj in the same meditative posture as the previous evening, with the offered bread still untouched. The villagers began to speculate about the identity of this holy man, wondering if he was a powerful yogi or perhaps even Lord Shiva himself.

Some suggested bringing Maharaj into the village for a grand procession, while others urged caution, not wanting to disturb his meditation. The story of Maharaj's presence spread quickly, and a palanquin was arranged to carry him to the village.

The entire village participated in the procession, with music playing and flowers showered upon Maharaj. They brought him to the temple of Lord Hanuman in the village and placed him on a grand seat. The villagers decided to fast and offer prayers in his presence, hoping to witness a divine revelation.

To everyone's amazement, Gajanan Maharaj eventually opened his eyes, much to the joy of the villagers. The villagers expressed their devotion by placing their heads at his feet, offering naivedya, and singing praises of the yogi.

The news of this miraculous event spread quickly, and on the next Tuesday, the people of Pimpalgaon decided to visit Shegaon to attend the market. While there, they shared the story of the divine sage with the people of Shegaon, expressing their belief that a great saint had blessed their village.

The people of Shegaon, including Bankatlal, were intrigued by the news of this holy man and were eager to learn more about him.

This story illustrates the deep reverence and faith that the villagers had in the saint, and how the divine presence of Gajanan Maharaj brought joy and blessings to all who encountered him.

The Return of Gajanan Maharaj to Shegaon

Bankatlal, accompanied by his wife, traveled to Pimpalgaon to bring Gajanan Maharaj back to Shegaon. With folded hands, he humbly requested Maharaj to return, reminding him that it had been fifteen days since he had left Shegaon. The absence of Maharaj had left the people of Shegaon deeply worried and distressed, making the household feel empty and lifeless.

Bankatlal brought a cart for Maharaj's travel and urged him to return to Shegaon, emphasizing that the separation between the guru and his disciples was unbearable. He mentioned that many of Maharaj's devotees in Shegaon were fasting and awaiting his return, as they were accustomed to receiving his daily blessings.

Bankatlal expressed his willingness to sacrifice his own life if Maharaj did not return with him. Touched by this sincere plea, Maharaj agreed and got into the cart, leaving Pimpalgaon for Shegaon. Bankatlal's role was likened to that of Akrura, who had once taken Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura.

As they left, Bankatlal reassured the people of Pimpalgaon not to be sad, explaining that the saint was not going far and would always be available for their blessings whenever needed. He encouraged them to continue worshipping Maharaj in his absence and to remain steadfast in their faith.

The villagers were grateful for Bankatlal's words and accepted the situation. As they journeyed, Maharaj spoke to Bankatlal, teasing him about the practice of taking someone else's possessions by force, suggesting that Bankatlal was "stealing" Maharaj from Pimpalgaon.

Maharaj expressed concern about visiting Bankatlal's home, hinting at a sense of unease. He remarked on the difficulties faced by even Goddess Lakshmi, who had been constrained by Bankatlal's household practices, suggesting that he too might face similar challenges.

Bankatlal responded humbly, assuring Maharaj that his home was only stable and prosperous because of Maharaj's presence. He insisted that wherever a child is, the mother follows, and so Maharaj, being like a mother, should not worry about visiting his home.

Bankatlal emphasized that his wealth meant nothing to him compared to Maharaj's blessings. He declared that his home belonged to Maharaj and he had no attachment to material possessions. He also assured Maharaj that his only request was for Maharaj to visit Shegaon regularly, even if he wandered elsewhere like a cow that grazes in the forest but always returns home.

After convincing Maharaj, Bankatlal brought him back to Shegaon. Maharaj stayed in Shegaon for some time before continuing his journey elsewhere.

This story highlights the deep devotion of Bankatlal and the importance of the spiritual bond between the guru and his devotees. It also illustrates the humility and respect with which Bankatlal approached Maharaj, ensuring that the saint's presence continued to bless the people of Shegaon.

The story of a farmer named Bhaskar

Now I will tell you another story. There was a village named Adgaon in the Varhad region. Maharaj decided to go there early in the morning, avoiding the eyes of the people of Shegaon. Maharaj moved as fast as the wind. Just like Hanuman, he arrived quickly. It was the month of Vaishakh. The sun was at its peak, and water was scarce. It was an intense summer.

At noon, Maharaj reached the village of Akoli, where the sun was scorching, and there was no water to be found. Swami Samarth was very thirsty. His body was drenched in sweat, his lips were parched, but there was no water to be seen anywhere.

At that time, a farmer named Bhaskar was watering his field. Farmers are the providers of food to the world, but they endure great hardships. Farmers endure the scorching sun and thirst. In Akoli, water was so scarce that ghee was more readily available than water. Bhaskar had brought water from the village in an earthen pot for his own use. He also carried some bread.

Maharaj approached Bhaskar and asked for water, saying, “I am very thirsty. Please give me some water. Do not refuse. It is a great virtue to give water to the thirsty. Without water, life cannot be sustained. Wealthy people install water stands along the roads. If you think about why they do it, you will understand."

Bhaskar replied, “You are a naked mendicant. What virtue will I gain by giving you water? Virtue is for helping the helpless and the weak, not for people like you. For the needy, the act of giving water is virtuous. But for someone like you, it would be a sin. Scriptures say that helping the poor and needy is virtuous, but giving water to someone like you is like giving shelter to a thief. It would be a sin. Would anyone shelter a snake or a thief in their house? No one would. You have grown strong by begging from house to house, becoming a burden with your actions. I brought this water for myself, carrying it on my head. Don’t draw a line on my flour. I will not give you any water. Don’t plead with me. Go away from here, you scoundrel. People like you, who are lazy and unproductive, are the reason why we are unfortunate across the world."

Hearing Bhaskar’s harsh words, Maharaj simply smiled and left without saying anything. He went a little further and saw a dry well. He decided to sit by the well. Bhaskar, seeing Maharaj leave, started speaking loudly, “Why are you going there? The well is dry. There is no water there. The well is bone dry. There is no water within a mile. Where are you going, you fool?"

Maharaj replied, “What you say is true, but I will try anyway. Even if you are so wise, you still couldn’t find water. So, I will try on my own." Maharaj reached the well and sat on a stone near a tree. He closed his eyes and meditated, focusing his mind on the divine Narayan, the compassionate Lord of the world.

Maharaj prayed, “O God, O Vamana, O Vasudeva, O Pradyumna, O Raghava, O Vitthal, O Narahari! O Lord, this village of Akoli is suffering from water scarcity. There is no water left in any well. Despite all human efforts, there is no water. So, I pray to you, please grant water to this well. Your deeds are beyond understanding. You protect even a cat from a burning haystack. You appeared as a pillar for the salvation of Prahlad. You, who lifted a mountain with your little finger, what is beyond your power? Please grant water to this well. For the sake of your devotee Damaji Pant, you manifested as a god. For Namdev, you filled water in a dry region. Just as you did for Namdev, please do it again here."

Hearing Maharaj's heartfelt prayer, a spring of water erupted from the well, filling it with fresh water. This miraculous event was witnessed by Bhaskar, who was left speechless. Maharaj drank the water, and Bhaskar, seeing this, was completely bewildered. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The well had been dry for twelve years, but within moments, it was filled with water. Bhaskar realized that Maharaj was no ordinary person but a great saint. Bhaskar abandoned his work and rushed to Maharaj, holding his feet tightly and began to recite prayers.

He pleaded, "O Lord, forgive me for my ignorance. I didn’t recognize your greatness." Bhaskar, filled with remorse, asked for forgiveness, saying, "I have realized my mistake, please show me mercy." Maharaj, full of compassion, told Bhaskar, "Do not be troubled. From now on, you will not need to carry water on your head." Maharaj said, "This well is filled with water for you. Take care of it and use it for your farming."

Bhaskar, now filled with devotion, promised Maharaj that he would take care of the well and live a righteous life. Maharaj blessed Bhaskar and left the place. Soon, the news of the miracle spread, and people began to gather to see the well. People came in large numbers, amazed at the clear, sweet water that had appeared from a dry well. Everyone recognized that this miracle was the work of the great saint, Swami Samarth. They all praised Maharaj, saying, "He is a divine being who can grant water in a dry well. His presence is like nectar."

Maharaj left that place and continued his journey to Adgaon, where people awaited his arrival. Maharaj continued to perform many miracles during his journey, uplifting the lives of those who met him. With Maharaj's blessings, water scarcity was resolved in Akoli, and the well remained full for years to come. The people of Akoli were forever grateful to Maharaj, who transformed their lives with his divine grace.

This story is one of many that shows the compassion and power of Swami Samarth, who continues to guide and protect his devotees even today.

The Power of Faith

The miracles recounted in Chapter 5 of the Gajanan Vijay Granth also highlight the transformative power of faith. The unwavering belief of the devotees in Maharaj’s divinity brought about miraculous events, demonstrating that faith can indeed move mountains and invite divine intervention. Whether it was the shepherds at Pimpalgaon or Bapusaheb in Shegaon, their steadfast faith in Maharaj’s grace was the catalyst for the miracles they experienced.

This theme resonates with a broader spiritual principle that faith is a powerful force capable of transcending the limitations of the material world. It is through faith that devotees can connect with the divine, inviting blessings and miracles into their lives. Maharaj’s life and miracles serve as a testament to the fact that unwavering faith, coupled with humility and devotion, can lead to profound spiritual experiences.

Conclusion

Chapter 5 of the Gajanan Vijay Granth is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and divine grace, encapsulating stories of humility, faith, and miracles. Gajanan Maharaj’s presence in Pimpalgaon, his return to Shegaon, and the profound lessons of compassion and faith he imparted continue to inspire devotees around the world. By reflecting on these narratives, we are reminded of the timeless teachings of Maharaj, which emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.

As we delve into the stories of Chapter 5, we find that Maharaj’s teachings are as relevant today as they were in his time. They offer a guiding light for navigating the challenges of life, reminding us that true spiritual fulfillment lies in humility, devotion, and compassionate action. May the divine grace of Gajanan Maharaj continue to bless and inspire us on our spiritual journey.