|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 1

The Divine Invocation

Introduction

In the poetic verses of the first chapter of the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Vijaygranth, we embark on a spiritual journey invoking the blessings of Lord Gajanan Maharaj. This chapter is a profound plea to the divine for guidance and support, emphasizing the power of divine grace in overcoming obstacles. This chapter introduces readers to the divine presence and miraculous deeds of Shree Gajanan Maharaj. This chapter sets the tone for the entire granth, providing insights into the life and spiritual journey of this revered saint.

The Call for Divine Blessings

The chapter opens with an invocation, requesting the divine to grace the endeavor. It highlights the importance of starting any significant work with a prayer, reflecting a deep sense of humility and devotion. The poet, Dasganu Maharaj, acknowledges his own limitations in literary skills, seeking the divine intervention to complete the sacred text.

Power of Divine Grace

The verses eloquently describe how divine grace can dissolve even the greatest of challenges. Like cotton before fire, obstacles vanish when one is under the protection of the divine. This metaphor underscores the omnipotent nature of divine blessings, inspiring devotees to place their trust in the divine.

Homage to Saraswati and Divine Entities

The chapter pays homage to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, and other divine entities, acknowledging their vital roles in guiding the poet. It emphasizes that with divine grace, even the mute can deliver eloquent speeches, and the lame can scale mountains. This illustrates the transformative power of devotion and divine favor.

The Universal Appeal of Devotion

Dasganu Maharaj extends his reverence to various saints and sages across different traditions, reflecting the universal nature of devotion. He recognizes the interconnectedness of all spiritual paths, uniting them under the umbrella of divine grace.

Invoking Lord Panduranga

In a heartfelt plea, the poet invokes Lord Panduranga of Pandharpur, seeking his blessings to compose the granth. He acknowledges the Lord’s omnipresence and supreme authority, recognizing Him as the source of all creation and the ultimate protector.

The Essence of Humility and Devotion

The poet’s humility is evident as he places himself at the feet of the divine, seeking guidance and inspiration. He compares himself to a child, expressing a deep sense of surrender and dependence on the divine for the successful completion of the granth.

The Divine Birth

The chapter begins with the story of Maharaj's divine birth. It is believed that Maharaj was not an ordinary human but a divine incarnation sent to earth to guide and uplift humanity. His birth was marked by various auspicious signs and miracles, signifying his divine origin.

Early Life and Miracles

From a young age, Maharaj exhibited extraordinary spiritual powers. Stories of his miracles spread rapidly, drawing people from far and wide to seek his blessings. One of the early miracles mentioned in this chapter is Maharaj's ability to bring life back to a dead bird, showcasing his divine powers.

Formation of the Sangh

As his fame grew, Maharaj attracted a group of dedicated followers who formed a spiritual community (sangh) around him. This sangh became a hub of spiritual activity, where people gathered to listen to Maharaj's teachings, witness his miracles, and seek his guidance.

Significance of the Chapter

This chapter is crucial as it lays the foundation for understanding Maharaj's life and mission. It highlights his divine nature, his miraculous powers, and his role as a spiritual guide for his followers. The stories and teachings in this chapter serve to inspire and uplift readers, encouraging them to deepen their faith and spiritual practice.

The Story of Devadasbuva and the Wisdom of Gajanan Maharaj

In the village of Shegaon, there was a virtuous man named Devadasbuva who belonged to a family of Madhyandini Brahmins. One day, he was hosting a celebration at his home, and the leftover leaves from the meal were discarded on the street in front of his house.

Gajanan Maharaj, a realized saint, was sitting nearby, dressed in simple and worn-out clothes. He was without any formal titles or recognition, carrying only a pumpkin shell to drink water from and a crude chilim (smoking pipe) made by himself.

Maharaj, with his peaceful demeanor and divine aura, began picking up the leftover food from the leaves that had been discarded on the street. His intention was to demonstrate the profound truth of the Upanishadic statement "Annam Brahmeti," which means "Food is Brahman." By consuming even the discarded food, Maharaj was showing that all food is a manifestation of the divine and should be respected.

Bankatlal Agarwal, a devotee, happened to pass by with his friend Damodarpant Kulkarni. They observed Maharaj's actions with amazement and wondered if Maharaj was hungry or if there was a deeper significance to his behavior. They discussed among themselves that while Maharaj appeared to be behaving like a madman, there was likely a profound spiritual reason behind his actions.

Bankatlal approached Maharaj respectfully and asked why he was picking up the leftover food. Maharaj did not respond with words but continued his actions, demonstrating his transcendence beyond worldly conventions.

Understanding the depth of Maharaj’s actions, Bankatlal and Damodarpant realized that Maharaj’s behavior was not out of hunger but was a deliberate act to teach the onlookers a spiritual lesson. They approached Devadasbuva and asked him to bring fresh food for Maharaj.

Devadasbuva quickly arranged for a fresh meal and placed it before Maharaj. Maharaj ate the food without any preference or aversion, fully embodying the principle that all food is sacred and should be accepted with equal reverence.

After the meal, Damodarpant noticed that Maharaj had no water to drink and offered to bring him some. Maharaj, who was sitting near a well where animals drank, had already quenched his thirst by drinking the same water. Damodarpant returned with fresh water, concerned that the water Maharaj had drunk was not clean. However, Maharaj, with his profound wisdom, explained that for one who sees Brahman in everything, there is no distinction between clean and unclean, sweet or unsweet water. Everything is a manifestation of the divine.

Maharaj’s teachings made a deep impression on Bankatlal and Damodarpant, who realized the futility of worldly distinctions and the importance of seeing the divine in all aspects of life. They were moved to surrender completely to Maharaj, but as they approached him with this intent, Maharaj quickly disappeared, moving with the speed of the wind.

Reflection on the Story

This story beautifully illustrates the way saints like Gajanan Maharaj use their actions to impart deep spiritual truths. Maharaj's behavior, which might seem odd to the uninitiated, was a profound lesson in non-duality and the omnipresence of the divine. His disregard for worldly conventions and his demonstration of seeing Brahman in everything serves as a reminder to transcend superficial distinctions and embrace the deeper spiritual reality of unity and divinity in all things.

Conclusion: Embracing Divine Guidance

Chapter 1 of the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Vijaygranth sets a profound tone for the entire text, emphasizing the importance of divine invocation and the transformative power of divine grace. It inspires readers to seek divine blessings in all their endeavors, highlighting the universal appeal and boundless power of true devotion.