|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 7

In the Name of Lord Ganesha

The Gajanan Maharaj Vijaygranth is a revered text that encapsulates the teachings, life, and miracles of the revered saint Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. Chapter 7 of this granth is particularly significant, offering deep insights into the saint's interactions and the profound wisdom he imparted to his followers. Let's delve into the key themes and lessons from Chapter 7.

Divine Strength and Humility

Chapter 7 begins with the portrayal of Hanuman's immense strength, granted by divine grace. It emphasizes that true power comes from devotion and humility. The reference to Hanuman defeating Ravana underscores the importance of divine support in overcoming great adversaries.

This sets the tone for understanding that spiritual strength is superior to physical prowess, and those blessed by the divine are truly invincible. It also highlights that the strength derived from faith and devotion surpasses mere physical capabilities, a lesson that resonates deeply with Maharaj's followers.

The Path to Victory

The chapter continues to highlight that victory and success come to those who have divine grace. It reflects on how devotion and surrender to God lead to the fulfillment of all desires and the successful completion of one's endeavors. The narrative suggests that true success is not just about achieving goals but also about aligning oneself with divine will and purpose.

This encourages readers to cultivate a strong faith and devotion, as these are the keys to achieving true success and contentment in life. By placing trust in the divine and maintaining humility, one can navigate the challenges of life more effectively and find deeper fulfillment.

Hari Patil's Challenge: Testing the Yogi's Strength

The entire village was celebrating the festival of Maruti, led by Khanderao Patil from the Ganesh family. The Patil family was known for being ancient and wealthy, with a large estate and considerable wealth. Since ancient times, the family had a tradition of serving saints. As fortune favored them, they gained leadership and influence in the village.

Mahadaji Patil had two sons. The elder son was named Kadataji, and the younger one was named Kukaji. Kukaji was a devoted follower of Pandharpur. The family had a history of guidance from Gomaji. Kadataji had six sons, and upon his death, Kukaji took responsibility for raising his brother’s children as if they were his own. Under Kukaji's leadership, the family flourished, gaining both material wealth and spiritual blessings.

After Kukaji, Khandu took over the responsibilities. He was a strict leader, and none could challenge his authority. He had five brothers: Ganpati, Narayan, Maruti, Hari, and Krishnaji. Khandu Patil was a wealthy man, and his house was often filled with the smoke of money being burnt, a metaphor for his immense wealth. His brothers were all skilled in physical activities, with a particular passion for wrestling, especially Hari Patil.

Although the festival was in the name of Maruti, the villagers sang praises of Patil. Their words were filled with admiration, and the villagers had to comply with their authority. The Patil brothers were known for their quarrels and disputes, which caused much unrest in the village. Khandu Patil, despite his wealth and influence, did not understand the value of saints and spiritual leaders. He was often harsh and critical of others.

The Patil brothers began mocking the saints, visiting the temple to tease the holy men. They would hurl insults, asking if they drank buttermilk or played with wrestling, mocking their spiritual practices. They would challenge the saints, saying that if they were truly strong, they should wrestle with them.

When these mocking words reached the ears of Samarth, he chose not to respond. Instead, he laughed it off, showing no sign of anger or resentment. This behavior puzzled Bhaskar Patil, who then suggested that Samarth leave the village and move to Akoli, as the Patil brothers were becoming increasingly arrogant and disrespectful. Bhaskar warned that their power and influence would not last forever and that, like muddy water clearing in winter, their arrogance would eventually fade.

One day, Hari Patil went to the temple and challenged Maharaj to a wrestling match. He taunted, saying that if Maharaj defeated him, he would reward him greatly. Maharaj accepted the challenge, and they went to the wrestling arena. Despite Hari’s strength and efforts, he could not move Maharaj, who remained immovable like a mountain. Hari was astonished by Maharaj’s strength, realizing that despite his frail appearance, Maharaj possessed the strength of an elephant. Hari reflected that Maharaj had been enduring their antics with patience, like an elephant tolerating the mischief of a monkey.

Samarth then addressed Hari, asking for the promised reward since he had not been defeated. He spoke of the importance of physical strength and how even Lord Krishna and Balaram had engaged in wrestling in their youth, defeating great warriors like Mushtika and Chanura. Samarth emphasized that physical strength was essential and that the first wealth of a person is their body. He advised Hari to cultivate physical strength and live up to his title as a Patil, or else relinquish it.

Hari then humbly asked for Samarth's blessing to make the people of Shegaon strong. With a smile, Maharaj agreed. From that day on, Hari abandoned his arrogance and mocking behavior toward holy men. He began respecting saints and realized the importance of humility.

Observing Hari’s change in behavior, his brothers were puzzled and questioned why he had suddenly developed respect for Samarth. They felt that it was their duty to expose Samarth as a fraud, believing that he was misleading the villagers. Despite their doubts, they decided to test Samarth’s power.

They brought a bundle of sugarcane to the temple and challenged Maharaj, asking if he could eat the sugarcane without any conditions. Maharaj remained silent, accepting their challenge. They then told him that if he could endure being hit with sugarcane without getting any bruises, they would consider him a true yogi. Samarth did not react to their challenge and simply smiled, understanding that these were the childish antics of the Patil brothers.

Maruti, one of the brothers, remarked that Samarth seemed afraid and unwilling to accept their challenge. Ganpati, another brother, took this as a sign of agreement and they proceeded to hit Maharaj with sugarcane. However, to their astonishment, not a single mark appeared on Maharaj’s body. Seeing this, the brothers were frightened and fell at Maharaj’s feet, acknowledging him as a true yogi.

Maharaj then spoke to them, asking if they had been troubled by hitting him. He offered them sugarcane juice to drink, making them realize their mistake. From that day on, they gave up their arrogance and began to respect Maharaj, understanding that true strength lies in humility and spiritual power.

The Rivalry of Shegaon: The Tale of Khandu Patil and Kukaji’s Legacy

Patil was in the habit of speaking rudely to his servants and others who were less fortunate. Even when addressing respected people, he used disrespectful language, calling them by their first names, without any honorifics. It was as if the villagers were his own children.

Khandu Patil was particularly used to calling Ganesh "Ganya" casually. He did this out of habit, without any ill intent, as if it were a common practice in the village. However, the listeners could sense the affection behind his words, just like how a coconut has a hard shell but sweet flesh inside.

This was the way Khandu spoke. Kukaji, an elder, had become old, so Khandu took over the responsibilities of the household. One day, Kukaji was talking to Khandu and mentioned, "You go daily to have darshan of Maharaj. You speak of the miracles of Gajanana, who is on this earth, so why do you remain silent before him?"

Kukaji expressed his concern, saying, "You do not have children. I have grown old. Let me see the playful talks and games of grandchildren with my own eyes. Today, I request Swami Samarth Gajanan to bless us with a child. If he is a true saint, your wish will be fulfilled, and my desire will also be fulfilled."

Khandu took these words seriously. One day, he spoke about this in the Maruti temple, saying, "Hey Ganya, my uncle has grown old and now wishes to see grandchildren. People say that saints like you fulfill the desires of the devotees. They say that those who bow at your feet will not remain childless. Why should I not ask for a child for my uncle?"

Hearing these words, Maharaj responded, "Today, you have made a good request to us. You have wealth and power in your hands. You are diligent and determined. Then why are you asking us for help?"

He continued, "You say that everything is possible with wealth and strength. Then why not command Brahmadeva to bless you with a son? This question puzzles me."

Khandu replied, "This matter is not in our control. Crops grow with water, but humans cannot control the rain. In times of drought, the fields remain barren, despite our best efforts. Just as we cannot make the rain fall, this is also beyond human control."

Hearing Khandu’s words, Samarth smiled and said, "You have made a request today for a child through us. Requesting something is like begging. You will have a child, and name him 'Bhikya' (beggar)."

"Although I do not have the power to grant a child, I will make a sincere request to the Almighty for you. He will heed my plea, as this is not a difficult task for Him. You are a good man at heart, and I trust that you will offer mango juice to the Brahmins every year as a token of gratitude."

Khandu listened to this and went home to inform Kukaji about the conversation at the temple. Hearing this, Kukaji was overjoyed. And within a few months, Samarth’s words came true. Kanta, Khandu Patil’s wife, who was known as Gangabai, became pregnant and gave birth to a son after nine months.

Khandu Patil was overjoyed, and Kukaji’s happiness knew no bounds. He performed many acts of charity, distributing jaggery and wheat to the poor and sweets like pedha and barfi to the children in the village.

The naming ceremony was done in great style, and the child was named "Bhikya." As time passed, the boy grew up healthy and strong, like the bright moon in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase).

Every year, as promised, Khandu ensured that Brahmins were served a meal with mango juice. This tradition continued for years in Shegaon.

The words of a virtuous person never fail. Soon, the child started crawling on the Patil’s verandah. This growing popularity of Patil did not sit well with the Deshmukh, who were envious of the Patil’s rising influence. Shegaon was always a divided village, with one faction supporting the Deshmukh and the other supporting the Patil.

The rivalry between the Deshmukh and Patil was deep-rooted, with each trying to outdo the other, showing little love between them. Each side had its own ministers, warriors, and advisors, like two rival kingdoms. They were like dogs growling at each other, ready to fight at any moment.

This was the state of affairs in Shegaon, with the Patil and Deshmukh constantly at odds. The number 36 was a sacred number, but they never came to an agreement. Eventually, a situation arose where Kukaji passed away after seeing his grandson. He passed away at Pandharpur on the banks of the Bhima river.

Khandu was deeply saddened by the loss. He felt as though his protective umbrella had collapsed. He lamented, "The uncle who was my shield and strength is no longer with me. Why did Shri Hari take him away from me?" Sensing this opportunity, the Deshmukh’s party saw a chance to bring trouble upon the Patil. They had been waiting for the right moment.

In the eighth chapter, I will continue to share this story with you, dear listeners, as it reveals the true enmity that existed between the two families.

Divine Play and Human Interactions

The chapter vividly describes various incidents where the saint interacts with the villagers, teaching them through his actions rather than mere words. For instance, the playful challenge involving wrestling with Hari Patil serves as a metaphor for the spiritual strength and patience of Gajanan Maharaj.

Through these interactions, the text conveys that the divine often uses everyday situations to impart profound lessons, emphasizing the importance of understanding and interpreting these events correctly. Maharaj's actions demonstrate that spiritual teachings are not confined to sermons but are often embedded in everyday life, requiring keen observation and reflection from the devotees.

Lessons in Devotion and Surrender

One of the most poignant parts of Chapter 7 is the demonstration of Maharaj's ability to extract sugarcane juice effortlessly, symbolizing the fruits of devotion and surrender. This act not only astonishes the onlookers but also serves as a tangible lesson in the power of true devotion. Maharaj's miracle reassures devotees of his divine powers and encourages them to surrender fully to achieve spiritual and material well-being.

This miracle reassures devotees of the saint's divine powers and encourages them to surrender fully to achieve spiritual and material well-being. It emphasizes that true devotion and complete surrender can lead to miraculous outcomes and profound spiritual experiences.

The Importance of Respect and Conduct

Towards the end of the chapter, there's a strong emphasis on the conduct of individuals, especially those in positions of power. The transformation of the Patil brothers, particularly Hari Patil, who learns to respect and revere the saint, serves as a crucial lesson in proper conduct and the importance of respecting holy beings. This transformation highlights that no matter one's status or power, respect and reverence towards the divine and the holy are paramount.

The narrative underscores the idea that respectful conduct and humility are essential virtues for spiritual growth. It teaches that by honoring and respecting the divine presence in others, one can foster a harmonious and fulfilling life.

Spiritual Teachings and Modern Relevance

Chapter 7 is not just a collection of stories but a guide to practical spirituality. The incidents and teachings of Gajanan Maharaj provide valuable lessons that are applicable even in today's context. They encourage readers to cultivate inner strength, humility, devotion, and respect in their daily lives. These virtues are timeless and can help individuals navigate modern challenges with grace and wisdom.

The teachings of Gajanan Maharaj also emphasize the importance of living a balanced life, integrating spiritual practices with everyday responsibilities. They inspire devotees to seek spiritual growth while fulfilling their worldly duties, highlighting the possibility of achieving harmony between the material and spiritual aspects of life.

Conclusion

Chapter 7 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijaygranth offers deep spiritual lessons through captivating narratives and philosophical reflections. Gajanan Maharaj’s presence at Bankatlal's farm, his encounter with Narsinghji, and the profound teachings he imparted continue to inspire devotees around the world. By reflecting on these stories, 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 7, 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. By embracing the teachings of Gajanan Maharaj, one can navigate life's challenges with grace and achieve true contentment. May the divine grace of Gajanan Maharaj continue to bless and inspire us on our spiritual journey.