|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 6

Salutations to Lord Ganesha

Introduction

The Gajanan Maharaj Vijaygranth is a revered text in Marathi literature, narrating the life and teachings of the saint Gajanan Maharaj. Chapter 6 of this granth stands out with its profound spiritual insights and captivating anecdotes. This chapter continues the journey of Maharaj, shedding light on his divine interventions and the wisdom he imparted to his devotees. Let's dive deeper into the essence of Chapter 6, exploring the spiritual lessons and miraculous events that define it.

Divine Assurance and Faith in Saints

Chapter 6 begins with the narrator's reassurance, urging devotees to place their unwavering faith in the divine presence of Lord Srinivasa and the blessings of saints. This opening sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the importance of trust and devotion in spiritual practice. The narrator’s words reflect the deep-rooted belief that saints like Gajanan Maharaj are embodiments of divine grace, capable of guiding and protecting their followers through life’s challenges.

The Incident at Bankatlal's Farm

One day, when Bankatlal was at home, Swami Samarth decided to visit his farm, which was located to the south of the village. It was an ordinary day, yet something extraordinary happened. Swami, along with many of his followers, decided to visit the farm to eat roasted corn. The group made preparations near a well for roasting the corn, and the well was surrounded by dense, shady trees, including a large tamarind tree.

As the fire was being prepared, the smoke rose high into the sky, and the heat disturbed a large hornet’s nest that was hanging from the tamarind tree. The angry hornets began to swarm and attacked everyone present, forcing the group to flee and leaving the corn behind. The hornets spread throughout the farm, causing panic. Some of the people covered themselves with blankets and ran away in fear.

In the midst of all this chaos, Swami Samarth remained seated calmly, showing no sign of worry. He began to reflect deeply, thinking, "I am the hornets, I am the corn, and I am the one who has come to eat. Everything here is nothing but a manifestation of me." With these thoughts, Swami was absorbed in bliss, remaining unmoved as countless hornets settled on his body.

Despite the hornets biting him, Swami did not show any concern. Their stingers pricked his skin, yet he remained unbothered. After an hour, the devotees grew increasingly anxious, and Bankatlal was especially distressed. He regretted bringing Swami to the farm and blamed himself for the situation. He wondered why such a calamity had befallen his Guru and why he had caused his Guru so much suffering.

Bankatlal decided to approach Swami, even though he was filled with worry. Understanding Bankatlal’s concern, Swami addressed the hornets, saying, "O living beings! Go away now. Do not sting anyone, especially my dear Bankat, who is coming to me with such devotion." As Swami spoke, the hornets immediately left him and returned to their nest, much to the amazement of Bankatlal and the other devotees who witnessed this miracle.

Swami then smiled and said to Bankatlal, "You’ve given us quite a feast today, haven’t you? But look, these venomous creatures sat on my body, yet when my devoted Bankat came, they flew away. This should make you think – when difficulties arise, who else can help but God himself?"

Swami further explained, "There are some devotees who enjoy sweets like jalebi, pedha, and barfi, and flee when troubles like hornets come. Such selfish devotees are indeed not true followers." Bankatlal, feeling even more remorseful, humbly offered to bring a goldsmith to remove the hornet stingers from Swami’s body.

Swami, however, reassured him, saying, "Oh Bankat, you have done nothing wrong. It’s just in the nature of hornets to sting. They do not harm me in any way because I see them as manifestations of the divine. Just as water cannot hurt water, these hornets cannot harm me."

Upon hearing this profound wisdom, Bankatlal fell silent, reflecting deeply on the Brahmagyaan (spiritual knowledge) imparted by Swami Samarth. He then arranged for a goldsmith to come and remove the hornet stingers from Swami's body. The goldsmith arrived with his tools and began searching Swami's body for the embedded stingers.

However, Swami Samarth, understanding the futility of the goldsmith’s efforts, said to him, "Why are you engaging in this pointless search? Your eyes will not be able to see the stingers, for they are not ordinary thorns that can be removed with your tools."

Swami then demonstrated his divine powers by holding his breath and controlling the air within his body. At that moment, all the stingers that had been embedded in his skin rose up to the surface and were expelled from his body. Witnessing this miraculous event, the people present were filled with immense joy, realizing the divine authority and spiritual power of Shri Gajanan Swami.

After this, the group proceeded to roast the corn, which they all enjoyed together. As the day came to an end, they returned to their homes, filled with awe and reverence for the miraculous events they had witnessed.

Maharaj’s Philosophical Reflections

After the bee attack, Maharaj engages in deep philosophical reflections. He contemplates his oneness with the bees, the corn, and the entire universe. This unity with all beings showcases Maharaj's realization of non-duality, a core concept in Vedanta philosophy. By seeing himself in all creatures and all creatures in himself, Maharaj exemplifies the highest state of spiritual awareness, where the boundaries between the self and the other dissolve.

This philosophical insight is a powerful reminder for devotees to cultivate a sense of oneness with all life. It encourages them to move beyond the ego and recognize the interconnectedness of all existence. Maharaj’s reflections highlight that true spirituality is about experiencing the unity of all creation and living in harmony with it.

The Devotion of Bankatlal

Bankatlal's devotion is another key theme in this chapter. He feels deep remorse for bringing Maharaj into a situation that caused him harm. However, Maharaj reassures him, explaining the nature of suffering and its transient nature. This interaction teaches the importance of understanding the deeper truths of life and not getting entangled in superficial concerns.

Maharaj’s response to Bankatlal emphasizes that suffering is a part of the human experience, but it is temporary and often a means for spiritual growth. By accepting suffering with equanimity, one can transcend it and attain a higher state of consciousness. This lesson is particularly relevant for modern readers, reminding them to view challenges as opportunities for inner growth rather than as obstacles.

Gajanan Maharaj’s Encounter with Narsinghji

The chapter also narrates Maharaj’s visit to Narsinghji, a devoted follower residing in a dense forest near Akot. This meeting between two spiritual giants is a profound exchange of wisdom. Maharaj praises Narsinghji for maintaining his spiritual practices despite living in a family setup, contrasting it with his own path of renunciation.

This encounter underscores the idea that spiritual realization can be attained through different paths. Whether one follows the path of renunciation or lives a life of worldly responsibilities, what matters is the sincerity and dedication with which one pursues their spiritual goals. Maharaj’s conversation with Narsinghji highlights the importance of adapting spiritual practices to one’s unique circumstances, making spirituality accessible to everyone.

Gajanan Maharaj's Blessing to the Devoted Scholar Vrajbhushan

Once, while Gajanan Maharaj was wandering, he arrived near Daryapur with his disciples. Close to Daryapur, there is a village named Shivar, situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river. It is here that a learned scholar named Vrajbhushan resided, deeply devoted to Bhaskar (the Sun God).

This Chandrabhaga is not to be mistaken for the one in Pandharpur; rather, it is a small river that merges with the Purna river. Vrajbhushan was a scholar proficient in four languages, well-respected among the learned circles of Varhad (the Vidarbha region). Every day, he would bathe in the Chandrabhaga river, performing rituals with great devotion, offering oblations to the Sun God as it rose.

Vrajbhushan was a diligent practitioner of his spiritual duties, rising early each morning to bathe in the cold river waters, regardless of the season. His commitment to his practices was well-known among the scholars and wise men of the region. The Yogiraj (Gajanan Maharaj) arrived in Shivar, intending to bless this devout soul with the fruits of his penance.

One morning, as Vrajbhushan was performing his ritual bath in the Chandrabhaga river, he saw Gajanan Maharaj sitting on the riverbank, radiating the brilliance of divine knowledge. Vrajbhushan was overjoyed to see such a divine presence and immediately rushed towards Maharaj, offering his respects with great devotion.

He offered water to Maharaj's feet and circumambulated him, chanting the twelve names of the Sun God, such as "Mitra," "Surya," and "Bhanu," and performed twelve salutations to Gajanan Maharaj. Finally, he waved the aarti (a ritual of offering light) to Maharaj with great reverence, leaving no aspect of the ritual incomplete.

Vrajbhushan then offered a heartfelt prayer, expressing that he had received the true fruit of his penance by witnessing the divine feet of Gajanan Maharaj. He said, "I have been offering oblations to the Sun God in the sky, but today I have seen the true repository of knowledge, the Yogeshwar, in person."

Reciting a shloka (verse), he prayed: "O Gajanana Guru, you are the embodiment of complete Brahman and the source of all knowledge. How many times have you incarnated in this world? By your darshan, the worries of worldly suffering disappear. Please bless me."

After this prayer, Vrajbhushan completed his devotional hymn and embraced Maharaj with both arms. Maharaj, in turn, held him lovingly, like a mother holding her child, and placed his hand on Vrajbhushan's head, giving him a great blessing. He assured him, "Vrajbhushan, you will always be victorious! Do not abandon the path of karma (righteous action), nor consider the rituals meaningless. However, do not become attached to them either."

Maharaj continued, "By performing your duties and relinquishing the fruits, you will meet the Supreme, who is free from the impurities of actions. Now, return to your home with my words in your heart. You will always have my darshan in your mind."

Saying this, Maharaj gave Vrajbhushan a coconut as prasad (a sacred offering). After this blessing, Maharaj continued his journey and eventually returned to Shegaon.

Unity of Spiritual Paths

Maharaj and Narsinghji discuss the different paths to spiritual realization - karma (action), bhakti (devotion), and yoga (meditation). They acknowledge that while the methods may differ, the ultimate goal remains the same – union with the divine. This discussion reinforces the idea that all spiritual paths, when followed with dedication, lead to the same destination.

This theme of unity is particularly important in today's diverse world. It encourages acceptance and respect for different spiritual practices and beliefs, promoting harmony and understanding among people of various backgrounds. Maharaj’s teachings remind us that the essence of spirituality transcends religious and cultural boundaries, focusing instead on the universal quest for divine connection.

Lessons from Nature

Throughout Chapter 6, nature plays a significant role, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life. Maharaj’s encounters with bees, the serene environment of the farm, and the dense forest where Narsinghji resides all point to the harmony between humans and nature in spiritual practice. Maharaj’s deep connection with nature reflects his understanding of the divine presence in all aspects of creation.

These natural settings serve as reminders for readers to reconnect with nature and find spiritual inspiration in the world around them. They highlight the importance of living in harmony with the environment and recognizing the divine in all forms of life. Maharaj’s teachings encourage us to see the beauty and divinity in nature, fostering a sense of respect and stewardship for the planet.

Conclusion

Chapter 6 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 6, 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.