|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 10

Salutations to Lord Ganesha

Introduction

Chapter 10 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth is a captivating exploration of divine wisdom and spiritual guidance. This chapter continues to provide profound insights into the life and teachings of Gajanan Maharaj, a revered saint whose legacy continues to inspire countless devotees. In this blog post, we will delve into the key themes and messages of Chapter 10, offering a comprehensive understanding of its significance.

The Essence of Devotion

One of the central themes of Chapter 10 is the essence of devotion. Gajanan Maharaj emphasizes that true devotion is not just about rituals and prayers, but about a deep, heartfelt connection with the divine. He encourages his followers to cultivate a sense of unwavering faith and trust in God, irrespective of life's challenges. This chapter beautifully illustrates how devotion can lead to inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Divine Interventions and Miracles

Chapter 10 is replete with accounts of divine interventions and miracles performed by Gajanan Maharaj. These stories are not just tales of wonder but are meant to reinforce the power of faith and the presence of the divine in our lives. The miracles described in this chapter serve as a reminder that the divine is always watching over us, ready to guide and protect us in times of need.

Teachings on Dharma and Righteousness

Gajanan Maharaj's teachings on dharma (righteousness) are another highlight of Chapter 10. He underscores the importance of leading a life of integrity and moral values. According to Maharaj, adhering to dharma is essential for spiritual growth and for maintaining harmony in society. This chapter provides practical advice on how to navigate ethical dilemmas and make righteous choices in daily life.

The Power of Selflessness

Selflessness is a recurring theme in Chapter 10. Gajanan Maharaj advises his devotees to practice selflessness and to serve others without any expectation of reward. This selfless service, according to Maharaj, is a path to attaining spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings. The chapter is filled with anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of selfless actions.

Lessons in Humility

Humility is another virtue that Gajanan Maharaj stresses in Chapter 10. He teaches that humility is the foundation of all spiritual pursuits. True humility involves recognizing the divinity in others and acknowledging our own limitations. Maharaj's teachings encourage his followers to remain humble and grounded, no matter how successful or powerful they become.

Reflections on the Nature of the Mind

Gajanan Maharaj provides profound insights into the nature of the mind in this chapter. He explains how the mind can be both a source of liberation and bondage, depending on how it is controlled. Maharaj offers practical techniques for mastering the mind and achieving inner tranquility. These teachings are especially relevant in today's fast-paced world, where mental peace is often elusive.

The Role of Guru in Spiritual Journey

Chapter 10 also highlights the pivotal role of a Guru (spiritual teacher) in the spiritual journey of an individual. Gajanan Maharaj emphasizes that a true Guru is essential for guidance and enlightenment. The chapter discusses the qualities of a genuine Guru and the importance of having unwavering faith in one's Guru. This relationship is depicted as a sacred bond that can lead to profound spiritual transformation.

Swami Samarth's Visit to Umravati: Lessons in Devotion and Humility

Atmaram Bhikaji, a devout and pious man from the Kayastha Prabhu community, was well-known in the town of Umravati for his unwavering devotion to saints and his deep commitment to spirituality. He lived a life marked by simplicity and reverence, always seeking the blessings of holy figures. One day, the revered Swami Samarth, a saint of great spiritual stature, visited Umravati and arrived at Atmaram’s house. This unexpected visit filled Atmaram with immense joy and gratitude. He saw Swami Samarth's presence as a divine blessing and welcomed Him with the utmost respect and devotion.

Atmaram performed all the traditional rituals to honor Swami Samarth. He began by offering Swami a warm bath, symbolizing the washing away of worldly impurities. After the bath, Atmaram carefully applied a kesari tilak (a saffron mark) on Swami's forehead, a gesture of respect and devotion. He then adorned Swami with a garland of fresh flowers, signifying his reverence and love. Throughout these rituals, Atmaram's heart was filled with a deep sense of fulfillment, as he believed that serving a saint like Swami Samarth was the highest form of devotion.

In Umravati, Swami Samarth's visit created a wave of excitement among the devotees. Among them was Ganesh Shri Krishna Khaparde, a prominent lawyer known for his legal acumen and spiritual inclination. Another devotee, Ganesh Appa, was a member of the Lingayat community. His wife, Chandrabhai, was a fervent devotee of Swami Samarth. However, Ganesh Appa was initially hesitant to invite Swami to their home, perhaps due to a sense of unworthiness or fear of not being able to serve Him properly. But Chandrabhai’s unwavering faith and persistent urging eventually convinced him. Recognizing the sincerity of their devotion, Swami Samarth accepted their invitation and blessed their home with His divine presence. This visit brought immense joy and spiritual fulfillment to the household, and they continued to honor Swami Samarth with deep devotion.

Swami Samarth's presence in Umravati had a profound impact on the people of the town. His divine aura and wisdom attracted many who sought His blessings and guidance in their spiritual and worldly lives. Among these devotees was Balabhau, a relative of Atmaram. Balabhau was initially an ordinary man with worldly attachments and responsibilities, but his encounter with Swami Samarth changed his life. He became deeply devoted to Swami, to the point where he decided to renounce all his worldly pursuits, including his job, to stay close to Swami and serve Him.

Balabhau’s devotion was sincere and intense, and he willingly gave up his material possessions and comforts to follow the path of spirituality under Swami Samarth’s guidance. However, Swami Samarth, in His wisdom, saw that Balabhau and other devotees needed a lesson in true humility and surrender. Swami often taught profound lessons through seemingly simple and playful acts. In this case, He used a large umbrella in a symbolic act to discipline Balabhau and his followers. The exact nature of this act is described in a playful and symbolic manner in the granth, showing Swami’s unique way of imparting wisdom.

Through this act, Swami Samarth conveyed that true devotion requires more than just external renunciation and service. It demands complete humility, surrender of the ego, and the willingness to accept the Guru's teachings, no matter how they are delivered. Swami’s use of the umbrella was a reminder that spiritual growth involves both surrender and acceptance, and that one must always be ready to receive the Guru's guidance in whatever form it comes.

This story, with its rich symbolism and profound teachings, illustrates the deep connection between the Guru and the disciple. It also highlights the importance of humility, surrender, and the understanding that the path of devotion is not just about renunciation of the world, but also about the renunciation of the self—the ego. Swami Samarth, through His actions and teachings, continues to inspire and guide devotees on their spiritual journey, showing that the true essence of devotion lies in complete surrender to the divine will.

The Transformation of Suklal's Cow: A Tale of Divine Intervention

There was a man named Suklal Agarwala in Balapur. He owned a mischievous cow that was a source of constant trouble. This cow roamed around the village, knocking down children and people, and would aggressively charge at even the strongest men with its horns. The cow had a habit of barging into shops, where it would stick its head into grain baskets, eating as much as it pleased, and ruining the rest. It would also spill oil and ghee by knocking over the containers with its body.

Despite being tied up at home, the cow would break free from its restraints in no time. Chains used to bind it were of no use, and the cow behaved more like a wild tiger than a domestic animal. The people of Balapur were fed up with the cow's antics and the constant trouble it caused. The cow showed no signs of pregnancy and never produced milk. It couldn’t be confined anywhere, neither at home nor elsewhere.

The villagers suggested to Suklal that he should either give the cow to a butcher or shoot it himself to end the misery. Suklal responded by telling them to deal with the cow in whatever way they saw fit, as he was fed up as well. One day, a Pathan tried to kill the cow by shooting it. He loaded his gun and waited for the right moment, but somehow, the cow sensed the danger. It charged at him with its horns and knocked him down.

Suklal even took the cow to another village to release it, but the cow found its way back. Finally, someone suggested that he take the cow to Shegaon and offer it to Swami Samarth. They reasoned that the Swami had transformed a horse owned by Govindbuwa, so maybe he could do the same with this troublesome cow. The villagers told Suklal that if he offered the cow to the saint, he would earn merit, and their troubles would be over.

Convinced by their reasoning, Suklal decided to take the cow to Shegaon. However, catching the cow was no easy task. They tried various methods, but nothing worked. Finally, they placed a pile of harlakund (a type of grain) near a stack of cottonseed. When the cow began to eat, they threw a noose around its neck and about twenty men wrestled it to the ground. They then bound it tightly with chains and loaded it onto a cart, heading towards Shegaon.

As they approached Shegaon, the cow’s behavior began to change. The once fierce cow started to calm down. When they reached the presence of Swami Samarth, the cow looked at him with tearful eyes, its demeanor completely transformed. Swami Samarth, seeing the cow’s plight, rebuked the people for treating it so harshly. He questioned why they had tied up the poor creature so cruelly, with its legs and neck bound and even its horns chained.

Swami Samarth told them that this cow, which they had treated like a tiger, was actually a symbol of motherhood for the entire world. He instructed them to release the cow immediately, as it would no longer cause any trouble. However, no one dared to approach the cow to untie it. Seeing their hesitation, Swami Samarth himself stepped forward and, with his divine touch, freed the cow from all its bonds.

Once freed, the cow calmly descended from the cart, bent its front legs, and bowed before Swami Samarth, as if offering its respects. It then circled him three times and licked his feet with its tongue. Everyone present was amazed at this miraculous transformation, and they praised Swami Samarth with loud cheers, chanting his name thrice.

The people of Balapur, relieved of their troubles, returned to their village, while the cow remained in Shegaon, staying peacefully at the ashram. From that day onwards, the cow never caused any trouble and displayed all the qualities of a wise and gentle animal. Even today, the descendants of that cow are said to live in Shegaon, a testament to the divine intervention of Swami Samarth.

Story of Laxman Ghude

Laxman Ghude, a wealthy Brahmin from the village of Karanja, suffered from a severe stomach ailment. Despite extensive treatment, his condition did not improve, and he spent a great deal of money in vain. Hearing about the miraculous powers of Shri Gajanan Maharaj, Laxman decided to visit Shegaon with his family, hoping to find a cure.

His condition was so severe that he could not walk, so a few people carried him to the temple. When they reached the temple, Laxman could only bow down slightly in respect as his body was too weak. His wife, with tears in her eyes, pleaded to Maharaj, saying, "O merciful one! I am your humble devotee. Please relieve my husband from this suffering."

At that moment, Maharaj was eating a mango. He threw the mango towards Laxman's wife and said, "Feed this to your husband, and he will recover. Your devotion will protect him." Maharaj then returned to his usual activities.

Bhaskar, one of the disciples, advised Laxman's wife, "There is no need to stay here. Return to Karanja and give your husband the mango as prasad. It will cure him." Following this advice, she returned home and fed the mango to Laxman.

The next morning, after eating the mango, Laxman felt an immediate improvement. His stomach, which had been severely painful, suddenly relaxed, and the illness that had plagued him for so long vanished. He was completely healed, much to the amazement of his family and friends.

Laxman and his wife returned to Shegaon to express their gratitude to Maharaj. They requested him to visit their home in Karanja and bless it with his presence. Maharaj agreed and, accompanied by Shankar Bhau Pitambar, visited Laxman's house.

At the house, Laxman offered worship and presented Maharaj with money, saying that it was all he had. Maharaj, seeing through Laxman's deceit, questioned, "You claim to have nothing left, yet you bring out money now? Do not pretend with me."

Maharaj then instructed Laxman to open the doors to his treasury. Reluctantly, Laxman complied and, with great hesitation, unlocked the doors, revealing his wealth. Maharaj saw through Laxman's hypocrisy and, disappointed with his deceitful behavior, decided to leave.

Before departing, Maharaj remarked, "You held onto your wealth, claiming it as your own. Now you must bear the consequences. I came here to bless you with even more wealth, but your fate has turned it away."

True to Maharaj's words, within six months, Laxman lost all his wealth and was reduced to begging. This story illustrates that deceit and hypocrisy have no place in spirituality and that sincerity and devotion are essential for receiving divine grace.

Conclusion

Chapter 10 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and guidance. It offers valuable lessons on devotion, dharma, selflessness, humility, and the nature of the mind. Through captivating stories and teachings, Gajanan Maharaj continues to inspire and guide his followers on the path of spiritual enlightenment. This chapter is a testament to the timeless relevance of Maharaj's teachings and their power to transform lives.

By embracing the principles outlined in this chapter, readers can embark on a journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery, guided by the divine wisdom of Gajanan Maharaj.