|| Gan Gan Ganat Bote ||

Shree Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth

Chapter 13

The Miraculous Cure by Gajanan Maharaj

In the spiritual journey of Gajanan Maharaj, Chapter 13 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth stands out as a testament to his divine powers and compassion. This chapter, rich with miraculous events, highlights the profound impact Maharaj had on his devotees and the incredible cures he performed, affirming his status as a revered saint.

The Arrival of the Distressed Devotee

The chapter begins with the arrival of a distressed devotee, suffering from a severe illness. Despite consulting numerous doctors and trying various treatments, the devotee found no relief. In a state of despair, he turned to Gajanan Maharaj, hoping for a miracle. This reflects the deep faith and belief that people had in Maharaj's divine abilities.

Gajanan Maharaj's Compassionate Intervention

Maharaj, known for his infinite compassion, listened to the devotee's plight. He assured the devotee that faith and devotion could overcome any obstacle. Maharaj's words were a source of immense comfort and hope. He performed a simple yet powerful ritual, invoking divine blessings for the devotee's recovery.

The Miraculous Healing of Gangabharati: Faith, Devotion, and Gajanan Maharaj's Divine Grace

After moving to the new location, several miraculous events occurred under the grace of Gajanan Maharaj. One of these involved a man named Gangabharati Gosavi from a village called Savarda. Gangabharati was suffering from a severe form of leprosy, which had caused his entire body to rot. His fingers had decayed, and deep cracks had formed on his feet. The disease had caused redness across his body, with his ears swollen and an unbearable itching throughout.

Tired of this unbearable suffering, Gangabharati heard about the miracles of Gajanan Maharaj and decided to visit Shegaon for darshan (holy sight). However, the locals warned him against going near the saint, as his disease was contagious. They advised him to observe Maharaj from a distance, without attempting to touch or seek direct blessings, as his disease could spread through touch.

Disregarding the warnings, one day Gangabharati sneaked past the crowd and approached Maharaj directly. Bowing down, he placed his head at the feet of Maharaj. In response, Gajanan Maharaj slapped him hard on the head. Startled, Gangabharati stood up and gazed at Maharaj, who then slapped his face with both hands and even kicked him. Maharaj spat on him, akin to spitting on a toad, and Gangabharati accepted all of this as the saint’s blessing. He took the spittle as holy and rubbed it all over his diseased body, believing it to be a sacred ointment.

Seeing this, a bystander ridiculed Gangabharati, mocking his acceptance of the "unclean" treatment. He told Gangabharati that his condition would worsen due to the filth applied to his already diseased body. But Gangabharati calmly replied, explaining that whatever came from a true saint like Gajanan Maharaj was pure and holy, just like how fragrance naturally emanates from musk, despite its source. He invited the doubters to touch his body, and they would find no stench or filth.

Despite the ridicule, Gangabharati remained steadfast in his belief that Maharaj’s actions were a divine form of healing. He even suggested that if people had doubts, they should come with him to see where Maharaj bathed, as he applied the mud from that place to his body every day as a remedy.

Fifteen days passed, and miraculously, Gangabharati’s condition began to improve. The redness and cracks on his feet disappeared, and his body was restored to health. His leprosy had vanished, and there was no trace of the disease. Every day, he would sit near Maharaj, singing devotional songs with a powerful, melodious voice. His deep understanding and practice of music pleased Gajanan Maharaj.

Gangabharati’s wife, Anusuya, and his son, Santoshbharati, soon arrived in Shegaon, seeing him cured and healthy. They urged him to return home, but Gangabharati refused, stating that he now belonged to Gajanan Maharaj. He explained how Maharaj had awakened him from worldly delusion through his harsh, yet divine treatment. He urged his son to return home with his mother and care for her, as serving one’s parents was the true path to spiritual fulfillment, just as Pundalik had served his parents and earned the grace of Lord Vithoba.

Gangabharati sent his family back home, declaring that he was now devoted entirely to the service of Maharaj. He stayed in Shegaon, spending his days singing and praising Maharaj through his bhajans (devotional songs). The music he sang brought joy to those who heard it, and Gangabharati remained dedicated to Maharaj, spiritually uplifted and fully healed by the saint’s divine grace.

The Power of Faith and Devotion

This chapter underscores the importance of faith and devotion in the path of spirituality. Gajanan Maharaj always emphasized that unwavering faith could move mountains. The miraculous cure in Chapter 13 serves as a reminder that divine grace can transcend human limitations. It teaches that true devotion and surrender to a higher power can bring about extraordinary results.

Lessons from Chapter 13

Faith as a Healing Force: The devotee's story highlights how faith can act as a powerful healing force. In times of despair, turning to spiritual guidance can bring hope and recovery.

Divine Compassion: Gajanan Maharaj's compassionate nature is evident in this chapter. His willingness to help those in distress, regardless of their background, showcases his universal love and kindness.

The Role of Miracles: Miracles, as depicted in this chapter, are not just extraordinary events but are manifestations of divine grace. They serve to reinforce faith and inspire devotion among followers.

Spiritual Guidance: Seeking spiritual guidance in times of trouble can lead to solutions that are beyond the realm of ordinary human efforts. Gajanan Maharaj’s teachings remind us of the power of spiritual intervention.

The Divine Purpose Behind Temple Construction: Gajanan Maharaj's Teachings on Selflessness and Faith

Once, some devotees named Bankat, Hari, Laxman, and Vitthal, along with Jagdev, decided to collect donations to build a temple for Gajanan Maharaj. While many devout followers contributed willingly, some skeptics began criticizing their efforts, questioning the need for such a collection. They argued, "If Gajanan Maharaj is a great saint who can perform miracles, why would he need funds for a temple?"

The critics further pointed out that Gajanan Maharaj, who they believed was under the protection of the divine, had Kubera, the god of wealth, as his treasurer. They wondered why his followers needed to go door to door asking for money. “Why not simply ask Kubera to provide the funds?” they sneered. However, Jagdev, undeterred by these remarks, responded with a smile and said, “This collection is not for Gajanan Maharaj; it’s for your own benefit."

He explained that building temples or performing rituals for saints like Gajanan Maharaj is not to satisfy their needs but rather to help the devotees on their spiritual path. The temple construction and related efforts were merely a way for people to accumulate good karma and enhance their spiritual progress. Jagdev emphasized that Gajanan Maharaj, who possessed great divine power, did not care about material wealth. The entire universe was his temple, and nature itself was his garden.

Furthermore, Jagdev pointed out that Gajanan Maharaj had attained control over the eight spiritual powers (Ashtasiddhi), which served him like personal attendants. These powers made him independent of worldly wealth, and he had no need for earthly possessions. His true wealth was beyond the material realm, and he was unconcerned with the trivialities of money and status.

Jagdev continued, “Just as the Sun does not require a lamp for illumination, Gajanan Maharaj does not need a temple to demonstrate his spiritual brilliance. The light of the Sun drives away darkness effortlessly, and in the same way, the saint’s divine presence dispels ignorance and suffering without material support. Therefore, the collection of donations is not for Maharaj, but to help devotees purify their lives and rid themselves of spiritual ailments."

He compared the donations to medicine for a spiritual illness. Just as one needs proper treatment for physical diseases, accumulating good deeds through charitable acts helps cure the spiritual illness of selfishness, greed, and ignorance. Jagdev emphasized that while physical diseases affect the body, they do not impact the soul, which is immortal. By supporting the temple construction, devotees were essentially performing an act of self-purification.

The skeptics were finally silenced by Jagdev’s wisdom. They could not argue against the truth of his statements, and they realized that their narrow-mindedness was clouding their judgment. The importance of performing good deeds and contributing to a noble cause became evident to them, and they too began supporting the cause.

As donations increased, construction work began in Shegaon to build a temple in honor of Gajanan Maharaj. The villagers worked with enthusiasm, carrying stones, lime, and sand to the site. The construction work progressed rapidly with the blessings of Maharaj. At that time, Gajanan Maharaj visited the old temple and observed the progress. He was pleased with the dedication of his followers.

One day, Maharaj noticed a cart filled with sand. The cart driver, a Mahar (a member of a lower caste), got off the cart out of respect for Maharaj, as he felt unworthy of sitting near the saint. Maharaj, however, called out to him and said, “Why did you get down? Do not worry about caste distinctions. I am beyond such worldly concerns.” The driver, with folded hands, humbly replied, “Maharaj, it is not appropriate for me to sit next to you.” Maharaj smiled and accepted his devotion, asking the bulls to continue pulling the cart.

To everyone's surprise, the bulls, without the cart driver’s guidance, continued to pull the cart precisely to the designated place. Maharaj got down from the cart, and it was at that very spot where the grand temple and his final resting place, the Samadhi, were later built. This location in Shegaon was marked as sacred ground, and the exact spot where Maharaj sat was determined to be the center of the temple complex.

The construction was not without challenges. The land initially allocated was found to be insufficient, so an additional 11 gunthas (an area measure) were acquired. This led to a dispute, but with Maharaj’s blessings, the issue was resolved. An official inspection concluded that the penalty imposed on the temple trust was unjust, and it was eventually waived.

The villagers and devotees were overjoyed when the penalty was lifted, and they felt reassured that Maharaj’s divine will had prevailed once again. Hari, one of the leading devotees, remarked, “Maharaj’s words can never be false. Just as he protected me from harm before, he has once again ensured that everything is resolved peacefully.”

Zhyamsingh’s Devotion and Gajanan Maharaj’s Divine Miracle in Mundgaon

Once, in the month of Paush, a devotee named Zhyamsingh visited Shegaon. He approached Gajanan Maharaj and requested, "Please come to my village, Mundgaon. I had promised to bring you to my nephew's house in Adgaon, but now I have come to take you to my own house."

However, Maharaj declined politely, saying, "I am not coming right now. Don’t insist too much. I will come sometime later." Days passed, and Zhyamsingh returned again to Maharaj, requesting him earnestly, "Now, please come to Mundgaon. I am your devotee, and I want you to fulfill my wish. Stay at my house for a few days; I have made all the preparations to welcome you."

Eventually, Maharaj agreed and accompanied Zhyamsingh to Mundgaon. Upon his arrival, the villagers, both men and women, flocked for Maharaj’s darshan (holy sight), experiencing immense joy that words couldn't describe. Zhyamsingh organized a grand feast (Bhandara) in honor of Maharaj’s visit. The atmosphere in Mundgaon became festive, as if the entire village had transformed into a holy place like Paithan, known for Saint Eknath's miracles.

As preparations for the feast were in full swing, Maharaj suddenly said to Zhyamsingh, "Today is Chaturdashi (a no-moon day), an inauspicious day for hosting meals. Let the feast take place tomorrow on the full moon day (Purnima)."

Zhyamsingh responded, "But the food is almost ready, Maharaj, and a large number of people have already gathered to receive your blessings through this meal."

Maharaj, however, warned him, "Zhyamsingh, this food will not be beneficial. Though you think this is proper according to worldly customs, it does not align with the will of the Divine."

Despite Maharaj's advice, Zhyamsingh continued with the preparations. As the villagers sat down to eat, the sky suddenly turned dark, and a storm broke out. Thunder roared, and lightning lit up the sky. A heavy downpour began, and strong winds caused trees to break. In moments, the entire place was flooded, and all the food that had been prepared was ruined.

Realizing his mistake, Zhyamsingh humbly apologized to Maharaj and asked him to take control of the situation. Everyone gathered felt disappointed and worried that their effort had been wasted.

The villagers, deeply concerned, said, "This isn’t even the rainy season! Such untimely rain has destroyed all our efforts. What misfortune has come upon us? Even our crops will be ruined if this rain continues."

Maharaj, hearing their concerns, reassured Zhyamsingh, "Why are you so anxious? This rain will not trouble you tomorrow. Don’t worry; I will stop it right now."

Saying this, Maharaj looked toward the sky, and in an instant, the clouds cleared, and the sun shone brightly. The storm had vanished as if it had never happened. Everyone present was astonished by the miraculous power of Maharaj.

The next day, on the full moon day, the feast was held again, and it went smoothly. This tradition of holding a grand feast on the full moon continues in Mundgaon even today.

Filled with devotion and gratitude, Zhyamsingh offered all his wealth and property at the feet of Gajanan Maharaj, dedicating himself to the saint forever in the village of Mundgaon.

The Miracle of Pundlik Bhokre: Devotion and Divine Grace

In the village of Mundgaon, the people had become devoted followers of Gajanan Maharaj. Among them was a young man named Pundlik Bhokre, the only son of Ukirda, a common farmer from the region of Varhad. Ukirda was a name often given to children in that area when parents struggled to have offspring. Pundlik had grown up with deep devotion to Gajanan Maharaj, and every year, during the dark fortnight (Vadyapaksha), he would visit Shegaon to seek the blessings of Maharaj, much like the pilgrims who visit Dehu and Alandi for spiritual reasons.

One year, as a dreadful epidemic spread throughout the region, affecting many with high fevers and painful glandular swelling, Pundlik also fell victim to the illness. Despite his fever and exhaustion, Pundlik was determined to continue his pilgrimage to Shegaon with his father. When they were five miles away from Shegaon, Pundlik became so weak he could not take another step. A painful swelling appeared under his arm, and he was overwhelmed by fever. His father, worried and desperate, asked him why he was suffering so much.

Pundlik, barely able to speak, informed his father about the fever and swelling. He expressed his anguish that he might not be able to complete his pilgrimage to see Gajanan Maharaj. In his devotion, Pundlik prayed to Maharaj, asking for strength to continue his journey, even if it meant sacrificing his life afterward. He was willing to endure anything as long as he could complete the pilgrimage.

His father, seeing his son’s condition, was heartbroken and even considered arranging a cart or a horse to carry him the rest of the way. But Pundlik refused, insisting that he must complete the journey on foot. He said that even if death came, he wanted his body to reach Shegaon. With great difficulty, Pundlik managed to make it to Shegaon, where he immediately prostrated himself before Gajanan Maharaj.

Seeing the young man’s suffering, Maharaj gently placed his hand on Pundlik’s swollen gland and applied pressure, instantly relieving the pain. He assured Pundlik that the worst was over and that he need not worry anymore. Miraculously, the swelling disappeared on the spot, and his fever subsided.

Though weak from his ordeal, Pundlik began to recover quickly. His mother, grateful for the miracle, offered Maharaj a meal. When Maharaj took a few bites of the offering, Pundlik's remaining symptoms vanished, and he returned to his normal health. This powerful act of grace was a testament to the efficacy of true devotion to a worthy Guru. As Pundlik returned to Mundgaon, he was fully healed, and the story of his miraculous recovery spread throughout the village.

It was said that anyone who heard or read about this event with true faith would be spared from similar ailments.

Conclusion

Chapter 13 of the Gajanan Maharaj Vijay Granth is a beautiful illustration of the saint's divine powers and his role as a healer. The miraculous cure of the devotee not only alleviated physical suffering but also reinforced the faith of countless others in Maharaj’s spiritual prowess. This chapter encourages us to maintain unwavering faith and seek divine help in times of need. Gajanan Maharaj's life and miracles continue to inspire and guide devotees on their spiritual journey, offering solace and hope in their moments of despair.