Guru Pournima

Om Jai Sai Ram! It is only by the grace of Sadguru that we can get rid of all the defilements in ourselves and become pure. By getting rid of lower desires and submitting our ego at the lotus feet of the Sadguru, we can reach the fount of bliss, which is the abode of the Sadguru. As the popular shloka (hymn) extols the Guru thus "Guru is Brahma (The creator of the universe) , Guru is Vishnu (The preserver of the Universe) and Guru is Lord Maheshwara (At the time of dissolution, the world enters into him), Guru is Parabrahma himself (The ultimate Brahman, the essence of all that is), Let me therefore bow humbly before him". The Sadguru is without beginning and without end. It is an audacious task for a dullard like me to describe the glories of the Sadguru. But I carry on knowing that I am merely an instrument, and Sadguru alone is the doer. By clasping his lotus feet, I beseech the Sadguru to bless me and help me narrate his glories, and to bless you readers to enjoy the same.

The 7th of July was celebrated as Guru Pournima. As already described in a post written last year, it is the ideal day to remember and propitiate one's Guru. Originally it was started by the disciples of Vyasa (The great Sage who composed the Mahabharata), to commemorate his greatness. This Guru Pornima, I was reminded of a wonderful leela of Sainath, and I wish to sing his glory to my heart's content.

It is a known fact to bhakthas (devotees) of Sainath, that if they be willing to take one step in the direction of the devotion towards him, Sainath will take 100 steps and come to us. Baba knows what transpires in the minds and hearts of Bhakthas (devotees) and goes to great pains to see that they are at ease, and are traveling spiritually upwards and forwards towards realizing the Sadguru who is Sagun Brahman (Brahman with form). By Baba's grace, I shall now narrate an incident which proves that he is omnipresent and all pervasive.

Once Nanasaheb Chandorkar got a transfer to Pandharpur, the bhoo Vaikunta (The abode of Lord Vishnu on Earth). He was overjoyed and decided to go to Shirdi, take Baba's blessings and then go towards Pandharpur. He did not inform anyone in Shirdi as he wanted it to be surprise visit. But is there anything that can be hidden from Baba? It is a known fact that it is Baba himself, who pulls his devotees from far and near to Shirdi. It is by Baba's will alone, that a devotee could visit him. Thus, as Nanasaheb Chandorkar's tonga neared the bordering village of Shirdi called Nimgaon, there was a stir in the Masjid in Shirdi. Baba was sitting and talking to Mahlsapathi, Appa Shinde and Kashiram, when he at once got up and said "Let us all do some bhajan (Singing of devotional songs), as the doors of Pandhari (Pandarpur) are open! Let us all sing merrily". And then Baba started singing a beautiful song, the burden of which was "I will go to Pandharpur. I will stay there, as it is the house of my Lord" (In Marathi "PPandharpurla Jaayaache, Tithech Majalaa Raahyaache, Te Ghar Maajaa Raayaa Che, Pandharpurla Jaayaache") . Baba sang melodiously and the devotees accompanied him in tune.

Then when Nanasaheb came to Dwarkamai (the Masjid) and fell at Baba's lotus feet and told Baba "Oh Sainath, by your grace, I have been transferred to Panduranga's abode, Pandharpura. I wish to seek your permission to go there, and I want you to come and stay there with me". As he told this, Mahalspati, Appa Shinde and Kashiram were astounded and told Nana Saheb Chandorkar, that Baba already knew about his transfer and his request to go and stay in Pandarpur, for only a short while ago, the all pervasive deva (God), said that the doors of Pandhari are open, and he wishes to go to Pandarpur and stay there. When Nanasaheb heard the earlier statement of Baba and the bhajan that Baba sang, he was overwhelmed with tears of gratitude. He experienced yet another instance of Baba's all pervasiveness. With tears flowing down his cheeks and his throat choked, he fell yet again at Baba's feet and cried "Deva! You are verily Panduranga and none else. How foolish I was to think I could surprise you. You are all knowing, and you yourself have called me to Pandharpur". Baba was pleased, and embraced Nanasaheb.

Thus did Sainath prove that he is omnipresent, and increased the faith of Nanasaheb in God. Praise be to the Sadguru, who is Panduranga himself. May we be blessed by him, and may we always behold his lotus feet. One can still hear this beautiful song sung by Pramod Medhi (The priest of Shirdi). I have embedded the link where one can listen to this song, and also envision the incident.

Shree Satchitananda Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!

Bow to Shree Sai! Peace be to all!