A Brief Biography of Sri Brahmananda Maharaj-5

A Brief Biography of Sri Brahmananda Maharaj - 5

With in a few days, Shri Samartha Sadguru Brahmachaitanya Maharaj, with his disciples, came to  Maruthi Mandir at Beladhadhi.. People gathered in wonder to see this divine person. Shri Maharaj asked them where was Brahmananda?  The people there did not know who Brahmananda was. But when one of Shri Maharaj’s disciples asked them for Anantha Shastry ,immediately, some of the villagers ran to the farm temple where Brahmananda stayed and informed him that “Gondavalekar Maharaj has come”. Suddenly Shri Brahmananda ran, jumping over the fence of the farm, with out considering a second’s rest, he came directly to Shri Maharaj, and prostrated before him. His happiness had no bounds. Shri Maharaj smilingly told “ Brahmananda, why did you take so much strain“and with affection, put his extended hand on his head. The extreme pleasure Shri Brahmananda felt at the sight of Shri Maharaj, cannot be explained in words. The blessed people of Beladhadi watched the meeting of the two divine people.

Then, Shri Brahmananda introduced Shri Maharaj to the assembled villagers. They were all very happy to see the great saint. They all shouted “Shri Sadguru Brahmachaithanya Maharaj ki Jai”. Shri Inamdar took Shri Maharaj in a grand procession to his house, and arranged his stay there.

 Each day, one of the villagers took Shri Maharaj to his house and after washing his feet, performed pooja and served food to Shri Maharaj and the assembled devotees. One among the villagers, though he had the desire of taking Shri Maharaj to his house, as he had no means of meeting the expenses, kept quiet. But Shri Brahmananda, knowing his intention, told him to call Shri Maharaj on the day of his departure so that there will be only 10-12 persons with him and he can easily arrange food for them. Like-wise, that person invited Shri Maharaj to his house on the day of his departure. When Shri Maharaj started to give pravachan(lecture), about 200 persons gathered to listen.  They were not invited that day. As the time of lunch was past, the host came and informed Shri Maharaj that the food is ready. Then, Shri Maharaj asked the assembled devotees that as he is leaving Beladhadhi that day, let them all take food with him. This made the host tremble, as he had only prepared food for 12 persons. But, shri Brahmananda assured him not to worry.

Shri Maharaj, after the pravachan, went to the kitchen and looked gracefully at the food prepared, and then went to bathe. After his bath he did the usual Sandhyavandan, and then went to the kitchen; the prepared food was offered (Naivedya) to God Shri Ram, and He asked them to serve.   Shri Brahmananda also joined to serve. Surprisingly, every one was fed sumptuously and there still remained some food. The host was very happy, and bowed down to Shri Maharaj with his humble gratitude.

While at Beladhadhi, Sri Maharaj , learning that Shri Brahmananda’s mother Smt. Jevoo bai was staying in Gadag.,  sent a Bullock-cart to Gadag and got her to Beladhadhi. He told her that the world has to thank her for delivering a son like Brahmananda. He felicitated her with a saree and fruits, and bowed down to her feet with a dandavat pranam. Afterwards, he sent her back to her house with all due respects.

Then He advised the villagers to do Ram-nam, and  obey Sri Brahmanand. He himself volunteered that after the completion of Sri Rama mandir, he will come for the installation of Sri Rama idols. Then He returned to Gondavale with his retinue. The villagers of Beladhadhi felt very sorry on his departure, for He had conquered their hearts with his affection.