Devotees all over Bharat celebrate Sri Brahmananda Aradhana to-day. Chanting of Ram-nam, lectures,cultural activities, and Annadaan were conducted in all the Sri Brahmachaitanya Mandirs.
Sri Rama Samartha
Sadguru
Shri Brahma Chaithanya Maharaj ki Jai
A brief biography of a Great Saint – Sri Brahmananda Maharaj
Shri Bhayya Saheb Modaka , a devout person of Indore, visited the Maruthi Mandir
near his house, as usual, in the evening. He noticed a youthful mendicant there
and spoke with him. He was amazed by the scholarship, detachment and the divine
aspirations of the youth and invited him to his house. At first, the
youth refused to go to his house, but on the repeated request of the elderly
man, he accompanied Shri Bhayya Saheb to his house. After attending to the mendicant, Bhayya Saheb left him in his house asking him to take rest, stating
that he was going out to meet a saint who has come to Indore and would be delivering a lecture that
evening.
The mendicant, feeling that he also should have gone to visit the
saint, told Shri Bhayya Saheb, the next morning, of his desire to meet the Saint. Shri Bhayya Saheb
told the youth that the saint was Shri Brahmachaithanya Maharaj of Gondavale
and took him to the place where the saint was staying. The mendicant saw to his
dismay, that the saint was wearing only a loin-cloth (Koupeena) , and was
sitting surrounded by women. Some of them were massaging his feet. The celibate
mendicant could not understand how a person can be of a detached mind, though
surrounded by women. Thinking that this person could not be his Guru, he did
not go near the saint, but returned to his place of stay.
After lunch, he left Indore.
Sri Anantha Shastry, the mendicant, who was wandering in search of
his Guru, was born of parents,Sri Balambhatta Gadagoli and Smt Jevoo Bai, on
Thursday 27-2-1859 (Kalayuktaakshi samvatsara magha bahula dashami).in
Jalihala, near Gadag, a district of the present Karnataka state. As the child
grew older, he was very precautious. He was fast in learning having very good
memory power. He learnt the lessons his teacher taught very fast, and then he
had more time to play. His playful nature, his boyish pranks, seemed to have no
bounds. But he had a very strong determination which can be understood by the following episode. Banashankari temple is only a
few kilometers from Jalihala. During Special occasions, there
used to be processions and Maha Prasad (food offered to God and served for
Lunch is called Maha Prasad) for everyone who attended. Anantha and some of his friends went to
Banashankari on such an occasion.. After participating in the celebrations
there, while returning, some of his friends felt tired to walk. At the same
time, they noticed a bullock cart, which was passing by. Anantha, eldest in the
group, asked the cart-man which way the cart was going. The cart-man said
“Jalihala”. Then the boys said that they were also going to Jalihala, and
jumped into the cart. But the cart-man said the Oxen tied to the cart were new
and un-trained. And it may be dangerous for the children to travel in the cart.
He told them to get down from the cart. But the boys were adamant and did not
listen to his advice. So, the cart-man got angry, and hit the oxen to go
faster. This made the cart wobble. This shocked the children and they were
afraid to continue to sit in it.. But the cart-man did not stop though the
children begged him to stop. A few of them began to cry. So, Anantha,
determined to stop the cart any way, put his leg in between the spokes of a
wheel, which made the cart to stop. The cart-man noticing the cause of the
sudden halt of the cart, got afraid about Anantha’s leg, and asked all the
children to get down from the vehicle, immediately.
All such rough nature of Anantha made his parents worry
about him. They scolded him. This made Anantha very
dejected. When he realized
that his own parents were disgusted with him, he did not want to live any more.
With the purpose of killing
himself, he left his home on an early
morning and went to Banashankari, the sacred place, had the darshan of Shri
Bana shankari Devi and took Prasadam there.. It was in a forest area. After
sun-set, no one stayed there. So, all of the priests, assistants and devotees,
left the temple well before sunset. One of the priests noticed this boy, Anantha,
and asked him to accompany him. But Anantha refused to go with him. So, He was
left alone in the temple in that forest area. He prayed to the Goddess that he
intended not to live any more. As darkness fell, he walked to the nearby
Saraswathi tank. When he tried to jump
into the water, he felt some one holding him from behind. But, as no one was
there, he again tried to fall in to the water. This time, there was a
tremendous force, and he found himself forced towards the front of the temple. He was stunned and realized that the divine mother
did not want him to kill himself.
So, he decided to pursue his studies, as per his parents wish, and
went to Menasagi, a place which is not far off from Jalihala. He got his Vedic education under the tutorship of Shri
Dhondabhatta Dada Modak, a great scholar, in the town of Menasagi. After he finished the
course, his spiritual
desire took over him, and he declined to marry. White patches
started to be seen on his skin, and stating that as the reason for not entering
the domestic life, he started on a pilgrimage in search of
his Sadguru. He visited all the pilgrimage centers, meeting many saints, in the
north. On his return journey, he had come to Indore. At Indore, with a
feeling of disappointment at not finding his Guru, Sri Anantha Shastry went on his journey and came to
NarasimhaVadi, a holy place. He prayed
before Lord Dattatreya, weeping with anguish that he was not able to find his
Sadguru in spite of all his travels and prayers. At night, he had a dream. The
Lord Dattatreya presented himself before him and told that He had really taken
him to his Guru at Indore, but
Shastry had spurned and not met him. Soon he woke up to his dismay for having missed
to meet his Guru, and started immediately for Indore.
Reaching Indore, he went straight
to Bhayya Saheb’s house, and enquired whether Shri Brahmachaithanya Maharaj was
still in Indore. Shri Bhayya
Saheb told him that Shri Maharaj had gone to Gondavale, but had returned to Indore on the previous day only. As Shri Anantha Shastry was in a hurry to meet him, Bhayya
saheb took him to Shri Maharaj.
This time, as soon as he saw Shri Maharaj, he fell down on his
feet with intense devotion, with tears in his eyes. It seems Shri Maharaj had
shown him his real form of Hanuman. This made him realize that Shri Maharaj is
not
an ordinary human but is
actually an incarnation of God Hanuman. So, later he composed the Bhajan:”
Maajhe sadguru rao maruti avathara,”(My Sadguru
is an incarnation of Bhagavan
Maruthi ) .On reaching his Guru, he at once surrendered himself to Him,
effacing his ‘I and Mine’ attitude. He accompanied Shri Maharaj to Gondavale.
Gondavale is a small village on the bank of river Mana Ganga, in Maharashtra. Here lived the saint Sri Brahmachaitanya
Maharaj. His house was like an ashram, where many of his devotees who came to
him wanting something or the other stayed. Many of them came to be cured of the
ills of this world. But some of them came with a desire to see God. For all of
them, Shri Maharaj initiated chanting of Rama-naam (The thirteen lettered Rama
Manthra “ Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama”)He showed that one
need not renounce the family and the world to attain God. He was married and
never left the domestic life. But his family was universal. He converted his
house to a Ram-Mandir. He installed the idols of Shri Ram,Sita mai, Lakshman and Maruthi. A Shiv linga was
also installed in his house. Later, as this Rama-mandir was considered as small, he constructed another bigger
Rama Mandir.
Ananthashastry was in attendance of his Guru, all the twenty four
hours. He was always on alert when Shri Maharaj needed any assistance. His
dress was just a loincloth and a small dhoti covered from waist to knee.
This used to be his attire all the time, summer or winter. He was
always chanting the Ram-nam initiated by Shri Maharaj . A Sanskrit
scholar, learned in Vedas, surrendering himself to a Guru who preached only Nama-smaran(chanting
of the Divine name), could have surprised many.
Shri Maharaj had a large number of cows. He had collected many
cows which were being sold to Butchers, by buying them. With his parental care,
many of them considered to be barren, delivered calves and began to yield milk.
It was a habit of Shri Maharaj to go to the cow-shelter, early in the morning,
pat and massage each of the cows putting fodder and water before them. Shri
Shastry got up in the morning earlier than Shri Maharaj, and used to clean up
the cow-shelter before Shri Maharaj went there.
On another occasion, he was taking out the fodder for the cows
which were placed on the roof of Shri
Maharaj’s
house. On hearing Shri
Maharaj calling him, he jumped from the roof, loosing not a single moment, and
placed himself before Shri Maharaj.
Thus was his daily routine. There were many attendants to Shri Maharaj.
But Shri Shastry used to do all their work.
Once, Shri Maharaj was about to leave for Pandharpur. He called
Shri Shastry and told him that he was going on horse-back and asked him to
accompany him. Immediately on hearing his Guru, he took out all the items that
his Guru may need, packed them in a bundle, and carrying it on his head, began
to run, bare-foot, behind Shri Maharaj. On the way, Shri Maharaj, as though to
test his disciple, diverted his horse, on a short-cut road but full of stones
and thorns. But this did not deter the disciple from following the Guru. As
soon as Shri Maharaj arrived at his destination, Sri Rama Mandir in
Phandharpur, Shri Shastry took hold of the horse, tied it at a safe place, arranged for the bath of Shri Maharaj. He was
massaging the horse, when Shri Maharaj, after taking his bath, came out and
asked Shri Shastry to bathe in Chandra bagha river, When Shri Shastry returned
having taken bath in the river, Shri Maharaj was sitting for meals. Seeing Shri
Shastry, he suddenly remembered and told him, “It has been my custom to go
round the town of Phandarpur,
before lunch. But, to-day, I have started taking the food forgetting my custom.
So, come back after going around the town.” Shri Shastry without even considering that he had not yet rested
after running nearly 70 kms, on bare foot, went round the holy Phandarpur, and
returned. Now Shri Maharaj kindly asked him to take food. As soon as Shri
Maharaj patted Shri Shastry on the back, with affection, his tiredness
vanished.
He did the penance for 6-7 months.
During that period, he had to experience many trying moments, and
by the Grace of Shri Maharaj he withstood all. The forest was full of many
cruel animals. One night as he was sitting doing Jap, he heard the roar of a
tiger in front of the temple. Suddenly the tiger entered the temple and seeing
Shri Shastry, went round him. Sri Shastry, opened his eyes and seeing the
tiger, felt that his Guru’s orders cannot be carried out completely if it eats
him. But, again, he concluded as his Guru knows everything, it may be His way of
testing him.So, closing his eyes, he concentrated on the chanting of Ram-nam.
The Tiger sat near him for some time and went away.
Later on, one night, Shri Shastry found himself, while sitting on meditation,
surrounded by many serpents. Some of them moving over him, tied round him as a
rope, hissing all the time. Shri Shastry tolerating the intolerable pain,
prayed to Shri Maharaj with closed eyes that he was only working out his order,
and if he dies without completing, it was not his fault but considered as his
Guru’s Will. Suddenly, Shri Maharaj emerged from the Shiva-Linga, and
approaching Shri Shastry, put His hand on his head. All of a sudden, the serpents vanished.
On seeing Shri Maharaj, Shri Shastry executed deergha danda namaskar, with
tears of happiness on seeing his beloved Guru.. Maharaj put his arms round
Shastry and gave an affectionate hug, which gave him the Divine Ananda, He was seeing
The God Ram everywhere. After releasing him, Shri Maharaj brought him
back to the normal state. Shri Maharaj told Shri Shastry that he was impressed
by his steadfast determination and hard penance. So he was bestowing him the
Divine Ananda (Divine pleasure), forever. He conferred him the name “Brahmananda”.
Shri Maharaj told him to finish his penance with in a day or two and go to Indore. Shastry became very happy and began to chant the prayer, "Brahmendra Mukhya
maradurlabham….."
Then Shri Maharaj vanished.
According to his Guru’s advice, Shri “Brahmananda” completed his
penance, and went to Indore.
He went straight to Bhayya Saheb’s house. In spite of having lost
a lot of weight because of having only leaves for food, Shri Shastry was
recognized and welcomed there. Shri Brahmananda asked whether Shri Maharaj was
in Indore. He was told that Shri
Maharaj had gone back to Gondavale three days back. When they were talking,
Shri Bhayya Saheb received by post, a letter from Shri Maharaj. Shri Maharaj
had written that Shastry would be coming there after attaining ‘Brahmananda’,
and that he
should be looked after with care; and be sent to Gondavale after
two days. Likewise, the Indore devotees detained and looked after
Shri Brahmananda, with affection and regards for two days, and then sent him to
Gondavale.
Sri Brahmananda came to Gondavale and straight went to Shri
Maharaj, and with tears in his eyes bowed down to His feet. Shri Maharaj raised
him with affection. Shri Brahmananda, began to chant “Sashtanga vandhooni
Sadguroo raayaache”, spontaneously. Sri Brahmanand with his Guru’s Grace, had attained
self-realization. But, still he involved himself in the service of Shri Maharaja’s
household, doing all the menial chores and was in attendance of Shri Maharaj
all the twenty four hours.
One day, early in the morning, Shri Maharaj called him to his
side, and told him that he was happy with the service he was rendering. But,
due to the effect of Kali, righteousness was retreating and the unrighteousness
was advancing everywhere. So, it was necessary to spread Rama Bhakthi, and to
teach people the moral values. “Now you are fit for it. So, you go to your area
of Karnataka and spread Rama Bhakthi there. You teach them how the people can
attain the God even in domestic life, attending all the household
responsibilities and one need not renounce the world by taking Sanyasa. Your motherland of Karnataka is
waiting for you. Go there”, Sri Maharaj gave him a Kapini, a Kulavi (Cap) which
was on his head, His sandals, and a coin, and told him that he will always be
at his side, and if any where, at any time, if he was in a problem, he will
come there for his aid.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj felt
very sad to leave shri Maharaj, and spent the remaining day alone. Shri
Maharaj, noticing his absence, went in search of him and finding him alone,
told him of his duty of resurrecting the Dharma buddhi of the people. Of course, all the time, he will be
at his side.
Shri Brahmananda’s daily routine was to get up two hours before
sunrise, and did one hour of Nama japa ,and after taking bath, go to some
secluded place, and sit for Anusthan, up to an hour before sunset, come back to the village,
and go for alms to two or three houses. After getting whatever food they gave,
he used to offer before Shri Maharaj, before eating.
The small temple
in which Shri Brahmanand Maharaj used to sit for meditation.
Then after finishing his routine evening worship, he used to sing
Bhajans, in his sweet voice, which was well attended by the villagers. During all these days he spoke very
little. Considering his austerities, the villagers respected him, and some of
them took more care of him. Many times he used to forget himself in meditation,
and did not return home for three or four days. All these days he remained without
food. Considering his attitude, one elderly lady, Dwaraka bai Ranga Rao
Inamdar, took great care, and went around, and after tracing him sitting or
lying some where, she used to bring him to her house and gave him food. But, he
ate very little. Sri Brahmanand used to call her, who showered motherly
affections on him, ‘Kaki’, meaning ‘aunt’. He used to tell the wondrous tales
of Shri Maharaj to her. But, otherwise, he was almost silent and spoke with
nobody.
People began to understand that he has a Guru known as “Shri
Brahmachaitanya Maharaj” And they began to call Shri Brahmananda as “Guruji”
For some time, he stayed in a farm near Bheeshma Tank, in Gadag.
During that time, some Maharashtrian devotees of Shri Maharaj, who had come to
Gadag, visited him. They told that they were on the way to Gokarna. Shri Brahmanand smiled and chanted :
Jethe dise Sadguru charana teche aamha gokarna| Gokarnaacha
Maheshwara sadgurunath kharokara ||
Gondavale aise kshetra soduni jaave kaa itaratra || Gondavale aise
bhuvana sadgurooche janmasthaana || Managangaachiyaa teeri Lolataari
muktichaaree|| Brahmanannda saangoo kitee sadguruveenaa naahee gati ||
This made them realize the staunchness of Shri Brahmananda’s devotion
to his Guru, Shri Maharaj, and felt ashamed at their own short-coming.
After some days, he came back to Beladhadi and stayed there. He
told of his intention of building a Ram Mandir, in Beladhadi. Shri Inamdar gave
a place near his house, to construct the Mandir, and offered his service in the
construction. Guruji was very happy, and he began to collect the necessary
stones and bring them carrying on his head. After a month or two, he
again became silent, and with the intention of getting Shri Maharaj to that
place, he began anusthan.With in a few days, Shri Samartha Sadguru Brahmachaitanya
Maharaj, with a few of 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 even 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 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, everyone 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.
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.
After Shri Maharaj went away, Sri Brahmananda Maharaj became very active,
traveling and visiting the devotees of the surrounding places, and started the
construction of Shri Rama Mandir. He arranged Nama-sapthaha which was well
attended by the people from different places.
In Gadag, there was a person named Phadke, a devotee of Sri
Brahmananda Maharaj. Occasionally, Sri Brahmanand used to
stay over-night in Sri Phadke’s house when he visited Gadag. One day, Sri Phadke
asked Sri Brahmanand Maharaj to initiate the Taraka Manthra to him. Sri
Brahmanand told him to go to Gondavale and be initiated directly by Sri
Brahmachaithanya Maharaj. Sri Phadke insisted that it was enough for him if Sri
Brahmanand maharaj initiated the manthra, but Sri Brahmanand Maharaj refused.
Then, Sri Phadke told him that if Sri Brahmachaithanya Maharaj was
as powerful as he was described, can he himself come there and initiate him?
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj told him that there is nothing impossible for Sri
Brahmachaithanya Maharaj. He asked Sri Phadke to do pooja to Sri Gurupadaka
daily, and to chant Ram-nam with devotion. He asked him to fast on every
Thursday.
After about two months, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj visited his house.
The family was very happy and requested him to take his midday meal with them.
Sri Brahmanand told him, that as it was a Thursday, he will fast from the
morning and take food in the night only. So, he asked them to prepare the food
for the night, when he will come back for the night-meal. So, the entire family
decided to skip the food in the afternoon, and await Sri Brahmanand Maharaj. At
about 6 p.m. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj came there, and asked Sri Phadke to
take a bath. Meanwhile, he arranged for a Guru Peetha (a seat arranged for a
holy person), and pooja articles. As soon as Sri Phadke returned after taking a bath, Sri Brahanand started doing Bhajans
accompanied by the entire family. Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and
when the door was opened, they were all surprised and happy to see Sri
Brahmachaithanya Maharaj entering their house. Sri Maharaj sat on the
Gurupeetha which was ready, and Sri Phadke washed the divine feet of Maharaj,
and did the Arathi. Sri Maharaj lovingly intiated Sri Phadke with the taraka
Manthra. Afterwards they all ate food there. A room was arranged with bed for
Sri Maharaj. When Sri Maharaj went to bed, Sri Phadke was pressing his legs
till he slept. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj slept in a separate room.
Early in the morning, Sri Phadke was awaiting Sri Maharaj to wake
up and come out of the room. But as the sun-rise approached, Sri Maharaj did
not come out. Sri Phadke got suspicious
and went inside the room..To his surprise,
Sri Maharaj not there. So, he
went the other room where Sri Brahmanand
was sleeping, and there also he did not find Sri Brahmanand. He was stunned,
and became very un-happy. He searched in the houses of other devotees of Gadag,
for the saints, but not a trace of them anywhere. He started fasting with
devotion, and the second morning, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj came to him and
consoled him stating that when the Ashta Siddhis were always ready to serve Him,
it is not difficult for Sri Maharaj to satisfy the desire of such a devotee
like Sri Phadke. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj stayed with him for a few hours,
took food in their house in the afternoon and went away advising them to do
namasmaran.
The construction of Shri Rama Mandir at Beladhadhi was completed
and the idols were ready to be installed. A day was set-up for installation. A
large number of erudite Sanskrit scholars and priests were invited to conduct the
installation ceremony. Sadguru Sri Brahmachaithanya maharaj came from Gondavale
and personally installed the Divine idols of Shri Ram, Shri Lakshman, Shri Sita
Mai and Shri Hanuman. Thousands of people poured in from surrounding places to
witness the holy ceremony. Food was served to everyone. Sri Maharaj told them
all to chant Ram-nam. After the ceremonies were over, Shri Maharaj left for
Gondavale with his retinue.
Shri Brahmanand Maharaj laid out the programs for daily pooja
activities in the newly constructed Mandir. As per
the order of Shri Maharaj, he renovated all the old temples in the
Village. He also constructed a well, and called it “Sri Rama Thirtha”. He
prompted many people to take up Ram-nam. Though he was permitted by Shri
Maharaj to initiate the Tarak manthra, himself, he used to send the people to
Shri Maharaj for initiation. He put up plaques on Sri Rama Mandir and Sri Rama
Thirtha, stating that they were constructed by Shri Brahmachaithanya Maharaj. This shows his humility and devotion to his Guru and unselfishness.
His righteous attitude attracted
people wherever he went. He instructed
them to chant Ram-nam. He sent them to Gondavale to get initiated by Shri
Maharaj. He used to sing Marathi Bhajans which, people of Beladhadhi and other
places he frequented, could not understand. So he wrote and chanted many
Kannada Bhajans which impressed the local people. Though, he was a saint of the
first order disinterested in the worldly life, he attended the people in their
dire need. He helped many people out of their problems.
Though he advocated chanting of Ram-naam for all evils, he
instructed them not to forsake their duties. He arranged Sri Rama -nama –week at many places and helped to establish
Sri Rama Mandir at several places.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj, once visited Kurtakoti, a place near
Gadag. In Kurtakoti, there was a young man, named Lingana Gowda who was well educated. He was well versed in both English and
Sanskrit languages. He could subjugate many scholars in arguments. He learnt
from some sources that Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was well versed in Vedantha,
having studied in Varanasi. So
Sri Lingana Gowda invited Sri Brahamanad Maharaj to his house and during
conversation, started to ask some questions with the intention of knowing about the scholarship of Sri Brahmananda Maharaj. But Sri Brahmananda
Maharaj, smiled, and told him that from the time when Sri Brahma
Chaithanya Maharaj Graced and initiated him, he has sold his tongue entirely
to ‘Sri Rama naam’. He told: “With Sri Maharaj’s divine favor my desires for
Shastra and Meemaamsa have vanished. By my Guru’s Grace my earlier
interest for Shastras have declined and I have realized
that one cannot get real satisfaction and peace from these shastras
.Without chanting Nama (God’s name) this life will be a mere waste”. The
young man was very much impressed, and requested Sri Brahmanand Maharaj to
initiate him. Sri Brahmanand told him that as Sadguru Sri Bramachaithanya
Maharaj would be visiting Gadag and other places shortly, he could be initiated
by Sri Maharaj himself.
Naragunda is a small village but had many followers of
Shri Brahmananda Maharaj. Naragund devotees wanted to arrange a
thera koti (13 crores ) Rama-Jap in their place. So, they requested Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj to help them. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj wanted to take
permission of Shri Maharaj. So, on behalf of the villagers he wrote a letter to
Sri Appa Saheb Bhadavankar of Pandarpur asking to intimate the desire of the
villagers to Sri Maharaj and take his permission to start the thera-koti Japa at Naragund. Here, we have to note that Sri Brahmanand did
not write letters directly to Sri Maharaj., but wrote to a person who is near
Shri Maharaj at that time and asked him to intimate Sri Maharaj about his
letter.
Sri Maharaj replied in a letter to Sri Brahmananda
expressing his pleasure and approval for starting the Thera Koti Japaanushtaan
at Naragunda.. .The villagers were pleased and started the Manthra Jap with Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj taking the lead. Many devotees from surrounding villages
began to come there and participate in the Japaanushtaan. The food and shelter
were arranged for all the outsiders. As the days went on, the number of
participants increased and the thirteen crore Japa sankalpa was almost at its
end. Sri Brahmanand sent two of the villagers to Gondavale to invite Sri
Maharaj for the closing ceremony. One of them was Sri Shiva Deekshit of
Yavagal, which is near Naragund. Sri Maharaj delayed his visit for the reason he only knew. But when he
started on his journey after nearly two months, many devotees accompanied him.
Meanwhile, at Nargund, expecting the arrival of Sri Maharaj, thousands of devotees
gathered.
On the way, they came to Yavagal. In Yavagal, Sri Shiva
Deekshit had constructed a Mandir on the instruction of Sri Maharaj, and
the idols of Sri Dattatreya and Sri
Pattaabhi Ram were ready to be installed. Sri Brahmananda Guruji
had arranged everything for the installation ceremony. Yavagal devotees
received Sri Maharaj with all the enthusiasm and devotion. Sri Maharaj
installed the divine idols in the newly constructed Mandir.
Then the entire retinue went to Naragund.
In Naragund, Sri Rama Sapthaha was conducted, in the presence
of Sri Maharaj , and the devotees there might have felt the thrill
of the Divine presence.
However, Naragund locals found to their dismay, that
the water in the tank which was feeding the entire village with drinking water,
was dwindling , and they felt it may not be sufficient for the entire
programme, with nearly ten thousand people assembled there. Besides, that was
the only source of drinking water the villagers had. The villagers
confided with Sri Brahmananda Maharaj the cause of their worry. Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj told them not to worry as the Divine Sri Brahma Chaithanya
Maharaj himself was there, there will not be any shortage.
The homas and rituals were over. All the assembled were fed with
Maha Prasad; the clouds began to gather, and by evening a heavy rain began
to pour and with in a short time the tanks and wells began to fill, and
the villagers were very happy and heaved a sigh of relief.
Sri Maharaj stayed in Naragund for about eight days and visited
other surrounding places on the requests of his devotees. At each place Sri
Maharaj visited, many people took to Ramnam, being initiated by Sri Maharaj
himself. Sri Linganagowda of Kurtakoti was also initiated. He became a great
devotee and followed Sri Maharaj wherever He went.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj requested Sri Maharaj to Grace the
celebrations of Sri Ramotsav to be held at Beladhadi. That year, Sri Ramotsav
at Beladadhi, with Sri Maharaj at the helm was a grand affair. It was a nine
days celebration, and Sri Maharaj asked LinganaGowda, to speak on Bhagavatha.
Sri Maharaj liked his speech, and called him Maha Bhagavat. Sri Maharaj
always addressed him as Maha Bhagavat. So,Sri Lingana Gowda retained the
name of Maha Bhagavat. He surrendered himself entirely to Sri Maharaj, went to
Gondavale with him and worked for Sri Maharaj for several years. He has
written several abhangs in kannada. He came back to Kurtakoti
after Sri Maharaj ordered him to return and spread Ram-naam in the
surrounding area.
A few words about Gadag: Gadag is a place sanctified by several
visits of Sri Brahmachaithanya Maharaj. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj’s places of
action (Beladhadi,Venkatapur, Kurtakoti, Bidarahalli,Naragund,
Bidarahally, Teradala, Ashwathapura,Jaalihala.. to name only a
few) were mostly surrounding or near Gadag. Sri Bahu Saheb Ketkar, Poojya
Tatya Saheb Ketkar Maharaj’s father was in service here, as an Engineer.
Though he had met Sri Maharaj, once, long back. it was here he understood the
Divinity of Sri Maharaj and surrendered to him. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj had a
large number of following here. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj renovated an old Shiva Temple in Gadag-Betegeri. There is an old and
beautiful Sri VeeranarayanTemple in Gadag which inspired, five hundred
years back, Sri Narayanappa (Kumara Vyasa) to write the inspiring Mahabharatha
kaavya in Kannada. Sitting near a pedestal inside the temple Sri Narayanappa is
supposed to have written that great work which is also known as Gadugina
Bharatha.
During His stay in Kurthakoti, a painter, Sri Harappanahally
painted Sri Maharaj sitting with a Red Kapini,which became very famous with the devotees of Sri Maharaj.
Thousands of copies of the painting were printed and distributed, freely.
At Kurtakoti, a sculptor offered three sets of Padukas and a
beautiful Maruthi statue ,all in black granite, to Sri
Maharaj. Sri Maharaj, on the request of devotees, stood on
each of the Padukas and the poojas were done. Sri
Mahabhagavat requested Sri Maharaj to install them in Kurthakoti
. Sri Maharaj told not to
install the Padukas as the occasion to install them will rise in due
course. But, Sri Maharaj installed the Maruthi idol in the place provided by
Sri Maha Bhagavat.
While at Beladhadhi, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj took Sri Maharaj to
Venkatapur.. He showed him the udbhava Venkateshwara swamy in the old and small
temple and expressed the need to renovate the temple. Sri Maharaj lovingly
asked him to take up the project.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj accompanied Sri Maharaj when he returned to
Gondavale. He stayed at Gondavale awaiting Sri Maharaj’s order to return. But,
within a few days, Sri Maharaj started for Varanasi with hundreds of
disciples. Sri Maharaj asked Sri Brahmanand Maharaj to join them.
To accompany Sri Maharaj on a pilgrimage is a blessing for the
devotees. The divine presence of Sri Maharaj with Sri Brahmanand at his side,
gave the accompanying devotees the divine pleasure. Sri Brahmanand maharaj was
always in attendance of Sri Maharaj, and for him, Sri Maharaj was the supreme
Deity Sri Ram..
Sri Maharaj had established a Sri Rama Mandir during one of his earlier visits to Varanasi. The Mandir is known as
Tilwankar Rama Mandir, as the place belonged to Sri Hari narayan Tilwankar.
Sri Maharaj's Ram Mandir at Varanasi.
Sri Maharaj and the devotees stayed in Varanasi for about a month and a half after
visiting Prayag, Ayodhya and other places. That year, Guru pournami was celebrated in Varanasi. Sri Maharaj was seated on a
high chair, and Guru pooja was done with great devotion.
After returning to Gondavale, Sri Brahmananda Maharaj , with Sri
Maharaj’s permission, went back to his place. He went straight to Teradala,
where he had arranged for Rama nama sapthaha. A large number of people
assembled. A thera koti (thirteen crores) Japa sankalpa was made. Soon, the
small village of Teradala , became
holy with the large number of anugraheet (initiated) devotees, and
the thera koti Japam was completed with in a few months. Sri Brahmanand
Maharaj sent a few villagers to invite Sri Maharaj.for the Sangatha yagnya
(closing ceremony). But, Sri Maharaj expressed his inability
to go there due to his illness, but sent his blessings. But Sri Brahmanand
Maharaj was not ready to conduct the ceremony without Sri Maharaj. So, he
postponed the function. After nearly one year, on Sri Maharaj’s strict
instruction to complete the Sangatha Ygnya., the sangatha yagnya was carried
out in Teradala in a grand and fitting manner. Thousands of people were fed
with delicious dishes and the main feature was poor-feeding. Sri Brahmanand
Maharaj arranged everything perfectly,.
On request from Pandarpur devotees, Sri Maharaj went to Pandarpur
with hundreds of devotees and stayed there for more than three months. He
called Sri Brahmanand to be with him. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj went to Pandarpur
and had the pleasure of being with Sri Maharaj. They were staying in the Rama
Mandir there. Every day, there was Annadaan, and thousands of people were
satiated with the divine Prasad. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was looking after the
kitchen and the serving of food.
One day, Sri Maharaj expressed his desire of calling all the
Brahmins and beggars of Pandarpur, the next day, for
Midday meal. Some one
estimated the expenses may go up to one thousand four hundred rupees. Sri
Maharaj, asked whether any of the devotees present there can bear
the expenses. As no response came from any one, Sri Maharaj asked
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj to arrange the
next day’s feast. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj humbly, answered in the
affirmative.
That was already late in the evening. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj went
to Sri Panduranga darshan, with one of his Karnatak disciples. On the
way, he met a house-holder who bowed to him, and requested him to go to his
house which was near by. At his house, he gave a packet, and told him that he
had a dream previous night of Sri Panduranga asking him to handover certain
amount to Sri Brahmanand Maharaj. So, after collecting the required amount he
was going to Sri Rama Mandir to meet Sri Brahmanand Maharaj. But, he was
pleased to meet him on the way. Now, that he had handed over the packet, he was
satisfied that Sri Panduranga Vithala’s order to him has been carried
out, and requested Sri Brahmanand Maharaj to accept it. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj
was pleased and asked him to visit the Rama Mandir, next day, at 10 a.m. to
have darshan of Sri Maharaj and to take prasadam there.
After returning to his place of stay, Sri Brahmanand checked the
contents of the packet and found that there
were rupees one thousand four hundred in it, exactly the amount
required for the next day’s feast. So, as per Sri Maharaj’s wish, all the
Brahmins and Beggars of
Pandharpur were invited for the lunch, and a festive food was
served to all.
That year, Guru Pournami was celebrated in Pandharpur. The
arrangements were grander than at Varanasi,
and thousands of devotees garlanded and bowed down to Sri Maharaj’s feet with
great fervour and devotion.
Soon after the Guru Pournami ,Sri Maharaj gave permission for Sri
Brahmanand to return, and himself went back to Gondavale, with all his retinue.
After returning from Phandharpur, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was
more meditative. But, the constructions at Venkatapur demanded more of his
attention. He himself went to Badami, and got stone pillars and other
slabs for roofing. Transporting those stones to Venkatapur from Badami might
have been a herculean task, at that time. With no motorized vehicles,
transporting on ox driven carts, might have taken a long time and very
expensive. But as the work progressed, more stones were needed and had to be
procured from Badami.
One Sri Thirukambhat of Hombala., well versed in shastras and
quite rich, was a staunch devotee of Bhagavan Shankar, and he was praying
him daily to show the way to emancipation. One day, he had a dream in which
Bhagavan Shankar appeared and told him that he
39
will be meeting his Sadguru shortly. Soon after, Sri Brahmanad
Maharaj went to his house calling his name.
Sri Thirukambhat, suddenly realized that this was the Guru, he was
in search of, and the Guru, Bhagvan Shankar pointed out. So, Sri Thirukambatt
fell down at the feet of Sri Brahmanand Maharaj and surrendered himself to Him.
Sri Thirukambatt stayed at Venkatapur, on the order of Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj, and supervised the works there. He also went to Badami
several times to get the required stones.
Sri Guruji Brahmanand Maharaj was active in meeting devotees,
traveling from village to village and from town to town, arranging Rama
Sapthahas and advising the people to take up Ram-nam.
One day, while he was in Gadag, he woke up early morning, sent for
a barber, and got his head shaved. After taking bath, he went inside his room
and sat for meditation. He did not come out of the room for a few hours. When
he came out of the room, a pensive
Looking Guruji started immediately
for Beladhadhi by walk.
Soon after he went, a telegraphic message was received at Gadag,
about Sri Maharaj leaving his body. The message was sent immediately through a
young devotee, Sri Nagappa, who ran and caught Guruji within a few
40
kilometers. Learning about the message, Guruji sat down and wept
like a child. He exclaimed, “The talking God
has gone away! by spending
Rs.2/- on a ticket we could have seen him.“. Controlling himself, he went on
his journey. But, he was not seen by any one for three days. After three days,
he came to Beladhadhi.
At Gondavale, the saddest thing had happened. When Sri Maharaj
left his body on Margashira Bahula Dashami, 22-12-1913, there was a commotion. Though Sri
Maharaj had told several people of his intending departure, no one was
prepared. Sri Bhau Saheb Ketkar sent telegraphic messages to all the devotees.
In particular, as no one knew of the whereabouts of Sri Brahmananda Maharaj, he
sent the telegrams to several places like Gadag, Hubli, Dharwad etc.
The devotees there decided to proceed further only after the
arrival of Sri Brahmanand Maharaj. But, there was no trace of him. They waited
till next day. Then they decided
not to wait any longer and cremated the body on the afternoon of
23-12-1913.
At Beladhadhi, Sri Brahmanand Guruji arranged a seven days program
starting from the fifth day of Sri Maharaj’s departure. He sent words to all
the devotees in the surrounding places, and Nama sapthaha was carried out. A
temporary shelter was put up on a big area. Sri Maharaj’s Picture was placed on a high pedestal. Bhajans and
Japanushtan was arranged non-stop. Food was arranged for thousands, and the
poor people were fed sumptuously, every day.
Sri Brahmananda Maharaj showed here that the devotees of Sri Maharaj have to perform His aradhana wherever they are, with Bhajans, Japanushthan and Annadaan.
Though he immediately did not go to Gondavale, he had maintained
the contacts. He had to write to Sri Bhavana Rao, who had kept the Astis
(bones) of Sri Maharaj for himself in safe keeping, and was adamant not to give
them to anybody, to handover to Sri Haripant Master to be sent for immersion in
Triveni Sangam at Prayaag..
When Sri Brahmanand Maharaj went to Gondavale, he arranged to
construct a Samadhi Mandir at the place of cremation of Sri Maharaja’s body. On
consulting with other devotees, it was decided to construct the Samadhi mandir similar to the one at Sajjanghad. The building was
scheduled to be completed before the first Punya Thithi.
That year, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj stayed in Gondavale for Sri
Ramotsav. Sri Ramotsav was performed on a grand scale with Bhajans,
Japanushthan and Annadaan. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj had taken many disciples with
him, among them there were devotees from Ashwathpur
who were good cooks They cooked delicious dishes on
every day of the Utsav.
Sri Maharaj had left a will. He had divided his property into two
portions. One consisted of what he got from his ancestors. And the other
portion was what he had earned. The one he inherited, he named his cousins as
the inheritors. The other portion was left to Sri Rama Mandir. He named Panchs
(five Trustees ) to look after the Rama Mandir.
Sri Maharaj had proposed the trustees as: 1) Brahmananda 2) Appa
Saheb Bhadavankar. 3) Bapu Saheb sathe . 4) Tatya sahib chapalgavkar. The fifth
one was Himself.
But, Sri Brahmandand Maharaj, after the Ramotsav, told that as he
will be in Karnataka, most of the time, it may not be possible to look after
the affairs of the Gondavale trust, properly. So, he said that in his place, he
would appoint Sri Paagaa Phadanees of Sangli.
Sri Appa Saheb Bhadavankar will be the chief trustee. Sri
Brahmanand, however, worked in the interest of the Gondavale Mandir.
Many people of the surrounding places used to keep their money
with Sri Maharaj for safe keeping and took back whenever they needed. Sri
Maharaj had warned them to take back their money because of his approaching
end.
But many of them did not respond to his advice. After Sri Maharaj
left his body, they were worried about their money and wanted it back.
But it seemed difficult for the Mandir trust to return as per their demands. A
few of their demands seemed to be bogus. Sri Maharaj had not kept any written
account of them. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj came to the rescue. He told Sri Appa
Saheb, “Is it not the duty of the children to meet the commitments made by
their father? So, we have to return any money Sri Maharaj had to pay. Those
people are asking in the name of Sri Maharaj. Whether it is true or false
is not our concern. Sri Maharaj will take care of it. We will raise the amount
required among ourselves, and pay back”. The amount the trust had to pay
was about Rs.3000=00 . Sri Brahmanad took out Rs.500=00 from his bag, and
gave it to Sri Appa Saheb. Immediately, the other devotees present also gave
their contribution and soon, Rs.3000=00 was collected and demands of all those
people were met with.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj made a tour and went up to Jalna to collect funds for the
construction of the Samadhi Mandir. He had many followers, in Karnataka, who
donated for the construction.
Sri Appa Saheb Bhadavankar looked after the construction of the
Mandir, and reported the completion
of the building to Sri Brahmanada Maharaj. Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj and Sri Mahabhagavat went to Kurtakoti and brought to
Gondavale, the best one among the three Shila Padukas which were
graced by Sri Maharaj by standing on each of them, when he visited Kurtakoti..
Everything was arranged to install the Padukas during the first
Aradhana Mahotsav.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj toured extensively and invited all the
devotees for the installation ceremony and the Aradhanotsav. Invitations were also
posted to devotees of Sri Maharaj, all over India.
A big temporary shelter was erected; a temporary kitchen with a
store was also built.
As the day approached devotees began to pour in. Arrangements were
made for their comfortable stay. All the ten days, the kitchen was active
serving the devotees with Tea, breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The Divine Padukas were installed in the Samadhi Mandir on
Margashira Bahula Padyami. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj spoke a few words on Sri
Maharaj: “Do not be discouraged that our Sadgurunatha has disappeared from our
eyes by leaving his earthly body. Know that, that Great Prophet is re-born
to-day. Earlier, being inside the material body, he could only be at Gondavale
to think about the welfare of his devotees. But, now, in his spiritual form, he
has enveloped the whole world and protects the devotees by staying eternally in
their hearts. Installing the kind Sadguru in your heart, bowing down to his
feet, chant day and night the Sri Rama Taraka Mantra initiated by him. Sri Ram
will definitely take care of you”. Having said these words, Sri Brahmananda
Maharaj did the Arathi, and then chanted the Guru Parampara Stotra:
'Narayantwaadi gurum paresham….. ' Performing the deergha danda Pranam, he
started the Bhajan: Raghupati
Raghava Raja Ram Patita Pavana Seeta Ram. which was repeated by the others.
Thus started the Akhanda Bhajan which continued non stop for ten days.
Likewise, Akhanda Japanushtan, Puraana pravachan, Keerthan, continued for ten
days up to Margashira Bahula Dashami..
After the Aradhanotsav, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj stayed for a month
in Gondavale, and arranged for the regular poojas to be conducted in the
Samadhi Mandir and at all
the temples built by Sri Maharaj in Gondavale. He made
arrangements for the food and accommodation to the many devotees from other
places, visiting the Samadhi Mandir. He arranged for the construction of the
goshaala (cow-shed) near the Samadhi Mandir.
Then he left Gondavale. Sri Maharaj had ordered for the renovation
of the temple at Venkatapur. The construction was going on. He had to supervise
it. In order to raise funds for the expenses, he had to visit the places where
he had followers. Most of the time, he walked the distances on barefoot. On the
way, he chanced to visit Ramadurga, a small village. He had a large number of
followers there. But, when he mentioned about the contribution to the
construction of the Venkatapur temple, they all pleaded that as there was
famine because of the absence of the rain, they could willingly do any
work Guruji tells except giving out money. For that Sri Brahmanand
Maharaj
smiled, and told them then that they should do one and a half
crores of nama-japam within fifteen days. They all agreed. And the Japam
started the same day. To start with, there were only 30 members. But as the
news spread, many people from the surrounding places participated. Sri
Brahmanand maharaj arranged food for all of them. The one and a half crores of
Japam were completed on the fifteenth day. The completion ceremony (Saangatha
Yagnya) was arranged on the next day; and all the people of the village were invited for the Maha Prasad.
When Sri Brahmanad maharaj started to leave the place, all
the people of the village assembled and gave out whatever money they could
afford individually. Sri Brahmanad maharaj asked them to do namasmaran; he
blessed that Sri Ram will remove all their difficulties and improve their
condition.
After renovating the Sri Venkateshwara temple, he had only the
work of spreading Ram-nam, as per his Guru’s order. He arranged many
sapthahas and initiated thousands of people with Tharaka naam. As
his main work was spreading of Ram-nam and Annadaan, he used to get cooks from
a place called Pimpala, near Udupi in Karnataka. The Brahmins there were very
poor and lived by cooking . One Sri Ramaiah and his team were regular cooks for
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj. They developed high regard for Sri Brahmanand Maharaj ,
and took to Ram naam. After witnessing the constructions of many Rama Mandirs,
they felt they should also build a Rama mandir in their place. When they
expressed their desire, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj ignored it initially. But when
their urge was extreme, he asked them to request Sri Maharaj when he visited
Bidarahally Ramotsav. These cooks fell on the hot sand before the procession of
Sri Maharaj, and got sanctioned for the Mandir. They got the Mandir ready and
even the Idols for installation; but as Sri Maharaj was
unwell and Sri Brahmanand was not very willing personally to
install the idols, they could not get the Rama Mandir, early. After Shri
Maharaj left his body, they again approached Sri Brahmanand Maharaj with
intense desire for the Mandir. Sri Brahmanad agreed , but told them that the
idols they already had were not suitable and got different idols from Bombay. Finally, the idols were
installed, and as the place where the Mandir was built was full of Ashwatha
trees, he called the place as Ashwathapur. He formed a trust of devotees to
look after the Mandir. He charted out the daily pooja Vidhaan, which is
followed to this day.
Before he left Ashwathapur, he handed out the Prasad of cashew
nuts, handful to each of the devotees gathered to see him off. The cashews were
placed in a plate, but the devotees were many. But he gave the handful of cashews
with his blessings to everybody. Needless to say that the number of cashews in
the plate increased automatically,
and still, a few more
remained in the plate after giving out to everybody.
This event of the installation of Sri Rama Mandir, became a
turning point in the lives of the villagers. Their prosperity increased and now
the Aswathapurians have spread all over the world with success to their credit
in different field
From then on, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj stayed more at Venkata pur.
His Bhajans were very inspiring. He wrote many Bhajans in Kannada and Marathi.
They contain his teachings to the common man. A few of his Kannada
Bahajans are given here.
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gajaananaa
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50
Brahma nandage mati kodo ganapati
raama pada bhakti bidadante.
-------------------------------------------------
2) Rama Rama Rama Seetha Rama
Rama anniri. Ramasmaraneya horatu kaala vyartha kaleya bediri.||Pa||
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Snaana Sandhya nitya nema
japava tapavanu maadiri| saayosankaTa bandaroo paradharma hidiyabediri ||1||
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Tande taayi bandhu balagavu
mithyavendu tiliyiri| nandu naanendemba mohava bittu raamana bhajisiri ||2||
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Kaama krodha moha bittu
manasu jalajalamaadiri| kaayavaacha manasininda guruvige sharanhogiri ||2||
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Pararanaari pararadravya
narakavendu tiliyiri| chinteyillade raamachintisi janana maranava neegiri ||4||
51
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Bhaktibhaavadinda sadguru
hariyu haranendariyiri | guruvinappaneyante nadedare muktiyendu tiliyiri ||5||
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Divasa raatri saadhu santara
sanghavanne bayasiri | brahmaanandaru saari heluva raama naamava japisiri ||6||
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Patita paavana embo birudu satya
maado raama indu
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Saadhu santa mahantarellaa deena
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hogaluvudu ninna keerti
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Brahmaananda beduva raamaa
hrudayadalli bitto premaa ||6||
----------------------------------
Sri Shankaracharya of Koodli Mutt visited Venkatapur. When
he found the atmosphere serene and calm, he decided to stay there for four
months during chaaturmaasa.. Sri Brahmanand maharaj agreed and made
arrangements for his comfortable stay along with his retinue.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj arranged the Ramotsav in Beladhadi in a
very grand manner inviting Sri Maharaj’s devotees from all over the country.
Poojya Venkannaiah of Chintamani also received the invitation. He was very much
interested to go there for the nine-day function, and
53
Applied for leave. But, as the day of departure approached he did
not receive the leave of approval from his head-office. He thought his leave
was not sanctioned. But, as he had applied for the leave, and it was a week-end any way, he went to Beladhadi
planning to return by Monday morning to
attend his work at the usual time.
SriBrahmanand Maharaj gladly received him, and arranged for
his stay. Sri Venkannaiah had great moments of meditation and Bhajans
there. He was addressed as ‘Mysoor Buva’ by Sri Brahmanand maharaj.( In those
times, Mysore was a separate country comprising of sevaral districts like
Mysore, Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkur, Hassan etc, ruled by Raja of Mysore..
Anybody from any of these places was called as a Mysorean, in other places.
Dharwar, Gadag, Bijapur and some other places of the present Karnataka
belonged to either Bombay Presidency or Hyderabad).
After two days, he had to return for the work, Sri Venkannaiah
approached Sri Brhamanand Maharaj for permission. But Sri Brahamandand Maharaj
asked him to stay. He could not disobey Sri Brahmananda Maharaj, so he remained
there.
After two more days Sri Venkannaiah again approached Sri Brahmananda Maharaj and told of
his inability to stay further because of his office. but again Sri Brahmanand Maharaj asked him to
remain there. Now, Sri
54
Venkannaiah was worried, but could not disobey the order of the
great saint. However, he was happily surprised to receive, two days later, the
leave-approval notice which was re-directed to Beladhadhi by one of his
friends. The great saint must have known about the leave-approval! Other-wise,
Sri Venkannaiah would have missed
the grand final day!
Once, in Menasagi village, near Gadag, a few devotees were
reading the Jaimini Bharatha in a temple. During their talk, they remembered
that Sri Brahmanada guruji had not
visited their place since a long time. So, they thought of visiting Venkatapur
themselves to see him. But, with in half an hour, even while they were
sitting there, they were pleasantly surprised when Sri Guruji
himself went there. They all bowed down to him. Sri Brahmanand told them, “A little while ago, when you remembered
me, I was on my way to Kannur from Yavagal .with a few persons. I sent them
directly, and came here intending to go to Kannur later. They were all very
happy and each asked him to visit their house. But Sri Guruji went to Tammanna
Rao’s house and asked him to invite others to next day’s Pooja and
Mahaprasad. Later, he started to go to Kannur. But, the devotees wanted
to send him in a bullock cart. So, after searching they could find only a cart
and a pair of new untrained bullocks. The other trained bullocks being taken to
the farms at that time. So, they instructed the cart-man to go slowly
and carefully as the bullocks were untrained.
After leaving the village, Sri Guruji asked the cart-man to sit
behind and took the rein himself. Asking the cart-man to hold him-self
strongly, started to drive the bullocks in a high speed. Bullocks started to
run and in no time they reached the destination. Soon after reaching the place,
he paid the cart-man with extra money to get the bullocks grains as they had a
hard work.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was very receptive to the difficulties and
problems of the devotees; helped and guided them at the time of their need
always instructing them to chant Ram-nam.
When the construction work of Sri Venkatapur Mandir was in
progress, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was in urgent need of money. So, he sent Sri
Tirukambatt to Sri Chidambara Bhatta of Chkka Handigola, asking him a sum
of Rupees One thousand, stating that it will be returned in a month. Sri
chidambara bhatt , as he had no ready cash, gave some jewels to Sri Tirukambatt
for pledging against money. However, after some days he began to worry whether
he would get back the Jewels. Sri Tirukambat gave the jewels to Sri
Brahmanand Maharaj. The construction of the Mandir progressed. However,
Sri Chidambara Bhat’s worrying about the jewels increased, and finally, one
morning, he told himself that if Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was really an avatar, as people believed, he
will get back his jewels within two or three days.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj was in a camp in a village near Gadag. He
called Sri Tirukambat and gave him the jewels. As the money for the
construction was adjusted, he asked him to go to Chikka Handigola and
return the jewels to Sri Chidambara Bhat. Sri Chidambara Bhat was shocked
to find his jewels returned on the same day of his determination. He felt
very bad for doubting such a divine person as Sri Brahmanand Maharaj.
Shree Brahmanand Maharaj was getting intermittent
fever. He might have felt that his time had come. One day,
(Bhadrapada bahula sapthami), after attending to the regular pooja to the Lord
Venkateshwar, in venkatapur, he went to Beladhadi in the evening. After
taking darshan of Sri Ram, he went round Beladhadhi and met all the house
-holders with a smile on his face. Later, he left for Hubli. He went to Sri
Dattopanth Tabib’s house. This was the house where Sri Maharaj had stayed in,
when he visited Hubli to install Sri Ram near that house. That was a fortnight
of Pitru Paksha. During that period, most of the people celebrate a ritual
remembering their ancestors. Sri Brahmanand Maharaj celebrated the ritual
remembering Sri Maharaj on the Dashami day, in Sri Tabib’s house. He went to
Kagawad, next day, on Ekadashi. Next
morning,
57
he asked Sri Moodalappa who had accompanied him from Beladhadhi to
return. When Moodalappa refused to leave him alone, commenting on the weakness
of Sri Brahmanand Maharaj, Guruji told him that as there was plague
in Kagawad, he must return as he was a householder with young
children. After being convinced to return, Sri Moodalappa, noticing that
Guruji’s bag was empty, offered one hundred rupee note to Guruji. Guruji
refused with a laughter, “why, do you think I have no money?” , stating that he
poured hundreds of coins from his small bag. Moodalappa was dumb-founded. Guruji told him that the marriage of the
daughter of Tirukambhat scheduled to be held at Venkatapur must be held at the
scheduled time, even if there was any delay in his returning.
In Kagawad, many devotees came for his darshan. Some expressed
surprise about his visit, as the Navarathri festival was approaching, and
nobody would have dreamt of his leaving Venkatapur-Beladhadhi during that time.
Next morning, Sri Brahmanand Maharaj and others were waiting for
the bullock cart to go to Navabhag, River Krishna flows near Navabhag.. He was
joking with the GuruBhaktas who were there. He addressed Sri Hari Bhavoo and
told that if he died, not to burn the body or do any kind of rituals. He
advised them to tie the body with four empty pots to the four corners and
immerse it in the Krishna River, where the river is deep. He
told that as he was a bachelor, no rituals were necessary. When they reached
NavaBhag he went to the river with the
devotees to bathe. While bathing he enquired to know where the river was deep.
Then, he asked some one present to wash the small bag he was carrying as it was dirty. Afterwards,
he felt that he did not require the bag any more, and filling it up with water,
he immersed it in the river. In the evening he did Bhajans. The Bhajans were
very emotional. He did not take any food that night. As it was Thursday,
he would not take anything accept Sri Guru Theertha.
He woke up early and did his morning ablutions. After finishing up
his usual prayers, he lied down on his bed and started to breathe heavily.
Noticing that he did not wake up even after 7 a.m. the devotees thought that he
must be oversleeping as he might have some disturbed sleep in the night. So,
they began to chant Bhajans. Again, after some time, noticing that he did not
wake up still, they got worried. They sent for a doctor from a near-by village.
He checked the pulse, and found the pulse rate had come down and declared him
as no more. The devotees shifted down the body to floor. They sent telegrams to
Sri Bheema Rao Gaadagoli of Gadag who was Sri Brahmanand Maharaj’s sister’s
son, and to some other devotees. .
At about 10-30 a.m. they found a sudden movement of hands, and
suddenly Sri Brahmanand Maharaj opened his
eyes and looked at the surrounding devotees with a smile on his
lips. The surrounding devotees were delighted that nothing had happened to
Guruji. But, suddenly, chanting ‘Ram, Ram’, he closed his eyes not to open any
more.
Thus ended the life of a great saint. He left his body to mingle
with his Guru Sri Brahma Chaithanya Maharaj. He was an Ichchaa Marani (a person
who can die only when he wants) like Bhishma. He might have felt his work
living in that body was over.
Sri Brahmanand Maharaj‘s body was immersed in the Krishna
River as per his wish.
He was a great disciple, a great saint. His devotion and obedience
towards his Guru cannot have an equal..
Once Sri Brahmanand had gone to Gondavale. Though he himself had
thousands of followers, he would be the humblest of servants to Sri Maharaj.
When he was present, he would allow none to do the personal service to his
Guru. He would always be at the beck and call of Sri Maharaj.
Sri Maharaj had to go to Naravani village which is about 10 kms
from Gondavale. Sri Maharaj started on the journey soon after lunch. Sri Damle
and Sri Manjreji immediately got over the tonga and sat with Sri Maharaj. Sri
Brahmanand maharaj came with some articles needed by Sri Maharaj and kept them
in the Tonga. Sri Maharaj asked
him to accompany them. Sri Brahmanand immediately started to follow them walking behind the Tonga. Sri Maharaj asked him to climb
up into the Tonga, but Sri
Brahmanand did not heed him. It was a hot day. Then, Sri Maharaj threw out his
sandals (foot-wear) asking Sri Brahmanand to wear them as he was on bare
foot. But, as soon as he got Sri Maharaj’s sandals, he placed them on his head
and began to follow the tonga, some time running and some time walking.
Sri Maharaj finished his work and returned after about two hours. Sri
Brahmanand again followed the Tonga,
running bare-foot. Sri Damle and Sri Manjreji felt Sri Brahmanand disobeyed Sri
Maharaj by not getting into the Tonga.
They discussed this matter with Sri Bahu Saheb Ketkar. Sri Ketkar, told them
that it was they who committed mistake by sitting next to Sri Maharaj in the Tonga, and not Sri Brahmanand Maharaj.
Then, Sri Damleji asked Sri Brahmanand why he did not wear the sandals
thrown by Sri Maharaj, Sri Brahmanand maharaj told them Sri Maharaj’s sandals
were fit only to be carried on his head. He told that as soon as he put them on
his head, the scorching Sun became cool towards him and he did not feel any
heat or tiresomeness for running behind the Tonga.
His Gurubhakthi (Devotion to his Guru) knew no bounds. The scholar
who was well versed in Sanksrit Vedantha, Meemaamsa,and Shastras discarded them
all on coming into the hold of Sri Maharaj. He considered Sri Maharaj as Ram
himself. And Sri Maharaj used to tell that there was no difference between
himself and Brahmanad.
---------Sri Brahma Chaithanya Maharaj ki Jai ------------
Sri Brahmananda Maharaj ki Jai
Sab Sadhoo santhon ki Jai.! Jai Jai Raghuveera
Samartha.
