Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 7

The children returned to Alandi and met Gangadhar Shastri with the date for performing the sacred thread ceremony. Gnandev handed over the letter of Mahashasthri of Paitan,  Shasthriji received the children with great respect and offered the seat.  Soon the haughty wealthy man of the village, father of Radha brought all the Bhramins of Alandi with an intention to insult Shashthriji who received the children with great respect.  The people of the village blamed Shathriji for receiving the children born to a Sanyasin who did not follow his dharma and returned to Grihasthashrama, they called the children as Chandala, they threatened Shasthriji that they will discard him from society.  Shashthriji tried to convince the raged villagers about the seriousness of the situation, that the Mahashasthri of Paitan has given permission to perform a sacred thread ceremony for the children.  The Brahmins of Alandi laughed at the letter of Mahashasthri of Paitan, which mentioned that Gnandev is not an ordinary child, he is an incarnation of the supreme Lord.

Gnandev came out of the cottage of Gangadhar Shasthriji and asked the reason for people creating such a loud noise; Shasthriji said, “These people are not willing to accept you as Brahmin.” The children said collectively “We are Bhramin by birth, Karma, and Dharma.  Brahmin is who has the knowledge of Supreme Bramham.” The villagers forcefully removed the children from the cottage of Gangadhar Shashthriji could do nothing but witnessing the unruly crowd.  They ill-treated the children, dragged them out of the village.  Gnandev felt miserable,  he wanted to follow the footsteps of his parents, he was deeply troubled by the arrogance of the villagers, he locked himself in the house, three of his siblings were continuously knocked the door and warned Gnandev that he should  listen to Nivriththinath who is not only an elder brother but also his preceptor from childhood.  Gnandev immediately opened the door and asked Nivriththinath to forgive him, later he was pacified by Muktha, Nivriththinath and Sopandev.    Nivriththinath advised his brother “ Gnandev, we do not require any auspicious date to perform the sacred thread ceremony,  control your emotions, it is our responsibility to lead the people to the path of liberation,  therefore  write Bhagavad Gita in Marathi and impart the knowledge of Gita to people.”  Thus Gnandev wrote the glorious verse Gnanehwari, it took several years to complete, by the time all of the four were had grown up to a young adult.

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 6

The children arrived in the assembly of Bhramins in Paitan.  They handed over the letter given by Gangadhar Shashtri from Alandi.  The Mahashasthri asked their purpose of visit, the children earnestly introduced themselves as a native of Alandi before the assembly, further they requested is there anything mentioned in the scriptures about the atonement of a Sanyasin who returned to Grihasthashrama.  Mahashathri replied that there is no atonement required for a Sanyasin who return to Grihasthashram, they detailed about the Brahmins of Alandi who imposed punishment on their parent's death as atonement.   Mahashasthri said that it was a wholly unfair verdict imposed on their parents and it is not possible for him to reprimand those Bhramins who imposed punishments on their parents.  Gnandev requested Mahashasthri “ Our parents have sacrificed their lives for getting an auspicious day to perform sacred thread ceremony for us, we have been taught scriptures and sacred hymns all these years, kindly consider our plea.”  Finally, the great assembly of Bhramins confirmed that the children are deserved to receive an auspicious day to perform the sacred thread ceremony.  Mahashasthri advised the children to keep celibacy as a vow, strictly follow the Bhraminic rites, and follow the Varnna Ashrama dharma and maintain distance from lower castes.   Gnandev was agreed for all the above conditions but he was not willing to follow keep distance from the lower caste.  The Brahmins of Paitans have become unpleasant, Gnandev explained his viewpoint, “ we have a common rule not to harm the animals, how can we mistreat the people of low caste and declare them as untouchables? We have to leave hatred and misconception, Lord Ram consumed the fruit given by Shabari and gave her Moksha, there is supreme Lord resides as Jeevathma in Shudra, animals, Brahmins, and all the living and non-living things,  therefore we have to follow the supreme concept "Oneness in  all", same as the reflection of Sun in all the ponds.”  The Brahmins were laughed at the explanation of little Gnandev, while the discussion continued, suddenly they have seen a buffalo passing on that way, the Bhramins teased him if the soul is all-pervading, then the buffalo should be able to recite Veda, Gnandev replied “If that was the wish of Lord, definitely, the buffalo will recite Veda.” Gnandev arrived at the place where the buffalo was standing, the place was packed by villagers and Bhramins, Gnandev recited Vedic chants and the buffalo repeated the same.  The people assembled were shocked; Mahashasthri of Paitan rushed to Gnandev and received the children with great respect.  The Mahashasthri of Paitan took Gnandev in his chamber and made him seated on his throne, with tears said “ Prabho,  how can we issue date for performing a sacred thread ceremony to a Bhramam who is the knower of All, we are not qualified to do that, you are supreme Bhramam, kindly forgive us for our demeanor.”

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 5

One day Radha was playing with the pets in front of Shasthriji’s home, he joined with her and told her “we should not mistreat animals; I will bring some milk to feed them.”  This statement echoed in Radha’s mind thoroughly, she brought Gnandev, Nivriththinath, Sopan Dev and Muktha to Shathriji’s home and said: “ Baba, you have advised me that we should treat everyone with kindness, why do not you give an auspicious date to perform the sacred ceremony for these three boys.”  Shathriji replied “ Daughter, I have no right to issue a date for the sacred thread ceremony, it is the responsibility of great scholars of the village of Paitan.”  She requested an introductory letter from Shasthriji to the scholars of Paitan so that it would be easy for the children to receive an auspicious date for the sacred ceremonies. Shasthriji agreed and issued a letter to the scholars of Paitan, the children thanked the Shasthriji and left the place.

Nivriththinath, Gnandev, Sopandev and Mukthabhai left their village to Paitan, they walked several miles through the agricultural fields, suddenly they saw a bullock cart stuck in the muddy field and the cartman was trying hard to pull out the wheels from the mud.   Soon the children also joined hands with him and got the wheel out of the muddy land, they introduced themselves as orphans, they are going to Paitan by foot, and the cartman discouraged the children to walk on the scorching heat to Paitan which is far off from their village Alandi.  They revealed the purpose of visit to Paitan to meet Mahashathris to get the dates for performing the sacred thread ceremony.  The cartman felt so saddened hearing the ill-treatment on the children in their own village; finally, he advised the children to get into the cart and agreed to drop them in Paitan.

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 4

In the middle of the night Gnaneshwar got out of sleep abruptly, he found his parent's attic was empty; the children were shocked to know that their parents are not at home.  The little girl Mukthabai was alarmed, soon her brothers took hold of her and calmed.  Somehow they have patiently waited for the daybreak.  As soon as the sun raise they ran out in search of parents in different directions.  The villagers were not at all considerate; they did not provide any help for these children who were running out in search of their parents.  They got back home wearied with extreme agony and grief.  Gnanadev’s childhood mate Radha who was the daughter of a wealthy man in the village arrived, Gnandev sadly told her “ Radha, our parents are missing, we have been conducting thorough search all through the village, but did not find any trace of them.”  Radha said “ Gnandev, you will not able to locate them, Yesterday they went to meet the Bhramin Sabha of the village to get an auspicious date to perform sacred thread ceremony of three of you.  The Brahmins of the Sabha asked him to perform the atonement for the sin, after that they will consider whether to give the date for the performance of sacred thread ceremony or not.  They asked your father to give away life as atonement for the sin committed.” The children were shocked and inconsolable to hear death punishment to their parents.  Radha said, “ I think your parents accepted the death punishment.”  The children were miserable, they wept bitterly. 

They had nothing at home left to eat, they go out begging for alms, but the villagers were refused to give anything as alms and abused the children.  They returned home tired of hunger and thirst, suddenly Sopan Dev fallen unconscious, the children were worried, Gnandev rushed out of the home to fetch water from the pond.  He filled water in a mud vessel, soon the wealthy man and a group of Bhramins arrived and blamed Gnandev spoiled the sanctity of the water which was meant for the ablution of Brahmins.  Gnandev said “ Sopandev’s life is in danger without a drop of water at home.  Therefore, kindly allow me to take some water to save his life,  water cannot be impure with the touch of a person of low caste,” The arrogant wealthy man ordered to thrash the mud pot Gnandev was carrying on his head.  He returned home humiliated and all wet, he squeezed out water from his wet clothes on Sopan Dev, soon he regained consciousness.  Muktha took a torn cloth which was used by his mother to pack the flour, she removed the remains of the dust of flour from it, with her tears she made of dough and spread it as Rotis, but there was no fire left at home, Gnandev asked her to keep the Roti on his upper back to get it cooked with the heat of his body out of anger and frustration.  That night the children were happily filled their stomach with the pieces of a single Roti.

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 3

One day, Vittal Panth came to meet the Shashthri/chief scholar of the village to obtain an auspicious date to perform a sacred thread ceremony of the children.  But the Brahmins of the village refused to give an auspicious day to perform the ceremony.  Vittal Panth tried all his efforts to convince the Bhramins and scholars that his children have already learned the scriptures and Veda.  But the Brahmins refused to give an auspicious date, moreover, they abused Vittal Panth a sinner, his children are born to a sinner, therefore, the children have no right to have sacred thread ceremony.  They blamed Vittal Panth for embracing Sanyasashrama while he was in wedlock, and discarded the Sanyasashrama and returned to wedlock.  Vittal Panth respectfully described the situation, he had embraced Sanyasashrama with the permission of his wife and returned to wedlock at the order of his preceptor, therefore neither he nor his children have made any sin.   They discarded Vittal Panth and his family from the society of twice-born and called him lower than a Shudra.  Finally, the assembly of scholars announced that Vittal Panth and his family will not be treated as Bhramins anymore, and the children will not be eligible to perform the sacred thread ceremony.   Further, they have released an order, if Vittal Panth gives up his life as atonement for the sin he had committed, the children may be qualified to perform a sacred thread ceremony.  Rukmini was inconsolable, “How a Bhramin could advise death as atonement? The suicide is considered as severest sin, Do you think these Bhramin will allow the children to live in peace after your death?”  Vittal Panth was adamant, he said “ Rukmini, I will go to any extent to save the future of my children.  I want my children to be known as Brahmin, I want my children to attain the greatest of knowledge of Bhramam.  Therefore, I am willing to give up my life.  I cannot heed to your words.”  Rukmini said “ I am your wife, these children are mine as well.   If you have decided to follow the verdict of Bhramins, I am also equally responsible for the sin, hence I will follow you in whatever you feel right.”  Vittal Panth was worried about his children in their absence, Rukmini pacified saying “ Our children will be taken care of by the Supreme Lord who was doing that all these years, and will do that in the future too.  The Supreme Lord is the cause and effect as well, we give up our lives and accept death punishment as the verdict of the Supreme Lord.” On that night, Rukmini put off the hunger of the children with the recitation of Bhagavanama and a cup of water that was the only thing available in the house.  Soon, the children were fallen asleep, the couple moved out of the home heavy heartedly with the tears overflowing.  They arrived in a nearby pond and embraced Jalasamadhi.

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 2

Vittal Pant and Rukmini returned to their village Alandi, this couple had to face many hardships while they were in the village, Vittal Panth was not welcomed by the villagers as he was returned from Sanyasa  to Grihasthashrama.  In due course of time, Rukmini gave birth to four children Nivriththinath,  Gnaneshwar, Sopan Dev and  Mukthabhai.

This couple was suffering from extreme poverty, Vittal Panth had to feed the children on alms, the village people refused to give alms, the Bhramins disgraced him and refused to give any alms, the people of  lower caste are willing to offer alms but the Brahmins discouraged them.  Vittal Panth and his family had to starve, children were tired of hunger and thirst, they forgot to play and enjoy like any other children of their age.  Vittal Panth felt that he is responsible for the miseries in the family; if he had proceeded with Sanyasashrama none of this would have happened.

Once, Nivriththinath had a dream in that he had the Dharshan of Yogi Geheninath who was the disciple of Yogi Gorakhnath Maharaj.  The little boy Nivritththinath was mystified to meet the Yogi Gehninath in his dream, he described Gorakhnath Maharaj was the disciple of Mathsyendhranath who was the devoted disciple of Lord Mahadeva.  Nivriththinath was surprised why he was invited to meet Geheninath in his dreams, Yogi Geheninath replied: “ Vathsa, it is the command of my preceptor to give you Dheeksha according to Nathpankthi Sampradaya.”  Nivriththinath replied “ Maharaj, my parents are devotees of Lord Vishnu.” Nivriththinath received Deeksha from Geheninath in his dreams and attained highest of the knowledge of Bhramam which has no specific form.  Later, Nivriththinath described the beautiful dream he had to his siblings who were equally in a state of awe.  Years passed in utter poverty,  but the couple did not leave their courage, Vittal Panth taught his children scriptures and Bhagavad Gita. 

Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sant Gnaneshwar Maharaj!

Chapter - 1

Sant Gnaneshwar /Gnanadeva/Mavuli was a Marathi saint, religious poet, philosopher, and a great Yogi, he is the author of illustrious works Gnaneshwari and Amruthanubhav.  He was born in the year 1275, to a pious couple Vittalpanth and Rukmini in a village called Alandi, Maharashtra.  His siblings are Nivriththinath, Sopandev, and Mukthabhai.  Vittalpanth was leading a life of an ascetic, once Lord Vittobha appeared in his dream and instructed to marry Rukmini who was the daughter of a head priest Siddheshwar in Alanadi.  Siddheshwar also had the same dream in that Lord Vittobha instructed him to give her daughter’s hand to Vittalpanth.  The couple lived together for a short period of time, Vittal Panth was not at all interested in worldly matters, his spiritual life took him to Kashi, where he met Swami Sri Ramanand who was the preceptor of Sant Kabirdas, eventually he attained Deeksha from Swami Ramanand and embraced Sanyasa.

After a few years, Saint Ramanand arrived in the village Alandi during the spiritual journey to Rameshwaram, he blessed many of the devotees and pious people.  In that crowd Rukmini also attained the blessings of Swami Ramanand, he blessed her to have offspring and happy married life, without knowing the fact that Rukmini was living a life of an unmarried, although she was married to Vittalpanth.  Rukmini shed tears of grief informed Swami Ramanand about her husband who left her immediately after the marriage and embraced Sanyasa.  Swami Ramanand found that it was Vittal Panth, husband of virtuous Rukmini.   She was living a chaste life all these years, patiently waiting for the return of her husband.  Swami Ramanand did not proceed for further journey to Rameshwaram.  He returned to Vittal Panth who did not mention anything about his married life while obtaining Sanyasa Deeksha.  Swami Ramananda advised Vittal Panth that a Grihasthashrama is a superior Dharma, in that a person performs all the righteous and religious deeds being in the wedlock, he performs his responsibilities towards his elderly parents as well as his family, a Sanyasin strive for Moksha for himself, but a Grihastha performs all the religious and spiritual deeds remaining himself in the vow of marriage, ultimately attain Moksha.  Swami Ramanand was very unhappy about Vittalpanth’s deed, he ordered Vittalpanth to return to his married life once again.  Those days it was considered as a sin to return to Grihasthashrama after embracing Sanyasa, but Vittal Panth was in a dilemma, he had no other choice, he had to follow the order of his preceptor. Swami Ramanand blessed Vittal Panth and Rukmini “you will be blessed with three virtuous sons and a daughter, Gyaneshwar will be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, highly scholastic and storehouse of wisdom and virtues.”   

The Sage of Kanchi

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Paramacharya!

Sri Paramacharya emphasizes the significance of Sun Worship/Sandhyavandhanam, which is considered as one of the most compulsory rites of a twice-born after the performance of sacred thread ceremony, any religious rites performed without sun worship would remain unfruitful.  All the religious and spiritual rite should be performed after the performance of sun worship to attain the meritorious reward mentioned in the scriptures.  Gayathri Mahamanthra is the essence of Rig, Yajur, Sama Veda, it is also known as 'Thripadha Gayathri', it has 24 sacred syllables which are divided as a set of eight into three.  It is highly propitious Mahamanthra which protects the intellect, virility, and energy of the worshiper who recites with intense devotion and faith.  Gayathri Mahamanthra is the mother of Veda, therefore recitation of this Mahamanthra would provide the piousness of the recitation of all the Vedic chants. The worshiper would attain all those Manthrasiddhi with the sincere worship of the Sun.  It is important that the worshiper should keep his body free from impurities to attain all those benefits of the performance of Sun worship.  The body is considered as a shrine which is the dwelling place of Paramathma in the form of soul.  It is our practice to keep the shrine free from impurities, in the same manner, the worshiper should keep his body free from impurities like addiction causing intoxicated and spirituous ingredients or consumption of meat, etc..

The temples follow particular disciplines and rules, shrine should be kept free from impurities.  At home we follow the different practices,  we do not observe all those strict practices followed in the temples.  The worship place and the living space should be kept separately in the homes, it is sad to note that nowadays people are not following any of the strictness in the homes.  It is the responsibility of the twice-born to practice religious rites and Vedic chants for the welfare of the Universe and its people, therefore he has to keep his body and mind free from impurities, he has to follow strict austerities and disciplines.  A twice-born should utilize his body for the welfare of the Universe and its people, the performance of religious rites, the recitation of Veda and protect Veda.  There was a time, the Kings and rulers were offered an abundance of wealth and grains as a charity for the performance of religious rites, and huge contributions were made to the Brahmins for the performance of religious rites.  Nowadays the situation has changed, people are not aware of the importance of religious or spiritual rites, either they are not willing to follow the custom or not aware of its importance.  Therefore, a twice-born has to work hard for earning money, that does not mean that he has to leave all his religious rites and accumulate wealth or engage in activities which are morally wrong.  It was believed that a twice-born should starve to attain knowledge, which promotes the welfare of the Universe and its living beings.  A twice-born need not cross the ocean to earn money and lead a comfortable life by leaving all his religious rites.  The primary duty of a twice-born is to protect Veda and perform religious and spiritual rites, which is capable to protect the entire Universe and its living beings.  A twice-born should be capable to alleviate the miseries of the people and protect the people from disaster with his Manthrasiddhi.  Unfortunately, in recent years twice-born has less interest in his duties and responsibilities, he got accustomed to the comforts, his mind, and body has become impure, even though he has a spark in him which he as attained from the piousness of previous births, if he put an effort to kindle the spark of worship of  Goddess Gayathri and Sun, it would protect him.   If he protects Veda and follows the religious rites,  it is definite that he will remain protected always,  when a person and his three generations stop performing sun worship would be considered as a Dhur-brahmin, he should  perform the atonement rites meticulously, even though it is impossible to regain the status of a twice-born.  It is the duty of a twice-born to recite Sahasra Gayathri whenever possible, and he should avoid consuming meals cooked other than in his home.

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 5

The fame of Sant Narahari spread all over the village.  The people learned one of the greatest of the knowledge from Sant Narahari that Hara and Hari are same, it is absolute Bramham in different forms.  The villagers felt that it is their fortune to have holy men like Sant Namdev, Sant Gnaneshwar, and Sant Narahari, in Pandharpur.  They have realized that the association with the holy men only can relieve the sufferings of worldly bondage,  and lead to Moksha, people throng from the various places to listen to the lectures of Sant Narahari who spread devotion and faith in the supreme Lord.  Sant Narahari elaborated the significance of Nishkamya Karma, selfless service to the supreme Lord and his devotees would help the worshiper to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence,  whoever surrenders to Lord shall remain protected always.  The Supreme Lord is all-pervading, he resides as a soul in living beings, therefore everyone should practice simplicity, kindness, compassion, and love for each other.  In this Kali era, Namasmaran only can bring nearness to the supreme Lord.

One day his wife Ganga narrated the miracle happened to Narahari Maharaj,  as usual finishing her daily worship, she found golden coins before the sanctum, she was surprised and called out for Narahari Maharaj, he shed tears "Ganga, it is the blessings of Lord Mallikarjun, Panduranga and Ma Bageshwari," with tears overflowing he prayed " Ma, I am so fortunate to attain your blessings, I have Ramnama as golden coins with me, what I do with these golden coins, your grace itself gold for me," Ganga was too pleased and said " We will offer all these gold coins on her feet, " Later, it was decided to use the golden coins for making an idol of Lord Vittala,  while carving the idol of Lord Vittala, his inner voice put a sudden halt to his fingers, with tears overflowing he remembered " how did I fall pray for my desire to carve a golden idol of Panduranga? My devotion has not ripened yet. I have committed terrible sin I have to abandon the idol right away." he took the idol carefully covered in his upper clothe and dropped in the river and rushed to the shrine of Panduranga " Bhagavan, I have abandoned all my desires and illusions, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly forgive me." he tightly embraced the idol of Panduraga with tears overflowing and left his mortal.   In this way, a great devotee Sant Narahari Maharaj left his mortal coil at the lotus feet of Lord Panduranga in the year 1313.

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 4

Finally, Narahari agreed to make the waist ornament for Panduranga according to the measurement given by the merchant, followed by a condition that he should not find fault in the work in the future.  The merchant handed over the gold and gems for the ornament and informed he will be back with the measurement. The villagers started creating stories behind the back of Narahari, saying that Narahari is greedy of money, that is why he agreed to make waist ornament for Panduranga, all these years he was pretending as a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.  In due course of time, an excellent piece of waist ornament was prepared by Narahari and handed over to the merchant.  The merchant was highly pleased with the work of Narahari.  He returned to offer the jewel to Panduranga.  A grand celebration was organized, the whole villagers were assembled, the initial offerings and veneration were got over, the priest asked him to decorate the ornament on Lord, but it was found too long to fix on the waist of the idol.  The priest laughed at the merchant sarcastically saying that Narahari is capable to make ornaments for Lord Shiva, not for Panduranga.  The merchant came back to Narahari saying that the ornament is too long to adorn on the idol and asked to cut short the length.  Narhari was surprised, the ornament was made exactly following the measurement, both of them got confused, merchant thought he has made mistake while taking the measurement.  He returned to the temple premise, the whole atmosphere was reverberating with the Namasankeerthan and packed with devotees, once again the merchant adorned the ornament on the waist of Vittala, this time he found it is too short.  He rushed back to Narahari with frustration, he asked Narahari to follow him to shrine and take measurements by himself.  Narahari was too adamant, he was not willing to visit the shrine, the merchant convinced that it is too shameful for him if he did not present an ornament at the right time, therefore Narahari should leave his pride and visit the shrine.  Narahari is a righteous man, agreed to find a solution for the problem of the merchant, he has given the promise to create the ornament so it is his responsibility to make sure that it serves the purpose.  Narahari said " Sethiji, I have found a solution for your distress, at the same time I cannot worship any other deities other than my Lord Mahadeva, hence you should blindfold my eyes and take me to the shrine of Vittal, I will take the exact measurement of the waist and produce the ornament."  The merchant was extremely happy with this decision.

While the whole villagers watching, Narahari was taken to the shrine of Vittobha blindfolded by the merchant.   Narahari entered the sanctum of the shrine and touched the waist of Vittobha, he felt the presence of Rudraksha, bells,  and skin of leopard on the waist, further he moved hands upwards he sensed the presence of Trident and drum, etc..  He could not believe, in utter shock he opened the blindfold, he could witness Lord Vittobha's smiling face before him.  He felt he had committed sin visiting Panduranga instead of his favorite Lord Mahadeva.  Narahari put back the blindfold and shed tears before the idol of Panduranga, praying to forgive his sin, once again he opened the blindfold, saw his beloved Lord Mahadeva before him.  Narahari was mystified, realized his ignorance, he sang praising the glories of Lord in Marathi famously known as Abhang in that he narrated there is no difference between Lord Hara and Lord Hari.  He poured out his heart saying that he had committed a grave sin by differentiating both of them, with the tears overflowing he fell down at the feet of Lord Panduranga.  The people assembled could hear a divine voice " Hari is not different from Hara, I am Vittobha standing always on the brick in order to protect my devotees, you have felt the presence of Hara in me because I adore him."

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 3

Narahari continued the customs of the family in a sincere manner, even after the demise of his parents.   He had the firm belief that all that goodness was inherited from his parents, he continued to remain in the service of Lord and taken care of the family business.   He was one of the finest jewelry makers in the village of Pandharpur. He believed that it is his greatest responsibility/Dharma to take care of the family shrine of Lord Shiva and the profession was introduced by his father.

Once he was visited by the wealthiest merchant in the town and his wife, Narahari invited them with all respect and enquired their purpose of visit to Pandharpur.  They have replied " Narahari, we have come to  visit you." Narahari said " Great.  It is my pleasure to serve you.  I would achieve the pleasure of serving Lord Mahadeva." The merchant continued " Narhari, once I had everything in my life with the grace of Lord Vittal, other than an offspring.  Once a saint visited our village and advised us to undertake austerities and visit Pandharpur Sri Vittobha.  We sincerely followed his advice and blessed with a child.  It is the time to show our gratitude to Lord Vittala, we want to decorate Him with a marvelous waist ornament."  Narahari was happy and said " You are truly blessed by Vittobha, he protected your clan, you are blessed with a child to carry out your legacy.  "  The merchant said " Yes, I am truly blessed, I have come here to seek your help,  you have to make a marvelous waist ornament for Panduranga, there is no skillful goldsmith in Pandharpur other than you famous in making an exquisite piece of ornaments, I have brought gold and gems to create the piece."  Narahari was in dilemma, " Sethiji, I do not think I can take up your work, you can approach somebody who can help you with this proposal, I have devoted all my life to Lord Shiva, I am finding the essence of Lord Shiva in all living beings, how can I do the work for Vittal?" The merchant said " Narahari, Hari and Hara are the same and there is no difference between them, Vittal is Lord Mallikarjuna, therefore kindly treat Vittal as your Lord Shiva and perform my task, the whole Universe is the representation of Parambhrama who assumes different forms to please our eyes." Narahari amiably said " Sethji, maybe it is your opinion, I have not been to any shrine other than Lord Shiva, I have not offered any veneration to other deities in my life, how can I enter in the shrine of Vittal and make an ornament for him. I do not think I can make it."  The merchant was too adamant and said " Let it be my unbending opinion, you have to do it for me, you are performing this task for me,  your devotion to Lord Shiva will not get harmed, I can bring the measurement  to make an exquisite ornament."

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 2

Thus, Narahari was agreed to the decisions of his parents, with a condition that his family life should not hinder the worship of Lord Shiva.  His parents convinced him that the bride Ganga will not create any obstacle in his worship, instead, she will take care of the family and all the responsibilities in a good manner.   Narahari got married to Ganga on an auspicious day.  She was a pious woman believed in the worship of  all the deities, unlike Narahari who had a firm belief that Lord Shiva is the supreme Lord, he is the creator, protector and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, therefore he is most venerable, rest of the demi-gods are appropriate for the veneration only after Lord Shiva.  In this way, he revealed his firm devotion of Lord Shiva to his wife, though he was born in Pandharpur he had never been to the famous shrine of Vittobha, he did not even attend the lecture of Sant Namdev who invited him to listen to his speeches and Namasankeerthan, because Namdev was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu.  It was significant that Sant Namdev and Sant Gnaneshwar was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.  Ganga revealed her opinion " The worship of Lord Shiva leads to abandonment of worldly desires, and it is observed by Yogis who renounced worldly matters, we are ordinary people who are committed to Grihasthashrama,"  Narahari had highest of the truth to reveal her " Ganga, The Supreme Lord Shiva is the essence of Shiva and Shakthi, who are considered as divine couple represents Prakrithi and Purusha, all the living beings represent the eternal truth of Shiva and Shakthi."  Though this couple had different beliefs, they were highly devoted and immersed in pious activities.  The entire village was known about the firm the devotion of Narahari and Ganga, people praised about their selfless love to Supreme Lord.

Sant Narahari Sonar

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Narahari Maharaj!

Chapter - 1

Sri Narahari Maharaj was a staunch devotee of Lord Mallikarjuna/Lord Shiva located on the southwest of Pandharpur, later he became one of eminent Varkari sect saint who enlightened the people with the supreme knowledge that there is no difference between Lord Hari and Lord Hara.   Lord Panduranga and Lord Parameshwara are one and the same, it is the different form of absolute Bhramam.  He was lived during the period of the 13th century.  He was born to a pious couple who were Goldsmith by profession and worshiped Lord  Shiva as the family deity.  Narahari was too devoted to Lord Shiva, immerses in the veneration, recitation of sacred scriptures praising the glories of Lord Shiva from the early years of childhood.  

Years passed Narahari was grown to an adult,  he continued the same kind of living and has less interest in the family business, it bothered the elderly parents who were not in a position to carry out the family business.  They have decided to perform the marriage of Narahari so that he will concentrate on taking up the responsibilities of the family.  His mother was too concerned about Narahari, she said to her husband " We have become too old, we have taught him to be devoted to Lord, in the same manner, we have to teach him to lead a life of Grihastha, he has long life ahead, therefore we have to convince him to get married.  Once, he enters Grihasthashrama he will come to know the responsibilities of the family.  I have found a suitable bride for Narahari, she would be a perfect match for him." his father replied " It is a great idea, he will learn to take care of the family and business as well.  Then do not waste time, better go ahead with the proceedings of the marriage."  His mother was little hesitant to proceed further, she wants to get the permission of Narahari beforehand, his father was confident that Narahari will not reject any of the decisions of his parents.

Sant Sri Namdev 

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Namdev Maharaj!

Chapter - 6

One day Namadeva entered in the shrine of Lord Shiva, he found a stranger in ragged clothes sleeping close to the Linga keeping his two legs on top of the Linga.  Namadeva was shocked to see this, he was furious and asked the stranger to remove his legs from the idol.  The stranger asked his whereabouts, Namadeva introduced himself as an ardent devotee of Lord Panduranga, the stranger said even the beggars utter the name of Lord for receiving alms, so there is nothing superior in this.  Namdev was angrily told the man to keep his legs down from the Linga, he refused to do so, instead, he revealed his pitiful state and has no strength to move his leg an inch,  he asked Namadeva to remove his leg from the Linga.   Namdev removed his leg from the Linga and prepared to keep on the floor, soon there appeared another Linga, in this way wherever he placed his leg there appeared Linga, Namdev was mystified.  Soon the stranger assumed the form of Vishoba Khecchar who was his preceptor.   Namdev reverentially prostrated before him.  He advised Namdeva that his Abangs are most powerful, he is beloved of Panduranga who consume offerings from his hand, he has to leave Pandharpur and take a journey all through the sacred lands of India and spread Namasankeerthana.  He blessed Namadeva that the people who intend to get Dharshan of Lord Panduranga would prostrate before him before they proceed for the Dharshan of the Lord, later it had become true.  At the instruction of his preceptor, Namadeva conducted a journey to Punjab to spread Namasankeerthana and inspired multitudes of people to engage in the selfless service to Lord and recite his glories.    Namadeva enthused people with his lectures and glorious verses of Abhang.  His nectar-like speeches about the significance of Namasankeerthana was " The utterance of sacred names of Lord would provide liberation from worldly existence, ultimately worshiper would reside in the abode of Sri Vaikundham.  The miseries of worldly existence can be fought with the weapon of Namasmaran.  Therefore, let everyone ride on the ferry of Namasankeerthan and cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence."

In the year 1350, at the age of eighty Sant Sri Namdev Maharaj attained the lotus feet of Panduranga.  After his demise, he assumed as a stepping stone in the shrine of Pandharpur so that he would stay in constant touch of the feet of innumerable saints and devotees of Lord.  Sri Namdev Maharaj composed 125 glorious poems praising Lord Vittala, which was known as Abhang and sixty-one of the verses are included in the holy Guru Granth Sahib as Namdevji Ki Mukhbani.  He lived twenty years in a village called Ghuman in Gurdaspur district in Punjab, in the early fifties he returned to Pandharpur and continued spiritual service till his demise.