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.”
