The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Vijaykrishna Goswami a twice-born before his Deeksha immersed in the practice of God-realization, he wanted to meet a divine personality who has achieved the highest state in spirituality, he visited various places in all over India, and finally arrived in Kashi.   He immediately understood there was only one prominent personality Thrailanga Swamiji who could guide him in search of spiritual seeking, he was worshiped as Walking Lord  Vishwanatha of Varanasi,  he remains silent most of the time, sometimes he answers the doubt of his devotees.   Vijayakrishna Goswami arrived to meet Thrailanga Swamiji, he was surprised to see Thrailangaswamiji’s enthusiasm, he heard of Swamiji that sometimes he undertakes meditation or dive into the waters of Ganga.   Goswamiji took Dharshan of Thrailangaswamiji two-three times, once he asked ‘Maharaj, have you seen God?’ Swamiji explained if I say yes I did it, you may burden with various question, you are capable to envision Lord, therefore you can do it and it is possible only with the help of a preceptor.” Goswamiji asked ‘Which preceptor? The guru who teaches the spirituality or initiate to Sanyasa? Or some other preceptor?’ Swamiji continued ‘ You should understand the significance of Guru, a preceptor is a supreme soul, a preceptor is a mother and father as well, a preceptor can save from the anger of deity, that is why we call Guru is Bhrama, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is supreme Lord Maheshwara, Guru is absolute Bhramam,  he is the only one can take us to the absolute Bhramam, therefore we always should worship preceptor.  There are two types of preceptor one is Shiksha Guru and another one is Dheeksha Guru. Unless and until we receive the wisdom of the Universe and its living beings, we can’t attain knowledge, without this knowledge it is impossible to attain Mukthi.   The preceptor is the source of Mukthi.’  In this way Thrailangaswamiji engages in conversation with Goswamiji, it is usual to engage in conversation like this with a suitable discipline, but Swamiji’s plans were different, they share the intricate knowledge of Brahmam which was lacking in Goswamiji.   Swamiji never entertains these kinds of lectures with ordinary people.  One day, Goswamiji came to meet Swamiji, and they both went for a walk, he was surprised at this, while walking on the shores of Ganga, they reached at Varunasangam near Adhikeshav shrine.   Swamiji asked Goswamiji to take a dip in Ganga, he said ‘I will give you Dheeksha today’.  Goswamiji stunned at the words of Swamiji.  Goswamiji asked why did he choose to give Dheeksha, Swamiji said it was his wish, then Goswamiji said he is not willing to take up Dheeksha from Swamiji.   Goswamiji said he don’t want to take Dheeksha from a person who passes urine on the Shivlinga. Thrailangaswamiji said ‘ I will definitely give you Dheeksha, that is why I have taken you here, I have to follow the instruction of supreme spirit, therefore go and follow my orders.” Goswamiji was stubborn to follow the order, therefore Swamiji dragged him into waters and dipped him, Goswamiji was screaming for help, but no one was there to help him. After that Swamiji meticulously followed the Dheeksha procedures and Kriyas were followed, at the end Goswamiji was transformed into all new person as if raised from a dream he reverentially has fallen flat on the feet of Swamiji. Swamiji continued ‘ It is not your final Dheeksha, you will receive Dheeksha and Beejakshara Manthra from  your Guru when the time comes, at that moment you can have Dharshan of your favorite Lord.”  It was the query he was made to Swamiji in his first meeting.  He was advised to have patience until he meets his preceptor.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

There was a woman named Ambalika, she believed Swamiji as Lord Vishwanatha, every morning she takes a dip in holy Ganga and visit Swamiji with a handful of flowers and fruits, she had a daughter named Shankari, she also follows her mother in the worship of Baba, soon she also became a staunch devotee of Swamiji.   Once the whole Kashi was afflicted with the chicken pox and Shankari was also fallen severely ill, seeing the critical situation of daughter Ambalika became inconsolable, taking bath and consuming the meal has become difficult, suddenly Shankari stopped talking, Ambalika understood that Shankari cannot be saved, she sat at the head side of her daughter and started weeping, Shankari said ‘Ma, why are you weeping?’ Ambalika said ‘ I am not in a position to see your troubles and  unbearable pains, why we are lacking mercy of Lord Vishwanatha and Swamiji? I am unfortunate to have the blessings of Swamiji,” Shankari said ‘No Ma, see Swamiji is standing close to you, look at him.’ Ambalika was shocked and looked around in search of Swamiji, she did not see Swamiji, she thought it was Shankari’s illusion, Ambalika kept asking about Swamiji, Shankri took the hands of her mother and put it on the feet of Swamiji, at that moment, she could visualize Thrailanga Swamiji, he replied ‘ Don’t worry my child, your daughter will be fine very soon, it is not her Mrithyuyog/time for death,’ After few days Shankari became perfectly hail and healthy.  There was an idol of Lord Ramachandra in the house of Ambalika, Shankari used to worship that idol and play with it as if her childhood playmate. One day she thought why should I worship a wooden idol, she decided to worship Thrailangaswamiji as her mother does, that was the moment her mother was not at home, she had gone to have a bath and worship of Swamiji.  Shankari took a vessel of Ganga water and decided to go Thrailangaswamiji’s hermitage, she looked at the wooden idol of Ramachandra but it was disappeared, where she could see Swamiji sitting on the place of the idol, ‘Child, you can do my worship, I am here for you.’ While doing worship she became attained transcendental state, she got out of the Samadhi and found that idol of Ramachandra in its place, she thought it was her illusion, she came to the hermitage of Thrailangaswamiji, and saw he was in a transcendental state, she was surprised to see the garland she was adorned Swamiji while worship at home was still on his neck, Swamiji got out of the Samadhi, Shankari asked ‘Baba, who adorned you with this garland,’ Baba smiled at her said ‘It was you did it’ small Shankari who was eight years of age was astonished, she adorned it while Swamiji was at home, how come the same garland in the neck of Swamiji, she kept on thinking about it.  One day Swamiji was leaving to Ganga for bathing, he saw Shankari and asked her to follow him, he made to sit her on the Ghat and he dived in the waters of Ganga, he took Shankari in hand and asked her to take bath, Shankari said she is not familiar with swimming, Swamiji said to travel on her back, he carried Shankari on his upper back and dived into the waters, soon Shankari realized they were sitting in a house near Gangaghat, he asked Shankari ‘ Child, where are we sitting now?’ she said ‘ it seems new building’ there was a girl child standing before her of the same age, Shankari asked ‘Baba, who is this girl?’ Thrailangaswamiji said it is ‘ It is Supreme Goddess Sri Bhagavathi, child prostrate before her.’ She followed Swamiji, she asked ‘ Baba, where is mother Ganga?’ Swamiji said ‘check with your hands, you will find it’ Shankari realized water all around her, later she realized that she was sitting on the shore of Ganga and Babaji was taking a dip in Ganga. Shankari asked Baba’ Baba, where were we?’ Swamiji said you are a sinless child that is the reason you could reach that supreme state.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

 It was in 1810 King of Ujjain arrived in Kashi and stayed as a guest of King of Kashi, while these two kings were traveling on a ferry, they could see a saint floating on the waters of Panchaganga Ghat.  King of Ujjain was surprised to see this Yogi, King of Kashi explained the miracles of Thrailangaswamiji, he also added that he is the Lord Vishwanatha of Kashi, he has various supernatural powers.   King of Ujjain was so impressed with the various miracles of Swamiji and requested if Swamiji could be seated with them on the ferry, he could have to get more acquaintance with the Swamiji, the ferry was moved near to Swamiji, before that Swamiji took a flight and landed on the ferry, people on the ferry were stunned, both the Kings reverentially greeted Swamiji and engaged in conversation.  Ujjain King spoke “ Swamiji, we all are here under the instruction of the supreme spirit to perform our duties and responsibilities, taking part in happiness as well as miseries, sorrows, and grief, after that we are going back to the supreme spirit, Is there any life after death?’ Swamiji replied, all those created by the supreme spirit merge with him at the end, therefore it is certain all the originated from the supreme spirit should merge with him only, Yogis realizes the truth that soul and the supreme soul is the same, King of Kashi could not understand anything of Swamiji’s speech, he was not at all interested in the speech of Swamiji.   Suddenly Swamiji took the sword from King of Kashi and threw it in the water, King was so infuriated, even the King of Ujjain felt  Swamiji is too rude,  Swamiji told the King of Kashi that he will get his sword as soon as they reach on the river bank, Swamiji got out of the ferry, King of Kashi told Swamiji to don’t move from the place while his men conduct search for his sword, King was thinking that if he did not get his sword, he will imprison this ascetic and put an end to his rudeness, Swamiji who was knower of all understood the state of mind of King of Kashi, Swamiji put his hand in the water and took two swords and handed to King and asked to search his own sword, but King failed to choose his own, Swamiji asked  why he is so upset about a thing which does not belong to him at all, if he was familiar with his sword he would have picked up the right one, Swamiji picked the right sword and handed to King of Kashi and threw the remaining one and left the ferry.  The two Kings were rushed behind Swamiji and prostrated before him, King of Kashi said “ Maharaj, kindly forgive me, I have committed mistake.  Kindly forgive me otherwise, I will not live in peace, you are a compassionate and noble soul, you have to forgive this sinner.”  Swamiji was an Ashuthoshi too pleased with the humbleness of the Kings, he advised him not to insult any noble saint in the future, because the rage of an ascetic could bring inauspiciousness and advised not to mistreat any ascetic, and all are different from each other.   After saying this he dived into the waters while watching he disappeared from the sight.  These two Kings waited for Swamiji’s return for long, but Swamiji did not come back. 

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Once many English officials and women were arrived in Panchaganga Ghat and noticed a naked saint wandering shamelessly, they were infuriated and filed a complaint against naked Swamiji, new officer arrested Swamiji, the news of Swamiji’s arrest spread across the city like a forest fire and people were worried and expected something terrible going to happen this time.   English officer decided to keep an eye on Swamiji, therefore he took the job of supervision of Swamiji, within a few minutes of his arrest, they could see Swamiji walking on the courtyard freely, English officer shouted at his assistants for their irresponsibility, assistants pleaded him that it was not their mistake  Swamiji  out of the cell, asked the officer to check the prison which was locked with two heavy locks, they explained their pathetic  situation whenever they get hold of Swamiji he disappears with magical powers, the officer checked the cell it was full of water with an absurd smell, he asked the assistants but Swamiji replied that he want to pass urine in the night, so he did it, that is too little, later came out of the cell and wanted to roam around in the open air, it was not the fault of his assistants, English officer was not willing to believe any of these, so ordered to arrest Swamiji again, after sometime Swamiji appeared before him stark naked, Swamiji spoke ‘ A Western nonbeliever know nothing about Indian ascetics? You cannot keep me locked, because you have no power to do that, in future never miss-behave like this to a holy saint, otherwise you cannot save yourself from his anger.” Before listening to the whole speech of Swamiji, English Officer fell unconscious, the whole court was in chaos, Swamiji has vanished long back.  Once again an order was passed no one should disturb Thrailanga Swamiji and his spiritual practices; he is free to walk unclothed all over the place.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

 During those days Kashi was ruled by King of Kashi, while India was under the regime of British rule.  Swamiji was always moved around without clothes, it disturbed the locals so they compliant to police,   English men questioned him and informed him that Swamiji is not allowed to roam around without clothes, it is a crime to walk around naked, therefore they requested Swamiji to cover with clothes, but he did not pay any attention to their words, the judge got infuriated and ordered to arrest Swamiji, suddenly Swamiji disappeared from their sight.  The whole court was stunned at this, they continued search for Swamiji.  There was a pious Bengali officer in the court informed the officer that it is very normal among the ascetics to roam around undressed, and Thrailanga Swamiji is not an ordinary person to talk about, he is Yogeshvara, he has no difference of a home or prison, he is void of impurities like fear, hatred, pride, jealous, desire, anger, lust, etc… he said Swamiji has no difference of sandalwood paste or secretion, after this conversation they could see Thrailangaswamiji in the courtroom.  English officer did not believe the Bengali officer, Indians will always have a soft corner for their people, and moreover English man’s pride was not willing to accept the holiness of Swamiji, he asked Swamiji to eat his meal, it was the meat of a cow, English officer was very sure about the fact that ascetics will not consume meat, and that to cow meat is unthinkable for them.  Swamiji replied that he can consume his meal, before that the English personnel should eat Swamiji’s meal, English man thought it must be fruit or milk which is the usual meal of ascetic, but Swamiji collected a handful of his urine and told him it is his today’s meal, and asked him to consume it, English officer was shocked and remained pale, Swamiji without any hesitation consumed his urine.  Finally, he realized the divine powers of Swamiji and asked him to release and Swamiji is allowed to roam around Kashi as the way he wants, no one should put any ban or complaints on Swamiji. 

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Swamiji’s fame spread all over Kashi, people started crowding to visit Swamiji, there were several people who were suffering from various illnesses, and he blessed them all and kept giving sacred ashes.  Later, he moved to Dhashashwamedh Ghat due to the huge crowd of people, here to people crowded to get blessings of Swamiji, they offered numerous things, but Swamiji was really fed up of the crowd, decided to keep the vow of silence and immerses in deep meditation, all the contributions were offered to needy people.  But one person was not willing to back out, he used to visit Swamiji on a regular basis and find Swamiji observing the vow of silence, later he was frustrated to see this, he wants to take revenge on Swamiji, he brought one bucket of slaked lime mix water and kept before Swamiji, he told Swamiji that he brought milk from home and requested him to drink it.  Swamiji who is omniscient, drank the whole bucket liquid of slaked lime, the person who was watching before him with an evil pleasure, that night he started to roll on the ground with miserable pain, next morning he rushed to Swamiji and fallen at his feet, Swamiji put his hand on the forehead of the person, he slowly regained his normal state, he was ashamed of his deceitful act.  Swamiji moved Panchaganga Ghat and stayed near Bindhumadhav shrine, after that he did not leave Panchaganga Ghat in his whole life and many of his miracles were performed in Panchaganga Ghat. 

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Swamiji had strong physical appearance, reddish-brown skin tone, sharp eyes, shaven head, wide forehead, symbolic mark on the forehead, pot-sized belly,  and stark naked.  Once Swamiji finished his bathing in Lolark Kund and came out, he saw a crowd of people surrounded by a person who was unconscious, Swamiji sat near the person and slowly touched his body with affection,  soon the person regained his consciousness and started weeping saying that he came to Kashi to die, he is worn of troubles and sorrows, he was suffering from leprosy and pronounced his name Bhramasingh, he came from Ajmer to attain Mukthi in Kashi, he asked Bhramasingh to take bath in Lolark Kund and chew some bale leaves he had given, he told Bhramasingh to meet him on a daily basis and take  bale leaves from Swamiji, he asked him not to forget Lord after getting relief from his illness.  Later he became a sincere servant of Swamiji.  One Bengali person was severely ill with skin disease, he found his death is nearer, he came and resided near the shores of Ganga, one day Swamiji saw a group of people assembled near this Bengali person, Thrailanga Swamiji sat near him and affectionately touched his wounds advised him to eat some mud and apply it to his body as well.  He was instructed to follow the same for a few days until he gets completely relieved from the illness.  Later, Swamiji moved near Hanuman Ghat,  there was a lady used to take bath in Ganga and visit Vishwanatha shrine on regular basis, she was furious at the naked Swamiji, she abused him all her way, that night she had a nightmare, in that she saw enraged Lord Shiva ‘You have hurt my Gana, therefore your wishes are going to fulfill, insulting my Gana is equivalent to insult of mine. I cannot remove your sufferings, only he can do something for you. ’ She got up from the dream and remembered about Swamiji, the next day she had a bath in Ganga and approached Swamiji and prostrated before him.  She prayed before Swamiji ‘Bhagavan, I am unfortunate, I did not recognize you, I have abused you and committed sin, kindly forgive me, you are too compassionate, if you do not forgive me, I will not leave this place.” Swamiji replied “ Ma, you do not worry, you are my mother, mother scold her son for good only, I have already forgotten that incident, you too forget that. Your husband will be freed from illness very soon; we all are going through the sins of our previous births.” Sawmiji gave some sacred ashes and asked her to feed her husband and apply some of the ashes on his stomach.  Later, she worshiped Swamiji on regular basis like worship performed to a divine idol.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

 Swamiji continued that there is a ferry coming from the opposite shore, and it is full of passengers, that ferry is going to sink very soon, he has to save the people from deep waters.  Immediately he disappeared from the sight of the ascetic.  In a few minutes, the ascetic saw the terrifying scene that ferry is sinking and people are screaming for help, after few minutes he witnessed the ferry is safe with the people on board and it embarked on the shore where Swamiji was seated.  The ascetic prostrated before Swamiji and asked how he did save the lives of people, he replied that every human has the immense mental strength and it is called supreme spirit.  The self-realization is the technique to realize the nature of the soul which is the representation of the supreme spirit, once we understand the nature of soul then there is no difference between soul and supreme spirit, people who do not realize the nature of soul will never understand the nature of supreme spirit.  In order to learn the nature of soul/knowledge of self, we should utilize mind, intellect, and soul which are the prime instrument in the human body.  Lord Surya spread its radiance and removes the darkness, in the same manner, the soul in our body emanates rays and sense organs start functioning, and the soul/Atman is not doing anything.  He lived four years in Prayag and moved to the sacred land of Kashi.  He was heard of Mughal invasion, looting of shrines and destruction of the famous shrines of Bindhumadhav and Vishwanath during his childhood days.   He resided outside of Kashi near Lolark Kund, he sits near the banks of river and engages in deep meditation, people who came to take bath in holy Ganga look at the saint and reverentially prostrate before him, some people come and sit close to him and talk about their places of origin, finally he became known as Thrailangaswamji in all over Kashi.  

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

 The King of Nepal came with a lot of offerings and gifts for Swamiji, seeing King and his men with lots of gifts Swamiji smiled at him and told him that he is pleased with the disposition of King, he said ‘Rajan, I am a wanderer I do not need any of these items, I request you to distribute all these items to the suffering people who are in need of it.   It would do all the goodness to your country and to you as well.” This incident spread across the country, here too people suffering from miseries, sorrows, hunger, and illnesses crowded to meet Swamiji.  It made Swamiji move towards Tibet, he lived in Tibet for some time, continued to practice Yoga on the river bank of Manasarovar.   In 1726  Swamiji arrived near the shores of the Narmada where Sage Markandeya’s hermitage is situated, it was the shelter place of various ascetics from all over the country engaged in spiritual practices, discussion, lectures on scriptures etc…were carried out. Swamiji was so pleased to live in this atmosphere and lived in a hermitage.  He took a dip in Narmada and practiced Yoga and meditation on regular basis.  There was Khakhi Baba who was one among the ascetics lived on the shores of Narmada, and carried out Yoga practices, one day he noticed the waters of the Narmada which has the color of dark clouds turned in white like milk and Gajanan Swamiji taking handsful and drinking.  Khakhibaba was surprised to see this and kept looking at Swamiji, he was doubtfully moved towards the waters and took a handful of milk, instantly it changed to dark clouds, as usual, he looked for Gajananswamiji but he was moved far long and the river has changed its watercolor into normal.  Khakhibaba understood the skillful Yogic practices of Swamiji.   Gajananswamiji lived seven years in the hermitage on the shore of Narmada, again he took up his spiritual journey and visited many sacred shrines.   In 1733 he arrived in Prayag and immersed in spiritual practices. One day Swamiji watching the beautiful waves and suddenly heavy clouds were formed, big waves shattered each other, followed with deafening thunder, lightning, and shower.  People who were sitting on the shore ran off to nearby places in search of shelter, Gajananswamiji sat on the shore without any movement.  One of the ascetics approached Swamiji and asked him to move to the shelter place, but Swamiji refused to take his invitation to move away from the heavy downpour.  Swamiji replied to him that he is sitting near the shore to accomplish a specific task.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Gajanan Saraswathi continued his journey and arrived in Shiva Kanchi/today’s Kanchipuram, where he met with one familiar person, he prostrated before Swamiji and recollected that miraculous event took place in Rameshvaram, he revealed his desire to serve Gajananswaraswthi.   He felt once again trapped in the worldly bondage of a devotee, he does not want to discourage the poor Brahmin, and so he decided to stay there for a while.  The Brahmin and his wife sincerely served Gajanansaraswathi, they believed that if Swamiji get pleased at their self-less service, it will remove all the afflictions and worries.  One day Gajananswaraswthi asked what is his purpose of serving an ascetic, poor Bhramin explained his miserable situation at home and their desire to have an offspring, eventually Brahmin blessed with a child and wealth, watching this miracle, rest of the villagers assembled before Gajanansaraswathi with their various requests. It made him leave the village of Shivakanchi, he decided to choose a place where he can contemplate upon Lord without any obstacles, and he extensively traveled through the woods of Nepal.   He settled in a dense wood and continued meditation.    King of Nepal was fond of hunting, once he chased a lion and arrived in the dense wood were Gajanansaraswathi was meditating, where he could see the lion resting close to the feet of Swamiji and he was affectionately patting the lion, seeing the King and his men the lion started roaring.   Swamiji told the King and his men that need not worry about the lion, it will not move an inch until it gets an order from him, he asked the King that he wants to kill this lion but he is scared of it now, Swamiji asked the King, he has no skill to instill life in any creature, therefore why he wants to take away the same, bloodshed is against the Dharma and requested King to return back.  After returning from the Jungle, King of Nepal could not forget the incident and conversation with the Swamiji.  He was surprised to see a noble soul, an ascetic in his Kingdom, he was astonished to see the ascetic whose feet is a shelter - place for an untamed lion.  The next day he returned in search of Swamiji in the woods.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Sri Thrailanga Swamiji after receiving Sanyasa came to know as ‘Gajanan Saraswathi’, eventually he received eight types of Siddhis/supernatural powers, such as Anima/ reducing one’s body to the size of  an atom, Mahima/ expanding one’s body into infinitely large size, Garima/ becoming substantially heavy, Laghima/ becoming too light, Prapthi/ ability to be everywhere, Prakamaya / ability to obtain anything desired, Ishithva / the power of Lordship, Vashithva/ ability to have control over everything including essential elements.  Gajanan Saraswathi remained in the sincere service of his preceptor for another ten years, after Samadhi of his preceptor Gajanansaraswathi continued his spiritual journey at the age of eighty-eight years of old.  In 1695 he started journey from Pushkar by foot, he visited many sacred shrines and finally arrived in Rameshvaram where he could see the union of several saints and holy men from various places, there was an auspicious event in Rameshvarm, he met a few people from the village of Holiya, people were shocked to see Thrailanga in the form of an ascetic, they requested him to come back to his hermitage in the funeral ground, his stepmother was no more and Sridhar became too old.  Gajanan Saraswathi revealed his intention to conduct spiritual trip to various places at the order of his preceptor, therefore it is impossible for him to return to the motherland, saying so he disappeared in the crowd of the ascetic.  There was a huge crowd in Rameshvaram due to Mela, suddenly a crowd dragged the attention of Gajanansaraswathi, there he could see a woman weeping on the death of her husband whose dead body was kept tied in clothe.   Gajanansaraswathi asked the people why they are fastening a lively person into the casket, he took water from his vessel/Kamandalu and sprinkled on the body, immediately it started showing the sign of life.  He came out of the casket and the ropes were removed.  Swamiji instructed the crowd to feed him with the milk.  The miracle of dead man alive spread like the wind  in all over Rameshvarm, those entire crowd were eager to witness Gajanansaraswathi, that night he left the crowd silently.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Thrailangadhar continued meditation for hours and hours, even though he did not achieve the fruit of his penance, he was waiting for his Preceptor.   One day an ascetic appeared before the hermitage of Thrailangadhar, he called ‘Shivram’, he was astonished to hear him, his mother used to call him affectionately, none of the family members or people of the village used to address him like that, everyone calls him ’Thrailangdhar’.  He came out f the hermitage and found an ascetic standing before the doorsteps, he had divine effulgence and full of bliss.   Thrailangdhar immediately prostrated before him, he remembered the dream he had a few days back, instantly he made up his mind this is the ascetic should be sent by God as his preceptor, he repeatedly prostrated before the ascetic.  They engaged in long conversation for hours within that time meal arrived from Sridhar’s house and they had a meal together.  The ascetic was Sri Bhageerathswamiji who was residing in Patiala; he followed the divine order of Lord and arrived at the doorsteps of Thrailanga. He revealed his intentions to visit holy shrines and rivers of South, after spending a few days in south his plans to leave to sacred Pushkar in Gujarat.  Thrailanga said ‘Maharaj, if you do not mind, please take me with you. I want to spend the rest of my life in your service.’  Bhageerathswamiji took Thrailangar with him to various shrines and finally they have reached in Pushkar by foot.  During this period of time, Bhageerath Swamiji well understood the spiritual strength of Thrailanga who needs to be channelized; otherwise, he was well versed with the practice of spirituality.  Later, Thrailanga learned all the Yogic practices from Bhageerathswamiji. They took nearly six years by foot to arrive in Pushkar, by the time Thrailanga was 77 years of old.   Finally, that auspicious day arrived; Thrailanga received formal initiation to spirituality from his preceptor Bhageerathswamiji.  Thrailanga took a holy dip in Pushkar and seated in a sanctified place at the order of his preceptor, after proper initiation Swamiji pronounced sacred syllables in his ears, in this way he officially received Dheeksha from Bhageerathswamiji .  Swamiji advised Thrailanga ‘I have advised all those Yogic practices, giving you the sacred syllables of Beejakshara, keep meditating upon it, I have received from my preceptor, this is the process of initiation to Sanyasa, you will be known as ‘Gajanan Saraswathi’ from today onwards.’

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Vidhyavathi was terrified at the sight of the venomous serpent with sparkling hood behind Shivram who was meditating upon the Lord.  She screamed for help and one of the servants rushed to Shivram and soon he returned saying that he did not see any serpent, he said only Baba was sitting eyes closed.  Vidhyavathi enquired Thrailanga about this incident but he remained silent. She informed her husband that Shivram is not an ordinary human being; he is divine personified on Earth.  But Narasimhdhar was not willing to believe any of these, instead he decided to keep an eye on him, soon he also witnessed the same sight Vidhyavathi was foretold him, he was extremely frightened at the sight, after this incident he did not encourage any argument with Thrailanga, he firmly believed that Thrailanga is not an ordinary human, he is divine personified.  Years passed, Sridhar took great care of family business and prosperities, Thrailanga as usual engaged in the veneration of Lord with his mother and spend hours and hours in meditation.  During this time, Nrisimhdhar passed away leaving his two wives and family, Thrailanga had little change in his behavior, he spends most of the time in the service of his two mothers and worship of Lord. Vidhyavathi passed away after ten years of the death of Nrisimhdhar.  Thrailanga abandoned all the relationship with his stepbrother and mother after the death of his mother, all these years he was tirelessly serving his mother after the death of his father, after mother’s death he felt no next of kin and he has no desire to take hold of the properties left behind by his father.  He started living in the funeral ground where his mother’s funeral pyre was performed; he smeared sacred ashes all over the body from the funeral pyre and sit for meditation for hours and hours.  Sridhar felt very sad for his brother, his stepmother requested Thrailanga to come back home, but he was not willing.  He advised his brother to keep all the properties with him, he has no desire for wealth or money which has fleeting nature, Thrailanga revealed his intention to pursue self-realization and God-realization which could provide everything that is impossible for an ordinary human.  He asked his brother to forget about him and enjoy living with the comforts left behind by his father.  Sridhar was deeply disappointed at the secluded nature of his elder brother, finally, Thrailanga asked his brother to build a hermitage in the funeral ground, and arrange to serve meals for the needy, after this incident, Thrailanga adopted funeral ground as his abode like Lord Shankara.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Years pass by Nrisimhdhar felt the need to perform marriage for Shivaram.   Nrisimhdhar was  too old to take care of family business so he thought if Shivram get married he would show some interest in the family business and come back to normalcy, he discussed this matter with Vidhyavathi and the couple began to search for a bride for Shivram.  Soon, Shivram got to know the news of the search for a bride, he told his father that he is not interested to get married, therefore do not waste his good energies in search for a bride, he decided to remain unmarried in whole life, he does not like to get involved in worldly matters.  Nrisimhdhar was shocked at the response of his elder son, he discussed the matter with Vidhyavathi, and she said she will put all effort to persuade Shivram, within a few days she found that it is impossible to influence Shivram who was too firm in his decision, she told her husband that Shivram is unyielding and therefore it is impossible to do anything without his consent.  She requested her husband not to put pressure on him, and she revealed that she has strong faith in Lord Mahadev, He will do well for him. Nrisimhdhar worriedly responded that someone has to take care of the properties of the family and possession; someone has to carry out the spiritual and religious rites, who will do all these in his absence?  Vidhyavathi said to proceed with the wedding of Sridhar who is younger to Shivram, in the meantime Shivram will come back to worldly living.   Nrisimhdhar asked her why she is not against performing the marriage of stepson, Vidhyavathi said that she is keenly watching Shivram from childhood days, he is too different from others, he sits long hours in meditation with her as if he was copying her, she said once she noticed brilliant rays initiated from the idol of Lord Shiva and merged in the body of Shivram.  After this incident Vidhyavathi was meticulously following Shivram in all his activities, several times she has seen through the window of their house that Shivram sits under the Peepal tree hours and hours  contemplating upon supreme Lord, one day she saw a venomous snake with a sparkling hood behind Shivram who was immersed in meditation.  Narsimhdhar was gone into great astonishment after listening from his wife.

 

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

Nrisimhdhar sternly warned Vidhyavathi that if any arguments or conflicts take place in the family after the second marriage, Vidhyavathi should take complete responsibility for it.   Thus, Nrisimhdhar got married for the second time, Vidhyavathi happily offered all the responsibilities of the family to the new bride, she promised the new bride that she will always be on her side to perform the duties and responsibilities of the house, afterward Vidhyavathi spend her large part of her life in the veneration of supreme Lord Shiva.  After some time there was a miracle happened in the year 1607, on the Shuklapaksha Ekadashi day, Vidhyavathi gave birth to a beautiful child with the birth star Rohini.  There are two occasions men reach the state of ecstasy; one at the time of marriage and another one is the birth of a child.  Nrisimhdhar’s happiness has no bound, that too after several years of marriage he became father, therefore the whole village went into festive mood, sweets were distributed in the whole village, debts of the peasants were written off, the entire village wholeheartedly participated in the happiness of Nrisimhdhar and Vidhyavathi, who attained child after several years of worship of Lord Shiva. They named the child ‘Shivram’ followed by the traditional name ‘Thrailangadhar’.  After some time, Nrisimhdhar’s second wife gave birth to a child; he was named ‘Sridhar’.  These two children were brought up with all the happiness and comforts in the family, even though these two children had entirely different nature, Sridhar was too handful, revealed his presence in the entire house and always immersed in childhood pranks, but Shivram was quite an aloof, he will keep himself distant from childhood mates, he does not like crowd or noises.  His one of the pastime is when his mother Vidhyavathi performs veneration of Lord Shiva, young Shivaram sits close to his mother and immerses in meditation.  Nrisimhdhar was worried about the aloofness of Shivaram who is too young to contemplate upon Lord and spend hours in silence, he wants to see him like any other child of his age, as the elder son of the family Shivram has to undertake the family occupation and wealth, he has to take care of agricultural and farming, he has to collect tax from peasants and to be with them in their happiness and difficulties.  Whenever Nrisimhdhar explains about family business to Shivram, he pays less attention, it often irritates his father, Shivram leaves home silently.  Later, Nrisimhdhar realized that Shivram is not going to take care of his business, he has no interest in worldly matters, hence Nrisimhdhar stopped to discuss any family business with him.

The walking Lord of Varanasi – Sri Thrailanga Swamiji

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swamiji!

The sacred land Varanasi has been the ultimate asylum of Mahayogis, Siddha Purusha, ascetics, and numerous enlightened souls for several decades; they are elevated souls who had attained perfect unison with the Bramham, they are void of passion, worldly desires, worldly bondage and impurities, they required nothing for their existence on the Earth, a complete renounced soul.   They represent supreme bliss, they do not require necessities of life like ordinary people, and they have achieved that supreme state with the several years of tireless meditation, Yoga and contemplation upon the supreme spirit.  Thrailanga Swamiji was born to a pious Bhramin couple Sri Nrisimhdhar and Smt.Vidhyavathi, in the Holiya village, Vishakhapattinam, Andhrapradhesh.  Sri Nrisimhdhar was a Zamindar in the Holiya village, he was well respected in the whole village, people were treated him as the deity, he was a noble-minded, kind, generous, and always look for the welfare of the people of the village, he sincerely followed all the spiritual and religious rites of a Bhramin, he performed various charitable work.  Smt.Vidhyavathi was a chaste woman engages in household duties, worship of God, reading and reciting scriptures, undertake strict austerities.  Nrisimhdhar was anxious about his wife who spends most of the time in the veneration of Lord and observing vows, they had all the comforts, there was nothing missing in their life other than a child after ten years of married life.  Whenever Vidhyavathi see her husband with a gloomy face, she equally felt distressed and continued to undertake numerous vows, she spends more time in the shrines praying to Lord for a child, so that it will remove the stains in their life as a childless couple and she sincerely prayed for the continuation of lineage.  She apologized to her husband saying that she is unfortunate to give him a child, and requested him to marry one more time, so that he can have a child to carry out the religious rites, Nrisimhdhar was shocked at her request, he made her understand that bringing another woman in the family will create unnecessary chaos and arguments, he explained her that he is extremely happy with the peace and serenity at home, even though there is a lack of a child in their life.  He flatly refused to perform another marriage; she tried to persuade him saying that this second marriage might present them with a child, Nrisimhdhar discouraged her saying that it is all her fruitless hopes, and warned her never repeat the request again, if she wants he is willing to adopt a child for her happiness, he sincerely does not want to take away her happiness and rights in the family.  Vidhyavathi did not leave her hope, she put forward her request whenever she finds a suitable time, they have constant arguments regarding this matter, finally, Nrisimhdhar was agreed for second marriage.