Swami Adhbhudhanandha  - Sri Latu Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Latu Maharaj!

Chapter – 1

Baba Rakthuram was born in a small village Chapra, in Bihar.  He was born in a very poor family, his parents worked in the agricultural field of villagers, they find it very difficult to meet the necessities of the family; they had to keep working so hard with their poor health.  Those days’ wages were very low; this couple had no land or means of living.  Rakthuram became an orphan at the age of five; his parents were passed away due to ill health.  Therefore Rakthuram lived a dull life, no one to shower love and affection from an early year of childhood.  There was his maternal uncle who lived in the same village, he had no children, he adopted Rakthuram.  His uncle had a little piece of agricultural land, he was far better off than Rakthuram’s father.  During this period Rakthuram used to take up small jobs of the villagers, but God had some other plans for him.  Eventually, his uncle had lost the small piece of land owned due to debt and became penniless.  People of these parts usually conduct the search for a job in big cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, or Ahembadabad. 

There was an interesting story behind the name Rakthuram, once his mother with her infant rushed to the Temple of Lord Rama in her village, her only child was afflicted with small-pox, the condition of the child became critical, and she had intense faith on Lord Rama that he will save her child. She cried in front of the idol of Lord Rama “ Hey Bhagavan, kindly save my child, I have no one other than this child, kindly protect my child from this illness.  I shall visit your shrine on a daily basis.”  Shortly her prayers were answered, the child was saved from the critical condition, in this way he was blessed with the new life by the grace of Lord Ramachandra, therefore this child was named as Rakthuram who was protected by Lord Rama.

Sri Anandamayi Ma

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Anandamayi Ma!

Paramahamsa Yogananda in his famous book ‘Autobiography of  Yogi’  describes his meeting with the Yogini Ma Anandamayi.  It was in the year 1959, after spending fifteen years in America working on self-realization program, Paramahamsa Yogananda returned to India for a visit to his preceptor Sri Yuktheshwar Maharaj.  During this visit, his niece Amiya Bose informed him about the great Yogini of India Smt. Nirmaladevi who was famously known as Sri Anandamayi Ma, who had achieved greatest heights in spirituality, her fame was spread across India and people flee from different cities to meet this great Yogini.  Sri Yogananda was made up his mind to visit this Yogini before leaving to America, he was read an article about her spiritual achievements published long ago, and it added his curiosity to meet her.  Amiya Bose said “ I have met her during her visit to a small village in Jamshedpur, one of the devotees requested Ma to visit his home, where his relative was seriously ill on his death bed, Ma visited this devotee’s home, she touched his forehead with her tiny limb, soon the patient recovered from the intense pain, gradually got out from the deadly illness.  

Once Ma was residing in the home of a devotee in Bhavanipur, Sri Yogananda and his companion from America Mr.Wright, went to meet her from his home in Kolkatta.  As they reached near the home in Bhavanipur, they saw a crowd of nearly a hundred people surrounded by Ma, she was elegantly standing in a vehicle that has an open roof and waving her hands at her devotees, she was preparing to leave the city.  Soon Paramahamsa and his friend got out of the vehicle and walked towards her, seeing them approaching, Ma Anandamayi got out of her car and gracefully walked towards Paramahamsa, and asked: “Pithaji,/she used to address all her male devotees in this way,  you have arrived at last.” She enthusiastically put her hands on his shoulder and rested her head on his shoulder like a child, Mr.Wright was surprised to see the welcome of this Yogini, he was known that it was Yogananda’s first meeting with Ma Anandamayi, they were talking like known for several years.  She was moved to a state of transcendental,  she always considered herself as the soul which is inseparable from the supreme soul, she never treated herself as an ordinary woman, she received Yogananda with great enthusiasm, she took him  in her hand to his vehicle and seated on the back seat, her eyes were half closed transfixed in the Bramham,  her devotees were exclaimed “ Hail to Mother  of  the Universe” .   

Later, Yoganandaji stated that he had seen many Yogis who had achieved the greatest status in spirituality, but he has never seen a Yogini who had a supreme state like Ma Anandamayi.   Her most beautiful face was soaked in extreme bliss, her long and curly black hairs were kept untied.  Her forehead was adorned in vermilion and sandal paste which was covered on the third eye, she has tiny limbs, small face and tiny feet, fragile limbs that were contradictory to her achievements in spirituality.   Anandamayi Ma was in a transcendental state, Yoganandji asked a few questions about Ma to her attendants, they said she had taken several trips throughout India, she has several thousand disciples all over India and from abroad too, she has brought many reforms for the welfare of the society and its people, though she was born in the Bhramin family, she was never differentiated people by their religion.  She was always taken care of by a group of attendants who attend her every simple need.   These attendants perform the duty of a Mother to her, she has never bothered about her health or meal, these attendants feed her on time so that her physical body remains fit and avoid deterioration.  She never bothered to have meals or comment about it, she consumes meals if anyone feeds her, she never knows the taste of meals, it was consumed for the sake of keeping her attendants cheerful.   She undertakes deep spiritual practices and remains in a transcendental state for several days, without a breath or a meal or blinking of eyes.  She has many disciples; Sri Bholanath is one of the disciples and her husband as well.    He has undertaken a vow of silence for several years now, he had long and thin stature, strong shoulders, thick beard, long hairs, and effulgent face.   He was standing among the disciples with folded hands and great devotion.   Yoganandaji said “ Ma, I am delaying your trip “ she got out of her trans and  said, “Pithaji, I am meeting you after several Yugas,  therefore please do not leave immediately, where are you staying in Kolkatta?” Yoganandji replied “ I am living in Kolkatta and sometimes in Ranchi. I will be returning to America soon.”  She was surprised to hear from Yoganandji, who said: “ Ma, people of America would be very happy to meet you, they highly honor you, will you join us to America”.  Ma said, “ If you wish, I would make it.” The female attendants were horrified at this thought, they expressed their helplessness without Ma in their vicinity, moreover, Ma cannot travel alone without her attendants, she will be accompanied by her attendants wherever she goes.  Yoganandji understood that his desire to take her to America will not work, therefore he left the plan. Yoganandji said “ Ma, kindly visit our Ashram in Ranchi with all your disciples.  You are a divine child; therefore you would love to be in the company of the children in our Ashram in Ranchi. ” she revealed her willingness to visit Ranchi anytime.  

As promised, the Ranchi school was beautifully decorated to welcome the great Yogini’s visit, children were extremely happy on this occasion.  Children in the Ashram impatiently waits for the festivities; during this period they need not study, hours and hours of music, and enjoy a sumptuous meal.  As soon as Ma entered the Ashram, children raised their voices “Hail to Mother, Hail to Ma Anandamayi” it continued for some time, she was welcomed with the divine music, percussions, sounds of Conch, flowers, etc..  She was blissfully moving in the school ground which has rich sunlight, she was taken to the main building of the Ashram, she has beautiful smile resembles child, she took a seat next to Yoganandji, she treats everyone comfortable, but she will be in her own world, always immersed in the bliss.  Yoganandji asked about her life, she said with a smile and humility “ Pithaji, knows everything about me, why should I repeat it,” she spread her hands and gestured it as nothing.  She continued “ I have never been aware of this body, I was ‘that’ before entering into this world, when I was a child  I was ‘that’, I was grown up to a young maiden I remained ‘that’, when I was taken birth in the family decided to conduct marriage to this body, I have remained ‘that’, Pithaji, I shall remain the same while I am before you.  I will remain the same whatever may come till the end of this birth.” After saying so, she has entered in a transcendental state.  She remained motionless like a statue, she has already traveled to her world of supreme bliss, and her black beautiful eyes remained lifeless.  This type of transcendental state is achievable only to the supreme Yogis when they separate their emotions from the physical body, at that moment the body resembles a lifeless idol.  Ma and Yoganandji continued to be in a trans-state for an hour, after that she returned to her normal state, Yoganandji requested “ Ma, kindly make a visit to the garden, my friend Mr.Wright will take some pictures of us.”  She sincerely followed Yoganandji, several pictures were taken.  It was the time of lunch Ma took a seat on her woolen blanket with her attendant, she was feeding her, she was swallowing like a child whatever placed on her mouth, it was obvious that she was not aware of the differences of vegetable or sweets.  In the evening she and her attendants prepared to leave the Ashram, she walked through the path of rose petals, moved elegantly waving her hands at the children.  The children were in supreme joy.   Ma has abandoned all those worldly affairs and surrendered completely to the supreme soul and attained union with the bliss.  Ordinary people like us forgets to show the gratitude to the creator and engross in the worldly matters, we remain unnoticed the greatness and mercy of Lord the moment we arrive on this Earth, many engage in various spiritual activities, not with  sincerity, merely to show off their capabilities, though it is not superior, at least it may take away a few minutes of  the concentration of the performer while engaging these type of activities.

The great Sage of Akkalkot -  Akkalkot  Swami Samarththa Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swami Samarththa Maharaj!

Chapter – 17

One day Swamiji announced about his Mahanirvana.   Haribau said, “ Swamiji, we cannot live without you, we can’t even imagine that state, therefore I am leaving to Mumbai, kindly give me permission.”  Haribau did not wait for a minute, he hurriedly moved out of the vicinity of Swamiji and left Akkalkot forever.   Swamiji said, “Go and stop Hari, otherwise, he may commit something wrong.”  Swamiji moved to the shrine of Lord Shiva and put fire on the Linga, people were shocked to witness him, once the fire was off from the Linga, it sparkled with more brilliance.  Balappa was too close to Swamiji during this period of time, Swamiji often enquires about Swami Sood/Haribau, though Balappa tried to contact him through mails nothing worked,  Swamiji wanted him before his departure, Balappa said it is waste of time enquiring about him.   Swamiji was too adamant to bring Swami Sood back to him.  Balappa said “Swami Sood should not do like this.” Swamiji said “He knows everything. That is why he is not returning, Balappa, I have to travel a long way.  Will you continue to do my service?.” Balappa started crying like a little child “ Swamiji, kindly do not talk all these. ”  Swami Sood did not come back,  in place of him, another person was nominated to take care of the proceedings of the mutt.  

Swamiji’s final nectar-like words were Lord Parameshwara always stands with people who work hard, people of pure intellect,  and people who have control over senses.  It is better to stay away from dull, ignorant, and lazy people.  Charity and devotion should be performed with a good heart.  The purity of the heart is essential for any religious or spiritual deeds.  Humans should utilize their senses not for feeding one’s own pleasure; it should be utilized for the service of supreme Lord Parameshwara who is fond of  Nishkamya Karma which augments the devotion of the worshiper.  The service to preceptor is the service to Lord; therefore one should not be shy in performing service to his preceptor.  People who follow righteousness would definitely attain success and piousness; they will always remain protected with their righteousness.  The holy men and saints are capable to wash off the sins of the people with their Dharshan.  One should not hurt others with deeds, words or actions, Prarabdhakarmas should be suffered silently without complaining, in this way these Karmas gets annulled.   Yogis have no death, their soul remains in the world showering blessings upon their devotees and disciples.  Swamiji moved closer to Vatavruksha, the responsibilities of the Mutt in Akkalkot were taken care of by Balappa. Swami Samarththa Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi on a day of Thrayodhashi in the month of Chaithra, in the year 1878.

The great Sage of Akkalkot -  Akkalkot  Swami Samarththa Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swami Samarththa Maharaj!

Chapter – 16

Swamiji returned with his devotee Cholappa and other people to Wadi, Cholappa was afflicted with severe infection of Cholera,  finally the day has arrived Cholappa was nearing to death,  during these days Swamiji used to beg for alms and people were surprised to see why Swamiji taking so much of pains to collect the contribution and for whom? Swamiji gave all the money to Cholappa who was sick, saying “ I am free from the debt of you Cholappa.”  Cholappa asked “ Swamiji why you are separating me from you. My body is shivering with fever from the morning, will you be near to me. ” Swamiji said “Everyone has to leave this world Cholappa, you sleep now, and you are not feeling well.”  Finally, the village physician said “ Cholappa cannot live too long, his life is in danger, we cannot do anything other than waiting for his death.” he left his mortal coil on an Ashwin Navami day in the year 1878.

Swamiji started living in the palace of Akkalkot after the death of Cholappa, he was taken good care of by the Queen of Akkalkot.  He was not willing to eat anything he was completely immersed in the loving memories of Cholappa.  Once Cholappa was digging on the ground, Swamiji said, “ Are you digging my grave, the first thing I will stuff you in this and after that, I will happily take shelter in this grave.”  One day Swamiji was too depressed and said “I cannot bear the separation of Cholappa. Where did I go without him?  Whom I show my pastimes? He was my close friend of seven births.  Hence my time has arrived to leave this world.”  Maharani said in tears, “ Swamiji kindly do not say like that.” 

The great Sage of Akkalkot -  Akkalkot  Swami Samarththa Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swami Samarththa Maharaj!

Chapter – 15

Once a Bhramin approached Swamiji and described his pathetic story “ Swamiji, I am completely worn out of sufferings of poverty, we have no clothes to wear, no food to eat, my children are sleeping without the meal.  No one is willing to give me a job, because I am a Brahmin.”  There were funeral pyres surrounded by him, Swamiji said “ Go and check there. Conduct thorough search everywhere” The Bhramin said “ Swamiji it is all funeral pyres. It is all remainings and skeleton.”  Swamiji said “Take the skeletons as much as you want. And feed your children. Go right now.” Bhramin was so disappointed and kept asking questions “What are you saying Swamiji? I am a beggar of course, but not against righteousness, are you saying to feed my children with the skeleton?.  Shiva! Shiva!”  Swamiji asked “What is in your body? Why are you keeping it in your body? Do you feel ashamed of it? Do what I say “  Bhramin said “ Oh! Parameshwar, Kindly protect me.   The sacred scriptures say to obey the orders of the preceptor, I am doing that.”  While going home the Bhramin murmured “what I do with the skeleton, better drop somewhere here.” When he opened his upper cloth to check the bone that he had picked from the funeral pyre, it was a gold bar.  Soon there arrived another villager and asked him why did he pick only one skeleton, he should have picked many more, they returned to the funeral pyre to pick more skeleton.  Haribau asked Swamiji “ You are the solid gold, why people are picking up the skeleton in place of you?”   Swamiji said, “These ignorant people will keep collecting skeleton years and years if they do not have the faith or devotion,”  The Bhramin and villagers checked all the skeleton they have picked up from the funeral pyre which remained skeleton, the Bhramin was disappointed to notice that only one skeleton that picked up at the instruction of Swamiji was turned gold bar.

The great Sage of Akkalkot -  Akkalkot  Swami Samarththa Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swami Samarththa Maharaj!

Chapter – 14

One day village collector and officials came to meet Swamiji and informed that there are several complaints lodged against Sundarabayi,  who has a great influence on Queen of Akkalkot, and therefore they are finding it difficult to execute punishment upon her.  They have received orders from higher officials to remove her from the service of Swamiji.  The officials requested permission from Swamiji so that they can execute the law.  Sundarabayi started crying saying “ Swamiji, I will not leave you, I will die at your feet, I will not move an inch away from you.”  Collector said “ I have considered you as a mother, now it is the order of the Government, I cannot do anything. You have to leave the service of Swamiji.  There is Panchamandal established for the service of Swamiji and Balappa Maharaj will be the Chairperson of this Mandal.” Collector ordered the policemen “Take her out from the vicinity of Swamiji and confiscate all her properties.”  That was the end of the piousness of Sundarabayi, all her wickedness paid its fruits.

Haribau/Swami Soodh arrived from Bombay to meet Swamiji, he was appointed to take the administration of the Mutt, he immediately followed the instruction of Swamiji, left his ordinary life as Grihastha and accepted Sanyasashrama.  He was one of the most important disciples of Swami Samartha Maharaj.  Once Haribau asked Swamiji who was sitting in the funeral ground “Why are you sitting here Swamiji.” Swamiji said, “ I will sit wherever I want, who are you to ask me?” Haribau said “ Certainly, You are Lord of three worlds,”  Swamiji enquired about the happenings at his end, he said he visited Mumbai with the Padhuka, and a Mutt was built in Kanthewade, he had sold all his belongings and following Sanyasashrama Dharma at the instruction of Swamiji who was extremely happy to hear from Haribau.  He told Swamiji that his wife Thara is not happy with his decision of Sanyasashrama, they had arguments and tears, he did not follow her words, Swamiji said “she is ignorant, she is soaked in illusion. You should not pay any attention to her.”

The great Sage of Akkalkot -  Akkalkot  Swami Samarththa Maharaj

Pranams at the lotus feet of Swami Samarththa Maharaj!

Chapter – 13

Madhavrao had white leprosy on his feet; he was worried that this illness should not spread all over his body.  He approached Swamiji and expressed his qualms, he was wearing a ring with white gem, Swamiji asked him to remove that ring and give to Sunadarabayi so that it can be utilized for building a shrine, but she was too cunning in making money out of the gifts offered by the devotees.  It was not that Sundarabayi’s wickedness was not known to Swamiji, but her piousness of her previous births were protecting her, Swamiji was waiting for the right moment, once her piousness gets over to teach her a good lesson.

Once a saint was eager to get Dharshan of Lord Dhaththathreya, conducted extreme Tapasya, but none of his meditation did pay its fruit, he was so disappointed, he did not get the Dharshan of Lord Dhaththathreya, he left his hope and decided that he is not going to have Dharshan of Lord Dhaththathreya in this birth.  Soon Maharaj appeared before the saint saying “Alak Niranjan”, the saint earnestly requested Maharaj about his whereabouts, and he realized it is none other than the great Yogi Nrusimha Saraswathi who is an incarnation of Lord Dhaththathreya, the saint reverentially fallen at the feet of Swamiji.

One day Naguanna Kulkarni arrived to meet Swamiji in the night, he expressed his desire to meet Swamiji to Sundarabayi, she asked him to keep Dhakshina to meet Swamiji.  He introduced himself as Lawyer from the village of Mor, he lost his eyesight at the age of 40 years, therefore he had to face so many hurdles in life, he worshiped Goddess of Durgapur, and he arrived in Akkalkot at the instruction of Goddess of Durgapur. Swamiji said “ Why did you come here? Go to Pandharpur,” Naguanna felt so disappointed.  Later he arrived in Pandharpur, and met a Vaidhya/village physician, it was Swamiji who was in the form of Vaidhya and took great care of him, and ultimately he regained his eyesight.  After regaining the eyesight, Naguanna came in search of Vaidhya, but he could not get a glimpse of him.  Soon he realized that it was the miracle performed by Swamiji.  Later, he arrived in Akkalkot and prostrated before Swamiji who asked affectionately “ Did the procedure in the eye was it painful for you? You had no faith in me, that is why you had to go to Pandharpur. Give me fifty rupees, which will be used for building the Mutt,”  Swamiji asked Cholappa to receive the fifty rupees from Naguanna.  Cholappa informed Swamiji that the Ashram is ready near the shrine of Rama; later the installation of Padhuka was performed.