Chapter 1 - Birth and Childhood

The divine parents

In India, in the state of Maharashtra, there is a small village Nandani situated in Shirol hamlet in
the Kohlapur district. In the 19th century, there lived Appa Joshi, a very pious priest. He was
always engrossed in conducting his daily religious rituals and was very helpful and hospitable by
nature. He would receive with open arms everyone who needed food and shelter. He was a
practicing priest and conducted religious ceremonies and rituals for the people of Nandani as
well as for those in the neighboring villages.

Appa was a great devotee of Shri Narasimha Saraswati - the second avatar (incarnation)
of Lord Dattatreya (the holy trinity - Lord Brahma, the creator; Lord Vishnu, the preserver;
Lord Shiva, the redeemer - in one form). On every Saturday and on every full moon day, Appa
would visit Wadi - a place where Shri Narasimha Saraswati stayed twelve long years during his
lifetime. To date, his wooden padukas (feet impression / footwear) are symbolically worshipped.
On every visit, Appa would ritualistically attend to his divine service and then feed the priests
and the poor.

Appa had a wife named Annapurna. Her prime cause of unhappiness was that the couple
unfortunately did not have any children. She would often request her husband to pray Shri
Narasimha Saraswati to grant them a son, as a boon. However, Appa would disregard her wish,
as his standpoint was that Shri Narasimha Saraswati who can bestow Mush (ultimate merging
with God), should not be troubled with trivial requests. It was like asking peanuts from an
emperor who could give gold and diamonds.

Once on his regular pilgrimage to Wadi, Appa performed his usual rituals and works. When it
was time to return home, there was an extremely heavy rainfall causing the river Krishna to
flood. Appa was stranded at Wadi for the night. Whilst sleeping there, he had a dream in which
Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared and promised him that he, Shri Narasimha Saraswati
himself, would take birth as his son. On his return home the next day, he revealed his dream to
an ecstatic Annapurna.
Soon, Annapurna was pregnant. During pregnancy, she would crave for solitude and peace. She
would be most happy in secluded places. Often she would go and sit for long in the temple
dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

On Sunday, February 7, 1836, [in the month of Magha, 5th day after full moon, according to
Hindu calendar],she gave birth to a healthy, radiant child - a son. A group of astrologers
predicted that this divine child would remain a celibate and guide thousands on the spiritual path.
Appa Joshi and Annapurna named their son Shrikrishna because of his attractiveness and allure
which was similar to that of Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Unlike normal
babies, Shrikrishna disliked being confined to the cradle or being supported on the lap. He
would, instead, be constantly crawling on the floor. Annapurna tried to breast-feed him but he
would drink very little. Surprisingly, he was yet very healthy. But even at the age of three years,
his mother had to forcibly feed him the small amount of rice and milk.

To the despair of his anxious mother, Shrikrishna would not speak even at the age of five years.
Her friends and neighbors would advise her to perform certain rituals like worshipping the
peepal (betel tree) tree and feeding the priests and the poor. Annapurna would abide by all their
advice. As time passed by, Shrikrishna started speaking but no one could comprehend what he
was saying. This disturbed Annapurna.

Shrikrishna reached the age of seven years. His parents decided to arrange for his Upanayana
ceremony (thread ceremony - a spiritual initiation conducted by the Hindu Brahmins for their
children at the age of seven years). During the ceremony, the sacred Gayatri Mantra (chant to
Goddess Gayatri) was recited in Shrikrishna's ears. All that he could repeat were the first two
words of the mantra twice, "OM BHURRA, OM BHURRA", causing a peal of laughter from all
those present. Appa Joshi was calm and unperturbed, as he was aware that the life of a divine
child had to be different from an ordinary child's growing up stages.

Shrikrishna started to play with the children of his neighborhood. He would mount a high rock
and sit on it as if seated on a throne. He would call on his friends saying, "Come to me!
Surrender to me! Take this holy water and holy ash. These will ward off evil and save you." The
ignorant children and their equally ignorant parents could not grasp the meaning of the gems
uttered by this divine child. Instead they thought he was a fool. Shrikrishna's words are similar to
those described by his namesake Lord Krishna in the Bhagawat Geeta (holy text) instructing his
devotees thus, "Leave all your rituals and surrender to me! Only I can save you from your sins
and bless you with Moksha."

Pilgrimage
One day Shrikrishna asked his mother's permission to go to a nearby village Mangasoli to visit
the temple dedicated to Lord Khanderaya (another name for Lord Shiva). Annapurna was
greatly worried about her son going anywhere alone. She worried as any doting mother would
worry about their seemingly helpless child - how would he find his way, who would feed him as
he still had to be forcibly fed and so on. Overhearing their conversation, Appa Joshi interrupted
them. He readily allowed Shrikrishna to go for the pilgrimage. The anxious but helpless
Annapurna packed a few snacks for her son and instructed him to return at the earliest.

The Barren Woman

Shrikrishna started his journey. On the way, he came across a village - Bedagagram. On its
outskirts was a well. Shrikrishna decided to take a bath in it. He kept his clothes and the bag of
snacks on the wall of the well, and jumped in the well. No sooner had he soaked himself in the
water, a dog ran away with his bag of snacks. A little while later, a lady came to fetch water from
the well. Hurriedly Shrikrishna came out and found his bag missing.

Naturally, he questioned the lady about his bag of snacks and accused her of stealing it. He
directly asked her, "Would you do such a thing to your own child?" The woman was
understandably upset, as she did not have any children of her own. She told the divine child, "I
have not seen your bag nor taken it. Come to my house and I shall feed you." Shrikrishna readily
went with her. She laid in front of him a feast of rice and milk. However, he did not touch it. The
lady, therefore, sat next to him and with lots of love started feeding him with her own hands.
Shrikrishna ate all the food without making any fuss. Whilst eating, he thought, "By feeding me,
all her sins have been washed away. She will be blessed with a son." After finishing the meal, he
verbally blessed the lady and told her she will bear a son. Then he started to leave. She
repeatedly pleaded with him to stay overnight. He adamantly refused. She gave him some fruits
to carry with him for the journey. Shrikrishna started on his onwards journey. In time, his
blessings fructified. The lady bore a son. Throughout life she remembered Shrikrishna. She,
later, attained Moksha.

Temple of Lord Khanderaya

Upon reaching Mangasoli, Shrikrishna went to the temple of Lord Khanderaya. He paid his
obeisance and prayed, "O God, I am so happy to visit this place, to see you. You are Shiva! But,
alas where is Goddess Parvati (name of Lord Shiva's consort)? Where is Nandi (name of the
bull that is Lord Shiva's vehicle)? You are fond of bhasma (holy ash ] but here, there is only
bhandara [turmeric powder). O Lord, you killed the demon Malhara, hence here you are also
namedMalhari, the enemy of Malhara. O Lord, I pray to you to appear before me. Till you
appear, I shall sit here without taking in food and water."

No sooner had he prayed and made his petition, an old Brahmin appeared before him and said,
"O child, do not be so adamant, sitting here without food and water. In these days, God does not
appear before human beings by praying thus. Please take the holy prasad (eatables offered first to
God) and go home." Immediately, Shrikrishna retorted, "how could you read my mind and know
my plan? Anyway, it's only been a few years since Lord Vithoba (Lord Vishnu is known in
Maharashtra state by this name) appeared before Namdeva (saint of Maharashtra, contemporary
of Shrikrishna)". Hearing this, the old man disappeared. Suddenly, Lord Shiva along with
Goddess Parvati and Nandi appeared before Shrikrishna. Lord Shiva said to Shrikrishna, "You
are a part of me. Now, go home. Later, meet Shri Swami Samartha at Akkalkot. You are born to
help people and take them onto the spiritual path." Saying thus, Lord Shiva and his entourage
disappeared. An exuberant Shrikrishna happily started on his journey home.

Home again
A week had passed since Shrikrishna had started his journey. His mother Annapurna was
worried and anxiously awaiting his return. So, when he came back home, she was happy to see
him. Shrikrishna looked more radiant, glowing, illuminating with spiritual enlightenment.
Annapurna did wonder as to "who would have fed him or if he was really a yogi (ascetic)?"

Prasad from Pandharpur

Since Appa Joshi was a practicing priest for Nandani and its neighboring villages, the villagers
often called upon him to perform the requisite rituals. Once when he was invited to the Jambhali
village to perform some rituals, Shrikrishna accompanied him.

After the religious ceremony got over, one of the guests - an old lady started to complain that this
year she had lost the chance of going to Pandharpur (place of pilgrimage) to see Lord Vithoba.
People consoled her that she could take the pilgrimage next year instead. This made her cry
inconsolably, "I am over sixty years of age. I do not know whether I'll be alive next year to make
my visit." Hearing her predicament and finding her sincere in her urge to visit Lord Vithoba,
Shrikrishna told her, "Don't worry, you need not travel all the way to Pandharpur, instead I shall
give you the prasad here." He went out and returned immediately with two packets of prasad and
gave them to the old lady. Everyone started laughing at this act of a "foolish child". The old lady
opened the packets. Suddenly, there was a stunned silence - for one packet contained churmure (
rice popcorn) and the other contained bukka (perfumed black powder applied on the forehead) -
these are offered as prasad of Lord Vithoba, available only at Pandharpur.

Hereafter, people started viewing Shrikrishna differently. Their attitude towards him became
more reverential. Many started often visiting him. They found his irrelevant uttering contained
answers to their questions, solving many of their problems.

Shrikrishna leaves home

After two years, when Shrikrishna was twelve years old, he felt it was time to leave his
household in Nandani for good, to go to Akkalkot. He, therefore, asked his mother's permission.
Annapurna was shocked! She pleaded with him to stay, not to leave them alone. When Appa
Joshi became aware of Shrikrishna's intent, he resolutely told his wife, "Do not stop him. Let him
do what he wants to do. The very purpose of his birth is to help people on their spiritual journey.
We do not have the strength nor the power to stop him." With heavy hearts, Appa Joshi and
Annapurna bade adieu to their son Shrikrishna. On his part Shrikrishna assured his sorrowful
parents that he would appear to them whenever they remembered him. Thus, Shrikrishna left his
family and home in Nandani.

Mere words cannot describe the grief of the distraught parents. It was similar to the great sorrow
suffered by Nanda and Yashoda, when Kanhaiya (Lord Krishna's childhood name), their foster
son, left Gokul and went to Mathura. Likewise, Appa Joshi and Annapurna constantly
remembered their son Shrikrishna and repeated his name like a mantra. After a short period, his
unhappy parents passed away. They attained Moksha.

Shri Swami Samartha of Akkalkot

Shrikrishna traveled on foot towards Akkalkot where Shri Swami Samartha - the third known
incarnation of Lord Dattatreya - was staying. Days before Shrikrishna's arrival at Akkalkot, Shri
Swami Samartha had been restless. He was constantly heard excitedly muttering, "Krishna's
coming, Krishna's coming". As Shrikrishna approached the boundary of Akkalkot, Shri Swami
Samartha speedily came out of his math (ashram or abode of a holy sage), his disciples and
devotees followed suit. As soon as Shri Swami Samarth saw Shrikrishna, he held his hand and
rushed him to a nearby forest so fast, that those who were following them, could not locate them.
Shrikrishna and Shri Swami Samartha remained at an unknown place in the forest for seven
days. What divine play was enacted in isolation is not known. Perhaps the elderly Shri Swami
Samartha charted the divine course of future action for the young Shrikrishna to undertake. Since
they were both incarnations of Lord Dattatreya in manifestation at the same time, it is very
unlikely that Shri Swami Samartha gave any spiritual initiation to Shrikrishna. Perhaps because
of the age difference, people inferred that Shri Swami Samartha was Shrikrishna's Guru
(Spiritual Master who leads us from darkness to GOD). It is, though, well known that
Shrikrishna had great love and respect for Shri Swami Samartha, whom he held in extremely
high esteem and which was equally reciprocated.
Chapter 2 - Arrivat At Kolahapur

Whilst Shri Swami Samartha was away, a gloom had descended on his devotees and disciples.
Finally after a week, Shri Swami Samartha returned to Akkalkot along with Shrikrishna. People
were delighted to see their Guru their God again and hastened to get food for him. Shri Swami
Samartha called out to them, "Shrikrishna is hungry, get laddus (Indian sweetmeat) for him."
Shrikrishna stayed on for some time at Akkalkot with the elderly sage.

Shri Swami Samartha renamed Shrikrishna as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. As we

unfold the life story of Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami, we will henceforth refer to him as Swami,
as his devotees popularly addressed him during his lifetime.

The leper Brahmin

One day, a Brahmin suffering from leprosy came to solicit Shri Swami Samarthas favor to cure
his disease. He related that for the past three years he had been worshipping Lord Dattatreya at
Ganagapur (place of pilgrimage), desperately begging God to cure him. There one night, he was
directed in a dream to proceed to meet Shri Swami Samartha at Akkalkot for his cure. Therefore
with great hope in his heart he had arrived at the great sages door.

Shri Swami Samartha pointed out to Swami and said, "This is Guru Shri Krishna Saraswati
Swami. Go with him to Kolhapur, serve him well and you will be alright." Dejected at not
receiving grace from the sage, the desperate Brahmin moaned, "O Lord, I have been sent to you
by the Lord of Ganagapur and now you are sending me elsewhere. Cure me, if not kill me, for I
am not going any where else." This infuriated Shri Swami Samartha. Notwithstanding the sages
anger and scared lest he would curse him, the Brahmin started to tremble. He begged for
forgiveness for his ignorance and agreed to go with Swami to serve him.

Doubts disappear
The next day, Swami started walking towards Kolhapur with the Brahmin in tow. At dusk, they
reached a small village. At the outskirts of this village was a temple dedicated to Lord
Hanuman. Swami decided to stay there overnight. The only thought the Brahmin had was
doubts of whether he would be cured. Swami decided to put his faith to test and at rest. He said
to the Brahmin, "I am very hungry. Go and get some milk from the village." The Brahmin took a
pot and went in search for milk. By then, it was pitching dark. The entire village had gone to
sleep. Nevertheless, the Brahmin kept on walking through the village, searching lest someone in
the village was awake to spare some milk for Swami. He suddenly came upon a place, which
was crowded. Wondering why a crowd had collected at such a late hour, he inquired with the
people standing around. He was told that the daughter-in-law of the house was having difficulty
in delivering her baby. In fact, she was undergoing severe labor pains for the past three days. The
Brahmin, as a matter of fact, informed them that "A sanyasi (ascetic) is living at the temple. He
needs milk. If you give some, he might confer a favor." The helpless husband of the woman
immediately filled milk in the pot and accompanied the Brahmin to the temple. As they reached
the temple door, Swami yelled from inside, "Govinda, go home. A son has been born to you."
The man was flabbergasted that the ascetic knew his name and his problem. He went inside and
reverentially offered the milk to Swami. Filled with gratitude, he humbly requested Swami to
visit his house. Swami politely refused saying, "We have work to do." Govinda went home and
found his wife had delivered a baby boy. Both were safe and well. Seeing this miracle, the
Brahmin had a change of heart. He started doing his work with a renewed sense of devotion and
his faith immensely increased. He thought to himself, "Immaterial of whether my disease is
cured or not, I am certainly fortunate to serve this holy man." Reading his mind, Swami laughed
and said to himself, "At least his doubts have disappeared. Once his past sins are washed away
by his dedicated services, I shall cure him."

Goddess Ambas temple

The next morning, Swami and the Brahmin resumed their walk. By evening, they reached
Kolhapur. At Kolhapur, there is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Amba (another name of
Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva). This ancient temple has a beautiful architecture. The
main hall and the inner sanctum sanctorum have been carved in stone, in the Hemadpanthi style.
There are also other numerous smaller temples in its courtyard dedicated to other deities,
namely, Lord Shri Ram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Dattatreya, Lord
Ganapati (God with elephant-head, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati), Lord Shani (Ruler
of the planet Saturn, son of the Sun God) and many others. Swami and the Brahmin arrived.
Swami decided that they would stay in the corner of the hall of the temple dedicated to Lord Shri
Ram.

Exorcising the Ghost

One day, a woman accompanied by her friends came to worship at Lord Shri Rams temple. As
soon as her eyes met Swamis, she cried out, "O Lord Datta! I beg you to help me. Please be kind
enough to bequeath Moksha on me." So saying, she collapsed and fainted. A few of her friends
ran to fetch her husband while the others tended to her and sprinkled water on her. After some
time, she regained consciousness. In the meantime, her husband arrived and was updated on
what had occurred. He at once rushed towards Swami and disclosed, "My wife has been
possessed by a ghost these past twelve years. We went to many places and people to seek help,
but no one could help her. But today, by exorcising the ghost, you have bestowed a great favor
on us, for which we are indebted to you forever." He, then, invited Swami to his home to bless
his family and home. Swami did not utter a word. The blessed couple reverentially bowed to
Swami and happily went home. The news of this incident spread throughout the city. Scores of
people flocked to the temple to seek the holy mans blessings.

Phadnis
Two of the spectators of the above happening were Phadnis and Krishna Lad who started visiting
Swami regularly. Phadnis was a wealthy and pious man. He visited Swami daily and requested
him to come and stay with him. Swami would say, "I will come to stay at your home when the
time is right".

Cured atlas!
The Brahmin carried on his daily chores diligently. He worked hard for Swami giving him a
bath, washing his clothes, procuring food, running errands and performing any and every work
Swami requested him to do.

One day, Swami decided that because of his dedicated services to him, the Brahmin had washed
away his past bad karma (actions) and it was time to cure him. He called the Brahmin and said to
him, "Go to the river Ganges and bathe in it. Today, you will be completely cured". The Brahmin
rushed to the river immediately and plunged into it with glee. This bathing experience must have
been his best throughout life. When he came out of the water, his disease had disappeared. His
skin gleamed of vitality and good health. Overjoyed and grateful, he ran back to show it to
Swami.

While the Brahmin was bathing, Phadnis visited Swami at the temple and again invited him to
stay at his house. That very moment, Swami stood up and accompanied Phadnis to his home. So,
when the Brahmin returned excitedly to the temple, he was dejected that Swami had disappeared
without a trace. He had no clue as to where he would find Swami to show his eternal gratitude
and reverence. He sat gloomily, totally in despair. Neither food nor water would go down his
throat. By night, he was so distraught that he went to sleep thoroughly exhausted. Swami
appeared in his dream and said, "Son, you will not see me ever again. But, you do not have to
worry. Now, go back home. Always remember me. I promise you a prosperous and peaceful
life".

Swamis stay at Phadnis home

Meanwhile, Swami reached Phadnis home. His family comprised of his wife and his child.
Phadnis was exceptionally devoted to Swami. His wife did not share his belief and disapproved
of Swami living in their house. Swamis every need was met by Phadnis. Despite this his wife
would constantly pick fights with him, nagging, grumbling and picking faults with Swamis
behavior. One day, Swami predicted that "Bad days are here". After a couple of days, Phadnis
child fell ill and died. Phadnis distraught wife accused Swami for their misfortune and created a
rumpus. She would tell everyone who came to offer their condolences that "My child has died
because of this visitor. He stays with us, eats our food and we look after his every need. In
return, we lose our child. If he was a real sage, our child would have been alive today." Thus, she
insinuated that Swami was a fake. Phadnis tried to console her, but in vain. To add fuel to fire,
Swami affirmed, "You reap what you sow".

Phadnis neighbor
One day, Swami took Phadnis to his neighbors house. Standing in their doorway, he called out,
"I am shivering with cold. Please give me a blanket". The neighbor came out but could not
fathom what Swami was hinting. Just then the neighbors mother hurriedly came out and said,
"Swami, please forgive my lapse. Please wait. I will fetch the shawl at once". She went in and
brought back a beautiful shawl and put it around Swami, saying to the amazed onlookers, "A few
days ago, my son had extremely high fever. He was shivering with cold. I mentally prayed to
Swami to bring down his fever, keep him warm and speed up his recovery. In return, I promised
to gift him a shawl. He recovered, but I forgot to keep my promise. Nobody in the house knows
about it, as I had not told anyone. Today, Swami in his kindness came to me, to remind me of my
promise". Once again she begged for Swamis forgiveness and expressed her gratitude and
reverence. As a token of his blessing and protection to a fervent devotee, Swami gifted the shawl
back to her. News of this occurrence soon spread. More and more devotees flocked to Phadnis
house to seek Swamis blessings.

Mahisalkar
Amongst the many who visited Swami was Mahisalkar, a landlord of Mahisal, a neighboring
village. He had a spiritual bent of mind. He requested Swami to come and stay with him. One
day, Swami agreed. When Phadnis heard this, he was very upset. In his depressed state, he
questioned Swami, "What is my fault that you are leaving me? Have I made lapses that I need to
rectify? Only if you tell me, Ill know. Please stay". Swami looked lovingly at his devotee whose
faith stood firm like a rock despite tremulous circumstances and said, "Son, do not worry. I am
going to stay at Kolhapur. Visit me regularly. You have a prosperous future. In due time, you
will be blessed with four children. They will all have long lives".

Tarabai
Before departing for Mahisal, Swami told Mahisalkar that he had an incomplete job to finish. At
noon, Swami accompanied by Mahisalkar walked towards a small lane named Kumbhar Galli
(Potters Lane) in Kolhapur. He stopped at a house and called aloud, "Mother, please give me
some food to eat". Hearing this, the woman of the house came out. She looked at Swami and
said, "You seem to be a Brahmin, so how can I give you food cooked by me. Instead I shall give
you some raw grains. Please wait". She went inside the house to fetch the food articles. Swami
walked off grumbling, "The woman still has doubts. She has not yet chased away caste
differences from her mind". He returned to Phadnis house for his meal before setting out for
Mahisal with Mahisalkar.

Have you wondered about the identity of the fortunate woman Swami detoured specially to visit?
She was Tarabai, the famous prostitute of Kolhapur. She earned extremely well and had amassed
a good fortune. Since many years she suffered from severe stomach pains. The best medicines
available could not cure her. Despite her shameful occupation, she was a good human being, a
pious soul and a humble devotee of Lord Dattatreya. She visited the Wadi on every full moon
day to pray to Lord Narsimha Saraswati. After completing her routine rituals, she would
distribute food grains to the priests and feed the poor. This brought about slight relief to her
stomachache.

A couple of days after Swami returned without any alms from her house, Tarabai set out for her
fortnightly visit to Wadi. She finished her prayers and works, and decided to spend the night
there. Lord Narasimha Saraswati appeared in her dream and said, "I came to you begging for
food. You sent me back hungry. I have taken birth in the present age and am known now as Shri
Krishna Saraswati Swami. At present, I am staying at Mahisal at Mahisalkar's home. Come to
fetch me. Take me to your house. Serve me and I promise to cure you of your pains." Tarabais
happiness was beyond measure. She immediately returned to Kolhapur. From there onwards, she
took a horse carriage to Mahisal, to fetch Swami.

Chapter 3 - At Kumbhar Lane

Tarabai abides by Swamis directive

Tarabai reached Mahisalkars home at Mahisal. The moment she saw Swami, she fell at his feet
begging for mercy for not recognizing him and sending him hungry from her house. Humbly, she
requested him to come and stay at her home. Swami said, "I was expecting you. In fact, I was
awaiting your arrival. Let us go." Mahisalkar was understandably upset and moaned that his holy
guest should depart so soon. Swami consoled him, "Kolhapur is not far away. Keep visiting me
regularly". Thus Swami left for Kolhapur with Tarabai.

Due to Tarabais heartfelt devotion, Swami in this incarnation stayed with her throughout his
sojourn on earth. Tarabai was not receiving grace for nothing. She had undergone intense
sadhana (meditation] in her previous life that was now bearing fruits. The story of this blessed
soul Tarabais spiritual journey will be narrated later as Swamis story unfolds.

For almost forty-five years, Swami stayed at Tarabais home in Kumbhar Galli that was situated
near the earlier mentioned temple of Goddess Amba. Perhaps that is the reason he is also known
as Kumbhar Swami. He is also known as Datta Swami as he is the incarnation of Lord
Dattatreya.

Tarabais family comprised of her mother Bhimabai and her son. Tarabai personally looked after
Swami she bathed him, washed his clothes, fed him. This completely altered the atmosphere in
her house. Day and night visitors would come regularly to seek Swamis help.

Bhimabai disapproved of this change. She would often grumble that due to the sanyasi residing
at their residence, the "business" had stopped completely, there was no income coming in and
there was no privacy in the house as people kept on coming, crowding their small house. Slowly,
Bhimabais irritation and dislike changed to hate for the Swami.

In the evenings usually there would be more visitors to see Swami. One day in the crowd, a
visitor lost his gold chain. Everyone suspected Bhimabai. The police was called in. They would
not allow any visitor to leave till they completed their search. Understandably, Bhimabai was
upset that all were suspicious of her. She was intelligent enough to understand that this was her
retribution for ill-treating the holy sage. Remorse took over. Silently, she begged Swami to
forgive her trespasses and prayed to be proved innocent. Soon, the real culprit was caught. This
incidence changed Bhimabais adverse attitude towards Swami. Then onwards, she started to
respect Swami.

One afternoon, Tarabai, Bhimabai and a few others were playing a game of saripat (an Indian
game, similar to chess but its moves depended on points made by throwing 2 or 4 dices). Swami
came in. He made a move in the game and said, "Be careful how you make every move. In life,
one wrong move (read "wrong deed") can take you to the path of hell". This is an appropriate
advice to every human being, especially disciples on the spiritual path. Perhaps Bhimabai
thought that Swami was taunting her. Her suppressed evil nature came to the fore. She got up
and firmly held Swamis hand and dragged him to another room. The room had no ventilation.
Except one door, it had no other windows or doors. Bhimabai locked Swami in this room. She
was satisfied that there was no way Swami could escape and disturb the game. But, she forgot
one thing. Who could lock up God, he who pervades everything, everywhere? The Omnipresent
One Swami.

Unknown to Bhimabais mischief, Tarabai and the others played on with Bhimabai till dusk.
They stopped as it was getting dark. Tarabai got up. She went to the backyard of the house. She
was perturbed to see Swami perched atop the audambar ( a very favorite tree of Lord
Dattatreya) tree. She screeched aloud, "Mom! Come and see where Swami is". Hearing her
daughters scream, Bhimabai, thinking that her daughter was perhaps searching for Swami,
replied, "Do not worry Tara. He will soon be out". Hurriedly she opened the lock, lest the others
realize her mischief. But alas! The room was empty. Shocked, she almost collapsed. Wondering
where Swami had disappeared, she rushed towards Tarabai whose sight was fixed on top of the
tree. Bhimabai looked up and was aghast to see Swami perched merrily on the tree. Bhimabai
felt disgusted and ashamed at her bad behavior towards the God-incarnated Swami. This incident
transformed Bhimabai completely. She started chanting Swamis name and devotedly served
Swami for the rest of her life. She died at an old age. Swamis grace ensured that she attained
Moksha.

Krishna Lad
If you recall an earlier incident at Lord Shri Rams temple where Swami exorcised a ghost from
a lady devotee, you will recollect that a gentleman by the name of Krishna Lad had witnessed
this incident. Krishna Lad had a spiritual bent of mind and would often visit temples and dargahs
(tombs of Muslim saints). After witnessing the above incident, once in a while he started visiting
Swami. Krishna Lad was an athlete. Daily at dawn he would exercise and then go to bathe in the
river. Near the riverbank was a dargah of a well-known Muslim saint Babu Jamal. Krishna Lads
daily routine was to exercise, take his bath, go and pay his respects at the dargah and then go to
work. One day, when he reached the dargah, a fakir (ascetic) came out from the dargah, saying,
"Dont come here anymore. Go to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami". Stating this, the fakir
disappeared. Krishna Lad was stunned. He thought he was hallucinating. He went through his
daily work routine and forgot all about the morning incident.

The next morning Krishna Lad finished his exercise and bath, and proceeded to the dargah to pay
his respects. The moment he entered the dargah, he started shivering and caught fever.
Frightened and at his wits end, he rushed to Swami at Kumbhar Galli. The moment Swami
sighted Krishna Lad, he said, "Babu Jamal is my friend. Do not worry, your fever will descend".
Krishna Lad was flabbergasted for he had not even pleaded his plight. From that day onwards, he
became Swamis ardent devotee.

Vasu Dalvi
Vasu Dalvi, a resident of Kumbhar Galli started visiting Swami regularly. In every visit, Swami
would tell him, "Give me your shendi" (tuft of hair). Vasu could not comprehend the meaning of
Swamis regular utterance. Vasu was a good man in every way but he had one vice he was hot
tempered and quarrelsome. He would pick fights on small issues with almost everyone his
family members, neighbors, colleagues at work. His wife was an easy target for his bad temper.
One day he had a serious altercation with his wife. When the heated argument reached its
crescendo, Vasu decided to leave home for good. He revealed his decision to his emotionally
battered wife and left home. In despair, he rushed to Swamis residence. Swami hugged the
distraught man and said, "At least now give me your shendi". The veil which had clouded Vasus
mind till now lifted. Now, he understood Swamis injunction. At once he rushed out and went
straight to the barber. He had his head completely shaven. He went and bought saffron robes and
returned to Swami. With Swamis blessings, he became a sanyasi (ascetic). He stayed with
Swami.

Krishna Lad had been observing these happenings. He requested Swamis permission to take up
sanyas. Swami consented. Both these sanyasis Vasu Dalvi and Krishna Lad stayed with Swami
all their lives. With great reverence and devotion, they served him. In fact their devotion has
been compared to that of Jaya and Vijaya, the faithful guards of Lord Vishnus palace at
Vaikunth (heavenly abode of Vishnu). However they begged for their food from householders in
Kolhapur and did not impose on Tarabais depleting resources.

Ramdasbua
Ganagapur is a place made holy by Shri Narasimha Saraswatis stay for two decades. A Brahmin
Ramdasbua stayed there, worshipping Shri Narasimha Saraswati by continuously reading the
sacred book Shri Gurucharitra. This sacred book narrates the life stories of various
incarnations of God Lord Dattatreya, Shri Shripad Vallabh, and Shri Narasimha Saraswati
and their sojourn on earth. Ramdasbua lived without eating food and only ate neem leaves. He
did this for three years. One night, Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared in his dream and said, "In
my present incarnation, I am living at Kolhapur as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. Come to me
and offer your services. Your vigorous fasting has made you very weak. Travel by bullock cart. I
am giving you rupees five for the fare". When Ramdasbua woke up, he cried with joy at finding
rupees five by his pillow. This indicated that his dream was indeed true. He came to Kolhapur
and resided with Swami throughout life.

Inner Circle
Almost at the same time, a saraswat Brahmin Ramakrishna Farrukh and a
weaver Mahadbajoined the other three disciples Krishna Lad, Vasu Dalvi and Ramdasbua.
This group of five lived with Swami throughout their lives. They gave their dedicated services to
Swami doing menial work like sweeping, cleaning utensils, fetching river water, washing clothes
and abiding by every wish of Swami. Rest of their time was devoted in singing bhajans
(devotional songs) and doing japa (chanting Swamis name). Whenever and wherever Swami
went out, he was always accompanied by Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi.

Many devotees visited Swami daily. They would crowd around him. Most times, it would appear
as if Swami was talking to himself or muttering something incomprehensible. However this was
not true. It would inevitably be an answer to a question posed silently by a devotee or an advice
to someone who needed it. Only the person concern could fathom what Swami said. With more
and more devotees experiencing divine help, slowly most devotees realized that the person they
had in their midst was indeed God incarnated. They started worshipping Swami with rituals.
Three times everyday, they would conduct Swamis aarti (act of worship by waving lamps lit
with ghee, incense and camphor, simultaneously singing devotional songs and prayers).

Swami expected his disciples and devotees to be well behaved and disciplined. He encouraged
them to treat all human beings as equal, no matter what caste or status they belonged to. Many a
times he arranged situations to rectify the behavior of his devotees and transformed them totally.

Goddess Amba complains about Swamis devotees

One morning, a young lady hurriedly walked in to meet Swami. In a high pitched tone, she
angrily told Swami, "Keep a check on your children. They misbehave and talk in abusive
language. This causes trouble to others. I will not tolerate such behavior anymore". Swami
lovingly caressed her chin and consoled her, "Mother, please forgive them for they are our
children." Hearing this, the lady collapsed. After a short while she got up and left. The devotees
who had witnessed this scene were naturally curious. One devotee mustered up the courage to
question Swami. Swami explained, "She was Goddess Amba who had come to complain about
you all".

Taming of Vasu Dalvis temper

One does not become a sanyasi by wearing saffron robes. He should forsake worldly affairs,
passions and be free of desires. He should have full control over the six entities viz., sex-urge,
anger, lust, temptations, ego, and hatred . What had occurred was that Vasu Dalvi, the sanyasi,
had been boiling with anger over some petty matter. So, the Mother Goddess had come to
complain about him. Our nature is governed by the food we eat. Therefore, to correct the
volcanic side of his nature, Swami ordered him to hereafter eat only soaked channadal (grams).
For several years thereon Vasu adhered to the simple meal. One day, Swami found Vasu craving
to eat his meal. Swami said to him, "So, are you still desperate to eat channa dal?". Hence for
three years by Swamis grace, Vasu lived without a morsel of food. When Swami felt that his
mind was completely purified, he allowed Vasu to eat normal food. Thereafter, Vasu would go to
beg for food. Whatever he received he would first offer to Swami. He would eat only as much as
Swami would place on his palms. Thus Swami tamed Vasus temper.

Haripant Shidnorlikar
Haripant Shidnorlikar, a Brahmin, used to frequently visit Swami. One day, it occurred to him
that he should invite Swami to grace his home. Accordingly, one morning he went to Swami to
invite Swami for lunch. Although Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi were present, Haripant did not
extend the invitation to them. This he did purposely as they were non- Brahmins. Swami said he
would come to his home provided the food was good. Haripant was so excited that he did not
bother to decipher the real meaning behind Swamis words. He went home and had the most
tasty delicacies and sweetmeats prepared. When the lunch was prepared, he set out to fetch
Swami.

Before his arrival, Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi had just returned after begging alms. Swami
called out to them, "Boys, what food have you received today? Come and share it with me for I
am hungry". He, then, sat and ate with relish the rotis (chapattis) and the chutney (condiment)
that they had received as alms. He finished his meal and got up to wash his hands. Just then
Haripant arrived to fetch him. Swami told him bluntly, "I have just finished my lunch". Haripant
realized his folly. He felt ashamed of looking down on people of lower castes. After this
incidence, he never let his upper caste ego come in the way of treating people. Swami had taught
him a lesson of his life that when all are one in the eyes of God, who is he to differentiate?

Thereafter, Haripant decided to progress spiritually. He took upon himself the task of reading the
Shri Gurucharitra daily and continuously chanted Swamis name. He did this sitting in a nearby
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Daily, at the same time, a cat would enter and sit on the
windowsill. The temple was dark with only a dim light peeping through the window. The cat
seated there, therefore, blocked the little sunlight that penetrated through. This caused difficulty
in the reading of the sacred book. One day, Haripant got irritated by this daily interruption and
lost his temper. He threw a utensil at hand at the cat to drive it out. The utensil landed bang on
the cats face and hit its mouth. After finishing his morning rituals he went to pay his respects to
Swami. Haripant was aghast to see Swamis face swollen. Swami said aloud to the devotees
present, "I went to hear Haripant read the sacred text. He hit me instead". Ashamed at what he
had done, Haripant repeatedly apologized. Once again, Swami humbled him and taught him a
lesson that all creatures are after all one.

What are the lessons learnt in Swamis stories? Swami is God incarnated on earth to help people
and show them the path to him. Since he is the Creator and the Creation, he pervades everyone,
everything, everywhere, at all times. He assumes all forms, therefore, one should be good to
everyone and everything.

Krishna Lads mother

Krishna Lads mother was ill due to old age. Naturally Krishna Lad requested Swami to release
his mother from the bondage of the cycle of life and death. Swami refused. He said she had to
atone for a lot of past sins before she could be freed. He, however, promised that she would stay
near him in her next birth and at the end, she would attain Moksha. After a few days, Krishna
Lads mother started to cry. She was very frightened. She said four demons were advancing
towards her and they wanted to kill her. Krishna Lad always wore Swamis padukas around his
neck, he put the same around his mothers neck. Immediately, the mothers face turned serene.
She said, "The demons have vanished. Four priests are reciting holy chants". Krishna Lad
realized the efficacy of his Gurus padukas. Soon after, his mother died in peace.

After a short period, in the same vicinity where Swami lived, a bitch gave birth to four puppies.
On seeing the new born litter, Swami called out to Krishna Lad. Picking up one puppy, he said,
"Recognize her. This was your mother". Swami named her Kusari. The puppy stayed on with
Swami. She grew up. Unlike most dogs, Kusari was much disciplined. She would not touch
anything in the house or mess it up. She would only eat what Swami gave her with his own
hands. Many a times, Tarabai tried to feed Kusari some rice and milk, but Kusari would not even
touch it, let alone eat it. This annoyed Tarabai. She even tried bribing Kusari with laddus and
pedhas (types of Indian sweetmeats), but Kusari would not touch them.

Shivubai
Another devotee who started visiting Swami was a young widow of a lower caste named
Shivubai. She was all alone in the world no relatives, no children. In her hearts of heart,
Shivubai wanted to have Swamis grace to reside with him. Since Shivubai was young, attractive
and good looking, Swami wanted to purify her senses more, so she could have more self-control.
Swami, therefore, ordered her to go and stay at the cemetery and eat only soaked chanadal. The
very thought of living at a cemetery horrified Shivubai. Realizing her fear to reside there in
solitude, Swami sent Kusari with her. Ramakrishna Farrukh promised to deliver her staple diet of
chanadal everyday. Shivubai moved to the cemetery. Kusari guarded her like a faithful dog.
Everyday Shivubai would bathe in the river three times a day and go to seek Swamis blessings.
Rest of the time, she would sit at the cemetery and chant Swamis name continuously. Shivubai
would give part of a meal to Kusari who would eat only as much as was offered. Three years
passed thus.

One day while Shivubai was chanting, Kusari advanced towards her. Scared that Kusari would
touch her, Shivubai threateningly yelled at her to back off. Kusari walked away and returned to
Swami. Realizing her mistake, Shivubai rushed to Swami to relate what had occurred. She
regretted her impulsive reaction and apologized to Swami for the same. But Swami remained
adamant. He told her that Kusari would no more reside with her. She would have to stay alone at
the cemetery. Dismayed, she accepted Swamis order and then onwards stayed alone. One day a
few shepherds warned her that since she was living alone, she might be open to attack by
wandering cattle. She, therefore, shifted to a small temple nearby which was dedicated to Lord
Shiva. A few months later, Shivubai became more composed, balanced and tranquil. Her mind
had become dispassionate and purified. At last, Swami happy with her progress asked her to
come and stay with him.

Swamis throne
Since Swami came to stay at Tarabais house, the visitors who flocked here to get his grace
increased many folds. A gentleman whose name was Vishnupant was one of the regular visitors.
Usually, his sister Annapurna accompanied him. One day, Swami told her to fetch him a
Meghdumbari (a seat and a canopy held by four pillars covering it). Annapurna could not
fathom exactly what Swami wanted. Nevertheless, after consulting her brother, relatives and
Swamis other devotees, Annapurna had a carved and embellished wooden chair made for
Swami. It almost resembled a kings throne.

Swami, the Emperor of all emperors would thereon sit on the throne in his court and give
audience to the suffering humanity that came in droves to seek his grace and help. Krishna Lad
and Vasu Dalvi like the legendary Jaya and Vijaya stood on Swamis two sides as he sat on his
throne. Now, aarti was conducted five times a day. Many devotees would sit the entire day
chanting devotional songs. The entire atmosphere of Tarabais house and at Kumbhar Galli had
totally changed. Tarabais house was now called Vairagya Mathi. Vairagya means dispassion
towards the material world that leads one to God-realization. Mathi means abode of a holy sage.

Chapter 4 - Some Devoted Followers

Balakoo
Balkrishna Rashivadekar, a youth of seventeen years of age, was informed by an astrologer that
according to his horoscope he had a short life span of twenty-two years. Nevertheless, the
astrologer advised that if he sought the grace of a godly personage, his lease of life might be
increased. Obviously, Balkrishna was worried. He was frantically in search of a spiritual sage
who could bless him with longevity. When he heard about Swami, he rushed to him and bowed.
Before Balkrishna could open his mouth, Swami said to him, "Some time or another, everyone
has to leave their physical body. Then, why should one fear death? Come, we shall remove your
fears". Balkrishna was astounded! That moment onwards, he became Swamis ardent devotee.
Throughout the day, he would chant Swamis name. Twice a day, he would come to pay respects
to Swami. However, his parents disapproved vehemently. To add to their indignation, after a few
days, he left his job. Throughout the day, he would stay with Swami. Annoyed with his behavior,
his parents started ill-treating Balakrishna. Due to his good behavior and devotional nature,
Balakrishna made deep impression on Swami. Fondly, Swami would address him as Balakoo.
Balakoo was strong and well built. Whenever Swami went out, he would carry Swami on his
shoulders. One afternoon, as Balakoo carried Swami on his shoulder, accompanied by other
devotees, they passed Balakoos house. Swami urged Balakoo to take him to his home. Balakoo
was in a dilemma. He could not say no to Swami and at the same time, he was apprehensive that
his parents would insult his beloved Guru. Nevertheless, he took Swami to his home. As they
reached the entrance, Balakoos mother came out. She was enthralled by the sight of a short man
with a fair complexion, with warm and kind twinkling eyes with a beautiful smile that brought
radiance to his face. He exuded the glory of divinity. The moment her eyes fell on Swami, a
gamut of emotions ran through her. But, her inner spirituality surfaced. She fell at Swamis feet
and surrendered to him. With tears trickling down her face, she said, "O Lord! Please forgive me.
It was erroneous on my part to talk ill of you. You are kind hearted, please forgive me. Please
accept my son Balakoo as your child". At once, Swami retorted, "Do not worry, Balakoo is my
child".

Balakoos mother invited Swami and the other devotees into her house and made them
comfortable. She requested Swami to stay and have lunch with them. Swami replied, "If your
offer of lunch is for everyone present, then only shall I accept your invitation". Balakoos mother
sincerely answered, "Whatever I have cooked, I will offer it to all". Swami and the
accompanying devotees partook of the lunch offered with plenty of love by the gracious lady.
While Tarabai had to forcibly feed Swami, here he ate with his own hands and relished every
morsel. This shows that God is ever hungry for true love and devotion.

From that day onwards, at noon, Swami and his devotees would go to Balakoos home for lunch.
With Swamis permission and blessings, Balakoo made marble padukas. Swami showered his
blessings and empowered the padukas. He promised that "Whosoever worships my padukas; I
shall give that person audience and fulfill his wishes". Throughout his life, Balakoo worshipped
Swamis padukas. After his demise, they were passed on to Krishna Lad. Later, they were given
to Vyas. Vyas built a small mathi at a place known as Gangaves at Kolhapur. In approximately
1902A.D. the padukas were installed there. From that day to date, at this very place, there is a
non-stop chanting of Swamis sacred name and continuous singing of devotional songs.

When Balakoo died due to a minor illness, he was chanting Swamis name. He was fretful that
he should have got more time to serve Swami. The wish one makes at the end of ones life is
always fulfilled.

Na
A few months after Balakoos death, his sister became pregnant. In a dream, Swami said to her,
"Balakoo is coming back as your son. Take good care of him".

Balakoos sister delivered a baby boy. The moment the news reached Swamis ears, he rushed to
her home. He took the infant on his lap; oil massaged him and gave him a bath with warm water.
Swami clothed him in the new clothes he had brought and named him "Na". Swami put Na in a
cradle and started singing a song to him. Though one cannot fully understand the deeper esoteric
meaning of the song Swami sang, the literal meaning is as follows:

"Son, one gets a rebirth as per your desire at the last moments and thus he gets

Involved in this cycle of birth and death again and again.

He is awfully disturbed by shadripus like sex and anger.

Do not worry; they will not trouble you due to meeting with Shrikrishna.

You would be having control on your sensing organs. Your mind would be

Thoughtless. Na, have a peaceful sleep

I am keeping here two guards- peace and forgiveness for your protection.
Egoism would not show you fear and urges would not make noise to disturb you.

They would run away by seeing Shrikrishna.

I have shown you a secret fine path to go to the citadel of peace.

Go to the ultimate destination.

On reaching there, your joy will have no bounds.

Na, now sleep peacefully."

Swami, then, kissed the child several times. He said to the people present, "Na is my good child".
Everyday after kakad aarti (the first worship of the day before sunrise), Swami would rush to
Nas house. Swami would get him new clothes, sing songs to him, carry him around while going
for walks or take him to a corner shop. Swami would whisper in Nas ears and this baby of less
than a fortnight old would answer him saying, "Hum", as if he understood all that Swami said to
him. Na became more attached to Swami than his own mother.

Three years passed thus. One day, Na had fever. After a couple of days, he breathed his last on
Swamis lap. Hugging and kissing him, Swami wept like a common man. After the funeral,
Swami told the mourners, "Na is sitting here in the dark. Please light a ghee lamp here". In India,
it is a custom to keep a lit lamp for ten days at the spot where death occurred in the house. The
same night, Swami appeared in the dream of Nas mother. He consoled her by saying, "Do not
be sad. Na has attained Moksha. Who survives on earth forever? When God incarnated on earth
in the form of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, even they had to go. Where are your beloved ones
your father, your uncle, your grandmother? Are they alive? Henceforth, you concentrate on your
own life. Lead it as well as you can". With this divine dream, Nas mother felt at peace. She, too,
became an ardent devotee of Swamis and started worshipping him.

Madhava
A Brahmin couple of Vene village, which is situated near the city of Ratnagiri, were very
worried as all the children born to them would die at birth. They went to several temples to seek
divine intervention. One day, they came to Lord Shivas famous temple at Ratnagiri. Here, Lord
Shiva is commonly known as Lord Kedarnath or Lord Revananath. The couple prayed
ardently to the Lord to give them children with long life. In return they pledged that they would
gift their first born to him. Soon, God granted them their wish. They named their first born
Madhava.

When Madhava became seven years old, his upanayana ceremony was performed. With a heavy
heart, the Brahmin couple decided to fulfill their vow. The Brahmin brought Madhava to the
temple of Lord Kedarnath and left him there alone. The child was confused, sad and scared. With
no one to look after his needs, he started begging for alms. Rest of the time, he would stay at the
temple and chant Lord Shivas name. Whatever he received as alms, he would first offer to Lord
Shiva, then take the rest.

In the short period he had spent with his family, his father had educated him in the performance
of rituals and how to read the panchanga (Hindu calendar signifying the auspicious and malefic
days) and interpreting it. Slowly, he started performing rituals and interpreting the panchanga to
the devotees. People started seeking his help and posed questions. He, in turn, would pray to
Lord Shiva and happily dispense advice to them, which was usually the very first thought that
occurred in his mind. People soon realized that the little bhatjis (priest) words were efficacious.
Soon, little Madhava started earning well. He did not have to beg for alms anymore. From his
daily earnings, he would conduct rituals to worship Lord Kedarnath and offer him food. Thus,
three years passed. One night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed him, "Life is
useless without a Guru (spiritual master who guides you from darkness to God). Go to Kolhapur
and offer your services to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami". The next day, the exuberant Madhava
quickly finished his daily work and rituals, bowed to Lord Kedarnath and proceeded to
Kolhapur.

He reached Kolhapur. He started to wonder where to search for his Guru. Just then, Swami who
was taking a walk along with his other devotees saw this ten-year old boy wandering about. He
stopped him saying, "Bhatji, are you searching for a Guru?" Madhava immediately understood
the identity of this divine personage. He, at once, bowed and surrendered at his feet on the road
itself. Swami lovingly said, "I have to help you as Lord Shiva has sent you into my care".

Madhava stayed with Swami. His charming manners endeared him to Swami and all those lived
at the mathi. Swami addressed him by several names Venimadhava, Veni, and Venkarbhatji.
After a few days, Swami instructed him to return to Ratnagiri to serve Lord Kedarnath.

So, Venimadhava returned to Ratnagiri and commenced his daily routine. Within a few days of
his return, Lord Kedarnath re-appeared in his dream and instructed him to return to Swami. This
confused Venimadhava and put him in a dilemma. He was fed up of being shoved to and fro. He
wondered why he should keep shuttling between Ratnagiri and Kolhapur. Like any irritated ten-
year-old, he decided not to stay at either place. He decided to move to yet another place.

He left Ratnagiri and started walking towards the forest. He moved on and on, climbing a
mountain to find a lonely place for him to stay. On top of the mountain, he came across a small
temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. He decided to stay put at the temple. The whole day he
chanted Swamis name. Tired, he fell asleep. When he woke up in the morning, he found that
someone had left food articles, viz., rice, lentils, wheat flour, oil, vegetables, utensils, wooden
logs for fire and everything else that is required for cooking a meal. Venimadhavas joy knew no
bounds. He went to a water stream nearby, had a bath, carried some water back with him and
cooked a meal. He carried out rituals to worship the Mother Goddess in the temple, offered food
to her and then, sat down to eat. Since his needs had been met without any effort on his part, he
spent rest of his time chanting Swamis name.

A week passed. Everyday food articles were present when Venimadhava woke up in the
morning. Venimadhava thought, "Whoever is supplying these food articles, if only they would
serve me cooked food". When he woke up the next morning, he was dumbstruck to find food lay
out on a plate hot steamed rice, chapattis (Indian bread), cooked vegetables and lentils. It
suddenly dawned on him that it was indeed Swami who was taking care of him even deep in this
dense forest. His throat choked as he remembered Swami and the love he had showered on him
during his stay with him. He had a quick bath, performed the rituals and rushed hastily to
Kolhapur.

Venimadhava reached Kolhapur, went straight to the mathi and entered in. He bowed to Swami.
Swami was exuberant to receive his prodigal child back. He pulled him and sat him onto his lap
and affectionately kissed him. He said to his devotees present, "Look at this brave ten-year-old.
He stayed alone in the forest. He had no fear of tigers, lions or snakes. For a week, Goddess
Annapurna (another name of Goddess Parvati, provider of food) fed him". Swami, then,
showered his blessings on Venimadhava and gave him a spiritual initiation through a secret
yogic (state of union of man and God) process. With this, the little boy went into a meditative
trance. For quite some time Venimadhava stayed on with Swami. One day, Swami reluctantly
called him and told him that Lord Kedarnath was calling him back to Ratnagiri. Venimadhava
felt very sad at leaving his beloved Guru. But since that was his Gurus order, he decided to
abide by it. At the time of departure, he could not control his emotions and started crying. Swami
consoled him with a promise that he would always be present by Venimadhavas side throughout
life. Reluctantly, with a heavy heart, Venimadhava trudged towards Ratnagiri.

On reaching the temple, Venimadhava surrendered himself before Lord Kedarnath. He put his
head down on the Shivalinga and sobbed like a baby. It was a heart-wrenching scene. Even God
must have been moved by the plight of this child. A few minutes passed thus. Absorbed in his
own sorrow, Venimadhava was suddenly brought out of his despondency by a solemn voice that
said, "I reside everywhere in the cosmos. I observe everything at all times. And I personally
promised you that I would always be with you. Then my son, why are you so sad? Why are you
weeping?" Wondering as to who was talking to him thus, Venimadhava lifted his head and
opened his eyes. Lo behold! He was shocked to see Swami smiling and lovingly looking at him
in place of the Shivalinga. The very next moment the scene changed. Swami disappeared. In
place was the Shivalinga covered with flowers which were only available at Kolhapur and used
at the rituals conducted at the mathi. These flowers were not available at Ratnagiri at all. This
divine experience acted as a balm to the sad boy. He started to carry on his duties at the temple.
The devotees at the temple who revered him for his accurate predictions saw a new side. He had
become more disciplined. Material objects no more attracted him. People now started giving him
the respect and devotion that a divine sage commands and deserves.

Childless couple
A childless Brahmin couple was visiting temples and holy shrines all over Maharashtra. They
were on the look out for blessings by which they could have children. They came to Kolhapur to
pay their respects to Swami. Swami explicitly told them, "Due to very serious sins in your past
life, you will not have any children". Disappointed, but not disheartened, the couple started
visiting other holy places, meeting other holy people.

They finally reached Ratnagiri. The people there directed them to Venimadhava. Venimadhava
blessed them. He promised them a son within a year. Gently he said to them, "My Swami is very
kind. He can do and undo anything and everything on this earth. With his divine powers and
blessings, your wish will be fulfilled. Go to Kolhapur and serve him". With hopes raised, the
couple went back to Kolhapur to meet Swami. Before the couple could restate their case, Swami
said, "I give you what he has promised". Within a year, a bonny baby boy was born to the now
joyous couple. Thus Swami altered the course of destiny of the couple to fulfill the promise
made by one of his dearest disciples.

Scholar of Vedanta
At Kolhapur there was a famous Brahmin scholar of Vedanta (interpretation of philosophy
revealed in the Vedas). He had a young son whose name was Vyas. Vyas had learned Vedanta
from his father and had in fact mastered it. He was so well versed on the subject and was such a
beautiful orator that he was invited to give discourses at various religious meetings. He would
usually talk of the relationship of the Atma (soul) with the Parmatama (God), their main
characteristics being nirakara (without form) and niraguna (without criterion), and how they
pervade the entire creation. Since Vyas had no spiritual experiences, after a while he got bored
preaching the same old sermons.

Vyas happened to meet an illiterate man in his neighborhood who often visited Alandi, the shrine
of the famous saint Dnyaneshwar who lived in the 11th century and wrote Dnyaneshwari the
poetical interpretation of the Bhagwat Geeta in the Marathi language. In a casual conversation,
the man described that on sincere prayers the saint would appear before him and guide him on
the spiritual path. This advice perplexed Vyas as it was six hundred years since Dnyaneshwar
had taken live samadhi He wondered how the saint could give him an audience or dispense
advice to him impossible, unimaginable. Vyas then asked other people for advice but was not
satisfied. He, therefore, decided that if someone else directs him to Alandi, he would take it as a
hint for him to visit the shrine of saint Dnyaneshwar.

Yet somebody else guided him to meet Swami. As he entered the mathi, Swami said to him,
"You must visit Alandi". This left Vyas astounded as he had not even asked Swami for his
advice, but had already received it.

The young man immediately went to Alandi. He sat under the sacred ajanavriksha ( tree) and
started reading the Dnyaneshwari religiously. A month passed thus. Nothing happened no
dream, no spiritual experience, saint Dnyaneshwar did not appear.

One day, a devotee approached Vyas and requested him for some spiritual guidance. He said,
"Sir, you seem to be a devout and learned man. I see that you are undergoing hard penance. For
the past twelve years, I have been praying to saint Dnyaneshwar. I regularly visit his shrine.
Please guide me so that he may give me an audience". Immediately Vyas retorted, "Visualize
saint Dnyaneshwars image in front of your eyes and chant his name with full devotion. He will
definitely appear before you". The next morning, the grateful and exuberant devotee came
running to him. He said, "Sir, I am deeply grateful for your advice. I obeyed your instructions. At
night, saint Dnyaneshwar appeared in my dream along with his brothers Nivruti and Sopan, and
his sister Mukta". You can well imagine the state of Vyas mind. He was shell-shocked. He had
given the advice only to get rid of the devotee who was wasting his valuable time. And on his
advice, he had already had a spiritual experience! Perhaps his devotion was more sincere.

Vyas then thought that perhaps he needed to go inside the shrine and pray. Thus he started
walking towards the shrine temple. While walking, he started to think that "God is everywhere
and so is Dnyaneshwar. Thus, he is right besides me. So, is it really necessary to go inside?" As
he walked to the entrance, the doorkeeper stopped him and said, "Why do you need to go inside.
You can as well see it from outside". Vyas started to think, "Although I have had no spiritual
experience, yet I simply know that God is everywhere. Henceforth, I shall chant saint
Dnyaneshwars name with full devotion. Today onwards, I shall stop eating and drinking till the
saint guides me onto the spiritual path". A week passed thus. Saint Dnyaneshwar appeared in his
dream and said, "Now wind up your penance. Go to Kolhapur and serve Shri Krishna Saraswati
Swami. He is Hanuman himself".

Vyas joy knew no bounds. It was noon when he returned to Kolhapur and entered the mathi.
Swami embraced him, "Come my son. Since saint Dnyaneshwar has sent you, I must do your
work". Swami sat besides Vyas and lovingly fed him lunch with his own hands. Vyas was very
dear to Swami who lovingly called him shendephal (an endearing term used to address the
youngest child of a family)

Chapter 5 - Kind Hearted Swami

Devagonda Patil
In a small village of Aitawade, there lived a well to do gentleman named Devagonda Patil. He
owned a beautiful house and fields for agricultural cultivation. His happy family consisted of his
wife, his children, a younger brother and his wife.

However Devagonda got infected with leprosy, a disease which was incurable in those days.
When the leprosy started to spread, his wife and brother were petrified that it would spread to
other family members. Therefore, they suggested that Devagonda should stay in isolation in a hut
they would get built in the fields. This broke Devagondas heart. He was devastated that his wife,
his life partner, should drive him out of his own house in his difficult times. Disgusted at his
familys attitude, he took some money and left home. He decided that in times of need, surely
God would not forsake him and proceeded to Wadi. There he worshipped Lord Narasimha
Saraswati for three years. His disease was spreading all over his body. There were inflammations
that were causing him excruciating pain and agony.

One day Anna a distant relative of Devagonda came to Wadi to pray. He saw Devagonda and
recognized him at once. On inquiring, Devagonda related his plight of how his family had
deserted him. This angered Anna. He asked Devagonda to accompany him to Kolhapur. He said,
"Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami will definitely cure you".

Thus Devagonda accompanied by Anna arrived at the mathi at Kolhapur. As Devagondas body
was fully covered with leprosy, the disciples and devotees of Swamis been naturally repulsed
and would not let him enter the mathi. Devagonda felt sad and frustrated. Nevertheless, he
resolved that everyday he would come up to the door of the mathi, pray and go away. Resolutely,
he stood there and prayed earnestly. His sincere prayer reached Swami who came out
immediately. Swami lovingly caressed Devagondas back with his hands. Within four days, the
inflammations subsided considerably and proportionately the pain reduced. This continued
everyday. In four months Devagonda was completely cured. Now he could freely enter the mathi
and pray to Swami. Now the whole day he would wholeheartedly chant Swamis name.

The news of Devagondas miraculous recovery reached his family at Aitawade. His wife and
brother came to Kolhapur to fetch him. On seeing them Anna naturally exploded, "You deserted
Devagonda when he needed you the most. Now why are you here? You have no business to be
here". Devagonda, however, was forgiving and consoled Anna by saying, "Anna, calm down!
They have done me a great favor. Due to their callousness, I could meet Swami and procure his
divine blessings. Just forgive them". Devagondas wife and brother felt very ashamed and
begged for forgiveness.

Together they proceeded to meet Swami to seek his grace. Devagondas brother had no children.
On the way he prayed to Swami to give him children. The moment they stepped into the mathi,
Swami said to Devagondas brother, "You will have many children". Swami then advised
Devagonda to return to his home. Very reluctantly Devagonda returned home to his family.
However, he paid regular visits to Swami.

Govind Karanjkar
Govind Karanjkar was a resident of Kolhapur. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Narasimha
Saraswati and made regular visits to the Wadi. One day a friend brought him to Swami. Without
any introductions made, Swami said to him, "When I am here, why should anyone walk all the
way to Wadi to meet me there". Govind was left dumbfounded. He understood who Swami was.
Thereafter he started visiting Swami daily.

One day Govind went for a swim in the river. While swimming, he saw some women in the
water. Something about them frightened him. He immediately swam ashore. The moment he got
out of the water, he felt cold and started to shiver. All of a sudden he had high fever. Scared, he
ran straight to Swami who consoled him by saying, "I am with you. Do not worry about
anything". Govind went home and lay down on his bed. He was very cold and therefore,
shivering. Due to high fever, he felt drowsy. The moment he would shut his eyes, he would see
those women menacingly advancing towards him. They looked very angry and ready to beat him
up. However, Govind would also see Swami standing next to him with a stick, not allowing
those women to come anywhere near him. The scene would vanish the moment Govind would
open his eyes. However, the scene would reappear the moment he would close his eyes. This
continued for seven days and nights. On the eight day, his fever came down. The scene vanished
once and for all. A grateful Govind went to Swami and bowed at his feet. Swami said, "Son,
these were apsaras (Water Goddesses). Please do not go to the wrong places at the wrong time.
Now go to the same spot and offer a coconut".

A few months later, Govind started getting psoriasis all over his body. His skin started to become
dry and scaly. When the skin peeled off, it would start to bleed. He was in severe pain. Since the
disease had spread all over his body, it was a ghastly sight. Govind therefore felt ashamed to go
out. Thus, he stopped visiting Swami. His wife and other relatives started taunting him that this
was the punishment meted out by Lord Narasimha Saraswati for discontinuing his visits to Wadi
and instead going to the bogus Swami. They urged him to go to Wadi and beg Lord Narasimha
Saraswatis forgiveness. Due to family pressure, half-heartedly Govind went to Wadi. On
reaching the holy place, his pain increased and was unbearable. Without informing his family, he
returned at once to Kolhapur and went straight to the mathi.

Govind sat in a corner hoping that Swami would call him and inquire about his absence and ill
health. However Swami did not even look at him. Govind repented and prayed, "O Swami, I
know I have made a blinder. Against your advice I went to Wadi. Please forgive me. You have
every right to be angry with me. O Lord! You are my mother. You are kind. A mother can be
angry with her child for his faults but she does not throw him away. Please be kind. I cannot bear
this pain anymore. If you do not wish to cure me, please give me death at your feet now."
Govind kept on crying.

Suddenly Swami got up, came near Govind, caught his hand and said, "Come with me". Swami
walked out of the mathi dragging a flabbergasted Govind behind. They kept on walking. Swami
took Govind to the outskirts of Kolhapur and entered the forest. Apprehensive that his disease
could contaminate Swami, Govind kept on slipping his hand out of Swamis hold and walking at
a distance. But Swami would again hold his hand firmly. They continued walking. By now,
Govind was tired, thirsty and very hungry. But Swami continued walking. They walked
continuously for fifteen days and nights. Govinds skin had completely dried up now. They
returned to Kolhapur. Swami advised Govind to take a bath in the holy river Panchganga. After
his bath there, Govinds skin returned to normal and regained its healthy texture and color. Such
was Swamis grace.

Gopal Athalye
Gopal Athalye was a well to do man residing in Kolhapur. His wife and he were very pious
human beings. The only sadness in their life was that they had no children. They consulted many
astrologers for the same. They frequently visited temples and saints in the hope for the required
blessing.

A well wisher informed Gopals wife about Swami and his miracles. With hopes raised, she
informed her husband about Swami. Since Gopal was busy with some important work, he told
his wife, "Wait till I finish my work. Then we will go together to pay our respects". Gopals wife
was impatient to meet Swami, while Gopal could not find time amidst his busy schedule. She
started to pray fervently to Swami that since she could not visit him without her husband, to
please do her a favor and arrange a meeting. Her heartfelt prayer reached Swami.

One afternoon, Swami accompanied by a few devotees walked into Gopals house. It was a great
surprise for Gopals wife whose prayers had been answered. She was filled with exhilaration and
joy. Gopal was not at home. So, she came forward and offered Swami a seat. She reverentially
bowed to him. With gratitude she said, "Swami, you are gracious. You answered my prayers. I
could not come alone and I was desperate to have your darshan (audience)". She then asked
Swami if he would have some snacks and refreshments. Swami replied, "If you will serve all
accompanying me then I will also partake some. Whats more, if you give to me, I will give you
something in return". She lovingly served snacks to all. After spending some time here, Swami
blessed her and returned to the mathi.

In the evening when Gopal returned from work, she told him about Swamis visit. He said to his
wife with admiration, "You are very fortunate. Let us go right now to the mathi". They went to
Swami with offerings of a coconut, sweetmeats and a garland of flowers. Their joy knew no
bounds when Swami blessed them, "You will have three sons. Your first born will be my ardent
devotee."

In due course of time, their first child was born. They named him Kashinath. Twelve days after
his birth, they took him to Swami for his blessings. Swami took the baby boy on his lap and
whispered something in his ears. The boy of twelve days uttered a sound "Hum" as if he
understood what Swami said. Subsequently two more sons were born to the happy couple. Since
childhood, Kashinaths behavior was different to that of children his age. He was a loner. He
never asked his parents for anything. He regularly visited Swami. At eight years of age, his
upanayana (thread) ceremony was conducted. At fourteen years, with his parents permission, he
left his house and went to Swami who asked him to go and reside at Ganagapur. In fact he spent
his entire life there and became a well-known saint Athalye Baba.

Foresighted Swamis instant help

One day Swami was taking a walk with his disciples in a public garden called Meera Baug. It
was a well-laid out garden with a beautiful pond adding to its beauty. While passing the pond,
suddenly Swami started yelling, "Fell down, fell down". And immediately afterwards he said,
"Taken out, taken out". Nobody understood Swamis incoherent utterings.

After a few days, the guards of the garden came to the mathi and excitedly revealed, "Today at
noon, a child fell into the pond. People around that area heard its crying and saved her". This
indicates that Swami had foreseen this occurrence.

Shri Swami Samartha and Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami are ONE
One morning at the mathi, Swami was walking to and fro restlessly. A devotee mustered some
courage to ask Swami the reason for his restlessness. Swami said, "I want to eat pedha
(sweetmeat) from Akkalkot". Devotees present offered to fetch him some from Kolhapur itself.
But Swami was adamant. He firmly said, "No!" Swami kept on pacing the floor till lunchtime.
By now, everyone at the mathi was worried.

At noon, a couple from Akkalkot entered the mathi with their one-year-old son. They
reverentially bowed to Swami, placed their child at his lotus feet, offered him a packet of one
kilogram of pedhas and said, "Swami, we reside at Akkalkot. We prayed to Shri Swami
Samartha to give us a son. In return we took a vow to offer him one kilogram of pedha. Our son
was born but we waited sometime to fulfill our promise. In the meantime, Shri Swami Samartha
took samadhi. We regret the delay we caused or else we could have fed him with our own hands.
Somehow, we felt incorrect to place the offering at his samadhi temple. We earnestly besieged
Shri Swami Samartha to forgive our mistake. At last, yesterday he appeared in our dream and
instructed us to come here. He said, "If you feed Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami, I shall receive it.
For he and I are same". Swami gladly let the couple feed him the pedhas from Akkalkot.

Swamis nocturnal rendezvous

At the mathi, Swami slept in a small bedroom. Every night the devotees would daily place a
clean bed sheet for Swami to sleep. Some of the disciples would sleep in the hall outside and the
entrance door would be locked for the night. It would be impossible for anyone to come or go
from the mathi without disturbing those sleeping in the hall. Yet, many a mornings, the disciples
would find Swamis feet covered with mud or dust and his bed sheet dirty. They wondered how
this happened. Was Swami walking outside at night? Where was he going? Swami was
obviously visiting his devotees, answering their prayers and saving those in danger. Narrated
below are such occurrences.

Merchant of Rajapur
One cloudy morning, Swami was seated in his chair with Krishna Lad and Vasu Dalvi standing
on his two sides. Other devotees were seated around him. Suddenly Swami stopped talking and
shut his eyes for more than five minutes. Soon the devotees found water trickling from Swamis
clothes. The devotees at once changed his clothes. Surprisingly the water from the clothes was
extremely salty. This was a big mystery!

A month passed. One day a gentleman from Rajapur came loaded with sweetmeats and a garland
of flowers. The curious devotees naturally inquired about his whereabouts. He narrated, "I am a
merchant. A month ago, I was travelling by ship with lots of goods to sell. A storm broke out
accompanied by gusty winds. The ship lost its balance and started to drown. All aboard the ship
jumped into the sea. So did me. It was impossible to swim in the sea. I lost all hopes for my life.
Desperate, I prayed to Swami for help. Before becoming unconscious, the last thing I remember
is that a sanyasi (ascetic) carried me on his back. When I came to my senses, I was lying on the
shore. It seems that I was the sole survivor. It took me a full month to recover from the shock.
Today, I have come to thank Swami for saving me".

Atlast! The mystery had been solved.

A school boy
A young boy from a nearby village stayed in Kolhapur for education. He regularly visited the
mathi. He was one of those ardent devotees who would ask Swamis permission before doing
every work. One day he received a message from his parents asking him to visit them at their
village. Naturally, he sought Swamis permission. Swami flatly said, "No!" The boy was in a
dilemma. If he went he would be disobeying Swami, if he did not, his father would scold him.
He sat down for some time. After a few moments, he again approached Swami for his
permission. Swami repeated a firm, "No!" After a little while, he again sought Swamis
permission. Swami remained silent.

Nevertheless, the young boy started walking to his village. After walking for over an hour,
suddenly it started to rain heavily. A flooded stream with no bridge to cross blocked the way to
his village. The water was gushing with such force that it was not advisable to cross the steam.
Wet, cold and miserable, the young boy had to wait three long hours for the water level to return
to normal. Now he realized his foolishness for not listening to Swami who has knowledge of the
past, present and future.

One day the same boy had some urgent work at a place near Kolhapur. As usual he went to
Swami to seek his permission. Swami adamantly told him not to go. As the work was of
immense importance, he once again set out without Swamis permission. It was late evening by
the time the work got over. It was getting dark. The boy hurried towards Kolhapur to meet
Swami before he retired for the night. On the way back he used a short cut through the forest.
However he lost his way in the darkness. Then he came by a ditch which was deep and wide, and
therefore, difficult to cross. Tired and confused, and not knowing what to do, he sat down and
started chanting Swamis name. He prayed to him for forgiveness. All of a sudden he saw a
young woman standing on the other side of the ditch. For a moment the sight of her in the
darkness frightened him. Then he heard her inquiring, "Whos there?" Her gentle questioning
comforted the frightened boy. He related his plight. He further inquired about her presence in the
dark. To which she said, "I am a milkmaid. I had gone to Kolhapur to sell milk with my friends.
On the way back, they went ahead and I was left behind. Like you, I too have lost my way. Do
not worry. I shall extend my hand and pull you over to this side". The boy was relieved. The
milkmaid extended her hand and pulled the boy on the other side of the ditch. The boy waited for
a fraction of a second to hold his breath and then turned around to thank her. But alas! She had
disappeared. He started to wonder how a mere woman could have pulled him across a trench that
was ten feet wide. It dawned on him that it was Swami who had come to help him. He rushed to
Kolhapur and went directly to the mathi. As he gratefully bowed to Swami, the latter asked, "So,
you could cross the trench safely". Could he say anything more? He drenched Swamis feet with
his grateful tears.

Swami rescues a lady devotee from drowning

A widow residing at Kolhapur was a regular visitor at the mathi, in fact half the time she was
staying there. She was quite well off but unfortunately very lonely as she had no children and no
relatives to call her own. Being an ardent devotee, she requested Swami to assign her a duty that
would be considered as her service to him. Swami assigned her the task to remove the stale
flowers and garlands, and submerge them in the river. The woman did her work with full
dedication. Besides her assigned work, she would also help in cleaning the mathi every morning.
At noon, she would eat her meals that she had helped to cook. At night, she would sleep at the
mathi so that in the early hours of dawn, she could consign the stale flowers into the river.
Everyday for several months she did her work with utmost dedication.

One day as usual she got up early and made her way to the river with the stale flowers. It was
pitching dark. There was not a single person on the road. When she arrived at the riverbank,
there was an old lady sitting by herself. The old lady called out to her and said, "Child, it is not
even dawn. Why have you come here so early, at such an odd hour"? The devotee revealed to her
the purpose of her visit and said, "Perhaps I guessed the time wrong. I came too early by
mistake". The old lady ordered her to go back at once and in fact accompanied her back. The two
walked some distance together. When the riverbank was far behind them, the old lady said to
her, "Now you go ahead. I shall go to my house". The devotee walked a few steps and turned
around. She found that the old lady had vanished and the tide had come in and the river had
covered the entire riverbank. She ran to the mathi realizing that it was Swami who had come to
her rescue from the incoming tide. Or else she could have been pulled away by the waters and
drowned without anyone knowing about it. When Swami woke up in the morning, with tears
streaming down her face she said, "O Lord! You who can save us from the ocean that is this
universe and can grant us Moksha. Why did you go to so much trouble to save an insignificant
tiny creature like me? If I die, there is no one in the world to shed tears for me". Swami patted
her like a child and consoled her by saying, "It was Goddess Amba who came to rescue you. In
Kolhapur, can the river Ganges flow without her permission?"

The two brothers

In the Shukravar Peth area of Kolhapur, there lived two brothers. Their entire family was
devoted to Swami. One day Swami accompanied by a few devotees went to their house. While
leaving, Swami asked, "One of you has to leave early. Who is ready?" They did not reply, as
they could not decipher the meaning of what Swami said. Within a week, the elder brother died
due to high fever. After the mourning period got over, the entire family came to see Swami.
Swami instructed them to change their present house immediately. They faithfully obeyed
Swami and shifted to a rented house. No sooner had they shifted all their belongings from the old
house, it collapsed like a house built with a pack of playing cards. Swami had saved them from a
great disaster.
Rags to riches
A priest from Wadi was on a pilgrimage, wandering from place to place visiting various holy
temples. When he came to the mathi and bowed to Swami, the latter advised him, "Stay here for
the chaturmasa (the four months of monsoon, according to Hindu calendar during the months
Ashadh, Shravana, Bhadrapada. Ashwin and beginning of Kartik ] . You will be able to get
food". The priest then went to the temple dedicated to Goddess Amba and stayed there. He was
worried about his health especially because of the onset of the monsoon. In the night, Goddess
Amba appeared in his dream and said, "When Swami is your protector, why should you worry
about anything?" In the morning when he once again came to pay his respects to Swami, the
latter said, "When Amba has assured you then why are you still worried?"

The priest went back to the temple. He sat there skeptical about his stay at Kolhapur. The
thoughts in his mind were that during the chaturmasa, the four months of the Hindu calendar
from the month of Ashad to Kartik, i.e. approximately from July to October are auspicious
months which have to be spent in fasting, rituals and reading the Shri Guru Charitra. Since he
was not carrying this holy book, he wondered how he could follow his yearly practice of reading
it. Just then a devotee visiting the temple started talking to him. On knowing the hardship the
priest was undergoing, he arranged his stay at the nearby temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya
and handed him the required holy book.

Next morning, the priest happily started reading the holy book. At noon, a Brahmin named
Mayura approached him and said, "Sir, I am a very poor man. Swami appeared in my dream
today and asked me to feed you for four months. Thereafter, my poverty will be removed. Please
come to my house for lunch and share the meager meal I can offer". Looking at his miserable
condition, the priest declined his invitation. He said, "Thank you very much for your kind
invitation but it will be cruel to snatch away the little food available from your hungry family.
Please therefore excuse me". Mayura took a stubborn stance. He was adamant that the priest
comes to his home for a meal or threatened not to eat a morsel of food nor drink a drop of water.
The astonished priest was left with no choice. He accompanied Mayura to his house. He was
shocked to see the poverty in which Mayura and his family lived. After the meal when the priest
returned to the temple, his only thought was of his poor host and his family. He prayed to Swami
to help them.

Next day the priest started to read the Shri Guru Charitra. Few women sat around to listen to the
reading of the holy book. At the end, they offered some rice and a few coins. The priest gave it
all to Mayura. Everyday after the reading whatever was offered to the priest, he would give it to
Mayura. Soon the collection increased. At the end of four months when the reading of the holy
book was completed, the priest had earned a handsome sum of rupees one hundred in cash and
large amounts of rice, fruits and coconuts. In those days rupees one hundred was a princely sum.
Mayura was extremely delighted to have received all the priests earnings. The priest then went
to meet Swami who blessed him and said, "Now go back home. You will be extremely
prosperous. All your wishes will be fulfilled". The exuberant priest returned home happily.
Krishna Swar
Amongst the many devotees of Swami was Krishna Swar. He suffered from epilepsy. One day
Swami instructed him to make a pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Swami added, "Your grandfather was
a great devotee of Lord Vithoba". Overhearing this conversation, the other devotees were curious
to know about Krishnas grandfather. Krishna related, "My maternal grandfather was an ardent
devotee of Lord Vithoba. He would often visit Pandharpur to pay his respects to him. He was in
the personal service of the Chhatrapati (King) of Kolhapur State (in the British regime). On one
occasion, he returned four days later from Pandharpur than his sanctioned leave. He was petrified
that the Chhatrapati would be angry with him because of his prolonged absence from duty. On
returning he asked his colleague if the Chhatrapati had voiced his anger at his absence. His
colleague showed surprise and said, "Why are you inquiring thus when you have been present all
these days". Baffled at his reply, he asked another colleague who was equally puzzled and
retorted, "When you have completed your entire allocated task properly, why are you posing
such a question". Absolutely perplexed by now, he inquired with many of his other colleagues
only to get a similar reply. It is then it occurred to him that Lord Vithoba himself had come to
work in his place so that he may not fall into trouble with his employer. He cried with joy when
he understood how much Lord Vithoba loved him to do what he did. He at once tendered his
resignation. He then proceeded to Pandharpur to offer his services to the King of Pandharpur
Lord Vithoba himself."

Krishna decided to go to Pandharpur as instructed by Swami. He said so to his mother. She said
to him, "My sari (Indian garment for women) is worn out. Please buy me a new one. Before
leaving, give me some money for my domestic requirements and then proceed further." Krishna
had only rupees five with him. He tended to his mothers needs and thought that he could as well
walk to Pandharpur. Before leaving, he came to see Swami and reverentially bowed at his feet.
Swami said, "Child, you have done the right thing to fulfill your mothers wishes. Go on. You
will have no epilepsy attacks on your journey. And before leaving, visit the royal stable."

Abiding by Swamis instruction, Krishna went to the royal stable. He met one of his friends who
worked there. His friend was happy to see Krishna. He said, "Krishna, you have come at the right
time. I wish to go to Pandharpur with my wife. Hence Ill have to take a bullock cart. I was
therefore worried as to who would look after my horse. If you want, you can accompany us on
horseback to Pandharpur and back." Krishna happily agreed to the God-sent proposal. Thus due
to Swamis grace, Krishna had a good trip without spending a penny.

Many devotees have related several anecdotes of how Swami came to their rescue in disguise.
Read on...in the next chapter.

Chapter 6 - Swami's Instant Help

Vishnupant
The royal family of Kolhapur employed Vishnupant, a devotee of Swami. One day Swami said
to him, "You will have to go away for some time. But do not worry for I shall arrange to bring
you back". Vishnupant could not understand Swamis prophetic words. A few days later, he
received a transfer order from his office. He now understood what Swami had said. Vishnupant
went to bid Swami Goodbye. He bowed to the sage for his blessings and proceeded to another
village to resume duty. As he was staying alone, he set his daily routine thus. He would go to
work the whole day. Then he would come home and finish his household chores and errands.
Later in the evening, he would sit in front of Swamis photograph, light an oil lamp, burn incense
and sing devotional songs. He would finish this devout session with the aarti.

One day around the same time, Vishnupants neighbor saw a man who had the appearance of an
Avadhoota [It is also one of the sixteen prominent names of Lord Dattatreya. Usually those from
Lord Dattatreyas Avadhoota lineage are bachelors, wear deerskin, rudraksha ( a tree seed )
beads around their waist, wrists and neck. They carry the kamandalu (water pot) in one hand and
the trishul (trident) in another hand. They smear themselves with vibhuti (holy ash) and carry a
saffron color bag) leaving Vishnupants house. Being curious, he kept a watch the next day.
When he saw the Avadhoota leave, he stopped him and inquired about his presence. The
Avadhoota replied that "Vishnupant sings with such great devotion, that I come specially to
listen to him". Not satisfied with his answer, he decided to question Vishnupant about the
Avadhootas identity. When he asked Vishnupant, the latter was in tears. He realized that
unknown to him, Swami was daily visiting his house in disguise. He said to his neighbor, "My
friend, you are very lucky as you are able to see my Guru Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami
everyday". After a brief stay here, Vishnupant was transferred back to Kolhapur. Thus Swami
kept his promise to his devotee.

Laxmi
Vishnupant had a younger sister named Laxmi. She was married off to a widower with two small
sons. They lived at Bedagagram. Soon her husband procured employment at Kolhapur, therefore
the whole family shifted there. Vishnupant arranged for all of them to stay at his house. Thus
Laxmi also started visiting Swami along with her brother.

On one such visit, Swami blessed her with two more children. However Laxmi gently declined
Swamis blessings by saying, "Swami, I do not want more children. My attitude towards my sons
may become step-motherly if I have children of my own. I do not want to disturb the peace in my
house". Swami laughed. Although Laxmis views were unconventional, it proved that she was
good-natured and kind at heart.

A few days later, Laxmi saw a dream. In the dream she saw four Muslim fakirs come to her
house and ask for one anna (sixteenth part of a rupee in the Indian currency). They gave her a
coconut as prasad. When she woke up, she could not decipher the meaning of the dream. In the
morning her husband and brother went to work. After a few hours, four Muslims fakirs really
came to her house and called out to her by name. She was shocked to see that they were the same
as seen by her earlier in her dream. They were even wearing the same garments. They asked her
for one anna and wanted to give her a coconut as an offering. Frightened out of her wits, she
went inside the house to consult the elderly women of the family. They told her not to accept
anything as these unknown strangers might be practicing black magic. She, therefore, politely
refused to accept the coconut.

In the evening when the men came home from work, they were briefed about the happenings that
occurred earlier that day. On hearing this, Vishnupant was furious. He rebuked Laxmi by saying,
"Dont you know that at noon Lord Dattatreya visits his devotees. You did not do the right thing
by refusing the prasad". All the family members were perturbed and confused. The whole family
went to seek Swamis reassurance. Vishnupant apologized to Swami for Laxmis behavior and
asked what they could do as repentance. Swami asked them to wait. After some time, the same
four fakirs entered the mathi. They bowed to Swami and placed the coconut in front of him.
Then, they immediately left. Swami called out to Laxmi and gave her the same coconut saying,
"Accept whatever is given with grace. Do not refuse it".

In due course of time, Laxmi gave birth to a beautiful daughter. After twelve days, Laxmi
brought her daughter and placed her at Swamis feet for blessings. Swami happily took the baby
on his lap, touched her nose, kissed her and pronounced, "My lovely child. Name her Mukta
(God-realized)".

Yesubai
A widow named Yesubai lived with her father in a village called Alate. She was of a religious
bent of mind. She spent her time chanting Lord Vithobas name. She would often attend the
various religious discourses that were held in their village temple. One day in such a discourse,
she heard the orator say, "Life is useless if you cannot find the right Guru. Only a Guru can take
you onto the spiritual path". This statement made a profound impact on Yesubais mind. She
started praying to God to send her the right Guru. In her quest, she met many spiritual people,
scholars and sanyasi, but none impressed her. She not only wanted the right Guru, but she built
up his image of being a bachelor and one who was free of worldly affairs. Although she
intensified her search, it was all in vain. Nevertheless, she kept on with her practice of chanting
Lord Vithobas name.

One day, a pious Brahmin visited her house. He said, "I am from Pandharpur. I am on my way to
visit Audambara (holy place near Wadi where Lord Narasimha Saraswati stayed for sometime, to
date his padukas are worshipped there). Could you provide me with food today?" Attracted by
the radiance exuding this man, Yesubai gently requested him to take a seat while she prepared
his meal. While cooking, Yesubai started to wonder, "This man looks gloriously brilliant.
Perhaps he is a saint. Or he may be Lord Vithoba in disguise. But if that is the case, why should
he go to Audambara? Anyway, should I request him to become my Guru?"

While serving food, Yesubai started talking with the guest. In the conversation, the guest
revealed that his wife and children lived in Pandharpur. Yesubai was once again disappointed.
After finishing his meal, the guest looked at Yesubais crest-fallen face and inquired, "You look
worried. If you tell me, I may be able to solve your problem." Yesubai then unburdened herself.
She told him about her search for a bachelor Guru. The guest smilingly blessed her saying,
"Your wish will be fulfilled soon. On the first Monday of the next month Kartika, you will
receive an invitation where you will meet your Guru". Saying thus, he bid her goodbye. It set
Yesubai thinking that her guest must have been an extra ordinary man to predict such details
with absolute certainty.

After a couple of weeks, Yesubais father received a court notice to appear for a case in
Kolhapur. Since the court work would take considerably long time, her father did not like
leaving her alone at home so long. He therefore decided to take her along with him to Kolhapur.
Thus, father and daughter came to Kolhapur and stayed with some relatives.

One day the women of the household and their neighborhood decided to visit Swami. They
revealed their plans to Yesubai who eagerly accompanied them to the mathi. All the women in
turn bowed to Swami for his blessings. When Yesubai touched his feet with reverence, he
laughingly asked her, "Today is the first Monday of Kartik. Did you meet your bachelor Guru?"
Yesubai was rendered speechless. Now she realized who her saintly guest was and how he had
accurately predicted this meeting. It was Swami himself who had visited her and arranged for her
meeting . He had arranged for her fathers court case to act as an invitation to her to visit
Kolhapur. She surrendered to Swami and became an ardent devotee.

Rama Pujari
Swami had yet another pious devotee named Rama Pujari who used to visit him regularly. He
had an old mother. He used to plead with her to come and seek Swami's divine blessings. But the
old lady was adamant and would criticize his foolishness for worshipping a mere human being.
One day Rama visited Swami. He was heart broken at the nasty remarks his mother had made
about Swami earlier that day. Suddenly Swami looked at Rama and said, "Do not worry Rama.
We will arrange to put a person on the right track." Rama did not understand what Swami was
indicating.

A few weeks later, Ramas mother asked him to take her to Pandharpur so that she could pay her
respects to Lord Vithoba. Rama asked Swami for permission and received it immediately. Both
mother and son set out to visit Pandharpur. The day they reached was an auspicious day the
eleventh day of the month of Magha. Many devotees had come to pay their respects resulting in a
heavy rush. It was impossible for Rama to enter the temple with his mother in tow. He therefore
made her sit in a corner and went to request some temple priests to allow them to enter through
another entrance used by the staff there.

Ramas mother had waited for just some time when an old man with a long flowing white beard
approached her. He disclosed to her that he too was a devotee of Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami
of Kolhapur. He had accompanied Swami to Pandharpur and in fact Swami was seated on the
other side of the temple. He then requested the old lady to sit on his shoulder so that he could
carry her inside the temple to get the darshan of Lord Panduranga (another name of Lord
Vithoba). The mother sat on the old mans shoulder. Within a second, he carried her inside the
temple and stood directly in front of Lord Pandurangas idol so that the old woman could view
the Lord at close quarters. After the darshan, he carried her back and seated her in the same place
as before and left hurriedly.

In the meantime, Rama came back disappointed and dejectedly told his mother that in the heavy
rush he could not get the special permission and therefore, they would not be able to enter the
temple. His mother laughed at him and said, "I have already been into the temple and paid my
respects to Lord Panduranga". She narrated to him all what had happened. Rama was almost in
tears. He said to his mother, "Were Swami visiting Pandharpur, I would have been informed
about it. You criticize Swami all the time, yet he came in disguise to carry you inside the
temple". The shocked woman understood her folly and felt ashamed of her nasty behavior.

On their return to Kolhapur, she visited the mathi and sincerely begged for repentance. She
totally surrendered to Swami. Now Rama understood what Swami had meant by saying, "We
will arrange for a man to put her on the right track".

Rama Mang
Rama Mang was a devotee who used to visit the mathi daily. He envied Krishna Lad for getting
the chance to carry Swami on his shoulder. Rama used to silently wish he could get the same
chance at least once. He never expressed his wish to anyone, not even to Swami. He was under
the impression that no one would let him fulfill his wish as he belonged to a lower caste. But
how anything could be hidden from the omniscient Swami. One day Swami made a strange
request to Rama. He said, "Give me a horse and your wish will be fulfilled". Rama was ecstatic.

He purchased a small built horse. It was simply perfect for Swami to sit on. Rama handed the
horse over to the mathi to the delight of the disciples and devotees. Every evening, Swami would
dress up in a white kurta (long shirt) with a saffron shawl perched on his shoulder and a green
cap covering his head. Swami would ride on the horse with a devotee holding high a colorful
decorative umbrella over his head. Other devotees would walk behind him carrying various other
religious paraphernalia. They would all form a procession singing devotional songs in chorus,
especially the chant "Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara" This colorful
procession was a sight to behold!

The procession to Wadi

One day Swami expressed his desire to go thus, all the way to Wadi. Therefore the entire
procession proceeded to Wadi with Swami leading up front. That day Ram happened to be
holding the reins of the horse. As they neared Wadi, Swami asked him to carry him on his
shoulder. Thus Swami fulfilled Rams heartfelt wish.

When Swami and his devotees reached Wadi, they first proceeded for a ritual dip in the sangam
(confluence where the river Krishna meets river Panchganga). They then went to offer their
worship to Shri Narasimha Saraswatis padukas.
After their darshan, they immediately proceeded to Shirole village. At the outskirts of the village,
Swami stopped the procession. A while later, a woman carrying a water pitcher passed by.
Swami called out to her, "Yamabai, please come here. Take this coconut. You have my
blessings. You will soon have a son. You may go now".

In Miraj
Swami with his entourage proceeded to Miraj. They went directly to the house of Malambhat
Joshi, a distant relative of Swami. Malambhats wife was seriously ill. She had a long history of
abdominal swelling with severe pain and cramps. Medicines had proved futile. Every moment
she prayed earnestly, "O Lord Datta! Please save me".

When Swami entered the Joshi household with his devotees, Malambhat was very happy to see
them. He bowed reverentially at Swamis feet and said, "Brother, I have heard many beautiful
stories about you. I have heard that you are known as Datta Swami. Please help and save my
wife". Swami went to the backyard of the house that had many trees. From one curd-apple tree,
Swami plucked a few leaves and handed them to Malambhat to extract its juice and give it to his
wife to drink. Swamis instructions were carried out immediately.

After a few minutes, she passed a large amount of urine and she recovered immediately. The
lady who had been sick and bed-ridden for so many months got up and bowed gratefully to
Swami. Neither Swami nor the devotees had eaten anything since they started from Kolhapur
two days ago. Swami said to the lady, "We are all very hungry, can you feed us something?" The
lady enthusiastically cooked and served a hearty meal to all. However, Swami did not eat
anything.

Annabua Mirajkars samadhi

After this visit, Swami and the devotees proceeded to pay their respects at the samadhi of the
famous saint Annabua Mirajkar. This tomb is situated in the center of the city of Miraj. As
Swami entered the place, a voice from within the tomb spoke, "Krishna! I am so happy to see
you here. Seeing you, I felt as if Shri Swami Samartha has come to meet me". Swami replied,
"Anna, You really flatter me! But then, both of us are one and the same". Many devotees at the
samadhi temple heard this conversation between the two sages. The news that Anna had spoken
from his grave with Swami spread through the entire city like wild fire. People rushed to procure
Swamis blessings for health, wealth, employment, marriage, and children. There was such a
heavy rush that Swami could not get a moment free.

Around noon, amidst the crowd, Swami was heard murmuring to himself, "I must go to see
Bhaskar". And lo behold! He disappeared then and there from the sight, in front of the pushing
crowd. There was a panic amidst his devotees. They could not fathom where Swami could have
gone and for what reason. They were scared to face Tarabais wrath, in case she came to know
that they had lost Swami. She would perhaps commit suicide. Helplessly, they started to softly
chant the mantra, "Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara", praying fervently for
Swamis return.
Bhaskar
At the very same time, on the banks of the river, a pious man was conducting a charity feast. He
was feeding the learned Brahmins and the priests. Nearby, a young man named Bhaskar was
carrying out a rigorous penance and religious rituals and had been doing so since many days to
get the darshan of Lord Dattatreya, and to procure his blessings. He prayed earnestly with great
devotion and fervor besieging Lord Dattatreya, "O Lord! You who pervade everyone are being.
You are my father, my mother, my brother, and my relative. You, who are everything to me, are
known as the one who rushes to him whosoever calls earnestly, please come here. Please show
yourself to me". Exactly at that moment, a stranger having the appearance of an Avadhoota
showed up at that very spot.

The persons in charge of the charity feast tried to oust the stranger. Witnessing the commotion,
Bhaskar intervened, "Please serve him the meal. I will bear the cost". Naturally Bhaskars kind
words made the host feel ashamed. The food was then served to the Avadhoota and to Bhaskar.
After the meal, both the Avadhoota and Bhaskar went to a lonely spot where the young man
bowed to the sage. He asked him questions on yoga (union of man and God) and meditation (the
technique to achieve the same). To all the questions put forth by Bhaskar, the Avadhoota replied,
"Come to Kolhapur and ask Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. However, you wont b able to see
him in this form". So saying, the Avadhoota disappeared from that place.

Swami reappeared amidst his now nervous devotees who were engrossed in their chants begging
for Swamis return. The moment the devotees saw Swami, they were once again cheerful and in
high spirits. Swami then led them back to Kolhapur.

Next day, Bhaskar came to Kolhapur to meet Swami. Swami blessed him and gave him a
spiritual initiation. Needless to say that Bhaskar achieved an ultimate position in yoga.

Swami takes his devotee to Pandharpur

There was a devotee who used to visit the mathi daily. He owned fertile fields that gave him very
good yield. He was therefore very prosperous. He lived happily in a beautiful house with his two
wives and many children. He was a pious man and very kind hearted. He gave lots of money to
charity. His wives did not like this. They hatched a plan with their brothers and got the control of
his business transferred into their hands. Then onwards every month, they gave him a paltry sum
to meet his personal expenses. It caused him a lot of hardship and sadness. Nevertheless, he
would spend the little money he would get for charitable causes.

One day, he happened to see some pilgrims going to Pandharpur. He also had the urge to go. He
went to the mathi and asked Swami for permission to undertake the pilgrimage. He got it at once.
He took a few sets of clothes and started walking, as he had no money to hire a bullock cart. As
he reached the outskirts of Kolhapur, he saw a farmer atop a bullock cart. The farmer called out
to him and told him that if he was going to Pandharpur, he could hitch a ride with him. The
devotee replied, "I too am going to Pandharpur, but I have no money to pay you". The farmer
good-naturedly ribbed him, "Who is asking for the money? I want some company to Pandharpur
and back". The devotee was more than happy to get the lift.

The farmer was a jolly good fellow. He met all the expenses of their food and lodgings
throughout the journey. They also were lucky to have a good darshan of Lord Vithoba at his
temple at Pandharpur. In fact, the entire trip was a pleasant experience for both the men. When
they returned, the devotee requested the farmer to come to his house, so that he could repay the
expenses he had borne on his behalf. But the farmer refused. He told the devotee that the
question of his coming to the devotees house did not arise as he was not going into the city and
was proceeding elsewhere. Whats more, bearing his expenses was his pleasure entirely. But the
devotee was adamant that he would not let the farmer go without the payment. He requested him
to wait at that very spot on the outskirts of the city and hurried to return with the money.

When he came back with the money, to his utter dismay, the farmer was not there. It dawned on
him that throughout the enjoyable trip, he had not even had the courtesy to ask the farmer his
name or whereabouts. Feeling very guilty and dejected, he sat there with a heavy heart. He sat
there throughout the night till sleep overpowered him. Just before dawn, Swami appeared in his
dream and said, "My son, go home now. You have sat long enough waiting for the farmer? In
any case, he will not come back". The devotee now realized that it was Swami who had come in
the guise of the farmer to give him a pleasant trip to Pandharpur and back.
Chapter 7- Six Enemies of Man

It is very important to control the six enemies that attack and overpower every human being at
some point of time. They are namely sexual urge, anger, greed, temptation, ego and jealousy.
They act as an obstacle to our spiritual progress. Man acts like a wild animal, nay like a demon,
if he succumbs to any of these negative qualities. Like other normal human beings, Swamis
devotees also underwent such experiences and thanks to Swami, learnt their lessons. The
narration of few of their stories follows...

Krishna Lads folly

At a very young age, Krishna Lad had adopted the life of an ascetic. Once, thoughts of what it
would have been to be married started to bother him again and again. Since he did not know
anything about being married, he kept on wondering about it. These thoughts started disturbing
his mind, distracting him from his duties and penetrating his meditations. Quite a few days were
spent in this futile wondering.

A few days later, before dawn, he had a vivid dream in which Pagy, the mathis puppy told him
that Swami has summoned him and Ramdas Murgudkar immediately. Just then, he woke up. He
rushed to Swamis bedroom and so did Ramdas. Swami looked at Ramdas and said, "Ramdas,
today onwards, please wash my clothes and fetch water for me from the river Ganges". Turning
to Krishna, he said in a sweet voice, "Krishna, I hope you will not mind that I have decided to
change your duty". Although he nodded in agreement, Krishna was stupefied. Inside he felt
miserable as if he had been dealt a blow with his duties assigned to somebody else. Now, he
started to wonder what mistake he had committed to meet such a fate. All of a sudden, he
realized that he had made the blunder of thinking about marriage considering that he was an
ascetic. His mere thoughts had rebounded on him. Ashamed, he rushed into the river to wash
away the last residues of his dirty thoughts. In wet clothes, he sat on the riverbank and started
chanting Swamis sacred name with full devotion and concentration. He prayed feverishly to
Swami and begged for forgiveness. After a couple of days, Swami sent for him and reassigned
him his duties.

The moral of this story is that God can read every thought of all beings at all time and will run
away from you if you let even one dirty thought overpower you. Kabir, the famous poet-saint
aptly said, "Kaam ho, vaha naam nahi; naam ho, vaha kaam nahi" (Where there is lust for sex,
there will be no chanting of Gods name; where there is chanting of Gods name, there will be no
lust for sex).

The wrestlers ego

In those days, Kolhapur was famous for its wrestlers. Wrestlers from all over India would
assemble at Kolhapur to match their strength by wrestling with local wrestlers. One day, a
wrestler came to the mathi to pay his respects to Swami. At that time, Swami and his entourage
set out to go for a walk. As usual, Krishna Lad carried Swami on his shoulder. The wrestler
offered his services and egoistically said, "Swami is so short and frail. I could carry him like a
flower and easily run for twenty miles". Swami readily accepted the wrestlers services. The
wrestler sat down to let Swami climb onto his shoulder. The wrestler straightened and started
walking. Swami now weighed so heavy that after a few steps, the wrestler started to perspire. He
could not bear to carry Swami any further. He had to offload Swami. The very next moment, the
humble Krishna Lad carried Swami with great ease. The wrestler realized that Swami had
purposely dented his king size ego. He surrendered to Swami.

Vishnus ego gets a bashing

One day Swami and his devotees were strolling along the riverbank. Since Vishnu, one of the
devotees, was an expert swimmer, Swami requested him to pluck a few flowers that had
bloomed on the opposite bank of the river. Instead of considering Swamis request as a blessing,
Vishnus ego took a high trip. He started to think, "Swamis given me an ordinary task. I can
cross the river ten times and come back". He then jumped into the river and started swimming.
He had hardly taken a few strokes when he started to feel tired. Let alone crossing the river once,
he could not even swim a short distance for he started feeling breathless and had to return.
Vishnu realized that Swami had bashed up his ego.

Do not judge!
Haripant Shidnorlikar did not like the fact that Swami, an ascetic and a great sage, should be
living at the house of a prostitute. He convinced Venimadhav and Ramdas Farukh about the
same. They conspired to build a beautiful cottage and shift Swami there. The three carried out
certain spiritual rituals to ensure the success of their plan.
A few days later, in Venimadhavs presence, Swami said to himself, "Lord Panduranga had
taken a loan of one anna. Half anna still remains to be repaid. It cannot be repaid by such
methods". Venimadhav could not understand Swamis vague rambling.

That night, Haripant and Ramdas dreamt the same dream. In their dream, they saw a huge,
strong, gigantic monkey tied to a tree with a strong rope. Tarabai sat near the monkey and said,
"In many of my past lives, I had devotedly offered worship, conducted severe penance and
meditations. Thus I could tie this Hanuman and keep him with me".

Next morning, Haripant and Ramdas were shocked that both had dreamt the same dream. When
they recounted the same to Venimadhav, he told them about Swamis utterance in his presence.
They now realized that it was Tarabais devotion in earlier lives, which was paying dividends in
this life. Therefore, Swami was living with her and they could not do anything about it. Slowly,
this story reached the ears of other devotees and then to Tarabai herself.

Pride precedes fall

Tarabai was overjoyed. She felt proud that it was solely due to her that other people could get
access to Swami. She started to treat Swami as her whole and sole possession. After all, she
bathed Swami, fed him and he listened to all she said. Slowly she started demeaning other
devotees. She started ridiculing people in small matters.

Swami was observing these transformations in Tarabais behavior. As the month of Magha
(January end to February) set in, the climate was perfect for a picnic. Tarabai planned a picnic
without consulting Swami, let alone asking for his consent. She planned this outing with a grand
lunch at Prayag tirtha (holy place). This place is considered holy due to the confluence of river
Kasari and river Bhagvati. It is a peaceful haven with green foliage. Since there are many who
visit this spot at this time of the year, hawkers selling sweets, various snacks, toys and
miscellaneous articles set up temporary stalls. Tarabai sent a few devotees ahead to clean the
spot, erect tents, arrange for water and to carry huge utensils used for cooking.

The day of the picnic dawned. Swami arrived at Prayag tirtha with other devotees. The devotees
went for their ritual bath in the holy river water. They requested Swami to join them. But Swami
stood firmly on the riverbank. After a while, there were huge waves in the river and the water
literally flew and touched Swamis feet. Seeing this, a few devotees started to shout, "See, even
Mother Ganges has come to bow at Swamis feet".

Swami decides something

Tarabai started cooking with the help of other women. Swami sat with Krishna and Vasu under a
tree nearby. All of a sudden Swami got up, went to a nearby stall, picked a handful of churmure,
rushed towards Tarabai and gave the churmure to her, came back to the tree and hurriedly told
Krishna and Vasu, "Come fast". Swiftly, he started walking towards the forest with the two boys
in tow. They walked so fast that before anyone could realize what was happening, they had
disappeared from the scene.
At noon, lunch was ready but Swami had not returned. Devotees got worried. They rushed in
different directions searching for Swami, Krishna and Vasu. Evening set in without the trace of
the threesome. Terrified that she may have lost Swami forever, Tarabai started weeping
helplessly. Perhaps it would be appropriate to point out here that in this part of Maharashtra, if
one has to watch a situation helplessly, the term "eat churmure" is used to describe such a
circumstance. Perhaps Swami giving churmure to Tarabai was symbolical. Tarabai resolved to
remain hungry and thirsty till Swami returned. Devotees consoled her and promised to look for
him in other villages and cities and on finding him, they promised to bring him back. But Tarabai
stayed firm in her resolution. She served food to other devotees and returned to the mathi late at
night. She sat near Swamis throne, repenting for her mistakes. She wept like a baby who had
lost her father. She kept on repeating, "Shri Guru, Shri Guru".

Devotees searched in vain in other cities and villages. Five days passed thus. Not a drop of water
passed through Tarabais parched throat. She sat besides Swamis throne, continuously
chanting his name. She started feeling drowsy and fell asleep. She dreamt that Swami was sitting
on his throne with Krishna and Vasu standing besides him. Swami smiled mischievously and
said to her, "Tara, get up and eat. You shall see me on the twenty-first day of my going away. It
was your arrogance that drove me away. So, do not blame me". Tarabai woke up, but she
continued fasting.

Ten days passed thus. Tarabai was still sitting besides Swamis throne, chanting his name.
Devotees who had gone in search of Swami reached Rajapur. From there, they sent a post-card to
Tarabai that Swami was in Rajapur. Tarabai hired a horse cart and rushed to Rajapur.

Swamis travelogue
So, where did Swami go? What happened on the way? Swami along with Krishna and Vasu
walked fast towards the forest and walked in the northwest direction. They walked and walked,
ascending and descending hills. Soon Krishna and Vasu were very tired, but they had no choice
but to tag along with Swami. They came upon a stream where they quenched their thirst. Soon,
they continued walking at a fast pace. In the middle of their path, they came across a huge black
snake blocking their way. Swami asked Krishna to throw it away from the path. Krishna picked
it up and released it away from the path. A frightened Vasu asked him later, "Were you not
afraid?" Krishna retorted, "When Swami is with us, even Yama, the God of Death, cannot touch
us. Then why should we be afraid of a mere creature?"

They continued walking. They reached a steep hill. Swami started climbing up. Krishna and
Vasu were horrified to see its steep slope. Swami turned around and asked, "If you cannot cross
this little hill, how will you cross the difficult valley of death?" It was the fourth day they had
been walking without food and rest. The boys pensively thought, "It is not an easy task to serve a
Guru and follow his footsteps". They arduously climbed up and sat down to catch their breath. A
deep valley lay below and they dreaded climbing down. They lost all the courage they had
mustered up before. But suddenly their eyes fell on a small village located at the foot of the hill.
They said to Swami, "Let us go there and get some food to eat". Swami whispered, "You will
walk into a jail". But Krishna and Vasu were in no mood to listen to Swami. In fact, Vasu started
walking in that direction. The farmers working in the fields saw Vasu rushing towards their
village. They gathered together and started shouting, "Thief, thief! Catch the thief". A puzzled
and terrified Vasu ran back to Swami.

Imprisoned
Later, Swami along with Krishna and Vasu proceeded to the same village through another route.
It was evening by the time they reached the village. Farmers were returning home from their
fields. As the farmers sighted the three men, they gathered around them discussing, "These must
be the same thieves who committed theft a couple of days ago. Let us catch them, lock them up
and call the police". The crowd pushed Swami, Krishna and Vasu into the temple dedicated to
Lord Hanuman and put two strong villagers as sentries to prevent their escape. The other farmers
went home saying, "In the morning, we shall hand them over to the police. Let them mete out the
punishment as they deem fit".

Swami fetches food

But can any one on earth lock up Swami? Effortlessly, he sneaked out of the temple despite the
sentries standing fully alert. Swami went directly to the house of the village chief and called out
for food. The chiefs wife came out. Swami said to her, "Mother, we are three pilgrims staying at
the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Could you give us something to eat?" The lady went
inside the house and returned with a huge freshly baked hot roti (Indian bread) with some pickle
on it. Swami brought it back to the temple and re-entered without being sighted by the sentries.
Krishna and Vasu fed the food first to Swami. Swami ate half the roti and gave a burp of
satisfaction to indicate that his stomach was full. Krishna and Vasu kept on looking at the
remaining half, wondering how it could suffice them - two men hungry since five days.
However, within a minute, the chiefs wife entered with two more rotis and some vegetables,
apologizing profusely, "I realized my mistake later. You said there were three of you. How could
one roti be enough, so please accept these". After eating heartily Krishna and Vasu slept like
logs, dead to the world. Swami remained awake and alert. But then God never sleeps. He always
remains awake and attentive.

Freedom
After the hearty dinner and good sleep, Krishna and Vasu woke up in the morning fully
refreshed. Soon the villagers entered the temple with the policeman. On seeing Swami, the
policeman bowed at his feet to the sheer amazement of the ignorant villagers. The policeman
turned angrily to the villagers and shouted, "Fools! Who have you locked up here? He is
Kumbhar Swami of Kolhapur, Lord Dattatreya himself. If he gets angry, within a few seconds
his wrath will burn your entire village like dry grass". The villagers started trembling. The
policeman apologized profusely and repeatedly. He requested Swami to visit his home. Swami
gently refused. The threesome then resumed their walk.

Hospitality awaits them

They must have walked approximately for four hours when Swami sat down on the roadside
under a tree. It was almost noon. Swami said to Krishna and Vasu, "Sit here. Our food will soon
arrive here". After a few moments, a man passing the same road, sighted Swami, rushed towards
him and reverentially bowed at his feet. He said, "It is my great fortune to see you here today.
My farm house is very near, please come and grace my home and stay with me for a few days".
The man was Swamis devotee who frequently visited him at the mathi. Swami, Krishna and
Vasu proceeded with him to his house. The devotees joy knew no bounds at the arrival of his
divine guest and his disciples. He ordered the women of his household to prepare delicious food.
Along with the sumptuous food, five types of sweetmeats were served to the guests. [In
Maharashtra, on festival days, it is customary to serve five types of sweetmeats along with the
food as offerings to God]. Before the meal, the host massaged Swami with fragrant jasmine oil,
gave him a hot water bath and gifted him new clothes. Krishna and Vasu were given the same
royal treatment as conferred on Swami. Comfortable sleeping arrangements were made. On the
hosts insistence, Swami enjoyed his hospitality for four days. Krishna and Vasu rested
completely. The host then made arrangements for a horse cart to take Swami and his disciples to
Rajapur.

Rajapur
At Rajapur, Swami went to the house of his devotee Rambhau Vaidya. Rambhau was extremely
happy to see Swami. News of Swamis arrival spread as fast as the wind. People came to seek his
blessings, bringing with them offerings of coconuts, dry fruits and sweetmeats. In a single day, a
handsome collection of rupees one hundred was collected as offerings. Next day, Swami
proceeded further in his journey. Rambhau packed all the offerings and placed them in the cart.
However, Krishna and Vasu returned it to Rambhau.

Kagal
Swami proceeded to Kagal to the house of Haripant Shidnorlikar. The threesome stayed there
for a day and then proceeded to Wadi.

It was at Rajapur that Swamis devotee, who had come searching for him, posted Tarabai his
whereabouts. Tarabai arrived at Rajapur only to find that Swami had already left for Kagal. After
a brief halt at Rajapur, Tarabai left for Kagal. But Swami had already left for Wadi when Tarabai
reached Kagal. Haripant did not know that Swami had left Kolhapur without informing his
disciples and devotees at the mathi. When Tarabai informed him of the situation, he got worried.
Hiring another cart, he set out with Tarabai to go to Wadi.

Wadi and onto Miraj

Swami stayed at Wadi for a full day. Almost two hundred pilgrims came to seek his blessings.
When Swami proceeded to Miraj, the pilgrims requested him to stay there longer. Swami,
however, proceeded through the flooded river Krishna. Swami, Krishna and Vasu waded through
the knee-deep water. When others followed suit the water level rose dangerously to their waist
level and they had no choice but to return. Thus they could not follow Swami.
In the evening, Tarabai and Haripant reached Wadi, only to find Swami gone. They rested at
Wadi overnight and resumed their journey to Miraj the next morning. By the time they reached
Miraj in the evening, Swami had left for Kolhapur. Remembering this, Tarabai whispered with
tears running down her face, "Swami, you are true to your words. Today is the twentieth day. It
is obvious that I shall see you tomorrow".

The Master of them all

Swami had played the game of hide and seek with Tarabai and firmly showed her who had the
upper hand after all. Tarabai returned to Kolhapur. When she entered the mathi, she saw Swami
seated on his throne with a mischievous smile on his face. Krishna and Vasu stood on his two
sides. This was the exact scene she had seen in her dream. She could not control herself and fell
at Swamis feet, crying her heart out, relieved to have him back with her again. Swami patted her
gently. She then went for a bath. Later she cooked a delicious meal for all those present. The
aarti was an elaborate affair than usual. Tarabai first fed Swami his meal and then served the rest
to others as prasad.

Tarabais greed
At night, Tarabai questioned Krishna and Vasu about their adventure of twenty-one days. They
narrated with details about their journey with Swami. When they revealed that at Rajapur, Swami
had received rupees one hundred (equivalent to todays rupees fifty thousand), Tarabais greed
again came to the forefront. She thought to herself, "We must visit Rajapur again".

Within a week, Tarabai planned a tour to Rajapur. Swami laughed to himself. Ironically, this
time collection was not even a quarter of a rupee during the entire visit. Tarabai returned
disappointed. Swami said, "Tara, do not run after money". A dejected Tarabai replied, "Swami,
how do I feed the many devotees who come to seek your blessings". Swami retorted, "Tara, you
do not have to worry on their account. Everybody eats what is written in their destiny".

Ramabai was a wealthy widow who resided at Kolhapur. She was possessed by a ghost. She
came to the mathi seeking help. Swami told her, "You should feed here the poor and the needy.
Please donate rupees five hundred for the cause". The stingy Ramabai did not want to part with
such a huge sum despite possessing a great fortune. She took Tarabai aside and offered her
rupees twenty-five and requested her "to get her work done". Tarabais temptation naturally
overtook her common sense. She took Ramabai to Swami and requested him to help her. Swami
asked Tarabai bluntly, "Do you stand guarantee for this woman?" Tarabai agreed. Swami
exorcised the ghost and cured Ramabai of all her troubles. Ramabai then stopped visiting the
mathi altogether lest Swami asked her for her contribution. Swami naturally turned to Tarabai,
"Now what about the food for the poor?" Tarabai had to shell out the money from her own
pocket. She arranged for the poor to be fed at Laksha tirtha. A few weeks later, Ramabai came
crying to the mathi. A thief had stolen and run away with rupees one thousand from her house.

Once Swami was gifted with a beautifully decorated pagadi (turban) by a visitor. The other
devotees present inquired as to why he had presented the turban of all the things. He revealed
that he had been suffering from migraine for the past twelve years. He had tried all medicines
without any effect. He then took a vow that if he was cured he would gift a turban to Swami.
Within three days, his migraine vanished. He had, therefore, come to gift Swami the promised
turban. He placed the turban reverentially on Swamis head and went away. Swami looked like a
royalty wearing the beautiful headgear. Tarabai came to where Swami was seated with his
devotees and virtually demanded Swami remove his turban and hand it over to her, so that she
could lock it away in the cupboard for Swami to wear it on grand occasions and on festival days.
Devotees seated around protested. They requested her to let Swami wear the headgear a little
longer as he looked very handsome with it. Reluctantly, Tarabai relented. She went to another
room.

Just then a farmer entered and bowed to Swami. The farmer had on his head a very old dirty
turban. Swami requested the farmer to give him his turban. In return, Swami placed his own
beautiful turban on the farmers head and requested him to leave at once lest Tarabai finds out
his mischief. The farmer went away. After a while Tarabai returned to the room and realized
what Swami had done. She was furious. She said, "I knew you would do something like this!"
Swami laughed his guts out. He then gently said, "Tara, when will you get rid of your greediness
for petty things?"

Namdevs misadventures
Namdev was a young man of seventeen years of age. He was a Canari (from Karnataka state)
from Belgaum. He had very rich parents, but in his childhood, he had lost them. His elder sister
who resided in Kolhapur was childless and therefore had adopted him. Besides his vast fortune,
Namdev also inherited his sisters great wealth and property. When he came of age, she arranged
Namdevs marriage to an extremely beautiful girl.

Namdev was an ardent devotee of Lord Dattatreya. Even his marriage could not lessen his
devotion. Since Namdev resided at Kolhapur, he often visited Swami. In the later chapter, more
details of his life will be mentioned as he reached the realms of high spiritual standards set out by
his Guru Swami. Since two episodes of his life are relevant to the topic of this chapter, they are
mentioned here.

Namdev and the fake alchemist

Once Namdev and his four friends, all devotees of Swami, came to know that a man with high
mystical powers was visiting Kolhapur. The man claimed to have the knowledge of alchemy
wherein a base metal could be turned into gold. He would request people in his audience to give
him ordinary metal coins, put them in his cigar and return coins made of pure gold. Interested in
trying their luck, the five friends decided to see this man. When they inquired about his
whereabouts, they were told that the visitor was holding a meeting after sunset.

They went to the meeting. The visitor gave a long sermon at the outset where he boasted of how
great he was. Namdev was seated in a corner where an oil lamp was lit. The oil in the lamp had
got over and the wick was making crackling sounds. The flame was about to be extinguished.
Namdev interrupted and pointed it out to the visitor. The latter asked him to pour oil from the
oilcan placed besides it. Namdev found it empty and said so. The man handed Namdev a pitcher
of water and requested him to pour it in the oil lamp. To the astonishment of the audience, the
lamp started to burn normally. Seeing the astounded expression on the faces of the people
present, the man became more and more boastful. Turning to Namdev, he asked sarcastically,
"Does your Guru show such mystical powers?" All were dumbfounded. The days show was
over.

Next day when Namdev and his friends went to the mathi, Swami would not let them enter. He
shouted from inside, "Enter only after bathing in the river and getting yourself purified".
Reluctantly, they went to the river. While bathing, they started wondering aloud as to why they
needed purification. "Has a relative expired and we do not know about it?" It is a custom
amongst Hindus that if there is a death in the family, there are restrictions the other family
members have to abide for a specific period till ritualistic purification. The bewildered young
men kept on marveling at the reasons why Swami had stopped them from entering the mathi.
They kept on guessing. After bath, they returned to the mathi but Swami would not let them
enter. He shouted the same instructions once again. This puzzled the men more. Outside the
entrance they kept on discussing their bewilderment amongst themselves. Suddenly one of them
said, "Yesterday, it was wrong on our path to visit that man, tempted by gold". Another said, "He
ridiculed Swami in front of so many and we did not even protest". To this, Namdev said, "We
have committed a grave blunder. Let us confess it to Swami and ask him to forgive us. Let us
promise never to repeat a mistake like this ever again".

No sooner had he finished speaking, they heard Swami yell, "Come inside! You are purified.
Instead of cleaning the body, it is essential to cleanse your mind. You have done it now". Shame
faced they went in and bowed at Swamis feet. There was no need to say a word. Swami stated,
"See the fun tomorrow. That man will be handcuffed and paraded through the streets of
Kolhapur". And then he looked at Namdev and gave him a warning, "Namdev, no more
greediness". Next day Swamis prediction came true. Many local people had registered
complaints of cheating and fraud against the visitor. The police arrested him, handcuffed him and
paraded him throughout the city.

Namdev in trouble
Namdev had an excessive sexual appetite and he could not control it. He felt that this was
hindering his spiritual progress, perhaps it was the reason Swami had never ever given him any
spiritual instructions. He was not bold enough to broach the topic directly with Swami.
Unfortunately, he met a yogi who was adopting austere, in fact cruel methods to achieve control
over the senses. On his advice, Namdev pierced a metal ring in his penis. Within a few hours he
had septic infection and was running high fever. He was suffering such intensive pain and agony
that he could not move from his bed. He felt so ashamed that he could not tell his relatives nor
call the doctor. Three days passed thus. On the fourth day, Swami himself came to Namdevs
house. He detached the metal ring from his body and fired Namdev severely. Later, Namdev
revealed that he had never seen Swami so furious throughout his life. After Namdev recovered,
Swami told him, "Namdev, these methods are useless. They will only cause you ill health. How
will you stop your desire invading your mind? Surrender completely to God. Let your urge for
him exceed everything else. Then self-control will come on its own.

Chapter 8 - Different Facets of Swami

Mahadevbhat
Mahadevbhat was a pious Brahmin who lived at Akkalkot. After Shri Swami Samartha left his
physical body, he spent all his time chanting prayers. Every afternoon, he would read the
Ramayana, the story of Lord Shri Ram written by the great Sanskrit (ancient Indian language
used by the Aryan race) poet sage Valmiki. Very often memories of Shri Swami Samartha
would interrupt his reading making him gloomy, pensive and sad. This was not surprising, as he
had served the great sage for fourteen long years. One night Shri Swami Samartha appeared in
his dream and said, "Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami of Kolhapur and I are one. Go to Kolhapur
and stay with him". Mahadevbhat thus came to Kolhapur and stayed at the mathi. He would only
leave the mathi at noon to procure alms for lunch. Otherwise his time was spent in chanting
prayers and afternoons were reserved for reading the Ramayana. One afternoon when
Mahadevbhat sat reading the Ramayana, suddenly he remembered Shri Swami Samartha and he
slipped into gloom. At that very moment, Swami was in his bedroom. He sent for Mahadevbhat.
Mahadevbhat went in and bowed reverentially at Swamis feet. The sight visible to him when he
lifted his head sent shivers down his spine. For alas! Swami had disappeared. In his place was
Shri Swami Samartha seated with a benevolent smiling face with kind eyes looking at him. This
scene must have been similar to Lord Krishna showing his gigantic magnificent virat (full) form
to Arjuna that left the latter trembling with fear. The petrified Mahadevbhat silently prayed, "O
Lord! Forgive me! Now I have no doubts in my mind that you and Shri Krishna Saraswati
Swami are one and the same. Please reappear as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami as now I like that
form only." The next moment Swami reappeared with his affectionate look.

Henceforth Mahadevbhat lived happily at the mathi. After a few days, his loud reading of the
Ramayana in the afternoon started to irritate Tarabai son who started to grumble. Swami
therefore directed him to read it in the temple dedicated to Goddess Amba. Mahadevbhat
protested that he wanted to read it in Swamis presence. Swami assured him that he would be
present when he read the holy text.

Mahadevbhat then started reading it in the temple. One day a doubt raised its head in
Mahadevbhats mind. He wondered if Swami was indeed present while he read the holy text.
The next moment he started feeling drowsy. In this trance-like state, he saw Swami seated in
front of him. When he regained full consciousness, he saw some turmeric powder and some red
kumkum (vermilion symbolizing good luck) sprinkled on the pages of the holy text. These
auspicious signs indicated that Swami was indeed present at every reading as promised by him.
What more could a devotee expect?
Ganpat
Ganpat was a small boy who lived with his family at Yeolooj, a small village near Kolhapur.
During childhood, he lost his mother. His father therefore brought him to Kolhapur for
education. Ganpat would often visit Swami.

After completing his studies, Ganpat was married off. After marriage when Ganpat came to seek
Swamis blessings, Swami told him, "Difficult times ahead". Ganpat guessed that some mishap
would occur but he placed his full faith in Swami that with his grace, he would be able to
overcome any strife. As warned, Ganpat soon lost his father. Now he started visiting Swami
regularly. One day Swami said to him, "Happy days are here for a short time". Soon, Ganpats
wife delivered a baby. Unfortunately, Ganpats wife and child died. This plunged Ganpat into
deep depression. But after a short period he recovered from his grief. He wondered, "There must
be a divine purpose for God to leave me alone in this big world. Perhaps now I can spend all my
time at the mathi serving Swami".

One day Swami directed him to return to his village. Ganpat faithfully obeyed and returned to his
ancestral house at Yeolooj village. He had a small piece of agricultural land. He started tilling the
land. The yield was sufficient to meet his needs. He passed his time chanting Swamis name and
helping others. Since Yeolooj is situated on the way to Pandharpur, many pilgrims pass it.
Ganpat was kind and generous, and would provide food and shelter to the pilgrims.

Once a group of two hundred pilgrims on their way to Pandharpur, took a halt at Yeolooj. The
pilgrims approached the Patil (Chief) of the village and requested him to arrange for their meals.
However the villagers with their limited resources were reluctant. The news reached Ganpats
ears. He willingly undertook to feed the pilgrims. He approached his friend Tukaram who owned
a grocery shop to give him the required food grains and other food products on credit. He also
requested his friend to lend him some cash so that he could purchase vegetables, milk and other
products. Tukaram being a thorough businessman saw this excellent opportunity to make a
handsome profit. He told Ganpat, "Take anything you need but I shall charge fifty percent
interest on it". Ganpat had no choice but to agree. He took the necessary food articles and along
with other friends in the village started cooking the meal for two hundred people.

The pilgrims had a hearty meal. But plenty of food was still available. Ganpat invited some
villagers to partake the remaining food as prasad. The villagers ate heartily and yet there was still
ample food available. Now Ganpat invited all the villagers with their families. Even after feeding
so many people plenty of food was still left over. Even the stray cats and dogs of the village ate
to their hearts delight. How two thousand people could eat heartily food cooked for two hundred
people is the play of the divine. Ganpat knew that it was all Swamis doing. After all isnt there a
story in Shri Gurucharitra about Shri Narsimha Saraswati feeding four thousand people from
offerings provided by a poor devotee, which was barely sufficient for three people.

Now the villagers felt ashamed. They approached Ganpat with their contribution. Ganpat humbly
refused. Tukaram, the grocer, also felt ashamed. He said to Ganpat, "Friend, you are great! Just
pay me the cost price of the food products, that too, when you have the money in hand".

A devotee of Shri Samartha Ramdas

A resident of Kolhapur was Swamis devotee. He regularly visited the mathi. One day, he had a
guest a priest who was the devotee of Shri Samartha Ramdas. The priest was also a scholar and
gave religious discourses. When the host prepared to set out for his daily visit to the mathi, the
guest inquired where he was going. The host told his guest about Swami. The guest immediately
said, "There cannot be anybody like Shri Samartha Ramdas, but nevertheless I shall come with
you". On the way he purchased a coconut to offer to Swami but mentally he thought, "What a
waste!"

They entered the mathi. The priest offered the coconut to Swami who immediately retorted,
"Your coconut is wasted. Alas! I am not Shri Samartha Ramdas". The priest was rendered
dumbstruck. He apologized profusely to Swami who smiled mischievously and said, "It is true I
am not Ramdas. But Ramdas was an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. And I am Hanuman! See my
tail". Swami turned around and showed his tail. He turned around again and lo behold! All
present at the mathi saw a giant monkey Lord Hanuman sitting on the throne. He exuded an
extremely bright divine glow of light. All present were not only stunned but also trembling at
this divine sight. Within a moment, the scene resumed normalcy and all present were relieved.
The priest was deeply satisfied. He bowed to Swami with a newfound reverence and with full
devotion offered him the coconut.

Shri Vithal chant

One devotee requested Swami to give him a mantra. Swami asked him to chant Shri Vithal.
The devotee was not happy at receiving this chant. He sat thinking, "When Swami is Lord
Dattatreya, why has he given me Lord Pandurangas name to chant?" As he wondered, he started
feeling drowsy. Suddenly he saw Lord Vithal with his two hands on his waist seated on Swamis
throne. A big garland made of tulsi (holy basil) leaves adorned his neck. All those who were
seated around had bukka (black powder) applied on their foreheads and all were chanting Lord
Pandurangas name. Next moment, the whole scene resumed normalcy. The devotee now
understood that Lord Panduranga, and Lord Dattatreya are not different. Now he happily started
to chant Shri Vithal.

Swami speaks all languages

Swami was out for a walk one day. Some students from a high school were passing by. A
mischievous lad decided to have fun at Swamis expense. He asked Swami a question on
mathematics in English. Swami immediately gave him an answer in English. A schoolmate of
the lad pulled him up by saying, "You should not harass a saint thus". Soon all the boys started
visiting the mathi regularly. They all passed their school grades with flying colors.

On another occassion, as Swami was taking his daily walk, a Tamil Brahmin came from the river
after taking his bath. He was chanting a hymn from the Vedas, an ancient holy text in Sanskrit
language. When the Brahmin saw Swami and his devotees, he inquired about them through
gestures and hand signs as he could not speak the local Marathi language (language spoken in
Maharashtra). He could only converse in Tamil - the South Indian language. He presumed
Swami was a great sage and felt, "I must touch his feet with reverence, even if it means that Ill
have to take a bath once again to chant the holy Vedic chants". Thus thinking he bowed at
Swamis feet. Swami retorted immediately in fluent Tamil, "Bhatji, You need not bath again.
Continue praying Indro bundam...". The Brahmin was dumbfounded. He kept on staring at
Swami in sheer astonishment even as Swami again repeated, "Pray Indro bundam...". The
Brahmin was stunned to know that not only could Swami speak his language but he also knew
what he was chanting mentally. He surrendered to Swami and asked for his blessings. He then
proceeded with his family to Varanasi on pilgrimage.

Swamis Rudra Abhisheka

Rudra Abhisheka is a ritual wherein water, milk or sugarcane juice is poured continuously on
the Shiva Linga while the priests chant the Rudra mantra. During this process, the number of
priests who chant the sacred mantras is in the multiple of eleven.

One day, a devotee invited eleven learned priests to the mathi to conduct the ritual of rudra
abhisheka on Swamis feet. The priests who came started grumbling for various reasons. One
priest said it was wrong to conduct such a high ritual at a mere mortals feet. Another priest was
furious that he had been invited to perform such a high liturgical ritual at a prostitutes house.
Yet another priest remarked that they should ignore such petty matters as long as they were paid
their fees.

The priests started the ritual ceremony. Swami, who could not recite the simple Gayatri mantra
at his thread ceremony, now started chanting the difficult Rudra mantra. To the astonishment of
the priests, Swami pronounced each word correctly with scientific notations.

At the end of this ceremony, all the priests surrendered to Swami who revealed, "Your abhisheka
has reached the feet of Lord Panduranga. Since Lord Shiva lies on his head, it has reached him
too". This left the priests amazed as Swami was referring to the crown of Lord Panduranga at
Pandharpur that has the shape of a shivalinga.

Jatarat
A sanyasi from North India came to Kolhapur. Here, he lived at the temple dedicated to Goddess
Amba. He remained naked. He never asked for alms. He came to be known as Jatarat.

On the request of the local people, Jatarat started to cover his loins with a cloth. When devotees
offered him milk, he would drink a drop and distribute the rest to the needy children. He never
accepted eatables. Nevertheless, if someone offered eatables, he would immediately give it away
to the beggars. If devotees forced him to eat, he would not be able to retain the food in his body.
He would immediately vomit it out. He was evolved in many yoga techniques. He could even
take his organs such as the liver, intestines and other parts out of his body, wash them and place
them again in their place.

People were highly impressed with this young yogi. Soon he had a large following of devotees
who would gather around him and listen to his advice. One evening, a very excited Jatarat asked
his devotees seated around him, "Do you all want to meet a yogi who is a Paramahansa?"
Literally the word paramahansa means the supreme swan (a symbol of spiritual
discrimination). The title signifies one who manifests the supreme state of unbroken communion
with God. Everyone present replied an equally excited "Yes". Jatarat at once got up and started
walking. His devotees followed suit. Jatarat must have covered a small distance when he saw
Swami with his devotees coming towards him. Jatarat rushed towards Swami and bowed
reverentially to him. When he got up, he whispered something to Swami who whispered a reply
to him. Jatarat was heard saying to Swami, "Thanks! This was the exact point where I was stuck
in my yogic progress". Jatarat was tall and strong, Swami was short and frail. Jatarat and Swami
embraced each other. In all the excitement, Jatarat picked up Swami joyously. Then both parted
ways.

The moment Swami departed from the scene, chaos and confusion prevailed amongst Jatarats
devotees. They bombarded him with angry questions, "You are a pious sanyasi, while he is a
fool. Why did you bow to him?" "He stays with a prostitute". "Only stupid people visit him".
"You promised to show us a paramahansa".

Jatarat placed his hands on his ears and shut them. He could not bear to hear blasphemous
statements darted towards Swami. When he could not bear any longer, he yelled, "Shiva! Shiva!
You all are criticizing a great man. He is God himself staying in your city in human disguise.
And all of you are ignorant of the fact. Fools, you all are so ignorant! Surrender to him! Get your
lifes dreams fulfilled by him".

Lord Vithoba visits Swami

A sanyasi, presumably from the Himalayas, visited the mathi in the early morning hours. He was
young and handsome. He entered, went straight to where Swami was seated and stood in front of
him. He asked Swami a question in Sanskrit. Swami replied back in Sanskrit. He then lay down
in front of Swami, turning on the side, facing Swami and then using his hand as a headrest
propped himself up. He kept on staring straight at Swami without so much as blinking his
eyelids. Evening set in, he did not stir from that place. The other devotees irritated at this
behavior asked Swami if they should move him to a corner. Swami would not allow them.

Three days and three nights passed thus. The young sanyasi remained in the same position.
Devotees again requested Swami to allow them to move the sanyasi. Swami whispered
something to the sanyasi who immediately got up and departed from the room. Swami gave a
disgusted look at his devotees and said, "Pandharinath (Head of Pandharpur known by several
names - Lord Vithal, Panduranga, Vithoba) was here and you all did not so much as offered him
anything to eat or drink as prasad. Devotees rushed out in different directions but he had
disappeared without trace. How could he have disappeared within a couple of seconds? Seeing
his devotees crestfallen faces, Swami laughed and said, "Okay. We will bring him back". Within
a fraction of a second, the young man reappeared and bowed to Swami who gave him prasad. All
the devotees bowed to him and then he made his exit.

Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda, the foremost disciple of Ramkrishna Paramahansa visited Swami at the
mathi at Kolhapur. Swami blessed him with the boon of vacha siddhi. This boon meant that all
he spoke would come true and his speech would be so impressive that the listeners would be
convinced of his point of view. After receiving this blessing, Swami Vivekananda was the first
Hindu monk from India to ever visit the United States of America. He addressed the Parliament
of Religions at Chicago on September 11, 1893. He addressed a select audience of nearly 7,000
enlightened representatives of different branches of American thought who were thrilled to hear
his message and welcomed him with sustained and thunderous applause. He charmed the
audiences with his magical oratory, and left an indelible mark on America's spiritual
development. History has recorded Swami Vivekanandas speech for posterity.

Nana Khandoba
A Brahmin named Nana Khandoba served as a priest in the temple of Lord Khanderaya. A
devotee endowed the temple with a small farm. The income from the farm supplemented the
collections from the temple. This was enough to maintain the temple, conduct regular liturgical
services as well as sustaining the priests family. As time passed, the income from the farm as
well as the collections from the temple reduced drastically. Time came when it became
impossible to manage the maintenance of the temple, let alone make ends meet for the
sustenance of the priests family. In difficult times, man turns to God. This saying is true. Nana
started visiting Swami. Regular visits brought about peace and harmony. "After all" he thought,
"one does not have to pay for chanting devotional songs".

However, one day, Nana arrived at the mathi depressed and dejected. He bowed to Swami and
cried out all his troubles. He revealed, "At noon it is difficult to control the hunger pangs. As it is
the burden of poverty is killing us, on top of it my son Balambhat is possessed by a ghost that
gives him unbearable pains. He is in no state to come to you. O God! Please be kind to him or
else put us both to death". Swamis kind heart was moved by Nanas sad plight. He assured
Nana, "Do not worry. One day he will come to me on his own".

Next day at Nanas home, Balambhat started howling as he could not bear the great pain the
ghost in his body was subjecting him to. Suddenly the ghost within him started yelling, "Who do
you think you are talking to me thus? You may use all the power you have but I will keep
troubling this man. Although I was a scavenger and he a Brahmin, still he deceived me and
cheated me of my money. I seek revenge! Why are you siding with my enemy? Who do you
think you are tempting me with Moksha? I will not move from here." And then suddenly the
ghost screamed, "O...Oh! Please forgive me! I will come". Balambhat just dropped to the floor
and was rendered unconscious. Then he got up and started walking like a zombie, in a trance-like
state and went straight to the mathi. He entered the mathi and collapsed at Swamis feet. After
some time, he resumed consciousness. He felt self-conscious that he was lying down with people
staring at him. The ghost had released him. His troubles were over. Nana was joyous and bowed
to Swami in gratitude. Nevertheless Swami warned them to behave properly and to regularly
conduct the rituals to Lord Khanderaya.

The Telugu Brahmin couple

A Telugu Brahmin and his wife lived in the Andhra state. The wife was possessed by a ghost and
suffered immensely. The couple therefore left home to go and stay at Ganagapur for three years.
The Brahmin read the Shri Gurucharitra regularly and offered his services to Shri Narasimha
Saraswati. One night Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared in his dream and directed him to go to
Kolhapur and serve Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami.

Thus the couple arrived at the mathi. Everyday without fail, they would visit the mathi twice at
aarti time, pay their respects to Swami and go away. Four months passed thus. One day, the
Brahmin appealed to Swami, "Please help my wife for she is suffering so much". Swami knotted
the cloth that was draped carelessly on his shoulder. The lady cried out aloud. Although the lady
was not conversant in Marathi, the ghost within her spoke fluent Marathi. She said, "O Lord! In
her previous birth, this woman took rupees seven hundred from me and refused to return it. I
shall leave her only if she uses that amount to feed the poor in my name". Swami tightened the
knot a little more. The ghost cried out, "Please at least let her spend rupees one hundred in my
name". Swami tightened the knot further more. The ghost cried out in pain, "I shall leave her
right now if you bestow Moksha on me. I have another minor request. I have been craving to eat
a mango. Please get me one to eat".

It was the month of Kartika, which comes in November, an extremely cold season, impossible to
procure mangoes as they grow only in summer that is from March to June. But Swami can fulfill
any and every wish for after all he is the doer and the undoer of everything that occurs in the
world. Just then a farmer who was Swamis devotee entered. In his hand he was carrying a
mango. The mango tree on his farm had yielded luscious mangoes unseasonably. Hence he had
brought one mango to offer it to Swami. Swami took the offering and gave it to the woman to
eat. She ate it with glee. Then she collapsed. When the woman recovered her senses, the ghost
had left her and she was absolutely normal. The grateful couple bowed to Swami and requested
him to bless them. They arranged for an elaborate aarti in gratitude to Swami and fed him lunch.
They arranged for a feast for all the devotees to partake as prasad. After seeking Swamis
permission, they happily returned to their home in the state of Andhra.

Dada Pandit
Dada Pandit was a resident of Kolhapur. He used to visit the mathi occasionally. He had however
no faith in Swami and never bowed to him. He just could not fathom why ignorant people bow to
a mere mortal being.

Dada Pandit soon lost his wife. He then remarried. A ghost however possessed his new wife. She
suffered immensely. She would often cry out and urge her husband, "Take me to Swami at
Kumbhar lane". But Dada Pandit would turn a deaf ear to all her pleadings.

Dada however took his wife to Wadi. His wifes pain increased terribly. The ghost within her
body told him, "Take me to the Swami at Kumbhar lane or Ill trouble her more". Dada was just
not convinced. They stayed put at Wadi for three more days. On the third night, Shri Narasimha
Saraswati appeared in Dadas dream and said, "Your problem will not be resolved here. Take
your wife back to Kolhapur. I am living there as Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. I will only help
you there".

The next morning when Dada woke up, the ghost who possessed his wife laughed hysterically
and said, "Now take me to Swami or Ill trouble her more". His wife then started crying due to
severe pain.

Dada was left with no choice but to return to Kolhapur and take his wife to the mathi. Ashamed
of his earlier haughty behavior, he bowed humbly to Swami and said, "O Lord! Please forgive
me for not recognizing you. We are ignorant beings. The veil of illusion that you draw over our
eyes keeps us away from recognizing the truth for what it is. Sir, you are the ocean of kindness.
Please forgive me! Please help and cure my wife. We have come to surrender at your feet. It is
well known that those who surrender to you, their wishes are fulfilled". Swami looked at Dadas
wife with kindness. The ghost left her immediately and she recovered fully. The couple then
became ardent devotees of Swami.

It may be noted that Dada Pandit was the maternal great-grandfather of Guruvarya Shri Madhav
Saraswati

A true devotee
Swami had an ardent devotee who was a farmer who owned a small piece of land. Although his
income from the farm produce was limited, he managed his finances very well. He had two
daughters who he had married off and were well settled.

Times changed and so did the circumstances. His limited income became meager. It became
difficult for him to procure even three square meals a day. One day in a state of deep depression,
he wandered to the outskirts of the city. Tired after wandering for long, he sat down under a tree.
In his misery, he prayed to Swami, "O Lord! Death is a better option than these hunger pangs at
noon. Please God relieve me from this sorry state". He suddenly heard a voice saying, "God
creates food first. Then he creates living beings. One who feeds an ant without fail, feeds an
elephant too". The devotee looked around wondering who was speaking but found no one
present.

The cool breeze brought with it a paper that floated around and dropped at his feet. On picking it
up he found that it was a promissory note bearing the royal seal and signature of the King of
Kolhapur ordering that the bearer of the note be given rupees ten from the royal treasury. The
devotee realized that someone had lost the note. He waited till sundown lest someone comes
searching for the note. But no one came. The devotee then considered the note as God-sent and
encashed it. In those days, this was a handsome amount of money. He invested it well and his
circumstances changed for the better.

Grateful at the good tide of fortune turned his way, he increased the chanting of Swamis name.
Whats more, he resolved to offer all that he ate to Swami before partaking the same. As years
rolled by, he aged. Due to old age, he fell ill. He had to swallow several bitter medicines
everyday. To the dismay of his wife, he would even offer the medicines to Swami before
swallowing them. His wife would berate him, "It is alright if you offer food to your master. But it
is incorrect that you should offer him the bitter medicines". The devotee begged to differ.

One day, the devotee fell unconscious and his wife administered him a medicinal dosage in that
state. On regaining consciousness, he learnt what had happened. He turned miserable that his
resolution had been broken. He simply stopped eating! Three days passed thus. He felt weak and
drowsy. He yawned! Lo behold! Swami, the size of his thumb, came out of his mouth and stood
in front of him. Swami said gently, "Son, why are you being so foolish? You have certainly not
broken your resolution! Are you and I different? Look at yourself". The devotee glanced at
himself. He saw Swami lay on his bed. He joined his two hands in gratitude. The thumb-size
Swami laughed and vanished. What an incredible experience! He cried with joy!

Kashinath Altekar
Kashinath Altekar was a strong, well-built, young man. He was in the service of the King of
Kolhapur. He was in charge of the godown that stored goods and grain to be distributed amongst
the poor. Being pious and God-fearing, he showed great generosity while distributing to the poor
and the needy. He had a very clear conscience, "The goods belong to the King of Kolhapur. If he
wants to give them as charity, why should I be an obstacle in distributing". Although he never
siphoned off a single grain, many detractors complained about him. The complainants could not
prove any charges they made against him. Whats more, the King trusted him and was very
happy with his services.

Kashinath was an ardent devotee of Swami. As soon as he finished his official duty, he would
rush to the mathi. He would carry the river water to wash the mathi. He spent his nights chanting
Swamis name.

One evening as usual Kashinath finished his duty and rushed to the mathi. There was no one
present except Swami seated on his throne. The moment Kashinath entered the room, Swami
got up and walked towards him. To Kashinaths great surprise, Swami embraced him. He then
lifted Kashinath like a child and seated him on his throne. A gamut of different emotions ran
through the bewildered Kashinath. One moment he was shocked, the next moment he was
frightened and at his wits end. Swami stood in front. Soon Kashinath fell into a trance. Now he
saw Swami in front of him, Swami behind him and Swami all around him. He looked at himself
and to his surprise he saw Swami seated on the throne. Swami simply pervaded the entire
place. Extremely puzzled and amazed, Kashinath even wondered as to who was seeing and
experiencing all this. As suddenly as he went into trance, as quickly he came back to his senses.
Seeing Swami standing before him, he fell at his feet and cried out, "O Lord! Why did you do
this?" Swami patted him gently and answered, "Are we both different? The master and his
devotees are one. You deserved to experience the knowledge of Advaita, to know that God is one
and He pervades everyone and everything, everywhere, at all times".

The above two stories reveal the firm faith and devotion these devotees had for their master,
which was amply reciprocated by their master. But when a devotees faith is shaky and he jumps
from one master to another, he has to bear the adverse consequences too. Let us reveal another
story where the devotee committed such a blunder.

Krishna Lads faux-pas

Seeing thousands of devotees showing great devotion and reverence for Lord Vithal, Krishna
Lad felt he should also visit Pandharpur to obtain his blessings. He asked Swamis permission to
undertake the said pilgrimage. Surprisingly, Swami flatly refused. He repeatedly asked Swami
for permission till one day Swami gave in with reservations. He said, "Go ahead if you want to
fall in trouble". Not paying heed to Swamis words, he set out on foot for Pandharpur.

On the way, Krishna halted at Miraj to pay his respects to Ramdas Gadgil, a blind saint who
resided there. When he entered the saints abode, he saw the saint seated facing the wall. When
he tried to bow at his feet to show his reverence, the saint shooed him away by saying, "Go
away! How could you leave the river Ganges, just to come to a stream?" But Krishna could not
decipher the meaning or the gravity of the words uttered by the saint.

After his visit here, he walked on to proceed to Alandi. On the way Krishna could not obtain
alms or eatables. Weak with hunger, it took him three days to reach Alandi, the sacred shrine of
saint Dnyaneshwar. It was night when he reached Alandi. So instead of going to the samadhi
temple, he went to a charitable lodge and went to sleep. In his dream he saw a radiant Brahmin
youth. Following is the conversation that ensued between them:

Youth: "Why have you come here begging all the way from Kolhapur?"

Krishna: "I have come to pay my respects and get darshan of saint Dnyaneshwar".

Youth: "Then why did you not go straight to the samadhi temple?"

Krishna: "It was late when I arrived. The temple must have been shut for the night".

Youth: "You know very well that nobody would have stopped you from entering".

In the morning, he woke up, took his bath and went to the samadhi temple. There he prayed to
saint Dnyaneshwar, "Lord, my Guru and you are one. It is ignorant people like me who make a
blunder of thinking that you all are different. Please forgive me! Please give me your blessings".
He repented leaving Swamis services. That day, he received alms.

In his heart Krishna knew he should return directly but since he had come so far, he thought he
might as well go to Pandharpur before returning. It took another three days to walk to
Pandharpur. He passed many villages but no one gave him alms. He thought, "Nowadays,
nobody wants to dole out charity to the needy". He reached Pandharpur. He went to have his bath
in the sacred river Chandrabhaga and went to pay his respects to Lord Vithoba. After his visit to
the famous temple, he went around seeking alms, as he was hungry since three days. Wherever
he begged, people drove him off saying, "Nowadays, people disguise as sanyasi so that it is easy
to seek alms". After his futile round of begging, he was left with no option but to return to the
lodge. As he slept, he saw two men in his dream. One was extremely dark, the other looked like
a young scholar. He saw them having the following conversation:

Dark Man: "Who is this man sleeping here?"

Young Scholar: "He is the disciple of Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami of Kolhapur. He has come
here all the way to beg".

The next morning he resolved to return to Kolhapur. He set out immediately. But he had become
extremely weak due to hunger. As he reached the outskirts of Pandharpur, he could not take a
step further. He was left with no choice but to sit down under a tree on the roadside. He was
feeling faint and drowsy. As he sat there, he recollected the sequence of events that took place
from the day he had left the mathi. He recalled Ramdas Gadgils utterance and the two dreams he
had at Alandi and Pandharpur. It became apparent to him that if you leave your Guru, even God
deserts you and his Saints want nothing to do with you and only want to drive you out.
Repentant, he then prayed to Swami from the bottom of his heart, "O Lord! Forgive me! I realize
that I have indeed made a mistake. Give me the last chance to correct myself. If I survive, I shall
return and never ever leave your service till I die".

Krishna then collapsed and fainted. But he had already surrendered to his Guru, so everything
started to fall in place. After a little while, the landlady of that place was passing by and
happened to see that someone had fainted there. She came near and sprinkled water on Krishnas
face. When Krishna regained consciousness, he told her the circumstances in which he had
fainted. The lady took pity on him and took him to her farmhouse. Her husband was a generous
and hospitable man. He offered Krishna plenty of food to eat.

After a hearty meal, Krishna regained his strength. He thanked his benefactors and started on his
return journey to Kolhapur. Throughout the journey, tears flowed continuously and he kept on
chanting Swamis name. On reaching Kolhapur and entering the mathi, he fell headlong at
Swamis feet. He could not control himself and blurted out, "O Lord! You are the source from
which the cosmos originates. We ignorant beings do not understand your true form. You are the
ocean of kindness. Therefore, you disguise yourself as a mere human being to uplift us. Due to
the veil of illusion you draw in front of our eyes and thinking, we do not understand your divine
play at work. Please forgive me like a mother". Swami gently said, "Krishna, your wish is
fulfilled. Isnt it? Now go and sit alone". Krishna now understood that Swami wanted him to
meditate for long in a lonely place for his spiritual progress depended not in the pilgrim places
but within himself. Swami wanted Krishna to find God within himself rather than in the various
temples dedicated to God.

Chapter 9 - Chain Of Enlightened

Devdhar
There was a scholar named Devdhar who was well versed in the philosophy of the Vedas. He
had the rare privilege to study under the great scholars at Varanasi. This is a pilgrimage town
with many ancient temples located here as well as a center of learning. Devdhar was an orator
par excellence in the various Vedic philosophies. Time passed. He became bored juggling with
words, propounding dry philosophies without having any spiritual experience. Dissatisfaction
drove him to become an ascetic. He went for pilgrimage to Badrikedar eight times. Still
discontented, he settled down in Kolhapur. Devdhar was a thorough gentleman, soft spoken and
well behaved. Even at philosophical debates, he would not annoy or criticize anyone. His
knowledge was so extensive that even the Shankaracharya (the religious head of the Hindu
religion) of Karavir (ancient name of Kolhapur) would ask him doubts on any the Vedic
philosophy. Devdhar learnt of Swamis existence and started visiting the mathi. Everyday
without fail he would come to seek Swamis blessings before going to give discourses. At the
mathi, Devdhar would sit gazing lovingly at Swamis face, losing complete track of time. One
day he requested Swami to show him the path to progress on the spiritual journey. Swami said,
"It is not easy. A lot of hard penance is required". Thereafter Devdhar started practicing various
methods of fasting. He stopped consuming salt and chillies in his diet. Thereafter he subsisted
only on milk, later only on oil and so on. People criticized him that since he was a sanyasi, he
should not resort to such methods. But Devdhar was keen to cleanse and purify his mind. He
wanted to go to any length to please Swami. Finally it dawned on him that bhakti or devotion is
the only way to understand God and get close to him.

With realization, Devdhar gave philosophical discourses with a new insight. Large number of
interested students studied Vedic literature under him. Devdhar lived to the ripe age of ninety-
three years. Even on the last day of his life, he had given a discourse in a temple.

Basavappa
Basavappa was a Telugu Brahmin youth from a small village of Andhra state. His uncle was a
staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and had remained a bachelor all his life. Throughout life his uncle
stayed at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which was adjacent to Basavappas residence. From
childhood, Basavappa observed the way his uncle conducted his life. Since his uncle was as good
as his father, he treated him as a Guru. With this in mind, he offered his services to him. Daily he
would fetch the river water, clean the temple, wash the utensils used for rituals, make
sandalwood paste and pluck flowers.
Impressed by the selfless services rendered, the uncle called Basavappa and said, "Child, life is
useless if you do not have a spiritual Guru. Go to Kolhapur and offer your services to Shri
Krishna Saraswati Swami. He is Lord Dattatreya himself". Basavappa was dejected. He
nevertheless told his uncle, "Why should I go to anyone else when you are my Guru? However I
shall abide by your instructions". Thus he informed his parents and his wife that he was going to
Kolhapur to meet Swami and he would soon be back.

Basavappa walked to Kolhapur wondering what Swami would look like. He wondered if he
would be loving and gentle like his uncle. He entered the mathi and bowed to Swami. To
Basavappas surprise and delight, Swami asked him to stay at the mathi. Here he did various odd
jobs and spent rest of his time chanting Swamis name. He got so involved with the life at the
mathi that he completely forgot about his home and family. He did not even send a single
postcard to his family informing them about his well being.

Since Basavappa had not returned as promised nor sent a word about how he was faring, his wife
was naturally worried. His wife was so upset that she inquired with his uncle, "If anything has
happened to him, tell me so honestly. He has not come back as promised". The uncle assured her
that he was faring well and narrated stories of Swamis greatness. Basavappas wife then started
praying to Swami, "Call me to Kolhapur. It is my duty to serve my husband. So I have to stay
wherever he stays". Swami could not turn a deaf ear to a sincere prayer. He called Basavappa
and asked him to fetch his wife and return to Kolhapur immediately.

Basavappa returned home. He went to the temple to narrate all that had happened to his uncle.
The uncle asked him to go and freshen up first, and meet his family. He requested him to return
to talk to him in the afternoon. Basavappa entered his home. On seeing him his wife implored
him to take her along with him. To her joy she was astonished as well as delighted to hear him
say, "Do not worry. Swami has sent me home to bring you along with me to Kolhapur".

In the afternoon, he went to meet his uncle who narrated his own life story, "From childhood I
was reluctant to lead life like everybody else. I did not want to earn a living or get married. The
only thing I wanted to do was to worship Lord Shiva. Hence I kept myself busy conducting
rituals at the temple. One day Lord Shiva appeared in my dream and instructed me to go to
Kolhapur to serve Shri Krishna Saraswati Swami. I went there. Swami gave me a spiritual
initiation. But after a few days he directed me to return home to serve Lord Shiva here. I was
heartbroken but reluctant to disobey his orders. When I returned I came directly to the temple to
bow at the Shivalinga. How long I bowed I cannot remember but when I lifted my head, the
Shivalinga had disappeared. In its place was Swami smiling benevolently at me. Then I realized
that Lord Shiva and Swami are one and the same. After that I worshipped Lord Shiva with full
devotion. Son, you are very lucky that he has allowed you to stay with him.

After staying at home for a few days, Basavappa and his wife arrived at Kolhapur. For some time
they stayed with Swami. One day Swami called Basavappa and gave him a pair of padukas made
of stone. He said, "Go and install these padukas at Ganagapur and worship them there. I shall
always be present with you".

Thus Basavappa and his wife arrived at Ganagapur. They searched for a house. They found one
near the Kalleshwar Temple and stayed there. It is here that they installed Swamis padukas and
started their worship. Basavappa continuously read the Shri Gurucharitra. He was hospitable to
pilgrims. But he started to talk less even to his wife.

Years passed by. Basavappa and his wife grew old. Basavappa regretted that after coming to
Ganagapur he had not had the privilege to see Swami. One night, Swami appeared in his wifes
dream. He patted her and said, "Child, tell your husband that I am always with you both".

Next day, when his wife narrated her dream, Basavappa said, "You are very fortunate to have
seen Swami". But nevertheless he felt miserable that Swami had not appeared to him. He stopped
eating food and drinking water. Within a week Swami appeared to him and rebuked him, "Why
are you so skeptical about my presence? I am always with you".

The couple worshipped the padukas throughout their lives till their very end. Even today the
padukas are where they were installed.

Jatratkar Yogi
Gokulshirgaon is a small village twenty kilometers away from Kolhapur. Samadhibaba an old
devotee of Lord Shri Ram stayed there. He had many children but only one daughter survived to
adulthood. He got her married. One day he was given certain instructions in his dream, "Your
grandson will become a great saint. Take proper care of him". Thus Samadhibaba went to stay
with his daughter. Over a period of time she gave birth to a baby boy who was named as
Jatratkar. Samadhibaba was extremely fond of this divine child. When he was eight years of age
his thread ceremony was performed. When the boy grew to be fourteen years old, Samadhibaba
once again received instructions in his dream to send his grandson to Kolhapur to serve Shri
Krishna Saraswati Swami. Accordingly he guided Jatratkar to proceed to Kolhapur. After
instructing his grandson, as if his lifes work was over, he left for his heavenly abode at the ripe
age of one hundred and twenty years. Jatratkar was extremely sad at his grandfathers demise, as
he was very attached to him. After performing the death rituals, he commenced on his journey to
Kolhapur.

Jatratkar walked to Kolhapur. He resolved not to drink water nor eat food till he met Swami. It
was a great feat for a child to cover such a long distance without water and food. All the way he
wondered what Swami looked like. He also wondered if he was as kind as his grandfather.
Jatratkar reached the mathi late at night. The entrance door had been locked for the night. He felt
sad and sat on the steps in dismay. As if to confirm that he could see Swami only in the morning,
a person came out of the mathi and on seeing Jatratkar he said, "Swami retires to bed as soon as
the aarti gets over. He will not see anyone till the next morning". The boy was almost in tears.
Parched, hungry and tired, he prayed to Swami, "O Lord! I have come from afar with great hope
and expectations. When there is no guarantee for ones life the very next minute, how can I wait
to see you till the next morning?" His sincere prayers reached Swami who came out at once. The
boy heard his kind words, "Son, come inside". Swami caught hold of his hand and led him
inside. Swami sat on his throne. Jatratkar sat down in front of him on the floor. He kept staring
at Swami who lovingly asked him, "Am I like your grandfather or not?" But the boy was already
in the trance-state. Swami gave him a spiritual initiation.

Jatratkar stayed with Swami only for a few days. Swami asked him to return to his village.
However he regularly visited Swami. He later became a yogi. He had a large number of devotees
who experienced the effect of his blessings and his mystical powers. His name and fame spread
and he was well known as Jatratkar Yogi. A full book has been written on his life story.

Swami lighted many sparks, known and unknown, who treaded on their spiritual voyage. Some
gained fame, others preferred to stay unknown and yet many still continue to enlighten others.
The next chapter relates the story of an ordinary Namya who became Shri Namdev Maharaj
the heir apparent to Shri Krishna Saraswati Swamis spiritual legacy.

Chapter 10 - Shri Namdev Maharaj

Birth and childhood

In the state of Karnataka there is a small village called Madiyal. Shri Namdeva Maharajs sister
Bhagubai owned a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Behind the temple is an
audambara tree. As referred earlier this celestial wish-fulfilling tree is the favorite of Lord
Dattatreya. In addition, this tree here was a special one may call it a botanical wonder it had
branches like vata tree on one side as well as branches of peepal tree on the other side. It was
truly representing therefore, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh It was the Hindu New Year day the
first day of the Chaitra month in the year 1841A.D. Vyankoba Chavan lived with his wife
Laxmibai in a house adjacent to the temple. That day a fully pregnant Laxmibai was
circumambulating round the audambara tree. There itself she went into labor and delivered a
baby boy. A sanyasi sitting nearby commented that perhaps Lord Dattatreya had taken birth. The
boy was named Namdeva and lovingly addressed as Namya. A point to be noted here is that
Namdeva was only five years younger to Swami but he lived up to the age of 130 years
continuing the work of Swami until his samadhi on October 28, 1971.

Namdevas family resided at a place known as Halyal. They were landed gentry, extremely rich
and prosperous. They owned huge fields with rich fertile soil. Namdevas father also had a
money lending business. As a child Namdeva used to wear a tubular bracelet made of solid gold.
In those times it was only members of the royal family, the knights serving them and the very
rich, who could afford to wear it, as it was symbolic of their prosperity.

When Namdeva was four years old he lost his mother. His elder sister Bhagubai brought her
motherless kid brother to Madiyal to stay with her. From childhood he would frequently visit
Lord Dattatreyas temple and sit here for hours listening to the various prayers chanted and the
numerous rituals performed here. He would lovingly chant Lord Dattatreyas name.

When the holy saint Shri Rajarambua, the disciple of the renowned saint Chidambar Swami
visited Madiyal and stayed at Lord Dattatreyas temple, Bhagubai brought Namdeva to seek his
blessings. Prophesizing his divine destiny, Shri Rajarambua foretold Bhagubai with tears of
sheer happiness in his eyes, "This child is destined to meet Lord Dattatreya in person".

Young Namdeva was fickle in his interest. Nothing could hold his attention for long. He studied
up to class four and then refused to study further. His father placed him as an apprentice to learn
the carpentry vocation with an expert carpenter. The master carpenter was an excellent teacher.
He was extremely talented and skilled in his profession. But despite his expertise, he had an
extremely hot temper. There were other ten boys working along with Namdeva. One day one of
them committed an error in his work. The master carpenter got wild and beat him black and blue.
The next day Namdeva stubbornly refused to go to the carpenters workshop.

Then he joined a gymnasium to build his body. As time passed by he became an extremely
powerful wrestler. Shri Namdeva Maharajs chief disciple the Shri Nanasaheb Gadre recalls
that when he met his master the first time, the former was already one hundred and twenty years
of age and yet the wrist of the master was larger than his own arm.

Namdeva lost his father when he was fifteen years of age. His sisters were married by now and
had settled at Kolhapur. Since his elder sister Bhaghubai had no children of her own, she adopted
her kid brother. Bhagubais husband was extremely rich. He owned vast agricultural lands and
had a big construction business. Being the sole heir, later on in life, Namdeva inherited great
wealth from his own parents as well as from his adopted parents. It is said that he inherited gold
ornaments, which could fill up three big buckets.

Atop a hill laden with thick forest, near the city of Kolhapur, there lived a great Naga sadhu
known as Naglingayya. He avoided people so that he could have maximum time to meditate. He
would deliberately sit with hundreds of snakes crawling around him. This he did with the
intention to keep people away. If anyone dared to come close, he would act like a lunatic and pelt
pebbles at that person. One day Namdeva decided to meet the great sage to seek his grace. He
made his way through the crawling snakes. Naglingayya started pelting stones at him to keep
him away. Nevertheless, the young Namdeva approached him. Naglingayya was more than
happy to meet this determined brave boy. He said, "Son, I cannot do anything for you. But
sometime in the future you will meet Lord Dattatreya himself".

Bhagubai soon got Namdeva married to a very beautiful girl named Gangabai Jagtap. Despite
the distraction of his lovely bride, Namdeva continued visiting temples and chanting Lord
Dattatreyas name.

Namdeva meets Swami

When Namdeva was twenty-two years of age, he lost his adopted father. The responsibility of
looking after his vast agricultural lands, his big construction business as well as his money
lending business fell on him. One day he decided not to go to work. Instead he was resting at the
entrance of his house at Shukrawar Peth. Just then Swami with his devotees in tow was out on
his daily walk along the banks of the river Panchganga. They passed the road where Namdeva
lived. Swami stopped at Namdevas house. He looked at Namdeva pointedly and said in his
Kannada language, "Remember Naglingayyas prophesy. I am Datta Swami". Saying this,
Swami left. Namdeva was dumbstruck and shaken. He wondered who he was and on making
discreet inquiries he found the address of the mathi.

The day Namdeva visited the mathi, it was crowded. Since he wanted to talk privately with
Swami, he stood alone in a corner waiting for the crowd to leave. After a while, Swamis glance
fell on him. He at once got up and rushed towards Namdeva. He embraced him and told the
devotees present, "This is Namdeva from Pandharpur". Namdeva was flabbergasted to know that
Swami knew his name. Namdeva started visiting the mathi daily. He slowly lost all interest in his
work. Three years passed thus. Namdeva was eager to receive some spiritual guidance from
Swami, in the form of a mantra for chanting or technique of meditation. Swami kept on evading
the eventuality. He would say, "Not yet Namya. Perhaps next week".

Namdevas spiritual initiation

Namdevas patience was running out. He was becoming desperate to get spiritual advice from
Swami. He had started to think that perhaps he was not worthy of his masters grace and
therefore Swami was not bestowing the required blessings.

One day when Namdevas family had gone out and he was alone at home, Swami walked in. A
heap of gowari (cow dung and hay dried in the sun, used as fodder for fuel) had been piled up in
the front yard of the house. Swami called out to Namdeva and asked him to sit near the wall;
Namdeva sat with crossed-legs. Swami placed his hand on Namdevas head. The latter entered a
deep state of trance. Swami arranged the gowari heap in such a way that he completely covered
Namdevas body. Namdeva was hidden from outside view. Then Swami left.

At noon his family returned home. Not finding Namdeva at home, they presumed he had gone
out. Evening set in with no trace of Namdeva. It was then that his wife Gangabai started to panic.
She sent people in search of her husband. Although they searched everywhere, they returned
without any news of Namdeva. The night passed with his family and staff worried about his
welfare.

The next morning, Gangabai went to the mathi and asked Swami, "Have you sent him
somewhere?" Without a flicker on his face, Swami replied, "You will find him if you search
well". Three days passed with no news of Namdeva. The desperate wife revisited Swami and
sobbed, "I suppose you should break my bangles now". For a Hindu woman, this indicates her
husbands death. Swami just ignored her.
On the fourth day of Namdevs disappearance, Swami came to his house. He went directly to the
heap of gowari and started shifting the pile. To the astonishment of his family, Namdeva had
been seated right there for three long days while they searched for him outside; next moment,
Gangabai started crying thinking Namdev is no more. Swami then placed his hand over
Namdevas head and brought him back to consciousness. Swami asked Namdeva, "How long
have you been seated here?" Namdeva replied, "Perhaps half an hour". This amused his family
and staff who started to laugh. Swami asked him further, "Do you want to learn this technique?"
Namdeva instantaneously said, "No! I do not want such a meditative state for when it ended I
came back to the insecurity of earth life. All the negativities and worries have started hounding
me once again. Give me that state where I can permanently float in the ocean of divine
bliss". All spiritual seekers should memorize this perfect answer of Namdeva.

After this event all the members of Namdevas family became ardent devotees of Swami.

Namdeva visits Wadi

One day Swami issued instruction to Namdeva, "Visit my native place". As Namdeva could not
understand what Swami indicated, he asked the other devotees to decipher what Swami meant.
The devotees surmised that perhaps Swami wanted Namdeva to visit Wadi.

The very same day Namdeva proceeded to Wadi with his wife. At Wadi a priest helped them to
get a room to stay in. There he met an old friend. After exchanging pleasantries, Namdeva
explained the purpose of his visit. His astonished friend said, "Namya, your Guru stayed here for
a month. He just left yesterday". Namdeva immediately retorted, "Impossible! My Guru is in
Kolhapur and has not gone anywhere since a month. In fact I met him this morning and because
of his directive I have come here". The bewildered friend protested, "I am not fabricating the
story. Why should I lie? Ask our friend Vithu who met your Guru".

Strange as it would seem Vithu was passing them at that very moment. The thoroughly confused
Namdeva asked him if he had met Swami recently. Vithu smiled replied, "Yes. I met Swami
quite often during this month. He was staying here in the room opposite yours. Krishna Lad,
Vasu Dalvi and Mahadba accompanied him. Everyday more than two hundred people came to
seek his blessings. He was kindness personified. In fact a ghost possessed my wife. She was so
weak that she could not walk. Swami was so kind that he came to our home and cured her".
Namdeva was simply amazed and yet happy for the good fortune to have such an extraordinary
Guru who was omnipresent, that is ever present everywhere, and omnipotent, ever powerful.

Namdeva on his deathbed

Namdeva was extremely sick. Water was accumulating is his abdomen and liver. This caused a
huge swelling on his body. He was suffering such severe pain that he could not drink water nor
eat food. He soon became very weak and felt extremely drowsy. Gangabai was always at his
bedside tending to her sick husband. Swami visited him daily.

Everyday when Swami visited Namdeva, he would wipe the kumkum (vermilion of red color)
off Gangabais forehead and then go away. Indian women indicating their marital status wear
kumkum. Wiping it off indicates the death of their husband. Swamis misbehavior must have
emotionally upset her but because of her immense faith in Swami, she tolerated him. This
continued for over a week. Then suddenly Swami stopped his visits. Namdeva became weaker
and weaker, till one day he slipped into coma. This is when Gangabai broke down completely.
She ran to the mathi, sat down in front of Swami and cried helplessly. Swami maintained a stony
silence. The shattered woman lost all hope for her husbands life and returned home
disappointed. The next two days Namdevas health deteriorated and a frantic Gangabai rushed to
seek Swamis divine intervention. Since Swami was not present at the mathi then, she ran in
search of him at the places she knew he frequented. At last, she found him at a temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva. She fell at Swamis feet and implored, "If you cannot save my husband, put me to
death at your feet before he dies". Swami asked her, "Do you trust me?" She nodded. He
continued to give her directives, "Go back and follow my instructions. Borrow four buckets of
water from your neighbors house. Wash the doorsteps of your house with it. Then sprinkle haldi
(turmeric powder) and kumkum on the steps. Then only go inside". Gangabai rushed home. She
followed Swamis command meticulously, after all her husbands life was at stake. By the time
she finished doing what she was instructed to do, Namdeva called out to her. It was the first time
after so many days that he had regained consciousness and had spoken. He said to Gangabai, "I
am very hungry. Give me something to eat". From that very moment, Namdeva was on the road
to recovery and that too fast.

Swami tests Namdeva

One morning Swami visited Namdevas home. Namdevas house was a huge mansion, opulent
and luxurious with beautiful artifacts strewn around the house. It was indeed a rich mans house.
Swami told Namdeva bluntly, "Namya, burn all this and come to me. If you cant, then dont
come to me ever again". Thus saying he left. Gangabai was present and had heard Swamis
order. Namdeva turned to his loving wife and asked, "Do you want this wealth or do you want
me?" Without hesitation his devoted wife replied, "I only want you".

Namdeva acted in great hurry to dispose off his great wealth. He called his relatives and friends
and distributed amongst them his seventy acres land, the gold ornaments, cash, his house and
household articles. He piled up the promissory notes of his money lending business and burnt
them. He picked up a pinch of ash and placed it in his turban. Accompanied by Gangabai he
went to Swami. Before he could utter a word Swami embraced Namdeva with great love and
said, "Namya, you have become pristine pure. You are mine now. Only mine". Namdeva had
successfully walked through the eye of a needle. He had passed the test his master had set for
him and emerged glorious! What a beautiful moment it must have been for the master and his
disciple.

After this, Namdeva visited the mathi daily without fail. He would sit for hours staring at
Swamis face and movements. One day Swami laughed at him, "Namya, now what do you hope
to find by staring at me? In any case I am giving you what you wished for". Soon Swami gave
Namdeva, spiritual initiation and gave him a mantra to chant. Swami explained to him the way
the mantra had to be chanted. Namdeva soon commanded expertise in chanting it.

Namdeva invites Swami for a meal

Once Namdeva decided to invite Swami for a meal at his home. He had khichdi (Indian
preparation of rice, lentils and spices) with papad (roasted or fried flour crackers) and pickles
prepared specially for Swami. Once the food was cooked, he had it served in a plate, covered it
and waited for Swamis arrival. He had not verbally invited Swami. He presumed that since
Swami was omniscient, that is he knows everything that occurs in the creation, he would know
he had been invited and would come to eat his meal at his residence. Namdeva waited long but
Swami did not turn up. Disappointed and disheartened Namdeva had the food served to a cow.
He remained hungry that day. The next day again he had the food prepared and waited in vain.
Adamant, he kept on repeating this farce the next five days and stayed hungry throughout.

On the sixth day Swami came running to his house saying, "Namya, I am hungry since five days.
Give me some food to eat". The food that day was already ready and lay out in a plate. An
overjoyed Namdeva was more than happy to feed Swami with his own hand. After finishing his
meal, Swami gave a burp of satisfaction and said, "Namya, the khichdi was delicious. But please
do not repeat this madness again". Namdeva realized that he had an extraordinary omniscient
master. He promised to never place his master through such an ordeal. He felt immensely blessed
that Swami had let him feed him. At a later date, he told his son with tears in his eyes that,
"When I die, cut my right hand and keep it as it has become sacred for having fed the divine
Swami".

From that day onwards every afternoon Swami visited Namdevas home and slept here through
the siesta time.

Swami tests Namdeva once again

Early one morning Swami turned up at Namdevas house. He gave Namdeva one rupee and
instructed him, "Go and stay at my home. Work for me. But dont you dare ask for alms there".
Accompanied by Gangabai, Namdeva immediately left for Swamis birthplace Nandani. When
they reached there, they received a telepathic message, "Not here!" Hence they proceeded to all
those pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Dattatreya and his reincarnations. They went to
Wadi, Audambar, Pandharpur, Tuljapur and Akkalkot. At all these places, they received their
meals in the form of prasad. At Akkalkot, they were commanded to "Worship the padukas at the
sangam". They immediately realized that they were being directed to go to Ganagapur.

Since they had only one rupee on them, they walked the great distance. Besides the fatigue
caused by walking on foot, they were hungry, as they could not procure food on the way. At one
place as they slept in a charitable lodge, thieves left their stolen booty in their room. The next
morning they had a tough time proving their innocence. Since Gangabai was exotically beautiful
while Namdeva looked like a wrestler with his well-built body, at one place people suspected
him of having run away with someone elses wife. .
When they reached Ganagapur a devotee offering 1000 tulsi leaves daily on the padukas
approached Namdeva with an umble request, "Sir, I would like to visit my native place for a few
days. I can do so if you take up the work of daily collecting a basketful of tulsi leaves the
worship of the padukas". Namdeva was more than happy at the opportunity providence had
provided him. He could serve God here. He readily agreed to undertake the work.

Everyday Namdeva would go to the forest in search of tulsi plants. He suffered the prick of the
thorns and faced the threat posed by snakes and scorpions crawling in the forest. Procuring food
was no problem for the couple as Ganagapur is a major pilgrimage place and prasad in the form
of meals is served daily to devotees visiting the holy shrine. Nine months passed thus.

One day a rich devotee came from another city to get a ritual performed and arranged for mass
feeding. At night Shri Narasimha Saraswati appeared in his dream and commanded him, "Honor
the couple staying within the temple premises. It will be equal to performing my pooja". In the
morning the devotee ran to the temple in search of the blessed couple. He found Namdeva and
Gangabai there. He invited them for the ritual and to the meal afterwards. He gave them the
maximum respect he could and loaded them with rich donations. Namdeva and his wife accepted
it gracefully as Shri Narasimha Saraswati had also visited Namdeva in his dream and told him,
"Consider this worship is reaching me through you".

That night Swami appeared in Namdevas dream and said, "Namya, you have served me well.
Now return for a bath at Kolhapur". The return journey for the couple was pleasant as Namdeva
and Gangabai met relatives who were returning to Kolhapur and were more than happy to give
them a ride home. However the odd phrase used by Swami had Namdeva worried and scared. He
wondered if it was a warning or foreboding of some future sad event.

Chapter 11 - Sunset

Land restored to its rightful owner

One day when Swami was taking his daily walk with the devotees, a man of a low caste came
forward and bowed to him. He wanted to serve Swami and therefore requested him to assign
some work to him. Swami asked him to fetch two pitchers of water from the river Ganga
everyday and deliver them to the mathi. The man was happy to serve Swami thus. He would
spend rest of his time chanting Swamis name. Since he was a stranger, other devotees were
curious about him, his family and home. To their queries, he revealed, "I owned agricultural land
in a nearby village. One season I took a loan from our village moneylender. He, then,
fraudulently, took away my land. My younger brother thought that I had cheated him of his share
of the land and therefore drove me out of the house. Frustrated at these turns of events, my wife
returned to her parents home. Disgusted with life, I came here."

Six months passed. One day the mans younger brother came searching for him. He pleaded with
his older brother to return home. He said, "The moneylender is anxiously waiting for you to
return our land to us". The disgusted man replied, "I do not need the land nor the house, nor
anything nor anyone". Since he could not persuade his older brother to return home, he suggested
they take Swamis advice. On approaching Swami, the man was advised to return home to his
family. Reluctantly the man returned home with his younger brother.

What was the reason for the greedy moneylender to show such generosity? After the
moneylender duped this man of his land, the moneylenders wife died. His aggrieved sons and
daughters-in-law started accusing him for her unexpected untimely death. They reprehended him
saying, "You rob people of their lands and belongings. We are suffering today because of their
curses". The moneylenders conscience started to bite him. He missed his dear wife and he knew
that his children were correct in their criticism of the way he conducted his business. He decided
to turn over a new leaf. Thus he started to return the lands and belongings he had fraudulently
snatched from his innocent clients. Thus Swami changed the conscience of the moneylender and
restored the land to its rightful owner.

Karkhanis
Karkhanis was in the royal service. His job was to keep records of the property ownership in the
Kingdom of Kolhapur. As is the case everywhere, there would be inevitable disputes over the
ownership of properties. Karkhanis would arbitrate and resolve the cases honestly. Nevertheless,
there would be people who would lose their claims to the properties and would blame the
arbitrators for making unfair decision against them. In one such property dispute, although
Karkhanis had made the right decision, an aggrieved person lodged a complaint against
Karkhanis with the King of Kolhapur. The King sacked Karkhanis immediately without so much
as an inquiry.

Karkhanis job had been his only means of livelihood. Now he had to live on his savings. His
friends and well wishers advised him to make an appeal to the King to investigate his case. Three
years rolled by. No action had been taken on his appeal. Karkhanis had by now sold off all his
valuable household articles in order to survive. Finally he was rendered absolutely penniless. In
such circumstances, man remembers God. So did Karkhanis!

He came to Swami, surrendered to him and related his plight. Swami advised him, "Go to the
temple now and pray to Goddess Amba". A desperate Karkhanis rushed to the temple. There he
prayed and begged the Mother Goddess to intervene and help him. After praying, he started to
circumambulate round the temple. While walking around, he found a packet fallen on the way.
He picked it up to check its contents. Wrapped in a handkerchief were three pieces of laddus
(sweetmeat). Since he couldnt find the owner of the packet, he started to wonder what to do
with the packet. Just then his friend appeared there; the friend asked him to accept it as a gift
from Goddess Amba. A confused Karkhanis took the packet and rushed back to the mathi. As he
entered, Swami rebuked him, "Why are you so suspicious of the prasad given to you by Goddess
Amba?"

On the third day after this incident, Karkhanis received a call from the Kings office. The inquiry
had been conducted and concluded. The judgement arrived at was that Karkhanis had been fair in
his decision and should be reinstated in his job with immediate effect. The King further ordered
that he should be paid three years salary as compensation.

Karkhanis came to the mathi with grateful tears flowing down his face. He bowed at Swamis
feet and said, "Swami, thanks to your grace, what did not happen in three years happened in
three days".

Swamis photograph
In the late nineteenth century photography had just been developed. The common man was wary
of this magic process by which ones image would be printed on paper. The British company
AGFA was trying to popularize photography by encouraging their representatives to photograph
Saints and Kings. Naturally people were more than eager to have these photographs in their
homes, thus accepting this technology.

Same was the case with Swamis devotees, they too were keen to have Swamis photograph in
their houses, especially to help them in their meditation. But Swami refused to have himself
photographed. Many photographers came to the mathi and tried to photograph Swami but failed.
The plate would come out blank or fogged or only half an image would appear. Whatever the
reasons, Swami could not be photographed. There were two friends in the photography business
who failed to obtain Swamis photograph on several occasions. They understood that it was
perhaps the sages wish. Nevertheless they started visiting the mathi daily, surrendered to Swami
and prayed that sometime somewhere Swami would consent to have his photograph taken,
atleast for the sake of his devotees.

One day at Kolhapurs royal palace, a professional photographer from Baroda, Gujarat state, had
been summoned to photograph the King and the royal family. In the morning, the royal durbar
(kings court) hall had been spruced up and readied for the photography session. The Kings
throne, regal attire, his ornaments, and the royal arms were kept ready in the royal durbar hall.
The King had gone for his bath.

At that moment at the mathi, Swami suddenly got up and quickly walked out. A few devotees
ran behind him, following him wherever he was off to. Swami walked straight into the royal
palace. Who could stop him? He went directly to the durbar hall where the arrangements to
photograph the King were ready and walked to the Kings throne and sat down. He removed his
white kurta (long shirt) and cap. He put on the numerous strings of pearl necklaces lying nearby.
He sat regally as if he belonged there. The Kings staff and servants were left stunned and
stupefied. Knowing Swamis spiritual status, not one of them had the audacity to order him to get
off the Kings throne. But at the same time, they were petrified lest the King gets outraged and
angry with them. Nevertheless, one member of the staff mustered up enough courage to inform
the King of the happening in the royal durbar hall. Far from being angry, the King felt blessed
that Swami had arrived at his palace and was sitting on his throne. He ordered that Swami be
photographed and be allowed to do as he wished.
The photograph was taken. This is the photograph that is still in circulation and is widely
distributed even today amongst devotees as if Swami had got himself photographed for posterity.
He had got himself photographed to reach his devotees and to remain accessible to them even in
this twenty-first century. As soon as the photo session was over, Swami removed the pearl
necklaces from around his neck and placed them back where they were in the first place. He put
on his kurta and cap, and left the palace. By the time the King dressed up and walked to the
durbar hall, Swami had already left. The King sent his chariot to bring Swami back, but Swami
used it instead to return to the mathi. Later the King came to the mathi and offered his obeisance
to Swami. He gifted the royal throne and the pearl necklaces to Swami.

Tarabais end
Swami was now old. Tarabai started to construct a samadhi place for him in the hall of the mathi.
Swami thoroughly disliked the idea and would wonder aloud, "She does not know who will go
first". Within a few days, Tarabai passed away. Swami cried like a child at losing a loving
parent. Sitting next to her body, he suddenly said, "Mother! Before leaving, please eat one pedha
(sweetmeat) from my hand". To the bewilderment of aghast devotees, Tarabai sat up. Swami fed
her a pedha. She ate it and fell dead. What could Swami, the Lord of the entire creation not do or
undo!

Swami falls ill

Soon Swami fell ill and was burning with high fever. The frantic devotees would bring ayurvedic
(Indian herbal medicine) and allopathic doctors for him, anyone or anything that could cure their
beloved Lord.

Swami would sarcastically joke with the doctors,

"Will this medicine give me the strength to fight off Yama (God of Death)?"

"Doctor, why should I fear death when you are giving me the elixir of life."

"Yama will run away when he sees this tube (stethoscope)."

Alas! even GOD in human form has to leave the earth

The year was 1900A.D, the month was August end (shravana according to Hindu calendar), and
the day was a full moon day. That day Swami kept on mumbling randomly. Most devotees, then,
did not understand the importance of his vague utterances. He said,

"O Audambara Tree! You really are great. You offer shadow to one and all without distinction.
Now onwards, I shall not be able to sit in your shadow."
"O Light! You are like a saint. You spread your glow equally to all. Whether it is a student
studying Vedas, a thief at work or a couple enjoying a private moment."

"O Five Elements Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky! I will now return the loan I took from you."

"Am I going away somewhere? Where can I go? The entire cosmos is not big enough to contain
me! I shall always stay there where my devotees sing and chant".

The few wise devotees understood the eventuality and fell into depression. They felt sorry for
themselves and very lonely.

Suddenly Swamis thoughts wandered and he started calling favorite disciple Namdeva who was
away in in Ganagapur. Swami repeatedly murmured, "Why has Namya not arrived yet?"

On the ninth day after the full moon, i.e., on Shravana navami, Namdeva arrived. Swami asked
all his other devotees except Namdeva to go out of the room. Swami held Namdevas hand
firmly and said, "Namya! This tree of spirituality must grow tall like a vata tree. Remember that
it is for you to make it grow." Perhaps this was Swamis way of anointing Namdeva as his heir
apparent!

At 3.30a.m. Swami laid his head on Namdevas lap. He smiled and said, "Goddess Amba is
calling me".

At 4.00a.m. the sounds of bells were heard ringing at the temple of Goddess Amba as the early
morning aarti started.

Swami left his physical body!

Namdeva went berserk. He felt absolutely orphaned. He called out to others and informed them
hysterically about the great loss. Crying hysterically, he then started running home. As he ran,
others present saw a blue flame coming out from Swamis body following Namdeva. When
Namdeva reached home, the blue flame merged into the stone padukas installed at his home.

The other disciples and devotees were inconsolable. After all they had lost their God! Many fell
into depression.

Even after Swami was no more, devotees would flock at the mathi. They would remember
Swami and talk about him and the miracles they had experienced and witnessed. But they felt an
inexplicable void that tugged at their hearts.

One evening, a few devotees assembled at the mathi. There, reminiscing of Swami, their talk
steered to him. Just then all of them happened to look at Swamis throne. Suddenly they fell
silent! Each one of them present could see Swami resplendently sitting on his throne, smiling at
them. After a moment, the scene vanished. But once and for all, the devotees were convinced
that Swami had not deserted them although he had left his physical body. He is very much
present amongst all for us!

Chapter 11 - Sunset

Land restored to its rightful owner

One day when Swami was taking his daily walk with the devotees, a man of a low caste came
forward and bowed to him. He wanted to serve Swami and therefore requested him to assign
some work to him. Swami asked him to fetch two pitchers of water from the river Ganga
everyday and deliver them to the mathi. The man was happy to serve Swami thus. He would
spend rest of his time chanting Swamis name. Since he was a stranger, other devotees were
curious about him, his family and home. To their queries, he revealed, "I owned agricultural land
in a nearby village. One season I took a loan from our village moneylender. He, then,
fraudulently, took away my land. My younger brother thought that I had cheated him of his share
of the land and therefore drove me out of the house. Frustrated at these turns of events, my wife
returned to her parents home. Disgusted with life, I came here."

Six months passed. One day the mans younger brother came searching for him. He pleaded with
his older brother to return home. He said, "The moneylender is anxiously waiting for you to
return our land to us". The disgusted man replied, "I do not need the land nor the house, nor
anything nor anyone". Since he could not persuade his older brother to return home, he suggested
they take Swamis advice. On approaching Swami, the man was advised to return home to his
family. Reluctantly the man returned home with his younger brother.

What was the reason for the greedy moneylender to show such generosity? After the
moneylender duped this man of his land, the moneylenders wife died. His aggrieved sons and
daughters-in-law started accusing him for her unexpected untimely death. They reprehended him
saying, "You rob people of their lands and belongings. We are suffering today because of their
curses". The moneylenders conscience started to bite him. He missed his dear wife and he knew
that his children were correct in their criticism of the way he conducted his business. He decided
to turn over a new leaf. Thus he started to return the lands and belongings he had fraudulently
snatched from his innocent clients. Thus Swami changed the conscience of the moneylender and
restored the land to its rightful owner.

Karkhanis
Karkhanis was in the royal service. His job was to keep records of the property ownership in the
Kingdom of Kolhapur. As is the case everywhere, there would be inevitable disputes over the
ownership of properties. Karkhanis would arbitrate and resolve the cases honestly. Nevertheless,
there would be people who would lose their claims to the properties and would blame the
arbitrators for making unfair decision against them. In one such property dispute, although
Karkhanis had made the right decision, an aggrieved person lodged a complaint against
Karkhanis with the King of Kolhapur. The King sacked Karkhanis immediately without so much
as an inquiry.

Karkhanis job had been his only means of livelihood. Now he had to live on his savings. His
friends and well wishers advised him to make an appeal to the King to investigate his case. Three
years rolled by. No action had been taken on his appeal. Karkhanis had by now sold off all his
valuable household articles in order to survive. Finally he was rendered absolutely penniless. In
such circumstances, man remembers God. So did Karkhanis!

He came to Swami, surrendered to him and related his plight. Swami advised him, "Go to the
temple now and pray to Goddess Amba". A desperate Karkhanis rushed to the temple. There he
prayed and begged the Mother Goddess to intervene and help him. After praying, he started to
circumambulate round the temple. While walking around, he found a packet fallen on the way.
He picked it up to check its contents. Wrapped in a handkerchief were three pieces of laddus
(sweetmeat). Since he couldnt find the owner of the packet, he started to wonder what to do
with the packet. Just then his friend appeared there; the friend asked him to accept it as a gift
from Goddess Amba. A confused Karkhanis took the packet and rushed back to the mathi. As he
entered, Swami rebuked him, "Why are you so suspicious of the prasad given to you by Goddess
Amba?"

On the third day after this incident, Karkhanis received a call from the Kings office. The inquiry
had been conducted and concluded. The judgement arrived at was that Karkhanis had been fair in
his decision and should be reinstated in his job with immediate effect. The King further ordered
that he should be paid three years salary as compensation.

Karkhanis came to the mathi with grateful tears flowing down his face. He bowed at Swamis
feet and said, "Swami, thanks to your grace, what did not happen in three years happened in
three days".

Swamis photograph
In the late nineteenth century photography had just been developed. The common man was wary
of this magic process by which ones image would be printed on paper. The British company
AGFA was trying to popularize photography by encouraging their representatives to photograph
Saints and Kings. Naturally people were more than eager to have these photographs in their
homes, thus accepting this technology.

Same was the case with Swamis devotees, they too were keen to have Swamis photograph in
their houses, especially to help them in their meditation. But Swami refused to have himself
photographed. Many photographers came to the mathi and tried to photograph Swami but failed.
The plate would come out blank or fogged or only half an image would appear. Whatever the
reasons, Swami could not be photographed. There were two friends in the photography business
who failed to obtain Swamis photograph on several occasions. They understood that it was
perhaps the sages wish. Nevertheless they started visiting the mathi daily, surrendered to Swami
and prayed that sometime somewhere Swami would consent to have his photograph taken,
atleast for the sake of his devotees.

One day at Kolhapurs royal palace, a professional photographer from Baroda, Gujarat state, had
been summoned to photograph the King and the royal family. In the morning, the royal durbar
(kings court) hall had been spruced up and readied for the photography session. The Kings
throne, regal attire, his ornaments, and the royal arms were kept ready in the royal durbar hall.
The King had gone for his bath.

At that moment at the mathi, Swami suddenly got up and quickly walked out. A few devotees
ran behind him, following him wherever he was off to. Swami walked straight into the royal
palace. Who could stop him? He went directly to the durbar hall where the arrangements to
photograph the King were ready and walked to the Kings throne and sat down. He removed his
white kurta (long shirt) and cap. He put on the numerous strings of pearl necklaces lying nearby.
He sat regally as if he belonged there. The Kings staff and servants were left stunned and
stupefied. Knowing Swamis spiritual status, not one of them had the audacity to order him to get
off the Kings throne. But at the same time, they were petrified lest the King gets outraged and
angry with them. Nevertheless, one member of the staff mustered up enough courage to inform
the King of the happening in the royal durbar hall. Far from being angry, the King felt blessed
that Swami had arrived at his palace and was sitting on his throne. He ordered that Swami be
photographed and be allowed to do as he wished.

The photograph was taken. This is the photograph that is still in circulation and is widely
distributed even today amongst devotees as if Swami had got himself photographed for posterity.
He had got himself photographed to reach his devotees and to remain accessible to them even in
this twenty-first century. As soon as the photo session was over, Swami removed the pearl
necklaces from around his neck and placed them back where they were in the first place. He put
on his kurta and cap, and left the palace. By the time the King dressed up and walked to the
durbar hall, Swami had already left. The King sent his chariot to bring Swami back, but Swami
used it instead to return to the mathi. Later the King came to the mathi and offered his obeisance
to Swami. He gifted the royal throne and the pearl necklaces to Swami.

Tarabais end
Swami was now old. Tarabai started to construct a samadhi place for him in the hall of the mathi.
Swami thoroughly disliked the idea and would wonder aloud, "She does not know who will go
first". Within a few days, Tarabai passed away. Swami cried like a child at losing a loving
parent. Sitting next to her body, he suddenly said, "Mother! Before leaving, please eat one pedha
(sweetmeat) from my hand". To the bewilderment of aghast devotees, Tarabai sat up. Swami fed
her a pedha. She ate it and fell dead. What could Swami, the Lord of the entire creation not do or
undo!

Swami falls ill

Soon Swami fell ill and was burning with high fever. The frantic devotees would bring ayurvedic
(Indian herbal medicine) and allopathic doctors for him, anyone or anything that could cure their
beloved Lord.

Swami would sarcastically joke with the doctors,

"Will this medicine give me the strength to fight off Yama (God of Death)?"

"Doctor, why should I fear death when you are giving me the elixir of life."

"Yama will run away when he sees this tube (stethoscope)."

Alas! even GOD in human form has to leave the earth

The year was 1900A.D, the month was August end (shravana according to Hindu calendar), and
the day was a full moon day. That day Swami kept on mumbling randomly. Most devotees, then,
did not understand the importance of his vague utterances. He said,

"O Audambara Tree! You really are great. You offer shadow to one and all without distinction.
Now onwards, I shall not be able to sit in your shadow."

"O Light! You are like a saint. You spread your glow equally to all. Whether it is a student
studying Vedas, a thief at work or a couple enjoying a private moment."

"O Five Elements Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky! I will now return the loan I took from you."

"Am I going away somewhere? Where can I go? The entire cosmos is not big enough to contain
me! I shall always stay there where my devotees sing and chant".

The few wise devotees understood the eventuality and fell into depression. They felt sorry for
themselves and very lonely.

Suddenly Swamis thoughts wandered and he started calling favorite disciple Namdeva who was
away in in Ganagapur. Swami repeatedly murmured, "Why has Namya not arrived yet?"

On the ninth day after the full moon, i.e., on Shravana navami, Namdeva arrived. Swami asked
all his other devotees except Namdeva to go out of the room. Swami held Namdevas hand
firmly and said, "Namya! This tree of spirituality must grow tall like a vata tree. Remember that
it is for you to make it grow." Perhaps this was Swamis way of anointing Namdeva as his heir
apparent!

At 3.30a.m. Swami laid his head on Namdevas lap. He smiled and said, "Goddess Amba is
calling me".

At 4.00a.m. the sounds of bells were heard ringing at the temple of Goddess Amba as the early
morning aarti started.

Swami left his physical body!

Namdeva went berserk. He felt absolutely orphaned. He called out to others and informed them
hysterically about the great loss. Crying hysterically, he then started running home. As he ran,
others present saw a blue flame coming out from Swamis body following Namdeva. When
Namdeva reached home, the blue flame merged into the stone padukas installed at his home.

The other disciples and devotees were inconsolable. After all they had lost their God! Many fell
into depression.

Even after Swami was no more, devotees would flock at the mathi. They would remember
Swami and talk about him and the miracles they had experienced and witnessed. But they felt an
inexplicable void that tugged at their hearts.

One evening, a few devotees assembled at the mathi. There, reminiscing of Swami, their talk
steered to him. Just then all of them happened to look at Swamis throne. Suddenly they fell
silent! Each one of them present could see Swami resplendently sitting on his throne, smiling at
them. After a moment, the scene vanished. But once and for all, the devotees were convinced
that Swami had not deserted them although he had left his physical body. He is very much
present amongst all for us!