251. Shripad Bhat Jumps In The Flood

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

The monsoon's relentless downpour had transformed the Bhima River into a churning, formidable force. Swollen and turbulent, its currents now rendered the vital crossing near the sacred kshetra of Manur utterly impassable. Shri Samarth, serene amidst the rising waters, was accompanied by his circle of devoted attendants, among them the anxious Cholappa and the ever-faithful Shripad Bhat. It was the heart of Ashwin, a month steeped in the monsoon's embrace, and the land lay drenched, isolated.

"O Maharaj!" Cholappa's voice, usually steady, was laced with palpable distress. "There is no provision for sustenance here. What course of action shall we take?"

Shri Samarth's gaze drifted across the wild expanse of water. "We must reach the other bank," he stated, his voice a calming balm against the river's roar. "But the Bhima rages, and no vessel awaits us on this shore, though I discern several on the far side. Who among you possesses the fortitude to retrieve one?"

Cholappa's apprehension was stark. "We would gladly undertake such a task, Maharaj, but to plunge into this deluge… it would be an act of utter folly, a surrender to death itself!"

A gentle, knowing laugh escaped Shri Samarth's lips. "If my Lattheshwar Pandit embarks upon this task," he declared, a profound twinkle in his eyes, "he shall most assuredly return with the boat." He spoke of Shripad Bhat, his cherished disciple, whom he fondly called 'Latthya.'

Upon hearing his Guru's pronouncement, Shripad Bhat felt an immediate, unyielding surge of purpose. He understood these were not mere suggestions, but a direct, divine command from his spiritual master. Without a flicker of hesitation, he cast off his outer garments, invoked the sacred mantra of "Shri Swami Samarth," and plunged into the tumultuous, foam-flecked waters.

A collective gasp of horror rose from the onlookers. Fear contorted their faces as they watched Shripad Bhat battling the powerful, swirling currents.

"Maharaj, please, save him!" they pleaded, their voices choked with anguish and despair.

Shri Samarth remained perfectly composed, his visage an embodiment of unflappable certainty. "What force could possibly harm him?" he replied, his voice resonating with absolute conviction. "He will now return with the boat."

And so, against all rational expectations, it came to pass. Shripad Bhat, propelled by an unshakeable faith that defied the very laws of nature and sustained by the constant, whispered repetition of his Guru's name, swam with a strength born of devotion. Through the raging torrent, he miraculously reached the opposite bank, secured a boat, and navigated it back, delivering it safely to the waiting shore. A stunned silence, heavy with awe, gave way to an outpouring of fervent admiration. With Shri Swami Samarth leading the way, everyone boarded the retrieved vessel and crossed to Manur, now touched by a profound sense of wonder. The attendees were not merely relieved; they were deeply, irrevocably moved by the spectacle, their hearts swelling with praise for Shripad Bhat. His absolute faith and unwavering obedience to his Guru had triumphed, proving that true devotion could conquer the seemingly unconquerable.

---

Their journey eventually led them to the sacred Yellamma Temple, where Shri Maharaj and his retinue had taken up residence. However, a far more insidious shadow soon enveloped Manur. A virulent plague descended upon the village, a merciless scourge claiming between ten and fifteen lives each day. The very air seemed to thicken with grief, punctuated by the relentless lamentations of the bereaved.

One day, the village Patil, his face a mask of utter despair, prostrated himself before Shri Maharaj. "Maharaj," he pleaded, his voice a raw, broken whisper, "my son, Hanumant, lies on his deathbed, his breaths barely clinging to life. I implore you, Great Soul, restore him to us! Do not let him slip away!"

A wave of profound compassion softened Shri Samarth’s expression. Without a word, he rose and proceeded directly to the home of Appa Patil, seating himself within its walls. As his presence filled the space, the wailing intensified, for the boy's life force was visibly, agonizingly ebbing away. The mournful cries swelled, tearing at the very fabric of those assembled.

Cholappa, unable to bear the excruciating agony, approached Shri Maharaj. "Maharaj," he whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of sorrow and desperation, "this suffering is unbearable. Please, let us return to the temple. The boy is dying; it is not fitting for us to remain."

Shri Samarth’s response was firm, his voice cutting through the lamentations like a clear bell. "Who has given him permission to leave?" he questioned, his gaze intense, piercing through the despair. Then, he issued a directive that defied all conventional understanding: "Cover him completely with neem leaves, grind the leaves with water, and administer the paste into his mouth."

Without a moment’s hesitation, the Patil, clinging to this slender thread of hope, immediately followed these precise, unconventional instructions.

What transpired next was nothing short of a divine intervention; it transcended mere medicine. The boy, who moments before had hovered on the precipice of death, stirred. His breathing steadied, the ragged gasps smoothing into a calm rhythm, and his eyelids, once heavy, fluttered open. Within moments, he began to improve dramatically, snatching life back from the jaws of extinction.

The very next day, by the boundless mercy and unfathomable power of Shri Swami Samarth, the plague that had ravaged Manur vanished completely from the village. The impossible had not merely been achieved; it had been effortlessly manifested. Is there truly anything beyond the reach of Samarth's will? He is the divine orchestrator, capable of creating and dissolving universes at His whim. Such is His supreme, boundless power.

The following day, Shri Maharaj and his attendees departed from Manur, returning to Akkalkot, leaving behind a village reborn and an indelible testament to His omnipotence.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

124. Sheshacharya Agnihotri

 || Shri Swami Samarth ||

There was once a pious Brahmin by the name of Sheshacharya Agnihotri who lived in Akkalkot, and relied on bhiksha for his sustenance. He was a devotee of Shri Maharaj and Swami was also very fond of him. Everytime that he went before Shri Maharaj for darshan, Shri Maharaj would gladly stretch out his legs so that Sheshacharya could offer his obeisances at His feet. After this Sheshacharya would hold out his snuff box, and Shri would accept the offering and take a pinch.

Sheasharya sought Maharaj's darshan daily. Even when Maharaj was in a foul mood, which was when noone dared approach Him, Sheshacharya would unhesitatingly present himself before Shri and offer his obeisances.

The devotees that came before Maharaj always brought offerings, and these included different types of sweetmeats, such as pedhas and barfis. There would always be platters of such sweetmeats offered, and Shri Maharaj would distribute them amongst the children, dogs, travelling visitors, and even fed the bullocks that towed the carts. However, Shri Maharaj never gave a pedha to Seshacharya as prasad.

Sheshacharya used to wonder every day, "How is it that Samarth gives everyone a pedha but has never given me one!?"

Then, after many months of thinking like this, he was able to convince himself that Shri Maharaj did not really have any affection for him.

One day, as usual, there were numerous platters of pedhas and barfis placed before Shri Maharaj, and Sheshacharya, after having offered his obeisance, requested Shri, "Maharaj, please give me some prasad", and held out his palm.

Neither did Maharaj say anything, nor did he give any prasad to Sheshacharya, who was really saddened.

From that day onwards, Shehasharchya stopped going for his daily darshan of Shri Swami Samarth. However, whenever he did go for darshan, Shri Maharaj would pull a blanket over His head and go to sleep. 

Then Sheshacharya went to extreme lengths for Shri's darshan. He sat before Him for hours, he would come before him many times throughout the day, all with the hope of getting Maharaj's darshan as he had been receiving before, but to no avail. Maharaj absolutely refused to give him darshan. 

Once, when Sheshacharya adamantly sat before Maharaj having made up his mind not leave until he received darshan, Shri Maharaj pulled a blanket over Himself and verbally abused him from under the blanket.

Not realizing the error of his ways, Sheshacharya could not figure out why Maharaj had stopped showing His affection towards him. "What offense have I committed!? What is the reason for such behaviour towards me!?", he wondered.

Some days later Shesacharya had gone to the Khas Baug for making dung cakes. The same day, Shri Samarth was also visiting Khas Baug.

When Sheshacharya went for Shri's darshan, Maharaj was asleep. He thought that he would complete his work of making the dung cakes and would then return for Maharaj's darshan.

On resuming his work, a thought came to Sheshacharya's mind. The only offense that I committed was asking for pedha and barfi from the One who can grant me liberation from the cycle of birth and death! How low have I fallen?!

With tears of sorrow rolling down his cheeks, Sheshacharya prayed to Shri Maharaj, "Maharaj! I am a terrible sinner but You are an ocean of compassion. Have mercy and forgive me."

"Never again will I ask you for any sweets as prasad and if I do, may I eat this cow dung!"

As he thought these thoughts, Sheshacharya put a lump of cow dung into his mouth.

By the time Sheshacharya had completed his work, he went for darshan again thinking that if asking for sweets was the only offense, then the most compassionate Swami Maharaj would give him darshan.

On seeing Sheshacharya coming towards Him, Shri Maharaj roared with laughter and said, "O Bua! Did you get to eat barfi to your heart's content!? "

"Come here and give me the snuff box!", he ordered.

Sheshacharya could not contain his joy on hearing these words from Shri Maharaj. He offered his obeisances and said, "Maharaj! You've brought me to my senses".

From then on, with Shri's mercy, Sheshacharya made great spiritual strides and developed detachment from worldly matters, and remained devoted, and in service to Shri Maharaj till the very end.

 || Shri Swami Samarth ||

241. Thousands served food for Datta Jayanti

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

One drought year, during the Datta Jayanti festivities, in the month of Margashirsha, thousands had thronged to Akkalkot for prasad. 

Cholappa, Shripad Bhat, Keshav Deshpande, and other organizers, were worried that they would run out of food, and prayed to Shri, "Maharaj, there is a huge rush for prasad. There is food prepared only for three hundred people. How will four thousand people eat?"

Samarth said, "Take this kada and this tak of Amba Devi and place them amongst the polis (chapatis) that have been prepared. Don't worry."

Deshpande took the kada and the tak and placed them amongst the polis. Then everyone offered a wonderful aarti to Amba Devi followed by a coconut offering. The coconut was cracked and the water was sprinkled as tirtha over the food preparations. Then, the serving of the prasad commenced.

Two thousand people were served in the first sitting. The second sitting saw a thousand people have their meals. A thousand people, mostly Muslims and those from the Mahar caste sat in the third sitting. No one was left hungry. Everyone glorified Shri Swami Samarth.

Then Shri Samarth ordered, "Bring the kada and tak!"

Deshpande placed both items before Shri. Then Maharaj had his meals. 

That night there was a wonderful kirtan performance, and singers sang beautiful songs of devotion. Everyone was happy and contented. The miracle was that Shri Swami Samarth arranged food for thousands of people using the kada and tak as his mystical tools.

Shri Swami Samarth is the doer and in his leela we are all his instruments.

|| Shri Swami Samarth || 

240. Govindpant Kulkarni is cured of his stomach ache

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Govindpant Kulkarni lived in Mamdabad, which was around two kilometers from Akkalkot, on the banks of the Bori river. He was suffering from a terrible illness. He would vomit out involuntarily, any food that he ate. Naturally, his health suffered.

Tired of his ailment, he went to Gangapur and there he offered seva to Shri. After having offered service for some time, one night when he was asleep, he had a vision. In this vision, he was instructed that as soon as he received the darshan of the Supreme Brahman, he would be relieved of his suffering.

When he woke up, he began to think, "In this Kaliyuga, it is so rare for even great Yogis to receive the darshan of the Supreme Brahman. What chance do I have!?"

He told of his dream to another Brahmin, Baba Bhat, who was a learned scholar who was unfortunately a leper. 

"I am an ordinary family man", said Govindpant, "I have no authority in matters of spirituality. How am I to then receive the darshan of the Supreme Brahman".

Baba Bhat, on behalf of Govindpant Kulkarni, prayed to Shri at Gangapur.

That same night, Govindpant received instructions in a vision to go to Akkalkot and sweep houses and was told that that is where and how he would find the Supreme Brahman.

The next morning, an elated Govindpant offered a special pooja to Shri's paduka and after offering brahmana-bhojana, arrived in Akkalkot the following day. That day Shri Swami Samarth was at a Brahmin's home performing his leela. 

Govindpant offered his obeisances to Shri Maharaj and stood before him in great humility. 

Shri Maharaj said to him, "Eat a mixture of cow urine and cow dung for seven days and you will be cured of your disease. You had troubled an old cow and that is why you were suffering from this ailment!"

Govindpant then glorified Shri Maharaj, "You are Shiva Himself. You have come in this form to uplift us. Of this I am certain!", and then offered his obeisances again.

After following the remedy as instructed by Shri Maharaj, Govindpant was cured of his illness. Then, with Shri's permission, he returned home fully cured.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

231. Vitthalrao becomes Mamlatdar (Head of Revenue Administration)

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Vitthalrao was the Mamlatdar (Head of Revenue Administration) at Hyderabad and was a devotee of Manik Prabhu. 

He was under departmental investigation for corruption charges due to his own corruption and had been suspended. When the learned that soon there would be a warrant issued for his arrest, he panicked, and thought, "If I got to Manik Prabhu, I am sure to be caught, but if I go to Akkalkot and seek refuge with Shri Samarth, I will be saved."

That day he immediately set out toward Akkalkot and reached there at night. He went to where Swami was and saw Shri resting surrounded by His attendants who were asleep. He woke Maharaj's attendants and told them who he was, the trouble he was in, and why it was urgent for him to meet Swami.

Just then Swami stood up and in anger said to Vitthalrao, "You perform corrupt acts with joy. When the time comes to pay for your actions you cry."

He continued to roar, "Why have you come to Me? Get lost! Am I your fathers' servant!?"

Vitthalrao paid his obeisance to Shri and prayed, "Maharaj, please forgive me. I am guilty. I promise that henceforth, I will not be corrupt."

"Maharaj, You protect all those who seek refuge at Your feet. I have no one else but You looking over me", said Vitthalrao, and with his head placed on Shri's feet, he began to weep.

Maharaj felt compassion towards him and said, "Go! I forgive you. Remember to act honestly going forward!"

On hearing these words, Vitthalrao's heart was unburdened and he offered his obeisance to Shri Maharaj and extolling the glories of Shri Samarth, he returned to Hyderabad.

Some days later, the internal investigation exonerated him from the corruption charges and he was reinstated to his post of Mamlatdar due to the grace of Shri Swami Samarth.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

230. Barjoji and Navroji: The Parsis

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Navroji, a Parsi gentleman from Mumbai, was visiting his relative, Barjoji, at Akkalkot where the latter was stationed for work. 

One evening, they were both seated on a sofa in Barjoji's bungalow with the front door closed, discussing the leelas that Shri Swami Samarth had performed. Navroji was not convinced of the truthfulness of the stories that Barjoji had narrated. 

Just then Shri Samarth appeared digambar and sat between them on the sofa. Both the Parsis were surprised. Navroji offered his obeisance to Shri Samarth and enquired, "Maharaj, how were You able to come in when the front door is closed?

He continued, "Maharaj, I am in debt. I am desirous of clearing all my debt and amassing a great fortune. I pray for Your blessings for this to happen."

Maharaj asked, "When you get your fortune, what will you give?"

Navroji replied, "I will offer one-fourth of what I will get."

Maharaj instructed, "Go to the Narmada!", and then suddenly disappeared.

Both Navroji and Barjoji checked all the doors. They were locked from the inside. 

The next morning they learned that Maharaj was around two kos (3.6 km) away from Akkalkot in Rampur. Both of them went there and after offering their obeisances, stood before Him.

Maharaj instructed Navroji, "Gurjarat is calling, go!"

On hearing these words, Navroji stepped forward, offered the shrifal (coconut) to Maharaj, offered his obeisances, and left for Mumbai. 

On reaching Mumbai, he received a message that Shrimant Malharrao Gaikwad, the ruler of the princely state of Baroda, wished to meet him. He promptly got on the next train and went to Baroda. At Baroda, Malharrao bestowed upon Navroji great wealth and said, "Please get Akkalkot Swami Maharaj to Baroda in any way possible!" The next day took a train from Baroda and arrived in Akkalkot. 

Navroji went to Shri Maharaj and after offering Him shodashopachar pooja, and serving food to Brahmins, Navroji prayed, "Maharaj, Shrimant Malharrao Gaikwad has invited you to Baroda."

Maharaj replied, "I will not come, go!"

Navroji returned to Mumbai and informed Gaikwad, "Maharaj is not ready to come; I expended a lot of effort but it has been a waste." By the grace of Maharaj, Navroji used the wealth he had received from Baroda to pay off his debts and was well-established financially.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

229. Madhavacharya's second marriage

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

On the banks of the river Bhima, in the small village of Shirgur, there lived a scholarly Brahmin by the name of Madhavacharya. The village had been granted to him as an inam (reward). By all accounts, he should have been a happy man.

However, things were not going so well for Madhavacharya. He was lonely as his wife had passed away. He was also debt-ridden. The anxiety had gotten to him and he had started to behave whimsically. One day he decided to go to Akkalkot and seek Shri's darshan. 

He immediately set out and soon reached Akkalkot where he paid his obeisances to Shri Maharaj and stood before Him with his palms folded in the anjali mudra.

Maharaj said to him, "Sumurta savadhan!", and handed him a shrifal (coconut) as a prasad. 

On hearing these words from Shri Maharaj, His attendants began mocking Madhavarcharya because he would now be getting married in his old age.

Madhavacharya pleaded with Maharaj, "Swami! People have begun to mock me. I am already over fifty years old. How will I get married at this age? and what of the over five thousand rupee debt that I owe?"

Samarth dismissed him saying, "Get lost from the way that you came!"

Hearing this instruction from Shri Maharaj, Madhavacharya paid his obeisance to Him and made his way to Shirol where some of his relatives lived.

On the same day, there were two weddings in Shirol, two sisters were getting married on the same day. 

The groom who was to wed the younger sister had arrived with his family and friends. However, the elder sister's groom had not arrived due to some reason. Their father was worried. How could the younger sister get married without the elder sister getting married first!?

Then a thought suddenly came to his mind. He thought why not offer his eldest daughter to Madhavacharya so that the younger sister would also get married as planned. 

He discussed it with his wife and also with the elders of the family and they all agreed to the proposal. They approached Madhavacharya who also agreed. The surprising part was that everyone knew that Madhavacharya was penniless and yet the wedding went through smoothly.

After the wedding, Madhavacharya and his new wife went to Akkalkot. They offered their obeisances to Shri Swami Samarth who said, "Go home! You will be debt free and will live long and will be happy with children and grandchildren!"

Madhavacharya and his family happily returned home and continued to offer seva to Shri Maharaj.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

228. The Telangana Brahmin is blessed with wealth

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

There was once a Brahmin from Telangana who had visited many sacred places and had now come to Akkalkot with the hope of receiving a blessing to gain a fortune. He paid his obeisances to Swami and stood with folded hands before Him. 

Swami asked, "Hey Brahmin, what desire do you hold?"

The Brahmin prayed, "Maharaj! I am suffering in abject poverty and am carrying a burden of financial debt. Please take mercy on me and free me from my debt."

"I am a Sannyasi and do not have any money. If you wish, you can take some soil from there", said Maharaj pointing to the ground where the man stood.

The Brahmin asked, "What should I do with the soil?"

Maharaj replied, "If you don't want it, get lost!"

In order to not offend Maharaj anymore, the man picked up a lump of soil and put it in his sack, offered obeisance to Shri Swami Samarth, and headed home. After he had traveled some distance, he realized that his sack had gotten heavy. When he checked the sack, there was a surprise for him in the sack. 

The lump of soil had miraculously turned into a solid gold nugget!

The man's financial troubles would soon be history and he went home marveling at and singing the glories of Shri Maharaj.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

185. Appasaheb Sabnis from Pune

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Appasaheb Sabnis, a gentleman from Pune, was suffering from possession by evil spirits. When possessed, he would forsake all meals and starve himself. Even after performing many anushthana such as the immensely powerful Gurucharitra Saptaha, he was still not free from the suffering. Finally, he decided to go to Gangapur and perform service at the feet of Shri Dattatreya.

With a few accompanying him, he set out for Akkalkot and on the way made a stop at Akkalkoti. Desirous of receiving Maharaj's Darshan, he made inquiries about Maharaj's whereabouts and was told that he was the home of Karnalkar.

Sabnis and his group offered their obeisances to Maharaj and after presenting their offerings prayed, "I am on my way to Gangapur to offer seva to be relieved of my great suffering. Please allow us permission to leave,"

On hearing this, Maharaj said, "Don't go! I will destroy completely!"

With complete faith in Shri Maharaj, they stayed there for a full five years offering the following seva - abhishek on Swami's paduka, Gurucharitra Parayan, offering food to those in Maharaj's service, and performing pradakshina (circumambulation) to the Audumbar tree.

Initially, the evil spirit, when in possession of Sabnis would arrogantly keep saying, "This anushthana is useless! I am not going to leave! I will destroy him completely! He is the reason for my state!"

He would never dare to go near Maharaj as His divine effulgence was blinding to the pisacha. He could not stand to hear the aarti of Shri Maharaj. 

Eventually, as Sabnis diligently continued to perform seva, the pisacha softened his stance and tone, and began saying, "What should I do now!? I cannot bear this beating!"

Finally, after almost five years, he left Sabnis, who immediately gained back his health. Everyone was overjoyed.

Sabnis continued to stay in Akkalkot and set up his law practice. Some time later the possessions began again. When he prayed to Maharaj and asked about why the possessions had begun again, Shri said, "Why do you do this in-between business!?", referring to his law practice.

Understanding this was a clear instruction from Maharaj to give up practicing law, Sabnis not only closed his law office but also offered all the money he had earned as law fees in Swami's seva.

One day Sabnis' mother asked Maharaj about her daughter-in-law, Saraswati. 

"She does not have a child and the entire estate will go to waste", said the old lady.

"Go! She will have a son!", boomed Maharaj, and dropped a coconut into her hands. Soon, Sabnis and his wife became parents to a healthy baby boy.

Sabnis returned to Pune with his family but continued returning to Akkalkot frequently. He was devoted to Shri Swami Samarth. He purchased a home at Akkalkot, stocked it with supplies sufficient to support a family for a year, and offered it to a Brahmin, as a love offering to Shri Swami Maharaj.

Throughout his life, Sabnis continued to offer devotional service to Shri Maharaj.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

184. Nandram Sundarji Gawandi

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Nandram Sundarji Gawandi from Pune had been suffering greatly from bladder stones for over three years. Modern medicine and traditional ayurvedic remedies did not give relief even though he spent a lot of money on all cures that were recommended to him. 

Once Gawandi happened to meet Balkrishna Joshi who advised him to visit Akkalkot and receive Swami's Darshan to be surely relieved of his suffering. 

Gawandi had heard of Shri Swami Samarth and said to Joshi, "I have also heard of the great Avatari, and if you apply the sacred ash on my forehead in His name, and if even if I feel some respite from my suffering, I will certainly visit Akkalkot."

Without any hesitation, Joshi applied the sacred ash to Gawandi's forehead while chanting 'Samarth'. The same night, Gwandi felt great relief and had a restful sleep. The next morning he quickly made preparations for this journey and immediately set out toward Akkalkot. On arrival, he stayed at Balkrishna Joshi's home as his guest.

After having received Darshan of Shri Samarth, he stayed in Akkaklot for some days and made charitable offerings for clothes and food to the poor, and offered brahman-bhojan. He was a wealthy man and did not hesitate to spend money.

Gawandi was adhering to the Somvar Vrata and ritually offered worship and sought Darshan of Lord Shiva, especially on Mondays. At the Mallikarjun temple, he saw Swami seated on the temple verandah. Only after offering his obeisances to Shri Maharaj did Gawandi, and Joshi, who was accompanying him, enter the inner sanctum of the temple.

When they entered the temple, they were in for a great surprise! The Shiva Lingam was nowhere to be seen and in its place, seated comfortably, was Shri Maharaj. To see if Maharaj was seated outside they rushed outside and lo behold! They saw Shri Samarth seated on the verandah just as before and from the deep devotion they felt in their hearts towards Maharaj, they sang His glories.

"O Trailokyadhipati! O Sarvavyapaka! O Deva! O Akhila-aishwarya-sampanna! O Deva! O Aparimita Udara! O Anatha Santakanashana! O Karunasagara! "

They sought His blessings to always remember Shri Swami Samarth and to serve him faithfully. 

In order to be of service to Shri Maharaj, Gawandi arranged for rupees ten to be offered every month at Akkalkot.

In this manner, Gawandi received the grace of Prabhuraya.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

140. Ram Upasak Kashikar Swami

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

There was once a swami from Kashi who was learned in Mimamsa, Nyayshastra (law), Vedanta, Mantra-Shastra, and other streams of Indic scholarship. He had a very sharp memory and by nature was a very calm and detached person. Not only was he a polymath, but also a polyglot, as he spoke serveral languages. He focused not only on intellectual development but also on physical fitness and had good strength. 

This swami had taken Sannyas at Jagannath Puri and spent most of his time in meditation and silent contemplation. Though he was a learned man and spiritually advanced, he still had some doubts. He tried to get these doubts resolved by meeting other Sannyasis at various holy places and discussing with them, but he still remained confused. 

Once, when the was returning back from Rameshwaram, he had a vision and was told, "Come to Akkalkot!"

He had no idea of where Akkalkot was but was determined to get there as soon as possible. Asking around and finding out the location, he set out the next day with his few belongings, out from Rameshwaram, and in the month of Paush, on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight, in the shaka year 1799, arrived in Akkalkot.

On seeing Shri Maharaj, the learned swami was ecstatic and tears of joy rolled down from his cheeks. He stood still for some time and then offered his obeisances to Shri Swami Samarth. He stayed in Maharaj's service for some months.

Maindargi is a village near Akkalkot. About one mile from the village there is a Natha math and Shri Samarth was seated there one morning with around twenty devotees in attendance. The learned swami, after completing his morning prayers, had come to offer his obeisances to Shri Maharaj. 

We do not know what he saw but it must have been miraculous because as soon as he saw Maharaj, he began offering obeisances and standing up and then offering obeisances again and standing up again. He did this multiple times, all the while tears of joy flowing from his eyes, and his body shivering. Not one word was said between them but it was certain that some great spiritual communication was underway.

The next morning, when the Kashikar Swami met Dattatreybua Puranik he mentioned that all his doubts had been cleared. Some days later, with Maharaj's permission, he returned to Kashi.

We may be able to surmise that Kashikar Swami had reached such an advanced stage of spiritual unfoldment that for him to advance further on his path he needed direction from none other that Shri Swami Samarth himself. Such is Maharaj's compassion. 

It does not matter where you are in your life's journey, Maharaj always has his eye on you and will bring you to closer to Him at the right time,  and grant you the momentum in the right direction for progress, both material and spiritual.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

139. Sitarampant Nene

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Sitarampant Nene of Garode was a devotee of Shri Ram and had been diligently and strictly performing upasana with the goal of having sakshatkar of his ishta.

Having heard about Samarth's glories, he came to Akkalkot to receive darshan, and after having received darshan, was immensely satisfied that he had met his Ram. He then decided to stay in Akkalkot, and serve Maharaj. For sustenance, he would beg for alms.

He decided on a protocol of worship. He would beg for alms and eat whatever he received; then he would sit before Maharaj and perform Shri Ram naam japa; and would not speak with anyone.

Then one night Shri Ram appeared in his dream and granted darshan. He cleared Sitarampant's doubts on spiritual matters to his satisfaction. When he awoke, he remembered all the instructions he had received, just as if he had been instructed when awake. 

After staying in Akkalkot for some days and he returned to his village singing the glories for Shri Swami Samarth.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

138. Cholappa gets one hundred and twenty five rupees

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Ever since Maharaj had come to Akklakot, Cholappa had been faithfully serving Shri. However, for the entrapment of man, Brahmadev has created two things: gold and woman. Cholappa was entrapped by gold and began looking for means to acquire it. Thus he began lacking in his service to Maharaj.

Once, Maharaj picked up a cloth that was nearby and tied knots into it, and said aloud, "Alakh!" One hundred and twenty-five rupees appeared within those knots. Maharaj handed over the cloth and the money to Cholappa and said, "Cholaya, all debts are now fully paid up!"

From the time that Cholappa had begun serving Maharaj, he had accumulated around sixty to sixty-five thousand rupees in cash and some valuable items. Perhaps all that was lacking was these one hundred and twenty-five rupees that Maharaj gave to him.

Some days later arrangements for receiving, safekeeping, and recordkeeping of amounts offered by devotees to Maharaj were made by royal decree. One clerk and three guards were appointed in the service of Maharaj explicitly for carrying out this task. From that day, Cholappa and Sundarabai were kept far away from the gifts and cash that Maharaj was offered. 

There is only one Master, and the rest are all servants, equal in His eyes. For those that can muster up the strength to even try to surrender to Sri Swami Samarth, the most compassionate Maharaj will free him from his bondages and ego.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

137. Pandurang Bapuji Jadhav begets a son

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Pandurang Bapuji Jadhav had been struck by great misfortune. All four of his sons had died in a period of two months, and he was grief-stricken.

His wife Bhagubai, a devout woman, happened to hear about Shri Maharaj and felt great devotion towards Him and began her pooja and naam-japa in front of a picture of Maharaj that she had acquired. She would feel great sorrow if anyone interrupted her worship.

One night, Shri Swami Samarth appeared in her dream and gave his darshan, He asked her, "If I give you a son, what will you give me in return?" 

In her dream, she promised, "I will offer my son at Maharaj's feet and will make him a Brahmachari!"

She conceived some days later and the couple's joy knew no bounds and they began preparing for the baby's arrival.

However, in the seventh month, an aberration happened. She had her period. This scared her. She thought to herself, "Would the baby be fine?"

In great anguish prayed to Maharaj, "Do not betray me Maharaj! Please pay proper attention to me! You are my family, my mother, and my father!"

That night, Maharaj appeared in her dream and reassured her, "Do not worry!"

Nine months later, in the Shaka year 1716, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. 

Some days later, Bhagubai again had a vision in her dream. She saw that Maharaj was seated on makhar made of banana leaves and that two servants were offering Him seva.

Maharaj said to her, "You now have a son! As promised, you must offer Him to me!"

We do not know if she offered her son to Maharaj, but we do know that she continued to serve Shri Swami Samarth with great love and devotion.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

135. Taming the bull

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

One morning, a raging bull went and stood on the wellhead. Around twenty people and its owners tried the entire day to get him to climb down but they were unable to do so even till sunset. They had to be careful as they did not want him to fall into the well but when they went near him, he would shove his horns towards them angrily.

The bull's owner approached Maharaj and prayed to Him to help tame the bull. Maharaj asked, "Your bull does not allow you to come near!?"

The owner replied, "Yes Maharaj. If I go near him, he gets even more angry and moves forward to hit me."

Maharaj then went to the bull and held its ears, and, as if it was a little lamb, handed it over to his owner. From then on, the bull was always very tame.

Once two women were chatting with each other near Maharaj. One said, "Do you plan on going to Kashi for the darshan of Shri Vishweshwara?"

The other replied, "Why go to Kashi when Shri Swami Samarth is Shri Vishveshwara himself."

On hearing this Shri Swami Samarth roared with laughter and said to her, "If you are so spiritually realized to truly understand this, why are you spending time cooking bhakri at your home!?"

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

226. Narayandas' wife has a safe childbirth

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Narayandas was a Gujarati Brahmin who was staying around Mengalai in a village called Beed-Pattan. His wife was heavily pregnant and their child was to be born any day now. 

One day a Brahmin, who was on a tirtha-yatra, arrived in the village and stayed for a few days. This Brahmin and Narayandas began conversing and they soon found themselves discussing great spiritual masters. The Brahmin said that he had seen a sadpurush yogeshwar at Akkalkot. 

On hearing this, Narayandas said, "In this Kaliyuga, many sadhus, sants, sannyasis can be found wandering as a means to provide for themselves. They do this to make a living. Does performing tricks qualify them to be called an Avatari!?"

The Brahmin, slightly offended, said, "You should refrain from ridiculing mahapurushas without reason", and then got up and left.

Just then, Narayandas' wife went into labor. The contraction was unbearable but the childbirth was complicated. Narayandas was scared for his wife and unborn child and thought to himself, "I mocked Akkalkot Swami in front of that Brahmin. Is this my punishment?"

Then convinced of his offense he offered his obeisance and prayed, "O Lord! Deliver my wife from this suffering. I surrender to You. Do not turn me away!"

Just then Maharaj, who is a karunanidhi, appeared before Narayandas.

"So, You were the one mocking me before the Brahmin weren't you!?", said Maharaj.

Narayandas pleaded, "Maharaj! Please forgive me. I committed this offense out of ignorance. Have mercy on my wife who is suffering. Show us a way out!"

Samarth said, "If you are truly in need, go to Akkalkot and offer Rudrabhishek and then offer brahmin-bhojana by spending a thousand rupees."

"If my wife safely delivers by this evening, I will surely do as you instruct", promised Narayandas.

On hearing this Maharaj suddenly disappeared from sight. Everyone present who saw this happening before their eyes were mesmerized.

That day, before sunset, a son was born to Narayandas. His wife delivered a healthy baby and she was also in good health. Narayandas' joy knew no bounds.

By the time the boy turned five months old, Narayandas had forgotten about this vow. When his wife reminded him of it, he started suddenly started behaving as if he had lost his mind. He ripped apart his clothes, began jumping around like a madman, yelled out expletives, and became a terror for his family.

His wife and mother finally, with much effort brought him to Akkalkot. When he was brought in front of Maharaj, Shri said, " Tell me! You've become arrogant! Do you want more?", and then got up and walked away.

For four months, the entire family stayed at Akkalkot and offered service to Maharaj to their fullest ability. Then slowly, but steadily, Narayandas regained his sanity and began behaving normally. He then spent a thousand rupees in offering Rudrabhishek and brahmin-bhojana to fulfill his vow. Then, with Shri Swami Samarth's blessing, he returned home with his family.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

200. Pandit gets his eye-sight

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

There was a blind Brahmin by the name of Pandit who had been to the Jagannath Yatra. He had heard of the miracles where Shri Swami Samarth had freed people from their diseases. 

When the arrived at Akkalkot, he offered his obeisances to Maharaj and then with folded palms prayed, "Maharaj! I have come here on hearing your glories."

"You are Dattatreya Himself. You are able to destroy and recreate universes."

"I pray to you to grant me eyesight so that I may be graced by Your darshan, else, I shall end my life at Your lotus feet. This is my only desire."

He then washed Shri Swami Samarth's lotus feet. 

Shri felt great compassion for him and removed the flower garland that He was wearing and placed it around Pandit's neck. 

Pandit, elated at having received Shri Samarth's prasad, touched the flowers to his eyes. Lo and behold! His eyesight was restored. He could now see the beautiful form of Shri Swami Samarth with his own eyes. Swami was now standing, hands on His waist.

Pandit, with tears of joy in his eyes, held onto Shri's feet and glorified him. He said, "I was blind from birth but now through Your grace, I can see. Allow me to serve You!"

Then after serving Maharaj for some days with utmost love and devotion, he took Maharaj's permission and returned home.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||  

128. Ravanna is saved from snake venom

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

One day Shri Samarth went to bagehali accompanied by around fifty people. He stayed there for some time and then at noon got up and began to walk away. 

Maharaj said to those accompanying Him, "Pahanyas gammat, khanyas namatt chala!" 

Those following Him had not had their meals. On top of that Maharaj was walking in the scorching sun. One by one, the followers stopped following Him and began turning back. Eventually, only a handful of people stayed with Shri. One of those who stayed with Maharaj was Babasaheb Jadhav. 

Finally, at around three in the afternoon, Maharaj arrived in the Idgi village and went and sat in the Maruti temple. The villagers offered Him a hookah which he did not partake in.

The same day, Ravanna was toiling away on his land at Idgi village. At around four in the afternoon, he was bitten by a snake. The sharp tingling sensations began throughout his body as the venom spreading through his body began taking its effect. By the time his friends brought him before Maharaj, Ramanna was dead. 

Babasaheb Jadhav picked up Maharaj's shoes and placed them on Ravanna's head, hoping that this would alleviate his suffering. The most compassionate Bhaktabhimani Samarth takes to the logical conclusion any action that His devotees perform.

On seeing His shoes placed on Ravanna's head, Maharaj, who was lying down, immediately got up, and angrily said, "Hat thujhya aaila, gadhya, gadhva, why did you keep the shoes on the corpse!?"

A barrage of expletives followed with Babasaheb at the receiving end. There was a crowd gathered inside the Maruti temple but dispersed as soon as they saw that Maharaj was angry. The scared Babasaheb stepped back and stood far away from Maharaj while two men continued to hold on to Ravanna.

Maharaj then removed his cap and flung it away and then ripped his loin cloth and stood digambar. He then called Babasaheb closer while showering him with the choicest words, "Ye Bhosadichya, ye chodichya!"

A hesitant Babasaheb, who was now standing in the corner, began inching closer to Shri who said, "Bhosadichya, who asked you to keep the shoes on the corpse's head!?"

Babasaheb had no answer.

Maharaj then asked Babasaheb to remove his turban and thrash it on the floor. After he had done this, Shri then asked him to remove his shirt and thrash it on the floor. Babasaheb obeyed. 

Babasaheb feared that Maharaj would make him stand digambar as punishment but nothing of the sort happened.

Maharaj instructed Babasaheb, "Call out Ravanna's name into his ear!"

There was no response.

Maharaj then told Babasaheb, "Call out Ravanna in both his ears!"

When Babasaheb did as he was instructed Ravanna suddenly opened his eyes and began looking around at the folks gathered around him. He then asked for something to eat. Maharaj then instructed them to feed him kheer made from botwe (wheat flour).

Shri Samarth was offered the kheer and other preparations for naivedya, which He instructed to offer to Maruti, and then told Babasaheb to eat it as prasad. Maharaj fasted the entire day.

Ravanna was fed some of the kheer as prasad and was soon completely fine as if he had never been bitten by a snake.

Everyone glorified Shri Swami Samarth. 

It is generally said that anyone suffering from snakebite should not be given milk but where life-giving Samarth is present, even poison will act as an anti-venom!

All this took place because Babasaheb placed Shri's shoes on Ravanna's head and the most compassionate Deendayal Swami bestowed life upon the poor man.

No mortal can understand or expound the glories of Shri Swami Samarth!

The next day Maharaj went to Rampur. There, He was offered a ritual bath and worship. It was only then that He accepted naivedya.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

186. Laxman fisherman's ship is saved

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

There was a fisherman (Koli) named Laxman who lived in Thane. He was a devotee of Shri Swami Samarth and had been to Akkalkot a few times for Swami's darshan.

Once, when he had taken his boat into the sea during the storm, the sea became very turbulent. Everyone on the boat was scared that it might capsize. They felt that their doom was near. Just then Laxman called out to Shri Swami Samarth, "O Mother who resides at Akkalkot, Save us! We are helpless to save ourselves and our boat is about to capsize!"

At that time Shri Swami Samarth was seated on a cot in Cholappa's house at Akkalkot. He suddenly got up and touched his right hand to the ground and then lifted it up while uttering "Hun Hun Hun!" Then he sat back on the cot. 

For some time, a flow of saltwater streamed from his hand. When his attendants asked Him about the water, He said, "Did I not lift the boat in the ocean!?" No one present understood what He meant.

Here in the sea, Laxman and his sailors had felt as if some unseen power had lifted the boat from the water. They were able to navigate to safe waters and then finally to shore. A grateful Laxman took his family to Akkalkot and after receiving darshan from Maharaj, narrated the entire incident to the attendees. That is when everyone understood Maharaj's actions, his words, the flow of saltwater, and how He had saved His devotee.

Laxman continued to bring some people from his fishing community to Akkalkoti regularly.

|| Shri Swami Samarth || 

127. Babasaheb Jadhav

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

Babasaheb Jadhav was a government employee who was childless. When his wife passed on, he sought permission from Shri to remarry. As he did not get permission, he did not remarry. 

He offered all his wealth at the lotus feet of Maharaj and adorned only a loin cloth. He continued to receive a monthly pension of ten rupees which was sufficient for his sustenance.

Once Shri Swami Samarth was in the lakadkhana which was near the sarkarvada. It was noon and Maharaj said to Babasaheb, "Kumbhar, there is a letter with your name on it." Maharaj used to address him as Kumbhar.

As soon as he heard what Maharaj had said, fear gripped him and he saw the ferocious kaal-purusha standing before him. 

He composed himself and tightly held on to Shri's lotus feet and prayed, "Maharaj, I do not have any material desires anymore. However, I still want to serve you to my heart's content. Samarth should show his grace and not send me away for now!"

Shri was moved by these words of prayer and he returned the letter. 

There was a large bull standing nearby. 

"Go to the bull!", commanded Maharaj and the bull immediately fell to the ground dead.

Babasaheb was happy that his life was spared for the moment.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||