Ch - 03 Sri Guru Charitra

LORD DATTA

Durwas Curses King Ambarish 

Namdharak - "Swamiji, you have removed my doubt by giving me the knowledge of the greatness of Shri Guru. I am much pleased at heart. Will you kindly inform me where you stay? 

What is your food? I wish to be in your service. Kindly accept me as your disciple".

Shri Siddha embraced him with affection and blessing him said, "You will see that miraculous incidents are occurring at the dwelling place of Shri Guru. Studying the life of Shri Guru is like draining nectar. I always read this life again and again" saying this he showed his sacred book titled (Life of Shri Guru) to Namdharak and further said, "Whatever pleasure or social status we desire, we shall get it soon by reading this. We shall not be affected by any disease incurred due to displeasure of the planets or other reasons. The sin of killing a Brahmin is also wiped off if this book is read with devotion and concentration of mind".

Namdharak - "Oh the Ocean of kindness, you appear to me be Shri guru himself. I wish to know the life of Shri Guru. Will you please remove the darkness of my ignorance by the light of this life of Shri Guru, which is as bright as the Sun?"

Shri Siddha assured him and holding his hand took him to a lovely place, seated him under Ashwattha tree, which is like Kalpa Vriksha, i.e. a tree fulfilling one's desires and began to narrate him the nectar like life of Shri Guru.

He told him, "You do not know how to serve Shri Guru and hence you have to suffer from anxieties, pains and miseries. You should therefore, try to know Shri Guru by good actions and firm belief".

Namdharak - "My body is burning due to threefold fires in this earthly ocean. I am obsessed by sex, anger and temptation. So kindly take me in the boat of knowledge, steer it by the wind of kindness and thus give salvation to me".

Shri Siddha said, "You need not be anxious. You will surely be relieved of your miseries, engrossed in illusion and temptation, those who doubt the great power of Shri Guru, they have always to suffer from poverty and hardship. So give up suspicion. Shri Guru is an Ocean of Kindness. He will give you everything. Just as clouds give rain everywhere, similarly Shri Guru gives showers of kindness. As water is stored in the deep portions of earth and on the rocky place, so an individual attains Shri Guru's favor. Therefore worship Shri Guru wholeheartedly."

Namdharak - "My mind is clear now and I am anxious to listen to the life story of Shri Guru. Kindly tell me why Shri Guru took birth in Bharat?"

Shri Siddha - "Oh! My good disciple, you have given inspiration to me. Shri Guru's life is like Kamadhenu. You will get all the four valor’s or favors viz., religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation.

"Shri Hari and Shri Har have to come this Earth in the form of different species at different times for the benefits of their devotees. Three Murtis have three different characteristics - Brahma's Rajas, Vishnu's Satwa and Shiva's Tamas. But these do not exist separately.

"In former times there lived a King by name Ambarish. He observed Ekadashi fast (11th day of every fortnight dark and bright). He induced Shri Vishnu to come to Earth.

"In order to test Ambarish's Ekadashi Vrata, Durwas Rishi came to him as a guest. That day Sadhan Dwadashi was only for 24 minutes after Sunrise. Ambarish received the Rishi warmly, worshiped him and requested him to return soon for dinner finishing his morning bath and rituals.

"Durvas went to the river, took bath and started rituals. Seeing that the time for Dwadashi (12th day of fortnight) was finishing and fearing the break of his Vrata, Ambarish took holy water and dines. In the meanwhile Durvas returned and seeing that Ambarish had dined before him, he was enraged and so he cursed Ambarish. 

"Ambarish prayed Shri Vishnu, Protector of devotees. Shri Vishnu came from Vaikunda, his abode. Ambarish told Shri Vishnu that Durvas had for no reason cursed him to take birth in different species. Shri Vishnu told Durvas that he had cursed Ambarish in vain and that he should curse him (Vishnu) instead of Ambarish.

"Durvas thought that people on Earth cannot see Shri Vishnu, so it would be better to ask Shri Vishnu to descend on Earth with Shri Lakshmi for the salvation of the people. So he said to Shri Vishnu, 'You should descend on the Earth ten times'.

For Destroying the wicked and giving relief to all, Shri Vishnu accepted Durva’s curse. You know the ten incarnations of Shri Vishnu which are narrated in Bhagvat.

‘Once Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh came in disguise to Sati Anusaya , the most respected Pativrata (devoted wife) Atri. I shall now tell this tale to you’

 

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh Sri Paduka

Ch - 04 Sri Guru Charitra

LORD DATTA

Birth of Shri Dattatreya 

"In the first instance there was all water everywhere. Then an egg `Hiranya garbha' (with Gold inside) came into existence. Universe has come out of it. Due to `Rajas' Brahma came into existence. He is known as Hiranyagarbha. It broke into two hemispheres & the earth & the sky came into existence. Brahma thus created 14 Bhuvans, 10 directions, mind, speech, time, six enemies as desire, anger etc. Brahma created seven sons (manas putras) namely,

1.    Marichi,

2.    Atri,

3.    Angiras,

4.    Pulasti,

5.    Pulaha,

6.    Kratu and

7.    Vasishta.

Of these Shri Guru took birth in the house of Atri. "Anasuya (devoid of hatred) was the devoted wife of Atri Rishi. She was very beautiful also. Seeing her exceptional devotion to her husband, the Gods in heaven began to fear that someday she might overcome them. Hence Indra and other Gods went to Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and said to them, "How can one describe the greatness of the devotion of Anasuya to her husband Atri. She served her husband with body, mind and speech. She also serves guests giving them desired food. None returns disappointed from her place. Fire, Sun and Wind are also afraid of her. We all are afraid of her. 

She may sometime win over this heaven. Therefore kindly do something to give us relief'.

Hearing this, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh said angrily, "We shall test her devotion".

Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh came to Atri Muni's Ashram in the mendicants' disguise, when Atri had been out to the river for daily rituals. The mendicants said to Anasuya, "We are very hungry. Give us food. We have come here hearing your good name for offering the guests their desired food".

Anasuya bowed to them respectfully and said, "you please return soon after finishing your bath and daily rituals".

The three Gods replied, "We have already taken bath and finished the rituals. Atri Rishi may take time to return. Better you serve us food soon".

Anasuya seated them on carpets and began serving food on leaf-plates. The guests said to Anasuya, "We have one more desire. We have come here from a long distance as we have heard of your beauty. We wish you to put off your garments and then serve us with food. If you do not comply with this. We shall leave this place without meals".

This made Anasuya bitterly anxious. She realized that some great personages have come to test her chastity. She thought that if they return without food she would lose sanctity of her penance. Believing that her mind is pure and that her husband's penance will protect her in this ordeal, she told them, "You have your food without any doubt. I shall serve you food as you desire".

She went into her kitchen and remembering her husband, put off her garments and saying `The guests are like my children', she came out to serve food to the guests. Instantly all the three Gods were transformed into three newly born crying babies. She was terrified to see three crying babies. She put on her clothes and took the babies one after the other to her breast for feeding. What great power does a Pativrata possess! Those who have 14 Bhuvans, 7 oceans and fire in the belly, were all satisfied with the little milk in her breast. Anasuya thus became the mother of the three Great Gods. She placed them in a cradle and pulled the string to and fro and began singing lullabies.

It was midday. Atri Rishi returned from the river after finishing his rituals. He was very much astonished to see Anasuya pulling the string of a cradle and singing songs. Anasuya narrated all that had happened. Atri Rishi by power of intuition knew that the babies were Trimurties and so he bowed to them. The three Gods were also much pleased. They stood before him and told Atri to ask for a boon. Atri said to Anasuya, "You may ask for whatever you desire".

Anasuya said, "These babies should stay in this Ashram as our sons". The Trimurties readily complied. Anasuya began to nurse and feed them. Brahma was known as Chandra, Vishnu was called Datta and Mahesh was called Durvas.

After some time Chandra and Durvas told their mother Anasuya that they both were going away for penance and that the third Datta would be staying with her; she should know him as Trimurti. After this Chandra and Durvas went away, Chandra went to Chandralok and Durvas went to he forest for penance. Datta or Dattatreya remained with Anasuya. Dattatreya is the founder of the seat of Shri Guru.

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh Sri Paduka

Ch - 05 Sri Guru Charitra

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh

Birth of Shripad Shri Vallabha 

Shri Siddha - "Namdharak, Shri Vishnu had several incarnations as Matsya (Fish), Kachha (Tortoise), Varah (Bear), Narasimha (Man with lion's head), Vaman, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki to protect the Sadhus and punish the wicked.

Bhagirath did his utmost to bring the Ganges on the Earth for the salvation of his forefathers, the Sagar Kings. Similarly a Brahmin woman worshipped Shri Dattatreya and hence Shri Dattatreya took birth from her womb. I shall now narrate this tale to you.

"A Brahmin named Apalraj lived at Peethapur in the East. Sumatha was his most devoted wife. On one Amavasya day there was an anniversary day at the house of Apalraj. On that day Shri Datta came in disguise to his house for alms. Generally alms are not given to beggars, on the anniversary day. But though the Brahmins invited for the ceremony had not dined, Sumatha offered him alms. Hence Shri Datta was much pleased and he disclosed his divine appearance to her. She humbly bowed to Shri Datta who said, "Mother what do you desire?"

She said, " You are a treasure of kindness and protector of the devotees. You are well known in all the 14 Bhuvans. You just called me `mother'. I begot children, but some of them died soon and of those that are surviving, one is blind and one is lame. I therefore feel my life to be futile without a good son. I wish I should have a son who would be world famous and learned like yourself. Will you fulfill this desire of mine?”

Shri Datta said, "You will have a son well known in Kaliyug. You abide by his wishes. He will be learned. He will fulfill all your desires". Saying this Shri Datta disappeared.

Sumatha told this to her husband. He too was much pleased. Both believed that Shri Datta himself would come to their home in the form of a child. The husband said, "Shri Datta lives at Mahur and Kolhapur. He comes in the mendicant's form daily alms at midday. You should always give him alms".

Sumatha told her husband that she had offered alms to Shri Datta that day even before the Brahmins invited for performing the Shraddha had dined. The husband said You did very well My forefathers will be more satisfied, as Shri Datta himself has taken alms to day. As you have obtained blessings from him, you will surely get a son. You need not worry".

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh

Thus they were passing their time with pleasure. Sumata became pregnant. After the full period of nine months, she gave birth to a son. Brahmins foretold that this child will be a great Guru and an ascetic. Thinking him to be an incarnation of Shri Datta, he was called after one of Datta's name `Shripad’; His thread ceremony was performed when he was seven years old. Even at this age, he knew all four Vedas, Mimansa, Thark (Logic) etc. All people wondered at his brilliancy and said he must be a God in human form. He taught the Brahmins of the city various subjects as Achar, Vyawahar, Prayaschitta, Vedant, Bhashya, Vedarth etc. When Shripad was sixteen years of age his parent began to think of his marriage. Shripad warned that would marry with the woman called disintrigation. All other ladies liked mother to him. He said, "I am a Brahmachari and an ascetic. I love Yoga and my name is Shri Vallabha. I now intend to go to the forests for observing penance and obtaining divine knowledge."

Hearing this, the parents recollected the words of Shri Datta, the mendicant and realized that 

he would have his own way. Still due to affection, they were very much aggrieved. The mother said, "we expected you to protect us in our old age". Saying so the mother became unconscious. Shripad consoled her and said, "Do not be anxious. I shall give you what you wish. Believe in me and live happily".

The mother said, "My Dear son, I forgot all my previous miseries only on account of you and I cherished a great hope that you would protect us in our old age. We have two other sons; but one is lame and the other is blind, who will look after them?"

Shripad looked at his lame and blind brother with nectar like sight. Instantly the blind brother got his sight and lame one got his legs. Both became learned, well versed in Vedas, Shastras and Vyakaran. Thy prostrated before Shripad Shri Valabha and he blessed them. Just as iron is transformed into gold by the touch of the philosopher's stone, so both the brothers were enlightened and they became respectable due to the blessings of Shripad. He then said to the brothers, "You will have sons, grandsons and great grandsons and you all shall live happily."

He told his brothers further, "Serve your parents. You will be happy in this world and shall get salvation in the end."

He then said, to his mother, "you should be happy now. But your sons will live for 100 years. They will have sons and daughters and you will see them living merrily. They will have wealth for generations and shall be famous for their learning. Now do not prevent me from going to forest. I have to go to the North to guide the Sadhus."

Saying this, Shripad Swami disappeared and came to Kashi where he began to live secretly. After some days he went to Badri Narayan. He visited holy places one after the other and in course of time one day reached Gokarna." 

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh Sri Paduka

Ch - 06 Sri Guru Charitra

LORD DATTA

Ravana and Gokarna Mahabaleshwar

Namdharak- "Swami, though Trimurti was Siddha, (Having Yogic power to do and undo things) why did he visit different holy placed and why did he prefer Gokarna to other places? What is its significance?"

Shri Siddha "I am much delighted with your question and I am encouraged to narrate incidents from Shri Guru's life. Shripad Shri Vallabha reached Gokarna and on his way he made disciples and gave them divine advice.

Gokarna is a sacred place of Shri Shiva and one of the twelve famous Jyotirlingas. Shri Ganesh founded here the original Linga-image of Shiva. It is known as Mahabaleshwar, the tale of which I shall narrate to you now.

"Ravana's mother Kaikaya (wife of Pulasti Manasa putra of Brahma) was a great devotee of Shiva. She worshiped a new Shiva Linga every day. One day she could not get a new Shiva Linga. Fearing that her `Vrata' would be futile, she prepared an earthen Linga and began to worship it with devotion. Seeing this, Ravana asked her what she was doing. She said that she was worshiping a Shiva-Linga. Ravana said, "You being my mother, it is a great misfortune that you should earthen Shiva Ling. Well what do you intend to achieve by this worship?"

Mother replied that thereby she would get a place in Kailas, abode of Shiva after death. Thereupon Ravana said, `why do you take so much troubles? I shall bring Kailas itself to you'.

Saying this, he went to Kailas and began to shake it violently with his 20 hands. He tried to lift it up. Due to this action of his, 7 Patals were shaken, Shesh moved his hood, the tortoise began to tremble with fear. Amarpur (capital of Indra the King of Gods) and Heaven were shocked. Parvati went to Shri Shiva with fear and said, `What has happened to Kailas to day? When everyone was distress how are you lying at ease? Please do something to check this calamity.'

Shri Shiva said to her, `You need not be anxious. Ravana, one of my devotees, is playing a game'.

Parvati entreated, `Kindly protect the Gods who terrified'.

Shri Shiva pressed Ravana’s 10 heads and 20 hands underneath the Kailas. Finding himself in distress, Ravana uttered `Shiva-Shiva' and further prayed `Shri Shiva', I have made a mistake. For give me. I seek your shelter. Kindly do not kill me, your devotee.'

His prayer pleased Shri Shiva, who is very simple and kind,, so he took him up from breath. Ravana then cut his head, turned his hands into violin, he attached his intestines to serve as musical wires. He then began to chant Sam Veda and sing other Ragas on the tune of this musical instrument. He praised Shri Shiva in Nine Rasas and Thirty-six Ragas.

Being much pleased by Ravana’s performance at great personal sacrifice, Shri Shiva appeared before him and said, `I am much pleased. Ask for whatever you desire'.

Ravana said `Oh God of Gods, Laxmi is my maidservant. I possess all the 8 treasures. Brahma is my priest, and all 33 crore Gods are serving me day and night. The Sun, the Moon, the Varuna and the Wind also obey me. Agni (Fire God) washes my clothes; Yama does not take away anybody without my permission. Indrajit is my son and Kumbakarna is my brother. Kamadhenu is at my doors. Now I have come to take away Kailas with me as my mother has accepted a `Vrata' to worship you daily. Kindly fulfill my mother's desire.'

Kailaspati Shri Shiva said, `If your mother wishes to worship me, what is the necessity of taking Kailas to her. I shall give you Atma-Linga, which will fulfill all her desires instantly. It is just like my soul.

Saying this, he gave his Atma-Linga to Ravana and said, `After bath, place this at a holy place reciting Rudra sukta and worship it with 108 lap recitation of a particular mantra. One, who worships this Linga continuously for 3 years, will gain my prowess. One, who possesses this Linga, will live for eternity; one is relieved of any great sin, simply with the sight of this Linga. Do not place this on the ground till you reach Lanka.'

Taking the Atma-Linga, Ravana at once started for Lanka. Narada Muni immediately approached Indra and said to him, `How are you sitting idle? Ravana has become immortal. You will lose all your prominence. Shri Shiva has given him Atma-Linga and has assured him that if he would worship it for 3 years with devotion, he will be Ishwar himself. How will you then rescue 33 crores of gods who are in his custody. Better you all be his slaves. Also send divine damsels like Urvashi, Rambha, Menaka etc. to him'.

Being shocked, Indra requested Narad to advise what he would do. Narad asked him to go to Brahma. Indra and Narad went to Brahma and narrated what had taken place. Then accompanied by Indra and Narad, Brahma went to Shri Vishnu and requested him to devise some means to overcome this calamity.

Shri Vishnu was enraged to hear this tale. He, with all others immediately went to Shri Shiva. Shri Vishnu said to Shri Shiva, 'What made you give Atma-Linga to Ravana, the most wicked, who has made all the gods his captives? How do you bless such cruel persons? Now he will conquer even heaven.'

Shri Shiva said, 'I was extremely pleased with his devotion. He cut his head and hands and made a violin using his intestines as strings and sang Sam Veda and other songs in different ragas. This time if he had asked for Parvati, I would have given her even to him.'

Shri Vishnu said, 'You give such blessings and the demons become impudent and then we are troubled much as they harass the gods and Brahmins and I have to descend on the earth. Well tell me when did you give the Ling to Ravana?'

Shri Shiva said, 'I gave it to him only two hours before.' Hearings this Shri Vishnu immediately sent his Sudarshan Chakra to hide the Sun and asked Narad to Ravana and induce him to linger on the way, as he would like to observe evening Sandhya. Then he called Ganesh and said to him, 'Ravana always disregards you. All bow to you first and you fulfill their desires. While those who speak ill of you, you bring obstacles in their undertakings. Ravana deceived Shri Shiva and has taken away from him the most valuable Atma-Linga. So you should go to him in the form of a Brahmachari boy and winning his confidence, take the Atma- Linga from him at Sunset, when he would engage himself in the evening Sandhya and place the Linga on the earth. If you do so, the Linga will remain there. Saying this Shri Vishnu gave Ganesh various sweets, tilballs, gur, coconut kernel, milk, gee sugar etc.

Narad had already proceeded. Ganesh followed him hurriedly. Narad approached Ravana and said, 'I had just been to Kailas and knew that you pleased Shri Shiva by your hard penance and have brought his Atma-Linga from him. You have obtained extraordinary power and strength due to this. This Linga has great significance. Please let me see the Linga, I shall explain to you all its qualities.'

As Ravana did not believe Narad, he showed him the Linga from a distance. Narad asked, 'Do you know when and how this Linga came into existence? This is a very interesting account. A black skinned bright deer having all fragrant things was lying in Brahmand-Khand. Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh once went there for hunting. They killed this deer and satisfied their hunger with its flesh. The deer had 3 horns on its head and 3 Lingas below. Each one of them took one Linga and preserved it as his Atma-Linga. One, who worships this for 3 years, becomes Ishwar himself. The place where this Linga is place is like Kailas. Therefore Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh have great prominence over all other gods.'

Ravana intercepted, ' I have no time to listen to you, as I have to reach Lanka soon. Let me proceed further on my way.'

Narad said, “‘this is evening time. You know the Vedas, you should act as prescribed by the Vedas. This is the time for evening Sandhya. Let us perform the same.” Saying this Narad went away for Sandhya.

In the meantime Ravana saw Ganesh in the form of a Brahmachari boy who was plucking ‘durvas’ (a particular grass). Ravana thought that that boy would not deceive him. Better observe Sandhya entrusting the Linga to that boy.

So thinking he approached Ganesh, who was afraid to see Ravana with ten heads coming to him. But he began to run away. Ravana asked him, 'who are you? Who are your parents?'

Ganesh said, 'Why are you inquiring? What does my father owe you? Ravana smiled and said 'Don't be afraid of me. I am asking this only out of curiosity.'

Ganesh replied, 'I am the son of Shri Shiva. He has ash marks all over the body, has a necklace of Rudra-beads around his neck and bears hair-locks on his head. My mother is Parvati. My father rides a bull Nandi with my mother and begs for alms daily.

Ravana said, 'your father is a pauper. He begs for alms from door to door. So it seems that you are unhappy at home. Inside in a beautiful city Lanka, rich with magnificent buildings, gardens and other wealth. You live with me. I shall give you whatever you desire.'

Ganesh said, 'there are many rakshasas in Lanka. They will devour me, a boy living in forest. Hence I would not come to Lanka. I am hungry and so I am eating these sweets.'

Ravana again entreated him to hold the Linga in his hand till he observed Sandhya.

Thereafter Ganesh said with hesitation, 'I am an ignorant boy. I won't hold this Linga in my hand, as it may be heavy. Let me go to my place.' Still Ravana persuaded him and induced Ganesh to hold the Linga and he proceeded to observe Sandhya on the sea shore.

Ganesh warned him, 'Mind, as soon as I feel the Linga heavy, I shall place it on the earth.' Saying this Ganesh took the Linga and waited there. All the gods had gathered in the sky and were witnessing this event.

When Ravana was offering arghyas (water ablutions to fire god), Ganesh called Ravana and said that he is fatigued and he should take his Linga from him soon.' Ravana made signs by hand and asked him to wait for a little more time.

After a while Ganesh again called Ravana and asked him to come immediately as it was becoming unbearable for him to hold the Linga.

Ravana was meditating this time. Seeing that Ravana was not coming, Ganesh recollected Shri Vishnu's words and placed the Linga on the ground in the presence of the gods in the sky. All the gods were greatly pleased to see this and showered flowers in the head of Ganesh in admiration.

Soon after Ravana returned and seeing that the Linga was placed on the ground, he was much annoyed. He began to thrash Ganesh in wrath.

Ravana tried his best with all his might to lift up the Linga. The earth trembled but the Linga could not be shaken a bit. As Ravana tried to lift it up by screwing, it took the shape of an ear of the cow and so it is known as "Gokarn" and as Ravana exercised all his might to lift it up it is called "Mahabaleshwar".

In despair Ravana then went to the forest for hard penance. There are many other incidents signifying the greatness of this holy place. This is narrated in the Skandha Purana. 

Sri Pada Sri Vallabh Sri Paduka