Guru Charitra - Complete Biography of Shree Akkalkot Niwasi Swami Samarth MaharajTranslation of Hindi Book "Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj Ki Avatar Leela"

Favour Shown To Ganganuj Farmer

A farmer named Ganganuj was guarding his fields. One day, he saw these sixty-four Yoginees. They came out of the river and took Sriguru along with them to cross the river. Surprisingly, the flow of river split in two parts leaving space for Sriguru and the Yoginees to easily cross over to the other side. Once they crossed over, the flow of the river resumed back to its normal flow. Watching this wonderful event, Ganganuj was amazed with delight. He realised that Sriguru himself is God. Next day in the afternoon he again hid near the Audumbar tree. The Yoginees came and started taking Sriguru along with them. Ganganuj followed as if mesmerized by them. The Yoginees entered the water along with Sriguru and reached there under water city. There they seated Sriguru on a throne and worshipped him. Hiding near the door, Ganganuj witnessed the divine festival. Suddenly, Sriguru caught the sight of Ganganuj and called him near. Ganganuj was startled and said “Oh! Lord, please forgive me. Yesterday I had witnessed this rare scene of your Divine Grace accompanying the Yoginees. Today too when I came to witness this rare scene, I could not control myself and therefore, followed your Divine Grace as though pulled up here. Please forgive me and uplift me with your blessings”.

Sriguru was pleased to see the clean and innocent mind of Ganganuj. Sriguru said, “You have come here with fully devoted sentiments. As of today your poverty will vanish and you will live happily. Do not pass on this information to anyone else”. After arranging meals for Ganganuj, Sriguru returned to his dwelling at the Audumbar tree. After taking the blessings from Sriguru Ganganuj returned home. The same day, while working in his field Ganganuj struck a hidden treasure and his poverty vanished forever. After this, on a daily basis he visited Sriguru and offered his services thus getting absorbed in deep devotion.

Once, the innocent farmer prayed to Sriguru “During Maghi Poornima[1], one gets lot of religious merit by taking bath in the holy waters of Prayag (now Allahabad) located on the Sangam[2]. The compassionate Sriguru said, “sit on my tiger skin and close your eyes”. As soon as Ganganuj sat and closed his eyes the tiger skin flew up in the sky and started flying with great speed. Very soon, Sriguru and Ganganuj reached Prayag. After taking bath in Prayag, Sriguru took him to Kashi (Benaras). After taking blessings of Lord Vishveshwar at Kashi, Sriguru took Ganganuj to Gaya in Bihar State.

After visiting all the three holy places, Prayag, Kashi and Gaya on the same day, Sriguru returned to his dwelling place at the Audumbar tree with Ganganuj. The farmer was fully satisfied and felt accomplished with his objective. He was thrilled to narrate the entire incident to his family after going home.


[1] Maghi Poornima: Full moon day in the month of Magha as per Hindu calendar and January or February as per English calendar

[2] Sangam: Confluence of the Rivers Ganga and Panchganga. Typically Sriguru was known to dwell under a Audumbar Tree at the Sangam. Henceforth this dwelling place is commonly referred to as the Sangam.