SRI SRI SRI NARASIMHA
SWAMI MAHARAJ - A PRECEPTOR AND MENDICANT
Sri Narasimha Swami
was the only son of a holy couple, Sri Yabaji Kamble, and Neelamma, the
native of Malakamur village in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. His
parents were experts in weaving. They hardly had two square meals a day
despite their toil day and night. Seeing this, they migrated to Adoni to
eke out a safe livelihood. Right from his childhood, Sri Narasimha Swami
had a string aversion to mundane and routine family life. Bearing this
in mind, his parents sent him to a teacher for learning. He used to bunk
the school on hearing the arrival of any saints or gentlemen in to their
town. He then simply followed them and stayed with them. Right from his
childhood, he was attracted to spiritual discourse and the knowledge of
god. The sad demise of his beloved parents and the sudden death of his
pregnant wife forced him to attain redemption from the mundane and
earthly life. To move towards this lofty goal, he became a disciple to
Sri Veerabhadra Avadutha at Adoni town after taking a monastic vow.
Later,
sitting alone in a cave at Adoni, he used to meditate and to penance. In
order to attain the knowledge spirit and the knowledge of universe and
creation, he went on a holy pilgrimage visiting many a holy place here
and there.
While he was
on the tour, he fortuitously met one Sri Ashanna Kenchi, a native of
Narayanpet town and this chance meeting brought Sri Narasimha Swami
Maharaj to historical Naraynpet town. He put up at Ashanna Kenchi’s
house and established contact with men of his caste. On seeing the
disturbance caused to his spiritual life by the heavy rush of his
visitors, he shifted his abode to the present ‘Avadutha monastery’. At
this holy place, he started doing miracles, which increased devotion and
concern among people towards swami, and as a result, many people become
his disciples in a short span of time. With the auspices of his
disciples and his fans. He developed the present monastery. Just on the
verge of fulfillment of his goal. This is now what is called a place of
great awakening and the monastery of Sri Narasimha Swami, the mendicant.
SOCIETY AND THE HEAVEN-BORN PERSONAGE:
The individual and
the surrounding society are the two inseparable things. Their
relationship is like the one between a mother and her helpless and
untaught child. Just as a child under the dependence of its parents
becomes wise and sensible, so an individual builds up his personality
and stature by being dependent on society and there by drawing much
needed inspiration and power from the society around. An individual owes
such commitment to society just as a child to its parents. An individual
can't thrive without the help of society. The learned and the sages give
the same importance to society as they give to their parents. They
always strive for the progress and well being of society.
Life-wise
the society has got some responsibilities towards an individual. It
ought to give full authority to the individual to make use of its
resources. With its help only an individual can build up his
personality. Unlike this, if a society doesn't lend help and inspiration
to an individual, then there develops an attitude in the individual
leading to a gap of misunderstanding between them. At this juncture, man
always gives priority to his selfish ends only and gets himself isolated
from the society and the people around. He doesn't show any interest in
what is good and bad, and doesn't share his opinion with others. As a
result, there will be on the rise the difference of opinion among its
members. Added to this, the superstition, atrocities and unrighteousness
will prevail in the society and consequently the society slumps to its
base level.
Just at
this juncture, the heroes are born for a particular cause. Such godlike
personages are gifted with knowledge, bliss, benevolence, selflessness,
spiritual thinking and the power of penance. They act as coordinators
between the society and the individual. They preach the precept that
"may you all live happily' and keep at bay and superstitions haunting
the ignorant masses by their superior knowledge, power of penance and
spiritual thinking. By being unselfish, they move the masses towards
attaining bliss and spirituality. People of this kind are called
legendary heroes in society and are eligible for hero worship. To this
rare class belongs our Narasimha Swami Maharaj, the mendicant.
SRI NARASIMHA SWAMI'S INTRODUCTION
Birth and Birthplace:
The law
of divinity, 'Legends', 'Vedas' and 'Upanishads' proclaim that rebirth
to human beings is caused by the destiny of former birth. The Kamble
couple hails from a weaving community called 'Swakulasale' caste. They
used to reside at a village called Malakamoor in Chitradurga district of
Karnataka state. Theirs was an acute poor family. They used to weave the
cloth worshipping their caste deity, the Lord Shiva. Mother India then
was under the subjugation of the British imperialism and colonialism.
The tyranny of the British rulers had it telling effect on the Kamble
family too. They remained illiterate and poverty-stricken. They could
hardly make both ends meet despite their daylong toil. In such pathetic
conditions, the Kamble couple could not eke out a living there.
In those
days ‘Adoni’ town was much popular to clothes and cloth weaving.
Besides, there were a large number of people belonging to 'Swakulasali'
community. With the hope of a safe and secure livelihood, the Kamble
family migrated to ‘Adoni’ town and settled there at last. To such
toilers and earnest couple was born our Sri Narasimha Swami as the first
offspring. But the exact date on which he was born is still a mystery.
However, there was a vague idea that he might have born in between
1812-1813A.D.There were four sisters after him namely Somamma, Durgamma,
Laxmama and Rambai respectively.
MARRIAGE, STUDIES, ASCETICISM:
In view of the then
prevailing blind belief and superstition, there were child marriages
aplenty. Sri Narasimha Swami was no exception to that social evil. So,
He and His sisters were married when they were all young.
As he was very young,
He could not derive any pleasure from family life. As a result, He was
always in meditation. It was perceived that he was nurturing attachment
towards somebody. The parents felt very sorry for their son. They tried
their best to rid their son from this condition, but in vain. The
parents sent their son to a schoolmaster to divert his attention. Yet,
he used to bunk the school on hearing the arrival of any saints or
heroes into their town. He loved their company and their companionship
and at times He stayed with them without going home. He developed an
interest in the spiritual matters. The parents were sorrowful at the
attitude and conduct of their son. They stopped their son from going to
school and confined him to the weaving work. This too didn't bear fruit.
After all, the family
life is a complex knot made of innumerable pieces of thread. So one has
to open the knot according to their will and wish. One has got absolute
freedom to mould his life into the shape he desires. Despite this
freedom of will, Sri Narasimha Swami did not turn down his parents wish
and evinced interest in family life and weaving work.
Everyday at dawn, he
used to recollect the mighty name of 'Lord Shiva'. At this moment of
time, his aversion to family life used to hunt his mind. Conversely, at
time, He used to think that attainment of bliss is also possible through
mundane family life. In this way the days passed by and in due course
His wife became pregnant.
BEREAVEMENT OF HIS WIFE AND HIS PARENTS:
Compared to all other
joys, the one arising out of motherhood is a divine bliss. But, it is
not easily available. It can't be had, unless one experiences the deadly
pains of birth. Thus an infant is born amidst the pains of birth. In
this fatal condition the wife of Sri Narasimha Swami breathed her last
along with her undelivered baby. The sad demise of His wife had of
course its fallout on Narasimha Swami. Before he could recover from this
shock, His parents passed away. Thus their passing away made Him feel
utterly desolated. In these conditions Swami's life was reduced to a
life of incognito. It became just unbearable. He wanted to remove the
sorrow associated with human mortality. He thought of a way to conquer
death. Every event happens as destined by the creator and nobody can
prevent it from happening. There is a cause and mystery behind every
event. Nothing is in vain. Swami also realized this stark reality with
His own experience. He also understood that some events can be foretold
and can be negotiated with a determined effort. There are seers working
for the welfare of the oppressed and the downtrodden in the society. Our
Swami resolved to put such an efforts for the sake of suffering
humanity.
BECOMES A DISCIPLE:
Swami construed that
the soul ultimately unites with the Supreme Being after a journey
covering the two points of birth and death. He says it is true just as a
river joins a mighty sea.
What is redemption?
Where is it? How is it? Such questions arose in His mind. He answered
those questions to Himself and concluded that it is transmigration of
soul, which is conscious, bright, devoid of body and mute. To attain
this manifestation of soul, He felt that He has to break the shackles of
family life and visit the holy places around. Such a thinking downed on
him.
While treading upon
that path, He was not sure as to whom He was likely to meet and at what
turning. We come across many a strange person and we know a lot through
these chance meetings. There is no guarantee either that we will get
attracted to each and every individual enroute. When besiezed by those
curious thoughts, he happened to hear some good news. He came to know
the arrival of the mendicant, Sri Veerabhadra Avadhuta, (hitherto
staying at Hampi) to Adoni town and establishing of a monastery there.
He then went to him and prostrated upon his sacred feet all at once. He
blessing upon the helpless man and favor Him the liberation from mundane
family life.
On hearing the
earnest plea and the hardships of Sri Narasimha Swami, Sri Veerabhadra's
heart melted. He wanted to transform the weak and helpless Narasimha
into a confident and mighty one. He studied His nature and tried to put
an end to His miserable life. After some days, he imparted the monastic
vow to Narasimha Swami at the same Hanuman temple and accepted Him as
his disciple. From then onwards Narasimha Swami became a mendicant and
people around there began to call him a Buddhist monk.
WHO IS A MENDICANT OR 'AVADHUTHA'?
Meaning: - In
Upanishads (a part of Vedas) there are four letters 'Aa', 'Va', 'Dhu',
and 'Tha' and they stand for four different meanings-The 'Aa' which has
no ruin; 'va' means ascetic, 'Dhu' means the renouncing of family
comforts and 'Tha' means the unifying force without discrimination
between Divinity and soul. He who perceives the meaning hidden in those
four letters is called a mendicant or 'avadhutha'.
He who realizes the
fact that only the body has got the distinction of caste and creed and
the soul, the part of supreme being, hasn't got such distinction, is
called mendicant or 'Avadhutha'.
By the grace of His
master, Sri Narasimha Swami renounced the family life and the external
world and stayed there at the hanuman temple doing holy cogitation and
meditation with rapt attention and noble principles. At times, He used
to be on penance for months together in a cave there in the same temple.
He used to inform His sister, Somamma Kalyani in advance about the
duration of his penance. His sister used to place milk and fruits at the
spot of meditation just on the last day. There was a myth in those days
that those standing on to the wall with ears touching to it could hear
the roaring sound of the tigers and the hissing sound of the snakes.
With the spread of this strange news in far and wide, people began to
throng the cave to catch the sight of Swami.
THE WORKING OF FIRST MIRACLE BY NARASIMHA
SWAMI AT ADONI:
On a day on 'sivaratri'
festival, a local devotee organized a night vizil reciting devotional
hymns. The next day was arranged dole and collective eating program for
the devotees. There was unending rush of devotees and all the utensils
of food became empty. This news came to the knowledge of Swami at once.
Then He stirred His golden hand in the vessel on the oven. Just that!
Surprisingly there was food simmering in the vessel to the brim. All the
devotees there witnessed this and this was a wonderful sight to their
eyes. The news of this power of working miracles Swami spread to all
parts like a wildfire. After this incident the number of devotees
visiting Swami increased in leaps and bounds. This unexpected and ever
increasing rush of devotees had a negative bearing on his mind. He
realized that the rising popularity and luxurious life would lead to the
fall of His soul and so He decided to quit that place.
SWAMI'S
PILGRIMAGE:
Experiencing of life
is most endearing to man. The best way to attain redemption is to go
round the country and visit the holy places. Our Swami also resolved to
go on a pilgrimage. He set out on foot and arrived in Hampi after
visiting many a holy place enroute. From there He went to Kuruvapur,
(Near Makthal) a private abode of Sri Dattatreyulu. From there He didn't
go to Adonis though it is nearer to Kuruvapur. But He continued His
journey towards North of Krishna River.
NARASIMHA SWAMI'S VISIT OF NARAYANAPET TOWN:
When Sri Narasimha
Swami was on such a tour, one Sri Ashanna Kenchi who made an earnest
plea to visit Narayanpet town met him. Unwilling to turn down his
request, Sri Narasimha Swami came to Narayanpet. Then He was about 40
years old. The year could be roughly 1852 A.D. In those days the 'Shaivalingayaths'of
Boppala monastery of Naraynpet were glorious. So, Swami decided to stay
with them. On finding their monastery somewhat inconvenient and
unsuitable, Swami shifted His residence to a portion in Kenchi Ashanna's
house. But the room there was like a cave. There was an anthill inside.
He found it quite suitable for the recital of God's name, for the
solitary meditation and for the achievement of concentration of the
mind. That’s why He liked it very much. This holy place is still a place
of worship even today. But, of course, it is in ruined condition.
SWAMI'S VISIT OF 'MARIGAMMA' SHRINE:
In those days
Narayanapet was a tiny village. The 'Brahmanwadi' was the prominent
street. In the rest of the village people of different castes were
dwelling in huts. The present 'Mangalwarapet' was full of those slum
dwellers and bulk of them belonging to 'Swakulasali' caste, a weaving
community. One day Swami went there to see them. There he was given a
warm welcome. As they were his caste, they all implored Swami to put up
at the same 'Marigamma' temple. However, he rejected their suggestion
and set out towards his abode at Kenchi Ashanna's house, after
convincing his fellow men.
SWAMI'S STAY AT EKBOTE THIPPANNA'S HOUSE:
When Swamiji was on
his way back to his abode at Kenchi Ashanna's house (from Mangalwarpet),
He happened to meet one Thippanna Ekbote on the way. They were a
well-to-do family and invited Swami to their house. They treated him
royally with full honors and requested him to stay at their house. He
lived upstairs for some months and in the process the number of his
devotees swelled considerably. Now and then there were dinner parties in
honor of Swami. The whole expenditure was borne by Ekbote family. Some
days passed by in this way. Swami did not like the entire burden fall on
Ekbote's family. Consequently he shifted His residence to another place
lying on the north of 'Agraharapet' street. Swami liked Ekbote family
very much. Seeing this intimacy, Swami instructed Ekbote family to take
the responsibility of offering worship at his monastery after his
getting entombed alive. Thus Thippanna Ekbote had been offering worship
at the monastery and later, this holy task was being carried out by Sri
Venkappa Ekbote, a successor of the same family.
SWAMI'S MOVEMENT TOWARDS THE PRESENT MONASTERY:
Sri Narasimha Swami
Maharaj chose a lifeless and a lonely place, devoid of human beings, to
the north of 'Agraharapet' street as his abode .It is a sprawling piece
of land spread like the shape of a cobra's hood amidst the cactus
bushes. It has been still a mystery as to why Swami chose such a thorny
surroundings. Here He put up a tiny hut and started dwelling in it
lonely and peacefully. That is what is Swami's spot of tomb now. Living
here at this place, Swami endeavored to grow green grass over thorny
life. Green grass means a fresh lease of life, knowledge in place of
ignorance, light in darkness, service to the poor and transformation of
sinners. Activities of this kind heightened the level of concern and
devotion among the people towards Swami. People began to think that
'Lord Vishnu’ had himself descended on Narayanpet in the manifestation
of Sri Narasimha Swami.
Swami used to offer a
holy sacrifice everyday in the morning and evening and used to recite
devotional hymns. Aiming at the reformation and refinement of sinners,
He provided a place for them in the society. That is what is now called
'Harijanawada' lying just beside the monastery. He started a school for
the illiterates around. Thus, his longing to serve the downtrodden was
ever flowing like a rivulet.
AN EYE-OPNER
FOR HUNTER:
One day Mr. Hunter,
the Deputy Revenue Officer, was ordered to measure the vacant land lying
around Narayanpet village. In compliance with those orders, Mr. Hunter
and his men arrived on the site lying on the north of 'Agraharapet' and
started taking measurements of vacant land. As the measurement was on,
the site of Swami's hut was found to be part and parcel of the vacant
land. The Officer then pleaded with Swami to vacate the hut and move
away from there. Some days elapsed, yet Swami did not vacate his hut.
Seeing this, Mr. Hunter turned up there with his men and ordered them to
remove the hut. They hardly touched the hut when Hunter's eyes became
blind. As a result, Mr. Hunter stopped work in the middle and returned
home helplessly. His wife was amazed at what had happened to her
husband. She inferred that it might be the effect of his husband
ordering his men to remove Swami's hut.
Soon Mr. Hunter began
to introspect and analyze the things for the cause of his blindness. He
opened himself all his sense organs to get at the truth. Mr. Hunter felt
that it could be his unwise decision, which made him blind. He repented
of what he had done. The next day Mr. Hunter with his attendants went to
him (Swami) and prostrated upon his holy feet and prayed for
forgiveness. Swami then pardoned the poor Hunter and showered mercy on
him. Swami then took out the conch from his lap and began to blow. Some
holy ash emerged out from the conch along with sound. The holy ash
spread to an area of about 3 acres. This miracle of Swami feasted the
eyes of the on lookers. Mr. Hunter gave away that land of 3 acres to our
Swami committing it on a written document in the name of Swami. Then
light dawned upon Mr. Hunter and realized that Swami was a man of
divinity, an embodiment of truth, an ascetic, no covetousness and a man
of sheer brilliance. Eventually Mr. Hunter regained sight.
SWAMI'S
FLOCK OF HIS DISCIPLES:
A mendicant will have
no faith in caste and creed. That's why there were His disciples from
all castes and communities. His first disciple was Sri Siddvadhutha, who
belonged to "Swakulashali" caste of "Sarode" lineage. Swami accepted him
as disciple in Adoni itself. He used to reside at Hampi. After coming
over to Narayanpet, Sri Narasimha Swami had three (3) disciples here. Of
the three, the first one was Balram Avadhutha, whose Caste was 'Darjee'.
The second one was Prabhu Avadhutha, whose caste was also 'Darjee'. The
third one was 'Ratan Avadhutha' belonging to Rajput' community. Other
who ever remained in the service of Swami were Sri Yenkappa Chinta, Sri
Thippanna Ekbote, Sri Pandu Ranga Chillal, Sri Jeevanna Modigi, Sri
Nagendrappa Ekbote, Sri Chandappa Kalyani, Sri Hannappa Jarang, Sri
Narsingappa Kamble, Sri Pithambarappa Ganechari, Kondav, Bhagoji,
Bibbala, Poonjedi etc. They were all well off and their riches did not
stand in their way to serve Swami.
MIRACLES WORKED BY SWAMI
JUST AS
VIEW SO AS DEVOTION:
Truth is more amazing
than fiction. We can't get away from it. One day Swami set out for a
repast at Thippanna Ekbote's house. His clothing was just
ordinary-loosely hanging garments, long pockets on both sides of the
shirt, a turban, a staff and a holy container in the hands, a long
moustache, a beard, holy ash on the forehead with scarlet in the middle.
On the way, He came across a manservant working in a Brahmin's house.
The servant suspected as if there were two slain heads of the sheep in
both the side pockets of the loosely hanging shirt worn by swami. The
servant was surprised and numerous queries arose in his mind. He thought
for a while why there were sheep heads as Swami was a peaceable man.
Soon he went to his master and told him what he had seen. At first the
master did not trust this information. But the curious Brahmin master
came out to ascertain the truth for himself. He saluted Swami at the
first sight and politely questioned Swami like this-"What! Why your side
pockets today were hanging under weight"? What were there inside"? With
a view to removing the suspicion from His disciple's mind, Swami simply
replied that there was nothing but 'Bilwa' fruits. Swami asked him if he
wanted to see them. Then Swami took out two 'Bilwa' fruits from his two
pockets. His disciple then bent his head down with shyness. He repented
and sought Swami's pardon. He was angry upon his servant for giving
false information.
NO SALUTE WITHOUT MIRACLES:
A certain person by
the surname 'Bivvala' of 'Shiva’ community was admitted into Swami's
monastery as His disciple. Knowing this, the gentlemen of the said
community summoned him and insulted him enmass. As their caste being
superior to Swami's they could not digest their man becoming a disciple
to a man of low caste. As a result, the gentlemen of so-called high
caste community expelled that particular man from their community. The
householder than narrated his expulsion to Swami. Knowing this, Swami
was distressed. In a pensive mood, Swamiji said to himself like this -
"Alas! Wasn’t there any value to man's life, to his goal, to his
aspirations, to his desires"? "Call me to the place where your caste men
meet next”,” I will come there and teach them a lesson".
After some days there
was a meeting of "Shiva community". There went our Swami too. There in
the full house Narasimha Swami was ill-treated and insulted on the lines
of Caste besides commenting adversely about His low caste and His
ignorance. Still, He was made to sit at a far off place from the dias.
All the same Swamiji sat there unperturbed putting up with the affront
meted out to him.
After some time it
was Swami's turn to address the gathering. He posed some questions to
the audience-"Has every human being got his desires fulfilled? "Who
created the rungs of low and high castes"? "Are not fame and honor
acquired by one's conduct and integrity"? "Do race and caste decide
one's fame and name?" There was no answer from the crowd. But after some
time, someone from the crowd rose and questioned Swami - "Can you work
any miracles?" "Can you make known your latent abilities and
capabilities?" - Then Swami said, "Do you really want to test me?"- "If
so one of you come forward and sit before me?” On hearing this, the
people there were perplexed and panic-stricken. They were helplessly
looking at one another but none of them came forward. But, better late
than never, one of them came forward and sat boldly before Swami. Then
Swamiji said to him, " Shut your eyes and concentrate your mind towards
me". "Notice the changes I am under going and describe them to your
fellow men around you". Then man then positively nodded his head and did
every thing as was told. After some time, the man perceived that the
life cycle of Swami was twirling in his sense organ (like eyes etc.) The
man began to quiver from head to heel. The image of 'Lord Shankera'
manifested in his eyes. This man began to depict to his fellow men.
Hearing this, all the people knelt before Swami and sought His
forgiveness. After this, Swami was invited on to the dias with warmth
and full honors. As an eye-opener, they received back into their
community the one called 'Bivvala', who was once expelled from their
caste. Then the light dawned on the audience and realized that a master
acts as a servant to the ignorant and to the helpless and as a guide to
His devotees. They also realized that Swami neither supports nor favors
a particular caste.
SWAMI,
AN EMBODIMENT OF UNBIASED AND INDEPENDENT NATURE:
The below mentioned
incident stands as a testimony to the unbiased and independent nature of
Sri Narasimha Swami Avadhutha.
Once there was a
toddy-tapping trader of 'Gowdu' caste in Narayanpet. He was widely known
for his name and fame. People looked at him with awe. People had to bend
their heads in front of his house when they were walking along that
street. He had such a sway over the people around. This mighty man one
day invited from far off places many saints, scholars and heroes to his
house-warming ceremony. He conducted a holy sacrifice on a big scale and
arranged luncheon to the invitees. After the luncheon, he generously
donated many precious articles to the invitees and sent them off
royally. But surprisingly that toddy trader forgets to invite the local
saints to such a big event. After three days from the conclusion of that
grand event, Sri Narasimha Swami happened to go towards 'Patti Bazaar,
(a particular street) via Gowdu's house. Soon the trader sighted Swami
and entreated Him to visit his house. By the by the trader sought
Swami's forgiveness for not inviting Him to that big event.
Nevertheless, Swami peacefully accepted his plea and entered his house.
An ordinary man bay like his riches, his kingdom and his fame as his
most, but to a saint it is his disciple who seeks His asylum. However
rich a man may be, but he has to kneel down before his master. The same
situation happened to that rich toddy trader. With intent to present
something to Swami, the rich trader said to Him, "O! My master, I want
to present something to you so what do you want at this moment "? With a
smile Swami said to the trader, O! Opulent man I am quite sure you will
give anything I want, but what shall I ask you?
The wealthy man: "No,
No, you have to ask whatever you like!"
The Swami: "I am just
a mendicant and I have all those I want. What shall I do with your
presents? "No, No, I don't want your presents. "Any how, you realized
your fault and I forgive you ". "That is enough and I want no more than
that ". But the trader stoutly insisted to accept something or the
other. As there was no other go, Swami said to him, "See! You are a
toddy trader and so send us some milk twice a day thinking it to me or
to the need of my disciples". The trader was quite surprised at the so
small a desire of Swami. The trader said to him, “O Swamiji yours is a
simple and ordinary desire and so desire some more". But Swami didn't
yield to His Pressure and turned down His plea. From then onwards, the
trader used to send milk twice a day as desired by Swami. Thence, Sri
Yenkappa Chinta shouldered the task of fetching milk to Swami's
hermitage.
There was a doubt
weather Swami was a vegetarian or non-vegetarian. But some honest people
asserted that He was a vegetarian. But He allowed His disciples to eat
meat, if they wanted. Swami used to mix all the food coming from the
houses of His disciples and dined together with His disciples.
Once a landlord
belonging to Doulathabad village offered two large drums as a present.
Seeing there was need for the drums at his monastery, He then presented
them to His con temporary, one Mr.Syed Saha Mohammed Taqui Sabjaposh
Quadri Darga.
HIS
SELCTION OF SITE OF TOMB AT HIS MONASTERY:
At the site of His dwelling,
Swami intended to build a hermitage. To the south of Narayanpet, there
used to be a dominion state by the name 'Lokapelli'. From there too many
became His devotees. To lay the foundation to the proposed hermitage,
Swami got the stones brought from there by His devotees and the
foundation was laid on a day at an auspicious moment. A cave on the
south from the middle of the monastery was also designed. But, none
couldn't guess the purpose of cave. Building of walls, erection of stone
pillars and laying of roof were over in quick time.
WATER PROBLEM
SOLVED: There was an acute problem of water scarcity at His
monastery. To overcome this problem, Swami planned to sink a well at His
monastery. All His disciples and devotees were eagerly waiting for His
orders to swing into action. They all sank the well to a great depth,
but there was no sign of water. Seeing this, Swami worshipped 'Lord
Shiva' for five days in the well itself without food and water. At the
dawn on the fifth day water began to ooze out and it soon filled the
well. All His disciples were greatly delighted at the sight of water in
the well. At this very well there is the idol of Sri Sanjeeva Murthy.
CONSRUCTION OF COMPOUND WALL AROUND THE
MONASTERY:
Swami willed to build
a wall around his monastery. But, there was no money with Him. But it
was the responsibility of His disciples to fulfill their master's
longing. So His disciples Balram and Prabhu went round the village
collecting money for the holy purpose. They went to many villages
canvassing His ideals and collected money on behalf of Swami. Local
people also came forward and donated generously according to their
might. The money thus collected was spent for the construction of common
wall. The task of building wall was also entrusted to His disciples.
Thus the construction of compound wall began.
UNLESS ASKED, SWAMI DOESN'T FAVOUR:
His disciple Sri Chinta Yenkappa was ever in His service
faithfully and diligently. He was always at His disposal with the sole
objective of serving Swami. One day Yenkappa came to know the bitter
truth that Swami was planning to get entombed. He grieved a lot for His
master. He begged Him to accept as His disciple and bestow upon him the
monastic vow. He explained all about himself to Swami. Then Swamiji
listened to him attentively and shut His eyes for some time silently.
Swami then said to him, "You may become my disciple, but this is not the
right time". "My foremost disciple Sri Siddavadhutha from Hampi will
arrive here at some time and accept you as his disciple".
Yenkappa Chinta was
very grieved for not becoming His disciple. He was anguished and began
to lament. Seeing his lamentation, Swami pacified his anguished soul and
said to him, "Fortune is the gravest blunder that men has built for
him". "He attributes it to life and runs away from truth as an
escapist". "Whoever squarely faces the stiff challenges of life amidst
untold hardship are the real fortunate ones". The very life is not
difficult but man's life on this earth is the difficult one". "The very
life is not difficult but man's life on this earth is the difficult
one". "Life is more dependent on destiny rather than on mere luck".
"Service to God is more precious rather than on riches, wealth,
affluence and kingdom". "Go on serving like this and you will one day
attain redemption".
HIS
LAST INSTRUCTION TO HIS DISCIPLES:
On a day (i.e.
Aswiyuja Bahula Panchami) in 1891 AD. Sri Narasimha Swami convened a
meeting of His disciples and the prominent ones among them were Balram,
Prabhu, Ratan Avadutha and the workers were Pandurang Chillal, Thippana
Ekbote, Jeevanna Modgi, Nagendrappa Ekbote, Chandappa Kalyani,
Melgirappa Kamble, Pithamber Ganechari. In their presence Swami
officially disclosed to them the details of land belonging to the
monastery and addressed the meeting like this- "All of you ought to
safeguard the right and privileges of this monastery and strive for its
development". Like-wise you have to preserve and foster the Divine
Justice evincing utmost care and concern". "Worship the Almighty
wholeheartedly showing no bias towards caste, creed and race". "Conduct
yourselves with love giving no room to mutual differences and bickering
and be ever united and intact". "Rid yourselves from envy and hatred and
serve the poor and the helpless providing them with refuge".
SWAMI'S GOING INTO GRAVE ALIVE:
Sri Narasimha Swami
was an embodiment of many virtues and matchless traits. He was free from
wild desires, avarice and undue favor. He was cool-headed, benevolent
and godlike. He worked many wonders and miracles during His lifetime. He
was a hermit gifted with eight great arts, yet never used them for silly
and mean purposes. He ever relied on spiritual and philosophical
knowledge to guide the people towards right path. He removed the
distinctions of caste, color, race the high and low and enunciated that
all human being are equal in all respects. He taught to the people that
though the soul is separate, they ultimately unite in the Supreme Being.
In a way He is the modern Buddha. With His power of yoga and penance, He
transformed into holy land the one, which was lifeless, uninhabited and
overgrown with thorny bushes. He widely spread its name and fame to the
four corners. This heaven-born personage, at the point of fulfillment of
His life's goal, resolved to go into His grave alive.
On Monday in the
month of November/ December, 1892 (i.e. year Nandana; Month Kartheeka,
Day- Bahula panchami) Swami woke from sleep early in the morning and
went up to the well to bathe. He Himself drew the water and bathed. He
than went round the monastery five times (i.e. circumambulation) and
than entered the Inner sanctum and laid postures of yoga. All his
disciples and devotees thronged into the place with Bilwa fruits,
incense and lighted camphor as a routine affair on Mondays. It grieved
them all that Swami was about to entomb Himself alive. On such sunny and
pleasant morning, He mingled with all and gave His last 'Darshan' to
all. Then taking farewell, He went into meditation. His disciples
queried as to why there were two more tomb on both side of His tomb. He
then told them that two more legendary heroes were coming there and they
were meant for them. Later He ordered them to close the cave. Just
before the closure, His disciples queried as to when they would have His
'Dashing' again. Swami then replied that He would be visible to them
only once just after six months time from that day onwards. He
instructed them to move the covering of the cave in order to have His 'Darshan'.
Sri Chandappa Kalyani, Sri Panduranga Chillal, Sri Thippanna Ekbote, Sri
Jeevanna Modgi, Sri Pithamber Ganechary, Sri Melgirappa Kamble and Sri
Yenkappa Chinta etc., were present when Swami entombed Himself alive in
the cave meant for Him at the monastery.
OPENING OF HIS TOMB FOR HIS ‘DARSHAN’:
All His disciples and
devotees opened the cave just after 6 months as they were told and
perceived to their great surprise that Swami's body hadn't undergone any
changes whatsoever. After paying homage repeatedly, they closed the cave
again.
The fame and glory of
this miraculous, wakeful and living tomb spread to many villages around
and even to the far off places in neighboring Maharashtra and Karnataka
states. Crowds upon crowds began to pour in to be hold the living tomb.
Thus its significance rose day by day and year after year.
The faith, devotion
and concern of local common people besides His disciples and devotees
were on ever increase towards this living tomb. Thousands and thousands
of devotees had thronged and are thronging ever since to have its 'Darshan'
and to attain heaven. There was a belief among the people that its 'Darshan
would fulfill their cherished desires and drive away their miseries.
HOLY ASH - THE PANACEA:
Sri Narasimha Swami
used to recite a spell of Vedic incantations every day in the morning
and evening along with a burnt offering. In the evening He used to give
religious instructions to His devotees by reciting holy hymn. The well
of His holy offering was near His tomb. That is there still even today.
He placed His holy "Chimata" (i.e. a handy tool) in that holy well for
the visitors to look at it. They used to put on this holy ash on their
forehead and devour something of it too. It was their belief that the
holy ash would cure of their bodily diseases.
ARRIVAL OF SRI SIDDAVADUTHA IN NARAYANPET:
Sri Siddavadutha
Swami, the foremost disciples of Sri Narasimha Swami, arrived in
Narayanpet after His master’s live entombing. He grieved over His
master's sudden exit and for badly missing the chance of seeing His
master going into grave alive. In compliance with the directions of His
'guru', he gave 'monastic vow' to Yenkappa Chinta and accepted him as
his disciple. As he (i.e. Sri Siddvadutha Swami) was ageing, day-by-day
his body began to decay. After some days he ceased from the body. His
tomb too was built here at the monastery.
ARRIVAL OF SRI GURUNATHA MAHARAJ:
One Sri Laxman Sari,
a native of Bendar Surapur, came to Narayanpet accompanied by his only
son with a specific purpose. The child was aged between 9 and 10.
Bereaved of his wife and disgusted with family life, he entrusted his
only son to Sri Prabhu Swami and went away. The helpless and the shelter
less child was supported and fostered by Sri Prabhu Swami. Prabhu Swami
accepted seeing his latent virtues and talents, the orphan child as his
disciple. The boy was sent to a 'Guruji' at Barambavi (i.e. a large open
well) for the necessary monastic training and learning. The other
disciples of Prabhu Swami used to bring meals twice a day and this was
shared by both (i.e. Prabhu Swami and the foster child) Sri Gurunath
Maharaj learned lessons and effective supervision of Sri Prabhu Swami
and grew up in stature and calibre. He took charge of the monastery
after Prabhu Swami.
THE
DEMISE OF PRABHU SWAMI:
He ceased the body in
1928 A.D. and his soul got united in the Supreme Being. But his yeoman
service to the monastery and to his Master, Sri Narasimha swami, is ever
memorable and immortal. There after, through the lapse of time, Sri
Balram Swami used to visit the monastery but he too ceased the body in
the course of time. Both their tombs were built in the monastery.
Besides Sri Gurunatha Swami, Sri Vitoba Maharaj and Sri Shanmukha
Maharaj also served Sri Narasimha Swami at the monastery.
THE LIFE HISTORY OF SRI GURUNATHA SWAMI:
Sri Gurunatha Maharaj,
at the age of 40, visited Pune city in Maharastra State. He was there
for some time made forty disciples for him.
In 1987 A.D. Sri
Gurunatha Maharaj was on a vow of silence for 41 days and lit the holy
lamp of 'Nanda'. He repeated the same rite for 21 days again in the year
1989. This way Sri Gurunatha Maharaj led the devotes towards spiritual
path and the path of wisdom and knowledge till his last breath. He ever
strived for their (i.e. His devotees) prosperity and well being. He also
did his best for the growth and development of the monastery. This true
monk, Sri Gurunatha Maharaj, passed away on 5-1-1992. His tomb was also
built in the monastery beside the tomb of Sri Prabhu Swami.
INSTALLATION OF THE IDOLS OF VITOBA & RUKMINI:
Once a drama troupe
from Karnataka came to Narayanpet and they stayed put here for some
time. In memory of theirs, they presented to the monastery the idols of
Vitoba and Rukmini. Those idols were installed in the monastery. Every
year in the month of 'Karteeka' women folk organize an offering of
torchlights to the deities and they chant the holy name of Lord Vishnu
to make their life a blessed one.
THE POWER OF WORKING MIRACLES:
Many a saints visited
the live and wakeful tomb of Sri Narasimha Swami and made known its
omnipotence to the people. Among them a female mendicant, Sri
Manikeshwari mata from Yanagondi in Karnataka state, came here on her
way to Hyderabad. She went into the Inner sanctum of the monastery and
sat there in meditation for a while. With her power of penance she was
able to have the 'Darshan of Sri Narasimha Swami who already entombed
Himself alive in the monastery. Later she came out and talked to the
disciples and devotee's gathered over there like this- "See! Sri Sadguru
Narasimha Swami is visible in all splendor". "Worship Him with devotion
and keen attention and strive to obtain His blessings". "Do your best
for the development of the monastery and be worthy for His mercy". So
saying she continued her journey to Hyderabad. Her visit to the
monastery had still increased the passion of devotion and attention
among the devotees and disciples over the mendicant, Sri Narasimha
Swami.
PRESENTS PRESENTED TO THE MONASTERY BY DEVOTEES:
Scores of disciples,
devotees and well- wishers have been lending their might in cash and
kind to the monastery. The number of devotees thronging the monastery is
ever increasing. Pleased with its omnipotence, some of the devotees are
coming forward to donate both movable and immovable properties to the
development of monastery. Some of them even went to the extent of
donating their shop to the monastery. Some more built choultries at the
monastery. Still some more built some rooms to the north and south of
the monastery. In the same way the beautiful garden in front came up. In
1984 A.D. Sri Gurunatha Maharaj had the flat stones laid on the floor
round the monastery.
The idols of Lord
Shiva, Sri Ram, Laxman, Sita, Dattatreya, Santh Thukaram and Santh
Ramadas etc., were built on top of the monastery in 1968 A.D.
CUSTOMARY PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED EVERY YEAR AT THE MONASTERY:
After self-entombing
alive by Sri Narasimha Avadutha Swami, the following four varieties of
festivities are organized every year at the monastery with grandeur.
1) On the full Moon
day in the month of ‘Phalguna’ (i.e. the name of a Telugu month) every
year coinciding the Holi festival, two man made idols of a white
elephant and a black elephant were taken out in a procession into the
town. This used to be a pleasant and captivating sight to the on lookers
sitting on both sides of the road, for hours together. Besides the local
people, people from the surrounding villages thronged the town to
witness the festivity. This programme continued successfully for the
last 60 years. But for the last 10 to 12 years this programme was not
going on for want of financial support.
2) In the month of
'Bhadrapadha' (i.e. the name of a Telugu month) every year a small
get-together (i.e.'Bhandara) used to be organized exclusively with
disciples. They used to offer the burning incense, the lighted camphor
and the consecration of food to Sri Narasimha Swami, the mendicant.
After this worshipping celebration, the disciples used to have meals
collectively.
3) In the month of 'Karteeka'
(i.e. the name of a Telugu month) every year a large-scale get-together
used to be organized with the disciples, devotees and the local people.
A day prior to this, the rite of singing the praises and holy hymns of
Sri Narasimha Swami was being held sitting up all night. On the morning
next day there would be the sounding of drums and the offering of
burning incense, the lighted camphor and the consecrated food to Sri
Sadguru Narasimha Swami. At noon there would be palanquin adoration to
the master. They would go round the inner sanctum five times in the
monastery itself. Thousands of devotees arrive here on this day to have
the 'darshan' of entombed master, Sri Narasimaha Swami. The food
presented to the Master will be doled out to the disciples’ devotees and
all other people. This practice is going on regularly every year.
4) In the month of 'Sravana'
(i.e. the name of a Telugu month) every year, on the eve of the birthday
of Sri Jiweshwar Swami, the deity of 'Swakul Sali' community, a program
will organized commemorating his birthday anniversary. The program of
the characteristic thread will be organized in the morning. In the
evening the idiol of Sri Jiveshver Swami along with the idiol of Sri
Narshimha Swami will be borne along the streets of the town in a grand
procession.
CENTENARY CELEBRATONS OF LIVING TOMB:
The centenary
celebrations of Sri Narasimha Swami were held from 22-11-1991 to
26-11-1991 on the eve of His completing 100 years of entombing. The
five-day festivity was organized with great pomp and gaiety. Sri Sri Sri
Swami Ganeshanandaji Maharaj, the head of Haridwar monastery and his
disciple Sri Matha Jyothirmaya Nandagiri Baruch were warmly invited to
grace this big event. On these five days in the morning, a holy
sacrifice in the name of 'Lord Shiva' was conducted. The event commences
at 5.00 A.M. in the morning with torch offering and culminates in the
evening with the expounding of 'Vedas' by the head of the monastery.
Besides, there was the teaching of 'Vedas' in the morning and evening by
Pandith Gurudas Maharaj of Solapur.
This program
commencing with the palanquin adoration of Sri Narasimha Swami on
21-11-1991 culminated on 26-11-1991 with the full offering and the noon
pious meal. A troupe of famous and reputed singers of devotional songs
from Solapur came over to Narayanpet. This troupe organized a program of
devotional hymns and cultural activities on the evening every day. Thus
this program went on grandly and splendidly. The program like the
offering of holy sacrifice to 'Lord Shiva' and all other ones were
grandly and uninterruptedly conducted under the supervision of Sri
Utkoor Dattappa Maharaj and Sri Santhmat Rama Mandir.
The executive to
manage the affairs of the monastery was at first chosen in the year 1929
A.D. From then onwards the executive is being chosen regularly for every
three years.
At present, the help
and support on extend many developmental activities by the disciples and
the members of the executive body of the monastery.
May God bless this
monastery and help it bloom splendidly year after year !!!
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Source: http://srisadgurunrpt.com/firstcompframe.htm
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