Śrī Saptaśatī Gurucaritra – Chapter - 42

 

श्री सप्तशती गुरुचरित्र - Śrī Saptaśatī Gurucaritra
अध्याय – Chapter - 42

 

In this section, the ancient story concludes as the student successfully completes the remaining circuits of the Kashi pilgrimage, obtains divine architecture skills, and fulfills his Guru's tasks. The narrative then returns to Ganagapur, where Shri Narasimha Saraswati reveals to Sayamdeva that He has granted him a vision of Kashi right there. The Guru blesses his entire lineage and instructs him to observe the sacred Ananta Vrata (Vow of the Infinite Bhagavan).

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तत्र स्थोदङ्‌मानसयात्रा । करीं पंचक्रोशीयात्रा ।
शुक्लकृष्णपक्षयात्रा । नित्ययात्रा करी भावे ॥१॥

[The Avadhut continued his guidance:] "While residing there, perform the Northern Manasa Yatra, followed by the highly sacred Panchakroshi Yatra (the five-mile circuit). Execute the distinct pilgrimages assigned for the bright and dark lunar fortnights, and perform your daily prayers with deep devotion.”

प्रत्यक्षचि विश्वेश्वरा । भवानी हरिधुंडीश्वरा ।
दंडपाणी भैरववीरा । विघ्नेश्वरा गुहा देखी ॥२॥

"Seek the direct, holy vision of Bhagavan Vishveshwara, Mother Bhavani, Bhagavan Hari, Dhundishwara (Ganesha), Dandapani, the heroic Bhairava, Vighneshwara, and Bhagavan Kartikeya (Guha).”

तूं स्थीर चित्तें करीं यात्रा । स्थापी लिंग तूं कुमारा ।
सुटतील येरझारा । असें म्हणोनी गुप्त झाला ॥३॥

"Perform this pilgrimage with a perfectly calm and steady mind, and consecrate a Shiva Lingam there, O youth! Through this, you will be permanently liberated from the relentless cycles of birth and death (Yera-zhara)." Giving this final instruction, the ascetic vanished from sight.

बाळ उठोनी पहात । त्या न दिसे, झाला गुप्त ।
हाची माझा गुरु म्हणत । करीतसें तो यात्रा ॥४॥

Waking up from his spiritual absorption and looking around, the boy could no longer find the ascetic. Realizing in his heart, "He was surely my Supreme Guru Himself!", he enthusiastically set out and completed the entire pilgrimage exactly as instructed.

अवाच्य हो शिवलीला । इष्ट वर दे तयाला ।
दे तो तसें गुर्वादिकांला । तो झाला विश्वकर्मा ॥५॥

The divine play (Leela) of Bhagavan Shiva is truly beyond words. Pleased with his absolute devotion, the Bhagavan granted the youth extraordinary divine boons. Armed with these powers, he easily crafted and delivered all the impossible items requested by his Guru's family, transforming into the cosmic architect, Vishvakarma.

द्विज तेव्हां गुरु जसें । सांगे तें ते पाहे तसे ।
गुरुनाथा वंदितसे । स्तवितसे सायंदेव ॥६॥

As the Supreme Guru, Shri Narasimha Saraswati, concluded this narration, the Brahmin -Saayamdeva - opened his eyes and visually witnessed the entire holy city of Kashi manifested right before him in Ganagapur! He bowed down to the King of Gurus, and Saayamdeva began to sing hymns of praise.

तूंची उमापती होसी । मज दाविली येथ काशी ।
गुरु म्हणें त्वद्वंशासी । एकविंशी घडे यात्रा ॥७॥

The devotee exclaimed, "You alone are directly Bhagavan Shiva (Umapati)! You have miraculously revealed the ultimate holy land of Kashi to me right here." The Guru smiled and blessed him, saying, "Twenty-one generations of your entire family lineage will be credited with the spiritual merits of this pilgrimage.”

तूं सत्तम लोकी होसी । आतां न सेंवीं म्लेच्छासी ।
आणूनिया स्त्रीपुत्रांसी । आम्हापाशीं रहासेवित ॥८॥

"You shall be recognized as a supremely righteous soul (Sattam) in this world. From this moment on, stop serving that unrighteous Muslim ruler (Mlechha). Bring your wife and children here immediately, and reside permanently close to us in loving service.”

तो नमःस्कारुनी गेला । स्वकुटुंबा घेऊनि आला ।
स्तवि पुनः श्रीगुरुला । कानदीस्तोत्रालापें ॥९॥

Bowing down with deep gratitude, Saayamdeva went to his town and returned safely accompanied by his entire family. Approaching the Bhagavan, he began to praise the Shri Guru once again, singing a beautiful hymn composed in the Kannada language (Kanadi-stotra).

त्याचा पुत्रा नागनाथ । तया वर दे गुरुनाथ ।
सांगे सांयदेवा स्वस्थ । करी अनंतव्रत आजी ॥१०॥

The Guru affectionately turned His attention to the Saayamdeva's young son, named Naganath, and showered him with powerful spiritual boons. The King of Gurus then addressed the father calmly, saying, "Today is a highly auspicious day; perform the sacred Ananta Vrata (the vow dedicated to the Infinite Bhagavan Vishnu) now.

 

 

इति श्रीमत्परमहंसपरिव्राजकाचार्य श्रीमद्वासुदेवानंदसरस्वति विरचिते श्री सप्तशती गुरुचरित्रे द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः