Namdharak asked Siddhamuni why Sri Narasimha Saraswati was always more fond of the Audumber Tree, where as there are other Holy trees like Aswatha, etc. What is the special significance of this tree, he wanted to know. Siddhamuni explained to him as under.
Due to the curse of Durvasa, Lord Vishnu had to take Ten Incarnations on the earth. The curse was, of course, a boon to the world good and subduing evil in the world.
When Lord Vishnu manifested himself as Narasimha in Narasimha Avatara to protect Prahlada and for destroying Hiranyakasyapa (Hiranyakashyapu), he had to make use of his nails (claws) to kill him. He tore open the belly of Hiranyakashyapa with his claws. In the stomach of Hiranyakashyapa, there was the Kalaloota poison. The nails of Narasimha were drenched with the poison when he tore the stomach and entrails of the demon. As a result, Narasimha's nails were seething with great heat and pain. Goddess Lakshmi, seeing the suffering of Her Lord, plucked some fruits of the Audumber Tree which she happened to find nearby. The Lord stuck his nails into the fruit deep into it's pulp. The Lord's pain was assuaged instantly by this. The Lord was immensely pleased and blessed the Audumber Tree and said it would from then onwards be as powerful on earth as the KalpaVriksha tree in the heavens. He said that whosoever would worship the Audumber Tree, would get all desires and wishes fulfilled.
Thus, the Audumber Tree had become a wish fulfilling Tree, from very, very ancient times. Sri Narasimha Saraswati wanted to make it even still Holy now. Therefore, he chose to be always seated under the Audumber Tree. Seated under the tree, apart from granting the fulfillment of their worldly desires, he used to shower spiritual grace also and uplift them spiritually. This the Audumber Tree had come to acquire heightened spiritual powers too.
As already said in the previous chapter, near Amareshwar, on the bank of Krishna river, there was the Sakti Teertha wherein lived many Yoginis, numbering about sixty-four. Everyday, by noon, they all used to come to the Audumber Tree to worship Sri Narasimha Saraswati and then return to their place, buy unseen by any.
Some people were curious to know all about Sri Narasimha Saraswati, as to what he ate, how he got his food, what he did and who all come to him, etc,. One by name Ganganuja (a poorer farmer) was asked to keep a secret watch on Sri Narasimha Saraswati and find out all the facts. Ganganuja was very guileless, simple hearted and devout person. As Ganganuja was watching clandestinely, to his amazement he saw the Yoginis coming and offering worship and doing Aarti (waving of camphor light) to Guru Nath. He also saw that after the Aarti, Sri Narasimha Saraswati and the Yoginis stepping down into the river. Lo! the waters of the river started receding, making a pathway for Sri Narasimha Saraswati & the Yoginis to walk along. Ganganuja also followed them surreptitiously. As they reached the middle of the stream bed, Ganganuja following behind, he saw them entering into a golden splendoured city. The residents of the city, men and women, looked like angels and gods, dressed in silken and shining garments, welcomed Guru Nath with Mangala Aarti (waving of lamps). Sri Narasimha Saraswati looking back towards Ganganuja, asked him why he followed them. Ganganuja fell at Guru Nath's feet and prayed to be forgiven. Sri Narasimha Saraswati told him he should not reveal to anybody what he had just seen. Goddess Lakshmi also favored him and he was relieved of his drudgerous life. He used to come for Guru Nath's Darshan every morning, afternoon and evening and serve him for most part of the day, with great love.
As it was going on, on one Magha Purnima (Pornima) early morning, Ganganuja, while serving Guru Nath, said "Gurudeva! It is said that in the month of Magha, a bath at the Holy Triveni Sangam at Prayaga and Kashi, is most meritorious. I heard only, but know nothing of Prayaga and Kashi etc". Guru Nath then said to Ganganuja, "This Pancha Ganga Sangam here is itself Prayaga and Kolhapur is as meritorious as Gaya. In and around here only exists Kashi also. All the merit of Kai, Gaya and Prayaga can be found and gained here itself. Nevertheless, as you seem to be very desirous of seeing the Northern Kashi etc, I will show you today itself. Guru Nath stood up on the tiger skin on which he was seated; he told Ganganuja to catch his feet and Padukas firmly. Instantly they were in Prayaga. After taking bath there in the morning, by Afternoon they were at Kashi. After bathing in the Holy Ganges and having Lord Visweswara's Darshan, by evening they were at Gaya. By sunset, they were back at Amarapur.
Sri Narasimha Saraswati stayed under the Audumber Tree at the Pancha Ganga Kshetra for quite a long time, for 12 years. Now he decided to leave form there. Everyone was sorrowful and unhappy that Guru Nath would be leaving from there, much more so were the Yoginis. Sri Narasimha Saraswati comforted them and said, "I am leaving my Padukas here. I will be ever present where my Padukas are worshipped. Whatever wishes to be prayed for, offering worship to the Padukas, they will be granted and fulfilled."
Sri Narasimha Saraswati, comforting them all, while every one else was with tear laden eyes. moved out from that place in the direction of Gangapur, which is in the vicinity of the Holy rivers Bhima and Amarja.
Even after Guru Nath's leaving for Gangapur, the Audumber Tree and Guru Paduka's enshrined there continued to manifest Guru Nath's power and Grace in the same manner as when he used to physically live there.
Thus ends the Nineteenth Chapter of Guru Charitra describing 'the Holy significance of the Audumber Tree, and the Special Grace which Guru Nath showered on the Yoginis Ganas, and also of Ganganuja's Kashi Yatra. The Yoginis symbolise the Yogic Shatkis (powers). They are ever at the will and command of a realised Yogi. They are said to be sixteen Vidyas and sixty-four Yoginis described in the above narrative are symbolic of the 64 Kalas. These are ever at the service of one, who is master of his body, mind and senses. |
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