Gurudev Siddhapeeth (Ganeshpuri)

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Ashram belongs to baba Muktanand and gurumai chidvilasanand

In 1931, Gurudev completed the construction of all the caves at Kanhangad. He began his journey northwards and visited many holy places in the country both as an Avadhoot and as a Parivrajaka. There are no holy places in India that he did not visit. He sometimes used to give vivid description of almost every holy place in the country. In course of time, he reached Kurla, On the outskirts of the city of Bombay . There he would rest on the pipe-line! The people of Kurla began to talk about the dark and lean Swamiji clad only in his loincloth. In sunshine and rain, unmindful of external conditions, he carried on a life, the significance of which he only knew. It was there that one of his devotees, Shri Sitarama Shenoy found him. He took Gurudev to his house and looked after him with great affection and respect. It was there Gurudev began eating food after many, many years!

From Kurla, sometime in 1934, Gurudev, went to Akroli near Vajreshwari, about fifty miles from Bombay . That village was in very bad condition. The village was infested by dangerous snakes and very often wild animals from the nearby jungles also caused alarm and danger. Soon after Gurudev started taking keen interest in Akroli, it began to change. He built a Dharmasala there and got a good well dug in the village. Gurudev cleaned the entire area of the hot spring and made it a very attractive spot and it became very useful for the poor people. The Adivasis of Akroli began to experience a new kind of life-a life fearless and purposeful. Only totally selfless Masters like Gurudev could bring about such a revolution!

From Akroli Gurudev went to the famous sacred place of Vajreshwari. High up on a rock stands a temple dedicated to goddess Vajreswari. The Goddess was the chosen deity of Shri Chimnaji Appa, a Peshwa ruler of the area. It was in 1742 that Peshwa Chimnaji Appa renovated the temple of his family deity at Vajreswari. That Peshwa sincerely believed that he had been able to beat back the onslaught of the Portuguese through the divine blessing of Mother Vajreswari. Here Gurudev built two rest-houses, a well, a dispensary and a maternity home for the benefit of the local rural folk. They were of great help and relief to the poor people.

From Vajreswari, Gurudev shifted to a place called Ganeshpuri, a mile and a half away from the Vajreswari temple in 1936. That was to be his permanent residence. In those times, Ganeshpuri was a wilderness, surrounded by hills. It was believed that cannibal tribes of jungle folk lived in the region. Gurudev selected a location that had many hot -springs around it. The place was near the ancient temple of Bhimeshwar Mahadev . It was there that for the next twenty five years, Gurudev lived and he built it up into a Centre of Tapas and Satsang for fulfilling his divine mission of spiritual upliftment of the masses. During those years he was a Sthitapragna. Ganeshpuri is a resort famous for its natural beauty. The Mandakini mountain, mentioned in many scriptures is nearby and River Tejasa (Tansa) flows by the side of Ganeshpuri. Gurudev said that many a famous 'Siddha' lived in the mountain and many rare medicinal plants grew there. It is said that the great Sage Vasishta performed a famous "Yajna' at Ganehspuri. There are many hot springs around the place. They are said to be the gifts of Sage Vasishta, who created them by his divine power for the use and comfort of the many sages who used to collect in that place for the Yajna. There are nearly three hundred and sixty such springs. The hot springs are reputed to possess very rare medicinal and curative qualities. In ancient times many famous Sages had done 'tapas' in that locality. This was the opinion of Gurudev. Sage Vasishta in one of his 'Yajnas' installed the 'pratishta' of Ganesh in a temple and hence the name 'Ganeshpuri'. That is how the name of the place is explained. In front of the ancient temple of Bhimeshwar Mahadev . Gurudev got hot spring tanks dug. Gurudev is reported to have impressed upon many of his devotees that the hot springs were very scared and that at what is known as "Brahmamuhutra" many divine 'Siddhas' come for a bath in them. Some devotees experienced the truth of Gurudev's words about the hot spring tanks. One night Mrs. Muktabai went for a bath in the hot spring tanks. She saw unusually handsome youths who rushed from the spring tanks and disappeared inside the temple. She hurried back to the Ashram to seek the Master. Gurudev told her that they were the 'Sanatkumars' (the four sons of Brahma born of his mind alone-Sanakan, Sanadan, Sanatan, and Sanatkumaran). Gurudev would call the hot springs "Kotitheerthas". Gurudev would ask devotees coming to Ganeshpuri to have a bath in those springs.

Many devotees have a dip in those springs every day and they attain great satisfaction and mental peace. Gurudev lived behind the temple of Bhimeswar Mahadev when he arrived at Ganeshpuri in 1936. One morning when he went to the temple, the priest thought that he was a Muslim and tried to prevent him. Later on, the priest and others knew that Gurudev was the very incarnation of Shiva Mahadev. The devotees constructed a small temporary structure for him on the western side of the temple. Many devotees began to visit Ganeshpuri as news of his new abode became known. In 1938, Gurudev built a three-roomed Ashram on the southern side of the temple. He called it "Vaikundham". He lived in the central room. When the news spread that Gurudev was in Ganeshpuri, people from all parts of India and many from foreign lands started visiting Ganeshpuri to seek solace and peace, embroiled as they were in all kinds of worldly woes. They were men of all faiths, of various sects, of different attitudes! Men, women and children of all age groups! The assembly there was an ideal example for national integration. They had only one goal; To meet Sadgurudev, Swami Nityananda! And Gurudev too had only one objective: To impart a little of his own "Sat-Chit-Ananda" to his beloved devotees and to awaken and elevate them spiritually.

Swami Janananda had a very interesting experience once. He was at Kanhangad and he had to travel all the way to Ganeshpuri to meet Gurudev. Swami Janananda had to see Gurudev about some finance commitments at Kanhangad and also get instructions regarding some work to be completed at the Kanhangad Ashram. In those old days of 1941, journey by train as well as by bus to Ganeshpuri took five or six days. He went to Ganeshpuri and met Gurudev on a morning and explained to him the purpose of his visit. Gurudev heard him patiently. He asked Swamiji to wait for a while. Then Swamji saw the unusual sight of a taxi-cab driving into the Ashram. Gurudev got into the taxi-cab and left. None knew where he had gone so suddenly and unexpectedly. The next morning at the same time, by the same taxi-cab, Gurudev returned to Ganeshpuri. He told Swami Janananda that he could return to Kanhangad, because he had arranged for the money to be paid and also for the other construction work. He asked Swami Janananda to meet and talk with one of Gurudev's devotees at Kanhangad. Swamiji wondered how it had been possible for Gurudev to travel all the way to Kanhangad and return, all within one day! All the same Swamiji got back to Kanhangad and met the devotee. He told Swamiji, "Gurudev has given me the necessary money which you can have and also detailed instructions regarding the other works". It was indeed a miracle that made Swamiji wonder and wonder at the Super human capabilities of Gurudev!

Once there was a serious drought and Ganeshpuri did not have enough water for them to drink. This matter was brought to the notice of Gurudev. He said, "Is that so? Difficulty for drinking water! It will be solved "No sooner had he said so, than the skies over Ganeshpuri began to be overcast with dark clouds, and there was lightning and thunder, followed by a heavy downpour! What is not possible for a Divine Being who is always in unison with the Supreme Spirit-God? As Swami Janananda used to say, the greatness of Gurudev can never be comprehended by human knowledge.

One day, a devotee while walking along the 'Nandisamadhi' on his way to the hot spring tank for a wash, saw huge footprints on the ground. With a sense of great wonder and awe, he went to Gurudev and told him about it. In all seriousness, Gurudev asked him, 'Did you not prostrate yourself on the foot-print?" The devotee had not done so. He quickly returned and bowed before the divine foot-print. Gurudev used to tell many devotees that there were many great Rishis and Yogis who visited Ganehspuri often. Many divine Siddhas also did so. For that matter even the super-divine "Sanakadi Rishis" also came to Ganeshpuri!

Once another devotee, after his 'darshan' of Gurudev, made ready to return home Gurudev told him, 'Yes you may go home, but make it a point not to look back until you reached the Vajreshwari temple". The devotee left the Ashram. When he had gone some distance, he saw a big Cobra on the road. The reptile went away, but the devotee had the will power in him not to look back. He proceeded further. Then he heard [peculiar noises behind he did not allow himself to be tempted. In order to comply with the Master's directive, he did not look back. But then, once more those sounds haunted him and chased him, and in spite of all his strength of will power, he turned back and looked behind him. He found nothing! But then he saw another sight in the middle of the river flowing nearby, he saw a huge figure, standing erect and with folded hands, repeating the sacred words of a "mantra'! That was the sound he had heard as a constant whisper. The very sight of the figure frightened the life out of the poor man. He ran to the temple nearby and sought refuge there. How many such episodes happen in Ganeshpuri! Those who see things see them! Those who know things know them!

One day three very impressive-looking Sanyasis of Nathpanth came to meet Gurudev. At that time, Gurudev was in deep trance. There were hundreds of devotees also in the hall, silently worshipping Gurudev. The three Sanyasis were in impressive attire and they were a grand sight to behold! One of them had a long staff with a trident fixed on it. The trident was bright and shining. Gurudev had, apparently, not been aware of their presence in the assembly. The Sanyasis did not at all like that attitude on the part of Gurudev. They must have thought that it was a kind of disregard they did not deserve. The Nathpanth Yogis had expected a warm welcome from Gurudev. One of them, the one with the trident, threw the weapon high up. And lo! the heavy trident hung in the air with no support whatever! The three sanyasis behaved as though they had achieved a great miracle and stood their ground for developments. The big gathering of devotees, who had witnessed this event, were wonderstruck and did not know what to do. They saw Gurudev in deep, unperturbable trance. It was then Gurudev moved his right foot very slightly. That slight movement of his foot was enough! The trident fell to the floor! The three Sanyasis appeared to be visibly upset and shaken. They must have understood at that moment, that far beyond their wonted "Siddhis" there is something, some power far more potent! It was a moment of truth for them. They prostrated in front of Gurudev. No more of arrogance in them, but all love and respect for Gurudev. They begged him to be allowed to live in the Ashram for three days. In front of Divine Masters like Gurudev, arrogant occultists can never, never hold out their capabilities.

Gurudev built a Sri Krishna temple at Ganeshpuri. The idol of Sri Krishna was installed in the temple. The opinion of many devotees that Sri Krishna's face was not beautiful as it should have been was made known to Gurudev. His answer was, "Beauty is to be seen in the inner mind and not by the eye which can see only the exterior". He built a Bhadra Kali Temple also in Ganeshpuri. Some devotees asked him why he had built it. He said, "When this one left Gokarna, Mother came after me and she was insistent that she wanted a place. So this one built a temple for her also". When the idol was installed, the temple priest complained that Mother Kali's face was not beautiful. "Get it covered with a white cloth" said Gurudev. It was done. The next day, when the temple was inaugurated, the white piece of cloth was removed, and the most beautiful and resplendent face of Kali came into view. It was a matter of very great surprise to all those who had seen the idol earlier.

One day, Gurudev told some of his close devotees that the treasure-chest in which devotees put their offerings in the Sri Krishna Temple would have to be opened as it was full. He told them, "Take out three-fourths of what it contains and leave a fourth part in it". His orders were carried out. The next morning it was discovered that the treasure-chest had been broken open and its contents stolen. The matter was reported to Gurudev immediately. His reaction was, "That was why this one wanted you to leave a fourth part in it. A very poor devotee here has been praying to be able to burgle the treasure chest. His prayer had to be granted. What he got must have been a great relief to him". Gurudev, the friend of those who suffer and the personification of mercy, was ready to help a thief also! It was indeed, compassion of a very special kind!

Mrs. S. was a great devotee of Sadgurudev even when he was at Mangalore. Later in the mid-fifties, when she began her life with her husband in Bombay , she continued to be a true devotee and earnestly desired to visit Ganeshpuri. But her husband, who had been brought up in a manner that was akin to western culture, did not at all like his wife's adoration and devotion towards Gurudev. He was one who would have nothing to do with such Yogis and Sanyasis. She would pray and did her utmost to create in her husband some kind of veneration for Gurudev, but she failed. He refused to visit Ganeshpuri for a 'darshan' of Gurudev. One can well imagine her distress. One day, when she asked her husband for ten rupees so that she could visit Ganeshpuri, he quarreled with her and ordered to stop such meaningless worship. He sarcastically asked,"And what will be achieved by going there?"

After a few seconds, he threw a ten-rupee note at her and began to abuse her even more. She bore all that most patiently and her mind, fixed on Gurudev went to Ganeshpuri.

When she reached Vaikuntha Ashram, she found the devotees restless and the atmosphere tense. The Master had not taken his afternoon meal and as a result the devotees has not eaten either. The devotees implored Mrs. S to try to speak to the Master. Since she was familiar with him from the Mangalore days. Accordingly, the devotee approached the small room where he was sitting. Seeing her Grade asked, "How is he? Has he not changed yet?" The devotee heard from others that Master had starved that day. Immediately she offered him the food she had cooked and brought for him. Gurudev received the food with all love and kindness. It was clear that he was deeply aware of all that had happened to his devotee who had been fifty miles away from him. On many an occasion, master had consoled the devotee and would assure her that even her husband would change his attitude. That change of attitude happened soon after. He became a great devotee of Sadgurudev.

Mention has been made of great devotee of Gurudev, Shri Sitarama Shenoy. One day, Shri Shenoy had a bad heart attack. His family considered taking him to Ganeshpuri, but the doctors warned that he might not survive the strain of travel. However, the family decided to take the risk. They drove Shenoy to Ganeshpuri. The party reached the old Ashram. The Master took him by the hand and half dragged him to the river. When they reached the river, Gurudev splashed some water on his face and told him that he was quite all right. To the great pleasure of his family and the great surprise of his doctor, he was completely restored.

In 1954, Sitarama Shenoy and his family were at Vajreshwari. According to the instructions of Gurudev he was a running hotel there. Once again he had a massive heart attack and he succumbed to it. As she had done earlier, the heart broken wife decided to take the dead-body to Gurudev, to Ganeshpuri. Accordingly, she arranged a car, bundled the body in it and drove towards the Ashram. While still a quarter of a mile away, the Car abruptly stopped and would not start again, the driver tried his utmost to get the engine come to life, but failed. At this juncture the wife with another recourse available ran to Ganehspuri. She was still about to hundred yards from the Ashram when she heard Gurudev shouting. "Go back and perform the last rites!" After a while the bereaved woman returned to Vajreshwari and saw to her husband's funeral rites. Shri G.L. Rao was present that evening and he politely asked Gurudev why he had not restored Shenoy. Gurudev's reaction was as follows. His retort was very meaningful. "If that be so, there won't be any need for anyone to go to Chandanwadi (the Crematorium in Bombay ); everyone would come to Ganeshpuri". Rao countered "But you restored him a few years ago and gave him a fresh lease on life". The Master replied. "At that time the children were very young and perhaps the Divine Power had taken compassion and worked that way. Those conditions do not exist today".

At one time, a sincere devotee of Gurudev found that his only child was in the severe grip of smallpox. It came to the point when the child was expected to die any moment. In sheer desperation that devotee and his wife took the child to Ganeshpuri and placed him at the feet of the Master. He asked the parents to take the child back to their home immediately. Soon after they left, Gurudev himself retired into his room, closed the door and did not come out of it for ten days. When he came out, devotees found marks of smallpox on his body. The child, of course, was cured, Gurudev had readily taken on himself the disease from the child so as to save the child from certain death!

On one occasion a widowed mother brought her blind child six years old to Gurudev and begged him to cure the child of its blindness. Gurudev ascertained the fact that the child had been born blind, and that it was the "karma" of the child in its previous birth. But still, Gurudev wanted to help the devotee. He asked the devotee to find out the wishes of the child. "I want to be able to see my mother just once", said the child. Gurudev asked the mother to take the child and return home. The next morning as usual, the mother bathed the child and set the child on a chair. The child, all of a sudden jumped down from the chair shouting " O Mother, I can see you now". And so the child saw its mother for a while. The miracle was temporary because the child went blind again. No one can overcome the effects of "Karma". It is all powerful and indeed hard to understand.

In August 1956, Gurudev shifted to " Kailas "Ashram at Ganeshpuri. The increasing flow of devotees necessitated the move. Every day there were long queues of devotees waiting for a 'darshan' of Gurudev. The arrangement was such, they could enter by a door, have "darshan' of Gurudev and exit by another door. Sometimes Gurudev would recline on a raised cement platform or sit in an easy chair when the devotees streamed to see him. While he rested at Kailas Ashram, Gurudev appeared as the very incarnation of God Param Shiva. Here the Master lived until he moved to Bangalorewala Building just a fortnight before his Mahasamadhi on August 8, 1961 .