Florida Shirdi Sai Temple

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter XL

Leper Brahmin Cured

Once a Brahmin `Narhari' by name came to Shri Guru at Ganagapur and bowing to him said, `My life is futile. I studied Yajurveda, but as I am suffering from leprosy. All people despise me and do not invite for Karma. I have visited several holy places but the disease is there, kindly bless me.'

Shri Guru gave him a dry log of Audumbar and said, `Go to the Sangam and plant it on the bank of Bhima in the east. After bath, worship Ashwattha at the Sangam. Again bathe and give water to this log thrice a day. When it sprouts green foliage, your sins will be wiped off and you will be free from leprosy.

As instructed by Shri Guru, Narhari planted the log on the bank of Bhima and began to water it thrice. Some persons said to him, `Are you mad ? How can a dry log bear green foliage ? Still Narhari continued his watering of the log devotedly. He also observed fast for 7 days.

Shri Guru was informed by his disciples regarding the devoted service of Narhari to the log. Shri Guru said, "One gets the fruits as per one's devotion. There is a tale in the Skanda Purana in this connection.

Soot narrated to the Rishis, `In former days there lived a king Sinhaket in Panchal. His son Dhananjaya once went to a forest with a Shabardut, who picked up a Linga-like stone near a Shiva Temple. Rajkumar asked him `What will you do with this stone ? There are so many lingas like this spread over here.'

Shabardut said, `I wish to worship this Linga daily. Please tell me how to worship it.'

Rajkumar said, `Take this Linga home, worship it with flowers and bel leaves along with your wife. Offer naivedya of fresh chita (corpse) bhasma daily. Whatever food you have, should also be offered.' The Shabar took the Linga home and started the worship. One day, he could not get fresh chita bhasma. He was much worried. His devoted wife said, `Burn my body and offer chita bhasma to god Shiva, `the Shabar was very much pained to hear this. He said, `I shall be doing a great sin if I burn you.' The wife said, `Death will occur some day or the other. If I give my body for Shiva's worship, I shall have place in Kailas. So you need not be sorry.'

The Shabar burnt her and the chita bhasma was offered to the Shiva Linga. As usual he called his wife to take prasad. She also came smiling and took the prasad. The home appeared to be normal, as if nothing had occurred. Seeing this, the Shabar was much astonished. His wife said, `I heard your voice and was as if aroused from sleep. `Gouri Raman Shiva appeared before them. Both bowed to him Shri Shiva was pleased and blessed the couple. Such is the greatness of the devotion of Guru. One who has implicit faith in the words of Guru's gets such fruit.'

Shri Guru went to the Sangam to see the leper Brahmin. He was pleased to see his devotion. The Brahmin was giving water to the log. Shri Guru sprinkled the holy water of his bowl on the log and instantly green foliage sprouted on the log. The leprosy of the Brahmin disappeared and his body became healthy and bright. Narhari bowed to Shri Guru and began to pray Him.

He composed 8 shlokas which are being chanted at Ganagapur in the night, after Aarati daily, till now.

Shri Guru placed his hand on the head of Narhari and blessed him. He returned to the Math with Narhari. All persons wondered to see this miracle. Many did Samaradhna. Shri Guru named Narhari as 'Yogeshwar' and asked him to come with his family and live with him. Shri Guru gave him "Vidya Saraswati" mantra also.