संत साहित्य · Guru Charitra · Chapters
Chapter 5 — Birth of Shripad Shrivallabha
Literal. A Brahmin named Apalraj lives at Peethapur with his devoted wife Sumatha. On an Amavasya day, during their household's anniversary ceremony, Shri Datta visits in mendicant form for alms. Sumatha, against the rule that bars almsgiving on anniversary days, serves him. Datta is pleased and grants her a son. Sumatha gives birth to a son named Shripad. He is brilliant from birth, learns the four Vedas by age seven, refuses marriage at sixteen, and announces that he will leave for the forest as an ascetic. His blind brother and lame brother are healed by his glance. He blesses his parents and brothers, leaves for Kashi, then Badrinarayan, and eventually settles at Gokarna.
Symbolic. The Datta-incarnation arrives in response to a single act of dharmic generosity (Sumatha serving the disguised Datta during a ceremony when she should not have served anyone). The book repeatedly stages this: divine response is conditioned on a single act of right-conduct in the face of social rule.
Structural. Shripad's thread ceremony at age seven; his marriage refusal at age sixteen; the parents told their other sons will live a hundred years; the brothers will have sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Concrete numerical anchors throughout.
Verse by verse
श्रीगणेशाय नमः ।
śrīgaṇeśāya namaḥ |
Salutations to Shri Ganesha.
The text opens with the traditional invocation to Ganesha, remover of obstacles, before any sacred narration begins.
Begin any important undertaking with a moment of reverence, clearing the mind before the work.
नामधारक भक्तासी । सांगे सिद्ध विस्तारेसी । अवतार झाला मानुषी । भक्तजन तारावया ॥१॥
nāmadhāraka bhaktāsī | sāmge siddha vistāresī | avatāra jhālā mānuṣī | bhaktajana tārāvayā ||1||
To the devotee Namdharak, Siddha tells at length: an avatar took human form to deliver the devotees.
The siddha (realized teacher) begins the chapter's teaching — the divine descends in human form whenever devotees need saving; this frames all that follows as an avatāra story.
Trust that help arrives in ordinary human form when you most need guidance.
ऐक भक्ता नामधारका । अंबरीषाकारणे विष्णु देखा । अंगकारिले अवतार ऐका । मानुषी नाना रूप घेतसे ॥२॥
aika bhaktā nāmadhārakā | ambarīṣākāraṇe viṣṇu dekhā | amgakārile avatāra aikā | mānuṣī nānā rūpa ghetase ||2||
Listen, devotee Namdharak: for Ambarisha's sake, see, Vishnu took bodily avatars — hear how he assumed many human forms.
Siddha begins reciting Vishnu's avatāras, starting from the story of King Ambarīṣha, showing that the divine repeatedly incarnates to protect a sincere devotee.
Remember that sincere devotion has always drawn a protective response, even across ages.
मत्स्य कूर्म वराह देख । नराचा देह सिंहाचे मुख । वामनरूप झाला भिक्षुक । झाला ब्राह्मण क्षेत्रकर्मी ॥३॥
matsya kūrma varāha dekha | narācā deha simhāce mukha | vāmanarūpa jhālā bhikṣuka | jhālā brāhmaṇa kṣetrakarmī ||3||
See the Fish, Tortoise, Boar; a man's body with a lion's face; he became a dwarf mendicant, then a Brahmin performing rites in the field.
The verse lists the daśāvatāra (ten avatars) — Matsya, Kurma, Varāha, Narasiṃha, Vāmana, Paraśurāma — each a different rescue in a different age.
Adapt your response to each situation as it truly needs, not with one fixed approach.
दशरथाचे कुळी जन्म । प्रख्यात अवतार श्रीराम । राजा होऊनि मागुती जन्म । गौळियाघरी गुरे राखी ॥४॥
daśarathāce kuḷī janma | prakhyāta avatāra śrīrāma | rājā hoūni māgutī janma | gauḷiyāgharī gure rākhī ||4||
Born into Dasharatha's lineage, the famed avatar Shri Rama; having been a king, he was born again to tend cattle in a cowherd's house.
After Rama, the same divine took birth as Krishna among cowherds — kingship and humility both worn by the one Lord as needed.
Do not measure your worth by status; the same person can serve nobly whether ruling or herding.
वस्त्रे फेडूनि झाला नग्न । बौद्धरूपी झाला आपण । होऊनि कलंकी अवतार जाण । तुरुंगारूढ काय आवडी ॥५॥
vastre pheḍūni jhālā nagna | bauddharūpī jhālā āpaṇa | hoūni kalamkī avatāra jāṇa | turumgārūḍha kāya āvaḍī ||5||
Removing his garments he became naked, becoming the Buddha in form; and becoming the Kalki avatar, mounted upon a horse, such is his delight.
The list closes with the ascetic Buddha-form and the future Kalki avatar riding his horse, showing the divine's willingness to take even lowly or fierce forms as the age demands.
Do not judge appearances; wisdom sometimes arrives stripped of dignity or riding in as sudden change.
नाना प्रकार नाना वेष । अवतार धरी ह्रषीकेश । तारावया भक्तजनास । दुष्टहनन करावया ॥६॥
nānā prakāra nānā veṣa | avatāra dharī hraṣīkeśa | tārāvayā bhaktajanāsa | duṣṭahanana karāvayā ||6||
In many kinds and many guises, Hrishikesh (Vishnu) takes avatar — to deliver the devotees and to destroy the wicked.
Siddha summarizes the purpose behind every incarnation: protecting devotees and checking evil — the twin aims of every avatāra.
When standing up for what is right, remember your two duties: protect the vulnerable and resist wrongdoing.
द्वापारांती झाला कली । अज्ञान लोक ब्राह्मणकुळी । आचारहीन होऊनि प्रबळी । वर्तती महिमा कलियुगी ॥७॥
dvāpārāmtī jhālā kalī | ajñāna loka brāhmaṇakuḷī | ācārahīna hoūni prabaḷī | vartatī mahimā kaliyugī ||7||
At the end of Dvapara age, Kali began; ignorant people even among Brahmin families, losing discipline, grew powerful — such is the way of the Kali age.
The narrative turns to the present Kaliyuga (age of decline), where even the learned classes lose their moral discipline, setting up the need for a new avatar.
Do not assume knowledge alone secures virtue; guard your own discipline even when others around you have let theirs slip.
भक्तजनतारणार्थ । अवतार धरी श्रीगुरुनाथ । सगराकारणे भगीरथ । आणी गंगा भूमंडळी ॥८॥
bhaktajanatāraṇārtha | avatāra dharī śrīgurunātha | sagarākāraṇe bhagīratha | āṇī gamgā bhūmamḍaḷī ||8||
For the sake of delivering devotees, Shri Gurunath takes avatar — as Bhagiratha did for Sagara's sake, bringing the Ganga to the earth.
The guru's descent is compared to Bhagīratha bringing the Ganges down for his ancestors — both acts born of tireless devotion on another's behalf.
Let your efforts for others be as persistent as one who labors for generations before you, not just for quick reward.
तैसे एक विप्रवनिता । आराधी श्रीविष्णु दत्ता । तिचे उदरी अवतार धरिता । आश्चर्य झाले परियेसा ॥९॥
taise eka vipravanitā | ārādhī śrīviṣṇu dattā | tice udarī avatāra dharitā | āścarya jhāle pariyesā ||9||
In this way, a certain Brahmin woman worshipped Shri Vishnu-Datta; astonishingly, an avatar took form in her womb — listen.
The story now narrows from cosmic history to one household — a devoted woman's worship becomes the doorway through which the avatar enters the world.
Keep faith in quiet daily devotion; it can prepare the ground for something greater than you expect.
पिठापूर पूर्वदेशी । होता ब्राह्मण उत्तमवंशी । आपस्तंभ शाखेसी । नाम आपळराजा जाण ॥१०॥
piṭhāpūra pūrvadeśī | hotā brāhmaṇa uttamavamśī | āpastambha śākhesī | nāma āpaḷarājā jāṇa ||10||
In Pithapur, in the eastern land, there lived a Brahmin of a noble lineage, of the Apastamba branch, named Apalraja.
The scene is set with the family's place, lineage, and name — Pīṭhāpura becomes the sacred town where the story of Shripad Shrivallabha begins.
Honor the ordinary details of where you come from; sacred stories often begin in humble, specific places.
तयाची भार्या सुमता । असे आचार पतिव्रता । अतिथि आणि अभ्यागता । पूजा करी भक्तिभावे ॥११॥
tayācī bhāryā sumatā | ase ācāra pativratā | atithi āṇi abhyāgatā | pūjā karī bhaktibhāve ||11||
His wife was Sumati, a woman of devoted conduct and faithful to her husband; she worshipped guests and visitors with devotion.
Sumati is introduced through her pativratā (wife's devotion) and hospitality — her character, not any status, is what draws grace to the household.
Make hospitality to strangers and guests a steady daily practice, not an occasional gesture.
ऐसे असतां वर्तमानी । पतिसेवा एकमनी । अतिथिपूजा सगुणी । निरंतर करीतसे ॥१२॥
aise asatām vartamānī | patisevā ekamanī | atithipūjā saguṇī | niramtara karītase ||12||
So it continued: serving her husband single-mindedly, and worshipping guests with virtue, she did so without fail.
Her devotion is shown as constant rather than occasional — daily, unwavering service is what the text holds up as her defining quality.
Choose consistency over grand but rare gestures in how you care for those around you.
वर्तता ऐसे एके दिवशी । आला दत्त अतिथिवेषी । श्राद्ध होते अमावस्येसी । विप्राघरी तै देका ॥१३॥
vartatā aise eke divaśī | ālā datta atithiveṣī | śrāddha hote amāvasyesī | viprāgharī tai dekā ||13||
One day, as things went on, Datta came in the guise of a guest; it was the day of śrāddha (ancestral rite) on the new-moon, at the Brahmin's house — see.
On a day set aside for honoring ancestors, the divine arrives disguised as an ordinary beggar — a test of whether hospitality is truly unconditional.
Treat every visitor as if they might matter more than they appear to, especially on your busiest or most sacred days.
न जेवितां ब्राह्मण घरी । दत्ता भिक्षा घाली ते नारी । दत्तात्रेय साक्षात्कारी । प्रसन्न झाला तये वेळी ॥१४॥
na jevitām brāhmaṇa gharī | dattā bhikṣā ghālī te nārī | dattātreya sākṣātkārī | prasanna jhālā taye veḷī ||14||
Before her Brahmin husband had eaten, that woman gave alms to Datta; Dattatreya, manifesting himself, became pleased at that moment.
She feeds the unknown guest before her own husband — an act of hospitality placed above even ritual propriety — and this selflessness reveals the divine and earns his grace.
When someone in need appears, attend to them first, even before finishing your own obligations.
त्रैमूर्तीचे रूप घेऊनि । स्वरूप दावियले अतिगहनी । पतिव्रता धावोनि चरणी । नमस्कारी मनोभावे ॥१५॥
traimūrtīce rūpa gheūni | svarūpa dāviyale atigahanī | pativratā dhāvoni caraṇī | namaskārī manobhāve ||15||
Taking the form of the Trimurti (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva), he revealed his very deep true nature; the devoted wife ran to his feet and bowed with full heart.
Datta reveals himself as the Trimūrti — the three gods in one — showing that the guest she fed was no ordinary beggar but the source of all creation.
Recognize that small acts of kindness may touch something far larger than you can see in the moment.
दत्तात्रेय म्हणे तियेसी । माग माते इच्छिसी । जे जे वासना तुझे मानसी । पावसी त्वरित म्हणतसे ॥१६॥
dattātreya mhaṇe tiyesī | māga māte icchisī | je je vāsanā tujhe mānasī | pāvasī tvarita mhaṇatase ||16||
Dattatreya said to her: ask me, mother, for whatever you desire; whatever wish is in your mind, you shall obtain it swiftly.
The Lord offers her any boon — a classic sign of divine gratitude toward a sincere devotee's selfless act.
When someone shows you real generosity, ask what they truly need rather than assuming you already know.
ऐकोनि स्वामींचे वचन । विप्रवनिता करी चिंतन । विनवीतसे करद्वय जोडून । नानापरी स्तवोनिया ॥१७॥
aikoni svāmīmce vacana | vipravanitā karī cimtana | vinavītase karadvaya joḍūna | nānāparī stavoniyā ||17||
Hearing her lord's words, the Brahmin woman reflected; joining her two hands, she entreated him, praising him in many ways.
Before asking, she pauses to think and to praise — showing that a request made from gratitude is different from one made from mere want.
Take a moment to give thanks before you ask for what you need.
म्हणे जय जय जगन्नाथा । तू तारक भवासी तत्त्वता । माझे मनी असे जे आर्ता । पुरवावी ते देवराया ॥१८॥
mhaṇe jaya jaya jagannāthā | tū tāraka bhavāsī tattvatā | mājhe manī ase je ārtā | puravāvī te devarāyā ||18||
She said: victory, victory to you, Lord of the universe; you are truly the one who carries us across worldly existence; whatever longing is in my heart, fulfill it, O king of gods.
Her praise names Datta as Jagannātha, the one who ferries souls across bhava (worldly existence) — she appeals to his very nature as savior before making her request.
Frame your requests within genuine appreciation for who is helping you, not just what you want from them.
तू कृपाळु सर्वा भूती । वेदपुराणे वाखाणिती । केवी वर्णावी तुझी कीर्ती । भक्तवत्सला कृपानिधि ॥१९॥
tū kṛpāḷu sarvā bhūtī | vedapurāṇe vākhāṇitī | kevī varṇāvī tujhī kīrtī | bhaktavatsalā kṛpānidhi ||19||
You are compassionate to all beings; the Vedas and Puranas praise you; how can I describe your glory, O lover of devotees, ocean of mercy.
She humbly admits her praise falls short of scripture itself — true reverence recognizes its own limits.
Admit honestly when your words fall short of expressing your gratitude, rather than overstating them.
मिथ्या नोहे तुझा बोल । जे का ध्रुवासी दिधले पद अढळ । बिभीषणासी लंकास्थळ । देऊनि राज्य समर्पिले ॥२०॥
mithyā nohe tujhā bola | je kā dhruvāsī didhale pada aḍhaḷa | bibhīṣaṇāsī lamkāsthaḷa | deūni rājya samarpile ||20||
Your word is never false — you who gave Dhruva his unmoving position, and gave Bibhishana the kingdom of Lanka.
She cites past promises the Lord kept — Dhruva's steadfast star and Bibhishana's throne — as evidence that his word is always reliable.
Base your trust in someone on their track record of kept promises, not just their words.
भक्तजना तू आधार । तयालागी धरिसी अवतार । ब्रीद असे चराचर । चौदा भुवनामाझारी ॥२१॥
bhaktajanā tū ādhāra | tayālāgī dharisī avatāra | brīda ase carācara | caudā bhuvanāmājhārī ||21||
You are the support of devotees; for their sake you take avatar; your vow pervades all moving and unmoving things, throughout the fourteen worlds.
She names his brīda (sacred vow) to protect devotees as something woven into the whole cosmos, not a mere personal favor.
Keep the promises you make so central to your character that others can rely on them without doubt.
आता माते वर देसी । वासना असे माझे मानसी । न व्हावे अन्यथा बोलासी । कृपानिधि देवराया ॥२२॥
ātā māte vara desī | vāsanā ase mājhe mānasī | na vhāve anyathā bolāsī | kṛpānidhi devarāyā ||22||
Now, mother, grant me a boon; this is the desire in my mind; let it not turn out otherwise, O merciful king of gods.
She finally voices her plea directly, having built up through praise and precedent — the request itself is almost an afterthought to the devotion shown.
Earn the right to ask for something by first showing genuine respect and appreciation.
माझे मनीची वासना । पुरवावी जगज्जीवना । अनाथरक्षका नारायणा । म्हणोनि चरणा लागतसे ॥२३॥
mājhe manīcī vāsanā | puravāvī jagajjīvanā | anātharakṣakā nārāyaṇā | mhaṇoni caraṇā lāgatase ||23||
Fulfill the desire of my heart, O life of the world; protector of the helpless, O Narayana; so saying, she falls at his feet.
She calls him protector of the orphaned and helpless, placing her plea within his role as universal caretaker, and bows fully.
When asking for help, appeal to someone's better nature rather than merely to their obligation.
ऐकोनि तियेचे करुणावचन । संतोषला त्रयमूर्ति आपण । कर धरिला आश्वासोन । सांग जननी म्हणतसे ॥२४॥
aikoni tiyece karuṇāvacana | samtoṣalā trayamūrti āpaṇa | kara dharilā āśvāsona | sāmga jananī mhaṇatase ||24||
Hearing her sorrowful words, the Trimurti himself was pleased; he held her hand reassuringly and said, tell me, mother.
The Lord's compassion responds not to eloquence but to genuine sorrow — he comforts her before she even finishes speaking her wish.
Respond to someone's distress with reassurance first, before asking them to explain everything.
तव बोलिली पतिव्रता । स्वामी जे निरोपिले आता । जननी नाम मज ठेविता । करा निर्धार याच बोला ॥२५॥
tava bolilī pativratā | svāmī je niropile ātā | jananī nāma maja ṭhevitā | karā nirdhāra yāca bolā ||25||
The devoted wife said: Swami, since you have now called me 'mother,' hold firmly to just that word.
She catches him at his own word — having called her 'mother,' she asks him to honor that bond as binding, a clever and sincere plea.
Hold people gently to the kind words they've spoken to you, using their own generosity as a foundation.
मज पुत्र झाले बहुत । नव्हेत स्थिर उपजतमृत । जे वाचले आता असत । अक्षहीन पादहीन ॥२६॥
maja putra jhāle bahuta | navheta sthira upajatamṛta | je vācale ātā asata | akṣahīna pādahīna ||26||
I have had many sons, but none survived — some died at birth; those who lived are now without eyes or without feet.
She reveals her grief plainly — repeated loss and disability among her children — the real wound behind her request.
Share your genuine hardships honestly with those who can help, rather than hiding your pain.
योग्य झाले नाही कोणी । काय करावे मूर्ख प्राणी । असोनि नसती येणे गुणी । पुत्रावीण काय जन्म ॥२७॥
yogya jhāle nāhī koṇī | kāya karāve mūrkha prāṇī | asoni nasatī yeṇe guṇī | putrāvīṇa kāya janma ||27||
None turned out worthy; what can a foolish creature do; though present, they are as if absent in these respects; what is life without a son.
In her cultural context, a worthy heir defines the meaning of a household's continuity — her grief is as much about purpose as about loss.
Understand that another person's deepest longing may be about meaning and continuity, not just the immediate request.
व्हावा पुत्र मज ऐसा । ज्ञानवंत पुराणपुरुषा । जगद्वंद्य वेदसदृशा । तुम्हांसारिका दातारा ॥२८॥
vhāvā putra maja aisā | jñānavamta purāṇapuruṣā | jagadvamdya vedasadṛśā | tumhāmsārikā dātārā ||28||
May I have a son like you — wise, an ancient being, worthy of the world's reverence, equal to the Vedas, a giver like yourself.
She dares to ask for a son who resembles the divine guest himself — the boldest possible request, born from total trust in him.
Do not be afraid to ask boldly for what truly matters once you trust the one you're asking.
ऐकोनि तियेचे वचन । प्रसन्न झाला दत्त आपण । पुढे असे कार्यकारण । दीक्षार्थ भक्तजनांसी ॥२९॥
aikoni tiyece vacana | prasanna jhālā datta āpaṇa | puḍhe ase kāryakāraṇa | dīkṣārtha bhaktajanāmsī ||29||
Hearing her words, Datta himself was pleased; there lay ahead a purpose — the initiation of devotees.
Behind this personal blessing lies a larger design — the future son will be a guru who initiates seekers; her private grief becomes the seed of wider grace.
Trust that resolving your own quiet suffering may serve a purpose larger than yourself.
तापसी म्हणे तियेसी । पुत्र होईल परियेसी । उद्धरिल तुझे वंशासी । ख्यातिवंत कलियुगी ॥३०॥
tāpasī mhaṇe tiyesī | putra hoīla pariyesī | uddharila tujhe vamśāsī | khyātivamta kaliyugī ||30||
The ascetic said to her: a son shall be born, listen; he will uplift your lineage, renowned in the Kali age.
Datta, now speaking as the wandering tāpasī (ascetic), promises not just a son but one whose fame will mark the whole troubled Kali age.
Believe that good raised with care can influence far beyond your own household.
असावे तुम्ही त्याचे बोली । येर्हवी न राहे तुम्हांजवळी । ज्ञानमार्गी अतुर्बळी । तुमचे दैन्य हरील ॥३१॥
asāve tumhī tyāce bolī | yerhavī na rāhe tumhāmjavaḷī | jñānamārgī aturbaḷī | tumace dainya harīla ||31||
Abide by his word; otherwise he will not remain with you; he will be mighty on the path of knowledge and will remove your poverty.
The blessing comes with a condition — the parents must honor their son's own choices, foreshadowing his eventual renunciation.
When raising or supporting someone gifted, be prepared to respect their calling even when it differs from your plans.
इतुके सांगोनि तापसी । अदृश्य झाला परियेसी । विस्मय करितसे मानसी । विप्रवनिता तयेवेळी ॥३२॥
ituke sāmgoni tāpasī | adṛśya jhālā pariyesī | vismaya karitase mānasī | vipravanitā tayeveḷī ||32||
Having said this much, the ascetic vanished, see; the Brahmin woman was filled with wonder in her mind at that moment.
As suddenly as he came, Datta disappears, leaving only astonishment — a hallmark of divine visitation in this text.
Let moments of grace remain wondrous; you don't need to explain every blessing fully to value it.
विस्मय करोनि मनात । पतीसी सांगे वृत्तान्त । दोघे हर्षे निर्भर होत । म्हणती दत्तात्रेय होईल ॥३३॥
vismaya karoni manāta | patīsī sāmge vṛttānta | doghe harṣe nirbhara hota | mhaṇatī dattātreya hoīla ||33||
Full of wonder in her mind, she told her husband the whole event; both, overflowing with joy, said 'it will be Dattatreya.'
The couple shares the vision together and recognizes its meaning jointly — the blessing belongs to the whole household, not to one person alone.
Share moments of grace and hope with your family rather than carrying them alone.
माध्यान्हसमयी अतिथिकाळी । दत्त येताती तये वेळी । विमुख न होता तये काळी । भिक्षा मात्र घालिजे ॥३४॥
mādhyānhasamayī atithikāḷī | datta yetātī taye veḷī | vimukha na hotā taye kāḷī | bhikṣā mātra ghālije ||34||
At midday, the time for guests, Datta comes at that hour; without turning him away then, one should give alms.
The verse gives a lasting teaching about hospitality — Datta habitually appears disguised as a guest at midday, so no visitor should ever be refused then.
Make it a rule never to turn away someone in genuine need during the hours you can help.
दत्तात्रेयाचे स्थान । माहूर करवीर क्षेत्र खूण । तयाचा वास सदा जाण । पांचाळेश्वर नगरात ॥३५॥
dattātreyāce sthāna | māhūra karavīra kṣetra khūṇa | tayācā vāsa sadā jāṇa | pāmcāḷeśvara nagarāta ||35||
Dattatreya's places are Mahur and the Karavir region — know these as his sites; his abode is always, know this, in the town of Panchaleshwar.
The text names Datta's traditional pilgrimage sites — Māhūr, Karavīra, Pāñcāḷeśvara — grounding the myth in real, visitable geography.
Give your devotion a physical place and practice, not just an abstract feeling.
नाना वेष भिक्षुकरूप । दत्तात्रेय येती साक्षेप । न पुसतां मज निरोप । भिक्षा घाली म्हणतसे ॥३६॥
nānā veṣa bhikṣukarūpa | dattātreya yetī sākṣepa | na pusatām maja niropa | bhikṣā ghālī mhaṇatase ||36||
In many guises, in the form of a beggar, Dattatreya comes purposefully; without asking my permission, he says, give alms.
Datta instructs that alms should be given freely to any beggar without hesitation or interrogation, since he himself may be that beggar.
Give generously to those who ask, without demanding explanations first.
विप्रस्त्री म्हणे पतीसी । आजि अवज्ञा केली तुम्हांसी । ब्राह्मण न जेवता आपण त्यासी । भिक्षा घातली म्हणतसे ॥३७॥
viprastrī mhaṇe patīsī | āji avajñā kelī tumhāmsī | brāhmaṇa na jevatā āpaṇa tyāsī | bhikṣā ghātalī mhaṇatase ||37||
The Brahmin's wife said to her husband: today I have shown you disrespect; before you, the Brahmin, had eaten, I gave alms to him.
She confesses what she did, worried it broke the proper order of the household's ritual — an honest admission before the deeper truth is revealed.
Be honest and transparent with your family about the choices you make on their behalf.
ऐकोनी सतीच्या बोला । विप्र मनी संतोषला । म्हणे पतिव्रते लाभ झाला । पितर माझे तृप्त झाले ॥३८॥
aikonī satīcyā bolā | vipra manī samtoṣalā | mhaṇe pativrate lābha jhālā | pitara mājhe tṛpta jhāle ||38||
Hearing his devoted wife's words, the Brahmin was pleased in mind; he said, devoted wife, you have gained; my ancestors are satisfied.
Rather than anger, the husband recognizes the deeper merit in her act — feeding a guest first turns out to have honored, not broken, the ancestral rite.
Respond to a loved one's well-intentioned choice with understanding rather than a rigid reaction.
करावे कर्म पितरांच्या नामी । सर्मपावे विष्णुसी आम्ही । साक्षात्कारे येऊनि स्वामी । भिक्षा केली आम्हा घरी ॥३९॥
karāve karma pitarāmcyā nāmī | sarmapāve viṣṇusī āmhī | sākṣātkāre yeūni svāmī | bhikṣā kelī āmhā gharī ||39||
One should perform rites in the ancestors' names, offering to Vishnu; the Lord himself, appearing before us, took alms at our house.
He reasons that offering to a guest is itself an offering to Vishnu — the ritual's true purpose was fulfilled precisely because she served the stranger first.
Look past the letter of a rule to its purpose when judging whether it was truly honored.
कृतार्थ झाले पितृगण समस्त । निर्धारे झाले स्वर्गस्थ । साक्षात् विष्णु भेटले दत्त । त्रैमूर्तिअवतार ॥४०॥
kṛtārtha jhāle pitṛgaṇa samasta | nirdhāre jhāle svargastha | sākṣāt viṣṇu bheṭale datta | traimūrtiavatāra ||40||
All the ancestors became fulfilled, and surely went to heaven; Vishnu himself as Datta met us, the avatar of the Trimurti.
The couple realizes the full weight of what happened — an encounter with the divine in disguise fulfilled every purpose of the day's ritual at once.
Recognize that a single act of kindness can accomplish more good than an elaborate ceremony.
धन्य तुझी मातापिता । जे वर लाधलीस मुख्य आता । पुत्र होईल निभ्रांता । न धरी चिंता मानसी ॥४१॥
dhanya tujhī mātāpitā | je vara lādhalīsa mukhya ātā | putra hoīla nibhrāmtā | na dharī cimtā mānasī ||41||
Blessed are your mother and father, who have now obtained this great boon; a son will certainly be born — hold no worry in your heart.
The blessing is confirmed and repeated for emphasis — worry itself is now unnecessary, since the promise is certain.
Once you've done what's right and received real assurance, let go of needless worry.
हर्षे निर्भर होवोनि । राहिली दोघे निश्चित मनी । होती जाहली गर्भिणी । विप्रस्त्री परियेसा ॥४२॥
harṣe nirbhara hovoni | rāhilī doghe niścita manī | hotī jāhalī garbhiṇī | viprastrī pariyesā ||42||
Filled with joy, both remained resolved in their minds; the Brahmin woman then became pregnant.
The promised conception follows naturally from their settled faith — the narrative moves smoothly from vision to fulfillment.
Let a settled, hopeful mind be the ground from which you await what you've been promised.
ऐसे नव मास क्रमोनि । प्रसूत जाहली शुभदिनी । विप्रे स्नान करूनि । केले जातककर्म तये वेळी ॥४३॥
aise nava māsa kramoni | prasūta jāhalī śubhadinī | vipre snāna karūni | kele jātakakarma taye veḷī ||43||
So nine months passed; she gave birth on an auspicious day; the Brahmin, having bathed, performed the birth rites at that time.
The birth is marked with proper ritual care, showing the family's continued devotion even in this most joyful moment.
Mark important milestones in your family's life with intentional, mindful ritual rather than letting them pass unnoticed.
मिळोनि समस्त विप्रकुळी । जातक वर्तविती तये वेळी । म्हणती तपस्वी होईल बळी । दीक्षाकर्ता जगद्गुरू ॥४४॥
miḷoni samasta viprakuḷī | jātaka vartavitī taye veḷī | mhaṇatī tapasvī hoīla baḷī | dīkṣākartā jagadgurū ||44||
Gathering together, all the Brahmins of the town read the signs at his birth; they said he would become a powerful ascetic, a world-teacher who gives initiation.
The community's elders foresee the child's destiny as a great teacher, confirming what the parents had already been told in their vision.
Welcome the wisdom of your community in recognizing a child's or a new venture's promise, not just your own hopes.
ऐकोनि म्हणती मातापिता । हो कां आमुचा कुळउद्धरिता । आम्हा वर दिधला दत्ता । म्हणोनि ठेविती तया नाव ॥४५॥
aikoni mhaṇatī mātāpitā | ho kām āmucā kuḷauddharitā | āmhā vara didhalā dattā | mhaṇoni ṭhevitī tayā nāva ||45||
Hearing this, the parents said: may he be the one who uplifts our lineage; Datta granted us this boon — so they gave him his name.
The naming itself becomes an act of gratitude, tying the child's identity directly to the promise fulfilled.
Let the names you give things — children, projects, efforts — carry the gratitude behind their origin.
श्रीपाद म्हणोनि या कारण । नाम ठेवी तो ब्राह्मण । अवतार केला त्रैमूर्ति आपण । भक्तजन तारावया ॥४६॥
śrīpāda mhaṇoni yā kāraṇa | nāma ṭhevī to brāhmaṇa | avatāra kelā traimūrti āpaṇa | bhaktajana tārāvayā ||46||
For this reason that Brahmin named him Shripad; the Trimurti himself had taken avatar to deliver the devotees.
His name Śrīpāda ('sacred feet') marks him from birth as a vessel of the divine's saving purpose.
Let your own name or role remind you daily of the purpose you're meant to serve.
वर्तत असता त्याचे घरी । झाली सात वर्षे पुरी । मौजीबधन ते अवसरी । करिता झाला द्विजोत्तम ॥४७॥
vartata asatā tyāce gharī | jhālī sāta varṣe purī | maujībadhana te avasarī | karitā jhālā dvijottama ||47||
As he grew up in that house, seven full years passed; at that time they performed his sacred-thread ceremony, making him a foremost twice-born.
The upanayana (thread ceremony) at seven formally begins his education, marking his entry into disciplined learning.
Mark a young person's readiness to learn with a clear, honoring transition, not a vague drift into responsibility.
बांधिता मौजी ब्रह्मचारी । म्हणता झाला वेद चारी । मीमांसा तर्क अतिविस्तारी । म्हणो लागला तये वेळी ॥४८॥
bāmdhitā maujī brahmacārī | mhaṇatā jhālā veda cārī | mīmāmsā tarka ativistārī | mhaṇo lāgalā taye veḷī ||48||
Having bound the sacred thread as a celibate student, he began reciting all four Vedas; he took up Mimamsa and logic in great depth at that time.
His mastery is immediate and complete — the Vedas and complex philosophical disciplines come to him with unusual ease, a sign of his true nature.
Apply yourself wholly to learning once you begin, rather than treating study half-heartedly.
ऐकोनि समस्त नगरलोक। विस्मय करिती सकळिक । होईल अवतार कारणिक । म्हणोन बोलती आपणात ॥४९॥
aikoni samasta nagaraloka| vismaya karitī sakaḷika | hoīla avatāra kāraṇika | mhaṇona bolatī āpaṇāta ||49||
Hearing this, all the townspeople were astonished; they said, this must be a purposeful avatar, speaking so among themselves.
The wider town begins to recognize what the family already knew — genuine extraordinary gifts eventually become visible to all.
Let your quiet excellence speak for itself instead of announcing it; others will notice in time.
आचार व्यवहार प्रायश्चित्त । समस्तांसी आपण बोलत । वेदान्तभाष्य वेदार्थ । सांगतसे द्विजवरांसी ॥५०॥
ācāra vyavahāra prāyaścitta | samastāmsī āpaṇa bolata | vedāntabhāṣya vedārtha | sāmgatase dvijavarāmsī ||50||
He spoke to everyone about conduct, worldly dealings, and atonement; he taught the meaning of the Vedas and commentary on Vedanta to the eminent Brahmins.
Though still young, Shripad already teaches both practical ethics and the highest philosophy, showing wisdom beyond his years to seasoned scholars.
Offer guidance drawn from both everyday practicality and deeper principle, not one without the other.
वर्तता ऐसे तयासी । झाली वर्षे षोडशी । विवाह करू म्हणती पुत्रासी । मातापिता अवधारा ॥५१॥
vartatā aise tayāsī | jhālī varṣe ṣoḍaśī | vivāha karū mhaṇatī putrāsī | mātāpitā avadhārā ||51||
As time passed, he turned sixteen years old; the parents said, let us arrange marriage for our son — take note.
His parents, following custom, now plan for him to marry and settle into householder life — the ordinary next step for any young man.
Support the people you love in the next expected stage of life, even while sensing they may have their own path.
विचार करिती पुत्रासवे । बा रे लग्न तुवा करावे । श्रीपाद म्हणे ऐका भावे । माझी वांछा सांगेन ॥५२॥
vicāra karitī putrāsave | bā re lagna tuvā karāve | śrīpāda mhaṇe aikā bhāve | mājhī vāmchā sāmgena ||52||
They deliberated with their son: son, you should marry; Shripad said, listen with devotion, I will tell you my wish.
Rather than simply obeying, Shripad asks to be heard first — a respectful but firm claim to his own calling.
When facing pressure to follow the expected path, ask to be heard before you agree or refuse.
कराल विवाह माझा तुम्ही । सांगो ऐका विचार आम्ही । वैराग्यस्त्रीसंगे असेन मी । काम्य आमुचे तियेजवळी ॥५३॥
karāla vivāha mājhā tumhī | sāmgo aikā vicāra āmhī | vairāgyastrīsamge asena mī | kāmya āmuce tiyejavaḷī ||53||
You may perform my marriage — listen, let me tell you my thought: I will be with a woman of renunciation; that alone is my wish regarding her.
He reframes marriage entirely — his 'bride' will be vairāgya (renunciation) itself, a spiritual rather than worldly union.
Be honest about what truly matters to you, even when it doesn't match what others expect.
ते स्त्रियेवाचूनि आणीक नारी । समस्त जाणा मातेसरी । जरी आणाल ते सुंदरी । वरीन म्हणे तये वेळी ॥५४॥
te striyevācūni āṇīka nārī | samasta jāṇā mātesarī | jarī āṇāla te sumdarī | varīna mhaṇe taye veḷī ||54||
Apart from that woman, know every other woman to be like a mother to me; if you bring that beautiful one, I will marry her then.
He clarifies that ordinary women hold only the respect due a mother to him — his heart is set solely on the path of renunciation, personified as his true 'bride.'
Set clear, respectful boundaries about your life's true priority rather than leaving it ambiguous.
आपण तापसी ब्रह्मचारी । योगस्त्रियेवांचोनि नारी । बोल धरा निर्धारी । श्रीवल्लभ नाम माझे ॥५५॥
āpaṇa tāpasī brahmacārī | yogastriyevāmconi nārī | bola dharā nirdhārī | śrīvallabha nāma mājhe ||55||
I am an ascetic and celibate; without a woman of yoga, hold this word firmly — my name is Shrivallabha.
He declares his monastic identity outright and gives himself the name Śrīvallabha ('beloved of Shri'), sealing his commitment to renunciation.
Name your commitment clearly to those closest to you so there's no confusion about your path.
श्रीपाद श्रीवल्लभ नाम ऐसे । झाले त्रिमूर्ति कैसे । पितयाते म्हणतसे । जाउ उत्तरपंथासी ॥५६॥
śrīpāda śrīvallabha nāma aise | jhāle trimūrti kaise | pitayāte mhaṇatase | jāu uttarapamthāsī ||56||
Thus his name became Shripad Shrivallabha — how he had become the Trimurti; he says to his father, let me go to the northern path.
Having declared his renunciate identity, he immediately asks leave to travel north — the beginning of his wandering, teaching life.
Once you've named your true calling, act on it rather than delaying.
ऐकोनि पुत्राचे वचन । आठविले पूर्वसूचन । भिक्षुके सांगितली जे खूण । सत्य झाली म्हणतसे ॥५७॥
aikoni putrāce vacana | āṭhavile pūrvasūcana | bhikṣuke sāmgitalī je khūṇa | satya jhālī mhaṇatase ||57||
Hearing his son's words, he recalled the earlier foretelling; the sign the mendicant had spoken, he said, has now proven true.
The father connects this moment back to the ascetic's earlier warning that the son would not remain an ordinary householder — prophecy and present now align.
Recognize when a long-past warning or promise is finally coming to pass, and respond to it honestly.
आताच या बोलासी । मोडा घालिता परियेसी । विघ्न होईल त्वरितेसी । म्हणोनि विचारिती तये वेळी ॥५८॥
ātāca yā bolāsī | moḍā ghālitā pariyesī | vighna hoīla tvaritesī | mhaṇoni vicāritī taye veḷī ||58||
If we now go against this word, obstacles will arise swiftly, they thought at that time.
The parents weigh the risk of resisting their son's calling, recalling that Datta himself had warned them to yield to it.
Weigh the cost of resisting someone's true calling before you try to hold them back.
न म्हणावे पुत्र यासी । अवतारपुरुष तापसी । जैसे याचे वसे मानसी । तैसे करावे म्हणती दोघे ॥५९॥
na mhaṇāve putra yāsī | avatārapuruṣa tāpasī | jaise yāce vase mānasī | taise karāve mhaṇatī doghe ||59||
Do not call him son; he is an avatar-being, an ascetic; as is in his mind, so it should be done, both said.
The parents consciously release their claim over him as an ordinary son, choosing to honor his higher nature instead.
Be willing to release your hold on someone you love when their higher purpose calls them elsewhere.
निश्चय करूनि आपुले मनी । पुत्राभिमुख जनकजननी । होती आशा आम्हांलागुनी । प्रतिपाळिसी म्हणोनिया ॥६०॥
niścaya karūni āpule manī | putrābhimukha janakajananī | hotī āśā āmhāmlāgunī | pratipāḷisī mhaṇoniyā ||60||
Having resolved this in their minds, the father and mother faced their son; they had held hope that he would care for them.
Even as they accept his calling, their private hope — that he would support them in old age — surfaces, giving the scene its emotional weight.
Acknowledge your own hopes and needs honestly, even while supporting someone else's larger purpose.
ऐशी मनी व्याकुळित । डोळा निघती अश्रुपात । माता पडली मूर्च्छागत । पुत्रस्नेहे करोनिया ॥६१॥
aiśī manī vyākuḷita | ḍoḷā nighatī aśrupāta | mātā paḍalī mūrcchāgata | putrasnehe karoniyā ||61||
So troubled in mind, tears fell from her eyes; the mother fell into a swoon out of love for her son.
The mother's grief is total and physical — love for a child and the pain of losing him to a higher calling collide.
Allow yourself to grieve openly even when you know a parting is for the good.
देखोनि मातेचे दुःख । संबोखित परमपुरुष । उठवूनि स्वहस्ते देख । अश्रुपात पुशितसे ॥६२॥
dekhoni mātece duḥkha | sambokhita paramapuruṣa | uṭhavūni svahaste dekha | aśrupāta puśitase ||62||
Seeing the mother's sorrow, the supreme being comforted her; lifting her with his own hand, he wiped away her tears.
Shripad's own divinity does not make him distant — he personally tends to his mother's grief with tenderness.
Comfort someone's grief with your own hands and presence, not just with words from a distance.
न करी चिंता अहो माते । जे मागसी ते देईन तूते । दृढ करूनि चित्ताते । रहा सुके म्हणतसे ॥६३॥
na karī cimtā aho māte | je māgasī te deīna tūte | dṛḍha karūni cittāte | rahā suke mhaṇatase ||63||
Do not worry, mother; whatever you ask, I will give you; make your heart firm, and remain at peace, he said.
He repeats Datta's own earlier promise back to his mother — offering her a boon just as Datta once offered her a boon at her prayer.
When you comfort someone, offer them something concrete to hold onto, not just reassurance in the abstract.
बा रे तुजकरिता आपण । दुःख विसरले संपूर्ण । रक्षिसी आम्हा वृद्धांलागून । दैन्यावेगळे करोनि ॥६४॥
bā re tujakaritā āpaṇa | duḥkha visarale sampūrṇa | rakṣisī āmhā vṛddhāmlāgūna | dainyāvegaḷe karoni ||64||
Son, because of you I had forgotten all sorrow completely; you protect us in our old age, freed from poverty.
She voices her deepest fear plainly — losing the son who has been her family's provider and protector.
Name your fears clearly to someone you trust rather than letting them remain a vague dread.
पुत्र असती आपणा दोन । पाय पांगुळ अक्षहीन । त्याते पोशील आता कोण । आम्हा कवण रक्षील ॥६५॥
putra asatī āpaṇā dona | pāya pāmguḷa akṣahīna | tyāte pośīla ātā koṇa | āmhā kavaṇa rakṣīla ||65||
We have two [other] sons — one lame in the feet, one blind; who will now feed them? who will protect us?
The mother reveals the family's vulnerable other children, making Shripad's departure a matter of real practical hardship, not just emotional loss.
Consider the practical needs of those who depend on you before making a major life decision.
ऐकोनि जननीचे वचन । अवलोकी अमृतदृष्टीकरून । पुत्र दोघेही झाले सगुण । आली दृष्टिचरणादिक ॥६६॥
aikoni jananīce vacana | avalokī amṛtadṛṣṭīkarūna | putra doghehī jhāle saguṇa | ālī dṛṣṭicaraṇādika ||66||
Hearing his mother's words, he looked at them with a nectar-like gaze; both sons became whole — sight and limbs were restored.
A single compassionate glance heals both disabled brothers — the amṛtadṛṣṭi (nectar-gaze) shows grace acting instantly and completely.
Respond to a loved one's practical worries with real, concrete help, not just comforting words.
वेदशास्त्रादि व्याकरण । सर्व म्हणती तत्क्षण । दोघे येऊनि धरिती चरण । कृतार्थ झालो म्हणोनिया ॥६७॥
vedaśāstrādi vyākaraṇa | sarva mhaṇatī tatkṣaṇa | doghe yeūni dharitī caraṇa | kṛtārtha jhālo mhaṇoniyā ||67||
The Vedas, shastras, and grammar — all of it they recited at once; both came and held his feet, saying we are fulfilled.
The healed brothers are also gifted with instant learning, showing the completeness of the blessing given at their brother's departure.
When you help someone in need, aim to equip them fully, not just to patch the immediate problem.
आश्वासून तया वेळी । दिधला वर तत्काळी । पुत्रपौत्री नांदा प्रबळी । श्रियायुक्त सनातन ॥६९॥
āśvāsūna tayā veḷī | didhalā vara tatkāḷī | putrapautrī nāmdā prabaḷī | śriyāyukta sanātana ||69||
Reassuring them at that time, he immediately gave a boon: live prosperously with sons and grandsons, blessed with wealth, forever.
He extends the blessing forward through generations, easing his parents' fear about the family line's continuity.
When you can, provide for the long-term security of those you care for, not just their present moment.
सेवा करा जनकजननी । पावा सुख महाज्ञानी । इह सौख्य पावोनि । व्हाल मुक्त हे निश्चये ॥७०॥
sevā karā janakajananī | pāvā sukha mahājñānī | iha saukhya pāvoni | vhāla mukta he niścaye ||70||
Serve your father and mother, attain happiness and great wisdom; having enjoyed happiness here, you shall certainly attain liberation.
He instructs his healed brothers that caring for their parents is itself a path to both worldly happiness and ultimate freedom (mokṣa).
Treat caring for your aging parents as a spiritual practice, not merely a duty.
ऐसे बोलोनि तयांसी । संबोधितसे मातेसी । पाहोनिया दोघा पुत्रांसी । राहता सुख पावाल ॥७१॥
aise boloni tayāmsī | sambodhitase mātesī | pāhoniyā doghā putrāmsī | rāhatā sukha pāvāla ||71||
Having said this to them, he then consoled the mother: seeing these two sons, you will find happiness.
He redirects his mother's grief toward gratitude — the sons who remain will now be her comfort and joy.
Help someone grieving a loss notice and appreciate what remains with them.
पुत्र दोघे शतायुषी । निश्चय धरी वो मानसी । कन्या पुत्र होतील यांसी । तुम्ही नेत्री देखाल ॥७२॥
putra doghe śatāyuṣī | niścaya dharī vo mānasī | kanyā putra hotīla yāmsī | tumhī netrī dekhāla ||72||
Both sons will live a hundred years — hold this resolve firmly in mind; they will have sons and daughters, whom you will see with your own eyes.
He promises the mother she will live to see her grandchildren, a further easing of her fear of an empty, unsupported old age.
Offer people a clear, hopeful picture of the future when they are anxious about what's ahead.
अखंड लक्ष्मी यांचे घरी । यांचे वंशपरंपरी । कीर्तिवंत सचराचरी । संपन्न होती वेदशास्त्रे ॥७३॥
akhamḍa lakṣmī yāmce gharī | yāmce vamśaparamparī | kīrtivamta sacarācarī | sampanna hotī vedaśāstre ||73||
Unbroken wealth (Lakshmi) will be in their house, throughout their lineage; renowned in all the world, accomplished in the Vedas and shastras.
The blessing extends to lasting prosperity and reputation for the family line, completing his provision for those he leaves behind.
Invest in leaving those you care for not just immediate comfort but a lasting foundation.
आमची अवज्ञा न करिता । निरोप द्यावा आम्हा त्वरिता । जाणे असे उत्तरपंथा । दीक्षा द्यावया साधुजना ॥७४॥
āmacī avajñā na karitā | niropa dyāvā āmhā tvaritā | jāṇe ase uttarapamthā | dīkṣā dyāvayā sādhujanā ||74||
Without holding it against us, give us leave quickly; we must go to the northern path, to give initiation to seekers.
Having settled his family's every worldly need, Shripad now asks permission plainly to begin his true work of guiding spiritual seekers.
Complete your responsibilities to those who depend on you before pursuing your own larger calling.
सांगोनि मातापित्यासी । अदृश्य झाला परियेसी । पावला त्वरित पूरी काशी । गुप्तरूपे होता तेथे ॥७५॥
sāmgoni mātāpityāsī | adṛśya jhālā pariyesī | pāvalā tvarita pūrī kāśī | guptarūpe hotā tethe ||75||
Having spoken to his parents, he vanished, see; he swiftly reached the city of Kashi, remaining there in hidden form.
As with Datta's own earlier disappearance, Shripad departs suddenly and travels invisibly to Kashi, marking his full transition into a wandering ascetic's life.
Let your transitions into new commitments be clean and decisive rather than drawn out.
निघाला तेथूनि बदरीविना । भेटी घेऊनि नारायणा । अवतार असे आपणा । कार्याकारण मनुष्यदेही ॥७६॥
nighālā tethūni badarīvinā | bheṭī gheūni nārāyaṇā | avatāra ase āpaṇā | kāryākāraṇa manuṣyadehī ||76||
From there he set out to Badarikashrama, having met Narayana; he holds this avatar for a purpose, in a human body.
His pilgrimage continues to Badarī (associated with the sage Nara-Narayana), reaffirming that his human birth carries a defined, purposeful mission.
Keep sight of the larger purpose behind your journey, even as its outward stops change.
दीक्षा करावया भक्तजना । तीर्थे हिंडणे आपणा । मनोवेगे मार्गक्रमणा । आले तीर्थ गोकर्णासी ॥७७॥
dīkṣā karāvayā bhaktajanā | tīrthe himḍaṇe āpaṇā | manovege mārgakramaṇā | āle tīrtha gokarṇāsī ||77||
To give initiation to devotees, he wanders among the holy places; traveling the path swiftly by his own will, he came to the tirtha of Gokarna.
His travels are not aimless wandering but purposeful pilgrimage in service of seekers, arriving now at Gokarna, setting the stage for the next chapter.
Let your travels or transitions be guided by a clear sense of who you intend to serve.
ऐकोनि सिद्ध मुनींचे वचन । विनवी नामधारक आपण । ते परिसा श्रोतेजन । म्हणे सरस्वतीगंगाधरू ॥७८॥
aikoni siddha munīmce vacana | vinavī nāmadhāraka āpaṇa | te parisā śrotejana | mhaṇe sarasvatīgamgādharū ||78||
Hearing the words of Siddha Muni, Namdharak himself makes a request; listen, hearers, says Sarasvati Gangadhar.
The narrator closes the chapter by returning to the frame story — Namdharak's continuing eagerness to hear more from Siddha — and names himself, Sarasvatī Gaṅgādhar, the poet.
Stay eager to keep listening and learning even after receiving a full and satisfying answer.
इति श्रीगुरुचरित्रपरमकथाकल्पतरौ श्रीनृसिंहसरस्वत्युपाख्याने सिद्धनामधारकसंवादे दत्तात्रेयावतारकथनं नाम पंचमेऽध्यायः ॥५॥
iti śrīgurucaritraparamakathākalpatarau śrīnṛsimhasarasvatyupākhyāne siddhanāmadhārakasamvāde dattātreyāvatārakathanam nāma pamcame'dhyāyaḥ ||5||
Thus, in the supreme wish-fulfilling tree of stories that is the Shri Gurucharitra, in the tale of Shri Nrsimha Sarasvati, in the dialogue of Siddha and Namdharak, ends the fifth chapter, named 'The Telling of Dattatreya's Avatar.'
The traditional closing formula names the whole work as a kalpataru (wish-fulfilling tree) of stories and marks this chapter's specific theme — the account of Dattatreya's descent as Shripad Shrivallabha.
Close each stage of a task by naming clearly what was accomplished, before moving to the next.
श्रीपादश्रीवल्लभनृसिंहसरस्वतीदत्तात्रेयार्पणमस्तु ।
śrīpādaśrīvallabhanṛsimhasarasvatīdattātreyārpaṇamastu |
May this be offered to Shripad Shrivallabha Nrsimha Sarasvati Dattatreya.
A dedication offering the whole telling back to the guru himself in all his named forms — an act of surrendering the work, not claiming it.
Offer the credit for your good work back to the source that inspired or guided it.
श्रीगुरुदत्तात्रेयार्पणमस्तु
śrīgurudattātreyārpaṇamastu
May this be offered to Shri Guru Dattatreya.
A final, simple dedication closes the chapter, offering it entirely to the guru.
End your efforts with a simple act of gratitude directed beyond yourself.