संत साहित्य · Guru Charitra · Chapters
Chapter 48 — Amarja Sangam and the Greatness of Ganagapur
Literal. Shri Guru, on Ashvin Vad 14, tells the disciple: we shall bathe at trishali (3 holy places — Prayag, Kashi, Gaya) with family and children. The disciple expects a long journey; Shri Guru: these are near. He takes them to the Sangam. The Amarja Sangam is like Prayag; the Bhima here flows northward. Why Amarja? Origin story: the Jallunder Rakshasas were on war; Indra killed them, but new ones sprang from each drop of blood. Shankar took Rudra form to kill them. He recited Amrut mantra and gave a jar of nectar to revive the gods. Indra spilled some drops on the earth; the river Amarja was born. Bath in Amarja prevents diseases and untimely death. The chapter then catalogues the eight tirthas at the Sangam: Varanashi, Papavinashi, Kothi, Rudra, Chakra, Manmath, Kalleshwar.
Symbolic. The local sacred geography is structurally homologous to the canonical sacred geography elsewhere — Amarja = Prayag; Kalleshwar at Ganagapur = Mallikarjuna at Shri Shaila; the Sangam Ashwattha = Prayag. The chapter establishes a local-global homology between Ganagapur and the canonical pilgrimage sites of Bharat.
Structural. Eight tirthas at the Sangam, named.
Verse by verse
श्रीगणेशाय नमः ॥
śrīgaṇeśāya namaḥ ||
Salutations to Sri Ganesha.
The chapter opens with homage to Ganesha (remover of obstacles), the customary invocation before any sacred narration begins.
Begin any important undertaking with a moment of reverence and clear intention.
सिद्ध म्हणे नामधारकासी । अपूर्व झालें परियेसीं । गुरुचरित्र विस्तारेंसी । सांगतां संतोष होतसे ॥१॥
siddha mhaṇe nāmadhārakāsī | apūrva jhālem pariyesīm | gurucaritra vistāremsī | sāmgatām samtoṣa hotase ||1||
Siddha says to Namdharak: 'Listen, something wondrous has happened; recounting the Guru Charitra at length brings me joy.'
The narrator Siddha frames the coming episode as apūrva (unprecedented) — signaling to the listener that a remarkable story of grace is about to unfold.
Approach a good story or teaching with anticipation, since the joy of telling and hearing it is itself part of the lesson.
गाणगापुरीं असतां गुरु । ख्याति झाली अपरंपारु । भक्त होता एक शूद्रू । तयाची कथा ऐक पां ॥२॥
gāṇagāpurīm asatām guru | khyāti jhālī aparampāru | bhakta hotā eka śūdrū | tayācī kathā aika pām ||2||
While the Guru dwelt at Ganagapur, his fame spread without limit. There was a devotee, a shudra farmer; hear his story.
The scene is set in Ganagapur, the Guru's seat, and the story turns to a devotee from a low social station — showing that grace does not wait on birth or status.
Judge devotion by sincerity, not by someone's social rank or background.
श्रीगुरु नित्य संगमासी । जात असता अनुष्ठानासी । मार्गी तो शूद्र परियेसीं । आपुले शेतीं उभा असे ॥३॥
śrīguru nitya samgamāsī | jāta asatā anuṣṭhānāsī | mārgī to śūdra pariyesīm | āpule śetīm ubhā ase ||3||
Sri Guru would go daily to the sangam (river confluence) for his rites; on the way, that shudra would be standing in his own field.
The Guru's daily walk to the sangam (river confluence) for ritual practice passes right by the farmer's field — an ordinary routine that becomes the setting for grace.
Stay present and available in your daily place of work; opportunities for grace often arrive along familiar paths.
श्रीगुरुतें नित्य देखोनि । धावत येऊनि शेतांतूनी । आपण साष्टांगीं नमोनि । पुनरपि जात आपुले स्थाना ॥४॥
śrīgurutem nitya dekhoni | dhāvata yeūni śetāmtūnī | āpaṇa sāṣṭāmgīm namoni | punarapi jāta āpule sthānā ||4||
Seeing Sri Guru every day, he would run from the field, prostrate himself fully on the ground, and then return again to his place.
The farmer's daily habit is sāṣṭāṅga namaskāra (full eight-limbed prostration) — a small, repeated act of reverence fitted into his workday.
Build a small daily gesture of respect or gratitude into your routine, however busy the day.
माध्यान्हकाळीं मठासी येता । पुनरपि चरणीं ठेवी माथा । ऐसे कितीएक दिवस होतां । शूद्राची भक्ति वाढली ॥५॥
mādhyānhakāḷīm maṭhāsī yetā | punarapi caraṇīm ṭhevī māthā | aise kitīeka divasa hotām | śūdrācī bhakti vāḍhalī ||5||
At midday when the Guru returned to the monastery, the farmer again placed his head at his feet; as many days passed this way, the shudra's devotion grew.
Devotion here grows not from a single dramatic act but from nitya (daily) repetition — showing that faith deepens through consistency.
Trust that repeated small acts of devotion, done daily, will deepen your faith over time.
श्रीगुरु तयासी न बोलती । नमन केलिया उभे असती । येणें विधीं बहु काळ क्रमिती । आला शूद्र नमस्कारा ॥६॥
śrīguru tayāsī na bolatī | namana keliyā ubhe asatī | yeṇem vidhīm bahu kāḷa kramitī | ālā śūdra namaskārā ||6||
Sri Guru would not speak to him; he would simply stand while the man bowed. In this manner much time passed, with the shudra coming to pay homage.
The Guru's long silence is itself a test and a teaching — true devotion continues even without visible reward or acknowledgment.
Continue your practice faithfully even when you receive no immediate response or recognition.
नमस्कारितां शूद्रासी श्रीगुरु पुसती संतोषीं । कां गा नित्य तूं कष्टतोसी । नमन करिसी येऊनिया ॥७॥
namaskāritām śūdrāsī śrīguru pusatī samtoṣīm | kām gā nitya tūm kaṣṭatosī | namana karisī yeūniyā ||7||
As the shudra bowed, Sri Guru asked him kindly, 'Why do you trouble yourself daily, coming to offer homage?'
The Guru finally breaks his silence with a gentle question, testing the sincerity behind the man's persistence.
When someone finally asks about your quiet, persistent effort, answer honestly about what moves you.
तुझे मनीं काय वासना । सांग त्वरित आम्हां जाणा । शूद्र म्हणे आवड मना । शेत अधिक पिकावें ॥८॥
tujhe manīm kāya vāsanā | sāmga tvarita āmhām jāṇā | śūdra mhaṇe āvaḍa manā | śeta adhika pikāvem ||8||
'What desire is in your heart? Tell us quickly, let us know.' The shudra said, 'My heart's wish is that my field yield more.'
The devotee's request is utterly modest and worldly — a good harvest — showing that the Guru welcomes even simple, practical prayers.
Bring your ordinary, practical needs honestly before your source of guidance rather than pretending to want only lofty things.
तयासी पुसती गुरुनाथ । काय पेरिलें शेतांत । शूद्र म्हणे यावनाळ बहुत । पीक आलें तुझे धर्मीं ॥९॥
tayāsī pusatī gurunātha | kāya perilem śetāmta | śūdra mhaṇe yāvanāḷa bahuta | pīka ālem tujhe dharmīm ||9||
The Guru asked him, 'What have you sown in the field?' The shudra said, 'Much sorghum; the crop has come up by your grace.'
The farmer already credits his crop to the Guru's dharma (grace/righteousness), even before any miracle — his faith precedes the proof.
Acknowledge the good already present in your life as a gift, before asking for more.
नमस्कारितां तुम्हां नित्य । पीक आलें असे अत्यंत । पोटरीं येतील त्वरित । आतां तुझेनि धर्मीं जेवूं ॥१०॥
namaskāritām tumhām nitya | pīka ālem ase atyamta | poṭarīm yetīla tvarita | ātām tujheni dharmīm jevūm ||10||
'By bowing to you daily, an abundant crop has come; the grain will soon fill out, and now by your grace we shall eat.'
The farmer links his family's next meal directly to his practice of daily reverence — devotion and sustenance are seen as one thread.
Let gratitude for daily bread be tied to your daily practice of faith.
स्वामी यावें शेतापासीं । पहावें अमृतदृष्टींसी । तूं समस्तां प्रतिपाळिसी । शूद्र म्हणोनि न उपेक्षावें ॥११॥
svāmī yāvem śetāpāsīm | pahāvem amṛtadṛṣṭīmsī | tūm samastām pratipāḷisī | śūdra mhaṇoni na upekṣāvem ||11||
'Master, come to my field; look upon it with your nectar-like gaze. You nourish everyone; do not neglect me merely because I am a shudra.'
The farmer asks directly not to be overlooked because of caste — his plea appeals to the Guru's universal, impartial compassion.
Ask plainly to be treated fairly, and extend the same fairness to others regardless of their standing.
श्रीगुरु गेले शेतापासीं । पाहूनि म्हणती त्या शूद्रासी । सांगेन एक ऐकसी । विश्वास होईल बोलाचा ॥१२॥
śrīguru gele śetāpāsīm | pāhūni mhaṇatī tyā śūdrāsī | sāmgena eka aikasī | viśvāsa hoīla bolācā ||12||
Sri Guru went to the field; seeing it, he said to the shudra, 'I will tell you one thing — listen, and see if you trust my word.'
The Guru is about to test the man's faith with an instruction that will seem unreasonable — first he checks whether trust is truly there.
Before giving important guidance, make sure the other person is ready to trust and follow it.
जें सांगेन मी तुजसी । जरी भक्तीनें अंगिकारिसी । तरीच सांगूं परियेसीं । एकभावें त्वां करावें ॥१३॥
jem sāmgena mī tujasī | jarī bhaktīnem amgikārisī | tarīca sāmgūm pariyesīm | ekabhāvem tvām karāvem ||13||
'What I tell you — only if you accept it with devotion will I say it; you must carry it out with single-minded faith.'
The Guru insists on ekabhāva (single, undivided faith) as the condition for receiving the instruction — half-hearted obedience will not do.
When you commit to following guidance, commit wholeheartedly rather than with divided doubt.
शूद्र विनवी स्वामियासी । गुरुवाक्य कारण आम्हांसी । दुसरा भाव आम्हांसी । नाहीं स्वामी म्हणे तो ॥१४॥
śūdra vinavī svāmiyāsī | guruvākya kāraṇa āmhāmsī | dusarā bhāva āmhāmsī | nāhīm svāmī mhaṇe to ||14||
The shudra entreated the master, 'The Guru's word is everything to me; I have no other thought,' he said.
The devotee's reply is unconditional surrender — he pledges to have no other intention than obeying the Guru's word.
Give your word fully when you promise to trust someone's guidance, without silently reserving doubt.
मग निरोपिती श्रीगुरु तयासी । आम्ही जातों संगमासी । परतोनि येऊं मध्यान्हासी । तंव कापावें सर्व पीक ॥१५॥
maga niropitī śrīguru tayāsī | āmhī jātom samgamāsī | paratoni yeūm madhyānhāsī | tamva kāpāvem sarva pīka ||15||
Then Sri Guru instructed him, 'We are going to the sangam and will return by midday; by then, cut down the entire crop.'
The instruction is deliberately extreme — to cut down the ripening, unharvested crop — a command that makes no worldly sense, testing raw obedience.
Be willing to follow wise counsel even when it looks like it will cost you something dear.
ऐसें सांगोनि शूद्रासी । श्रीगुरु गेले संगमासी । शूद्र विचारी मानसीं । गुरुवाक्य आपणा कारण ॥१६॥
aisem sāmgoni śūdrāsī | śrīguru gele samgamāsī | śūdra vicārī mānasīm | guruvākya āpaṇā kāraṇa ||16||
Having said this to the shudra, Sri Guru went to the sangam. The shudra thought within himself, 'The Guru's word is my only concern.'
Left alone with the strange command, the farmer resolves inwardly that obedience to the Guru's word outweighs his own reasoning.
When doubt arises after receiving good counsel, return to your original resolve rather than second-guessing out of fear.
शीघ्र आला ग्रामांत । अधिकारियासी विनवीत । खंडोनि द्यावें मला शेत । गत संवत्सराप्रमाणें धान्य देईन ॥१७॥
śīghra ālā grāmāmta | adhikāriyāsī vinavīta | khamḍoni dyāvem malā śeta | gata samvatsarāpramāṇem dhānya deīna ||17||
He quickly went into the village and pleaded with the official: 'Let the field's tax be settled with me; I will pay grain as in the past year.'
The farmer moves practically as well as faithfully — first securing the tax terms so his coming act won't ruin his family, even as he prepares to obey blindly.
Pair faith with prudence; handle the practical arrangements even while trusting an unusual instruction.
अधिकारी म्हणती तयासी । पीक झालें असे बहुवसीं । या कारणें उक्तें मागसी । अंगिकार न करिती ॥१८॥
adhikārī mhaṇatī tayāsī | pīka jhālem ase bahuvasīm | yā kāraṇem uktem māgasī | amgikāra na karitī ||18||
The officials said to him, 'The crop has come up abundant; that is why you're asking for this reduced rate' — and they refused to agree.
The officials, seeing the visible bounty, suspect the farmer's motive and deny the request — worldly calculation working against him.
Expect that others may not immediately understand or trust an act of faith that looks strange from the outside.
नाना प्रकारें विनवी त्यांसी । द्विगुण देईन गतसंवत्सरेसी । अंगिकारिलें संतोषीं । वचनपत्र लिहून घेती ॥१९॥
nānā prakārem vinavī tyāmsī | dviguṇa deīna gatasamvatsaresī | amgikārilem samtoṣīm | vacanapatra lihūna ghetī ||19||
He pleaded with them in many ways, offering to pay double the previous year's amount; they gladly agreed and had a written bond drawn up.
Willing to sacrifice materially for obedience, the farmer offers double payment — the officials accept, and a formal agreement seals it.
Be ready to pay a real cost, even a doubled one, to keep faith with what you have committed to.
आपण अभयपत्र घेऊनि । लोक मिळवोनि तत्क्षणीं । गेला शेतांत संतोषोनि । म्हणे कापा तयासी ॥२०॥
āpaṇa abhayapatra gheūni | loka miḷavoni tatkṣaṇīm | gelā śetāmta samtoṣoni | mhaṇe kāpā tayāsī ||20||
Taking the letter of assurance, he gathered people at once, went to the field joyfully, and said, 'Cut it down.'
Now secured by the written bond, the farmer moves at once and joyfully to fulfill the Guru's command — obedience carried out without further delay.
Once you've resolved to act on faith, act promptly and wholeheartedly rather than dragging your feet.
कापूं लागतां शेतासी । स्त्री-पुत्र वर्जिती तयासी । पाषाण घेऊनि स्त्रियेसी । मारुं आला तो शूद्र ॥२१॥
kāpūm lāgatām śetāsī | strī-putra varjitī tayāsī | pāṣāṇa gheūni striyesī | mārum ālā to śūdra ||21||
As they began to cut the field, his wife and son tried to stop him; taking up a stone, the shudra came to strike his wife.
Family resistance meets his obedience with fierce opposition, and in his zeal the farmer nearly turns violent — showing how blind zeal, even for a good cause, can go too far.
Guard against letting even sincere conviction turn into anger toward those who love you.
पुत्रातें मांरी येणेंपरी । पळत आले गांवाभीतरीं । आड पडतां राजद्वारीं । पिसें लागलें पतीसी ॥२२॥
putrātem māmrī yeṇemparī | paḷata āle gāmvābhītarīm | āḍa paḍatām rājadvārīm | pisem lāgalem patīsī ||22||
He struck at his son in the same way; they fled running into the village. As they were blocked at the palace gate, the villagers said the husband had gone mad.
The family's flight and the crowd's judgment — 'he has gone mad' — show how single-minded faith can look like madness to onlookers.
Do not be discouraged if others mistake your unwavering commitment for foolishness.
पीक असे बहुवसी । कापून टाकितो मूर्खपणेंसी । वर्जितां पहा आम्हांसी । पाषाणघाईं मारिलें ॥२३॥
pīka ase bahuvasī | kāpūna ṭākito mūrkhapaṇemsī | varjitām pahā āmhāmsī | pāṣāṇaghāīm mārilem ||23||
'The crop is abundant, yet he cuts it down foolishly. See — when we tried to stop him, he struck us with a stone.'
The family's complaint to the officials frames the act as sheer foolishness, unaware of the divine instruction behind it.
Expect that acts of pure faith will sometimes be misread by others as recklessness — bear the misjudgment patiently.
संन्याशाचें माहात्म्य वाचें बोले । पीक सर्व कोमळ कापिलें । आमुचें जीवित्व भाणास गेलें । आणिक भक्षितों एक मास आम्ही ॥२४॥
samnyāśācem māhātmya vācem bole | pīka sarva komaḷa kāpilem | āmucem jīvitva bhāṇāsa gelem | āṇika bhakṣitom eka māsa āmhī ||24||
She says, 'He speaks of some ascetic's greatness with his mouth, but he has cut down all our tender crop; our livelihood is gone to the winnowing basket — we have grain left for only one more month.'
The wife's lament voices genuine fear of ruin — the human cost of the test is not hidden or minimized by the text.
Acknowledge honestly the fear and cost that testing times bring on those who depend on you.
अधिकारी म्हणती तयासी । कापी ना का आपुल्या शेतासी । पत्र असे आम्हांपासीं । गतसंवत्सरा द्विगुण धान्य द्यावें ॥२५॥
adhikārī mhaṇatī tayāsī | kāpī nā kā āpulyā śetāsī | patra ase āmhāmpāsīm | gatasamvatsarā dviguṇa dhānya dyāvem ||25||
The officials said to him, 'Cut your own field if you wish; we hold your bond — you must pay double last year's grain.'
The officials remain unmoved by the family's protest, holding the farmer to his own freely-signed agreement.
Honor the commitments you have made even when circumstances make them look reckless in hindsight.
वर्जावया माणसें पाठविती । शूद्र न ऐके कवणे गतीं । शूद्र म्हणे अधिकारी भीतीं । पेवीचे कण आतां देईन ॥२६॥
varjāvayā māṇasem pāṭhavitī | śūdra na aike kavaṇe gatīm | śūdra mhaṇe adhikārī bhītīm | pevīce kaṇa ātām deīna ||26||
They sent men to stop him, but the shudra would not listen in any way. The shudra said, 'If the officials are afraid, I will pay from my grain store now.'
Even under pressure from all sides, the farmer stands firm, offering to draw on his own stored grain rather than break his obedience.
When pressured to abandon a promise, offer to bear the cost yourself rather than break faith.
दूत सांगती अधिकारियासी । आम्हीं सांगितलें शूद्रासी । सांगोनि पाठविलें तुम्हांसी । विनोद असे परियेसा ॥२७॥
dūta sāmgatī adhikāriyāsī | āmhīm sāmgitalem śūdrāsī | sāmgoni pāṭhavilem tumhāmsī | vinoda ase pariyesā ||27||
The messengers told the official, 'We told the shudra as you asked; he sent word back to you — hear this jest.'
The farmer's steadfast reply is reported back almost as a joke to the officials, unaware of its deeper seriousness.
Do not be troubled if your sincerity is initially mistaken for a jest by those who do not yet understand.
जरी भितील अधिकारी । तरी देईन आतांचि घरीं । गुरें बांधीन तयांचे द्वारीं । पत्र आपण दिलें असे ॥२८॥
jarī bhitīla adhikārī | tarī deīna ātāmci gharīm | gurem bāmdhīna tayāmce dvārīm | patra āpaṇa dilem ase ||28||
'If the officials are afraid, I will pay right now from my house; I will tie my cattle at their door — I have already given my bond.'
The farmer reaffirms his readiness to make good on his word by any means, even pledging his cattle as security.
Back your promises with whatever you have, so your word is never in doubt.
दूत सांगती ऐशा रीतीं । पुढें वर्तली काय स्थिति । राजा अधिकारी तयाप्रती । काय उत्तर बोलतसे ॥२९॥
dūta sāmgatī aiśā rītīm | puḍhem vartalī kāya sthiti | rājā adhikārī tayāpratī | kāya uttara bolatase ||29||
The messengers reported it in this manner. What happened next? What answer did the chief official give him?
A narrative pivot — the narrator pauses to ask what the authority's response will be, building suspense in the telling.
Stay curious and patient as a story or situation unfolds; not every question needs an immediate answer.
अधिकारी म्हणती तयासी । आम्हां चिंता कायसी । पेव ठाउकें आहे आम्हांसी । धान्य आहे अपार ॥३०॥
adhikārī mhaṇatī tayāsī | āmhām cimtā kāyasī | peva ṭhāukem āhe āmhāmsī | dhānya āhe apāra ||30||
The officials said, 'What worry do we have? We know his grain store; there is plenty of grain there.'
The officials feel secure, trusting in the farmer's known wealth to cover the debt regardless of what happens to the field.
Recognize when others' confidence in you rests on your track record — let your reliability speak for itself.
इतुकें होतां शूद्रें देखा । पीक कापिलें मनःपूर्वका । उभा असे मार्गीं ऐका । श्रीगुरु आले परतोनि ॥३१॥
itukem hotām śūdrem dekhā | pīka kāpilem manaḥpūrvakā | ubhā ase mārgīm aikā | śrīguru āle paratoni ||31||
Meanwhile, see, the shudra cut down the crop with full resolve; he stood on the path as Sri Guru returned.
The farmer completes the command exactly, with wholehearted resolve, just as the Guru returns — obedience fulfilled at the appointed hour.
Complete what you have promised fully, not halfway, and be ready to show it when the moment comes.
नमन करोनि श्रीगुरुसी । शेत दाखविलें कापिलें ऐसी । श्रीगुरु म्हणती तयासी । वायां कापिलें म्हणोनि ॥३२॥
namana karoni śrīgurusī | śeta dākhavilem kāpilem aisī | śrīguru mhaṇatī tayāsī | vāyām kāpilem mhaṇoni ||32||
Bowing to Sri Guru, he showed the field cut down as instructed. Sri Guru said to him, 'You have cut it down in vain.'
The Guru's response seems to dismiss the sacrifice as pointless — the final test of the man's faith, right at the moment of completion.
Do not expect immediate praise for an act of faith; be prepared for it to seem unrecognized at first.
विनोदें तुज सांगितलें । तुवां निर्धारें कापलें । शूद्र म्हणे तुमचें वाक्य भलें । तेंचि मज कामधेनु ॥३३॥
vinodem tuja sāmgitalem | tuvām nirdhārem kāpalem | śūdra mhaṇe tumacem vākya bhalem | temci maja kāmadhenu ||33||
'I told you in jest, yet you cut it down with firm resolve.' The shudra said, 'Your word is good; that itself is my wish-fulfilling cow to me.'
The Guru reveals it was said in jest, but the farmer's reply shows true faith: the Guru's word itself, whatever it costs, is his kāmadhenu (wish-granting cow) — sufficient in itself.
Value trustworthy guidance for its own sake, not merely for the results it produces.
ऐसें ऐकोनि श्रीगुरु म्हणती । निर्धार असे तुझे चित्तीं । होईल अत्यंत फळप्राप्ति । चिंता न करीं मानसीं ॥३४॥
aisem aikoni śrīguru mhaṇatī | nirdhāra ase tujhe cittīm | hoīla atyamta phaḷaprāpti | cimtā na karīm mānasīm ||34||
Hearing this, Sri Guru said, 'Your resolve is firm in your heart; you will receive abundant fruit — do not worry in your mind.'
The Guru confirms that the farmer's steadfastness has been proven and promises abundant reward — the test is over, grace begins.
Trust that steadfastness under trial is eventually recognized and rewarded; let go of anxiety once you have done your part.
ऐसें सांगोनि श्रीगुरुनाथ । आले आपण ग्रामांत । सवें शूद्र असे येत । आपुले घराप्रती गेला ॥३५॥
aisem sāmgoni śrīgurunātha | āle āpaṇa grāmāmta | savem śūdra ase yeta | āpule gharāpratī gelā ||35||
Having said this, Sri Guru returned to the village; the shudra came along with him, and then went to his own house.
A quiet narrative transition — the Guru and devotee part ways, the farmer heading home to face his anxious family.
After a moment of spiritual clarity, return calmly to your ordinary responsibilities.
पुसावया येती समस्त । तयाचे घरीं होतो आकांत । स्त्री-पुत्र सर्व रुदन करीत । म्हणती आपुला ग्रास गेला ॥३६॥
pusāvayā yetī samasta | tayāce gharīm hoto ākāmta | strī-putra sarva rudana karīta | mhaṇatī āpulā grāsa gelā ||36||
Everyone came to ask him about it; there was uproar in his house — wife and son were all weeping, saying, 'Our food is gone.'
The household's grief and the neighbors' curiosity make plain the real fear of destitution that the family faces, unaware of the promised grace.
Comfort those who fear loss even before the outcome is visible, rather than dismissing their worry.
शूद्र समस्तांतें संबोखी । न करीं चिंता रहा सुखी । गुरुसोय नेणती मूर्खी । कामधेनु वाक्य तयांचें ॥३७॥
śūdra samastāmtem sambokhī | na karīm cimtā rahā sukhī | gurusoya neṇatī mūrkhī | kāmadhenu vākya tayāmcem ||37||
The shudra comforted them all: 'Do not worry, stay at peace. Fools do not understand the Guru's way — his word is like the wish-fulfilling cow.'
The farmer now becomes the one who reassures his family, having internalized that the Guru's word itself guarantees provision.
Once your own faith is settled, use it to comfort and steady those around you who are still afraid.
एकेकाचे सहस्त्रगुण । अधिक लाभ तुम्हां जाण । स्थिर करा अंतःकरण । हानि नव्हे निर्धार पैं ॥३८॥
ekekāce sahastraguṇa | adhika lābha tumhām jāṇa | sthira karā amtaḥkaraṇa | hāni navhe nirdhāra paim ||38||
'For each measure lost, know that a thousandfold gain will come to you; steady your heart — this resolve brings no loss.'
The farmer teaches his family the principle at the heart of the story: faithful sacrifice made for the Guru returns manifold, and steadiness of heart is itself the key.
Steady your heart when a faithful sacrifice looks like a loss; trust that it will return multiplied.
गुरुकृपा होय ज्यासी । दैन्य कैचें होय त्यासी । निधान जोडलें आम्हांसी । म्हणोनि शूद्र सांगतसे ॥३९॥
gurukṛpā hoya jyāsī | dainya kaicem hoya tyāsī | nidhāna joḍalem āmhāmsī | mhaṇoni śūdra sāmgatase ||39||
'Whoever has the Guru's grace, how can poverty touch him? We have gained a treasure' — so the shudra told them.
The farmer names the underlying truth: gurukṛpā (the Guru's grace) is itself the treasure that removes all want.
Regard the grace or guidance you have received as a treasure greater than any material security.
नर म्हणूं नये श्रीगुरुसी । शिवस्वरुप जाणा भरंवसीं । असे कारण पुढें आम्हांसी । म्हणोनि निरोपिलें असे मज ॥४०॥
nara mhaṇūm naye śrīgurusī | śivasvarupa jāṇā bharamvasīm | ase kāraṇa puḍhem āmhāmsī | mhaṇoni niropilem ase maja ||40||
'Do not think of Sri Guru as a mere man; know for certain he is the form of Shiva. There is a purpose ahead for us — this is what has been revealed to me.'
The farmer declares the Guru's true nature — not an ordinary teacher but Śiva-svarūpa (the very form of Shiva) — the theological heart of the whole devotional tradition.
See beyond the ordinary human form of a true teacher to the deeper reality they embody, and act accordingly.
नानापरी स्त्री-पुत्रांसी । संबोधित असे शूद्र अति हर्षीं । इष्टजन बंधुवर्गासी । येणेंचि रीतीं सांगतसे ॥४१॥
nānāparī strī-putrāmsī | sambodhita ase śūdra ati harṣīm | iṣṭajana bamdhuvargāsī | yeṇemci rītīm sāmgatase ||41||
In many ways the shudra, filled with joy, comforted his wife and son; to his friends and relatives too he spoke in the same manner.
The farmer's joy and conviction spread outward, from his immediate family to his wider community — faith shared becomes faith multiplied.
Share the conviction that steadies you with your wider circle, not just your closest family.
समस्त राहिले निवांत । ऐसें आठ दिवस क्रमित । वायु झाला अति शीत । समस्त पिकें नासलीं ॥४२॥
samasta rāhile nivāmta | aisem āṭha divasa kramita | vāyu jhālā ati śīta | samasta pikem nāsalīm ||42||
Everyone settled down peacefully. Eight days passed thus; then a very cold wind arose, and all the crops [elsewhere] were ruined.
The narrative turns: an unseasonal frost devastates every other field in the region — setting the stage for the miracle to be revealed.
Recognize that hardships affecting everyone can become the very backdrop against which faith is proven.
समस्त ग्रामींची पिकें देखा । शीतें नासलीं सकळिका । पर्जन्य पडला अकाळिका । मूळ नक्षत्रीं परियेसा ॥४३॥
samasta grāmīmcī pikem dekhā | śītem nāsalīm sakaḷikā | parjanya paḍalā akāḷikā | mūḷa nakṣatrīm pariyesā ||43||
See, all the crops of the whole village were destroyed by the cold; untimely rain fell during the Mula constellation.
The disaster is described precisely by season and nakṣatra (lunar mansion), underscoring that this was an extraordinary, unseasonal calamity.
When misfortune strikes broadly, notice how it can reveal what was truly protected by grace.
ग्राम राहिला पिकावीण । शूद्रशेत वाढलें शतगुणें । वाढला यावनाळ सगुण । एकेका अकरा फरगडेंसी ॥४४॥
grāma rāhilā pikāvīṇa | śūdraśeta vāḍhalem śataguṇem | vāḍhalā yāvanāḷa saguṇa | ekekā akarā pharagaḍemsī ||44||
The village was left without any crop, but the shudra's field grew a hundredfold; the sorghum grew abundantly, each stalk with eleven ears.
The miracle is now visible: the very field cut down in obedience becomes the only one to flourish, a hundredfold, while every other field fails.
Trust that what looks like sacrifice offered in faith can become the sole source of abundance when trouble comes.
तैं शूद्र-स्त्री संतोषोनि । शेता आली पूजा घेऊनि । अवलोकितसे आपुले नयनीं । महानंद करितसे ॥४५॥
taim śūdra-strī samtoṣoni | śetā ālī pūjā gheūni | avalokitase āpule nayanīm | mahānamda karitase ||45||
Then the shudra's wife, filled with joy, came to the field bringing worship offerings; seeing it with her own eyes, she rejoiced greatly.
The wife who once wept in fear now comes with worship in hand — her doubt transformed into devotion by direct sight of the miracle.
Let a proven blessing turn your earlier doubt into active gratitude and worship.
पीक झालें अत्यंत । देखोनिया समस्त । येऊनि जन समस्त तेथ । महदाश्चर्य करीत देखा ॥४६॥
pīka jhālem atyamta | dekhoniyā samasta | yeūni jana samasta tetha | mahadāścarya karīta dekhā ||46||
The crop had grown abundantly; seeing this, all the people came there and marveled greatly.
The miracle becomes public knowledge — the whole village witnesses and marvels, spreading the Guru's fame further.
Let visible good fortune become an occasion for shared wonder rather than private pride.
येऊनि लागे पतिचरणीं । विनवीतसे कर जोडोनि । बोले मधुर करुणावचनीं । क्षमा करीं म्हणतसे ॥४७॥
yeūni lāge paticaraṇīm | vinavītase kara joḍoni | bole madhura karuṇāvacanīm | kṣamā karīm mhaṇatase ||47||
She came and fell at her husband's feet, pleading with folded hands; speaking sweet, contrite words, she said, 'Forgive me.'
The wife now asks her own husband's forgiveness for her earlier resistance and violence toward his faith — humility restoring the household.
Be willing to apologize to those close to you when your fear once led you to doubt or resist their sincere convictions.
अज्ञानमदें अति वेष्टिलें । नेणतां तुम्हांतें निंदिलें । गुरु कैचा काय म्हणितलें । क्षमा करणें प्राणनाथ ॥४८॥
ajñānamadem ati veṣṭilem | neṇatām tumhāmtem nimdilem | guru kaicā kāya mhaṇitalem | kṣamā karaṇem prāṇanātha ||48||
'I was bound up in the pride of ignorance; not knowing, I spoke ill of you and asked, "What kind of Guru is this?" Forgive me, my lord.'
She names her fault precisely as ajñāna-mada (the pride of ignorance) — the root cause of her earlier doubt and disrespect.
Recognize when pride born of ignorance has led you to dismiss something you didn't yet understand, and correct it honestly.
ऐसें पतीसी संबोधोनि । शेतींचा देव पूजोनि । विचार केला दोघांनीं । गुरुदर्शना जावें आतां ॥४९॥
aisem patīsī sambodhoni | śetīmcā deva pūjoni | vicāra kelā doghāmnīm | gurudarśanā jāvem ātām ||49||
Having thus spoken to her husband, and having worshipped the deity of the field, the two of them decided together to go now for the Guru's darshan.
Reconciled as a couple, they turn together toward the Guru — private repair leading naturally to shared devotion.
Let reconciliation at home become a doorway to renewed shared faith and gratitude.
म्हणोनि सांगे स्त्रियेसी । पूजों आलीं श्रीगुरुसी । स्वामी पुसती तयांसी । काय वर्तमान म्हणोनिया ॥५०॥
mhaṇoni sāmge striyesī | pūjom ālīm śrīgurusī | svāmī pusatī tayāmsī | kāya vartamāna mhaṇoniyā ||50||
So he told his wife, and they came to worship Sri Guru. The master asked them, 'What is the news?'
The couple arrives before the Guru to offer worship, and he greets them with simple, open curiosity about their news.
Approach your teacher or mentor with the news of both your struggles and your blessings.
चरणीं लागलीं तेव्हां दोन्ही । हस्तद्वय जोडोनि । स्वामीदर्शन उल्हासोनि । उभीं ठाकलीं संमुख ॥५१॥
caraṇīm lāgalīm tevhām donhī | hastadvaya joḍoni | svāmīdarśana ulhāsoni | ubhīm ṭhākalīm sammukha ||51||
Both of them then fell at his feet, joining their hands together; rejoicing at the sight of the master, they stood before him.
Their shared prostration before the Guru marks the culmination of the family's journey from fear to unified devotion.
Mark moments of resolved crisis with a shared act of gratitude before whatever you hold sacred.
दोघेंजणें स्तोत्र करिती । जय जयाजी श्रीगुरुमूर्ती । कामधेनु कुळदैवत म्हणती । तूंचि आमुचा गुरुराया ॥५२॥
doghemjaṇem stotra karitī | jaya jayājī śrīgurumūrtī | kāmadhenu kuḷadaivata mhaṇatī | tūmci āmucā gururāyā ||52||
The two of them offered praise: 'Victory, victory to you, Sri Guru! You are our wish-fulfilling cow and family deity — you alone are our lord Guru.'
Husband and wife together praise the Guru as kuḷadaivata (family deity) and kāmadhenu, elevating him as the sole source of their fortune.
Give credit openly, in your own words of praise, to whoever or whatever has truly guided your family through hardship.
तुझें अमृतवचन आम्हां । चिंतामणिप्रकार महिमा । पूर्ण केलें आमुच्या कामा । शरण आलों तुज आम्ही ॥५३॥
tujhem amṛtavacana āmhām | cimtāmaṇiprakāra mahimā | pūrṇa kelem āmucyā kāmā | śaraṇa ālom tuja āmhī ||53||
'Your nectar-like word has, like a wish-fulfilling gem, fulfilled our desire; we have come to take refuge in you.'
They liken the Guru's word to a cintāmaṇi (wish-fulfilling gem), affirming that they now take śaraṇa (refuge) in him completely.
Once you've seen proof of trustworthy guidance, commit yourself fully to following it going forward.
भक्तवत्सल ब्रीदख्याति । ऐसें जगीं तुज वानिती । आम्हीं देखिलें दृष्टांतीं । म्हणोनि चरणीं लागलीं ॥५४॥
bhaktavatsala brīdakhyāti | aisem jagīm tuja vānitī | āmhīm dekhilem dṛṣṭāmtīm | mhaṇoni caraṇīm lāgalīm ||54||
'Your renown as one loving toward devotees is praised in the world so; we have seen it with our own eyes, and so we fall at your feet.'
They confirm the Guru's title of bhaktavatsala (tender toward devotees) not as hearsay but as something they have personally witnessed.
Let personal experience, not just reputation, be the ground of your trust and gratitude.
नाना प्रकारें पूजा आरती । शूद्र-स्त्री करीतसे भक्तीं । श्रीगुरु बोलती अतिप्रीतीं । लक्ष्मी अखंड तुझे घरीं ॥५५॥
nānā prakārem pūjā āratī | śūdra-strī karītase bhaktīm | śrīguru bolatī atiprītīm | lakṣmī akhamḍa tujhe gharīm ||55||
The shudra's wife performed worship and lamp-offering in many ways with devotion; Sri Guru said lovingly, 'Prosperity will remain unbroken in your house.'
The Guru blesses the household with lasting lakṣmī (prosperity) as fruit of the wife's now-devoted worship.
Offer devoted service, however small, and trust it to bring lasting steadiness to your household.
निरोप घेऊनि दोघेंजण । गेलीं आपुले आश्रमीं जाण । करितां मास काळक्रमण । पीक आलें अपार ॥५६॥
niropa gheūni doghemjaṇa | gelīm āpule āśramīm jāṇa | karitām māsa kāḷakramaṇa | pīka ālem apāra ||56||
Taking leave, the two of them went back to their home; as a month passed, an abundant harvest came in.
Time passes and the promised abundance materializes fully — the story moves from miracle to settled prosperity.
Give blessings time to mature into visible results rather than expecting instant fulfillment.
गतसंवत्सराहूनि देखा । शतगुणी झालें धान्य अधिका । शूद्र म्हणतसे ऐका । अधिकारियातें बोलावोनि ॥५७॥
gatasamvatsarāhūni dekhā | śataguṇī jhālem dhānya adhikā | śūdra mhaṇatase aikā | adhikāriyātem bolāvoni ||57||
See, the grain was a hundredfold more than the previous year. The shudra called for the official and spoke, listen.
The farmer now takes initiative, summoning the official himself once the abundance is undeniable.
When you have been blessed, take the initiative to make things right with those you owe, rather than waiting to be asked.
शूद्र म्हणे अधिकारियासी । पीक गेलें सर्व गांवासी । वोस दिसे कोठारासी । आपण देऊं अर्धा भाग ॥५८॥
śūdra mhaṇe adhikāriyāsī | pīka gelem sarva gāmvāsī | vosa dise koṭhārāsī | āpaṇa deūm ardhā bhāga ||58||
The shudra said to the official, 'The whole village's crop has failed; your granary looks empty. I will give you half the harvest.'
Aware of the village's general ruin and the official's need, the farmer generously offers half his harvest — compassion following blessing.
Let your own abundance move you to generosity toward others who are struggling, especially those you owe.
गतवर्षा द्विगुण तुम्हांसी । अंगिकारिलें मीं परियेसीं । धान्य झालें बहुवसीं । शतगुणें अधिक देखा ॥५९॥
gatavarṣā dviguṇa tumhāmsī | amgikārilem mīm pariyesīm | dhānya jhālem bahuvasīm | śataguṇem adhika dekhā ||59||
'I had agreed to give you double last year's amount; but the grain has come in so abundantly — a hundredfold more, see.'
The farmer reminds the official of the original bond, now dwarfed by the actual bounty received.
Remember and honor the terms you agreed to even after fortune has far exceeded them.
परी देईन अर्ध संतोषीं । संदेह न धरा हो मानसीं । अधिकारी म्हणती तयासी । धर्महानि केवी करुं ॥६०॥
parī deīna ardha samtoṣīm | samdeha na dharā ho mānasīm | adhikārī mhaṇatī tayāsī | dharmahāni kevī karum ||60||
'Yet I will gladly give half; do not hold any doubt in your mind.' The officials said to him, 'How can we cause a loss to righteousness?'
The officials themselves refuse to take more than fair, showing that the farmer's integrity has, in turn, called forth integrity from them.
Model fairness, and you may find others rise to match your own honest generosity.
गुरुकृपा होतां तुजवरी । पीक झालें बहुतांपरी । नेऊनिया आपुले घरीं । राज्य करीं म्हणती तया ॥६१॥
gurukṛpā hotām tujavarī | pīka jhālem bahutāmparī | neūniyā āpule gharīm | rājya karīm mhaṇatī tayā ||61||
'Since the Guru's grace has come upon you, the crop has grown so abundantly; take it all to your own house and prosper,' they told him.
The officials openly credit the Guru's grace for the miracle, and release the farmer from any further claim — recognizing grace even in a worldly transaction.
Let those who witness your good fortune acknowledge its true source, and receive their generosity in turn.
संतोषोनि शूद्र देखा । विप्रासी वांटी धान्य अनेका । घेऊनि गेला सकळिका । राजधान्य देऊनि ॥६२॥
samtoṣoni śūdra dekhā | viprāsī vāmṭī dhānya anekā | gheūni gelā sakaḷikā | rājadhānya deūni ||62||
Rejoicing, the shudra distributed much grain to the brahmins; after paying the official his due, he took the rest home.
The farmer completes the cycle of grace by sharing his abundance widely — with brahmins, with the state, and finally for his own household.
When blessed, share generously with your community before keeping the rest for yourself.
सिद्ध म्हणे नामधारकासी । श्रीगुरुचरित्र-महिमा परियेसीं । दृढ भक्ति असे ज्यासी । दैन्य कैचें तया घरीं ॥६३॥
siddha mhaṇe nāmadhārakāsī | śrīgurucaritra-mahimā pariyesīm | dṛḍha bhakti ase jyāsī | dainya kaicem tayā gharīm ||63||
Siddha says to Namdharak, 'Hear the greatness of the Guru Charitra story: whoever has firm devotion, how can poverty be in his house?'
The narrator draws the story's moral explicitly: dṛḍha bhakti (firm devotion) is itself the safeguard against want.
Cultivate steady, firm devotion as your true security against life's uncertainties.
सकळाभीष्टें त्यासी होती । लक्ष्मी राहे अखंडिती । गुरु सेवा हो निश्चिती । म्हणे सरस्वतीगंगाधर ॥६४॥
sakaḷābhīṣṭem tyāsī hotī | lakṣmī rāhe akhamḍitī | guru sevā ho niścitī | mhaṇe sarasvatīgamgādhara ||64||
All his wishes are fulfilled; prosperity remains with him unbroken. Serve the Guru with certainty — so says Sarasvati Gangadhar.
The author Sarasvatī Gaṅgādhar seals the chapter's teaching: sincere guru-sevā (service to the Guru) is the sure path to fulfillment.
Make steady, sincere service to your teacher or higher purpose the anchor of your life's efforts.
इति श्रीगुरुचरित्रामृत । गुरुशिष्यसंवाद विख्यात । भक्ता शूद्रा वर प्राप्त । अष्टचत्वारिंशोऽध्याय हा ॥६५॥
iti śrīgurucaritrāmṛta | guruśiṣyasamvāda vikhyāta | bhaktā śūdrā vara prāpta | aṣṭacatvārimśo'dhyāya hā ||65||
Thus ends this nectar of the Guru Charitra, the renowned dialogue between Guru and disciple, in which the shudra devotee obtained his boon — this is the forty-eighth chapter.
This closing verse formally names the chapter's content — the boon granted to the devoted shudra — marking the story's completion.
Recognize and name clearly, for yourself, the blessing that a period of testing ultimately delivered.
इति श्रीगुरुचरित्रपरमकथाकल्पतरौ श्रीनृसिंहसरस्वत्युपाख्याने सिद्धनामधारकसंवादे शूद्रवरप्रदानं नाम अष्टचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः ॥४८॥
iti śrīgurucaritraparamakathākalpatarau śrīnṛsimhasarasvatyupākhyāne siddhanāmadhārakasamvāde śūdravarapradānam nāma aṣṭacatvārimśo'dhyāyaḥ ||48||
Thus, in the supreme wish-fulfilling-tree tale of the Guru Charitra, in the legend of Sri Nrisimha Sarasvati, in the dialogue of Siddha and Namdharak, ends the forty-eighth chapter named 'The Granting of the Boon to the Shudra.'
The formal colophon names this chapter within the larger work as 'the boon given to the shudra devotee,' confirming the episode's place in the larger kalpataru (wish-fulfilling tree) of the text.
Let this story's title remind you that sincere devotion, wherever it is found, receives its due reward.
श्रीगुरुदत्तात्रेयार्पितमस्तु ॥
śrīgurudattātreyārpitamastu ||
May this be offered to Sri Guru Dattatreya.
The traditional dedicatory close offers the entire narration as an act of worship to Dattātreya, the divine source of the Guru lineage.
Dedicate the fruits of your effort, work, or study to something greater than yourself.
(ओवीसंख्या ६५)
(ovīsamkhyā 65)
(Number of ovīs: 65)
A scribal note recording the verse-count of this chapter, a routine bookkeeping mark in the manuscript tradition.
Keep careful, honest record of your own progress, however small the detail.