Bhagawan Nityananda (I)

Bhagawan Nityananda, well-known as Ganeshpuri Baba was worshipped by our elders. Baba’s disciple Swami Muktananda was associated with M V Mandali school at Andheri .Here is an attempt to revive the memory of Baba in the minds and hearts of our English medium educated children in particular and elders in general is made.
The source material for this article is the book known as “Life of Bhagawan Nityananda & Chidaksha Geeta” in English by Deepa and Raja Kodikals. These books were originally written in Kannada. The first book was translated into Marathi and the English version is translated from Marathi. Chidaksha Geeta was imparted by Baba to Tulsiamma and was later translated into English. Kodikals acknowledge the role played by several devotes in general and Gopalmama and Surendra Kalyanpur (publisher) in particular.
To begin with this book, it refers to Bhagawan Nityananda as “NITYASIDHA’ (perfect master) who had flashes of qualities that belong to an AVATAR (incarnation of God). Baba’s mission was (still is) to guide Jiwatmas (souls) to become Mahatmas (enlightened souls) so that it can reach and merge with Paramatma (God). Baba’s life from child hood to Samadi give His mission by examples .Many “Leelas” or miracles are associated with Baba which were displayed only to instil faith in His devotees so that they can adopt better ways of life in their pursuit of God. In this article only few instances are narrated. Readers can refer to the original books for further details.
It is believed that the child Baba was not born to any human being s i.e. parents, but the divine child was found by his foster parents. Foster mother Unniamma found the divine child near an embankment at night protected by a majestic cobra spreading its hood from raging rain, thunder and lightning. Foster father Chathu Nair and T.R. Ishwar Iyer (Iyer) who was also later acted as His foster father were present while picking up the divine child and entrusting to the care of Unniamma.
Foster father Chathu Nair was from Tuneri (district Kozikhode Kerala) and foster mother Uniamma was originally from Purmeri. After this marriage, this chosen couples settled in a village called Kothamangalm near Koilandi. With the help of a devoted lawyer Shri. T. R. Ishwar Iyer who had built a small hut for them and also employed them as domestic help in his home and family temples. Foster parents and Iyer who were present at the embankment and brought the divine child, believed the child to be an incarnation of god. This divine child was named as Raman in one of their temples.
Child Raman had fallen sick with a disease called rickets and was crying throughout days and nights. Uniamma, a doting mother prayed to god in the temple where she was serving, to cure Raman, which was granted. But, the skin colour of the child Raman became black like coal which probably remained with Baba till the end. Raman, a delightful child lost his foster father, Chathu Nair, at the tender age of 3 and foster mother, Uniamma at the age of 6. Raman custody was transferred to Iyer and he became his foster parent.
Child Baba did not show any inclination in attending school and was taught at home by Iyer which the intelligent child devoured eagerly. Probably Iyer was trying to put few drops of water into already full ocean i.e. Baba.
Iyer went on a pilgrimage to Kashi to bathe in the confluence of the sacred river Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswathi and had darsan of Kashi Vishwanatha.
In this divine atmosphere, playful Raman turned into deep meditator at the tender age of 8. This spiritual awakening prompted Raman to seek permission from Iyer for his journey to Himalayas. Persuasion and pleading of Iyer did not deter Raman in his earnest request to seek the divine grace at Himalayas. A reluctant Iyer, himself an elevated soul agreed and allowed Raman for his spiritual journey to Himalaya.
After returning from Kashi, Iyer was longing to see Raman and wished that Raman attend his daughter’s marriage. The connection between Iyer and Raman was so intense; Raman presented himself at Iyer’s home a day before the marriage. Divine Telepathy was at work.
Iyer knew his days were numbered and divided his properties between his 3 sons and Raman, which Raman politely declined. Why the Supreme Being should take a piece of the property as the entire world belongs to him. But Iyer wish to merge himself with his beloved god, Surynarayana was granted by Raman, who also took the ashes of Iyer for immersion in scared Ganga. As a foster child and performed last rites at Kashi.
Physical bondage of foster parents including Iyer snapped at the death of Iyer. Child Raman was ready to assume his charted role of divine saviour of his devotees. Child Raman now transformed “Nityananda” for the benefit of the world around.
There is no need for god to travel around or preach. But devotes who have this worldly ways can only be made to understand and by being near to them and making them understand by speaking in their own language. The “Leelas “or miracles are nothing but visiting card of Baba to announce his arrival into the world for the benefit of His devotees. You may remember a proverb that if Mohammad would not go to mountain, mountain will go to Mohammad. Here Baba first went to his devotees who did not His arrival but later it was other way, the devotees thronged Baba wherever he went. In this article only few miracles are narrated as it is not possible to bring out innumerable miracles performed by Baba.
Baba after performing the last rites of his foster father by immersing the ashes in the Ganga went to Telapandeshwar and returned to Kashi to worship lord Kalabhairava. After meditating considerable time at Kashi, he went to Palani Subraminya temple where he displayed a rare phenomenon of complete worship by invisible hands ringing bells, beating drums and performing Aarti only by standing on one leg outside the temple.
From Palani Baba proceeded to Kanyakumari (southeast point of India) to board a ship sailing to Sri Lanka as a deck hand. After landing at Sri Lanka the Baba defeated the attempts of army and police from recruiting him by stopping his heart beat and pulse rate during the medical test. The details of Baba visits to Burma (Myanmar) and Malaysia are not available.
Staying few years at Colombo Baba landed at Pandalayani (Iyer’s village at Kerala). At railway station he brought to life a nearly dead Karunan. Baba also gently stopped speeding Mangalore-Madras train before a dumbstruck crowd. Baba had also stopped a train at Cannanore railway station when he was made to get down from the train. The train only moved when he was requested to board the same train by the railway authorities.
Baba travelled extensively in Kerala covering Travancore, Ambalapur, Taliyal, Tellichari, Tiruvangadha, Cannanore, Calicut, Chirakuppa, Trichur etc. During his sojourn Baba stayed with sweepers to landlords, slept on roadside as he was an Avadoota, one who is washed free of all desires. A miracle at Trichy can be remembered for materialising silver coins by throwing rice.
Baba was at Manjeshwar where he punished a wicked witchcraft practitioner and cured terminally ill patients. While at Kumble, Baba cured a chronic stomach ache of a cook in a restaurant and also cured the Ganja smoking habit of a devotee called Veeranna. Baba solved water shortage problem of residents of Kumble railway station by digging a well. At Ramayya’s farm Baba fell ill and was admitted to hospital in Mangalore. However, Baba, an in suppressible soul wandered away from the hospital and was once again persuaded to get admitted to the hospital for treatment. Baba once again came back to Mangalore and the details are given in the later part of this article.
At Udupi, Baba was sleeping at the Veranda of Ananteshwara temple (adjacent to Shri Krishna temple) was noticed by Dr. Kombrabil (medical officer) who took Baba to his home to give bath and feed. Baba visited some of the coastal villages such as Katpadi, Kapu (known for lighthouse), Mangalpet (Muloor), Padubidri, Hejamadi, Mulky etc.
Few miracles at Udupi are highlighted here. One such miracle is that Baba prevailed on the police inspector to release the culprit who was hired by some people to kill Baba and Baba helped inspector to prove he was innocent of some perverse charges levelled against him. Another significant event was that Baba while staying and playing with the children of untouchable people( harijans) compelled Sitabai an upper caste lady devotee to drink water offered by the untouchable family to teach her a lesson that nobody id inferior or superior in this world as everyone is born equal as human beings.
At Hejamadi (Pejamadi) Baba pinched the tip of the breast of a fisherwomen to clean the poisonous substance which had already killed 3 of her children while breast feeding. At Padubidri Baba is said to conversation with Lord Hanuman witnessed by one Karianna Shetty.A similar incident which took place at Udupi in the presence of Sitabai, Baba was recognised by a sanyasi as Lord Shiva who could not get Shiva Darshan at Kailas.
Postal Karnataka districts were favoured by Baba as virtually every place was sanctified by his visit and stay. Name a few, Baba travelled through Bramhwara, Barkur, Kundapura to reach Kollur Mukambika temple visiting Kodashadri hills, Chitramool, Agunbe(Someshwar temple) reached Gokarna where chief priest of Mahabaleshwara temple himself took care of Baba.
Baba once again stayed at Mangalore to bless his devotees, such as, Kati Girijamma, Krishnabai, Puttushet (Beedi Magnet) etc. At Mangalore Baba met Shivananda Paramahansha, a saint and their photograph is available. Baba at Puttur gently corrected a sanyasi who practised untouchability and ill treated people from lower caste making him realise the fact that all human beings are equal before God. At Bantwal, the traders without knowing the real status of Baba harassed him. To make them understand the reality, Baba asked river Netravathi to flood the Bantwal region. The people realised their mistake and prayed Baba’s mercy which was granted by him.
Kanhangad is an important place blessed by Baba. Here, Baba built forty caves by engaging labourers whom he fed and gave good wages. Police though Baba was printing fake currency. They took Baba into police station for questioning when Baba materialised wades of currency notes by rubbing his skin. Not only the Sub-Inspector, but also the District Superintendent of Police as well as District Collector were convinced that Baba was a divine being beyond their capacity to understand him. They allowed him to continue with his work.
Near the seashore of Kanhangad Baba used to narrate in detail the scenes of World War happening around the world like a running commentary which he could see through his vision. A fisherman named Pokalan and his son who were caught in a storm were rescued by Baba on their prayer and Baba was present at the seashore when they landed.
Baba built 40 caves with the help of labourers and working himself alongside completely the task in record time. Baba erected memorials in the name of Akkari Baba, Ikkeri Baba and Bitteri Baba as well as a temple for the village Goddess. The magnitude of this work can only be felt by physically seeing the same at Kanhangad.
Kushalnagar, a small town near Kanhangad Baba built a table out of a large stone which resembled the famous Round Table used by Mahatma Gandhi and the British at London for negotiating independence for India which is well known as round table conference. Baba sitting besides the table narrated to his devotees the discussions taking place at London Round Table conference which could not have been done by anybody at that time. Time and space has not been an impediment to a liberated soul.
Baba visited Neleshwar, Calicut, Chirvattur and villages around Kanhangad. Baba cured a Muslim known as Haji Sahib of his headache who joined him in finishing and painting the caves. Baba also built Guruvana, a mile away from Kanhangad on a hill top and named it as Papanashini Ganga (destroyer of sins). This property of the King of Neleshwar was gifted away to Baba for the benefit of devotees.
At Mumbai Baba used to stay at Gamdevi area. Sometime Baba slept near Wilson College at Chowpatty beach. Baba in his infinite kindness even helped in domestic work of his devotee, Muktabai who was not keeping good health and also took her to Nasik for change of weather on the advice of a doctor. At Nasik, Baba compelled the erring Tonga driver to behave properly and also wore khadi pant and shirt along with a khadi cap to attend a congress meeting. Varied are the ways of the saints.
Baba returned to Mumbai from Nashik and was staying at Gamdevi, Dongri etc. Baba’s returned to Kanhangad mainly to console and bless Krishnabai, an ardent devotee who had lost all her wealth and her husband had to migrate to Mumbai. At Kanhangad ashram Baba carried out extensive repairs and renovation. Baba once again went to Gokarna. Thereafter Baba materialised at Mumbai to stay at Kurla pipeline area.
Baba stayed at Kurla in a small hut near the pipeline and many devotees flocked for his darshan. A Ghurkha watchman found out that Baba was drinking sea water and tasted the same to find out that the seawater was in fact sweet water. Here one Raghunath was cured of snake bite. A dumb and deaf orphan boy was carried by Baba on his back (as a horse) and the boy wanted to carry Baba on his back which was not possible because of his frail body. Baba blessed him with enough strength so that the orphan boy could act like a horse to carry Baba on his back. This orphaned boy had another wish i.e. to sit on an aeroplane. Baba fulfilled this wish by mysteriously grounding a single engine aeroplane at Kurla marshy land and allowing the boy to sit on it. With the blessings of Baba this orphaned boy started earning enough by acting as a messenger boy in his neighbourhood.
Baba and Devadas Swami visited Alandi near Pune and Baba prepared meal for Deodhar Swami had gone to visit Dhyaneshwar Samadhi. While returning to Mumbai Devadas Swami and Baba slept at Pune dharmashala. But Devdas Swami could not find Baba in the morning. Devdas Swami found Baba at Kurla (Mumbai) on his arrival. Baba stayed for 6 months at Kanheri caves at Borivali. In 1936, Baba appeared at Akoli a village 3 miles away from Ganeshpuri. The stay at Akoli, Ganeshpuri, and Vajreshwari etc will be narrated in the next article.






Bhagawan Nityananda (II)
At Ganeshpuri
By: S K Uchila.
In this article Baba’s stay around Ganeshpuri till his Samadhi are given. From Borivali (Mumbai) Baba reached his final destination i.e. Ganeshpuri region. At first he stayed at Akoli village, three miles away from Ganeshpuri. Ganeshpuri was well-known for hot water wells (kundas) but was not in good shape which were repaired and renovated for the benefit of pilgrims. Here a white tiger used to come and sleep near Baba at night. A sweet water well was also dug for the benefit of villagers.
Next Baba started staying near Vajreshwari temple and developed this area by reconstructing old Nath Mandir and Samadhi was Ghodhadi Baba. A school building, a dispensary and dharmashala were also constructed. After wards, Baba went back to Akoli. In the year 1937, Baba finally arrived to Ganeshpuri to settle down there. Bhimeshwar temple was his first place for stay. Gangubai Bhopi, a tribal woman had the privilege of serving Baba and also donated a piece of land near Shiva Temple for the use of Baba. Gangubai has not only served Baba in his life time but also after his Samadhi. Baba blessed Gangubai by t granting Darshan of Virata Roopa (cosmic view).
Baba not only renovated hot water well but also added two more and interconnected all three and created facilities for devotees to take bath. An ashram was built which is known at “Vaikunta” (abode of Vishnu) which consist of a hall and two rooms. A Shrikrishna temple was also built by Baba and an n old Nandi (bull) was converted into cow before the temple. A Bhadrakali temple was also built at the ashram. Proper arrangements were made to perform daily poojas. A dharmashala was also built for the benefit of devotees. To ease the shortage of water a well was also dug. A diesel set generating electricity was installed for the benefit of villagers and ashram. Connecting roads within the village and outside were also constructed so that devotees can come to Ganeshpuri by using the vehicles.
A novel economic activity started by Baba can be narrated here. During the monsoon session, the villagers did not have any work and hoteliers were down with their business as devotees’ arrival was less. To remove this anomaly, Baba used to take up repair and renovation work at ashram so that villagers would get some work and pay their part wages by way of lunch coupons which was used in Ganeshpuri hotels. In this way both villagers and hoteliers were made happy by Baba.
Baba might have realised children cannot be educated on empty stomach. Baba also built a school and gave it to district authorities for administer the same. For providing Bala Bhojana (meals for children) facilities were created for cooking and serving food as well as storing utensils Feeding children (Bala Bhojana). Providing education with Bala Bhojana was practised in all the ashrams of Baba and his disciples.
Bangalorewala building (dharmashala) was built by a grateful devotee called Laxmana Khode (a liquor baron of Bangalore) who was saved by Baba from financial troubles and tax authorities. Near the village deity temple of Ganeshpuri, Baba built a dharmashala mainly for Sadhus for their meditation. An Ayurvedic clinic known as N.T. Nair Ayurvedic Clinic was also established. Baba allowed Boman Behram (a Parsi philanthropist and a municipal councillor of Mumbai) to construct a museum at Ganeshpuri which was opened by Saligram Swami and Muktananda Swami at the direction of Baba.
Baba sojourn in human form was nearing to an end. On 15th July 1961 Baba shifted to Bangalorewala building to grant the wishes of Khode. On 5th August 1961 Baba gave up his loin cloth also and on 8th August 1961 at 10:40 am merged with infinite. Under his instruction a Samadhi had already been prepared at Vaikunta Hall. The physical remains of Baba were placed on the Samadhi on 3rd day after allowing the Darshan of Baba’s physical body.
The regular pooja at Samadhi mandir started next day. The management of the ashram was conducted by 2 trusts and were dissolved in 1964 to have a single trust known as “Shri Bheemeshwar Sadguru Nityananda Samstha”. This trust had built Nityananda Jyoti, Nityananda Prasad, Annapurna hall, a canteen etc for the benefit of devotees. The trust had built schools Bala Bhojana Graha and Samadhi Mandir etc. An idol made of Panchaloha (5 metals) was installed in 1973 on Vasant Panchami day.
Some important festivals celebrated are Guru Poornima, Bhagawan Shri Nityananda Punyatithi, Gokulashtami, Navratri, Deepawali, Bala Bhojana Annual celebration, Datta Jayanti, Vasant Poornima, Maha Shivratri, and Akhanda Namasmarana etc. Some important poojas , offerings are being performed at Ganeshpuri temples and Samadhi Mandir are : Kanpur Aarti, Kukupa Aarti, Paduka Abhisheka, Palaki Seva, Wahana Pooja(Vehicle Pooja), Satyanarayana pooja, Maha pooja with abhisheka, Bala Bhojana(donation), Bandara(donation of rice and vegetable etc), Navagraha pooja, donations towards Tiffin to children etc. The trust continues to serve the children by conducting schools, Bala Bhojana and summer camps. For women they provide self help training camps. For the villagers around Ganeshpuri several development works have also been taken up.
Baba’s disciples and their ashrams are dealt with in the next article
Bhagawan Nityananda (III)
By: S.K.Uchila.
Baba had innumerable devotees and there were few chosen among them. But there4 were some ‘karma yogis’ (served with dedication),such as, Gangubai Bhopi, a tribal woman who had not only served Baba during his life time and continued to serve him at his Samadhi as well. This dedicated devotee had also donated land near Bhimeshwar temple for ashram. Gopal mama who served Baba mainly managing Bala Bhojana (feeding of children) during and after Baba’s Samadhi. Tulsiamma who had the good fortune of hearing ‘Chidaksha Geetha’ and note down the same was another elevated soul. In this article only well known disciples of Baba and noted by original source are dealt with.
Swami Muktananda who stayed initially at Ganeshpuri serving Baba was allowed to have a separate ashram near Ganeshpuri. Baba’s padukas (sandals) were installed at “Gurudev Siddhapeetha” and a Panchaloha statue of Baba was also installed at the ashram temple for worship. Gurudev Siddhapeetha is situated in a large area with beautiful gardens and lots of space for meditations. The facilities for devotes/pilgrims are also provided. Swami Muktananda toured many countries to propagate Baba’s message and established ashrams abroad. One such ashram is at New York. Swami Muktananda entered Samadhi on 2nd October 1982. Now Gurumai Chidvilasananda is in charge of Gurudev Siddhapeetha.
Kanhangad ashram was initially built by Baba by carving out approximately 40 caves and several other religious places which are not narrated here as the same have been referred to in the earlier articles. Swami Janananda who had been born in Hejamadi (Udupi Taluka) as “Seena” migrated into Mumbai and later to Nashik. Swami lived in natural caves near rivers Godavari and Kapil. After spending some time at Kalaram Mandir and Gangapur where he did austere meditation. Wandering and meditation at Himalayas, Mansarovar etc helped him to attain supreme power.
Swami Janananda was initially at Kanhangad with Baba while constructing the caves and other facilities. Later Baba directed him to take charge of Kannahnghad ashram when Baba decided to stay at Ganeshpuri.
Kanhangad is known as “University of Sadhus or seekers” according to Baba who use to tell devotees and trustees (administrators) to visit this ashram to learn about the selfless service rendered there. After Baba’s Samadhi, the devotees (Babubhai Lokhandwala etc) built a grand temple installing a beautiful Panchaloha statue of Baba. The ceremony of installation of Baba’s statue was attended by Shri Shankar chief minister of Kerala, Shri Kannamwar, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Governor of Pondicherry. Nityananda technical college was built and is operational for the benefit of poor students of adjacent villages of Kanhangad. Other religious places and facilities built around Kanhangad area such as Guruvana, Papanashiniganga, beautiful gardens with medical plants etc have already been described in the earlier articles.
AT Kanhangad ashram also Bala Bhojana, Sadhu Bhojana, facilities for sadhus for stay and meditation and facilities for pilgrims were built and maintained. Swami Mahabala who had the good fortune of having the benefit of Baba’s blessing for long has also stayed and participated in the construction and renovation of Kanhangad ashram. Later he built another ashram at Sanekatta. Swami Mahabala has also built another ashram at Sirsi and installed a huge Panchaloha idol for worship.
Apart from this arrangements were made for Bala Bhojana, Balwadi (Kindergarten) were also built for the benefit of the villagers.
Swami Shankarateertha was an original disciple of Shankaracharya of Jagannathpuri was on pilgrimage to realise infinite truth. Swami Shankarateertha had darshan of Baba at Ganeshpuri and realised he had found his real guru. Baba after placing a garland around the neck of Swami Shankara gently placed his hand on him. Swami Shankarateertha went into trance and on awakening felt like reborn. Swami Shankarateertha did not return to Jagannathpuri but stayed at Nath mandir at Vajreshwari. Swami Shankarateertha used to call Baba as incarnation of Lord Shiva. After Baba’s Samadhi, Swami also left his physical body to merge with Baba.
Swami Digambar who held a Masters degree (MA) was initially inducted in army. He left army and took Sanyasi. Swami was very good at bhajans and singing and also knew several languages, such as Kannada, Marathi and English. He had written a book called “The Sage of Ganeshpuri”. He had built ashrams at Satpati (in Palghar) and Ganeshpuri. He took Samadhi on 22nd April 1982. His ashrams are taken care of by public charitable trusts known as “Shri Digambar Swami Ashram Vishwasta Mandal”.
Swami Govinda was born in a Brahmin family in Kerala and had the good fortune of being with Baba at his childhood. Swami Govinda on his way to visit Baba at Ganeshpuri was meditating under a tree at Anagoan. The villagers built an ashram for him and he stayed there for some time. Later Swami Govinda came to Bhiwali, an adjacent village of Ganespuri and built a Hermitage for himself. Swami Govinda merged with Baba on 12 February, 1984 and the ashram is looked after by a trust known as “ Nityananda Prabhav Sadhana Mandali”.
Shivaram Shetty was one who had the rare privilege of serving Baba in many ways by providing facilities to Baba’s devotees as keeper of hotel, grocery shop, store keeper (bhandara) and attending odd jobs for Baba. In the year 1967 Baba initiated him into Sanyasa by offering “loin cloth” and named him as “Kuttiram Swami”. Kuttiram swami stayed at Kanhangad ashram looking after Guruvana and later returned to Ganeshpuri to feed Sadhus and part of Bala Bhojana program.
Kuttiram Swami merged with Baba on 2nd November 1981 and his Samadhi is next to Saligram Swami near Kailas mandir. Saligram Swami had gone on pilgrimage to many religious places and meditated at Mahul hills near Mumbai which is now known as Mahul Ashram where Baba’s padukas studded with 9 types of jewels were installed. Saligram Swami had also stayed at a Shiva temple at Worli (Mumbai) observing silence (Mauna Vrata). Baba granted a piece of land near “Kailash” to build an ashram. Saligram Swami used to address Baba as Ram and used to say that Baba is the Supreme Being. Saligram Swami merged with Baba after 104 days of Baba’s Samadhi. Saligram Swami’s Samadhi is near “Kailash” as stated above.
Swami Sadananda was born at Bhayander village to parents who prayed Baba for a child. Baba while granting the wish of the parents predicted that the child would leave the household to become Sanyasi at the age of 5. The child left his household at the age of 5 to settle down at Tungameshwar and his parents accompanied him wherever he went after donating everything they had to their village temple. Swami Sadanand later constructed a beautiful temple for Baba at Tungameshwar hills.
Apart from the above referred famous disciples and their ashrams as well as temples etc several ashrams and temples were built in many a places in India and abroad. Few are cited here after.
At Mastikatta (Akola Taluka), Kumble, Udupi, Mangalore, Dharmastala, Kollur, Gokarna (all in Karnataka), Nashik (at Gothi), Palghar, Mumbai (all in Maharashtra), ashrams are built and are operational even today. At California (USA) a devotee called Rudy (Rudrananda Swami) and at New York (USA) Swami Muktananda had built a beautiful temple for Baba.
Devotees of Baba still believe that great soul of Baba still grants the prayers of his devotees irrespective of place from where prayers are offered. Let us also pray Baba for our salvation.
“BHAGWAN NITYANANDAYA NAMAHA”