Dasganu

Part 1

Dasganu’s real name is Ganapathy Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe. Baba used to call him “Ganu” with lot of affection. He spread Baba’s miracles and his glory in the form of Kirtanas (Poetic songs) and story telling through out the state of Maharastra in India. He is the pioneer in writing Baba’s brief biographies in his books like Bhakta Leelamrutam, Bhakta Saramrutam and Santha Kathamrutam. He wrote these books when Baba was in flesh. Some of these books were given to Shyama by Baba.

     

Dasganu's ancestors - Sahastrabuddhes were the village chiefs of in Ratnagiri district. The great grandfather of Dasganu Maharaj - Shri Appaji Narayan Sahastrabuddhe moved to Ahmednagar from Karkamb. He served as a Tahasildar and after retirement, he took renunciation (Sanyasa) and went to Kashi to leave his body at the feet of Lord Vishweshwar. He had one son by the name of Shri Eknathpant. He worked very hard and made a very good name for the family. Shri Eknathpant had four sons. His fourth son Shri Dattatreya was the father of Das Ganu Maharaj. Dattopant was not a keen student. He neither bothered to take good education nor did he try to get a government job. He stayed back in his family house and looked after the family farms and property. He was very much interested in music. He was always surrounded by a number of music lovers. He did not pay much attention to his business. He was married to Smt. Savitribai. She was from a royal family, very well cultured, intelligent and pious lady. Since her husband was a happy go lucky type of person, she spent most of her time in devotion.

In the year 1867, Smt. Savitribai gave birth to our Maharaj. After the nativity, the child would not suckle the mother and started weeping continuously. Doctors were invited but no use. The child's grandmother prayed to Lord Khandoba with tears in her eyes. These fervent prayers were answered and the child stopped crying and suckled the mother. The child was named Narayan in Akolner but when it was taken to Nagar, his grandfather saw his big belly, big ears and a Siva Lingam type projection on his temple. Grandfather spontaneously named the child Ganesh.

Ganapati was more interested in singing and street plays as he was growing up. He did not show much interest in education. He used to play female roles in these street plays. He had utmost faith in Vittal as his deity. He was fascinated with Pandharpur where his Vittal is. After his initial education he joins Police department as a Constable. He was called as constable number 808. He always dreamt about being a Sub- Inspector and wanted to write departmental exams. Nana Chandorkar was one of his higher officers. He was asked to come to see Baba by Nana sahib. He met Sai Baba in 1892 AD. Even though Dasganu was not interested to meet Baba but Baba dragged him to Shirdi. Baba wanted to bring changes in his behavior so that he can advance in spiritual life. Baba knew that Dasganu will serve him in the future. He tells him to quit street plays and resign his job as police. But Dasganu tells Baba that he will leave the job after he becomes Sub- Inspector. Then Baba tells him that is not possible and he will never become a Sub-Inspector.  

Baba changing Dasganu’s mind about quitting his job:

First incident:

Dasganu loved to go on pilgrimages. Absenting himself from his duty, he used to visit holy places without taking the permission of his superiors, which would not be easily granted. On one such occasion, he had gone to a shrine in the "Nizam's State" and was returning. His fellow constables were highly envious of him, and they wanted to catch him red handed. So, when he was returning to his place, and when he was still on the Nizam's side of the river Godavari, the envious constables were on the other side waiting to catch him. Realizing this he felt that he would surely be dismissed. So, he took up the Godavari water in both of his palms and swore by that "Ganga" water, and said, "Baba, let me escape this time I shall certainly give up my police service". Then he went back into the Nizam's State just a short distance, when lo! and behold, there was proof of Baba's Grace! A village officer came to him and told him that certain dacoits were dividing their booty secretly and all that he wanted was a police gentleman with authority to arrest them. So Dasganu went, seized the dacoits and the booty, and proudly returned to his own station on the other side of the Godavari. When questioned how he went out without permission, his reply was that he had gone there for the seizure of dacoits and property—no doubt a falsehood. Thus he not only escaped punishment, but he thought he had a very good chance of rising in his profession. With that thought uppermost in his mind, he was riding past Shirdi to go somewhere. Just as his horse came to Shirdi, and when he did not want to alight there but to pass on without seeing Baba, Baba was on the road and made him alight.

Then Baba asked, 'Arre, who is it that swore with a palmful of water in his hand, man?' Then Das Ganu's reply was, 'What of that? Baba, I am going to resign after all, after I get the Fouzdarship'. Baba said that he would see to it that he resigned, and added 'Until a peg is driven into you, (i.e. pressure becomes painful), you will not obey'.

Second incident:

The next incident was with a notorious bandit named Kana Bhil who was robbing British and native states. For three years, police were on his track but failed to catch him. Kana Bhil one day came to shoot Das Ganu for he already shot the other three policemen put up on duty to keep track of Kana Bhil. Das Ganu went and bowed before Sri Ram and prayed for life the bandit let him off with a warning that he will be watched. When Das Ganu got information regarding this bandit he informed police who surrounded the hillock where Kana Bhil was hiding but, he escaped after a severe battle in which a number of police where shot. Das Ganu got a medical certificate that he has heart disease and escaped further detective duty. Nana chandorkar helped him with this issue. Even after this he did not want to resign his job as he promised Baba.

Third incident:

This time Baba really wanted to tighten the noose. When he was the second in command at the Station, the station Officer left him in charge. And Dasganu in a lordly way wanted to enjoy his time, and went home leaving a constable in charge of the station. Just at that time, a village officer had sent up a fine collected from some person against whom a warrant had been sent for collection. That money, Rs. 32/-, was left by the constable there in charge, without any person to witness. The constable told the person (who brought the money), that the Station Officer was on leave, that no receipt would be granted then, that he might go away, and that the receipt would be sent to the village in due course. So, that person went away, and the constable swallowed up the money. Dasganu knew nothing of this incident. However, the authorities finding that Rs. 32 had not been collected sent up a second warrant for the collection of the fine. The party showed the receipt from the Village officer. The Village officer, when asked, said that he had sent the money to Dasganu’s Station, and so the enquiring officer came to the Station and asked the Station Officer who pointed out that at the particular time and date when the money came, he was on leave. Then who was in charge? Dasganu was in charge. They blamed Dasganu for this mishap. He was asked for an explanation. He said he knew nothing. But there was no escaping the fact that money had been sent that day, and was paid at the station as there was proof. Then Dasganu, finding that there was not only no chance of his getting the Sub- Inspectorship but a good chance of his getting into the jail, solemnly swore to Baba that this time he would positively quit service. He went further and mentioned his willingness to resign to the enquiry officer who, thereupon, made him pay up Rs. 32, and then discharged him, taking of course his resignation also. Thus Baba succeeded in making Dasganu quit his job, a service, which would prevent Dasganu from becoming the high spiritual personage that he was subsequently to develop into.

Then he came to Baba and said “Baba, now my wife and I are homeless and have nothing to eat”. Then Baba assured him by saying “I will always make sure that you have enough to eat and will take care off you and your family”.  Afterwards until Dasganu left his body, he never had any trouble in his life. He was able to own some fertile lands also. His wife had some mental instability and she died in 1919. He had no children.  He was modest in his life and did not run after money.

The past Karmas (Deeds) will prevent us and keep us away from God’s grace. We tend not to believe our guru the way we supposed to. The material objects and worldly issues distract us more than anything. We don’t long for Guru’s love. Our mind will wander in different directions. Dasganu also had similar tendencies and could not have faith in Baba to a maximum possible level. Guru always shows his leelas (Miracles) to make us believe and have faith in his works. This will give us some sort of direction. To have the grace of guru we need to have accumulated good deeds. Dasganu visited so many sacred places and worshipped his God (Vittal) with utmost faith. Guru always wants us direct towards self-realization so that we can be freed from this birth death cycle. This is where a disciple needs faith. Guru does his miracles in different ways.

The sacred bath in Prayaga:

Once knowing that it was “Parva ” (holy time), Das Ganu wished to bathe at Prayag Tirth and came to Baba to take his permission. Baba, in return said: “You need not go that far for it. This itself, is our Prayag bank. Have strong faith in your heart”. Oh, how can I praise Baba’s greatness! As Das Ganu put his head at Baba’s feet, water trickled out from both his toes as if it was the water of Ganga and Yamuna, oozing out. Having witnessed this miracle, Das Ganu was overcome with emotion. What a great favour was bestowed on him by Baba! Tears sprang from his eyes. His speech was inspired. Love brimmed up in his heart. He felt  satisfied only after describing Baba’s immeasurable greatness and wonderful deeds.

To gratify the eagerness of the listeners, I shall insert the sweet song composition here:-

O Sadgururaya, boundless is your power and marvellous your deeds, You are the kind one who is the ship which takes the animate and inanimate beings across the worldly ocean. (Refrain).

You transformed yourself into Venu-Madhav (Vishnu) and made your feet into prayag here. You showed the currents of Ganga and Yamuna flowing from your toes.

You are Brahma (born of the lotus), Vishnu (Lord of Kamala) and Shiva, the embodiment of the Trinity. And, on this earth, you manifest as Sai, the Samartha.

In the early morning, like Brahma you utter words of wisdom; And, sometimes, you exhibit your violent nature and frightening appearance of Rudra, resorting to the quality of Tamo guna.

Sometimes like Sree Krishna, you indulge in child-like pranks; And become the swan in the lake of the devotee’s heart.

If we call you a Muslim, then you have love for “Gandha” (sandalwood paste); If we call you a Hindu you always happily reside in the Masjid.

If we call you rich, you are seen going about begging alms; if we call you a fakir, then with your favors (your generosity) you have put Kuber to shame.

If we call your house a Masjid then fire is seen burning there; the dhuni (pit kindled with wood fire) always burns to distribute “U di” to the people.

From morning the devotees in their simplicity come and worship you; And when the sun is at its zenith at noon, your ‘arati’ is performed.

Devotees stand all around you, like attendants of Gods and holding whisks and swishes in their hand fan you.

Horns, Clocks, Shenai, Gongs, Bells resound; And attendants in Uniforms (mace bearers) wearing belts proclaim your glory at the gates.

At the time of the Arati you look like Vishnu; And at dusk, as you sit before the Dhuni, you appear as Shiva (the destroyer of Cupid). Such Leelas of the Trinity, manifested in you, are experienced by us daily, O Baba Sai!

Even when such is the case, my mind wanders idly. Now this is my request to you, Baba, make it steady.

The vilest of the viles, and a great sinner, I take refuge at your feet. Please ward off the three-fold afflictions of Das Ganu.

Be it so. To expiate the deadly sins, people take recourse to the waters of the Ganga. But Ganga herself resorts to the feet of the saints for washing away her own sins. Leaving the sacred feet, it is not necessary to go on pilgrimage to Ganga-Godavari. Listen to the sweet life and praises of Saint Sai with devotion.

7-Day Chanting and Vittal Vision:

In the age of Kaliyuga; we can attain salvation just by chanting God’s name. This was reiterated by so many great men. Baba always used to say “Allah Malik”. He asked his devotees to do the same. Whatever God they worship, repeating that God’s name was essential. When they recite this way Baba used to enjoy this day and night. Baba asked Dasganu also to do Nama Saptaha (7 day recitation). Then Dasganu asked Baba to give him darshan (Vision) of his Vittal. Baba laying his hand on his heart assured him with confidence and told him firmly “ Yes,of course, Vittal in person will appear. The devotee should be full of faith. Dankapuri of Dakurnath, or Pandhari of Vitthal, or Dwarka Nagari of Ranchod are here only, in search of which you need not go a long distance.Is Vitthal going to come from anywhere else, leaving his private quarters? He would appear here, springing up out of the intense devotion of the devotee. By serving his parents Pundalik captivated the God of Gods. Seeing Pundalik’s devotion, the Lord stood on the brick and waited” . After the seventh day of the chanting, Baba’s words came true and it is said that Das Ganu had darshan of Lord Vittal at Shirdi. Thus Baba’s prediction was experienced and verified.

  

Baba used the above incident to show us the greatness of chanting of God’s name. The name of Ram is powerful than Lord Rama himself, and this statement was proved to us by the great Hanuman. No matter how many bad deeds we have accumulated, by just repeating God’s name, we will be freed from all this. The name “Ram” changed Valmiki in to a great saint. Dasganu was asked by Baba to chant Vishnu Sahasra nama al the time. He did not let him stay at Dwaraka Mai with the crowds, instead he was asked to go to Vittal temple in Shirdi. There he used to recite Vishnu Sahasranama. Even Shyama was asked to do this also. Baba started Rama Navami festival at Shirdi and during his last days in flesh, he was listening to RamaVijaya.

Dasganu adored his Pandharpur Vittal. He believed that God means Vittal only and he is in Pandharpur. To get rid of this fixed thought from the mind of Dasganu, Baba did so many miracles. Once he was asked to do Bhagavat Saptaha (Reading of sacred book in 7 days). Then Dasganu again requested the vision of Vittal. Then Baba told him “If your intensity is strong enough you will have his vision”. He did the recitation for 7 days but no vision of Vittal. In that poor mental state he approaches Nana Saheb Chandorkar and told him that he was disappointed. Baba is not letting him go to Pandharpur. Then Baba realizes this and tells Dasganu to go to pandharpur. When he comes back he again asks Baba about the vision. Then Baba says “You are looking at Vittal by showing himself”. Baba wanted him to realize the concept of universal visualization of God but not limit himself to one statue or place”.

  Baba similarly tried to save Dasganu from being attacked by the inner enemies (Kama, Krodha) also. Baba set before him the ideal of being totally free from those six enemies. That, however, was no joke. Like so many other devotees, this apostle also had his slips. But Baba very kindly pulled him up and corrected him off and on. For instance, on one occasion there was a feast at Shirdi where sira was prepared and distributed. Baba asked Ganu, "Did you get sira at that person's house?" "No, Baba" said Ganu, "that man is my enemy and did not invite me." Baba, at once rebuked him and said, "What is this sira and who eats it? Do not say of anyone that he is your enemy". Baba wanted him to realize that he is the soul which neither eats nor has any other physical function and that all souls are in essence one and the same, viz., Paramatma. To one who has realized himself as Paramatma, there can be no enemy at all.

The truths taught by Baba are so peculiar to each and applicable and intelligible only in special circumstances. Hence, we must content ourselves with only one more illustration and stop. Dasganu Maharaj was a very severe critic and occasionally uttered words that wounded the hearts of others and produced other evil effects. On one occasion, he had used hard words and defamatory language against a devotee living at Shirdi, who had done splendid work to make Sai Samsthan highly attractive and who drew numerous influential and other people to Baba's feet. When Dasganu vented one of his frequent abuses against that devotee, Baba sent for him and pointed out that the work of attracting devotees to Baba's feet was rightly prized and practised by Dasganu himself on a vast scale and yet he was defaming a person who carried on the same work and he thereby hindered that work. Baba thus made him acknowledge his error and insisted on his prostrating himself before that devotee and begging pardon. So Dasganu adopted that advice and prostrated himself before that devotee and prayed for pardon. He thus gained more self-control and more humility, and also noted with appreciation the value of the lesson taught in Bhagavata llth Skanda.

Na stuvita na nindeta kurvatah saadhu asaadhu vaa

Vadato guna doshaabbyam varjitah samadrik munih"

 Meaning:”The sage must have equal vision and should neither eulogize the doers or utterers of good nor decry the doers or utterers of evil.”

Lesson about simplicity:

Once, Ganu Das was going to do a ‘Katha’ at Shirdi. So he set off properly dressed with a long coat, uparna, and pheta on head. According to custom, he happily went to Baba to bow at his feet. On seeing him, Baba said: “Oh, now you have adorned yourself like a bridegroom!  Where are you going so dressed up? ” Baba asked him. Das Ganu replied: “I am going to perform kirtan”. Baba said to him, further: “Why have you taken so much trouble over dressing up? Why do you have long coat, uparna and pheta? We do not need all these things. Take them off in front of me. Why burden your body with them? ” As per his orders, he took them off and laid them at his feet.

   Since then, till this day, Ganu Das wears no upper garment and makes no show. He carries ‘chiplis’ in his hands and a ‘mala round his neck at the time of kirtan. Though this is not generally accepted, it is of a pure origin. This was the tradition of Narada, the most enlightened of enlightened sages. This is the original school of ‘Naradiyan kirtan’ from which the Haridasas originated. They did not bother about the outward glamour but stressed purification of soul. Only the lower half of the body is covered. Chiplis are used and the veena is played. Hari’s name is loudly chanted. Such is the well-known and pure image of Narada.

With the grace of Sai Samartha, Das Ganu composed stories describing the saints and performed kirtans free. Thus, he became famous. He was truly instrumental in spreading the zest of Sai devotion. He brought to high tide, the ocean of Sai love and self – contentment.

Isavasyopanishad teaching:

Dasganu Maharaj once wanted to write commentary on Isavasyopanishad and fulfills his desire by writing this complicated scripture. So many people appreciated his writing and praised for doing so. But Dasganu had lot of questions and he put his doubts in front of some great scholars. But they could not satisfy his mind. He was unhappy about this. He approaches Baba and requested him to bless him with this knowledge. Then Baba says that there is nothing difficult about this and when you go back visit kaka’s house. His maid will clarify your doubts.

Every one felt that Baba is joking and how a maid can teach a scripture. But Dasganu knew that he has to go to Kaka Dixit’s house. What Baba said is the truth. Here the take home point is the belief in your Guru in Baba’s words Shradda (Faith). Guru’s word is God’s word. Then he goes to Kaka’s house and rests that night. He suddenly wakes up to a sweet voice who was singing about a saree. Then he woke up and wanted to check who that lady was? He started thinking is this the lady Baba was talking about? She was the sister of another worker by name Namya. Then he listens closely to the song she was singing about Saree (dress) which is in color orange. She was wearing a rag yet she was singing about a beautiful dress. She was very happy in singing this song.

Then he felt for her poverty and asked Moreswar Pradhan to give her a Saree. Then she wore that dress next day and started singing again. She came back to work next day with her original rag and still she was happy. She was singing and there was no difference in her attitude. After observing all this, Dasganu felt that he understood the Isavasyopanishad. He was able to satisfy his zeal in understanding the scripture.

What did Dasganu learn from observing this maid? Baba could have taught him this in Shirdi itself. Why send him to kaka’s house. What can we learn from the maid, the Saree, the work she was doing, the happiness that she showed by singing even when she was not wearing the new saree. What is the link and relation to Isavasyopanishad?

Isavasyopanishad has 18 verses. This is the smallest Upanishad of all of the Upanishads. Eesa means God and Vaasa means “who is omnipresent. Baba could have told him this in Shirdi itself. But he wanted to show Dasganu that he can teach through a maid to prove that he is everywhere.  The initial verse teaches us that God is every where and is all pervading. The universe came from this completeness. The maid’s poverty, ragged Saree, person who donated the saree, and all this is part of God. If we can get rid of ego, the sense of me, mine and enjoy with out expectation, then we will succeed in spiritual path.

In this story, maid was happy when she was in a rag or new Saree. This did not affect her happiness. This is what Baba wanted Dasganu to learn. This teaching is confirmed in the verses of Isavasyopanishad. It is really hard to reject the materialistic happiness. But we have to enjoy them by rejecting them. They both are contradicting each other. What it really means is to enjoy the worldly things with out getting attached to the object. All these objects were given to us by God. He gave air to breath, water to drink, and all the required elements to live. We did not bring any thing when we came in to this world and we do not take any thing with us when we die. We have to appreciate God for giving all this. The scripture says that we should not take any thing that does not belong to us. In this universe we were given enough and we have to understand our piece of the pie. If we try to snatch from others and accumulate, what will happen? Some people by their crooked ways gulp every thing around them. This is not fair and we can not even imagine what they have to go through after wards.  There will be balance in the nature.

The word “Tena Tyaktena Bhunjida” also denotes another meaning. When we eat banana, we eat the pulp and throw the skin. In a similar way, we have to reject the materialistic world by grasping the force behind this that is Paramatma (Supreme God). In our story we have lot of elements like the maid, saree, and rag, person who donated the saree etc. But the happiness that she was in irrespective of what she was wearing is the concept of ultimate happiness (Paramatma tatva). Baba not only provided this situation for Dasganu to learn but he also gave him an extraordinary out of body experience. This is what great Gurus do! They will make you experience the scripture rather than just telling you. With this ultimate experience Dasganu’s doubts were cleared once for all about Isavasyopanishad.         

                   

Dasganu Maharaj after Baba Mahasamadhi

Baba took care of his devotees the same way as he did prior to his Mahasamadhi. He made sure that his devotees did not deviate from the path. Dasganu Maharaj resigned his job in 1903. After that Baba gave him the opportunity to do Harikathas (Story telling) and spread his teachings. For Dasganu Vittal in Pandharpur is the God. He wrote few chapters about Baba in his books. Mr. Sathe helped him financially to publish those books.  They were published in 1906. Dasganu always enjoyed reading books and he could tell some poetry just like that. He worked hard to learn Marathi and Sanskrit grammar and became well versed with those languages. His work about different saints was introduced as syllabus for school children in their yearly curriculums.

He used to have big crowds when he was giving talks and some times up to 2000 people in those days. He used to mesmerize them with his singing and story telling. Baba knew what Dasganu’s capability and how he will succeed in this task. That’s why he made him resign his job as police constable and direct him towards Bhakti (Devotion path) marga. Dasganu Maharaj wanted to write a commentary on a great book “Amrutanubava” written by Jnanadev himself. Every one told him that it is a difficult task. He asked Baba for blessings and he was able to write it later. He was praised for his work.

In 1919 Dasaganu was living alone in Nanded after his wife’s death. He was doing kitanas in different places and when there is no program, he stayed in Nanded itself. Once he went to meet a great soul by the name of Virakta Brahmachari. This person did not allow Dasganu to meet him. He avoided him. Dasganu was very disappointed. He tried to talk to him but without any success. He felt that he could not give him any offering and finally sends some food with another devotee. Then he accepts his food. Finally he allows Dasganu to meet him. Then Dasganu asks him for the reason he did not give Dasganu the darshan.

Then Brahmachari says like this; you say that you are a Kirthankar, but you could not get rid of your ego. You sent me the food which was laced with ego. Then he tells him some words from his recent writings, which were not published yet. Then Dasganu realizes that this Brahmachari is great soul and he knows past, present and future. The Brahmachari continued to say like this. He reminds him of Baba’s miracle about Prayag bath. When sacred water came from Baba’s feet, you sprinkled them on your head, but you did not drink the water. You are proud that you are a Brahmin and Baba was a muslim. You have to get rid of this ego. After this, Dasganu prayed to Baba and asked his grace. This is how Baba works with his devotees and he protects us from the difficulties.

Dasganu Maharaj wrote a book by name Stavanamanjari just 36 days prior to Baba’s Mahasamadhi. In 1925 he published a book called Bhakta Saramrutam. Baba appeared in Dasganu’s dream just after his mahasamadhi and asks him to come to Shirdi. After Baba’s mahasamadhi, Dasganu mostly lived in Nanded. Every year he did Pilgrimage to pandharpur. 

He died in 1963 at age 95. He died on Karthika Ekadasi in Pandharpur where his Vittal is. Baba blessed him so that he can leave his body in his favorite place. His Samadhi is in Nanded and thousands of people visit this place.

Once Baba takes you under his wing, he takes you to the goal and protects you in every aspect of your life. But it is our job to have faith in him. That’s why he is the Satchidananda Parama Guru.

OM SAI RAM!