Biography of Lord Sripada Srivallabha Ebook

SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA CHARITAMRITAM
(ABRIDGED)
A Biography of Lord Sripada Srivallabha
SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA CHARITAMRITAM

(ABRIDGED)
ORIGINAL SCRIPT IN SANSKRIT
SRI SHANKARABHATT
TELUGU
SRI MALLADI GOVINDA DEEKSHITULU

ABRIDGED & TRANSLATED BY
Ms. PRASANNA KUMARI

EDITED BY
Ms. NAGA APARNA

I
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II

!"#$!!
III
DIVINE BLESSINGS
Sripada Srivallabha is the first incarnation of the
Lord Dattatreya in Datta Guru Parampara. Lord Dattatreya is
Supreme Power and GURU for entire VISWAM.
I felt extremely happy to know that Smt.Prasanna
Kumari is bringing out SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA
CHARITAMRITAM in English Version with the Divine
blessings of Lord Dattatreya. The proposed English Version
Book comprising 53 chapters is very elaborate,illustrative, and
covered all events as in Original Telugu Version Book Written
by Sri Malladi Govinda Deekshitulu of Sripada family.
This book enables the readers to read as Nitya Parayana
Grandham who live in India and abroad.
My hearty Divine blessings to Smt.Prasanna Kumari
and wish that many more spiritual books be written in future
also.
With Divine Love
Viswa Yogi Viswamjee Maharaj
IV
DIVINE BLESSINGS
It is a great honour for me to pen a few words about
this sacred book Sripada Srivallabha Charithamritam, an
abridged version in English. I had gone through this book and
proclaim that each and every letter in this book is impregnated
with divine wisdom and power. This book takes the true seeker
on a spiritual journey eventually quenching the spiritual thirst
with its Divine nectar. In short, this book is an encyclopaedia of
spiritualism covering various subjects Astrology, Astronomy,
Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy, Homeopathy
and lot of other relative subjects. The writer of this book is
fully blessed by Lord Dattatreya and His Incarnations. The
confluence of divine consciousness and human consciousness
has manifested in this sacred text through the words, emanating
the spiritual fragrance of thousand-petalled Lotus flowers.
Verily these words express the devotion and the dedication
and the pure energy of Prasanna Kumari. She has successfully
accomplished the challenging task of translating the higher
aspects of spirituality in a lucid language. I am sure that this
book will definitely ignite the divine spark of devotion in the
minds and hearts of the readers. I have thoroughly enjoyed
the beautiful narration of the book, which resonates the
complete essence of the unabridged version. I sincerely feel
that words fall short to express the inner joy and happiness
I felt while going through this text. May LORD SRIPADA
SRIVALLABHA shower His grace and blessings on Prasanna
Kumari and also the readers! Best Wishes!
Sri Ramani Babaji
One evening, Sriram Sharma Kondamudi, a friend

of mine introduced me to his cousin sister, the author of
this biography, Smt.Prasanna Kumari and she mentioned
about her work an English Translation of the biography of
Sripada Srivallabha and expected me to write a Foreword for
it. I excused myself, pleading my ignorance of the subject,
as I never read anything about this Avatar, though my eldest
daughter has been a staunch follower of this deity.
But Srirama Sharma insisted and persuaded me saying
that I am qualified enough, having seen two of my published
books in English, one on Bhgawan Sri Sathya Sai Babas
Teachings, titled The Universal Truth and the second
Compilation titled The Culture Of India and Its Spiritual
Heritage, published by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Trust, A.P.
Smt. Prasanna forwarded me a soft copy of her
English Translation so that I could go through the book first. I
promised to get back to her and sought a weeks time. I soon
started reading it and found the subject very absorbing and the
narration so beautiful that I could not put the book aside and
went ahead and finished reading it. I was curious to look at
the original Telugu version as well and to my dismay, found
that the very original Telugu version by Shri Malladi Govinda
Deekshithulu and the abridged Telugu version by Smt.
Prasanna Kumari were both available right in our bookshelf,
though I never knew rather noticed it. I realized that this was
no coincidence, but is as ordained by the Lord and felt that the
Lord for some reason, wanted me to read the text .
Bharat has been blessed with many Saints and Sages
due to the high level of spirituality that is evident in this land;
there have been many manifestations of Divinity in human
form in this land. The purpose of such Divine Manifestations
is to ignite a Divine Spark in the minds of those who witness
them, hear about them and to turn the individual thoughts from
concentration on ego to contemplation of the Innerself.
VI
Sripada Srivallabha is considered as the first incarnation

of Dattatreya in kaliyuga. He is supposed to have lived during
the period 1320 AD to 1350 AD and was born in Pithikapuram,
(Present day Pithapuram), 20 km from Kakinada, a town in
East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state, in India. Lord
Sripadas divine sport and glory are unheard of and indisputable.
He makes His identity known in no uncertain terms when He
declares about Himself thus, during a questioning by one of
His disciples: I am the primordial power, which remains
latent in each and every atom and cell of this entire creation. It
is I who appear in the form of a mother and a father in all the
living beings. I am the Guru to the entire creation.
A biography on Sripada which included various episodes
on the life of Sripada was originally written in Sanskrit by One
Kannada Devotee Shankar Bhatt, (contemporary of Sripada
Srivallabha) recording the various encounters and miracles
witnessed by himself and by those whom he came into contact
with.
A comprehensive book in Telugu language, on the Life
of Sripada Srivallabha was brought out by a devotee named
Malladi Govinda Deekshitulu belonging to the Lineage of the
maternal Grandfather of Sripada Srivallabha. It is claimed that
this book has been preserved as a secret for 32 generations
of Sripadas maternal side before publishing it in November
2001, after receiving a message from the Divine to disclose it.
Shankar Bhatt, the biographer himself says Sripada
Srivallabha Charitamritam written by me would for some time,
remain with the family of Sripadas maternal uncles. Then it
will be translated into Telugu. Soon after the translation, this
Sanskrit manuscript will disappear.
The present text is the English translation of the abridged
Telugu version of the biography of Sripada Srivallabhas life
story, the miracles, conversations and teachings over the years
VII
of His life, authored by Smt.Prasanna Kumari, who also brought

out the book in Hindi language. The book covers all the 53
chapters which the original Telugu version had and details the
life history of the Lord, His birth, childhood His miracles, His
teachings and the fascinating encounters the original author
Shankar Bhatt (who was the Lords contemporary) had with
the Lords disciples, ascetics, yogis, siddha purushas etc.
Smt.Prasanna is surely a blessed person and one with
the rare talent and fortune of authoring the abridged versions
in Telugu, Hindi and in English as well, of this sacred and
holy text. She writes in simple and elegant English prose.
The simplicity which, at the same time, contains such a depth
of meaning, is unique. But for the divine intervention and
blessings of the Lord Himself, one could not have performed
this task.
What makes this new volume unique is that though
an abridged version, it contains an exhaustive account of
Sripadas life history, His leelas and His amazing miracles,
encounters with holy men, avadhootas, the prophecies and the
Lords Spiritual teachings, as also deals with varied subjects
like theory of karma, astronomy, cosmic powers, the God
Principle-various Gods and Goddesses and other spiritual
revelations. All this, in a small volume.
It is an exceedingly difficult task to present such
complex and enlarged concepts and advanced truth, and
enhance spiritual perception, when one is restricted to mere
translation. The text elaborates on the teachings that transcend
to more universal concepts on spiritual and human life. The
teachings are very profound, but mostly easy to read and
understand.
The author deals with the whole process of divine
revelation and divine teachings of Sripada Srivallabha, the
reincarnation of the Supreme Godhead, Dattatreya, in a masterly
way and elucidates the points and deserves full compliments.
VIII
The book is bound to be a wonderful treasure and a boon for all

followers of Lord Sripada in particular and to all the spiritual
aspirants in general, where one can find answers to the many
doubts and delusions which torment us and in which we are
embroiled and are here treated by the Lord and the answers
provided.
I am grateful to the author for giving me the rare chance
of going through her book and through her, getting acquainted
with yet another facet of the Supreme Lord.
Ramakrishna Vithal Kunduri (M)
Cell : 8886152299 ;
Email: vithal.kunduri@gmail.com
IX
A WORD WITH YOU

After reading my abridged version of Sripada
Srivallabha Charitamritam in Telugu, many a devotee asked
me whether I experienced any divine visions or witnessed any
miracles. Verily, assigning the pious task of translating this
sacred text to a person like me is itself a divine experience and
nothing less than a miracle. Even then, I narrate few incidents,
which I believe are divine experiences.
A devotee in Malaysia told me that when the book
(Telugu Version) was placed at the altar of Sai Baba, he
witnessed the manifestation of Vibhuthi in the form of Aum
on the book, the next day.
More than 300 devotees together carried out Group
Parayana of this book on the auspicious Guru Purnima day in
Ongole this year (2013). Many devotees shared their spiritual
experiences and personal problems with me over the phone
though they know nothing about me personally. The proximity
they show and the trust they confer upon me certainly makes
me feel privileged. Surprisingly we cannot recognize one
another even if we happen to meet accidentally but yet I am
listening and uttering a word of solace to some. Are not these
miracles, though we brush them aside as plain occurrences?
Fortuitously, because of this book I met many great
souls. At the onset, I happened to meet Sri Malladi Govinda
Deekshitulu who with a lot of trust entrusted me the task of
translating this book and guided me at every step during the
translation of Sampurna Charitamritam into Hindi. Further,
while working on the book, I have come into contact with
Smt. Anita and Kalyani two extremely devotional and
generous sisters, Smt. Kalyani Diwakar, who is a treasurehouse of spiritual experiences, Ms. Lata Nagender and
X
Sri Premchandra Rao, Sri Guptaji, Sri Vithalji et al, who apart
from their spiritual outlook are extremely humane, helpful,
humble and service-oriented.
Lord Dattatreya has been exceedingly merciful
and kind to me for He brought sunshine and perennial
spring in the autumn and arid land of my life. Prostrating
at the Lotus Feet of our primordial Guru, I humbly express
my heartfelt gratitude to Him for blessing (in spite of my
flaws), guiding and leading me on to the Spiritual Path.
I humbly bow at the feet of my beloved parents and
spiritually elevated souls - Dr Rama Rao and Smt Raja
Rajeswari who touched the lives of countless people through
their generosity and philanthropy.
I humbly bow to my revered Guru Sri Sri Ramani Babaji.
I am thankful to Sri Vishwamji Maharaj and Sri Vithalji who
despite their busy schedule spared their precious time to read
and write few words about the book.
I am eternally grateful to Sri Sairam, who literally thrust
the book Datta Darshanam into my hands and persuaded me to
go through it, thus bringing me into the fold of Lord Dattareya
and to Dr Prasant for stabilising me in this path, explaining and
expressing his spiritual experiences to me from time to time.
I am thankful to my siblings who always encouraged
me and express my sincere gratitude to all those who directly
or indirectly helped me in completing the book.
I am thankful to and express my love to my dear ones
Vinay, Papa(Aparna), Nimisha, Vijji (Vijay Kamal), Smita
Virin, & Kartik whose unconditional love and affection makes
my journey comfortable, smooth and joyful. Special thanks to
my daughter Aparna for editing and for taking lot of pains to
beautify the language and the narration.
XI
I express my sincere thanks to Google Search Engine

and to all those who posted their informative articles and
pictures in various websites, which helped me a great deal in
bringing forth this book.
I am ever thankful to the generous benefactor who
contributed towards the publication of this book, yet desires
to remain anonymous. My sincere thanks to my soulmate Sri
Sriram Sharma who always guides, helps and supports me in
all matters be it mundane or spiritual.
Prasanna Kumari
XII
PROCEDURE FOR CARRYING OUT PARAYANA

Sapthah - Within 1 week
Day
Chapters tobe read
1 to 6
7 to 12
13 to 18
19 to 22
23 to 34
35 to 42
43 to 53
Lord Krishna in Bhagawad Gita and Lord Sripada in

this scripture time and again reiterated the statement that the
Grace and the Mercy of the Lord depends upon the feelings
and the depth of the devotion of a devotee. Hence devotees
should perform Parayana placing utmost faith on the Power
of the Ultimate without nourishing any doubts or negative
feelings.
On completion of parayana, one has to feed 11
persons preferably poor, as Lord Datta gets propitiated with
Annadanam, feeding the hungry. Due to some reason or the
other, if one is unable to perform Annadanam, an amount
sufficient to feed 11 persons may be donated in any temple.
XIII
Contents
1.
Journey of Shankar Bhatt to Kuruvapuram..........
2.
Shankar Bhatt encounters Sri Siddha Yogindra..
3.
Darshan of Palani Swami and Vision of

Kuruvapuram. Propitious effects of chanting the
name of Sripada ...................................................
16
4.
Vasavambika Darshan in Kuruvapuram .............
24
5.
Shankar Bhatt arrives at Tirupati ........................
35
6.
Sripada showers angelic grace upon

Tirumala Das .......................................................
42
7.
Astronomical Description ...................................
53
8.
Shodasavataras ....................................................
60
9.
The Philosophy of Karma ...................................
66
10.
Encounter with Subbayya Sreshthi......................
76
11.
Subbayya Sreshthi, Bilwamangala and

Chintamani ..........................................................
85
12.
Kulasekhar............................................................
89
13.
Anand Sharma .....................................................
92
14.
Pledge of Protection to Dattadas .........................
96
15.
Bangarappa and Sundara Ram Sharma................
102
16.
Tale of Srimannarayana ......................................
111
17.
Encounter with Sri Namananda ..........................
117
18.
Portrayal of Ravidas.............................................
124
XIV
19.
Linganna Shastri & Ganapati Shastri .....................
129
20.
Episode of Vissavadhani ........................................
134
21.
Dandi Swami............................................................
140
22.
Sripada adjusts the Horoscope of His Devotees......
144
23.
Shiva Yogi .............................................................
149
24.
Transcendental Aspects of Lord Shiva ...................
151
25.
Significance of Rudraksh ........................................
156
26.
Kala Purusha .........................................................
160
27.
Encounter with Virupaksha.....................................
163
28.
Birthday of Vasavi Kanyaka ...................................
165
29.
Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari and the

Arya Vaishyas .......................................................
30.
169
Samsayatma Vinashyati The One Who

Doubts Shall Perish..................................................
171
31.
The Ten Cosmic Powers..........................................
172
32.
Navnaths ................................................................
180
33.
Marriage of Ramani and Narasimha Raya...............
185
34.
Sharabheshwara Shastri ..........................................
187
35.
Ugra Tara Devi .......................................................
190
36.
Vedanta Sharma ......................................................
193
37.
Encounter with the devotees of Chinnamastadevi
197
38.
Goddess Bagalamukhi ............................................
199
39.
Nagendra Shastri......................................................
202
40.
Encounter with Bhaskara Shastri............................
205
XV
41.
The Episode of the Pseudo-Ascetic ......................
42.
Datta Digambara! Datta Digambara!
207
Sripada Vallabha Datta Digambara! .....................
210
43.
Description of Anagha Lakshmi ...........................
213
44.
Golden Pithikapuram ............................................
217
45.
Sripada commands Hanuman to descend..............
219
46.
Encounter with Dhanagupta,the

Affluent Merchant. ...............................................
221
47.
Divine play of Sripada ...........................................
223
48.
Description of Darbar in Panch Dev Pahad...........
225
49.
Ways to destroy Karma..........................................
227
50.
Significance of chanting the name of Lord ...........
229
51.
Protection from perils............................................
231
52.
My Yogic Experiences ..........................................
232
53.
The way Sripada Srivallabha

Charitamritam reaches Pithikapuram ....................
XVI
233
SANKSHIPTA SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA CHARITAMRITAM
Chapter 1
Journey of Shankar Bhatt to Kuruvapuram
Aum. Offering my humble salutations and invoking the
Grace of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Sri Krishna,
the lineage of my reverend Gurus and all Gods and Goddesses,
I relate the glory of Sripada who is the recent incarnation of the
Primordial Lord Dattatreya, the Master of the Universe. With
all humility, I confess that but for the gracious blessings and
divine conviction of Dattatreya, an illiterate and ignoramus
like me who is neither a scholar nor proficient in any subject,
would not have mustered the courage to write the biography of
the Omniscient Lord, when even the most scholastic pundits
expressed their inability to eulogise His glory.
There is not much to detail about myself except that I am
1
Shankar Bhatt, a Karnataka Smarta Brahman of Bharadwaja
lineage. I belong to the Smarta tradition which is liberal and
do not believe in sectarianism. However, I am slightly inclined
towards Shaivism and cherish a special veneration for Lord
Shiva. We consider the head priest, Swami Shankaracharya of
Shringeri, Mysore in Southern India as our preceptor. Once
during my pilgrimage I visited the shrine of Lord Sri Krishna
in Udipi2. Looking at the exquisite idol of Lord Krishna as
a cherub, richly adorned with jewels, and a peacock feather
in his crown, holding a butter churn in one hand and its cord
in the other, I totally lost myself in Him. From there I went
to Kanyakumari. There the Divine Mother, Vasavi Kanyaka
Parameswari instructed me to go to Kuruvapuram and to
1
Smartas accept all the major Hindu deities as forms of the Brahman. They emphasise the
universality of Hinduism instead of an exclusive worship of Vishnu, Shiva, or other deities They
believe that the worshipper is free to choose a particular God, or a particular aspect of a God to
worship, and that they should adhere to and not contradict the Vedas and Smritis during their
practice of rituals and worship. As they lay emphasis on Smritis they are known as Smartas.
2
It is an important Vaishnavite town, 58 km north of Mangalore in Karnataka. It is believed
that the idol of Lord Krishna as an infant, installed by Sri Madhavacharya, carved by the divine
sculptor Viswakarma, out of Saligram stone, as per the instructions of Lord Krishna himself.
sanctify my life by obtaining the Darshan of Lord Sripada

and seek His blessings. She said that His Darshan sanctifies
the body, mind and soul of the devotee and bestows upon him
inexplicable and indescribable bliss and joy. Thus began my
journey to Kuruvapuram at the behest of the benevolent Divine
Mother.
En route to Kuruvapuram I arrived at a village called
Marutvamalai. It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was
carrying the Sanjivani Mountain back to Himalayas, a small
fragment of it fell at this very place giving the village its name
Marutvamalai - Hill of Hanuman, the son of Marut, the
Wind God. On being informed that Siddhas perform penance
in the caves of this picturesque hill, I was hoping to catch a
glimpse of them. While glancing through the caves, much to
my consternation, instead of Siddhas, I noticed a tiger standing
in front of a cave. Panic-stricken I frantically yelled the name
of Sripada. The tiger stood still, staring at me with a serene
calmness and roared the sacred hymn Sripada Rajam Saranam
Prapadye.
Just then an old ascetic came out and addressing me by
my name, smiling benignly invited me into the cave. I mutely
followed him. The sage with his sheer will created a sacred
fire for yagna, and other sacrosanct articles like flowers, fruits,
sweetmeats, ghee etc for offering oblations into the sacred fire.
He then diligently performed the yagna following the scriptural
injunctions, chanting Vedic hymns and offering those articles
into the fire with great piety.
Later on the sage lamented, The sacred sacrifices and
yagnas are gradually becoming extinct. Man, in spite of being
constantly benefited by nature, viz. the five elements, is failing
to express his gratitude to the Absolute - the Epitome of Five
Elements. Yagnas should be performed to propitiate Gods.
The main attraction is Kanakana Kindi (the window of Kanaka), which is in the western wall of
the temple. In ancient times, when Krishnas ardent devotee, Kanakadas had been denied access
to the temple as he belonged to a lower class, a portion of the wall collapsed and the statue turned
towards him to grant him a full view. Even today it is in the same position. All pilgrims must have
initial Darshan of Lord from this place.
Gods, thus pleased, bestow their blessings upon humankind by

altering the nature favouring them. Son, I performed this yagna
for the welfare of the human race.
I was inquisitive to know about the tiger and also about
Lord Sripada. The sage said: In a village named Atreyapuram,
located in the Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, a child was
born in an orthodox Brahmin family of Kasyapasa lineage. He
was named Vyaghreshwar Sharma3. His father was an eminent
scholar. In stark contrast the child was a dunce. In spite of the
best efforts of his father and teachers, the boy could not recite
even the Sandhya Vandana mantras, and so was naturally
ill-treated and belittled by his peers and parents as well.
One day, in his dream, the boy saw a celestial form, who
after consoling and assuring him of His constant presence,
directed him to go to Badarikaranya. Relieved by the cosmic
assurance, the much taunted and insulted Vyaghreshwar
Sharma proceeded to Badarikaranya. While he was taking a
holy dip in Urvashi Kund, a spring there, a great sage with
an entourage of his disciples arrived. Vyaghreshwar Sharma
gazed ardently at the great soul, prostrated at his lotus feet4 and
beseeched him to accept him as his disciple.
The Saint consented. But for the benign mercy of
Sripada Srivallabha, you would not have been drawn to this
holy place - the great land of penance of Nara-Narayana, he
said.
Gurudev! Who is Sripada Srivallabha? Why did He
shower His benevolence on me? he inquired anxiously.
3
Vyaghra refers to tiger and Ishwar to God; the word indicates Shiva, as the tiger-god.
A temple of Lord Shiva as Vyaghreswar is situated at the junction of the rivers Gomati and Sorjuin
Bageshwar in Almora district, 66 kms away from Nainital. It is believed to be 1500 years old.
4
Feet in the scriptures represent the base on which one stands or on which something is established. The Omnipotent God is established in truth, and all that is pure and noble; so His feet
represent the same. When one touches the feet of the Gurus, elders etc., it is symbolic of ones
expression of respect to the noble ideals on which they are deeply rooted. When one worships the
Lords feet (Padukas), it is nothing but adoration of the great ideals for which He stands.
Son, Sripada Srivallabha is the embodiment of Lord

Dattatreya. In Treta Yuga when Sage Bharadwaja performed
Savitri Kathak Chayan in Pithikapuram, Lord Datta promised
to descend into a family of Bhardwaja lineage at the end of
Kali Yuga. True to His promise, He incarnated as Sripada in
Pithikapuram.
I am leaving now to spend some time in the service
of my Guru Sri Mahavatar Babaji and will return only after a
year. Till then remain in the caves assigned to you and practise
Kriya Yoga to attain self-realisation.
The sage set out for Dronagiri, situated near Sanjivani
Mountain. Vyaghreshwar Sharma could neither understand
Kriya Yoga nor the preaching on self-realisation imparted by
his Guru, except that one should concentrate on ones self to
attain self realisation. On serious contemplation he concluded
that just as his name implies, his soul too must be that of a tiger.
He thought that the tiger is a blessed and fortunate animal as its
hide is used as a seat by yogis for meditation and by Lord Shiva
as a garment. Thus justifying and substantiating his chain of
thoughts he sat in meditation devoutly focussing on the tiger as
a process to attain self-realisation.
Gurudev returned after year and went
into each and every cave enquiring about
the spiritual progress of his disciples. When
he looked into the cave of Vyaghreshwar
Sharma, he saw a tiger instead. With his
Yogic power he comprehended the truth that his disciple on
constant contemplation, had turned into a tiger. He felt pleased
with the unblemished innocence of this soul. Gurudev blessed
him and taught him Pranava nadam - OM and counselled him
to chant the mantra Sripada Rajam Saranam Prapadye,
constantly.
Vyaghreshwar Sharma once went to Kuruvapuram.
One had to cross the river Krishna to reach the other bank,
Kuruvapuram. Sripada Srivallabha, was amidst his devotees
4
on the other bank informed them that one of his devotee, was
waiting for him on the other bank and hurried towards the
river. Walking on beautiful lotus flowers blooming beneath
each step, he reached the other bank. How could he balance
and walk on the soft flowers floating on water? How they
remained intact? These matters are beyond comprehension of
an ordinary intellect. Srivallabha, reached the other bank and
riding on the tigers back returned to Kuruvapuram. The tiger
took its last breath the moment Sripada Srivallabha had got
down from its back, and a radiant celestial soul emerged from
its body.
The celestial soul prayed the Lord to accept the hide the skin of his previous body as his seat. Sricharan lovingly
consented and narrated the details of his previous birth: In one
of his past lives, Vyaghreshwar was a great wrestler who used
to fight with tigers, harassing, chaining and starving them, and
forcing them to do his bidding to entertain the audience for
earning his livelihood.
As a result of these brutal acts, he was destined to be
born as an animal for many births to come. But the Lord with
his grace restricted the karmic effects to that birth alone and
liberated him from the transmigration cycle of births and deaths.
The Lord then granted him a boon saying that as he remained
tiger for many years, he may assume the form whenever
he wishes it. He ordered him to proceed to Himalayas.
You have seen the same Vyaghreshwar Sharma at the
entrance of the cave. He guards the great yogis in Himalayas.
The great yogis are capable of communicating telepathically;
they do not need any messengers to convey their messages
amongst themselves. However, they do exchange messages
through Vyaghreshwar Sharma as a joyous sport.
Sripada Rajam Saranam Prapadye!
Chapter 2
Shankar Bhatt encounters Sri Siddha Yogindra
I renewed my journey fondly reminiscing on my
wondrous experience in Marutvamalai and chanting the name
of Lord Sripada. On the way I visited many holy lands. As
soon as I set foot in Kadambavan in Pandya kingdom, I
experienced a state of weightlessness, as if my body was about
to levitate. At that moment I came upon a powerful Shiva
Lingam, after beholding which, I felt normal again. I rested for
some time and resumed my journey. Presently I came across
a hermitage. A saint called Siddhendra Yogi lived there. I paid
obeisance to him.
Listening to the perplexing experience that I had at
Kadambavan, the saint narrated an interesting story related
to it. Son, Shankar Bhatt! The Shiva Lingam which you
chanced upon is the most efficacious one. In times yore, Lord
Devendra annihilated many demons in a fierce war. One
of the demons who managed to escape started performing
severe penance. Lord Indra beheaded the demon mercilessly
when he was absorbed in deep penance and hence Indras
effulgence started waning. He visited many holy places
to be absolved from this sin, but of no avail. However,
the moment he stepped into this Kadambavan he was
completely purged of his sin and regained his resplendence.
Realising the mystic powers of the Shiva Lingam there, he
got a temple built in that place. Son, the very glimpse of the
Shiva Lingam expunges all sins and brings in opulent good
fortune. Only the good and meritorious people can see it.
However, the devotees of Lord Sri Datta are blessed and
destined to meet holy people and visit holy places in an
unexpected and effortless manner. The yogi then asked me to
visit the place once again.
When I reached the place second time, I felt amazed
to see a magnificent temple substituting the earlier one. On
6
enquiry, I came to know that it was the temple of Sri Minakshi

Sundareshwar in Mathura. After obtaining Darshan, I returned
for hermitage. The place secluded earlier, was now crowded
teeming with population giving it the appearance of a city and
hence I found it difficult to locate the ashram. Groping around,
finally I reached the Ashram.
Sri Siddha yogi took me inside with exceptional warmth
and offered me fried chickpeas in a plantain leaf. I ate to my
hearts content. Then, the Yogi explicated my experiences,
Son, the first Shiva lingam you have seen is not different
from the second one, in fact both are one and the same. These
experiences were given to you as per the instructions of Lord
Datta, taking the time back to two different yester years and
creating the same milieu and scenario existed at those times.
Son, the mere conviction of Lord Datta, turns the future into
present; the present into past and the past into present. Whatever
happened in the past, or happening in the present or will
happen in the future, every thing depends on His Will and
conviction. His conviction, the free will is the keynote for
an event to take place or not to take place or to transpire in
a distinct manner. Dear! One has to forego the subjective I
and the preceding ego considerations and other types of foibles
to realize the true form of Absolute and to receive His benign
grace.
Then elucidating the sanctity of Madhura* he said, A
merchant named Dhananjay happened to see the Shiva lingam
installed by Devendra. He conveyed the news to Kulasekhara,
the king of Pandya dynasty. By the command of Lord Shiva,
Kulasekhara Pandya renovated the temple and built a city
called Madhura. His son Malayadhvaja Pandya performed
Putra Kameshti Yagna to beget children. Three year old
female child emerged out of sacrificial ground, as ayonija (not
born out of womb), who later renowned as Minakshi Devi and
married Sundareshwar. Lord Maha Vishnu himself performed
*Currently known as Madurai located in Tamilnadu
their marriage with all grandeur. The river Vegavati, emanating

from the matted locks of Shiva further sanctifies this Madhura.
Out of exhaustion, soon I slipped into a deep slumber.
Next morning, when I opened my eyes, I could neither see
Ashram nor the yogi. My wits failed to comprehend whether
the events of previous day were my hallucinations or were
they real. In utter bemusement, I renewed my wayfaring and
by noon reached a small village, which was inhabited by tribal
people and no single Brahmin soul lived there. Following the
adage marga madhye shudravat acharet, the travellers are
not confined to any inhibitions rather they are at liberty to
enact like sudras on the way during their journey, I accepted
the honey and fruits offered by the indigenous people, and I
was about to eat when from nowhere a flock of crows flew
towards me and started pecking me all over my body. Scared
to death I tried to flee hither and thither. But they appeared
determined not giving up the chase. Nobody came forward to
help me presuming that I might have incurred the wrath of gods
by condemning them, and gods might divert their resentment,
towards them if they try to help a heretic like me. Though
fully exhausted I managed to reach a fig tree with faltering
steps. It is believed that Lord Dattatreya dwells in this tree. So
I thought that taking shelter under it would definitely shield
me against this peril. But the providence had different plans
for me. I didnt even secure myself enough against the crows
menace; some gigantic snakes crawled hurriedly towards me
and bit me everywhere. Some washer men who were returning
home noticed me lying more dead than alive with body fully
poisoned and foam streaming out of my mouth. Feeling pity at
my predicament they laid me on donkeys back and took me
to a cobbler cum doctor. The area was permeated with some
kind of foul smell. They made me lie down on a cot outside
his hut, the cobbler-doctor administered me with some herbal
medicines, during which I had literally undergone through
infernal chastisement with the body still alive.
8
After sometime, which appeared ages to me, the poison

got detoxified and I was cured. Throughout the night the cobbler
sang the Kirtan of Lord, Datta Digambara! Datta Digambara!
Sripada Vallabha! Datta Digambara!
Reclined on the cot, listening to the kirtan rapt with an
unknown joy I felt certain that as we were the co-disciples of a
same guru were soul mates. The next moment, I swayed by the
thought that I belonged to a higher Brahmin caste but he- to a
lower caste, and it pained me hard.
Sermons of Cobbler
When he had finished his carols he spoke to me in a tender
note, Son, Shankar! I am Vallabhdas, the cobbler. No doubt I
belong to a lower caste, but throughout my life, I stayed in the
company of virtuous intellects. Son, I knew that you are going
to Sripada Srivallabha and I also knew why you were preyed
by crows and snakes as well, and he started his narration:
Pithikapuram is the abode of knowledge and scholarship
and is blessed and sanctified with the descent of Sripada
Srivallabha in human form, praising whose glory Vedas got
exhausted and uttered Neti, Neti.5 Insensate philosophy or
meaningless and irrational logic never fetches you the grace of
Sripada Srivallabha. Son, Realise that the scholarly knowledge
is not the prerequisite to obtain His grace. The ego, outcropping
due to profound scholarly knowledge takes the devotee farther
away from the Lord.
The crows that pecked you were the scholars, who lived
in Pithikapuram in their previous birth. They could recite
Vedas even backward. They reached heaven after their demise.
Lord Indra and the celestial angels welcomed them eulogizing
their knowledge. But these scholars were eager to have
5
The Divine is not this and it is not that. We can never truly define God in words. All we can say
is, It isnt this, it isnt that either. In the end, one must transcend words to understand the nature of
the Divine. In this sense, neti-neti is not a denial. Rather, it is an assertion that whatever the Divine
maybe, when we attempt to capture it in human words, we inevitably fall short, because we are
limited in understanding; and words fail to express the transcendent.
ambrosia, much-talked-about drink of the celestial beings. On

being asked for, Indra elaborated, Vedas are considered as the
manifestation of Para Brahman. Unwittingly you acclaimed the
glory of almighty through your recitation of Vedas. In return,
you are being praised by us, the celestial deities. Had you given
a grain in alms to anyone, we would have given it back to
you increasing it in multitudes. If you want to be fed, you too
should have fed someone else in your world. We are helpless
since you never offered even a single grain to anyone. You can
stay and roam freely here till the lapse of your prescribed time,
without longing for food. Thus warning sternly he continued
further, You reluctantly performed the annual obsequies of
your forefathers. You were much engrossed in calculating and
recalculating the expenses incurred and the food consumed by
the Bhoktas, the Brahmins. Alas! The basic feeling Sraddha,
the reverence was missing totally in the rites performed by
you. So, the souls of your forefathers could not attain liberation.
You never in your lives showed minimum respect, concern
or a small amount of love to your parents. Moreover, Lord
Vishnu himself stayed amongst you in the form of Sripada,
and you responded with criticism and condemnation. False ego
blinded your eyes and wits. You cursed souls, horde like crows
till you get salvation. You will be freed of your bad karma
only on tasting the blood of a member of your progeny, whose
body, speech, mind and soul are sanctified by the holy name
and propitious grace of Sripada Srivallabha. Sir! That is why
they were born as crows and were relieved of their ill-fate
after tasting your blood, I realised that Vallabhdas was not an
ordinary soul.
He continued, The snakes that came attracted by the
odour of your body and bit you had also attained salvation. I
could not control myself without pouring out my anguish, Sir,
Vallabhdas! It annoys me much if my body thus gets preyed
by crows, snakes and other animals. Ill be under constant fear
and should remain on guard round the clock anticipating threat
from any quarter at any moment of time.
10
Vallabhdas consoled me with a broad smile Oh! Dear,

Dont get scared. This is all the Divine play of Sricharan. Be
rest assured that no more such events will occur in future,
and resumed his recount. Actually some of your forefathers
worshipped Smashana Kalika and acquired occult powers.
Using those powers they killed the persons, whom they
despised. As a result of their sin they were born as snakes.
But luckily for them, you too are associated with their lineage.
Just because of this small punya this event had taken place and
they got elevated. Look my son! These are the subtle laws of
Dharma. If one aspires to reap the best effects of ones deeds,
they must be accomplished in accordance with the Dharma.
He added with a benign smile, Since you are a patient now,
to remain in the care and custody of a doctor, irrespective of
whether he is a cobbler or a Brahmin, becomes your Dharma
now.
He paused for a moment and renewed, When you were
a child, out of fun and frolic, you used to interpret the prayer
Shloka of Ganesha Shuklambaradharam .. in a comical
manner - Suklambaradharam means the one clad in white,
Vishnum - that pervades everywhere, Sashivarnam - which is
of grey colour, Chaturbhujam - which has four legs, prasanna
vadanam - which has an appealing face (while braying)
Dhyayet - I shall pray. Requesting to remove all the problems
from my life, I pray and meditate upon the grey donkey with
four legs, clad in white and which has a pleasant face while
braying. This is how you interpreted the shloka.
Sir! Shankar Bhatt! Dattatreya is a very unique Lord.
He rectifies the flaws of his devotees administering his own
methods of treatment. Just recollect, wrapped with dust you
appeared grey when the washer men brought you here. Unable
to stand or walk, you bent downwards placing your arms onto
the ground and walked like a four-legged animal. But for the
severe pain, you had a pleasant face while yelling. Making you
undergo all these teething troubles Sripada Srivallabha apart
11
from teaching you a lesson had liberated the souls of your

forefathers. So remember my son, we are all under constant
vigilance of The Divine Almighty, Sripada Srivallabha.
With his substantial explanation, the ego of being a
Brahmin has evaporated totally and I felt an affectionate
bondage towards him as if he were my sibling. After enjoying
the hospitality of Vallabhdas for two to three days, I resumed
my trek. Before reaching Chidambaram, I was entrapped
in strange circumstances in Vichitrapuram6 but came out
unscarred by the grace of Lord.
While I was walking along the roads in Vichitrapuram
the royal soldiers approached and asked me humbly, Are you
a Vaishnavite or Shaivite? Though I belong to Smarta sect
I am slightly inclined towards Shiva, I replied. They asked
me to accompany them to the king. I proceeded to the Royal
Court. On the way I came to know the strange details about the
king:
If the king happened to know any Brahmin passing
through his kingdom, immediately he summons and shoots
them with the question, If that much accrued this much,
how much this would fetch? so far nobody could answer it
satisfactorily. He punishes the loser in a strange manner; if
the Brahmin happened to be a shaivite he makes him clean
shaved and applies Vaishnav marks on the forehead and takes
him on procession on a donkeys back. If the Brahmin is a
vaishnavite the vertical vibhuti marks on the forehead change
their direction into horizontal, but the rest of the treatment is
same.
Few years ago the king performed yagna to beget a
son. Fortunately he was blessed with a son, but unfortunately
for the Brahmins, the prince turned out a dumb. The king
was convinced that the Brahmins performed the yagna with
all shortcomings and the sin fell heavily upon, turning his
6
Vichitra means strange or queer, puram a city, befitting its name was ruled by and populated with
a strange king and people respectively, where Shankar Bhatt got entangled in eerie circumstances.
12
offspring speechless and he became vindictive. The ill fate and

the bad times started for the Brahmins have been heading for
worst in leaps and bounds. Suddenly, the king started giving
cart loads of Amaranth/Tanduliya Leaves in alms to them and
strictly prohibited them to cook or eat any other food.
What the poor Brahmins can do except to bear the
brunt silently? Madhava, an associate suggested that Lord
Dattatreya alone is their saviour. Accordingly, they started
observing Mandala Diksha, i.e strict observance of vows and
austerities for forty continuous days, and began to worship
Lord Dattatreya.
The king resolved to patronage and to propagate the
sign language, the language of his son. He ordered the royal
priest to conduct an elaborate research and to author a book on
dumbness and sign language.
Dialogue between the king and Shankar Bhatt
I stood in front of the king muttering incessantly Sripadas
name under my breath. The king shot his usual question, If
that much accrued this much, how much this would fetch?
Of course, this much would accrue this much alone,
nothing else? I replied with ostensible gravity, The king was
stunned and said, O Brahmin! How felicitous your answer is!
Please let me explain. Recently I had a vision of my previous
birth. I was a poor Brahmin then. I used to grow Amaranth
herbs in my backyard and give away the leaves generously to
all, rich or poor. Because of my selfless generosity, I am born
as a king whereas the rich who accepted Amaranth Leaves and
did not help me in my dire poverty are born as my Brahmins
subjects. Now I am donating cart loads of Amaranth Leaves
to them all. What great benefit will this generosity fetch
me? I have this simple query. Nobody, except you, could
answer it. I enumerated, O king! In your previous birth, as
per the circumstances you were in, Amaranth Leaves were
more precious to you. But now, you are in a position to offer
13
inestimable stones, diamonds, gold etc. Hence if you donate

Amaranth Leaves now, in return, you obtain hundred times
more of it, nothing else. The king was pleased with my
answer. Fortuitously my reply hit the mark.
The second test - test on sign language was started.
Royal priest, the examiner showed one finger and two
fingers alternatively as if asking one or two? I thought that
he was asking me whether I had come alone or somebody
accompanied me. So, in reply I showed one finger indicating
that I have come all alone. Next he showed me three fingers.
The number three recollected me the Triune form of Lord
Dattatreya. I thought that he was asking me whether I was
a devotee of Lord Dattatreya. So to indicate that devotion is
purely personal, should not be revealed to any one I closed all
my fingers and showed my fist. As if in reply to it, he offered
some sweetmeats and was persuading me, in sign language, to
take them. I refused and gave him some beaten rice from my
bundle. I wanted to express that I dont like sweets, rather I am
fond of beaten rice and he too can relish its taste.
The royal priest then declared the test results in a tone
of complacency, O king! Undoubtedly he is a great scholar
even in sign language too. Showing one and two fingers, I
asked him whether Shiva and Keshava are one and the same
or different. Showing one finger he replied that they are one
and the same. With three fingers I conveyed the existence of
trinity -Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. In reply, he showed the first
implying that though they are different in forms they always
coordinate united. Giving sweetmeats I entreated to accept me
as his disciple. He not only refused, but offering me beaten
rice in turn expressed that he did not want to get entangled
in the disarray of sishyas and prasishyas. Like Sudama he
feels pleased and contented with whatever little he has. I felt
astounded the way he interpreted the whole questionnaire.
The final test began. The royal priest asked me to recite
vanasas from chamakam, explaining their meaning. Mentally
14
chanting Sripada Srivallabhas name I started my explanation,

Ekaacha me means 1. Trisaschame means 3. Add 1 to
3, 1+3= 4 and the square root is 2. Thus I explained up to
navatrinshatishchame that is 39 adding the earlier sum 361
to it gives the sum 400 and its square root is 20. I wondered at
my own comment. But everyone in the court was more than
convinced and applauded. I further added, This is the secret
behind the atoms of creation. Sage Kanada7 was well versed
in it. According to him the universe is made up of Kana, the
atom. Every object of creation is made of atoms; all matter
that exist in the universe is formed of Paramanu (atoms).
Different metals are formed depending upon and difference in
the number of atoms. I walked out of the court with a sigh of
relief thanking and offering prayers to Sripada for protecting
me from the disgrace of riding on donkey in procession for
second time.
Sripada Rajam Saranam Prapadye
Though the modern atomic theory is generally considered a new advance of science, it was wellknown to the ancient Hindus. One of the six systems of Indian philosophy is VAISESIKA; from the
Sanskrit root VISESAS, atomic individuality. One of the foremost VAISESIKA expounders was
Aulukya, also called Kanada, born about 2800 years ago.
15
Chapter 3
Darshan of Palani Swami and Vision of Kuruvapuram.
Propitious effects of chanting the name of Sripada
By the benediction of Sripada I came out from
Vichitrapuram unscathed. The next three days I had a pleasant
journey. On the fourth day, I stood in front of a Brahmin house,
seeking alms. The landlady rushed out furiously and thundered,
There is nothing to give you. Get out of here! and vanished
like lightning. After sometime a crestfallen and gloomy
looking person, probably her husband came out and bleated
meekly, Sir! I am not destined to serve any guests. My wife
is a scornful and quarrelsome lady. Whenever she is furious,
she breaks pots on my head and then demands that I pay the
cost of the broken pots by seeking alms. Since such a histrionic
mishap took place just now, I am under obligation to settle
my current dues. So let us together seek and share the alms.
By the grace of God we may receive food and money too.
Listening to the landlords anecdote, concealing my feelings of
astonishment, together we went to each and every house in that
Brahmin colony. Let alone money, we were unable to procure
even a single morsel of food. Tired and afflicted with pangs
of hunger we dragged ourselves unto a banyan tree; leaning
against it we started chanting the name of Sripada in a faint and
feeble note. Presently, some royal attendants approached me
and announced that the king summoned me to the royal court
and led us to the court with due respect.
O Great Soul, the King said with great deference.
Accept my apology. Though I realised that you are an erudite
scholar, I did not render my veneration befitting you. Just
after you left, the crown prince fell unconscious. After many
futile efforts, he finally regained his consciousness and started
chanting Sripada Digambara! Sri Datta Deva Digambara! He
then said that an elegant and well-built, 16 year old yogi of
unparalleled beauty put Vibhuti- the sacred ash into his mouth
16
and the next moment he regained consciousness. Venerable

Sir! Please enlighten me about that yogi in detail.
O King! I do not know much about Him except that
He is the reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya and is at present
in Kuruvapuram. I am on my way to Kuruvapuram with an
earnest desire to sanctify myself with His Darshan. I humbly
expressed my ignorance.
Everyone present there were pleased with the
progression of the events. The Brahmins felt happy and
complacent that owing to their devout adherence to Datta
Mandala Diksha, not only was the crown prince cured of his
disability, but also the king metamorphosed into a reposeful
and prudent person. The royal priest promised me that they
would all stay united without any sectarian differences of
Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The king honoured and offered
me gold. Bidding farewell to them, we left Vichitrapuram;
Madhav also accompanied us. We handed over the gold to
the landlady who now transformed into a peaceful woman
altering her ways of living, and became a devotee of Sripada.
Madhav and I started for Chidambaram. Madhav
belonged to the Nambudri family who were proficient in
Vedic knowledge and well conversant in the fields of mantra,
tantra and yantra. But Madhav had no knowledge in any of
these disciplines. As he lost his parents early in his childhood,
he had to struggle hard for his survival from a tender age. He
earned his livelihood by cooking in Brahmin houses. He was
a staunch devotee of Lord Dattatreya. He heard the glory of
Sripada and was looking forward to obtain His Darshan.
On the way, we went to meet a celebrated saint who
lived in the caves near Chidambaram. Even before we could
reach the mouth of the cave, the saint, Palani Swami came
out and greeted us. What good fortune! Both Madhav and
Shankar have come together to see me, he said genially.
We immediately realised that he was a siddha who
17
knew everything about us and does not require any formal

introduction. The Swami then revealed to us the message he
received. Sons, as per the mandate of Sripada, the time has
ripened for me to leave this 300 year old worn-out body and to
encase it afresh into a younger one.
Then addressing me, he asked, Son! Shankar! You
told something about the atomic theory of Sage Kanada in
Vichitrapuram. Please elucidate it to me.
Atomic theory of Sage Kanada
Pleading my ignorance, I said, Swami! I know very
little about Sage Kanada and his doctrine. You are well aware
that whatever I spoke was blurted out unknowingly, like an
unconscious impulse, by the grace of Sripada.
Sri Palani Swami peerlessly expounded the theory. The
entire creation is constituted by the infinitesimal structures
of atoms. If every infinitesimal atom and molecule is further
divided into infinite parts, each and every atom becomes equal
to ether. The entire creation is the result of the unison of these
infinite vacuums. Lightning is caused by the existence of atoms
tinier that these atoms. Just like the way the planets revolve
around the Sun in a particular orbit, similarly these atoms
too revolve around their pivotal point, with lightning speed.
The emotional vibrations of all beings exist in a form tinier
than these tiniest atoms. The entire universe is of vibratory
nature, so nothing remains stable and static. Inconstancy is
its characteristic feature and hence it keeps changing all the
time. Consciousness of Lord Datta exists in an even more
subtle state than that of the microstate of these vibrations.
Therefore, He is more powerful than the most powerful.
Then diverting his explanation onto hymns and mantras,
he said, Prana pratishtha is nothing but invoking and
imparting life into the idols by chanting Vedic hymns, wherein
the idols get replenished with vital force and become capable
of consummating the wishes of the devotees. All mantras
18
including Gayatri Mantra originate in the Kundalini. Devotees

are under the impression that Gayatri Mantra is a 3-lined verse.
However, Paro Rajasi Saavadom is its fourth line. Four-lined
Gayatri Mantra indicates a formless and ineffable Brahman.
Son, Shankar Bhatt! 108 years prior to His descent
in Pithikapuram Lord Datta visited this place in the form of
Sripada. Sometime after His arrival the ascetics of Himalayas
worshipped Badari Narayana of Badari Kshetra near Himalayas
with Brahma Kamalasm- the celestial flowers. I witnessed
that each and every lotus offered there, fell here on the sacred
feet of Sripada.
Palani Swamis ethereal experiences filled my body,
mind and soul with divine intoxication. I asked eagerly,
Swami, please tell me more about the celestial flower and its
significance.
Nature of Brahma Kamalam
Palani Swami explained, Maha Vishnu worshipped
Shiva with these flowers. The lotus that emerged from Vishnus
navel is the original Brahma Kamalam. If a devotee worships
with these flowers, he will be graced with both material and
spiritual wealth. The Brahma Kamalam blooms once a year,
at the uppr reaches of the Himalayas, at an approximate height
of 12,000 feet, only at midnight. Its blossom emits a heavenly
fragrance permeating the entire area with its aroma. The saints
in the Himalayas wait for days and months just to behold this
magnificent spectacle. They believe that a mere glimpse of it
mitigates all sins, removes all hurdles and facilitates the path of
yoga. Very few people are fortune enough to view the flower
and its blossom.
Swami then instructed me, I will remain in Samadhi
for the next 10 days. Please see to it that I am not disturbed by
the influx of devotees. If a person who died from snake bite is
brought, ask them to either to dispose the body in the flowing
waters of a river or to bury it.
19
Seated in the lotus posture, Palani Swami went deep

the people who came seeking Swamis Darshan. Madhav went
to bring some firewood to prepare food for us. While collecting
firewood, a cobra bit him and Madhav passed away. I wept
bitterly unable to bear the separation from a noble soul; with a
heavy heart I buried Madhavs body as previously instructed
by Palani Swami.
I felt tremendous pain in my heart recollecting his
innocent and pure heart, and his unconditional faith and
devotion towards Sripada. This was followed by one more
grievous incident. Bemoaning the death of an 18 year old youth,
who also died of a snake bite, some relatives brought his dead
body to Swami. I conveyed them the instructions of Swami.
Left with no other alternative, they too buried the youth. Ten
days elapsed at a snails pace. On the 11th day Swami opened
his eyes and called out for Madhav. Weeping like a child, I
narrated the entire incident to him.
Son, be comforted, Swami spoke soothingly. Madhav
was not destined to see Sripada in his physical body. So for
the last 10 days, he was in his astral body in Kuruvapuram
with Sripada. Sripada had resorted to this method to fulfil
Madhavs single-hearted desire. Son, the ways of the Lord are
incomprehensible.
The Swami then said it was time to resurrect Madhav
as decreed by Sripada. Joyful anticipation filled my heart that
had a while ago been lamenting. After digging out his body, as
per the instructions of Palani Swami, we cried aloud, Here is
the message for the cobra that had bitten Madhav! You have
to come to Palani Swami at once. This is the command of
Sripada.
Palani Swami took four small conch shells from his
loin cloth and placed them on four sides of Madhavs body,
muttering some mantras. After a while the conch shells levitated
and darted into the sky, one in each direction. Subsequently,
we saw the cobra coming out hissing angrily. The four shells
20
stuck like glue on its hood and as if it was being forcibly

drawn by them. Obeying the order of Swami it sucked the
venom out from Madhavs body. Swami sprinkled some holy
water on it, uttering the name of Sripada. All at once the snake
became sober, kissed his feet, circumambulated around him
thrice and calmly crawled away. Madhav was resurrected.
But for His nectarine mercy, how could the deceased body of
Madhav remain intact even after being buried for 10 days and
how could he breathe once again? How can one delineate the
fortuity of a person who makes himself worthy to receive His
grace? I thought in mounting astonishment.
The effects of feeding a Datta devotee
This cobra in its previous birth was an old woman who
earned ample sin, Palani Swami explained to us. However
she even earned a meagre amount of virtue as she once fed a
devotee of Lord Dattatreya. After her death when she went to
Yamaloka, the hell. Yamadharma Raja, the ruler of Yamaloka
informed her that Lord Dattatreya ordered him to reduce the
effects of her sins and to increase in manifold the good effects
of her single meritorious deed. He then asked her whether she
wanted to undergo the effects of her virtue first or of her sins
first. As the effects of sins were less, she preferred to undergo
chastisement first and then enjoy the good effects leisurely
for a long time. So she was born as a snake. But as she could
not change her basic (Rajas) livid nature, she ruthlessly bit
everyone who came across her way. Thus she once again
accrued sins. Son! Realise how Sripada protects the interests of
His devotees in incredibly miraculous ways. By biting Madhav
she acquired some virtue, while Madhav died because of the
sins of his previous birth. By the ambrosial grace of Sripada,
the old ladys sins extirpated and her soul departed to higher
worlds; and Madhav obtained the divine Darshan of Lord
Datta in his astral body.
Lord Dattatreya is propitiated if a devotee satiates the
hunger of a virtuous person in His name. Of course the one who
21
offers food acquires lot of punya. A fraction of the essence of the

food gets converted into heart, the seat of emotions. The heart,
intellect, chitta, ego and body of a person who offers food to
the other selflessly are filled with auspicious vibrations. These
in turn enhances his power to attract the objects of the world.
The abundance of objects itself is called Laksmi KatakshamGrace of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
Description of Nagaloka
Madhav related his wondrous experience. I reached
Kuruvapuram in my astral body and beheld Lord Sripada,
the epitome of love and compassion. As per the order of
Sripada I went deep into the island. I realised it was the
Nether world. I saw gigantic snakes; some had thousand hoods
with a gem radiating on each hood and some stretching their
hoods remained motionless as if they were in Yoga Samadhi.
Reposing on a thousand-headed snake and blissfully listening
to the Vedic hymns, Sripada looked like Maha Vishnu. One
big snake who lay beside me told me that Sripada was none
other than the son of the great seer Atri and his chaste wife
Anasuya. He taught Kriya Yoga to Gorakshanath of Nath sect
and appeared Nirakara formless, to saint Gnaneshwar.
Another snake told me, Son, after ruling the world for
thousands of years, the Lord concealed himself under the river
waters. We waited for Him for many years with a hope that he
would emerge from the water. Eventually after many years he
came out totally inebriated, holding a jug of wine in one hand
and embracing a semi-clad 16year old maiden of stunning
beauty in the other.
We cursed ourselves for having wasted our time waiting
for a frivolous drunkard. We were about to return to our
abodes when suddenly they vanished. It then dawned upon us
that the wine the Lord held in his hand was ambrosia and the
maiden, none other than Mother Anagha, the embodiment of
the three energies. In deep contrition for our misconception, we
performed severe tapasya to burn out our sin and to persuade
22
the Lord to descend onto earth. Pleased with our unrelenting

devotion, the Lord to fulfil our earnest desire, incarnated as
Sripada in Pithikapuram. Son! Madhava! Kuruvapuram is an
exceptionally holy place. It is here that our Lord Dattatreya
concealed his body under water in the past, and now He made
it His abode. This is the same place that sanctified with the
sermons preached to Kuru the ancestor of Kauravas and
Pandavas.
About Sadashiva Brahmendra
Madhav continued, Unable to believe my own fate, I
knelt down at His lotus feet. The Lord blessed me and said
that one of the snakes that talked to me would be born as Jyoti
Ramalinga Swami and would disappear in the form of a light
and the other would take the form of Sada Shiva Brahmendra
and would perform numerous divine healings for the good
and welfare of the people. Then He asked me to proceed to
Pithikapuram and visit the holy place where His Padukas
would be installed in future.
Son, Palani Swami interrupted, right now we should
take bath and sit in meditation. This is the order of Sripada.
Recount your experiences after our meditation.
Sadasiva Brahmendra Swami
Jyoti Ramalinga Swami
23
Chapter 4
Vasavambika Darshan in Kuruvapuram
Dear Shankar and Madhav! Let us meditate
contemplating on the elegant form of Sripada and discuss our
experiences afterwards. If I receive His command during my
meditation I shall at once go to Kuruvapuram in my astral
body. Palani Swami remarked.
Swami, I said expressing my confusion, Madhav has
seen the sacred form of Sripada and you have always been
in contact with Him through your astral body. But how can I
meditate upon His form when I have never seen him at all?
Son, have faith in him, Palani Swami smiled benignly
at my naivety. Shankar, initially He protects His devotees like
a mother tortoise, which though miles away from its babies
protects them through its thought waves. As the devotee
progresses and evolves further on his spiritual path, He
safeguards him like a mother cat, which moves its kittens from
place to place until it is sure that the place is safe for them, and
later like a mother monkey which keeps a close eye on its baby
that holds on to her all the time. Then as and when a satisfactory
level of progress is attained, like the baby fish which tail their
mother, the devotees too mentally and physically always follow
the Divine. So rely on His grace; you will certainly receive His
Darshan during meditation. I felt reassured.
Story of Shiva Sharma
After meditation Palani Swami cheerfully recounted his
experience. In my meditation I saw a Brahmin called Shiva
Sharma who resides in Kuruvapuram. He is a great scholar
and realised the transcendental nature of Sripada. His wife is
Ambika. He was apprehensive about his son and his future
as he was dim-witted. One day, after reciting Veda, he stood
silently before Sripada. Sripada noticed his melancholic mood.
Dear one, Sripadas tone was inquiring, Tell me what do
24
you grieve about? And what do you aspire for?

Contrary to my hopes and expectations my son turned
out to be an imbecile. Beloved Lord! You can do or undo
anything. Your Infinite Mercy can turn him into a gifted scholar
in the twinkling of an eye.
Explaining the implications of karma, Sripada said,
Dear Son! No matter how great a person is, he has to endure
the causative effects of karma. The entire universe runs on this
principle and it cannot be violated.A woman gets a husband
as a result of her devotion to God and a couple begets their
children depending upon the effects of their charity. When
one gives alms, the donor accrues a part of the virtue or sin
depending upon the good or bad actions or deeds performed by
the recipient. Also, the donation yields good results only when
it is offered without any covetousness. Because of the karma
of your previous birth you begot a dim-wit as your son. Both
you and your wife pleaded for a son who has a long life. If
you insist that I destroy the sins of his previous birth and make
him prudent, as per the law of karma you should be ready to
sacrifice your life. Only then it is possible.
Lord! I am willing to give up my life for the good of
my son. There was no hesitation in Shiva Sharmas words or
in his heart. What more can I ask if he equals Brihaspati, the
preceptor of Gods in prowess and knowledge?
So be it! Sripada said solemnly. You will soon leave
this mortal body and later will be born again in Maratha.
Sripadas birth in future
Shiva Sharma died shortly after. Ambika and her
son started living on alms. Unable to bear the never-ending
criticism of the neighbours any more, the Brahmin youth
one day hastened towards the river to give up his life. His
helpless mother too followed the suit. Sripada, the Ocean of
Compassion prevented them on the way and instantly turned
him into a scholar and counselled Ambika to lead the rest of
25
her life worshipping Lord Shiva. He blessed her that in her

next birth she would beget a son equal to Him in prowess. But
as there is none like him in the three worlds, he resolved to
born to her in her next birth8.
Vasavis birth
Today I was fortunate enough to sanctify myself with
the much awaited Darshan of Goddess Vasavi Kanyakamba.
She emerged out of the Yoga fire kindled by Sripada, by his
soul energy. I reverentially touched her lotus feet. Vasavi
maa and Sripada resembled alike and appeared like twins.
After some time Kausumbi and Kusuma Sreshti, the parents
of Vasavimaa, Sri Nagareswara Swami, and Viroopaksha, her
younger brother, and 102 couples who immolated themselves
along with Vasavi emerged out from the yogic fire. The Lord
told me that his maternal grandfather Sri Bappanavadhanulu
in his previous birth was Bhaskaracharya, the Royal priest
of Kusuma Sreshthi, the King of Brihatsilanagar. The next
moment out of ether He materialised a magnificent palace with
rich gigantic rooms adorned with gold and dazzling precious
gems. We were all seated on diamond studded thrones inside
the palace in a big hall. Enumerating the different attributes
of different Yugas the Lord said that in Krita Yuga people
used to be truthful and siddha sankalpas, i.e. they could
materialise whatever they desired. Sacrifices and yagnas
were performed abundantly in Treta Yuga. Mantra shastra
was very much in vogue in Dwapara Yuga. The discipline of
occult gets prominence in Kali Yuga. Occult is nothing but
the expansion of consciousness. He then expounded His
nature, I am the basic truth, the prime transcendental nature
of this entire creation. 330 million deities, all the living things,
millions and billions of Brahmandas are born out of me, attain
consciousness and possess myriad powers because of me. Just
like the rivers that ultimately merge into the sea, similarly a
8
Keeping His word Sripada was born as Nrisimha Saraswati to her, in the next incarnation. In this
birth she was called Amba Bhavani.
26
prayer offered to any deity reaches me alone. Worshipping

me is equal to worshipping all the Gods put together. I alone
manifest in the form of Shakti the primordial cosmic energy
and Adi Parasakti-the eternally limitless power, the ultimate
feminine power inherent in all Creation. Paratattva - absolute
truth is above and beyond Stri and purusha (male) Tattva, the
female and male tattvas respectively. My male energy is called
Datta, whereas the female energy is known as Adiparashakti.
All those places and the surrounding areas where I move in
my physical form are consecrated by the rays emanating from
my physical body; my astral body pervades the entire globe
and my causal body stretches over zillions of Brahmandas.
My Mahakarana - the great causal body is of Sacchidananda9
form. My consciousness flows simultaneously in all these four
forms. A devotee is allowed to come to me, enjoy my grace and
mercy only if I am appeased with him.
Anagha Lakshmi, the triadic image of the three Energies
(Trishakti svaroopini) is my Shakti form. She resides in the
left part of my body and the Trigunatmak Trinity resides on
the right side of my body. The entire universe lies in me only.
Creation, sustenance, destruction, disappearance and mercy
- these five activities are carried out continuously. Each and
every object is nothing but a solidified form of a syllable.
All syllables do posses vibrations, and are embodiments of
mantras. This nature of Nada (sound) characteristic by its
vibration is the form of Mahasaraswati. Mahalakshmi is the
form of this solidified energy while the unfathomable hidden
energy is the form of Mahakali. One moment I remain as
Shakti and the next moment I change into Shakta, the bearer
of Shakti and vice versa. The Divine Mother is the symbol of
boundless mercy and compassion while the Divine Father is
the symbol of strict discipline, virtuousness and justice. The
9
Sat, Chit, Ananda is Sacchidananda. Sat is the nature of God truth, positive being, and chit
mind, intelligence, and anand- bliss. The state of Sacchidananda indicates complete union with
the Ultimate reality, which alone is capable of giving total bliss. In this context it refers to the
totality of all the forms of the Supreme.
27
father in me strictly ordains that one should reap the fruits of

ones bad deeds whereas the mother in me showers love and
mercy upon devotees. No matter how grave the mistake is, no
matter what its multitude, the mother disregards it and loves
her child unconditionally; and at the same time if her child does
a good deed, no matter how small, she rewards him liberally. I
indubitably play both these roles while assisting my devotees,
be it in temporal issues or spiritual matters. I am the mother,
father and guru of this entire universe.
Looking at me intently and apprehending my inner
thoughts, the Omniscient narrated this incident, One day,
rocking me in the cradle, my mother Anasuya wished to have
a daughter. As she is a chaste woman her wish materialised
instantly. When the cradle moved to and fro, the baby in it
appeared in turns, once as Datta and once as Vasavi. She
could not comprehend whether it was real or delusion. Then
Sage Atri explained the phenomenon, Anasuya! We had
performed severe austerities and penances to realise the true
transcendental nature of the Trinity form. As a result we were
gifted with a son, our Datta- the integral form of Trinity. If the
child takes the female form realise that it is Kanyaka, who is
the manifestation of Adi Parashakti. They are siblings from
primeval times itself. There after, obeying the wish of Anasuya
and Sage Atri, we appeared separately, in two different forms.
Ambika tied a Rakhi on my wrist. Thus clarifying my doubt as
to how Sripada and Vasavi became siblings, he turned towards
Vasavi and said that he wants to conceal his form on that day.
Vasavi implored him to retain the eternal auspicious form for
some more time and requested that even during his retreat, he
should continue to materialise to sincere devotees irrespective
of time and place. The supreme guru benevolently conceded
her wish.
Later He declared the arrival of a foreign devotee and
commanded Virupaksha to lead him to that place. At the very
sight of Sricharan, the enraptured foreigner fell on His feet,
28
embracing and kissing them, sobbed like a child. Sripada

addressed him as John and spoke in Telugu, which John
understood in German. Sricharan assured him, Beloved
John, I shall shoulder your burden and responsibility. So be
at peace. And then he elaborated his divine cosmic nature,I
am the creator and controller of this Universe. I am not
confined to any single place or to a particular sphere. I am
everywhere at once, heeding and responding to the prayers
of all who call me out with fervent desire. There is no burden
I cannot shoulder, no work which I cannot accomplish
and no problem that I cannot solve in the universe.
He then enumerated about the unblemished devotion
of Dhruva and said, Dhruva, the Polaris, the prime star in the
Ursa Minor or Little Dipper is significant to and is seen near
the constellation group known as the Saptarishi Mandala, the
Seven Sages known as the Ursa Major, the Big Dipper or the
Great Bear. This Dhruva star appears stationary at the same
location irrespective of the earths movement. How a separate
constellation, the Ursa Minor was created for Dhruva is an
interesting story. Dhruva who was deprived of his fathers love
and who desired to sit in fathers lap determined to establish
his just right and performed severe penance to appease Lord
Vishnu. But when the Lord appeared before him he forgot
the objective of his penance. Pleased by his penance and
his innocence, Vishnu lifted and took him onto his lap with
parental affection and warmth, which Dhruva could not forget
in his next birth too. The Lord decreed that the lad would attain
Dhruvapada - the state where he would become a celestial
body which would not even be touched by the Maha Pralay,
the great deluge.
Dhruva was born as Jesus Christ in Kali Yuga. He
believed that the God almighty as his father. Vasavi bestowed
her energy on Mary, the unalloyed soul. Dhruva was born as
Christ to Virgin Mary. He did not born out of physical contact
of his parents. The Christ often praised His Father who was
29
none other than Lord Vishnu and He is currently manifested as

Sripada - that is me.
He prophesied that John would be re-born in a Brahmin
family in Himalayas and become a Yogi. Acknowledging
the innate desire of the foreigner, Guruji ascertained that
Biography of Sripada Srivallabha would certainly be written
and translated into German in the next Century and bid farewell
to John. Subsequently, those who emanated from the Holy
Yoga Fire had re-entered and disappeared in the fire. Thus
swami shared his experiences with us.
The Legend of Sri Saibaba
While narrating my own experiences, I disclosed having
seen a young saint, who declared himself a Muslim to some
and a Brahmin of Bharadwaja lineage to others. I recollected
having seen four earthen lamps in the cave under a neem tree
and overheard him declaring it as his Gurusthanam- the
sanctum of his Guru, and instructing to keep the place closed.
Palani Swami detailed the legend of the saint as follows, The
Saint you saw is in fact a Bharadwaja Brahmin. Having lost
his parents in childhood and later brought up by a Muslim, he
acquired knowledge of both Islam as well as Hindu Dharma. A
great yogi initiated him into Kriya Yoga in Varanasi. Drawn by
the magnetic Datta Consciousness, he reached Dhishila Nagar,
performed penance in that cave, the Gurusthanam10. Swami
further clarified, Mind you, dear ones! All these instances are
bound to happen in the next century.
Destruction of Karma
With the lapse of time and change in Yugas, man is
becoming flaccid and feeble both mentally and physically.
Hence in Kali Yuga mere contemplating and chanting the name
or mantra of the Lord enables to procure Divine Liturgy and
10
Devotees of Saibaba, who have read Sri Sai Charitra might be well aware that this cave is
the abode of the reverend Guru of Saibaba and that he ordered to close the holy place as usual
and, proclaimed that those who offer prayers there to Gurus on Guru Purnima would attain
Salvation..
30
opens the channel of interaction between the devotee and His

consciousness. Consequently all the vices and yearning for
sensual desires get transferred into the consciousness of the
Lord and in return the devotee without his knowledge receives
auspicious vibrations from the Lord. Sripada thus, abates the
Karma of the devotees in different methods.
Apologetically interrupting him I put forward my query,
Reverend Sir! How can a Guru prevent or protect the devotee
from the adversities of planetary influences? Swami replied,
Planets or stars as such are neither amiable nor inimical
towards humans; nevertheless they undoubtedly govern or
have some power over certain organs of human body; in other
words they are the ruling planets or stars or deities of particular
organs. According to the natal chart11 if the Planets of a
particular person are in an adverse position, the ruling Lord or
the Adhidevata of an organ influences and inflicts that particular
organ or the system related to it, resulting in ill-health, disease
etc. Furthermore under the influence of a malefic planet, a
person attracts and receives negative vibrations12 from the
Universe, which in turn lead to misfortune, difficulties, strong
pull towards bad association and bad deeds separation from
kith and kin, and so on. On completion of the scheduled time
period of the planetary influence, these vibrations leaving
the affected person enter into the body of another, who has
to undergo tribulation according to his destiny. These adverse
effects can be minimised if one is attuned with God through
prayers, meditation, worship and other religious rites. Great
seers perform Yagnas for the welfare of beings and dedicate the
11
A natal chart of a person is the reflection of his virtuous or vicious deeds of his previous births
which manifest in present and future lives; accordingly he takes birth on a particular day at a
particular time when the planets and stars are located at specific positions in tune with his Karma.
12
Our feelings, emotions and the words spoken vibrate in the universe at a particular frequency.
We constantly send and receive vibrations from the Universe. Positive feelings like joy, confidence,
concern, compassion etc vibrate at high frequency and attract good people, good fortune, good
mental-physical health, etc. In contrast, negative feelings like anger, hatred, jealousy, etc vibrate
at low frequency and are drawn by a receptive negative person. Hence we feel elated and inspired
with some people or at some places, and feel suffocated and distressed in the company of some
people or at some places.
31
fruits of their rites to the World. Because of these auspicious

acts of great people the negative vibrations, instead of inflicting
one after the other, would retreat and immerge into the very
source from where they have emerged. Thus clarifying, he
further added, Dear Shankar! You are greatly blessed to see
the hallowed Gurusthanam and the four Akhand Diyas, the
ever-burning earthen lamps. I perceive some divine design
behind it. Nothing happens without a cause in His realm. I
felt elevated at his prophesy and good wishes. For the first time
I felt a surging desire to pen the unparalleled Divine play of
Lord. Swami instantly read my thoughts and blessed me, May
your desire be fulfilled by the grace of Sripada.
The Dialogue between Sri Vasudevananda Saraswati and
Sri Venkavadhanulu
Having witnessed, a serious discussion between a Vedic
scholar and a Brahmin monk in his meditation, Madhava
narrated his experience thus: I saw a Brahmin saint asking
a Vedic Scholar, I intend to send the Sriphala you gave me
to the young saint in Dhishila Nagar. Give me the palm-leaf
manuscript of the biography of Sripada. Let me get it reviewed
by that saint to find out its authenticity. The Scholar with
slight vexation, replied, Sir! This is our sacred possession and
we have been safeguarding it from generations as an ancestral
property. Moreover we consider it as the manifestation of Lord
and never regard it as a mere book. None can gain access to
it without His Command. In compliance with His wish, it
has to be immersed in a river, when once it is translated into
Telugu. Besides, you cannot offer this Sriphala13 to the saint in
Dhishilanagar. If you can deliver this Sriphala to Dhishilanagar,
I will definitely hand over this manuscript to you. Your efforts
to install the Padukas (sandals) of Lord at Pithikapuram would
13
On his way back from Jagannath Puri Dasaganu beheld the Darshan of Vasudevananda
Saraswati, who handed over a full coconut and asked him to offer it to Saibaba. But on the way, as
per the suggestion of a lawyer called Pundalikrao Nandedkar the coconut was broken; the pieces
were mixed with chivda without the knowledge of Dasganu. All of them ate it relishing the taste.
Thus it could not reach Sai.
32
turn futile, for it is not the conviction of Sripada.

Palani Swami analysed Madhavas vision thus: The
Vedic scholar is the maternal uncle of Sripada. They consider
Him a divine child and treat him with parental affection coupled
with devotion. Few years after Sripada left Pithikapuram, they
migrated to a different place. The Muslim saint in question
is none other than Sri Sai Baba. In course of time, Sripada
will transmit divine energy to him, and Goddess Kalika will
confer a part of her energy upon him; thereupon he will shower
motherly affection on all his devotees.
Futile Efforts to Establish Padukas of Lord
Palani Swami later explained how the efforts of
the Brahmin ascetic to install Padukas turned futile in an
unimaginable and amusing manner. The saint adamantly
installed the Padukas in the house of Sripadas maternal
grandfather which by then was bought and occupied by
some other residents. When a thief sneaked in to rob the
Silver Padukas, the owner of the house confessed to the thief
that he hadnt any faith either in Sripada or in the so called
ascetic and made a pact that he should be given half of the
share from the amount the thief gets after selling the silver
padukas. So imperially consenting the terms the thief walked
away with silver padukas, feeling a sense of pride first time
in his life. Though annoyed and distressed by the theft, the
ascetic adamantly installed new Padukas and patrolled at night
without batting an eyelid. Suddenly the Padukas soared high
and disappeared in mid air. The ascetic then heard Sripadas
divine voice declaring that the Sriphala sent by him would
be eaten mid-way and would not reach Dhishila Nagar and
firmly warned him not to aspire to possess his biography and
not to try to install his Padukas, as someone else is graced
with this blessing. The next day the ascetic, on charges of theft,
was unceremoniously driven out of the village. Dear Ones!
Remember, nothing happens without His conviction.
33
When Madhava conveyed that he entered into a house

in Pithikapuram with his subtle body and was attracted to a
particular spot there, Palani Swami said that it was the exact
spot where Sripada took birth and the Padukas together with
the statues of Lord Dattatreya, Sripada and Nrisimha Saraswati
would be installed there in future whereupon the biography
would gain momentum. After this, he asked us to take out
the corpse of the youth and entered into it leaving his own.
Witnessing this legendary miracle- Parakayapravesham,
entering into others body leaving his own, we stood stupefied
and frozen. Vyaghreshwar Sharma took the deceased body of
the Swami and left it in the river. The young Swami asked me to
move towards Tirupati and Madhava to Vichitrapuram. Paying
salutations, both of us advanced in our respective directions.
Dhruva and Vishnu
34
Chapter 5
Shankar Bhatt arrives at Tirupati
I reached Tirupati. After taking a holy dip in Pushkarini
Lake and after the Darshan of Balaji, I sat in meditation in the
temple premises. In my meditation Balaji appeared in different
forms, as Balatripura Sundari, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu
and finally like a sixteen year old ascetic with exquisite beauty
and charm. Meanwhile a black and ugly looking demigod
approached him and declared,
O Lord! According to the horoscope of your devotee the
7 years Shani period starts from today. During this period Ill
make him undergo immense infliction and the worst suffering
one cannot ever dream of. Reverend! I am waiting for your
command. The Lord replied composedly, O Shaniswar! You
are responsible for all the karmic flux. You make the beings
reap the fruits of their actions and thus eliminate their karma.
So, go a head with the duty assigned to you. My duty is to
protect Shankar Bhatt, my devotee from the hostile critical
circumstances and from your iron fists. Then both of them
disappeared from my mental vision. Some strange uneasiness
crept in my heart; I could no longer continue my meditation
after this experience. I realised that ominous time has started
in my life and Sripada is my saviour.
I started meandering on the streets of Tirumala.
Suddenly a barber stopped me grabbing my hand and said,
Why! Subbayya! Havent you ever thought of your parents
and your wife after absconding from your house? Your wife
and your parents are counting days waiting for your return.
Please go to them. I protested and said, Sir, I am Shankar
Bhatt, a Karnatic Brahman and a bachelor. I am on my way
to Kuruvapuram, the abode of Sripada Srivallabha. You are
confused, sir, I am not Subbayya. I hastily gave out all my
details to clear the misunderstanding.
35
Meanwhile a throng gathered there to enjoy the live

play. The barber dramatically narrated his version of the
story illustrating the pathetic conditions of parents and wife.
The crowd unanimously pronounced me guilty persuading
and reprimanding me for my indifference dragged me to
Subbayyas house without heeding my repeated protests. There
the parents too misconstruing me as their missing son gave
parental sermons that I should not have left them at all, that too
a newly married wife, absconding was a great crime so on and
so forth. I was taken to the head of the Brahmin community
of Tirupati and I was lingering with an exiguous hope that
they might protect me. I tried to convince them in many ways
about my real identity but in vain. After a prolonged debate
and combined discussions they unanimously concluded that I
was possessed by a Brahmin spirit. So, a sorcerer was called
upon to expel the evil spirit, in spite of my vehement protests
the sacred thread was removed, my head was clean shaved and
I was tied to a pole. The sorcerer made a cut with the knife on
my clean-shaven head then squeezed lemon juice and other
varieties of juices, whose names were unknown to me over
the cut. Oomph! What a horrific burning pain!! Wriggling
and wobbling with pain due to cut and juices poured over it
I became unconscious. My yelling and wailing fell on deaf
years.
I underwent hellish infliction, as the sorcerer did not
allow the wound to heal pouring all types of concoctions,
brutally flogged me with whip shouting and ordering the spirit
to leave my body. I did not cease, even for a moment to chant
the name of Sripada mentally. Gradually, my pain reduced
and it worked on other way round. On fourth day a strange
thing happened, the whip was falling savagely all over my
body but Lo! The necromancer was yelling and wailing out of
pain. How can a person ever undergo any nefarious pain
when he takes His name with devout devotion? He was
astounded as to why I was not experience any pain whereas
he the one who was whipping me was under severe pain. He
36
looked at me in bewilderment. I could not control my laughter.

Yes! Sripada sports in such a grandiose manner! I was taking
salubrious diet, but still they tasted delicious and I was gaining
stamina. On the contrary, though he was sumptuously eating
meat and flesh of goats and hens sacrificed as a part of my
treatment grew weaker and weaker. Now he abandoned the
thought of inflicting me, instead was passing the time with
chanting mantras and other rituals. On the 5th day the fire got
ignited by itself in his house turning it into a heap of ash in
its blazing flames. On the sixth day he came with a sunken
face and announced grudgingly that as the evil spirit was an
occultist he required a huge amount of money to pacify the
wrath of petty gods. The pathetic condition of Subbayyas
parents moved my heart. So I declared, Mother and father!
Please dont go for additional expenses. Now I realised and
convinced that you are my parents. My eyes were filled with
tears of joy, observing the glimpse of ecstasy and triumph as
at last they could win their child to their side and on my part,
I was relieved of that monster-sorcerer. But wife of another
person is equal to ones own mother. Hence I silently prayed
and appealed to Sripada to take me out of the sensitive situation.
On the seventh day, I questioned Subbayyas wife to
express frankly to me whether she believed my identity as
Subbayya. She answered me in a placid tone, I dont know
whether you are my husband or not as I got married when I was
two years old. I have been adhering to the principles prescribed
to our caste. If you are really my husband, I implore you not to
leave me. Or otherwise, let us pray your Sripada to lead us onto
a virtuous path. Her discernible logic appealed me to a greater
extent.
On the same day a Jangama, a Shaiva mendicant of
low caste came to our house, who was proficient in Ramala
Shastra, the prediction of the past, present and the future
with the help of scriptures called Nadi Granth. He gave
me some shells and asked me to throw them like dice. After
37
calculating for some time he opened a leaf from the scripture

and read it: He is Shankar Bhatt, a Karnataka Brahmin.
He will write the biography of Sripada Srivallabha, the
epitome of Lord Dattatreya. In his previous birth, he and his
companion were born in a village called Mogalicherla near
Kandukur in Andhra Pradesh. He was the younger brother
of a Brahmin who was a priest in Swayambhu Datta temple.
In the absence of his brother he used to perform the priestly
activities in the temple. He used to play game of dice with his
friend in temple premises which was an unpardonable crime.
One day he was playing with this friend with a strange stake.
If the friend is won, he would be given the amount he bid but
if Shankar Bhatt is won, the friend had to entrust his wife to
Shankar Bhatt. They made Lord Dattatreya as their witness.
In fact Lord Dattatreya was witnessing the most
detestable thing happening before his very eyes. Shankar Bhatt
won the bid, but the friend straightaway denied entrusting his
wife. Both of them approached village head with their dispute,
who gave the verdict, such a reprehensible act in a sanctum
like Datta temple is not at all pardonable. To cast eyes upon
others wife with an evil intention and try to possess her using
unscrupulous methods are outrageous crimes. Hence boiling
oil should be poured on this person and the private organ of
the person who staked his wife, forgetting the sacred vows of
protection in marriage should be cut and both of them should
be expelled from the village. As Shankar Bhatt acquired a
small amount of punya in his previous birth by occasionally
serving Lord Dattatreya, he was born as a devotee of Lord
Dattatreya. His friend was born as Subbayya in Tirupati, but
because of his fickle-mindedness absconded from the house
after marriage. But Subbayyas wife is a devout lady. Hence,
owing to her chastity, Subbayya returns home the next day
after this Ramala Shastra was being listened and he regains
health as Sripada transfers a fraction of punya to him from
Shankar Bhatts account. The biography of Sripada - a sacred
scripture on His divine play - gets published few centuries
38
after Sripadas disappearance and a few centuries after that,

Akshaya Kumar a Jain of Tripura will find the horoscope of
Sripada, which he will send to Pithikapuram.
Subbayya returned home the other day. His insanity was
cured. I started for Kanipakam a village in Chittur District. I
expressed my gratitude to Sripada for shortening the span of
afflictions from seven and half years to 7 days.
There were three famous temples in Kanipakam - of
Varadaraja Swami, Manikantheswara Swami and Varasiddhi
Vinayaka. After having Darshan of Lord Vinayaka, as I came
out, I saw four beefy dogs standing outside the temple premises.
The priest carefully handed over the bundle of Prasadam to
those dogs and turning towards me explained, These dogs
belong to a washer man, who is a devotee of Lord Dattatreya.
Though there is no prohibition on the entry of washer man
into the temple, he never visits the temple. I tie Prasadam in a
bundle and give it to the dogs; they hand it over to their owner.
The four dogs came and stood around me, immediately the
priest declared, These dogs want you to accompany them.
Go with them you will be blessed. I realised that from the
day I started my journey to Kuruvapuram Lord Sripada was
invisibly leading and protecting me at every step and whatever
was happening now in my life is His command.
Conversation between Tirumaladas and Shankar Bhatt
I entered in dhobis colony. 70 years old Tirumaladas
welcomed me and offered a seat on the cot. As my aristocratic
pride of Brahmin genesis was already in a low ebb I
unhesitatingly sat on it and reverently ate the Prasadam
brought by dogs and offered by a washer man. Tirumaladas
stated excitedly, Sir! What an auspicious day! I have been
waiting impatiently for your arrival to narrate all the events
related to Sripada. Son, commence the auspicious workwriting the biography of Sripada, the Absolute today itself.
You will receive the blessings of Sripada in Kuruvapuram.
Then he started his narration: I was a great scholar in my
39
previous birth, but a stringent and greedy person. While I was

on my deathbed I noticed that the newly born calf was chewing
a ragged cloth. Immediately I gave instructions to my children
to take care of that cloth. Since I died with my attention upon
the old cloth I am born as Dhobi. Son, a person takes rebirth
befitting his thoughts at the time of his death14. However, in
my case as luck would have it I was born in Malyadripuram in
Gartapuri (Guntur) District where Malladi Bapanavadhanulu
a pre-eminent scholar lived. He belongs to Haritasa gotra and
married Rajamamba the sister of Malladi Sridhar Avadhanulu
of Koushikasa gotra of same village.
Once in Ainavili, in East Godavari district yagna of Lord
Ganesha was performed. Both the scholars went as head priests
of that yagna. At the end of yagna, Lord Ganesha appeared
in radiating dazzling golden light, took the last oblation with
his trunk and said that he would soon incarnate as Sripada
Srivallabha on Ganesh Chaturthi day. Three atheist brothers
present in the yagna started arguing that it was just an illusion.
If it was really true Ganesh, should appear once again.
The ash in the sacrificial fire pit manifested as Lord
Ganesha and admonished, O trio of brothers! I am cursing
you. Even after viewing my form and listening to my words
you reacted like atheists. Hence you will be born as disabled
siblings and will be cured only after beholding Swayambhu
idol of mine. So three of them were born blind, deaf and dumb
in Kanipakam and were cultivating a Kani15 land. There was
a step well in the farm and the brothers used to irrigate the
farm with that water. In certain year water in the well was
completely dried up due to drought. So they started digging
the well with spades. The spade stuck to a stone beneath and
14
O Arjuna, one who remembers me at the final momentattains my being; one who gives up
his body remembering any idea what so ever certainly become the object of that idea. Bhagavad
Gita Ch:8, verses 5&6
15
Kani was the lowest denomination coin, 1/64 of a rupee, of the monetary system in India
prevalent earlier up to 1957. Kani in terms of measurement of land which was in vogue in India,
especially in South, was equal to 1.25 acre land.
40
blood splashed up. The well soon filled with water. It was the
idol of Swayambhu Ganesh.
As the spade hit the idol, a small splinter flew out of it
and blood splattered of from the wound. The few drops of holy
blood fell on the brothers redeeming them of their sins and
physical disability.
Bapanarya, who is also known as Satya Risheeswargreat seer of truth, and his brother-in-law Sridhara Avadhanulu
came here, to Kanipakam to install the idol of Varasiddhi
Vinayak. The lord asked Bapanarya to impart divine energy
from the solar energy into the Lingam of Srisailam. He also
said that with his divine grace on the same day at the same
time divine energy would be imparted in Gokarna, Varanasi,
Badari and Kedar. Son! Shankar! Satya Rishiswar shifted
from Malyadri to Pithikapuram. I witnessed many divine plays
of Sripada with my own eyes. Tomorrow I will elaborate them
to you.
With regard to my personal life, I have a son from my
first wife, he is called Ravidas and stays in Kuruvapuram and
is engaged in the service of Sripada. Obeying the orders of
Sripada, I am staying here in this Kanipakam along with my
second wife and children and engaged in the profession of our
caste. Dear son, you will be certainly blessed by Sripada to
carry out your noble spiritual task of writing his biography.
Other than your biography, no treatise will so elaborately reveal
about Sripada and his divine plays. This is his commandment.
Sripadarajam Saranam Prapadye
Tirupati temple
41
Chapter 6
Sripada showers angelic grace upon Tirumala Das
The next day Tirumala Das renewed his recountal,
appraising the circumstances that prompted Bapanarya to
become a resident of Pithikapuram:
On one occasion Bapanarya was invited to officiate as
a High Priest to a yagna in Pithikapuram. There was heavy
rainfall after the yagna connoting good tidings. Vatsavayi
Narasimha Varma, an affluent Kshatriya present there requested
Bapanarya to make Pithikapuram his homestead; however,
the latter declined. At that moment, Varma was informed that
Gayatri, his favourite brown cow was nowhere to be found.
As Bapanarya was well conversant in astrology, he made
some calculations and stated, Narasimha Varma, your cow
was nabbed by a butcher and taken to Syamalambapur, the
present Samarlakot. Hasten someone to the spot immediately
to save it or else it may be slaughtered. Thereupon, Varma
put forth a condition. I will send someone to bring back
Gayatri only if you accept 24 acres of land and a well-built
house as a token of gift. Bapanarya, who never accepted any
gifts from any one, was in a dilemma. Unwillingly he yielded
to the condition, as he did not want to accrue the sin of cow
slaughter. Thus, Gayatri was saved and Bapanarya became the
denizen of Pithikapuram. Eventually, He was blessed with a
son, Venkavadhani and a daughter, Sumati. As she was born
with all auspicious characters in her horoscope and as she
walked elegantly like a queen, she secured the name Sumati
Maharani- Sumati, the Queen.
Within a short span of time, Bapanarya became a highly
notable person. A youth called Ghandikota Appala Lakshmi
Narasimha Raja Sharma of Bharadwaja lineage, came to
Pithikapuram to learn Vedas and scriptures from Bapanarya.
The latter arranged his stay in his house.
42
Sri Bapanarya used to worship Lord Shiva on every

Saturday at Pradosha time along with the families of Varma
and Sreshthi. On a certain Saturday, after the customary
worship of Lord Shiva, an oracle was heard from the Shiva
Lingam, Son! Bapanarya! Arrange for the marriage of Sumati
with Appalaraju. This is the command of Lord Dattatreya.
Consequently, a message was sent to the close relatives
of Raja Sharma in Ayinavilli and soon the marriage was
performed with great pomp and show. In time, Sumati gave
birth to two sons. However, one was blind and the other lame,
which made the couple miserable. Once, a relative gave Sumati
some prasadam of Lord Ganesha of Ayinavilli. Sometime later
Sumati once again conceived. She started seeing auspicious
objects like Airavat, the white elephant, the conch, the mace
etc., and Gods, Goddesses, sages and seers in her dreams.
Raja Sharma was an ardent devotee of Kalagnishamana
Datta. Everyday Lord Dattatreya used to manifest in human
form and converse with Raja Sharma and later merge back
into the idol. That day Raja Sharma resolved to ask Him about
Sumatis dreams. Even before he could ask, the Lord gently
touched his forehead. With His magnetic touch, Raja Sharma
recollected that in his previous birth, he was Vishnu Datta, a
pious and devout Brahmin and his wife was Sushila, a chaste
woman. He recalled all other incidents of his past life.
The Lord then explained in a soft and sweet tone
bespeaking His intense love towards His devotee. In your last
birth, I appeared before you and asked you to seek any boon.
As both of you did not know what to ask selflessly you invited
me to the death anniversary of your father, as a bhokta16.
After partaking the Sraddha meals offered to us - me, the
Sun and the Fire God, I granted salvation to your ancestors.
16
Bhokta literally means the one who enjoys an enjoyer or a recipient; in this context the
Brahmins or Brahmin priests who are invited and offered food to appease the departed soul.
43
He added, I shall soon descend as Sripada Srivallabha, taking

birth as your son.
Raja Sharma became speechless and remained
completely oblivious of the surroundings and of his own
self, intoxicated in ineffable euphoric bliss of the Lords
blessing17.
When Bapanarya was informed about it, he said, Son!
Raja Sharma! You are indeed blessed to be able to feed the
Primordial Lord Dattatreya, the Sun and Fire Gods. So in
this birth too, Lord Dattatreya may approach you in any form
and seek alms. Bear in mind to offer Him alms without any
hesitation even if that day happens to be Pitru shraddha Day
and the priests have not yet lunched.
It was Mahalaya Amavasya18 and Raja Sharma was busy
making arrangements for conducting the ceremonial oblations
to his departed fathers soul, when an Avadhoot turned up at his
house. After receiving alms, he asked Sumati to seek any boon.
Sumati expressed her desire to behold the form of Sripada
Srivallabha.
The next moment a radiant sixteen-year-old eremite
appeared in front of her and said, Mother! I am Sripada
Srivallabha and I am Datta. Mother! Bad deeds executed with
conviction accumulate bad karma and good deeds performed
17
If the Omniscient Lord manifests before a devout devotee and declares that He is going to take
birth as his son, what the devotees reaction would be, is beyond comprehension. Hence, words
fall short to express the feelings and state of mind of Raja Sharma and so I leave it to the vision
and imagination of the reader.
18
The waning moon period or the dark fortnight of Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapad (Sept- Oct),
(in North India and in some States it is Ashwin month), is Mahalaya Paksha, which is especially
sacred for offering oblations to departed ancestors. Anyone who wants to perform this Pitru
Tarpanam - libations to fore fathers, should do it on the same day/tithi that their ancestors died,
which falls within any one of these days. Particularly Mahalaya Amavasya is the most important
day for performing obsequies and rituals, which free the ancestors from their sins. It is also
believed that the ancestors come and remain on this earth plane in our body, mind and soul, for
those 15 days, creating positive energy in us. However, any result depends upon the receptivity
of a person concerned.
44
intentionally or unintentionally acquire good karma.

Accomplishing good deeds without any expectations in return
is Akarma. This is neither Sukarma (which bestows good karma
or virtue) nor Dushkarma (bad karma or sin). The outcome
of Akarma is different from that of good or bad karma and
its effects or results are dependent solely on the discretion of
the Absolute. Your husband and you performed lot of Akarma.
Also, you fed me affectionately. Therefore, I wish to grant you
a boon. Please ask me.
Looking at His radiant form, Sumati could not but
prostrate at His lotus feet.
Sripada lifted her and said, Mother! Do not prostrate at
the feet of your child, as this inappropriate deed reduces the
longevity of the childs life.
Sumati entreated, O Sripada! My Lord! You called me
mother, let your words come true.
Granting the boon, Sripada said, I will be born to you
in this form that you now see. However, if a mother salutes her
child, it will cut short his span of life. Hence, I will remain as
your son only for 16 years.
Seeing Sumati remorseful, Sripada consoled her,
Mother! I shall obey your every word until I am sixteen.
Varshe Shodase Prapte Putram Mitravat acharet! When
the child turns 16, he should be treated as a friend, without
imposing any kind of restrictions on him what so ever. So,
you should not force me to get married and should grant me
permission to renounce. If you go against my will, I will not
stay in your house. Thus saying, He disappeared.
Sumati narrated the entire incident to her husband and
father. Bapanarya consoled Sumati saying, Touching the
feet of ones offspring shortens his life span, nevertheless
prostrating at the feet of an Avadhoot is a propitious act and so
it is not applicable in your situation.
45
Tirumala Das then narrated another interesting event:

When Sripada was about a year old, a conference was
held in Pithikapuram to discuss whether the sacred thread
ceremony for different castes of people should be performed
according to scriptures or as per epics. But they could not arrive
at a unanimous decision; the Brahmins convened a meeting to
be presided by Bapanarya to discuss the matter.
Asutosh, a scholar from Navadweep, Bangladesh came
to Pithikapuram. He had the ancient Nadi texts with him. He
too was invited to attend the meeting. Bapanarya declared,
Since all the three castes Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas
devoutly follow the austerities and scriptural injunctions alike,
it is appropriate for them to perform the sacred thread ceremony
as prescribed in the Vedas. The rest of the varnas should follow
the method laid down in the Epics.
The decision was not acceptable to Narasavadhani, a
pandit who was present there. He wanted to confute the verdict
of Bapanarya. He was uncanny in putting forth illogical
argument. He was the worshipper of Goddess Bagalamukhi. It
was his customary habit to wash his face, recite Bagalamukhi
mantra before commencing any argument; no one could beat
him in the debate that followed afterwards.
On the other hand, Bapanarya chanted Gayatri Mantra
more than million times to date. So far, both of them never
faced each other in any discourse. That day also Narasavadhani
washed his face, and while chanting the mantra he saw Sripada,
who accompanied His grandfather. Somehow, Sripadas
presence displeased Narasavadhani. After finishing chanting
the Bagalamukhi mantra, he in a contemptible tone insisted,
Sripada! Why did you come here uninvited? Kindly leave at
once.
Sripada turned to Narasavadhani and addressing
him said, Grandpa, I came here since you have invited
46
me19;nevertheless, I will leave if you ask me to.

Raja Sharma left the assembly taking his son away with
him. Thereafter when Narasavadhani tried to put forth his
argument, he could not utter a single syllable no matter how
hard he tried. The members unanimously accepted the decision
of Bapanarya.
Later that day, Asutosh went to Sripadas house.
Sripada asked him to express his desire. I hoped to perceive
Bagalamukhi with the help of Narasavadhani who was blessed
with Her divine grace. However, my wish could not be fulfilled.
It seemed to me as if the Divine Mother was somewhat annoyed
with Narasavadhani today. Asutosh said in a disappointed
tone.
I am verily the Goddess Bagalamukhi who left
Narasavadhani after he asked me to leave the assembly.
Sripada smiled consolingly. You shall indeed be blessed with
the Darshan of Goddess Bagalamukhi.
So saying, He then manifested as Bagalamukhi to Asutosh
and blessed him, You shall be born again in Maratha and shall
become one of my chief disciples in my next incarnation. Set
out immediately for the Land of Penance of the Great Seer
Kanva in Penusilakona20 and spend the rest of your life in
divine communion. With joyful anticipation, Ashutosh left
for Penusilakona.
My hunger for listening to His glory was not satiated; so
expressing my inquisitiveness, I greedily asked, Sir! Please
narrate some more tales of Sripada which you have personally
witnessed.
Tirumala Das started his narration with a broad smile,
Shankar Bhatt! Narasavadhani held Bapanarya responsible
19
Sripada is the personification of all gods and goddesses. Therefore, He came to the assembly as
Narasavadhani prayed to Goddess Bagalamukhi and asked her to help him.
20
Also known as Penchalakona, it is located near Nellore (Andhra Pradesh, India).
47
for the deprival of the grace of Goddess Bagalamukhi. He

started propagating that Bapanarya had snatched away his
powers using black magic. He argued that Sripada, merely a
tot, is incapable of being the Omnipresent, Omniscient and
Omnipotent Lord Dattatreya, discoursing scriptural topics in
Sanskrit and exhibiting extraordinary cognisance surpassing
His age do not validate His divinity, rather they prove beyond
any doubt that He was possessed by a spirit of a Brahmin
scholar.
After Sripada was born, a three-headed cobra spread
its hood over His head, wherever He slept, for 18 days.
Immediately after His birth, Sumati became unconscious.
Auspicious musical notes were heard from inside her room.
Four Vedas, eighteen Puranas, great yogis visited Sripada in
their luminous forms. People outside the room could hear the
chanting of the sacred Vedic hymns. Even as a few months old
baby, Sripada used to walk about freely, involve in spiritual
discourse and perform strange and unique divine plays. The
residents of Pithikapuram were sceptical that the boy might have
been possessed by the spirit of a dead scholar; and Bapanarya
and Raja Sharma instead of getting him treated, were under the
misconception that He was the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya
which for the denizens seemed quite incredulous. The latest
accusation of Narasavadhani against Bapanarya fanned the
flames.
Tirumala Das continued, Son, as I too belong to
Malyadripuram21, I used to wash the clothes of Bapanarya and
Raja Sharma. My eldest son, Ravidas used to wash the clothes
of the Narasavadhani family. Since childhood as I consociated
with the family of Bapanarya, I became spiritually inclined and
preferred good company. If I ever came across Narasavadhani,
I would go through a palpable feeling of nausea and would not
21
Malakonda, also known as Malyadri and Malladi is located near Nellore. The temple of
Lord Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in this place, is one of the most prestigious and
famous temples of Lord Vishnu.
48
be able to eat even a single morsel that day.

Narasavadhani came to know about this. So he ordered
that I personally wash their clothes. Unable to refuse, I washed
their clothes that day. No sooner did Narasavadhani put on
the clothes washed by me, than he felt an agonising pain and
burning sensation all over, as if he was on fire. He complained
to the arbitrator that using occult powers, I made some evil
spirits enter into his clothes. The judge however acquitted me
and declared me innocent. When I returned home, I beheld
Sripada in the form of a 16 year old lad in our house.
I uttered in a choked voice, Beloved Sir! You are born
in the highest priestly Brahmin family. You should not come to
the washer mens colony.
Sripada downplayed my words. Who do you think
Narasavadhani is? He is a washer man carrying a bundle of
sins on his head. On the contrary, you who are seeking Brahma
Gyana are a righteous Brahmin, though born as a washerman.
Hence, it is not unbefitting for Me to come to your place.
Thus speaking Sripada gently placed His divine hand on
my head and the divine touch awakened my kundalini power.
Sripada slowly walked away, and His form faded, my eyes
fixed on him lovingly.
Tirumala Das resumed the story of Narasavadhani:
Narasavadhani used to grow Amaranth herbs in his
backyard and it is said that it tasted scrumptious. However,
he never offered it to anyone, unless he felt that he could get a
special favour in return. Sripada one day insisted His mother
to fetch the vegetable from Narasavadhani and prepare a dish
with it. It appeared as an impossible and impractical task for
the family members. But as Sripada kept on insisting to have
it, Bapanarya finally yielded. Tomorrow I will personally ask
Narasavadhani for the vegetable. But if he refuses, you should
let go of your obstinate demand. Sripada conceded.
49
The next morning Bapanarya took Sripada to

Narasavadhani who sat on the porch fronting his house, ready
for a shave. Sripada saluted him humbly and His piercing
glance fell on Narasavadhanis long shikha22; it at once fell
to the ground, much to the bewilderment of the barber and
Narasavadhani.
It is not the right time to ask for the vegetable, as the
grandpa looks quite upset at the loss of his much-adored shikha.
Let us go back home. Sripada told his grandfather.
Later in the day when Narasavadhani sat in meditation,
a radiant figure, which looked exactly like him, came out
of his body and lashed at him, I am your virtue and I am
leaving you. In spite of your ardent love and devotion to Lord
Dattatreya, you failed to recognise Sripada, the Manifest of
the Unmanifest. Soon you would be driven deep in penury.
Sripada sought Saka Danam- alms of green vegetable, just to
obviate your forthcoming adversity. Had you offered Him the
same, you would have not only acquired immense wealth, but
would have also obliterated your impending calamity. I will
re- enter your body when the time is ripe.
The radiant figure merged into Sripada. Slowly the
financial position and the divine vitality of Narasavadhani
started deteriorating. Nobody either cared for or respected him.
Then Tirumala Das illustrated another divine play of
Sripada:
An uncanny event transpired in Pithikapuram. The
idol of the self- manifested Datta was found to be missing
from Kukkuteshwara temple. A sorcerer who was jealous
of Narasavadhani blamed him for the idols disappearance.
When the Brahmins searched Narasavadhanis house for the
same, they uncovered human skulls and other necromantic
paraphernalia. He was branded as a culprit and a necromancer.
22
A tuft of hair grown at the crown of the head of male Brahmin
50
Narasavadhani owned a sterile cow with which he

ploughed the fields. He never fed it properly. The sorcerer
brought the cow under his spell. It unchained itself and butted
all the family members and destroyed the kitchen garden
where the Amaranth herbs grew in abundance. No one dared
to bring the cow under control. Incidentally it was the day of
the death anniversary of Narasavadhanis mother. Different
types of food were prepared for the occasion. The cow entered
into the kitchen and ate everything. While chaos was reigning
in Narasavadhanis home, elsewhere Sripada was adamant to
visit him. So, Raja Sharma brought Him to Narasavadhanis
home. The cow came out of the house, circumambulated thrice
around Sripada, prostrated at His feet and breathed its last.
The residents of Pithikapuram came up with their own
different versions of the incident attributing the sin of Gohathya,
the cow slaughter to Narasavadhani. Unable to endure the pain
of the malicious gossip, Narasavadhani became bedridden and
finally one day collapsed.
Preparations were made to take the dead body of
Narasavadhani to the burial ground for the last rites. Clasping
Sripadas hands tightly, Narasavadhanis wife wept bitterly,
Son, Sripada! I used to attend all the religious occasions
conducted by women, irrespective of the distance, just to
receive a pinch of turmeric and vermillion, which is a symbol
of a womans married status and her husbands long life. If you
are really Lord Dattatreya incarnate, cant you resurrect him?
Sripada silently wiped her tears. Narasavadhanis eldest
son was about to light the pyre when all of a sudden Sripada
thundered, I have seen a son lighting the pyre of his dead
father, but never did I come across a son like you who sets his
live father afire.
Sripada went near the pyre and touched Narasavadhani
between the eyebrows with His thumb, and Narasavadhani
came back to life. The gloomy funeral procession turned
cheerful radiating happiness everywhere. With the divine touch
51
of Sripada, Narasavadhani became aware of subtle karmic

principles. He came to know that the sterile cow and the old ox
in his house were indeed his parents previously, who got a vile
birth and had to suffer drudgery as they failed to take proper
care of their parents. While dying, the barren cow pleaded
Sripada to drink her milk and Sripada assured her that He would
drink her milk in her next birth. He saw that in his forthcoming
birth, Sripada as Nrisimha Saraswati would bless him with two
pitchers full of golden coins after taking food prepared with
Amaranth leaves in his house, and would liberate the evil soul
of necromancer who plotted against Narasavadhani and who
would become a Pisacha the demon after his demise.
At this juncture, Tirumala Das stopped his narration,
and said that he would continue it the next day and suggested
that they would spend the remaining day chanting the divine
name of Sripada, as He remains in His subtle form at the place
where His hallowed name is chanted. How can I describe to
the reader, the joy and the supreme bliss that I experienced
when I became aware of the unfathomable depths of divine
glory!
Sumati mata
52
Chapter 7
Astronomical Description
Son, Shankar Bhatt! Lord Sripadas divine sport and
glory are unheard of, unprecedented and indisputable. You are
blessed with the rare fortune of authoring His biography. But
for His divine conviction, you could not have attained this rare
yoga, which even the best scholars were deprived of, remarked
Tirumaladas the following morning, after completing his daily
prayers and rituals. I listened to his engrossing narration.
After his close call with death, surprisingly
Narasavadhanulu lost his charm and power of attraction.
He could barely make both ends meet. Brooding over his
despondent condition, Narasavadhanulu was meandering on
the streets. Suddenly he saw Sripada with Bapannavadhanulu,
a few moments later he saw Sripada in Sreshthis shop and in a
while, he saw Him again playing with Varma. Sripada looked
at him and smiled suggestively. Narasavadhanulu failed to
comprehend the ubiquitous Lord and wondered how He could
appear at three different places at the same time.
Finally when he returned home, Sripada, the
compassionate Lord appeared in their Puja room. The couple
was thrilled with joy indescribable. Both of them persuaded
Sripada to have food at their house but Sripada forthrightly
refused saying that the rarest yoga knocks the door when all the
three - time, fate and karmic effects are on high tide at the same
time. A sagacious person recognises it immediately, seizes the
opportunity with a positive mindset and benefits. Whereas the
ignoramus not realising the exceptional opportunity, remains
a passive loser. Sripada nonetheless consented to partake of
a meal in their house in His next birth. He then counselled
the couple with benevolence, which is valuable to every Datta
devotee.
Narasavadhani: Who are you, a God, a yaksha or a
wizard?
53
Sripada: I am the primordial power, which remains latent

in each and every atom and cell of this entire creation. It is I
who appears in the form of a mother and a father in all the
living beings. I am the Guru to the entire creation.
N: Are you an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya?
S: Undoubtedly. Since you don a physical form, I also
descended in the sameform. As a matter of fact, I have neither
form nor attributes.
N: Does it mean that you are formless and attributeless?
S: Formlessness itself is a form; similarly attributeless
is an attribute by itself. I am the base for all the forms and
formless, the attributes and attributeless and I also transcend
all these.
N: If Thou art the entirety, wherefore the weal and woe
to mankind?
S: The self existing in you giving identity to your body
is a soul, while I am the Self, the Supreme Soul Param Atman
residing in you. As long as you attach the feeling of ownership
to your body and to your deeds, you cannot integrate yourself
with me and until then you cannot come out of this intricate
web of dualities23 of joy and sorrow, sin and virtue, etc. When
the egoistic I the self within you fades away and the nonegoistic Self in you reaches its zenith, it is only then that
you will come close to Me. The more the proximity with me,
the lesser will be the burden of your responsibilities and the
greater will be your joy and bliss.
23
The knot of duality is an ignorance which is unable to seize on the spiritual truth of things
and concentrates on the imperfect appearance, but meets them not with a mastery of their inner
truth, but with a strife and a shifting balance of attraction and repulsion, capacity and incapacity,
liking and disliking, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, acceptance and repugnance; all life is
represented to us as a tangle of these things, of the pleasant and the unpleasant, the beautiful
and the unbeautiful, truth and falsehood, fortune and misfortune, success and failure, good and
evil, the inextricable double web of Nature. Attachment to its likings and repugnances keeps the
soul bound in the web of good and evil, joys and sorrows. The seeker of liberation gets rid of
attachment, throws away from his soul the dualities - The Synthesis of Yoga, By Aurobindo
Ghose. (Publishers Note)
54
N: Some say that the soul of beings and the supreme

soul are not one and the same, while others claim that the soul
of a being can be integrated with the supreme soul. Yet others
say that the soul itself is God and hence there is no question of
merging. Which one of these three is true?
S: There is nothing to lose if you and I exist separately.
Irrespective of our dual existence when your ego is blotted
out completely, and you realise that everything plays its role
merely on My conviction and is dependent on My mercy and
that you are a mere spectator, then you will experience the
inexhaustible haven of bliss. Know that salvation is nothing but
destruction of delusion and greed. Nevertheless, you can attain
liberation in the dual state too. If you stay in my propinquity,
I will manifest myself through you. When I exhibit all my
powers through you, yet if you remain equanimous, your
ego and arrogance totally supplanted in identification with
the Divine, then know for certain that you are devoid of any
delusion. Such a state is nothing less than liberation. When
your egoistic self and the feeling of bodily proprietorship
extinguish completely, then the identity with your self does not
exist anymore; what remains within you, is only the Self.
At this stage, a superior and everlasting bliss will dawn
upon you which your mind fail to envisage. Thus even in the
advaita24 state you can obtain salvation. The all-pervading
bliss is one and the same irrespective of the state you are
in be it Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita or Advaita (duality, nonduality (monism) or qualified dual state). This everjoyous
ocean of bliss is ineffable; one just has to experience it in order
to understand it.
N: Some individuals who are in Avadhoot state maintain
that they are the Brahman - the Supreme Universal Spirit. Then
are you also an Avadhoot?
24
Advaita (literally, non-duality) is a system of thought where Advaita refers to the identity of
the Self (Atman) and the Whole (Brahman).Recognition of this identity leads to liberation.
55
S: Nay, I am not an Avadhoot. Avadhoots experience

the state of I am Brahman, the Supreme Soul and Brahman is
everything. On the contrary, I am the Brahman, the Universal
Supreme Soul and I am everything is my permanent and true
nature.
N: Lord! I fail to perceive the subtle difference in both
of these states.
S: After freeing himself from the mundane bonds, the
Avadhoot merges in me and enjoys the state of supreme bliss.
He does not have his own identity. As there is no separate
identity, there is no independent conviction also. I exist in the
Supreme Conviction and Supreme Power of this creation. I
even exist in all the delusive forms, i.e. the living organisms.
If I command, even the Avadhoot who had coalesced in me
should take birth once again. Conviction combined with truth,
knowledge and bliss is my form; whereas his form comprises
truth, knowledge and bliss, devoid of conviction.
N: Roasted seeds do not germinate again, isnt it? How
can one who has already achieved transcendental knowledge
and amalgamated with the Supreme Soul take birth once again?
S: Of course, it is an indisputable fact that roasted
seeds do not germinate; but the power and ability of the
Cosmic Maker lies in making those seeds germinate once
again. The very cause behind my descent is to establish the
truth of these theories.
N: Lord Datta! Sripada! Kindly elucidate it further.
S: My mother with the strength of her chastity and virtue,
and power acquired through penance, transformed pellets of
iron into cooked pulses.25 The consciousness (chaitanya) in
25
At one time Narada wanted to test the power of Anasuyas chastity. He took some iron pellets to
the wives of the Trinity and asked them to convert them into cooked pulses to satiate his hunger.
The Goddesses brushed aside his request as being absurd. He then approached Anasuya requesting
the same. Meditating on her husbands name, no sooner did Anasuya touch the pellets, than they
converted into cooked pulses. The happy Narada ate some and took some to the Goddesses. Thus,
he proved that Anasuyas power of chastity is unparallel.
56
minerals is totally dormant, whereas plants and the like are in

semi-conscious state; the living beings are completely evolved
organisms with total-consciousness (purna chaitanya). After
being born as a mineral and dying, a soul then assumes the
form of a plant, a tree and an animal respectively, before finally
assuming the human form. The human being who had evolved
from and gone through all these stages should be sapient and
detached towards temporal possesssions and attain salvation
by awakening the divine power, which lies quiescent within
him. Nevertheless, my mother Anasuya proved that one can
change the course of evolution with divine grace. As the
consciousness of the Trinity was in the state of awakened
awareness, she mutated that into dormancy and transformed
them into babies.26 You should be able to comprehend that
the Absolute who had created the entire universe on His mere
conviction, can also have the ability and power to change the
laws governing the creation to suit the need of the hour.
N: Lord, when You have the power to change even the
laws and attributes of Creation, then You can extirpate my
poverty, isnt it?
S: No doubt, I can. However, I am deferring it to your
next birth, wherein you will lead a comfortable life only after
weathering poverty for some time. You assigned great value
26
Narada, the celestial musician and divine sage taunted the wives of the Trinity that they
cannot hold a candle against Anasuyas fidelity. Besmeared with jealousy, they prevailed on
their husbands to besmirch the name of Anasuya. The Trimurtis appeared before Anasuya in the
disguise of saints, when sage Atri was away. Beholding the three resplendent saints, Anasuya
offered them Bhiksha. The saints however say that they accept only Nirvana Bhiksha (one who
offers alms should be so pure that even the garment that covers the body should be discarded).
The unfazed Anasuya, perceiving them to be the Divine Trinity, meditated upon her husband,
sprinkled the water washed off his feet on the three gods and turned them into babies. She then
discarded her garments and suckled the babies. Atri returned and cognised everything and was
pleased with Anasuyas devotion and chastity. Later on the supplication of the three Goddesses,
Anasuya restored the Trinity to their original glory. They blessed the couple and granting their
wish, the three Gods who are in actuality the manifestation of the supreme principle, the Brahman,
were born to the pious couple in a single form with the attributes of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, as
Dattatreya. (Publishers note: One should bear in mind that to manifest on earth, the Lord works
his way through various mediums, here Narada and the three Goddesses).
57
to a paltry thing like the Amaranth and developed a delusional

attachment towards it. How much food would I, a mere kid,
have? You should have let Me have the vegetable when I
fondly asked for it. Now it is too late.
Man himself is the instigator of whatever effects are
prevalent in his life produced by the grinding wheels of cause
and effect. Depending upon the resultant effects of ones own
meritorious deeds, a person enjoys longevity of life, wealth,
beauty, fame, etc. whereas he would be cursed with short life,
poverty, ugliness, diseases, disgrace etc. as a result of his sins.
I have silently helped you to work out much of your bad karma
and using your good karma gave you longevity. As you still
have some bad karma, you have to suffer poverty. Nevertheless,
as you have been worshipping Swayambhu Datta, I grant you
with resources just enough to make both the ends meet.
N: Sripada! The scriptures advocate leading a life
following the arrangement of Varna system. Your grandfather
declared that even Vaishyas also could undertake the holy
thread ceremony. Is it not wrong?
S: What is Dharma, and what is not? When such a
dilemma arises, one should refer to and follow the scriptural
injunctions. However, when a question crops up whether to
follow the scriptural injunctions in a particular context or not,
then the interpretation and opinion of virtuous people becomes
the scriptural mandate, the vedic verdict and the commandment
of Dharma, the deity of justice and virtue. Take for example
the battle of Kurukhshetra. Scriptures pronounce that it is a
sin to kill anyone. Nonetheless, the battle was fought in the
very presence and commandment of Lord Krishna and it was
deemed as Dharma Yuddh righteous battle.
Thread ceremony is meant for purification of the mind,
body and soul and for awakening of spiritual wisdom. The
Supreme Brahmam transcends religion, region, caste, creed,
and time. The Divine never loves or appreciates the flaunting
of ones devotion and divine faith; rather He can easily be
58
propitiated by the innate feelings of loyalty, unconditional

surrender and devoutness of a devotee.
Sripada then elaborated about the origin and existence
of creation, the abodes of deities, gods and demi-gods. Further,
He elucidated that it is not easy to comprehend the Datta Tattva
but requires millions of births and incessant contemplation.
Narasavadhanulu and his wife were left in utter
bewilderment hearing the one year old Sripada authentically
explaining the most complicated and striking ethereal subject
with such ease. They wanted to touch His feet, but He refused
saying that they will have that privilege in their next life. He
assured that He would be present in His subtle form wherever
His name is uttered with sincere devotion. With a deafening
sound, His body melted gradually within the piercing light.
Varaha
59
Chapter 8
Shodasavataras
Our mind is what our diet is! You are what you eat!
The next day Tirumaladas continued his engrossing
narration. Shankar Bhatt! A quest for knowledge demands a
pure mind, which propels precautions in food27 intake and food
habits. Mind is moulded by the subtler substances present in the
food we eat; when food is consumed, the fine particles which
rise upwards form the mind. Hence verily the mind is food.
Chhandogya Upanishad says that By the purity of food one
becomes purified in his inner nature. Intake of impure food
contaminates your body, mind and soul. Son, Shankar, Even
Bhishma could not escape from the influence of impure food.
Lying on Ampashayya, the bed of arrows in Kurukshetra,
the battle field, Bhishma preached Raja Dharma, the royal
qualities and the science of governance to Yudhishthira.
During the discourse he said, Son, a Kshatriva should never
remain passive should always resist the evil with his might, and
particularly when a vicious act is being conducted before his
eyes. Owing to circumstances if you are unable to express your
detest either in words or in deeds it is better to leave that place.
Even before the completion of the sentence Draupadi who was
also present there laughed aloud. Bhishma apprehending her
thought replied, Yes, I could not resist the heinous attempt
of Duryodhana and Dusshasana to dishonour you in the royal
court; I did not utter a single word either to admonish them or
supporting you. I was at that time nourishing my body with the
food of Duryodhana; food and drink become impure when
they come from a source of impurity, hence my mind became
blemished and my discernment lay dormant. The impure blood
has completely drained off my body and hence I regained my
27
Food here stands for not only for the body but also for the senses which should be brought under
control and fed only with pure and divine thoughts. Satya Saibaba emphatically says the more
sattvik the food, the more pure will be our thoughts. He adds One meal a day makes a person yogi,
two meals a bhogi and three meals a rogi.
60
original unalloyed conscience.

Unblemished food makes the mind stable and
stronger and consequently positive thoughts arise. When the
flow of thought is streamlined and regulated, the representation
of such stream of thought is a Mantra. Devout performance
of yagnas, sacrifices, oblations and such other rituals along
with methodical chanting and recitation of mantras is called
Karma28.
Self-realisation is possible only when one totally frees
identifying himself with the shallow ego of self. Spurning
the transitory truths when a self-realised yogi gets rid of his
accumulated Karma and its effects inherited from previous
births and of his ego-centre and coalesces into the Supreme
Spirit or the Cosmic Beloved, the Paramatma, he attains
Siddhavastha - a state of perfect being. Here the sadhaka does
not do anything consciously; all the actions get done which
ought to be done.
If the yogi does not have any bodily consciousness,
though the gross body is undergoing through the karmic
effects, he is said to be in Muktavastha - a state of liberation.
The Cosmic Beloved sometimes displays His divine plays
through such a yogi who attains the state of perfect being. If the
yogi becomes arrogant attributing credit of these divine powers
to himself, the Supreme Source withdraws them and humbles
his pride.
2498 years prior to His birth as Sripada Srivallabha on
Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Dattatreya appeared to the yogis of
Badarika Ashram who were performing severe penance for
His Darshan, as a youth of 25 years and taught them Kriya
28
In ancient texts of the Vedic religion, karma referred simply to ritual and sacrificial action,
mainly for the construction of a religiously viable self. The notion that these rituals had
determinative consequences either good or bad over ones present and future, both in this lifetime
and the future rebirths, led to the resultant causal and moral law of karma, whereby good deeds
reap good results and bad in suffering and pain.
61
Yoga,29 which accelerates the human evolution. The perfect

mental consciousness or evolution, which in normal course
takes more than million years, can be attained within a few
years by Kriya Yoga. By practicing Kriya Yoga, the human
body is decarbonized and the atoms in the body are transmuted
into life current rejuvenating the brain and spinal centres. By
removing the impurities of the body, which is represented by
black colour, the yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy,
electrifying the vital force like a spiritual elixir. Kriya Yoga
is an ancient science taught by the great guru, Babaji. Babaji,
who still exists in human form, was the one who enlightened
Adi Shankara in the guise of a Chandala.
Son! Sripada was born with rich spiritual wisdom and
insight. Hence, He requires no Guru in this incarnation. In
order to prove that His identity is beyond that of the Trinity,
He took birth on Chaturthi, which coincides with the birth date
of Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Pravritti and Nivritti. Mars, the
Angaraka, ruler of the star Chitra, is considered malefic and
causes adversities. In order to remove all the adversities and
shower blessings He took birth in Chitra star and in Tula Rashi,
the Libra constellation to prove that He is none other than
Swamy Ayyappa. His Lagna was Simha, the Ascendant Leo,
which is ruled by the Sun, the King of the Planets, indicating
that Sripada is the Ruler of the Universe. A prayer to Him when
in crisis will lead the devotee on to the path of virtue.
Lord Dattatreya himself is the Trinity, from whom
three crore deities and thereafter 33 crore Gods and Goddesses
have emanated. Hence, the very utterance of His name yields
the fruits equivalent to the worship of all the deities. All the
powers of Goddesses lie on His left side, while those of the
Gods on His right.
29
A yogic technique whereby the sensory tumult is stilled, permitting man to achieve an everincreasing identity with cosmic consciousness. A yogi who faithfully follows its technique
is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation. It is an instrument through
which human evolution can be quickened. (Reference:Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa
Yogananda)
62
Sir, the explanation of duties of caste and order the

varnasrama Dharma of Sripada is somewhat different to that
of our ancestors. Please clarify.
Child! A Brahmin should perform his Dharma with
a quest for enlightenment, the quest to know the Absolute
Brahman, the Supreme Self. If he succumbs to evil passions,
he is wanting in the gracious nature of a Brahmin in him. Even
the vital atoms metamorphose in such a way that he becomes
a Chandala. A Kshatriya, with quest for spiritual wisdom
(Brahmavidya) can become a Brahmin like Viswamitra through
constant penance. If a Kshatriya (warrior) takes up a trade, or
other peaceful line of work like agriculture, etc his mind, brain
and body undergo various changes and he becomes a Vaisya.
In ancient times Parasurama, Drona, Kripacharya and others
who were Brahmins by birth, chose to become Kshatriyas;
Kusuma Sreshthi, a Vaisya became a King by taking up the
Kshatriya profession. I attained spiritual wisdom by the benign
grace of Sripada in spite of being a Sudra. Punishments and
rewards would be based only on the causative effects of ones
deeds and not ones caste.
Shankar Bhatt! You are our guest today. Due to incessant
chanting and prayers to Lord Sripada, our house and its
surroundings are filled with auspicious and holy vibrations
and hence the food in our house is unblemished and akin to
a Brahmin food. In contrast, the house of Narasavadhanulu,
a Brahmin is filled with toxic physical, spiritual and mental
vibrations. Owing to such impure environment, both mental
and physical, Sripada never accepted his hospitality. Castes are
formed to enable mankind to take birth either in evolutionary,
the progressive or devolutionary, the retrogressive order
depending upon the deeds, the karmas performed.
Does every caste have a soul, Sir?
Every caste has a soul. It is a spiritual substance, a
part emanated from the Omnipotent Soul of Lord Dattatreya.
A caste is not a group of people born in a particular caste. It is
63
the collective substance of spiritual consciousness depicting

the powers and abilities of the persons. Likewise, each village,
city or town has a soul. We call the soul of the earth we live in,
as Bhumata - Mother Earth.
Tirumala Das continued:
Positive and negative vibrations exist in ether. A person
attracts pleasant and positive vibrations owing to his virtuous
deeds, and distressing negative vibrations due to his bad and
sinful deeds. The cumulative virtue and sin of the people of
Pithikapuram ripened and lead to the descent of Lord Sripada.
Those who could comprehend Him as Datta were graced
with auspicious effects and those who derided and behaved
arrogantly faced difficulties. The just desires of the people,
who by thought, word or deed, utter the Lords blessed name,
will be fulfilled undoubtedly and effortlessly. The people who
doubt and criticise Him face unexpected problems, difficulties
and impediments30.
Tirumala Das went on to narrate an incident.
An ascetic, who was strikingly eerie, arrived at
Pithikapuram. His swearing remarks worked as blessings
whereas his blessings acted like a curse wiping out all merit.
When asked about the missing idol of the Self- Manifested
Datta (Swayambhu Datta) he said that after taking holy dips in
all the sacred rivers, the idol was reposing in Yela River. The
idol was brought back and was installed once again by Sumati
and Raja Sharma in conformity with the scriptural injunctions,
in a grand celebration.
The ascetic obliging the invitation of Bapanarya went
to their house. Looking at the two-year-old divine form of
Sripada, he experienced supernal bliss. Sripada sportively
prostrated to the ascetic who was taken aback.
30
Ignorant and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God consciousness.
For the doubting soul there is happiness neither in this world nor in the next. Refer Bhavad Gita,
4:40
64
Madhava, Sripada spoke quietly, his eyes calm and

gentle, when I attain 16 years, you will help Harihara and
Bukkaraya to establish the Vijayanagar Empire and become
famous as Sage Vidyaranya, the Jagadguru of the Sringeri
Sharada Peetham. In the next century, you will be reborn
as Govind Dikshitulu and become the Prime Minister of
Thanjavur31. And in the forthcoming centuries you will be
born as Krishna Saraswati, a yogi who in My incarnation as
Nrisimha Saraswati, will initiate Me into the monk order as
My spiritual mentor.
Concluding his narration for the day, Tirumala Das
said, Son, tomorrow I shall recount some more anecdotes of
Sripada.
Mahavatara Babaji
Vidyaranya Swami, Krishna Saraswati

31
Formerly Tanjore, it is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The famous Brihadeeswara Temple
is located here.
65
Chapter 9
The Philosophy of Karma
It was Thursday morning, auspicious Hora32 time. Both
Tirumaladas and I were meditating in the same room. A beam
of scant sunlight entered our room, suddenly increased to an
intense brilliancy in which both of us could see the resplendent
figure of 16 year old Lord Sripada. Within seconds, the
effulgence faded into piercing light. The suns rays falling
on the chickpeas kept as offering to the Lord, transformed
into pieces of metal. Deliberating if the Darshan of the Lord
symbolised His grace, did the metamorphosis of the chickpeas
into iron pellets reflect His anger, I voiced my fear to Tirumala
Das.
Tirumala Das laughed softly. Dear One, There is a small
doubt in your heart whether Sripada is really Lord Dattatreya
incarnate or not. To clear this doubt the Lord transformed the
peas into iron pellets indicating that He is indeed Datta, the
son of Mother Anasuya, who had converted iron pellets into
edible chickpeas. Further, the planetary position of Jupiter
in your horoscope is malefic, because of which you may fall
sick. The planet Jupiter is associated with chickpeas. Sripada
changed these seeds into iron pellets thus preventing them
from sprouting, signifying that He warded off your impending
ill health.
The divine conviction of our Supreme Lord is beyond
imagination, contemplation and works at lightning speed.
Every moment He accepts millions and billions of prayers.
32
Hora of a particular day is calculated based on the sunrise and sunset time of ones city. Each
Hora lasts an hour starting from sunrise. The Vedic system of time division divides each day (from
one sunrise to the next) into 24 horas. A planet, starting from the Lord planet of the day, rules each
hora. The horas are auspicious for certain activities and inauspicious for others, according to the
nature of the ruling planets. Seven horas occur daily on a cyclic basis, one Hora for one hour. The
first auspicious time of the day will be the weekdays own ruling planet. Sunday is ruled by Sun
(Surya), Monday by Moon (Chandra) and so on. There is one important thing to keep in mind.
While the Western day (Sunday, Monday, etc.) begins at midnight, the Vedic weekday begins at
sunrise.
66
He responds to every prayer that is pro- Dharma, removes

afflictions and fulfils the just desires. The speed of His
Atimanasa (Supra Mind) is unimaginable and excels even
warp speed. He is the source of all visible and invisible powers
and knowledge and is attributeless and formless. However,
because of His immense love towards the world, He descended
with form and attributes as Sripada Srivallabha. Until and
unless one dives deep into the ocean of spiritualism, one cannot
comprehend His transcendental nature.
It is self-evident that human beings turn towards the
Almighty God, similarly God also crossing all the limits and
boundaries descends, bending and stretching His helping hand
to men. This is known as Avatar or Incarnation. Sripada
incarnated to establish many divine truths of creation. Once
truth is installed in the world, it keeps working in a selfdetermined manner.
Holy Sir, I am in a dilemma. I have come to know
many new things from you. Nevertheless, I am unable to
fathom the true nature of the Lord. I am uncertain how His
divine biography will take shape and how I will interpret
it. I heard about installing idols but establishing the truth is
something I never heard of. Please let me know such a thing is
possible?
Shankar Bhatt, you have been chosen to write His
divine biography. Tirumala Das spoke with calm assurance.
Just write whatever you learnt from the devotees of Sripada
whom you have met so far and will meet in the future. Do not
worry about interpretations or commentaries. The Lord
Himself scripts His biography through your pen. Your
contemplation beyond these lines is unnecessary.
Human beings consume a variety of foods. All the food
that is eaten is digested and supplied as energy. There is neither
any intervention nor any great effort of man in this issue. Man
is assigned with the duty of eating at proper intervals, and body
with digestive work. Man has a mind and so can think what
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is good or bad, what to do or not to do, and so on, while the

body has neither a mind nor independent thinking. Irrespective
of whether the person concerned likes or dislikes, the body
performs its actions mechanically. In other words, the duty of
the body is predetermined and the related truth is established.
A task or work that is carried out on the bedrock of truth does
not require any effort or resolution; it transpires spontaneously.
Sunrise, sunset, seasonal changes, revolutions of planets etc.
occur in this manner. It is an inviolable law.
The Omnipresent Lord, who made natural laws for the
welfare of humankind, sometimes relaxes the rules depending
upon the Dharma of a particular age. The Omniscient Lord
simplifies the laws in proportion to the decrease of vitality,
intellect, concentration, etc. of man. Sripada manifests and
blesses those who contemplate on Him and chant His name
continuously for three consecutive days and nights. If there
are million ways for man to go astray, God has provided
him with a billion ways to reform himself.
As I was listening to Tirumala Das, suddenly incoherent
thoughts probed my mind. I am writing the Biography of
Sripada Srivallabha on Palmyra palm leaves. I wonder what
type of leaves the future generation will use for writing. When
did Lord Krishna leave His physical form? When did this Kali
Yuga start? How the time is measured in future? If Sripada
provides answers to all these queries on a leaf that will be used
by the future generations, only then will I firmly believe that
Sripada is verily the incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
Without betraying my inward thoughts, I pretended as
if I were listening attentively. All of a sudden, Tirumala Das
lost his voice. Then there was a thunderous sound, after which
I became stone deaf. He tried to say something but was unable
to. I tried hard to hear but I could not. Remorse seized me for
entertaining such atheist thoughts.
Meanwhile the iron chickpeas formed into alphabets
reading Sripada Rajam Saranam Prapadye in Telugu script.
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There was a rectangular white sheet over them. Its thickness

was lesser than that of Palmyra leaf and was soft to touch.
On it was written in Telugu: Krishnas Niryana took place in
B.C. 3102, on the 18th of February at 2.27 a.m. As per the
Telugu calendar it was 1st day of bright phase in Chaitra month
on Friday, Aswini star in Pramadi year. Kali Yuga started after
Krishnas Niryana.
A riveting wave of cold fear passed through me, at
the unprecedented preternatural experience. I was certain of
Sripadas indiscernible presence there. Slowly the iron grams
turned into fresh chickpeas once again and the white sheet
disappeared. I understood that Sripada had pardoned me.
Tirumala Das spoke quietly, After leaving this mortal
frame, I will take birth as Gagde Maharaj in a washer man
family in Maratha and will lead a worthy life serving the poor,
depressed and down-trodden. The Lord will manifest as Sai
Baba in Dhishila city in Maratha; He promised me that He
would definitely sanctify me with His grace in that incarnation
also.
Sir, I am puzzled. Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita said
that one must undergo the effects of karma. In such a situation,
how can Sripada obliterate the karmic effects without violating
the law of Almighty?
Yes, Krishna said that one has to undergo the karmic
effects, but He did not delimit enduring the karmic effects
only in a conscious state. One can burn ones karma even in
sleeping state. Hence, the karma that ought to be borne by the
physical body for a period of say 10 years may well be endured
only for a few minutes through mental trauma of nightmares
or night terrors. Bad karma is also destroyed by giving alms to
righteous people or yogis. By worshipping and praying to the
idols of deities, our sins are exchanged with the virtue and purity
of the idols. If one meditates upon a virtuous and saintly Guru,
the karma is exchanged through the power of meditation.
A virtuous Guru accepting the service of his disciples takes
69
their sin and lavishes his merit to them. Nevertheless, the

effects of sins should indubitably be borne by someone. As
the idols or images of deities are resplendent with refulgence
and are epitomes of illuminating fire, they can burn into ashes,
the sins they have taken on. The transfer of karma takes place
even when one devoutly offers leaves, flowers, fruits, etc.,
to the Almighty. The acceleration of this transfer of karma
depends upon the intensity of ones yearning, devotion and
submission. Sometimes Sripada transforms the bad karma of
His devotees into stones and boulders and then by breaking
them or by some other means He annihilates their sins.
After a little pause, Tirumaladas continued, I will
narrate an incident in this context. From the very day He was
born, Sumati did not have enough milk to breastfeed Sripada.
They had a cow which whenever sucked by the calf would get
its fill. However, very strangely whenever they tried to milk
the cow, there would be hardly any. The couple felt agonised
for not being able to provide sufficient milk to Sripada, the
Heavenly Provider. Narasimha Varma and Venkatappayya
Sreshthi tried several times to give them a cow, which gives
more milk. However, Raja Sharma did not accept anything in
charity as it was against his vow.
Dear One, a distraught Sumati opened her heart to
her husband one day, my parents are well-to-do; moreover,
they are honest and devout. So what is wrong if we accept a
cow from them for the sake of Sripada?
Whatever you say is right, Sumati, Raja Sharma
answered trying to calm her disquietude. Even so, I need
scriptural evidences substantiating this matter. If Sripada is
really the incarnation of Datta, our cow should produce more
milk, or you should have enough milk to feed him; why did
not Sripada cure his elder brothers of their disability? The Lord
should not have put me in such a situation where I am on the
horns of a dilemma, and compelled to compromise with my
principles.
70
Sumati discussed the matter with her father, Bapanarya.

Dear daughter, Sripada is prudent in both creating and solving
the problems. Sripada is indeed Lord Datta If Sripada cures
His brothers of their disability; His karmic link with the family
gets severed and He will no longer stay with you, for He would
have then transformed into the Preceptor of the Universe. So
do not broach about their disability with Him. Everything in
the world is in the hands of Time and time is under the control
of Sripada. He created a problem let Him solve it.
Why were the brothers of Sripada handicapped? Is it
because of some bad karma of His family? Deeply engrossed
in the story, I ventured this question.
Son, Tirumala Das spoke tenderly, there were some
lineal karmic sins. Raja Sharmas family who belonged to
priestly class, were also village heads. Sridhara Raja Sharma,
the paternal grandfather of Sripada was the village headman
of Ainavilli. The villagers had to pay revenue to Zamindars,
irrespective of the yield. Being the village headman, Sridhara
Raja Sharma had to collect the revenue from the farmers,
sometimes using force though unwillingly. His action complied
with his duty, nevertheless in the eyes of the Heavenly Magistrate
it was a sinful deed. Because of his grandfathers sin, Sripadas
brothers were born disabled. In spite of being the incarnation
of Datta, Sripada also had to undergo the karmic effect of this
inconsequential sinful act; hence, there was dearth of milk for
Him. The commandments of the Universal Lawgiver are
applicable to one and all. Likewise, when He descend on
earth in a human form, He is also subjected to the laws
of karma, thus becoming a role model for us to follow His
path.
Appalaraja Sharma being the family priest was called
to perform a religious ceremony in Varmas house. Varma gave
him Dakshina sufficient to buy a cow. As the amount was much
greater than usual Raja Sharma declined it. Varma also refused
to take back the money, as he was a righteous Kshatriya who
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never takes back anything once given away. The dissention

was reported to Sri Bapanarya who convened a meeting with
all Brahmins present. Bapanarya announced that any Brahmin
who so wishes may take that amount. Many vied with each
other to claim the same, as it was a substantial amount.
In the crowd was Papayya Shastri, a young Brahmin. He
stood up and spoke with obvious pride, I received Swetarka
Raksha from my Guru. I perform lot of Japa regularly, and
I am a devotee of Lord Dattatreya. Hence, acceptance of any
type of alms would not blemish me. The assembly handed
over the money to Papayya Shastri, who went home inflated
with the pride of victory.
At his home, he saw that his maternal uncle, who had
just arrived, was waiting for him. After conversing for a while,
Papayya asked his uncle to have food with him. His uncle
refused saying that he eats only once in a year. Declaring that
they would meet again very soon, he left in a hurry.
Papayya Shastris wife, who saw the uncle leaving said,
Doesnt this man resemble your uncle who had passed away
last year?
Papayya was thrown off balance, his thoughts raced
in confusion: Am I losing the grace of Datta? While leaving
uncle said that we would meet again soon. Does it imply my
impending death?
He tried to chant the mantra Om Dram Dattatreyaya
Namah but could not concentrate. So he went to Kukkuteswara
temple. There he was shocked to perceive Lord Datta without
His head. When the priest muttered some blessing while giving
prasadam, it sounded to him as if he was saying may you die
soon after you eat this prasadam, which itself appeared like
poison.
A depressed Papayya returned home. Seeing his wife
without vermilion, he shouted at her for not applying the same,
when he was still alive. The poor woman wondered why her
72
husband failed to see the penny-sized tilakam on her forehead.

Soon rumours spread all over Pithikapuram that Papayya had
become deranged. He was given all kinds of treatment, but in
vain. Papayyas wife went to Sripada and implored Him when
He was alone.
Sripada solaced her grief and counselled her to construct
a house immediately. He assured that everything would return
to normalcy after the house-warming ceremony of their new
house. The house was constructed using boulders, which
were sized by hammering. Papayya became sane soon after the
house-warming ceremony.
Son, Shankara! Papayya was in fact passing through
a malefic yoga period due to his inauspicious planetary
combination at that time, which would have resulted in his
death. Sripada saved him from this untimely death. He burnt his
bad karma by making him undergo mental agony, humiliation
and monetary loss.
The recuperated Papayya met Sripada. Papayya, what
a fool you have been! You did not recognise Lord Dattatreya,
even when He was right in front of you in a human form. I
attracted your karma into the boulders used for constructing
your house and destroyed it through the act of breaking them
into small stones. Had you maintained faith in Me, I would have
attracted your sins onto My body and made you unblemished.
The grace of a Deity varies depending upon the sentience of
the devotees. With the dark veil of delusion lifted, Papayya
clearly realised his blasphemy.
Meanwhile, Sri Varma and Sri Sreshthi were no longer
able to contend with the problem of scarcity of milk for
Sripada. So once again they tried to convince Raja Sharma. He
however, straight away refused the proposal.
Swamy Sri Sacchidananda an illumined sage who lived
in Himalayas and whose age goes back to centuries came to
Pithikapuram at that time. The issue of bestowal of the cow to
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Raja Sharma was put in front of him. Sacchidananda Swamy

declared very firmly that Raja Sharma has to accept the cow,
as Sripada is the verily Lord Dattatreya and that Raja Sharma
should not deprive himself of the good fortune of offering milk
to the Heavenly Provider. He even proclaimed that he would
make the five elements give evidence in support of his stand.
The yagya began. Goddess Earth appeared and
proclaimed that accepting the cow is not against the scriptures,
as Sripada is Lord Dattatreya. After a while, rain poured all over
and wind blew heavily everywhere except near the yagya. Thus,
the Gods of Rain and Wind gave their evidence. The God of
Fire emerged out of the sacrificial fire, and personally accepted
the oblations. A celestial voice reverberated that Sripada is
none other than Datta himself. Thus, finally convinced, Appala
Raja Sharma accepted the cow and Sri Sreshthi and Sri Varma
obtained unprecedented meritorious effects of donating a cow,
Godaan.
Previous Birth of Sumati and Appalaraja Sharma
O denizens of Pithikapuram, the indefatigable
Swamy spoke didactically, How ignorant you are! You could
not recognise and realise that Sripada, is the manifestation of
Lord Dattatreya, the unmanifest. I have come all the way from
Himalayas to behold the Divine form of Sripada. The great
souls Vishnudatta and Sushila, who were illustrated in Datta
Purana, are none other than Appalaraja Sharma and Sumati.
Sons, the patriarchal sage went on, Sripadas eldest
brother Sridhara Raja Sharma will be cured of his blindness and
become a proficient scholar. After demise, he will take birth
as Samartha Ramadas in Sajjangarh in Maratha. Varma will
born as a great Warrior-King Shivaji, and become the beloved
disciple of Samartha Ramadas. Sripadas second brother will
also be cured of his disability and he also will become a great
scholar. He will be reborn as an exalted renunciate called
Sridhara.
74
It does not make any difference whether you believe

my words or not, as truth remains a truth forever. The Absolute
and His prowess are unparalleled. He holds the reins of the
universe in His hands and can do or undo anything; he can turn
the haves into have-nots and have-nots into haves.
I was blessed to hear some marvellous incidents and
wondrous truths from the lips of the saintly Tirumala Das.
Samartha Ramdas
& Sivaji
75
Chapter 10
Encounter with Subbayya Sreshthi
Humbly thanking Tirumaladas for being my mentor
and for sharing with me his wondrous experiences, I started
towards Kuruvapuram. Whenever I reflected the divine plays
of Sripada, I felt intoxicated in ecstatic joy. Along the way,
tired and hungry, I made for the shelter of a peepal tree on the
wayside. I saw a Brahmin under the tree. He greeted me with
friendly warmth. A big basket with an empty copper vessel in
it was lying in front of him. He was often chanting the name of
Sripada.
Noble Sir, are you a devotee of Sripada? Have you
ever seen His divine form? I felt a lively curiosity about him.
The man smiled at my eager face. I was born in an
affluent righteous Vaishya family and my name is Subbayya
Sreshthi. Though I lost my parents at a tender age, they left
me plenty of money. I travelled to far-off lands carrying out
trade in various products. I developed relations with a harlot by
name Chintamani, on whom I spent money like water and also
made a friend Bilwamangal, a Brahmin trader. We used to buy
the finest Arabian horses and sell to Kings and Chieftains for
profit. However, after some time we were supplied with horses
of poor quality because of which we incurred heavy losses and
lost all our property and wealth. My wife died from mental
agony and my mentally-challenged son also died soon after.
Son, Subbayya continued, Whats more, I was
extremely harsh and merciless while collecting debts. Once
Appalaraja Sharma, Sripadas father bought on credit one
Varaha33 worth of provisions from my shop, as he had some
unexpected guests. I fraudulently computed more interest
and coerced him to pay ten Varahas as my due. Appalaraja
Sharma would have to sell his house to clear my debt. I made
33
Varaha (a gold coin of 3.4 gms) was a standard unit of coin of medieval South India.
76
it a point to tell all and sundry that in keeping with the existing
evaluation, I could takeover Appalaraja Sharmas house, by
paying a paltry amount of one or two Varahas. I wanted to see
them shelterless.
One day when Sripada was at Venkatappayyas shop, I
demanded Sripadas service at my shop to clear off His fathers
debt, as His disabled elder brothers could not work. Three-yearold Sripada addressing me said, Subbayya! I will clear your
debt working in your shop. But beware! Lakshmi, the Goddess
of wealth will no longer dwell in your house thereafter. Blinded
by vanity, I agreed.
Venkatappayya Sreshthi brought Sripada to my shop.
Subbayya! I will work in your shop in place of Sripada, he
urged. I smiled in acquiesce.
Just then, a matted hair anchorite came to my shop. I
want to buy a copper vessel. I am willing to pay any amount,
he said pressingly.
Though I had 32 copper vessels in stock, eager to make
a quick buck, I asserted that I had only one copper vessel and
it costs 10 varahas.
The ascetic readily agreed to pay the sum. I want to
take the copper vessel from the hands of this little boy, he said
looking at Sripada. I was more than willing, for I was making
extra money in just one transaction.
Now the Goddess of Wealth dwells permanently
in your house. Forsake your reclusion and return to your
home. Your wife and children are waiting for you. Sripada
pronounced oracularly handing the copper vessel to the ascetic.
The ascetic left happily.
High and mighty, I said, I am clearing off the debt of
Appalaraja Sharma because of the huge profit I made. Sripada
is free from bondage. Goddess Gayatri is a witness to my
statement.
77
After Sripada and Venkatappaya left, to my

bewilderment, I saw that there was only one copper vessel
instead of the remaining 31. Son, whatever we utter before
Sripada comes to pass. As I tried to swindle Appalaraja
Sharma, Sripada saw to it that I learnt my lesson the hard
way. Fortunate is the one to whom an avadhoot or a great
saint gives a small piece of copper. The same happened to
the ascetic who received a copper vessel from none other the
Blessed Benefactor. With this divine drama, Sripada cleared
the wrongful debt of 10 Varahas and indirectiy informed His
father that refusing charity from a righteous person is a sin.But
from that precise moment, the Goddess of Wealth abandoned
my mind, body and soul.
Sir! It is widely believed that by accepting alms or
donation ones punya decreases; however, you say that by
refusing alms one attains sin or bad karma. Please shed light
on it.
You are hungry, said Subbayya abruptly discontinuing
his narration, Sripada often says one should offer food and
water to whoever comes to you without any discrimination of
caste or creed. Quench your hunger first. There is a lake nearby;
go and wash yourself. Meanwhile I will make arrangements.
Whether hunger gleamed in my eye, I know not. Nevertheless,
I was puzzled because there was nothing in the basket except
the copper vessel. There were no food grains or vegetables.
Glancing at him doubtfully, wondering how the food would be
prepared or wherefrom it would come, I went towards the lake.
When I returned Subbayya was sitting with two plantain
leaves and two bowls which he made using the palm leaves. I
was looking at him with awe. He closed his eyes, prayed for
few moments and poured water from the visibly empty copper
vessel into the bowls. He then served on the leaves, ridge
gourd dhal and rice from the same empty vessel, which we ate
to our hearts content as prasadam of Sripada. Once happily
surfeited, the vessel became empty again.
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Effects of Worship of Lord Shiva on Saturdays at

Pradosha34 Time (Twilight)
Lord Saturn is in charge ofthe consequences of ones
karma. Among the planets, Rahu and Ketu are shadow or mirror
planets. Rahu gives results like Saturn while Ketu like Angarak
(Mars). Saturn is the son of the Sun God. Hence, twilight time
of Saturdays, especially a Saturday35, which falls on the 4th
and 13th day of every lunar month, is extremely auspicious.
All the sins of ones previous births are completely wiped out
if one worships regularly to Lord Shiva with devotion at the
time of twilight on that day.
As Sripada was born in Chitra, presided by Angarak,
whoever worships Sripada on the day of this star, will be
relieved of the influence of unpropitious planets.
Venkatappayya Sreshthi and Narasimha Varma
worshipped Lord Shiva during every Sani Pradosha along
with Bapanarya, while Appalaraja Sharma spent the whole day
contemplating and meditating upon Datta. Sumati on the other
hand, contemplated on Anasuya tattva, which is an integral
part of Lord Shivas form. As a result, Sripada descended in
their family. Hence, if Appalaraja Sharma accepts money from
any three of them it would not amount to alms or charity and it
would not incur any sin. On the contrary refusing their offering
is sin. Sripada, through His actions made sure that His father
understands this. Shankar Bhatt! Sripada is the epitome of
all deities. Blessed are those whose lives are touched by the
Divine Hand.
34
Pradosha is twilight time. It marks the end of the day light and beginning of night. It is the
time that Lord Shiva absorbs the karma of people. It is the window of opportunity to dissolve
ones bad karma. Pradosha occurs once every 13 days. It falls two days before Amavasya (No
moon day) and two days before Pournami (Full moon day). Pradosha that falls on a Saturday is
Sani Pradosha.
35
The Holy Sabbath is actually the worship of the planet Saturn. If you keep the Sabbath,
then you are carrying on the ancient worship of this pagan god. That is why He is worshipped on
Saturns Day which today we call Saturday. Jordan Maxwell;
79
News of how Sripada freed His father from debt spread

like a wildfire. Sripada was then a three-year-old toddler.
I went to Appalaraja Sharmas house. In front of all elders
present there, I announced that Raja Sharma was completely
free from debt. However, Appalaraja Sharma argued how
his debt is cleared if some ascetic buys a copper vessel from
Subbayya? Thereafter an interesting conversation ensued
between Bapanarya & Sripada:
Who is Sripada? What is His Transcendental Nature?
Bapanarya
: Do you know that ascetic?
Sripada
: I know about all the ascetics.
B: Just your are a three-year old tddler and you talk beyond
your age. Are You omniscient?
S: You think that I am just a three-year-old, but I am the
primordial form that existed even before creation and will
remain even after the deluge of the universe. There is no
creation, sustenance or destruction without Me.
B: Sripada! If a child thinks that he is on the moon it does
not mean that he is really on the moon, it should be factual.
Omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence are the attributes
of Parabrahman.
S: I alone remain in all the beings and at all places.My
presence is felt wherever there is a need. If My presence
is either not felt or not visible, it does not mean that I am
not there. I dwell in Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya,
Vignanamaya and Anandamaya kosas (sheaths) of the human
beings. They function due to My existence there. Entire
knowledge lies at the base of my foot. Creation took place
because of My conviction.
Appalaraja Sharma: Dear One! You have been a riddle for
us since birth. Time and again you repeat that you are Lord
Dattatreya and that you will incarnate as Nrisimha Saraswati.
Listening to your words people are convinced that it is either
80
some kind of drama or fraud, or you are mentally ill.

S: Father! What you say is true. Nevertheless, in spite of the
five elements bearing testimony, if one says that I am not Datta,
then is it not tantamount to the sin of lying?
B: Sripada! After the ascetic left, there was only one vessel in
Subbayyas shop in place of 31. Are you responsible for that?
S: Everything happens depending upon the time and ones
karma. No act takes place without appropriate reason. This
is the intransgressive law of the nature. In his previous birth,
though Subbayya was a priest in a Datta temple, he wallowed in
sensual pleasures. His lechery reached such a peak that he sold
the sacred copper idol of Datta, which had been worshipped
by his ancestors from times immemorial, gave the money to
his concubine and allegedly said that the idol was robbed. The
ascetic who came to his shop was the goldsmith in that birth,
who bought the idol out of greed to earn money and melted it.
He was born as a pauper in this birth, whereas the priest was
born as Subbayya in a wealthy family, as he served Lord Datta
for many years. The molten idol was made into 32 vessels and
sold.
The goldsmith, who was born with the cognition of his
previous birth became an ardent devotee of Datta and served
Me earnestly. He made a silent appeal to Me to eradicate his
poverty. I appeared in his dream and ordered him to come
to Pithikapuram, buy a copper vessel for 10 Varahas from
Sreshthi, take it from My hands and to relieve Me of the debt.
He followed every letter of my command. I solved his financial
problems in an inconceivable manner. He was in the guise of
an ascetic to escape from the eyes of his creditors. Now dont
you agree that I know everything about the so-called ascetic?
Subbayya increased My fathers debt unscrupulously. So I saw
to it that he gets his 10 Varahas and in return, I took all the
punya of his previous birth.
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Subbayya Sreshthi, Sripada said in a stentorian voice

turning towards me, a buffalo will enter your house today
night from the southern gate. It is a message from Lord Yama
that your death is fast approaching. But I am giving you a
lease of life. Feed the buffalo rice, ridge gourd curry and dhal,
which you have prepared with your own hands. After eating
the food, it will die in place of you. From the next instant,
your business will run in continuous losses, until you become
a pauper. Hawk around selling edibles for children. If you are
in a position where you do not have any food to eat and money
to buy, then this copper vessel will come to your succour. With
the money taken from you, My parents were able to feed only
rice, and ridge-gourd dhal. So, only rice, and ridge gourd dhal
will materialise from the copper vessel for you and for your
guests.
Everyone was convinced that Sripada was none other
than Lord Datta. But I was still obdurate. O Sripada, I
laughed derisively, when incarnations have many women in
their lives, it is Divine Play, but when a common man like me
involves, it is lewdness? How biased!
A slight smile hovered about Sripadas lips, Even
though Sri Krishna had eight chief queens and sixteen
thousands gopikas, He was an Eternal Bachelor. He was not
licentious and His relationship with them was not mundane,
as you think. It was a divine relationship between the Supreme
Lord and His devotees.
When Lord Indra was cursed to be born a human, his
chaste wife Sachidevi was born as Draupadi. Indra was born in
five forms as five (Pancha) Pandavas. Draupadi, in spite of her
polyandry, remained a true wife only to Arjuna. There is lot of
difference in Dharma (Code of Conduct) and the subtle aspects
of Dharma (Dharma Sukshma). Draupadi liked only Arjuna
and it was he, who hit the Matsya Yantra and won her hand. But
because of mother Kuntis word, Draupadi became wife of five
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Pandavas. A virtuous wife has six attributes. She should have

the graciousness of Goddess Lakshmi, which Draupadi had in
abundance; and the forbearance of Mother Earth. Sahadeva,
who had the faculty to see the future, knew the inevitability and
consequences of the battle of Kurukshetra. Draupadi dealt the
perturbed Sahadeva with utmost tolerance. With Bheema who
was a glutton and indolent, Draupadi conducted herself like
a slave, serving and doing all his chores. With Yudhishthira
who was always engrossed in political affairs, she acted like
a minister advising him on various issues. Nakula was an
extraordinary swordsman who could play the sword with such
dexterity that it would not get wet even when handled in rain.
Because of his constant practice for excellence, he would
be ravenous. Like a mother who ensures that her child has
tasty, yet healthy food, Draupadi used to take care of Nakuls
nourishment, in the similar manner; and with Arjuna she was
like Rambha, providing conjugal bliss. Thus in spite of having
five husbands, she led a chaste life.
My ignorance and arrogance reached its zenith. You
claim to be Lord Krishna also. My voice was sarcastic, tinged
with supercilious mirth. Then I suppose you will enjoy the
company of eight chief queens and sixteen thousands gopikas,
in this birth also? I was defiant.
Sripada smiled angelically. My eight-fold nature
epitomises my eight wives and My incarnation is replenished
with sixteen kalas, the potencies. Every second, My divine soul
emanates powerful vibrations in all ten directions. Thus, every
single second, vibrations emanate from every kala through
My body, mind and soul in all ten directions - i.e. 10 x 10 x
10 = 1000 vibrations of power and energy from each kala. Thus
altogether 16000 vibrations per second emanate from my 16
kalas. These are my sixteen thousand wives who took a human
form in their previous birth, while they remain as formless
vibrations in this birth. He continued, I may be worshiped in
83
any form36 - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva or in the form of any other

deities; all are My forms. All the divergent spiritual paths,
austerities and rituals ultimately lead to Me. Ones spiritual
progress, nevertheless, depends upon karma, time, progress,
and other factors.
Son, tomorrow I will relate some more divine plays
of Sripada, Subbayya Sreshti concluded his narration. Let
us sing the glory of Sripada all through the night. Chanting
His Divine Name will wipe out all the sins accumulated over
innumerable lives. He then took me to a small hut nearby.
36
I personally take care of both the spiritual and material welfare of those ever-steadfast devotees
who always remember and adore Me with single-minded contemplation. (9.22) O Arjun, even
those devotees who worship the other deities with faith, they also worship Me, but in an improper
(indirect) way; (9.23) because I the Supreme Being (Parabrahman) alone am the enjoyer
of all sacrificial services (Seva, Yajna) and Lord of the universe. But people do not know My true,
transcendental nature. Therefore, they fall (into the repeated cycles of birth and death). (9.24)
84
Chapter 11
Subbayya Sreshthi, Bilwamangala and Chintamani
The next morning, Subbayya Sreshthi explained the
transcendental nature of Lord Dattatreya.
Since the elevated state of Mother Sumati is equal to
that of Mother Anasuya, Sripada took birth from her womb.
He was not born out of the physical union of His parents, but
out of the union of yogic lights that emanated from the eyes
of devout Rajasharma and chaste Sumati when they were in
deep meditation. When different deities are worshipped, the
consciousness of Datta reflects on those deities transforming
into a new consciousness, thus fulfilling the just desires of the
devotee. The Absolute can manifest Himself in any form to
guide the sincere spiritual seeker. If one surrenders oneself to
Lord Datta, He allocates the work to the concerned deities and
makes sure that the devotee is well protected. Lord Datta is
the Parama Tattva the Supreme Truth, which forms the base
for transcendental nature and is the transpersonal aspect of the
Divine. He is beyond Saguna, the attributes and Nirguna, the
atrributeless. It is the primordial nature, which has no beginning
or end.
Once Sri Bapannavadhanulu questioned Him, Are
you Datta, or a devotee of Datta? Sripada touched gently
between Bapanaryas eyebrows. At once, he beheld the form
of Mahavatar Babaji in the Himalayas. He then saw Him taking
a holy dip in the confluence of the three rivers at Prayaga. Later
He took the form of Sripada and merged into the idol of Datta
in Kukkuteshwara temple. He saw an Avadhoot emerged out
of the idol, to whom his daughter Sumathi was giving alms.
The Avadhoot transformed into an infant who was playing
in the lap of Sumati. The infant then changed into 16-yearold youth who appeared like a yogi. The yogi took a holy dip
along with his disciples in the confluence of the two sacred
river. He then looked at Bapanaryulu and said, I am Nrisimha
85
Saraswati and this place is Gandharvapuram. Then he threw

His upper garment into the waters and sitting on it proceeded
to Srisailam, where after centuries of penance, He appeared
like an aged yogi with only a loincloth around Him. He then
told Bapanaryulu that he is Swamy Samartha. Transmitting
His life energy into a Banyan tree, and His divine soul into
the idol of Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, He left His mortal body.
All these incidents transpired one after the other like a moving
picture, before the eyes of Bapanaryulu, who remained in a
state of inexpressible ecstasy. When he regained normalcy, he
saw little Sripada sitting quite innocently in front of him. He
hugged Him affectionately.
After a while, Bapanarya began his customary
Agnihotra - Oblation to Fire. Just by chanting mantras, after
placing sacrificial firewood (samidhas) into the fire pit, he
would miraculously ignite the firewood. On that day, however,
in spite of his repeated chanting, there was no fire.
Then Sripada addressing the Fire God ordered, O God
of Fire! Do not obstruct the sacred rituals of my grandfather!
No sooner did He utter these words, than the fire lit up.
Sripada poured some water into the fire from a small pitcher.
Instead of extinguishing, the fire blazed with even more
intensity as if ghee was poured over it.
Grandfather, Sripada asserted, know this for certain
that without My prior conviction, even a great seer like you
cannot accomplish a simple task like lighting the fire. I can
grant any wish of My devotee. However, before granting the
wish I make sure whether he deserves it or not, and whether
he can withstand such magnitude and uses it selflessly for the
welfare of the mankind.
The following day Narasimha Varma took Sripada to
visit his fields as per His request. Narasimha Varma apprised
Sripada that though the soil there is very fertile and yields
all types of crops, ridge gourd was one crop that was failing
86
constantly. The plant rarely flowered. If in case, the flower did

develop into a tender vegetable, it withers away. Fortuitously
if it grew into a full-fledged vegetable, it tasted terribly bitter
and unfit for consumption.
Sripada spoke with calm assurance, The soil is long
yearning to be sanctified by the touch of My Feet. Since its
longing has been fulfilled, from today the field will yield very
good and tasty ridge gourd crop.
Shankar Bhatt, it was indeed a miracle that the soil
thenceforth yielded delicious ridge gourd crop in abundance.
After a while when Sripada was walking in the fields,
a few tribal people showed up. They prostrated humbly before
Him. Sripada explained, These people belong to the period of
My incarnation of Lord Nrisimha and are My staunch devotees.
If you so desire, they will help you behold the Lord.
Do you people know the whereabouts of Lord
Nrisimha? Varma too responded playfully.
Of course we do, dear Sir. He is rather striking in
appearance with a lions head and a human body. Our sister
Chenchu Lakshmi and He like each other. So we married them.
If you wish to see them, we will bring them to you. Saying so,
they scurried away.
Seeing me passing by, Sripada beckoned me. Just then
two people were walking towards us. They were none other
than Chintamani and Bilwamangala. Sripada commanded me to
make fire collecting some dry twigs. I silently obeyed His order.
As the twigs were set ablaze, Chintamani and Bilwamangala
experienced severe burning sensation as if their bodies were set
on fire. After a while, two dark shadowy silhouettes resembling
them emerged from their bodies and weeping bitterly, jumped
into the fire. Within no time, the figures turned into heaps of
ash. Chintamani and Bilwamangala returned to normalcy.
With the effects of their past bad actions burnt in the fire of
wisdom, Bilwamangala and Chintamani renounced the world
87
and became ascetics.

Meanwhile the tribals came there with Lord Nrisimha
and their sister Chenchu Lakshmi.
Sripada shot abrupt questions, Are you Lord Nrisimha?
Is Chenchu Lakshmi your wife? Are you the same Lord who
killed the demon Hiranyakashyapa and saved Prahlada?
Lord Nrisimha answered affirmatively for all the
questions and before the eyes of all the people present there,
Chenchu Lakshmi and He transformed into radiant forms
and merged into Sripada. Sripada proclaimed that the place
where all these unique incidents transpired would in future be
renowned as Chitrada,37 the City of Miracles.
37
Chitrada is about 6 km from Pithikapuram.
88
Chapter 12
Kulasekhar
Subbayya was silent for a moment, and then he
continued obliquely. Shankar Bhatt, if the Sole Giver
sanctions 120 years of life span to a person, it does not mean
that he will live till that stipulated time period; rather it means
that he will live till the time he expends the count of both
breaths, the inhalation and exhalation, generally taken within
that stipulated time, here 120 years.
Restless and angry people, people with harmful or
dejected emotions, would exhaust their life breaths within a
short time due to the increase in breathing rate per minute. A
restless monkeys life span is quite short in comparison with
a giant tortoises life span of 300 years, as it breathes only
four times per minute. Moreover, the cells in our bodies are
continuously evolving, the old dying and being replaced by the
new. It is estimated that every seven years, the soft tissues in
our body are completely renewed.
Similarly, there is transformation in the vital
constructive and mental energies, which in turn purifies the
heart, mind and body. A devout reading of sacred books
like the one you are about to write, helps to hasten this
purification process by merging our negative vibrations
into the consciousness of the Lord and sending back the
transformed pure positive vibrations into us.
When Sripada was about four years old, Kulasekhara,
a wrestler from Kerala, proficient in varmakala came to
Pithikapuram. Varmakala is a martial art. Varman means vital
points and thus it means the Art of Vital Points. It comprises
of attacking or applying pressure on the vital points in ones
body, which may either paralyse or kill the person depending
upon the force and velocity of the strike or pressure applied.
According to Varmakala, our body has 350 therapeutic points
and 108 lethal points. In asmuch as it is a deadly martial art,
89
quite surprisingly is used as a therapeutic art to treat patients

suffering from different chronic ailments. Acharya Sushruta,
Father of Surgery was the founder of Varmakala and he
identified the 108 vital points on the human body.
Kulasekhara was the devotee of Lord Venkateswara.
Defeating several wrestlers and receiving numerous accolades,
he arrived at Pithikapuram and challenged the wrestlers there.
All the wrestlers of Pithikapuram were sure of facing either
defeat or death in the hands of the Herculean Kulasekhara.
They approached Sripada, with the hope that if He were really
the incarnation of Lord Datta, He would definitely help them
out of this crisis.
Narasimha Varma had a hunchback servant, Bhima, who
was born with deformities and was extremely weak. Bhima
was a devotee of Sripada and had unfaltering faith in Him.
Whenever he beseeched Sripada to rid him of his deformities,
he would be told to wait for the right time. Sripada selected
Bhima as the competitor of Kulasekhara.
The duel commenced. Seeing the frail and deformed
Bhima, many wondered about the divinity of Sripada. They
were convinced that Bhima would die at the very first blow from
Kulasekhara. Surprisingly, with each blow from Kulasekhara
Bhimas body became stronger and stronger, and soon he stood
erect like a pillar with his hunch gone, Kulasekhara who was at
the giving end became weaker and weaker and finally plunged
prostrate at the feet of Sripada.
Kulasekhara, in spite of being proficient in Varmakala,
which you could have used for the benefit of mankind, you
turned conceited and egoistic. So I am taking away the
knowledge and power of the art from you. Sripadas words
were sharply reproachful.
Sripada then momentarily appeared like Lord
Venkateswara to Kulasekhara and asked him to lead an
90
ascetic life. Words fall short to describe the Merciful Lord,

who showers His benevolence even on unscrupulous and
undeserving people.
91
Chapter 13
Anand Sharma
Taking leave of Subbayya Sreshthi, I renewed my
journey towards Kuruvapuram. Night descended by the time
I reached a village. A Brahmin sitting on an elevated platform
outside his house invited me to accept his hospitality. I partook
of the sumptuous food that he offered.
Son! he said affectionately, I am Anand Sharma.
During my midday devotions today, the Merciful Mother,
Goddess Gayatri appeared in a vision and ordered me to offer
food to a Datta devotee who would pass by. I am extremely
happy that you accepted my humble services!
Sir, I remarked in astonishment. Indeed I am a
devotee of Lord Datta. My name is Shankar Bhatt. I am
proceeding to Kuruvapuram to behold Sripada Srivallabha
who is the incarnation of Lord Datta.
Ananda Sharma smiled enigmatically. An avadhoot
came to our house at the time of my thread ceremony. He
explained in detail about Gayatri Mantra and its practice.
He advised us to visit Nrisimha temple in Penchalakona.
Accordingly, we visited the Nrisimha temple, where after
Darshan my father was silently drawn into deep meditation,
which continued for days together. I was frightened and
hungry. Some stranger offered me food. He took me to a cave
in the forest nearby and suddenly disappeared. Inside the cave,
I saw a sage of noble countenance being served by 101 sages.
I paid obeisance at his feet. The sage told me that he was
Kanva Maharshi38. He further said that because of meritorious
deeds of my previous births, I was able to step on their sacred
land. He informed me that Lord Datta incarnated as Sripada
Srivallabha in Pithikapuram. He passed his hand over my head
and blessed me with the Darshan of Lord Sripada. The next
38
Sage Kanva, a renowned rishi, is the author of several hymns of the Rig Veda.
92
instant I found myself beside my father. After my father roused

from his meditation, we returned to our village.
Time rolled by since the dramatic Penchalakona
incident. Once, we joined some of our relatives on
their pilgrimage to Rajamahendravaram39. Nearby to
Rajamahendravaram, was a village called Yedurulapalli,
where several sages from different places come to meet on
the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. They hold spiritual
discourses at Muni Kudali, another village close by. This time
they held discussions about the incarnation of Lord Datta as
the magnanimous Sripada Srivallabha. Later they continued
towards Pithikapuram; my father and I joined them.
Bapanarya arranged a grand feast in his house for
everyone. Sripada was a five-year-old then. I offered my
humble genuflections at His lotus feet. He raised His hand in
blessing and said, Dear son,you will enjoy my grace for births
to come. And in your last birth you will be born as Venkayya,
an Avadhoot, capable of mitigating the sorrows of the people
and bringing rain at the time of drought.
Kindly explain the secrets in the practice of
Gayatri Mantra, overwhelmed by spiritual ecstasy I ventured
this request after a long silence.
By
constant practice of Gayatri Mantra, the
practitioner evolves on physical, mental and spiritual
planes.Om
bhurbhuvahsvah
Tat
saviturvarenyam
Bhargodevasyadheemahi Dhiyoyo nah prachodayaat, is a
24 lettered Gayatri Mantra. With the pronunciation of each
letter, the 24 glands located at different parts of our body are
awakened. This mantra is like a wish-fulfilling tree.
Do incarnated Gods also need Gurus? I asked
diffidently.
Ananda Sharma regarded me kindly. God descends
in human form to uplift His devotees. Hence, He with His
39
Present town of Rajahmundry of West Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India
93
exemplary behaviour and code of conduct becomes the role

model. If He desires to lead the life of a renunciate, as a mortal
He needs a highly evolved spiritual mentor, a Guru. Even so,
the person who is blessed to be His guru in this tangible world
should be a paragon of virtue. Sripada chose Madhavacharya
of Vajapeya lineage, son of Maayanacharya as His guru, for
His next incarnation- Nrisimha Saraswati. In the next birth,
Madhavacharya will be born as Swamy Krishna Saraswati
and become the preceptor of Nrisimha Saraswati, the next
incarnation of Sripada.
Kind Sir, I said with a boyish enthusiasm, I would
like to know more about Sripada.
Pleased with my enthusiasm, he narrated an enthralling
story.
A certain astrologer in Pithikapuram could predict the
exact time of death, with the precision of even minutes and
seconds. There was not a single instance where his prediction
proved wrong. He forebode Venkatappayya Sreshthi his day
and time. He said that he would give a potion and a talisman
to protect him from his untimely death, provided Sreshthi
appoints him as his family priest in place of Raja Sharma.
Sreshthi courteously refused the proposal. On the ominous
day, Sreshthi suddenly experienced stabbing pain in his chest.
Sripada, who was in his lap, shouted loudly Leave at once.
The next moment one of the bulls in their house died writhing
in pain. Sreshthi was brought back from deaths door.
Hearing the incident, the astrologer hastened to
Sreshthis house.
Sir, there is no doubt you are the best astrologer who
can foretell events most accurately. Sripadas voice was stern.
Your prediction about Sreshthis death is also correct. But
how can the God of Death dare to approach Sreshthi when
I am here? Your father, when he was alive, had taken a loan
from Sreshthi and swearing on Goddess Gayatri, lied that he
94
had cleared the debt. Consequently, he was born as a bull in

Sreshthis house serving him in accordance with the karmic
law of cause and effect. I interchanged their life forces, which
resulted in the death of the bull and Sreshthis escape from
death. Perform the funeral rituals of this bull, who wais your
father in his previous birth, so that he can attain salvation. The
astrologer followed the instructions of Sripada.
Beloved son, Shankara, Sripada thus either by
interchanging the destinies or transferring a portion of longevity
from the ensuing birth to the present one or by adopting
different inconceivable methods, commands life and death. He
is Yoga Sampurna Avatar - an All-Embracing Incarnation of
Yoga.
I was over drunk with ecstasy listening to Anand
Sharmas narration of the Ruler of Time and Space. The
following morning I embarked on my journey to Kuruvapuram.
Venkayya Avadhoot
95
Chapter 14
Pledge of Protection to Dattadas
Journeying for few days, I reached a village called
Muntakallu. A man holding a toddy pot in one hand was
approaching me. Unable to bear the stench, I doubled my pace.
Still, he kept following me and jumped in front of me.
Is it proper for you to run away from me when I am
trying to come to you? He flushed angrily.
Who are you? What do you want from me? I was
annoyed.
Dont you think that it is appropriate that first you
should know about yourself, who are you? Where have you
come from? His voice was shaky with laughter.
What now? I thought. A toddy-seller talking
philosophy?
All of a sudden, he hollered gathering all the passersby. Please, everyone! Listen to my tale of woe. I am toddy
seller of this area. I am a principled and honest man. For me,
the palm tree is like a Kalpa Vriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree.
This man here confessed to me that though he was a Brahmin,
he was addicted to drink, and pleaded me to give him some
toddy free of charge, as he had no money. Feeling sorry for
him, I was about to offer the drink, when, noticing that there
were people around and that he might be heckled by them,
he declined my offer I will become a sinner if I break my
promise. This beverage is equivalent to ambrosia for our
caste. Frankly, I secretly nourished a hope that I would beget a
lot of good karma if he accepts this from my hands. He threw
cold water on my hopes. O respectable people, please save me
from accruing sin of breaking my word.
Most of the people assembled there belonged to the
same community of the toddy seller. So giving weight to his
96
words, they forcibly poured the toddy into my mouth. Then,

everyone including the toddy seller dispersed, as suddenly as
they had gathered.
I cursed my wretched fate that in spite of being born in
the highly regarded Brahmin caste, I had to drink the noisome
drink that also when I set out on a noble cause of beholding
Sripada, the incarnation of the omnipotent Lord Dattatreya
I struggled my way with faltering steps and obnoxious
smell emanating from my body. I saw a hermitage. But I did
not stop as I felt that I was unworthy to set foot in such a sacred
place.
Shankar Bhatt, Dattananda Swamy is asking you to
come to the hermitage. These words came from behind me. I
was puzzled at the Divine Intervention.
Dattananda Swamy, with eyes full of compassion asked
me to take bath. He then offered me the sweetest of fruits.
Son, do not reproach yourself. Swamys tone was
heart-warming. You are blessed that Lord Sripada showers
such deathless love upon you. He with his ethereal hands
administered Blissful Amritam to you. You were under the
illusion that He was a toddy seller and the Heavenly Nectars
toddy.
In one of your births you were a toddy-brewer. You
used to consume the drink in large quantities. You were
nourishing a desire to have toddy, in your subconscious mind,
in this birth. But for His mercy, you would have become a
slave to the inebriant beverage. Even without you knowing
it, like a never-departing shadow, He is taking care of you,
making sure that no adversity befalls you.
These solacing and soothing words acted like an elixir
instantly healing me off my intense sorrow and guilt and helped
me to regain myself. I stated with spiritual enthusiasm. Sir, I
want to know more about the Blissful Emancipator.
97
As a child, I used to stutter. As if rubbing salt in the

wound, I developed a strange disease that causes accelerated
aging, making me look like a 50- year-old when I was barely
ten. I was the laughing stock of the whole village.
Getting to know the benevolent Bapanarya was
performing a yagna, my father took me to Pithikapuram.
Sripada was about six years old then. Ghee collected for the
yagna was kept in an old Brahmins house. The old Brahmin
was not only a miser, but also greedy. He stealthily took one
fourth of ghee and sent the remaining three-fourths for the
ritual. When offering the ghee to the deities, the Brahmins
noticed that it was inadequate. To procure ghee immediately
was not only difficult, but also impossible task. An obstacle
in the performance of the yagna was considered as a bad
omen. Everyone was worried. Sripada called the old Brahmin
and asked him to write on the Palmyra leaf Mother Ganga!
Please provide us with enough ghee to complete the yagna.
My grandfather Venkatappayya Sreshthi will honour the debt.
This is the command of Sripada. Venkatappayya Sreshthi
assented. The old Brahmin along with four other Brahmins
took the leaf and dropped it in padagaya teerth nearby. They
filled the pots with water from the sacred pond and returned.
The water turned into ghee in front of everyones eyes. The
Yagna concluded successfully without further hindrance.
Venkatappayya Sreshthi true to his word offered ghee to the
Merciful Mother Ganga in the same pots. Even as the ghee
touched the sacred waters, it changed into water.
After completion of the yagna, my father poured out his
heart to Sripada. Your son will be soon free of his illness and
his stutter, Sripada comforted.
A house needs to be put on fire. Determine a proper
auspicious astrological moment for it, Grandpa. The Enigmatic
Lord addressed the old Brahmin.
As far as my knowledge goes, auspicious time is
determined for rites and rituals. I never heard of determining
98
an auspicious time for burning down a house. May be

such activities can be performed during an inauspicious
constellation. The old Brahmin replied rather perplexed.
Then, is such a portentous time running now?
Of course!The old Brahmin nodded.
Well, that is good news indeed! Sripada continued.
As a scoundrel stole the ghee kept for the sacred yagna, Agni,
the God of Fire is not completely satiated. So, he is consuming
the thiefs house appeasing his burning hunger. Behold!
Sripada said gaily, pointing to the house of the old Brahmin.
The old Brahmin was transfixed with alarm. Within
minutes all that remained in place of his house was a heap of
ash. Sripada ordered the Brahmin to bring a little ash of his
burnt house. He asked me to mix that ash in water and drink for
three days. I fully recovered from my sickness and stuttering
and was enjoying excellent health. After my miraculous
recovery, placing His right hand on my forehead Sripada gave
me Shaktipat40 initiation.
Henceforth you will be known as Dattananda.
Faithfully discharging your responsibilities as a householder,
preach Dharma and enlighten the people. May you obtain
liberation.
This old Brahmin and you were business partners
in your previous birth. Gradually, as hostility in business
developed, you were concocting plans to kill each other. One
day you went to his house and offered him some poisoned
kheer.41 Your unaware partner died instantly after having the
kheer. Exactly at the same time, your partner sent some men to
burn down your house. Seeing your wife and children perish in
the fire in front of your eyes, you died of a heart attack. As you
40
Shaktipat is the spiritual awakening of the dormant Kundalini, the source of Divine Energy.
It leads to higher states of consciousness.
41
Rice pudding, a traditional Indian sweet dish.
99
poisoned your friend in your last birth, you were born with this
strange disease. As he set fire to your house in his preceding
birth, he lost his house in fire in this birth. Thus, I liberated
both of you from your past actions.
After receiving His grace in abundance, I returned to my
village. Narasimha Varma built a house for that old Brahmin.
Son, Shankar, Dattananda Swamy went on. Reading
the sacred books fetches good fortune. You are the chosen one
to sketch Sripadas biography. Though you will have written it
in Sanskrit, in course of time, it will be translated into Telugu,
Sripadas mother tongue. Whatever language it is read in, it
results in divine blessings. Wherever His biography is read,
there Sripada is present in His subtle form. Let me narrate
an event, which is apt in this context.
When Sripada was seven years old, His sacred thread
ceremony was performed with festivity and merriment.
Dattadas, a Maladasari and a devotee of Sripada could not
attend the ceremony as he belonged to a low caste. However,
the blissfully happy Dattadas intoxicated with divine ardour
invited his equally ecstatic kinfolk to his house and began
narrating the story of Lord Datta in his own words:
The Supernal Lord who was born to Mother
Anasuya and Sage Atri in times yore, has now incarnated as
Sripada Srivallabha in this Kali Yuga in our Pithikapuram.
Today is an auspicious day, as His thread ceremony is being
celebrated. After the ceremony, adorned with the sacred
thread our Lord will illuminate with dazzling radiance.
May prosperity be bestowed eternally upon our Lord , the
protector of the helpless and the hapless.
Dattadas was not erudite enough to recount more than
this about Sripada. So he kept repeating the same story over
and over again; and his audience also listened to his narration,
happily engrossed in the Infinite. This happened 53 times.
100
Meanwhile after the thread ceremony was over, Sripada

suddenly announced that He had to go to meet Dattadas.
When Bapanarya asked for the reason, Sripada said, The
guileless Dattadas is narrating my story. If the story he told
once is considered as one chapter, then he narrated 53 chapters.
Hence, I have to grant him the good fortune that is granted to a
devotee who would read the 53 chapters of my biography with
devotion.
The Brahmins however did not permit Sripada to go
to Dattadas, as he was an outcaste. The same people, whom
you are suppressing as low caste, will receive my grace in
abundance in the future and enjoy an elevated status. On the
contrary, most of your class will lead a life of workers and will
become licentious, degenerating from the path of religion and
virtue. Nevertheless, I will protect those who lead a righteous
life. So speaking He manifested in the house of Dattadas. He
ate juicy fruits and fondly drank the milk that was offered to
Him with love and affection. He then distributed sweetmeats
with His divine hands and blessed everyone present there.
Son, Shankar Bhatt, the Compassionate Lord fulfils
any earnest desire of the devotee. He responds to all and works
for all. He resides equally in everyone, whether superior or
inferior. With this Dattananda Swamy concluded his narration.
Sati Anasuya Mata
101
Chapter 15
Bangarappa and Sundara Ram Sharma
Taking leave from Dattananda Swamy, I continued my
journey. On the way, I felt thirsty and approached a nearby
well. As I glanced into the well to draw water, a weird sight
caught my attention. A man was hanging upside down from a
thick branch of a tree that grew in the crevice of the well.
The man greeted me affectionately by my name.
Surprised, I asked him how he knew my name. He smiled at
me and remarked:
I know everything about you. You are going to
Kuruvapuram to behold Sripada Srivallabha. I have been
waiting only to meet you.
I was wondering how to pull him out of the well, the
man stood beside me. You are thirsty. Let me quench your
thirst. Saying so, he drew some water and started drinking
making gulping sounds. Surprisingly my thirst quenched. I
was more than stupefied with both of his feats, hanging like
a bat in the wall and quenching my thirst by drinking water
himself. I looked at him boggled and confounded.
Both of us moved together. He started narrating about
himself, I am Bangarappa, the man began. Though I
was a goldsmith, I mastered the occult powers. I gained the
power to kill anyone I disliked. I associated with evil spirits.
People feared me. In the course of my wanderings, I visited
Pithikapuram.
Though the city was sanctified by the descent of
Lord Dattatreya, yet it was an abode of mutual quarrels and
jealousies. Giving ear to some hearsay about Bapanarya and
Sripada I targeted to destroy Bapanarya first. I went to a lake
and began drinking water continuously. One of my methods to
kill a person was by visualising the victim and drinking water
in abundance.
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The water that I drink in excess would overfill my

victims stomach instead of mine and finally burst open,
killing him instantly. As I was drinking water near the lake,
Lord Sripada was with His grandfather, stroking His hand
gently and affectionately on Bapanaryas stomach. No matter
how much water I drank, it was evaporating by the grace of
Sripada. Eventually, I was exhausted and could not drink any
more. Bapanarya was hale and hearty. I failed to understand
why my black magic fell flat.
I knew a chant, which when I recite keeping the
person in mind, innumerable snakes from nowhere would
appear and bite him to death. I chanted the mantra thinking
of Bapanarya. Many snakes did appear in his house, but they
crawled onto the trellis, dangled like snake gourds from there
for a while and disappeared from whence they came. Thus,
my second attempt also proved futile. I tried to send the evil
spirits, which were under my control; however, they refused
point-blank, expressing their inefficiency to go anywhere near
Bapanarya. My ego hurt, I went to the burial ground and with
adamant determination to destroy, made a figure of Sripada
with dough and pricked 32 sharp needles on it at 32 different
places. Sripada should have died with this voodoo spell. Still,
nothing happened. Blinded by presumption and vanity, I failed
to understand why all my attempts foundered.
All at once, in the middle of the night, I began to feel
large amounts of water accumulating in my stomach. I was
going through excruciating pain. The snakes that I conjured up
to Bapanaryas house, came back to my house in Pithikapuram
and bit me all over. I underwent stabbing pain exactly at those
points in my body, where I pricked needles onto the dough
figure of Sripada. Thus, all my attempts to kill Sripada and
Bapanarya backfired. I preferred death to the infernal pain. But
death was nowhere to be seen.
When suffering reaches beyond a point of endurance,
one automatically turns towards the Divine. Same thing
103
happened with me too. I started praying lord Sripada Help,

Sripada, help! I am in unbearable agony! Forgive my wicked
conduct! and surrendered myself onto his feet. Lo! I could
perceive Lord Sripada before my inner sight.
Bangarappa, the Lord spoke in a stentorian voice.
When you tried to kill me or the saintly Bapanarya, you failed
to realise that my life is linked with your own, so, where does
the question of killing me arise? Bangarappa, For all your
sinful and wicked deeds, you should have endured harrowing
hell for man-years to come in this life and later in death also.
But, I cut down the duration to one night. With the torment that
you went through tonight, I am freeing you from all your bad
karma.
I am withdrawing all your occult powers. If you
perceive anyone to be thirsty, drink water and their thirst will
be quenched no matter how far they might be. I am blessing
you only with this faculty. Practice the Yogic exercise hanging
upside down. You will derive bliss. Now that you know how
boomerang karma works, never indulge in such nefarious
activities. Tread on the path of righteousness. You will have
to bear the effect of your sinful acts until you meet Shankar
Bhatt, a Kannada Brahmin. Once you satiate his thirst using
your ability, you will be atoned for your all sins. Shankar Bhatt
is the chosen one to write My biography. The ineffable vision
disappeared.
After a momentary silence, Bangarappa added,
Shankar Bhatt, I have been waiting for you ever since. Today
is my blessed day!
I could not make out head or tail of this event. Everything
appeared obscure to me. I queried, Sir, I am puzzled. If you
drink water, how can someone elses thirst be quenched?
I merge my pranamaya shakti, energy with that of the
other through a yogic process; so both the energies get united
and will remain in oneness position. Thus, quenching thirst
104
becomes feasible. Have you not heard about Vali?42 Vali would
obtain half of the strength and energy of his opponent, using
the same process. Hence, Lord Rama killed him hiding behind
a tree.
Sir, it is said that Ahalya turned into a stone due to the
curse of Sage Gautama and was redeemed from the curse when
the dust of Ramas feet fell on her. Had she really became a
stone? Or is there any latent meaning in it? I quickly jumped
on to another question.
Bangarappa cleared my doubt, Indra wanted to marry
Ahalya but was disappointed when Sage Gautama married
her. An infatuated Indra approached Ahalya taking the form
of Gautama. Seeing through his evil designs, Sachi Devi,
Indras consort sent her shadow as Ahalya to the intoxicated
and enamoured Indra. Without ascertaining the truth, Gautama
cursed Ahalya to become a stone. When the sage realised his
folly, he relented and advised the way out from his curse.
When Sage Gautama cursed the stupefied Ahalya, her
body did not turn into a stone; rather her conscious became
stoic, which means that she remained in the state of stone
consciousnesses. Hence, she persisted in the same state until
she had the pious touch of the dust of Lord Ramas feet.
Son, Shankar, a human being passes through seven
stages during his evolutionary process. During the first stage,
the organs of both the subtle body and the gross body are
used at a time. At the second stage, one develops the ability
to perform small miracles. In the third stage, the power
to travel to distant places through astral body is acquired.
When the soul reaches the fourth stage, it attains extensive
yogic powers. If it uses these powers for the benefit of the
people, it reaches the succeeding higher stage. If the power is
misused for selfish interests or to harm others, it will decline
42
Vali, the monkey king of Kishkindha of Ramayana times, had a boon wherein if he battles face
to face with a person, he could appropriate to himself half of his opponents strength, thereby
making himself invulnerable to any enemy.
105
back to the stone consciousness. Those in the fifth stage are

of Erudites of Volition, Sankalpa Gyanis, who continue
to perform mundane activities, even while striving for God
realisation. In the sixth stage, the Percipients of Emotions,
Bhava Gyanis are less bothered about material world and its
activities. The one who reaches the seventh and final stage
merges with the Paramatma, the Supreme Being and acquires
the knowledge of the State of Infinity.
Listening to Bangarappa, doubts started popping up
in my brains. To get the answers, I asked him, Sir, is the
evolutionary process applicable only to the human beings, or
is it valid to incarnations as well?
If a human being alters into an Omnipotent God, He
is called Samarth Satguru. On the contrary, if God Almighty
takes the human form, it is known as Incarnation or Avatar.
Incarnations are a cosmological necessity. The form in each
descent is different because the demands of the world each
time are different. They are forged when the demands of desire
clash with the quest for order. He descends as He is, or in a
form, to do a specific activity, mission, or carry out a particular
purpose. Each avatar is congruent to an attribute. For example,
when the demon Hiranyaksha began to push the earth into the
nether regions, the Lord assuming the form of a huge boar
(rhinoceros Shankar Bhatt clearly mentions varaha is not
a boar, but a rhinoceros, its a popular misconception), bore
the earth on His tusks and lifted it out of hell. As Parashurama,
He annihilated the wicked class of warrior kings in order to
free Mother Earth of the burden of these nefarious rulers and
establish righteousness. Throughout His avatar, Rama never
declares himself as God who has come down on Earth, though
the rishis of his time believed Him to be so. His purpose was
to annihilate the demon-king Ravana who because of his
arrogance of being most powerful, asks for a boon wherein
only a mortal could kill him. Rama is the Lords incarnation as
an ordinary mortal, but exhibits extraordinary human qualities
106
and lives the life of an ideal man.43 The purpose of avatar is

mainly to live a life of a human being and to show him the way
to Eternal Life. Each avatar has a purpose, a specific message to
impart to humanity. It becomes the duty of the Preserver of the
Universe to vanquish the forces of evil that threaten Dharma
and to display His divine nature in front of the conditioned or
fallen souls.
Assimilating the nature - unity from diversity, and
diversity from unity of the entire world, Sripada Srivallabha
descended onto the earth in an exceptional and remarkable
form. There are no yogic traditions or religious or moral
conventions associated with Sripada Srivallabha in the entire
creation. Even the so-called intellects, fail to perceive the real
state of Sripada Srivallabha. All the theories, doctrines and
traditions ultimately merge with Him. Everything commences
with and culminates in Him. The entire drama of this world is
supervised, conceived and set in motion by Him.
I could not control myself without expressing my doubt,
Sir, If He is the Preceptor, who incites all actions (karmas)
then why some people are virtuous and some evil? I expressed
my uncertainty.
Bangarappa laughed merrily and said, Child! That
is indeed a very good question! The entire creation evolved,
and runs on duality or polarity. Without this paradoxical
duality, neither evolution nor development is possible. When
we say that the God is omnipotent, it does not imply that He
is equipped only with righteous powers. Deceit, fraud, and
violence witnessed in the world are also part and parcel of
His power. Pleasure and pain, good and evil, birth and death,
43
Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And
whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues. O son of Partha, there is no
work prescribed for Me within all the three planetary systems. Nor am I in want of anything, nor
have I need to obtain anythingand yet I am engaged in work. For, if I did not engage in work, O
Partha, certainly all men would follow My path. Bhagavad gita, Refer:
Ch:3, 21,22 23, http://www.asitis.com/3/
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peace and war, love and hate, night and day, hope and fear are
two sides of the coin of Cosmic illusion. Nothing is stable or
permanent in this world. A virtuous person in this life might
have been evil in his past life and vice versa. Hence, a wicked
person might enjoy all types of comforts and luxuries in his
present life due to the good karma of his previous birth. Son,
the scriptures explain the way to lead a virtuous life without
causing harm to anyone.
Bangarappa then narrated the story of the King of
Pithikapuram. The King of Pithikapuram once nourished the
desire to behold Sripada Srivallabha. He sent his soldiers to the
house of Appalaraju Sharma with the orders that they should
right away present themselves in the royal court.
Sripada told the royal servants, If your king wishes
to see Me, he can come here in person. He is king only to this
region, but I am the Emperor of the entire universe. Also, ask
him to get Me an offering and not to come empty-handed. In
case he perceives Me as his Guru, then following the longaccepted traditional practice, he should also bring Guru
Dakshina44.
Hearing the message of Sripada, the King was beside
himself with rage. I will show those wretched Brahmins what
an all-powerful king like me can do to them, he shouted.
The very next instant, the king fell lifeless in abject
helplessness. Suddenly there appeared an ugly and despicable
female form before his inner vision. Behold! I am Shakti. I am
entering your body. She thundered and forced her way into
his body.
The kings already weakened body could not sustain
the onslaught of Shakti. He pleaded in a feeble tone, Please
44
Guru Dakshina refers to the tradition of repaying ones teacher or guru on completion of formal
education. This tradition was meant to serve as a way of showing respect and thanks to the guru.
Guru Dakhsina is not exclusively monetary and may be a specific task the teacher wants the
student to accomplish.
108
leave me.
No sooner did the king mumble these words than
Shakti left his body with pain pulverising his bones. In this
way, Shakti continued the phenomenon of entering the kings
body and exiting it, rendering him more dead than alive. The
royal priest, Kota Sundararama Sharma was summoned. He
worshipped Lord Datta and applied the holy ash on the kings
forehead, and made him have some Tirtham (holy water). With
this, the king experienced some respite as Shakti ceased her
entry and departure.
O King! Did you witness the power of my prayer and
worship? Why do you want to see Sripada Srivallabha? Do
you still under misconception that he is the incarnation of Lord
Datta? O king, there is not even a shred of truth in it, gloated
the royal priest.
I think Sripada is a necromancer. He made Shakti
enter and leave my body putting me through fierce and brutal
pain. You have to show a way out of this wretched plight. the
distressed king said, pleased by the royal priests prowess in
resisting Sripada.
Sundararama Sharma replied with delight, O King!
Let the Brahmins start Parayana of Datta Purana and worship
Swayambhu Datta. Donate both kind and cash generously
to the Brahmins. Feed the people of all castes. All these
auspicious activities will propitiate Lord Datta. Sripada will
remain in check and you will be immune to the power of His
black magic.
The advice of the royal priest was soon put into practice.
From the day Datta Purana parayana commenced, the situation
had gone from bad to worse; rampant thefts and looting in the
capital gained momentum. The king could not control them
in spite of his best efforts. His troubles exacerbated when he
began seeing his forefathers in his dreams, looking emaciated
and hungry for a morsel of food. The obsequies you have
109
been performing for us are not reaching us, as they are not
being executed with diligence or reverence. Our souls are not
liberated. They cried. Whenever he sat for food, there would
be worms crawling all over it. The king could not get even a
wink of sleep. His young daughter became possessed by evil
spirits, laughing and screaming like a monster she tossed and
turned all the articles out of the chamber and frequently fled
away from the palace with dishevelled hair and improper dress.
Situation in Sundararama Sharmas house was no
different. His peaceful and soft-spoken wife suddenly
became belligerent and would bash him. His son in a state of
senselessness would tie him to a pillar. His daughter would spit
on his face and thrash him with slippers. Serving dry grass to
eat they would threaten to brand him with a red-hot iron rod if
he does not eat it. Ghosts and spirits roamed freely terrorising
the people. Terror-stricken King, Sundararama Sharma and the
Brahmins then realised what prompted such adverse state of
affairs in spite of strictly performing the rituals.
With tears and shattered pride, the King, Sundararama
Sharma and the Brahmins sought out Lord Sripada. Each and
every human being in this creation is a labourer and I am the
employer. If I am pleased and satisfied, I give more wages
than what you deserve. On the contrary, if I am displeased and
dissatisfied, I cut the wages and give only what is warranted. I
am the Swayambhu Datta in the temple and I am Kalagnisamana
Datta. How can you expect good outcomes offering prayers to
My countenance while driving nails in my feet? If a devotee
seeks my refuge and calls with earnestness and devotion, I
will in a trice burn all his bad karma into ashes and make him
a righteous person. You are undergoing all this suffering and
agony because of disregarding and rejecting truth as untruth
and accepting deceit and falsity as truth
110
Chapter 16
Tale of Srimannarayana
I continued my journey recollecting the divine stories
of Sripada and chanting His name. My heart leaped with joy
as I was almost nearing Kuruvapuram. I was passing by a
sugarcane field, when a farmer sitting there, called me to his
side.
Sir! Please rest here for a while and have drink some
sugarcane juice, he welcomed me affectionately. I drank
the juice, which was exceptionally tasty. He felt happy when
I told him that I was going to seek the blessings of Sripada
Srivallabha.
Sir, I am Malladi Srimannarayana. I hail from
Malyadipuram, which is now known as Malladi. Originally,
we were cultivators but we moved to Pithikapuram after we
lost everything and went totally broke and bankrupt. Sripada
was then 8 years old. Bapanarya received us hospitably and
readily arranged for our stay and food. Undesirous of living off
a free-meal, I asked Bapanarya to lease some of his fields for
cultivation.
I have already let out the land. It is not righteous
to revoke it from them now. Be patient. We will figure out
something for you. Bapanarya assured. Sripada who was also
present at the time gave me a fistful of black gram and said,
Tie the gram carefully in a cloth, and proceed towards West.
You will know when to discard them.
We crossed the Andhra region and entered Karnataka.
We met an old couple there whose only son unfortunately died
of snake bite and their daughter-in-law drowned in the river
Krishna while taking a holy bath. They had none to take care of
them in their old age. They received us with familial warmth.
Their relatives, who were conspiring to grab their property,
were ingratiating themselves with sugar-coated words. No
111
matter how many times we tried to leave, we faced some

obstacle and were forced to stay back. As a foul smell started
emanating from the black grams tied in the cloth, we thought
that it was Sripadas will that we stay there. So we threw them
away and decided to settle there.
The old couple planned to adopt us, which obviously
pained the relatives like needles in the chest. They bribed an
astrologer to tell the couple that we bring misfortune wherever
we go and to send us away as post- haste. The old couple
did not budge at all. They urged the astrologer to resolve the
situation. For every problem, there is a solution. If there is
an ominous condition in their horoscope as predicted by you,
then there should be a remedy too. Without worrying about the
expenses, kindly perform the needful rites and rituals to root
out the problem. With no option left, the astrologer performed
the sacred rituals. The old couple declared us as their heirapparent.
The relatives were disgruntled by the unexpected turn
of events. One day, when I reached the fields, I saw them
stuffing sacks with the harvest of chillies and loading them into
bullock-carts. They were ten of them and I was alone. I did not
know how to stop them. All at once, a fierce-looking bear from
an adjacent palm tree jumped in front of them. The terrified ten
ran for their lives.
Scared to death, I started chanting the name of Sripada.
The monstrous beast became gentle and docile and started
clapping its hands rhythmically whenever I chanted the Lords
name. I reached home with the yield and the bear walking in
front of the carts like a guard. From that day onwards, the bear
became a loving member of our family. It participated in the
customary chanting of the Lords blessed name every morning
clapping its hands to the music of the clanging cymbals and ate
prasadam. It watched over our lands and we never again faced
any threat of robbery.
112
In the meantime, a necromancer came to our village.

Our relatives approached him and asked him to use his occult
powers on the bear. The necromancer with one spell merged
his consciousness with that of the bear, and with another spell
attracted all its energy into him. The bear fell to the ground
rendered helpless.
The bear was going through indescribable torture. It
wept silently. That day also we started devoutly chanting the
name of Sripada. The bear, which hitherto lay dead, regained
its consciousness and its powers and started jumping with joy.
A strange thing happened while chanting the name. The yogic
powers of Lord Dattatreya surpass all other powers. Sripada
interchanged their consciousness, of bear with that of the
necromancer and his with that of the bear. Hence, though still
in a human form, he behaved like a wild bear.Unable to bear
his bear-menace, his followers tied him with ropes and left him
in the forest.
With the soul consciousness of a human the bear started
talking like a human. I was a money lender in my previous
birth. I mercilessly collected exorbitant interests and caused
agony to the people. Consequently, I was born a bear in this
birth. However, now, owing to some of the virtue I gained the
grace of Lord Sripada, who is verily the embodiment of Lord
Dattatreya, Ill obtain a righteous life in my next birth.
Everyone continued chanting Sripadas name. The bear
sank into a deep meditative state. Suddenly, out of nowhere,
three cobras appeared. They also fell into an ecstatic trance.
A little later, the bear consciously left its body, peacefully,
without suffering. The cobras circumambulated three times
around the bear. We cremated the bear adhering to all the rites
that are observed for a human being. The cobras took shelter
near our house and drank the milk offered to Sripada.
At the same time, the relatives who never really backed
down in their efforts unlawfully occupied a portion of the
land to usurp the old couples property. They lured the village
113
headmen who declared the land as disputed and granted them

permission to cultivate until a verdict was given.
It was the festival of Nagula Chavithi45. This time no
one offered prayers near the snake pit, as they were afraid of
the three cobras. We, along with the old couple placed milk that
was offered to Sripada near the hole and prayed with folded
hands. The three cobras came, drank the milk and went back.
On the same day, our relatives and the village headmen
brought a snake charmer, who with his power of mantras
could bring any type of poisonous snake under his control and
could bring back to life anyone bitten by a snake. He also had
a Garuda Rekha, the eagle line on his palm. It is believed that
the snakes meekly submit to the person who has Garuda line
on his palm.
The snake charmer lit fire around the pit and began
chanting some mantras in a roaring voice. We were watching
helplessly, praying to Sripada to save the harmless cobras. The
cobras crawled out of the hole as if they were under a spell.
But to the utmost shock of everyone present there, they grew
rapidly in size and crawled through the blazing fire. Wherever
they crawled, the fire there snuffed out. The snakes disappeared
into the wilderness.
Suddenly, the eldest son of village headman started
behaving like a snake-bitten victim, while the second son lost
his sight. The Garuda line disappeared from the snake charmers
palm and he lay dead. The village headman and others came
lamenting to our house. Stating that only the grace of Lord
Sripada could save one from any calamity, we began praying
to the Datta Incarnate, in the house of the village headman.
The burning dead body of the occultist suddenly sat up
on the pyre and he started shouting for help. Thinking that he
turned into an evil spirit and entered his own body, no one
45
A day when the Serpent God is appeased with offerings of milk, etc. and it falls on fourth day
after Dipawali.
114
came forward to save him.

One kind-hearted person there, taking pity poured
water on him. The fire instead of being extinguished fuelled
it. Though his body was blazing, the occultist was not actually
burning, all the same, was enduring the torment of being on
fire.
The occultist jumped out of the pyre and reached the
village headmans house leaping in pain, his body still in flames.
The whole area was sanctified with our incessant chanting
of Datta Digambara! Datta Digambara! Sripada Vallabha!
Datta Digambara! The occultist who ridiculed Sripada as
Digambara46 and a lunatic, ran all the way from the cemetery
to the headmans house and stood in front of His devotees with
his body in flames, fully naked, shouting like a lunatic. His
pain would cease if he danced to the on-going chanting. The
moment he stopped dancing, his torture would begin. Though
he felt embarrassed to dance in the nude that was only his
saving grace. Realising all his mistakes, he sincerely repented
and surrendered himself to Sripada, the Cosmic Director.
No sooner did such a change enter his mind, did the fire
extinguish and his body cooled. I offered my upper garment to
him. He, with lot of enthusiasm participated in the chanting.
Both the sons of the headman also recovered. Declaring that
he would lead a pious life meditating on Sripada, the occultist
went away. The village headman pronounced that the land
snatched by our relatives rightfully belongs to us. Three fig
trees grew from the snake pit.
Sometime later, Dattanand Avadhoot came to our place
and said, In Pithikapuram, Sripada used to meditate under the
fig tree in his grandfathers house. His mother Sumati Maharani
used to feed him halwa affectionately from a silver bowl under
the fig tree. These three trees symbolise Sripada Srivallabha,
46
Digambar means sky clad or unclad. The word literally means, those who have the sky as
their garment. Here in this context, nude.
115
Nrisimha Saraswati and Swamy Samartha. The devotees, who

offer halwa to Sripada under the fig tree during Sanipradosha
time, will open the treasure trove of His blessings.
The following day, thanking Srimannaarayana for
sharing with me his wondrous experiences, I sallied forth to
Kuruvapuram in high spirits, thinking of the Divine.
116
Chapter 17
Encounter with Sri Namananda
En route to Kuruvapuram, a woman with dishevelled
hair, ran towards me, and fell on my feet pleading me to save
her from two men who were chasing her.
I blurted involuntarily, Mother, do not fear. Sripada
will definitely protect you from these ruffians.
The large and well-built ruffians looked at me curiously.
O Brahmin, we have to kill this immoral woman. Do not try
to protect her. You are in no way a match to us. If you cause
any impediment, we will not hesitate to kill you also. They
said guffawing at my weak and puny body.
In spite of being Brahmins, last night you killed a cow,
ate its meat and drank toddy. It is extremely easy for you, who
are nothing less than vice and villainy to kill us. Nevertheless,
after killing this woman, you will become lepers. I said
instinctively with an irresistible force.
My unexpected words jolted them to the very core. As
what I uttered turned out to be true, they confessed their guilt
and asked for forgiveness. Though born in the honourable
Brahmin caste, we are slaves to meat, drink and debauchery.
When we saw this woman sitting in a lotus posture on a hillock,
we were desirous to have her. Chasing her, we fortuitously met
you.
Sir, by protecting me from these men, you have
become like my father. So I can speak my mind to you without
any hesitation. The woman spoke with tears coursing down her
face. My name is Susheela and I was born in a chaste Brahmin
family. I got married at an early age. My husband is impotent
and suspicious by nature. Even so, I served him with utmost
sincerity and chastity. He always tortured me with his words,
blaming me with infidelity. Anything I do or do not do, would
be a reason for him to nag me. My in-laws or other elders in the
117
house never questioned his behaviour towards me.

My in-laws invited a sorcerer to our house who told
them that I was an ill-omened woman, and that their son turned
impotent because of my evil effects on him. He advised them
that everything would return to normalcy only if I am thrown
out of the house.
Without the slightest compassion, they drove me out
of the house. Left with no option, I proceeded to my parents
home. On the way, the charlatan sorcerer accosted me and tried
to molest me. Gathering all my strength, I lifted a boulder and
threw it on him with all my might. He died an instant death.
Unwilling to go to my parents home after committing such a
felonious crime, I began to walk aimlessly.
After I walked some distance, I grew tired. So sitting
in the lotus posture, I was meditating on Lord Dattatreya, when
I fell prey to these two men and subsequently was saved by
you. Mother, you were protected by the Omnipresent Lord,
Sripada who is none other than Lord Dattatreya. He listens to
and answers all sincere prayers of His children and unburdens
their afflictions. I said comforting her.
All three of them then joined me in my journey to
Kuruvapuram. Along the way, we reached the hermitage of
Namananda, who I learnt was an illumined yogi, a Trikala
gnani, the one who has knowledge of past, present and future.
He invited us in cordially and seated us.
Namananda related his own fascinating experience with
Sripada. My father is Mayanacharya and I am Sayanacharya.
We belong to the Bharadwaja family lineage. We are
Vaishnavites. Namananda is my monastic name. Yearning for a
self-realised guru who will initiate me into the spiritual path; I
travelled many places and happened to come to Pithikapuram.
At the Kunti-Madhava temple there, I saw a Chandala fast
approaching me.
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Before I could avoid him, he confronted me and said in

a booming voice, Namananda! Give me my Guru Dakshina.
I am not Namananda. I do not even know who you
are. Why are you demanding Guru Dakshina from me?I said
struck with astonishment.
Soon people gathered and began to talk variously as
the casteless chandala not only stood in front of me, but also
demanded Guru Dakshina. Fixing his blinding flame like eyes
piercingly on me, he pulled out a sword and said, I am your
Sadguru. Initiating you into the monk order, I am giving you
the name of Namananda. Give me Guru Dakshina and pay
homage to me by prostrating at my feet. If you disregard my
words, I will slash your body and cause you to endure agonising
and excruciating pain without letting you die.
I bowed at his feet and gave him all the money I had
as Guru Dakshina. The next minute a lustrous figure appeared
before me. I am Dattatreya. I am presently at Pithikapuram
in the form of Sripada Srivallabha I am your guru. Propagate
Dharma and sanctify your life. The figure then vanished
leaving me aghast with wonderment.
The news, that I accepted a Chandala as my guru,
circulated widely. No one came forward to proffer me alms
as my behaviour was against Dharma. Tired and hungry, I
unpremeditatedly reached the house of Sri Appalaraja Sharma.
Even before I could gather my voice to ask for alms, Sripada
Srivallabha came out with a plateful of food. He seated me on
the veranda and fed me with His sacred hands. There is no
need for you to worry about anything. I will take care of you
eternally. He uttered this infinite promise.
Consoled by His wondrous blessing and reassurance, I
embarked on my life as an ascetic. I feel His celestial presence
with me at all time and everywhere. Namananda concluded.
Swamy, I heard that worshipping Lord Dattatreya
dramatically speeds up the process of liberation. Kindly
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enlighten. I politely revealed my doubt.

Namananda smiled warmly. Moksha, the liberation is
nothing but the obliteration of Moha, the passion, delusion,
infatuation, etc. There is no hard and fast rule that liberation is
attained only after the death of ones body. Sometimes, even
while the body is undergoing the effects of karma of previous
birth, the soul may remain in liberated state. Those people are
Jivanmuktas liberated when still alive in physical form.
Living in the region of ones own beloved deity is
called Salokyamukti. The one, who has earned more punya
than this, will have the fortune of living in close proximity
of their much-loved deity. This is Samipya mukti. Attainment
of more punya, results in assuming the form of ones deity.
This is Sarupya mukti (identical form). The one, who attains
a more elevated state than this, merges with the consciousness
of his beloved deity. This state is Sayujya. In this state, the
devotees of Lord Dattatreya can perceive His divine play with
their internal vision and discern it analytically. When the soul
is bound to the body, it remains in a bonded state with different
traits, passions and desires. As it evolves into elevated state,
the soul becomes lighter. When a devotee achieves this
Laghutva, the weightlessness, the bliss he enjoys is unlimited
and inexplicable. All deities are divine elements of Sripada
Srivallabha. Hence, whatever form one prays to, Sripada
showers His grace through that form or through that deity.
He explained this Tattva in simple words citing a parable.
Once, a brother paid a visit to the house of his newly married
sister. Her mother-in-law complained, Son, your sister steals
milk, butter, curd, ghee and buttermilk in the house. If it were
just one, I would have overlooked it. But how can I ignore so
many?
Her brother took his sister aside and persuaded,
Whatever you are stealing and consuming are the by-products
of milk, and rather they are latent in milk. The strength one gets
from having all those can be gained by drinking milk alone.
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So, take good amount of milk and nothing else. That way you
will not be stealing and will not be giving a chance for your
mother- in-law to complain.
Namananda continued, In the same way, worshipping
Sri Datta alone would fetch everything. We know that whoever
deity one prays to, that particular deity shows His or Her grace.
Nevertheless, Lord Dattatreya who responds to His devotees
afflictions and adversities swiftly, orders the respective deities
to fulfil the just wishes of the devotee or mitigate the karma of
past or present lives, or rewrite the fate, etc. And if need be, He
too suffers along with His devotee. Everything depends upon
His conviction.
Once a devotee of Sripada fell off a horse and was
severely injured. The same day, a sceptic who had no faith in
Sripada, found a 100 gold coins. Sripada unfolded the secret
behind it to the puzzled Venkatappayya Sreshti. I prolonged
the life of my devotee by 20 more years who should have died
when he fell off his horse. This is a reward for his exclusive
devotion for me. The sceptic, who constantly derides devotees,
gained only a hundred gold coins, while he should have become
exorbitantly rich today. I cut short his fortune and granted him
only hundred gold coins. I am a slave to my loyal devotee.
One who can secure me in his heart is a monarch in the
real sense.Namananda then asked the two Brahmin men who
were with me to observe Mandala Diksha and never to deviate
from the holy path in order to mitigate their sins. He advised
Susheela to perform Anagha Vratam and blessed that she will
lead a happy married life with her husband
Dear Ones, Namananda spoke looking at all of us, his
eyes radiating divine ardour, On the eve of first birthday of
Sripada when Bapanarya saw sacred auspicious marks in the
feet of Sripada, which indicated that He was none other than
Lord Dattatreya, he fervently kissed Sripadas feet and broke
into an extempore rendition of a few verses.
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This Siddha Managala Stotra is the most sacred verse of all

stotras.
Siddha Mangala Stotram
Srimadananta srivibhushita Appala Lakshmi Nrisimha Raja

Jaya Vijayi Bhava Digvijayi Bhava Srimadakhanda Sri Vijayi Bhava
Sri Vidyadhari Radha Surekha Srirakhidhara Sripada
Matha Sumathi vatsalyamritha pariposhitha jaya Sripada
Satya Rushisvara Duhithananadana Bapanaryanuta Sricharana
Savitrikathakachayana punyaphala Bharadwaja rishi gothra sambhava
Do choupathi dev Lakshmi Ghana Sankhyabodhita Sricharana
Punyarupini Rajamamba Sutha Garbhapunyaphala Sanjatha
Sumathi nanadana Narahari nandana Dattadevaprabhu Sripada
Pithikapura Nithyavihara Madhumati Datta Mangala Roopa
Mantra. Chanting it fetches you punya equivalent

to feeding a thousand virtuous Brahmins after performing
Anaghashtami Vratam. It grants you the good effects equal to
feeding a thousand virtuous Brahmins with ones hard-earned
money after observing Mandala Diksha with only one meal a
day. By devout reading of this Stotra, one can meet, converse
and touch the lotus feet of Siddha yogis. Sincere rendition of
the stotra will result in the fulfilment of ones just desires. The
devotees who pray and worship Lord Dattatreya in words,
deeds and pure mind will receive His grace immediately after
reading this stotra. The Siddhas in their subtle forms move
around the places where this stotra is read.
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A divine ecstasy fell over me listening to the enlightening

words of Namananda. O noble yogi, I said, I wish that we
spend all night singing the divine Siddha Managala Stotra
and listening to the glories of Sripada.Namananda gladly
consented.
At the first streaks of dawn, a cart pulled up in front of
the hermitage.Namananda was in deep meditation. The cartman
approached Susheela and informed her that her husband and
her in-laws would reach the hermitage in a while. Shortly after
the cart man left, Namananda came out and asked about the cart
man. Wondering how he came to know about the cart man, we
told him that he had already left. Ah, Namananda exclaimed
in disappointment, How unfortunate I am! All of you are
blessed indeed. The cart man is none other than Lord Sripada.
Susheela, your husband is cured. He along with your in-laws
is coming to take you to your rightful home. Sripada himself
came and blessed you with His Divine Presence.
Just as Namananda said Susheelas in-laws and husband
came and cordially took her with them. Taking the blessings of
Namananda, I renewed my journey to Kuruvapuram joined by
the two Brahmins.
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Chapter 18
Portrayal of Ravidas
We reached Kuruvapuram. There we saw Lord Sripada
Srivallabha, the Primordial Supreme Soul, the Spearhead of
Myriad Brahmandas, the Ruler of the Fourteen Worlds and Adi
Madhyanta Rahita, the one who has neither beginning nor end,
much less a midpoint, coming out of the river Krishna after
taking bath in it, irradiating splendour.
I prostrated myself fully at His feet. The Supreme Guru
sprinkled holy water on my head from his Kamandalu47 and
spoke mellifluously, Son! Shankar Bhatt! I brought you here
because of the immense love I have for you.
No language can either explain or describe the
measureless sweetness of those ambrosial words and His
compassionate soft eyes. He placed His divine hand on my
head. Lo! The latent kundalini power within me awakened,
immersing me deep in divine intoxication. I experienced
inexhaustible bliss. All delusive limitations washed away in
the swelling ocean of spiritual exaltation. The entire cosmos
faded out from my eyes. My body became immovable and
breathless. It was as though I was physically dead, yet it felt
as if I had never before been fully alive. My sense of identity,
the I was no longer narrowly cramped in my body. I was allembracing and all-perceptive rejoicing in inexplicable Divine
Bliss.
Once again, Lord Sripada sprinkled water on me from
his Kamandalu. I became normal. I lost the infinite vastness,
and was once again imprisoned in the finite body.
47
Also, kamandal or kamandalam is an oblong water pot made of the wood of Kamandalataru tree
or a dry gourd, a coconut shell, clay or metal. It is often used by ascetics for storing drinking water.
Water in a kamandalu represents Amrita, the elixir of life, it is symbolic of creation.
124
Darshan of Lord to Vile Aliens

O Lord, I said, pointing to the two men who came
with me, These two Brahmins accompanied me with the hope
of beholding you.
The all-comprehending Lord said, They do not look
like Brahmins. On the contrary, they appear like beef-eaters.
The two men confessing that they were Moslems and not
Brahmins, read the Islamic Kalma. I was speechless.
Both of you have committed many heinous sins. Yet,
because of your meritorious deeds in your previous lives, and
that of your ancestors, you are fortunate enough to behold me.
There will be no dearth for your food. Nevertheless, all the
cows slaughtered by you will be born as your children in this
and in the coming births and will inflict all kinds of miseries
upon you. Because of the punya you gained by beholding Me
here, today, you will be born as Bade Baba and Abdul Baba
after many centuries, and will be liberated by My complete
Satguru embodiment as Saibaba. For now, leave this place at
once. Sripada spoke gravely.
After they left, a washer man called Ravidas and a Vedic
scholar came by. Sripada smiled at Ravidas in acquiescence,
but ignored the repeated salutations of the scholar. I looked
at the Lord quizzically. Sripada gently tapped between my
eyebrows. Astounding scenes passed in front of my internal
eye.
Ravidas was plying a boat towards Kuruvapuram in
which the Vedic scholar was present. The scholar told Ravidas
that he would pay his fare from the amount he would get
from Sripada who will reward him appreciating his erudition.
Ravidas agreed. Suddenly, water started gurgling into the
boat through a hole and the boat began sinking. However, a
dazzling light appeared and it seemed as if an invisible hand
was emptying the water in the boat. Both of them reached the
shore safely and came to Sripada, who responded to Ravidas
125
with a smile but was indifferent towards the scholar.

You have become blind in your arrogance and
lost all discernment. Being a brilliant scholar and born in a
virtuous family, instead of performing righteous deeds, you
are amassing mounds of sin. You separated a loyal woman
from her loving husband and forced her to be your mistress
causing her immense grief. The helpless woman is cursing you
every second of her life. Your chaste wife is going through
mental agony because of your indecent behaviour. Nothing has
escaped from my vision. Though you were supposed to die
today, I am extending your life for three more years. Mend
your ways and lead your life as a changed man. In the next
birth, those couple will enjoy immense wealth and luxuries
befitting a king, while you will be born as a eunuch to serve
that woman. If you lead your life righteously for these three
years, you will have food to sustain yourself in the next birth;
else, you will undergo severe hardships. You may now leave
the place. Sripada upbraided the scholar sharply.
From that day, Ravidas spent his time, serving Sripada.
One day, he saw a king playing with beautiful women in the
river. It struck him immediately that one needs to be lucky to
be born a king and wished for such a life. Sripada perceiving
Ravidas thoughts blessed him that he would be born in the
Yavana Dynasty as the King of Vaidhurya. He further assured
him of His Darshan as Nrisimha Saraswati in that birth. Then
the Lord looked at him and smiled and Ravidas passed away
then and there itself. I came out of my trance, amazed at seeing
all the past, present and future events.
Just then, a few people came to behold Sripada.
Among them were a Brahmin youth Vallabheshwar Sharma,
a Karnataka Brahmin by name Subbanna Shastri and a poor
Brahmin. The poor Brahmin requested the Lord to arrange for
a suitable groom for his daughter.
Sripada comforted him. Do not worry when I am there
to protect you. This Vallabheshwar Sharma is your son-in-law
126
and Subbanna Shastri will be the priest. But the souls of the
ancestors of Vallabheshwar are suffering and angry as they are
not liberated, since their oblations were offered without respect
and devotion. Hence, mantras from Garuda Purana should
be recited before reading the nuptial mantras to appease and
liberate the souls of his forefathers. Only then will the couple
live happily. Saying so, Sripada gave a piece of turmeric as
Mangalasutram.
We crossed the river and reached the village on the
other side of the bank. Marriage preparations were made.
Subbanna Shastri knew only the nuptial mantras. He meditated
upon Sripada and began reciting the mantras. However, much
to everyones surprise, he was reciting obsequies mantras.
Subsequently, he recited nuptial mantras and the wedding
concluded in a simple ceremony. The groom tied the piece of
turmeric given by Sripada instead of a Mangalasutram.
After the wedding was over, we went back to
Kuruvapuram to seek the blessings of Sripada for the newlyweds. Swamy blessed us and said to Vallabhesha, Son, when
you were orphaned as a child, your uncles snatched away all
your property and ill-treated you. They will be reborn as thieves.
In future, you will carry out turmeric business. You will vow
that if you gain good profit, you would go to Kuruvapuram
and feed a thousand Brahmins. Even though you earned good
money, you will keep postponing your vow. Your uncles, who
are born as robbers, will accompany you once, when you are
travelling with a lot of money and kill you. Nevertheless, you
take my name just before they kill you. I will at once appear
and kill them and redeem you. You will then remember your
vow and without much ado will feed four thousand Brahmins
in Kuruvapuram with devotion and humility.
Sripadas Motherly Feeling towards Womenfolk
Listening to this, the newly wed wife of Vallabhesha
started weeping. Sripada consoled her. Mother, Do not grieve.
You will live long with your husband. No harm will come to
127
him.
When Sripada was speaking thus, a bell ringing loudly
fell at His feet out of nowhere and disappeared immediately.
The Lord explaining the incident said, The bell which you
have seen now, travelling through many places and bestowing
blessings upon devotees will reach Pithikapuram when Shankar
Bhatt completes the 18th chapter of my biography. The same
bell will be hung in the grand dominion that will be established
there in my name.
Resurrection of Vallabhesh
128
Chapter 19
Linganna Shastri & Ganapati Shastri
Meanwhile, Linganna Shastri, an erudite scholar of
Vedas came and joined us, when we were deeply engrossed in
chanting the Lords name.
I came to Pithikapuram, to offer oblations to my
deceased father and my ancestors at Padagaya here. He began
to tell about himself. Both my grandfather and my father were
highly religious but extremely miserly. In spite of being rich,
they used to grumble that unnecessary money is being wasted
in obsequies for the ancestors and that the guests were eating
like gluttons. But I, on my part used to perform all the funeral
rituals of my ancestors sincerely, as prescribed in scriptures,
befitting my financial status.
Suddenly, everything began to go wrong in our house.
Family members started quarrelling with each other for no
reason. Even the most gentle person, would turn violent and
abusive, the moment he set foot into our home. My wife
causelessly sulked and left for her parents house. My son and
daughter and their spouses began to ill-treat me. There was no
peace of mind for me. Life became a burden.
One day after completing all the work assigned to
me, I squatted on the ground and hurriedly dragged the bowl
towards me to satiate my hunger and to silence the rumbling of
the stomach. I greedily took out one big morsel and was about
to thrust it into my mouth, I noticed that it was full of worms
and stinking. In utter helplessness I hid my face between my
knees pulling them together and sobbed silently. O God, I
have lost everything and every one. There is none to turn to,
my Lord, None; Shall I call this a life just because I am alive?
I am living because I am not dying. I am not dying because I
am scared to commit suicide, lest I may turn into an evil spirit
and may harm others. O God, Why me? I dont find any charm
or sweetness in my life which has now become an inescapable
129
burden. Who is my saviour? Whom to turn to? O God, Mercy,

Mercy, I remonstrated my agony to the Unseen.
Suddenly, an Avadhoot appeared in front of me. His
calm eyes were full of compassion. I felt an unusual closeness
to Him, as if I found my long- lost friend, as if I have known him
from millions of years. Clutching his feet, I wept like a child.
Tears of anguish deep in my heart poured forth in torrents.
Allaying my grief with the tender care of a mother, he
gave me halwa to eat. I felt rejuvenated. He then asked me to
dig in the northeast corner of our house. We found skeletons
of two dogs in that pit. As per the instructions of Avadhoot,
I discarded them and poured some ganji48 into the pit, and
once again covered it with mud. He turned to me and said that
he relieved me of the spell of evil spirits and that my house
was purified. He added that gradually our conditions would
improve and asked me to leave right away for Padagaya
in Pithikapuram. He said that he would meet me again in
Pithikapuram and assured me that I would not have any trouble
on my way there.
I set out for Pithikapuram immediately without
informing anyone. On the way, I met Narasimhappa, owner
of a mango grove, who welcomed me affably. He not only
offered me food but also gave me a new pair of clothes and
some money. He then said, Yesterday night an Avadhoot
appeared in my dream and ordered me to be hospitable to a
virtuous Brahmin who would pass by my grove tomorrow and
give him, clothes and money. I am just doing his bidding.
I was surprised that just as the Avadhoot promised, I
was not facing any problem in my journey to Kuruvapuram.
I realised that the Avadhoot was no ordinary person. After
resting a while, I renewed my journey wearing the new clothes.
En route, I met a Vedic scholar. You are extremely lucky that
you have been invited to Pithikapuram by Sripada Srivallabha
48
Also congee or conjee. It is a type of rice porridge or gruel
130
himself, he said gaily and added, The farmer who extended

hospitality to you worked for Subbaramayya Sreshthi, the
father of Venkatappayya Sreshti in his previous birth. As he
had food at the pious house of Subbaramayya Sreshti, he was
reborn as a landlord, leading a luxurious life.
The Vedic scholar then went on to tell about himself.
I am Ganapathi Shastri, a resident of Penugonda, a village in
Bruhatshila Nagar. I went to Vayasapuram (Kakinada) to learn
the Vedas under a guru there. One day, when I was grazing
my gurus cattle in the fields, I saw a ten-year-old handsome
cowherd. Noticing that he was wearing the sacred thread, I
asked him if he was a Brahmin.
Smiling enigmatically, he said, If you presume that I
am a Brahmin, then, you are not mistaken. Nevertheless, that
alone is not the truth. If you consider me a Kshatriya, a Vaishya
or a Shudra that also is not false, but it is neither the complete
truth. I am above and beyond all limitations. I am beyond all
that appears as truth or untruth. I am the supreme truth, and the
supreme Dharma. If you consider me a male, I behave like a
female and vice versa. If you look at me as Ardhanarishwara, I
will prove that I am that primordial divine bliss, which existed
long before the descent of Ardhanarishwara. How can you
know about a person like me?
Listening to his delirious and meaningless prattle, I
thought that he must be out of his mind. Before I could recover
from his incoherent gibber, he said, I am now talking to Lord
Shani. He is telling me that he would shortly harass you by
entangling you in a variety of troubles. But I told him that I
will swallow all your karma in the form of cows milk, and free
you from karmic bondage.
I was awestruck, as according to my horoscope, I was
indeed passing through a worst period. The cowherd then went
to a barren cow and said, Gayatri! I am hungry. Will you give
me some milk?
131
The cow nodded its head. Its udder at once filled with
milk, which was spilling all over. He drank the milk with
contentment, and went and sat under a mango tree.
I could not comprehend how the cowherd knew about
my horoscope. I wondered if he really ridded me of my
adversities. Thinking in these lines, I turned to look at him.
This time there was a ten-year-old beautiful peasant girl
with him. They were talking to each other and laughing. At
that time, Venkatappayya came there to check on his fields.
With him was a ten-yearold boy, who looked just like the
cowherd. I learnt later that he was Sripada Srivallabha. Even
Venkatappayya was taken back seeing the children.
Sripada then said, Those two children are none other
than Lord Dattatreya himself, and Goddess Anagha Devi. Both
of you are blessed to behold their divine manifestation.
Before our very eyes, the cowherd boy and the peasant
girl turned into dazzling light and merged into Sripada. With
tears of joy coursing down the cheeks, Sreshthi embraced
Sripada endearingly. My child, may your grace shower ever
more upon our dynasty, our family and our Vaishya caste.
Be it so, Sripada granted his wish and continued,
During the 33rd generation of your family, a grand dominion
will be constructed in my name. I will be an invisible instrument
in establishing it.
All obstacles will be dissolved if one participates in
any of the auspicious activities conducted in Pithikapuram.
The one who worships me in Pithikapuram on the day of Chitta
Nakshatra, which is my birth star, will be relieved of debts.
Unmarried girls will find able grooms. Sravana Purnima is an
auspicious day as Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari ties a rakhi
on my wrist on that day. The devotees who are present in
Pithikapuram on that day will acquire a lot of punya.
But for the grace of Sripada, I would not have been
rid of Shani or would not have witnessed all these wondrous
132
events. Linganna Shastri concluded.

Kalagnisamana Datta
133
Chapter 20
Episode of Vissavadhani
Early next morning I went to Kuruvapuram to behold
Lord Sripada and to seek His blessings. The Lord was radiating
an aura of compassion, purity, peace and holiness. His eyes
were calm and gentle. Looking at His resplendent form, I
bowed reverently at His feet.
The waves of bliss and tranquillity undulating from Him
permeated all over my body and took me to an unknown world
of spiritual peace. No sooner did I touch His feet than a dark
and ugly wraithlike figure, which resembled me in appearance,
emerged out of my body.
Child, Sripada spoke to me soothingly, as I staggered
in astonishment. This is your sinful self. Now you are
unblemished and virtuous, free from every form of sin. In
every human being, sinful and virtuous nature exists. He, who
is devoid of both sin and virtue, attains liberation. When one
gets the privilege to be born as a Brahmin, one should remain
devout and aligned with the sattvic nature and endeavour not
only to destroy his sinful side, but should be able to uplift
others by virtue of the effect of his meritorious deeds. When
a Brahmin accepts Dakshina, he involuntarily takes their sins
on himself. He burns those sins in the fire of adoration and
meditation. A Brahmin who leads such a life is a Brahmin in
the true sense. Else, he is just a namesake.
Silent for a while, Sripada made a sweeping gesture with
His right hand from which a blaze of illumination emerged,
bringing forth a Homa (sacrificial) fire surrounded by fruits,
flowers, turmeric, vermilion, ghee etc. Sripada signalled the
sinful form, which came out of my body and which appeared
exactly like me to jump into the flaming altar. I went through
unbearable and indescribable torture as my deformed alter
ego was engulfed in flames. I gradually slipped into a state of
134
Samadhi.
It was a Thursday afternoon. Lord Sripada sat amidst
His devotees. Gurucharan, a Padmashali, a weaver by caste
came seeking the Darshan of Sripada. After we had Halwa, the
special prasadam, I looked expectantly at Gurucharan whose
face was lit with an angelic divine smile and who was lost
somewhere in his past. He thus shared his experiences with us
first singing the glory of the Lord: The formless, attribute less
unmanifested form of the Great Conviction which maintains
the progress of the creation, sustenance and dissolution has
embodied as Lord Dattatreya in ancient times and as Lord
Sripada in this age. He is the macrocosmic form of all deities,
gods and goddesses.
I was born in a pious and devout family. We are all
staunch devotees of Lord Dattatreya, who is our family deity.
Suddenly we were deep in a financial crisis and we used to pray
to Lord Dattatreya for help. But our troubles kept increasing. We
were advised to pray to some other God. Though disinclined at
first, I started to give some thought to the advice of the elders.
That night I had a dreadful dream, in which I saw a horrendous
butcher, with his butchers knife. Scathingly reproachful
and eyes like daggers, he thundered, I am Lord Dattatreya.
Irrespective of whichever form you worship, it will reach me
alone. I will kill you if you lose your faith. I could no longer
sleep.
The next day, at dawn a Haridasu49 came to our house.
He had a fig sapling in the Akshaya patra50 on his head. It
is generally believed that sending away a Haridas without
giving alms is a bad omen. So I offered him a fistful of broken
rice that I found in the house.
49
A barefoot minstrel who goes from house to house, seeking alms, singing the Lords glory,
mostly found in Andhra Pradesh, during the festival, Uttarayan/Pongal/ Makara Sankranti.
50
In this context, a copper pot, which looks like a pumpkin cut flat, in which the Haridasu collects
his alms.
135
The Haridasu took the rice and said, Last night a

butcher killed a devotee called Gurucharan. His life force,
leaving his body entered into this fig sapling, which is the
abode of Lord Dattatreya. Plant the sapling in your courtyard
and take good care of it.
Sir, I am Gurucharan. I am alive; nobody killed me. I
am also a devotee of Lord Dattatreya. I did dream of a butcher,
last night, threatening to kill me but it was just a dream. If a
person is dead but his corpse is not found, sticks and logs of
a fig tree are arranged in the shape of a person and cremation
rituals are performed. But I have never seen or heard of a
persons life force being drawn into the fig plant, when he is
still alive with life force in his body. I said half confused and
half shocked at the Haridass revelations.
Haridas laughed loudly. You consider that physical
death alone is death? When a person is passing through
Maraka yoga, a Satguru gives him a new life by burning out
his karma either by inflicting inexplicable pain, causing mental
agony, unforeseen troubles, and heavy losses or by making him
undergo humiliations. An incarnated soul may resurrect him,
subjecting him to trivial problems. However, Lord Dattatreya
attracts the life force of such a devotee into the fig tree and
transfers the life force of the tree into him, thus, saving his life.
As soon as the Maraka yoga elapses, the life force passed from
the fig tree into the body of the devotee is stabilised within and
his life is prolonged for a few more years.
I planted the fig tree in my courtyard, and nursed
it with love and care. If we faced any difficulty, we would
circumambulate the fig plant and tell our problem to it. Our
problem would be resolved in unforeseen ways, amicably. An
aged relative, who loved me immensely, and who was into silk
business, handed over his business to me as he grew old and
did not have any children. He started to live with us.
Travelling many places on business, I reached
Pithikapuram and went to Bapanaryas house. Sripada was in
136
the backyard, zealously watering a cactus. Bapanarya smiled at

him affectionately. Dear One, he said, this plant will grow
irrespective of whether you water it or not it.
Grandpa, this plant is none other than Vissavadhani,
who in his previous birth lived in the same street. As he
ridiculed and constantly derided all of you, he was reborn as
thorny plant befitting his nature.
Sripada then took me to the cactus, and questioned
it, Vissanna grandpa, Because of your caustic words, you
were born as a thorny plant. Gurucharan was your son in your
previous birth. Do you want him to perform your obsequies, so
that you attain liberation?
We could clearly hear Vissannas spirit say O, Merciful
Lord, there is no greater fortune than that.
Obeying the order of Lord Sripada, I uprooted the plant
and burnt it in the fire of fig tree branches. Sripada instructed
me to take a bath.
Vissavadhani was not only born in Pithikapuram, but
also beheld me. Hence, though he was undeserving, I blessed
him with salvation. No one comes into your life without a
karmic link in previous births. Hence, if someone asks for your
help, help the person, if it is in your capacity, else, politely
decline. One should never be rude or harsh.
I am the root of all existence. I am the supreme
truth, the truth of all truths. I am the Brahman mentioned in
the Upanishads as Satyam-Jnanam- Anantam Brahma - pure
being, pure consciousness, and infinity. The Supreme Brahman
has no limits. He is eternal and full of knowledge.
The Devi Bhagwata Mahapurana suggests that Adi
Parashakti is the active energy, the original creator, sustainer
and destroyer of the whole universe. She is the Eternally
Limitless Power, and the source of all other gods and goddesses.
She created the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara
and their Trishakti-consorts Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati
137
respectively. Then who are you? A puzzled Bapanarya

inquired.
Adiparashakti and I are one and the same. I am the
Great Conviction that led Adiparashakti to the creation of the
Trinity and Trishaktis. The great Guru is the manifestation of
that great conviction.
As I reside in all the beings, I take their bad karma
onto myself and burn it in the fire of my penance, thus helping
them to evolve and elevate. As a matter of fact, there is no
need for me to perform any penance. Nevertheless, I undertake
penance to distribute the punya thus acquired, among my
devotees. Therefore, I am Adi Guru, the Primordial Guru. Just
as ones children are heirs to their parents property, similarly
the disciples are the rightful heirs of the fruits of austerity
(tapa) of the Guru.
I am Smrutimatra Prasanna, one who is pleased
just by mere remembrance. I am easily appeased. I respond
immediately to the call of devotees. If a devotee takes one step
towards me, I take 100 steps towards him. I will protect him and
shield him from all harm, Sripada answered with enchanting
smile.
Just as Gurucharan completed his narration, Lord
Sripada came out of His yoga nidra. He blessed us and
instructed, Go to Manchala51 village beyond the Krishna
River and receive the graceful blessings of the deity there. In
future the Manchala village will become a famous pilgrimage
spot because of Sajeeva Samadhi52 of a great person, whose
divine play will be wondrous.
Dear Son! Shankar Bhatt! After a few centuries, an
organisation will be established in my name. Idols of My
51
Present day Mantralayam, in Kurnool District, in Andhra Pradesh, India, the abode of
Raghavendra Swamy, who is none other than Prahlada.
52
A great soul, by his spiritual practices, fixes his mind on the Absolute and stops the physical
function. His body never shows any signs of decay, even after thousands of years as the magnetic
force of body works as life force.
138
incarnations of Dattatreya, Sripada and Nrisimha Saraswati

will be installed. My Padukas will be instated in the temple
under the Audumbara (fig) tree at my birthplace. Behold!
Saying thus, He touched us between the eyebrows. We
were enthralled to witness the spectacular spectacle and felt
blessed.
A Brahmin of Vasishtha lineage will become the priest
of my temple.The Lord said in conclusion.
Raghavendra Swami
139
Chapter 21
Dandi Swami
Obeying the orders of Sripada, we set out to Manchala.
Lord Sripada said that a person born in Vasishtha
lineage will become the priest in His temple. I wonder who that
blessed person might be and when he will come. I expressed
my thought to Gurucharan.
Gurucharan replied, It is His conviction that a virtuous
person should be a priest in His temple. But it will not happen
as soon as the temple is established. Initially, the place and
the atmosphere should be purified with sincere and devout
meditation, prayers, worship, chanting of sacred mantras and
with rites and rituals. Thus purified, the place will emanate
and transmit pure thought vibrations in all the directions of
the universe, which in turn attract pious and righteous people.
That is when the command of the Lord will be fulfilled. The
ether is filled with both good and bad vibrations, attracting
like-minded people. Hence, one should nurture healthy and
positive thoughts, and associate with pious people. Money or
food should be accepted only from honest people. At the same
time, arrogance takes one away from the blessings of God.
Gurucharan continued, I, along with four friends, once
went to Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. In the
temple, we saw Lord Sripada in the place of the idol of Lord
Jagannath. Thus, we were silently enlightened that He alone is
the form of all gods and goddesses.
Just then, Dandi Swami arrived there with the
entourage of his 108 disciples. We touched his feet, with the
customary gesture of respect. No sooner did we touch his feet,
than the swami lost his speech. We prayed to Lord Sripada
and he regained his voice back. The angry disciples of swami
vowed that they with their guru would come to Pithikapuram
and prove to everyone that Sripada is just a necromancer who
140
controlled the speech of their guru with his black magic.

Few days later, Dandi Swami came to Pithikapuram.
He was welcomed with pomp and gaiety. Dandi Swami went to
the Kukkuteswara temple and had the Darshan of Swayambhu
Datta and other deities.
Lord Datta has chosen me to shoulder the responsibility
of humbling the pride of Sripada who boasts to be the epitome
of Lord Dattatreya. The charlatan Sripada has to seek public
apology, accepting his deceit, by prostrating at my feet, along
with his father and grandfather. They have to handover the idol
of Kalagnishamana Datta which they have been worshipping
for generations together, and should undergo the punishment
given by me, Dandi Swami arrogantly asserted.
Dandi Swami with his entourage of disciples, old and
new, set out to enter into the village amidst the recital of Vedic
hymns and mantras. While walking it appeared as if the ground
underneath was stretching itself, and no matter how much he
walked, he was still at the same place. His staff then fell to the
ground and broke into two. With that, Dandi Swami dropped
to the ground as if his spine broke. Everyone present there, was
filled with fear.
Destruction of Moha (Attachment) Is Moksha
Meantime, Abbanna, a snake charmer came to Sripadas
house. Sripada said to him, Go along with Madiga53 Subbayya
to Kukkuteswara temple with a pot full of water and curd rice.
Convey my message to them that baseless accusations will
lead to taking birth as a demon. Sprinkle water from your pot on
those who want to stay clear of such a birth, and ask Subbayya
to distribute them curd rice from his pot, as prasadam.
Abbanna and Subbayya went to the temple and brought
everyone along with them. Dandi Swami, Sripada shouted,
quivering with wrath, What insolence! You are not willing
53
A low caste, people born in this caste were considered untouchable.
141
to recognise the same Lord Datta, whom you have been

worshipping, who has descended in human form and is in front
of you. I am like a fire tornado and playing with it is tantamount
to peril. Nothing in this creation exists without my conviction
and no organism exists without my identity. You exist and the
creation exists due to my existence. Do not entangle yourself
in the delusive bond of disciples. Go to the Himalayas leaving
your disciples behind, and perform penance. The chided
Dandi Swami retired meekly.
We reached Manchal village. At the temple, we were
sanctified with the divine manifestation of the village deity.
The village deity, with motherly affection, offered us Prasadam
with Her own hands.
Lord Dattatreya who preached Guru Tattva to
Prahlada is born as Sripada. Prahlada will descend in the form
of Guru Sarvabhouma and this place will become famous as
Mantralayam. The gentle Mothers refulgent form vanished.
Krishna Das, a Mala Dasari54 joined us on our return
journey. During our conversation, Krishna Das apprised
us, The numbers 16, 116 and 1116 are called as Shodasadi
Tridakshina. It is said that the one, who gives Tridakshina,
attains Brahma Gnana. With this type of donation, one gets
punya and results equal to the donation of body, mind and
soul.
Krishna Das then narrated an unusual incident. Once,
Narasimha Varma slept, resting his head in Sripadas lap in their
fields. Suddenly many cobras came there. Sripada separated
their hoods from their trunks and threw them aside. Then large
ants started gathering. Fearing that His grandfathers sleep
would be disturbed, Sripada killed all the ants. When Varma
woke up from his sleep, he felt pity looking at the dead ants.
54
The name of this Dalit community is derived from the words Mala -agricultural labour, and
Dasari a servant in the service of the deity, Lord Vishnu. The community is also known as
Bokkullu. Their main livelihood was singing bhajans and kirtans to the Vaishnavite communities
and selling religious materials.
142
A smilet played on Sripadas lips. A Monarch

has to protect his subjects. Look here it comes! He said
pointing to a large white ant crawling near to the dead ants. It
circumambulated around the dead ants, and all at once, they
came back to life.
Sripada continued, This king has the power of
Sanjivani, because of which it could bring back its subjects to
life. The world is full of many mystifying things, Grandpa! If
you wish, I can show you many such things.
Narasimha Varma then was awestruck seeing the
dead cobras. He understood that Sripada was responsible for
it. Sripada attached the hood of one cobra with the body of
another and granted them life. They circumambulated Sripada
and went away.
Sripada explained, If the Rahu planet is weak in ones
horoscope, then the person faces obstacles in each and every
thing that he does; he feels suffocated as if he was caught in the
strong grip of a python. This is known as Kalasarpa yoga. The
planet Rahu is the ruling planet of snakes. By performing this
type of task, I protect my devotees from the malefic effects of
Rahu.
We reached Kuruvapuram. Sripada smiled at us in
blessing.
143
Chapter 22
Sripada adjusts the Horoscope of His Devotees
One day an astrologer called Gurudatta Bhatt came to
behold Sripada. I asked, Sir! Does everything happen as per
the predictions of astrology, or is it possible to alter the effects?
Is the life of a human being, determined by the Karmic flux of
previous births, or can it be controlled by his efforts?
Gurudatta Bhatt obligingly explained. A person is born
in an auspicious or inauspicious planetary position depending
upon his past karma be it meritorious or de-meritorious.
Planets, as such do not have either hatred or fondness towards
any human being. However, they work in accordance with
ones karmic qualifications. They emanate rays and vibrations
that have the power to affect certain events in a persons life,
in a particular way. If the effects are malefic, one should be
equipped to confront such situations to mitigate, limit or nullify
those rays and vibrations, depending upon their intensity.
This is possible only by the positive and propitious vibrations
gained through the power of mantras, meditation, prayers, or
ones own yogic power. The workings of ones karma or the
effects of planets on a persons life can be manipulated by the
intervention of such divine wisdom. Nevertheless, if the karmic
flux of previous births is very strong, then none of the abovementioned methods will work. In such critical circumstances,
only Sripada can change our fate. The overwhelming flood of
love and compassion surging out of His heart for His devotees
makes those planetary deities powerless.
I will tell you an incident from my own life, Gurudatta
continued. Though I was an ardent devotee of Lord Dattatreya,
I was arrogant that I was a profound scholar in astrology. So,
when I came to know about Sripada declaring himself as Lord
Dattatreya, the embodiment of Trinity, I laughed derisively
thinking Him to be foolish braggart. I even mocked that Sripada
is like the idol of Swayambhu Datta idol which has no pulse
144
and no heartbeat.
One day, when I sat in meditation in front of the idol
of Lord Swayambhu Datta, at the Kukkuteswar temple in
Padagaya, a voice spoke to my inner consciousness. Fool!
Are you aware that you have been dead for a while now?
I tried to ignore the voice, but I kept hearing it
repeatedly. Finally, I abandoned my meditation and sat down
to calculate my horoscope. I realised that I should have left
my mortal body, on that very day, at the exact time when I was
meditating before Swayambhu Datta. I could not hear my heart
beat, or feel my pulse. When I looked into a mirror, I could
see my own dead face. Shocked to the point of death, I ran to
Sripadas house.
10-year-old Sripada came out and berated harshly,
You imbecile! With your superficial knowledge, you have
ridiculed me. What you have uttered about me has come to
pass to you. I took away your life force, but retained your thirst
and hunger. You appear to be alive, but the truth is that you are
dead. Sumati Maharani, who came out, took one look at me
and shrieked, Who is this horrid looking Aghori55?
Mother! He is not an Aghori yet. Sripada told his
terrified mother and asked her, Is there some tarvani56 for him
to eat?
His mother gave me, the Tarvani she kept aside for
Sripada. I ate the food near Kukkuteswara temple. As soon as
I ate the food, I got rid of my plight. I sought the blessings and
His forgiveness of Sripada and left for my village.
Son! Shankara! But for the grace of Sripada, I who
listened to hearsay and derided Him would have been born
as an Aghori. By offering me food through the hands of the
55
The Aghoris or Aghoras are a Shaivite Hindu sect ascetics, who are known for their extreme
and grotesque violations of customs and traditions and unorthodox taboo rituals. They are known
to engage in ritual cannibalism on the dead.
56
Rice gruel soured in an earthen pot by fermentation.
145
virtuous mother Sumathi57 at His home, He saved me from

falling deep into a moat of misfortune.
Let me tell you one more incident. Gurudatta went on.
I was more than happy to listen to the enthralling stories of
Sripada.
One day during conversation Bapanarya said with
Sripada that one should always speak the truth and should
never lie. The same afternoon Sreshthi came to Bapanaryas
house, and invited him for lunch on Mahalaya Amavasya and
asked him to accept Dakshina on that day. Bapanarya agreed.
However, both of them forgot about the whole issue.
On the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, Sripada reminded them of
the promise they made to each other. Both of them felt sorry
for their mistake.
Sripada consoled them. I made both of you forget
your promise. It is not your mistake. Every individual is
enveloped in the inherent feeling of I and me. It is inherited
from parent to child. Thus making, it a hereditary karmic
bond. If one renounces family life and joins ascetic order, he
gets liberated form these bonds. However, it is not necessary
that a promise made should be fulfilled in this birth itself and
between both of you alone. Sometimes the promise may be
kept in the forthcoming times or births, at any time or place by
your descendants, even without their knowledge, as a chance
incident. So, according to physical time this event should have
happened on Mahalaya Amavasya, but as it did not take place,
this event is postponed to a remote future. One has to undergo
the inviolable law of karma. Nevertheless, with the grace of a
Sadguru, the malicious effects of karma get nullified at a Yoga
kala, and at a Yoga Desa- favourable time and favourable place
respectively, in the present life itself.
57
Even the cruel demon transformed into a righteous soul after partaking food prepared by chaste
Sushila and offered by Pious and selfless Vishnudatta in their previous birth. (Datta Darshanam)
146
In the light of the previous words of Sripada, Gurudatta

went to narrate another wonderful story.
Narasimha Varma had a help by name Shivayya.
One day, all of a sudden, he started behaving in a bizarrely
disoriented manner. I am the creator, sustainer and destroyer
of this universe. The entire creation originates within me,
emerges from me and once again merges within me. He
chattered nonsensically, flinging his arms in meaningless
gestures. Narasimha Varma took pity on him and asked Sripada
to make him sane again.
Sripada took him to the burial ground and arranging
the wood of fig tree like a funeral pyre, made Shivayya burn it.
Shivayya became sober.
Sripada explained the karmic law of cause and effect
to the dumbstruck Narasimha Varma who witnessed the entire
drama. Grandfather, There is nothing strange or improbable
in what just happened. A scholar-devotee of Lord Dattatreya
lived in the city of Vayasapuram. When he heard about me,
he developed deep-rooted hostility and antagonism towards
me as he thought that people fancied about an infant being
considered as his cherished Lord Dattatreya. As he died with
animosity in his heart, he turned into a ghoulish spirit. In one
of his previous births, Shivayya was in debt to the scholar.
Hence, he possessed Shivayya. I created this moment as yoga
time, converted the crematorium as yoga place, and made
him perform the cremation using the wood of the fig tree as
yoga karma, simultaneously liberating the scholar- ghoul and
protecting Shivayya from the disembodied evil spirit of the
scholar.
There is no hard and fast rule that a planetary effect
should take place at a certain time in a certain place. The yoga
time, place and karma may be altered by the conviction of
Sripada. Yoga time, yoga place and yoga karma are nothing
but the Supreme Lords conviction, to alter the effects of a
devotees karmic causal nexus to a time, place and method of
147
His choice.
Once when Sreshthi was about to break a coconut to
offer it to the deity, Sripada took it from his hand and broke it.
Instead of coconut water, blood came from it. Then Sripada
explained, Grandfather, today you were supposed to have
received a grievous life-threatening head injury. However, I
transferred the time and place of that deed into this coconut
and saved you.
Thus Sripada can alter the astrological indications or
karmic destiny of His adherents, burn their karma to ashes and
redeem them.
As it was dusk, we crossed and went to Kuruvapuram
on the other bank of Krishna River.
148
Chapter 23
Shiva Yogi
I met Dharmagupta, a merchant who was also a relative
of Venkatappayya Sreshthi, at the shore of river Krishna at
Panchadev Pahad. So far, all the people met narrated some
extraordinary event illustrating the glory of Sripada. Strange as
it may sound, His divine instances hitherto were divulged to
me, a piece at a time, in a chronological order, commencing
right from His birth till His 10th year. Walking along with
Dharmagupta, I was wondering what this noble merchant
would narrate.
Shankar Bhatt, Dharmagupta began. I am a staunch
devotee of Lord Shiva. When Sripada was about11 years old,
a Shiva yogi came to Pithikapuram. He had no possessions of
a mendicant, not even a begging bowl. He used to take alms in
his palms. He always remained joyful, intoxicated with divine
love. He ceaselessly chanted the Shiva Panchakshari58 mantra.
The Shiva Yogi entered the Kukkteshwara temple. Two
cobras accompanied him. The priests and the devotees were
frightened. However, he pacified them saying that they are the
jewels of Lord Shiva and would do no harm. He asked the
priest to continue Namakam59 and Chamakam60. The cobras
swayed their hoods to the rhythmic utterance of the hymns.
Suryachandra Shastri, a sincere and devout priest took the yogi
to the house of Bapanarya. Sripada fed him with His own
hands and enumerated the transcendental nature of Lord Shiva:
In truth, Shiva has no form at all. Shiva Lingam is
nothing but the light, which illuminates in our hearts. The
Sphatika, the crystal Lingam reflects the purity of the heart and
58
A five-syllable mystic mantra of Lord Shiva, starting with each syllable of His name, (Namah-si-va-ya) in the same order. One can chant the mantra without knowing its meaning and still
benefit from it.
59
Namakam, the heart of Yajur Veda are hymns in praise of Lord Shiva.
60
Chamakam is also an epithet taken from Yajur Veda in praise of Lord Shiva.
149
the soul. It represents the Nirguna Brahman or the attribute

less Supreme Self or formless and attribute less Shiva. Kapali,
the skull represents the revolution of time and the appearance
and disappearance of the human race, the perpetual revolution
of ages. Rudra jadas, the matted hair represent the veins that
stretch from brain downwards. With the begging bowl that
He holds, Lord Shiva destroys the sins of the humankind by
seeking and accepting alms from them. Joyfully dancing to
the rhythm of the great vibrations of creation, sustenance and
destruction, He is Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. His name
as Chidambaram is derived from chit - consciousness, and
ambaram - sky or ether. It refers to the sky of consciousness
(self-realisation), which one should attain.
The twelve traditional Jyotirlingas represent the twelve
signs of the zodiac. Hence, He is called Kalaswarupa, the
Epitome of Time. The five elements are His five faces. The five
sense organs, the five organs of knowledge and the heart put
together are the Ekadasa Rudra Kalas (eleven). He is called
Tripurantaka as He destroyed Tripura, the three space cities of
the demon-king Tarakasura. The third eye represents wisdom.
The sacred Ganges is the purity and sanctity that radiates from
His body while he is in meditation. Mithuna Rasi (Gemini) is
the symbol of the form of the primordial couple, Shiva and
Parvathi. Only after crossing Vrishabha Rasi (Taurus, Bull)
it is possible to reach Mithuna Rasi. Similarly, to approach
Shiva and Parvati, one has to cross Nandi, the Vrishabha (bull)
first. His Arthanariswara form is a composite male-female
figure of Himself and His consort representing the synthesis of
masculine and feminine energies.
I listened to the words of Dharmagupta, engulfed in the
waves of rapture.
150
Chapter 24
Transcendental Aspects of Lord Shiva
I asked Dharma Gupta if the weapons and ornaments of
Lord Shiva indicate any transcendental meaning and to shed
light on those aspects.
The three prongs of His Trishul, the Trident symbolises
the deitys transcendence over the three Gunas, the dispositions,
the Sattva, Rajas and Tamas61. It is an emblem of sovereignty.
He rules the world through these three Gunas. They indicate
His three fundamental powers - Ichcha, Gnana and KriyaWill, Knowledge and Power of Action respectively. The Trishul
symbolises the balance of the three forces of preservation,
creation and destruction. Further, they represent the junction
of the nadis, three major currents or energy at the base of the
spine- Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.The shaft or the central pole
symbolises the central channel of Sushumna, through which
the Kundalini Shakti or creative divine energy ascends to unite
with Lord Shiva in the thousand-petaled lotus of the Sahasrara
or Crown Chakra. The point at which these three vital energies
unite is the centre of knowledge known as Triveni Sangamam
or Confluence of three holy powers.
A small hourglass-shaped drum, Damaru, tied to the
Trishul, with two sides separated from each other by a thin
neck-like structure symbolises two entirely dissimilar states
of existence: unmanifest and manifest. The Damaru produces
dissimilar sounds which are fused together to create the cosmic
sound, Sabda Brahman, the Pranava Nadam - Aum.
Shiva is called Nagabharana as He adorns himself
with a snake around His neck indicating the awakening of
61
Gunas are the mental temperaments: tamas or inactive, rajas or active and sattva or transactive.
Tamas is the state of lethargy, indolence and indifference. A person steeped in tamas lives a dull,
inactive life, with hardly any response to the world. Rajas is the state of passionate, desirous and
agitated thoughts. Sattva is the state of thoughts in equanimity, serenity, objectivity detachment
from worldly activities. Every individual possesses all three gunas.
151
Kundalini, cosmic energy coiled and slumbering in man. The

three coils of the snake represent the cycle of time the past,
present and future, symbolising His transcendence over the
cycles of creation and time.
He is Trilochana or Tryambaka Deva, the three-eyed
Lord. His right and left eyes are the sun and moon respectively,
while His third eye is the eye of spiritual knowledge and
wisdom. The third eye represents an awakened Agna chakra,
the spiritual enlightenment, the power of cognition to perceive
past, present and future.
The tiger skin, which He sits on or wears, symbolises
potential energy. He is the source of the creative energy that
remains in potential form during the dissolution state of the
universe. Of His own Divine Will, the Lord activates the
potential form of the creative energy to project the universe in
endless cycles. The tiger also represents lust, and His draping
of the tiger skin, indicates that He has conquered lust.
Mother Ganges at the top of His head symbolises the
perennial flow of pure consciousness. The crescent moon in His
long knotted hair signifies the cyclical nature of the universe;
the waxing and waning of the moon through which creation
evolves. Furthermore, it also indicates that He has controlled
the mind perfectly.
Every person possesses both the male and female
aspects. The male energy flows in the right side of the body
and the female energy on the left. Ardhanarishvara represents
the fusion of masculine and feminine energies of the universePurusha and Prakriti and exemplifies how Shakti, the female
aspect of God, is inseparable from Shiva, the male aspect of
God. The union of these aspects is the very core of all creation.
Besides this form indicates the cycle of time which consists
inseparable and interdependent pairs, like day and night, dawn
and dusk, no moon and full moon days, spring and autumn, etc.
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Shiva is Laya Karaka, the Divine Destroyer. His

destruction is not negative. He destroys in order to renew and
regenerate. Hence, it is positive and constructive destruction
that is necessary to build and transform life and energy in the
world, and to restore the order of the universe. All that has a
beginning, by necessity must have an end. So, by destruction,
nothing is actually destroyed other than the illusion of
individuality. Thus, the power of destruction associated with
Lord Shiva has great purifying power, both on personal and
universal levels. He is the cause of dissolution implying the
destruction of the ego, the false identification with the form
and the shedding of old habits and attachments.
When one totally obliterates desires and passions in
the fire of penance, a desire less, blissful state is achieved and
one experiences liberation, whilst living. For such a person,
there is no rule of time or place. He attains Brahma Gnana
in perfect form. This is the underlying meaning of Smashana
Vaasi, the dweller of the crematory. He is free from all bonds
and His heart is the cremation ground where all passions have
been burnt away. It also symbolises that He is the controller of
death. Since birth and death are cyclic, controlling one implies
controlling the other too. Thus, Shiva is the ultimate controller
of birth and death in this phenomenal world.
Tripurandras, the three parallel-horizontal stripes of
Vibhuti, the sacred ash on His forehead personifies the three
activities of God Creation, Sustenance and Destruction,
which in turn represents the Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva. Thus theTripurandras signify the Supreme God himself.
Vibhuti, the holy ash signifies purity and the burning away
signifies trimuktis or the souls release from the three bonds:
anava, the ego consciousness, the sense of I, me and mine;
karma, the cycle of cause and effect, and Maya, the delusion, a
veiling of the true Self.
Maha Shivaratri means the great night consecrated
to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivaratri falls on Magha Bahula
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Chaturdashi i.e. the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of

Magha (FebruaryMarch). It is considered very auspicious if
Maha Shivaratri falls on a Tuesday, and Shani Trayodasi, the
thirteenth lunar day of any phase, falls on a Saturday. As Lord
Shiva is the Adhidevata, the patron deity of Saturn, one can get
rid of the malignant effects of Saturn, the deity of Karma by
venerating Lord Shiva at Pradosha (twilight) time, on a Shani
Trayodasi day.
Lord Shiva is personified as one with five faces; four of
the five look in the four directions while the fifth looks upward.
Sadyojata faces west, represents the creativity of Shiva
and earth element.
Vamadeva faces north, represents water element and
the preserving and healing nature of Shiva.
Aghora faces south represents the destructive and
regeneration aspect of Shiva and fire element.
Tatpurusha looks east, represents air and ego aspect of
Shiva.
The copper face looking upward is Ishana represents
the space and Ishwara aspect.
Accordingly, the Pancha Bhuta, the five elemental
Lingams should be worshipped by the devotees to purify the
mind, body and soul.
Ekambeshwar, the Prithvi Lingam at Kanjivaram (T. N)
is associated with Muladhara, the base chakra.
Jambukeshwar or Appulingeshwar, the water Lingam,
at Jambukesvaram, Tiruchirapalli (T. N) is associated with
Swadhishthana, the Sacral Chakra.
Runa means sin, Aruna means without sin, the one
who destroys sin is Arunachaleshwar. Arunachaleswar, in
Tiruvannamalai (T. N) is Tejo Lingam and is associated with
the Manipuraka, the Solar Plexus Chakra.
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Kalahastishwar in Kalahasti (A. P) is worshipped as the

Vayu Lingam, and is linked with the Anahata, the heart Chakra.
Koppu Lingeshwar at Chidambaram (T. N) is worshipped
as Akasha Lingam and is associated with Vishuddha, the throat
Chakra. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the formless form.
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Chapter 25
Significance of Rudraksh
Mode of worship of Lord Shiva and Its results
I inquired Dharmagupta to explain how to worship Lord
Shiva and the related rituals. Dharmagupta elaborated. There
are different gods, goddesses that we pray to. Each one is
merely a different aspect of the Supreme Brahman. A particular
deity is appeased in a particular way. For instance, Vishnu
is Alankara Priya. He is said to like adornments and being
offered flowers, garlands and perfumes. The Divine Mother is
Stotra Priya. She likes to hear the chanting of Her hymns and
to be worshipped with flowers, vermilion and turmeric. The
Moon God is Arghya Priya. He likes to be honoured by the
offering of water. The Sun God is propitiated by Namaskaras reverent obeisance, Lord Ganesha by the offering of Modakas
(a type of sweetmeat) and the God of Fire with the oblation
of clarified butter. Lord Shiva is Abhisheka Priya. He likes
being bathed with water, milk, sugarcane juice, honey, clarified
butter, sacred ash, etc., amidst chants and mantras.
Chanting Shiva Panchakshari Mantra is the first
method to worship Lord Shiva. Mahanyasa62 is the second and
performing Rudrabhishekam is the third.
The Panchakshari Mantra is the very essence of Shiva,
constituting the power of the universe, the five primordial
elements, and directly stimulates the chakras in the body of
the devotee. The Mantra is described as five- angled star. The
mantras for these five angles are of two types. While some
liberate the soul from the transmigration cycle, others bestow
wealth and riches. As the five syllables in the Mantra constitute
the five elements, the Lord is worshipped with five types of
62
The word Nyasa means placing; the worshipper touches various parts of the body pronouncing
a mantra and visualizing a deity. Nyasa is supposed to divinize the body of the worshipper.
Mahanyasa the great nyasa is recited to purify the body, mind and soul of all the impurities.
Normally it is recited before performing the Rudrabhishekam of Lord Shiva.
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offerings: Sandalwood paste for the earth element, coconut

water for water element, lighting of lamp for fire, offering
lighted incense sticks, which permeate fragrance for air, and
the reverberating sound of the bell for the sky.
Devotees, who focus their attention on the five letters
of Shiva Panchakshari and the relative, the transcendental
natures, will be blessed with the vision of the five elements in
five different colours: Silver (water) Red (fire), Earth (Yellow)
Blue (sky) and Pure White (ether). This five- coloured light
that appears shining between the eyebrows, i.e. in Kutastha
Chaitanya, during the devout chanting of Shiva Panchakshari,
is called as Sandhyopasana.
Chanting of Mantras, knowledge of the Pancha Tattvas,
Yoga Sadhana, the communion of vital life force, with ones
body mind and soul, and complete self- surrender are the means
of spiritual empowerment, which help to abate and obliterate
physical and the egoistic I consciousness, to metamorphose the
body into a sanctum sanctorum, and to become one with Lord
Shiva himself. Thus, the soul is liberated eternally. If a devotee
aspires to elevate himself to this blissful state, he has to chant
Panchakshari Mantra incessantly, worship Shiva along with
Mahanyasa and perform Rudrabhishekam.
Description of Rudrakshas
A devotee of Lord Shiva must wear beads of Rudraksha.
Different coloured Rudraksha are associated with different
castes, like white Rudraksha belongs to Brahmin race and are
seldom found. Red and honey coloured belong to Kshatriya
race, those of tamarind seed colour are of Vaishya race and
black belong to Shudra race. When worn according to ones
caste, the Rudraksha bestows beneficial results, annihilates
sin, and fulfils just desires.
Rudraksha drowns when dropped in either water or
milk. Weightless and tender Rudraksha should not be worn. A
Rudraksha is considered of good quality if it rotates clockwise,
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when placed between two copper coins. Those that rotate

anti-clockwise are of substandard quality, and have negative
energy. If a householder wears such Rudraksha, he will be
inflicted with poverty, separation from spouse, familial feuds,
etc. Nevertheless, ascetics can wear them. Five to sixteenfaced Rudraksha are widely and easily available.
Single-faced Rudraksha symbolises Lord Shiva and
double-faced one represents Ardhanariswar. A three-faced
Rudraksha is symbolic of the God of Fire, the four-faced of
Lord Brahma, five-faced of Kalagni Rudra, six-faced of Lord
Kartikeya, seven-faced of Manmatha, - the God of Love and
eight-faced of Rudra Bhairava.
The nine-faced Rudraksha, which is very hard to obtain,
as it is very rare, jointly represents Bhairava Yama (Lord of
Righteousness and Death) and Sage Kapila. The significance
of this Rudraksha is that it is empowered with nine powerspowers of Vidya (Learning), Gyana (Knowledge), Kriya
(action), Nama (Fame), Shanta (Peace), Jyeshtha, Roudra,
Anga and Pashyanti. The ten-faced Rudraksha is Lord Vishnu
and the eleven-faced Rudraksha manifests as an ansh of Rudra
himself. The twelve-faced represents Dwadasa Adityas, the
12 different facets of Sun God. Thus, there is a close relation
between Rudrakshas and different deities.
Sripada Srivallabha comprehends in His conscious
body the transcendental nature of Lord Ganesh, the leader of
Pravritti and Nivritti ganas of nature. Hence, He represents the
form of 330 million gods and goddesses. Besides no single
atom or sub-atomic particles can either stir or move without
His prior conviction. He is the causal form that acts as the root
cause of all the motions in the universe. He is the dormant cause
of all the causes. If one comprehends Him in the form of Shiva,
He appears as Vishnu and if one perceives him as Vishnu, He
takes the guise of Shiva. So only when the devotee abates his
logical and argumentative nature and surrenders himself
with total submission then only He reveals His original
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form.
Thus Dharmagupta elucidated the methods of worship
of Lord Shiva and the quintessence of Rudraksha beads and
their significance. He also accompanied me to Kuruvapuram
to behold the sacred Darshan of Sripada Srivallabha, the Lord
of Universe. We prostrated at Sripadas feet in obeisance and
sat in meditation for some time. After some time, as it was
time for sunset, Sripada asked us to cross the River Krishna
and go to Panchadev Pahad. We obeyed His orders. We spent
that night conversing devoutly about Sripada and His divine
plays. Listening to the euphonious chanting of Digambara
Digambara! Sripada Srivallabha Digambara!, from a remote
distance we slowly slipped into sleep.
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Chapter 26
Kala Purusha
Early next morning, we came back to Kuruvapuram and
paid obeisance to Sripada. Dharma Gupta humbly requested
Sripada to enumerate about Kali Yuga and its characteristics.
Dear Sons, Kala time, is the Divine cosmic form
of the Supreme. Samvatsara, the year is also known as
Samvatsara Purusha. A Samvatsara comprises of several tiny
constituents of time, broadly classified into Uttarayana and
Dakshinayana. Narayana Upanishad describes Lord Vishnu
as the Time Kalascha Narayanah. Thus, time is reckoned
as Lord Vishnu who is known as Kalatma- the Soul of Time.
Hence, some worship Kala Purusha as the embodiment of
Lord Maha Vishnu. The body of Kala Purusha is divided into
12 limbs or months. The Dwadasakshari Mantra (12-syllabled
mantra) represents one syllable for each month. It exalts the
glory of Kala Purusha. It is also known as Dwadashakshari
Vidya. A yogi finds this time cycle in his body itself. According
to this Vidya, the body is considered as Brahmand, the thought
centre in the brain as Brahma Loka, navel as Vishnu Loka and
the heart as Rudra Loka. Further, the yogi visualises the six
chakras in his body as six seasons.63 This Vidya is also known
as Raja Yoga Vidya.
Janyu deities reside in the semen. They transfer the
karmic effects of previous generations of their lineage to the
next generation and make them undergo the effects. These
deities also known as Pitru Devatas accept the obsequies
offered to the ancestors and personally offer these libations,
there by liberating them. Pitrudevatas are the Janyu deities
and not our dead ancestors, as commonly believed. Time plays
a crucial role in handing over the Karmic effects from one
generation to another.
63
The Hindu calendar has six seasons. Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemant and Shishir
Spring, Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, Winter and, Winter and Fall.
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Catastrophic disasters due to natural calamities like

floods, earthquakes, etc., deviation in the orbit of the planets,
unexplained darkness during day, and appearance of massive
comets are some of the characteristics that portend the end of
Kali Yuga.
During the last phase of Dwapara Yuga, Sanatana
Vedic Dharma - the eternal truth of life, was shining in a blaze
of glory. The Dharma of Kali Yuga is immorality, treachery,
and disbelief in the existence of God. Kala Purusha, the
personification of Kali Yuga was finding it impossible to spread
immorality, as people were righteous. He performed a penance
to the Supreme Lord underneath a western sea for thousands of
years. When the pleased Lord appeared in front of him, Kala
Purusha questioned Him.
Lord! People everywhere are adhering to the scriptural
injunctions and leading pious lives. How can I follow my duty
to spread immorality in the minds of people, when Dharma is
shining like fire in every direction?
The Supreme Lord in reply said, As long as I am on
earth in a human form (as Krishna), it is impossible for you to
spread evil. However, as it is your duty to spread evil I grant
you the power to influence the minds of people after I leave
my mortal frame. On a distant land, are two people Adama and
Havyavati. They are siblings, virtuous by birth. Try to provoke
and influence their minds to indulge in incest. Since it is a sin
for a man to breed with his sister, they will fall from my grace,
if they comply. Thereupon, they will become progenitors of the
Mleccha race (the non-aryan or non- vedic race). This race will
not follow the Vedas. They will eat uncouth food without any
regulations. Not being able to control their senses, they will
indulge in forbidden relationships not sparing even mothers
and sisters. Since they are sinful in nature, you will be able to
spread evil in the era that follows by largely influencing their
minds. However, I will not abandon them. I will continue to
affirm my existence revealing the Sanatana Dharma, (Eternal
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or Divine Law), to the sincere spiritual seeker, no matter how

sinful they are64.
Sripada paused for a minute; then concluded solemnly.
I have to descend in the form of Kalki and re-establish Satya
Yuga destroying all the vicious and immoral people.
Dharma Gupta expressed his wish to know about
Mother Vasavi.
Kusuma Sreshthi, a vassal king ruled a kingdom
consisting of 18 cities, with Brihatshila Nagar as his capital.
The King under the guidance of the royal priest Bhaskaracharya
performed Putra Kameshti Yaga (a religious ritual to have
progeny) and was blessed with twins; a boy Virupaksha was
born with theAnsh of Nandishwara, and a girl Vasavi Kanyaka
Parameshwari. Vaishya Swamis of 714 gotras lived in his
kingdom. However, out of them, 102 families who more strictly
adhered to their Dharma were known as Arya Vaishyas. They
worshipped Goddess Parameshwari.
Sripada then said, Tomorrow is the birthday of my
sister Vasavi. I wish to hold an assembly in Panchadev Pahad.
So, leave at once for Panchadev Pahad and construct a small
house of reeds there. I will definitely elucidate the glory of
Vasavi tomorrow.
So long as the devotee does not forget Datta, He too
will never ignore His children. Forsaking and forgetting Him
is equal to death. Constant recollection of His name will
bestow inexplicable bliss and joy, apart from sanctifying
and elevating the soul. These were the parting words of Lord
Sripada for the day.
64
This story is mentioned in the Prathisarga Parva of Bhavishya Purana, one of the eighteen
major Hindu Puranas. It is written in Sanskrit and by Rishi Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and
contains prophecies regarding the future.
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Chapter 27
Encounter with Virupaksha
We reached Panchadev Pahad and started looking for
a place to build the hut. Not knowing what to do and where
to begin, as we were new to the area, we wandered aimlessly.
After some time, we reached a small clearing in the fields. The
farmer there was building a cowshed. He told us that his name
was Virupaksha. Inviting us cordially, he offered us food. Even
while we were speculating whether to eat the food offered by a
low caste or not, he coerced us to eat. He then snatched all the
money that Dharma Gupta had.
Meanwhile some Mylaras65 and Viramushtis66 came
there. These people sing the glory of Kanyaka Parameswari,
the family deity of Vaishya community in ceremonies in their
homes. The Viramushtis were the soldiers of King Vishnu
Vardhan. Some of these soldiers, who were the devotees of
Vasavi Kanyaka, fought against their king as they felt that it
was unbecoming for the aged and already married king, to
want to marry her by force. Vaishyas honour them as they kept
their wealth, personal honour and lives at stake in the fight
against their own king supporting the cause of Vasavi . The
farmer offered food to these people also. He then asked all of
us to help him in building the hut. We complied. Giving us
food in the evening also, he asked us to stay there for the night
and watch over his field. Then he left along with the Mylaras
and Viramushtis.
In the morning much to our astonishment, the place was
empty. There were no cattle in the cowshed. The neighbouring
farmers who saw us there, asked us at what price we bought
that land. When we told them what had happened, they looked
at us as if we were crazy. Utterly perplexed, we reached the
65
A migrated tribe of shepherds.
66
Literally the valorous-fisted. These people are proficient in stick-fighting.
163
bank to go to Kuruvapuram. Since we did not have any money,

the ferryman extorted the golden finger-ring of Dharma Gupta
as his fare, and instead of safe keeping it, threw it into the river.
Already nonplussed, the ferrymans action all the more
increased our state of bewilderment. We reached Kuruvapuram
in a state of stupor and narrated our incomprehensible
experiences to Sripada.
Sripada said, The farmer was Virupaksha, the twinsibling of Vasavi. The cattle and all the other people belong
to the times of Kusuma Sreshthi. It was your providence and
good fortune that you were able to see Virupaksha and partake
of food served by him. The ferryman-extorter was none other
than me.
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Chapter 28
Birthday of Vasavi Kanyaka
It was Friday. Sripada sat in meditation in the newly built
cowshed. Suddenly He turned into a radiant form and merged
into the Sun. After a while, divine-looking infant descended
from the sun. The infant changed into a three-year-old girl.
Sripada held the little girl fondly in His arms. Watching all
this, I wondered if it was some magic or trickery of Sripada.
Sripada answered my thought. Son, there is no
magic or trickery in this. This is my essential nature. With
My conviction, I can convert land into sky. I am the cause of
all causes. I am the Supreme Para Brahman who motivates
Brahma for creation and Lord Vishnu for sustenance. Also,
Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali are different
from Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali respectively. Saraswati is the
knowledge necessary for creation. Lakshmi is the abundance
essential for sustenance. Kali is the source of divine energy
necessary for the destruction (of evil) and regeneration. The
motivating power behind the Tridevi, (the three Goddesses, or
Shaktis) is Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali,
who in turn are the forms of Anagha Devi. Anagha Lakshmi
along with Anagh is My Datta form, both of whom are beyond
and distinct from the Tri Shaktis and Tri Murtis.
Goddess Padmavati is also the form of the supreme
eternal consciousness and creative energy - Parashakti,
Saraswathi, Mahalakshmi and Parvathi are all her emanations,
which form her basis, yet is beyond them. Similarly, Lord
Venkateswara emanates as Para Brahman with the combined
consciousness of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who form His
basis and yet is beyond them. Even though Maha Lakshmi
and Padmavati belong to the same consciousness, depending
upon the form she assumes, I assume the corresponding Maha
Vishnu or Venkateswara form.
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Sripada turned towards me and said, Shankara, do

write in my biography whatever is transpiring here today in
Panchadev Pahad.
Then, Lord Venkateshwara and Padmavati emerged
out of the body of Sripada. The three-year-old girl turned into
Mother Vasavi. The cowshed turned into a palace with Kusuma
Sreshthi, Virupaksha and other ministers seated on golden
chairs embedded with precious gems. The 108 Arya Vaishya
couples who jumped into the fire along with Vasavi also came
one after another and occupied their respective seats. Sumati,
Raja Sharma, and Sreshthi couple arrived in their subtle forms.
Nageshwara emerged from Mother Vasavi. We watched all of
this in awe.
Addressing the assembly Lord Venkateshwara raised
the issue of engagement of Vasavi and Nagareshwara. Today
is an auspicious day. I wish to perform the engagement
ceremony of my sister Vasavi and Nageswara. All of you are
aware that the aged King Vishnu Vardhana proposed the hand
of Vasavi in marriage and invaded Brhihatshila Nagar when
she refused to marry him; and she gave up her life entering
the sacred pyre to safeguard her honour. Along with her,
102 Arya Vaishya couples gave up their lives. Some Arya
Vaishyas who were the ardent devotees of Parameshwari
used to offer their offspring to the goddess. Such boys were
called Bala Nagaras and girls as Gaura Balikas. The Guara
Balikas should marry only Bala Nagaras. As Vasavi is a
Gaura Balika, we can consider Nagareshwara as Bala Nagara
and settle the match. But as he has no parents, no family
lineage, is it correct to give my sisters hand in marriage to him
just because they like each other? I request you all, to please
think deeply and come up with a solution.
The assemblage was in dilemma at this twist in the
marriage proposal of Vasavi and Nageshwara. They prayed
to Lord Ganesha. He declared, Vasavi and Nagareshwara
are none other than my parents Goddess Parvathi and Lord
166
Shiva respectively and hence their marriage can be performed

without any hesitation.
To this, Lord Venkateshwara raised one more objection.
A marriage is considered as having the sanction of Dharma
only by the prior consent and blessings of Lord Ganesha.
However, Ganesha was not yet born at the time of the marriage
of Parvati and Lord Shiva. So, in the first place, their marriage
itself has no sanction of Dharma, let alone the marriage of
Vasavi.
Everyone present there, were taken aback at the words
of Lord Venkateswara. Lord Ganesha spoke seriously. Isnt it
I who always existed in the basic chakra of all the deities and
beings, even before my manifestation? As such, I existed in
the basic chakra of Lord Shiva and gave my consent for their
marriage and so it has been performed according to Dharma.
It is not right to say that my father has no lineage. Since My
son sage Labhadi is the progenitor of Labhadi clan, obviously
my father, Lord Shiva also belongs to Labhadi family lineage.
Seeing that the Labhadi Gotra is one amongst 102 gotras of
Arya Vaishyas, Nagareshwara without any doubt is an Arya
Vaishya.
As such, I think your objection to this marriage is only
that you think my father is poor. So, I proclaim that henceforth
whoever worships Lord Shiva by performing Abhishekam will
be blessed with the mercy of Goddess Lakshmi; and those who
worship Him on Saturdays during Pradosha time will enjoy
both mundane and ethereal bliss.
Then Vasavi made it clear that though she remained
in the form of Kanyaka, Her consciousness was ever filled
with Shiva consciousness. Moreover, after the incarnation of
Kanyaka, which lasted for only 18 years, she once again turned
herself into Goddess Parameshwari, Her primordial form.
After these revelations, the engagement ceremony of
Vasavi and Nageswara was performed in all pomp and revelry.
167
Words fall short to eulogise the benign mercy of Lord Sripada

who made us a part of this grand ceremony. The next day, the
palace that materialised, once again turned into the cowshed.
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Chapter 29
Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari and the Arya Vaishyas
Back in Kuruvapuram, Sripada spoke to us quietly.
My sons, blessed are you, who witnessed the birthday and
engagement ceremony of Vasavi. Time and place are like play
things in my hands. I can interchange occurrences of the past,
present and future. I can only be comprehended depending upon
the level of ones cognisance. When you surrender yourself
completely to me, the I, the Self, the Parabrahman within you,
and perform your actions according to my mandate, then I will
shoulder all your burdens and troubles, and help you navigate
across the sea of your life.
The humankind in Kali Yuga is like the demon-king
Hiranyakashyapa. They will scale new heights in the field of
physical science but their attitude towards Mother Nature and
fellow human beings will be similar to that of Hiranyakashyapa.
So I will incarnate as Narasimha Saraswati in Gandharvapuram
with the attributes of Lord Narasimha to mercilessly tear apart
the evil, and of Goddess Saraswati to govern and control the
ways of the world with my words.
He then narrated the story of Vasavi Kanyaka 14
of Divine Mother, was born as Kusuma Sreshthi, a Vaishya
King of Brihatshila Nagar, and ruled a kingdom that stretched
over 18 paraganas. He was a vassal king of Vishnu Vardhana
Chalukya of Vengi. He was blessed with a son Virupaksha and
a daughter Vasavi, who was none other than the primordial
Shakti incarnate. Smitten by her beauty, Vishnu Vardhan
expressed his desire to marry her. Apart from the fact that the
king was aged and already married, as his daughter dedicated
her life to spiritual attainment and was not interested in
marriage or mundane affairs, Kusuma Sreshthi refused the
proposal. Vishnu Vardhan sent his army to capture Kusuma
Sreshthi with an evil intension to marry Vasavi by force. But
his army was defeated. The furious king took the command in
169
person, and set out with a huge army. Meantime, the Vaishyas
were divided in their opinion about Vasavis marriage to the
aged King, as he was very powerful. In order to prevent further
bloodshed and destruction, and to safeguard her honour, Vasavi
decided to immolate herself in the sacred fire.
The King and the Queen and Arya Vaishyas of 102
Gotras, who were in their favour, and who believed in the
incarnation of Vasavi, expressed their desire to follow her.
Before plunging into the fire, Vasavi revealed Her true self,
appearing as Arya Maha Devi, with brilliance surpassing the
brightness of the sun and said that those who worship Lord
Nageshwara - the Adhi Devatha (ruling deity) of Vaishyas,
the gotras and the family deities would be blessed with Her
presence in a subtle form and with eternal happiness.
The moment radiant Vasavi and the others entered the
holy fire Vishnu Vardhana, who marching ahead, reached the
main entrance of Brihatshila Nagar fell dead with his head
splitting into pieces.
Sripada then told the names and gotras of the 102
couples who entered into fire along with Vasavi and added that
recollecting their pious names would obliterate the sins of a
person.
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Chapter 30
Samsayatma Vinashyati
The One Who Doubts Shall Perish
Sripada enumerated the levels of spiritual practice and
their consciousness in the following manner: Human beings
have sixty four levels of consciousness. Sadhakas, the spiritual
aspirants of Natha tradition carry out sixty four Sabara occult
practices, uniting their own consciousness into these sixty four
consciousness levels with an aim to uplift the mankind. I, Lord
Dattatreya, am the Adi Guru of Natha tradition.
The speed of spiritual evolution depends upon the
levels of consciousness of a person. The radiance of a soul
depends upon the methods of yoga practiced, mantras chanted,
meditation, rites and rituals performed and the charitable works
and services undertaken and the level of consciousness attained.
The more the radiance, the greater will be the purification of
nadis. This in turn enhances the physical, mental and spiritual
powers of the person. Divine grace and mercy depends upon
the way a devotee uses his powers - whether for fulfilling his
selfish interests or for the welfare of the people. Thus, they are
the basis and based on one another. Similarly, if one acquires
the spiritual powers of Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi or Durga
and practices and develops them selflessly, that person is
bestowed with immeasurable mercy of Mother Ambika.
The good or bad deeds of human beings keep moving
back and forth from the manifest to unmanifest. The sins
committed in the previous births remain in the unmanifest, and
manifest themselves in the present birth in the form of afflictions
in personal and familial life. Similarly, the sins and meritorious
deeds of this birth reach the unmanifest, and manifest in the
next birth. Nevertheless, the evilest sins committed and the
greatest meritorious deeds performed, will yield results in the
present birth itself.
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Chapter 31
The Ten Cosmic Powers
It became a welcome habit for us to go to Kuruvapuram
in the morning and return to Panchadev Pahad in the evening.
During this time, the Supreme Guru would reveal to us many
divine secrets. One day Lord Sripada enumerated the Dasa
Maha Vidyas, the Ten Cosmic Powers.
These are the ten great paths of knowledge leading
to transcendental reality. These ten Vidyas or Disciplines
of Knowledge are ten cardinal deities and ten outstanding
personalities of the Divine Mother. Each is a particular cosmic
function and each leads to the realisation of the Supreme
Reality. Though all these Vidyas lead to the same goal
self-realisation, they are all not one and the same. They are
distinct and distinguishable manifestations of the Supreme
Consciousness.
The earnest seeker of any one of these Vidyas ultimately
attains the supreme purpose of life, self-realisation and Godrealization. All these Vidyas are benevolent and munificent
deities and so, do the utmost good to the sincere seeker of
the Vidya. These ten Maha Vidyas, Great Sciences or Great
Disciplines of Knowledge, hold the creation in their celestial
grasp. Their great names are: Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari,
Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati,
Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika.
Worshipping Sri Vidya (Lalitha Tripura Sundari)
is one of the most powerful spiritual practices and highest
form of worship of the ultimate divine energy. In times yore,
Sage Agastya learnt this from Hayagreeva67 and taught it to
his wife Lopamudra. Lopamudra ardently practised it and
comprehended its esoteric aspects and implications and
67
Hayagreeva is a plenary incarnation of Vishnu. Depicted in human form, he has a head of a

horse and eight hands, and is believed to be the storehouse of knowledge.
172
explained it to her husband. Thus both of them had unique

guru-disciple relationship with each other.
Among these ten great powers, Kali, the first form,
is the embodiment of all existential powers like the power of
knowledge, glory, prosperity, etc. Kala primarily means black,
time or death. Kali is the supreme time-force. Kali is described
in the scriptures as a dreaded deity, with a dark body and a
lolling red tongue with a garland of skulls. She is dressed in
a skirt made of severed human hands with a sword dropping
blood. She carries in her wake death and devastation. However,
Her act of destruction is a right action as it is done with a
purpose and divine discernment. As She is the destroyer of
evil and restorer of bliss, She is portrayed in this terrible form.
Destroying unrighteousness and evilness, She restores divine
order. Her black complexion symbolises Her all-embracing and
transcendental nature. Just as all colours disappear in black,
so all names and forms disappear in Her. She devours Kala
(Time) and then resumes Her own dark formlessness.A sincere
devotee of Kali can obtain enormous spiritual benefits within
a few months, rather a few days, unlike a regular spiritual
practice that takes many long years.
The second of the Maha Vidyas is Tara. Taarayati iti
Tara - the One who bestows liberation, by helping one cross the
ocean of samsara - the perpetual cycle of repeated births and
deaths - is called Tara. She is the beacon for one at crossroads
or in crises. She is the saviour, who ferries the seeker across
the waters of trials and tribulations. She grants the ultimate
knowledge, rooting out all ignorance and propelling the
beseecher from non- being to being, from darkness to light,
from death to immortality. She is also known as Neela Saraswati
- the One with the power of the word or speech, the radiance
of knowledge that pierces through the darkness of ignorance.
In the practise of this Maha Vidya, the seeker should strictly
adhere to truth. He should never even contemplate falsity in
any form or for any reason whatsoever, for, falsehood drives
173
away the Goddess. The noble seer Vasishtha was an ardent

worshipper of Tara.
The third of the Dasa Maha Vidyas is Shodasi
Maheshwari, Bala Tripura Sundari or Tripura Sundari, the
beauty par excellence. In this form the Divine Mother appears
as a beautiful young girl (bala) of sixteen (shodashi). The
Supreme Mother manifesting herself in the threefold aspect is
known as Tripura or Tripura Sundari. She is inherent in every
triad, and yet transcends them - the three worlds, the trimurthi,
the three states of existence (jagrat, swapna and sushupti), the
three forces (iccha, gnana and kriya), the triputis (perceptible,
perceiver and perception, responsible for all karmas), the stages
of development - gnatri, gnana, gneya (know, knowledge
knower), and so on. The Divine Mother in this form is the most
auspicious and does the utmost good to the worshipper.
The first mantra initiated in Sri Vidya is the Bala
Tripurasundari mantra. Liberation here and now, and not
elsewhere, is the goal of the worshippers of Sri Vidya Mantra.
The higher mantra is the Shodasi or Shodashakshari mantra,
a 16-syllabled mantra. The worshipper enjoys luxuries in this
life and attains salvation after death.
Fourth among the Dasa Maha Vidyas is Bhuvaneshwari
Devi, the sovereign of the three worlds. Bhuvana means the
universe, Eswari means ruler. She reigns the universe according
to Her will. She not only creates the worlds but also enters
into them, sustains, supports and nourishes them. She is the
all-pervasive force, permeating the whole fabric of creation.
Bhuvaneshwari represents knowledge and intelligence. She
is believed to be giver of health, wealth, and happiness. She,
being the ruler of the world, her worshipper always emerges
victorious on all fronts in life and becomes all- powerful. King
Rama also had to propitiate the almighty Goddess before he
fought with Ravana, who already conquered heaven. She has
three eyes and her complexion is red like a rising sun. She
possesses moon in her crown. A goad and a noose in her hand
174
represent her controlling power. One hand is raised to dispel

fear and the other extended to grant boons to the devotees.
Tripura Bhairavi, the fifth of the Maha Vidyas has a
fierce appearance with a garland of heads around her neck. She
represents divine anger and wrath, which is directed towards
impurities and negative karmic forces that impede spiritual
growth. Though her force is difficult to bear, it is necessary
both to protect and guide the aspirant from harmful influences.
She is the dreadful mother whose wrath is directed to safeguard
her child from anything that could endanger it. This deity is
worshipped to gain wealth and prosperity, to stay away from
diseases and to achieve victory in all the fields. She is the
Goddess who saves one from all evils.
Sixth is Chinnamasta. Legend goes that once Parvati
went to Mandakini River with her two companions - Dakini
and Varini. After bathing, the companions felt extremely
hungry and asked Parvati to quench their hunger. She asked
them to wait until they reached home. But when they started
pleading again and again, Parvati cut off her head with a sword
to quench their hunger with her blood. From then onwards she
became famous as Chinnamasta - she who is decapitated.
The self-decapitated goddess, holds in one hand her
own severed head and in the other a scimitar. From the headless
body, three streams of blood gush forth. While two attendants,
Dakini and Varnini (also called Jaya and Vijaya) standing on
either side of the Goddess drink two streams, her own mouth
in the severed head held in her hand drinks the middle stream.
She is usually depicted trampling Rati and Kamadeva, who are
lying in a close embrace. The dramatic, rather ghastly imagery
of Chinnamasta usually raises many questions in the minds of
people, making them wonder if she is even fit to be deemed a
goddess.
Shocking at first, but in fact it symbolises sublime
spiritual truths, and each feature of the iconography has an
important point to make. Chinnamasta is associated with
175
the awakening of the kundalini the spiritual energy. The

severed head is transcendent consciousness. Decapitating her
own head suggests cutting of the earthly moorings, the knots of
ignorance, and the conquest of the senses and the kleshas, the
five afflictions that come along with a human birth: ignorance,
egoism, attraction, repulsion, and attachment to life, that are
the obstacles to spiritual enlightenment. The ability to remain
alive despite the beheading is associated with awakening of the
kundalini. The message here is that the Self is indestructible
and eternal.
The three spurts of blood represent the flow of
consciousness, the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna, associated in
turn with the Dakini and Varnini on both side, and Chinnamasta
in the middle. Gaining mastery over the flow of ones own
awareness through yogic practice leads to the experience of
the supreme Self. The middle stream representing the cosmic
energy passing through Sushumna is consumed by the head
of the Goddess herself, as Chinnamasta is the energy in
Sushumna. The streams on either side are consumed by the
attendants Varnini and Dakini representing Ida and Pingala, as
her attendants are not yet fully self-realised but will be, with
her help and example. This imagery tells that instead of looking
outward and engaging in the delusive acts of Maya, one should
look inward, purifying oneself and enable the Kundalini to
rise.
The couple - Kamadeva and Rati under her feet
represent the rising of the Muladhara chakra, awakening
the kundalini, traversing through the central passage in the
body the Sushumna nadi, and hitting the topmost chakra,
the Sahasrara at the top of head, with such force that it blows
her head out. As it travels upward along the sushumna, it cuts
through the various knots of ignorance. It symbolises that the
worship of Chinnamasta, gives one, complete mastery over
the sex-impulse and other impulses of the senses. She is also
known as Prachanda Chandi for she is more terrible than Kali
176
who is also known as Chandi, for while Prachanda Chandi

destroys instantaneously without taking time, her action as
Kali though strong and swift, works with the aid of Time.
Dhumavati, the smoky-one, is the seventh Maha Vidya,
also known as Ugra Tara. She is portrayed as a widow. She is
the Shakti bereft of Shiva, the feminine principle devoid of
the masculine principle. She is depicted as ugly and repulsive.
Pale face, long limbs, sparse teeth, sagging breasts, old with
dirty clothes and dishevelled hair, she is seated on a cart with a
raven as a banner. She has a winnow in one hand and the other
hand is raised as if granting a boon. A spiritual aspirant has
to transcend her external delusive ominous ness to experience
the internal ultimate knowledge of the universe. Not lucidity,
rather obscurity is her nature. However, by veiling all that is
known, Dhumavati reveals the depth of the unknown and the
unmanifest, leading to total cognisance. She leads one from
the non-being to the being, from the darkness to the light, from
death to immortality. By propitiating this deity one is free from
mundane and familial problems.
Bagalamukhi, the eighth Goddess smashes the ego
with her cudgel, shattering it so that one may be liberated
from delusions. Bagalamukhi is most commonly portrayed as
holding a cudgel in her right hand with which she is beating
a demon, while pulling his tongue out with her left hand.
The demon is Madan, who had been bestowed with a boon
of fruition of speech that is, anything he said came to be.
He immediately began abusing this power and killing people
with it. Bagalamukhi confronted him, grabbed his tongue,
and stopped him from speaking. This image is symbolic of
removing the impurities associated with speech and tongue.
She is also known as Pitambara Maa, as she has a
golden complexion and is dressed in yellow. She helps her
worshippers to overcome familial, spiritual, social and worldly
problems, which hinder their progress in those fields. Mostly
kings used to worship this deity to suppress and subjugate
177
their enemies. Brahma, Vishnu and Parashurama were the

worshippers of this deity. Lord Venkateshwara was worshipped
in the form of Bagalamukhi for a considerable period of time.
Matangi,68 is the ninth form. When Matanga
Maharshi was doing tapas to please Kali, Devi appeared to
him in this form and hence came to be known as Matangi.
She is also called Syamala. While Kali is a terrible form,
Syamala is a pleasant form. She is praised as Marakata
syama or light emerald colored, and holds a parrot. The
Goddess Meenakshi at Madurai is worshipped as Mathangi.
Matangi governs all forms of speech, especially poetry,
and music. She is the mother of knowledge and arts, and
is praised as jnana Shakti swarupini. She is the minister of
Lalita Devi, and the presiding deity for wisdom. She is
worshiped in different forms, Raja Syamala, Sangeeta Matangi
etc. Worshipping her enables one to gain control over enemies,
attract people, and acquire mastery over the arts and gaining
supreme knowledge. Matangi is often represented as emerald
green in colour which is associated with deep knowledge and
profound life-energy. She is the deity for defeating evil and
establishing peace, tranquillity and prosperity. She graces the
devotee with a peaceful family life.
Kamalatmika or Kamalalaya is the last of the Dasa
Maha Vidyas. She is the most beautiful deity with an enchanting
smile and a golden lustre in her appearance. She is the symbol
of abundance and material fulfilment. She is Goddess Lakshmi
in her highest form. She can be propitiated both for ordinary
worldly goals and for spiritual realisation. One who worships
her enjoys royal luxuries, wealth, name and fame.
Explaining in detail about the Dasa Maha Vidyas,
Sripada addressing us said, Anagha Devi is the combined
form of all these powers, and the devotees who worship her
68
It is said that Kalidasa worshiped Matangi for the poetic genius She bestowed on him. Refer,
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Sakta_Vidyas
178
realise all their desires.

He then turned to me. Shankara, he said, the
devotee who completes the Parayana of My biography, and
performs Anaghashtami on the eighth lunar day and feeds
eleven people will derive great benefits immediately. Son,
do not perceive the Biography as mere annals of history or a
simple story book. While reading the book, the devotees will
be in communion with me even without their knowledge.
Hence all their just desires will be fulfilled at once. If placed
in the prayer room, the auspicious vibrations that emanate
from it will drive away all negative forces and negative
energy.
179
Chapter 32
Navnaths
I then asked the Primordial Guru, Sripada about
Navnaths. The moment I uttered the word Navnaths, His
countenance lit up with joy. He said with a benign smile,
Beloved Sons! Recalling their very names is sufficient to ward
off ones sins. Moreover, the devotees of Navnaths receive the
grace of Lord Dattatreya. He continued, Emperor Rishabha,
a partial incarnation of the Lord, had a hundred sons, of whom
Bharata was the eldest who ruled this land, known thereafter
as Bharat. His last nine sons, who became ascetics, were
embodiments of Lord Narayana; hence, were called Nava
(nine) Narayanas. The remaining sons had Brahmanic qualities
and became Brahmins.
At the end of Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna instructed
these nine higher entities to incarnate as Navnaths to establish
Dharma and sampradayas (traditions) of spirituality, increase
the importance of Bhakti yoga, initiate people with mantras
and advise them on the path to Yoga. Nava means nine and
Nath means Lord; so Navanath means Nine Lords. They were
the greatest Avadhoots ever witnessed. The Navanarayanas
and the corresponding Navanathas are as follows:
NAVANARAYANAS
NAVNATHS
(1)
Kavi Narayana
Matsyendranath
(2)
Hari Narayana
Gorakshanath
(3)
Antariksha Narayana
Jalandharnath
(4)
Prabuddha Narayana
Kanifnath
(5)
Pippalaya Narayana
Charpatanath
(6)
Aavirhotra Narayana
Naganath
(7)
Drumil Narayana
Bhartarinath
180
(8)
Chamas Narayana
Revananath
(9)
Karbhajan Narayan
Gahaninath
Sage Vyasa, much earlier had described their birth in

his Bhavishya Purana.
The births of Navnaths are mystical, unthinkable, and
unbelievable; however, their enigmatic births are because they
are Ayonisambhavas.
As described by Sage Vyasa in Bhavishya Puranam,
eighty eight thousand rishis were born from the seed of Lord
Brahma. Some of it fell in different places on earth. A fish
swallowed the part that fell in the River Yamuna, in whose
womb Kavi Narayana incarnated as Matsyendranath. Once,
Lord Shiva was expounding to Goddess Parvati the sacred
doctrine of Yoga and Tantra in a place of solitude on the
banks of River Yamuna. Parvati fell asleep during the lesson.
Matsyendranath who was in the womb of a fish at that time
heard the doctrine of Lord Shiva and attainting enlightenment
lost all kinds of Dvaita-bhava.
When Shiva asked Parvati few questions Matsyendranath
replied from the womb of the fish. The Lord understood him to
be the incarnation of Kavi Narayana. O Great One! You shall
be initiated by Lord Dattatreya, saying thus Shiva and Parvati
left for Kailasa. Remaining in the belly of the fish for the next
12 years, Kavi Narayana dedicated himself to Tantric Yogic
practices. When a fisherman caught the fish and slit it open,
Matsyendranath emerged out of the fish as a fully realised soul.
During his wanderings, a childless Brahmin woman
implored him to grant her a child. Matsyendranath gave her
some sacred ash and instructed her to consume it. When her
neighbours derided her naivety for believing in such things to
have a child, the apprehensive woman threw the holy ash into
a heap of cow dung. Matsyendranath returned some time later
and asked her about the child. The woman avowed that she had
discarded the holy ash in the heap of cow dung. Matsyendranath
181
went to the heap and bid the child to come out. A twelve-yearold boy emerged out of the heap. He took the boy with him
and named him Goraksh (cow [dung]-ash) and made him his
disciple. Thus Harinarayana incarnated as Gorakshanath.
On one occasion a king named Brihadrava was
performing Soma Yajna at Hastinapur. Antariksha Narayana
emerged out of the flames of the yajna as Jalandharnath.
Kanifnath incarnated from the seed of Brahma, which
fell inside the ear of an elephant, sleeping in the Himalayan
forest. Afterwards Prabuddhanarayana entered it as preplanned and emerged as Kanifnath and became the disciple
of Jalandharnath. Soon after, he meditated for twelve years
standing on his big toe. He later became famous as Karnakanifa
and Konoba.
The seed of Brahma fell near the bed of River Bhagirathi
and got stuck in a reed. Pippalayana entered it and emerged as
a child, who later became famous as Charpatinath.
When King Janamejaya of the Kuru dynasty was
performing Sarpayaga, Sage Aastika with his power, hid a
serpent under a Vata, Baniyan tree. From the seed of Brahma
swallowed by this serpent incarnated Aavirhotra Narayana. He
became famous as Vata Siddhi Naganath.
Once, the seed of Sun God fell in the begging bowl of
Sage Kaulik. The sage by virtue of his cognitive power could
previse the birth of Drumilnarayana. Drumilnarayana entered
it and emerged as a child. As he incarnated from a begging
bowl (Bhartari), the child came to be known as Bhartarinath.
As instructed earlier by Lord Krishna, Chamas Narayana
entered the seed of Brahma which fell on the banks of River
Reva and emerged as Revananath.
Once, Gorakshanath while making a clay statue was
chanting the Sanjeevani Mantra to by heart it. As he was
chanting the Sanjeevani Mantra, the statue came to life. It
was none other than Karbhajan Narayan who emerged as
182
Gahaninath as commanded by Lord Krishna and predicted by

Sage Vyasa.
Reverend Guru! I asked. Is there any difference
between Nava Narayanas and Navnaths, the latter being the
plenary incarnations of the former?
I am the great conviction of the entire creation, and the
convictions of the remaining deities form a part of my conviction.
They enjoy only a limited freedom like a cow secured by a
halter to a peg; beyond that, they need the permission of the
Master. I constrain the Anshavataras who descended with a
plenary portion of my power within some moral and karmic
purview. They act as a bridge or a link between the supreme
power and the beings. As they do not breed any negative
feelings like hatred, jealousy etc., unlike human beings, they
can perform all the tasks performed by the Almighty. Hence,
for a normal human being, there is manifestly no difference
between a plenary incarnation and a complete incarnation.
Then, is Vasavi Kanyaka a complete incarnation or
plenary incarnation?
The earth cannot endure the infinite power of Universal
Mother had She descended as a complete incarnation. Hence,
only a single ray of Arya Maha Devi incarnated as Vasavi with
a limited purpose - to save the Vaishya caste from peril. If
Arya Maha Devi had not descended as Vasavi, the daughter of
Kusuma Sreshthi, the Vaishya caste would have been extinct
totally in the hands of malicious kings like Vishnu Vardhana,
who would have made the beautiful daughters of their vassal
kings as their concubines, which would have, led to either
collapse or adulteration of Varnas in the society. Vasavi
immolated herself taking the wretched fate of members of Her
lineage onto Her body and blessed that the future generations
of Arya Vaishyas would never feel shortage of anything in their
lives and would lead a life of abundance.
183
In times to come, Sai Baba, a Samartha Sadguru

incarnation of me would descend in Dhishila, which later will
be called as Shirdi. Remaining in Sayujya state, the state of
perfect communion with Me, He will ward off the afflictions
of the devotees.
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Chapter 33
Marriage of Ramani and Narasimha Raya
As per Sripadas instructions, we proceeded to
Pithikapuram. Crossing the river Krishna we reached
Panchadev Pahad, where we saw the footprints of Sripada on
a boulder. We were told that Sripada used to perform Surya
Namaskaras standing on that boulder. We proceeded a little
further when at the out skirts of Panchadev Pahad, a millet
farmer graciously extended his hospitality and shared his
experiences with us.
I am Narasimha Raya. I lost my parents at an extremely
tender age and my maternal uncle brought me up. My aunt
was extremely avaricious and a duplicitous shrew. She being
an autocrat never missed a chance, rather created occasions to
keep me under her feet and on my toes, the weakest of all the
three subjects of her vast empire. Ramani, their daughter is an
ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and used to worship a small
idol. She was in love with me and wanted to marry me. Her
occasional revolts supporting my cause were subdued either
sternly or benignly. Malnutrition coupled with drudgery and
constant consternation I not only became week and frail but
also turned docile mentally.
Meanwhile a charlatan sanyasi came to our village.
Enticing my aunt that he would procure hidden treasure for
her, he performed occult worship in our house. In spite of
her repeated protests, he first got rid of Ramanis Krishna
idol. Sacrifice of hens and goats and performing rites with
their blood had become a daily routine. The house looked
more like a burial ground with fresh carcasses and bones of
animals scattered everywhere. On the pretext that Ramani was
possessed by Goddess Kali, he gave her only blood as food.
One night he tried to molest her by casting the Vashikaran
mantra, the spell of enchantment on her. But she thwarted his
attempt and hit him hard with an iron object. The impostor was
unable to grasp why his mantra failed to mesmerise her.
185
The following day a serene-looking young ascetic

came to our house, seeking alms. We were all in a state of
disorientation and disarray. In the same chaotic mind-set, we
told him that all we can offer him in alms is our penury, the
unholy and unruly mess, and the evil spirits wandering freely
in our home. The charlatan heckling derisively offered skulls
and bones. I gave him my silver talisman. The ascetic smiled
and accepted everything. Suddenly a dazzling light radiated
from his body. A ray from him penetrated into Ramanis body
making her normal and another into mine making me robust,
strong and brave. My aunt was affected with paralysis. The
imposter-swamis powers were pulverised and, he left the
place in shame. The dazzling light transformed into a twelveyear-old Sripada.
Sripada elucidated, Mother Kali is the epitome of might
and power. She is the fearful goddess with the heart of a mother.
She is in fact, the destroyer of Maya (false consciousness), the
Seven Deadly Sins69 and the eight afflictions of bondage70. She
does not seek the sacrifice of innocent animals. The truth is that
the demonic forces that exist in the Pranamaya Jagat (the vital
world), assume the form of any deity display some Kshudra
Vidyas (necromancy), and demand sacrifices. Though they
assume the form of a deity, they do not have similar powers.
Sripada, the Merciful Lord, then made my aunt
healthy once again. Furthermore, He personally performed my
marriage with Ramani. He was then twelve years old only.
Giving us some sacred akshatas71, Narasimha Raya continued,
That day Sripada gave us these auspicious akshatas and said
that subsequently we would meet the both of you - Dharma
Gupta and Shankar Bhatt, and asked us to give a portion of
these to you.
69
Wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. Among these Sloth means apathy, or
habitual disinclination to work or exertion.
70
Bhaya (fear), Daya (pity), Ghrina (contempt, disgust), Kula (pride of family), Lajja (shame,
embarrassment), Moha (delusion), Shla (pride of character), and Varna (pride of caste or race).
71
Rice grains mixed either with turmeric or vermillion.
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Chapter 34
Sharabheshwara Shastri
Wondering
at and conversing about the
incomprehensible divine play of Sripada, we renewed our
journey towards Pithikapuram. On our way, from time to time
we were offered food without even seeking for it. We reached
a village where we saw that a poor Brahmins house was being
sealed by his debtor. All their house hold articles were thrown
out. The embarrassed and humiliated family members stood
outside pale with fright. I intervened and requested the money
lender to give the Brahmin 15 days respite to clear his debt.
The debtor conceded to the proposal but asked us not to leave
the village till his debt is cleared and added that I must undergo
punishment if the Brahmin fails to repay the money. Dharma
Gupta and I decided to leave the matter to Sripada and we
weare confident that He would certainly pull us out of this selfinvited trouble.
Dharma Gupta and I sat there and started chanting
Sripadas name. Presently, all the people residing in that
locality joined us in chorus. Some of them spread a message to
the effect that I was a disciple of a great guru and that I knew
astrology and possessed spiritual powers, and hence I stood a
guarantor for the Brahmin and so on. Soon the villagers split
into two groups of supporters and sceptics, who started placing
bets on me.
Sharabheshwara Shastri of the same village was a
scholar in the science of incantations, and an astrologer, as
well. He used to predict accurately about the past, present
and future of a person with the help of a spirit. Some villagers
approached Sharabheshwara Shastri and enquired about my
prophecy. Consulting the spirit he emphatically announced
that the Brahmin would not be able to repay the loan. His
statement fanned the flames, and the wager increased up to
hundred Varahas.
187
Sharabheshwara Shastris sister also lived in the same

village. Her husband was away on business to a far-off place.
One day, at dawn she dreamt that some bandits had killed her
husband. Terrified, she informed her brother about the dream.
Her brother consulted the spirit and told that her husband had
already been killed by the bandits. My supporters brought the
wailing woman to me. The moment she saw me, she fell on
my feet imploring me to save her husband. I gave her some
Akshatas and assured her of her husbands safe return after
three days. Enraged at my prophesy, Shastri challenged that if
his brother-in-law returns, he would not only clear the debt of
the Brahmin, but would also become my disciple and worship
Sripada all through his life.
On the fourth day, his brother-in-law returned to the
village and said that some bandits had attacked him, but was
fortunately rescued by a Muslim wrestler.
The pride of Sharabheshwara Shastri was humbled.
He cleared the Brahmins debt and invited us to his house. He
narrated, Dear Sirs, I am an ardent devotee of Dhumravati
Devi, who is one among the ten great cosmic powers. If she is
pleased with the devotee she provides a happy and luxurious
life devoid of any problems. On the contrary if she becomes
furious, life will become wretched and miserable with all sorts
of afflictions. I was lucky enough to receive her grace. I used to
cure people possessed with evil spirits or afflicted with black
magic. Initially I was conscientious and selfless and never
covetous. Slowly I started hankering for money.
Around that time, I accidentally came into contact
with a Kshudra Devatha72 who helped me in soothsaying and
72
Kshudra Devatas are endowed with capacities and powers, but they are not divine in nature.
They promptly respond to those who seek their help but only to get hold of the particular human
vehicle and convert it into a centre for their activity on earth. Initially they answer every call of
the seeker, but let him down, once their purpose is fulfilled. They mislead the seekers spiritual
progress with petty glamorous gifts, and by fulfilling all his demands, inducing a false sense of
progress. Thus, his actual spiritual awareness and advancement comes to a standstill or sometimes
ends disastrously.
188
soon I began accumulating money greedily. It is said that one

should spend at least a portion of his acquired money for the
welfare of the penurious. However, instead of giving alms I
demanded money even from the poor and wretched. The Divine
Mother admonished me for my peccancy, but I did not heed.
Thereafter the predictions of the spirit began to be inaccurate,
rather erroneous which put me in a humiliating situation. I
realised that one should never associate himself with the spirits
irrespective of whether they are good or not. Please accept me
as your disciple and lead me on the path of true realisation.
There is no Guru other than Lord Sripada in the entire
universe. I replied, Chant His holy name to safely cross the
Ocean of Life.
Dhumavati Devi
189
Chapter 35
Ugra Tara Devi
We took leave of Sarabheswara Shastri and renewed
our journey. On the way, we came upon a hermitage. Two
disciples standing outside the hermitage addressed us by our
names and led us inside to their guru. There we saw a tall
graven image of Tara Devi. After worshipping the deity, we
had our lunch.
The Siddha then explained: Mother Tara Devi helps
the devotee to emancipate himself from this mundane existence
and attain salvation. She protects her devotees from adverse
circumstances and afflictions and blesses them with the
power of knowledge and eloquence. She is Neela Saraswati.
By worshipping her devoutly, even a layman can transform
himself into a scholar with sapience equal to that of Brihaspati.
Sage Vashishtha was the foremost worshipper of Tara Devi.
The Siddha continued, The Ugra Tara Siddh Pith, at
Mahisha village in Mithila73 has the three Goddesses - Ugra
Tara, Ekajata and Neela Saraswati installed on the same altar.
After offering my prayers to the deity, when I came out of
the temple, a captivatingly beautiful young girl of thirteen,
approached me and asked, Son! Who are you searching for
every whither? Is it for me?
I stood dumbfounded gazing at the divine beauty
and charm of the little girl. She had anklets on both her feet.
Suddenly she transformed into a boy who exactly resembled
her. He asked me to remove the anklets on his feet as they
became too tight. He gave me those anklets and said that they
possess vital life force and would lead and guide me at every
step. Saying thus, he disappeared.
Pausing a while, the Siddha continued his narration,
Visiting the temples of Puri Jagannath and Nrisimha Swami
73
The city of Mithila is identified as present Janakapur in Dhanusa district of Nepal.
190
at Simhachalam, I arrived at Pithikapuram and worshipped

Swayambhu Datta at Kukkuteshwara temple. My Kundalini
awakened with the Darshan of a divine snake there, and I lost
my self-awareness.
Wandering on the streets in a trance, I reached the house
of Narasimha Varma. There, I saw the same boy whom I met
in Mahishi. Varma had a handcart in which Sripada sometimes
used to return home. Varma called out the servant to draw the
cart, but Sripada forced the servant to sit along with Him in the
cart and ordered me to pull it. Initially I refused to obey His
command but then again I yielded to his coercive admonitions.
With only two people in it, the weight nevertheless was as
though I was drawing an overcrowded cart. As if adding insult
to injury, the boy started lashing me with a whip. Panting
heavily under the weight of the cart and bleeding from fresh
wounds of the whip I lugged them home.
Sripada at once rushed into the house, brought a handful
of chilli powder and ruthlessly rubbed it over my injured
body. I underwent infernal pain with unbearable searing all
over my body. After a short while, His maternal grandmother
Rajamamba came out, and to my surprise, I instantly felt
relieved of my agonising pain.
The servant narrated the entire matter to
Bapannavadhanulu and Rajamamba. Sripada denying
everything said that He had in fact applied sandalwood powder
on my body. When they checked, His statement appeared true;
it was sandalwood powder indeed.
Sripada then said, This man took initiation by himself
without taking the consent of either a guru or his parents. His
mother suffered a lot giving birth to him. His father brought
him up with great love and care, facing many difficulties.
Under the pretext of being a Sanyasin, he did not perform any
funeral ceremonies for his deceased parents. They were reborn
as servants in Varmas household. If he serves his parents for
nine days, the souls of his ancestors will be liberated.
191
I humbly followed His instructions and received His

blessings. Later I placed the anklets at the altar, and worshipping
Goddess Ugra Tara, I acquired powers by her grace, which I
have been using for the selfless service of mankind. I was preinformed of your arrival by Sripada when I sat in meditation.
He asked me to give you the anklets.
Following the command of Sripada, he then handed over
those anklets to us. We thanked the Siddha for his hospitality
and took leave of him.
Ugra Tara Devi
192
Chapter 36
Vedanta Sharma
The sweet tinkling sound of the anklets made our journey
pleasant and we experienced the flow of some mysterious, divine
power from our heart chakra to other chakras rejuvenating us
with renewed vigour. As we reached the outskirts of a village,
we were puzzled to see a hermitage amidst the shacks of
low-caste people. As soon as we approached the hermitage,
the tinkling anklets became silent. A highly effulgent ascetic
roughly 60 years old and a serene-looking woman of about 30
years came out and welcomed us.
The ascetic spoke. I am Vedanta Sharma, an inhabitant
of Pithikapuram. I am now known as Bangarayya. This is my
wife Bangaramma, a cobbler by caste. I am a devotee and
worshipper of Matangi, one of the ten great cosmic powers.
The words of Vedant Sharma did not actually soak in our
minds. We failed to understand that while he was a Brahmin of
the highest priestly caste, she was a lower caste woman. How
can they be a couple?
As if he read the chain of our thoughts, Vedanta Sharma
elucidated, During my stay in Pithikapuram, I got married
thrice, but thrice I became a widower. Sripada often teased me,
Grandpa, I shall grant you liberation, provided you accept the
woman I show you, as your wife without either marrying her
or indulging in conjugal life.
One day Sripada threw a tantrum for leather sandals.
His family members refused His demand and tried to convince
Him that Brahmins wear only wooden sandals and are forbidden
from the use of leather items. A cobbler couple Bangaramma
and Bangarayya, who was ardent devotees of Sripada, lived
in Pithikapuram. That day Sripada appeared in their house.
Bangaramma intoxicated by His divine presence, yielded to
His demand for leather sandals and took the measurement of
His feet.
193
Overwhelmed with intense devotional awe, she

exclaimed, Beloved Lord! How I wish to sew the sandals for
thy lotus feet with mine own skin!
Sripada smiled affectionately and disappeared. After
few days the cow of Vedanta Sharma died and the body was
given to the cobbler. The cobbler couple made sandals for
Sripada with its hide.
Meantime the Brahmins of Pithikapuram proposed a
meeting to discuss philosophical issues and I was assigned the
task of preparing the list of discussants. I was aware that even
after His sacred thread ceremony, Sripada did not learn any
Vedas; nevertheless He used to quote hymns from the Vedas
and make excellent analytical commentary on them. The
Brahmins however were on a look-out for a chance for Sripada
to say anything against the Vedas, so that they can ostracise
His family. This was their secret motive behind organising the
philosophical discourse. I joined them in this plan and included
the name of Sripada in the list of invitees.
The meeting started as scheduled. The Brahmins were
discussing about Adi Shankaracharya - his soul entering the
body of the dead king leaving his physical body under the
care of a disciple, the queens attempt to cremate the body,
Shankaracharya re-entering his own body leaving the kings
body behind so as to protect it from being burnt, etc.
Sripada asked them, Do you think that the soul remains
only in one body at a time? Does it not occupy three to four
bodies at the same time and obliterate its karmic effects?
The assembled members unanimously negated saying
that they did not find mention of any such thing anywhere.
Sripada smilingly replied, No! You are mistaken.
There is ample evidence. Following the curse of Lord Shiva,
Indra was punished for his arrogance to be born a mortal, as
five incarnations the Pancha Pandavas. His consort Sachi
was born as Draupadi. Though they descended on to the earth,
194
their fundamental soul remained in heaven.

I remarked, Sir! Those instances might have occurred
in times yore, in the Purana Yugas, but such things do not
transpire in the present times!
Just because some things are simply beyond our
natural, finite comprehension does not mean that it cannot be
so, thus saying Sripada turned towards me and stated, your
soul is born concurrently as Vedanta Sharma, a Brahmin,
and also as Bangarayya, the cobbler. Your female energy is
simultaneously present in your late three wives, and in the cow
that died recently and finally in Bangaramma too. The chaitanya
of your three wives and that of the cow have now merged into
the chaitanya of Bangaramma. Thus, though chaitanya enters
into three to four different bodies at a time, each body believes
it to be its own identity. However, when one body possessing
the same chaitanya dies, then that chaitanya merges into the
other body which is still alive. This is the secret of creation.
Hence, treat Bangaramma who has your female energy in her,
as your wife. Nevertheless, since her body in this birth has
been given to Bangarayya, do not expect any sensual pleasures
from her. Overpowered by devotion, she said that she wished to
make a pair of sandals for me with her skin. She made sandals
for me with the hide of the dead cow. Since the cow has her
chaitanya, whatever she uttered in devotion has come to pass.
I am aware that this council was held to expel us from
the caste. Sripada turned solemn. Vedanta Sharma, He said
sharply, I expel you from the caste. Henceforth, you will be
known as Bangarayya.
Before the very eyes of everyone present there, a small
flame from the body of Bangarayya merged within me.
Right in front of you, the soul of Bangarayya has
merged into the consciousness of Vedanta Sharma. Now tell
me, what is his identity? Is he a Brahmin, or a cobbler?
Sripada put the congregation in a moral dilemma.
195
I desire that the people of all castes perform their

respective duties and lead a righteous life. Else, one will endure
misery and suffering. Reform in a person can be brought
about, in two ways. The first one is voluntary, where an
impetus for reform arises from within the person. The
person then looks out for ways and means to redress and
redeem. This is a pain-free process.
The second method is coercion and a painfull process,
wherein the person needs to be compelled and pressurised
as he is neither susceptible nor receptive. Change in this
case takes some time. All of you fall in the second category.
So if you do not take a proper decision, it will lead to complete
and utter annihilation; and I will establish Dharma even at the
cost of annihilation. He said emphatically.
Everyone in the assembly sat struck dumb. Left with no
choice, I started living with Bangaramma here, at the outskirts
of the village, worshipping Goddess Matangi. Quite some time
ago, Lord Sripada visited us on His way to Kuruvapuram and
informed that in course of time Shankar Bhatt and Dharmagupta
would pass by this place and that we should take His anklets
from them and to entrust these Padukas in return.
Then Vedanta Sharma explained about Goddess
Matangi. The daughter of sage Matanga is Matangi Devi.
She is also known as Raja Matangi and Karna Matangi. She
is described as Saraswati in the Vedas and as Udgita in the
Upanishads. She represents Vaikhari Speech. The devotees of
this deity will be blessed with amiable marital relations. I was
blessed to witness Sripadas manifestation of Raja Matangi,
he said with a sense of overwhelming joy. Then he gave us
Sripadas leather padukas and took His anklets from us.
196
Chapter 37
Encounter with the devotees of Chinnamastadevi
We resumed our journey taking the padukas of Sripada.
On the way, we rested under a tree in a forest. Some yoginis
who came there instructed us to leave the place right away as
they were about to worship Chinnamastadevi, and men were
barred from the vicinity of that divine, sacred land. However
an elderly Yogini who seemed to be their superior allowed us
to remain there and asked us to change into womans garments.
No sooner we dressed up in womans clothing than we were
transformed into women with all feminine attributes. They
addressed us Shankaramma and Dharmamma.
They took out the idol of Chinnamastadevi from a
basket, placed it in the middle and engaged in a frenzied dance
around it. Not even in our wildest dreams, did we ever imagine
the existence of such a bloodcurdling dance to appease a deity.
The elderly Yogini elucidated. The self-decapitated
headless goddess, Chinnamastadevi, held her own severed
head in one hand, a sabre sword (scimitar) in another. The
headless trunk represents the feminine deity of power and
energy, the ruler of this transient world. Worshipping this
Goddess at midnight would yield beneficial results. She is
prayed to win over the enemies, to conquer and expand the
territories of a kingdom and even to attain liberation. A headless
trunk notwithstanding, this divine mother is alive. This Yogic
Prakriya is known as Paripurna Antarmukhatvam, the inward
retreat or inward-facedness.
This was rather a bizarre and terrifying experience for
us. Then at the onset of midnight, with an intention to offer us
as ritual-killing to the Goddess, they tied Neem leaves around
our necks and applied Tilak on our foreheads.
Then with one stroke of the sword they beheaded
us. With our head separated from the body, we experienced
197
agonising pain. Soon we felt drowsy and passed out. Yet

we could sense the approach of a dazzling radiance, and the
disappearance of the Yoginis into thin air, followed by the
restoration of our severed heads back to our bodies. We then
slipped into a deep slumber. When we woke up the next day,
we regained our masculine forms. We changed into the new
garments kept there for us and continued onward.
A wayfarer we met on the way said, Sons! Every
individual possesses both male and female energies within
him/her. Your feminine energy got purified with what
transpired yesterday. The power and energy from the cosmos,
the universal consciousness does not flow into ones body
unless both these energies in the person are purged. You are
fortunate that it is now flowing freely and abundantly into your
bodies. Sons! Sushumna, the central channel which is not easy
to open has been opened up for the two of you. What else do
you aspire? The padukas of Sripada brought about this fortune
into your lives. Thus saying he went away.
Levitating in the gaiety of the newly acquired knowledge
that we were in tune with the universal consciousness, we
moved on singing His benign glory.
Chinna Masta Devi
198
Chapter 38
Goddess Bagalamukhi
We met an ascetic on our way. He addressed us by our
names and asked us to give the padukas to him and take the
Kalanaga Mani, the gem of the cobra from him. We agreed.
He began to tell about himself and his experiences.
I am a devotee of Bagalamukhi, one amongst the ten
great cosmic powers. One can attain power of speech by
worshipping her. Once in Satya Yuga, a fierce storm broke out,
which could have destroyed the entire universe. Answering
to the prayers of Lord Vishnu, Sri Vidya emerged in the
form of Bagalamukhi at midnight on Tuesday, the fourteenth
lunar day and put an end to the cyclone. She is also known
as Vaishnavi Devi, Badabamukhi, Jatavedamukhi, Ulkamukhi
and Brihadbhamukhi. She represents the slaying power of
Lord Shiva and she is the striking force, the paralysing power
and stupefying Shakti, that extirpates the evil, negative and
dark powers. Lord Vishnu and Parashurama were the foremost
devotees of this Mother.
He continued. Once, I went to Kukkuteshwara temple
in Pithikapuram. I saw an extremely adorable three-year-old boy
standing outside the temple. He complained that until recently
he remained in captivity in the temple. He came out as the
priests were not taking proper care of him. I could comprehend
immediately that He was none other than Swayambhu Datta
and as the fanatic Brahmins did not allow the people of other
castes to enter into the temple, He came out to personally
attend the needs of His devotees. He gave me Darshan in the
form of Bagalamukhi, my cherished deity. With my egoistic I
consciousness being dispelled at the glimpse of her enchanting
form, I remained in an ecstatic state for eight consecutive days.
Meantime, the people started talking variously about
me. The priests propagandised that I was a necromancer who
tried to seize the cosmic energy from the idol Swayambhu
199
Datta, but due to their rigorous and reverential religious rituals,

I became immobilised. The priests proclaimed that by the
performance of special individual rituals, no misfortune would
befall them and they would be blessed with utmost wellbeing.
As the people did not know what had happened to me,
they believed the priests and a mad rush for carrying out these
special services began. The priests earned loads of money. But
strangely all the money they earned would vanish by morning.
Abiding to their own propaganda, they had to continue
performing the rituals; however they could gain nothing from
the situation as the money kept disappearing. They could not
disclose the matter for it would be humiliating and they would
lose the importance they were newly acquiring.
While on one side, the rituals continued, on the other
side, everyone was still wondering about me. They were not
sure if I was dead or alive and if I should be cremated or not.
They were afraid that if I, a necromancer were to be cremated,
I might wake up, becoming more powerful. With these fears in
mind, they approached Bapanarya. He examined me and told
them that I was in a state of Samadhi.
On the eighth day, when I regained my consciousness,
people were wary of me. So they made me stay in the settlement
of the shepherds. Lakshmi a young widow in the settlement,
used to sell milk to the Venkatappaya Sreshthi family. During
my stay in the shepherds colony a scholar who discourses on
the Puranas came to Pithikapuram. Bapanarya invited him to
his home. The scholar would drink the milk offered by Lakshmi
before commencing his discourses.
The scholar with his power of cognition had identified
the other forms of his soul and had already merged them into
him in order to attain liberation in this birth itself. He cognised
that his last form is held in the newly-born son of Zamindar;
he decided to merge it too into him. When he saw Lakshmi, he
realised that the infant would be the husband of Lakshmi in her
next birth. Sripada having perceived his thoughts condemned
200
him saying that he should not go against the divine law, as

the infant was destined to marry Lakshmi in her next birth.
If he merges the consciousness (Chaitanya) of the infant into
his own, Lakshmi would remain a spinster in her next birth,
which contradicts the will of the Para Brahman. The scholar
realised his mistake and withdrew. Sripada blessed him to lead
a happy life with Lakshmi in her next birth. Thus, Sripada, the
Universal Lord averted the untimely death of the Zamindars
son and the interlinked fate of His devotee Lakshmi.
Bagala Mukhi Devi
201
Chapter 39
Nagendra Shastri
We took the gem and continued our journey. On the
way we halted at a Brahmins place. He introduced himself as
Nagendra Shastri. Many cobras were moving about freely in
his house. He was taking care of them like his own children.
They did not harm anyone.
We sat raptly mute, wondering what account of Sripada
we might get to hear. Dear Ones, I visited Pithikapuram when
Sripada was a fifteen-year-old boy. Nagendra Shastri spoke
unpretentiously. In Kukkuteshwara temple I saw the gem
on the hood of Kalanaga that was coiled around the neck of
Swayambhu Datta. I was told that the one who possesses the
gem holds the power to repel any sort of trouble from his life
and to eliminate the malignant effects of the planet Mars. So I
resolved to own one.
While wandering along the streets I happened to pass
by the house of Narasimha Varma. I noticed that Narasimha
Varma was making beds, while Sripada was watering the
plants. Suddenly, Varma saw copper padukas under the soil of
the Audumbara tree.
Sripada beckoned and gave me those Padukas and
said, I am the Lord who is worshipped by the Kalanagas.
Place these Padukas at the altar of Nagendra and worship
them. Offer the water sanctified by worshipping the Padukas
to those suffering from any ailment. They will be cured.
One will be free of Naga Dosha as well. Nevertheless, some
amount from the maternal home (parents, uncles or aunts, etc.)
has to be included in the Dakshina, when praying for ridding
of Naga dosha. In course of time, Shankar Bhatt and Dharma
Gupta will approach you. Give them these Padukas and take
the gem of Kalanaga from them. Then He explained how the
Nagamanis were created by Him.
202
In times yore, Mother Parvathi took the form of Kali to

slay the demons, Sumbha and Nisumbha. She vanished so as to
return to her normal self. Kalanagas who control Kala (time),
were the ones who infuriated her to save the mankind from the
clutches of the two demons. I being the brother of Goddess
Parvathi had created serpent gems to honour the Nagas for their
service to humanity and granted a boon that they be bedecked
by Kalanagas on their hoods. As I created the gems for my
sister, hence, while performing puja and rituals to obliterate the
malicious effects caused due to Nagadosha a portion of money
should be contributed from any member of maternal family,
else the rites and rituals performed would not yield required
results.
Nagendra Shastri continued. Taking the Padukas
from Sripada, I took leave from Him, and set up an Ashram
here. Abiding to the Lords wishes, I am leading a simple life
healing the sick, serving the mankind and encouraging them to
lead a virtuous life with my religious sermons. After a while
my wife passed away. Around the same time, the wife of a
barber died of snake bite. With the power of my Nagavidya,
I made the snake withdraw the venom from her body. But the
barbers wife did not want to re-enter her body, rather decided
to roam freely in Pranamaya jagat (vital world) and to possess
and afflict the people. The barber implored me to resurrect her
using my powers. I said that I would make the soul of my wife
enter into her body, but he should treat his wife as his mother.
The wife of the barber was unscrupulous and a shrew
and hence her body was filled with evil and negative vibrations.
So, when my virtuous wifes soul entered her body, she started
experiencing suffocation and burning sensation as if she
were on the blazing fire. She often approached to me seeking
my permission to leave the body. This created suspicion
among the barber community that we were having an illicit
relationship. The elder members of their community passed a
verdict that I should give 3/4th of my earnings to the barber
203
as a compensation. To make matters worse, the spirit of the

barbers wife started possessing the womenfolk of the village
and pleaded for justice declaring that she was my wife.
I surrendered myself to Sripada, who admonished me.
Just because you are the husband, you should not have forced
your wife to enter into the body of the barbers wife. Because
of your inappropriate action, you made all these people suffer.
So, henceforth, you should use your power to help people
without expecting any kind of remuneration from them and
gracefully accept whatever they offer to you.
He then created such a situation, where in my wifes
soul could leave the barbers wifes body. This time her body
was duly cremated. Thus, He saved not only the dead, but also
the alive.
Tripurabhairavi Devi
204
Chapter 40
Encounter with Bhaskara Shastri
, a pilgrimage centre.
We reached Tripuranthakam74
Bhaskara Shastri, the priest in the temple of Tripuranthakam
was a native of Pithikapuram and an ardent devotee of Shodasi
Rajarajeswari. He received initiation in his sleep from Goddess
Rajarajeswari, the consort of Lord Kukkuteswara. The moment
we placed the padukas on the altar in his prayer room, we heard
a celestial voice.
Sons, after being worshipped for some time by

Bhaskara Shastri, these copper Padukas will transform into
golden Padukas by virtue of his devout prayers. Then they
will be taken by saints and Siddhas to Hiranyaloka75 and
Karanaloka76. After being worshipped there for some time,
they will be brought back to me in Maha Karanaloka77,
wearing which I will circumambulate all the three lokas. After
being sanctified thus, they will be taken away in a golden
aircraft by siddhas and will be installed deep beneath the
ground at my birthplace in Pithikapuram. Only those bestowed
with cognitive power will be able to see the swarna (golden)
Pithikapuram. The divine voice faded away. We felt blessed
listening to this immortal promise.
I asked
Bhaskara Shastri to enumerate about
Rajarajeswari. He obliged. Goddess Rajarajeswari establishes
herself in the Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra. Generally, our
74
Tripuranthakam is a village in Prakasam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva killed the three demon brothers, who ruled the three
worlds from Tripura (three fortresses like cities), at this place. Hence, the Lord here is Tripuranthakeswara. This temple is on the top of the hill. Below is the temple of Goddess Parvathi, who is
in the form of Tripura Sundari Devi.
75
An illumined astral planet, where the souls of illumined sages and seers live.
76
The spiritual realm or causal plane of existence, wherein Gods and highly evolved souls live in
their own self-effulgent forms.
77
Plane of greatness, is the abode of certain classes of primeval deities, the seven rishis, as well
as celestial spirits and gods. Its sphere of influence extends exoterically to the utmost limits of the
solar system.
205
mind, which is the seat of thoughts, transforms as the power of

intellect. The Goddess helps to create and develop discernment
to the intellect. She grants power with sagacity and intellect.
The devotees who attain the power of Rajarajeswari can easily
destroy their enemies mainly with their power of discernment.
Rajarajeswari, the queen of queens, befitting her name bestows
her love equally upon all the beings, whether they are good or
bad, demons or deities. Being a proficient ruler, she neither
dictates nor imposes her will on the devotees; rather she with
her benevolence moulds and reforms them in such a way that
they willingly tread on the path of virtue. She is also referred
to as Bala Tripura Sundari, the loveliest in the three worlds and
as Shodashi Maheshwari, who usually depicted as sixteen year
old goddess with exquisite beauty and charm. Shodashi also
means who is sixteenth, who goes beyond the fifteen phases of
the moon encompassing them all; it also refers to the sixteen
syllable Mantra, which consists of the fifteen syllable mantra
and a final seed syllable. The Goddess is adored and worshipped
in these three aspects- Bala, Shodashi and Rajarajeshwari.
Son, since I was blessed by Sripada, I could easily and
swiftly gain her grace. Just before our arrival, Sripada had
given me Darshan in the form of Rajarajeswari, and partook
some Chitrannam78 that was offered to the Goddess. Please
have some of the same.
After having the Prasadam, we sat in meditation for
some time.
78
Chitrannam, also Pulihora or Puliyodhara is a very common and traditional rice preparation in
Southern India. It is cooked on almost all festive occasions. It is made with spicy tamarind gravy
mixed in rice. It is also commonly distributed in temples as Prasadam.
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Chapter 41
The Episode of the Pseudo-Ascetic
I then asked Bhaskara Shastri to enlighten on the four
forms of speech. He said, There are four categories of human
speech or sound vibrations. We are aware of only one level
of speech that is, our physical tongue. Nevertheless, there
exist four stages of speech - Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and
Vaikhari which correspond to our four states of consciousness
Turiya, the transcendental state, Sushupti, the dreamless
state, Swapna, the dreaming state and Jagrut, the wakeful
state. Thus, Para represents the transcendental consciousness,
Pashyanti represents the intellectual consciousness, Madhyama
represents the mental consciousness, and Vaikhari the physical
consciousness. Our ability to experience different levels
depends upon the elevation of our consciousness. Vaikhari is
the grossest level of speech, the speech of the physical tongue,
which is heard through the external senses. Madhyama is
mental speech or thought, which corresponds to the subtle
body. It is verbalised but not audible. The third level of speech
Pashyanti is where it is a state of visual imagery. Here sound
leaves its audible nature and manifests as feeling. The fourth
and highest level of speech is Para, the transcendent sound,
which is beyond the perception of the senses. Para is all
pervading and all encompassing. Para is pure intention. It is
unmanifest. It is the sound of ones soul, a state of soundless
sound. It is the speech that flows directly from the Cosmic
Creator. It expresses Ambika Shakti - the Universal Mother. It
exists within all of us. All Mantras, infinite syllables, words,
and sentences exist within Para in the form of vibration in a
potential form.
After this, he detailed when and how Sripada left
Pithikapuram. Once, an ascetic - a devotee of Datta came
to Kukkuteswara temple. He announced that he would give
Datta Diksha (initiation for worship of Datta) to all those who
were interested. He said that after taking the initiation, if one
207
adheres to the prescribed injunctions for 40 consecutive days,

all their heartfelt desires would be fulfilled. The people of all
communities started taking Datta Diksha. They offered him
large sums of money. However, the lower caste people were
not allowed to take the Diksha. Though they were denied of
this privilege, but yet they were asked to offer Dakshina to
the ascetic, saying that he would recommend their case to
Datta and solve their problems. The outcaste felt dejected.
The Brahmin council tried to force Bapanarya and his family
members to take initiation, but he refused, as he did not
like either discrimination in giving initiation or the forceful
collection of Dakshina from the lower caste people.
Venkayya, a herder who was a devotee of Lord Sripada
was disheartened for not being able to take the Diksha. Lord
Sripada appeared to Venkayya and consoled him that He would
initiate him and all his people. He also told them that instead of
a 40-day Dikhsa they can observe Dikhsa just for one whole
day and appease Lord Datta. He initiated them all and spent
the whole day encouraging and making them sing and chant
the Lords name. He assured them that one sincere appeal with
full devotion and faith is enough to draw Him towards them.
Some Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were also initiated
that day.
The next day, He visited the houses of Narasimha
Varma, Venkatappayya Sreshthi and Bapanarya and informed
them that the time had ripened for Him to leave Pithikapuram
to uplift humankind. When He came home, His parents Sumati
and Raja Sharma expressed their desire to see Him as a groom.
Sripada reminded them. I had previously told you that I will
leave home the day you express your desire of getting Me
married. I am an incarnation of Datta and as such, My consort
Anagha is always within Me in a subtle form.
Then He gave Darshan to them in His divine and
brilliant form of Lord Datta along with Anagha. He with His
nectarine touch cured the disability of His brothers and assured
208
His parents that both His brothers would become great scholars.
They all looked at Him in awe.
Meanwhile, Narasimha Varma, Venkatappayya Sreshthi
and Bapanarya reached there. Sripada spoke with all of them
with great love and respect. He told them that Narasimha
Varma would be born as Shivaji, the great king of Maharashtra
and His elder brother Sridhara Sharma as Samartha Ramadas,
the preceptor, guide and philosopher of Chatrapati Shivaji.
He also stated that His second brother Ramaraja Sharma
would be born as Sridhara, a renowned ascetic. Everyone sat
down and started chanting Vedic hymns. With a few words of
blessing, and with the Vedic hymns still gloriously ringing in
the air, Sripada disappeared gradually into the hidden radiance.
Balatripura Sundari
Shodasi Maheshwari
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Chapter 42
Datta Digambara! Datta Digambara!
Sripada Vallabha Datta Digambara!
After we had lunch, Bhaskara Shastri renewed his
narration: The Brahmins of Pithikapuram decided to ostracize
the families of Bapanarya and Raja Sharma on the pretext that
Sripada imparted Datta Diksha to the outcastes in their colony
without any formal rites and rituals, and above all proclaimed
himself as Lord Datta. Instead, the sudden disappearance of
Sripada became the topic of debate. Even then, some opined
that it was treason against the Almighty for a barely 16-yearold Sripada to declare himself as the incarnation of Lord
Datta. Some poseurs expressing ostensible sympathy came to
Bapanaryas house to know the minute details of what exactly
happened. Contrary to their expectations, everyone there was
happy and joyful, saying that Lord Datta lived amongst them
in the human form, showering and receiving love, concern and
service.
Apprehensive at the turn of events, they rushed to
the ascetic in Kukkuteshwara temple and gave him a blowby-blow account of the entire incident. The news disquieted
the ascetic. He was petrified that if Sripada is verily the
incarnation of Lord Datta, the deity he revered, then the Lord
would definitely penalise him for his guilt. Falsely attributing
spiritual or esoteric powers to himself, he gave Diksha to the
people in order to procure money.
However, his repentance was short lived. Seeking
Datta Diksha a devotee named Narasimha Khan came to him.
The very sight of a bundle of Varahas tucked in at his waist
was enough to raise the ascetics greed. Chanting mantras,
he poured water into the hands of Narasimha Khan from his
Kamandalu to initiate Diksha.
With the water that you poured into my hands, you
have given away your entire good karma to me. I in turn
210
offered that good karma to Pithikapuram. With these words,

Narasimha Khan vanished, much to the consternation of the
ascetic.
A scorpion, which fell along with the water from the
Kamandalu, bit a Brahmin in the crowd. Many spells and
incantations appropriate to counteract the poisons virulence
were chanted, but instead of giving relief, it aggravated the
poor mans pain. As foam started to come out of his mouth,
people began to think that the ascetic used some occult mantras
against the Brahmin, due to which a ghost in the form of a
scorpion, emerged from the water, whose bite gave out the
symptoms of a snake bite on the victims body.
All of a sudden, the victim unable to bear the pain ran
about jumping and twisting his body like one possessed by the
devil. This all the more scared the people and strengthened their
belief. Now they were sure that the man was indeed possessed
by a ghost, which forcibly would enter their homes, loot them
and give the pillage to the ascetic. A scholar there suggested
that everyone should write O ghost, please come tomorrow!
on their door posts with charcoal seeing which the ghost would
leave and return the next day to find the same message again.
Thus, the ghost would leave everyday empty-handed and the
people would ultimately get rid of it.
Leaving behind the victim writhing in pain, everyone
rushed to their houses to follow the scholars bidding.
Meanwhile, a farmer came there and told the Brahmin victim
that Venkayya, an outcaste-devotee of Sripada sent some
Akshatas given by Sripada, which would bring him back to
normalcy. The Brahmin victim took the sacred Akshatas from
him and became normal.
The villagers realising their mistake, necked out the
ascetic from their village snatching all the money he wrongfully
collected from them. Under the guidance of Bapanarya, all the
money was spent for providing food for the hungry and needy
people of the entire village. Then all the people of Pithikapuram
211
poured forth into a tuneful chant Datta Digambara Datta

Digambara, Sripada Vallabha Datta Digambara, for the first
time. A vibrant joy pervaded the atmosphere by the resounding
praise of the Lords blessed name.
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Chapter 43
Description of Anagha Lakshmi
Bhaskara Shastri then enumerated the transcendental
nature of Sripada. The Almighty God exists in all the beings
from a tiny ant to the Absolute. However, Sripada is immanent
in all beings, that is, He merges His consciousness with that of
the respective being, remaining like a leaf in a leaf and a flower
in a flower. Similarly, when He says I am the form of Maha
Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati, He means that He
is that consciousness which is inherent in them.
Anagh along with Anagha is His Ardhanareeswara
form. When the Parabrahman descends onto the earth with
a form and attributes, He has to follow worldly injunctions.
Since Sripada is an ascetic incarnation, His consort Anagha
remains latent in His body. Hence, He alone plays the role of
both parents showering love like a mother and disciplining
like a father. As a result, a devotee receives His grace swiftly
and with ease. Moreover, there is no need for Sripada to
meditate, yet He meditates and offers the punya to obliterate
the karmic effects of a devotee or to the world for the welfare
of humankind. This is the significance of this incarnation.
Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, Maha Kali and
Rajarajeswari, these four forms of the Divine Mother emerged
to control and govern the universe. The Divine Mother exists
at three levels: Ateethasthayi invisible primordial form,
Vishwasthayi universal level wherein she bears all the beings
within Her divine cosmic form and Vyaktigatasthayi at an
individual level. At the third level, She works as a mediator
between the people and the divine, encouraging and helping
to hasten the progress of humankind. This is the main purpose
behind the descent of Anagha Lakshmi.
Kali is an aggressive and destructive form, which
attacks and destroys wildly whatever problems come in Her
way. It is a feminine energy coupled with indiscriminate
213
destruction. Whereas Maha Kali belongs to the higher elevated

plane, shining in golden hue, she looks formidable.
Devi is also manifested as Maheshwari, Mahakali,
Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. These are different from the
Goddesses Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati. In the aspect of
Mahakali she is considered as the personification of the Tamoguna, or mode of darkness and sleep or inertia. She is also
Maya, the illusory energy of Lord Vishnu. Thus, one must rid
of this Maya to awaken ones real spiritual identity. It is within
this Maya that the seeming powers of evil and divisiveness
exist. Kali represents time, Kala, which devours everything in
its terrifying ways. She is black because she represents Tamoguna or the void which has swallowed everything, including
space, time, and the ingredients of material nature.
Rajarajeswari is the epitome of sagacity, discernment
whereas Maha Kali represents strength, vigour and power. She
helps the devotee to destroy the negative forces to progress
ahead in his path. Maha Lakshmi is the embodiment of perfect
gratification (Paripurnata), i.e. she is perfect combination of
prudence with discernment, and beauty with strength. Lakshmi
symbolises material abundance (Ruddhi). Whereas Maha
Lakshmi is the Shakti that motivates the beings to enjoy divine
bliss by the selfless use of material and financial abundance.
Mother Saraswati is described as Udgita in Chandogya
Upanishad. Udgita is equal to Pranavam, the Om. She is Udthe highest of all, gih- sung by all and Ta- everywhere. Thus,
Saraswati is the highest, the most adorable and all-pervading
Shakti. She is Matangi, one of the ten divine cosmic powers.
She represents Naipunyam, the divine adeptness and soul
consciousness. With Her grace, we can acquire the skill in
performing tasks; know how to make use of divine knowledge,
how to correlate the soul consciousness to our lives, and how
to coordinate different powers so as to enjoy the bliss and
happiness.
214
Dear ones, Anandam, the Bliss is a great deal stronger

than gladness which is mundane, peripheral, which is felt
with senses, mostly by acquiring or achieving something
material. In contrast bliss is perfect happiness related with and
connected to transcendent spiritual experience. One does not
feel it with external sensory organs, rather one experiences it
fully engrossed in meditation, Puja, Kirtan chanting the name
of Almighty, Swadhyay, the reading of a scripture, listening
to a philosophical discourse, he becomes unaware of the
surroundings and transcends the bodily consciousness, and
becomes one with the spiritual object. This state of bliss can
be enjoyed by even an ordinary Sadhaka. Bliss is temporary,
as soon as he returns to body there is no more bliss, only
problems. In contrast, Harsha is permanent, can only be
experienced by Yogis who are liberated from the limitations of
body and mind and single pointedly focus and contemplate on
the transcendental object and remain eternally in communion
with the Supreme soul.
Joy is also related with devotion and spiritualism. In its
macro sense joy refers to the feeling of a person who transcends
the desires. In its micro sense a staunch devotee, a sincere
practitioner who constantly receives a gleam of His mercy
and feels His presence everywhere and in all, experiences a
state of ecstasy which chills the spine brings sudden tears in
eyes and chokes up the voice. More or less this experience is
same to all who tread the path of devotion. But Happiness is
a relative term and its definition varies from person to person
and is always impregnated with sorrow.
Anaghalakshmi constitutes Maha Lakshmi, Maha
Saraswati, Maha Kali and Rajarajeswari. She resembles
Lakshmi in physical form, whereas Anagh represents that of
Vishnu and constitutes the trinity form. Hence, it is conducive
to happiness to worship Anagh and Anagha.
Then addressing me he said, Son! Shankara! The
biography you author shall prove to be a factual description
215
of the glory of Sripada. Whoever reads it with sincerity,

devotion and faith is blessed with auspicious and good
effects. Be it in any language, every syllable of it works as a
Bijakshara, the seed syllable of a Mantra.
Matangi Devi
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Chapter 44
Golden Pithikapuram
The next day we went to Tripurantakeshwar temple.
There Bhaskara Shastri elucidated the glory of Sripada to us:
Because of the descent of Sripada onto Pithikapuram,
the land there is filled with divine consciousness. After the
establishment of Maha Sansthanam, the esoteric powers lying
dormant in the earth will enliven, gradually awakening the
divine consciousness of the entire earth. Like-minded people
will be attracted to Pithikapuram by the divine magnetism
of Sripada. All the places treaded upon by the lotus feet of
Sripada, will be sanctified, awakening the Kundalini power
of the earth there. Moreover, a devotee whose earth element
is awakened by the grace of Sripada will definitely be drawn
towards the holy places like Kuruvapuram, Pithikapuram
etc. All the same, depending upon the level of elevation of
a devotee, ones consciousness gets tuned to such places,
thereby he acquires punya equivalent to that of visiting those
holy places irrespective of the fact whether they physically
visit those places or not.
Golden Pithikapuram lies underneath Pithikapuram
and covers the whole expanse of the place. Only an elevated
devotee blessed with the eyes of wisdom can behold it.
Similarly, Swarna Kashi (Golden Kashi) exists underneath
Kashi. A person who sincerely yearns with all his mind, body
and soul for a visit to Kashi acquires punya equivalent with that
of a stay in that holy land, irrespective of wherever he is. At
the behest of Mother Ganga, Sripada takes a dip every day in
the holy waters, thereby destroying the sin accumulated by the
holy dips of the multitude and restores its sanctity. Verily, Jala
Yagna of Sripada is nothing but purifying the water element of
the beings.
Perceiving my apprehensions about the authoring
of Lords biography, Bhaskara Shastri assured, The Lord
217
himself chooses the eligible author or translator of His

biography. He continues to transmit His grace and mercy
on to the writer of the sacred text. Shankar Bhatt! Your
authoring this book is just a lame excuse, for, in actuality it
is Sripada himself who writes this text making you a mere
agent.
O Noble One! Why did the Lord choose a mediocre
person like me to write His biography? I expressed my doubt.
Verily the nature of Lord Datta is such that He
cures the diseases with the things prohibited for the patient
and makes a nescient perform extraordinary tasks. This is
His divine play and an example of His divine power. Let me
elaborate.
Once an ascetic praying at the Kukkuteswara temple
wondered about the inner meaning in the Lords incarnation
as a fish. Sripada who was in the temple at that time along
with Varma and Sreshthi made him realise that initially the
entire cosmos was filled with water alone, and the fish was the
first creature in the evolutionary process and the cells79, which
create emotions, are in the shape of small fish in the human
body. Sripada counselled the ascetic to observe the principle
of Antarmukhatvam80
, to remain drawn within like a tortoise
controlling all his senses, and to practice yoga. He asked him
to remain uninvolved in worldly affairs, and attain spiritual
elevation.
79
Mirror and spindle (fish-shaped) neurons within our brains, help explain the intricacies of our
lives, and most important, confirm our relationship with the world. These cells define for us in
a concrete way how our feelings work and how we communicate empathically. Scientists only
discovered spindle neurons and their role in the brain in 1999
http://johnbessa.com/empathy/Scientific_proof_of_Empathy.html (many related sites)
80
Bhagavad Gita 2:58 One who is able to withdraw his senses from sense objects, as the tortoise
draws its limbs within the shell, is firmly fixed in perfect consciousness.Ch 5:21 with the self
unattached to external contacts one finds bliss in the self.
218
Chapter 45
Sripada commands Hanuman to descend
After lunch, Bhaskara Shastri exemplified furthermore
the glory of Sripada, Sripada bestowed many yogic powers
to many ascetics in Kashi. From there, He went to Nepal
and approached Hanuman who was performing penance on
a mountain there. He appeared to Hanuman like Rama, His
beloved deity, along with consort Sita and his three brothers,
Bharata, Lakshmana and Satrughna. He blessed Hanuman to
incarnate as an ascetic who will become famous as Sai, the
one who is in control of the senses, and whose spiritual mantra
would be Allah Malik. Allah is the combination of two Arabic
words: Al means Shakti (power) and Ah means the wielder of
Shakti. Thus, Allah indicates the combined form of Shiva and
Shakti.
Once, Mother Sita gifted Hanuman a ruby-necklace.
Hoping to find the name of Lord Rama within the gems, he
broke open each Manikya (ruby). Disappointed at not finding the
name of his dear Lord, he discarded the necklace. Recollecting
the incident, Hanuman apologised to Sita and explained his
intention in doing so. Sripada who was in the form of Rama
consoled him and said that every action has a purpose and
that the necklace, which, was enlivened with His Atma Jyoti,
the souls light would take birth as Manikya Prabhu, the great
Guru in future.
Then as per the wishes of Hanuman, the Lord blessed
him to take birth as Sai, a complete incarnation, from the
womb of Anasuya in the lineage of Bharadwaja. Sripada also
ordered the great scholar Mehboob Subhani to take birth as
Varish Alisah to teach Sai the yogic secrets to liberate the self
from its non-eternal elements. He told Hanuman that Gopal
Rao, a great devotee of Lord Balaji (Venkateswara) would be
born as Venkusa, his spiritual preceptor, who would teach him
all about the Hindu Dharma.
219
From there wandering through many holy places, Lord

Sripada reached Gokarnam and encamped there for three
years. Then He visited Srisailam and ultimately encamped
at Kuruvapuram enlightening and elevating people and
sanctifying the land with His divine presence.
220
Chapter 46
Encounter with Dhanagupta, the Affluent Merchant
Bhaskara Shastri kept the Padukas on the altar in his
praying room and worshipped them with Akshatas whose
quantity kept increasing in multitude. He gave some of those
miraculous Akshatas to us. Bidding adieu we renewed our
journey and distributed the Akshatas to all those whom we
met on the way. En route, we encountered the wedding party
of Dhanagupta, an affluent merchant and his retinue who was
travelling towards Kondavedu to perform the wedding of his
son. We offered him some Akshatas. Dhanagupta asked us to
travel along with them in his horse cart.
Receiving the sacred Akshatas, the pleased Dhanagupta
spoke, I once met Sripada when I visited Pithikapuram on
some work. He promised me that He would send some sacred
Akshatas along with His blessings on the eve of my sons
wedding, through a merchant and a Brahmin. Sripada asked
me to offer 100 Varahas to the merchant and 10 Varahas to
his Brahmin companion. He further advised me to give my
daughters hand in marriage to the merchants son and to
perform the engagement ceremony in Kondaveedu.
Accordingly, the engagement ceremony of Dhanaguptas
son was celebrated in a grandiose manner. Dhanagupta offered
10 Varahas to me and 100 to Dharmagupta who stayed back
in Kondavedu to carry out trade in diamonds. I was seen off
with due honour to Vijayawada. After taking a holy dip in the
river Krishna and beholding the Darshan of Goddess Durga, I
met an elderly ascetic who was longing to behold Sripada. He
accompanied me to Pithikapuram, where we visited all the four
houses and the temples and listened to many stories eulogising
His glory. The members of all the four families accompanied
us to Kuruvapuram to see their beloved Sripada. We started
for Kuruvapuram early in the morning in eighteen carts. Even
though it was going to be a rather long and tiring journey,
221
that we were going to behold Sripada, made it pleasurable.

Suddenly we were in a trance-like state. It seemed as if the
carts were flying in the sky. During mid-day, the carts halted at
a place. We came out of our stupor and enquired some passersby about the place. They told us that it was Panchadev Pahad
and that day being a Thursday they were on the way to attend
Sripadas darbar where He would preach the scriptures, remove
the afflictions of the devotees and offer food as Prasadam to
everyone. Was it a vision, or a waking dream? Were we awake
or asleep? We were in a state of utter bewilderment wondering
how we covered a journey of weeks within a few hours. Mother
Sumati wrapped her son in a hug as tears of joy ran down her
cheeks. We realised it was Sripadas miracle that brought us
there in short time.
222
Chapter 47
Divine play of Sripada
Supply of food in the darbar of Sripada was always
inexhaustible. If there was any food leftover, it was thrown
into river Krishna to feed the aquatic animals.
During our conversation realizing that it was the grace
of Sripada which brought us there within short time or no
time, we looked at him with ardent admiration and devotion.
Perceiving our thoughts, Sripada declared in a light tone,
There is no task in the universe, which I cannot perform,
no weight I cannot lift and no problem I could not solve. So
bringing you here in no time was a simple task for me.
Sripadas mother Sumati and his grandmothers lovingly
expressed their wish, Dear One! We are keen to see your
marriage and celebrate it with all pomp.
Sripada replied, I shall surely fulfil you wish in my next
incarnation when I incarnate as Kalki in Shambala and marry
Padmavati in Simhala, who is none other than Anagha Lakshmi
and you will certainly be a part of that grand ceremony.
Seeing that His mother was sad, as her desire would not
be fulfilled in this life, Sripada snuggled close to her, wrapped
his arm around her and diverted her attention. In a childlike
tone He complained, Mother! I went to Mother Anasuya in
an infant form to quench my hunger, but sister Vasavi who was
already there suckling milk from her, threatened me that if I am
late in approaching you, she will suckle from you too without
sparing any milk for me.
Thus saying he at once changed into an infant.
Overwhelmed by love for her son, Sumati took Him into her
lap and nursed him with her milk. She then lovingly called
Vasavi who appeared on her lap in her infant form. Sumati
nursed both of them forgetting her sorrow.
223
Venkayya, the farmer who received Datta Diksha

directly from Sripada was among those present there. He
prostrated before Sripada and humbly beseeched, Lord, may
this place which is a testimony of your miracle become famous
in the entire world.
In future, this place will become famous and there will
be a concrete structure where my Darbar is being held now.
There will also be a Goshala, sheds for cows. Sripada assured
Venkayya that his desire would certainly be fulfilled.
I, Shankar Bhatt, am on my part writing whatever
transpired right in front of my very eyes. There is not even a
slight exaggeration or false presentation of facts. Following
this incident, we once again drifted into a slumber. When I
awoke, I could find no one except Sripada, the ascetic and me.
Even as I was wondering where all the others vanished,
Sripada declared, I sent every one back safely to Pithikapuram.
I redeem those in the same way, as they think of me. I show my
grace the way a devotee wants me to81. This was the parting
statement of Sripada for the day.
81
This is the oft repeated statement of Sripada. Certainly the omniscient Lord takes care of us the
way we want him to. The same thing is ascertained in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4:11, Ye yathaa
maam prapadyante, taam tathaiva bhajaamyaham. I respond to a devotee, the way he wants me
to or the way he expects me to.
224
Chapter 48
Description of Darbar in Panch Dev Pahad
Sripada used to conduct Darbars in Panchdev Pahad for
which He used to cross the river Krishna by walk. The Darbar
lasted all day. On Fridays, He used to distribute turmeric to the
women folk. He addressed elderly women as Granny, elderly
men as Grandpa, young men as Dear Son, and young women
as Mother, Vasavi, Radha or Surekha. He conversed with
everyone in an honorific and affectionate manner.
Darbar on Fridays was conducted either at
Kuruvapuram or at Panchadev Pahad as per His convenience.
On Sundays, He delivered speech on Yoga Vidya, Mondays on
Epics, Tuesdays on Upanishads, Wednesdays on Vedas and
their interpretations, Thursdays on various aspects of a Guru,
Fridays on Srividya and Saturdays on the worship Lord Shiva
and its significance. Thus, He used to enlighten the people on
various matters. Every day without fail, He used to enquire
about the welfare of the devotees individually and used to feed
them regularly. On Thursdays, the meal included a sweet dish
in the menu, which He used to serve personally. He fed some
with His own hands. The devotees who came with physical,
mental or financial troubles returned home with a light heart as
their problems were solved by the grace of Omnipotent Guru.
No one was allowed to stay in Kuruvapuram at nights
as deities, siddhas, yogis visited Him during the night seeking
His blessings. However, He allowed the elderly ascetic to stay
there for a few days, and after that He asked the ascetic to go
to Kashi and spend his remaining life there. Cooking, washing
the vessels, taking care of the amenities of the pilgrims were
my primary duties. Irrespective of their time of arrival, Sripada
offered food to every devotee and used to say that food should
be partaken as Prasadam of the Lord. Sometimes when any
food items or rice appeared scarce, He would sprinkle water
from His Kamandalu over the dishes and Lo! There would be
225
inexhaustible supply of food. He never ate more than a fistful.

People who did not transform their frail ways after
His Darshan faced unique problems. They would once again
rush to Him to redress their grievance and returned home as
reformed souls. He insisted that the funeral obsequies of the
departed elders should be performed annually with concern,
respect and faith but not as a grudging duty. He declared in
clear words that all are same for Him, but each person reaps
the effects depending upon their good and bad deeds and the
resultant karma. He would insist that a person pay respect to
his guru as it is equal to having paid respect to Sripada, the
Primordial Guru. He used to forewarn the devotees that only
a guru can save his disciple from the wrath of any deity, but if
the guru himself becomes angry with a disciple, no one in the
whole wide universe can save him.82 He counselled that one
should fix their soul, mind and reason on the Almighty and
carry out all their chores. Chanting the name of God Almighty
clears the path and makes the progress smooth, swift and easy.
82
The Grace of the Guru is considered more powerful than the Grace of the Lord Himself. We
realise that even after surrendering to God we are not able to ingratiate ourselves into the Lords
favour. A Guru actually pleads for us with the Lord on our behalf. In fact there is a saying: Shive
rushte gurus-trata, gurau rushte na kaschana (in Guru Gita) meaning, When the Lord is angered
the Guru becomes the saviour but when the Guru is angry, nobody can save. We need Guru for
this role of his.
226
Chapter 49
Ways to destroy Karma
Shankar Bhatt! Sripada one day addressed me. The
activity we are performing is called Agni Upasana - worship of
Fire God. The fire in the Gaadi Poyyi83 has no power of its own.
Blended together with my Yogagni (yogic fire), the food cooked
on it gets purified and transforms into Prasadam with the power
to remove the troubles and sufferings of my devotees. This
stove will burn for nine more years, till I become thirty, after
which I will conceal my physical form. I will grant my vision
as a radiant form, to only a sincere devotee. Nevertheless, the
Agni Yagna84 initiated by us will continue even after that
without any obstructions.
Once, a newly married couple arrived at Kuruvapuram.
Sripada ordered them to attend the Darbar in Panchadev
Pahad. On the second day, the young husband breathed his last.
This was a sudden shock and a calamitous tragedy for the poor
young girl who came there hoping to get the Lords blessings.
The relatives of the couple waited for Sripada to come and give
His permission to take away the corpse. After Sripada came to
the Darbar, He asked them to perform the funeral rites of the
dead according to the scriptural laws.
The aggrieved widow lamented, I am told that nothing
is impossible for You, Illustrious Lord who are verily the
embodiment of chaitanya and fire. I beseech you to bless me
with marital life and bliss by resurrecting my husband.
Sripada responded, Viswaso phaladayakaha, faith
yields results. If you have such faith in me, your husband
will definitely come back to life. Since we all must obey and
83
Traditional three-stone stove or an open fire stove.
84
Sripada says that cooking food and heartily serving it to a guest is Agni Yagna. Sripada is
pleased when a hungry person is fed. In fact all the incarnations of Datta emphasise annadanam,
feeding the hungry, not as a ritual to acquire punya or as a ladder to heaven but with sincere
concern.
227
cannot go against the principles of karmic law, I will suggest a

solution which does not contradict the law of karma. Arrange
for firewood equivalent to the weight of your husband. Prepare
food for everyone using that firewood. All inauspicious
elements like your widowhood, the cremation of your husband,
the funeral rites and the karmic vibrations present in the form
of death will purge in the flames of the firewood and your
husband will be restored.
The young bride-widow followed His instructions
verbatim and her husband came back to life. Thus through Agni
Yagna Sripada attracted the bad karma of His devotees into the
firewood and using it for cooking destroyed the consequent
bad or inauspicious effects.
A poor Brahmin who was vexed and on the verge of
giving up his life came to Sripada seeking His mercy. Sripada
took out a burning brand and lightly stuck him with it.
Had I not struck you with the burning log, as per
your karma you would have committed suicide. I nullified all
your sins. Start your life afresh. Wrap this log after cooling
and take it carefully to your home. You will be freed from all
sufferings. Sripada placed His healing hand on the Brahmin
who was moaning in pain and consoled him.
On reaching home, when the Brahmin untied the bundle
much to his surprise, the log turned into gold. Thereupon, the
Brahmin led a life of peace and prosperity.
Sripada helped His devotees burn their karma in various
ways. At times, He would ask a devotee to cook and serve
certain vegetables or pulses and eliminate their bad karma.
Sometimes He would ask them to light a lamp using ghee85
and to keep it burning until dawn. Thus, depending upon the
faith and karmic action of a devotee, Sripada used to suggest
different methods to annihilate their bad karma.
85
Clarified butter made from cows milk
228
Chapter 50
Significance of chanting the name of Lord
Once, an elderly devotee came to Sripada, writhing
with unbearable stomach pain. Sripada enlightened the cause.
Son, he said, in your previous birth you pained many with
your venomous words and sarcastic comments. You demeaned
the persons and hurt their souls. Hence, you are suffering with
this ailment. Chanting the name of Parabrahman, the Almighty
is the only remedy to obliterate the sins acquired because of
foul speech.
Obeying the Lords orders, for three consecutive days
and nights Bhajans and Kirtans were sung in Kuruvapuram. I
was granted permission to stay in Kuruvapuram during those
three days and nights. After three days the devotee was relieved
of his pain.
Explaining that chanting the name of God is Vayu
Yagna, Sripada said, In the present day world, the entire
atmosphere gets contaminated with the indecent and lewd
language spoken, without any moderation. When a word is
uttered, any one of the three qualities lying dormant in
the atmosphere, namely the Sattva, Rajas and Tamogunasthe state of tranquillity, activeness and inertia or dullness
respectively, will get provoked. If we cannot create good
and auspicious vibrations, they in turn blemish the five
elements of Mother Nature. This in turn will vitiate the
mind, intellect, body and soul of man encouraging him to
commit sins and unrighteous acts. This is a nescient cycle
perpetuated by actions and their causative effects. To
liberate oneself from ones causal nexus, one should have
Trikarana shuddhi- purity of thought, speech and action or
mind, voice and body. The ideal person is one in whom all
these aspects exist in complete harmony.
Chanting the name of God purifies the atmosphere
charging it with auspicious vibrations; it also inculcates the
229
habit of talking softly and politely, as the sacred name of the

Omniscient sanctifies the speech. Besides, since the mind
remains in commune with God, the mind becomes pure
thereby creating good thoughts, which in turn encourage
one to perform good deeds. Even in the midst of exacting
worldly duties, a person should always remain in commune
with God. In Kali Yuga, chanting the name of God liberates
one from all mundane troubles. Vayu yagna is nothing but
purifying the atmosphere by earnestly chanting the name of
Omnipresent Lord and by being, doing, speaking and thinking
good with a pure heart.
Once a person suffering from Tuberculosis, diabetes
and some other ailments came to Kuruvapuram to behold
Sripada. Sripada became enraged at the sight of him. You
were a bandit in your previous birth. You robbed many
innocent people throwing them into the dungeon of grief. You
robbed the money of a father who saved penny by penny for
the wedding of his daughter and thus became the cause of her
death. So you are reaping the fruits of your karma now.
The invalid fell on Sripadas feet and implored for
mercy. Sripada, the ocean of compassion, moved by his
repeated entreaties and contrition, ordered him to sleep in the
cowshed in Panchadev Pahad. Sripada forbade giving him
even water to drink. That night the person dreamt that some
fiends were strangling his neck and felt immense suffocation
for some time. Then he dreamt that a wrestler was pinning
him onto the ground, sitting on a large boulder that the former
placed on his chest, making him undergo inexplicable pain in
the dream itself. Thus, Sripada burnt his karma in his sleep and
cured him off all his ailments. Sripada obliterated his karma
by making him suffer for a few seconds in his dream, which
otherwise he would have had to endure physically for many,
many years.
230
Chapter 51
Protection from perils
It was the 12th day of the waning moon in the month of
Ashwayuja and the star of the day was Hastha. After bathing
in the Krishna River, Sripada sat in meditation. In spite of
repeated efforts, I could not light the gaadipoyyi that day.
Looking at my predicament, Sripada smiled and
revealed, Beloved son, the time has ripened for me to
conceal my physical body. Shankara, I shall disappear in
River Krishna. However I shall visit this place in my subtle
body. My biography that you are authoring now is a sacred
text. It acts like a Kalptaruvu a wish fulfilling tree to my
sincere spiritual aspirants. This text proves beneficial to
rectify and reform manomaya jagat - the world of the mind
and to replenish both mundane and spiritual progress.
A person belonging to the 33rd generation in the lineage of
Malladi Bapanarya will bring forth the Telugu translation of
this original Sanskrit text.
You have served me loyally and affectionately verily
like an offspring. Take my wooden Padukas, do not lament for
me and stay in this place for three more years. After completing
the sacred text, on this same 12th day of the waning moon in
the month of Ashwayuja, read the text in the presence of my
padukas. Whoever comes seeking my Darshan on that day and
listens to the text will be blessed. I will appear in my radiant
form and reveal many secrets of yoga to you.
Saying thus he went into the middle of the river and
disappeared. I cried bitterly like a lost child in a seething crowd
separated from its loving mother. Unable to bear the pangs of
separation I fell listless. After some time, I bathed in the holy
river, sat in meditation and perceived the radiant form of my
beloved Lord Sripada, the Primordial Guru.
231
Chapter 52
My Yogic Experiences
For three continuous years, I was blessed with the
Darshan of the resplendent form of Sripada. I recorded all
my spiritual yogic experiences, which was taken away by a
Himalayan yogi as per the instructions of Sripada.
232
Chapter 53
The way Sripada Srivallabha Charitamritam
reaches Pithikapuram
Special features of Charitamritam
I read my manuscript before Sripadas sacred padukas.
Five other devotees who were there listened to it. They were
overwhelmed in an ocean of bliss, drinking from the pool of
nectar of Sripada Charitra.
My Biography authored by you will for some time,
remain with the family of my maternal uncles. Then it will be
translated into Telugu. Soon after the translation, this Sanskrit
manuscript will disappear. The Gandharvas will place it
underneath my altar at my birthplace in Pithikapuram, where it
will be read by Siddha Yogis.
A destined member who belongs to the 33rd generation
of my maternal grandfathers family will bring the Telugu
version into light. Prior to bringing the Telugu script into light
the person chosen for this purpose by me should immerse
the original script in Krishna waters in Vijayawada. The
person entrusted with this noble task should read the book
with great reverence and devotion in Sripada Srivallabha
Mahasamsthanam at my birth place and then dedicate it to me.
During parayana if the person unexpectedly receives
unsolicited prasadam from Gangapuram, then it is for sure
that he belongs to the 33rd generation of the lineage of my
granfather. Appearing like white dazzling light, Sripada
himself proclaimed this.
233
Lord Dattatreya
234
Vishwaroopam
235
Siddha Mangala Stotram
Srimadananta srivibhushita Appala Lakshmi Nrisimha Raja

Sri Vidyadhari Radha Surekha Srirakhidhara Sripada
Matha Sumathi vatsalyamritha pariposhitha jaya Sripada
Satya Rushisvara Duhithananadana Bapanaryanuta Sricharana
Savitrikathakachayana punyaphala Bharadwaja rishi gothra sambhava
Do choupathi dev Lakshmi Ghana Sankhyabodhita Sricharana
Punyarupini Rajamamba Sutha Garbhapunyaphala Sanjatha
Sumathi nanadana Narahari nandana Dattadevaprabhu Sripada
Pithikapura Nithyavihara Madhumati Datta Mangala Roopa
236
Glory of Sripada eulogized by Dattadas

When Sripada was seven years old, His sacred thread
ceremony was performed with festivity and merriment.
Dattadas, a Maladasari and a devotee of Sripada could not
attend the ceremony as he belonged to a low caste. However,
the blissfully happy Dattadas intoxicated with divine ardour
invited his equally ecstatic kinfolk to his house and began
narrating the story of Lord Datta in his own words:
The Supernal Lord who was born to Mother
Anasuya and Sage Atri in times yore, has now incarnated as
Sripada Srivallabha in this Kali Yuga in our Pithikapuram.
Today is an auspicious day, as His thread ceremony is being
celebrated. After the ceremony, adorned with the sacred
thread our Lord will illuminate with dazzling radiance.
May prosperity be bestowed eternally upon our Lord , the
protector of the helpless and the hapless.
Dattadas was not erudite enough to recount more than
this about Sripada. So he kept repeating the same story over
and over again; and his audience also listened to his narration,
happily engrossed in the Infinite. This happened 53 times.
(Reading of this one time is equal to reading of one
chapter of this biography.)
237
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SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA CHARITAMRITAM

A Biography of Lord Sripada Srivallabha

SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA CHARITAMRITAM

ORIGINAL SCRIPT IN SANSKRIT

SRI MALLADI GOVINDA DEEKSHITULU

Ms. PRASANNA KUMARI

Ms. NAGA APARNA

One evening, Sriram Sharma Kondamudi, a friend

Sripada Srivallabha is considered as the first incarnation

of His life, authored by Smt.Prasanna Kumari, who also brought

The book is bound to be a wonderful treasure and a boon for all

A WORD WITH YOU

I express my sincere thanks to Google Search Engine

PROCEDURE FOR CARRYING OUT PARAYANA

Chapters tobe read

Lord Krishna in Bhagawad Gita and Lord Sripada in

Journey of Shankar Bhatt to Kuruvapuram..........

Shankar Bhatt encounters Sri Siddha Yogindra..

Darshan of Palani Swami and Vision of

Vasavambika Darshan in Kuruvapuram .............

Shankar Bhatt arrives at Tirupati ........................

Sripada showers angelic grace upon

Astronomical Description ...................................

The Philosophy of Karma ...................................

Encounter with Subbayya Sreshthi......................

Subbayya Sreshthi, Bilwamangala and

Anand Sharma .....................................................

Pledge of Protection to Dattadas .........................

Bangarappa and Sundara Ram Sharma................

Tale of Srimannarayana ......................................

Encounter with Sri Namananda ..........................

Linganna Shastri & Ganapati Shastri .....................

Episode of Vissavadhani ........................................

Sripada adjusts the Horoscope of His Devotees......

Shiva Yogi .............................................................

Transcendental Aspects of Lord Shiva ...................

Significance of Rudraksh ........................................

Kala Purusha .........................................................

Encounter with Virupaksha.....................................

Birthday of Vasavi Kanyaka ...................................

Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari and the

Samsayatma Vinashyati The One Who

The Ten Cosmic Powers..........................................

Marriage of Ramani and Narasimha Raya...............

Sharabheshwara Shastri ..........................................

Ugra Tara Devi .......................................................

Vedanta Sharma ......................................................

Encounter with the devotees of Chinnamastadevi

Goddess Bagalamukhi ............................................

Encounter with Bhaskara Shastri............................

The Episode of the Pseudo-Ascetic ......................

Datta Digambara! Datta Digambara!

Sripada Vallabha Datta Digambara! .....................

Description of Anagha Lakshmi ...........................

Golden Pithikapuram ............................................

Sripada commands Hanuman to descend..............

Encounter with Dhanagupta,the

Divine play of Sripada ...........................................

Description of Darbar in Panch Dev Pahad...........

Ways to destroy Karma..........................................

Significance of chanting the name of Lord ...........

Protection from perils............................................

My Yogic Experiences ..........................................