Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj

A Short Biography of Shree Swami Samarth 122
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For such false exhibition of one’s learning, Sri Swamiji used to say, “Where are
those genuine learned people? Those present now are all treacherous”. Seeing the
power of Sri Swamiji, pride of Mate Buwa was shattered and he started rendering
service to Sri Swamiji. Every year he came to Akkalkot and offered his ‘Kirtan’ service
at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. Once when he was narrating the ‘Kirtan’ he uttered
“Who will deliver me from the bonds of this worldly ocean? ”. Sri Swamiji was seated on
a throne right in front of him. He lowered down his right foot on the ground and Mate
Buwa prostrated himself down and embraced the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and said
“These lotus feet are fully capable of delivering me from the bonds of this worldly
ocean”. When his pride was totally destroyed, Sri Swamiji showered his kind grace on
Mate Buwa.
An Alchemist Ascetic
There was an ascetic who had acquired knowledge of alchemy 206 . On the basis of
this knowledge, he enjoyed an easy life filled with pleasures. He was very arrogant. He
had his own team of about 25-30 disciples and attendants. He would never go out to
collect alms. Sweet and delicious dishes were being cooked on a daily basis. He was so
arrogant that he would utter loathsome abuses and beat people up in anger.
Vamanbua Badodekar, who was absorbed in the contemplation of Brahma, had
gone to Nasik. He had gone to the abode of Saint Gholap Swamy. Saint Gholap Swamy
told Vamanbua, that there is an alchemist ascetic, but he has neither prudence nor
asceticism. Vamanbua along with his associates went to the alchemist ascetic. The
ascetic started boasting in the presence of Vamanbua and his companions “Everyday, I
prepare 3 to 4 tolas 207 of gold from plants. I also prepare gold in a chillim 208 . The
ascetics Gorakh-Machhindra had also acquired this secret knowledge. The incarnation of
Lord Dattatrey is also meant to acquire this knowledge of alchemy. One who has the
favour of God’s kind mercy should never beg for alms”.
He asked Vamanbua, the name of his Guru. Vamanbua said, “Sri Swami
Samarth of Akkalkot is my Guru”. The associates of Vamanbua started continuous
shouts in praise of Sri Swami Samarth. The alchemist ascetic who was obsessed by
arrogance started uttering abuses and asked “Can your Guru, Sri Swami Samarth
create gold? ”. Vamanbua replied, “If you can acquire the knowledge of alchemy by the
kind favour of our Sadguru Sri Swami Samarth, then you will see gold everywhere. At
least, once go to Akkalkot and experience this miracle”. The alchemist ascetic started
growling with arrogance and said, “There is no necessity for me to go anywhere. If I
witness this miracle here only then will I believe your words”. Vamanbua came and
narrated Gholap Swamy about this incident. Then Gholap Swamy announced, “Sri
Swami Samarth will certainly teach him a lesson”.
Next day, when Vamanbua and his associates went to Gholap Swamy they came
to know that since that morning the alchemist ascetic was trying to create gold but the
206 Alchemy: The art of transforming base metal into Gold
207 Tola: Measure of weight generally used for precious metals. 10 Gm is 1 Tola.
208 Chillim: A small smoking pipe
Copyright © 2006 Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust