Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj

A Short Biography of Shree Swami Samarth 17
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arrived at a small island on Krishna river called Kuruvpur (Kuruvatti). This island was
located about sixteen Kilometers away from Raichur in Karnataka State.
Sripad Srivallabh stayed in Kuravpur guised as an ascetic. He was seen with
wooden sandals in his feet, wearing just a langoti 40 around his loins, his body covered
with saffron coloured garment, Kamandalu in his hand, a rudraksha 41 Mala around his
neck, forehead marked with holy ash, matted and braided hair on his head. After
bathing he would worship Goddess Gayatri. In the afternoon, he would go out to collect
alms. Observing his Divinely gracious figure, people all around started respecting him.
Sripad, the incarnation of Lord Dattatrey performed a number of miracles during his
stay on this island.
Ambika granted boon by Sripad Srivallabh
A Brahmin well versed in Vedas11 and Shastras 42 stayed on this island. His wife
Ambika had a very good character but they had no children. Hence with great devotion,
they went on a pilgrimage and visited a number of places. However, none of their
children survived. Eventually, one son survived but due to their misfortune he was dull
and not too smart since birth. Hence the Brahmin couple was very much dejected and
unhappy.
The Brahmin thought that he would improve after the thread ceremony 43 . Hence
he performed the sacred thread ceremony of his son. He tried to teach him all the
religious duties of a Brahmin, but it was all in vain. The boy never remembered
anything taught by his father. Due to anger, his father beat him severely. Unable to
bear the pain, the boy would scream loudly. His mother Ambika used to writhe in pain
by those screams. Eventually, Ambika lost her patience and spoke to her husband,
“What is the use of beating him? He is dull and helpless by birth. Probably it might be
the result of his deeds committed in past life. I cannot tolerate this severe beating. I
am unable to bear his loud screams. Nobody can go against one’s destiny. It is God’s
wish. In case you continue this beating, then I will die”. Out of frustration, the Brahmin
stopped teaching and the beating stopped as a result. After this, the Brahmin always
remained depressed and after a few days he passed away.
40 Langoti: A strip of cloth just covering the private parts
41 Rudraksha: Rudraksha has its etymological origin in the Sanskrit words, ‘Rudra’ and ‘Aksha’. ‘Rudra’ is another name for
Lord Shiva, and ‘aksha’ means teardrop. Mythological tales have it that the Rudraksha plant was born out of Lord Shiva’s tear
drops. Ancient scriptures, such as ‘Shiva Purana’, ‘Padma Purana’ and ‘Srimad Bhagavad’ mention the greatness and
wonderful powers of the Rudraksha. For thousands of years, they have adorned the bodies of sages and saints leading a
fearless life in far-flung frontiers seeking enlightenment and liberation.
42 Shastras: Shastra is a Sanskrit word used to denote education/knowledge in a general sense. The word is generally used
as a suffix in the context of technical or specialised knowledge in a defined area of practice. For example, Astra shastra
means, knowledge about "Handling of weapons", Astra means weapons, and Shastra is their knowledge. The shastra is
commonly used to mean a treatise or text written in explanation of some idea/topic. There are several types of shastras in the
Hindu religion.
43 Thread Ceremony: ‘Upanayanam’ perhaps better known outside India by the name "Sacred thread ceremony", is a Hindu
rite-of-passage ritual. Traditionally, the ceremony was performed to mark the point at which male children began their formal
education. The ceremony is performed to young boys of 7+ years of age (and girls in some sects) from the three varnas of
brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya. The youngster is taught during the ceremony the secret of life through Brahmopadesam
(revealing the nature of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality) or the Gayatri mantra. He then becomes qualified for life as a student
or Brahmacharya, as prescribed in the Manusmriti. The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is believed to be derived from the word
nayanam meaning "eye", prefixed with upa- ("auxiliary"), making for the interpretative meaning: bringing (the ultimate truth
nearer in sight)
Copyright © 2006 Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust