Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj

A Short Biography of Shree Swami Samarth 185
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Vamanbua Vamorikar (Badodekar)
Vamanbua was born in the village of Vamori, Ahmednagar District in
Maharashtra. He was completely absorbed in the contemplation of Brahma. From early
childhood he had a great desire to achieve the ultimate goal, the divine truth. He
wandered to a number of places to get associated with ascetics and saints. He worked
as a teacher and also worked in a press. Hearing the fame of Sri Swami Samarth of
Akkalkot he became very restless for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji. When Vamabua went
to Akkalkot for the ‘Darshan’ of Sri Swamiji, Sri Swami Samarth gave him ‘Darshan’ in
the form of Lord Dattatrey. Vamanbua prostrated and clung to the lotus feet of Sri
Swamiji. He worshipped Sri Swamiji, offered ‘Naivedya’ and then fed Sri Swamiji with
his own hands.
Very much pleased, Sri Swamiji blessed Vamanbua with Mahamantra 277 and also
favoured him with the religious book of Avadhoot Geeta 278 . Sri Swamiji said, “You give
me your bundle of things (package) and render devotional service. You will attain the
stage of Brahmanishtha”. With these orders from Sri Swamiji, Vamanbua offered
everything he possessed at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji and wore a langoti. Along with
his mother, he went to Sardar Sriman Ghorpade at Baroda and stayed there until the
end.
Due to the strength of his accomplishment, Vamanbua soon attained the stage
of Brahmanishtha. He stayed at Baroda and hence was later known as Badodekar.
Vamanbua wrote a book covering the life miracles of Sri Swamiji called as
‘Guruleelamrit’. This book is considered highly worthy for worship by the devotees of Sri
Swami Samarth. After coming to Baroda, Vamanbua’s health started to deteriorate. He
started suffering from diseases like cough, urinary problems, piles, and rheumatism in
the joints. He took all sorts of medical treatments, but none of them were useful. The
pain kept increasing. He then prayed to Sri Swamiji by sending a letter but did not
receive any reply in time. The pain in his body increased to such an intolerable extent
that Vamanbua while performing Pranayam decided to end his life in the Sursagar water
tank.
One night he went to the bank of Sursagar water tank. Mentally reciting the
name of Sri Swamiji when he was about to jump in the water, Sri Swamiji manifested
himself in front of him and pulled Vamanbua from the water. He slapped him and said,
“You fool, in-spite of the long life you wish to die? One has to undergo all the
sufferings predetermined by their fate. Instead of preferring Sahaj-samadhi 279 why
would you prefer Jalsamadhi 280 ?. Is this your only Divine knowledge?”. By saying so, Sri
Swamiji took Vamanbua to his home and then disappeared. With his kind favour of Sri
Swamiji, Vamanbua’s hopes were kindled and he had a very good deep sleep that night.
277 Mahamantra: The great Mantra, a sacred hymn of the deities
278 Avadhoot Geeta: A sacred poem on the Incarnation of Lord Dattatrey
279 Sahaj-samadhi: Contemplating the highest state of meditation and attain unity with the Absolute
280 Jalasamadhi: Self-immolation by drowning oneself in the water
Copyright © 2006 Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust