This section of our website is an offering to The Endless One, a reference to Sri Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, the legendary 20th century sage to devotees and disciples all across the world. This offering is a labor of endless love, a collaboration between Acharya Kedar and Sri GopalKrishna Shenoy, trustee of Bhagawan Nityananda's Kanhangad ashram and a trustee of the Swami Nityananda Ashram Public Trust. It is through GopalKrishna's dedicated effort, that we bring you stories, insights and revelations from four generations of disciples of Bhagawan Nityananda.

In the Puranas it is said that one can quickly attain the spiritual merit necessary to make the journey to Liberation by worshipping and serving the disciples of Lord Shiva. In other traditions, those who want to merge with Lord Rama, worship his loving devotee Hanuman. Those who want to realize Krishna, serve the Gopis, Lord Krishna's devoted consort.

Following in the footsteps of this great Bhakti tradition, we choose to honor ALL of those disciples, successors and Gurus whose lives have been transformed through the Love and Grace of The Endless One, Sri Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri.

Homage to Gurudev by Gopalkrishna Shenoy

By the grace of Bhagawan Nityananda and Shaligram Swami I met Mrs. Ujwal Kunte at the most crucial time of my life. Through her I met Keshav Apte (Appa). God sent Ujwal Kunte to me. Through her I was back in His fold and I learned that the Grace of the Guru is unending and is always available. Ujwal Kunte never met Bade Baba or Shaligram Swami. But she experienced their Grace by doing Sadhana under the guidance of Appa, the devoted disciple of Shaligram Swami.

On this journey of Gurukripa Yoga the Guru-Disciple relationship, the relationship between the student and the Acharya is said to be the perfect relationship. The devotion and surrender that Appa, Ujwal Kunte and Shaligram Swami exhibited for their Master is a perfect example of the need of an Acharya in Sadhana (spiritual practice). In this journey that we are all undertaking, this is most important landmark.

Bhagawan Nityananda and Shaligram Swami were Avatars, divine reincarnations of great sages. Whenever there is great suffering on this earth plane, these beings, of their own free will, come here from Siddha Loka and take a body to remove the suffering of the masses. Among the saints who have gone before, Bade Baba and Shaligram Swami held a close affinity to Jnaneshwar Maharaj and Satchidananda Baba, a fellow sadhu of Jnaneshwar who copied down the Jnaneshwari. Bhagawan Nityananda visited the Samadhi shrine of Jnaneshwar in Alandi. This was the last time Bade Baba left Ganeshpuri to travel anywhere. Shaligram Swami had also visited the Samadhi shrines of his previous reincarnations, before himself taking Mahasamadhi.

I used to wonder why Bhagawan Nityananda called Shaligram "Agni," meaning fire. If you visit the Mahul Ashram, it is surrounded by an oil refinery and fueling stations, enough to blow the whole area. It is all potential fire. Shaligram Swami was very soft spoken, with a beautiful smile and bright eyes. But in his Devotion to Bhagawan Nityananda, he was very steadfast. His love for and Faith in his Guru was very strong. When challenged in any way, you saw Shaligram’s fiery qualities.

In the fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna describes the path that the individual bound soul should tread to union with him. In another sacred text, known as Ramraksha (Rama’s protection), the sage Budhakushik, as instructed by Lord Shiva in a dream, describes how Lord Rama, the savior, protects the Jiva on the journey to God-Realization. In India, both of these sacred texts are sung as hymns over the course of one’s Sadhana, and also at the time of death.

The importance of singing these sacred texts was demonstrated during the Mahasamadhi (passing of a saint) of both Shaligram Swami and Appa. and When both these hymns are sung, while pouring holy water into the mouth of a person on the death bed, the dying person is able to go through the process peacefully. One can sing these hymns even after death to guide the departed soul. Appa has recommended that one should sing these hymns everyday and it is said that the right time to sing them is at dusk, when the sun is about to set.

I bow to Mrs. Ujwal Kunte for revealing my Bhagawan Nityananda within me. In my life I had the opportunity to meet great people. Among them she has been very important. Moreover, by her own experience, she demonstrated that, even in the present era, with total faith in yourself and under the guidance of the right Acharya, one can make the spiritual journey a success. Both, Appa and Mrs. Kunte were ordinary people with families and the challenges of day to day life. They faced all their problems, served their families, and undertook the journey of Gurukripa Yoga under the guidance of Shaligram Swami.

I came to know more about Shaligram Swami through Mrs. Kunte’s book. Since we were under the guidance and care of Bhagawan Nityananda, Shaligram Swami never tried to influence us. In fact, it was he who showed us more respect because we were his Guru’s devotees. He always remained humble to Bade Baba’s devotees. Only through studying Shaligram Swami’s life did I realized that the man on whose lap I enjoyed sitting on when I was small, the Swami who placed a basket of offerings on my head on the occasion of Viswarapan Puja, was a Mahayogi. Understanding this, I considered myself blessed.

So, I have my experience of Shaligram Swami through his disciples. His story is their story. I met his disciples at the Mahul Ashram. One person whom I would like to acknowledge is Mr. Datta Patil. He supported me in my efforts to learn more about Swamiji. Datta Patil used to work in the oil refinery located by the Mahul Ashram. Since I am a devotee of Bhagawan Nityananda, Datta treated me with great respect and love. Every evening he used to sing Ramraksha and the Gurustavan of Tulias Amma at the Ashram, as the sun set. When he sang, he did it with great love. He also played the drum for the evening Arati. Recently he passed away silently.

Agni Deva, the Fire God

Powerful indeed was Shaligram Swami. So strong was his Devotion to Bhagawan Nityananda that Baba once said, "Even this one becomes powerless in front of him. This one cannot undo what has been done by him." What Bade Baba meant is that, by the power of their Devotion, he is obligated to fulfill the needs of his disciples and powerless to change that.

Shaligram Swami used to have a small ashram in Ganeshpuri. One day, due to some personal grievance, some officials from electrical board disconnected the electrical power to Shaligram’s ashram. When Swamiji heard about this he declared, "The whole of Ganeshpuri shall go dark." It just so happened that the power for the entire village of Ganeshpuri went out. Every effort to restore the electric power failed. People went to Bhagawan Nityananda and complained.

Bade Baba said, "I am powerless. Go to Shaligram. First reconnect his electricity and make peace with him. He is Agni. He is the fire God. He can destroy, if annoyed." The engineers immediately reconnected the wire to Swamiji’s ashram. Immediately all the electricity in Ganeshpuri returned.

Calling God

One day, while in Ganeshpuri, Shaligram Swami demonstrated how one should call out to God. In a soft and very loving tone he called out "Nityananda." Immediately one of Bhagawan Nityananda’s attendants came running to Shaligram swami and said, "Bade Baba asks "Why are you calling out at me?’ Everyone present was stunned. Shaligram Swami turned to Appa and said, "Have you understood Keshav, how to call out to God? If a true disciple calls out to God, he shall come running no matter what. If you ever call out to me, I assure you that I shall instantly present myself."

Appa used to do regular Puja of Bade Baba at the Mahul Ashram. Whenever he performed the Puja, Shaligram Swami used to sit and witness it with great joy. It is said that whenever Appa performed Puja of Shaligram Swami at Shaligram’s Samadhi Shrine, Swamiji was seen to be present accepting the Puja.

If Appa did not visit the Mahul Ashram for couple of days, Swamiji would get a fever. Once Appa did not visit the Ashram for four days and Swamiji suffered from very high fever. A doctor was summoned. Just as the doctor was about to give an injection to Swamiji, Appa entered the Ashram. Immediately Shaligram’s fever vanished. Pointing at Appa Swami said, "This Keshav is the cause for this fever. Why don’t you ask him to visit everyday?"

The Piggy Bank

Over a period of time, Appa had suffered losses in his business. As a result, he fell behind on the mortgage payments for his home. Appa received a foreclosure notice and was told to go to the bank with the 700 rupees due to avoid foreclosure. Appa put the notice in his pocket and went to the Mahul Ashram that night. He did not mention his problem to Shaligram Swami. He did not want to complain or burden Swamiji with his problems. Even though he was worried over the impending loss of his house, Appa had unlimited faith in his Guru’s ability to know his needs and to provide for them without him having to broach the subject.

Now, Appa never left the Ashram until Swamiji told him to leave. It was already 9:30pm and the doors of the Ashram were closed but Swamiji did not ask Appa top leave.

Instead Shaligram Swami said, "Keshav, open that cupboard and get me the box of mints." As instructed, Appa handed over the box to Swamiji. Swamiji said, "So, your house will be taken away? Yet you do not wish to inform me? Okay. Now take this box and go home. Do not open this box. Tomorrow go to the bank and give it to them. Now leave immediately. Do not keep your wife waiting. Why are you keeping her in agony of uncertainty?" Swamiji, who spoke normally only in or two sentences like Bade Baba used to, on that evening spoke several sentences.

Appa arrived home. His wife was waiting anxiously. She asked, "Have you found some way to repay the bank?" He assured her, "My Guru has given me this box. He asked us not to open it." Appa then placed the box in a large wooden trunk and locked it.

The next morning he went to the bank and gave the box to the teller. Opening the box, the teller peeped in and said, "What is this? Only small change in it!" Appa was sure that the box contained exactly 700 rupees. He had complete faith in his Guru. And so he simply said, "Oh Dear! I am a son of a Brahmin. What else can you find in my piggy bank? There is nothing but small change. I am leaving the box with you, as I am late for work. On my return, I will collect my receipt." Appa then left for work.

This money belonged to Ashram and Appa was not happy that Shaligram Swami had given him the money for his personal use. So, he applied for a loan from his employer. Three days later, he placed 700 rupees in the box and returned it to Swamiji. When Shaligram Swami saw this he said, "Oh Keshav! What have you done again!? This was a divine piggy bank which I had given to you. Having this box meant you would never be short of money any time in your life. How can you think of returning it?"

Appa answered Swamiji by saying inwardly, "I desire nothing but you." The unconditional love Appa had for Swamiji was very profound. The onslaught of poverty and the struggles of life had plagued Appa right from his childhood. He understood these difficulties to be his karmas and knew that he had to bear them with gratitude. So, when it came to choosing between God and comfort, he always chose God. Although Swamiji was always present to help solve his worldly problems, Appa chose never to place them before Swamiji. He always maintained, "You alone matter to me. Thy will be done. In this way, Appa lived only to realize God. The beauty in their relationship was, without uttering a single word they could communicate with each other. Understanding each other was a joy in itself. One could feel their love for each other.

If the Disciple Is Troubled, the Guru Feels the Disciple’s Suffering.

One day, without informing anybody, Shaligram Swami disappeared. For couple of days there was no news about his whereabouts and Appa was worried. He did not know where to search for his Guru. One day, when the pain of separation became unbearable, Appa got up early in the morning and walked the 70 kms. to Ganeshpuri from Thane. His mind was absorbed in his Guru and he wanted nothing but to know that he was safe. Appa wanted to ask Bhagawan Nityananda if Shaligram Swami was safe. He reached Ganeshpuri around 11am. He first took a bath in the hot springs and then he stood in front of Bhagawan Nityananda.

Baba was completely absorbed inside his own being, with his eyes closed. No sooner had Appa bowed to Baba than he hummed and smiled. His eyes were still closed and apparently he had not noticed Appa. But Appa knew better. Bhagawan Nityananda had seen him through his inner vision and understood the purpose of Appa’s visit to him. The smile indicated that all was well. Appa returned home peacefully.

A few days later, Appa received a letter. He opened it and found that it was from Shaligram Swami, assuring Appa of his welfare. At the end of the note Swamiji wrote, "Keshav, please do not walk. If you walk my legs ache." Tears rolled down Appa’s cheeks. He looked at the date on the letter. It was the same as the day he had walked to Ganeshpuri. If the disciple is troubled the Guru feels the disciple’s suffering, instantly!

The Teachings

Once when asked "How does one recite mantras?" Swamiji said, "One should sit in a straight posture and listen to the mantras with concentration. The mantras should emerge from the heart.

When asked, "How does one chant?" Swamiji said, "The words of the chant should be visualized in the Chakra between the eyebrows. With your closed eyes the words should be visualized." Shaligram Swami would say, "Of all knowledge the knowledge of Self is most important. If you come to me in whatever state or feelings, you will reach me, have no doubts. I hold a weighing balance and I shall never allow anything to go out of control. Do your duty; strive for excellence in whatever you do and once a week visit Ganeshpuri to meet Parabrahma Nityananda. Once I accept someone as my own I shall never ever let him down. I shall make him like me. I shall wash and clean him thoroughly. Shaligram never commits any error and will not allow anybody who has surrendered to me to commit mistakes.

In various forms Shaligram taught devotees who visited him. There was always joy. Sometimes Shaligram gave the opportunity to fulfill a person’s desire to serve him. One day, he asked Appa to stay overnight at the Ashram. After dinner everybody went to sleep in the hall. Appa, however, never slept. He stood in attendance at the feet of Swamiji, ready to tend to anything Shaligram might need; like Hanuman at the service of Lord Rama.

It was a very cold. In the middle of night Swamiji got up and opened a cupboard containing blankets. He covered each person sleeping in the hall with a blanket, like a mother caring for her children. After giving all the blankets away, Shaligram Swami said, "Keshav, there is no blanket for me. How will I sleep in the cold?" Appa immediately removed his dothi from his waist and made a blanket to cover Swamiji. It was long and white, and very soft. In its warmth Swamiji slept like a child. Appa however stood the whole night in the cold. However, he was filled with the warmth of his Love and Service to Swamiji. So, he did not mind standing in the cold.

Vishwarpan Puja

One day in late 1960 or early 1961, Shaligram Swami called out to Keshav saying, "Keshav. Our Nityananda is virtual Parabrahma. The whole Galaxy is within Him and He is in the entire Galaxy. He controls the entire Universe. Nityananda is indeed the King of Universe. He is God of gods. To enable us to live a successful and fruitful life he has created many essential objects. We shall collect these various essential commodities with full of love and affection and offer them at his feet, as token of Love for the King of Universe."

In the month of Bhadrapad (Hindu calander), on the eighth day in that year. Janmashtami Yog occurred. This is the celebration to Lord Krishna in which one’s Guru is remembered with great reverence. This celebration is also a reminder that one should not simply remember God when desiring something, but one should remember God at all times. It is also significant because Bhagawan Nityananda was a reincarnation of Lord Krishna.

On this celebration day, Shaligram Swami decided to offer Puja to his Guru, Bhagawan Nityananda. It was a very rare occasion when Bhagawan Nityananda accepted such worship from anyone. So, this was a very auspicious day.

All Baba’s devotees were instructed to collect whatever they considered essential; like vegetables, fruits, clothes, cereal, flowers, gems, money, precious coins, metals, books & pencils, etc. Various items were collected in small baskets to offer to Bade Baba a token of appreciation and love.

On that auspicious day, all the devotees, as well as Keshav and Shaligram Swami, gathered at the foot of the Vajreshwari Devi temple. This grand procession was lead by an orchestra. From the village of Vajeshwari, this large group of devotees began their journey to Ganeshpuri. There was a sense of great anticipation and complete ecstasy. Shaligram Swami was to honor his Guru, the Lord of Universe!

I was very fortunate to be among the devotees in that procession. Shaligram Swami saw me and placed a basket of the offerings on my head. I felt so fortunate to be a participating in this great event which was a once in lifetime opportunity to honor my Master Nityananda. It is this great Grace bestowed on me by Shaligram Swami that has brought me to Acharya Kedar so that, together, we can share the teachings of the Master in this wonderful journey of Gurukripa Yoga.

On that day, as we reached the Kailas Bhuvan, Shaligram Swami was beaming with Devotion. Bhagawan Nityananda was showered with waves after wave of the devotees’ Love and he was also beaming. Bade Baba came out on his terrace to observe the procession. The entire atmosphere was charged with Shakti. The Bhaktas and the Guru could not control themselves. So strong was Shaligram’s outpouring of Devotion that Bhagawan Nityananda took the form of Lord Shiva and began to perform the Tandava Dance.

Seeing their Lord assuming the form of Shiva and dancing, the devotees’ began to dance also, hailing Nityananda at the top of their voices. In that charged atmosphere, at that moment when Shiva, the Lord of Universe had descended on the earth, Shaligram Swami took the opportunity to make the offering of essentials. He also offered his own devotees at the feet of Bhagawan Nityananda and surrendered himself to Baba also. It was indeed a rare sight to watch; along with his own devotees, collecting his entire spiritual energy and prowess, Shaligram Swami made unconditional total surrender at the feet of Bhagawan Nityananda.

Complete Surrender

In early 1961 Shaligram Swamiji’s health began to deteriorate. One day he suggested to Appa that they should visit Nityananda Baba. Bade Baba was sitting on his chair at Kailas Ashram. Shaligram bowed at his feet with infinite love and devotion. Then he whispered to Baba that he wanted to leave his body. This request from his beloved devotee troubled Bhagawan Nityananda. He replied, "You are committed to take care of the devotees. You are still very young. You have yet to perform many other duties. Give up your demand for dying." So saying he offered a tender coconut to Shaligram.

Shaligram Swami knew that very soon Nityananda would give up his body and he did not want to witness the passing away of his Guru. He also knew that, if he were to drink the water of the tender coconut offered him by Bhagawan Nityananda, he would be cured. Bade Baba had clearly demonstrated that he was not in favor of Shaligram giving up his body.

Being denied blessings for leaving his body, Shaligram was upset with Baba. He refused the coconut offered him. Bade Baba asked, "Do you understand what it means to refuse this coconut?" Shaligram Swami said, "Yes I understand. It is that very (death) that I want." Shaligram went back to his ashram. He had decided that no matter what, he would leave his body before his Guru gave up his body. Although he cooperated with doctors, he used his yogic powers to prevent the effect of their medicine. With all the suffering he endured, he continued to see to all the needs of his devotees.

One day Shaligram Swami told Appa that he would prefer to sleep out in the open. Appa spread a mattress out on the ground in the middle of the compound and lifted Shaligram on to it. It was evening. Swamiji then said that he wanted to take a brief walk, as he was feeling better. Swamiji still appeared to be restless, as Bhagawan Nityananda had still not given him permission to leave his body.

Finally, that very evening, when he was sleeping outside in the compound, Bade Baba sent an attendant with the message that Shaligram may take Mahasamadhi. Having received permission, Shaligram became peaceful. He called out to Appa and said, "My God has given me permission. Fast, fast, take me inside." The urgency in his voice made Appa pick up Swamiji along with his mattress. Appa realized what this meant and lovingly held Shaligram Swami close to his heart and took him inside his room.

Shaligram Swami’s body suddenly became very fragile. In spite of several efforts by the doctors to cure him no medicines were found to be effective. Shaligram was a Mahayogi. He could drop his body at will. He began the process of drawing the Prana from his body up into the Sahasrar for the last time. He told Appa, "Place my head on your lap." Appa placed Swamiji’s head on his lap and began to recite the 15th Chapter from Bhagavad Gita. While reciting this hymn, Appa poured a spoonful of holy water in Swamiji’s mouth. No sooner had Appa started these rites, than the pain subsided and Swamiji was calm. Appa then recited Ramraksha Stotra.

All his life, Shaligram Swami had looked upon Bhagawan Nityananda as Lord Rama, and Appa prayed to this Rama to protect and guide Swamiji in his last journey. Appa sung with so much of Devotion and Love that, just as he was about to complete the hymn, Swamiji raised his body and hugged Appa. He then said, "Keshav where did you learn all this?" Appa replied, "Deva, it is you who thought me." With his arms around Appa’s neck, Shaligram Swami then gave up his body.

Appa opened Swamiji’s mouth. Swamiji’s tongue was drawn backward in the process of withdrawing his soul from his body. This is the way a Yogi deliberately withdraws his Prana from his body. Devotees went to Bade Baba with the news. Bade Baba said, "Proceed with the last rites. No one should grieve or cry. He is not any ordinary monk. He is a Yogi and when a Yogi takes Mahasamadhi one should not weep." He then instructed them in how the last rites should be performed.

Because Shaligram Swami was a monk, his body was placed in an upright position in Padmasan. Even several hours after his death, his body was still warm. Devotees approached Bhagawan Nityananda with doubts as to whether Swamiji had actually left his body. Baba told them, "Shaligram is Mahayogi. He wishes to undertake Jeevant Samadhi (live samadhi when the yogi leaves his/her body by force of will). Construct a good tomb. He shall be at the service of devotees for the next 500 years. The body should be covered by a mixture of salt and ash as a preservative. Place his body facing south. He is Agni, the Fire God. Little did the devotees know that the instructions given by Bade Baba would soon be used to prepare for the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan himself.

It took more than 18 hours to place Shaligram Swami’s body in his Samadhi Shrine. Just as his body was placed into the pit, Shaligram Swami opened his eyes and looked lovingly at all his devotees. Thus Shaligram Swami took Jeevant Samadhi. At that moment, after withholding his emotions on bade Baba’s instruction, Appa began weeping like a child. He felt he was an orphan, as if everything worth while was lost. He touched his heart. Then he remembered that, while he was reciting Ramraksha, Swamiji had hugged him around his neck and poured all his love into Appa’s heart. So, as Appa touched his heart, he realized that his Guru was now permanently seated in his own heart.

He slowly moved towards the samadhi pit, bowed his head and said, "Deva, you belong to all the devotees. You now belong to the entire Universe. From now on, you will meet me in the form of divine light that will be permanently stationed in my heart."

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