The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
84. The Miracle That Occurred in the Forest
As Shri Guru Raghavendra set out toward Pandharpur for the darshan of Shri Panduranga, his entourage reached a forest on the way. The heat was unbearable. There were no trees, no bushes, no ponds, no wells, or lakes along that path. Everyone traveling suffered greatly from the sun's blazing heat and thirst. Hundreds of people, including families, were journeying along with Shri Guru.
At that moment, the pregnant wife of a gatekeeper in the entourage began experiencing labor pains. The women became distressed with fear. The gatekeeper, terrified, ran to the palanquin in which Shri Guru was seated, fell at his feet, and cried out in desperation:
“Gurudeva! My wife has begun experiencing labor pains. In this harsh forest with no water or shade, what will happen if she delivers here? O revered one, please show mercy on this poor man and protect us.”
Hearing this, Shri Guru was moved with compassion.
“Do not be afraid. Shri Hari and Vayu will protect your wife and the child to be born,”
he said, and descended from the palanquin. He went to the cart where the woman was seated and looked at her with eyes full of grace, saying:
“Dear daughter! Do not be afraid. Moola Rama will bless you with a safe and easy childbirth!”
He then touched the water-filled kamandalu (holy vessel) in his right hand, began chanting mantras, and entered deep meditation.
Suddenly, from the kamandalu in Shri Guru's hand, a stream of water gushed forth in torrents!
The Bhagirathi (Ganges), pleased with Shri Guru, emerged in an inexhaustible stream of water and began to flow from the kamandalu! Witnessing this miracle, the people raised loud chants glorifying Shri Guru.
The attendants of the Shri Matha joyfully brought four to six large vessels and placed them beneath the kamandalu. In a moment, they were all filled to the brim with water! The members of the matha drank the holy water and rejoiced.
Then, Shri Guru threw the shawl he was wearing upward toward the sky. Astonishment! Without any support, the shawl remained suspended in mid-air, and not only that—it spread out wide and cast a vast shade over the cart where the pregnant woman was seated!
As per Shri Guru’s instruction, a few women were sent to assist the woman in labor, while everyone else moved to a distance. Shri Guru returned to his palanquin.
A son was born to the gatekeeper!
When the news reached him, Shri Guru was pleased and calmly said:
“May Shri Hari bestow his gracious blessings upon the newborn and the mother,”
and continued the journey.
The attendants of the matha chanted joyfully:
“Victory to the protector of the helpless! Victory to the sovereign Guru of all!”
Thus, Shri Guru Raghavendra, displaying many such divine miracles, continued his journey toward Pandharpur, protecting and blessing those who surrendered to him.