The Fifth Delight
Shri Raghavendra Gurusarvabhauma
88. The Mute Who Sang
Wherever Shri Raghavendra Swami went, religious followers would welcome him with reverence, serve him, and feel fulfilled by darshan of the Lord, sacred water (tīrtha-prasāda), mantra initiation, and spiritual teachings. When the Guru arrived in Nasik, he stayed for a few days, took holy baths in the Godavari river, and, filled with joy, continued his journey through Maharashtra and arrived at a place called Karad.
There were many disciples of the Sri Matha in Karad, and among them, hundreds of householders. A prominent disciple of the Matha there was Vasudeva Pant Sahavāsi, a highly respected figure in political and social circles. He warmly welcomed Shri Guru and arranged for him to stay at his own residence. Pant’s house was spacious, and he ensured that Shri Guru was well cared for and arranged for daily bhikṣa (offering of food) at the homes of different families.
Shri Guru remained there for ten to fifteen days, during which he delivered daily teachings, discourses, mantra initiations, worship, and distribution of tīrtha-prasāda, thus blessing the devotees and disciples.
On the day of Guru’s departure from Vasudeva Pant’s home, a grand bhikṣa ceremony was held. That evening, before the time of lamp worship (dīpārādhana), a few householders said to Pant:
“We’ve heard that the Guru is well-versed in the art of music. It would have been wonderful to host a musical gathering by one of Maharashtra’s great musicians.”
Pant replied with a heavy heart:
“My nephew Surendra could have delighted the Guru with his musical offering. But misfortune has robbed us of that chance—you all know. He no longer has that blessing.”
Hearing this, the members of the Matha informed Shri Guru, who then summoned Pant and raised the matter. With tears in his eyes, Pant said:
“Mahāsvāmi, you have seen my nephew Surendra. For the past one year, he has been mute. He was an expert in Hindustani classical music and had earned great fame throughout Maharashtra. But some jealous enemies, unable to tolerate his fame, cast a spell on him through black magic, causing him to lose his speech.
Despite many efforts, we’ve not been able to restore it.
He has lost the fortune of singing in front of you and receiving your blessings.”
Shri Guru felt great compassion for Surendra. Without making any declarations, he simply said:
“Pant, bring your nephew to me.”
Pant brought Surendra, who stood before Shri Guru and offered his prostrations.
Then Shri Guru said:
“Pant, your Surendra will give a musical concert tonight. Shri Moola Rama will bless him.
Do not worry.”
He then looked intently at Surendra. Surendra, filled with hope and devotion, gazed at Shri Guru’s face. Then, a wondrous event occurred.
From Shri Guru’s eyes, a divine light emerged, and Surendra felt as though that light was approaching him!
As he watched with amazement, joy, and awe, that ray of light touched his throat. He experienced a sensation as though a miraculous power had entered his voice box.
At once, Surendra cried out:
“Gurudeva! I am uplifted! I am blessed!”
Everyone present—including Pant—was stunned.
Pant looked at his nephew and asked:
“Surendra, was it really you who spoke?”
Surendra, brimming with joy, said:
“Yes, uncle—it was I who spoke!
And the reason is the grace of this Guru Mahārāja!”
Saying this, he bowed again to Shri Guru.
Guruji replied:
“It is all the grace of Shri Moola Rama.
He wished to hear your music, and so He has blessed you.
Tonight, sing and bring joy to Shri Hari.”
The miracle and compassion of Guru Raghavendra spread throughout Karad like lightning.
People came in large numbers to Pant’s house.
Everyone praised Shri Guru, who had restored the speech of Surendra, who had been mute for a long time.
That night, with two tanpuras humming, Surendra, now immersed in bliss, presented a divine musical concert. Being well-versed in the science of music, his singing brilliance elevated Shri Guru into a state of supreme bliss.
Hundreds witnessed the event and, hearing Surendra’s soulful singing, were amazed.
All openly and joyfully praised the greatness of Shri Raghavendra Guru!
The next day, Shri Guru departed from Karad and continued his journey toward Bijapur.