Bhagavan Nityananda as Guruganesh

Ganesh Chaturthi is the appearance of Shree Shree Shreepadvallabh. He is considered as the first complete reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya and was born on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Second Purnavatar was Shree Narsimha Saraswathi

Manifestation of Bhagavan Nityananda as GURUGANESH

Every year, before the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, this devotee would visit Ganeshpuri to seek Baba’s blessings for bringing and installing a Ganesh idol in his home. Only after receiving His blessings and permission would he proceed with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi at his residence.

In 1961, Ganesh Chaturthi fell on the 14th of September. Just 37 days prior, on the 8th of August, Bhagavan Nityananda had taken Mahasamadhi. The 40th day, which is traditionally observed for a Sanyasi who has attained Mahasamadhi, fell on the 17th. This day, known as Samradhana, is a special observance in memory of a Sadhu, Sanyasi, saint, or one’s Guru.

The devotee and his wife were full of tears remembering Baba. Every year they brought Ganesha home as if it was their Sadguru who was coming into their home and staying with them for 5 days. In addition to conventional ritualistic pooja, they offered Lord Ganesha coffee, Sambar Rice, and things that Baba liked. Normally these offerings are not made to Ganesha. But having a living God in Sagun form, they treated Ganesha as Nityananda. In those 5 days each member of the family lived life as if Baba was present there in their home. In addition to conventional Aarthi they sing bhajan and Aarthi dedicated to their Sadguru Bhagavan Nityananda.

This year their Sadguru was physically not present. They still went to Ganeshpuri to seek His blessings. They stood in front of His empty chair and wept. They returned home with a heavy heart.

On the night of 13th September, someone shook him from his sleep. He felt as if a figure was standing in front of him. There stood Bhagavan like Lord Dattatray with the difference that He had an elephant head. Lord said “I am coming tomorrow as Guruganesha. Why do you feel sad? I am always there with you.”

The devotee got up from sleep. He was not sure whether he had a dream or if was it real. He became sceptical. He prayed to Baba to just give him one hint to prove that it was not a dream but a real manifestation of his Sadguru.

Ganesh Chaturthi, Thursday 14th September 1961

As usual, the clay statue of Ganesha was brought. The priest came to install the idol by performing Pranapratistha. He placed the idol on Chaurang and evoked Ganesha to manifest in the idol. Just as the statue was being installed, the priest said to him “Today is Thursday! Let us offer today’s prayers as worship to Sadguru Dattatray!’ Both wife and husband suddenly said “Guruganesh! Yes, it is Guruganesh!!!”

Bhagavan Nityanda as Guruganesh

The family celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with joy. Now convinced that as promised in the dream, their Sadguru Nityananda had come in their home as Ganesha, the festival became very significant. Guru had come that year as Lord Ganesha. They worshipped Him as Him.

In fact Guru is Lord of wisdom who is none other than Ganesha. Shree Umananda Saraswati was told by Swami Muktananda that Sadguru should be looked upon as Guruganesha!

I do not know the name of this devotee except that he lived on the outskirts of Mumbai. The dates were confirmed by me through search of 1961 calendar.