Shri Madhav Hegde at the Lotus Feet of Gurudeva
Although there were several householder devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda, I have chosen Shri Madhav Hegde to be the first to share the grace and love that he experienced for over twenty years with Bhagavan Nityananda. His surrender to his Guru was extraordinarily unconditional. His devotion was put to the test by making him undergo several emotional challenges, and each challenge he faced by saying, “Come what may, my Deva, even if You choose to disown me, I shall never ever let You go away from my life!” I, therefore, thought that studying his life would be interesting to devotees.
Shri Mangalore Madhav Hegde, M M Hegde, was born on 16th September 1915. His father, Venkatesh, and mother, Gauri, lived in Mangalore. They had five sons and five daughters. Of the five brothers, Shri Narayan Hegde and Shri Madhav Hegde were devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda. Both moved to Mumbai, where they lived all their lives.
When Madhav was eight years old, he had a chance to meet Bhagavan Nityananda, who had come to Mangalore. Tulas Amma had a small ashram near Urva Market in 1921. Bhagavan Nityananda used to often come to Mangalore in those days. Tulas Amma was older to Baba by age. In 1921, Baba appeared to be 17 to 18 years old. He was very slim and wore long arms. Baba was in an Avadhut state and did not do anything with His own hands. He used to eat only when He was fed. He never remained in one place for long. At times, He used to visit someone and leave the place within a matter of minutes after arriving. Tulas Amma used to feed Baba as a small child. In the evening, Baba used to visit the Mangalore Railway terminus. There, a few devotees used to gather and discuss spiritual matters. Shri Narayan Hegde, the elder brother, often went to this railway terminus to join the group and listen to the discussions. Once or twice, Shri Madhav Hegde accompanied him, and it was then he saw Bhagavan Nityananda for the first time. He must have been eight years old. He did not understand what they discussed, nor did Baba talk to him, but their eye contact was made. Tulas Amma had a small rented house at Dongerkery in Mangalore. Once, Shri Madhav Hegde saw Baba there too. After that, Baba and he never met until one day by chance, he met my uncle, Shri Sitaram Shenoy, in Mangalore, and later he came to Mumbai.
Mangalore Madhav Hegde came into contact with Shri Sitaram Shenoy between 1935 and 1940 when Shri Sitaram Shenoy came to Mangalore for the marriage of his younger brother, Shri Ramakrishna Shenoy. The marriage was in Mangalore, and he was looking for someone who could decorate the marriage pandal with lighting using electric bulbs. Someone recommended Shri Madhav Hegde to him. Thus, the task of decorating the pandal came to Madhav, who did it in a very unique style where a continuous ‘Om’ was lit. This pandal was facing the main road. It so happened that Shree Sudhindra Teertha Swami, Mathadipatti of Kashi Matha, was passing by that road in his car. On seeing the Om decoration, he asked the driver to pull the car aside and enquired who the Yajamana (head) of the marriage party was. On hearing that his Dharma Guru had come and summoned him, Shri Sitaram Shenoy immediately ran out with customary gifts (fruits, shawl, Arathi) that are offered to the head of the Matha. When he offered his salutations to Swamiji, Swamiji said that he was impressed by the Om decoration and wanted to know who had designed it. He further said that he had never seen such a beautifully made Om anywhere in India, and he wished to acknowledge the artist who designed it. Shri Sitaram Shenoy was pleased that this simple decision of giving this task to Madhav had brought Shree Sudhindra Teertha Swamiji, making it an auspicious sign for the marriage ceremony. After the marriage ceremony, Shri Sitaram Shenoy invited Madhav to come to Mumbai along with him so that he could look for suitable prospects for his living. After obtaining permission from his mother, Shri Madhav Hegde came to Mumbai along with Shri Sitaram Shenoy.
In Mumbai, Shri Sitaram Shenoy gave Madhav a small room to stay in Dongri, where he lived and two days later took him to Ganeshpuri (Dongri-Dadar-Vasai-Ganeshpuri), where he introduced him to Bhagavan Nityananda. Bhagavan hardly noticed or paid any attention to Madhav. Shri Sitaram Shenoy consoled him and advised him that he should go alone to Ganeshpuri and meet Swamiji. Accordingly, Madhav visited Ganeshpuri alone and met Baba. This time, Baba treated him with great love. He taught Madhav to prepare coffee and cook various dishes. He taught him how to light wood for cooking and other intricacies of cooking without a stove. Both Baba and Madhav used to drink coffee together and eat food like a mother and son. At times, Baba served him with his own hands, and both sat for lunch, which was mainly rice and sambhar with assorted vegetables. Those moments were very divine and joyful. Thereafter, Madhav visited Ganeshpuri every week. Thus, Shri Madhav Hegde met Bhagavan Nityananda for the second time in 1940 when he was about 25 years old, 17 years since he had briefly seen Him in Mangalore.
Shri Madhav Hegde, his wife, and daughter Nalini were regular visitors to our house, and Mrs. Hegde had immense love and respect for my mother. He had a son named Nityananda, who unfortunately died at the very early age of thirty-two. Of the many householder devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda, I would rate Shri Madhav Hegde as one who practised ‘Anyanasharan’ – unconditional surrender to his Sadguru Nityananda. He had to undergo turbulent roller-coaster rides all his life, but his faith in his Guru was never shaken or diminished. He had a very strong personality: tall, hefty, smart, daredevil, fearless, and very direct in his approach. He never minced his words and accepted no nonsense. As a householder devotee, he evolved first under Sitaram Shenoy, my uncle, and later under the direct guidance of Swami Nityananda. He also had great devotion to Shree Tulsi Amma and Shaligram Swami.
Shri Madhav Hegde passed away on 7th July 2007 (7-7-7), a year that saw several devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda passing away. It was late evening when I received a call from his daughter that he had passed away. I quickly took a U-turn from Andheri Highway and rushed to the Portuguese Church, Dadar, where they lived. He was not keeping well for a few days, but death was not expected. It was sudden and shocking. When I reached, he was no more, and the very idea that my one last link with Bhagavan Nityananda was no more was painful. There were very few close relatives. I requested my cousin, Kamalakar, for help, and he arranged for the priests. While the idea of Shri Hegde passing away was sinking in, the air was filled with the aroma of the blooming of Brahmakamal. Suddenly, several flowers bloomed, leaving a sweet aroma in the air as if to convey that all that he had shared about Bhagavan Nityananda and His Grace would bloom within us even though Shri Hegde was no more. He had nourished our being with the love of Bhagavan, and whatever he had shared with us about Bhagavan’s Grace was beyond our wildest dreams. The flowers soothed me a bit. Since I was closest to the family at that moment, I was to perform his last rites. Shri Sharad Jayawant and Mahendra Hingwala had come to have their last darshan. Normally, the last rites authorisation goes to the son. I wondered why Baba chose me to do this! I remembered what Mrs. Hegde once told my mother.
Shri Hegde’s son’s Upanayanam was held at Ganeshpuri. It was Bhagavan Nityananda who had recommended that the Upanayanam of his son be held in Ganeshpuri. Accordingly, the ceremony was fixed, and the entire ceremony was held under the supervision of Bhagavan Nityananda. As the ceremony was in progress, Smt. Hegde asked Baba, “We have no relatives here to grace the occasion, as certain rituals require to be headed by close relatives like uncles and sisters.” Baba said, “All those who are ‘Here’ today are your relatives.” By chance, my parents were in Ganeshpuri, and Smt. Hegde accepted us as their relatives, as suggested by Baba, and we actively participated in the ceremony. Since then, the two families have come together. During one visit to our house, Smt. Shantha Hegde told my mother, “The Almighty Nityananda declared you all are our relatives. He alone knows why He said so. Must be in the future, there is a role for your family in our lives.” As I was accompanying the body of Shri Hegde to the cremation ground, her words rang in my ears.
Bhagavan Nityananda foresaw years ago that there would come a time when no one would take on the responsibility of a very pious and holy duty. This gave me some respite. With all devotion and respect, I fulfilled my duty and lit the pyre of one of Bhagavan Nityananda’s most devout followers.
The life and times of Shri Madhav Hegde were enigmatic, divine, and mystic. He shared his experiences with Baba directly with me, and I found his accounts authentic, as they were based on his personal experiences without any hearsay or tale-telling. Shri Madhav Hegde’s experiences, what he saw, and what he heard were all shared with me, much like how Ramakant Prabhu shared the grace experienced by his mother, Susheela Prabhu, and his own experiences with me.
Shri Madhav Hegde first came to Baba in Ganeshpuri in 1940 during the Second World War. At that time, Baba lived in a small hut close to the Bhimeshwar temple, where the hot springs were buried under the mud. Baba cleared the tanks and rebuilt the temple and the Kunda. Shri Madhav Hegde was one of the many devotees who joined Baba in taking early morning baths in the Kunda. This was a rare honour that he could get as nobody was allowed to enter Kunda when Bhagavan took a bath in the Kunda. When Madhav was in Ganeshpuri, they would go for a bath at 4 AM in the second tank of the Kunda, which was otherwise off-limits before that hour.
From 2004 to 2007, I visited Shri Madhav Hegde several times and was blessed to hear about the grace of Bhagavan Nityananda. Much of my understanding and learning about devotees, devotion, and the teachings of Bhagavan Nityananda came from the various incidents he shared with me. Here, I share some of these experiences, although they may not be in chronological order. Some details may seem repetitive, but they add depth to the understanding of his experiences.
Early Days
As a typical member of the G.S.B. community, his loyalty was to his Dharma Guru from Kashi Matha. As a young man, he studied Bhagavan Nityananda carefully and soon became an ardent devotee. Sometimes, Baba would allow Shri Hegde to prepare coffee for Him during overnight stays in Ganeshpuri. Despite Baba’s youthful demeanour and playful interactions with children and visitors, Shri Hegde noted Baba’s profound spiritual presence.
They often bathed together in the hot Kunda water. This honour was not for many except children. Nobody went near Kunda when Bhagavan took His bath. Shri Hegde mentioned that Baba preferred the middle Kunda, which Baba referred to as Koti Teertha. While some claim Baba favoured the first Kunda with its hot water spring, Shri Madhav Hegde insisted that Baba’s preferred Kunda was the second one, and he made it a practice to take dips there throughout his life, considering its water sacred.
Shri Hegde recalled Baba’s playful nature, mentioning how Baba would sometimes playfully splash water using both palms clasped together. It was a cherished honour for Shri Hegde that Baba occasionally shared lunch with him, a privilege bestowed on very few devotees.
To UK
Shri Madhav Hegde soon joined the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai as an apprentice. Apprentices received a modest stipend, and the programme typically lasted a few years, after which candidates were often absorbed into regular employment. During one of his visits to Ganeshpuri, while Bhagavan Nityananda was residing at Vaikuntha Ashram, the young Madhav was asked, “What are you doing nowadays? How much are you earning?”
Madhav replied humbly, “I have completed my apprenticeship and have now been taken on in regular employment. As a trainee, I earn a few rupees—just enough to keep body and soul together.”
Bhagavan responded sharply, “What a foolish fellow you are! How can you be content with such meagre earnings? Don’t you want to improve your prospects? Do you even read the newspaper?”
Madhav assured Baba that he read the newspaper regularly and was indeed looking for better opportunities. Bhagavan asked, “Did you not read about the Bevin Boys’ Training Scheme in London, sponsored by the British Government?”
It was a mystery how Baba knew of this scheme, especially as newspapers were not regularly available in the remote village of Ganeshpuri. But those who knew Baba would not doubt his omniscience. The Bevin Boys scheme, initiated by Ernest Bevin—then Minister of Labour in the UK—conscripted young British men between 1943 and 1948 to work in coal mines to address labour shortages during and after World War II. Nearly 48,000 men were selected, some by lot and others as volunteers, with many undergoing engineering training.
Madhav had seen the advertisement for the scheme, which included training opportunities in engineering, but assumed he was ineligible. “The quotas are allotted province-wise,” he told Baba. “Since I’m originally from Karnataka, and not a domicile of Bombay, my application will likely be rejected.”
Baba was displeased. “Why do you look at life through such a narrow lens? Apply immediately,” he ordered.
Obeying his Guru, Madhav applied the very next day. Miraculously, he was selected. However, during the mandatory medical examination, the examining officer, on learning that Madhav had applied from Bombay despite not being a local resident, declared him medically unfit without conducting any actual examination.
Disheartened, Madhav returned to Ganeshpuri and narrated everything to Baba. Far from offering sympathy, Baba scolded him again: “Are you mad? Is there no superior to that medical officer? Go and register your complaint with him.”
Madhav followed Baba’s instructions. He approached the Senior Medical Officer, a British gentleman, who was baffled that someone as strong and healthy-looking as Madhav had been rejected. He summoned the junior officer for an explanation. When the officer failed to provide a valid reason, the Senior Officer reprimanded him and overturned the rejection.
Thus, through many twists and turns—and at every step guided by the grace and insistence of Bhagavan Nityananda—Madhav Hegde was formally selected for training and sent to the United Kingdom.
Manifestation in the UK
In London, Shri Madhav Hegde, now a well-groomed and confident young man, began attracting attention. A local English girl, charmed by his dignified appearance and assuming he came from an aristocratic background, took an interest in him. One evening, she persuaded him to accompany her to a quiet park, citing the cold winter night as a reason to seek solitude.
As they sat together, Bhagavan Nityananda suddenly manifested before Madhav—right there in the secluded park in London. Baba appeared visibly angry. His sudden and stern presence startled Madhav, filling him with fear and awe. Bhagavan asked, “Is this why you were sent abroad? To waste your life like this? What would your parents think if they saw you in such a state?”
The girl, startled and unable to comprehend what she had just witnessed, fled the scene in terror. Madhav, deeply shaken, was left alone in the dark. Somehow, he gathered himself and walked to the nearest bus stop. Despite the biting cold, he was profusely sweating. Onlookers in thick woollen coats stared at him in disbelief, wondering how he could be sweating on such a freezing night.
He returned to his hostel in a dazed and trembling state. The incident left a deep impact on him. The fact that Bhagavan could manifest in a distant foreign land drove home the reality that he was always under his Guru’s watchful eye. That night became a turning point in his life. Humbled and awakened, Shri Madhav Hegde surrendered completely to Bhagavan Nityananda, accepting Him unconditionally as his Guru. He completed his training in London with renewed focus and spiritual conviction, and eventually returned to India.
Strange way to hunt for a Job
Upon his return to India, Shri Madhav Hegde once again turned to Baba for guidance—this time, in search of employment. True to his enigmatic ways, Bhagavan gave him an unusual instruction: “Put on your suit and walk up and down Sir Pherozshah Mehta Road from 10 AM to 5 PM every day.”
Though perplexed, Madhav obeyed Baba’s command without question. For several days, he walked that busy street in his formal suit, drawing the occasional curious glance. Then one day, a British gentleman, Mr. J. H. Brown, who had observed Madhav’s routine, stopped him and asked, “I see you every day walking up and down this road in a suit from morning till evening. What are you doing?”
Madhav replied earnestly, “I’m looking for a job.”
The man burst into laughter. “And you think you’ll find a job by walking around like this?”
Without taking offence, Madhav calmly replied, “I am doing this because my Guru told me to. He said I would find a job this way. I have complete faith in Him.”
Intrigued by the young man’s conviction, Mr. Brown asked about his background. Madhav told him about his engineering training in London and his work experience there.
As fate—or rather, Guru’s grace—would have it, Mr. Brown was, in fact, looking to hire someone with Madhav’s qualifications. He told him to visit his office in the Laxmi Building, which happened to be on the very same road.
Excited and filled with gratitude, Madhav made his way to the building, which also housed the office of the prominent firm, Marcopolo. What had begun as an unconventional job hunt turned out to be a divine orchestration—proof yet again of the mysterious and compassionate ways in which Bhagavan Nityananda guided his devotees.
Laxmi Building at P M Road
Every weekend, Madhav continued his visits to Ganeshpuri. Sometimes he went alone; at other times, he took his family. During each visit, he confided in Baba about the worsening atmosphere at his workplace—the politics, the humiliation, and the discomfort caused by the new boss. On one such occasion, Baba said firmly, “Then leave the job, if you are disturbed.”
Shri Hegde was stunned. To leave a well-paying job on a Guru’s instruction felt unsettling, yet unquestionable. Trusting his Guru’s words, he submitted his resignation the very next day. It was accepted without hesitation. Overnight, all the comforts, perks, and privileges he once enjoyed vanished. Life had taken a difficult turn. Still, Madhav remained steadfast in his devotion, regularly visiting Ganeshpuri and spending time in Baba’s presence.
Some weeks later, Baba asked him casually, “What about your job?”
Madhav replied, “I resigned. Here I was told to do so.”
Baba’s expression changed. He appeared angry and said, “Now suffer! You will not find a job.”
Madhav folded his hands and said, “I left because You asked me to. And now You say I won’t find a job. So be it. Your will shall prevail.”
Months passed without employment. Though disheartened, Madhav did not give up. He kept searching and eventually secured a job in an engineering firm—with the help of a contact. The position, however, was a far cry from his earlier one: a basic shop-floor role, lacking the stature and pay he was used to. Still, he accepted it humbly.
Soon, through his experience, knowledge, and conduct, he won the respect of his co-workers. They found in him a man who could lead with clarity and work alongside them with humility. Among the many things that caught Madhav’s attention in the factory was a large, imported machine, encased in an iron barricade. It was brand new but lay unused. Curious, he asked his colleagues why it sat idle.
They explained that the machine had been imported from Germany at great expense, but it had never worked. Every time it was switched on, it emitted a loud, disturbing noise and stopped. Even engineers sent by the manufacturers had failed to repair it. Since then, it had remained locked away, a symbol of failed investment and disappointment.
Hearing this, Madhav approached the owner and said, “Sir, I believe I can repair that machine.”
The owner laughed. “Even German engineers couldn’t fix it—and you think you can?”
Madhav replied earnestly, “All I ask for is one chance.”
Amused yet intrigued, the owner said, “Very well. If you succeed, you’ll be promoted to head this engineering section. If you fail, you’re out.”
Madhav agreed, on one condition: “I will select my own team, and for fifteen days, I must be left undisturbed.”
The owner agreed and issued a formal circular empowering Madhav with full authority for the task.
For fifteen days, Madhav and his trusted team toiled day and night. They believed in his leadership, and he in their commitment. Though many mocked them behind their backs, no one interfered. On the fifteenth day, the owner came to the shop floor, curious to see what had become of the effort.
Madhav gave the signal. His foreman pressed the start button.
The machine whirred to life, made its usual loud sound, then went silent… and began to function smoothly.
The workers burst into cheers. They embraced one another, jubilant. The impossible had been achieved.
The owner, visibly impressed, kept his word. “From today,” he announced, “you are in the management cadre and will head this section.”
Madhav humbly added, “Sir, I request an increment and bonus for each member of the team who stood with me.” The request was immediately approved.
Madhav had regained not only his position and status, but also his confidence and inner strength. He made his way to Ganeshpuri to share the news with Bhagavan. From that day forward, Baba affectionately referred to him as Engineer Hegde.
I once asked Shri Madhav Hegde, “Why did Bhagavan ask you to leave your job, only to later say that you wouldn’t find another after obeying His instruction?” Shri Hegde replied, “He wanted to test whether I would follow His command without hesitation. Having obeyed Him, He then tested if I could willingly bear the suffering—pain, humiliation, loss of status—without complaint. He wanted to see if I had Atmavishwas—self-confidence—whether I could persevere and transcend limitations. He put me through these tests before He fully accepted me. And I too tested Him. I wanted to see if His Grace was unwavering and seamless. When I volunteered to repair the machine, I didn’t even know what was wrong with it. No one was allowed to inspect it. I simply took the chance, relying solely on my faith in Him.”
The trials Shri Madhav Hegde faced were only a glimpse of what lay ahead in his journey as a sadhak who surrendered unconditionally to the Sadguru. Disaster after disaster entered his life—trials that would have broken an ordinary man. Yet, Shri Hegde remained a witness to every event, whether joyous or painful. A true sadhak never abandons his Guru, and Shri Madhav Hegde passed this test with quiet strength and unwavering devotion. Let us see how.
By then, Shri Madhav Hegde was well-settled and of marriageable age. He married Shantha on February 21, 1945, with the blessings of Baba. In 1951, he rented a house in Bhatia Bhagavan, near Portuguese Church in Mumbai. Their son was born on May 18, 1947, and was named Nithyananda.
However, his father-in-law strongly disapproved of Madhav’s devotion to Bhagavan Nityananda. As a member of the G.S.B. community, he followed the Dharma Guru, Shree Sudhindra Teertha Swami of Kashi Matha. Steeped in tradition and attached to the formality and prestige of the Matha, he could not accept a Master like Bhagavan Nityananda, who wore only a loincloth and lived beyond all religious conventions. To him, Bhagavan was just another wandering sadhu, unworthy of reverence. He would even mock Bhagavan, saying, “His worth isn’t enough to buy His own loincloth.” Despite such ridicule and opposition, Shri Madhav Hegde never wavered in his faith. He remained firmly at the Feet of Bhagavan Nityananda for the rest of his life.
Life to the Son
On one occasion, Shri Madhav Hegde visited Ganeshpuri with his family and father-in-law. At the time, their young son, Nithyananda, was still a small child. While playing in the kunda (sacred water tank) with his grandfather, the child suddenly slipped and drowned. Panic ensued. People ran in all directions, crying out for Shri Madhav Hegde.
Madhav and Shantha, devastated, rushed to the scene and carried their lifeless child to where Bhagavan Nityananda was seated. They gently placed the boy at His Feet. Shantha was inconsolable in her grief.
Baba, calm and detached, instructed that the child’s body be placed in a gunny sack and asked everyone to leave. Though torn by sorrow, they obeyed His command and walked away, leaving the child’s body in Baba’s care.
Some time later, when they returned, they found the boy alive—joyfully playing beside Baba, as if nothing had happened. The parents’ joy was beyond measure.
The grandfather, who until then had rejected Bhagavan Nityananda and scorned His ways, was deeply shaken by what he witnessed. That day, his heart melted. With complete surrender, he accepted Baba as the living embodiment of the Divine.
Insect in the ear
Once, while Shri Madhav Hegde was in Ganeshpuri, an insect accidentally entered his ear. The pain was excruciating, and Madhav rolled on the ground in agony, unable to bear the torment.
When word reached Baba, He immediately came with a torch in hand. Asking Madhav to remain still, He carefully illuminated the inside of the ear. Then, in a calm and commanding voice, Baba called out to the insect to come out. To everyone’s amazement, the insect slowly crawled out and flew away. Madhav felt instant relief.
Still shaken, he asked Baba, “Why didn’t You just kill the insect?”
Baba replied gently, “It did not enter your ear intentionally—it was a mistake. Why kill without reason?”
Upanayan Ceremony of Shri Hegde’s son
As per the tradition of the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins, Shri Madhav Hegde’s son, Nithyananda, had reached the appropriate age for the Upanayanam ceremony. Wishing to seek guidance, Shri Hegde approached Bhagavan Nithyananda for permission.
Upanayanam, also known as Janai or Janeu, is one of the key Saṃskāras (rites of passage) in Hinduism. It marks the initiation of a child into formal spiritual education and symbolises their entry into the path of learning under the guidance of a Guru. During this sacred ritual, the child receives the Yajñopavīta—the sacred thread made of three cotton strands—which is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. Traditionally, this ceremony is performed before the age of 16 and was historically reserved for the upper three varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.
The term Upanayana itself means “leading or bringing near”—signifying the Guru’s act of drawing the child closer to spiritual knowledge. It is referred to as a “second birth,” the awakening of the intellect and spirit.
During a visit to Ganeshpuri with his wife, Shri Madhav Hegde sought Bhagavan’s blessings to leave. Baba asked him, “What about performing the Upanayanam of your son Nithyananda? He’s already twelve.” Shri Hegde responded with humility, “Whatever is instructed Here will be accepted wholeheartedly.”
Baba instructed that the ceremony be conducted in Ganeshpuri itself and set a date with very little time for preparation. As was customary, His word was final and followed without hesitation. The Hegdes, however, had no opportunity to invite relatives, as the decision had come on such short notice. Mrs. Hegde, though usually quiet before Bhagavan, expressed her sorrow at not being able to invite their near and dear ones.
Baba gently reassured her, saying, “Whoever comes Here is your relative.”
On the day of the ceremony, the gates of Kailas were overflowing with visitors, and Baba personally ensured that lunch was served to all who came. The Upanayanam of young Nithyananda was conducted in Ganeshpuri under the loving grace and supervision of Bhagavan.
As part of the tradition, Baba offered Nithyananda a ceremonial ochre-colored silk dhoti, known in Konkani as Patyatodope, which is essential attire for a young Bhikshuk during the Upanayanam. In keeping with custom, where a brother gives a gift to his sister, Bhagavan also presented an ochre-colored saree to Nithyananda’s sister, Nalini.
Baba made all the necessary arrangements for the Upanayanam ceremony and entrusted Shri Narayan Bhatji of the Bhadrakali Temple to preside over the event. From the moment Bhagavan announced the date for the ceremony, Mrs. Hegde fell seriously ill, developing a high fever that lasted until the day of the ceremony. This fever left her unable to invite relatives and friends as she had hoped.
The ceremony was held in Kailash Hall. Just outside Kailash Hall, there was a sugarcane juice vendor. Baba often referred to this juice as Amrita, the nectar of the gods, and served it to His devotees. On this special day, all the guests at the ceremony were offered this juice, and Baba also prepared a traditional sweet dish called Patoli, made with turmeric plant leaves, known locally as Haldipan.
As the ceremony unfolded, Smt. Shantha Hegde looked outside the gates of Kailash Hall and saw the area packed with local devotees. Disheartened, she turned to Baba and asked, “Baba, where are our relatives?” With His usual comforting assurance, Baba replied, “All who have come Here are your relatives.”
Coincidentally, my parents, along with their children, were in Ganeshpuri at the time, and Baba’s words transformed us into relatives of Shri Madhav Hegde. This bond of friendship remained strong and unwavering until the very end. Smt. Shantha Hegde frequently met my mother, sharing the joys and challenges they faced, all under the grace of Baba.
Whenever there were difficulties or uncertainties, my mother would turn to Baba in prayer. We had a life-sized picture of Baba in our home, and my mother would offer a garland worth three annas (one anna equaling six paise) for every wish fulfilled and every worry resolved. Even after Baba’s Mahasamadhi, my mother continued to experience His grace, often finding that the promise of a three-anna garland would help her prayers reach His ears.
Shri Madhav Hegde had the privilege of learning various secret Vidhyas from Baba. In 1955, during a heavy rainfall, the Teja River flooded, threatening to submerge the Vaikuntha Ashram. Baba instructed Shri Madhav Hegde, Gangubai, and Madhav Mama to move the belongings from the Ashram to the Kailash Building to prevent them from getting wet. They worked quickly, and by the time they had moved the last item to safety, the water had reached the first step of Kailash. There was no sign of the floodwaters receding.
At that moment, Baba directed Shri Hegde to offer flowers to the river and perform Arathi. As soon as the flowers were offered and the Arathi was completed, the water began to recede. Baba had shown Shri Hegde how to make floodwaters retreat, teaching him a powerful Vidhya in the process.
Shri Hegde also shared with me that Baba had taught him how to revive a person from the brink of death and how to treat Parkinson’s disease. Although he never revealed the techniques, I trusted his words, knowing that Baba, recognizing Shri Hegde’s intelligence and deep commitment, would have chosen him to learn such profound secrets.
Bhagavan as Supervisor
Bhagavan took great care of His devotees, even in the smallest matters. Whenever Madhav visited Ganeshpuri on weekdays, his juniors at the shop would tell him, “In your absence, we saw a tall, dark man in langoti supervising and instructing us.” This was Bhagavan, ensuring that everything ran smoothly even in His physical absence.
Once, there was labour unrest at the factory. Union leaders stormed into Shri Madhav Hegde’s cabin, intent on confronting him. As they approached, a tiger’s roar erupted from the photo of Baba, which was placed behind his chair. The intruders fled in fear, terrified by the unexpected roar. Time and again, Bhagavan protected His devotees, ensuring their safety and well-being.
An Old Friend from the Himalayas
It was an ordinary, peaceful morning in Ganeshpuri. Baba was in Vaikuntha Ashram, and Shri Madhav Hegde was sitting near the entrance, his legs blocking the doorway. Baba was seated on the slope leading to His room, and the area was quiet, with no visitors. As Shri Hegde turned his head, he suddenly saw a Sadhu walking towards Baba. The Sadhu boldly approached Baba, pulling Him by the arms and making Him stand. Shri Hegde, surprised, wondered how the Sadhu could have entered, as he was blocking the entrance and there was no other way in.
This Sadhu was tall, hefty, and had long, white matted hair and a beard, resembling Rishi Vishwamitra as described in ancient texts. Baba and the Sadhu began walking up and down the hall, with the Sadhu draping his arm across Baba’s shoulders as if they were old friends. They were laughing, reminiscing, and sharing joyful moments.
As they reached the spot where Shri Hegde was sitting, the Sadhu stopped and said, “You know, I am His friend from the Himalayas. We have known each other for 760 years.” Upon hearing this, Baba’s demeanor suddenly changed. He became angry, struck the Sadhu on the chest, and the Sadhu vanished instantly. Baba appeared stern and displeased.
Shri Hegde asked, “Where did he go? Why are you angry with him?” Baba replied, “It was wrong for him to boast and share such secrets with you. If people learn of such things, there will be a huge crowd here, and it will cause unnecessary attention. He should not have done that.” Baba disapproved of such publicity, as it attracted people for the wrong reasons.
The Hath Yogi’s Desire to Walk on Water
One day, while Shri Madhav Hegde was in Ganeshpuri, the Maharani of Kolhapur came to have Darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda. She was accompanied by a Hath Yogi, who had his own spiritual aspirations. During their meeting, the Yogi requested Baba’s blessing to gain the power to walk on water. Baba remained silent, offering no response.
The Maharani left, but the Yogi stayed behind and set up a small Ashram across the river near Anusuya Kund, focusing on his goal to acquire this mystical ability. Baba, however, spoke to him and said, “If you wish to walk on water, you must write Omkara on 100,000 leaves of the Peeple tree (Ficus Religiosa).”
The Hath Yogi made grand arrangements in Bombay for a public event where he claimed he would demonstrate his ability to walk on water. Tickets were sold, and the Yogi had young boys collect 100,000 leaves and inscribe Omkara on each one. Once the leaves were ready, he decided to test whether he had attained the power to walk on water. It was during the monsoon season, with the river full and fast-flowing.
As the Yogi attempted to walk on the water, the river swept him away. However, Baba had sent a few devotees ahead, who saved the Yogi from drowning. The grand event he had planned in Bombay failed, and the Yogi fled, never to return to Ganeshpuri.
When Baba was asked why the Yogi failed, He explained, “He was told to write Om on 100,000 leaves. Instead of doing it himself, he found an easy way out by asking others to do the task. Had he been truly committed, he would have done the work himself, which would have earned him the Siddhi to walk on water.”
Tungareshwar
Tungareshwar, rising to an altitude of approximately 2,177 feet, is among the highest mountain plateaus in the Vasai region. Trekkers typically begin their journey at the highway junction, about a kilometre from the base, where a forest checkpost marks the official entry. The trek spans roughly 3 kilometres and includes the crossing of two streams before reaching the sacred Shiva temple nestled atop the hill. Popular among both pilgrims and nature lovers, weekends often see crowds, prompting many to prefer the peace of weekday visits. For many, a visit to the temple combined with a dip in the cool waters of the natural pond makes for a complete retreat.
Mythologically, Tungareshwar holds deep significance. It is believed to be the site where Lord Parshurama vanquished the demon Tunga, a story found in the ancient Puranas. The region is also associated with Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have meditated here near present-day Nalasopara (Sopara). The temple itself is designed in accordance with Vastu Shastra and adorned with symbols of sacred geometry, said to resonate with powerful spiritual energy.
Located about 20 kilometres from Ganeshpuri, Tungareshwar is accessible via the Vajreshwari–Shirshad Phata road.
Just fifteen days before His Mahasamadhi, Bhagavan Nityananda shifted from Kailash Bhuvan to the Bangalorewala Building. Though visibly unwell, Baba insisted repeatedly that He wished to travel to Kanhangad, but His devotees, concerned for His health, did not permit it. Around this time, Shri Laxman Shah Khoday arrived in Ganeshpuri. Baba asked him whether he would take Him to Bangalore. Anticipating this, Shri Khoday had already constructed a new building for Baba’s stay. It was here, in the Bangalorewala Building, that Baba observed His final Guru Purnima on 27th July 1961, attended closely by devotees who protected Him from disturbances.
One night, just five to seven days before His Mahasamadhi, Shri Madhav Hegde was attending to Baba. It was late and raining heavily. Suddenly, Baba moved to the southern window and pointed toward the distant Tungareshwar hills. Catching Shri Hegde’s thumb, Baba transported them—instantly and effortlessly—to the edge of a reservoir at Tungareshwar.
There, beneath the surface of the water, Baba revealed an ancient treasure: massive gold slabs and copper vessels filled with gold coins, submerged and untouched for over a thousand years. Baba turned to Madhav and asked, “Do you wish to have them?”
Madhav replied with reverence, “My Deva, what would I do with them? They mean nothing to me. I only want You.”
Pleased with his detachment, Baba held his thumb once more, and in a flash, they were back in the Bangalorewala Building.
Shri Madhav Hegde often reflected on this experience. He would say, “I don’t know why Baba took me to Tungareshwar and showed me that treasure. He even told me the secret process required to reach it—something no ordinary person could ever discover on their own. Without that knowledge, the treasure is beyond anyone’s reach.”
He added, “I believe Baba entrusted me with this Vidya for a reason, perhaps to pass it on to the right person—someone who could use the treasure selflessly for the welfare of others. If such a person, truly authorised by Baba, comes into my life, I shall teach them the path and the method.”
In his final days, Madhav Hegde still pondered this mystery. “Perhaps,” he mused, “I will have to take another birth to fulfil the purpose behind Baba’s revelation.”
With Shri Madhav Hegde’s passing, the esoteric Vidyas gifted to him by Bhagavan—powers to heal incurable diseases, to revive life, to part floods, and the key to the hidden treasure of Tungareshwar—were lost to time, like sacred secrets returned to silence.
Need of Bhakta Pundalik
Just a few days before Bhagavan Nityananda’s Mahasamadhi, Shri Madhav Hegde longed for Baba’s Darshan. However, the close-knit group of devotees attending to Baba at the Bangalorewala Building would not allow him entry. Determined, Madhav discreetly observed the schedule of those serving Baba and discovered a small window—early in the morning—when the night attendants, exhausted, would leave, and the next group had yet to arrive. In that brief gap, Baba would be left alone.
Madhav saw his chance.
To avoid detection, he devised a simple disguise. He wrapped a cotton towel around his head like a turban and approached the coffee vendor who ran a small stall across from the Bangalorewala Building. This humble vendor knew Shri Hegde well and often confided his heartfelt wish: that Baba might one day taste the coffee he prepared with such love.
When Madhav offered to carry the coffee to Baba, the vendor was overwhelmed with joy. He poured all his devotion into that one cup, carefully preparing the brew and pouring it into a clean cup and saucer. With the coffee in hand and dressed as a vendor, Madhav quietly slipped past the inattentive watch and entered the building.
He reached Baba, who was sitting quietly, alone. The moment Baba saw him, a wave of joy passed over His face. Madhav approached reverently and prostrated at His feet. Then, he poured some coffee into the saucer. Baba took a sip, acknowledging the devotion—not only of Madhav, but also of the simple coffee vendor.
Baba then spoke, His voice tinged with both compassion and dispassion:
“Now—Sthir Samadhi. No one seeks Bhakti. All come with worldly desires. They want bungalows, their children to get the best jobs, to go to England, to earn degrees, succeed in business. But no one seeks Bhakti—Nishkamabhakti.”
Shri Hegde, moved by Baba’s words, pleaded,
“Deva, why don’t you postpone your decision to take Samadhi?”
Baba looked at him gently and replied,
“Yes, it can be postponed—if you can bring a devotee of the stature of Pundalik, and if he requests Me to stay. Then I shall remain, for as long as he desires. Can you make such a request, as Pundalik did?”
Who is Bhaktaraj Pundalik?
In Pandharpur, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Lord Vitthal. Here, He is depicted as dark in complexion, standing with His hands resting on His hips on a brick. Often, He is also portrayed as a young cowherd boy, wearing only a loincloth, holding a stick in one hand and a woollen blanket—called a Ghongadi—draped over His shoulder. The Ghongadi, a simple woollen blanket made by rural villagers, is a symbol of humility and simplicity. Bhagavan Nityananda, upon His arrival in Ganeshpuri, was often seen wearing a loincloth and carrying a blanket over His shoulder, embodying the same spirit of simplicity.
The Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana briefly describe the divine journey of Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur, explaining why He stays in this form. Once, Srimati Radharani, Lord Krishna’s consort in the village of Vrindavana, visited Him in His royal city of Dvaraka. There, she noticed that Lord Krishna was interacting with her less intimately than before and was engaging more deeply with Rukmini Devi, His queen. Upset by this, Rukmini left for the forest of Dindirvana, near Pandharpur. In an attempt to apologise and reconcile, Lord Krishna followed her, but His efforts were in vain. The queen’s sorrow was untouched by His words, and so He moved on to Pandharpur, seeking solace in the company of His devotee, Bhakta Pundarika.
Pundalik’s story is one of transformation and redemption. In his youth, he neglected his parents, treating them poorly and misbehaving with the villagers. His father, Janudev, and his mother, Satyavati, were devoted followers of Lord Krishna. The constant complaints from the villagers deeply hurt them. In desperation, they thought that a marriage might reform their son. But Pundalik’s behaviour only worsened after his marriage, and he continued to mistreat them.
Tired of his cruelty, Pundalik’s parents decided to travel to Kashi (Varanasi), as it was believed that those who passed away there attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death. When Pundalik heard of their decision, he and his wife decided to accompany them. His behaviour remained unchanged, and he made his elderly parents walk while he and his young wife rode on horseback. Along their journey, they stopped at the hermitage of the great sage Kakkut Muni, where they decided to rest for a few days.
That night, Pundalik stayed awake and witnessed something extraordinary. Just before dawn, he saw a group of young women in dirty clothes enter the sage’s hermitage. They performed humble chores—cleaning, fetching water, and washing the sage’s clothes. After finishing their tasks, they returned to the prayer room. When they emerged, their clothes were spotless, and they disappeared. Pundalik was not alarmed but felt a sense of peace and wonder. The next night, he stayed awake to observe again, and this time, he decided to speak to the women.
“Who are you all?” he asked.
“We are the holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and others,” they replied. “People bathe in us to purify their sins. The impurity from their minds, bodies, and souls becomes part of us, and that is why you see our clothes in such a filthy condition. Every night, we serve the great sage Kakkut Muni, who is like a father to us. Through our service, all the sins left in us by others are washed away, making us pure once more. But you, Pundalik, are the greatest sinner. How you treat your devoted parents is beyond forgiveness. No river or ritual can cleanse the sin of such actions.”
Pundalik was struck by their words. He asked, “Why do you call me the greatest sinner?”
“You mistreat your parents, and that sin cannot be absolved by any ritual or sacred river. The pain caused to parents is a sin that cannot be washed away.”
This was a rude awakening for Pundalik. Realising the enormity of his wrongdoings, he asked the women for guidance. They told him that he must serve his parents with all his heart and never harm them again. Only then could he find redemption.
The next day, Pundalik went to Kakkut Muni, seeking his blessings. The sage, seeing the transformation in Pundalik, said, “Serve your parents with your body, mind, and words. Engage in devotion to Lord Vishnu. Chant His name and sing His glory. Let your hands serve your parents, and let your heart remain immersed in devotion to the Lord.”
Pundalik took the sage’s words to heart. He returned to his parents, and they were astonished by the sudden change in him. From that day, Pundalik served them with love and devotion. He spent his days chanting the name of Lord Krishna, and in time, began composing Abhangs in His praise. Villagers came to him seeking guidance, and Pundalik led them to devotion and the path of bhakti.
Lord Krishna, moved by Pundalik’s intense devotion and selfless service to his parents, wished to offer him liberation. One night, as Lord Krishna arrived at Pundalik’s house, He called out, “Pundalik, I am pleased with your devotion. You are now eligible for liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Come, join Me, and I will take you to Vaikuntha.”
Pundalik, hearing the call of the Lord, was ready to rise. But years of service to his parents had cultivated in him a sense of selflessness. He thought, “What about others? They, too, need to witness the Lord. If I go, I will be liberated, but they will be left without a chance to see Lord Krishna.” He could not bear the thought of the Lord leaving, unseen by others.
So, Pundalik did not step out. Instead, he spoke to the Lord and said, “O Lord, my parents are still awake. Let them sleep, and then I will come to You.” To make the Lord comfortable while waiting, Pundalik placed a brick outside the door for Lord Krishna to rest upon. The Lord stood, waiting patiently for Pundalik, His hands resting on His hips, in the same posture that we see Him depicted in Pandharpur.
Lord Krishna, along with Rukmini, waited at the door, but Pundalik did not come out. Pundalik’s devotion had become so pure that he was willing to sacrifice his own liberation for the sake of others. His selfless love made the Lord stay in Pandharpur forever, where He now stands on that brick, waiting for His devotees to come.
Lord Vitthal, with Rukmini by His side, now stands in Pandharpur, His hands resting on His hips, His gaze inviting all who come in devotion. He seems to say to His devotees, “Do not fear. For those who surrender to Me, I have made the ocean of worldly suffering shallow. See, it is only this deep.”
In seeking a devotee like Pundalik, Baba was looking for someone whose devotion was unconditional, pure, and selfless—a devotion that transcended all worldly desires, a devotion that would call the Lord to remain eternally with His devotees.
Search for a Devotee- A modern day Pundalika
A Bhakta Called to Witness the End
I once asked Shri Madhav Hegde, “How and when did you reach Ganeshpuri at the time of Baba’s Mahasamadhi?”
He replied, “Just a few days before Baba’s Mahasamadhi, I was already at Ganeshpuri when Baba suddenly took me to the Tungareshwar hills at lightning speed. Then, on the eve of the Samadhi day, 7th August 1961, I was at work in my office, seated in my cabin and immersed in my duties, when Baba appeared before me — vividly and unmistakably. He said only one thing: ‘Come to Ganeshpuri immediately.’ And just as suddenly as He appeared, He vanished.
I didn’t waste a moment. I delegated my responsibilities to my colleagues, returned home, gathered my wife and children, and left for Ganeshpuri. When I told my wife that Baba had appeared to me in my office and called us, she broke down in tears. We reached Ganeshpuri by evening and stayed in our usual room in the Bangalorewala Building. It was Baba Himself who had summoned me to be by His side on the eve of His departure from the body. When we arrived, I couldn’t hold back my tears. In all my life, no sorrow had ever made me cry — but the thought of losing my Guru forever shattered me.”
The Ultimate Test: A Father, A Bhakta, A Flame
There is another poignant incident that must be told — a moment that tested the very core of Shri Madhav Hegde’s devotion.
On 28th June 1989, his beloved son, Nityananda, passed away at the age of 42 due to sudden cardiac arrest. This was the same son whom Bhagavan Nityananda had once saved as a child when he had fallen into the sacred Kunda. Tragically, Shri Hegde was not present at the time of his son’s death, and so he could not invoke the Vidya—the sacred knowledge he had received from Bhagavan to revive a departed soul.
It was a devastating blow. Yet, his faith did not waver.
At the cremation ground, while lighting the funeral pyre of his son, Shri Hegde held the torch in his right hand and, raising his left hand towards the sky, made a solemn vow:
“However much You may try, my Deva, to forsake me — I shall never let go of Your Feet.”
In that moment of profound grief and unshakable surrender, Shri Hegde was no longer just a Bhakta. He had become a Nishkama Bhakta — a devotee beyond desire, beyond expectation, beyond personal sorrow.
Bhagavan Nityananda had always lovingly addressed him as “Engineer Hegde.” Though a householder, Shri Madhav Hegde lived a life immersed in the love of his Guru, anchored in detachment and steadfast devotion. When asked why his life as a Bhakta was marked with such trials, he would say:
“What you see as pain and sorrow is nothing to me. Only my Sadguru matters. My connection with my son was limited; his time was over. He went his own way — it was destined.”
Last Words, First Truth
The final words Bhagavan Nityananda spoke to Shri Madhav Hegde on the day of His Mahasamadhi — 8th August 1961 — became the guiding light of Hegde’s entire life. He cherished these words and would write them, in his own handwriting, on the first page of his diary year after year. These were the parting, eternal words of the Master to His beloved disciple:
“You are a Samsari! You have to cultivate Nishkama Bhakti.
You should cultivate Nishkama Prema towards ‘This One.’
If you have that, then ‘This One’ will be ever with you.
‘This One’ will never leave you.”
All his life, Shri Madhav Hegde lived by the sacred principles imparted by Bhagavan Nityananda. When he arrived in Ganeshpuri, his presence was unmistakable — he received special regard, not out of demand but from the quiet authority of his faith. When he chose to enter the sanctum sanctorum, no one dared to stop him. Tall, upright, firm, and strong, he moved with the dignity of one completely surrendered to his Guru. His unwavering devotion radiated a powerful aura — it was as if Bhagavan’s grace visibly walked with him.
Shri Madhav Hegde played a pivotal role in bringing me closer to Bhagavan Nityananda. I owe my connection with the Master, in large part, to his influence. He left his mortal body on 7th July 2007, around 6 p.m. I remember that evening vividly — the air was rich with the fragrance of Brahma Kamal in bloom, a flower considered deeply auspicious and sacred. It was as though nature itself paid homage to his departure.
As his godson, I continue to offer daily oblations to him. During Mahalayapaksha, the fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors, I perform tarpana — special offerings — in his name with love and reverence.
Bhagavan Nityananda had once said to Smt. Shanta Hegde, “All those who have come ‘Here’ are your relatives.”
By “Here,” He meant the place of inner Oneness — the One that pervades all of existence. It was not a statement of social closeness but of spiritual kinship. We are all bound by that One Essence, and in that Truth alone lies our real relation.
But Bhagavan also foresaw that in times to come, the feeling of brotherhood would diminish. People would grow more isolated, divided by identity, ego, and worldly concerns. His words were a subtle command: that His devotees remain united in spirit, like children of a single mother, looking after one another, visiting each other often, offering support when needed. This was His vision of satsangha — not merely gatherings in name, but a lived bond rooted in Divine Oneness.
There are 16 comments on this post
Excellent information.
Thank you Rani for visiting our site and giving your feedback.
In His Prem,
I remain
Gopalkrishna
Thank you Raniji for visiting our website and leaving your feedback. We look forward to your continious visit and giving your feedback. It will be our endeavor to share Bhagavan's Love & Care.
In His Prem,
Gopalkrishna
Dear Dr Shenoy,
What a vivid and heartfelt portrayal of revered Engineer Hegde. You have truly brought to life his devotion to Nityanand Baba. I am deeply grateful to you for sharing this with us.
जय नित्यानंद !
Jai Nityananada Mahesh. Thank you for visiting our site and giving your feedback.
In His Prem,
I remain
Gopalkrishna
Thank you Shri Maheshji for visiting our website and leaving your feedback. It is our endeavor to share His Love & Care and make available His Grace unconditionally, openly and freely.
In His Prem
Gopalkrishna
we , my family also had poorvajanma yoga to have very close because of Devotion..Faith ..& Love to BABA...resulted Blessed Paduka by Gurudev Nityananda Baba during 1957.
cannot be explained by pen about his maaya...bhakti & Moksha....especially Baba blessed all these to Madhav Mama a simple true Bhakta of swami Nityananda Guruji.
Yes, Dhruvakumarji.The Grace of Bhagavan Nityananda is on your family. Please share how did you father got the Paduka and other divine experiences that your family add.
In His Prem,
Gopalkrishna
Aum Namo Bhagawate Nityanandaya.
Grateful to you Sir for your detailed portrayal of Swami Deva's kindness and Eng. Hegde's unconditional surrender. This article will be a guiding light for people like me.
Jai Gurudev
Thank you Shri Jayram Shenoyji for visiting our website and giving your feedback. In future too we shall share Bhagavan's love and care and we look forward for your continuous visit and feedback.
In His Prem
Gopalkrishna
Pray excuse, dear Shri Gopalkrishna Shenoy ...this Madhav Hagde is relative to the family owning the Hagde family in Ganeshpuri?
It is such a lovely relation of facts that you have made, how could we ever thank you enough for such effort?
Seems like people who descend from such devotees remain for ever living in Ganeshpuri, right?
Dear Ms Jyotsnaji,
My Namaskara to Bhagavan.My namaskara to you. Thank you for visiting our website and blog and leaving beyond your response.
Shri Madhav Hegde was not the relative of the family in Ganeshpuri, namely Bhaskar Hegde, who own the hotel opposite the Samadhi Mandir. They are basically Tullu speaking whereas Shri Madhav Hegde was Konkani speaking and GSB.
Bhagavan had different relationship with different devotees. Imagine both going to Kunda and taking bath and playing pranks. Nobody must have got to do this! With my mother it was Mother-Son relationship and at the same time the role got reversed at times when He placed His Lotus Feet on my Mother's cheek. Here He became her Dharma Guru as our GSB Dharma Guru used to bless by placing their foot on our head as in Bali-Vamana Avatar. Bhagavan was unique and second to none.
Those whom, He 'touched' are like prasad. A sweet dish is a ordinary dish till it is placed in front of a deity and consecrated. It then become divine-Prasad. So all wo came under His Fold are divine, BUT, they must maintain, sustain and respect That Divinity in them.
In His Prem,
At His Lotus Feet,
I remain
Gopalkrishna
Thank you dear Gopal Krishna for this heart felt account. Although I already knew some of the events, your narration has really made me feel Nityananda's presence and the love of His devotees.
My namaskara to you.
Carlos
Thank you Carlos. I share from what we learned over five generations who had Bhagavan's Darshan directly. Thank you for your kind response.
In His Prem,
Gopalkrishna
So beautiful to read. ❤️
Thank you, David.
I had the privilege of spending many meaningful years in the company of Mr. Hegde, as well as with his daughter and granddaughter—who happens to be my godniece.
In this particular post, I have shared in detail the life of a true devotee, so that others may gain insight into what it truly means to walk the path of a Bhakta. Mr. Hegde's life was marked by numerous trials and tests—across personal, emotional, and spiritual fronts. Yet, through every challenge, he held fast to the grace of his Sadguru, allowing it to carry him through each storm. His unwavering faith and love for Bhagavan Nityananda never faltered.
For anyone seeking to understand the depth and nature of the Guru-devotee relationship, I sincerely recommend reading this post.
With gratitude once again,
Gopalkrishna