The Eternal Assurance
Bhagavan Nityananda’s Unfailing Grace and Living Presence
I have shared how we, the Shenoy family, were protected by Bhagavan Nityananda. In my other writings, I have documented many such instances of His grace as experienced by different members of our family over the years. Bhagavan not only took care of our physical well-being but also gently and firmly guided us in our spiritual pursuit.
Many devotees, across generations, have their own share of similar experiences. What I have chosen to record here are those specific methods and remedies that He personally gave us—so that they remain preserved for posterity. Whether it be a child who is restless without reason, a person suffering from epilepsy, or a sādhak seeking inner completeness—especially in relation to departed family members—Bhagavan provided solutions that were at once simple and profound.
The rituals suggested by Bhagavan Nityananda to my father, as the last rites (Pinda Dan) for his departed mother and offerings to departed souls on ‘all souls fortnight’ (Mahal), are of special significance, as anybody can perform them. There is no need for any priests. Traditionally, Pinda Dān is performed through the assistance of a priest, following prescribed rituals. However, Bhagavan showed that an individual could, through a simple yet heartfelt process, come to terms with and be complete with one’s departed parents and loved ones. This completeness includes resolving unexpressed emotions—guilt, regret, or disconnect—that may not have been addressed during their lifetime.
More deeply, these rituals Bhagavan suggested are meant to help one become “whole and complete” with departed souls, and they carry a profound inner significance that goes far beyond the external act.
In the course of life, we often hurt our elders or loved ones, believing at that time that we are right or justified. With limited understanding, and sometimes in moments of anger, we speak or act in ways that leave subtle impressions—within us and within others.
As life unfolds and maturity dawns, we begin to see things differently. We begin to appreciate their circumstances, intentions, and wisdom. A natural urge then arises within us—to seek forgiveness, to express gratitude, and to restore harmony in that relationship. But life does not always offer us that opportunity. The person may no longer be physically present, leaving behind a sense of incompleteness, guilt, or quiet remorse.
It is here that Bhagavan’s compassionate and practical guidance becomes deeply meaningful.
Through the simple rituals He prescribed—whether in the form of Pinda Dān or the offerings during the sacred fortnight following Anant Chaturdashi—He provided a direct and accessible way for an individual to reconnect inwardly with the departed.
These acts are not mere rituals. They are:
- An offering of remembrance
- A silent seeking of forgiveness
- An expression of gratitude
- A prayer for their onward journey
In performing them with sincerity, something subtle yet powerful unfolds within.
The burden of unexpressed emotions begins to dissolve. The relationship, though no longer active in the physical realm, finds a sense of completion within oneself. Guilt and remorse give way to acceptance, peace, and quiet gratitude.
In that inner completion, one becomes lighter—freer.
Thus, what Bhagavan offered was not ritualism, but a path to emotional and spiritual reconciliation.
A way to heal the past.
A way to restore harmony.
A way to become whole.
When such inner burdens are released, a deep healing takes place. One becomes whole—not only within oneself, but also in relation to those who have passed on. In that wholeness arises harmony, peace, and love.
The Guru’s Assurance Beyond Form
The ceaseless love and care we experienced at the hands of Bhagavan Nityananda anchored our complete trust in Him. However, when He began to संकेत—in His own subtle way—that He would soon drop His mortal coil, a quiet fear arose among the elders in our family. When my father expressed his concern about the fate of his children in Bhagavan’s physical absence, Bhagavan reassured him with these words:
“Seeds have been sown; they will soon become trees and bear flowers.”
On another occasion, when my father’s younger brother Shri Ramkrishna Shenoy, expressed his sorrow at the thought of losing Bhagavan, He said:
“Do not lose heart and feel miserable at losing ‘This One’. Even if ‘This One’ leaves this place, ‘This One’ will always be with you.”
Again, when my father was troubled by fears of facing both external and internal challenges, Bhagavan gave him an assurance that transcends ordinary understanding:
“Do you have to fear even if God stands against you?”
He further assured him that even if divine forces themselves were to turn adverse, no harm would come to him—for the Guru’s protection would prevail.
This finds a profound resonance in the teaching of the Guru Gita:
“If the gods are angry, the Guru will protect.”
Such is the immeasurable power of the Sadguru.
Protection Across Generations
Bhagavan has assured that whoever comes into His fold “will be protected for seven generations.”
This is not merely a statement of comfort—it is a declaration of spiritual continuity.
Such protection flows through this sacred lineage, provided we:
- Hold on to Him firmly
- Live in alignment with our Dharma and Kartavya (duty)
- Remain inwardly connected, walking the path shown by Him
If we wish for these blessings to flow into future generations, it is our responsibility to nurture faith and remembrance.
For Generations Who Did Not See Him
For the third and fourth generations—those who did not have the opportunity to be physically in His presence—life’s uncertainties can sometimes give rise to doubt:
“Is He still there? Is He still accessible?” In such moments, I am reminded of what Bhagavan once told Kullur Swami:
“Ganeshpuri Nitya Darshan.”
At the time, these words seemed simple. Yet, like many of Bhagavan’s utterances, their depth revealed itself only through contemplation and time. Kullur Swami reflected on this for years. It was only later in life, when age made it difficult for him to physically climb the steps to the Samadhi Mandir, that the true meaning dawned upon him. Bhagavan was not referring to physical Darshan alone. He was revealing a higher truth:
The Darshan of a Sadguru is not confined to the eyes, nor limited by place, time, or circumstance.
The very moment a devotee comes into the orbit of the Sadguru—even once—the connection is established. From that moment onward, the grace of the Guru flows ceaselessly.
The Ever-Present Reality
Thus, “Ganeshpuri Nitya Darshan” is not merely about a sacred place—it is about the eternal, unbroken presence of the Guru. Bhagavan’s presence is not limited to Ganeshpuri, nor to the physical form once beheld. It is Nitya—ever-present, all-pervading, and timeless.
For such a Being, there can never be a “last Darshan.” The Guru does not depart—only the form withdraws. The presence remains.
Living. Vibrant. Accessible.
He continues to live:
- In every heart that remembers Him with love
- In every home where His name is invoked with faith
- In every act of compassion and selfless service performed in His spirit
His voice echoes through sacred wisdom, through the words of realised beings, through the innocence of children, and through the silence of deep inner awareness.
Above all, He abides as the Inner Guru—the silent witness, the guiding presence—enshrined within one’s own being.
Whenever devotees gather and speak of His Leela, He is present.
Wherever His name is invoked with devotion, He responds.
His presence is not something to be sought—it is something to be recognised.
Darshan Without End
His Darshan is not a memory of the past—it is a living, ongoing reality.
It transcends distance, time, and even the boundaries of a single lifetime. It continues across births, sustained by faith, devotion, and the unseen current of Guru Kripa.
Bhagavan Nityananda remains ever accessible—free, boundless, unconditional—open to all who turn to Him with sincerity.
Just as Krishna assured Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita:
“Declare it boldly, O Son of Kunti, that My devotee shall never perish.”
So too may it be said, with equal conviction and lived experience:
“One who takes refuge in Bhagavan Nityananda is never abandoned—His grace protects, guides, and uplifts, across lifetimes.”
His grace is unwavering, and His hand is ever extended—reaching even those who call upon Him in the silence of their hearts.
Like Vitthal, who stands through the ages—patient, unmoving, and ever-awaiting the call of His devotees—so too does Bhagavan Nityananda abide at Ganeshpuri.
He waits—not in expectation, but in compassion; not bound by time, but established in the eternal. His presence is not something distant or withdrawn—it is open, living, and ever-accessible. At Ganeshpuri, He remains available to all who seek Him, freely and unconditionally, with boundless love and silent care.
There is no barrier of worthiness, no condition to be fulfilled. One need only turn inward with sincerity. Like Vitthal on the brick, ever ready to receive His devotee, Bhagavan stands—offering refuge, guidance, and grace to all who come, whether in body or in spirit.
In that waiting is not stillness alone, but a living assurance—that the Sadguru is ever-present, ever-aware, and ever-ready to uplift, protect, and lead the seeker toward the Truth.
Note:
“Images shared in this article are in good faith for spiritual purposes.
Credit unknown. Will acknowledge/remove if required.”
