Jagadguru at Pandharpur
Jagadguru at Panduranga Vitthal shrine, Pandharpur
In the evening of November 2007, the Jagadguru arrived at the famous Pandharpur Kshetra where He was devotedly welcomed by Sri Amalnekar Maharaj of Sakharam Math. The Jagadguru in His Anugraha Bhashanam stated many quotations from Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s commentaries that shed light on the aspect of devotion to the Supreme. The Jagadguru recounted Narasimha Avatara from Srimad Bhagavatam and quoted Sri Shankara – “Syaat Parameshwarasyaapi icchaavashaan maayaamayam roopam saadhaka-anugrahahaartham” (The Supreme Lord adorns a form out of His own volition to grace the devotee). The Jagadguru also posed the questions – Is it possible to see God? Is it possible to converse with God? and answered through Sri Shankara’s words “VyaasaadayaH devaadibhiH pratyaksham vyavajahruH” (Exalted ones such as Veda Vyasa had direct associations with the gods).
The Jagadguru also recalled the Lord’s statement in the Gita mentioning the four types of devotees and the Lord’s own declaration of the exalted nature of the Jnani’s devotion. Thus even Jnanis who revel in the Self have complete devotion to the Lord. The Jagadguru recalled the great devotees and Jnanis such as Jnanadev, Tukaram, Tulsidas, Kabirdas, Surdas and said that every one should cultivate steadfast devotion to God. The Jagadguru blessed the gathering while stating that it is but Divine will that He entered Maharashtra at Kolhapur with Goddess Mahalalshmi’s worship, and shall leave the state after worshipping Lord Pandurang. On the morning of 15th the Jagadguru went in a procession amidst Vedic chants to the temple of Pandurang Vitthal. The Jagadguru offered a gold necklace and gold bilva-dalam to the Lord of Pandhari, and performed a special Puja. Many devotees beheld this divine sight and felt blessed.