This account appears in Chapter 44 of the Guru Charitra, where Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati removes the leprosy of a Brahmin named Nandi. Nandi’s entire body was afflicted with white leprosy. To cure himself, he worshipped Goddess Tuljabhavani at Tuljapur for three years, performing vows and fasts with deep devotion. One day, the Goddess instructed him to worship Chandala-Parameshwari. He obeyed and performed seven months of intense rituals.
One night, the Goddess appeared in his dream and said: *“Go to Gandgapur. There, in human form, resides the incarnation of the Trimurti — Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati. Your disease will be cured there.”* Hearing this, Nandi grew angry and protested that he had been made to wander pointlessly. He said he would not go to any “human,” doubting the Goddess and Guru’s power.
Again the Goddess appeared and repeated the command. The next day, the priests of the temple received a divine instruction not to allow Nandi to stay. Forced to leave, Nandi reluctantly set out for Gangapur.
Reaching the Math, Nandi inquired about Shri Guru. The disciples informed him that Shri Guru was at the Sangam and would return soon. When Shri Guru arrived, He said: *“We know. He has come with doubt in his mind.”* Nandi bowed fully before Him. Shri Guru said: *“You thought: ‘If the Goddess cannot cure me, how can a human do it?’”* Realizing the Guru had read his inner thoughts, Nandi was shaken. With deep remorse he said, “Forgive me, Swami. I did not know Your true form. I have lost family, dignity, hope — only You remain.”
Shri Guru compassionately instructed a Brahmin named Somanath: *“Take him to the Sangam. Let him make a sankalpa. Bathe him in Shatakula Tirtha, perform pradakshina, discard his old clothes, give him new ones, and bring him back.”* As soon as Nandi bathed, the colour of his body changed. After circumambulating the Ashwattha tree, every trace of leprosy disappeared, and his body became radiant. The discarded garments turned the soil salty and barren, indicating the impurity they carried.
Somanath returned him to the Math. Nandi bowed in gratitude, shining with new life.
Nandi then noticed a small white patch on the inside of his thigh. Alarmed, he showed it to Shri Guru. Shri Guru said: *“Because you first held doubt, a little remains. Compose a hymn in our praise; even this trace will vanish.”*
Thus Shri Guru removed Nandi’s disease completely, demonstrating the power of faith, Guru’s compassion, and the sanctity of Gangapur’s tirthas.