Miraculous Experience Through Kirtan Seva

In the *Gurucharitra*, the Guru teaches that if a disciple speaks sincerely and honestly from within, even without uttering a word aloud, unimaginable things can happen. The mind must be steady, free from doubt, and filled with faith. When one connects to the Guru through inner devotion, miracles unfold naturally.

In Akola lived a kirtankar named Nanasahib Merekarr, a priest at the Hariharpeth temple. Since he was a skilled devotional singer, Narendra once requested him to perform an eight-day kirtan during the birth-anniversary festival of Madhavanath Maharaj at the Datta Mandir in Ramdaspeth. Nanasahib replied that even if only Narendra were present, he would still perform the kirtan before Maharaj, adding that this was his first time singing on such a subject and that Maharaj would surely protect him. On the first day only a few people attended, but from the second day onward the temple overflowed with devotees. The festival went beautifully, and Nanasahib felt certain that Madhavanath Maharaj had accepted his devotion. Later, when Narendra invited him to Devgaon Rangari, where Vyankatanath Maharaj continued the Nath-Panth work, Nanasahib said he would come if his health permitted.

Many months later, while returning to Akola by bus, Narendra felt a strong inner sense that Nanasahib might be nearing death. He went directly to his house. Seeing him, Nanasahib asked why he had come, and Narendra replied that he had seen a vision indicating that Nanasahib might soon leave his body and that since he had promised to perform kirtan before Vyankatanath Maharaj, Narendra wished to see him once more. Nanasahib said that his health, though once weak, had only improved since performing the kirtan for Madhavanath Maharaj. Narendra told him he would return the next day with vibhuti to safeguard his health, but due to difficulties he could not return for four days. When he finally visited again, he found Nanasahib dangerously ill and the entire family distressed. Nanasahib explained that soon after Narendra had left, his breathing had suddenly failed, his asthma worsened, and he could neither inhale nor exhale. Doctors declared he had only half an hour left to live. At that moment he prayed, saying he had promised Narendra that he would offer kirtan before Maharaj in Devgaon and begged for enough life to complete that seva. The moment the thought arose, his breathing returned to normal, and he felt certain he would survive. He told everyone that he wished to go to Devgaon soon and offer his kirtan.

Narendra eventually took him to Devgaon for the annual festival. After darshan, they requested permission for the kirtan, and Vyankatanath Maharaj told him to perform for three days, saying, “Come every day.” Nanasahib hesitated and explained that his elder sister was critically ill in the hospital with no one else to look after her. Maharaj replied that he should remain in Devgaon for the full three days and that everything else would be taken care of. Still worried, Nanasahib said that doctors had warned she might not survive even a day. Maharaj insisted lovingly that even if he stayed for fifteen days, he should not worry, as arrangements would be made for her. Unable to disobey the Guru, Nanasahib agreed. He performed kirtan for three days with deep devotion, moving everyone with his soulful singing. After the third day Maharaj invited him to stay longer, but he held Maharaj’s feet and begged to be allowed to return, saying his sister had no one else. Maharaj blessed him and permitted him to leave.

When he reached Akola, he discovered that his sister’s condition had steadily improved from the day he left for Devgaon, and doctors believed she might recover fully. Exactly fifteen days later, her condition suddenly worsened and she passed away. Only then did Nanasahib remember Maharaj’s words about fifteen days and understood the hidden grace behind them.

Nanasahib’s experiences showed that performing kirtan with devotion, surrendering mentally to the Guru, and trusting the Guru’s words can completely transform one’s destiny. The Guru is ever ready to bless; the disciple’s task is to remain in the Guru’s presence with sincerity, purity and unwavering faith.