Mission After Vyankatanath Maharaj’s Samadhi

In Akola, every Thursday, all Guru-brothers would gather at Narendra’s home for the traditional sampradayik bhajan. Sadguru Vyankatanath Maharaj had once told all his disciples there, “Our presence remains here. All of you must continue doing bhajans here together. From now on, consider this place as Devgaon itself.” One Thursday, after bhajan, Narendra and Dr. Kasture travelled to Devgaon for Maharaj’s darshan. Several disciples were already present, and everyone sat inside the temple near Maharaj. Maharaj spoke warmly to Narendra, saying that their connection of forty years had been filled with tests and that Narendra had remained steady through them all. “Now,” Maharaj said, “you must not worry about anything.” On another occasion Maharaj told him, “Someone came, handed me an object, and told me to give it to you. This object has been given symbolically. How to worship it, how to use it, and what it will reveal has been explained by them.” Maharaj added that through this object Narendra would know in advance what events were to come, when they would occur and what actions he must take; at the right moment he would see Guru or divine forces through it, and future guidance would arise naturally. Maharaj explained that whatever Narendra visualised could become possible through this medium. Such is the immense power of the Nath tradition: even a seemingly lifeless object can become a vehicle for miracles. Maharaj once gave Narendra some specially prepared sacred ash (vibhuti) and said he should use it according to his intention and meditate as instructed whenever difficulties arose, for through that medium he would receive direction and solutions. While shaping Narendra’s life, Maharaj repeatedly taught: “Do not leave the right path. Do not wander in confusion. Walk steadily on your true way. Keep humility always. Hold no anger towards anyone. Speak no falsehood.” Over three decades of close association, Maharaj taught Narendra various disciplines essential for Nath work — karma theory, japa, tapas, anushthan, yajna procedures, Vedic studies, solar and astral sciences, daily spiritual discipline and the principles required both for worldly life and spiritual advancement.

In 1991, when Dr. Kasture — a Nath disciple of Shri Ram Maharaj — was with Narendra in Devgaon, Maharaj’s health was unstable and everyone stayed close to him. Dr. Kasture later recorded a powerful moment in his diary. Maharaj was explaining the Bhagavata (11th Skandha), emphasising that devotion must be non-dual, single-pointed and without any sense of separateness. But he did not want the disciples merely to understand this intellectually; he wanted them to experience the truth directly. Then Maharaj revealed the essence of devotion: “Guru and disciple are not two. If you truly feel no difference, that is real devotion — ananya bhakti.” Such a state is extremely rare; perhaps one among crores ever reaches it.

When Narendra and Maharaj went to Devgaon together on 5 April 1991, something extraordinary occurred. The joy on Maharaj’s face was like that of a father welcoming home a lost son. But Maharaj sensed that Narendra still sought something deeper. Then Maharaj spoke words that shook everyone present: “I am always with you. I exist within you; you exist within me. Wherever you are, I am. Wherever I am, you are. What I say, you say. What you say, I say. If you walk, I walk. If I walk, you walk. We are one. Today I give you my full awakened power. I give you the complete share of the ocean of knowledge.” This was a direct *dattak-vachan* — a sacred adoption into the Guru’s own spiritual identity — witnessed by all, including an emotional Dr. Kasture.

A year later, Narendra humbly asked Maharaj about the promised rudraksha mala. Maharaj replied that Narendra had delayed too much and that all the malas had been distributed. They looked at one another silently. Then Maharaj rose, went inside, closed the door and soon returned with a mala in his hand, saying, “This is the only mala left. It was kept only for you.” He instructed Narendra on how to wear it, how to add coral and pearl beads and gave him a special large rudraksha for the centre. Maharaj repeated, “What you do, I do. What I do, you do. What you speak is what I speak. What I speak is what you speak. You and I are one. Do not fear anything. Those Guru-brothers meant for your work will come to you on their own. Everything will happen automatically.” At that moment Maharaj was deeply moved, almost levitating in yogic absorption. Dr. Kasture, present there, was overwhelmed.

The Sahasra Chandra Darshan (completion of 1000 full moons) celebration of Maharaj in 1985–86 was grandly organised by disciples across Maharashtra. A committee was formed and the event was magnificently executed in Nagpur. After the ceremony, Maharaj said to Narendra, “Through this event, you showed the world who we are. But now you think you cannot take responsibility for our Devgaon Samadhi Mandir? We cannot accept that. The temple can grow tremendously — lights, crowds like a large pilgrimage, continuous food donation, Vedic programs, famous visitors — all this you can make happen. We believe in you.” Narendra replied honestly that he would do even more than what Maharaj envisioned, but two people would need to be removed from the trust because they created obstacles. Maharaj said they could not remove them. Narendra understood and placed his head on Maharaj’s feet, saying, “Then I cannot do the work from Devgaon. I will work from Akola. Wherever I am, you must stand behind me. You will guide, shape and accomplish the work.” Maharaj blessed him, saying, “Have no fear. Do the work. We will always stand behind you.” Hearing this, Narendra made a firm decision: even without changes in the trust, he would carry the mission forward, because Maharaj had granted full permission and assured his complete support.