Revival of Withered Wood

In Guru Charitra Chapter 40, Shri Siddha Muni narrates an astonishing miracle performed by Shri Guru. A Brahmin from the *Apastamba Shakha* and *Bhargava Gotra* had arrived in Ganagapur, suffering terribly from leprosy. Seeing Shri Guru, he bowed and said that despite his Yajurvedic learning, society rejected him, his life felt wasted, and he longed only for liberation. Shri Guru replied that the disease was due to past-life karma but could be remedied through devotion and discipline.

Just then, a man passed by carrying a bundle of dried firewood. Shri Guru instructed the Brahmin to take a piece of dried fig (umber) wood from the bundle and said: “Plant this on the eastern bank of the Bhīma near Sangamanatha. Bathe at the confluence and pour water from two pots, three times a day, upon this wood. The day it sprouts leaves, your leprosy will be cured.” The Brahmin’s heart filled with hope. Believing fully in the Guru’s grace, he began the ritual. For seven days, without food, he continued his service.

People mocked him for watering a lifeless stick. But the Brahmin replied with unwavering faith: “I trust only the Guru. Even if I die performing His command, that is great merit.” When disciples informed Shri Guru of his steadfast devotion, Shri Guru said: “Mantra, holy waters, Brahmins, gods, astrologers, physicians and Guru — as is one’s faith in them, so is the result.”

Shri Guru went to the riverbank. Seeing the Brahmin’s dedication, He sprinkled water from His kamandalu on the dry wood. Instantly, it sprouted fresh leaves. At that very moment, the Brahmin’s disease disappeared. Overjoyed, he composed and sang a praise-hymn known as the Mahāstotra (Guru Charitra verses 120–128).

Shri Guru blessed him: “You shall prosper. Your name shall be *Yogeshwara*. Great scholars will arise in your lineage. You will have three sons; one named *Yogi* will serve Me in exceptional ways.” Shri Guru concluded by telling Siddha Muni: “Hearing such sacred stories strengthens devotion to Guru and helps one cross worldly existence.”

Thus ends the miracle of dry wood brought back to life.

A disciple once asked Vyankatnath Maharaj whether the miracle of dry wood sprouting leaves could still happen. Maharaj replied: “Take a dry piece of wood from today’s pile. Plant it anywhere. I will give you the *tīrtha* of My daily worship. Pour it on the wood for three days.” The disciple obeyed — and on the third day, the dry wood sprouted green leaves.

Hence the well-known bhajan: “Shushka kashta saparna kele” — *The Guru made the dry wood grow leaves*.

The miracles of Guru Charitra continue even today; the scripture remains an ever-flowing spiritual stream whose presence is still alive in the Guru’s grace.