Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
by Justin E. Abbott | 1933 | 306,590 words
This is the English translation of Bhaktavijaya which is a Marathi poem written by Mahipati in 40,000 lines. The text documents the legends of Indian saints from various backgrounds and extensively covers figures like Ekanath, Tukaram, and Ramadasa, highlighting their contributions to scholarship, philosophy, poetry, and social reform. The Bhaktavi...
55.2: Ganeshnath’s character
6. In the previous chapter it is related that Bodhraj gave evidence to the Muhammadan king and then discarding all earthly riches, lovingly gave himself up to the worship of Hari.
7. Now listen to the wonderful life of Ganeshnath [Ganeshanatha], ye pious bhaktas of God. He was knowing, thoughtful, very indifferent to worldly things, and a true worshipper of his spiritual Sadguru.
8. In the province of Baleghat there are two towns, Sarase and Ujjani. He lived there and performed kirtans with love.
9. He wore with love a riband around his neck, wooden earrings in his ears, a piece of cloth as a clout, and was content. He wished for nothing that would disturb his mind.
10. In the daytime he lived in the forest all alone, singing the praises of Shri Hari, and coining back into the town at night sang of the deeds of God.
11. He did not care about receiving any honour, nor did he like the earthly way of worship, the hypocritical singing of the praises of God, fine clothes or riches, or dainty foods.