55.7: Stones clap hands

62. One day Ganeshnath was performing a kirtan in a forest and to listen to it there came the wise, the learned, the bhaktas of Vishnu and the thoughtful.

63. There were also men well versed in the Vedas and Shastras, and pious men of the eighteen castes had gathered there to experience the pleasure arising from the love of the kirtan [kirtana].

64. Cymbals, vinas and drums were sounded. The sky re-echoed with the shouts of the names of God.

65. Ganeshnath put up his hands as if they were banners, to motion to the people to clap their hands. Hear what the wise and the learned said to him then:

66. ‘You are a Bharadi (an order of Gosavis) and of a low caste. We Brahmans belong to the highest class. At your order we never will clap our hands.’

67. On this Ganeshnath replied, ‘The palm tree is very tall but its shade is of no use to anyone.

68. You Brahmans are really the highest and most respectable amongst the eighteen classes, but your hands are not useful for clapping in a kirtan [kirtana].

69. Now with a quiet heart just listen to the kirtan [kirtana]. By your favour, O masters, stones will clap hands.’

70. As he who had the ascetic spirit thus spoke, all witnessed a very wonderful sight. Suddenly there was an upheaval of the stones on the plain.

71. They fell on each other just like hands and created a clapping sound at which the people were wonder-struck

72. They said, ‘This wonder is quite new. How did he cause the stones to be full of life? Ganeshnath’s devotion is without comparison. His maya (or power over illusions) will not be known even to Indra (king of the gods) or to others.’

73. Then with a repentant heart the Brahmans all clapped hands and with this Ganeshnath was satisfied.

74. By this time the sun was in the meridian. Auspicious lights were waved over the god. Sweetmeats were served to the audience and the people went home.

75. On their way home the people said among themselves, ‘Out of pride we persecuted him in vain.’ In this way conversing with one another they praised Ganeshnath:

76. ‘Ganeshnath is a loving bhakta of God.’ He had a promise from the Lord of Pandhari and even until the present day there is a fair at Ujjani and Sarase.

77. Saints, mahants and loving Vaishnavas go there and the place is still awake to the possibilities of wonders occurring there. Thus the Merciful to the lowly for ever increases the reputation of His bhaktas.