Shri Kshetra Akkalkot Rasayatra – Darshan and Upasana

12th September 1997

Reaching Akkalkot at around 4:00 p.m., the Shraddhavans assembled at the Jadhav Sabhagruha, situated just a few minutes from the sacred Samadhi Mandir of Shri Swami Samarth. As everyone gathered for the "Shree Amrut Manthan" Upasana, an atmosphere of profound serenity enveloped the hall. The bustle of the journey gave way to silence, and every heart naturally turned inward in prayer and contemplation.

The Upasana commenced with the collective chanting of the mantra:

"Om Krupasindhu Shree Sainathaay Namah" (12 times)

Thereafter, each Shraddhavan was reverentially given a portion of sacred clay placed upon a banana leaf and lovingly guided to mould it into the symbolic Padukas of Shri Swami Samarth. With every gentle touch, the clay gradually assumed the sacred form of the Padukas, transforming this simple act into a deeply personal expression of devotion and surrender at the holy feet of Swami.

The symbolic Padukas were then worshipped with Archandravya while the Shri Swami Samarth Gayatri Mantra was chanted collectively 108 times. As the sacred vibrations filled the hall, every offering became a heartfelt prayer, and every chant drew the Shraddhavans into a profound experience of Bhakti, leaving them immersed in the boundless grace and compassionate presence of Shri Swami Samarth.

Shree Swami Samartha Gayatri Mantra:

‘ॐभूर्भुव: स्व:। ॐस्वामीसमर्थायविद्महे। पूर्णपुरुषायधीमहि। तन्नोसद्गुरु: प्रचोदयात्।’

‘Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha | Om Swamisamarthay Vidmahey | Poornapurushaay Dhimahi | Tanno Sadguru Prachodayaat |’

Thereafter, following the instructions of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, Appasaheb lovingly prepared an earthen Shivlinga. The Shraddhavans then performed its worship by reverentially offering 108 Belpatra while collectively chanting the Shri Shiv Gayatri Mantra 108 times. With every leaf that was offered and every mantra that resounded through the hall, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged with devotion. Each chant became an offering of the heart, drawing every Shraddhavan into a profound experience of prayer, surrender, and the boundless grace of Lord Shiva.

Shri Shiv Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे । महादेवाय धीमहि । तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha | Om Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe | Mahadevaaya Dheemahi | Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥

Aarti:

Following the collective chanting of the Shri Shiv Gayatri Mantra, the atmosphere gently transitioned into the sacred Aarti. The heartfelt rendition of "Panchapraan He Aatur Jhaale, Karanya Tava Aarti; Sagun Roopane Yeun Swami, Sweekara Aarti" (पंचप्राण हे आतुर झाले, करण्या तव आरती । सगुण रूपाने येऊन स्वामी, स्वीकारा आरती ।।) echoed through the hall, expressing the soul's earnest longing to worship Shri Swami Samarth and humbly beseeching Him to manifest in His Saguna (manifest) form and graciously accept the devotees' offering. As the sacred flame circled before the Lord, its gentle glow illuminated faces radiant with devotion, surrender, and gratitude.

Thereafter, a soulful Gajar glorifying the boundless love of Chollappa and the steadfast devotion of Ballappa was sung in the divine presence of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha.

The Gajar that was sung was:

‘चोळप्पाचे प्रेम हवे मज, बाळप्पाची भक्ती हवी।विभक्तीचा अंश नको मज, स्वामी तुमची कृपा हवी॥’

‘I seek love like Cholappa and devotion like Balappa. I seek no separation from you, your grace, Swami, is all I seek.’

Shri Kshetra Akkalkot Rasayatra – Day 2

13th September 1997

After a simple breakfast, the Shraddhavans set out to visit the sacred places associated with Shri Swami Samarth in Akkalkot. This was not merely a pilgrimage from one holy site to another; every step of the journey unfolded exactly as lovingly guided by Sadguru Shree Aniruddha. By following the sacred sequence prescribed by Bapu, each place of darshan revealed its own spiritual significance, allowing the Shraddhavans to experience Akkalkot as a living land sanctified by the presence of Shri Swami Samarth.

Thereafter, the Shraddhavans proceeded to the revered Samadhi Mandir of Shri Swami Samarth, situated near the residence of His devoted disciple Chollappa. They also paid obeisance at the Samadhi of the sacred cow whose milk Swami lovingly accepted, a place that continues to remind devotees of His boundless compassion and simplicity.

The pilgrimage then continued to Joshibua Math, where the Shraddhavans bowed before the sacred wooden seat bearing the divine footprints of Shri Swami Samarth. Standing before those holy footprints, every heart was filled with reverence, as though receiving the silent assurance of the Master's eternal presence.

From there, they gathered beneath the expansive shade of the sacred Vatavriksha, the banyan tree beneath which Shri Swami Samarth so often rested and blessed countless devotees. The serene surroundings invited quiet reflection, allowing the Shraddhavans to absorb the spiritual vibrations of this sanctified place before proceeding to Ballappa Math. There, they had the blessed darshan of Shri Swami Samarth's sacred Padukas, Dand, and Rudraksha Mala—precious relics lovingly entrusted by Swami to His devoted disciple Ballappa, bearing silent testimony to the enduring bond between the Guru and His bhakta.

Shri Kshetra Akkalkot Rasayatra – Day 3

14th September 1997

At 9:30 a.m., after breakfast, the Shri Datta Upasana commenced under the loving guidance of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha. The Upasana began with five Shraddhavans reverentially performing the pooja of the sacred Shri Gurucharitra, invoking the blessings of Bhagwan Shree Dattatreya. Thereafter, all the Shraddhavans collectively chanted the Shri Datta Mantra 108 times. As the sacred mantra reverberated through the hall, its divine vibrations filled every heart with peace, devotion, and the reassuring presence of Bhagwan Shree Dattatreya.

Shri Datta Mantra

Om Atrinandaaya Dattatreyaaya Vishwaadhyakshaaya Namah.

The Upasana then blossomed into joyous devotion with the resounding Gajar:

"Digambara Digambara, Shripaad Vallabh Digambara."

Following the Naamgajar at 12:30 p.m., the Shraddhavans were blessed with yet another opportunity to be in the company of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha during a heartfelt Satsang. In a simple yet deeply meaningful act, Bapu lovingly handed five Shriphal (sacred coconuts) to five Shraddhavans, instructing them to offer them at the sacred Vatavriksha Mandir. This humble seva became a cherished blessing, received with reverence and gratitude. Thereafter, guavas were distributed as prasad, bringing the Upasana to a serene and joyous conclusion.