Friday, February 19, 2016
Anonymous submission- (Experience)
I am not very spiritual person, but my parents are true devotees of Shri Gajanan Maharaj.
As a kid my father always told me to pray daily, he used to say we learnt it hard way.
My motto was simple.... When everything else fails, pray! On need basis!!
And surprisingly I always got the results when I prayed to Gajanan Maharaj.
I always feel so connected to Maharaj, I talk to him.... one way communication, but I feel light. I feel protected and I know he is always there to look after me and my family.
I have numerous experiences to share, but this one has changed my life and took my faith to a different level.
I have PCOS, a condition where conceiving is difficult and even if you conceive, natural abortions are common. I also had an abortion and that was devastating. I was not prepared for more such incidences.
I prayed to Maharaj. It was just a prayer from heart, no fasting, no reading holy books or any chanting.
Just the truest prayer and I got pregnant, without any treatment.
In the 5th month I suddenly started feeling breathless because of uncontrollable coughing. We were settled in Kerala then. I went to see the doctor, unfortunately it was a Sunday and no senior doctors were available.
Just in few hours my condition started deteriorating.
Late in the evening the treatment started and I was diagnosed with bronchitis, swine flu (104 degree fever) and SVT (increased pulse rate above 300 per min)
I was shifted to a bigger hospital. They rejected the admission saying patient is critical only Govt hospital will admit her.
My husband and mother in law were already crying. As hospitals can't deny admission, they finally started the treatment.
I was unconscious then, but when I came back to my senses, I was at peace. I knew nothing will happen to my baby or me.
I came back to Pune. My family has lots of doctors here and they are at very good position.
In Pune also I was hospitalized because of SVT and doctor's started medicines to keep the pulse rate on lower side. The known side effect of the tablet if taken in pregnancy was "Baby might be mentally retarded, or some of her organ may not develop fully"
Doctor's insisted on doing early C-section and I denied it.
I said I will take take my chances. I am sure she will safe in my womb.
I was on bed rest because of other complications since 7th month.
The doctors declared it’s a precious pregnancy, we have never seen such a case in our career.
I don't know what gave me the strength! All this time I was only eagerly waiting for my daughter to arrive. I kept making her lots of promises in the womb.
Finally the day arrived. On 27th Dec 2010 we were blessed with a healthy baby girl. It was a normal delivery performed under epidural anaesthesia.
She is 5 years old now. Exactly how I had imagined her to be.
It was a miracle. Now when I look back and think about it, I get scared.
I am not at all a strong person to get through such a situation.
Gajanan Maharaj is the only God for me. He gave me the strength and saved our lives.
Koti Koti Pranam _/\_
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Email your Questions for immediate response-
Dear Bhakts, I have been unable to reply to your urgent questions in the comments section immediately because I do not get a notification for a new comment on the blog post. So, if you have an urgent question or query that you want me to answer regarding your travel plans to Shegaon or regarding the city, darshan timings, Mahaprasad, Anand Sagar or anything related to your trip - please email me at pranaav24@gmail.com. I will reply to your email as soon as possible. It will be much quicker and efficient. May Maharaj bless you. Jai Gajanan. Pranaav. (pranaav24@gmail.com) Note: Double 'a' in the Pranaav spelling.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Handy information- Destination Shegaon! Travelogue!
Updated February 2017
Jai Gajanan......
This post is an advisory on how to fully experience Shegaon and come closer to Gajanan Maharaj. (Note: Bhakti, Travel, Darshan are all subjective, to each his own as they say) My family has been travelling to Shegaon since 1977, I was blessed to be born into a Gajanan Maharaj parivar in 1991. I love listening to stories from ajji, ajoba, mamma on how the holy town has changed over the past 40 years. You can make a few changes as per your schedule but you would love if you follow this - My effort is to gather all information from my family sources and compile them for you.
1. Travel by Train-- it is convenient, cheap, comfortable and effective. Sansthan buses, Tonga Rickshaws Or normal Rickshaws are available 24/7 to pick you up from the train station (even at odd hours). If you don't manage to get any of these (which will never happen) you can walk to the Bhakta Nivas. Sansthan Buses are absolutely FREE but you have to wait until it is full (so not advisable in the morning because we need to rush on the (Abhishek hours), Tonga Rickshaws cost about 20/- to 25/- and Normal rickshaws 35/-. (Note: The rates mentioned here are liberal you can negotiate-- try and do that.)
2. Trains from Mumbai and Pune (Pune-Nagpur Express, Azad Hind Express, Howrah Mail, Sewagram Express, and Vidharba Express) usually all (except Maharashtra and Geetanjali Express) reach in the early morning wee hours at Shegaon which is an advantage for reaching on time for Kakad aarti and Abhishek.
3. Try going on an odd day such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday when you will have less rush at Shegaon and can receive a peaceful darshan.
4. DO NOT pay attention I repeat DO NOT to the men outside the main gate of the Bhakta Nivas; they will try and convince you of lodging outside of Bhakta Nivas- NEVER try to, always check with the Bhakta Nivas (all the money goes to the Sanstha and is a great way to help) plus subsidized rates and cleanliness at its best. Rates are EXHORBITANT in the hotels outside Bhakta Nivas!
5. As money is not the top priority for the Sansthan- rates are subsidized (e.g. Mineral Water 8/-) at the Bhakta Nivas with good facilities and cleanliness the top priority; you will find large coolers in the rooms, big clean restrooms and clean, crisp linen on double beds. They are well equipped and a great way to have a peace of mind. (Note: You will have to pay a deposit of 500/- (which may have changed now) at the counter while booking a room, prefer bhakta nivas 5 always - it is the best of the lot; Rates differ accordingly)
6. Hotels outside as said earlier are too expensive with an Air Conditioning Facility which you don't need if you have a 7 ft cooler, small, congested rooms a TV set and a Bathroom with attached toilet. Rates vary from 700/- to 1800/- (increased on business days and as per their convenience).
7. Rush to the temple as soon as you get done with your bath and chores in the morning - be quick and do not be lazy! Do not waste time- reach the temple as early as possible and the first thing you must do is have a receipt printed of 51/-, 101/- or 151/- at the DENGI counter inside the temple for your Abhishek. (Note: The Abhishek timings are 5:30 to 7:30 in the morning and so you have to hurry. DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY TO THE PUJARI THERE HE IS BEEN PAID BY THE SANSTHA AND WE DO NOT NEED TO SPLURGE AT THE WRONG PLACE, IT IS VIOLATING THE RULES OF THE SANSTHA.)
8. After having the abhishek done of maharaj’s paduka head for samadhi darshan, usually there is no rush in the morning except for Thursdays and Sundays you may go straight in the Gabara if there are limited number of devotees.
9. Be calm and do not rush! You are in Maharaj’s safe hands, no need to worry you are in your life’s happiest, joyful and complete moment- Enjoy the experience and thank maharaj! The devotion, the fragrance of the flowers, the gana gana ganaat bote japp, ghoshna are out of this world! Note:(You can bring home-cooked modaks (fried), Chitale's Pedhe, or any Prasad for Maharaj, Mamma usually takes modaks which Maharaj loves- the pujari will keep it on Maharaj's padukas and give it back to you) I have seen people cry in front of maharaj (Happy Tears probably)!!!
10. After you are done with the darshan and you head out you will be guided to the Ram Temple and then Hanuman temple and then out. (Note: Remember to taste and apply the ANGARA near the Hanuman Temple! I did not see it there the last time I visited, you can have the anagara where the dhuni is next to the Gadi.)
11. You may start your Pradakshinas if you want now……
12. After Pradkshinas (atleast 5) if possible you may go to the dengi counter and donate money for ANNADAN, IMARAT NIDHI, ANAND SAGAR, etc….. (Prefer Annadan)
13. By now it would be 10:30 or so be ready for the AARTI the elephants would be on their way…. The aarti goes on for about half and hour…. You can observe all the swayamsevaks, dengi counter officials and all of the temple staff bowing to maharaj after the aarti.
14. The Mahaprasad begins after the Aarti, there is a different queue for the mahaprasad and usually takes ½ hour in the queue depending on the rush, I request all of you reading this-- (PLEASE DO NOT SKIP THE MAHAPRASAD AND HAVE LUNCH OUTSIDE- NOT ADVISABLE) there is a different taste, a different delicacy in the food maharaj has had- you will be full after you have had the Mahaprasad, so you may rest now (you will start feeling the heat of sheagon by now( the temperature rises by this time).
15. The keys of the Bhakta nivas room will be with you, you may submit it at the counter if you wish either or whichever you are comfortable with and take a peaceful nap at the room for about an hour.
16. Very IMPORTANT: If you are planning to stay overnight then after your nap is over and have had a cup of tea at the restaurant on the ground floor of Bhakta Nivas 5 you may visit ANAND SAGAR!!!
17. If you are planning to leave Shegaon at about 4 the same day ( as I usually do, lots of time and convenient if you go regularly go to shegaon) there are trains available 4:40 is Maharashtra Express, 17:55 AZAD HIND EXPRESS, Howrah Mail at 19:20….(re-check with indiarailinfo.com) for the timings and more trains.
18. Plan your journey--- tickets are usually available for this route but still check with various sites available.
19. Devotees who are staying overnight may visit Anand Sagar (Sansthan Buses Free Rickshaw 50/-) in the Evening where you will spend time in a jiffy! (If you have paid for annadan at the Mandir and have a receipt with you - take it along to Anand Sagar - you have a free entry ! (IT IS HUGEEEEE so plan out)
20. Better Plan and go you cannot just take a Sneak Peak at ANAND SAGAR it will need a day for you to travel all along….(don’t miss the toy train, aquarium, dhyan sadan there)
21. You may have your dinner at Anand Sagar's cafeteria or come back to Bhakta nivas again and walk in a decent restaurant oustide Bhakta Nivas enroute towards Mandir named as "Snehanjali!" (Good food-- mainly south Indian and Punjabi etc. (City-visitors will like it!)
22. Rest at Night……
23. In the morning take a cup of tea at the temple--- It has been a ritual for my mamma to have a cup of tea at KOTHALE's TEA for the last 35 years so I can say it is excellent quality. There is a famous Kachori shop next to it inside the temple - "Annapurna's " - have that and proceed to the Mandir for darshan. (Repeat the above instructions again if you like- you will never get bored, also there are shops opposite Kothale's and Annapurna which have accessories etc of Maharaj)If you are planning to buy a pothi or a Gajanan Maharaj photo buy it from Sansthan's outlet next to where cocunut is broken in two pieces.
24. There are Tonga rickshaws available outside the temple's main gate, you may fix a Tonga Rickshaw and go around in Shegaon there are 5 points which the Tonga Rickshwavala will show… Pragat STHAN, BANKAT SADAN, Mote Mandir, hanuman Mandir!!! 51/- rupees at the most(you can be generous here to the tonga rickshavala- he puts in his effort to carry you)!
This is a sincere effort in helping the Bhakts of my beloved Maharaj to Travel to Shegaon! I hope your journey is comfortable and may maharaj bless you with all that you need.
May Maharaj give me strength to write more! Note: If you find this useful - please leave a comment at the end! There isn't much satisfaction than to read a comment of how this information was useful to you.
Jai gajanan!!
Gana Gana Ganat Bote…..!!!
Pranaav For an efficient and quicker way to get your queries or questions answered regarding your travel plans to Shegaon - email me at pranaav24@gmail.com
This post is an advisory on how to fully experience Shegaon and come closer to Gajanan Maharaj. (Note: Bhakti, Travel, Darshan are all subjective, to each his own as they say) My family has been travelling to Shegaon since 1977, I was blessed to be born into a Gajanan Maharaj parivar in 1991. I love listening to stories from ajji, ajoba, mamma on how the holy town has changed over the past 40 years. You can make a few changes as per your schedule but you would love if you follow this - My effort is to gather all information from my family sources and compile them for you.
1. Travel by Train-- it is convenient, cheap, comfortable and effective. Sansthan buses, Tonga Rickshaws Or normal Rickshaws are available 24/7 to pick you up from the train station (even at odd hours). If you don't manage to get any of these (which will never happen) you can walk to the Bhakta Nivas. Sansthan Buses are absolutely FREE but you have to wait until it is full (so not advisable in the morning because we need to rush on the (Abhishek hours), Tonga Rickshaws cost about 20/- to 25/- and Normal rickshaws 35/-. (Note: The rates mentioned here are liberal you can negotiate-- try and do that.)
2. Trains from Mumbai and Pune (Pune-Nagpur Express, Azad Hind Express, Howrah Mail, Sewagram Express, and Vidharba Express) usually all (except Maharashtra and Geetanjali Express) reach in the early morning wee hours at Shegaon which is an advantage for reaching on time for Kakad aarti and Abhishek.
3. Try going on an odd day such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday when you will have less rush at Shegaon and can receive a peaceful darshan.
4. DO NOT pay attention I repeat DO NOT to the men outside the main gate of the Bhakta Nivas; they will try and convince you of lodging outside of Bhakta Nivas- NEVER try to, always check with the Bhakta Nivas (all the money goes to the Sanstha and is a great way to help) plus subsidized rates and cleanliness at its best. Rates are EXHORBITANT in the hotels outside Bhakta Nivas!
5. As money is not the top priority for the Sansthan- rates are subsidized (e.g. Mineral Water 8/-) at the Bhakta Nivas with good facilities and cleanliness the top priority; you will find large coolers in the rooms, big clean restrooms and clean, crisp linen on double beds. They are well equipped and a great way to have a peace of mind. (Note: You will have to pay a deposit of 500/- (which may have changed now) at the counter while booking a room, prefer bhakta nivas 5 always - it is the best of the lot; Rates differ accordingly)
6. Hotels outside as said earlier are too expensive with an Air Conditioning Facility which you don't need if you have a 7 ft cooler, small, congested rooms a TV set and a Bathroom with attached toilet. Rates vary from 700/- to 1800/- (increased on business days and as per their convenience).
7. Rush to the temple as soon as you get done with your bath and chores in the morning - be quick and do not be lazy! Do not waste time- reach the temple as early as possible and the first thing you must do is have a receipt printed of 51/-, 101/- or 151/- at the DENGI counter inside the temple for your Abhishek. (Note: The Abhishek timings are 5:30 to 7:30 in the morning and so you have to hurry. DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY TO THE PUJARI THERE HE IS BEEN PAID BY THE SANSTHA AND WE DO NOT NEED TO SPLURGE AT THE WRONG PLACE, IT IS VIOLATING THE RULES OF THE SANSTHA.)
8. After having the abhishek done of maharaj’s paduka head for samadhi darshan, usually there is no rush in the morning except for Thursdays and Sundays you may go straight in the Gabara if there are limited number of devotees.
9. Be calm and do not rush! You are in Maharaj’s safe hands, no need to worry you are in your life’s happiest, joyful and complete moment- Enjoy the experience and thank maharaj! The devotion, the fragrance of the flowers, the gana gana ganaat bote japp, ghoshna are out of this world! Note:(You can bring home-cooked modaks (fried), Chitale's Pedhe, or any Prasad for Maharaj, Mamma usually takes modaks which Maharaj loves- the pujari will keep it on Maharaj's padukas and give it back to you) I have seen people cry in front of maharaj (Happy Tears probably)!!!
10. After you are done with the darshan and you head out you will be guided to the Ram Temple and then Hanuman temple and then out. (Note: Remember to taste and apply the ANGARA near the Hanuman Temple! I did not see it there the last time I visited, you can have the anagara where the dhuni is next to the Gadi.)
11. You may start your Pradakshinas if you want now……
12. After Pradkshinas (atleast 5) if possible you may go to the dengi counter and donate money for ANNADAN, IMARAT NIDHI, ANAND SAGAR, etc….. (Prefer Annadan)
13. By now it would be 10:30 or so be ready for the AARTI the elephants would be on their way…. The aarti goes on for about half and hour…. You can observe all the swayamsevaks, dengi counter officials and all of the temple staff bowing to maharaj after the aarti.
14. The Mahaprasad begins after the Aarti, there is a different queue for the mahaprasad and usually takes ½ hour in the queue depending on the rush, I request all of you reading this-- (PLEASE DO NOT SKIP THE MAHAPRASAD AND HAVE LUNCH OUTSIDE- NOT ADVISABLE) there is a different taste, a different delicacy in the food maharaj has had- you will be full after you have had the Mahaprasad, so you may rest now (you will start feeling the heat of sheagon by now( the temperature rises by this time).
15. The keys of the Bhakta nivas room will be with you, you may submit it at the counter if you wish either or whichever you are comfortable with and take a peaceful nap at the room for about an hour.
16. Very IMPORTANT: If you are planning to stay overnight then after your nap is over and have had a cup of tea at the restaurant on the ground floor of Bhakta Nivas 5 you may visit ANAND SAGAR!!!
17. If you are planning to leave Shegaon at about 4 the same day ( as I usually do, lots of time and convenient if you go regularly go to shegaon) there are trains available 4:40 is Maharashtra Express, 17:55 AZAD HIND EXPRESS, Howrah Mail at 19:20….(re-check with indiarailinfo.com) for the timings and more trains.
18. Plan your journey--- tickets are usually available for this route but still check with various sites available.
19. Devotees who are staying overnight may visit Anand Sagar (Sansthan Buses Free Rickshaw 50/-) in the Evening where you will spend time in a jiffy! (If you have paid for annadan at the Mandir and have a receipt with you - take it along to Anand Sagar - you have a free entry ! (IT IS HUGEEEEE so plan out)
20. Better Plan and go you cannot just take a Sneak Peak at ANAND SAGAR it will need a day for you to travel all along….(don’t miss the toy train, aquarium, dhyan sadan there)
21. You may have your dinner at Anand Sagar's cafeteria or come back to Bhakta nivas again and walk in a decent restaurant oustide Bhakta Nivas enroute towards Mandir named as "Snehanjali!" (Good food-- mainly south Indian and Punjabi etc. (City-visitors will like it!)
22. Rest at Night……
23. In the morning take a cup of tea at the temple--- It has been a ritual for my mamma to have a cup of tea at KOTHALE's TEA for the last 35 years so I can say it is excellent quality. There is a famous Kachori shop next to it inside the temple - "Annapurna's " - have that and proceed to the Mandir for darshan. (Repeat the above instructions again if you like- you will never get bored, also there are shops opposite Kothale's and Annapurna which have accessories etc of Maharaj)If you are planning to buy a pothi or a Gajanan Maharaj photo buy it from Sansthan's outlet next to where cocunut is broken in two pieces.
24. There are Tonga rickshaws available outside the temple's main gate, you may fix a Tonga Rickshaw and go around in Shegaon there are 5 points which the Tonga Rickshwavala will show… Pragat STHAN, BANKAT SADAN, Mote Mandir, hanuman Mandir!!! 51/- rupees at the most(you can be generous here to the tonga rickshavala- he puts in his effort to carry you)!
This is a sincere effort in helping the Bhakts of my beloved Maharaj to Travel to Shegaon! I hope your journey is comfortable and may maharaj bless you with all that you need.
May Maharaj give me strength to write more! Note: If you find this useful - please leave a comment at the end! There isn't much satisfaction than to read a comment of how this information was useful to you.
Jai gajanan!!
Gana Gana Ganat Bote…..!!!
Pranaav For an efficient and quicker way to get your queries or questions answered regarding your travel plans to Shegaon - email me at pranaav24@gmail.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Maharaj in Guinness Book of world records????....
On the auspicious day of GURUPUSHYAMRUT, there was a parayan organized; at the large open space area in front of the samadhi in shegaon, There were nearly 75000 Bhakts who did the parayan and it is on the verge of entering the Guinness World Records...
May Maharaj guide it and let it be a successful one...
Gana Gana Ganaat Bote!!!
Pranaav!
May Maharaj guide it and let it be a successful one...
Gana Gana Ganaat Bote!!!
Pranaav!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
DENGI/ DONATIONS/ ANNADAN METHODS OF DOING THEM...
We always want to share our happiness with maharaj and always think of giving some amount of money to the sanstha for useful purposes..... but there are a lot of difficulties in sending them...
Here are some methods of going about it:-
1. You can send money orders to: THE TRUSTEE
SRI GAJANAN MAHARAJ SANSTHAN
SHEGAON - 444203
DIST: BULDHANA
MAHARASTRA.
Or send an ACCOUNT PAYEE CHECK IN THE NAME OF:-
Shree Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon
PS: Dont forget to write your name and address behind your check!!!
Gana Gana Ganat botey!!!
Jai gajanan!
Here are some methods of going about it:-
1. You can send money orders to: THE TRUSTEE
SRI GAJANAN MAHARAJ SANSTHAN
SHEGAON - 444203
DIST: BULDHANA
MAHARASTRA.
Or send an ACCOUNT PAYEE CHECK IN THE NAME OF:-
Shree Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon
PS: Dont forget to write your name and address behind your check!!!
Gana Gana Ganat botey!!!
Jai gajanan!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Gajanan Maharaj ( Copyrights with WIKIPEDIA)
Gajanan Maharaj from Shegaon (Buldhana District), Maharashtra, India is regarded by Hindus as a saint. A temple in his name is built on his Samadhi at Shegaon. "Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan" is the largest temple trust in the Vidarbha region.
The early life history of Gajanan Maharaj is obscure, his birthdate being unknown. Biruduraju Ramaraju has tried to establish in his collection of books called "Andhra Yogulu" that he was a Telugu Brahmin. Some speculate that he might have in fact hailed from Sajjanghad, (which was the place where Sant Samartha Ramdas had lived). Das Ganu Maharaj has written a 21 chapter biography, "Shri Gajanan Vijay," of Gajanan Maharaj in Marathi. Contemporaries of Gajanan Maharaj identified him by several names like Gin Gine Buwa, Ganpat Buwa, and Awaliya Baba.
According to a legend, a money lender named Bankat Lal Agarwal first saw Gajanan Maharaj in a "superconscious state" on February 23, 1878 on a street. Sensing him to be a saint, Bankat took him home and asked him to stay with him. Legends say that in his lifetime, he performed many miracles such as giving a fresh lease on life to one Janrao Deshmukh, lighting the clay-pipe without fire, filling a dry well with water, drawing sugar cane juice by twisting canes with his hands, and curing leprosy of a woman. He took samadhi on 8 September, 1910.
Gajanan Maharaj looked upon all religions with equality. He propounded "Advaita Tattva" through his conduct and teachings.
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