Dnyaneshwar

On the bank of the Godavari River, there is a renowned sacred place called Apegaon, known throughout the world. The town clerk of Apegaon was Govindpant, a devout follower of Vishnu. His wife, Nirabai, was an exceptionally pious and devoted woman. Being pregnant, she ardently desired to have a son. The embodiment of detachment from worldly affairs entered her womb. After nine months, symbolizing ninefold devotion, she gave birth to a son. When the mother and father beheld their son, who embodied devotion, knowledge, and detachment, they were overjoyed. On the twelfth day, they named him Vithoba. When Vithoba turned eight, he underwent the sacred thread ceremony. He studied the Vedas, Shastras, and excelled in grammar and poetry. He developed a desire to visit sacred places and, with a repentant heart, sought permission from his parents. He said to them, "Please grant me permission to go to the sacred place of Pushkar in Rajputana." His parents were pleased upon hearing his request. Vithoba bowed to them and immediately set off.

Without attaining detachment from earthly matters, studying the Shastras is futile. What use are very large ears to a deaf person? Though a peacock may appear to have eyes all over its body, they are useless without the ability to see. What purpose does the enlarged growth on a goat's neck serve? What value does a dense forest of Sauri trees hold? What benefit does sweet singing bring to those who sing love songs? What use is a young widow? All these examples are like a face without a nose, an officer without authority, or a grown man lacking manliness, all of them worthless. Therefore, even if one deeply studies the Shastras, without experiencing repentance in the heart, what is the use? It would be akin to a crane sitting seemingly engaged in some religious act but actually planning to swallow fishes. Thus, with repentance in his heart, Vithoba embarked on his journey to sacred places. Abandoning attachment and affection for worldly things, he dedicated himself to the worship of Hari (God). His first destination was Dwaravati, where he bathed in the Gomati River. Spotting an image of Krishna, he humbly prostrated before it. He then proceeded to the place where God incarnated as a fish, who both killed and saved the demon Shankha and represents the ultimate liberation. Next, he traveled to Pindaraka and Mangalahuda. He caught sight of the domes of Dwarka and continued on his way. After visiting Sudampuri (now Porebunder), he arrived at Mulmadhav, where King Bhishmak gave Rukmini in marriage to Krishna. He paid his respects to the sacred place Bhaluka, where Shri Krishna concluded His incarnation. From there, he hastened to Prabhaslinga and worshiped at SoratiSomnath, a sacred place in Kathiawar. He then proceeded and witnessed the cave where Muchakund resided. He saw the spot where Kalayavan was reduced to ashes by Muchakund. Continuing on, he reached Dhawalpuri and visited the cave that served as Muchakund's resting place. He paid homage to all the renowned sacred places mentioned in the Puranas and known worldwide. Next, he arrived at Saptashringi and paid his respects to Adimaya, bathing in the Arunawaruna. From there, he journeyed eastward to the Godavari River, which filled him with immense joy. With his own eyes, he beheld Kapileshwar and finally reached Trimbak. He bathed in the Kushavart pond and offered reverence to Gangadwar, the source of the Ganga River. He circled the Brahmagiri mountain, keeping it on his left, which brought him great delight. He arrived at Bhimashankar, where his repentance purified his heart. Every day as he journeyed, he sang praises to Hari with his lips. Soon, he reached Alandi.