Chapter 4
I feel my story of India would be remiss if I did not tell you a story that challenged my disbelief more than any other. We traveled to a small town called Trimbakeshwar. Its known for its temple which held Nivrutti—the Bhakti saint, poet, and philosopher. It is said that when he was ten years old, he and his family were confronted by a tiger. While the family escaped, they were separated from one another. But Nivrutti hid in a cave on Anjani Mountain. This is where he met a guru named Gahaninath, who gave him instant enlightenment. Nivrutti then climbed back down to the village of Nasik and anointed his brothers and sisters, bestowing them with great powers. Together, they traveled throughout India, enlightening others with their presence. They were beloved.
At the mere age of twenty-four, Nirvrutti gave the ultimate sacrifice and chose to become a living Samadhi. Samadhi is a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation. In Hindu yoga, this is regarded as the final stage, at which union with the divine is reached. Nivrutti climbed down into a tomb surrounded by gifts and blessings from all those that loved and honored him. They slowly moved a shrine above his head, as he promised to live forever, emanating energy to all those who touched his busk, so they too could know enlightenment. Believers say he is still alive down there. I had my doubts. Nonetheless, a temple was erected around him, and it is in this place where someone else’s story begins.
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