Saptashati Guru Charit Samnuvad

The provided text is a Gujarati translation of the "Saptashati Guru Charitra" by Rang Avadhoot. It is a collection of stories and teachings related to Guru Dattatreya and his manifestations, particularly Nrusinha Saraswati.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the text:

Title: Saptashati Guru Charitra Samnuvad (A Translation of Saptashati Guru Charitra)

Author: Rang Avadhoot

Publisher: Avadhoot Sahitya Prakashan

Core Theme: The book is a devotional work that recounts the lives, miracles, and teachings of Gurus, primarily focusing on Dattatreya and his prominent avatar, Nrusinha Saraswati. The central idea is the importance of the Guru in spiritual life and the path to liberation through devotion to the Guru.

Content Summary:

• Devotional Stanzas (Pages 3-4): The text begins with devotional hymns (stotras) praising Nrusinha Saraswati, highlighting his divine attributes, his role in protecting dharma, his compassion, and his ability to bestow various boons like speech, sight, progeny, and even liberation. These stotras are presented as originating from the "Shri Gurulilamrut."
• Author's Introduction (Nivedan) (Page 5): The preface explains that Rang Avadhoot has extensively written on Lord Dattatreya. It emphasizes that all his works are in some way a commentary on Guru Charitra. The "Saptashati Guru Charitra" is specifically mentioned as a summarized version of the original Marathi Guru Charitra, condensed into 700 Marathi verses. The author mentions that this specific translation was inspired by a desire for spiritual purification and devotion before commencing the writing of "Shri Gurulilamrut."
• Purpose and Significance (Page 6): The text states that reading this book regularly will lead to spiritual progress and liberation within a short period. It also mentions acknowledgments for financial contributions towards the publication, dedicated to the memory of deceased individuals.
• Various Stotras and Pujas (Pages 7-10): The following pages contain various devotional compositions:
  • Shripad Shrivallabhastotram: A hymn dedicated to Shripad Shrivallabha, another manifestation of Dattatreya.
  • Dattamantra Shripadastakam: An eight-verse hymn dedicated to Dattatreya.
  • Atmapurna: A section that seems to describe a form of self-worship or internal meditation, with verses related to awakening, invocation, seating, offering, bathing, clothing, sacred thread, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, food offerings, betel nut, and circumambulation.
• Narrative Chapters (Adhyayas) (Pages 17-69): The bulk of the book comprises narrative chapters that detail the life and miracles of Nrusinha Saraswati and other Gurus. These chapters recount various events and teachings, including:
  • Early life and teachings of Nrusinha Saraswati: His divine origin, his interactions with disciples, and his wisdom.
  • Miracles and divine interventions: Stories of healing the sick, granting boons, overcoming obstacles, and resolving complex situations through divine grace.
  • Teachings on Dharma and devotion: Emphasis on righteous conduct, unwavering faith in the Guru, and the importance of spiritual practices.
  • Specific incidents: The text covers numerous anecdotes, such as the story of Namdharak, Ambarisha, the birth of the Trimurti sons (Dattatreya, Chandrama, Durvasa), the establishment of the Mahabaleshwar temple, the story of the Brahmin and the demon, the protection of devotees, the significance of pilgrimage sites, and the importance of various rituals and vows.
  • Discussions on the Vedas and scriptures: The text delves into the importance and division of the Vedas and their spiritual significance.
  • Moral and ethical guidance: Chapters offer insights into righteous living, the consequences of negative actions (karma Vipaka), and the importance of virtuous conduct.
  • Guru's grace and divine intervention: The overarching theme is how the Guru's presence and teachings can overcome all difficulties and lead devotees to spiritual fulfillment.
• Concluding Aarti (Page 69): A final devotional song of praise.
• List of Other Works by Rang Avadhoot (Pages 71-72): This section provides a catalog of other books written or inspired by Rang Avadhoot, categorized by language (Gujarati, Sanskrit, Marathi) and subject matter.
• Nrusinha Saraswati Paduka Stotram (Page 73): A hymn dedicated to the sandals of Nrusinha Saraswati.
• Narasingha Saraswati Ashtak (Page 74): An eight-verse devotional song in praise of Nrusinha Saraswati.

Overall Tone and Message:

The "Saptashati Guru Charitra Samnuvad" is a deeply devotional and instructive text. It aims to inspire faith in the Guru, encourage virtuous living, and guide readers towards spiritual liberation through the teachings and examples of Nrusinha Saraswati and Dattatreya. The narratives are filled with miraculous events and emphasize the Guru's omnipotence and compassion. The Gujarati translation by Rang Avadhoot is presented with a strong devotional fervor.