Mahipathi Daasa Part 2
Mysterious supply of money
Mahipathi Daasa had to arrange for food for his disciples and well-wishers, as was the custom. All necessary groceries were supplied by a vendor on credit. When the vendor came periodically to receive his payment, Mahipathi Daasa would materialise the exact amount he owed the vendor (without him mentioning the amount) from under his blanket. This intrigued the vendor. One of the townspeople decided to investigate the source of money and pocket anything he might find. He began to visit the Daasa as a follower. When Mahipathi Daasa would state something that hinted that he knew the follower’s intention, the latter would panic, but the Daasa’s simplicity allayed his fears.
When a cursory search failed to yield any result, he got hold of a mason and under the pretext of eradicating rats and bandicoots, dug up all possible places he thought might be concealing the treasure trove. Mahipathi Daasa remarked* that the digging and searching had “eradicated” pests and their little ones.
Waylaying the Daasa at night, he demanded to know where the money was hidden. An unperturbed Mahipathi Daasa told him that he was aware of his true intentions from the very beginning. He said, his earlier remark* was now a curse. The man is believed to have turned away and gone, ultimately meeting a miserable end.
Shami Vriksha and the 12 saligramas
Mahipathi Daasa was granted some space under a Shami Vriksha (Banni mara/ Prosopis Cineraria). Here he conducted discourses and meted justice to the local people, acting as their philosopher and guide.
When Mahipathi Daasa sensed that his end was near, he wished to visit his erstwhile mentor, Prahlada Krishnacharya. After spending six days with him, he was released from his mortal coils on the seventh day. His sons performed his funeral rites and were carrying his ashes to immerse in a river, when the ashes liquefied and drained away.
A little later, Mahipathi Daasa visited his elder son in his dream and told him about the 12 saligramas* which were underneath the Shami Vriksha, under which he used to sit. Mahipathi Daasa instructed his son to retrieve the saligramas and consecrate them in a temple at Kakhandaki.
*black, fossilised stones found in the river bed of Kali Gandaki in Nepal, believed to be a representation of Vishnu
Kakhandaki
Kakhandaki is a little town, about 30 km from Bijapur. Mahipathi Daasa spent time in this town performing his spiritual saadhane. He installed an idol of Praana devaru, known as Kakhandakeesha.
Kakhandaki is home to the brindavana (without the mortal remains) of Mahipathi Daasaru. The 12 saligramas have been consecrated in a small temple which also has an idol of Mahipathi Daasa. Mahipatha Daasaru is present in spirit at Kakhandaki showering blessings on those who seek them.
Listen to two of Mahipathi Daasa’s compositions...