TULJAPUR - BHAVANI

The great goddess, the Jaganmata, came to this land in response to an appeal from a devotee in distress. Hundreds of years ago, in the Krita yuga, there was a brahmin by name of Kardam. This Kardarn was a great pundit and was well versed in the Vedas and the Shastras. His wife, Anubhuti, was greatly attached to her husband. She was of a religious bent of mind and the two of them were a very happy couple. Years passed by and Kardam passed away plunging Anubbuti into a sea of grief. She decided to perform the rite of Sati, of sacrificing herself on the pyre of her husband. However, as she was preparing for that customary rite, a heavenly voice told her that although her decision to follow her husband in the other world was highly commendable, the rules of Dharma do Dot allow those women who were either carrying or who had young children to look after, to perform the rite. Anubbuti had a small son entirely dependent on her and hence she should not immolate herself. Rather reluctantly Anubhuti, who had now realised the responsibility of raising her young one, gave up her determination to perform Sati. She bestowed great attention on the proper training and education of her son, discarding all the pleasures of the world. In due course he became a young man capable of looking after himself. Anubbuti who bad already mentally torn herself apart from the material side of this world now decided to cut off the physicalconnections as well and accepted the fourth or Vana- prasthashram. She became a sanyasini. Leaving bet home and taking leave of her young son she went to the mountain -Meru. Here she built for herself a small cottage and started practising yoga. Years passed by, she brought under control her body and mind, and was fast approaching her ultimate aim-moksha. But destiny thought otherwise. Her course was not to be quite smooth.

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