16 Questions
What was Ganapati Bhatta's attitude towards sense gratification?
He was free from attachment to it
What was Ganapati Bhatta's ultimate goal in life?
To achieve liberation from material bondage
What did Ganapati Bhatta read about the Lord's manifestation in?
Brahma Purana
What did Ganapati Bhatta think about his family after knowing about the Lord's manifestation?
They would be a great burden upon him
What did Ganapati Bhatta realize about the material world?
It is a place of temporary relationships
What did Ganapati Bhatta think about his life after reading about the Lord's manifestation?
It was useless and meaningless
What did Ganapati Bhatta decide to do after reading about the Lord's manifestation?
To go to Nilagiri and take darshan of Parambrahma
What was the significance of seeing the Lord in His transcendental form in Nilagiri?
It would free one from material bondage and grant liberation
What was Ganapati Bhatta's primary source of sustenance during his journey?
Alms received from begging
What was the significance of Athara Nala, according to the belief?
It was a place where one would not face punishment from Yamaraj
What was Ganapati Bhatta's initial reaction to the travelers' claim of having seen Brahman?
He was skeptical and questioned their claim
What did the travelers carry with them when they returned from Puri?
Pots of Jagannath prasad
What was the duration of the travelers' stay at Nila-kandar?
Five days
What was Ganapati Bhatta's understanding of the consequence of seeing Brahman?
One would attain liberation and merge into Brahman
What prompted Ganapati Bhatta to open the Purana and re-check its contents?
A need to resolve the discrepancy between the travelers' experience and his understanding of the Purana
What was Ganapati Bhatta's state of mind after speaking with the travelers and re-reading the Purana?
He was skeptical and confused
Study Notes
Ganapati Bhatta's Life and Quest
- Ganapati Bhatta was a brahmana who lived in Kaniari, Karnataka, and was a great devotee of Lord Sri Hari.
- He was merciful, free from greed, and well-versed in scriptures, with complete control over his senses, including his mind.
- He only worshiped Lord Vishnu and had no interest in worshiping demigods.
Ganapati Bhatta's Desire
- Ganapati Bhatta wanted to see Lord Jagannath in His transcendental form with his own eyes, believing it would make his life successful.
- He believed that taking shelter of the Lord's lotus feet would free him from material bondage.
Inspiration from Brahma Purana
- Ganapati Bhatta read about Lord Jagannath's manifestation in Nilagiri in His transcendental form in the Brahma Purana.
- The Purana stated that seeing the Lord in this form would grant liberation and freedom from material bondage.
Ganapati Bhatta's Realization
- Ganapati Bhatta realized the futility of his life, considering his attachments to his wife, children, and wealth.
- He understood that no one would accompany him after death, and that his family would eventually see him as a burden.
Journey to Puri
- Ganapati Bhatta decided to leave his house and journey to Puri to take darshan of Parambrahma.
- He survived on alms and was happy with whatever he received, sometimes fasting when food was unavailable.
Encounter with Travelers
- Ganapati Bhatta met travelers returning from Puri, who were happy and held pots of Jagannath prasada.
- They told him they had taken darshan of Parambrahma at Nila-kandar (Jagannath temple) and were returning home.
Ganapati Bhatta's Confusion
- Ganapati Bhatta was surprised that the travelers had not attained liberation after seeing Brahman.
- He questioned them and checked the Purana, wondering why they had not merged into Brahman if they had truly seen Him.
Ganapati Bhatta, a brahmnana from Karnataka, was a devout follower of Lord Sri Hari and possessed exceptional qualities. Learn about his life and devotion.
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