Paani Sevaa Bhavana in Varanasi, India

6 Questions

What did Rahim do when he arrived at the gate of Paani Sevaa Bhavana?

Asked for alms and claimed to know the ingredients of a sacred text

Who is known for supporting various swamis and their causes at Paani Sevaa Bhavana?

Shivaji Maharaj

Who claimed to have passed a test at Dwarka to prove worthiness to install the twelve-headed image of Lord Vishnu at Paani Sevaa Bhavana?

Pushkar Rajavardhana Vadati

What accompanied the installation of the twelve-headed image of Lord Vishnu at Paani Sevaa Bhavana?

Arrival of a monkey who lit a lamp at the entrance

What is the primary focus of Paani Sevaa Bhavana, as mentioned in the text?

Housing numerous active Sanskrit scholars

What is Rahim remembered for at Paani Sevaa Bhavana?

Unique entry and knowledge of sacred texts

Study Notes

Paani Sevaa Bhavana, a notable institution located on the Rajasthan Road in Varanasi, India, is known for housing numerous active Sanskrit scholars, including Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji Maharaj, one of the residents, is a sanyasini (renunciate) who is known for supporting various swamis (monks) and their causes.
A notable visitor to this institution was Rahim, a swami who is remembered for his unique entry into the institution. He arrived at the gate singing, asking for alms (झानीया आपका हो डीटी), and revealed that he knew all the ingredients (सर्वम रसायन तत्वम जानी) of the Vamsee Yasya Veda, a sacred text.
Another intriguing incident revolves around the installation of the twelve-headed image of Lord Vishnu (पुरस्कार जन्म भवन) at the institution. The image was brought to the institution by Pushkar Rajavardhana Vadati, who had claimed that he had passed a test (पर 10 या पुरुष थिस्तंभ विनय कृत) at Dwarka, conducted by the sanyasini Maya Tirtha, to prove his worthiness to install the deity.
This installation was significant as it was accompanied by the arrival of a monkey (कुत्ता) who lit a deepak (lamp) at the entrance of the institution (द्वारिका एपी) and continued to reside there, becoming a symbol of the divine presence of Lord Vishnu at the institution.
The institution is famous for its religious and cultural significance, attracting numerous devotees and scholars, and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional practices.