Leaving The House

Ghanshyam Maharaj left home on Ashadh Sud 10 1849 at the tender age of 11 years, 3 months, and 1 day. Ghanshyam Maharaj woke up earlier then normal in the morning to avoid being seen by others as He left. After completing his pooja, He collected the essential items to take with Him. 

  • Kopin - Similar to underwear 
  • Uthuriya - Small lion cloth
  • Dhand - Stick made from palash tree
  • Janoi - The sacred thread worn from shoulder to waist
  • Tulsi Ni Bevdi kanthi
  • Kum Kum Sahit Urdhvapund Tilak
  • Jata - Hair tied in a choti
  • Moonj Ni Kati Mekharra - Moonj grass worn around the waist
  • Jap Marra - Rosary beads Kamndle - Water pot
  • Bhikxapatra - Begging bowl
  • Jal Garanu - Cotton cloth for filtering water
  • Saaligram - Stone representative of Shri Narayan
  • Bal Mukund Ni Davarri - Idol of young Krishna in a box
  • Char Shatra na Sarano Gutko - Summary of the 4 Shastras carried over shoulder
  • Pagma Paaduka Veena - Barefooted 

Having prepared Himself, Ghanshyam Maharaj left home, heading for the Saryu River. Ghanshyam maharaj arrived at the bank of the river and thought, "If I wait for the boat to take me across, someone may see me and know of my leaving." Ghanshyam Maharaj therefore contemplated swimming across the river. At this time Kalidatta's companion Kaushidatta, saw Ghanshyam Maharaj standing at the river bank. Acting in revenge for Kalidatta's death, he pushed Ghanshyam Maharaj in to the river. Kaushidatta was overjoyed at the thought of having killed Ghanshyam Maharaj, however, unknown to him Ghanshyam Maharaj did not frown but stayed under water to fool Kaushidatta. 

Ghanshyam Maharaj now become known as Nilkanthvarni and it is from here that His Vanvicharan starts. The Vanvicharan are the episodes of Nilkanthvarni's pilgrimage covering all of India at that time. Walking barefooted throughout, He met all walks of people in all kinds of places. When not walking, He performed Tapasya or converted or preached to others.