37. Immersed in the Divine

Even as a small boy, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji (named Narasimha Shastry then) displayed extraordinary devotion.

He held the conviction that no moment should pass without the remembrance of the Divine. His lips were always engaged in chanting sacred verses, and among them, his favourite was the Mooka Panchasati–a collection of 500 verses in praise of Goddess Kamakshi.

One day, young Narasimha was sent to the market to buy some household essentials. Holding a cloth bag in His hand, He set out, immersed in chanting the divine verses. His mind was so deeply engrossed in the meaning of the hymns that He lost all awareness of His surroundings.

Completely absorbed in His devotion, He unknowingly walked past the shop He was supposed to visit. He continued walking, crossing streets, and even leaving the limits of His village (Sringeri) without realizing where He was going.

It was only when a passerby stopped Him and asked where He was headed that He suddenly snapped out of His trance-like state. It was then He realized that He had completely forgotten His errand! He retraced his steps, made the purchase, and returned home.

Such was His pure and effortless devotion, a love so deep that it made Him forget everything but God. ❀❀❀❀