We all know of Ashwathamma's fate after his decision to hurl Brahmastra and end the Pandava's lineage, which survived due to Keshava's kripa. Krishna removed the gem that shone on his forehead, which supremely differentiated him from others, and the void was replaced with a wound which would not heal till eternity. The curse was to keep roaming till time's end with all sorts of insects and jivas feasting on the wound. He has been roaming for centuries asking for ghee to reduce the pain of the wounds. A strong stench keeps on emanating This also is a lesson for many who act on impulse.
Mahabharat happened long time ago, but we have had heard of many instances of people claiming to have seen Ashwatthama. Many of the instances have been reported by the Narmada Parikramis, especially in the Shoolpaneshwar area, the densest part of the Parikrama. He guides the poor souls who have missed the path. I came across a an account recently on WhatsApp. [Gentleman was reminded of his incident after he got a forward of Ashwatthama's visit at Makhaneshwar and few pics [shared here]).
The pics shared are of the fleas which eat on Ashwatthama's wound. When one finds such fleas, ne assured that Ashwatthama had been there. Pics are of Makhaneshwar Mahadev, Gujarat.
The Gentleman had read various accounts of parikramis getting the Darshan of Ashwatthama and he had an urge to have the same. He was at Garudeshwar once and there is small shop near the Datta Mandir, who serves fine tea and also Poha if ordered and available [I know this shop owner, his name is Prahlad Bhai). He also keeps some good Sahitya related to Narmada Maiyya and Datta Sampradaya. The gentleman found a Marathi version of Narmada Puran and he happily read it.
He came across the account of Ashwatthama. How with his stench emanating wound and excruciating pain he came to the banks of Mate Narmade. He did tapasya of Mahadeva to have some mercy on him, and finally Bholenath appeared. Ashwatthama asked him if he could make this wound go away, but Mahadev expressed his inability to remove Vishnu's curse. But he applied a ball of Makhan to his wound to reduce the pain. Gratefully, Ashwatthama installed a Shiv Linga at the place and it hence called, Makhaneshwar Mahadev. This is very close to Garudeshwar on the opposite Bank [Southern].
Once on a visit to Garudeshwar he wanted to visit Makhaneshwar as it was believed Ashwatthama visits the place on certain Poornima. He went and met Bapatji who runs the Valmiki ashram near by and sat chatting with Bapatji. He made arrangement to sleep in the hut near Makhaneshwar Mahadev. It was a Jyestha Poornima, he was in deep sleep and Ashwatthama gave him Darshan in dream. He felt it opened his eyes, it was 3.30 am. Cold breeze was blowing and the lamp near the Garbha gruha was burning slowly. He was very satisfied. He bowed to Mahadev and sat on the charpoi. There was a sreom of thoughts in his mind.
Let us also pray for the respite of this wandering soul!
Narmade har!! Shree Gurudev Datt
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