28. Story of Bhrushundi Ganpati

The story of Bhrushundi is found in the Ganesh Puran. 

Long back in time, there was a place called Dandakaranya in Vidarbha.  Dandakaranya was surrounded by a very a dense forest. 

In the forest hideout there lived a robber named Dvivar. 

Dvivar was notorious for robbing and killing travellers. His ill actions continued for many years.

One day Dvivar was crossing the forest when saw a lake. He was tired and stopped by the lake to drink water and take bath. This lake was called Ganesh Teerth.

After taking bath, Dvivar got on his horse to leave when he heard some voice. He saw a Sage walking towards the lake with his copper pot. He was continually chanting the name 'Gajanan ..... Gajanan'. He was Sage Mudgala.

Dvivar by his nature and deeds had become very outrageous. Seeing the sage, he flashed out his sword to kill the sage. However, that very moment the sword fell down heavily on the ground. 

Dvivar was enlightened and realised how sinfully he had lived his life. He was stuck by the desire to eradicate all his sins. Humbled, Dvivar fell on the feet of sage. He admitted his sins and asked the sage to show him the right path.

Sage Mudgal asked Dvivar to chant the Mantra -'Shri Ganeshaya Namah' besides the lake. He asked Dvivar to continue chanting the Mantra until he returned.

Dvivar set his horse free. He took a sturdy wooden stick and rooted it near the lakeside. He sat besides the stick and began chanting the said Mantra. Soon he was completely immersed in the glory of God.

Years passed by. A thousand years passed by.

Dvivar continued meditating in all weathers. The stick transformed into the tree. Under the tree there was an anthill. The Mantra 'Shri Ganeshaya Namah'  echoed from the anthill.

The sage cleared the anthill and saw Dvivar seated there in penance. The sage sprinkled holy water from his kamandalu on Dvivar and brought him to senses. He named Dvivar as Sage Brushund and blessed him saying, "One who would come to see you, would be bestowed with a powers".

Sage Brushund came to live near the lake Ganesha Teerath. Presently, the place is popular as the Vidarba temple of Astavinayak.