Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 43.5

43.5

Madanna Pant was a very great man, devoted to the Brahmans, and given to charitable and religious deeds. He always fed a lakh of people and never took his meal until he heard from his guest house that every one there had done so. He faithfully observed this practice as was well known in the city. When Raghunath went to his place, the assembled scholars were debating about the rival claims of Siva and Vishnu to the superior position among gods. Raghunath Pant, though himself a Vaishnava, espoused the cause of Siva and established his supremacy to the satisfaction of all. When Vishnu's party was thus weakened, he turned to their side and established the supremacy of Vishnu. Then he pointed out the defects of the doctrine of duality and proved the validity of the doctrine of unity. Madanna Pant was highly pleased with him and honoured and praised him as a great scholar. "You are a great man Oh sir! Whence have you come? Please order whatever you may require," so said Madanna. And Raghunath then answered, — "I do not want money, nor do I hanker after land, rent free villages or a living. You are a virtuous man and well versed in the Sastras. My only desire is to have a private discussion with you for four ghatikas only." Then Anna took the Pant to a private place and the latter said, — "I am not a begging scholar but a servant of Sivaji Maharaj. Raghunath Pant [134] is my name.