33
The Greatness of Darshan
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now I bow down to the saints and the virtuous. Their
merciful glances immediately burn mountains of sins and wash
away the impurities of the Kaliyug.
2.
Their heaps of obligations cannot be repaid in this birth,
or in many furture births. Their casual talks are full of
valuable lessons for our welfare and confer imperishable
happiness.
3.
Their minds do not know any difference such as ‘this is ours
and that is yours’. Such worldly differentiation never
arises in their minds.
4.
In the previous chapter, the Guru’s greatness was described
to some extent. Now, in this chapter, listeners hear of the
importance of UDI.
5.
Baba repeatedly asked and took Dakshina from which he did
charity, helping the poor and the needy. From the balance,
he purchased a lot of firewood which he piled in heaps.
6.
He offered the dry wood as an oblation in the Dhuni, in
front of him. The ashes from the burnt wood which were
considerable, were distributed to the devotees.
7.
At the time of departure from Shirdi, while seeking leave
from Baba, it was customary to give Udi. All the devotees
knew this.
8.
In fact when Baba asked for Udi to be brought, it was felt
that it was really the permission granted to leave and they
felt happy to return home.
9.
Also, when one was residing at Shirdi, Baba did not give Udi
to anyone in the afternoon, morning or evening. One was sent
back empty handed.
10.
This was a daily routine. But what was the significance of
that udi for which the dhuni was kept alight perpetually in
the Masjid. Why was this done daily?
11.
What did Baba hint at, or have in his mind, when giving the
‘vibhuti’? “All this visible phenomena in the universe is as
transient as the ashes. Bear this definitely in mind.
12.
The body itself, like that drywood, is made up of the five
elements, and remains to endure life. When the life span is
over, it falls dead and will be certainly reduced to ashes.
13.
You and I will undergo the same stages. So that you should
remember this and I should also be aware of it, day and
night, I give the vibhuti.
14.
The entire universe is full of Maya. Brahman is the only
reality, while the universe is illusory. Bear this in mind
that this is what the udi teaches.
15.
No person belongs to anyone in this world – be they wife,
son, uncles or nephews. Naked you come and naked you will
return. The udi is a reminder of it”.
16.
If this udi is applied to the body, then physical and mental
sufferings are cured. But the true significance of the udi
is deep and it is meant for discriminatory detachment.
17.
Giving as much as possible as ‘dakshina’ develops a tendency
towards detachment. Later on one is able gradually to know
what detachment is.
18.
Even if one acquires detachment, if it is not accompanied by
discretion, it is useless. Therefore, honour the vibhuti.
19.
To bring together discrimination and detachment both udi and
dakshina are linked. Unless we have both, at the same time,
it is very difficult to cross over the river of existence.
20.
The young and the old came for darshan and humbled
themselves at Baba’s feet. Whenever they returned Baba gave
them vibhuti.
21.
The Dhuni was kept alight regularly in the Masjid. It burned
day in and day out, throughout the year. Baba gave a handful
of the ashes from it, when bidding farewell.
22.
He gave the ashes as ‘prasad’, smeared it with his thumb on
the forehead and together with it placed his hand on the
head, wishing for the well-being of the devotees.
23.
Ashes, vibhuti and udi are three words with the same
meaning. This was the prasad distributed daily in unlimited
quantity by Baba.
24.
This world is like the udi. This is the real importance of
udi. Bear it in mind and you will realise it one day.
25.
Like the drops of water on the petals of the lotus, this
evanescent body will fall, therefore abandon all pride in
it. The giving of udi showed this.
26.
This expanse of the whole universe is like a ‘rangoli’
design drawn with ashes. Think about the illusory nature of
the world and the reality abides only in the Udi.
27.
Udi is only dust. All existence, which has name and form,
ultimately reaches the same state. Whatever changes are
observed in the world, they are only for name’s sake. This
is experienced from the never-changing qualities of dust.
28.
When Baba was in a joyful mood, he used to sing. The
listeners should hear with respect an interesting snatch
from one of his songs.
29.
“O playful Ram has come! And brought sacks of Udi”, were
the two lines he sang. Whenever he was in a happy and joyous
mood, he sang this refrain repeatedly, in a melodious voice.
30.
In brief, how many sacksful of udi has this dhuni produced?
None is capable of counting them. This udi is supremely
beneficial.
31.
After listening to the deep purport in giving this udi, and
its spiritual and devotional significance, the listeners
want to know its effect on purely worldly matters of health
and prosperity.
32.
Udi has this quality also. Otherwise how could its
importance increase? Sai is proficient in showing the path
of salvation. After helping the devotees in mundane matters,
he leads them to spiritual progress.
33.
There are innumerable stories about the ways in which the
udi benefitted the people for their health and prosperity.
But mindful of the length of this book, I shall briefly
relate just a few of them.
34.
Once there lived in Nashik, a Brahmin cook called Narayan
Motiram, whose surname was Jani.
35.
Similarly, there was another devotee of Baba called
Ramchandra Vaman Modak. This Narayanrao was in his service;
and was also a faithful devotee of Baba.
36.
When Baba was in body, Narayanrao went to Shirdi with his
mother for Baba’s darshan.
37.
At that time Baba had suggested to her that the time had
come for her son to cease serving others. “Now his
connection is only with me.
38.
Enough of this servility. It is better to have one’s own
business”. Later on, after a short while, God was merciful
to him.
39.
His dependence on his job ended and he began to enjoy his
freedom. He established a boarding and lodging place of his
own.
40.
He named it ‘Anandashram’, worked hard for it, and soon
turned it into a flourishing business which gave him
satisfaction.
41.
Seeing how things transpired, his faith in Sai increased and
later grew into firm devotion which was confirmed by
experience.
42.
The truth of Sai’s words was experienced. The listeners got
another story to hear, and their love for Sai increased.
Inexplicable are the deeds of Sai.
43.
Sai always spoke in the first person but it was always meant
for someone else. For those who observed him carefully, this
was a regular experience.
44.
Later, as he got more experiences, the grandeur of
Narayanrao’s devotion and love increased. Listen to one more
novel experience of his with devotion.
45.
Enough. One day, a friend of Narayanrao was stung by a
scorpion, all of a sudden and suffered intense and
unbearable pain.
46.
Baba’s udi was very efficacious, if applied on the seat of
pain. But though Narayanrao searched for it, he was unable
to find any.
47.
His friend was unable to bear the agony and the Udi could
not be found anywhere. So he took a darshan of Baba’s
picture and prayed fervently to Baba.
48.
Then just near that picture, the ash from the joss-sticks,
which had been burned earlier before it, was lying and he
treated it as if it were udi only.
49.
Taking a pinch from it, and chanting Sai’s name, he smeared
it where his friend was stung. The experience matched the
faith.
50.
It will be a great marvel to hear that no sooner was the ash
applied with the finger that the pain disappeared, as
quickly as it had come, and both were choked with love1.
51.
At least in this case it was the ash from the joss-sticks,
which was applied to one who was in pain. But, even if dust
from the road is applied, treating it as if it were udi, it
grants the same experience.
52.
The application of this dust, not only to an ailing person
or someone diseased, but to anyone else is beneficial.
53.
Once, the daughter of a devotee was suffering from plague.
When this news reached her father suddenly, from another
village, he was worried.
54.
The father lived in Bandra, while the daughter lived in
another village. He had no stock of udi with him, so he sent
a message to Nana2.
55.
“Kindly pray to Baba to remove my anxiety”, he requested
Chandorkar and asked him to send udi as prasad.
56.
The messenger met Nana on the way, as he was going to Kalyan
with his wife, at that time.
57.
Nana received this message at Thane, near the railway
station. Since he found no udi with him, he picked up a
little dust from the ground.
58.
Standing there on the road, invoking Sai Samartha, and
turning around3 applied a pinch to his own wife’s forehead.
59.
On the other hand, the devotee left for the village where
his daughter lived. There he was very happy when he received
the joyful tidings.
60.
The girl had suffered from very high fever for three days.
She had been shattered by the suffering; but since a day
earlier, she was a little comfortable.
61.
Inquiries revealed that the recovery began at the same time
that Nana had pleaded before Sai and applied the dust as udi
to his wife’s forehead.
62.
Enough of this story about the illness. At the opportune
time, it will be related in detail. This was an anecdote
concerning the udi.
63.
Sai, ever ready to work for the welfare of his devotees,
performed a miracle when this very same, loving Chandorkar
was the Mamlatdar at Jamner. Listen to it.
64.
The greatness of this udi is beyond limits. If the listeners
are willing, I shall narrate another miracle which will
astound them.
65.
Nana’s daughter, who was in labour, was in intense pain; and
from Jamner Sai Samartha was being invoked constantly.
66.
No one at Shirdi was aware of the state of affairs at
Jamner. Baba, however, knows everything and is all-
pervading. There is nothing in the universe that he is
unaware of.
67.
Baba was one with his devotees. Realising the circumstances
at Nana’s home Sai Samartha’s heart overflowed with
compassion. See what he did immediately!
68.
He thought of sending udi. At the same time Gosavi Ramgir
Buva had an urge to go to his village.
69.
His village was in Khandesh. He made all preparations to
leave and came to the Masjid to take darshan and be at
Baba’s feet.
70.
For no one left Shirdi for any work without touching Baba’s
feet and obtaining his permission, as long as he was in
body.
71.
Whether it was a wedding, or a thread ceremony, or some
auspicious function as per shastric rituals, or any other
work or the intention to perform some work, Baba’s
permission was necessary.
72.
Everyone was firmly convinced that without his whole-hearted
permission, prasad of udi and blessings, no function would
proceed smoothly.
73.
This being the custom of that village, Ramgir came in
accordance with it, touched Baba’s feet and asked permission
to leave.
74.
He said: “Baba, I am going to my village in Khandesh. Give
me udi and blessings and your permission to this servant to
leave”.
75.
Baba affectionately called him by the name ‘Bapugir’. He
replied: “Go happily to your village. But rest a while on
the way.
76.
Go first to Jamner and stay at Nana’s home. After inquiring
about his well-being, then proceed further”.
77.
Then he said to Madhavrao Desphande: “Shama, make a copy on
a piece of paper of that Arati of Adkar and send it to Nana
with the Gosavi”.
78.
Then he gave udi to the gosavi and made a small packet of it
and placing it in his hand asked him to give it to Nana.
79. “Take both the udi and Arati and give them to Nana. Inquire
after his well-being, and then proceed to go to your
village,” he said.
80.
This ‘Arati Saibaba’, is like ‘Dñyaneshwar’s Arati’ composed
by Rama Janardan. They both have the same tune.
81.
Rama Janardan was a devotee of Swami Janardan, while Madhav
Adkar was devoted to Sai’s feet. This was an inspired
composition and without it, Sai’s worship is incomplete.
82.
As Baba liked this Arati very much, listeners should hear
this arati from beginning to end, which Baba sent with the
udi. Later, you will realise the fruits of it.
Arati
Refrain:
‘We do Arati to Sai Baba, the giver of happiness to all.
Give refuge to the downtrodden and to your devotees who are
at your feet. We do arati to Sai Baba.
Burn up the desires. To those who are engrossed in the
Self, teach them to obtain Moksha. Let them see the Lord
Shrirang4, with their own eyes. Lord Shrirang. We do
Arati...
You grant suitable experiences to everyone in accordance
with their faith and devotion. O, merciful one! such is
your own way. Your own way. We do Arati.....
Meditation upon your name removes the worldly sufferings of
all. Unfathomable is your action. Show the path to the
unfortunate ones. Show the unfortunate ones. We do
Arati.........
In this age of Kaliyug, you are the true Brahma Avatar,
that has taken form and descended on this earth. You are
also Swami Dutta Digambar5. Dutta Digambar. We do
Arati.........
Once a week, on Thursdays, the devotees take a trip to have
a glimpse of the Lord’s feet and to avert their worldly
fears. Avert fears. We do Arati.........
The only wealth that I desire is to serve at your feet, O
Lord of Lords. We do Arati.....
Just as the Chatak bird desires to drink pure water6 so give
me Madhava, knowledge directly O Lord! And kindly give me
your assurance. Your assurance. We do Arati.......’.
83.
The Gosavi said to Baba: “I have altogether two rupees with
me. Baba, how will I reach Jamner with only this amount?”.
84.
Baba said: “Go without any care. Everything will be arranged
for you.” Having full faith in Sai’s Words, the Gosavi set
out.
85.
Taking these instructions from Baba, and obeying his orders,
Bapugir left for the assigned work immediately, after taking
the udi as prasad.
86.
During those days, there was no rail route to Jamner, as it
is now; and it was not easy to make the journey. So the
Gosavi was worried.
87.
Setting out in the train, the passengers had to alight at
Jalgaon, from where they had to go on foot the rest of the
distance.
88.
After paying the train fare of Rupee one and 14 annas, there
remained only 2 annas. How was he to go further?
89.
These were the thoughts causing the Gosavi worry at Jalgaon
station. When he came out, after handing over the ticket, he
saw a peon at some distance.
90.
The peon seemed to be in search of some one. He approached
the passengers and asked: “Tell me who is Bapugir from
Shirdi”.
91.
Knowing that, that peon’s inquiry was only meant for him,
the Gosavi came forward and said: “Yes, I am that person.
Tell me what you want”.
92.
He said : “Chandorkar has sent me for you. Come quickly and
get into the tonga. He is waiting for you”.
93.
The Buva was greatly pleased and he felt that a message must
have reached Nana from Shirdi to enable him to send a tonga
on time, which had saved him a lot of trouble.
94.
The peon looked very smart, with a beard, twirled moustache,
and side – burns, wearing a livery. The tonga also looked
well maintained.
95.
The horses matched the tonga. They were certainly not hired
out animals. Leaving other tongas behind they moved ahead
due to their eagerness.
96.
The tonga had started for the journey around 2.48 a.m. and
was halted at dawn near a stream on the way.
97.
Then the tongawallah unharnessed the horses to water them
and said: “I’ll come back soon after which we will have
refreshments at leisure.
98.
I will fetch a little water and then we will eat mangoes,
‘pedas7’ and ‘gulpapdi’7; then after re-harnessing, the
horses we will leave”.
99.
From his beard and dress he looked a Muslim. Hearing his
words, Ramgir had doubts about accepting the refreshments
from him.
100. Therefore, he asked him about his caste. He said: “Have you
doubts about me? I am a Hindu from Garhwal and a Kshatriya.
I am a Rajput by caste.
101. These refreshments have also been sent by Nana for you with
me. Certainly, have not the slightest of doubts. Eat them
free of worry”.
102. When his doubts were thus removed, they both had the
refreshments. The tongawallah harnessed the horses and the
journey came to an end at sunrise.
103. As they entered the village, Nana’s office became visible.
The horses also stopped for a moment. Ramgir felt happy.
104. The Buva looked for a secluded place in which to relieve
himself. When he returned, he was surprised by the sight.
105. No tonga, no horses, no tongawallah could be seen! No one
was to be seen at that moment. The place was deserted.
106. Ramgir wondered : ‘What is this marvel? After bringing me so
far, where has he gone in such a short time?’
107. As he was eager to meet Nana, the Buva went inside the
office. When he learned that Nana was at his residence, he
decided to go there.
108. Buva inquired the way, along the road, and easily found
Nana’s home. He reached and sat on the verandah and Nana
called him in.
109. They met one another. He took out the udi and arati and
placed them before Nana and told him the whole story.
110. It was a marvel that, when this udi came, Nana’s daughter
was suffering intensely, due to some obstruction in the
delivery.
111. To ward off this difficulty, the Nava–Chandi8 Havan9 and
Saptashati10 recitation was in progress. The Gosavi was
surprised.
112. Nana then felt as a hungry person feels when a platter of
delicacies is placed before him or as a thirsty chakor feels
when he gets nectar in his mouth.
113. Nana called his wife and gave her the udi to administer to
his daughter with water and he himself began singing the
arati.
114. Within moments, a message was received from the inner
quarters, that the girl was better as soon as the cup of udi
was put to the lips.
115. She was freed from pain immediately and had a safe delivery.
The crisis passed away happily. Everybody’s worries were
over.
116. Then Ramgir asked Nana: “Where did the tongawallah go? I do
not find him here also. Where is the tonga that you sent?”
117. Nana replied: “I did not send. I do not know of what tonga
you are speaking. Who knew that you were coming? Why should
I send the tonga?”.
118. Then Buva told the story of the tonga, from the beginning to
the end to all. Nana was surprised, thinking about Baba’s
loving concern for his devotees as his own children.
119. What tonga! Which peon! This Sai Mauli (Mother) is the Lord
of the Universe performing various wonderful feats! At the
time of difficulty, he comes running to the devotees becauss because
of the intensity of devotion.
120. So be it. Let us go ahead with the story indicated earlier.
After some time, Baba himself took Maha Samadhi.
121. On Vijayadashmi, the festival of Dassera, in the year 1918,
Baba considered it an auspicious day and chose to leave his
body on that day.
122. Then, later, the Samadhi was built. Before that, when Baba
was in body, Narayanrao had darshan twice.
123. Now three years had passed since the Samadhi. Though he had
an earnest desire to take darshan, he could not get a proper
opportunity, whereby he was distressed.
124. One year after the Samadhi, Narayanrao was distressed by
illness. All medications were tried but were of no avail.
125. Though he was tormented by the illness, he meditated day and
night upon Baba. How could there be death for the Gururaya?
He gave darshan to Narayana.
126. One night, he had a dream that Sai was coming from a cellar.
He came near Narayanrao and assured him.
127.“Do not worry. You will be better from tomorrow and at the
end of one week, you will be able to sit up on your own”.
128. So be it. Eight days passed. Every word proved true.
Narayanrao was able to sit up and his heart was filled with
emotions.
129. After some time, Narayanrao came to Shirdi for the darshan
of the Samadhi when he narrated this experience.
130. Can he be called living only when he was in body? How can it
be said that he is dead when he has taken Samadhi? Sai
transcends life and death, pervading the entire universe.
131. Just as fire is inherent in the firewood though not visible
and which ignites when rubbed, this Sai is for his devotees.
132. Once when one sees him with love, then he becomes his slave
for the rest of his life. He is hungry only for the singular
love and responds to the call of such a person.
133. No special place or time is needed for him to be present. He
is, for ever, everywhere. How and what means he uses is
beyond anyone’s comprehension.
134. Sometimes he creates such situations that we are filled with
unreasonable doubts. At such times, concentrate on his feet
and ability to meditate will increase.
135. If the mind concentrates in this way, then one can achieve
deep meditation on Sai. This is what Sai gets done and it is
achieved without any obstacles.
136. It is not necessary to refrain from routine activities. All
desires will disappear on their own. If the mind is thus
trained all work will be accomplished without efforts.
137. Since this body has come to this earth, which is the theatre
of action, one will have to engage in actions, inevitably.
Then why not amass enough of wealth and property and have
wife and progeny?
138. Whatever happens let it happen to the fullest. Let us deeply
desire only meditation on the Sadguru. Doubts and delusions
will be destroyed. The predestined difficulties will be
warded off.
139. Considering the devotion of the devotee, how Sai eminent for
genius, learning and valour, gives the devotees a variety of
experiences and increases the grandeur of devotion!
140. He adopts any mode of dress and manifests anywhere at will.
He roams anywhere for the welfare of the devotees. All that
is required is that the disciple should be devoted.
141. Please listen with reverence to another story which has a
similar bearing. Hear how the saints toil day and night for
the sake of their devotees.
142. Open the doors of your ears, and unlock the temple of your
heart and let this story touch the very core of your being.
It will drive away the fears of mundane existence.
143. In the past year, for the well known war with the Germans,
an army was needed to be amassed to fight against the enemy.
144. The British Officers, posted in India, were recruiting
persons, from all the cities in all the quarters.
145. A devotee’s turn to be recruited came in 1917 from Thane
District. The story took a new turn.
146. His name was Appasaheb Kulkarni. He was devoted to Sai. This
also was Sai’s grace. His leelas are unfathomable.
147. Many years back he had obtained a picture of Baba from
Balasaheb Bhate, which he worshipped.
148. With his whole heart, he regularly worshipped the picture
with available sandalwood paste, consecrated rice and
flowers and offered naivedya.
149. Appa’s heart ached for opportunity of Sai’s darshan in
person. ‘When will I be free from ties of karma? When will
my heart’s desire be fulfilled?’
150. The darshan of Sai Baba’s picture is itself a darshan in
person. There should be only total devotion. You will get
proof of this in time.
151. Taking darshan of the picture is equivalent to taking
darshan in person. Listeners should hear with reverence a
description to this extent.
152. Once Balabuva Sutar, a Bhajan singer, resident of Bombay,
known as the Modern Tukaram, went to Shirdi for darshan.
153. This was the first meeting. They had never met before. But
the moment they saw one another, Sai clearly said to him.
154.“I have known him since the last four years”. Bala Buva was
surprised. “Why does he say so?
155. Baba has never left Shirdi. I too have laid my eyes on this
place for the first time. Then, how is it that he has known
me since the last four years?”.
156. Thinking thus repeatedly, he recollected an incident which
had happened four years ago. Bua remembered bowing to Baba’s
picture once.
157. Then Balabuva immediately understood the significance of
those words; and said: “See, how all-pervading are the
saints and their love and affection for the devotees.
158. I had just bowed to a picture. I saw him in person to-day.
Whereas I forgot this a long time back, Baba kept it in
mind.
159. It is not correct to say that I had forgotten but I did not
immediately understand the meaning of his words. I did not
have the capacity to know that this was the fruit of my
obeisance to the picture.
160. Baba knew me; but I had no idea that he remembered me. It is
only when the saints remind one that one realises it”.
161. One can see the reflection of the sun’s or moon’s disc in a
clean mirror or clear water. A picture is also a pure
reflection of the personage by which splendour is cast upon
persons serving subordinately.
162. Therefore, the darshan of a saint’s picture is equivalent to
the darshan in person. The all-knowing attribute of the
saints is the lesson that is learnt by all from this.
163. Enough. The listeners must attentively hear the earlier
story now. Bear in mind the previous reference.
164. Appa lived in Thane town. He had some work in Bhivandi. He
left his home saying that he would return after eight days.
165. Only two days had passed when something unusual happened at
his house. A fakir came to the door of his Thane residence.
166. Everyone who saw him clearly felt that this was Sai himself.
He was exactly like the picture, from head to toe, and the
figure tallied completely.
167. His wife and children stared at the fakir and everybody was
surprised. They felt that Baba himself had come.
168. Though no one had darshan in person, earlier, from the
resemblance to the picture they knew that it was the same
Baba. Their curiosity was aroused.
169. All of them asked the fakir: “Are you the same Sai of
Shirdi?” Listeners should hear with attention what the fakir
replied to them.
170.“In reality, I am not Sai myself but I am his obedient
servant. I have come here to inquire about the health of the
children by his orders”.
171. Later when he asked for ‘dakshina’, the children’s mother
respected his words and immediately gave him one rupee. He
too gave her udi.
172. He gave Sai Baba’s ‘vibhuti’ in a small packet to the lady
and said: “Keep it near that picture. It will bring you
happiness”.
173. Completing his mission thus, the fakir took leave with the
words, “Sai must be waiting for me”; and he set off on his
way.
174. Then he took the way by which he had come. Then see what
happened there. Sai’s ‘leela’ is inconceivable.
175. Appasaheb who had left for Bhivandi, instead of going
further returned as the horses of his tonga became sick. His
onward journey had to be cancelled.
176. He returned to Thane in the afternoon and learnt all that
had transpired. Appasaheb regretted that he missed the
darshan.
177. He felt ashamed that only one rupee was given as ‘dakshina’.
“If I had been there, I would not have given less than ten
rupees before he was sent back”.
178. Thus said Appasaheb. He felt dejected and sad. He believed
that he would be able to find the fakir in the Masjid, so he
left to search for him, without eating anything.
179. Appa searched in all the places such as the Masjid,
‘takiya’, and all such places where travellers stay, for the
fakir.
180. Though he got exhausted searching he did not trace the fakir
anywhere. Being disappointed and hungry he went home and had
his meal.
181. But he did not know that one should not set out on a search
on an empty stomach. It is necessary to satisfy one’s Atma
and then carry on the search.
182. Baba’s story of this purport will show the truth of this
principle. Why should it be repeated here? The listeners
know that chapter well.
183.In the previous chapter named “Guru’s Greatness”, a
wonderful story has been narrated by Sree Sai, as his own
Guru’s words very tenderly.
184. The same truth was experienced by Appa, when after lunch he
went with his friend Chitre, for a casual walk.
185. Enough. After walking a little distance, he saw a gentleman
approaching him very speedily till that spot as if he was
desirous of finding him.
186. When he came and stood near Appasaheb, he unobtrusively but
carefully looked at him and thought that this must be the
same person who had come in the morning.
187. ‘I feel that this is the same fakir whom I was searching
earlier. He resembles the picture from top to toe. I am
confused.’
188. While Appa was debating this within himself, that fakir
extended his hand and Appa placed one rupee in his hand at
that time.
189. He asked for more and he gave him one more; till he had
given three. Yet that fakir asked for more. The real marvel
is ahead.
190. Chitre had three rupees, which Appa borrowed and gave to
that fakir. Yet he asked for more.
191.Appasaheb told him “I will give you more if you come home”.
The fakir agreed and all the three returned home.
192. Immediately on reaching home, he took out and placed three
more in his hand, totalling nine rupees. Yet the fakir was
not satisfied.
193. When asking for further ‘dakshina’, Appasaheb truthfully
told him that he now had only one ten rupee note left with
him.
194. All the change was finished, and there was nothing else
left. The fakir said: “Why not give the note”; and Appa did
that too.
195. As soon as the note came into his hands, he returned the
change of nine rupees and the fakir left the same way he had
come, walking with great speed.
196. When one considers the essence of this story, it is, that
Sai fulfils the wish of the devotee, as expressed. This was
his creed.
197. Considering the enthusiasm of the listeners, I am reminded
of another story, having the same purport, at this opportune
time. Listen to it with great respect.
198. There was a loving devotee, named Haribhau Karnik, resident
of Dahanu. He was a singular devotee of Sai.
199. In the year 1917, as it was the most holy day of
Gurupurnima, he came for pilgrimage to Shirdi. I will tell
a short story about him.
200. He did the worship according to rituals and offered clothes
and ‘dakshina’. When he took permission to leave and came
down (the steps), he had a thought.
201. He felt like going up and giving Baba one more rupee. But he
had to give up this idea and keep the rupee without offering
it.
202. The same gentleman11 who had got for him the permission to
leave, he himself gave him a sign, from up above, that once
the permission was granted, one should depart immediately.
203. Having faith in the indication, Karnik left on his way. He
got down at Nashik with his friend, on the way.
204. When Karnik went for darshan to the temple of Kala Ram, he
had unexpected darshan of the saint Narsing Maharaj.
205. Maharaj was sitting surrounded by devotees. But he suddenly
got up, held Karnik by the wrist and said: “Give me my
rupee”.
206. Karnik was surprised but joyfully handed over the rupee. He
felt that it was Sai, himself, who knowing his desire was
accepting the rupee.
207. It is not true to say that Sai accepted it. Though Karnik
had forgotten it, he held his hand and by force took it.
This is the real truth.
208. Vacillation is the characteristic of the mind. Waves after
waves arise. Initially one thinks of something but at a
later stage some other thought occurs.
209. The wave of thought which arises initially, provided it is
good and virtuous, should be nurtured. This would be
beneficial.
210. Bear it in mind. Study it carefully and meditate upon it. Do
not forget it and make every effort to keep your word.
211. Appasaheb had spoken of it but later he may have forgotten.
But as he had spoken of it, Baba fulfilled his desire and
showed the marvel of devotion.
212. Otherwise, why did the fakir who had nineteen rupees with
him including the ten rupees note, give Appa nine rupees
only? It was because of Appa’s intense desire to give ten
rupees, only.
213. This was the necklace of nine coins, which had been touched
by Baba’s hands – indicating the nine types of devotion.
This was the way Baba reminded him of it.
214. When you listen to the story of Baba leaving his mortal
coil, you will realise the novel way of doing charity, as he
had given nine rupees at that time12.
215. His wife had given only one rupee whole heartedly which had
been accepted with great satisfaction and the fakir (Baba)
had not asked for more.
216. But Appa felt that the one rupee given by his wife was too
little and had he been there, he would have given ten times
as much to the fakir.
217. In this way Appa who had become bound by his own words by
saying that he would have given ten ruppes, how could he
have been free from his debt until he had given the full
amount as per his words?
218. This fakir was not like the others. Was he a beggar that he
would accept whatever was placed in his hand and go back?
219. The day had not ended and he came back on the same day that
Appa had spoken. Appa had doubts that he might be an unknown
fakir.
220. Initially when he was asked for the money, he had six rupees
with him but he did not part with the amount because of the
doubts.
221. Enough. If he did not have love for Appa, would Baba have
come in the guise of a fakir? If he had not made a pretext
for the dakshina, how would the story have been interesting?
222. Appasaheb was only an instrument, to teach us, for we are
all the same. We start with good resolutions but change them
according to the situation.
223. We are most generous with words but at the time of doing
charity we are full of doubts. We are torn by vacillation
and rarely have certainty.
224. But rarest is that beloved son of God who speaks little and
well. He acts as he speaks and he does, what he promises.
225. If there be a devotee with singular faith, whatever be his
wishes, worldly or spiritual, Sai has the power to fulfil
them.
226. Although Appasaheb was intelligent, and a scholar in
English, he was initially given only Rs.40/-as salary by
the Government.
227. But since receiving this picture, his salary slowly
increased and became many times more than forty.
228. It was an immediate experience of all the people that Baba
gave ten times as much as he received – ten times the power
and the position.
229. Besides, love towards the spiritual increases on account of
faith and devotion. Isn’t this something unusual? Baba’s
skill is wonderful.
230. Later Appasaheb asked for the ‘vibhuti’ that the fakir had
given. When he looked it was a small packet, which he opened
with love.
231. With the udi there were flowers and consecrated rice, which
he found in the packet. He had an amulet made and wore it on
his arm with great reverence.
232. Later when he took Baba’s darshan, the hair which Baba gave
to him personally was also placed in the amulet most
lovingly.
233. How great is Baba’s udi! 13 Ashes are also the ornament of
Shankar. He who applies it on the forehead with devotion,
will find all difficulties removed immediately.
234. He who, after his ablutions and bath, applies udi regularly
and drinks the tirth of the washings of Baba’s feet, will be
purified and benefitted.
235. Besides, the real importance of this udi is that he who
takes it will have a full life and his sins will be
completely destroyed. He will enjoy bliss and contentment
always.
236. Such a sweet feast of the nectar of stories has been
arranged by Sai because of Appa. We are the uninvited guests
there but let us fully enjoy them together with him.
237. The host and the guests, both have the same feast. There is
no difference in its taste and sweetness. Be satisfied on
partaking this blissful food.
238. Hemad surrenders to Sai. Enough of listening to this, for
the present. In the next chapter there will be narration of
greater importance of the udi.
239. How the application of udi and Sai’s darshan cured
tubercular bone-ulcers, guinea worms and bubonic plague –
listen to it with full attention.
May there be well-being! This is the end of the thirty-third
chapter, of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
devotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The Power of the Udi”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
There is a similar experience of Baba recorded by Hari Sitaram
Dixit, thus:-Once Bapusaheb Jog was stung by a scorpion, around
about 8 o’clock at night. He went immediately to Maharaj. As he
was climbing the steps, Maharaj said: “What is the matter
Bapusaheb?” Bapusaheb answered: “Baba I have been stung by a
scorpion.” Maharaj said: “It will be alright. Go.” Bapusaheb
returned from the steps only; and before he left the compound, his
pain totally stopped.
Once an astrologer had come to Shirdi who had acquired the power
of a demon communicating by whispering in the ears the affairs of
people. He went for Maharaj’s darshan but his mind was greatly
concentrated on making money. He saw no opportunity there to make
money, so he took darshan and quickly went to Rahata. There, at
night, he was bitten by a scorpion. He suffered intense pain.
Then, he applied the udi given by Maharaj and began chanting
Maharaj’s name unceasingly. Consequently the pain eased and his
faith in Maharaj developed. The next day, the astrologer went to
Shirdi again. He stayed there for 15 to 20 days and by Maharaj’s
grace earned about Rs. 300/-there.
2.
Nana Chandorkar.
3.
The wife walks behind, as per Hindu tradition.
4.
Vishnu.
5.
The three – headed Deity who is considered as incarnation of
Brahma – Vishnu – Mahesh.
6.
Rain water as it falls from the clouds.
7.
Sweetmeats.
8.
A ceremony for propitiation of the Goddess Durga, by repeating the
stotra in her praise, nine times.
9.
Oblations to the fire for the Deity.
10.
Collection of seven hundred verses in praise of Durga in
Markandaya Puran.
11.
Madhavrao Deshpande.
12.
To Lakshmibai (Shinde).
13.
Another example of the importance of udi had been recorded by Hari
Sitaram Dixit. An extract from it is given below:“
A gentleman named Khimji Lalaji Joshi lived in the Punjabi chawl
in Parle. His daughter had been ill for a long time. Once, she
became serious. At that time, her mother came to our house and
took away Maharaj’s udi. She felt a little better immediately
with that udi. Later Khimji went to Shirdi with his wife and
daughter. The girl was so weak that she was unable to walk. Her
arms and legs had become thin as sticks. Someone picked her up aned her up and
made her sit near Maharaj.
Maharaj applied udi to her and blessed her. In a couple of days
she was able to walk on her own. She had difficulty in sitting and
getting up only. So she complained about it to Maharaj. Maharaj
gave her a fruit to eat and from then onwards her difficulty was
removed.”
One day a friend came to my office and said: “Since the last
eight days I am unable to sleep. I am taking the doctor’s medicine
but it’s of no use”. I gave him Maharaj’s udi and asked him to
take it for three days. The very next day he came to my office and
said: “I took the udi last night and I had very good sleep
throughout the night”.
Similarly, the son of my friend who lived in Bandra, was not
getting sleep for two months. His father took him to Shirdi for
Maharaj’s darshan. That same night he slept and from then onwards
he got sleep every night.
Baba distributing Udi in Dwarkamayi
Appa Kulkarni
M.V.Adkar
The Greatness of Darshan
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now I bow down to the saints and the virtuous. Their
merciful glances immediately burn mountains of sins and wash
away the impurities of the Kaliyug.
2.
Their heaps of obligations cannot be repaid in this birth,
or in many furture births. Their casual talks are full of
valuable lessons for our welfare and confer imperishable
happiness.
3.
Their minds do not know any difference such as ‘this is ours
and that is yours’. Such worldly differentiation never
arises in their minds.
4.
In the previous chapter, the Guru’s greatness was described
to some extent. Now, in this chapter, listeners hear of the
importance of UDI.
5.
Baba repeatedly asked and took Dakshina from which he did
charity, helping the poor and the needy. From the balance,
he purchased a lot of firewood which he piled in heaps.
6.
He offered the dry wood as an oblation in the Dhuni, in
front of him. The ashes from the burnt wood which were
considerable, were distributed to the devotees.
7.
At the time of departure from Shirdi, while seeking leave
from Baba, it was customary to give Udi. All the devotees
knew this.
8.
In fact when Baba asked for Udi to be brought, it was felt
that it was really the permission granted to leave and they
felt happy to return home.
9.
Also, when one was residing at Shirdi, Baba did not give Udi
to anyone in the afternoon, morning or evening. One was sent
back empty handed.
10.
This was a daily routine. But what was the significance of
that udi for which the dhuni was kept alight perpetually in
the Masjid. Why was this done daily?
11.
What did Baba hint at, or have in his mind, when giving the
‘vibhuti’? “All this visible phenomena in the universe is as
transient as the ashes. Bear this definitely in mind.
12.
The body itself, like that drywood, is made up of the five
elements, and remains to endure life. When the life span is
over, it falls dead and will be certainly reduced to ashes.
13.
You and I will undergo the same stages. So that you should
remember this and I should also be aware of it, day and
night, I give the vibhuti.
14.
The entire universe is full of Maya. Brahman is the only
reality, while the universe is illusory. Bear this in mind
that this is what the udi teaches.
15.
No person belongs to anyone in this world – be they wife,
son, uncles or nephews. Naked you come and naked you will
return. The udi is a reminder of it”.
16.
If this udi is applied to the body, then physical and mental
sufferings are cured. But the true significance of the udi
is deep and it is meant for discriminatory detachment.
17.
Giving as much as possible as ‘dakshina’ develops a tendency
towards detachment. Later on one is able gradually to know
what detachment is.
18.
Even if one acquires detachment, if it is not accompanied by
discretion, it is useless. Therefore, honour the vibhuti.
19.
To bring together discrimination and detachment both udi and
dakshina are linked. Unless we have both, at the same time,
it is very difficult to cross over the river of existence.
20.
The young and the old came for darshan and humbled
themselves at Baba’s feet. Whenever they returned Baba gave
them vibhuti.
21.
The Dhuni was kept alight regularly in the Masjid. It burned
day in and day out, throughout the year. Baba gave a handful
of the ashes from it, when bidding farewell.
22.
He gave the ashes as ‘prasad’, smeared it with his thumb on
the forehead and together with it placed his hand on the
head, wishing for the well-being of the devotees.
23.
Ashes, vibhuti and udi are three words with the same
meaning. This was the prasad distributed daily in unlimited
quantity by Baba.
24.
This world is like the udi. This is the real importance of
udi. Bear it in mind and you will realise it one day.
25.
Like the drops of water on the petals of the lotus, this
evanescent body will fall, therefore abandon all pride in
it. The giving of udi showed this.
26.
This expanse of the whole universe is like a ‘rangoli’
design drawn with ashes. Think about the illusory nature of
the world and the reality abides only in the Udi.
27.
Udi is only dust. All existence, which has name and form,
ultimately reaches the same state. Whatever changes are
observed in the world, they are only for name’s sake. This
is experienced from the never-changing qualities of dust.
28.
When Baba was in a joyful mood, he used to sing. The
listeners should hear with respect an interesting snatch
from one of his songs.
29.
“O playful Ram has come! And brought sacks of Udi”, were
the two lines he sang. Whenever he was in a happy and joyous
mood, he sang this refrain repeatedly, in a melodious voice.
30.
In brief, how many sacksful of udi has this dhuni produced?
None is capable of counting them. This udi is supremely
beneficial.
31.
After listening to the deep purport in giving this udi, and
its spiritual and devotional significance, the listeners
want to know its effect on purely worldly matters of health
and prosperity.
32.
Udi has this quality also. Otherwise how could its
importance increase? Sai is proficient in showing the path
of salvation. After helping the devotees in mundane matters,
he leads them to spiritual progress.
33.
There are innumerable stories about the ways in which the
udi benefitted the people for their health and prosperity.
But mindful of the length of this book, I shall briefly
relate just a few of them.
34.
Once there lived in Nashik, a Brahmin cook called Narayan
Motiram, whose surname was Jani.
35.
Similarly, there was another devotee of Baba called
Ramchandra Vaman Modak. This Narayanrao was in his service;
and was also a faithful devotee of Baba.
36.
When Baba was in body, Narayanrao went to Shirdi with his
mother for Baba’s darshan.
37.
At that time Baba had suggested to her that the time had
come for her son to cease serving others. “Now his
connection is only with me.
38.
Enough of this servility. It is better to have one’s own
business”. Later on, after a short while, God was merciful
to him.
39.
His dependence on his job ended and he began to enjoy his
freedom. He established a boarding and lodging place of his
own.
40.
He named it ‘Anandashram’, worked hard for it, and soon
turned it into a flourishing business which gave him
satisfaction.
41.
Seeing how things transpired, his faith in Sai increased and
later grew into firm devotion which was confirmed by
experience.
42.
The truth of Sai’s words was experienced. The listeners got
another story to hear, and their love for Sai increased.
Inexplicable are the deeds of Sai.
43.
Sai always spoke in the first person but it was always meant
for someone else. For those who observed him carefully, this
was a regular experience.
44.
Later, as he got more experiences, the grandeur of
Narayanrao’s devotion and love increased. Listen to one more
novel experience of his with devotion.
45.
Enough. One day, a friend of Narayanrao was stung by a
scorpion, all of a sudden and suffered intense and
unbearable pain.
46.
Baba’s udi was very efficacious, if applied on the seat of
pain. But though Narayanrao searched for it, he was unable
to find any.
47.
His friend was unable to bear the agony and the Udi could
not be found anywhere. So he took a darshan of Baba’s
picture and prayed fervently to Baba.
48.
Then just near that picture, the ash from the joss-sticks,
which had been burned earlier before it, was lying and he
treated it as if it were udi only.
49.
Taking a pinch from it, and chanting Sai’s name, he smeared
it where his friend was stung. The experience matched the
faith.
50.
It will be a great marvel to hear that no sooner was the ash
applied with the finger that the pain disappeared, as
quickly as it had come, and both were choked with love1.
51.
At least in this case it was the ash from the joss-sticks,
which was applied to one who was in pain. But, even if dust
from the road is applied, treating it as if it were udi, it
grants the same experience.
52.
The application of this dust, not only to an ailing person
or someone diseased, but to anyone else is beneficial.
53.
Once, the daughter of a devotee was suffering from plague.
When this news reached her father suddenly, from another
village, he was worried.
54.
The father lived in Bandra, while the daughter lived in
another village. He had no stock of udi with him, so he sent
a message to Nana2.
55.
“Kindly pray to Baba to remove my anxiety”, he requested
Chandorkar and asked him to send udi as prasad.
56.
The messenger met Nana on the way, as he was going to Kalyan
with his wife, at that time.
57.
Nana received this message at Thane, near the railway
station. Since he found no udi with him, he picked up a
little dust from the ground.
58.
Standing there on the road, invoking Sai Samartha, and
turning around3 applied a pinch to his own wife’s forehead.
59.
On the other hand, the devotee left for the village where
his daughter lived. There he was very happy when he received
the joyful tidings.
60.
The girl had suffered from very high fever for three days.
She had been shattered by the suffering; but since a day
earlier, she was a little comfortable.
61.
Inquiries revealed that the recovery began at the same time
that Nana had pleaded before Sai and applied the dust as udi
to his wife’s forehead.
62.
Enough of this story about the illness. At the opportune
time, it will be related in detail. This was an anecdote
concerning the udi.
63.
Sai, ever ready to work for the welfare of his devotees,
performed a miracle when this very same, loving Chandorkar
was the Mamlatdar at Jamner. Listen to it.
64.
The greatness of this udi is beyond limits. If the listeners
are willing, I shall narrate another miracle which will
astound them.
65.
Nana’s daughter, who was in labour, was in intense pain; and
from Jamner Sai Samartha was being invoked constantly.
66.
No one at Shirdi was aware of the state of affairs at
Jamner. Baba, however, knows everything and is all-
pervading. There is nothing in the universe that he is
unaware of.
67.
Baba was one with his devotees. Realising the circumstances
at Nana’s home Sai Samartha’s heart overflowed with
compassion. See what he did immediately!
68.
He thought of sending udi. At the same time Gosavi Ramgir
Buva had an urge to go to his village.
69.
His village was in Khandesh. He made all preparations to
leave and came to the Masjid to take darshan and be at
Baba’s feet.
70.
For no one left Shirdi for any work without touching Baba’s
feet and obtaining his permission, as long as he was in
body.
71.
Whether it was a wedding, or a thread ceremony, or some
auspicious function as per shastric rituals, or any other
work or the intention to perform some work, Baba’s
permission was necessary.
72.
Everyone was firmly convinced that without his whole-hearted
permission, prasad of udi and blessings, no function would
proceed smoothly.
73.
This being the custom of that village, Ramgir came in
accordance with it, touched Baba’s feet and asked permission
to leave.
74.
He said: “Baba, I am going to my village in Khandesh. Give
me udi and blessings and your permission to this servant to
leave”.
75.
Baba affectionately called him by the name ‘Bapugir’. He
replied: “Go happily to your village. But rest a while on
the way.
76.
Go first to Jamner and stay at Nana’s home. After inquiring
about his well-being, then proceed further”.
77.
Then he said to Madhavrao Desphande: “Shama, make a copy on
a piece of paper of that Arati of Adkar and send it to Nana
with the Gosavi”.
78.
Then he gave udi to the gosavi and made a small packet of it
and placing it in his hand asked him to give it to Nana.
79. “Take both the udi and Arati and give them to Nana. Inquire
after his well-being, and then proceed to go to your
village,” he said.
80.
This ‘Arati Saibaba’, is like ‘Dñyaneshwar’s Arati’ composed
by Rama Janardan. They both have the same tune.
81.
Rama Janardan was a devotee of Swami Janardan, while Madhav
Adkar was devoted to Sai’s feet. This was an inspired
composition and without it, Sai’s worship is incomplete.
82.
As Baba liked this Arati very much, listeners should hear
this arati from beginning to end, which Baba sent with the
udi. Later, you will realise the fruits of it.
Arati
Refrain:
‘We do Arati to Sai Baba, the giver of happiness to all.
Give refuge to the downtrodden and to your devotees who are
at your feet. We do arati to Sai Baba.
Burn up the desires. To those who are engrossed in the
Self, teach them to obtain Moksha. Let them see the Lord
Shrirang4, with their own eyes. Lord Shrirang. We do
Arati...
You grant suitable experiences to everyone in accordance
with their faith and devotion. O, merciful one! such is
your own way. Your own way. We do Arati.....
Meditation upon your name removes the worldly sufferings of
all. Unfathomable is your action. Show the path to the
unfortunate ones. Show the unfortunate ones. We do
Arati.........
In this age of Kaliyug, you are the true Brahma Avatar,
that has taken form and descended on this earth. You are
also Swami Dutta Digambar5. Dutta Digambar. We do
Arati.........
Once a week, on Thursdays, the devotees take a trip to have
a glimpse of the Lord’s feet and to avert their worldly
fears. Avert fears. We do Arati.........
The only wealth that I desire is to serve at your feet, O
Lord of Lords. We do Arati.....
Just as the Chatak bird desires to drink pure water6 so give
me Madhava, knowledge directly O Lord! And kindly give me
your assurance. Your assurance. We do Arati.......’.
83.
The Gosavi said to Baba: “I have altogether two rupees with
me. Baba, how will I reach Jamner with only this amount?”.
84.
Baba said: “Go without any care. Everything will be arranged
for you.” Having full faith in Sai’s Words, the Gosavi set
out.
85.
Taking these instructions from Baba, and obeying his orders,
Bapugir left for the assigned work immediately, after taking
the udi as prasad.
86.
During those days, there was no rail route to Jamner, as it
is now; and it was not easy to make the journey. So the
Gosavi was worried.
87.
Setting out in the train, the passengers had to alight at
Jalgaon, from where they had to go on foot the rest of the
distance.
88.
After paying the train fare of Rupee one and 14 annas, there
remained only 2 annas. How was he to go further?
89.
These were the thoughts causing the Gosavi worry at Jalgaon
station. When he came out, after handing over the ticket, he
saw a peon at some distance.
90.
The peon seemed to be in search of some one. He approached
the passengers and asked: “Tell me who is Bapugir from
Shirdi”.
91.
Knowing that, that peon’s inquiry was only meant for him,
the Gosavi came forward and said: “Yes, I am that person.
Tell me what you want”.
92.
He said : “Chandorkar has sent me for you. Come quickly and
get into the tonga. He is waiting for you”.
93.
The Buva was greatly pleased and he felt that a message must
have reached Nana from Shirdi to enable him to send a tonga
on time, which had saved him a lot of trouble.
94.
The peon looked very smart, with a beard, twirled moustache,
and side – burns, wearing a livery. The tonga also looked
well maintained.
95.
The horses matched the tonga. They were certainly not hired
out animals. Leaving other tongas behind they moved ahead
due to their eagerness.
96.
The tonga had started for the journey around 2.48 a.m. and
was halted at dawn near a stream on the way.
97.
Then the tongawallah unharnessed the horses to water them
and said: “I’ll come back soon after which we will have
refreshments at leisure.
98.
I will fetch a little water and then we will eat mangoes,
‘pedas7’ and ‘gulpapdi’7; then after re-harnessing, the
horses we will leave”.
99.
From his beard and dress he looked a Muslim. Hearing his
words, Ramgir had doubts about accepting the refreshments
from him.
100. Therefore, he asked him about his caste. He said: “Have you
doubts about me? I am a Hindu from Garhwal and a Kshatriya.
I am a Rajput by caste.
101. These refreshments have also been sent by Nana for you with
me. Certainly, have not the slightest of doubts. Eat them
free of worry”.
102. When his doubts were thus removed, they both had the
refreshments. The tongawallah harnessed the horses and the
journey came to an end at sunrise.
103. As they entered the village, Nana’s office became visible.
The horses also stopped for a moment. Ramgir felt happy.
104. The Buva looked for a secluded place in which to relieve
himself. When he returned, he was surprised by the sight.
105. No tonga, no horses, no tongawallah could be seen! No one
was to be seen at that moment. The place was deserted.
106. Ramgir wondered : ‘What is this marvel? After bringing me so
far, where has he gone in such a short time?’
107. As he was eager to meet Nana, the Buva went inside the
office. When he learned that Nana was at his residence, he
decided to go there.
108. Buva inquired the way, along the road, and easily found
Nana’s home. He reached and sat on the verandah and Nana
called him in.
109. They met one another. He took out the udi and arati and
placed them before Nana and told him the whole story.
110. It was a marvel that, when this udi came, Nana’s daughter
was suffering intensely, due to some obstruction in the
delivery.
111. To ward off this difficulty, the Nava–Chandi8 Havan9 and
Saptashati10 recitation was in progress. The Gosavi was
surprised.
112. Nana then felt as a hungry person feels when a platter of
delicacies is placed before him or as a thirsty chakor feels
when he gets nectar in his mouth.
113. Nana called his wife and gave her the udi to administer to
his daughter with water and he himself began singing the
arati.
114. Within moments, a message was received from the inner
quarters, that the girl was better as soon as the cup of udi
was put to the lips.
115. She was freed from pain immediately and had a safe delivery.
The crisis passed away happily. Everybody’s worries were
over.
116. Then Ramgir asked Nana: “Where did the tongawallah go? I do
not find him here also. Where is the tonga that you sent?”
117. Nana replied: “I did not send. I do not know of what tonga
you are speaking. Who knew that you were coming? Why should
I send the tonga?”.
118. Then Buva told the story of the tonga, from the beginning to
the end to all. Nana was surprised, thinking about Baba’s
loving concern for his devotees as his own children.
119. What tonga! Which peon! This Sai Mauli (Mother) is the Lord
of the Universe performing various wonderful feats! At the
time of difficulty, he comes running to the devotees becauss because
of the intensity of devotion.
120. So be it. Let us go ahead with the story indicated earlier.
After some time, Baba himself took Maha Samadhi.
121. On Vijayadashmi, the festival of Dassera, in the year 1918,
Baba considered it an auspicious day and chose to leave his
body on that day.
122. Then, later, the Samadhi was built. Before that, when Baba
was in body, Narayanrao had darshan twice.
123. Now three years had passed since the Samadhi. Though he had
an earnest desire to take darshan, he could not get a proper
opportunity, whereby he was distressed.
124. One year after the Samadhi, Narayanrao was distressed by
illness. All medications were tried but were of no avail.
125. Though he was tormented by the illness, he meditated day and
night upon Baba. How could there be death for the Gururaya?
He gave darshan to Narayana.
126. One night, he had a dream that Sai was coming from a cellar.
He came near Narayanrao and assured him.
127.“Do not worry. You will be better from tomorrow and at the
end of one week, you will be able to sit up on your own”.
128. So be it. Eight days passed. Every word proved true.
Narayanrao was able to sit up and his heart was filled with
emotions.
129. After some time, Narayanrao came to Shirdi for the darshan
of the Samadhi when he narrated this experience.
130. Can he be called living only when he was in body? How can it
be said that he is dead when he has taken Samadhi? Sai
transcends life and death, pervading the entire universe.
131. Just as fire is inherent in the firewood though not visible
and which ignites when rubbed, this Sai is for his devotees.
132. Once when one sees him with love, then he becomes his slave
for the rest of his life. He is hungry only for the singular
love and responds to the call of such a person.
133. No special place or time is needed for him to be present. He
is, for ever, everywhere. How and what means he uses is
beyond anyone’s comprehension.
134. Sometimes he creates such situations that we are filled with
unreasonable doubts. At such times, concentrate on his feet
and ability to meditate will increase.
135. If the mind concentrates in this way, then one can achieve
deep meditation on Sai. This is what Sai gets done and it is
achieved without any obstacles.
136. It is not necessary to refrain from routine activities. All
desires will disappear on their own. If the mind is thus
trained all work will be accomplished without efforts.
137. Since this body has come to this earth, which is the theatre
of action, one will have to engage in actions, inevitably.
Then why not amass enough of wealth and property and have
wife and progeny?
138. Whatever happens let it happen to the fullest. Let us deeply
desire only meditation on the Sadguru. Doubts and delusions
will be destroyed. The predestined difficulties will be
warded off.
139. Considering the devotion of the devotee, how Sai eminent for
genius, learning and valour, gives the devotees a variety of
experiences and increases the grandeur of devotion!
140. He adopts any mode of dress and manifests anywhere at will.
He roams anywhere for the welfare of the devotees. All that
is required is that the disciple should be devoted.
141. Please listen with reverence to another story which has a
similar bearing. Hear how the saints toil day and night for
the sake of their devotees.
142. Open the doors of your ears, and unlock the temple of your
heart and let this story touch the very core of your being.
It will drive away the fears of mundane existence.
143. In the past year, for the well known war with the Germans,
an army was needed to be amassed to fight against the enemy.
144. The British Officers, posted in India, were recruiting
persons, from all the cities in all the quarters.
145. A devotee’s turn to be recruited came in 1917 from Thane
District. The story took a new turn.
146. His name was Appasaheb Kulkarni. He was devoted to Sai. This
also was Sai’s grace. His leelas are unfathomable.
147. Many years back he had obtained a picture of Baba from
Balasaheb Bhate, which he worshipped.
148. With his whole heart, he regularly worshipped the picture
with available sandalwood paste, consecrated rice and
flowers and offered naivedya.
149. Appa’s heart ached for opportunity of Sai’s darshan in
person. ‘When will I be free from ties of karma? When will
my heart’s desire be fulfilled?’
150. The darshan of Sai Baba’s picture is itself a darshan in
person. There should be only total devotion. You will get
proof of this in time.
151. Taking darshan of the picture is equivalent to taking
darshan in person. Listeners should hear with reverence a
description to this extent.
152. Once Balabuva Sutar, a Bhajan singer, resident of Bombay,
known as the Modern Tukaram, went to Shirdi for darshan.
153. This was the first meeting. They had never met before. But
the moment they saw one another, Sai clearly said to him.
154.“I have known him since the last four years”. Bala Buva was
surprised. “Why does he say so?
155. Baba has never left Shirdi. I too have laid my eyes on this
place for the first time. Then, how is it that he has known
me since the last four years?”.
156. Thinking thus repeatedly, he recollected an incident which
had happened four years ago. Bua remembered bowing to Baba’s
picture once.
157. Then Balabuva immediately understood the significance of
those words; and said: “See, how all-pervading are the
saints and their love and affection for the devotees.
158. I had just bowed to a picture. I saw him in person to-day.
Whereas I forgot this a long time back, Baba kept it in
mind.
159. It is not correct to say that I had forgotten but I did not
immediately understand the meaning of his words. I did not
have the capacity to know that this was the fruit of my
obeisance to the picture.
160. Baba knew me; but I had no idea that he remembered me. It is
only when the saints remind one that one realises it”.
161. One can see the reflection of the sun’s or moon’s disc in a
clean mirror or clear water. A picture is also a pure
reflection of the personage by which splendour is cast upon
persons serving subordinately.
162. Therefore, the darshan of a saint’s picture is equivalent to
the darshan in person. The all-knowing attribute of the
saints is the lesson that is learnt by all from this.
163. Enough. The listeners must attentively hear the earlier
story now. Bear in mind the previous reference.
164. Appa lived in Thane town. He had some work in Bhivandi. He
left his home saying that he would return after eight days.
165. Only two days had passed when something unusual happened at
his house. A fakir came to the door of his Thane residence.
166. Everyone who saw him clearly felt that this was Sai himself.
He was exactly like the picture, from head to toe, and the
figure tallied completely.
167. His wife and children stared at the fakir and everybody was
surprised. They felt that Baba himself had come.
168. Though no one had darshan in person, earlier, from the
resemblance to the picture they knew that it was the same
Baba. Their curiosity was aroused.
169. All of them asked the fakir: “Are you the same Sai of
Shirdi?” Listeners should hear with attention what the fakir
replied to them.
170.“In reality, I am not Sai myself but I am his obedient
servant. I have come here to inquire about the health of the
children by his orders”.
171. Later when he asked for ‘dakshina’, the children’s mother
respected his words and immediately gave him one rupee. He
too gave her udi.
172. He gave Sai Baba’s ‘vibhuti’ in a small packet to the lady
and said: “Keep it near that picture. It will bring you
happiness”.
173. Completing his mission thus, the fakir took leave with the
words, “Sai must be waiting for me”; and he set off on his
way.
174. Then he took the way by which he had come. Then see what
happened there. Sai’s ‘leela’ is inconceivable.
175. Appasaheb who had left for Bhivandi, instead of going
further returned as the horses of his tonga became sick. His
onward journey had to be cancelled.
176. He returned to Thane in the afternoon and learnt all that
had transpired. Appasaheb regretted that he missed the
darshan.
177. He felt ashamed that only one rupee was given as ‘dakshina’.
“If I had been there, I would not have given less than ten
rupees before he was sent back”.
178. Thus said Appasaheb. He felt dejected and sad. He believed
that he would be able to find the fakir in the Masjid, so he
left to search for him, without eating anything.
179. Appa searched in all the places such as the Masjid,
‘takiya’, and all such places where travellers stay, for the
fakir.
180. Though he got exhausted searching he did not trace the fakir
anywhere. Being disappointed and hungry he went home and had
his meal.
181. But he did not know that one should not set out on a search
on an empty stomach. It is necessary to satisfy one’s Atma
and then carry on the search.
182. Baba’s story of this purport will show the truth of this
principle. Why should it be repeated here? The listeners
know that chapter well.
183.In the previous chapter named “Guru’s Greatness”, a
wonderful story has been narrated by Sree Sai, as his own
Guru’s words very tenderly.
184. The same truth was experienced by Appa, when after lunch he
went with his friend Chitre, for a casual walk.
185. Enough. After walking a little distance, he saw a gentleman
approaching him very speedily till that spot as if he was
desirous of finding him.
186. When he came and stood near Appasaheb, he unobtrusively but
carefully looked at him and thought that this must be the
same person who had come in the morning.
187. ‘I feel that this is the same fakir whom I was searching
earlier. He resembles the picture from top to toe. I am
confused.’
188. While Appa was debating this within himself, that fakir
extended his hand and Appa placed one rupee in his hand at
that time.
189. He asked for more and he gave him one more; till he had
given three. Yet that fakir asked for more. The real marvel
is ahead.
190. Chitre had three rupees, which Appa borrowed and gave to
that fakir. Yet he asked for more.
191.Appasaheb told him “I will give you more if you come home”.
The fakir agreed and all the three returned home.
192. Immediately on reaching home, he took out and placed three
more in his hand, totalling nine rupees. Yet the fakir was
not satisfied.
193. When asking for further ‘dakshina’, Appasaheb truthfully
told him that he now had only one ten rupee note left with
him.
194. All the change was finished, and there was nothing else
left. The fakir said: “Why not give the note”; and Appa did
that too.
195. As soon as the note came into his hands, he returned the
change of nine rupees and the fakir left the same way he had
come, walking with great speed.
196. When one considers the essence of this story, it is, that
Sai fulfils the wish of the devotee, as expressed. This was
his creed.
197. Considering the enthusiasm of the listeners, I am reminded
of another story, having the same purport, at this opportune
time. Listen to it with great respect.
198. There was a loving devotee, named Haribhau Karnik, resident
of Dahanu. He was a singular devotee of Sai.
199. In the year 1917, as it was the most holy day of
Gurupurnima, he came for pilgrimage to Shirdi. I will tell
a short story about him.
200. He did the worship according to rituals and offered clothes
and ‘dakshina’. When he took permission to leave and came
down (the steps), he had a thought.
201. He felt like going up and giving Baba one more rupee. But he
had to give up this idea and keep the rupee without offering
it.
202. The same gentleman11 who had got for him the permission to
leave, he himself gave him a sign, from up above, that once
the permission was granted, one should depart immediately.
203. Having faith in the indication, Karnik left on his way. He
got down at Nashik with his friend, on the way.
204. When Karnik went for darshan to the temple of Kala Ram, he
had unexpected darshan of the saint Narsing Maharaj.
205. Maharaj was sitting surrounded by devotees. But he suddenly
got up, held Karnik by the wrist and said: “Give me my
rupee”.
206. Karnik was surprised but joyfully handed over the rupee. He
felt that it was Sai, himself, who knowing his desire was
accepting the rupee.
207. It is not true to say that Sai accepted it. Though Karnik
had forgotten it, he held his hand and by force took it.
This is the real truth.
208. Vacillation is the characteristic of the mind. Waves after
waves arise. Initially one thinks of something but at a
later stage some other thought occurs.
209. The wave of thought which arises initially, provided it is
good and virtuous, should be nurtured. This would be
beneficial.
210. Bear it in mind. Study it carefully and meditate upon it. Do
not forget it and make every effort to keep your word.
211. Appasaheb had spoken of it but later he may have forgotten.
But as he had spoken of it, Baba fulfilled his desire and
showed the marvel of devotion.
212. Otherwise, why did the fakir who had nineteen rupees with
him including the ten rupees note, give Appa nine rupees
only? It was because of Appa’s intense desire to give ten
rupees, only.
213. This was the necklace of nine coins, which had been touched
by Baba’s hands – indicating the nine types of devotion.
This was the way Baba reminded him of it.
214. When you listen to the story of Baba leaving his mortal
coil, you will realise the novel way of doing charity, as he
had given nine rupees at that time12.
215. His wife had given only one rupee whole heartedly which had
been accepted with great satisfaction and the fakir (Baba)
had not asked for more.
216. But Appa felt that the one rupee given by his wife was too
little and had he been there, he would have given ten times
as much to the fakir.
217. In this way Appa who had become bound by his own words by
saying that he would have given ten ruppes, how could he
have been free from his debt until he had given the full
amount as per his words?
218. This fakir was not like the others. Was he a beggar that he
would accept whatever was placed in his hand and go back?
219. The day had not ended and he came back on the same day that
Appa had spoken. Appa had doubts that he might be an unknown
fakir.
220. Initially when he was asked for the money, he had six rupees
with him but he did not part with the amount because of the
doubts.
221. Enough. If he did not have love for Appa, would Baba have
come in the guise of a fakir? If he had not made a pretext
for the dakshina, how would the story have been interesting?
222. Appasaheb was only an instrument, to teach us, for we are
all the same. We start with good resolutions but change them
according to the situation.
223. We are most generous with words but at the time of doing
charity we are full of doubts. We are torn by vacillation
and rarely have certainty.
224. But rarest is that beloved son of God who speaks little and
well. He acts as he speaks and he does, what he promises.
225. If there be a devotee with singular faith, whatever be his
wishes, worldly or spiritual, Sai has the power to fulfil
them.
226. Although Appasaheb was intelligent, and a scholar in
English, he was initially given only Rs.40/-as salary by
the Government.
227. But since receiving this picture, his salary slowly
increased and became many times more than forty.
228. It was an immediate experience of all the people that Baba
gave ten times as much as he received – ten times the power
and the position.
229. Besides, love towards the spiritual increases on account of
faith and devotion. Isn’t this something unusual? Baba’s
skill is wonderful.
230. Later Appasaheb asked for the ‘vibhuti’ that the fakir had
given. When he looked it was a small packet, which he opened
with love.
231. With the udi there were flowers and consecrated rice, which
he found in the packet. He had an amulet made and wore it on
his arm with great reverence.
232. Later when he took Baba’s darshan, the hair which Baba gave
to him personally was also placed in the amulet most
lovingly.
233. How great is Baba’s udi! 13 Ashes are also the ornament of
Shankar. He who applies it on the forehead with devotion,
will find all difficulties removed immediately.
234. He who, after his ablutions and bath, applies udi regularly
and drinks the tirth of the washings of Baba’s feet, will be
purified and benefitted.
235. Besides, the real importance of this udi is that he who
takes it will have a full life and his sins will be
completely destroyed. He will enjoy bliss and contentment
always.
236. Such a sweet feast of the nectar of stories has been
arranged by Sai because of Appa. We are the uninvited guests
there but let us fully enjoy them together with him.
237. The host and the guests, both have the same feast. There is
no difference in its taste and sweetness. Be satisfied on
partaking this blissful food.
238. Hemad surrenders to Sai. Enough of listening to this, for
the present. In the next chapter there will be narration of
greater importance of the udi.
239. How the application of udi and Sai’s darshan cured
tubercular bone-ulcers, guinea worms and bubonic plague –
listen to it with full attention.
May there be well-being! This is the end of the thirty-third
chapter, of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
devotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The Power of the Udi”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
There is a similar experience of Baba recorded by Hari Sitaram
Dixit, thus:-Once Bapusaheb Jog was stung by a scorpion, around
about 8 o’clock at night. He went immediately to Maharaj. As he
was climbing the steps, Maharaj said: “What is the matter
Bapusaheb?” Bapusaheb answered: “Baba I have been stung by a
scorpion.” Maharaj said: “It will be alright. Go.” Bapusaheb
returned from the steps only; and before he left the compound, his
pain totally stopped.
Once an astrologer had come to Shirdi who had acquired the power
of a demon communicating by whispering in the ears the affairs of
people. He went for Maharaj’s darshan but his mind was greatly
concentrated on making money. He saw no opportunity there to make
money, so he took darshan and quickly went to Rahata. There, at
night, he was bitten by a scorpion. He suffered intense pain.
Then, he applied the udi given by Maharaj and began chanting
Maharaj’s name unceasingly. Consequently the pain eased and his
faith in Maharaj developed. The next day, the astrologer went to
Shirdi again. He stayed there for 15 to 20 days and by Maharaj’s
grace earned about Rs. 300/-there.
2.
Nana Chandorkar.
3.
The wife walks behind, as per Hindu tradition.
4.
Vishnu.
5.
The three – headed Deity who is considered as incarnation of
Brahma – Vishnu – Mahesh.
6.
Rain water as it falls from the clouds.
7.
Sweetmeats.
8.
A ceremony for propitiation of the Goddess Durga, by repeating the
stotra in her praise, nine times.
9.
Oblations to the fire for the Deity.
10.
Collection of seven hundred verses in praise of Durga in
Markandaya Puran.
11.
Madhavrao Deshpande.
12.
To Lakshmibai (Shinde).
13.
Another example of the importance of udi had been recorded by Hari
Sitaram Dixit. An extract from it is given below:“
A gentleman named Khimji Lalaji Joshi lived in the Punjabi chawl
in Parle. His daughter had been ill for a long time. Once, she
became serious. At that time, her mother came to our house and
took away Maharaj’s udi. She felt a little better immediately
with that udi. Later Khimji went to Shirdi with his wife and
daughter. The girl was so weak that she was unable to walk. Her
arms and legs had become thin as sticks. Someone picked her up aned her up and
made her sit near Maharaj.
Maharaj applied udi to her and blessed her. In a couple of days
she was able to walk on her own. She had difficulty in sitting and
getting up only. So she complained about it to Maharaj. Maharaj
gave her a fruit to eat and from then onwards her difficulty was
removed.”
One day a friend came to my office and said: “Since the last
eight days I am unable to sleep. I am taking the doctor’s medicine
but it’s of no use”. I gave him Maharaj’s udi and asked him to
take it for three days. The very next day he came to my office and
said: “I took the udi last night and I had very good sleep
throughout the night”.
Similarly, the son of my friend who lived in Bandra, was not
getting sleep for two months. His father took him to Shirdi for
Maharaj’s darshan. That same night he slept and from then onwards
he got sleep every night.
Baba distributing Udi in Dwarkamayi
Appa Kulkarni
M.V.Adkar
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