46
Trip to Kashi and Gaya;
Narration of the Birth of Goats
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the Guru
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
.. .
Blessed are your feet Sree Sai! Blessed is your remembrance
and blessed is your ‘darshan’, which frees us from the bond
of Karma.
2.
Though your corporal form is invisible to us at present, yet
if there is faith and devotion, the devotees get living
experiences. The spirit in the samadhi is awakened and
becomes instantaneously visible.
3.
By an invisible and subtle thread, you draw your devotees
from far and near.
4.
You bring them and keep them at your feet, and embrace them
hugging them close to your heart, like a mother holds her
child. You nurture them easily.
5.
No one knows where you are, but you so skillfully pull the
threads that ultimately they realise that you are behind the
devotees, to help and support them.
6.
The intelligent, wise and learned get entangled in the web
of the world due to their egotism; but the poor, simple and
devout are indulged by you with your power.
7.
Inwardly and invisibly you play all the games, but show the
flag of detachment. You do things and pose yourself as a
non-doer. Nobody ever knows your ways.
8.
Therefore, let us surrender body, speech and mind at your
feet and always chant your name for destroying our sins.
9.
You fulfil the desires of the desirous and to the detached,
give the bliss of your abode. Chanting your sweet name is
the easiest sadhana for your devotees.
10.
By that the sins will be destroyed. Passion and ignorance
will undoubtedly be wiped out. Goodness will gradually
arise; and after that, the store of merits will increase.
11.
Once righteousness is awakened, dispassion will follow
quickly. The sense pleasures lose their hold and self
knowledge manifests immediately.
12.
Knowledge is reached due to discrimination. Then we abide in
our Self and become humble at the Guru’s feet. This is what
is called complete surrender to the Guru.
13.
The one and only sure sign of the surrender at Sai’s feet is
that the disciple becomes calm and peaceful and perfects his
devotion with eagerness and joy.
14.
Loving devotion to the Guru is the sacred law; ‘ I am That’
is the essence of Knowledge; dislike for the sense pleasure
is the supreme dispassion. Aversion for conditioned
existence comes at that stage.
15.
Blessed is the greatness of such devotion, which is
performed with singular faith and devoutness, for peace,
detachment and repute invariably follow that, as they are
always in its power.
16.
What can he lack who has such devotion to the Guru? He will
have whatever he desires without effort.
17.
Union with God comes in the wake of such devotion, as a
slave given as a marriage gift. Salvation is not in doubt
and holy places long to touch such feet.
18.
In the earlier chapter, Dixit’s reading of the Bhagvat was
narrated; also the devotion of the Nine Yogis was described
and how the darshan was given of Sai’s feet.
19.
Sai devotee, Anandrao Pakhade, described the marvellous
dream he had and the glory of devotion to Sai.
20.
Whoever Sai takes under his protection, Sree Sai abides
always with him, day and night, whether he is at home or
continents away.
21.
Wherever the devotee goes, in each and every place, he finds
Sai has preceded him and gives him ‘darshan’ unexpectedly.
22.
I am going to narrate a wonderful, novel story for you
listeners and you will be amazed hearing it. It will give
you pleasure.
23.
Listening to the words of Sai, in this story will make even
the happiness of ‘samadhi’ pale into insignificance. The
virtuous devotee will be filled with Self Bliss.
24.
Listening to this sweet story, where there is a marvel at
every step, will make the listeners forget
themselves and they will be greatly
overcome with emotion.
25.
The sacred thread ceremony of Babu, the
eldest son of Kakasaheb Dixit, was fixed
for performance at Nagpur.
26.
The marriage of the eldest son of Nana
Saheb Chandorkar was also fixed, for which
it would be necessary to go to Gwalior.
27.
Nana felt that there should be no delay on
to Gwalior for the wedding.
28.
He wanted Kaka to come from Nagpur to Gwalior without any
stress. Therefore, he fixed such an auspicious time which
would be suitable to both.
Ramakrishna Dixit
alias Babu
account of Kaka, after the thread ceremony was over, to go
29.
Then, Nana the foremost of the devotees came with eagerness
to Shirdi for Sai’s ‘darshan’ and to invite him for the
marriage.
30.
Kaka Saheb was already there. Nana went to the Masjid to
invite Baba for the marriage, with folded hands.
31.
Then Baba said: “Good. Take Shamya with you”. Two days
later Kaka invited Baba for the thread ceremony.
32.
Baba told him also the same thing: “Take Shamya with you”.
But Kaka Saheb earnestly begged Baba to come himself.
33.
Thereupon, he promptly replied: “After doing Kashi and
Prayag quickly, I will be ahead of Shamya. How much time
does it take for me to arrive?”
34.
Now, listeners, mark these words to understand their true
meaning for they show Baba’s all-pervasiveness.
35.
Be that as it may, after lunch Madhavrao began to think that
once he had reached Gwalior, Kashi would not be far away
from there.
36.
He borrowed one hundred rupees from Nandram (Marwadi) for
his travelling expenses. Then he went to get Baba’s
permission to leave and asked him with great reverence:
37.
“Since I am going to Gwalior for these ceremonies, I feel
that it would be proper to take the opportunity to
incidentally go to Kashi and Gaya.
38.
Therefore, Lord, I touch your feet and ask if I can visit
Kashi and Gaya.” Baba happily gave permission to Madhavrao
to go .
39.
Moreover, he said to him: “Why do you ask redundant
questions? Whatever happens, in the natural course, should
definitely not be missed”.
40.
So be it. On receiving such a permission, Madhavrao engaged
a vehicle and left for Kopergaon. Then he met Appa (Kote).
41.
Appa was going to Chandavad to bring his grand-daughter.
When he heard about the proposed idea of going to Kashi, he
jumped out of his tonga.
42.
Though he did not have enough money to go to Kashi, he did
not want to give up the company of a person like Madhavrao.
43.
Madhavrao encouraged him, so there was nothing to prevent
Appa Kote He got into the vehicle happily and quickly,
taking advantage of the situation.
44.
Appa Kote, Patil, was well-to-do. But he did not have any
money for the travel. Therefore, he dreadfully feared that
he would miss the pilgrimage to Kashi.
45.
When the time is favourable, one should seize the
opportunity. Appa felt he should definitely have the company
of Madhavrao.
46.
As it was, knowing his predicament, Madhavrao gave him
timely encouragement and took him to Kashi, and fulfilled
his wishes.
47.
They went forward to Nagpur to attend the thread ceremony,
where Kaka Saheb gave two hundred rupees to Madhavrao for
expenses.
48.
From there, they went to Gwalior for the wedding. Nana Saheb
gave one hundred rupees to Madhavrao, at that time.
49.
Shrimant Jathar, a relative (the father-in-law of his
child), also gave one hundred rupees. Thus Nana showered his
affection on his Guru bandhu.
50.
Jathar was the owner of a beautiful gem-encrusted temple of
Lakshmi – Narayan, at Mangal Ghat of Kashi.
51.
He also had a beautiful Sree Ram temple at Ayodhya. He
entrusted his manager with the task of welcoming these
guests at both the places, with all courtesies.
52.
From Gwalior they went to Mathura, accompanied by Oze
(Inamdar of Palaspa), Biniwale (brother-in-law of Nana) and
Pendharkar (son-in-law). These three returned from there.
53.
Madhavrao and Kote went from there to Prayag; and entered
Ayodhya in time for the Ramnavmi festival.
54.
They stayed there for twenty-one days and spent two months
at Kashi, during which time the eclipses of the moon and the
sun took place. Then both of them left for Gaya.
55.
While they were both in the train, they heard that there was
a plague epidemic in Gaya, and that in every nook and corner
people were worried.
56.
By the time the train arrived at the station, it was already
night. So both of them comfortably rested at the
‘Dharmashala’ there.
57.
So be it. The Gayawal (priest who arranges and provides for
the lodging and boarding of the pilgrims) came to meet them
early in the morning. He said: “Hurry up. The pilgrimage has
already started”.
58.
Madhavrao who was disturbed in his mind, asked him in a low
voice: “We are coming. But has the plague epidemic affected
your locality?”
59.
Then, he replied to them: “Come and see for yourself. There
is nothing of the kind there. Come with me, without any fear
or doubts”.
60.
Enough! Then both of them went to the residence of the
Gayawal. Seeing his large and palatial house, they were very
pleased.
61.
There was another reason also for their happiness; because
where they had sat down they saw a portrait of Baba in front
of them. Madhavrao was choked with emotion.
62.
It was beyond their expectation to have a vision of Sai’s
portrait, in a place so far away as Gaya!
63.
Madhavrao was deeply moved and his eyes filled with tears.
“Why have you started crying?”, asked the Gayawal of him.
64.
As Madhavrao was crying without any apparent cause, Gayawal
was full of doubts and was disturbed.
65.
Gayawal became very disturbed, believing that Madhavrao was
worried about the plague in Gaya and how his pilgrimage
would be affected.
66.
“I have already told you that there is no plague here. Yet
you are worried. I am really surprised.
67.
If you do not trust me, why don’t you ask all these others?
Not even a hair on your head will be harmed. Why are you
crying?
68.
Observe this pilgrim who is crying all the time, without
reason, as he has been shocked by the plague epidemic and
has lost his courage”.
69.
Therefore, Madhavrao tried to explain to the Gayawal what
was in his mind; “How has my Mauli (Sai) come here ahead of
me?”
70.
“After doing Kashi and Prayag quickly, I will be ahead of
Shamya”, were Baba’s earlier words. Here was the proof in
the form of this portrait!
71.
Seeing Baba’s portrait in front of him as soon as he entered
the house, he felt it a great miracle on noting this
unexpected circumstance.
72.
He was choked with emotion and love; his eyes were filled
with tears of joy; his whole body was horripilating; and he
was profusely sweating.
73.
This condition of Madhavrao had an adverse effect on
Gayawal’s mind. He truly felt that he was crying because of
the fear of plague.
74.
Shama, then, out of curiosity asked the Gayawal: “Tell us in
detail how you obtained this picture”.
75.
Later, Gayawal began to narrate the full circumstances that
happened twelve years back to Madhavrao. It was a miracle.
Listen to it.
76.
The Gayawal employed, not one but two hundred to three
hundred agents to note down details of the pilgrimages (to
Gaya) at Manmad and Puntambe.
77.
Looking after the comfort of the pilgrims was Gayawal’s
business. When he was engaged in this work, Gayawal once
went to Shirdi.
78.
He heard that Sai Samartha was a great Saint. He decided to
have his darshan and be purified.
79.
He took Sai Baba’s darshan and prostrated at his feet. There
arose a desire in him to have a picture of Baba.
80.
Madhavrao had a portrait hanging on his wall which the
Gayawal asked for, and which was given to him with Baba’s
permission.
81.
He recollected that this was his own picture and this was
the same Gayawal! ‘How did Baba send me here? And make me
meet him after a long time,’ was his thought.
82.
Considering the fact that this had happened
twelve years ago, how and why would it be
remembered? He had not thought of it again
at all!
83.
But, Baba’s leela was unfathomable! He had
sent Shama there only; and, there only he
had given his darshan. Gayawal was also
very pleased.
84.
Shama then recalled that this was the same
picture given from his home to the same
Gayawal after taking Sai Baba’s permission.
Madhaorao
Deshpande alias
(Shyama)
85.
The Gayawal remembered that he had earlier stayed with
Shama, after arriving at Shirdi, and it was he who had
helped him to have Baba’s darshan.
86.
Then there was no end to their joy, remembering their mutual
obligations. He looked after Shama with the utmost care
providing all the conveniences at Gaya.
87.
How opulent was his home, at the door of which swayed
elephants! He sat in a palanquin and made Shama ride an
elephant.
88.
Taking all the essentials for the worship, they joyously
went to Vishnupad1. They gave a ritual bath to the deity and
offered ‘pind2’ as per the prescribed procedure.
89.
Later the Brahmins were gratified and given food also, after
the offering of ‘naivedya’. The pilgrimage was happily
concluded with Baba’s grace.
90.
The essence of this whole story is that Baba’s words are
significant. That can be experienced, word by word. His love
for his devotees was immense.
91.
It was not only love for the devotees, but he treated all
creatures alike. He was supremely one with all of them also.
He had excessive liking for them.
92.
Sometimes on his way back from the Lendi to the Masjid, when
he was casually walking, he met a flock of goats. Baba was
filled with joy.
93.
Casting a benign glance on the whole flock, he would
sometimes pick one or two of the goats, and set them aside.
94.
Baba would immediately give whatever price was asked for
them by the owner. Then he would keep them at Kondaji’s.
This was Baba’s habit.
95.
On one occasion, Baba purchased two goats, paying thirty-two
rupees. Everyone was amazed.
96.
As soon as he saw these two, a sudden love sprang up for
them! He went near them and patted them on their backs.
97.
Seeing both of them born as animals, Sai Samartha felt
compassion for them. Finding them in such a state, he was
full of pity and a sudden outburst of love.
98.
Taking them near him, Sai lovingly fondled them. All
the devotees were surprised, seeing Baba’s fondness for
them.
99.
Sai recalled their immense greediness in their previous
lives. Sai felt love for them seeing their present animal
birth. Incomparable pity arose for them.
100. When the price could have been two rupees, or at the most
three or four, Baba had given sixteen. This was beyond
understanding. Tatyaba was amazed by it.
101. The price was asked and the bargain sealed. Seeing this with
their own eyes, Madhavrao along with Tatya scoffed at Baba’s
behaviour.
102. Why did he give sixteen rupees for goods worth two rupees?
Did Baba have no value for money? Or is it that he acted as
per his will? Even this argument was not tenable!
103. Both were greatly fuming and fretting. Why did Baba conclude
such a bargain? Both of them blamed Baba. What kind of
bargain was this?
104. How was Baba so deceived? All the people gathered there to
see this. Baba remained calm, as if nothing was lost.
105. Though both of them were thus angry and blamed Baba, he was
not at all moved. He remained unmoved and peacefully
blissful.
106. Then, with respect and humility both of them asked Baba:
“What type of generosity is this? Thirty-two rupees have
been wasted!”
107. It was only a question of money! Sai smiled when he heard
it, and thought ‘How should I convince these mad people?’
108. But Baba’s composure was remarkable. Not a jot of his
firmness was shaken. This is the sign of ultimate peace. All
the people were surprised.
109. How could foolishness ever touch the one who has not a trace
of anger, experiences supreme peace and sees God in all
creatures?
110. One who is competent of correct judgement does not permit
anger to approach. If by chance it happens the treasure of
peace is unlocked.
111. How can I describe the greatness of him, whose constant
thought was ‘Allah Malik’? How life was deep, unfathomable,
very pure and beneficial.
112. He who was the womb of knowledge, the treasure of
discrimination, ocean of Self Bliss, and whose intellect was
overflowing with mercy, thrice purified spoke thus. Listen
to it.
113. Seeing the persistence of both, Baba decided to explain:
“When I do not have a place to sit or a home, then why
should I accumulate money”.
114. Further, he said: “Go to the shop first and bring lentils
after purchasing them. Give them one seer of it to their
heart’s satisfaction. Then, give them back to the herdsman”.
115. According to the instructions, they immediately gave lentils
to the goats to eat. Then without losing any time, they were
returned to the flock.
116. This Sai Avatar is clearly the embodiment of benevolence.
What could Tatya, Shama or anyone else suggest to him in the
way of noble thoughts?
117. After feeding them lentils with great love and observing
that they were well satisfied, he asked them to be taken to
the owner, so that they could rest with the herd.
118. Thus the money was spent and the goats were returned – it
was a loss making transaction. Then, Sai Baba told an
unusual story of their past births.
119. Baba loved both Tatya and Shama alike. To cool their anger
he told them a charming story.
120. Sai, on his own narrated the story of the previous births of
the goats. Listeners, hear it also.
121.“They were fortunate in their past lives. They were human
beings then, and stayed near me. They had to bear the fruits
of their action.
122. These, that you see as goats, were brothers in their past
lives. Their end came because of their in-fighting. This
brought such a result.
123. At first, there was love between the brothers. They usually
ate and slept together and were concerned about each other’s
welfare. There was great unity between them.
124. Though they were real brothers, they had great greed for
money, which brought enmity between them, because of their
own deeds and fate coming together, which brought immense
suffering.
125. The older brother was very lazy. The younger was always
industrious, which helped to accumulate wealth. The elder
brother was filled with envy.
126. The elder, because of his greed for money, nursed wrong
thoughts of removing the thorn from his path, so that he
would not lack money.
127. Greed for money became an obstacle, and he was blinded by
it, despite having eyes. He totally forgot brotherly love
and became ready to kill him.
128. It is extremely difficult to fight destiny. Enmity arose
without cause. They came to know each other’s duplicity and
greed could not be controlled.
129. Their life span had ended. They totally forgot brotherly
love. They were greatly agitated by offensive pride. They
fought like enemies.
130. One injured the head of the other with a big stick and he
fell down. The other, with the help of an axe, likewise hit
his brother.
131. Then both of them fell down unconscious, shattered in a pool
of blood. After a little while, they were without breath,
and both died.
132. Thus came their end. They were then born in this form of
life. Such is their story, of which I was reminded in detail
when I saw them.
133. To undergo the effects of their past actions, they were
reborn as goats. Seeing them unexpectedly in the herd, I was
overcome with love.
134. Therefore, spending money from my own pocket I thought of
giving them refuge. You became the instrument by which their
past actions stood in the way.
135. I felt compassion towards the goats. But because of your
insistence, I also agreed finally to return them to the
herdsman”.
136. Be it so. The story ends here. Listeners, forgive me. Later
on, listen to the next chapter. You will be happy.
137. That also is full of supreme love. It is also the nectar
from Sai’s lips. Hemad humbles himself at Sai’s feet and
requests the listeners.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the forty-sixth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant; impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “Trip
to Kashi and Gaya; Narration of the Birth of Goats”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1. The image of Vishnu’s feet at Gaya.
2. Rice balls offered to the deceased ancestors.
Nanda Deep in Lendi Bagh
Trip to Kashi and Gaya;
Narration of the Birth of Goats
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the Guru
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
.. .
Blessed are your feet Sree Sai! Blessed is your remembrance
and blessed is your ‘darshan’, which frees us from the bond
of Karma.
2.
Though your corporal form is invisible to us at present, yet
if there is faith and devotion, the devotees get living
experiences. The spirit in the samadhi is awakened and
becomes instantaneously visible.
3.
By an invisible and subtle thread, you draw your devotees
from far and near.
4.
You bring them and keep them at your feet, and embrace them
hugging them close to your heart, like a mother holds her
child. You nurture them easily.
5.
No one knows where you are, but you so skillfully pull the
threads that ultimately they realise that you are behind the
devotees, to help and support them.
6.
The intelligent, wise and learned get entangled in the web
of the world due to their egotism; but the poor, simple and
devout are indulged by you with your power.
7.
Inwardly and invisibly you play all the games, but show the
flag of detachment. You do things and pose yourself as a
non-doer. Nobody ever knows your ways.
8.
Therefore, let us surrender body, speech and mind at your
feet and always chant your name for destroying our sins.
9.
You fulfil the desires of the desirous and to the detached,
give the bliss of your abode. Chanting your sweet name is
the easiest sadhana for your devotees.
10.
By that the sins will be destroyed. Passion and ignorance
will undoubtedly be wiped out. Goodness will gradually
arise; and after that, the store of merits will increase.
11.
Once righteousness is awakened, dispassion will follow
quickly. The sense pleasures lose their hold and self
knowledge manifests immediately.
12.
Knowledge is reached due to discrimination. Then we abide in
our Self and become humble at the Guru’s feet. This is what
is called complete surrender to the Guru.
13.
The one and only sure sign of the surrender at Sai’s feet is
that the disciple becomes calm and peaceful and perfects his
devotion with eagerness and joy.
14.
Loving devotion to the Guru is the sacred law; ‘ I am That’
is the essence of Knowledge; dislike for the sense pleasure
is the supreme dispassion. Aversion for conditioned
existence comes at that stage.
15.
Blessed is the greatness of such devotion, which is
performed with singular faith and devoutness, for peace,
detachment and repute invariably follow that, as they are
always in its power.
16.
What can he lack who has such devotion to the Guru? He will
have whatever he desires without effort.
17.
Union with God comes in the wake of such devotion, as a
slave given as a marriage gift. Salvation is not in doubt
and holy places long to touch such feet.
18.
In the earlier chapter, Dixit’s reading of the Bhagvat was
narrated; also the devotion of the Nine Yogis was described
and how the darshan was given of Sai’s feet.
19.
Sai devotee, Anandrao Pakhade, described the marvellous
dream he had and the glory of devotion to Sai.
20.
Whoever Sai takes under his protection, Sree Sai abides
always with him, day and night, whether he is at home or
continents away.
21.
Wherever the devotee goes, in each and every place, he finds
Sai has preceded him and gives him ‘darshan’ unexpectedly.
22.
I am going to narrate a wonderful, novel story for you
listeners and you will be amazed hearing it. It will give
you pleasure.
23.
Listening to the words of Sai, in this story will make even
the happiness of ‘samadhi’ pale into insignificance. The
virtuous devotee will be filled with Self Bliss.
24.
Listening to this sweet story, where there is a marvel at
every step, will make the listeners forget
themselves and they will be greatly
overcome with emotion.
25.
The sacred thread ceremony of Babu, the
eldest son of Kakasaheb Dixit, was fixed
for performance at Nagpur.
26.
The marriage of the eldest son of Nana
Saheb Chandorkar was also fixed, for which
it would be necessary to go to Gwalior.
27.
Nana felt that there should be no delay on
to Gwalior for the wedding.
28.
He wanted Kaka to come from Nagpur to Gwalior without any
stress. Therefore, he fixed such an auspicious time which
would be suitable to both.
Ramakrishna Dixit
alias Babu
account of Kaka, after the thread ceremony was over, to go
29.
Then, Nana the foremost of the devotees came with eagerness
to Shirdi for Sai’s ‘darshan’ and to invite him for the
marriage.
30.
Kaka Saheb was already there. Nana went to the Masjid to
invite Baba for the marriage, with folded hands.
31.
Then Baba said: “Good. Take Shamya with you”. Two days
later Kaka invited Baba for the thread ceremony.
32.
Baba told him also the same thing: “Take Shamya with you”.
But Kaka Saheb earnestly begged Baba to come himself.
33.
Thereupon, he promptly replied: “After doing Kashi and
Prayag quickly, I will be ahead of Shamya. How much time
does it take for me to arrive?”
34.
Now, listeners, mark these words to understand their true
meaning for they show Baba’s all-pervasiveness.
35.
Be that as it may, after lunch Madhavrao began to think that
once he had reached Gwalior, Kashi would not be far away
from there.
36.
He borrowed one hundred rupees from Nandram (Marwadi) for
his travelling expenses. Then he went to get Baba’s
permission to leave and asked him with great reverence:
37.
“Since I am going to Gwalior for these ceremonies, I feel
that it would be proper to take the opportunity to
incidentally go to Kashi and Gaya.
38.
Therefore, Lord, I touch your feet and ask if I can visit
Kashi and Gaya.” Baba happily gave permission to Madhavrao
to go .
39.
Moreover, he said to him: “Why do you ask redundant
questions? Whatever happens, in the natural course, should
definitely not be missed”.
40.
So be it. On receiving such a permission, Madhavrao engaged
a vehicle and left for Kopergaon. Then he met Appa (Kote).
41.
Appa was going to Chandavad to bring his grand-daughter.
When he heard about the proposed idea of going to Kashi, he
jumped out of his tonga.
42.
Though he did not have enough money to go to Kashi, he did
not want to give up the company of a person like Madhavrao.
43.
Madhavrao encouraged him, so there was nothing to prevent
Appa Kote He got into the vehicle happily and quickly,
taking advantage of the situation.
44.
Appa Kote, Patil, was well-to-do. But he did not have any
money for the travel. Therefore, he dreadfully feared that
he would miss the pilgrimage to Kashi.
45.
When the time is favourable, one should seize the
opportunity. Appa felt he should definitely have the company
of Madhavrao.
46.
As it was, knowing his predicament, Madhavrao gave him
timely encouragement and took him to Kashi, and fulfilled
his wishes.
47.
They went forward to Nagpur to attend the thread ceremony,
where Kaka Saheb gave two hundred rupees to Madhavrao for
expenses.
48.
From there, they went to Gwalior for the wedding. Nana Saheb
gave one hundred rupees to Madhavrao, at that time.
49.
Shrimant Jathar, a relative (the father-in-law of his
child), also gave one hundred rupees. Thus Nana showered his
affection on his Guru bandhu.
50.
Jathar was the owner of a beautiful gem-encrusted temple of
Lakshmi – Narayan, at Mangal Ghat of Kashi.
51.
He also had a beautiful Sree Ram temple at Ayodhya. He
entrusted his manager with the task of welcoming these
guests at both the places, with all courtesies.
52.
From Gwalior they went to Mathura, accompanied by Oze
(Inamdar of Palaspa), Biniwale (brother-in-law of Nana) and
Pendharkar (son-in-law). These three returned from there.
53.
Madhavrao and Kote went from there to Prayag; and entered
Ayodhya in time for the Ramnavmi festival.
54.
They stayed there for twenty-one days and spent two months
at Kashi, during which time the eclipses of the moon and the
sun took place. Then both of them left for Gaya.
55.
While they were both in the train, they heard that there was
a plague epidemic in Gaya, and that in every nook and corner
people were worried.
56.
By the time the train arrived at the station, it was already
night. So both of them comfortably rested at the
‘Dharmashala’ there.
57.
So be it. The Gayawal (priest who arranges and provides for
the lodging and boarding of the pilgrims) came to meet them
early in the morning. He said: “Hurry up. The pilgrimage has
already started”.
58.
Madhavrao who was disturbed in his mind, asked him in a low
voice: “We are coming. But has the plague epidemic affected
your locality?”
59.
Then, he replied to them: “Come and see for yourself. There
is nothing of the kind there. Come with me, without any fear
or doubts”.
60.
Enough! Then both of them went to the residence of the
Gayawal. Seeing his large and palatial house, they were very
pleased.
61.
There was another reason also for their happiness; because
where they had sat down they saw a portrait of Baba in front
of them. Madhavrao was choked with emotion.
62.
It was beyond their expectation to have a vision of Sai’s
portrait, in a place so far away as Gaya!
63.
Madhavrao was deeply moved and his eyes filled with tears.
“Why have you started crying?”, asked the Gayawal of him.
64.
As Madhavrao was crying without any apparent cause, Gayawal
was full of doubts and was disturbed.
65.
Gayawal became very disturbed, believing that Madhavrao was
worried about the plague in Gaya and how his pilgrimage
would be affected.
66.
“I have already told you that there is no plague here. Yet
you are worried. I am really surprised.
67.
If you do not trust me, why don’t you ask all these others?
Not even a hair on your head will be harmed. Why are you
crying?
68.
Observe this pilgrim who is crying all the time, without
reason, as he has been shocked by the plague epidemic and
has lost his courage”.
69.
Therefore, Madhavrao tried to explain to the Gayawal what
was in his mind; “How has my Mauli (Sai) come here ahead of
me?”
70.
“After doing Kashi and Prayag quickly, I will be ahead of
Shamya”, were Baba’s earlier words. Here was the proof in
the form of this portrait!
71.
Seeing Baba’s portrait in front of him as soon as he entered
the house, he felt it a great miracle on noting this
unexpected circumstance.
72.
He was choked with emotion and love; his eyes were filled
with tears of joy; his whole body was horripilating; and he
was profusely sweating.
73.
This condition of Madhavrao had an adverse effect on
Gayawal’s mind. He truly felt that he was crying because of
the fear of plague.
74.
Shama, then, out of curiosity asked the Gayawal: “Tell us in
detail how you obtained this picture”.
75.
Later, Gayawal began to narrate the full circumstances that
happened twelve years back to Madhavrao. It was a miracle.
Listen to it.
76.
The Gayawal employed, not one but two hundred to three
hundred agents to note down details of the pilgrimages (to
Gaya) at Manmad and Puntambe.
77.
Looking after the comfort of the pilgrims was Gayawal’s
business. When he was engaged in this work, Gayawal once
went to Shirdi.
78.
He heard that Sai Samartha was a great Saint. He decided to
have his darshan and be purified.
79.
He took Sai Baba’s darshan and prostrated at his feet. There
arose a desire in him to have a picture of Baba.
80.
Madhavrao had a portrait hanging on his wall which the
Gayawal asked for, and which was given to him with Baba’s
permission.
81.
He recollected that this was his own picture and this was
the same Gayawal! ‘How did Baba send me here? And make me
meet him after a long time,’ was his thought.
82.
Considering the fact that this had happened
twelve years ago, how and why would it be
remembered? He had not thought of it again
at all!
83.
But, Baba’s leela was unfathomable! He had
sent Shama there only; and, there only he
had given his darshan. Gayawal was also
very pleased.
84.
Shama then recalled that this was the same
picture given from his home to the same
Gayawal after taking Sai Baba’s permission.
Madhaorao
Deshpande alias
(Shyama)
85.
The Gayawal remembered that he had earlier stayed with
Shama, after arriving at Shirdi, and it was he who had
helped him to have Baba’s darshan.
86.
Then there was no end to their joy, remembering their mutual
obligations. He looked after Shama with the utmost care
providing all the conveniences at Gaya.
87.
How opulent was his home, at the door of which swayed
elephants! He sat in a palanquin and made Shama ride an
elephant.
88.
Taking all the essentials for the worship, they joyously
went to Vishnupad1. They gave a ritual bath to the deity and
offered ‘pind2’ as per the prescribed procedure.
89.
Later the Brahmins were gratified and given food also, after
the offering of ‘naivedya’. The pilgrimage was happily
concluded with Baba’s grace.
90.
The essence of this whole story is that Baba’s words are
significant. That can be experienced, word by word. His love
for his devotees was immense.
91.
It was not only love for the devotees, but he treated all
creatures alike. He was supremely one with all of them also.
He had excessive liking for them.
92.
Sometimes on his way back from the Lendi to the Masjid, when
he was casually walking, he met a flock of goats. Baba was
filled with joy.
93.
Casting a benign glance on the whole flock, he would
sometimes pick one or two of the goats, and set them aside.
94.
Baba would immediately give whatever price was asked for
them by the owner. Then he would keep them at Kondaji’s.
This was Baba’s habit.
95.
On one occasion, Baba purchased two goats, paying thirty-two
rupees. Everyone was amazed.
96.
As soon as he saw these two, a sudden love sprang up for
them! He went near them and patted them on their backs.
97.
Seeing both of them born as animals, Sai Samartha felt
compassion for them. Finding them in such a state, he was
full of pity and a sudden outburst of love.
98.
Taking them near him, Sai lovingly fondled them. All
the devotees were surprised, seeing Baba’s fondness for
them.
99.
Sai recalled their immense greediness in their previous
lives. Sai felt love for them seeing their present animal
birth. Incomparable pity arose for them.
100. When the price could have been two rupees, or at the most
three or four, Baba had given sixteen. This was beyond
understanding. Tatyaba was amazed by it.
101. The price was asked and the bargain sealed. Seeing this with
their own eyes, Madhavrao along with Tatya scoffed at Baba’s
behaviour.
102. Why did he give sixteen rupees for goods worth two rupees?
Did Baba have no value for money? Or is it that he acted as
per his will? Even this argument was not tenable!
103. Both were greatly fuming and fretting. Why did Baba conclude
such a bargain? Both of them blamed Baba. What kind of
bargain was this?
104. How was Baba so deceived? All the people gathered there to
see this. Baba remained calm, as if nothing was lost.
105. Though both of them were thus angry and blamed Baba, he was
not at all moved. He remained unmoved and peacefully
blissful.
106. Then, with respect and humility both of them asked Baba:
“What type of generosity is this? Thirty-two rupees have
been wasted!”
107. It was only a question of money! Sai smiled when he heard
it, and thought ‘How should I convince these mad people?’
108. But Baba’s composure was remarkable. Not a jot of his
firmness was shaken. This is the sign of ultimate peace. All
the people were surprised.
109. How could foolishness ever touch the one who has not a trace
of anger, experiences supreme peace and sees God in all
creatures?
110. One who is competent of correct judgement does not permit
anger to approach. If by chance it happens the treasure of
peace is unlocked.
111. How can I describe the greatness of him, whose constant
thought was ‘Allah Malik’? How life was deep, unfathomable,
very pure and beneficial.
112. He who was the womb of knowledge, the treasure of
discrimination, ocean of Self Bliss, and whose intellect was
overflowing with mercy, thrice purified spoke thus. Listen
to it.
113. Seeing the persistence of both, Baba decided to explain:
“When I do not have a place to sit or a home, then why
should I accumulate money”.
114. Further, he said: “Go to the shop first and bring lentils
after purchasing them. Give them one seer of it to their
heart’s satisfaction. Then, give them back to the herdsman”.
115. According to the instructions, they immediately gave lentils
to the goats to eat. Then without losing any time, they were
returned to the flock.
116. This Sai Avatar is clearly the embodiment of benevolence.
What could Tatya, Shama or anyone else suggest to him in the
way of noble thoughts?
117. After feeding them lentils with great love and observing
that they were well satisfied, he asked them to be taken to
the owner, so that they could rest with the herd.
118. Thus the money was spent and the goats were returned – it
was a loss making transaction. Then, Sai Baba told an
unusual story of their past births.
119. Baba loved both Tatya and Shama alike. To cool their anger
he told them a charming story.
120. Sai, on his own narrated the story of the previous births of
the goats. Listeners, hear it also.
121.“They were fortunate in their past lives. They were human
beings then, and stayed near me. They had to bear the fruits
of their action.
122. These, that you see as goats, were brothers in their past
lives. Their end came because of their in-fighting. This
brought such a result.
123. At first, there was love between the brothers. They usually
ate and slept together and were concerned about each other’s
welfare. There was great unity between them.
124. Though they were real brothers, they had great greed for
money, which brought enmity between them, because of their
own deeds and fate coming together, which brought immense
suffering.
125. The older brother was very lazy. The younger was always
industrious, which helped to accumulate wealth. The elder
brother was filled with envy.
126. The elder, because of his greed for money, nursed wrong
thoughts of removing the thorn from his path, so that he
would not lack money.
127. Greed for money became an obstacle, and he was blinded by
it, despite having eyes. He totally forgot brotherly love
and became ready to kill him.
128. It is extremely difficult to fight destiny. Enmity arose
without cause. They came to know each other’s duplicity and
greed could not be controlled.
129. Their life span had ended. They totally forgot brotherly
love. They were greatly agitated by offensive pride. They
fought like enemies.
130. One injured the head of the other with a big stick and he
fell down. The other, with the help of an axe, likewise hit
his brother.
131. Then both of them fell down unconscious, shattered in a pool
of blood. After a little while, they were without breath,
and both died.
132. Thus came their end. They were then born in this form of
life. Such is their story, of which I was reminded in detail
when I saw them.
133. To undergo the effects of their past actions, they were
reborn as goats. Seeing them unexpectedly in the herd, I was
overcome with love.
134. Therefore, spending money from my own pocket I thought of
giving them refuge. You became the instrument by which their
past actions stood in the way.
135. I felt compassion towards the goats. But because of your
insistence, I also agreed finally to return them to the
herdsman”.
136. Be it so. The story ends here. Listeners, forgive me. Later
on, listen to the next chapter. You will be happy.
137. That also is full of supreme love. It is also the nectar
from Sai’s lips. Hemad humbles himself at Sai’s feet and
requests the listeners.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the forty-sixth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant; impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “Trip
to Kashi and Gaya; Narration of the Birth of Goats”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1. The image of Vishnu’s feet at Gaya.
2. Rice balls offered to the deceased ancestors.
Nanda Deep in Lendi Bagh
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