51
A Triad of Stories of Three Devotees
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.
1.
Hail! Hail! Sai! Supporter of the devotees! The Greatest of
the Gurus who has shed light on the meaning of the Gita!
Bestower of all Siddhis! May your Grace be upon me!
2.
Sandalwood grows on the Malaya range of mountains1 to
counteract the heat of the summer or the clouds rain for the
happiness of the people on earth.
3.
Or flowers bloom in spring for the worship of the deities;
or for the satisfaction of the listeners there arises a
tradition of narration of stories or parables.
4.
On hearing the Saicharita, the listeners and the narrator
are both purified; the ears of the listeners are purified
and so also the mouth of the narrator.
5.
In the last chapter, how knowledge manifests on destruction
of ignorance was narrated, with the meaning of the verse,
commencing with the words ‘Tadviddhi pranipatena’.
6.
At the end of the Bhagvad Gita, at the counclusion of the
eighteenth chapter, in the seventy-second verse, Sree
Krishna asks Arjuna:
7.
“By the discourse that has been given uptil now have your
desires been removed?” This was the clear question – not
whether he gained knowledge.
8.
Similarly, Partha (Arjuna) reciprocated: “My desires have
been scattered”. He said: “I have not gained knowledge but
my desires are destroyed”.
9.
The other name for desires is ignorance. They merely appear
as two different words. There is no difference in their
meaning. Those who are learned in the Gita know this.
10.
“By the advice that you have given to me, my desires, that
is, my ignorance has been destroyed,” Arjun told Sree
Krishna, in the beginning of the eleventh chapter.
11.
In the present new chapter, I shall narrate the unique story
about Kaka Saheb (Hari Sitaram Dixit) and how he was
established in Shirdi.
12.
Hear from the very beginning about his ties with Shirdi on
account of his past birth, and his close association with
Sai – and the principal reason which determined all this.
13.
There are many stories about him, which are known to the
young and the old. But all do not know how he happened to
come to Shirdi, in the first instance.
14.
This is a story of merits of earlier lives, which granted
him God’s Grace, and which later resulted in meeting the
Sadguru, who blesses the disciples with Self Bliss.
15.
In this chapter, I will narrate to the listeners a triad of
stories of three devotees, who became famous. They will
bring peace to the hearts of the listeners.
16.
We may try hundreds of means or ‘sadhanas’ to attain the
spiritual goal but without the grace of the Sadguru, it is
not possible to achieve the goal of life.
17.
Listening to the sweet story on the subject will fulfil the
longings of the listeners. Love for such stories will
manifest and the desire for one’s own welfare will increase.
18.
This most purifying chapter will satisfy the devotees of a
Guru. Listeners should hear it attentively, for their own
well-being.
19.
Hari Sitaram Dixit, was well-known as Kaka Saheb, with
respect, to all the devotees of Sai Baba, and is remembered
with love.
20.
His earlier background is well-known, pleasing and
interesting. Therefore, I respectfully narrate it to the
ardent devotees. It will give happiness to those who are
eager to hear his life-story.
21.
He, who did not even know the name of ‘Sai’ till 1909,
became a great devotee of Sai and was known as such to all.
22.
Many years after his university education, Nanasaheb
Chandorkar came once to Lonavala2.
23.
Dixit was his old friend, whom he met there after several
years. They talked about their welfare, with each other.
24.
Dixit told him about his accident in London, when his foot
slipped while boarding a train and was injured. The trouble
that he suffered from could not be relieved inspite of
hundreds of remedies.
25.
The detailed story about this injury came out in the natural
course of conversation. It reminded Nana of the usefulness
of Sree Sai Baba in such cases.
26.
“Do you feel that you would like to get rid of your lameness
for ever? If so, come for my Guru’s ‘darshan’,” said Nana to
him.
27.
Then, Nana believing it to be unique, narrated in detail
about Sai’s nature, glory and greatness, Sai being the jewel
among saints.
28.
“I draw to me my man from afar, even across the seven seas,
like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet”.
29.
This is Baba’s usual assurance. Moreover Nana had given a
long discourse. He said: “If you are not his man, you will
not be attracted to him.
30.
If you are not his man, you will not even have his darshan.
This is one of Baba’s significant aspects. Will you go there
on your own?”
31.
Be it so. Hearing all the description about Sai, Dixit felt
a great satisfaction. Then he said to Nana: “I will take
Baba’s darshan.
32.
Why talk about the pain in my leg! The whole body is
perishable. Let the injury to my leg remain as long as it
does. I am not worried about it.
33.
I will go for your Guru’s ‘darshan’, but for the bliss of
attaining liberation. I have no wish for small pleasures and
I will not plead for them.
34.
There is no happiness other than union with Brahman. That is
the only priceless happiness. I will become a servitor of
your Guru only for this invaluable bliss.
35.
Let the lameness of my leg be. It does not distress me. But
I would pray that my lame, fickle mind is brought around.
36.
I have got very tired of making efforts but the mind does
not become steady. When I make efforts to control it, it
runs amok without my knowledge.
37.
However attentive I may be in trying to control it, I do not
know when it will escape. I am greatly amazed.
38.
Therefore, Nana, with my whole heart I will take your Guru’s
darshan. I will pray to him to remove this impairment of my
mind”.
39.
Sai was supremely eager for the spiritual attainment of such
a devotee who was not interested in the pleasures of the
perishable body but who longed for the ultimate bliss.
40.
The election of the then Legislative Council was the topic
of conversation everywhere. The people were engaged in this
work, in many places.
41.
Kakasaheb came suddenly to Nagar (Ahmednagar) to canvass for
votes for himself, and was meeting friends for that purpose.
42.
There was a chieftain there by the name of Kakasaheb
Mirikar. Dixit had close family relations with him. He,
therefore, stayed there with him.
43.
According to the custom of those times, an exhibition of
horses was arranged at Nagar. Therefore, people from all
walks of life were engaged in work connected with it.
44.
Balasaheb Mirikar, the Mamlatdar of Kopergaon, was present
at Ahmednagar town for the exhibition.
45.
After Dixit’s work was completed, he came there. ‘How would
it be possible to go to Shirdi? Who will take me there?’
46.
Once the work had come to an end, his attention was on the
way to Shirdi. Dixit’s intense desire was only for the
opportunity to have Baba’s ‘darshan’.
47.
‘Who will come with me? Who will take me before Baba and
place me at his feet?’ These were Dixit’s dilemmas.
48.
Once the work for the elections was over, Dixit was only
worried about how he would go to Shirdi. He respectfully
requested Mirikar.
49.
Balasaheb Mirikar was the son of Kakasaheb Mirikar. They
discussed among themselves as to who should go with Dixit.
50.
If any one of them would accompany him, then there would be
no need for another. Then who should definitely go with him,
was being debated.
51.
Man thinks of ordinary solutions; but God plans something
else. For Dixit’s journey to Shirdi, something unexpected
happened.
52.
On this side, there was this turmoil. On the other side,
observe the agitation. Knowing the strong desire of the
devotee, see how Samartha yearned with compassion!
53.
While Dixit was driven by these thoughts and was seated,
worrying about this, Madhavrao himself came to Nagar.
Everyone was surprised.
54.
The father-in-law of Madhavrao had telegraphed him from
Nagar that his mother-in-law was gravely ill and he should
come immediately with his wife.
55.
As soon as he received the telegram, he prepared to leave
after obtaining Baba’s permission. Both of them went to
Chithali station.
56.
They caught the 3 o’clock train and both went to Nagar. They
took a tonga and got down at the door.
57.
At the same time, Nanasaheb Panshe and Appasaheb Gadre were
also there, in connection with the exhibition and were
passing by that road.
58.
As Madhavrao was alighting from the tonga, they saw him
unexpectedly. They were quite surprised. They could not
contain their joy.
59.
“Look at this! By good fortune Madhavrao, who is the
sevakari of Vithoba temple, is here, from Shirdi! Who can be
better than him to take Dixit to Shirdi?”
60.
Then calling out to him, said: “Dixit Kaka has come to
Mirikar’s. Go and see him. Marvel at Baba’s leelas!
61.
Dixit is our remarkable friend. You will get acquainted with
him. He is very eager to go to Shirdi and your arrival will
delight him.”
62.
Giving this message to Madhavrao, they gave the information
to Dixit; whose anxiety was relieved on hearing it. He was
extremely pleased.
63.
When Madhavrao visited his in-laws, he found that his
mother-in-law was better. So he rested a little. Then
Mirikar sent for him.
64.
Respecting the invitation, a little after sunset Madhavrao
left to meet Dixit.
65.
When Balasaheb introduced him, it was his
first m meeting. Both of them decided to
take the 10 o’clock train, the same night.
66.
After this plan was decided, see what an
unusual thing happened next. Balasaheb
removed the curtain over Baba’s portrait
67.
This was a photograph of Baba which was
worshipped by Megha, a true and great
devotee of Baba, with the conviction that
Baba was the holy, three-eyed Shankar,
incarnate.
Madhavrao Deshpande
alias Shyama
68.
Because the glass was broken, it was sent to Nagar with
Balasaheb for repairs. That was how it initially left
Shirdi.
69.
This picture, having been repaired, was in Mirikar’s drawing
room, covered with cloth, as if it was waiting for Dixit.
70.
Balasaheb was to return it after the conclusion of the
horse-show. But there was yet some more time for that.
Therefore, he entrusted it to Madhavrao.
71.
Removing the cloth, he uncovered it. He gave it in
Madhavrao’s keeping; and said: “Go upto Shirdi happily, in
Baba’s company.”
72.
When he first cast a glance at that portrait, which was
pleasing in all aspects, Kakasaheb was filled with joy.
After prostrating before it with reverence, he began to look
at it.
73.
Experiencing this unusual incident, and seeing Sai
Samartha’s photograph unexpectedly, which was so pleasing
and pure, Dixit’s eyes were riveted to it.
74.
He was greatly delighted that he, for whose ‘darshan’ he was
longing, his portrait embodying his form, could be seen by
him, on the way itself.
75.
It was a strange coincidence that it was at Kakasaheb
Mirikar’s house, at the same time when Dixit was there,
having come earlier from Shirdi.
76.
It seemed that Sai Samartha had come at Mirikar’s residence,
under a pretext, to fulfil Dixit’s heartfelt longing.
77.
At Lonavala itself, the attraction for the Guru had taken
place when he had met Nana and talked at length with him. It
was the seed sown for the meeting.
78.
Otherwise why should this portrait from Shirdi have come
here at this time and remained covered for so long at this
place?
79.
So be it. After it was so decided, Madhavrao and Dixit,
taking the picture with them, set out happily.
80.
They both left for the station after dinner, that same
night. They paid the second-class fare and bought the
tickets.
81.
Right at the stroke of ten, the sound of the train could be
heard. They also saw that the second-class compartments were
crammed with passengers.
82.
The situation was such that both of them were greatly
worried. The time was also short. What arrangement could be
made and how?
83.
Be it so. Now, because, of the overcrowding, both of them
decided to return to their place and go the next day to
Shirdi.
84.
At that moment, Dixit saw the guard of the train with whom
he had an acquaintance. He easily made arrangements for them
to travel by the first class.
85.
Then, sitting in the train, they started talking about Baba,
to their heart’s content. Madhavrao narrated the nectar-like
stories. Dixit overflowed with joy.
86.
Thus that journey was completed very joyfully. Time passed
very quickly. The train reached Kopergaon. They alighted in
a very happy mood.
87.
At the same time, they unexpectedly saw Nanasaheb Chandorkar
at the station. Dixit was full of happiness that they had
met each other.
88.
Nana too had come for Baba’s ‘darshan’ and was proceeding to
Shirdi. All the three of them were amazed at this
coincidence.
89.
Then, the three of them hired a tonga and left on the way,
animatedly talking. They had a bath in the Godavari, on the
way, and reached holy Shirdi.
90.
Later, after having Sai’s ‘darshan’ Dixit’s heart melted and
his eyes filled with tears. The water of Self Bliss spilt
and over flowed.
91.
“I too was waiting for you. Then I sent Shama to meet you,
all the way to Nagar,” spoke Sai clearly to him.
92.
Hearing these words, every pore in Dixit’s body was filled
with joy; his throat was choked with emotion; his mind was
full of happiness; and he was sweating profusely.
93.
His body trembled; his mind was engrossed in Self Bliss; his
eyes were half closed and he was immersed in a cloud of joy.
94.
“To-day my eyes have served their purpose”. Saying this he
embraced Baba’s feet. He felt truly blessed and the world
could not contain his joy.
95.
Later, years passed. His faith was firmly rooted at Sai’s
feet. He attained Sai’s grace fully; and wearied his body in
Sai’s service.
96.
To serve Sai well, he built a house or ashram in Shirdi and
stayed there for many years. He spread Sai’s fame.
97.
In conclusion, whosoever longs for Sai is fulfilled by him.
Sai is the abode of refuge for his devotees and the giver of
ultimate joy to them.
98.
There are myriad ‘chakors’ for the moon, but for the
‘chakors’ there is just one moon. Similarly, a mother may
have many sons but for the son there is only one mother.
99.
For the sun there are innumerable white lotuses, but for the
lotuses there is only one sun giving them the light of the
day. There is no dearth of devotees for you; but Guruvar,
you alone are their father.
100. For the cloud there are numerous ‘chataks’ but for the
‘chataks’ there is only one cloud. Similarly, he has
countless devotees but for them he alone is the mother and
the father.
101. He respects the honour of those who surrender to him easily
with devotion. He fulfils their desires with his efforts and
might. This can be observed even presently.
102. All living beings in this world will meet their end at the
hands of death. Sai made Dixit fearless of death by saying:
“I will take you in a plane”.
103. Dixit’s end came about as assured by Sai’s words. He died
with the words of Sai’s glory on his lips. It happened
before my very eyes.
104. We were both sitting on a bench in a train next to one
another, engrossed in the stories of Sai Samartha, when he
seemed to take off suddenly in the plane.
105. He seemed to have unexpectedly seized the opportunity by
placing his head on my shoulder. Dixit had suddenly attained
a place in the plane and achieved heavenly bliss.
106. There was no contraction nor convulsion. There was no rattle
in the throat nor was there any sharp pain. While his body
was normal in all aspects, with all the faculties
functional, his body became still.
107. The mortal life was cast away. His light merged with the
Self. He established in his Real Form by flying away. His
light became one with Brahman.
108. When he concentrated at Sai’s feet, he had completely lost
his ego. His behaviour was such that he was well content and
had totally dedicated himself to the Lord.
109. In ‘Shake’ 1848 (AD 1926), in the Hindu calendar month of
Jeshth, on the Ekadashi day of the dark fortnight of the
month,3 (i.e. the 11th day of the waning moon), Dixit attained
union with the Lord, leaving behind the world of conditioned
existence.
110. Call it death or say that his plane had arrived. He merged
at Sai’s feet. Everyone is aware of the truth of this story.
111. ‘One needs to be free from such an obligation’! Anyone who
believes this must be deemed to be totally devoid of
devotion. There is nothing in this world that one can give
as a gift in lieu of this obligation; it would not even
happen in a dream!
112. If one thinks of giving the ‘Chintamani’4 one will only
increase one’s daily anxieties. If one thinks that the
obligation is repaid by giving such an object, it is only a
childish thought.
113. Well, if one offers the ‘Kalpataru’5 to the Guru and tries to
please him, the Guru, however, is skilful in granting
something which is unchanging; can that free one from all
debts and obligations to the Guru?
114. Be it so. Instead of all this if one gives ‘parees’6 to the
Guru, then the ‘parees’ will turn into gold. But the Guru
will make one savour the divine knowledge.
115. If one gives the ‘Kamadhenu’7 to the Guru, believing that in
this way his obligation is repaid, one will only greatly
increase one’s own desires. The Guru is without any
expectations and is a willing giver.
116. If one gives the wealth of the whole world to the Guru, in
order to repay his obligation, can one repay it by illusory
or ‘Mayik’ objects when he has given the Real or ‘Amayik’?
117. If one offers one’s body to the Guru, it is only a
perishable object; if one offers one’s life to him then know
that too is illusory.
118. The Sadguru is the bestower of the Real things. By offering
him illusory objects how can he be repaid? This is an
impossible concept.
119. Therefore, with complete and singular faith, prostrate the
whole body in salutation, place your head at the feet of the
Sadguru, remembering the benefits and obligations he has
conferred.
120. Constant and eternal remembrance of the benefits conferred
by the Guru is the ornament of the disciple. He who tries to
repay that obligation, that disciple loses his happiness.
121. Listening so far to this story, the listeners have a strong
desire for more. Observing their eagerness, together with
curiosity, I will narrate a small story.
122. The saints also express their brotherly love for other
saints, in accordance with the norms of worldly people; or
that they are very intent on bringing people together to
adopt a particular way and want this creed to be known.
123. Or, Sai himself plays the part of those characters to
achieve the welfare of his devotees and to teach them
spirituality.
124. Listeners please hear with respect a short story
illustrating this. They will then understand how saints
understand other saints and their indication, without the
benefit of words.
125. Once, on the banks of the Godavari, in the famous town of
Rajahmundhry, Sree Vasudeva Anand encamped. His family name
was Saraswati.
126. He was greater than the great, highly omniscient, and a
devout and orthodox follower of the Karma Marg. His fame was
unending like the Ganga and reverberated even to the nether
regions of the earth.
127. Hearing about him by word of mouth, one Pundalik Rao and
others, residents of Nanded, who were devout, firmly decided
to have his ‘darshan’.
128. Anyway, later on that whole group left Nanded and came to
Rajahmundhry, on the banks of the Godavari, early morning,
for the ‘darshan’ of the Swami.
129. As it was the auspicious early morning time, the whole group
from Nanded, set out for the banks of the Ganga, for a bath,
while chanting stotras and scriptures.
130. The group found Swami sitting there and bowed to him with
eight-fold prostrations, with devotion. In the natural
course of their conversation about generalities, Shirdi was
mentioned.
131. When Sai’s name was heard by him, the Swami folded his hands
in salutation and said: “He is my brother, who is
desireless. I have excessive love for him”.
132. Picking up a cocoanut from there, he gave it to Pundalik Rao
and said : “Bowing down at the lotus feet of my brother,
offer this, whenever you go to Shirdi.
133. Convey to him my salutations and request him to have mercy
and grace towards this humble one. Do not forget me and let
your love for me grow uninterruptedly.
134. Whenever you go next to Shirdi, offer this to my brother,
with reverence and without fail.
135. As a rule, we swamis are forbidden and do not bow to any one
else. But breaking this rule, in the present context, can
only be beneficent.
136. Therefore, when you take Sai’s darshan, do not forget this
matter. Offer this coconut at Sai’s feet, without fail”.
137. After hearing these words of the Swami, Pundalik Rao bowed
at his feet and said: “I will act in accordance with the
Swami’s instructions.
138. I accept your instructions with profound reverence and
consider myself blessed to be so entrusted”. Pundalik Rao
left from there, after surrendering whole-heartedly to the
Swami.
139. When the Swami called Baba his brother, was it meaningless?
Baba acted in accordance with the Shrutis being an
‘Agnihotri’, offering oblations to the fire in the morning
and the evening.
140. The fire, which was called ‘Dhuni’ by the people, was always
in front of Baba, and kept burning day and night. This was
Baba’s vow.
141. ‘Agnihotra’ and other such performances are prescribed for
inner purification. Baba adopted this means to make the
people follow a particular way and to achieve Brahmanhood.
142. Sree Vasudeva Anand Saraswati was an ascetic and also
followed the same vow (being an Agnihotri). No wonder than
that he called Baba his brother! Could he speak in vain?
143. Later, before even a month had passed, the opportunity arose
for Pundalik Rao to set out for Sai’s darshan, taking four
friends along with him.
144. He took his baggage, a variety of fruits and carefully
remembered to take that coconut. They all set out for Sai’s
‘darshan’, with joy and unperturbed minds.
145. Later, when they got off at Manmad, there was still some
time for the departure of the train to Kopergaon. As they
were very thirsty, they went to a nearby stream.
146. As drinking water on an empty stomach is harmful for the
body, someone brought out a small bundle of ‘chivada’ tied
in the corner of a cloth, to eat as a light snack.
147. On putting just a pinch of the ‘chivada’ into the mouth, the
‘chivada’ was found to be very pungent. Without a cocoanut
the ‘chivada’ was useless. The whole effort seemed wasted.
148.Then one of them said to them all: “I remember a stratagem.
Break the coconut and mix it with the ‘chivada’. Then,
savour the taste of the ‘chivada’”.
149. No sooner was the coconut mentioned, then one was found
ready at hand. There was no delay in breaking it. Mixing it
with the ‘chivada’, improved the taste. Thereafter, they
drank that water.
150. The coconut was mentioned and there was one ready at hand.
Nobody asked to whom it belonged. The hunger was so
overpowering that they all forgot.
151. Be that as it may be. They sat in the train to Kopergaon and
went forward to their destination. On the way, Pundalik Rao
remembered that particular coconut.
152. Seeing that Shirdi was near by, Pundalik Rao was in a mental
turmoil, realising that the coconut given by Vasudeva Anand
had been mixed with the ‘chivada’ by mistake.
153. When he realised that the coconut was broken, Pundalik Rao
was filled with fear and his whole body trembled. He had
committed a sin against a saint.
154. He was most remorseful. What a sin he had committed? He had
earned the curse of the Swami! ‘My lamenting over it is
useless.”
155. For the coconut to have been put to such a use was a great
trap. Pundalik Rao’s mind was stunned and he was nonplussed.
156. ‘Now, what can I offer Baba? In what manner can I explain
this to him? How can I show my face to him? I have lost the
coconut, irrevocably’.
157. Pundalik Rao was very depressed thinking about having made a
light snack of that which had to be offered at Sai’s feet.
He said: “This is an insult of a saint”.
158. Now, when Baba asks for the cocoanut, all would have to hang
their heads in shame, as they had made a light snack of it,
at Manmad. This was the turmoil that all faced from within.
159. It would be a shame to tell the truth that they did not have
the coconut with them that day. To tell a lie would not
serve any purpose, as Sai Maharaj was omniscient.
160. Be it so. The whole group was filled with joy on taking
Sai’s ‘darshan’. Eyes were filled with tears of joy and
their faces reflected their bliss.
161. Now a days, we send wireless messages, day or night, and
boast about it, taking pride in doing so.
162. For this, buildings have to be constructed and a lot of
expenditure has to be incurred. The saints do not need these
means. They send messages by telepathy.
163. At the time when the Swami had given the coconut to Pundalik
Rao, he had already sent a message to Sainath by telepathy.
164. When Pundalik Rao was taking ‘darshan’, Sai Baba, on his
own, said: “Bring me that article which you have brought
from my brother”.
165. Then, that dejected Pundalik Rao held Sree Baba’s feet and
said: “What shall I say, except to beg for your forgiveness.
166. I did remember the coconut. But to satisfy our hunger, when
we went to the stream, all of us forgot.
167. There, when we made a light snack of the ‘chivada’ this very
coconut was broken and mixed with it. Therefore, I will
bring another coconut. Please accept it without hesitation”.
168. Saying this, Pundalik Rao began to get up to get the fruit.
Others saw Sai Maharaj hold him by the hand and prevent him
from going.
169.“Unknowingly, I have broken faith. You are merciful, give me
shelter under your fold. Forgive me, O Merciful One! I am
utterly guilty.
170. I have disregarded the words of a virtuous saint like the
Swami; and I have eaten the fruit which was to be offered to
you.
171. This is a transgression against a saint. Is there anything
to mitigate this sin? How impudent have I become!”
172. Then hearing about the incident as it had happened, Sree
Sainath laughingly said: “Why did you take the coconut when
you were not going to take care of it?
173. My brother had full faith in your words, firmly believing
that you would give my article to me.
174. And what was the result of it? Is this your trustworthiness?
My brother’s desire remained unfulfilled. Is this how you
work?”
175. He added: “The worth of that fruit cannot be matched by
giving any number of others! Whatever had to happen, has
happened. Why unnecessarily brood over it?
176. It was only by my resolve that the Swami gave you the
coconut and that fruit was broken by my volition. Why do you
unnecessarily take the doership?
177. You are feeling guilty because you have an ego. Just be
egoless. You will be free from all guilt.
178. Why is there pride in doing a good or meritorious deed? And
why does one shirk away from a sinful one? The result of
both is the same! Therefore, act without the sense of
doership.
179. It occurred to me that you should see me. Therefore, the
coconut was entrusted into your hands. This is the truth,
verily, verily, verily.
180. After all, you are my children. The fruit that you have
eaten is as good as being offered to me. Believe that I have
definitely received it”.
181. When Pundalik Rao understood this, then his mind calmed down
with Sai’s words and his anxiety dissolved gradually.
182. The loss of the coconut was only a pretext, for giving the
advice to clarify the anxiety-ridden minds. Thus all of them
who were full of pride became free of the ego and felt
blameless, and guiltless.
183. The essence of this story is that those whose minds are free
of pride are qualified to attain spirituality and can easily
go across the ocean of existence.
184. Now listen to the experience of the third devotee which is
sweet and novel. It is indicative of both Baba’s
immeasurable grandeur and greatness of authority.
185. In Bandra taluka, to the north of the township of Bandra, in
Santacruz town lived the devotee Dhurandhar.
186. All the brothers had love and reverence for the saints. They
had firm trust in Sree Ram. They had a singular faith in
chanting Sree Ram’s name. They did not like unnecessarily
dabbling in the affairs of others.
187. They lead simple lives, and so did their children. Even the
women in the family behaved in a faultless manner. Lord
Vishnu (Chakrapani) was therefore, indebted to them.
188. Balaram was one of them. He was a devotee of Vitthal and a
person of sacred celebrity. He was honoured in every
princely court and he was liked by all.
189. This gem was born on this earth on 19th February 1878, to a
mother who was a devotee of Sree Ram.
190. He was an ornament of the Pathare Prabhu caste, of a famous
family and lineage. In the year 1878, he was born in Bombay.
191. He had a western education and was a qualified advocate. He
was well-versed in philosophy and was well-known as a
learned man, everywhere.
192. He was greatly devoted to the deity Pandurang and supremely
inclined towards spirituality. Though his father’s family
deity was Ram, his own worship was for Vitthal.
193. All the brothers held good positions and their conduct was
always righteous. As they came from a pure lineage, they had
a pure culture. But Balaram was unexcelled.
194. He had the ability to put forward well-reasoned, substantive
and appealing arguments; he had a simple and pure way of
thinking; a sharp intellect but good and righteous
behaviour. These were his virtues and they were worth
emulating.
195. He had served his community and written and published an
account of it. On completing the work that he had
undertaken, he decided to attain spirituality.
196. In this field also he surpassed others and after completing
the Bhagvad Gita and Dnyaneshwari became proficient in these
texts. He became a man of repute in Adhyatma.
197. He was a great devotee of Sai. He became one with the
Supreme Spirit in 1925, at a young age. Listen to a short
biography about him.
198. On the 9th of June, 1925, after finishing his journey in this
world, he merged in Lord Vitthal.
199. On an auspicious day in April 1912, the opportunity arose
for the Dhurandhar brothers to have the saint’s ‘darshan’ in
Sai’s durbar.
200. Six months earlier, his eldest brother Babuji, along with
Vaman Rao, had taken ‘darshan’ and returned happily.
201. To have the same sweet experience as they had, all the
others including Balaram went there to have the benefit of
the novel ‘darshan’.
202.Even before their arrival, Baba openly said: “To-day,
several people from my Durbar are going to come here”.
203. Hearing about this loving remark, the Dhurandhar brothers
were greatly surprised as they had not intimated anyone of
their trip to Shirdi. How did Baba come to know of it?
204. Later, seeing Sai, they ran and embraced his feet. Slowly
the conversation began and every one was happy and
contented.
205. Besides, when he saw that the people had gathered, Baba
spoke again: “See, these are the people of the Durbar, about
whose coming I had spoken”.
206. And, listen to what Baba said further. Every word is true.
“Remember that we know each other since the last sixty
generations”.
207. Balaram and the brothers, all of them full of humility,
stood before Baba with their hands folded and gazing at the
feet of Sree Sai.
208. On having Sree Sai’s darshan, Balaram and all the others
felt enthusiastic and excessively devoted and loving. They
considered that the trip was worth their efforts.
209. The eyes were filled with tears; the throats were choked
with great emotion; they experienced horripilation over
their bodies; and all the eight ‘satvik’ emotions filled
them.
210. Seeing Balaram’s state, Sainath was pleased. He began
talking to all of them, relating loving stories and giving
advice.
211.“He who worships me in the moonlit fortnight, when the moon
is waxing, and offers to me love and all sentiments, is
blessed.
212. He who with complete faith engages himself in the service of
his Guru, the Lord is indebted to him always. No one can
view him with evil intentions.
213. He who does not waste even half a moment and who has a
liking for the worship of the Lord and the Guru, they will
give him infinite or perpetual happiness and enable him to
cross to the other shore.”
214. Hearing such words, everybody’s eyes were filled with tears
of joy; their minds were filled with happiness; and their
hearts were overpowered by emotions.
215. This garland of the words of Sai was worn by all with
obeisance. All were filled with joy. It was the reason why
they were all filled with devotion.
216. So be it. They went to the Wada later and rested after their
meal. In the afternoon they went again and prostrated before
Baba.
217. Balaram, with great humility, began pressing Baba’s feet.
Then Baba extended the ‘chillum’ to him and made a sign to
him to smoke it.
218. Then, considering the ‘chillum’ as a ‘Prasad’, though he was
not in the habit of smoking it, Balaram took a few puffs
with difficulty and handing it back to Baba, bowed to him
with devotion.
219. It was a fortunate day for Balaram. From that day, his
asthma was cured and he was well satisfied.
220. This asthma had not troubled him just recently. He had been
suffering from it for full six years. Yet it was cured, as
if a mantra had been whispered into his ear. The ‘chillum’
had such power.
221. From the time that he took a deep-drawn pull at the
‘chillum’ and returned it, after bowing with humility, the
asthma disappeared. It did not recur, at all.
222. But one day, in between, Balaram got a cough which surprised
everyone, as no one could understand its cause.
223. Later, when they went deep into the matter, it was
discovered that Baba had left his mortal coil on that day
itself and had given an indication to his devotee.
224. The day that Balaram got an attack of the cough was the day
when Baba had surrendered his body to the earth and gave an
indication of it.
225. From that day, he never again suffered from the cough till
his dying day. Can anyone ever forget this experience of the
‘chillum’?
226. That was a Thursday and the day for the procession to the
chavadi. Thereby, the joy was multiplied two-fold. It was
truly a memorable day.
227. From eight to nine, in the night, before Baba, in the
courtyard, bhajans were sung to the beating of various
instruments such as the ‘tal mridang’ etc. with great
interest and elan.
228. The ‘abhangs’ were sung at one place, while the palanquin
was decorated at another. After the palanquin was ready,
Baba then started for the chavadi.
229. Earlier, I have described the unique chavadi procession in
chapter thirty-seven. It will be a repetition here.
230. Baba spent one night in the Masjid and the next in the
chavadi. This routine of Baba was continued by him till the
end.
231. To see the chavadi celebration, loving Balaram was filled
with enthusiasm. Therefore, when it was time for the chavadi
procession, all the Dhurandhars returned.
232. The men and women of Shirdi village accompanied Baba,
shouting acclamations with zeal and started for the chavadi.
233. The horse, whose name was Shyamsunder, was covered with a
cloth, woven with golden threads, and was ornamented. He
lead the procession, prancing ahead.
234. Various musical instruments, such as the horn, large brass
trumpet, and the ‘tutari’, played. The ornamented
Shyamakaran, along with the palanquin and Sai were taken in
procession. Sai walked along with the devotees, as some held
an ornamental umbrella over him.
235. Some carried flags and paper decorations in their hands.
Some held the ornamental umbrella over Sree’s head. Some
waved whisks and peacock feathers; and others holding
torches surrounded them on all sides.
236. Taking the harmonious mridang, ‘tal’, ‘ghol’ and other sweet
sounding instruments, a multitude of devotees walked on
either side of Baba, doing bhajans.
237. Be this as it may be. When this beautiful procession came
before the chavadi, Baba stopped and facing in the northerly
direction made his ritualistic movements with his hand.
238. On the right hand, Baba’s ‘Bhagat’ (Mhalsapati) walked
holding the fold of Baba’s garment; and on the left walked
Tatya Patil holding a lantern.
239. Baba’s complexion was golden-hued; and when the light of the
lamps fell on it, it shone like yellow gold mixed with
copper. The beauty of his face was like the light of dawn.
240. Blessed was the pure ‘darshan’ of that moment. Baba stood
facing the north, in deep concentration, and it seemed as if
he was summoning someone, as he partially raised his right
hand.
241. From there, he was taken further upto the chavadi and made
to take a seat with great honour. Beautiful ornaments and
clothes were offered to him and sandal wood paste was
smeared on his limbs.
242. Sometimes an aigrette of jewels worn in the turban was
offered; sometimes a gem-studded ornament for the turban;
sometimes a plume; sometimes a golden ornamented crown;
sometimes a gold-embroidered cloak.
243. Necklaces of diamonds, pearls and emeralds were put around
Baba’s neck lovingly. Some adorned his forehead with a round
mark of fragrant musk.
244. Some washed his feet and worshipped them; some applied
saffron and other fragrances to the body and put betel
leaves in his mouth.
245. They waved the five-wick lamp, filling it with camphor, over
Baba. The beauty of his visage was beyond compare.
246. The luminosity surrounding Sai’s face made him appear
exactly like the image of Pandurang. Dhurandhar was
stupified to see it.
247. Just as no one on earth can bear to see the flash of
lightening in the sky, similarly the efflugence of Sai’s
forehead, when it shone, blinded all eyes.
248. The ‘Kakad Arati’ used to take place in the early mornings.
Dhurandhar and others went there. There too they saw the
same lustre on Baba’s face.
249. From then on, till he died, Balaram had complete faith at
Sai’s feet. It was definitely established and it never
wavered even a little bit.
250. Hemad surrenders at Sai’s feet. The book will be concluded
in the next chapter. In the narration, there will be a
review. Give me your attention for the last time.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the fifty-first
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita written by the devotee
Hemadpant; impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “A
Triad of Stories of Three Devotees”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1. West of the Peninsula of India, the Malabar Ghats.
2. There was a lot of property there, belonging to Dixit.
3. It was the 5th of July 1926.
4. The jewel that grants all desires.
5. The wish fulfilling tree.
6. The stone that alchemises iron into gold.
7. The wish-fulfilling cow.
Dixit’s end came about as assured by Sai’s words. He died with the words
of Sai’s glory on his lips. It happened before my (Hemadpant) very eyes.
(Ch. 51, ovi 103)
We were both sitting on a bench in a train next to one another, engrossed in the
stories of Sai Samartha, when he seemed to take off suddenly in the plane. (Ch.
51, ovi 104)
Picking up a coconut from there, he gave it to Pundalik Rao and said : “Bowing down at
the lotus feet of my brother, offer this, whenever you go to Shirdi. (Ch. 51, ovi 132)
A Triad of Stories of Three Devotees
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.
1.
Hail! Hail! Sai! Supporter of the devotees! The Greatest of
the Gurus who has shed light on the meaning of the Gita!
Bestower of all Siddhis! May your Grace be upon me!
2.
Sandalwood grows on the Malaya range of mountains1 to
counteract the heat of the summer or the clouds rain for the
happiness of the people on earth.
3.
Or flowers bloom in spring for the worship of the deities;
or for the satisfaction of the listeners there arises a
tradition of narration of stories or parables.
4.
On hearing the Saicharita, the listeners and the narrator
are both purified; the ears of the listeners are purified
and so also the mouth of the narrator.
5.
In the last chapter, how knowledge manifests on destruction
of ignorance was narrated, with the meaning of the verse,
commencing with the words ‘Tadviddhi pranipatena’.
6.
At the end of the Bhagvad Gita, at the counclusion of the
eighteenth chapter, in the seventy-second verse, Sree
Krishna asks Arjuna:
7.
“By the discourse that has been given uptil now have your
desires been removed?” This was the clear question – not
whether he gained knowledge.
8.
Similarly, Partha (Arjuna) reciprocated: “My desires have
been scattered”. He said: “I have not gained knowledge but
my desires are destroyed”.
9.
The other name for desires is ignorance. They merely appear
as two different words. There is no difference in their
meaning. Those who are learned in the Gita know this.
10.
“By the advice that you have given to me, my desires, that
is, my ignorance has been destroyed,” Arjun told Sree
Krishna, in the beginning of the eleventh chapter.
11.
In the present new chapter, I shall narrate the unique story
about Kaka Saheb (Hari Sitaram Dixit) and how he was
established in Shirdi.
12.
Hear from the very beginning about his ties with Shirdi on
account of his past birth, and his close association with
Sai – and the principal reason which determined all this.
13.
There are many stories about him, which are known to the
young and the old. But all do not know how he happened to
come to Shirdi, in the first instance.
14.
This is a story of merits of earlier lives, which granted
him God’s Grace, and which later resulted in meeting the
Sadguru, who blesses the disciples with Self Bliss.
15.
In this chapter, I will narrate to the listeners a triad of
stories of three devotees, who became famous. They will
bring peace to the hearts of the listeners.
16.
We may try hundreds of means or ‘sadhanas’ to attain the
spiritual goal but without the grace of the Sadguru, it is
not possible to achieve the goal of life.
17.
Listening to the sweet story on the subject will fulfil the
longings of the listeners. Love for such stories will
manifest and the desire for one’s own welfare will increase.
18.
This most purifying chapter will satisfy the devotees of a
Guru. Listeners should hear it attentively, for their own
well-being.
19.
Hari Sitaram Dixit, was well-known as Kaka Saheb, with
respect, to all the devotees of Sai Baba, and is remembered
with love.
20.
His earlier background is well-known, pleasing and
interesting. Therefore, I respectfully narrate it to the
ardent devotees. It will give happiness to those who are
eager to hear his life-story.
21.
He, who did not even know the name of ‘Sai’ till 1909,
became a great devotee of Sai and was known as such to all.
22.
Many years after his university education, Nanasaheb
Chandorkar came once to Lonavala2.
23.
Dixit was his old friend, whom he met there after several
years. They talked about their welfare, with each other.
24.
Dixit told him about his accident in London, when his foot
slipped while boarding a train and was injured. The trouble
that he suffered from could not be relieved inspite of
hundreds of remedies.
25.
The detailed story about this injury came out in the natural
course of conversation. It reminded Nana of the usefulness
of Sree Sai Baba in such cases.
26.
“Do you feel that you would like to get rid of your lameness
for ever? If so, come for my Guru’s ‘darshan’,” said Nana to
him.
27.
Then, Nana believing it to be unique, narrated in detail
about Sai’s nature, glory and greatness, Sai being the jewel
among saints.
28.
“I draw to me my man from afar, even across the seven seas,
like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet”.
29.
This is Baba’s usual assurance. Moreover Nana had given a
long discourse. He said: “If you are not his man, you will
not be attracted to him.
30.
If you are not his man, you will not even have his darshan.
This is one of Baba’s significant aspects. Will you go there
on your own?”
31.
Be it so. Hearing all the description about Sai, Dixit felt
a great satisfaction. Then he said to Nana: “I will take
Baba’s darshan.
32.
Why talk about the pain in my leg! The whole body is
perishable. Let the injury to my leg remain as long as it
does. I am not worried about it.
33.
I will go for your Guru’s ‘darshan’, but for the bliss of
attaining liberation. I have no wish for small pleasures and
I will not plead for them.
34.
There is no happiness other than union with Brahman. That is
the only priceless happiness. I will become a servitor of
your Guru only for this invaluable bliss.
35.
Let the lameness of my leg be. It does not distress me. But
I would pray that my lame, fickle mind is brought around.
36.
I have got very tired of making efforts but the mind does
not become steady. When I make efforts to control it, it
runs amok without my knowledge.
37.
However attentive I may be in trying to control it, I do not
know when it will escape. I am greatly amazed.
38.
Therefore, Nana, with my whole heart I will take your Guru’s
darshan. I will pray to him to remove this impairment of my
mind”.
39.
Sai was supremely eager for the spiritual attainment of such
a devotee who was not interested in the pleasures of the
perishable body but who longed for the ultimate bliss.
40.
The election of the then Legislative Council was the topic
of conversation everywhere. The people were engaged in this
work, in many places.
41.
Kakasaheb came suddenly to Nagar (Ahmednagar) to canvass for
votes for himself, and was meeting friends for that purpose.
42.
There was a chieftain there by the name of Kakasaheb
Mirikar. Dixit had close family relations with him. He,
therefore, stayed there with him.
43.
According to the custom of those times, an exhibition of
horses was arranged at Nagar. Therefore, people from all
walks of life were engaged in work connected with it.
44.
Balasaheb Mirikar, the Mamlatdar of Kopergaon, was present
at Ahmednagar town for the exhibition.
45.
After Dixit’s work was completed, he came there. ‘How would
it be possible to go to Shirdi? Who will take me there?’
46.
Once the work had come to an end, his attention was on the
way to Shirdi. Dixit’s intense desire was only for the
opportunity to have Baba’s ‘darshan’.
47.
‘Who will come with me? Who will take me before Baba and
place me at his feet?’ These were Dixit’s dilemmas.
48.
Once the work for the elections was over, Dixit was only
worried about how he would go to Shirdi. He respectfully
requested Mirikar.
49.
Balasaheb Mirikar was the son of Kakasaheb Mirikar. They
discussed among themselves as to who should go with Dixit.
50.
If any one of them would accompany him, then there would be
no need for another. Then who should definitely go with him,
was being debated.
51.
Man thinks of ordinary solutions; but God plans something
else. For Dixit’s journey to Shirdi, something unexpected
happened.
52.
On this side, there was this turmoil. On the other side,
observe the agitation. Knowing the strong desire of the
devotee, see how Samartha yearned with compassion!
53.
While Dixit was driven by these thoughts and was seated,
worrying about this, Madhavrao himself came to Nagar.
Everyone was surprised.
54.
The father-in-law of Madhavrao had telegraphed him from
Nagar that his mother-in-law was gravely ill and he should
come immediately with his wife.
55.
As soon as he received the telegram, he prepared to leave
after obtaining Baba’s permission. Both of them went to
Chithali station.
56.
They caught the 3 o’clock train and both went to Nagar. They
took a tonga and got down at the door.
57.
At the same time, Nanasaheb Panshe and Appasaheb Gadre were
also there, in connection with the exhibition and were
passing by that road.
58.
As Madhavrao was alighting from the tonga, they saw him
unexpectedly. They were quite surprised. They could not
contain their joy.
59.
“Look at this! By good fortune Madhavrao, who is the
sevakari of Vithoba temple, is here, from Shirdi! Who can be
better than him to take Dixit to Shirdi?”
60.
Then calling out to him, said: “Dixit Kaka has come to
Mirikar’s. Go and see him. Marvel at Baba’s leelas!
61.
Dixit is our remarkable friend. You will get acquainted with
him. He is very eager to go to Shirdi and your arrival will
delight him.”
62.
Giving this message to Madhavrao, they gave the information
to Dixit; whose anxiety was relieved on hearing it. He was
extremely pleased.
63.
When Madhavrao visited his in-laws, he found that his
mother-in-law was better. So he rested a little. Then
Mirikar sent for him.
64.
Respecting the invitation, a little after sunset Madhavrao
left to meet Dixit.
65.
When Balasaheb introduced him, it was his
first m meeting. Both of them decided to
take the 10 o’clock train, the same night.
66.
After this plan was decided, see what an
unusual thing happened next. Balasaheb
removed the curtain over Baba’s portrait
67.
This was a photograph of Baba which was
worshipped by Megha, a true and great
devotee of Baba, with the conviction that
Baba was the holy, three-eyed Shankar,
incarnate.
Madhavrao Deshpande
alias Shyama
68.
Because the glass was broken, it was sent to Nagar with
Balasaheb for repairs. That was how it initially left
Shirdi.
69.
This picture, having been repaired, was in Mirikar’s drawing
room, covered with cloth, as if it was waiting for Dixit.
70.
Balasaheb was to return it after the conclusion of the
horse-show. But there was yet some more time for that.
Therefore, he entrusted it to Madhavrao.
71.
Removing the cloth, he uncovered it. He gave it in
Madhavrao’s keeping; and said: “Go upto Shirdi happily, in
Baba’s company.”
72.
When he first cast a glance at that portrait, which was
pleasing in all aspects, Kakasaheb was filled with joy.
After prostrating before it with reverence, he began to look
at it.
73.
Experiencing this unusual incident, and seeing Sai
Samartha’s photograph unexpectedly, which was so pleasing
and pure, Dixit’s eyes were riveted to it.
74.
He was greatly delighted that he, for whose ‘darshan’ he was
longing, his portrait embodying his form, could be seen by
him, on the way itself.
75.
It was a strange coincidence that it was at Kakasaheb
Mirikar’s house, at the same time when Dixit was there,
having come earlier from Shirdi.
76.
It seemed that Sai Samartha had come at Mirikar’s residence,
under a pretext, to fulfil Dixit’s heartfelt longing.
77.
At Lonavala itself, the attraction for the Guru had taken
place when he had met Nana and talked at length with him. It
was the seed sown for the meeting.
78.
Otherwise why should this portrait from Shirdi have come
here at this time and remained covered for so long at this
place?
79.
So be it. After it was so decided, Madhavrao and Dixit,
taking the picture with them, set out happily.
80.
They both left for the station after dinner, that same
night. They paid the second-class fare and bought the
tickets.
81.
Right at the stroke of ten, the sound of the train could be
heard. They also saw that the second-class compartments were
crammed with passengers.
82.
The situation was such that both of them were greatly
worried. The time was also short. What arrangement could be
made and how?
83.
Be it so. Now, because, of the overcrowding, both of them
decided to return to their place and go the next day to
Shirdi.
84.
At that moment, Dixit saw the guard of the train with whom
he had an acquaintance. He easily made arrangements for them
to travel by the first class.
85.
Then, sitting in the train, they started talking about Baba,
to their heart’s content. Madhavrao narrated the nectar-like
stories. Dixit overflowed with joy.
86.
Thus that journey was completed very joyfully. Time passed
very quickly. The train reached Kopergaon. They alighted in
a very happy mood.
87.
At the same time, they unexpectedly saw Nanasaheb Chandorkar
at the station. Dixit was full of happiness that they had
met each other.
88.
Nana too had come for Baba’s ‘darshan’ and was proceeding to
Shirdi. All the three of them were amazed at this
coincidence.
89.
Then, the three of them hired a tonga and left on the way,
animatedly talking. They had a bath in the Godavari, on the
way, and reached holy Shirdi.
90.
Later, after having Sai’s ‘darshan’ Dixit’s heart melted and
his eyes filled with tears. The water of Self Bliss spilt
and over flowed.
91.
“I too was waiting for you. Then I sent Shama to meet you,
all the way to Nagar,” spoke Sai clearly to him.
92.
Hearing these words, every pore in Dixit’s body was filled
with joy; his throat was choked with emotion; his mind was
full of happiness; and he was sweating profusely.
93.
His body trembled; his mind was engrossed in Self Bliss; his
eyes were half closed and he was immersed in a cloud of joy.
94.
“To-day my eyes have served their purpose”. Saying this he
embraced Baba’s feet. He felt truly blessed and the world
could not contain his joy.
95.
Later, years passed. His faith was firmly rooted at Sai’s
feet. He attained Sai’s grace fully; and wearied his body in
Sai’s service.
96.
To serve Sai well, he built a house or ashram in Shirdi and
stayed there for many years. He spread Sai’s fame.
97.
In conclusion, whosoever longs for Sai is fulfilled by him.
Sai is the abode of refuge for his devotees and the giver of
ultimate joy to them.
98.
There are myriad ‘chakors’ for the moon, but for the
‘chakors’ there is just one moon. Similarly, a mother may
have many sons but for the son there is only one mother.
99.
For the sun there are innumerable white lotuses, but for the
lotuses there is only one sun giving them the light of the
day. There is no dearth of devotees for you; but Guruvar,
you alone are their father.
100. For the cloud there are numerous ‘chataks’ but for the
‘chataks’ there is only one cloud. Similarly, he has
countless devotees but for them he alone is the mother and
the father.
101. He respects the honour of those who surrender to him easily
with devotion. He fulfils their desires with his efforts and
might. This can be observed even presently.
102. All living beings in this world will meet their end at the
hands of death. Sai made Dixit fearless of death by saying:
“I will take you in a plane”.
103. Dixit’s end came about as assured by Sai’s words. He died
with the words of Sai’s glory on his lips. It happened
before my very eyes.
104. We were both sitting on a bench in a train next to one
another, engrossed in the stories of Sai Samartha, when he
seemed to take off suddenly in the plane.
105. He seemed to have unexpectedly seized the opportunity by
placing his head on my shoulder. Dixit had suddenly attained
a place in the plane and achieved heavenly bliss.
106. There was no contraction nor convulsion. There was no rattle
in the throat nor was there any sharp pain. While his body
was normal in all aspects, with all the faculties
functional, his body became still.
107. The mortal life was cast away. His light merged with the
Self. He established in his Real Form by flying away. His
light became one with Brahman.
108. When he concentrated at Sai’s feet, he had completely lost
his ego. His behaviour was such that he was well content and
had totally dedicated himself to the Lord.
109. In ‘Shake’ 1848 (AD 1926), in the Hindu calendar month of
Jeshth, on the Ekadashi day of the dark fortnight of the
month,3 (i.e. the 11th day of the waning moon), Dixit attained
union with the Lord, leaving behind the world of conditioned
existence.
110. Call it death or say that his plane had arrived. He merged
at Sai’s feet. Everyone is aware of the truth of this story.
111. ‘One needs to be free from such an obligation’! Anyone who
believes this must be deemed to be totally devoid of
devotion. There is nothing in this world that one can give
as a gift in lieu of this obligation; it would not even
happen in a dream!
112. If one thinks of giving the ‘Chintamani’4 one will only
increase one’s daily anxieties. If one thinks that the
obligation is repaid by giving such an object, it is only a
childish thought.
113. Well, if one offers the ‘Kalpataru’5 to the Guru and tries to
please him, the Guru, however, is skilful in granting
something which is unchanging; can that free one from all
debts and obligations to the Guru?
114. Be it so. Instead of all this if one gives ‘parees’6 to the
Guru, then the ‘parees’ will turn into gold. But the Guru
will make one savour the divine knowledge.
115. If one gives the ‘Kamadhenu’7 to the Guru, believing that in
this way his obligation is repaid, one will only greatly
increase one’s own desires. The Guru is without any
expectations and is a willing giver.
116. If one gives the wealth of the whole world to the Guru, in
order to repay his obligation, can one repay it by illusory
or ‘Mayik’ objects when he has given the Real or ‘Amayik’?
117. If one offers one’s body to the Guru, it is only a
perishable object; if one offers one’s life to him then know
that too is illusory.
118. The Sadguru is the bestower of the Real things. By offering
him illusory objects how can he be repaid? This is an
impossible concept.
119. Therefore, with complete and singular faith, prostrate the
whole body in salutation, place your head at the feet of the
Sadguru, remembering the benefits and obligations he has
conferred.
120. Constant and eternal remembrance of the benefits conferred
by the Guru is the ornament of the disciple. He who tries to
repay that obligation, that disciple loses his happiness.
121. Listening so far to this story, the listeners have a strong
desire for more. Observing their eagerness, together with
curiosity, I will narrate a small story.
122. The saints also express their brotherly love for other
saints, in accordance with the norms of worldly people; or
that they are very intent on bringing people together to
adopt a particular way and want this creed to be known.
123. Or, Sai himself plays the part of those characters to
achieve the welfare of his devotees and to teach them
spirituality.
124. Listeners please hear with respect a short story
illustrating this. They will then understand how saints
understand other saints and their indication, without the
benefit of words.
125. Once, on the banks of the Godavari, in the famous town of
Rajahmundhry, Sree Vasudeva Anand encamped. His family name
was Saraswati.
126. He was greater than the great, highly omniscient, and a
devout and orthodox follower of the Karma Marg. His fame was
unending like the Ganga and reverberated even to the nether
regions of the earth.
127. Hearing about him by word of mouth, one Pundalik Rao and
others, residents of Nanded, who were devout, firmly decided
to have his ‘darshan’.
128. Anyway, later on that whole group left Nanded and came to
Rajahmundhry, on the banks of the Godavari, early morning,
for the ‘darshan’ of the Swami.
129. As it was the auspicious early morning time, the whole group
from Nanded, set out for the banks of the Ganga, for a bath,
while chanting stotras and scriptures.
130. The group found Swami sitting there and bowed to him with
eight-fold prostrations, with devotion. In the natural
course of their conversation about generalities, Shirdi was
mentioned.
131. When Sai’s name was heard by him, the Swami folded his hands
in salutation and said: “He is my brother, who is
desireless. I have excessive love for him”.
132. Picking up a cocoanut from there, he gave it to Pundalik Rao
and said : “Bowing down at the lotus feet of my brother,
offer this, whenever you go to Shirdi.
133. Convey to him my salutations and request him to have mercy
and grace towards this humble one. Do not forget me and let
your love for me grow uninterruptedly.
134. Whenever you go next to Shirdi, offer this to my brother,
with reverence and without fail.
135. As a rule, we swamis are forbidden and do not bow to any one
else. But breaking this rule, in the present context, can
only be beneficent.
136. Therefore, when you take Sai’s darshan, do not forget this
matter. Offer this coconut at Sai’s feet, without fail”.
137. After hearing these words of the Swami, Pundalik Rao bowed
at his feet and said: “I will act in accordance with the
Swami’s instructions.
138. I accept your instructions with profound reverence and
consider myself blessed to be so entrusted”. Pundalik Rao
left from there, after surrendering whole-heartedly to the
Swami.
139. When the Swami called Baba his brother, was it meaningless?
Baba acted in accordance with the Shrutis being an
‘Agnihotri’, offering oblations to the fire in the morning
and the evening.
140. The fire, which was called ‘Dhuni’ by the people, was always
in front of Baba, and kept burning day and night. This was
Baba’s vow.
141. ‘Agnihotra’ and other such performances are prescribed for
inner purification. Baba adopted this means to make the
people follow a particular way and to achieve Brahmanhood.
142. Sree Vasudeva Anand Saraswati was an ascetic and also
followed the same vow (being an Agnihotri). No wonder than
that he called Baba his brother! Could he speak in vain?
143. Later, before even a month had passed, the opportunity arose
for Pundalik Rao to set out for Sai’s darshan, taking four
friends along with him.
144. He took his baggage, a variety of fruits and carefully
remembered to take that coconut. They all set out for Sai’s
‘darshan’, with joy and unperturbed minds.
145. Later, when they got off at Manmad, there was still some
time for the departure of the train to Kopergaon. As they
were very thirsty, they went to a nearby stream.
146. As drinking water on an empty stomach is harmful for the
body, someone brought out a small bundle of ‘chivada’ tied
in the corner of a cloth, to eat as a light snack.
147. On putting just a pinch of the ‘chivada’ into the mouth, the
‘chivada’ was found to be very pungent. Without a cocoanut
the ‘chivada’ was useless. The whole effort seemed wasted.
148.Then one of them said to them all: “I remember a stratagem.
Break the coconut and mix it with the ‘chivada’. Then,
savour the taste of the ‘chivada’”.
149. No sooner was the coconut mentioned, then one was found
ready at hand. There was no delay in breaking it. Mixing it
with the ‘chivada’, improved the taste. Thereafter, they
drank that water.
150. The coconut was mentioned and there was one ready at hand.
Nobody asked to whom it belonged. The hunger was so
overpowering that they all forgot.
151. Be that as it may be. They sat in the train to Kopergaon and
went forward to their destination. On the way, Pundalik Rao
remembered that particular coconut.
152. Seeing that Shirdi was near by, Pundalik Rao was in a mental
turmoil, realising that the coconut given by Vasudeva Anand
had been mixed with the ‘chivada’ by mistake.
153. When he realised that the coconut was broken, Pundalik Rao
was filled with fear and his whole body trembled. He had
committed a sin against a saint.
154. He was most remorseful. What a sin he had committed? He had
earned the curse of the Swami! ‘My lamenting over it is
useless.”
155. For the coconut to have been put to such a use was a great
trap. Pundalik Rao’s mind was stunned and he was nonplussed.
156. ‘Now, what can I offer Baba? In what manner can I explain
this to him? How can I show my face to him? I have lost the
coconut, irrevocably’.
157. Pundalik Rao was very depressed thinking about having made a
light snack of that which had to be offered at Sai’s feet.
He said: “This is an insult of a saint”.
158. Now, when Baba asks for the cocoanut, all would have to hang
their heads in shame, as they had made a light snack of it,
at Manmad. This was the turmoil that all faced from within.
159. It would be a shame to tell the truth that they did not have
the coconut with them that day. To tell a lie would not
serve any purpose, as Sai Maharaj was omniscient.
160. Be it so. The whole group was filled with joy on taking
Sai’s ‘darshan’. Eyes were filled with tears of joy and
their faces reflected their bliss.
161. Now a days, we send wireless messages, day or night, and
boast about it, taking pride in doing so.
162. For this, buildings have to be constructed and a lot of
expenditure has to be incurred. The saints do not need these
means. They send messages by telepathy.
163. At the time when the Swami had given the coconut to Pundalik
Rao, he had already sent a message to Sainath by telepathy.
164. When Pundalik Rao was taking ‘darshan’, Sai Baba, on his
own, said: “Bring me that article which you have brought
from my brother”.
165. Then, that dejected Pundalik Rao held Sree Baba’s feet and
said: “What shall I say, except to beg for your forgiveness.
166. I did remember the coconut. But to satisfy our hunger, when
we went to the stream, all of us forgot.
167. There, when we made a light snack of the ‘chivada’ this very
coconut was broken and mixed with it. Therefore, I will
bring another coconut. Please accept it without hesitation”.
168. Saying this, Pundalik Rao began to get up to get the fruit.
Others saw Sai Maharaj hold him by the hand and prevent him
from going.
169.“Unknowingly, I have broken faith. You are merciful, give me
shelter under your fold. Forgive me, O Merciful One! I am
utterly guilty.
170. I have disregarded the words of a virtuous saint like the
Swami; and I have eaten the fruit which was to be offered to
you.
171. This is a transgression against a saint. Is there anything
to mitigate this sin? How impudent have I become!”
172. Then hearing about the incident as it had happened, Sree
Sainath laughingly said: “Why did you take the coconut when
you were not going to take care of it?
173. My brother had full faith in your words, firmly believing
that you would give my article to me.
174. And what was the result of it? Is this your trustworthiness?
My brother’s desire remained unfulfilled. Is this how you
work?”
175. He added: “The worth of that fruit cannot be matched by
giving any number of others! Whatever had to happen, has
happened. Why unnecessarily brood over it?
176. It was only by my resolve that the Swami gave you the
coconut and that fruit was broken by my volition. Why do you
unnecessarily take the doership?
177. You are feeling guilty because you have an ego. Just be
egoless. You will be free from all guilt.
178. Why is there pride in doing a good or meritorious deed? And
why does one shirk away from a sinful one? The result of
both is the same! Therefore, act without the sense of
doership.
179. It occurred to me that you should see me. Therefore, the
coconut was entrusted into your hands. This is the truth,
verily, verily, verily.
180. After all, you are my children. The fruit that you have
eaten is as good as being offered to me. Believe that I have
definitely received it”.
181. When Pundalik Rao understood this, then his mind calmed down
with Sai’s words and his anxiety dissolved gradually.
182. The loss of the coconut was only a pretext, for giving the
advice to clarify the anxiety-ridden minds. Thus all of them
who were full of pride became free of the ego and felt
blameless, and guiltless.
183. The essence of this story is that those whose minds are free
of pride are qualified to attain spirituality and can easily
go across the ocean of existence.
184. Now listen to the experience of the third devotee which is
sweet and novel. It is indicative of both Baba’s
immeasurable grandeur and greatness of authority.
185. In Bandra taluka, to the north of the township of Bandra, in
Santacruz town lived the devotee Dhurandhar.
186. All the brothers had love and reverence for the saints. They
had firm trust in Sree Ram. They had a singular faith in
chanting Sree Ram’s name. They did not like unnecessarily
dabbling in the affairs of others.
187. They lead simple lives, and so did their children. Even the
women in the family behaved in a faultless manner. Lord
Vishnu (Chakrapani) was therefore, indebted to them.
188. Balaram was one of them. He was a devotee of Vitthal and a
person of sacred celebrity. He was honoured in every
princely court and he was liked by all.
189. This gem was born on this earth on 19th February 1878, to a
mother who was a devotee of Sree Ram.
190. He was an ornament of the Pathare Prabhu caste, of a famous
family and lineage. In the year 1878, he was born in Bombay.
191. He had a western education and was a qualified advocate. He
was well-versed in philosophy and was well-known as a
learned man, everywhere.
192. He was greatly devoted to the deity Pandurang and supremely
inclined towards spirituality. Though his father’s family
deity was Ram, his own worship was for Vitthal.
193. All the brothers held good positions and their conduct was
always righteous. As they came from a pure lineage, they had
a pure culture. But Balaram was unexcelled.
194. He had the ability to put forward well-reasoned, substantive
and appealing arguments; he had a simple and pure way of
thinking; a sharp intellect but good and righteous
behaviour. These were his virtues and they were worth
emulating.
195. He had served his community and written and published an
account of it. On completing the work that he had
undertaken, he decided to attain spirituality.
196. In this field also he surpassed others and after completing
the Bhagvad Gita and Dnyaneshwari became proficient in these
texts. He became a man of repute in Adhyatma.
197. He was a great devotee of Sai. He became one with the
Supreme Spirit in 1925, at a young age. Listen to a short
biography about him.
198. On the 9th of June, 1925, after finishing his journey in this
world, he merged in Lord Vitthal.
199. On an auspicious day in April 1912, the opportunity arose
for the Dhurandhar brothers to have the saint’s ‘darshan’ in
Sai’s durbar.
200. Six months earlier, his eldest brother Babuji, along with
Vaman Rao, had taken ‘darshan’ and returned happily.
201. To have the same sweet experience as they had, all the
others including Balaram went there to have the benefit of
the novel ‘darshan’.
202.Even before their arrival, Baba openly said: “To-day,
several people from my Durbar are going to come here”.
203. Hearing about this loving remark, the Dhurandhar brothers
were greatly surprised as they had not intimated anyone of
their trip to Shirdi. How did Baba come to know of it?
204. Later, seeing Sai, they ran and embraced his feet. Slowly
the conversation began and every one was happy and
contented.
205. Besides, when he saw that the people had gathered, Baba
spoke again: “See, these are the people of the Durbar, about
whose coming I had spoken”.
206. And, listen to what Baba said further. Every word is true.
“Remember that we know each other since the last sixty
generations”.
207. Balaram and the brothers, all of them full of humility,
stood before Baba with their hands folded and gazing at the
feet of Sree Sai.
208. On having Sree Sai’s darshan, Balaram and all the others
felt enthusiastic and excessively devoted and loving. They
considered that the trip was worth their efforts.
209. The eyes were filled with tears; the throats were choked
with great emotion; they experienced horripilation over
their bodies; and all the eight ‘satvik’ emotions filled
them.
210. Seeing Balaram’s state, Sainath was pleased. He began
talking to all of them, relating loving stories and giving
advice.
211.“He who worships me in the moonlit fortnight, when the moon
is waxing, and offers to me love and all sentiments, is
blessed.
212. He who with complete faith engages himself in the service of
his Guru, the Lord is indebted to him always. No one can
view him with evil intentions.
213. He who does not waste even half a moment and who has a
liking for the worship of the Lord and the Guru, they will
give him infinite or perpetual happiness and enable him to
cross to the other shore.”
214. Hearing such words, everybody’s eyes were filled with tears
of joy; their minds were filled with happiness; and their
hearts were overpowered by emotions.
215. This garland of the words of Sai was worn by all with
obeisance. All were filled with joy. It was the reason why
they were all filled with devotion.
216. So be it. They went to the Wada later and rested after their
meal. In the afternoon they went again and prostrated before
Baba.
217. Balaram, with great humility, began pressing Baba’s feet.
Then Baba extended the ‘chillum’ to him and made a sign to
him to smoke it.
218. Then, considering the ‘chillum’ as a ‘Prasad’, though he was
not in the habit of smoking it, Balaram took a few puffs
with difficulty and handing it back to Baba, bowed to him
with devotion.
219. It was a fortunate day for Balaram. From that day, his
asthma was cured and he was well satisfied.
220. This asthma had not troubled him just recently. He had been
suffering from it for full six years. Yet it was cured, as
if a mantra had been whispered into his ear. The ‘chillum’
had such power.
221. From the time that he took a deep-drawn pull at the
‘chillum’ and returned it, after bowing with humility, the
asthma disappeared. It did not recur, at all.
222. But one day, in between, Balaram got a cough which surprised
everyone, as no one could understand its cause.
223. Later, when they went deep into the matter, it was
discovered that Baba had left his mortal coil on that day
itself and had given an indication to his devotee.
224. The day that Balaram got an attack of the cough was the day
when Baba had surrendered his body to the earth and gave an
indication of it.
225. From that day, he never again suffered from the cough till
his dying day. Can anyone ever forget this experience of the
‘chillum’?
226. That was a Thursday and the day for the procession to the
chavadi. Thereby, the joy was multiplied two-fold. It was
truly a memorable day.
227. From eight to nine, in the night, before Baba, in the
courtyard, bhajans were sung to the beating of various
instruments such as the ‘tal mridang’ etc. with great
interest and elan.
228. The ‘abhangs’ were sung at one place, while the palanquin
was decorated at another. After the palanquin was ready,
Baba then started for the chavadi.
229. Earlier, I have described the unique chavadi procession in
chapter thirty-seven. It will be a repetition here.
230. Baba spent one night in the Masjid and the next in the
chavadi. This routine of Baba was continued by him till the
end.
231. To see the chavadi celebration, loving Balaram was filled
with enthusiasm. Therefore, when it was time for the chavadi
procession, all the Dhurandhars returned.
232. The men and women of Shirdi village accompanied Baba,
shouting acclamations with zeal and started for the chavadi.
233. The horse, whose name was Shyamsunder, was covered with a
cloth, woven with golden threads, and was ornamented. He
lead the procession, prancing ahead.
234. Various musical instruments, such as the horn, large brass
trumpet, and the ‘tutari’, played. The ornamented
Shyamakaran, along with the palanquin and Sai were taken in
procession. Sai walked along with the devotees, as some held
an ornamental umbrella over him.
235. Some carried flags and paper decorations in their hands.
Some held the ornamental umbrella over Sree’s head. Some
waved whisks and peacock feathers; and others holding
torches surrounded them on all sides.
236. Taking the harmonious mridang, ‘tal’, ‘ghol’ and other sweet
sounding instruments, a multitude of devotees walked on
either side of Baba, doing bhajans.
237. Be this as it may be. When this beautiful procession came
before the chavadi, Baba stopped and facing in the northerly
direction made his ritualistic movements with his hand.
238. On the right hand, Baba’s ‘Bhagat’ (Mhalsapati) walked
holding the fold of Baba’s garment; and on the left walked
Tatya Patil holding a lantern.
239. Baba’s complexion was golden-hued; and when the light of the
lamps fell on it, it shone like yellow gold mixed with
copper. The beauty of his face was like the light of dawn.
240. Blessed was the pure ‘darshan’ of that moment. Baba stood
facing the north, in deep concentration, and it seemed as if
he was summoning someone, as he partially raised his right
hand.
241. From there, he was taken further upto the chavadi and made
to take a seat with great honour. Beautiful ornaments and
clothes were offered to him and sandal wood paste was
smeared on his limbs.
242. Sometimes an aigrette of jewels worn in the turban was
offered; sometimes a gem-studded ornament for the turban;
sometimes a plume; sometimes a golden ornamented crown;
sometimes a gold-embroidered cloak.
243. Necklaces of diamonds, pearls and emeralds were put around
Baba’s neck lovingly. Some adorned his forehead with a round
mark of fragrant musk.
244. Some washed his feet and worshipped them; some applied
saffron and other fragrances to the body and put betel
leaves in his mouth.
245. They waved the five-wick lamp, filling it with camphor, over
Baba. The beauty of his visage was beyond compare.
246. The luminosity surrounding Sai’s face made him appear
exactly like the image of Pandurang. Dhurandhar was
stupified to see it.
247. Just as no one on earth can bear to see the flash of
lightening in the sky, similarly the efflugence of Sai’s
forehead, when it shone, blinded all eyes.
248. The ‘Kakad Arati’ used to take place in the early mornings.
Dhurandhar and others went there. There too they saw the
same lustre on Baba’s face.
249. From then on, till he died, Balaram had complete faith at
Sai’s feet. It was definitely established and it never
wavered even a little bit.
250. Hemad surrenders at Sai’s feet. The book will be concluded
in the next chapter. In the narration, there will be a
review. Give me your attention for the last time.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the fifty-first
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita written by the devotee
Hemadpant; impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “A
Triad of Stories of Three Devotees”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1. West of the Peninsula of India, the Malabar Ghats.
2. There was a lot of property there, belonging to Dixit.
3. It was the 5th of July 1926.
4. The jewel that grants all desires.
5. The wish fulfilling tree.
6. The stone that alchemises iron into gold.
7. The wish-fulfilling cow.
Dixit’s end came about as assured by Sai’s words. He died with the words
of Sai’s glory on his lips. It happened before my (Hemadpant) very eyes.
(Ch. 51, ovi 103)
We were both sitting on a bench in a train next to one another, engrossed in the
stories of Sai Samartha, when he seemed to take off suddenly in the plane. (Ch.
51, ovi 104)
Picking up a coconut from there, he gave it to Pundalik Rao and said : “Bowing down at
the lotus feet of my brother, offer this, whenever you go to Shirdi. (Ch. 51, ovi 132)
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