13
The Cure of Bhimaji’s Tuberculosis
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Baba’s words were short like the Vedas, pithy, deep and full
of meaning, very comprehensive, but compressed.
2.
They were deep in meaning and very exact. They were never
futile. They were balanced and priceless.
3.
Remain aware and alert to your past and future. Accept your
fate and manage within your means. Always be contented. Fret
over nothing.
4.
“Oh! though I am a fakir and have no home nor household,
sitting uninvolved in one place, leaving aside all mundane
matters,
5.
yet, Maya is inevitable. She even harrases me often. I forget
her but she does not forget me. She always comes and embraces
me.
6.
Adi Maya originates from God and bewilders even Brahman and
others. Then what could be said about a poor fakir like me!
7.
Only the mercy of God can save you from its clutches. Without
continuously reciting God’s name, this attachment will not be
destroyed”.
8.
This is the way Baba described the powers of Maya to his
devotees and extolled the recitation of God’s name as the
antidote of Maya.
9.
‘Saints are my incarnations’ as Krishna has said in the
Bhagvad, when talking to Uddhava. Who does not know these
clear words?
10. Therefore, for the sake of the welfare of his devotees,
whatever the great Sai, cloud of mercy, said explaining the
substance of this statement, listen to it with great
humility.
11. “Such pious persons have become my followers whose sins have
been destroyed and they have understood me.
12. If you recite ‘Sai, Sai,” always, I will take you beyond the
seven seas. If you believe in these words, you will be
certainly benefitted.
13. I do not need elaborate worship either sixteen fold1 or eight
fold2. Where there is infinite faith, I reside there”.
14. So spoke Baba to his devotees, from time to time, with tender
love. Let us derive solace from the recollection of these
loving words.
15. Such is that kind Sai, friend and benefactor, who is the
protector of those who are surrendered to him. Just listen to
the miracle he performed espousing the cause of a devotee.
16. Drive away the waywardness of the mind, concentrate properly
and listen to this new story. You will thereby be fulfilling
your desires.
17. The shower of the nectar-like words from the mouth of Sai is
in itself the fruits and gains of life. Who will then
complain of the physical discomforts at Shirdi who is aware
of the advantage to be gained for himself?
18. In the last chapter we had heard about the darshan given to
an agnihotri of his own Guru, who had already expired,
filling him with immense happiness.
19. This chapter relates an even more interesting story about a
devotee suffering from tuberculosis whose health was restored
by teaching him a lesson in his dreams.
20. Therefore, oh devotees listen attentively to this story of
Sai’s profound nature which burns all the sins.
21. This narrative is sacred and purifying like the holy water of
the Ganges. Blessed are the ears of the listeners for they
become the means to gain good now and hereafter.
22. Let us compare it with nectar. But nectar cannot be sweeter
than this. Nectar will save the life but this story will give
freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
23. People say they are powerful and they can do whatever they
wish. One who thinks like this should listen to this story
carefully.
24. If the human being is genuinely independent, then when he
strives day and night to achieve happiness why does he gain
only unhappiness? This is the story of existence!
25. Even if a person is on guard to avoid unhappiness at every
step, miseries follow quickly in search of him and keep track
behind him.
26. If one tries to shake them off they hold one by the neck; if
one tries to brush them off they cling more. Vain is man’s
strife against it. It only debilitates him.
27. If a human being was really free, he would be completely
happy and he would not have known even a trace of
unhappiness.
28. Assuming he was a free being, he would never commit any sins
and only accumulate his store of merits, thus enhancing his
happiness.
29. But a human being is not independent. His previous births’
deeds are attached to him, and the ways of karma are strange.
He is forever a puppet in the hands of karma.
30. One tries to think of good deeds but one is dragged towards
sins. Wanting to be meritorious, one ends up by being an evil
doer.
31. Now listen to the story of Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon
village of Junnar Taluka; of Pune District. It is as sweet as
nectar.
32. Bhimaji was a well-to-do-person. He was hospitable to
everyone. He was never sad and was always of a cheerful
disposition.
33. Destiny plays strange games. Without any rhyme or reason, we
can either gain or lose. Sufferings born of karma come to you
as a disease.
34. In 1909, Bhimaji was miserable. He started having cough and
tuberculosis. He developed high temperature.
35. His cough became unbearable, the fever greatly increased and
day by day became persistent. Bhimaji lost hopes.
36. He was always frothing at the mouth, had bad taste in the
mouth and vomitted blood. He had chronic stomach ache, felt
nauseous and restless.
37. He became a bed-ridden patient. He lost vigour, his limbs
weakened, he became thinner. All kinds of treatments were
tried. He was extremely miserable.
38. He lost all taste for food and nourishment and could not
digest even rice-gruel or a light diet. The condition was
unbearable, whereby he did not know what to do.
39. All rites and rituals were performed; doctors and vaidyas
gave up; he lost hope of survival and remained dejected.
40. Patil was depressed; he felt he would survive only for a few
days; day by day he became more tired and started counting
his days.
41. He worshipped his family deity but even she could not restore
his health. Patil got fed up of consulting astrologers,
exorcists and all and sundry.
42. Some referred to his condition as a sickness of the body,
others the visitation of fate, which human endeavour could
not control and which must, therefore, be borne.
43. Doctors were tried, hakims were tried, all remedies failed.
No body could do anything. All efforts were futile.
44. Patil was extremely sad. He said: “Oh Lord, what have I
done? Why is it that nothing avails? What kind of a sin is
this?”
45. The ways of God are strange! He never reminds you of His
existence even for a moment when you are happy. His ways are
indeed unusual.
46. But, when it comes to His mind, He sends difficulties, one
after the other, and makes a person remember Him and call
out: “O, Narayan, come running to my help”.
47. So be it. His intense and pitieous cries were heard. God was
moved. Bhimaji was inspired to send a letter to Nana.3
48. ‘Nana will be able to do something which none else has been
able to do’. Patil firmly believed this.
49. That was the auspicious beginning of the cure of his disease.
Later he wrote a detailed letter and sent it to Nana.
50. Rememberance of Nana was itself inspired by Sainath. It paved
the path of destruction of the disease. Saints’ deeds are
unpredictable.
51. Whatever is the cycle of time, there also is an underlying
plan of God. Therefore, no one should think contrarily and
brag about it.
52. Whatever good or bad takes place, it is only due to God, who
holds the reins. He is the protector. He is the destroyer. He
is the only active force – the doer.
53. Patil wrote to Chandorkar: ‘I am fed up of taking medicines.
I am tired of this life. I find the world wearisome.
54. Doctors have given up hope and declared the disease
incurable. Hakims and Vaidyas are bewildered. I too, have
lost all hope.
55. Yet, there is only one request, which I lay at your feet,
that I meet you without fail. I have this strong desire’.
56. Chandorkar read the letter. He felt very sad at heart for
Bhimaji Patil was a good soul. Nana was moved.
57. In reply, he suggested only one remedy. “Surrender at Sai’s
feet. This is the only saving grace. He is both Mother and
Father.
58. He is the compassionate mother of all, who comes running at
your call, takes pity on you and picks you up in her arms,
understanding the need of the children.
59. Even leprosy is cured by mere darshan. What is to be said
about tuberculosis! Have not the least doubt. Go and
surrender at his feet.
60. He grants whatever anyone asks. This is his creed. Therefore,
I say, make haste. Take Sai’s darshan.
61. The greatest fear is the fear of death. What else can there
be? Go and hold fast to Sai’s feet. He alone will make you
free of fear”.
62. Patil’s plight was unbearable. He had arrived at a perilous
state of life. ‘When will I meet Sainath? When will I
accomplish the task?’ (He thought).
63. Thus Patil became bewildered. He asked that preparations be
made quickly for departure to Shirdi the very next day.
64. Thus with firm determination, Patil took leave of all and
started for Shirdi for Maharaj’s darshan.
65. Bhimaji took his relatives and set out hurriedly. He was most
anxious to know when he would see Shirdi.
66. The cart arrived at the front gate of the courtyard of the
Masjid and four persons held Bhimaji and carried him up the
steps.
67. Nanasaheb was there. Madhavrao also came along. Everyone
found Sai’s feet more easily accessible through that
Madhavrao.
68. Looking at Patil, Baba said, “Shyama, from where do you get
hold of these scoundrels? And dump them on me? Does this
become you?”.
69. Bhimaji put his head at the feet of Sai and said: “Oh,
Sainatha, have pity on this hapless creature. Protect me, oh
caretaker of the weak”.
70. Seeing Patil’s plight, Sainatha took pity on him. Patil felt
assured that his sufferings had come to an end.
71. Seeing Bhimaji so restless, Sai Samartha, the ocean of mercy,
was greatly moved and said smilingly:
72. “Sit down and stop worrying. Wise people do not worry. No
sooner you stepped into Shirdi, your destined miseries have
got over.
73. However deeply immersed in the ocean of trouble or buried
deep in the valley of miseries, know that when he climbs the
steps of the Masjidmai he will ride on a wave of happiness.
74. The fakir here is very kind. He will destroy your troubles
from the very roots and will look after you lovingly. He has
tender feelings towards all.
75. Therefore, you be at rest. Stay at Bhimabai’s house. You will
get relief within a couple of days”.
76. Just like the case of a dying person receiving showers of
nectar who immediately revives, such was Patil’s
satisfaction.
77. Hearing those words of Sainatha were like nectar to a man
facing immediate death or water to a man dying of thirst.
78. When he sat in front of Baba for an hour, his vomitting of
blood stopped, which otherwise he used to do at intervals of
every five minutes.
79. He (Baba) did not examine the patient nor did he ask for the
case history. Only with a merciful glance, the disease was
destroyed from the root.
80. It is enough to receive a merciful glance. Even a dry stick
can sprout leaves, flowers can blossom without spring, and
the withered tree can become laden with fruit.
81. Ill health or good health. It’s a question of whether the
store of good deeds is exhausted or that of the sins. There
is no escape but to experience the effects of destiny.
82. He had the disease only because of his fate. This is the rule
applied to the cycle of birth and death. There is no other
remedy or freedom from it, other than to undergo the
sufferings.
83. But, if by good fortune one can get the darshan of a Saint,
this is one certain means to cure the illness – and to heal
it without suffering.
84. A disease itself shows that this was destiny. But if a Saint
casts a merciful glance it takes away the misery out of the
destined suffering.
85. The actual remedy lay in Baba’s words. On one occasion, he
cured malaria by feeding, yoghurt and rice to a black dog.
86. You may think these stories are deviations. But listening to
them altogether, you will realise the significance. In any
case, it is Sai who has reminded me of it.
87. “I will tell my own story”, Sai himself has said this. He
only has reminded me of these stories, at this time.
88. There was a person by the name of Bala Ganpat, who was a
tailor by caste and was a great devotee. He came to the
Masjid and sat in front of Baba and prayed imploringly.
89. “What sin have I committed? Why doesn’t this malaria leave
me? Baba, I have tried a number of remedies. But it does not
leave my body.
90. So now what shall I do? I have tried all medicines and
decoctions. Now at least, you tell me some remedy so that
this fever will leave me”.
91. Then, Baba felt pity for him. He replied and gave a remedy
for that malaria. Now, listen to that marvellous story.
92. “Feed a few morsels of curds and rice to a black dog near
the temple of Mother Laxmi. You will be cured immediately”.
93. Bala was a little anxious. He went home and searched. He
found some left over rice and also little curds near by.
94. Bala thought to himself. ‘Though I have procured curds and
rice, will that black dog be there, near the temple, at the
right time?’
95. But this worry of Bala was unnecessary. When he reached the
appointed place, he saw a black dog approaching him, with a
wagging tail.
96. Seeing everything working out right, Bala was very pleased.
He fed the dog curds and rice, and informed all this to Baba.
97. In short, the whole incident may be called anything by
anybody, but since then the malaria left him and Bala
recovered.
98. Similar was the case of Bapusaheb Butti. He had a chill in
the stomach and had continuous loose motions and vomitting
also.
99. The medicine chest was full of medicines but none was
effective. Bapusaheb got alarmed and worried.
100.Due to persistent loose motions and vomitting, Bapusaheb
became weak and had no energy left for his regular darshan of
Baba.
101.Baba came to hear about it. He sent for him and made him sit
before him. He said “Beware! From now onwards, you will not
go to the toilet.
102.And also, vomitting must stop”, shaking his forefinger
before his face. Observing him again, he repeated the words.
103.The essence of it is that his words had such weightage that
both ailments got scared and immediately retreated. Butti
felt better.
104.Once there was a cholera epidemic in the village. At that
time Butti suffered from it. He had vomitting and motions
simultaneously. He was in distress and had intense thirst.
105.Dr. Pillay was near him. He tried whatever was possible. WheDr. Pillay was near him. He tried whatever was possible. When
finally nothing succeeded, they approached Baba.
106.Every detail of how the disease had progressed,
was related to Baba, as a supplication. Pillay
asked Baba whether coffee or water would be
better to give.
107.Then Baba replied to him “Drink an infusion of
milk, boiled with almonds, walnuts, and
Dr.Pillay
pistachios.
108.This will quench his thirst and the disease will be cured
immediately”. In short, when he was given this infusion to
drink his troubles disappeared. Dr. Pillay
109.“Eat walnuts, pistachios and almonds”! Would they ever give
relief in the case of cholera?! It is enough to repose faith
in Baba’s words. There is no scope for doubts.
110.Once a Swami from Alandi came to Shirdi village for the
darshan of Sai Samartha, and arrived at Baba’s dwelling.
111.He suffered from an ear disease. Therefore, he was unwell and
had insomnia. Though he had got himself operated, it was of
no use at all.
112.He experienced shooting pains beyond endurance. He could do
nothing to control it. He thought of leaving and went to ask
for blessings.
113.He bowed down at Sai’s feet and received udi as prasad. The
Swami asked for blessings and said “Always have mercy on
me”.
114.Madhavrao Despande entreated Baba about his ear. Maharaj
assured him saying. “Allah will make it well”.
115.With these blessings, the Swami returned to Pune. Eight days
later his letter came saying that the pain had immediately
subsided.
116.Only the swelling was still there. Therefore, an operation
was advised. So he came to Bombay for a second operation.
117.He went to the same doctor. Unknown, Baba was obliged to
help. When the doctor examined the ear, he saw no swelling
anywhere.
118.The doctor said that there was no need now for an operation.
The Swami’s dreaded worries were over. Everyone was
surprised.
119.I have just remembered one more story of this nature, which I
will now tell the listeners and then end the chapter.
120.Eight days before the laying of the flooring in the courtyard
(of the Masjid) began, Mahajani suffered from acute
indigestion.
121.He began to have many loose motions. Leaving all this burden
on Baba, he did not take any medicines or treat himself. He
became quite harassed.
122.Mahajani knew that Sai was omniscient. Therefore, he did not
describe his difficulties to him.
123.‘When he wills it, he will grant me relief, on his own’‘When he wills it, he will grant me relief, on his own’.
Having this implicit faith, he bore the disease.
124.‘Whatever is destined to be suffered, will be! But there
should be no break in the puja rituals’. This was the
intense wish of Kaka each day.
125.Later on, when the motions became too frequent and were out
of control, let us see what he did in order not to have a
break in the arati and service.
126.He kept a copper vessel filled with water, on which he could
lay his hands even in darkness, in a corner of the Masjid.
127.He, himself, would sit near Baba, pressing his legs and
always remained present at the time of the arati, this being
his regular routine.
128.Whenever he got a spasm in the stomach, since the water pot
would be at hand, he would go to some nearby secluded spot
and return after relieving himself.
129.So be it. When they asked Baba’s permission to lay the
flooring, he gave it to Tatya. Listen to what he said then to
him.
130.“I am going to the Lendi. When I return from the Lendi, you
may start the work of the flooring at that time”.
131.Later Baba returned and sat on his seat. Kaka came in time
and started massaging his legs.
132.Devotees from Bombay came by tongas, via Kopergaon, by train
which came to a halt there. They came up the steps with all
the preparations for this puja and bowed down to Baba.
133.Along with everyone else, Patil from Andheri also came with
flowers, rice and puja items; and sat in anticipation.
134.Just then, in the lower part of the courtyard, in the place
where the rath used to be kept, exactly at the same spot the
first stroke of the pick-axe was struck and the work of the
laying of the courtyard floor began.
135.No sooner did he hear that noise that Baba shouted strangely.
In an instant he became transformed into Narasimha4. His eyes
blazed with fury.
136.“Who is that striking with the pick-axe? I will break his
back.” Saying this, he got up taking his satka. All present
were filled with terror.
137.The labourer threw aside the pick-axe and fled. Everybody ran
helter – skelter. Kaka too was frightened. At that moment,
Baba held him by his hand.
138.And said: “Where are you going? Sit down.” Just then Tatya
and Laxmi arrived. He started hurling a torrent of abuse at
them, to his heart’s content.
139.The people who were outside the courtyard were also abused.
Just then, he picked up a bag of roasted peanuts which had
been dropped there.
140.It must have belonged to somebody and fallen in the Masjid,
while running away helter – skelter, when Baba had been in a
fit of anger.
141.The nuts must have been about one full seerThe nuts must have been about one full seer5. He brought out
one handful at a time, rubbed them between his palms, blew
upon them and cleaned them.
142.Then he fed the cleaned nuts to Mahajani.
While he continued to shower abuses on one
hand, on the other hand he continued to
clean the peanuts.
143.“Eat them, eat them”, he said. He put
cleaned nuts in his palm. He too ate a few,
himself. In this manner, the bag was
emptied.
144.When the nuts were finished, he said:
Kaka Mahanjani
“Bring some water. I am thirsty”. Kaka filled a vessel and
brought it. He drank some and told him also to drink it.
145.While Kaka was drinking, he said: “Go, your suffering has
ended”. He added: “Where are those wretched Brahmins? Go
and fetch them”.
146.So be it. The group re-assembled. The Masjid was crowded as
before. The flooring work was resumed. Kaka’s diarrohea was
stopped.
147.What kind of a remedy is this for loose stools?! It is the
words of the Saints6 that act as medicine. He who regards
them as prasad can have need for nothing else.
148.A householder from Harda was suffering from shooting pains in
the stomach. He was harassed by it for fourteen years. He had
tried all kinds of remedies.
149.His name was Dattopant. By word of mouth, he had heard about
the powers of Sai, the great Saint of Shirdi, whose mere
darshan solved all difficulties.
150.Having heard such fame, he went to Shirdi, laid his head at
Sai’s feet and begged him to be merciful to him.
151.“Baba, fourteen years have passed. The shooting pains in the
stomach have pursued me. Enough of it now. It is beyond
endurance. I have no strength left to bear it.
152.I have never committed a breach of faith. I have shown no
disrespect to my parents. I do not know the deeds of my past
birth, due to which I am undergoing this suffering”.
153.Only a kind glance from a Saint, a Saint’s prasad or
blessing, can remove the disease. There is nothing else as
effective.
154.Such was Dattopant’s experience. As soon as Baba’s hand waSuch was Dattopant’s experience. As soon as Baba’s hand was
placed on his head and he received the vibhuti and blessings,
he felt relief.
155.The Maharaj made him stay for some days. Slowly, the shooting
pains7 in the stomach disappeared altogether.
156.Such was the great Saint! How shall I describe his powers?
His very nature was to oblige others and he had love for all
beings.
157.If we go on praising, in words, his Life, I find one deed is
better than the other. Now let me return to pick up the
thread of my original narrative about the life of Bhimaji.
158.So be it. Baba asked for udi; gave a little to Bhimaji;
rubbed some on his forehead and kept his hand on his head.
159.He was ordered to go to the lodging. Patil started walking
and went up to the cart on foot. He felt vigorous.
160.From there, he went to the place previously decided. Though
the place was small, as it was suggested by Baba, it was
important for him.
161.The floor had just been thumped smooth, with the help of a
wooden log, for the purpose of levelling. Therefore, it was
wet. Even then he obeyed Baba’s orders and stayed there
itself.
162.He would have got a dry place in the village, since Bhimaji
had many contacts. But since Baba had particularly indicated
the place, he did not think of going anywhere else.
163.He spread out two gunny bags upon the floor, on top of which
he spread out his bedding. Patil went to sleep peacefully.
164.That same night, this is what happened. Bhimaji got a dream.
He saw his teacher, whom he knew in his childhood, and the
teacher began to beat him.
165.He had a cane in his hand with which he practically flayed
the skin off his back, to make him learn by heart a poem. The
student was very miserable.
166.What was that poem? Listeners might be curious to know,
therefore I will quote the complete poem, word by word, as I
have heard:
‘She is known as a real or an ideal wife, who thinks she has
stepped on the head of a serpent if she ever enters a
stranger’s house. Her words are so rare that they are like
wealth procured from a miser. She feels profoundly happy when
she gives pleasure to her husband, even though there may not
be money in the house. She behaves according to her husband’s
wishes, without hesitation.’
167.But he could not understand the reason for this punishment.
The teacher would not put aside the cane, as he was inflamed
with rage and terribly determined.
168.Immediately afterwards, he had a second dream which was
stranger than the first. He saw that an unknown person came
and forcibly sat on his chest.
169.He used his chest as a grinding stone and took another stone,
as a roller, in his hand; and as it were, started grinding.
Bhimaji felt choked, as if he was heading towards heaven.
170.Finally the dream ended. He slept with some measure of
comfort. The sun rose and Patil woke up.
171.He felt rejuvenated as he had never felt before. He
completely forgot about the disease. How could anyone
remember to look for the sign of the caning or being used as
a grinding stone!
172.People say that dreams are unreal. But sometimes one gets
contrary experiences. Patil was completely cured of his
disease on the same day and his sufferings were over.
173.Patil was very happy. He felt as if he had a new lease of
life. Then he started walking slowly for Baba’s darshan.
174.Seeing Baba’s moon-like face, the ocean of happiness welled
up in Patil. He was in raptures and swooned in ecstasy.
175.With tears of joy raining down his face, he laid his forehead
upon Baba’s feet. How blissful was the aftermath of the
beating and grinding he had suffered!
176.“How can an insignificant creature like me ever repay your
obligation? I know it to be impossible, so I only put my head
on your feet.
177.This is the only way I can repay. There is no other means.
Inconceivable and irrefutable is this miracle of yours, O
Baba Sai!”
178.Patil stayed, singing such praises, for a month. He also
gratefully remembered Nana’s obligation. He returned, being
completely gratified.
179.Thus he remained contented, with devotion and faith. In his
gratefulness to Sai, he came to Shirdi often.
180.One needs no more than two hands and a head to shoOne needs no more than two hands and a head to show
gratefulness to Sainath, if it is done with a steady mind and
faith in him alone to the exclusion of all others.
181.Whoever is in difficulties, performs Satyanarayan puja if a
certain calamity is averted or some boon is received.
182.Since then Patil started doing the Satya Sai Vrat, every
Thursday, after an early bath and being abstemious.
183.As people read the Satya Narayan Katha, Patil recited the
chapters of Dasganu’s ‘Arvachin Bhakta Leelamrut’ relating to
Sai’s life, with love.
184.In this book of forty five chapters, Ganudas describes the
lives of many bhaktas. Out of these, three relate to Sainath.
Those formed the Satya Sai Katha.
185.Out of all the vratas this was the best. Patil read these
three chapters and experienced boundless joy and was happy.
186.Patil gathered together relatives, brothers, friends and
neighbours and regularly did Satya Sai Vrat, very happily.
187.The naivedya was of the same kind being one and a quarter
measures. The rest of the rituals were the same. In one case
it was Narayan and in the other it was Sai. Not a single
detail was overlooked.
188.Patil started the convention. It became a custom in the
village and people started observing Satya Sai Vrat, one
after the other.
189.Such are these saints, the merciful ones! When the proper
time comes, they remove the worldly cares of the dovotees by
their mere darshan and even change their destiny.
190.The next narration, herein, will be about a person craving
for progeny; and the marvellousness of the oneness amongst
Saints.
191.A resident of Nanded town, who was an affluent Parsi will
have a son after receiving Baba’s blessings.
192.Baba indicated that Mouli Saheb was the Saint from that
place. The Parsi returned to his own place, full of joy.
193.It is a very lovable story. Listeners should hear it quietly.
Then they will come to realise Sai’s all-pervasiveness and
also his affectionate nature.
194.Pant Hemad surrenders to Sai and bows down to the Saints and
listeners. In the next chapter I will tell you about that
which I have already mentioned. Listen with respect.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the thirteent-being. This is the end of the thirteenth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “The
Cure of Bhimaji’s Tuberculosis”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Invocation, Offering of seat, Worship of feet, Oblations of water,
Sipping water for purification, Bath, Clothing, Sacrificial thread,
Sandalwood paste, Flowers, Incense, Naivedya, Lamp, Dakshina,
Pradakshina, Mantra with flowers.
2.
Sandalwood paste, Flowers, Incense, Lamp, Naivedya, Camphor, Rice
mixed with turmeric, Coconut.
3.
Narayan Govind Chandorkar alias Nanasaheb.
4.
Avatar that Vishnu took, as a man lion, to destroy Hiranyakshyapu.
5.
Approximately 2 kilos.
6.
Once, Shirdi’s Madhavrao Deshpande had a problem with piles. He
told Maharaj about it. “We will have some medicine in the
afternoon.” Maharaj said. Accordingly, Maharaj made a concoction
of senna pods and gave some of it to Madhavrao. He was completely
cured by it. Two years later he had the same problem. As Maharaj
had earlier given him the concoction, Madhavrao, on his own
prepared it at home and took it. He did not feel better with it;
and his problem was aggravated. Later, thanks to Maharaj’s grace,
he became alright. In short, the cure is only due to Maharaj’s
blessings and grace.
7.
Kaka Mahajani’s elder brother Gangadharpant suffered from shooting
pains in the stomach for a number of years. Every year, he suffered
greatly, from this ailment. Having heard about Maharaj’s fame, he
went there and complained about it to Maharaj. Maharaj touched his
stomach and asked, “Does it hurt here?” Gangadharpant replied in
the affirmative. Maharaj said: “Allah will cure.” Since then the
shooting pains in the stomach of Gangadharpant left him and did not
recur.
Once, Nanasaheb Chandorkar had the problem of shooting pains
in the stomach. It was so severe, that night and day he was agonised by
it. The doctor gave him an enema, but he had no relief. In the end he
went to Maharaj, and Maharaj told him to take barfi (a sweetmeat)
pounded with clarified butter. And with this prescription, his shooting
pains in the stomach completely stopped.
He is the compassionate mother of all, who comes running at your call, takes pity on you
and picks you up in her arms, understanding the need of the children. (Ch.13, ovi 58)
Bala Shimpi
The Cure of Bhimaji’s Tuberculosis
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Baba’s words were short like the Vedas, pithy, deep and full
of meaning, very comprehensive, but compressed.
2.
They were deep in meaning and very exact. They were never
futile. They were balanced and priceless.
3.
Remain aware and alert to your past and future. Accept your
fate and manage within your means. Always be contented. Fret
over nothing.
4.
“Oh! though I am a fakir and have no home nor household,
sitting uninvolved in one place, leaving aside all mundane
matters,
5.
yet, Maya is inevitable. She even harrases me often. I forget
her but she does not forget me. She always comes and embraces
me.
6.
Adi Maya originates from God and bewilders even Brahman and
others. Then what could be said about a poor fakir like me!
7.
Only the mercy of God can save you from its clutches. Without
continuously reciting God’s name, this attachment will not be
destroyed”.
8.
This is the way Baba described the powers of Maya to his
devotees and extolled the recitation of God’s name as the
antidote of Maya.
9.
‘Saints are my incarnations’ as Krishna has said in the
Bhagvad, when talking to Uddhava. Who does not know these
clear words?
10. Therefore, for the sake of the welfare of his devotees,
whatever the great Sai, cloud of mercy, said explaining the
substance of this statement, listen to it with great
humility.
11. “Such pious persons have become my followers whose sins have
been destroyed and they have understood me.
12. If you recite ‘Sai, Sai,” always, I will take you beyond the
seven seas. If you believe in these words, you will be
certainly benefitted.
13. I do not need elaborate worship either sixteen fold1 or eight
fold2. Where there is infinite faith, I reside there”.
14. So spoke Baba to his devotees, from time to time, with tender
love. Let us derive solace from the recollection of these
loving words.
15. Such is that kind Sai, friend and benefactor, who is the
protector of those who are surrendered to him. Just listen to
the miracle he performed espousing the cause of a devotee.
16. Drive away the waywardness of the mind, concentrate properly
and listen to this new story. You will thereby be fulfilling
your desires.
17. The shower of the nectar-like words from the mouth of Sai is
in itself the fruits and gains of life. Who will then
complain of the physical discomforts at Shirdi who is aware
of the advantage to be gained for himself?
18. In the last chapter we had heard about the darshan given to
an agnihotri of his own Guru, who had already expired,
filling him with immense happiness.
19. This chapter relates an even more interesting story about a
devotee suffering from tuberculosis whose health was restored
by teaching him a lesson in his dreams.
20. Therefore, oh devotees listen attentively to this story of
Sai’s profound nature which burns all the sins.
21. This narrative is sacred and purifying like the holy water of
the Ganges. Blessed are the ears of the listeners for they
become the means to gain good now and hereafter.
22. Let us compare it with nectar. But nectar cannot be sweeter
than this. Nectar will save the life but this story will give
freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
23. People say they are powerful and they can do whatever they
wish. One who thinks like this should listen to this story
carefully.
24. If the human being is genuinely independent, then when he
strives day and night to achieve happiness why does he gain
only unhappiness? This is the story of existence!
25. Even if a person is on guard to avoid unhappiness at every
step, miseries follow quickly in search of him and keep track
behind him.
26. If one tries to shake them off they hold one by the neck; if
one tries to brush them off they cling more. Vain is man’s
strife against it. It only debilitates him.
27. If a human being was really free, he would be completely
happy and he would not have known even a trace of
unhappiness.
28. Assuming he was a free being, he would never commit any sins
and only accumulate his store of merits, thus enhancing his
happiness.
29. But a human being is not independent. His previous births’
deeds are attached to him, and the ways of karma are strange.
He is forever a puppet in the hands of karma.
30. One tries to think of good deeds but one is dragged towards
sins. Wanting to be meritorious, one ends up by being an evil
doer.
31. Now listen to the story of Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon
village of Junnar Taluka; of Pune District. It is as sweet as
nectar.
32. Bhimaji was a well-to-do-person. He was hospitable to
everyone. He was never sad and was always of a cheerful
disposition.
33. Destiny plays strange games. Without any rhyme or reason, we
can either gain or lose. Sufferings born of karma come to you
as a disease.
34. In 1909, Bhimaji was miserable. He started having cough and
tuberculosis. He developed high temperature.
35. His cough became unbearable, the fever greatly increased and
day by day became persistent. Bhimaji lost hopes.
36. He was always frothing at the mouth, had bad taste in the
mouth and vomitted blood. He had chronic stomach ache, felt
nauseous and restless.
37. He became a bed-ridden patient. He lost vigour, his limbs
weakened, he became thinner. All kinds of treatments were
tried. He was extremely miserable.
38. He lost all taste for food and nourishment and could not
digest even rice-gruel or a light diet. The condition was
unbearable, whereby he did not know what to do.
39. All rites and rituals were performed; doctors and vaidyas
gave up; he lost hope of survival and remained dejected.
40. Patil was depressed; he felt he would survive only for a few
days; day by day he became more tired and started counting
his days.
41. He worshipped his family deity but even she could not restore
his health. Patil got fed up of consulting astrologers,
exorcists and all and sundry.
42. Some referred to his condition as a sickness of the body,
others the visitation of fate, which human endeavour could
not control and which must, therefore, be borne.
43. Doctors were tried, hakims were tried, all remedies failed.
No body could do anything. All efforts were futile.
44. Patil was extremely sad. He said: “Oh Lord, what have I
done? Why is it that nothing avails? What kind of a sin is
this?”
45. The ways of God are strange! He never reminds you of His
existence even for a moment when you are happy. His ways are
indeed unusual.
46. But, when it comes to His mind, He sends difficulties, one
after the other, and makes a person remember Him and call
out: “O, Narayan, come running to my help”.
47. So be it. His intense and pitieous cries were heard. God was
moved. Bhimaji was inspired to send a letter to Nana.3
48. ‘Nana will be able to do something which none else has been
able to do’. Patil firmly believed this.
49. That was the auspicious beginning of the cure of his disease.
Later he wrote a detailed letter and sent it to Nana.
50. Rememberance of Nana was itself inspired by Sainath. It paved
the path of destruction of the disease. Saints’ deeds are
unpredictable.
51. Whatever is the cycle of time, there also is an underlying
plan of God. Therefore, no one should think contrarily and
brag about it.
52. Whatever good or bad takes place, it is only due to God, who
holds the reins. He is the protector. He is the destroyer. He
is the only active force – the doer.
53. Patil wrote to Chandorkar: ‘I am fed up of taking medicines.
I am tired of this life. I find the world wearisome.
54. Doctors have given up hope and declared the disease
incurable. Hakims and Vaidyas are bewildered. I too, have
lost all hope.
55. Yet, there is only one request, which I lay at your feet,
that I meet you without fail. I have this strong desire’.
56. Chandorkar read the letter. He felt very sad at heart for
Bhimaji Patil was a good soul. Nana was moved.
57. In reply, he suggested only one remedy. “Surrender at Sai’s
feet. This is the only saving grace. He is both Mother and
Father.
58. He is the compassionate mother of all, who comes running at
your call, takes pity on you and picks you up in her arms,
understanding the need of the children.
59. Even leprosy is cured by mere darshan. What is to be said
about tuberculosis! Have not the least doubt. Go and
surrender at his feet.
60. He grants whatever anyone asks. This is his creed. Therefore,
I say, make haste. Take Sai’s darshan.
61. The greatest fear is the fear of death. What else can there
be? Go and hold fast to Sai’s feet. He alone will make you
free of fear”.
62. Patil’s plight was unbearable. He had arrived at a perilous
state of life. ‘When will I meet Sainath? When will I
accomplish the task?’ (He thought).
63. Thus Patil became bewildered. He asked that preparations be
made quickly for departure to Shirdi the very next day.
64. Thus with firm determination, Patil took leave of all and
started for Shirdi for Maharaj’s darshan.
65. Bhimaji took his relatives and set out hurriedly. He was most
anxious to know when he would see Shirdi.
66. The cart arrived at the front gate of the courtyard of the
Masjid and four persons held Bhimaji and carried him up the
steps.
67. Nanasaheb was there. Madhavrao also came along. Everyone
found Sai’s feet more easily accessible through that
Madhavrao.
68. Looking at Patil, Baba said, “Shyama, from where do you get
hold of these scoundrels? And dump them on me? Does this
become you?”.
69. Bhimaji put his head at the feet of Sai and said: “Oh,
Sainatha, have pity on this hapless creature. Protect me, oh
caretaker of the weak”.
70. Seeing Patil’s plight, Sainatha took pity on him. Patil felt
assured that his sufferings had come to an end.
71. Seeing Bhimaji so restless, Sai Samartha, the ocean of mercy,
was greatly moved and said smilingly:
72. “Sit down and stop worrying. Wise people do not worry. No
sooner you stepped into Shirdi, your destined miseries have
got over.
73. However deeply immersed in the ocean of trouble or buried
deep in the valley of miseries, know that when he climbs the
steps of the Masjidmai he will ride on a wave of happiness.
74. The fakir here is very kind. He will destroy your troubles
from the very roots and will look after you lovingly. He has
tender feelings towards all.
75. Therefore, you be at rest. Stay at Bhimabai’s house. You will
get relief within a couple of days”.
76. Just like the case of a dying person receiving showers of
nectar who immediately revives, such was Patil’s
satisfaction.
77. Hearing those words of Sainatha were like nectar to a man
facing immediate death or water to a man dying of thirst.
78. When he sat in front of Baba for an hour, his vomitting of
blood stopped, which otherwise he used to do at intervals of
every five minutes.
79. He (Baba) did not examine the patient nor did he ask for the
case history. Only with a merciful glance, the disease was
destroyed from the root.
80. It is enough to receive a merciful glance. Even a dry stick
can sprout leaves, flowers can blossom without spring, and
the withered tree can become laden with fruit.
81. Ill health or good health. It’s a question of whether the
store of good deeds is exhausted or that of the sins. There
is no escape but to experience the effects of destiny.
82. He had the disease only because of his fate. This is the rule
applied to the cycle of birth and death. There is no other
remedy or freedom from it, other than to undergo the
sufferings.
83. But, if by good fortune one can get the darshan of a Saint,
this is one certain means to cure the illness – and to heal
it without suffering.
84. A disease itself shows that this was destiny. But if a Saint
casts a merciful glance it takes away the misery out of the
destined suffering.
85. The actual remedy lay in Baba’s words. On one occasion, he
cured malaria by feeding, yoghurt and rice to a black dog.
86. You may think these stories are deviations. But listening to
them altogether, you will realise the significance. In any
case, it is Sai who has reminded me of it.
87. “I will tell my own story”, Sai himself has said this. He
only has reminded me of these stories, at this time.
88. There was a person by the name of Bala Ganpat, who was a
tailor by caste and was a great devotee. He came to the
Masjid and sat in front of Baba and prayed imploringly.
89. “What sin have I committed? Why doesn’t this malaria leave
me? Baba, I have tried a number of remedies. But it does not
leave my body.
90. So now what shall I do? I have tried all medicines and
decoctions. Now at least, you tell me some remedy so that
this fever will leave me”.
91. Then, Baba felt pity for him. He replied and gave a remedy
for that malaria. Now, listen to that marvellous story.
92. “Feed a few morsels of curds and rice to a black dog near
the temple of Mother Laxmi. You will be cured immediately”.
93. Bala was a little anxious. He went home and searched. He
found some left over rice and also little curds near by.
94. Bala thought to himself. ‘Though I have procured curds and
rice, will that black dog be there, near the temple, at the
right time?’
95. But this worry of Bala was unnecessary. When he reached the
appointed place, he saw a black dog approaching him, with a
wagging tail.
96. Seeing everything working out right, Bala was very pleased.
He fed the dog curds and rice, and informed all this to Baba.
97. In short, the whole incident may be called anything by
anybody, but since then the malaria left him and Bala
recovered.
98. Similar was the case of Bapusaheb Butti. He had a chill in
the stomach and had continuous loose motions and vomitting
also.
99. The medicine chest was full of medicines but none was
effective. Bapusaheb got alarmed and worried.
100.Due to persistent loose motions and vomitting, Bapusaheb
became weak and had no energy left for his regular darshan of
Baba.
101.Baba came to hear about it. He sent for him and made him sit
before him. He said “Beware! From now onwards, you will not
go to the toilet.
102.And also, vomitting must stop”, shaking his forefinger
before his face. Observing him again, he repeated the words.
103.The essence of it is that his words had such weightage that
both ailments got scared and immediately retreated. Butti
felt better.
104.Once there was a cholera epidemic in the village. At that
time Butti suffered from it. He had vomitting and motions
simultaneously. He was in distress and had intense thirst.
105.Dr. Pillay was near him. He tried whatever was possible. WheDr. Pillay was near him. He tried whatever was possible. When
finally nothing succeeded, they approached Baba.
106.Every detail of how the disease had progressed,
was related to Baba, as a supplication. Pillay
asked Baba whether coffee or water would be
better to give.
107.Then Baba replied to him “Drink an infusion of
milk, boiled with almonds, walnuts, and
Dr.Pillay
pistachios.
108.This will quench his thirst and the disease will be cured
immediately”. In short, when he was given this infusion to
drink his troubles disappeared. Dr. Pillay
109.“Eat walnuts, pistachios and almonds”! Would they ever give
relief in the case of cholera?! It is enough to repose faith
in Baba’s words. There is no scope for doubts.
110.Once a Swami from Alandi came to Shirdi village for the
darshan of Sai Samartha, and arrived at Baba’s dwelling.
111.He suffered from an ear disease. Therefore, he was unwell and
had insomnia. Though he had got himself operated, it was of
no use at all.
112.He experienced shooting pains beyond endurance. He could do
nothing to control it. He thought of leaving and went to ask
for blessings.
113.He bowed down at Sai’s feet and received udi as prasad. The
Swami asked for blessings and said “Always have mercy on
me”.
114.Madhavrao Despande entreated Baba about his ear. Maharaj
assured him saying. “Allah will make it well”.
115.With these blessings, the Swami returned to Pune. Eight days
later his letter came saying that the pain had immediately
subsided.
116.Only the swelling was still there. Therefore, an operation
was advised. So he came to Bombay for a second operation.
117.He went to the same doctor. Unknown, Baba was obliged to
help. When the doctor examined the ear, he saw no swelling
anywhere.
118.The doctor said that there was no need now for an operation.
The Swami’s dreaded worries were over. Everyone was
surprised.
119.I have just remembered one more story of this nature, which I
will now tell the listeners and then end the chapter.
120.Eight days before the laying of the flooring in the courtyard
(of the Masjid) began, Mahajani suffered from acute
indigestion.
121.He began to have many loose motions. Leaving all this burden
on Baba, he did not take any medicines or treat himself. He
became quite harassed.
122.Mahajani knew that Sai was omniscient. Therefore, he did not
describe his difficulties to him.
123.‘When he wills it, he will grant me relief, on his own’‘When he wills it, he will grant me relief, on his own’.
Having this implicit faith, he bore the disease.
124.‘Whatever is destined to be suffered, will be! But there
should be no break in the puja rituals’. This was the
intense wish of Kaka each day.
125.Later on, when the motions became too frequent and were out
of control, let us see what he did in order not to have a
break in the arati and service.
126.He kept a copper vessel filled with water, on which he could
lay his hands even in darkness, in a corner of the Masjid.
127.He, himself, would sit near Baba, pressing his legs and
always remained present at the time of the arati, this being
his regular routine.
128.Whenever he got a spasm in the stomach, since the water pot
would be at hand, he would go to some nearby secluded spot
and return after relieving himself.
129.So be it. When they asked Baba’s permission to lay the
flooring, he gave it to Tatya. Listen to what he said then to
him.
130.“I am going to the Lendi. When I return from the Lendi, you
may start the work of the flooring at that time”.
131.Later Baba returned and sat on his seat. Kaka came in time
and started massaging his legs.
132.Devotees from Bombay came by tongas, via Kopergaon, by train
which came to a halt there. They came up the steps with all
the preparations for this puja and bowed down to Baba.
133.Along with everyone else, Patil from Andheri also came with
flowers, rice and puja items; and sat in anticipation.
134.Just then, in the lower part of the courtyard, in the place
where the rath used to be kept, exactly at the same spot the
first stroke of the pick-axe was struck and the work of the
laying of the courtyard floor began.
135.No sooner did he hear that noise that Baba shouted strangely.
In an instant he became transformed into Narasimha4. His eyes
blazed with fury.
136.“Who is that striking with the pick-axe? I will break his
back.” Saying this, he got up taking his satka. All present
were filled with terror.
137.The labourer threw aside the pick-axe and fled. Everybody ran
helter – skelter. Kaka too was frightened. At that moment,
Baba held him by his hand.
138.And said: “Where are you going? Sit down.” Just then Tatya
and Laxmi arrived. He started hurling a torrent of abuse at
them, to his heart’s content.
139.The people who were outside the courtyard were also abused.
Just then, he picked up a bag of roasted peanuts which had
been dropped there.
140.It must have belonged to somebody and fallen in the Masjid,
while running away helter – skelter, when Baba had been in a
fit of anger.
141.The nuts must have been about one full seerThe nuts must have been about one full seer5. He brought out
one handful at a time, rubbed them between his palms, blew
upon them and cleaned them.
142.Then he fed the cleaned nuts to Mahajani.
While he continued to shower abuses on one
hand, on the other hand he continued to
clean the peanuts.
143.“Eat them, eat them”, he said. He put
cleaned nuts in his palm. He too ate a few,
himself. In this manner, the bag was
emptied.
144.When the nuts were finished, he said:
Kaka Mahanjani
“Bring some water. I am thirsty”. Kaka filled a vessel and
brought it. He drank some and told him also to drink it.
145.While Kaka was drinking, he said: “Go, your suffering has
ended”. He added: “Where are those wretched Brahmins? Go
and fetch them”.
146.So be it. The group re-assembled. The Masjid was crowded as
before. The flooring work was resumed. Kaka’s diarrohea was
stopped.
147.What kind of a remedy is this for loose stools?! It is the
words of the Saints6 that act as medicine. He who regards
them as prasad can have need for nothing else.
148.A householder from Harda was suffering from shooting pains in
the stomach. He was harassed by it for fourteen years. He had
tried all kinds of remedies.
149.His name was Dattopant. By word of mouth, he had heard about
the powers of Sai, the great Saint of Shirdi, whose mere
darshan solved all difficulties.
150.Having heard such fame, he went to Shirdi, laid his head at
Sai’s feet and begged him to be merciful to him.
151.“Baba, fourteen years have passed. The shooting pains in the
stomach have pursued me. Enough of it now. It is beyond
endurance. I have no strength left to bear it.
152.I have never committed a breach of faith. I have shown no
disrespect to my parents. I do not know the deeds of my past
birth, due to which I am undergoing this suffering”.
153.Only a kind glance from a Saint, a Saint’s prasad or
blessing, can remove the disease. There is nothing else as
effective.
154.Such was Dattopant’s experience. As soon as Baba’s hand waSuch was Dattopant’s experience. As soon as Baba’s hand was
placed on his head and he received the vibhuti and blessings,
he felt relief.
155.The Maharaj made him stay for some days. Slowly, the shooting
pains7 in the stomach disappeared altogether.
156.Such was the great Saint! How shall I describe his powers?
His very nature was to oblige others and he had love for all
beings.
157.If we go on praising, in words, his Life, I find one deed is
better than the other. Now let me return to pick up the
thread of my original narrative about the life of Bhimaji.
158.So be it. Baba asked for udi; gave a little to Bhimaji;
rubbed some on his forehead and kept his hand on his head.
159.He was ordered to go to the lodging. Patil started walking
and went up to the cart on foot. He felt vigorous.
160.From there, he went to the place previously decided. Though
the place was small, as it was suggested by Baba, it was
important for him.
161.The floor had just been thumped smooth, with the help of a
wooden log, for the purpose of levelling. Therefore, it was
wet. Even then he obeyed Baba’s orders and stayed there
itself.
162.He would have got a dry place in the village, since Bhimaji
had many contacts. But since Baba had particularly indicated
the place, he did not think of going anywhere else.
163.He spread out two gunny bags upon the floor, on top of which
he spread out his bedding. Patil went to sleep peacefully.
164.That same night, this is what happened. Bhimaji got a dream.
He saw his teacher, whom he knew in his childhood, and the
teacher began to beat him.
165.He had a cane in his hand with which he practically flayed
the skin off his back, to make him learn by heart a poem. The
student was very miserable.
166.What was that poem? Listeners might be curious to know,
therefore I will quote the complete poem, word by word, as I
have heard:
‘She is known as a real or an ideal wife, who thinks she has
stepped on the head of a serpent if she ever enters a
stranger’s house. Her words are so rare that they are like
wealth procured from a miser. She feels profoundly happy when
she gives pleasure to her husband, even though there may not
be money in the house. She behaves according to her husband’s
wishes, without hesitation.’
167.But he could not understand the reason for this punishment.
The teacher would not put aside the cane, as he was inflamed
with rage and terribly determined.
168.Immediately afterwards, he had a second dream which was
stranger than the first. He saw that an unknown person came
and forcibly sat on his chest.
169.He used his chest as a grinding stone and took another stone,
as a roller, in his hand; and as it were, started grinding.
Bhimaji felt choked, as if he was heading towards heaven.
170.Finally the dream ended. He slept with some measure of
comfort. The sun rose and Patil woke up.
171.He felt rejuvenated as he had never felt before. He
completely forgot about the disease. How could anyone
remember to look for the sign of the caning or being used as
a grinding stone!
172.People say that dreams are unreal. But sometimes one gets
contrary experiences. Patil was completely cured of his
disease on the same day and his sufferings were over.
173.Patil was very happy. He felt as if he had a new lease of
life. Then he started walking slowly for Baba’s darshan.
174.Seeing Baba’s moon-like face, the ocean of happiness welled
up in Patil. He was in raptures and swooned in ecstasy.
175.With tears of joy raining down his face, he laid his forehead
upon Baba’s feet. How blissful was the aftermath of the
beating and grinding he had suffered!
176.“How can an insignificant creature like me ever repay your
obligation? I know it to be impossible, so I only put my head
on your feet.
177.This is the only way I can repay. There is no other means.
Inconceivable and irrefutable is this miracle of yours, O
Baba Sai!”
178.Patil stayed, singing such praises, for a month. He also
gratefully remembered Nana’s obligation. He returned, being
completely gratified.
179.Thus he remained contented, with devotion and faith. In his
gratefulness to Sai, he came to Shirdi often.
180.One needs no more than two hands and a head to shoOne needs no more than two hands and a head to show
gratefulness to Sainath, if it is done with a steady mind and
faith in him alone to the exclusion of all others.
181.Whoever is in difficulties, performs Satyanarayan puja if a
certain calamity is averted or some boon is received.
182.Since then Patil started doing the Satya Sai Vrat, every
Thursday, after an early bath and being abstemious.
183.As people read the Satya Narayan Katha, Patil recited the
chapters of Dasganu’s ‘Arvachin Bhakta Leelamrut’ relating to
Sai’s life, with love.
184.In this book of forty five chapters, Ganudas describes the
lives of many bhaktas. Out of these, three relate to Sainath.
Those formed the Satya Sai Katha.
185.Out of all the vratas this was the best. Patil read these
three chapters and experienced boundless joy and was happy.
186.Patil gathered together relatives, brothers, friends and
neighbours and regularly did Satya Sai Vrat, very happily.
187.The naivedya was of the same kind being one and a quarter
measures. The rest of the rituals were the same. In one case
it was Narayan and in the other it was Sai. Not a single
detail was overlooked.
188.Patil started the convention. It became a custom in the
village and people started observing Satya Sai Vrat, one
after the other.
189.Such are these saints, the merciful ones! When the proper
time comes, they remove the worldly cares of the dovotees by
their mere darshan and even change their destiny.
190.The next narration, herein, will be about a person craving
for progeny; and the marvellousness of the oneness amongst
Saints.
191.A resident of Nanded town, who was an affluent Parsi will
have a son after receiving Baba’s blessings.
192.Baba indicated that Mouli Saheb was the Saint from that
place. The Parsi returned to his own place, full of joy.
193.It is a very lovable story. Listeners should hear it quietly.
Then they will come to realise Sai’s all-pervasiveness and
also his affectionate nature.
194.Pant Hemad surrenders to Sai and bows down to the Saints and
listeners. In the next chapter I will tell you about that
which I have already mentioned. Listen with respect.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the thirteent-being. This is the end of the thirteenth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “The
Cure of Bhimaji’s Tuberculosis”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Invocation, Offering of seat, Worship of feet, Oblations of water,
Sipping water for purification, Bath, Clothing, Sacrificial thread,
Sandalwood paste, Flowers, Incense, Naivedya, Lamp, Dakshina,
Pradakshina, Mantra with flowers.
2.
Sandalwood paste, Flowers, Incense, Lamp, Naivedya, Camphor, Rice
mixed with turmeric, Coconut.
3.
Narayan Govind Chandorkar alias Nanasaheb.
4.
Avatar that Vishnu took, as a man lion, to destroy Hiranyakshyapu.
5.
Approximately 2 kilos.
6.
Once, Shirdi’s Madhavrao Deshpande had a problem with piles. He
told Maharaj about it. “We will have some medicine in the
afternoon.” Maharaj said. Accordingly, Maharaj made a concoction
of senna pods and gave some of it to Madhavrao. He was completely
cured by it. Two years later he had the same problem. As Maharaj
had earlier given him the concoction, Madhavrao, on his own
prepared it at home and took it. He did not feel better with it;
and his problem was aggravated. Later, thanks to Maharaj’s grace,
he became alright. In short, the cure is only due to Maharaj’s
blessings and grace.
7.
Kaka Mahajani’s elder brother Gangadharpant suffered from shooting
pains in the stomach for a number of years. Every year, he suffered
greatly, from this ailment. Having heard about Maharaj’s fame, he
went there and complained about it to Maharaj. Maharaj touched his
stomach and asked, “Does it hurt here?” Gangadharpant replied in
the affirmative. Maharaj said: “Allah will cure.” Since then the
shooting pains in the stomach of Gangadharpant left him and did not
recur.
Once, Nanasaheb Chandorkar had the problem of shooting pains
in the stomach. It was so severe, that night and day he was agonised by
it. The doctor gave him an enema, but he had no relief. In the end he
went to Maharaj, and Maharaj told him to take barfi (a sweetmeat)
pounded with clarified butter. And with this prescription, his shooting
pains in the stomach completely stopped.
He is the compassionate mother of all, who comes running at your call, takes pity on you
and picks you up in her arms, understanding the need of the children. (Ch.13, ovi 58)
Bala Shimpi
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