Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 1 - The blessing materializes

A pleasant bolt from the blue

Sometimes, certain events occur in life that infuse a whiff of fresh direction and new beginnings; that restore and invigorate you in ways you would have never imagined possible. They are like splendid waterfalls in the path of a river as it flows towards its ultimate source - the ocean. They are encountered rather unexpectedly, and what unfolds as a result is something most memorable and spectacular. When the placid stream is suddenly awakened from its leisurely flow into a grand burst of intense activity, it realizes it’s potential. The most interesting thing however is that all this happens so naturally - the bounding brook puts in no extra effort; it just 'goes with the flow'.

The sudden burst of grand activity adds excitement and beauty to the leisurely flow of a river

My trip to Hadshi and Mumbai with Swami in the winter of 2009 was a similar one; it not only came as the mighty waterfall in the flow of my life but stood out as a momentous watershed for I was blessed with the privilege of witnessing, first-hand and for the first time in my life, Divinity in action from close quarters.

As far as I am concerned, the dream journey began as a dream! I 'received' this dream in the wee morning hours of October 13, 2009. The dream went thus. 

Swami had sent for me and I saw myself seated in the Sai Kulwant Hall about to go into the Poornachandra Auditorium. But I was also aware that only singers were supposed to be there. So I picked up a book on music, largely filled with swaras (musical notations), and headed for the auditorium. When I entered, I saw many proficient vocalists (students), all familiar to me, seated there. I went past Swami's chair and took my seat. When Bhagavan questioned me about my delay in arriving, I said, 

"Swami, I did not expect to be a part of this group! Hence I am late!" 

And then I woke up.

I was happy I had His darshan first thing in the morning. Beyond this, there was nothing more that I could decipher from that welcome dream. Two days later, everything became clear. The entry in my personal diary reveals the physical manifestation of the dream - another proof for me that the dreams of Swami are always true.

October 15, 2009

What shall I write about today! It was the most exceptional day when I think about my physical proximity with Swami. I had taken another lovely step in my journey towards Him. It was in the evening that the dream I had two days ago seemed to find fruition and it all happened after Swami completed His darshan rounds and called Mr. Jadhav and Mr. Ramesh Sawant (State President of SSSO, Maharashtra & Goa) for an interview. At this point in time, I was sure that it was going to be a long interview after which Swami would go into the bhajan hall to receive Aarthi before retiring. My love for badminton made me think,

"Should I just leave for my evening games? I don't think anything much will happen today..."

I could not have been more wrong. And it was destiny that told me through my heart,

"It is better to wait for the Lord over physical exercise and mental entertainment."

So I sat and waited.

Swami came out after a while and asked for Dr.Naren Ramji (the Registrar of Swami’s University). He then asked the boys whom He had earlier selected for the Pune trip to go inside the interview room. As He sat on the stage, He seemed to be scanning and searching through the faces in front of Him. In a few minutes, He looked at Neeraj and indicated to him to join the group in the interview room.

What happened next stunned me. His eyes met mine and He beckoned me to go inside as well! Was this really happening? The students seated behind me with "birthday trays" got up thinking He was calling them. I was certain that He had indicated to me and so wanted to quickly move up the stage. However, the birthday boys moved faster. I waited for the birthday boys to get their share of blessings and also for a second confirmatory indication. It came soon, as Swami signaled again and I rushed towards the interview room via the dais. Even as I did so, I turned to judge His reaction as I was still a bit unsure and thought – in case I am not the chosen one, Swami could still send me back! But the kind Lord just looked at me lovingly. Now I confidently walked on and took my position in the portico.

I was excited and thrilled. Indeed, even now, it was so unbelievable for me. That when Jagadish Kanadia came along. On many occasions, I had seen Swami send messages to devotees and students through this lad. I thought he had come to tell me that it had been my mistake to think that I was part of this 'privileged' group! With trepidation in my heart, I prepared myself for the disappointment. But he simply said ‘Sairam’ and sat next to me. A great relief swept over me as I realized that he had come to the portico for the same reason I had come - because Swami had picked him for the trip. Soon, Swami came and asked all of us to go to the interview room. I rushed ahead to take a place near His feet.

Sitting there, I just began to think of how alert and 'pure' I become when I am in Swami's presence. Though it was a passing thought it stayed with me as I realized that if I lead every moment of my life conscious of His presence, my thoughts, words and deeds would be so holy and uplifting - for me as well as for everyone else! Right, don't you think so?

Memories of  Swami's previous trip to the Marathwada region, to Latur and Chakur, were present in my mind
since my father had got the privilege of taking photographs during that visit. 

Once inside, Swami told Naren sir to take down the names. Swami personally asked every one present his name before telling Naren sir to note down - all except me. Again panic struck me and I think it was visible to many in the interview room. In fact, Ashwath prodded me to tell Him my name on my own. I did not want to! Why remind Him that I was there and assure Him that it was not too late to take corrective action in case a mistake had been made by calling me in! Really, I still found it difficult to accept that something so grand as this was being bestowed upon me. Later, as He was looking at all of us, He noticed me and asked if my name had been written. I looked at Naren sir and he nodded.

‘Ah, this was confirmation enough!’ I felt.

After this, Swami told us about the trip. 

"Everything has been well arranged,” He said. “There are rooms for all and the rooms have fans and A/C too; you can use either of them. We will go directly to Pune in flight. All of you must be well behaved. Be strict in your discipline." Swami enquired about the singers, harmonium players and tabla players as well. 

“Too many percussionists are not needed,” He said, adding that three were sufficient. A few musicians however, were added to the list. I was thinking that I would extensively do photography during the trip. So, I felt, it would be great to have a videographer along to ensure complete and comprehensive coverage. When I was sure that Swami was not looking at me, I whispered to Naren sir who was next to me,

"Sir, can we have a person to do video coverage."

"Ask Him; not me", he whispered back. 

I then ventured courageously, 

"Swami, if there is a video cameraman, it would be nice." 

Swami asked,"Won't you be doing that?"

"Swami, I will take photos."

"Who is there then?"

"Swami, Sai Prakash."

"Does he do a good job with the camera?"

"Yes Swami, he takes videos very well."

"Does he have a camera?"

"Yes, he has, Swami."

"And what about films (tapes)?"

"He has them in sufficient number too."

Swami smiled and then told Naren sir to add his name.

As the session went on, more names were added especially of boys skilled in various musical instruments. This made me happy.

Bhagavan then enquired about speakers. I quickly raised my hand. Swami asked, "Will you speak?" 

I said yes and He also seemed to agree. Then He asked Sudhindran as well, to which he replied that he would definitely speak if Swami so willed.Ah! That was a much better answer than mine, I felt. How I wished I too could have said the same. Let me remember always that whatever I do, it is because of Swami's love and grace.

All this while, I had the opportunity to press and massage His feet. During this period He did look deeply into my eyes a couple of times. For the first time in my life, I understood how special God can make you feel in just a moment. It was as if Swami had come to earth only for my sake I was only smiling in bliss. Then Swami noticed the clock. I too did the same.

“How quickly time flies with Swami!” I thought. 

In the meanwhile, Ashwath asked Swami about the songs to be prepared to which He said that they should be in multiple languages so that all devotees find something to enjoy. The interview was now coming to an end. As we filed out of the room, I took padanamaskar. Taking the chance to go closer to Him, I said, "Swami ee avakasam ichcharu... Chaala krutagnatalu (Swami, we are so grateful for this opportunity You have blessed us with).” He nodded. I was swimming in joy.

The resolve of two brothers

Until that moment, though I knew about Bhagavan’s impending trip to Pune, I had never really taken the effort to learn more about the place. But now that I was flying with the Lord to Hadshi, I began to glean vital information, and in the process, learnt some amazing stories of grace from the Jadhav brothers – Shivajirao and Uttamrao. 

"It is a must that we know something about the place before embarking on this historic trip," I thought.

It was in the early nineties that the Jadhav brothers heard about an Avatar who had made Puttaparthi His birthplace. Hailing from the faraway Marathwada region in Maharashtra, they could not come immediately for the Avatar’s darshan. However, in 1993, both the brothers visited Baba’s ashram in Whitefield, Bangalore. They were at once impressed by the devotion and discipline that seemed to fill the air of that Holy Site, and wondered why the shrines at Pandharpur and other pilgrimage places in Maharashtra too could not be maintained that way! That very instant, they made a resolve: We will take this Swami with us to our region in Maharashtra.

This was something bizarre! I had heard of people responding in different, unique ways, when they saw Swami for the first time. But in this case, merely being in the ashram had done wonders; these brothers had instantly decided to take Swami to their state!

The story of how Swami's first trip to the Marathawada region materialized and how He showered
His grace on the people there is a separate story in itself. 

The Jadhav brothers were, in a sense, not new to Swami as they had been devoted to Sai Baba of Shirdi for very long; so much so that the family felt restless if they did not make an annual pilgrimage to Shirdi. On innumerable occasions, they witnessed inexplicable instances of His benediction. For example, once a family member fell extremely ill when the scheduled time of departure for the pilgrimage arrived. Nevertheless, they set out on their holy journey, and by the time they returned, the malady had completely disappeared.

Was that not cruel of God to smite them thus, just to test their faith and secure their pilgrimage? "No!" was the vehement answer. "He knows that it is good for us and those are just reminders when we forget Him. Life has been wonderful for us due to His grace," said the Jadhavs.

Going back to their trip to Whitefield, the Jadhav brothers had in their party Mr. Naidu, an acquaintance who was a senior Sai devotee. And from him they learnt that earlier Swami had indeed made several trips to various shrines and cities of India. However,  the chances of Him coming to a remote village in Maharashtra (hundreds of miles away from Puttaparthi), were remote! Notwithstanding this, their resolve to take Swami home was only further strengthened after they had their first darshan of Him.

Pictures which show the devastation wreaked by the
earthquake at Latur. Those days, digital photography had
not yet made its advent and therefore very few images
exist even on the internet. 

Upon their return, news floated of Swami’s impending arrival to Maharashtra. Swami had expressed His solidarity for the people of Latur, the home-town of Jadhavs, which had been struck by an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale. The catastrophe at Latur had rendered 7600 people dead and more than 16000 injured!

"The earthquake has brought fear into the people. I need to come there,” Bhagavan told Mr. Shivraj Patil, who was then a Member of the Lok Sabha and its Speaker as well. 

The Jadhavs’ coming into contact with Mr. Patil was the mysterious working of Swami’s will. Working hand in hand with this long-standing and esteemed devotee, the Jadhavs prepared for Swami's visit. The best part was Bhagavan Himself took an active interest in the Mandir (temple) that began to blossom at Latur and even promised to personally inaugurate it.

A couple of years went by. On one occasion when Swami was at Kodaikanal, the temple drawings were shown to Him, and He seemed very pleased. All of a sudden, one day, Swami unveiled the plans of the Mandir to His students and said,

"This Temple is coming up in Latur. I will go for its inauguration." That was the first time He had openly declared His promise. Then He asked Mr. Patil who was seated by His side, 

"What is the temple's seating capacity?" 

Not knowing the exact figure, he hesitatingly said, 

“5000 people, Swami”. 

That turned out to be an overestimate! The ever-sincere Jadhavs, however, took this seriously and erected a multi-storeyed Mandir which would indeed be able to accommodate such massive numbers!

Now, Mr. Uttamrao Jadhav also nursed another secret desire – he wished to make a replica of Bhagavan in bronze, and also design and build a chariot for Swami’s use whenever He visited the state. Privately, he had his apprehensions. Firstly, it is considered inappropriate to make a bronze statue of a living personage, and secondly, Swami may not want to move around in a chariot!

A few days later, when Mr. Shivraj Patil was with Swami in the interview room, Bhagavan mentioned to him about Uttamrao Jadhav's nervous disquiet and said, 

"I will give him peace. He is outside. Go and tell him that he can make my idol, and that I will sit in the vehicle that he wishes to construct."

The procession stretched for kilometers. The helicopter seen in the frame is the one used by the Chief Minister. Swami arrived to Latur by car. 

As per the wishes of the elder Jadhav brother, Swami blessed the chariot in which He was taken to the temple. 

Ah! Is there anything called secret or anxiety where the Lord is concerned? Then what to say of secret anxieties! Mr. Patil was totally oblivious of this and he too simply marveled at the Lord’s omniscience as he conveyed this message to Mr. Uttamrao.

to be continued in Part 2 at the link below:

Hadshi Mumbai diaries - Part 2 - First Flight with God

For all readers:

(If you enjoyed this and wish to subscribe to this blog, please go to the right hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the 60-odd 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the top right here. Another blog which I maintain with more than 230 articles on it is at http://aravindb1982.hubpages.com. If you wish to be added to my mailing list, please email me via this page with the subject "ADD ME TO MAILING LIST".)

Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Part 6

The rock in the garden in Anjaneyulu's house compound in Uravakonda which today has got immortalized in His-Story

Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam

Into the bungalow He entered like an emperor walking into his palace. He went straight to the newly born baby girl at home. Anjaneyulu and his wife came rushing to Swami. Swami picked up the baby and, looking at her, said,

“You too fell in the Maya Sai Prabha!” (I got to know later that the girl had been born on the 21st of September, 1943 and the naming ceremony had not yet been performed.)

Sai Prabha as a 55-year old. She was probably the first child to be named by Swami. 
courtesy: Love is My Form. 

Then, He looked at the lady of the house and asked,

“Where is the boy?”

“Sathyam, Dasu has not yet come from school...”

Obviously, she was speaking of Narasimha Dass with whom Swami had left for school in the morning.

“No! Where is your boy?”

I shared the lady’s bewildered look.

“What is the matter dear child Sathyam?” It was Anjaneyulu this time.

“I am not your Sathyam. I am Baba. I have come for Vishwa Shanti (World peace/welfare).”

He then walked out of the house, into the garden.

The rock on which Swami sat to deliver His first message to mankind has today been made into a shrine
with a marble idol of little Sathyam and Shirdi Baba. 

I stopped dead in my flight (remember, I have travelled to the past as a fly!). The immense meaning of the declaration had not hit me but still I felt a thrill travel down my wings. I was sure that something magnificent was about to happen now. Those vibes were unmistakable. It was akin to the moment just before Moses heard the ten commandments and Mohammed got the first revelation; just before Buddha received enlightenment and when Arjuna received the Bhagwad Gita.  All this while, it was only me, a fly having travelled in a time machine, who was buzzing around. Soon, the whole compound would be bustling with people and buzzing with excitement. Swami actions would ensure that the excitement was kept at a crescendo.

(The story so far has been absorbing because it has allowed us to witness those episodes in Swami’s childhood life, that very few are aware of and those which led up to this epochal moment. It is thus suggested that the reader move on to this sixth and final part, having read the previous five parts. However, if pressed for time, reading this last part alone too will suffice to generate the thrill and eagerness to read the previous parts!

Part 1: Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba- 1

Part 2: Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba- 2

Part 3: Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Part 3

Part 4: Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Part 4

Part 5: Time-travel to the days of declaration of Avatarhood of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Part 5 )

He walked out of the house and into the garden. Anjaneyulu, who had definitely felt the same vibes, came running out. He went to his rock shrine on which was the clay idol of Shirdi Baba. He intuitively cleared it and spread a leopard-skin carpet over it. Swami went and sat on the rock, amidst the trees. Ah! How divine and majestic He looked! Did I see a halo around His head? He had definitely chosen this moment to reveal Himself and all of a sudden, there seemed to be a never-ending stream of people in the garden. In front of the crowd, Sri Sathyanarayana Raju erupted into a song.

Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam

Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam.

(Meditate in thy mind on the Feet of the Guru. This can take you across the difficult sea of existence, birth after birth.)

A recording of Swami singing Manasa Bhajare

I wholeheartedly joined in the bhajan singing. The Parama Guhyam (greatest secret) thought to be accessible only to a select few was being doled out with love and compassion to anyone who was ready to lend even a curious ear! People started coming up to the rock with incense and camphor. They brought flowers in great abundance and offered it to Him. But He had come to collect grander flowers, the Hrudaya Pushpam (flower of the heart).

(In the Bhagwadgitha, Krishna has referred to "Pathram, Phalam, Pushpam, Thoyam" that is, leaf, fruit, flower or water that can be offered to God. I am pleased with any of these, provided it is offered with sincere devotion. What is 'pathram'? It is not the 'leaf' that you see around you. The inner meaning is that your body itself is the leaf. Flower is not the one in the plants but it is the flower of your heart, "Hridhaya Pushpam". 'Phalam' is not the ordinary fruit but 'Manophalam' (the fruit of your mind). 'Thoyam' means water but what is referred to here is not the water from the river or tap. It refers to the tears of joy welling up within you from a sincere and prayerful heart.

Discourse to active workers of the

Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Tamil Nadu at Abbotsbury, Madras, 19 January 1983)

Soon, I saw Seshama arriving on the scene. He had a half-thrilled and half-shocked expression. He left in a hurry presumably to send a message to the parents to arrive to Uravakonda as soon as possible.

“Beep.... Beep... Beep....”

Oh my God! That must be the time machine beckoning to me. My time was over! But how? I remember that I had set the batteries on full charge to last at least a week. How could they have drained out so fast? The reason and realization slowly dawned on me. So lost had I been in the grand event of the Declaration that I had spent 3 full days in bhajans and worship in the ‘rock-garden’ at Anjaneyulu’s house! I looked at my Swami. He showed no signs of fatigue or hunger. From where did He get such strength and stamina without eating even a morsel? Did He derive energy directly from the elements?

Sri V.V.Ramulu, the photographer.

“You fool”, my heart corrected me, “it is not He who derived strength from the elements but the elements that derive their power from Him!”

As if to give proof of this, I saw a miracle of transmutation of elements right before my eyes before returning from the time travel. The instrument through whom the miracle occurred was a photographer, V.V.Ramulu. He had come to document the occasion that would give him a place in the His-Story books! He wanted to take a picture of the Guru and requested Swami to strike a pose. In His infinite love, Swami looked lovingly at the camera. There was an ugly stone that had somehow made its way in front of Swami. Ramulu asked Swami to push away that crude stone.

Swami smiled and told him to go ahead with taking the picture. I was not present to see Ramulu developing and processing the negatives but the Sathyam Shivam Sundaram (the official biography) records that when the picture was made, the crude stone had transformed into an idol of Shirdi Baba!

The photo taken by Ramulu. The 'crude stone' was transformed into an idol of Shirdi Baba when the negative
was developed. 

My life is my message

As I returned to my day and age, I realized with tears in my eyes that Swami had declared His mission in such a profound manner - to show humanity that God exists in everything, even a crude stone! That was the underlying message in everything that He did those 3 days in the garden. I had witnessed amazing scenes. His classmates wept when they heard that Sathya would no longer attend school, that He was much beyond their reach, that His company was hereafter only for those upon whom He showered His Grace. Many came to the garden with incense and camphor to worship Him. Some came to sympathize with the family, some to congratulate them. Some came to learn, and some, alas, even to laugh! But Swami’s message had been the same - to inspire mankind to see the common thread of divinity that runs through all. And that remains His message throughout. Even in the final act of benediction, the Namaskar through which He saluted all seated in Sai Kulwant Hall, He seemed to exude the same message - Divinity pervades everyone and everything.

And today, as I sat at that rock, I had goosebumps erupting on my being. Some unknown rock in the garden of a person living in far-flung Uravakonda has today become a shrine!

Just sitting in this temple, at the rock is such an elevating experiences. We sang that memorable and unforgettable bhajan, Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam, and it felt so very special.  I had tears flow down my eyes as I narrated this beautiful story of how Swami declared the Avatarhood to my family. It was then and there that I decided to narrate this story to my extended family across the globe too so that they too would enjoy the bliss that I was enjoying.

I was unable to stop the flow of my tears.

“This was where it all began... the rock which deserves my gratitude because I would not be what I am today in any sense had it not been for that Beginning.”

I placed my forehead on that rock. I could feel a surge of strength and love course through my entire being. I recollected how Mother Easwaramma had come running to Uravakonda at the end of those three days of prayer and bhajans. Swami had said

“Here comes Maya”, on seeing her. She told Swami,

“We are in Maya. We are Maya. But you are free from Maya. And we will not interfere, we will not argue. You can be whatever you are... but... not in the Himalayas, not in the caves and hills, far away from us. Give me your word that you will remain at Puttaparthi. Let your devotees come there. We will welcome them, gladly, and treat them kindly.”

Swami had agreed. He said,

“I have chosen Puttaparthi as my kshetra (field of action). The boon is granted not to you, but to the village, nay the world itself. I shall leave this place and come to Puttaparthi on Thursday.”

As I returned to Puttaparthi in the space-vehicles, the two cars, I was filled with memories and thoughts galore.

A special experience of reliving History at the historic boulder at Uravakonda.

The power of Kshetra

Water is available anywhere on the face of the earth for those that dig deep. However, it is always easy to obtain the same from a lake or river nearby. That is my take on the magnificence and thrill of visiting these holy spots or Kshetras. The inspiration that one derives by actually being in these His-Storical spots has to be experienced. The effect is magical because, all said and done, though we are all embodiments of Divinity, I still cling on to my ‘human’ self. And my human self is heavily influenced by my mind and senses. So, when I actually see, touch, smell, feel and perceive that grand Rock, the influence on my self is mesmerising.

With one hand on the rock and the other on my heart, I prayed,

“Swami, just like you transformed this rock into your throne, make my rock-like heart also your throne. Be seated there always and teach me the ultimate message of Surrender. And as you said, let me achieve that by fixing my mind on the lotus feet of my Guru!”

I then bent low and embraced the rock close to my heart. Copious tears of joy welled down my cheeks. I was lost in thoughts of Swami and Swami alone. My heart was pounding in love for Him. That is when I realized, that without the slightest effort, I had actually offered all the four - Phalam, Pushpam, Patram and Toyam - to Him.

Ah! That is the power of the Kshetra, the place sanctified by the Avatar. What otherwise seems very difficult to achieve becomes easy by His grace that pours from the Kshetra. If you don’t believe me, make a visit to the place and see for yourselves. After all, it is just a 2-hours drive from Puttaparthi!

"Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam, Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam"
The serene sanctum is a tremendous source of inspiration.

For all readers:

(If you enjoyed this and wish to subscribe to this blog, please go to the right hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the 50-odd 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the top right here. Another blog which I maintain with more than 230 articles on it is at http://aravindb1982.hubpages.com. If you wish to be added to my mailing list, please email me via this page with the subject "ADD ME TO MAILING LIST".