As brief introduction of the following story was given in an earlier post, I now narrate the full story. Every incident seems to be interesting more than the other. But all of them conveys the same message that Sai Baba’s methods give Updesh are unique in all cases.
An able teacher was transfered to the primary school of Shirdi from school of another village. His name was Daagi Vamanrao Chidambar. He was concerned about his own future along with his student’s future. If any student passed with outstanding results, the teacher was praised and he got promotions. Thus he was always concerned about such perks and taught the students with greatest concentration and care. But the situation of the students on the other side was very different. No one concentrated on studies. All had the same words on their lips, “We are blessed children of Sai Baba, so there is no need to think about studies and examination”.
One day Daagi Chidambar opened his heart in front of Kakasaheb Dixit, “Kaka (uncle) you are an elderly person of this village. All people respect you a lot. Please you try to make my students’ parents understand the importance of paying attention towards studies. Their children are fully dependent on Baba, they do not work hard. If this continues, I will loose hard earned fame in all my career. All of them say that they will wake up early on the examination day, have darshan of Baba, partake prasad of Udi and thus presume to be passed and there is no reason for worrying about examination and studies”.
“Kaka! I am passing sleepless nights worrying that all my hard work and fame will be washed away due to such students of Shirdi.”
Kakasaheb answered, “Daagi! Keep patience and be calm. Just wait for the results. As the students have full faith in Sai Baba, so does the Fakirs bears love for them. He is sure to help them. Moreover He is also concerned about you, even if you have faith in him or not. He is worried for everyone’s welfare and does good to everyone.”
An inspector named Deshmukh was present in Shirdi for inspection. He was well known for his strickness and dedication to his work. This made Daagi’s heart beats double in a minute and his body started perspiring. He know that the students did not study whole year, so his hard work and efforts for gaining a respectable position in his career end up uselessly. He even feared of loosing his job.
The result day was a big surprise for Daagi. Even weakest of weakest student passed with good marks. Now Daagi realised the powers and mercy of Sai Baba. He went to Dwarkamai and fell at the ground and did Shashtang Namaskars to Baba. He said, “I have gained everything by coming to Shirdi and much pleased by Your darshan. All my sins, sorrows and poverty has ended in front of you. The Almighty has given me the fruit of all my past births by showing me the path of Shirdi. The way to heaven in from Shirdi. O Greatful Sai, I do not want any money, designation or anything else, but give a blessing that I spend my whole life in Shirdi and I can meet my death on this Holy Land. I fold my hands before you please grant me one and only wish.”
Sai Baba, God of Gods promised Daagi to give pure Bhakti and led him to the path of salvation.
As time passed, Daagi got many promotions in school of Shirdi. He purchased his own land in Shirdi. He then permanently stayed in Shirdi with his family. After retirement, he used to meditate on Sai Baba whole day. He gained much devotion for Baba with His grace and was fortunate enough to be a part of many Leelas of Baba. As per his wish he breathed last on the soil of Shirdi and merged in its dust. Towards the end of this story, let me narrate one more small story and then finish this post.
Kakasaheb’s brother Rajaram Dixit lived in Nagpur. As he grew old, his health deteriorated. Kakasaheb resided in Shirdi at that time. So a letter was sent to him by Rajaram describing his own condition. In the end it was written, “If you are present in Nagpur in this time of calamtiy, it would be helpful to me. Hence as soon as you receive this letter, leave Shirdi and come to me.”
As per Kakasaheb’s practice, he went to Baba holding the letter in his hand. Baba who was Antaryami said, “Rajaram is nearing his old age. Thus it is obvious that he will be surrounded by bad health. So whats the use of your going there. Go and sit in your wada (lodging). When I am sitting here for you all, there is no need to worry”.
When this discussion was going on between Baba and Kakasaheb in Shirdi, a Fakir in Bhagwa Vastra (saffron coloured dress as Saints used wear) stood in the courtyard of Rajaram’s house in Nagpur. He said, “I am Sevak (servant) of Sai Baba of Shirdi.”
All the members welcomed Fakir on hearing Sai Baba’s name. Fakir took out handful of Udi and gave to Rajaram as prasad from Sai Baba. Rajaram partook some Udi with Baba’s name. And wonders, all his sickness was destroyed by Udi in few minutes. He sent Kakasaheb a detailed letter regarding this incident, “By taking Udi which Sai Baba had sent through His Sevak, all my sufferings have ended, now it will be fine if you dont come.” Thus this Fakir who is named as Sai Baba is very kind, ocean of mercy and great loving Mother. Babaji, I pray to you to be with us all the time and guide us in every step of life.
© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories
