The All Merciful Messiah
During the sixty-odd years Baba stayed in shirdi, he helped innumerable people with both their temporal and spiritual predicaments. Countless were benefited in mysterious ways, difficult to comprehend for the rationale-minded individuals. Below is one such instance:
Lakshman Govind Munge, a resident of Nasik recalls his experiences: I visited Baba in 1890 when I was aged 26. Sai Baba was then at the Maruti Temple at Rahata. I had gone to Rahata in order to get the help from my maternal uncle. My marriage was settled. But I had to get jewels to present to the the bride. I thought my uncle would help me and so went to Rahata. There I found Baba and approached Him. Baba welcomed me with these words “Come Child, I was thinking of you yesterday“, and asked me to massage His legs. I did. Then He took up a mango and gave it to me to eat. I ate it. It was so very sweet. Then Baba asked me: “What brought you here?” I replied: “My marriage is settled. I have no jewellery. I have come to borrow jewellery”. Then Baba said: “Who is whose?” Who gives? Who receives? None will give timely help. If you require Rs.1,000 or 2,000 (worth of ornaments) receive it from me.” I was looking at Baba as He sat robed in a sack cloth and holding a mere tin as his only utensil. “How will He give me all this?” was the thought that occurred to me. I went then to the house of my maternal uncle and explained him my need. He said that he had no jewellery. I returned in a cheerless mood, as I felt that the marriage will be cancelled for want of jewellery. Just at that juncture, a friend came to me and I explained him my situation. He at once came to my rescue and by his introduction or intercession, a Gujarati merchant at Sinner lent me some anklets, a nose-screw and he took out 30 tolas of gold which were converted into jewellery in one day, which also were lent to me (on interest). So Baba through this friend and the Gujarati merchant fulfilled his promise and the marriage was duly celebrated as per the schedule. After this event, I paid my yearly visits to Baba. For some years I was getting children but they died after a very short life. In 1912 I went and broke down before Baba explaining him my misfortune, and prayed that He would give me one son blessed with longevity. Baba said to me, “Why do you ask me for one? I will give you two“. I have 2 sons (aged 13 and 10) and 2 daughters (aged 27 and 18). I worship Baba’s picture at home, and pray to it. My prayers are granted by Baba.
Quoting from a speech by Dr. C B Satpathy in 2011:
If you truly wish to walk in the path of devotion, grieve and appeal like a child before the almighty to receive his mercy. If we ever plead, We should do so only before the Sadguru and pray not for materialistic possessions but for knowledge to overcome illusions and to kindle passion in our hearts for his devotion. We should ask for strength to do his work and wisdom to control and direct our mind. Finally, we should pray to become such disciples who would never stretch his hands before anyone other than his Guru !
Sources:
1. Devotees experiences of Shri Sai Baba (Part 2) by Shri B.V NARASIMHA SWAMI