1Sai is not confined to one place. Sai dwells in all creation from Brahma to small creatures like ants and flies. He pervades all and is everywhere.
2Sai was well-versed in the Vedas; and had all the attributes of the Absolute Brahman. As he was proficient in both, he was well-fitted to be the Sadguru.
3One may be very learned but not able to awaken the disciple or establish him in Self-realisation, then he does not deserve to be called Sadguru.
4A father gives birth to the body, and death invariably follows life. The Guru releases you from birth and death, so his comparison is greater than any one else’s.
5Now listen to the chapter on dreams with reference to the earlier context, of how Baba gave darshan to his devotees by appearing in their dreams.
6He asked one to draw a trident; and another was asked for ‘khichadi’; and still another was beaten with a stick on his back, in the form of his teacher.
7He frightened somebody by appearing in his dream and made him leave his addiction for alcohol. Warding off many such problems of his devotees, he strengthened their devotion.
8The listeners have already heard how he flayed the skin off someone’s back with a cane and used his chest as a grinding stone and took another stone as a roller to grind. All this has been narrated in Chapter 10[1].
9The stories that follow are rare and excellent. The listeners and the narrator will be blessed, as they harmonise. They will have everlasting happiness.
10Let me narrate these stories about saints, which are always very pure, which will wipe out the sins of listening to untruth, malicious remarks etc.
11Now let me tell you those stories. Listeners should hear them with respect. They will reveal Sai’s compassionate nature at every step.
12The Ralli Brothers were Greek merchants, who bought things from all over India and had their business establishments in different cities out of which Bombay was one.
13At that time, Lakhmichand worked under one of the officers there. He was very honest and obedient. He worked as a Munshi.
14He worked with the Railways first, and then with Venkatesh Press. It was only then that he came in contact with Sai. Hear how it happened.
15“My man can be in any place – even thousands of miles away. I will draw him to me with a string tied to his feet, like a sparrow fledgling”.
16Baba said these words often. People not only heard them frequently but also experienced that. I shall narrate that sport of Baba’s.
17Many such ‘Children’ from various places were brought to Shirdi, of whom Lakhmichand was one. He was a devoted ‘child’ of Baba.
18We only meet a saint who dispels the darkness born of ignorance, when the good deeds of many lives are brought to the fore by fate.
19The fire of discrimination is ignited when fortune favours and we gain detachment. The accumulated ‘karmas’ of past births end and life becomes fulfilled.
20Once Sainath fills the vision, there is no room for anyone else there. Even when the eyes are closed, it is Sainath that encompasses the vision.
21I met Lalaji (Lakhmichand) and he narrated his experiences, which I have treasured in my heart with great love. I shall narrate them with eagerness.
22See how he was caught! That leela is unparalleled. Devoted listeners hear it with complete concentration.
23It was during the Christmas holidays of 1910 that Lalaji got an opportunity to come to Shirdi.
24That was the first time he had darshan. But let us hear what happened to him a couple of months earlier to give indication of this event.
25When he was at Santacruz, he had a strange dream all of a sudden, about a matter which had never entered his mind before.
26He saw a bearded old sadhu surrounded by devotees. This mahatma was standing thus, to whom he paid his loving reverence.
27Some time later Lakhmichand went to the house of Dattatreya Manjunath Bijur, to hear the kirtan of Das Ganu.
28It was always the practice of Das Ganu to keep Baba’s picture in front of him. Immediately on seeing it, Lakhmichand was reminded of the man he had seen in his dream.
29It was the same beard, the same age, the same features and limbs. Lakhmichand concentrated and felt that this was the same mahatma.
30To begin with it was Das Ganu’s kirtan, in which there was the apologue of Tukaram, and then the darshan of the sadhu of his dream. Lalaji was deeply engrossed.
31Lakhmichand, who was very tender-hearted had loving tears in his eyes. He yearned to meet and see the personage in the picture.
32He had no other thought in his mind except that of the person he saw earlier in his dream and whose picture he had seen in the kirtan. His inner inclination was fixed there only.
33'Will I meet a friend who will accompany me to Shirdi? When will I put my head in person at this saint’s feet.
34Will I ever be able to have the darshan of this sadhu? Will I ever be able to enjoy the bliss of his love?’ Such was Lakhmichand’s constant longing.
35‘The money for the expenses must also be arranged. Then, what should be done next? How will the darshan be obtained quickly? Some method will have to be found’.
36God always longs for love. See what a miracle happened! That same night, around eight o’clock, a friend knocked at his door.
37Then, when he opened the door and looked, he saw his friend Shankar Rao, who asked Lakhmichand if he would like to go to Shirdi.
38“I had planned to go to Kedgaon for the darshan of Narayan Maharaj. But I had a strong desire to go to Shirdi first”.
39One has to make efforts to get what one desires; but the chance for which he was waiting fell right into his lap! Lakhmichand could not contain his joy!
40He borrowed fifteen rupees from his cousin. Shankar Rao did the same. They made preparations for the departure.
41They got together their bag and baggage and got ready to leave. They went in time to get the tickets and both caught the train.
42Shankar Rao was a good singer of bhajans and both sang in the train. Lakhmichand, out of curiosity, made inquiries on the way.
43If he met anyone going to Shirdi, he would greet them on meeting them and say: "Tell us about Sai Baba’s greatness according to your experience.
44Sai Baba is a great saint and well-known near Nagar[2]", he said. “Tell us clearly of some personal experience”.
45In the compartment there were four Muslims who lived near Shirdi. Lakhmichand felt contented on conversing and gossiping with them.
46“Tell us anything you may know about Sai Baba”, Lakhmichand asked them with devotion and love.
47“Sai Baba is a great saint and has lived in Shirdi for many years. He is a great aulia and sage”, they replied.
48Thus in happy conversation, they completed the journey till both of them reached Kopergaon. There, the Sheth was reminded of something.
49‘Sai Baba likes guavas and they grow in Kopergaon. It is said that they are sold on the banks of the Godavari; so we will offer them to Baba.’
50But when they came to the banks of the Godavari, he was so fascinated by the scenic view that he forgot all about the guavas till the tonga reached the opposite bank.
51From there Shirdi was only four villages away and the tonga was at full speed. Lakhmichand then remembered the guavas where there were none to be seen.
52At that moment, an old woman with a basket on her head was seen running after the tonga. The carriage was stopped for her and it seemed as if the guavas had come to meet him!
53Lakhmichand was filled with joy. He selected the guavas with care. For those that remained in the basket, the old woman asked them to offer to Baba, on her behalf.
54Remembering the guavas and then forgetting about them. The unexpected meeting with the old woman and seeing her devotion to Sai. All this surprised both of them.
55First I saw an old man in a dream. Then, encountered him at the kirtan. This old woman must be some relative of his, guessed Lakhmichand.
56May it be whatsoever. The tonga continued the journey and they reached Shirdi in no time. They saw the flags above the Masjid from afar and they both bowed with devotion.
57They took all the necessary items for the puja and went to the masjid immediately. They felt very happy after taking Sai’s darshan.
58Entering the courtyard from the entrance door and seeing Baba’s form from a distance they were in a deep emotional state.
59On having the darshan of the desired personage, Lakhmichand was totally absorbed. He forgot hunger and thirst and was in supreme bliss[3].
60Taking clean water in his hands, he washed Baba’s lotus feet and did puja in the traditional way. Then he offered bananas and coconut.
61He offered incense, light, betel leaf and made a monetary offering; mentally circumambulated, offered a garland of flowers and then, sat near his feet.
62Lakhmichand being a loving devotee basked in the grace of his guru; and having attained Sai’s lotus feet hovered over them like a bee.
63Then Baba began to speak (in Hindi): "The rascal sang bhajans on the way and made inquiries of others. Why ask others?
64See everything with your eyes. Why ask anyone else? Is the dream true or not? Come to your own decision.
65What was the necessity of coming for darshan after borrowing money from a marwadi? Is your heart’s desire fulfilled now?" They were stupefied by these words.
66Lakhmichand felt very greatly surprised that Baba should have the knowledge here of the inquiries, he had made on the way.
67'I had a dream at home. I did bhajans on the train. How did Baba come to know about it? How amazing is the knowledge of the secrets of the heart!
68He also knows that in my eagerness for darshan, I borrowed money to make up the full amount as there was shortage of money’.
69Lakhmichand was greatly surprised; and so were all the devotees gathered there. All the bees hovering at the lotus feet felt that Baba’s knowledge was beyond imagination.
70The principal lesson was that Baba did not like running into a debt to celebrate a festival or go on a holiday or a pilgrimage.
71So be it. With all the devotees, Lakhmichand went to Sathe’s Vada. In the afternoon he sat for lunch with great joy.
72At that time, some devotee brought ‘sanza’ as Baba’s prasad, and distributed a little to each one, on the leaf (used as lunch plate). He enjoyed this very much.
73The next day, at mealtime, Lalaji recalled the ‘sanza’ but it was not available every day. So he was anxious to get it again.
74But on the third day, there was a marvel! Maharaj Sai granted his unfulfilled craving. See how he arranged it!
75Jog came to the masjid with sandalwood paste, consecrated rice, flowers, bell, ‘niranjan’ and the five-wick lamp etc. and asked Baba:
76“What should I bring for naivedya today?” Maharaj instructed: “Bring me a platterful of ‘sanza’. You can do the arati and puja later”.
77Leaving the puja paraphernalia there, Jog immediately went back and returned in no time bringing ‘sheera’ with him, enough for everybody.
78Then the noon arati took place. The platters of naivedyas brought by the devotees, earlier, were being sent up. Then Baba said to his devotees.
79“To-day is a good fine day, I have felt that ‘sanza’ should be to-day’s prasad. So get it quickly. Everyone should eat it to their heart’s content”.
80Then the devotees went and brought two big pots full of ‘sanza’. Lakhmichand felt hungry and he also had a pain in the back.
81Lakhmichand was uncomfortable on account of his hunger and back ache. Then listen with care to the words that came from Baba’s lips.
82“It is good that you are hungry. But the pain in the back needs medicine. ‘Sanza’ has arrived in abundance. Get up for the arati”. (in Hindi).
83Baba’s words were an echo of Lakhmichand’s thoughts, without him having made a sound. Maharaj was a knower of the secrets of the heart!
84May it be so. After the arati, ‘sanza’ was served at the time of lunch. Lakhmichand’s craving was satisfied. He was happy.
85Since then he was devoted to Baba. He regularly offered agarbattis, coconut and garland. Lakhmichand also prospered. The puja was regular and ritualistic.
86He developed such a devotion for Sai that whenever he found someone going to Shridi, he sent along with him garland, dakshina, camphor and agarbattis.
87Whenever Lakhmichand came to know that someone was going to Shirdi he sent these three things with dakshina for Baba, without fail.
88On that trip, when Lakhmichand went to see the Chavadi procession, Baba started coughing and breathed hard with distress.
89Lakhmichand thought, ‘how this cough is troubling him! It seems that somebody has cast an evil eye! And that is why he is coughing’.
90This was only a thought that arose in Lakhmichand’s mind. The next morning, when he came to the masjid, how surprising it is that Baba said the same thing, translating his thought in speech.
91When Madhavrao came, Baba spoke to him on his own, "yesterday, I had a lot of coughing. Is it because of somebody’s evil eye?
92I feel that somebody has cast an evil eye on me. Therefore, this cough is frequently worrying me and making me suffer".
93Lakhmichand was surprised at this repetition of his own thoughts. ‘How did Baba know this? Is he all pervasive?’
94Then folding his hands, he supplicated him. "I am very pleased with your darshan. Therefore, continue to grant me this favour and protect me, Maharaj.
95Now, there is no other God except these feet. Let my mind be ever absorbed in your worship and at your feet always".
96He said: "I lay my head now at your feet; and ask for your permission to leave, Sai Samartha. Now, grant it to us and look to me always with the same kindness.
97Let your continuing grace keep me free from all worldly problems. Let the chanting of your name fulfil us and give us happiness and contentment always".
98Lakhmichand returned after receiving udi and blessings, with his friend, and joyfully sang about Sai’s glory on the way home.
99Similarly, another ‘sparrow’ was tied and brought to Shirdi by Baba, when the time was right for darshan. Listen to that novel way.
100This ‘sparrow’ was a loving lady. Her story is very wonderful. She lived in Burhanpur, where she saw Sai Maharaj in a dream.
101She had never seen Baba in person; but still she had a dream that Baba has come and is standing at her door, asking for a meal of ‘khichadi’.
102She woke up immediately but found no one at that place. She told about her dream to everyone promptly.
103Her husband was an official in the Postal Department of the same town. Later he was transferred to Akola and they made preparations to visit Shirdi.
104The couple was very devout and became anxious for Sai’s darshan. They were curious about the dream and felt that Sai’s leelas were inexplicable.
105So, on a convenient day, they left for Shirdi. On the way they paid their homage at the Gomati Tirth[4] and reached Shirdi.
106They took Baba’s darshan with love and worshipped him with devotion. Serving at Baba’s feet regularly, they were full of happiness.
107Thus the couple stayed happily at Shirdi for two months. Baba was also satisfied with the ‘khichadi’ meal and their faith and devotion.
108The couple came to Shirdi to offer ‘khichadi’ as naivedya. But though a fortnight had passed the ‘khichadi’ was not offered as naivedya.
109There was a delay in fulfilling the determined resolution and the lady did not like it. On the fifteenth day, at noon time, she came with the ‘khichadi’.
110The curtains were already drawn and Baba had already sat down for the meal with his devotees. The lady understood this.
111When the meal was in progress, no one went beyond the curtains. But the lady was eager and she would not remain quiet in the courtyard.
112She had come to Shirdi from Akola with the enthusiasm of offering ‘khichadi’. How can its acceptance remain unfulfilled, was her anxiety!
113Without listening to anyone, she raised the curtains with her own hands and without taking anyone’s permission she entered and fulfilled her wish.
114Then, Baba did something wonderful! He longed so much for ‘khichadi’ that he asked for it to be served first and held the platter with both hands.
115He was delighted to see the ‘khichadi’. Taking morsel after morsel, Baba fed himself. Everyone was wonder struck.
116Seeing Baba’s eagerness, everybody was surprised. Then, when they heard the story about the ‘khichadi’ they realised Sai’s inexplicable behaviour.
117Now after hearing the next story, you will be choked with emotion. A Gujarati Brahmin came unexpectedly to Shirdi, to serve.
118He had been employed earlier by Rao Bahadur Sathe. He could reach Baba’s feet due to his honest services.
119This story is also very interesting. The Lord fulfils the desire of anyone who has an inclination for loving devotion. Listen to it.
120His name was Megha. He attained a place at Shirdi because of some connection with Sai in his previous birth. Get ready to listen to the story.
121Sathe was an officer of Kheda Jhilla, where he came across Megha, unexpectedly. He employed him for doing regular Shiva puja.
122Later, this Sathe came to Shirdi; and this is what changed his fortunes. He came in close contact with Sai Maharaj there and was deeply devoted to his feet.
123Seeing the large crowds of those who came for pilgrimage, he decided to have his own Vada there for the convenience of the visitors who came with family and friends.
124Then he met the leading villagers and acquired that piece of land where Baba had first been seen. It was decided to build the Vada there.
125The importance of this holy piece of land has been fully described in the fourth chapter. So there is no need for repetition. Let us continue the narration.
126Megha’s merits of past life were great because of which he came in contact with Rao Bahadur Sathe. It was then only that he started making spiritual progress, thanks to Sathe’s efforts.
127Due to circumstances, Megha was unable to perform the prescribed rituals. By having him taught the Gayatri Mantra, Sathe made him follow the righteous path.
128Megha started serving Sathe and this caused their mutual respect to grow. Megha regarded Sathe as a Guru and developed affection for him.
129So be it. Once when Sathe was casually talking and describing the greatness of his own Guru, he was choked with emotion and he respectfully asked Megha:
130"I have a strong desire to bathe Baba with water from the Godavari. Therefore, I am sending you to Shirdi, specifically for this purpose.
131Besides, seeing your wholehearted devotion, I feel that you should be associated with Sadguru and develop a devotion at his feet.
132The purpose of your life will be fulfilled and you will attain supreme well-being. Go, go and surrender with your whole being to the Sadguru".
133Megha asked him about Baba’s caste. In reality, Sathe had no knowledge of it. He said: “Some call him a Muslim because he sits in a masjid”.
134At the word, ‘Muslim’, Megha’s mind wavered. None could be lower than a Muslim! What sort of a Guru could he be?!
135He knew that Sathe would get annoyed if he refused but was convinced that he would spiritually fall very low if he agreed. He was very confused and was worried.
136He was between the devil and the deep sea[5]. He was wavering and uneasy. But Sathe insisted a lot so he decided to take darshan.
137Then Megha came to Shirdi and arrived at the courtyard of the masjid. As he started to climb the steps, Baba started his leela.
138He became wild with rage and picking up a stone in his hand said: "Beware, if you put your feet on the steps! This place is inhabited by a Muslim.
139You are a high caste Brahmin and I the lowest of the low, a Muslim! You will be defiled! Go back!"
140That angry form was like another Rudra, at the time of the dissolution of the world. The onlookers trembled with fear and Megha was quaking.
141But this anger was superficial. Inwardly, he was overflowing with compassion. Megha was filled with surprise and was perplexed. 'How did he come to know my inner thoughts?
142The distance between Khedgaon and Ahmednagar is considerable. It seems that he wants to expose my mind, full of doubts’.
143As Baba ran forward to strike him, Megha’s courage failed him. He moved backwards, with every step, and had no courage to move forward.
144He remained, in this manner, for some days. He observed Baba in various moods. He rendered whatever service he could, but did not develop full faith.
145Later he returned home where he fell sick and was confined to bed. There he began to contemplate upon Baba and came back to Shirdi.
146At that time when he came, he continued to stay there. He became devoted to Sai. He became a dedicated devotee of Sai. There was no deity for him other than Sai.
147Megha was already a Shankar devotee. When he got attached to Sai’s feet, he looked on Sainath as Shankar! He was his Umanath.
148Megha continuously chanted “Sai-Shankar” day and night, and his inner self was merged in this form. His mind was pure and free of sin.
149He became a dedicated devotee of Sai. He felt that Sai was Shankar himself. His chant of “Shankar – Shankar” reverberated. He did not believe in any other deity.
150Worship of Sai was worship of God to him. Sai was his Girija Raman[6]. With this idea firmly rooted in his mind, Megha remained always happy.
151Shankar likes ‘bel’ leaves but there were no ‘bel’ trees in Shirdi. Therefore, Megha went for a koss or koss-and-a-half to fulfil his desire of offering these leaves.
152For him a koss or two was nothing. He was ready even to cross a mountain for ‘bel’, for he would have fulfilled his desire to do puja as he wanted it to be done.
153He would bring the ‘bel’ from long distances, get together all the puja paraphernalia completely, and then worship all the village deities, one by one. He would offer to all according to the proper rituals.
154After that, he would come immediately to the masjid, lovingly bow to Baba’s seat, wash his feet etc. and then drink the water as tirth.
155Further stories about Megha will be delightful to listen. They will show Sai’s all-pervasiveness and reverence for the village deities.
156Till Megha was in Shirdi, he performed the noon arati regularly. But, before that he worshipped all the village deities and then went to the masjid.
157This was his regular routine. But, on one day this pattern was broken. He could not worship Khandoba though he made the efforts.
158He tried to do the puja but the door (of the temple) did not open inspite of his efforts. Therefore, he omitted that and came (to the masjid) to do the arati.
159That moment Baba said to him: "To-day there is a break in your puja. You have worshipped all the deities but one has remained unworshipped.
160Go and do that and then come here". Megha replied: “The door was locked, and would not open though I tried. Therefore, I was forced to omit that puja.”
161Baba said: “Go and see. The door is open now”. Megha went immediately, without wasting a moment, and found that the words were correct.
162He worshipped Khanderaya and Megha also got rid of his uneasiness. Then Baba allowed Megha to do his puja.
163Then, he did the puja with great reverence with sandalwood paste, flowers and the other eight offerings. He offered dakshina, garlands, fruits etc. according to his means.
164On one Makar Sankranti day, he felt like anointing Baba’s whole body with sandalwood paste and then giving him a bath with Godavari water.
165He pestered Baba for permission, so Baba said: “Go and do as you desire”. So, immediately Megha took a copper vessel and set out for the water.
166Early in the morning, before sunrise, Megha took the empty copper vessel and without an umbrella or chappals, set out to get water from the Godavari.
167The entire distance, for coming and going, was about eight koss. It did not even occur to him to think of the exertion and strenuous efforts he would have to make.
168Megha was not at all worried about this. He set out on getting the permission. When there is a strong determination there is a great joy in performing the task.
169When he thought of giving a bath to Sai with the Godavari water, he was not bothered about the strenuous efforts or the exhaustion. His firm faith was his support.
170So be it. He brought the water and poured it into a wide-mouthed copper pot. He began to persuade Baba to get up for the bath, but he did not agree.
171“The noon arati is over and the people have gone to their homes. All the preparations for the bath have been made and it is afternoon”, said Megha.
172Seeing Megha’s great insistence, then Sai in sport and as if in a mock fight, took Megha’s hand in his hands and said.
173“I do not wish to bathe in the Godavari waters? How immature can you be! Why does a fakir like me want Ganga water? What is it to me?”
174But Megha was not prepared to listen at all, since he believed that Baba was his Shankar. He only knew that Shankar is pleased with Ganges water.
175He said: “Baba to-day is the festival of Makar Sankranti. When Shankar is given bath with the waters of the Ganges, he is propitiated”.
176Then, considering his love and his adamant resolution, Baba said: “Fulfil your wish”, as Megha was pure of heart.
177After saying that he got up and sat down on the low stool made ready for the bath. He bent forward his head and said: "Pour just a little water.
178Out of all the limbs, the head is the most important. Pour a little water on it. It is as good as having a full bath. At least listen to that much".
179Agreeing to do so, Megha picked up the pot. He was so overwhelmed with love while pouring it on the head that he emptied it completely while shouting “Har Ganga”, and poured it on the whole body.
180Megha was greatly joyful. “My Shankar has bathed with his clothes on”, he said, as he put down the empty pot. When he looked, he was greatly surprised.
181Though he had poured the water on the whole body, only the head was wet. All the other limbs were absolutely dry. There was not even a drop of water on the clothes.
182Megha’s pride was crushed. Those who were around were surprised! Sree Sai thus gratifies the fond fancies of his devotees!
183.‘You felt like giving me a bath. Go ahead and do it to satisfy your desire. While doing that also, you will easily come to know my inner powers’, Baba seemed to say by this leela.
183This is the principle of devotion to Sai. If only through good fortune you reach him, then nothing is impossible to achieve. Gradually, everything becomes easy.
184Casually, while sitting, talking, going for walks in the morning and in the afternoon, if the devotee has faith and patience, he achieves whatever he desires.
185But, any power or miraculous sign was shown in the course of normal routine. Gradually he created inherent interest and made them understand spiritual matters.
186There is another story of Megha, which will please the listeners very much. Seeing Sai’s love for his devotees, the listeners will be pleased.
187A big picture of Baba, which Nana (Chandorkar) had newly given, was placed in the Vada by Megha and he worshipped it regularly.
188The real image at the masjid and the exact replica in the Vada, were worshipped with arati, at both the places, day and night.
189When about twelve months had passed in doing this divine service, when Megha was awake early one morning, he saw a vision.
190Megha was lying in bed and though he had his eyes closed, he was fully awake and he saw Baba distinctly.
191Baba, too, was aware that he was awake. He then threw consecrated rice on the bed and said: “Megha, draw a trident”, and then disappeared there and then.
192Listening to these words of Baba, Megha opened his eyes with great enthusiasm. He was very surprised to find that Baba had disappeared.
193Then Megha looked all around. There were grains of rice scattered everywhere on the bed. The doors of the Vada were closed, as earlier. Hence he was confused.
194He went to the masjid immediately. While taking Baba’s darshan, Megha told him the story of the trident and asked permission to draw it.
195Megha related the vision with all details. Baba said: "How can it be a vision? Did you not hear my words? I told you to draw the trident.
196Are you trying to test my words by calling it a vision? My words are always very profound and not a syllable is empty".
197“I too felt this at first that you had woken me. But not a single door was open. That’s why I felt differently”, replied Megha.
198Listen to Baba’s answer: "I do not need a door to enter. I have no form or dimension. I am always everywhere.
199For the one who places his burdens on me and has become one with me, I manipulate all his actions like the actions of a marionette".
200So be it. The subsequent marvellous narration about the purpose of the trident should be heard with great attention. The connection will become evident.
201On one hand, Megha returned and began to draw the trident on the wall, near the picture in the Vada. He outlined the trident in red colour.
202The next day, a Ramdasi devotee from Pune came to the masjid. He did obeisance to Baba with love and presented him with a ‘lingam’[7].
203Just then Megha too arrived there, and did an eight-fold obeisance to Baba. Baba said: “Here Shankar has come! Now, you look after him”.
204Upon getting the ‘lingam’ in this manner, immediately after the vision of the trident, Megha kept on gazing at the ‘lingam’ overcome with emotion.
205Kaka Saheb Dixit too had another marvellous experience of the ‘lingam’. Listen with reverence to everything. Your faith in Baba will become firmer.
206While Megha set off from the masjid with the ‘lingam’, Dixit was engrossed in chanting the Lord’s name, after his bath in the wada.
207Wiping his body with a clean, washed cloth, a towel covering his head, he stood on a stone concentrating on Sai.
208He was chanting the Lord’s name, as per his usual practice with his head covered. He then had a vision of the ‘lingam’.
209Dixit thought: ‘Why did I today get the darshan of the ‘lingam’ when I was chanting the Lord’s name?’ There was Megha, in front of him, looking very gratified.
210Megha said: “Look, Kaka! Look at the ‘lingam’ that Baba has given”. Kaka was surprised and pleased to see this particular ‘lingam’.
211It was of the same shape, size and markings like the one that had appeared in his meditation, just a little earlier. Dixit was delighted.
212Be it so. Later, after the drawing of the trident was complete, Sai got Megha to establish the lingam near the picture.
213Since Megha liked to worship Shankar, by presenting him with the Shankar ‘lingam’, Sai strengthened his devotion. Such are the marvellous narrations about Sai[8]!
214Is there only one such story! I can relate innumerable. But, this book would become extremely lengthy. Therefore, I ask the listeners’ pardon.
215Yet as you listeners are anxious, I will relate one more in the next chapter. You will see Sai’s marvel, which is even more singular.
216Hemad surrenders to Sai, and makes people listen to the Saicharita, by which the dangers of the mundane existence will be warded off and everybody’s difficulties will be removed.