|| Hari OM ||

I am an ardent devotee of Sadguru Bapu!  I do not know any kind of devotion or service.  Through this experience, Bapu gave me the inspiration to do his Gunasankirtan.  This is an attempt to articulate my experience from the year 2008.

I had begun experiencing problems such as Spondylitis and Tennis Elbow.  Likewise, my hand used to go numb in between.  I was totally restless for almost a month.  I used to have severe aches in the night as compared to those I experienced during the day.  After consulting Dr. Narsikar, I began visiting KEM hospital to take the light treatment.    The doctor at the hospital asked me to wear a belt around my neck and also around my elbow.  I was informed not to lift more than 2 Kgs of weight. I was also informed that I would be required to wear those belts over the following 4-5 months.  They also reiterated that if I lifted more weight than was allowed for me, it would be imperative for me to undergo a surgery.

In spite of wearing those belts, I was not feeling better.  Within a month from this incident, I was allotted Seva such as Palkhi Seva, Aarti Seva and Chavari Seva for Srimadpurushartha Grantharaj by Aniruddha’s Bank of Ramnaam.  I was happy.   However, no sooner did I think about these aches and pains than I felt dejected.  I was totally perplexed.  Finally, I concluded that whatever may be the outcome, I was not going to let go of this golden opportunity.

From Tuesday, all of a sudden, I began experiencing more pain.  While leaving home, on Thursday, October 02, 2008, I murmured to myself that “Whatever it is, Bapu will take care.”  Saying that to myself, I reached Shriharigurugram along with my son.  My right hand was numb and had no sensation at all.  I would experience excruciating pain if the hand moved even a little bit here and there.  My shoulder was throbbing with pain.  I had handed over the bag which had all Aarti preparation to my son.  Similarly, I removed the belt from around my neck and elbow and placed them in a bag.  I resolved in my mind that let Bapu get me to perform my seva, I would do it to the best of my abilities.  At that time, I was reciting Hemadpant’s line from Saisatcharitra.

Jovari Ya Dehi Shwaas, Neejkaryas Sadhuni Ghya II

I got my attendance for Seva marked in my passbook.  I was then asked to go to Gate No. 2.  By the time I reached the spot, the Karyakarta had already assigned the responsibility of carrying Palkhi to someone else.  I was told to walk ahead of Palkhi procession.  I was told not to let Palkhi lean on my shoulder.  In the heart of hearts, I felt good because I possibly could not have carried the Palkhi.  My shoulder and my hand both were aching.

All of us began walking towards the hall.  As soon as we climbed the staircase, one of the Karyakartas, asked another devotee to step aside and handed over that respective side of the Palkhi to me for placing it on my shoulder.  Since this happened all of a sudden, I did not get any opportunity to explain anything to the respective Karyakarta.  I got scared.  In spite of that, I walked into the hall. The weight of the Palkhi was almost unbearable. I was feeling as if my shoulder was about to dislocate and fall off.  I began to sweat. The perspiration was so intense that I was drenched in few minutes.  My body began to tremble.  I had cotton mouth.  I almost began to drag my feet.  While putting a foot forward, I almost felt as if I had been walking for miles together.

With much effort, I reached closer to the stage.  Karyakarta at the venue helped me take Palkhi off my shoulder and I took a deep breath.  Looking at my condition, the Karyakarta offered me some water and made me sit under a fan.  I began to feel better after a while.  During this time, I simply did not realize the fact that my shoulder had stopped aching.  I was simply surprised knowing that my shoulder had remained unhurt.  My hand continued to be numb. I was not able to lift my hand.

I was sitting in one corner quietly.  In the nick of time, Parampujya Bapu arrived.  He delivered his discourse and the Gajar began.  As it picked up momentum, My Pandurang, My Bapu began to dance to the tune of Gajar.  Everyone began to dance.  I began to dance as well without worrying about any of my aches and pains.  Everything around me was happening in a brisk fashion.  I was able to lift my hand and the pain had vanished.  Finally, it was time to perform Aarti.  At that time, I realized that my fingers were still numb.  I stood there for Aarti with a worrying thought that the Aarti plate might slip out of my hand due to the numbness in my fingers.  In my mind, I requested Bapu,”My God, Please help me perform Aarti.  Let me not be embarrassed here. Going forward, I will not wear those belts.  Feel free to do whatever you wish to do.”  When I looked at his face, he gave me a light smile.

I was standing third in the line for Aarti.  As soon as Aarti was over, wonder why, but Mahessinh Zantye held my hand and made me stand right in front of Bapu.  I was totally startled. I could not think of anything at that point in time.  My lord wished me “Hari Om” and raised his eyebrow.  He winked at me and smiled.  Since I was completely out of my senses, I had forgotten to reciprocate his Hari Om.  By the time I regained my composure, I was taken aside from where I was standing earlier, i.e., right in front of Bapu.

After that I felt that I had the pinning sensation in my hand once again and my hand began to go numb.  I had held the Aarti plate in my left hand. I stepped out.  Now, I had the Chavari Seva where Srimadpurushartha Grantharaj was placed.  While I was deeply engrossed in wondering how I was going to fulfill that Seva, someone called me to begin the seva.  I had the Chavari in my right hand but due to numbness, I was not able to hold it well.  Other devotees were looking at me with much displeasure.  I became immensely restless. Bapu was sitting on the stage for Darshan.   During this time, My Lord who knows it all, just gave me his loving glance and smiled.  He then tilted his neck and shrugged it a little bit just to give the much needed strength to my hand.  I almost felt as if an electrical current was passing through my body. Immediately after that I felt the sensation in my hand and the same hand began to work normally.

Keval Ek Drushtipaat I Kshant Hoeel Papaghaat II

Talel Janmanche Durit I  Dheeg Jaleet Kukarmache II

My eyes welled out.  I began my Chavari Seva effortlessly with my right hand once again.  The one, without whose permission not a leaf can move, should he wish, one can achieve anything that seems insurmountable.

Eka Janardani Bhog Prarabdhacha I

Bapu Krupe Tyacha Naash Aahe II

All of us Shraddhavan must have the patience and the perseverance to witness something like that.

“Bapu Payee Thevu Drudh Bhaav,

Bapu mag Gheyee Dhaav”

Bapu will never abandon us.

|| Hari OM ||