Baba came to Mumbai in February 1972, just by a chance. One Mr. Ghote, an officer in the Central Government Accounts Department, had gone to Nasik on duty. At that time Baba was in Nasik. A friend of Mr. Gothe told about Baba to Mr. Gothe. Mr. Gothe, a gentleman, was interested in worship, bhajan etc. But he never met any saint or Guru. He became interested in seeing Baba when he learnt many of the deeds and miracles performed by Baba. In the very first meeting Gothe was attracted by Baba and he was pleased with Gothe’s devotion. Gothe invited Baba to Mumbai. Thus Baba arrived in Mumbai and camped in Mr. Gothe’s residence in Central Government Colony. Initially for a few days nothing much happened only 3 or 4 Gothe’s friend came. It rose to 10 or 12 in a few days and an evening Bhajan started. The news about Baba spread fast and more and more people started coming for Bhajan and Arati. But Gothe’s quarters was inadequate for accommodating increasing number of devotees. The idea for an Ashram thus germinated. Main question was of funds. But saints like Baba get their work done through their devotees. His devotees did not have to wait long. Just at this time one Sunder Shetti came to see Baba. He always liked from even boyhood to visit sages and saints. When Shetti came for darshan, he was overwhelmed by Baba’s godly personality. He garlanded Baba and prostrated before him. On that night in his dreams Shetty alternately saw Dattatreya and Baba. This was sufficient for Shetty to believe that Baba was none but ‘avtar’ (incarnation) of god Dattatreya. At that moment Baba’s stay was in another government accommodation of Mr. Parthasarathy. Constant rush of devotees was inconvenient for Parthasarathy family. Sunder Shetti realized all this and decided that Baba should have an Ashram and a small car to move around. On that day after bhajan, Baba said to Sundar Shetti to arrange for a small cottage and car. Sunder Shetti was surprised. He was wondering how Baba knew what was going on in his mind. His search for a plot for Ashram started ardently by devotees. When plot was decided Sunder Shetti alone did not have means to construct Ashram. So other Baba devotees like Kuppanna Shetty, Vrindavan Shetty and scores of others contributed and now Baba had his own Ashram.
Baba came and settled in Mumbai in 1972. Since then number of devotees has kept on increasing. There is no discrimination in devotees on the basis of caste, religion and language. There are merchants, businessmen, office-goers. There are also labourers and poor men. Devotee is a devotee and nothing else. There is no discrimination on account of race, religion, income, male and female. Devotion and service to God are the only criterial.
Baba also does not discriminate between one devotee and the other. His motto is to render the life of devotee a happy one. Though he does not know any language other than the Kannada language, he understands the difficulties of devotees and solves them. Baba does not perform japa and meditation, he does not recite Purana, he is not a yogi practicing yoga he does not recite mantras to cure diseases or difficulties. He is not an orator giving lecture on any subject. Solving his devotees’ problems is the only aim of his life and he does it without any discrimination and without any wish for benefit for himself. He is the avtar purush and an avatar of Dattatreya. His principle is “dhyana o f guru”. He says if one meditates on a Guru; that Guru will reside in him (devotee).
To each devotee Shivyogi presents himself
As the devotee thinks
As the devotee meditates
He is Hari to Hari’s devotee\He is Hara to Hara’s devotee
What man thinks, the man attains The form he thinks.
Hundreds of devotees from Mumbai have been blessed by him and he is near to them. They have witnessed his miracles and have listened to his life’s story. Many have their problems solved by him and sorrows resolved. If all such instances are to be recorded this book will run into volumes. So it is better to chronicle the more important ones.
Baba was in Shri Gothe’s residence from 18th February 1972 to 22nd May 1973 a period of nearly 15 months. Shri Gothe’s family served him well. When number of devotees increased, Gothe’s residence, was like a temple. Daily there would be Arati and bhajan. Devotees of Baba would visit him from early morning to midnight. This put Gothe’s family into many a trouble, but they smilingly welcomed every devotee. Mrs. Gothe thought Baba to be incarnation of God and served him with goodwill and faith. At the younger age Baba was taken care of by Ivani Sangappa’s wife and Mrs. Gothe also took him to be a son and served him. She was called ‘Tai’ (Elder Sister) by people who came for Darshan. She served Baba and did bear all the trouble due to constant flow of devotees. Perhaps a person so kind and so humble was also required by God. She died in 1974 in an unfortunate accident. Many devotees felt sorry that they lost so good an elder sister. Even Baba, the incarnation, was also grieved by the loss of sister and cried like an ordinary human being. When people sang during Arati the song which ‘Tai’ sang, Baba’s voice faltered with grief.
Gothe’s elder son Pravin also served Baba during his stay there. One day when he was massaging Baba’s tired legs, Baba showed him’his incarnation as Maruti. Maruti’ touched his hand and he was bit sacred. He bowed to Maruti with devotion. Within a few minutes Baba came to his original form.
Gothe’s mother, aged to be late 80s was Baba’s devotee. Her life had gone in difficulties. Gothe wished that her old age should be peaceful. He requested Baba to giant her this bliss. One day all in the family had gone to Siddhivinayak temple, leaving the old 50 woman at home. Baba saw that Gothe’s mother was dejected. Baba understood this “Are you feeling sorry because you cannot get Siddhivinayak’s darshan, I wilt arrange for it here only”. He removed the cushion on which he was leaning slightly aside and in it he gave darshan of Siddhivinayak and then of Ishwar and Nagaraj. The old woman after this darshan felt that her life’s object is fulfilled.
Mrs. Gothe also could see many miracles performed by Baba. On 19th December 1973, he had given her the darshan of his child form. The Rudrax given by him became Guru’s precious stone and her son has embedded it in his ring and wearing it. Another Rudrax given to Mr. Gothe is a single-face (Eka Mukhi) Rudrax. Baba has told Gothe that it will keep him in peace and bliss.
On one afternoon Mrs.Gothe and her other lady friends had come to her house. Baba sat talking with them. After some time Baba took a steel container removed its cover and asked the ladies “Did you drink your mother’s milk, if not, it is here”. As he said this container was full with warm milk. AH were surprised. They took the milk in their folded palms and drank it. It was quite tasty.
Once when all had assembled, Mrs. Deshpande complained that her nose fails to detect smell. Baba took an empty container and the refuge of vessel of beetle nut waste spat in it and said “See this. What is there?” There was ghee in the vessel and it had a fair fragrance. He closed the vessel, opened it and showed. The ghee had turned into snuff. Everybody smelled and confirmed. It is snuff. Baba said, “See again”. There was ghee. That evening the lamps were lit with that ghee.”
The miracle of lighting the stove or lantern with water as fuel has already been described. The devotees of Bombay also had a chance of seeing this miracle. Baba went to the garden with stove emptied it of kerosene, cane back filled it and lighted. He prepared tea for devotees on that stove and distributed it to the guests.
One night 8.30 pm when Gothe’s family, Mrs. Mahulkar and her son were sitting with Baba and talking, Baba asked Mahulikar’s son to bring a coconut. When brought, he nibbed and spit on it and smelt and said “Nasty smell”. When Mrs. Mahulikar took it and smelt it, she said “It is fragrant”. She is still keeping it near her God’s mandap in the house and worshipping it. Even after 2 or 3 years it has the fragrance as Mrs. Mahulikar tells.
Mahulikar was a Government Officer and Mr. Gothe’s close friend. He was a family with soft manners and kind temperament. He was interested in Bhajan, kirtan and reading holy books. Since Baba came to Mumbai, Mahulikar never missed darshan. He is also conductor for the daily Arati since Baba has come to Mumbai. Mahulikar and his family have become ardent devotees o f Baba and are having good time.
During the month of Shravan on the 1st Monday some devotees had collected in the house of Gothe. Baba told them some stories and told them to see Satyanarayana’s photo. He diverted Mrs. Mahulikars attention and from his mouth removed a gem. His devotees say, this gem is always in his mouth.
One day in the afternoon many lady devotees were sitting there. Baba asked for an apple and kept one piece of it in his closed fist. “Tell me what is in it”? Mrs. Mahulikar said “It is a piece of apple”. He opened the palm and said “See”. It was a Rudrax. Baba again closed his fist and opened. There were three Rudrax instead of one earlier. Again fist was closed and then opened. There was only one Rudrax. Baba asked ‘Mrs. Mahulikar, “ Is this not the Rudrax I gave to your husband?” “Yes”, was the answer, but when his fist was again opened palm was empty.
Once in Mahulikar’s house, Baba, after meals was sitting talking with guests. Suddenly there was a fragrance of Attar. Baba asked everybody from where it emanates. Some said it is a miracle from Baba. But one devotee showed the dhotee of Baba. It was wet with Attar. All assembled there, touched with their hand-kerchief and fragrance remained for 8-10 days.
In September 1975, one night all devotees had assembled in H.S.S. Rao’s house. Rao and Kulkarni were breaking supari (Areca nut) for pan (beetle leaves). They were discussing about the size of the piece. Baba asked “what is the matter” Mr. Kulkarni gave one piece to Baba and asked “Is it ok?” When Baba agreed Kulkarni prepared pan and gave it to Baba, who put half in the mouth, and from the other half removed the piece of supari and converted into a full nut. All were surprised when they saw the miracle. Baba gave supari to H.S.S. Rao. Rao kept it in his hand. When he saw it again it was pasted turmeric powder and Kumkum. Rao thought it was a boon from Ganapati and kept it.
Mrs. Rao with Baba’s permission went for pilgrimage to Pashupati Nath. When she. was worshipping the Pashupati Ling she was seeing Baba’s face around it. When she returned from pilgrimage she told Baba what had happened and gave him the idol of Pashupaty Nath and Rudrax garland to Baba. Then she said to “Baba I could only see Pashupaty Nath. I wanted Dattatreya darshan also”. Baba said, “Now see you will have Dattatreya’s darshan and Mrs. Rao had Datta’s idol darshan.
A merchant named Chavan had become Baba’s devotee from the day Baba had come to Mumbai. One day Chavan placed a flower on Baba’s feet. Baba lifted it and gave it to Chavan. In Chavan’s hand it turned it into betel-nut from flower.
One day Baba had gone to Chavan’s house for meals. When he was taking the afternoon nap, Baba’s feet by mistake touched the ‘Peak Dana’ and fell on Baba’s body dirtying his dress. Chavan wanted to clean it with ordinary cloth. Baba asked him to bring 54 costly silk and jari saries to clean the spit. Chavan was dejected. But when Chavan cleaned the spit with them, the clothes had fragrance o f Attar. Chavan had remorse that he misunderstood Baba.
One day Chavan and Baba with Thakur were going to Vajreshwari in Thakur’s car. On the way Thakur said to Baba that they should go to Mahalaxmi temple also. Baba said it was already late and that they can go some other time. But Thakur was adamant and turned the car towards Mahalaxmi. After some distance their car’s tyre had no air. They filled the air and proceeded. This time the brake failed. Thakur felt that Baba had no mind to go to Mahalaxmi, so the obstructions were coming. With Baba’s permission they went to Vajreshwari. While returning from there, they got down at Aarey gardens for rest. Baba told both Chavan and Thakur to bring two small pebbles. Whey they brought he converted them both into Mahalaxmi’s sandals and gave them. This was Baba’s way to fulfill his devotee’s desire to visit Mahalaxmi.
Jayanna Sbettiar, a devotee, had no children even though some years after marriage. Once when he came to Baba, Baba told him that he will have a son in 14 months. Baba’s words came true and he was very happy. When thanked Baba he was given a Rudrax and was told to worship. Same good turn happened to another devotee Bhikhabhai whose son had no children even after 4 years of marriage. Here also Baba predicted a male child after 14 months. Such good turns made more and more devotees to turn to Baba. It is always good for anybody to have a guru and to have trust in him. Bhikabhai had another such miracle. He gave Baba a betel leaf and supari. Baba said this is not enough for night and took a three or four leaves and rubbed them in his hands when he opened his palm there was a bunch of leaves.
On Mahashivratri Day there was as usual, the early morning ‘Arati’. Being a day of festival lady visitors had come in large numbers. After ‘Arati’ being a day of festival, Baba allowed ladies in the inner room for darshan of Bheemashankar. Mrs. Bhika bent her head and did ‘namaste’. At that moment shivling shook and there was a darshan of actual Bheemashankar with hood fully opened. On that hood she saw Baba’s face. All this was too much for Mrs. Bhika to bear. She fainted. Other ladies balanced her and brought her out.
Baba could be present at more than one place. Such an incident occurred in February 1976. Baba was playing cards with Sunder Shetti, Kuppan Shetty and Ramesh Shetty. At 11 pm the doorbell of Bhika’s house rang. When Mrs. Bhika opened the door, she saw Baba. She called him in. Baba, Mrs. Bhika and her son talked for one hour and Baba returned to Ashram. When next day Mrs. Bhika said Baba visited her house at night previous day, all were surprised. Because Baba at that time was in Ashram playing cards. This is another example of what is possible for persons who are godly incarnations.
Balkrishna Shetty was not a devotee o f Baba till 1973. Once out of curiosity he came to see Baba. When Baba came he curiously bowed to him. Baba while blessing said “You will get your shop back”. Shetty was surprised because he had told nothing to Baba about his shop being usurped by somebody and case being in court. But Shetty was not so confident, but Baba’s words were a solace to him. On one Thursday there was a court judgement. He went to the Ashram before going to court. Baba told him “Today you will get the key to your shop” and it exactly happened like that. Balkrishna Shetty is now the firm devotee of Baba. Baba was also happy with him and gave a Rudrax as a present. He also visited his house in Padabidri (S.K) and there gave him conchshell, generated by him. This shell used to give out ‘Om’ sound if it was touched to the ear.
Shetty had another experience of Baba’s godly capability. In 1972 Shetty had suffered from heart attack. Baba had told him to stop smoking. But Shetty did not listen. On 6/10/1975 Shetty had another attack and he was admitted in KEM hospital and doctors did not give much hope. Shetty sent his representative to Baba. “Nothing will happen to him” had said baba. He was constantly in touch with his family and used to enquire about his health daily. Due to blessings of Baba, Shetty‘s health began to improve. Even doctors were surprised and thought it to be super natural. Shetty feels that Baba gave him a rebirth and wishes that rest of his life he would serve Baba.
Another surprise for Shetty was, a visit of poor simple man to the hospital to enquire about Shetty’s health. Shetty felt that he had seen him somewhere, but could not recognize. He told his wife to give something to the poor man. She gave him Rs.5/-. On that day Baba told his friends in the evening that Shetty gave him Rs.5/- today. When this was told to Shetty, he felt sorry that he could not recognize Baba.
Giriyappa S. Kotiyan had a son Dayanand. Dayanand had suffered for few years with a.pain in the heart. Doctors suggested operation, but opined that danger to life would continue. So not knowing what to do he brought his son from hospital and did not know what to do except to pray god. On his friends’ suggestion he came to Baba. From that time he put faith in Baba and told him about son’s case. Baba told him “Do not worry, go. Operation is not necessary”. After this blessings son’s health has gradually improved and for last four years he is reported to be well. Giriyappa has told that now and then Baba comes in his dream and assures him, about his son’s health. Giriyappa also was a witness to some of the miracles Baba had performed. He had witnessed Baba taking out ‘Shivling’ from his thigh. On another occasion Baba removed the garland, a devotee had put on his neck and from it took the “Syamantak Gem”. Giriyappa says he was proud that he witnessed such a miracle.
Govind Naryan Sarang was suffering from stomach pain for 13 years. Finally when x-ray was taken it showed a stone on the right side of his stomach. Operation was suggested, but family doctor opposed to it and put Sarang on treatment. For some days patient felt better, but the pain recurred. Finally Sarang came to Baba. Baba blessed him and said that he will be cured in 9 months. From that day pain gradually reduced and one day the stone went out of through his urine. He was thus completely free from disease without operation.
A devotee named Ramesh was a daily visitor to the Ashram and used to serve Baba. His mother was sick from 13th year of his age. She was not cured by medicine. Baba had realized sincerity of Ramesh and cured his mother’s sickness within six months. When Baba was at Sasnoor, Ramesh’ sister fell seriously ill. He wrote a letter to Baba and requested him to cure his sister. “Do not worry” was Baba’s reply. His sister was gradually cured completely.
Devotee, Nagu Dharma Themburkar, believes that due to blessings of Baba, his household is never in want and they live in peace and happiness. For the last 3 to 4 years, they go daily for Baba’s darshan. Nagu’s wife suffered from headache for a long time. Since they started visiting she is free from headache and leads healthy life. Themburkar had suffered from night blindness and that has also been cured. They tell that there is allround happiness.
Satpute works as gardener of Baba’s Ashram. He thinks that he is fortunate that he works in garden. He has been able to witness many miracles performed by Baba. One day while working he saw a cobra near the peepal tree. He was scared and stopped working in garden. Baba called him and told that it was ‘Nagdevata’ and it will do no harm.
Satpute, a Maharashtrian, did not know Kannada, but still he would daily come to Ashram and sit intently listening to Baba’s discourse after Arati. One day Baba took out Vibhuti from his mouth and distributed it to all present including Satpute. It was fragrant when given and even after four months it remains so. It is Satpute’s firm belief that if you have faith in Baba you will never face any difficulty. Example he gives is his success in examination.
Sanjeev Shetty and his wife, had darshan of Baba within few days of their coming to Mumbai. During the very first visit, they felt that a great god (Paramatma) is before them Sanjeev Shetty met Baba after Arati and told him his difficulties. Baba consoled him and showed the dazzling gem in his mouth. To get blessings in the very first darshan Sanjeev must have done a very good work in his previous life. Once Sanjeev Shetty had a severe stomach ache. Instead of going to doctor, he came to Baba. He was assured by Baba it was nothing serious. Sanjeev went home but till 4 am he had not sleep due to his stomach ache, but afterwards 60 o he was well and he sJept. But when he went to Ashram, he learnt that Baba did not sleep after 4 am because of stomach ache. It is the case where’Baba took devotee’s trouble on himself to relieve the devotee. Similar is the case of a housewife living on the upper floor of Ashram. Her chronic pain in the waist was many years old. But when Baba assured her, the next day she was cured, but Baba had taken the pain on himself.
For want of Rs. 12,000/- Sanjeev Shetty’s business site was to be taken over by court receiver. When he was worried as how to collect this money and who will advance him, Baba understood his predicament and asked another rich devotee to advance money to Sanjeev Shetty. Thus Sanjeev Shetty was free of his trouble.
If the elders in the family worship god or serve saints, the children will naturally pick up that trait. But there are some exceptions to such cases. Mr. Patwardhan, though not agnostic, did not believe much in going to temples and Ashrams. But his son Kumar became an exception. Kumar suffered from chronic ailment, for which there had been no cure from doctor’s treatment for 10 years. It did not give relief to him. Once, at the insistence of a friend, he went to Baba. Baba, on his own asked him “You are not well, from when are you suffering?” Kumar replied. “For the last 10 years”. Baba told him “Come daily to Ashram. In 4 months you will be cured”. Kumar was happy to hear this. He started attending prayer everyday with faith and devotion. Gradually his illness was cured. Kumar told his mother and took her also one day to Ashram. She was also happy and started coming to Ashram daily. Father who was stubborn was not vising also slowly started yielding, he also started visiting as and when he got time. Kumar’s father was happy his son was well and called Baba to his house and worshipped. At that time Baba gave him something. Patwardhan’s legal troubles with his lodge were solved and his skin trouble was cured. Mrs. Patwardhan’s leg trouble was also cured.
Since his family started going to Baba all their long standing problems were solved one by one. This made them firm believers in Baba’s benevolence. They have now become ardent followers of Baba.
Shyama Shetty was both financially and domestically in many problems. He told them to Baba, who advised him to visit Ashram daily. As Shetty’s devotion enhanced his problems started disappearing. One day Baba had gone to Kuppanna Shetty’s house for installation of ‘Shivling’. Baba asked Shetty “Did I bless you?” Shetty replied in the negative. Baba removed a Rudrax from his cheek. On another day, at Ashram he gave him betel nut peace and took it back. When he was giving it back to Shetty it had become a betel nut. Baba asked him to worship it daily. Baba had given Mrs. Shetty and her daughter “Shiv ling’ taken out from his mouth. He also gave them a purple berry (Jamun) but when it went to her hand it became a Rudrax. He also gave Rudrax to Shetty’s daughter with his blessings.
Mrs. Kulu Shetty was unable consume. Doctor had planned an operation as a last resort. She had gone on the day earlier to operation for Baba’s darshan. Baba advised her against operation and told her to visit Ashram daily. One day in the house, she felt her saree had caught fire. When she turned and saw, she saw two rounded pebbles and her eyes dazzled. She just slept resting her head on the pillow and chanting Baba’s name. From that day her illness •gradually reduced and she became well in due course.
Mrs. Shetty’s son dropped out from school and was searching for a job. He did not get any. His mother was worried. She kept Baba’s photo nearby and started praying. Tears fell down from her eyes and there was a fragrance spread in their house. Neighbours even asked her what agarbatti she is using. Next day her son got a job and she thought it was due to Baba’s blessing. One day she had gone to Baba with a garland. When she wanted put it on him Baba was not there. She thought he is yet to come out. Just when she turned again and saw Baba was there, and told her “You are now free from all your troubles”. Many have faith in god like Baba that he will protect them from all difficulties.
Avinash Raul was fond of visiting Sadhu’s and saints. One day on the advice of his friends he came to Baba. At the very first sight he became a devotee of Baba. So Baba one day gave him a precious stone. When it came to Raul’s hand there was also a Rudrax. Raul believes that his business has progressed since he started visiting Baba.
B.G. Venkatesh’s 7 month’s old child had an attack of asthma and doctor’s medicine did not cure the child. Worried, he finally told Baba his problem. “Do not worry. Everything will be all right”. He was happy, came home and gave the child the ‘prasad’ he had brought from Ashram. Child’s health started improving from that day. Parent’s joy was beyond description. Many people narrated that when they visit Baba they_feel an electrifying sensation and from that day their nature turns into one of kindness, love, affection and devotion.
Varekar is the priest appointed by Baba for worship of Dattatreya in the temple in Ashram. He considers this as a great privilege obtained from Baba and performs his functions sincerely. Because of his job he has to be in the Ashram every day and thus has opportunities to witness many miracles done by Baba. Baba has solved many o f Varekar’s problems. Only some can be mentioned here.
Varekar’s son, Chandrahas, was mentally abnormal and used to commit mischief unknowingly. All in Varekar’s family were not only troubled but were worried about him. Mrs. Nirmalatai Varekar was the ardent devotee of Baba and once she told him, about her son. Baba said, “You are coming to Ashram daily. 64 * Continue it. Ask your husband also to come. In few days you will start seeing improvement”. It exactly happened like that. Chandrahas was improving slowly and is now getting interested in their family profession o f tailoring. Varekar had another problem – ‘Blood through anus’. Once the problem suddenly caused anxiety. At 3.50 am he suffered acute bleeding and doctors had left hope. It was then that one devotee Vasudev Naik had a dream where Baba told him “In that Shimpi’s (tailor) house everybody is worried. Go to them and tell them not to worry and everything will be OK”. Next day when Naik went to their house, Varekar had improved and within next few days he was cured. He and his family think that Baba gave him fresh life.
Varekar started worshipping in the Datta temple at Ashram, as advised by Baba. One day while worshipping he had case of acute hernia and could not get up. Mrs. Varekar, scared, came running to Baba. He coolly told her “Do not worry. He is OK. Please send him to Ashram with your son”. Baba kept Varekar in Ashram for a few days. The problem of tailoring work came up. Varekar’s second son, Hemant, was too young to know tailoring. Baba told, “Let Hemant start tailoring. I will look into it”. Hemant thus took to tailoring. Wonder is that his business is running better than that when his father was working. Here again Varekar’s family is thankful to Baba. Baba has advised him to worship Dattatreya and Bheema Shankar also. He gave him two Rudrax asked him to worship them as Dattatreya and Bheema Shankar. Within one year of Bheema Shankar’s worship Baba presented Vareklar an ‘Atma ling’ taken out of his thigh. Varekar’s family has called it ‘Anandeshwar’ and worships it. During worship and arati neighbours come there for darshan.
Once on the first Guru Purnima day in new Ashram, Baba asked Varekar “What you want. Varekar said “Nothing”. When Baba pressed him, as a true devotee, he asked that his wife, his three sons, daughter and son-in-law be granted welfare and devotion to Baba’s feet. Baba asked him to utter their names took two betel leaves and names were uttered they became seven. Baba gave them to Varekar and his family feels blessed.
From what Baba has done for Varekar, the importance of devotion becomes apparent. Even our ancient literature talks of god’s being pleased with devotees. If a devotee surrenders to a Guru, he Guru looks after devotee’s welfare and at times ready to serve him. For Baba, all the devotees are his children. He doesn’t discriminate among them on basis of wealth, status, caste, creed and language. In fact Baba never asks these questions. His duty is to provide welfare and security to his devotees. Baba does not know any language other than Kannada. Devotee speaks his own language, and if Baba has not understood if they don’t feel bad. They know that for Baba devotion is primary and rest like language, caste, status, wealth are secondary. This is exceptional and his devotees feel very proud of him.
One Palghar Shetty, who now lives in Ashram with Baba, serving him. Shetty from the beginning had liking for visiting Ashram of Sadhus and serving them Some 15 or 16 years back (1960s) there was a saint in Dombivli area named Sadanand. He died at the ripe age of 90 years. Shetty served him in many ways. On his death, Shetty went back to his business. There was some loss of Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000/- in business in 1973-74 and Shetty did not know what to do. One of his friends suggested to him to meet Baba, then living in Central Govt Colony. He dithered for some days, but finally met him. Baba’s life style of wearing rich silk dress and 3 or 4 rings surprised him. Still he took darshan and went back and did not return for 2/3 days. Shetty’s not coining to Ashram came to Baba’s notice and Baba had also noticed the mild manners and serving attitude of Shetty. Shetty came back again after a few days at the insistence of his friends. That day Baba blessed him and told him “Daily you come for darshan. You will be blessed.” Shetty’s mind changed and he started coming every day, and serving Baba, who told him “Go in …. direction and start your business there. You will prosper with Dattatreya’s blessing.” But mere blessing was not sufficient. So he arranged for one Muddanna Shetty to meet Palghar Shetty. Mudanna Shetty had constructed a big hotel at Palghar and he asked Palghar Shetty to run it. He helped Palghar Shetty to acquire things for hotel. So Palghar Shetty started running the hotel and was successful. He prospered in the business.
With this Palghar Shetty’s respect for Baba also increased. He used to visit Ashram now and then. Once on such visit he prepared special vegetable dish for Baba. Baba liked it and when he came to know it was cooked by Palghar Shetty he called him and said “Today’s vegetable dish was very good. Whenever I am in Ashram you cook food for me and your brother will look after your hotel at Palghar”. Palghar Shetty readily and happily agreed and started staying at Ashram. And now on Baba’s advice, Palghar Shetty stays with Baba and his brother runs the hotel.
Staying with Baba, Shetty has not only got an opportunity to serve Baba, but he was privileged to see many miracles performed by Baba. One was getting a Rudrax from Bheema Shankar’s photo and another was taking out a Shiv ling from his waist. He gave it to Shetty to bring it covered by a cloth. Shetty did like that and gave the ‘ling’ to Baba.
One day Baba with 50 or 60 devotees visited Palghar. At that time he visited Shetty’s hotel. Shetty was very happy. He worshipped baba. Many suppliers who supplied the materials for hotel also came and took darshan of Baba. They garlanded Baba, who took it out and kept it down. When the garland was removed there was a ‘Shiv ling’. Everybody took darshan, then the Shiv ling disappeared. Since Baba’s visit the hotel has been prosperity.
While returning from Palghar to Bombay, they came to Sitladevi temple at about 3 ‘O’ clock. From there they went to Shiva’s temple on the beach. After all devotees had darshan, Baba went inside with the priest of the temple, Sunder Shetty and few others. Baba started caressing the serpant on the ‘Ling’. After a minute or two while moving his hands like this, handful of butter came in his hand. Baba gave it to the priest and asked him to put in the Nandadeepa. He did as told by Baba and the lamp started burning bright. The priest now knew Baba’s real nature.
In 1974, Shetty had gone to South India pilgrimage. After that the following incident happened. In Palghar’s Shetty’s hotel there are three silver framed photographs of Late Sadanand Maharaj (Sr.), Nityanand Maharaj and Baba. They are 7 or 8 feet above ground level. When Shetty went to garland photos, he saw a frog sitting on Baba’s photograph. How that frog could reach that height, he did not think, but removed the frog and left it outside. But it came again and sat near the photo. This happened two or three times. Shetty could not know what it is meant. But from that day his business slumped. He went and told Baba what happened. Baba said, “You drank water that was kept for me without asking my permission. That is why this is happening”. Shetty suddenly remembered an incident that happened at the pilgrimage centre. One night during the journey Shetty felt thirsty. He took cold drink, but the thirst did not go. There was water in Baba’s vessel and Baba was sleeping. So Shetty just drank water from the vessel and forgot the incident. But now its effect was felt, he remembered it. He asked Baba’s forgiveness and Baba was kind enough. Shetty on that day decided not to touch Baba’s things without his permission.
Nagesh Joshi’s experiences of being close to Baba are strange and meaningful. Nagesh Joshi is an accomplished artist. He has with perseverance translated “Geet Ramayan” in Hindi. He has also written a book on Baba’s miracles in Marathi in poetry. Once, on invitation, he came to Gothe’s house to see Baba. When he saw a silk turbaned Baba sitting with a cigarette in his mouth and 3 or 4 rings in fingers, he felt “What kind of Swami is this?” The Bhajan started and Joshi also took part in it. After Bhajan Baba called Joshi near him and blessed. He asked Joshi not to reveal to anybody. When in the very first visit Joshi got Baba’s Prasad, he thought it to be due to his past good Karma and started attending Baba’s prayers regularly.
One day Baba went to Joshi’s house. There the central minister, Sarojini Mahishi had come with her sister. There were other devotees also. At 4 am he took out garland from his neck and put it on his photo. All devotees were seeing that photo. Baba said, “Just see, he will perform pooja” . So again all started seeing that photo. In a few seconds Shiv ling emerged from that photo. Baba kept it in his hand. Then he took out another ‘Shiv ling’ from his left thigh and uttered something like a mantra and kept the ling on his photo. He asked Ms. Mahishi to bring a vessel full of water and asked her to keep Shiv ling in water. Surprisingly it started 70 floating in water. Then he asked the assembled devotees to see in the vessel. Some saw image of Baba or that of Sai baba or Gopal Krishna. After all saw this, he took out the ‘Shiv ling’ and made it disappear. All were flabbergasted. After some time he removed the ‘Shiv ling’ and gave it to Ms Mahishi as a blessing.
Baba once went to Sunder Shetty’s city o f Padbidri from Bijapur. He asked Sunder Shetty to bring Joshi. When Joshi came, he made him sit with him whole night and came out for a stroll at 4 am. There was a bright moonlight in the garden but Joshi felt he saw a snake (Cobra) at a distance o f 30 ft with open hood. He turned around and snake also turned. Either through fear or through devotion he uttered Baba’s name. After few moments he felt somebody put a hand on his shoulder. It was none else, but Baba and strangely the snake had disappeared. Baba interpreted it said Joshi’s death was in near future and that he (Baba) had removed it. This is the best example of Baba saving a devotee from danger.
From the very first day of Baba’s arrival at Mumbai, S.K. Kulkarni became his devotee. His wife was suffering for many years an illness connected with shock and depression. Baba told him “Everything will be OK. Do not worry”. His words turned true. Both Kulkarni and his wife are the ardent devotees of Baba and worshipped him daily and did not miss his darshan whenever possible. Once on a working day the Kulkarni couple came for Baba’s darshan to Gothe’s house. Baba was sleeping. They were waiting. Kulkarni was slightly disturbed because any further waiting will make him late to office. Still both waited patiently. When Baba awoke Mrs. Gothe told him what happened. Baba gifted a Rudrax to Kulkarni taking it out of the cheek. On another visit Baba gave Kulkarni ‘Vibhuti’ that came out of his photograph. Then Baba told Kulkarni there is something on your head. When Kulkarni touched his head there was Vibhuti. Kulkarni prostrated before Baba and went home. On another day in the evening when Kulkarni was taking darshan Baba gave him prasad and told him “Worship this. Your family will not be in want o f food, clothes and anything else”. Kulkarni considered himself fortunate to be blessed by Baba.
On 9th August 1975, after Baba had returned from Nasik, Mrs. Kulkarni and Mrs. Gokhale came for Baba’s darshan. Baba called them inside and made them sit. As he was talking his face became more and more expressive and ladies thought he will perform some miracle. Baba moved his hand on his stomach areas and brought out Vishnu Shaligram in his hand. It had a hole at the bottom and was giving fragrance. The devotees took it in hand and with reverence touched it to their eyes and gave it back. Afterwards he again kept it on his stomach it disappeared. In next hour he performed this miracle thrice.
On 19th March 1976, some devotees could witness a miracle. On that day lie told Kotian and other devotees to spend the night in the Ashram. After usual card play and discussions, Baba went to 72 his room to sleep. Kotian, Palghar Shetty and Ramesh continued discussion and did not sleep. After some time Baba came and asked them “Are you not getting sleep?” and went back to his room. After some moments at that door one beautiful Devi with torch in hand came and stood. The devotees were wonder struck at the sight and in a minute Devi disappeared. Everybody was sure that it was Baba who became Devi. After some time at the same door a Rishi with a matted hair appeared and vanished in a few seconds. After that Baba came and said “I saw in dream a Rishi with matted hair. Now I am not getting sleep”. Devotees knew it was a game played by Baba. Baba then slept on the Ashram chair.
Devotee A.B. Kulkarni comes to Ashram daily for Baba’s darshan. He is also a devotee of Satya Sai Baba. So when A.B. Kulkarni takes darshan of Baba, he sees in him Satya Saibaba. It is the practice of Baba to give darshan of the devotees of their own mentor or guru or god. He always tells the devotees to worship the devotee’s own venerable god. Once when Baba had gone to A.B. Kulkarni’s house he gladly participated in the Arati of Satya Saibaba. He told Kulkarni family to sing the bhajan which they sing daily. After the means in his house Baba gave them something and asked them to worship it daily.
Baba and party in which A.B. Kulkarni was also a participant went to Pen-Ganapati in a convoy of 6 or 7 cars. On the way car in which Kulkarni was traveling took a detour and reached Pen first. Other cars had not reached and Kulkarni thought it is not good to take Ganapati-darshan before Baba arrived. So he waited for some time, then he thought it is better to take darshan and wait. After an hour Baba and party arrived and all took darshan with Baba. Baba blessed the priest of the temple. Later when all were taking rest he called the priest and asked him “why you did not allow me to take darshan when I came at 12 ‘O’ clock”. Priest replied, “I was changing idol’s dress. But you did not wait and went inside”. Baba advised him, “You should never stop those who wear Rudrax”. Here 12 ‘O’ clock” uttered by Baba is significant. Because at 12 ‘O’ clock Baba was still in Mahad. All were surprised by Baba’s multiple presence. But Kulkarni was happy in another way. He had not preceded Baba when he took darshan. Persons of incarnation can be present at the same time at more than one place. This was also a lesson learnt by Kulkarni.
One day at 2 pm Baba gave Kulkarni two flowers and asked him to worship them. But Kulkarni could not understand how flowers can be worshipped over a long period. Baba took back the flowers, converted them into Rudrax and gave them to him. Kulkarni was happy with the blessings and Rudrax.
Kulkarni’s wife is also Baba’s devotee. His family worships Baba as calling him Sai-Ram. Baba has also blessed her