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In
Sai’s Proximity – Mrs. Mugdha Divadkar DAMUANNA & NANASAHEB RASANE – ANNASAHEB GADGIL – BALAJI PATIL
NEVASKAR Baba
had told Damuanna the names that were to be given to the first two sons
and Damuanna had noted them down in his diary. One year passed
thereafter and Damuanna’s first son was born. When the boy was an
infant, Damuanna took him to Shirdi and placed him at Baba’s feet. He
enquired, “Baba, what name shall I give him ?” Baba retorted,
“Damya, did you forget, what I had told you in such a short time ? You have
noted down the name on the third page of your diary. Have I not told you
to name him ‘Daulatsha’ ? As instructed by Baba, Damuanna named
him as ‘Daulatsha’ (Dattatray Damodar alias Nanasaheb Rasane). After
a few years thereafter, the second son ‘Tanashah’ was born. When
Daulatshah became five year old, Damusheth took him to Shirdi for Chaul
Karma. Baba held the boy’s hand in His own hand and taught him to
write the word ‘Hari’. Baba
also gave guidance at the time of marriage of Daulatshah alias Nanasaheb
Rasane. For this boy from a rich family, several proposals were coming
from well-off families. One of the proposal was from his own maternal
uncle who was offering a dowry of Rs. 2-3,000. There was also a proposal
from a poor family from Pandharpur. Due to financial condition, the
family could offer no dowry. Damusheth
took a bunch of horoscopes to Shirdi and along with Madhavrao went to
see Baba. Madhavrao showed the horoscopes to Baba and enquired, “Which
proposal should they accept ?” Baba held the papers in his hands
and selected the one belonging to the girl from poor family.
Accordingly, Damusheth went with the alliance of his son with that girl. The
marriage was held in Pandharpur. Damusheth also invited Baba for the
marriage. Baba assured him - “I am always near you. Don’t
be afraid. Whenever you think of me, that every time I will be with you.
Don’t forget this.” As Damushet repeatedly invited Him, Baba said,
“Without Allah’s permission, I cannot do anything. I will
send Shamya on my behalf.” Madhavrao
alias Shama attended the marriage at Pandharpur. The
people criticized Damusheth for foregoing such large sum of dowry and
having alliance with a poor family. However, without getting attracted
towards any monetary matters, Damuanna followed Baba’s instructions to
the last word. Daulatshah’s family life with his wife began on the
path of happiness. Inner
Kowledgeable Baba A
Mumbai Broker and a friend of Damusheth once recommended a deal to him.
He said, “If you purchase cotton now for Rs. 50-60,000, after some
time it will fetch you at least Rs. 1 Lakh. However, you must not delay
the matter.” Damusheth
did not do anything without taking Baba’s advice. On this occasion
also he wrote a letter requesting Madhavrao to seek Baba’s permission
for the deal. But, Baba said, ‘‘Has he gone mad ? He thinks
that with such a purchase he will reach the sky. But, tell him, not to
run after Lakhs. And, what is he lacking at home that he is getting
involved in such unnecessary matters ?” Damusheth
was little dejected on receiving such an answer from Baba. He decided to
go to Shirdi and himself put the question to Baba. It was his practice
to press Baba’s legs after going to Shirdi. While pressing Baba’s
legs, an idea entered his mind – why not offer part of the profit to
Baba. But, before he could utter a word, Baba retorted, “Damya, I do
not want to get involved in any transactions.” Then Damusheth gave up
the idea altogether. On
another occasion, he asked Baba’s permission about trading in food
provisions. Baba said, “The market rates will collapse and purchase
prices will be higher than the selling prices.” Damuanna told this to
his business friends. They said, “Actually, the present situation is
exactly opposite.” However,
during that season the rains were very good and the crop was abundant.
The result was – the prices came crashing down and the hoarders lost a
lot of money. Damusheth
himself narrated these stories about his business to Narsinha Swamy. Once,
Damusheth’s appeal was being heard in Mumbai High Court. The lawyer
wanted him to come to Mumbai. Damusheth went to Shirdi to seek
permission from Baba. However, Baba did not allow him to go to Mumbai.
Not only that, He made him stay with Him. Here in Mumbai, Damusheth won
the case. When
Damusheth first went to Shirdi, it was Balaji Patil of village Nevasa
who used to sweep the Masjid, lit the lamps and do other such
work. Damusheth obtained permission of Baba and started participating
the chores. While
Baba was Dehdhari, Damuanna took his advice in person and after
His Samadhi Damuanna put chits of paper with
“yes” - “no” options before Baba’s photo and picked
one of them treating it as Baba’s advice. Supreme
Guru - Shri Sai Baba In
the year 1926, Damusheth’s senior son – Dattatray alias
Nanasaheb went to Kedgaon to avail the Darshan of Shri Narayan
Maharaj. The moment Maharaj spotted him, he said, “Your Guru is
Param Guru. He is several levels above me. Why did you come
here ? Your fate is safe in the hands of Baba. You have chosen
rightly. You go to Him and yours shall be accomplished.” ‘‘I
will only fulfil wishes of my devotees !’’ Nanasaheb
was childless for a long time. Earlier he lost three children due to
epilepsy. His wife, therefore, tried to persuade him to get married for
a second time. He was depressed and sad. He lost interest in family
matters. In
such a frame of mind, once sat in front of Baba’s Samadhi in
Shirdi and began pleading - “Baba, bless me either with a child
or show me the path to Atma Kalyan.” While appealing thus, his
eyes welled with tears. Just then he heard a faint voice from the Samadhi
– “Santati Ho Jayegi (You shall be blessed with a
child) !” Nanasaheb’s joy did not know any bounds. He
prostrated before the Samadhi. He was amazed and ecstatic – not
because he was going to be blessed with a child but with realization
that his Sadguru responded to his prayers. In 1928, he bore a
son. As
Nanasaheb had only one son, his father Damusheth prayed in front of the Samadhi
and Nanasaheb was blessed with a second son in 1931. Damuanna
said, “I incessantly think of Baba. He sometimes gives me Darshan,
sometimes even abuses me and on occasions even thrashes me. It is said
that devotees of Akkalkot Swami benefited from abuses and beatings
sometimes showered upon them. So is the case of Baba. Therefore, I was
never hurt with his bad words or thrashings. Nor did my devotion and
affection get any less.” A
theft was committed at the Ahmednagar house of Damuanna. The startling
fact was it was committed by a person who served in the home for as many
as 33 years. With the help of keys, he opened the cupboard and took away
the box containing family ornaments. It included a very old nose-ring
which is priceless for a married lady. The loss of the nose-ring hurt
everyone more than anything else. After
the name of the thief was revealed, Damuanna was very much disheartened.
He was unable to understand the reasons which tempted the servant to
commit such a deed. In turn, the man was threatened with dire
consequences and offered various enticements, but to no avail. He did
not disclose anything. A police enquiry commenced. But, in his heart
Damuanna repeatedly felt that the matter should not be dragged to court.
Ultimately,
he sat in front of Baba’s photo and began praying. He placed the
matter before Baba. Baba was his ultimate court. The very next day, the
servant produced the stolen box of ornaments – intact with all its
contents – before Damusheth and sought forgiveness. Clearance
of doubts This
is an event which took place sometime in 1910-11. Once, as usual,
Damusheth was sitting at the feet of Baba. There, two questions going
around in his mind. One was – “So many devotees come every day to
Baba. Do they all benefit from coming here ?” The moment the
question was formed, Baba replied, “See ! You must have observed
the Mohor that a mango tree gets ? But, some of it gets
drained before conversion into fruit. Even all fruits do not reach the
stage of ripening. Ultimately, only mangoes become ripe.” The
second question was, “What will happen to me, when Baba is no
more ?” Baba immediately replied, ‘‘Damya, whenever and
wherever you think of me, I will be always there with you.” Before his demise, Damusheth called his sons near him and
earnestly told them, “From time to time my Baba has given me money –
totaling now to Rs 31. Take care of them even more than your life. These
are not simple Rupee coins – they are Saakshaat
Kamdhenu. Make sure that nothing is left wanting in your
service to Shri Sai Baba.” Damusheth breathed his last at the ripe old age of
89 on 20th
January 1941. His successive generations hold only Baba in esteem as
their Param Aaradhya Daivat. The young and old from their
household, even today follow Sai Baba’s teachings. As directed by
Damuanna, the senior son – Nanasaheb – gave more importance to
serving Sai Baba than looking after his own family. Baba also helped him
in his Parmarthik progress. He spent major portion of his life in
propagating the teachings of Shri Sai Baba. He was a trustee of Shirdi
Sai Sansthan. DATTATRAY DAMODAR alias NANASAHEB RASANE After
the passing away of Damuanna, when Nanasaheb went to Shirdi, he became
inconsolable and began crying. At the Samadhi Sthan he
heard Baba’s words, “Are Nana, the rites of fourteenth day
have been performed and the mourning period has ended. Isn’t it ?
You have eaten sweets now. Now don’t shed tears any more”.
Nanasaheb
was a Punyatma. He was a good orator and a social worker. He had
relinquished his entire life at the feet of Baba. He had no attraction
towards his family life. His every act and deed was connected to Baba.
He was drenched in the shower of Baba’s Krupa. Since
childhood his mind was getting prepared in devotion to Baba. Gradually,
his Virakti grew. Simultaneously, his desires towards
materialistic things and pleasures got destroyed automatically. In his
heart, he believed that “It is the Sadguru who is the Karta
and it is He who runs our lives.” He was a divine soul. He had
excellent Vachasiddhi. He
was known for his very stern nature. However, at heart, he was equally
kind. He hated devotees who gossiped and behaved carelessly. He despised
cheating and deceit. He
always referred Baba as “My Baba.” He used to say, “People pester
and harass my Baba. Everyone is scheming to loot my Baba. Don’t try to
fool or annoy my Baba. HE IS A FIRE INCARNATE.” He
said, “It was never in the nature of my Baba to sit in a Devhara
(small temple in a house). My Baba behaved like a common man. He used a
lot of Urdu words in his conversation.” There
was a reason for Nanasaheb referred Baba with such close familiarity. It
was Baba who had asked Damuanna to give his first son to Him. Once,
on the occasion of Guru Poornima, a coin of one Naya Paisa
dropped from Baba’s garland into Nanasaheb’s hands. He preserved it
with great devotion throughout all his life. He carried it in the Button
Patti of his shirt. He said, “My annual income is about Rs 5,000.
Even then no coin in the world can match this Naya Paisa. And no
value can be attached to it – it is valueless.” Nanasaheb
had expressed a desire that the coin should be cremated along with his
body. And so was done. He
had another fervent wish. Most of the Jyeshtha and Shreshtha
devotees of Baba had coincidentally passed away on the auspicious day of
Ekadashi. Nanasaheb wished that the day - on which he would
breath his last – should be also Ekadashi. In
his last days, he moved his residence to Shirdi. On the day of Ashadhi
Ekadashi, there was a small reason for his suffering an injury. He
fell down on his shoulder. His collar bone was damaged. He was admitted
to the Sai Hospital and passed away on the same day. Annasaheb alias Chidambar Keshav Gadgil ‘‘I
am a Muslim !’’ He
was prominent
amongst those fortunate persons who were brought to Baba by Nanasaheb
Dengle. At that time, Annasaheb was the secretary to the collector of
Ahmednagar, while Nanasaheb was a well-known Inamdar of the city.
Nanasaheb carried lot of influence in the Govt. offices. He was a close
friend of Annasaheb as both were pious by nature. Nanasaheb
was dazzled by the divine experiences given by Shri Sai Baba. Even he
had got a son by Baba’s grace Annasaheb had heard several such
experiences narrated by Nanasaheb. Impressed by the same, Annasaheb took
his Munsaf Vamanrao and senior officer from the Education Dept.
Sitaram Patwardhan along with him and went in a for tonga to avail Darshan
of Baba. At
that time, Madhavrao Despande was a school teacher. Annasaheb asked
Madhavrao, ‘‘I have heard a lot about the Sadhu who resides
here. Where is he ?’’ Like many other people, at that time,
Madhavrao was considering Baba to be a mad Fakir. He was yet to
realize the divinity of Baba. Moreover, he was forthright in his speech.
Pointing to the Masjid, he said, ‘‘No. There is no Mahan
Sadhu. But, a mad Fakir stays in that Masjid.” The
moment Gadgil appeared before Baba, choicest abuses got showered on him.
However, as the abuses went on increasing, Annasaheb go more and more
pleased... And an old incident was responsible for this. Prior
to his this visit to Shirdi, Annasaheb had gone to avail Darshan
of a Sadhu in a temple at Bhimashankar near Pune. The Sadhu
had ordered him to go for Baba’s Darshan. While showering him
with abuses, Baba made a mention of the Sadhu. Annasaheb was
taken aback with this. He developed full faith in Baba. Annasaheb
started climbing the steps of the Masjid along with Patwardhan,
Vamanrao and the Tongawalla (who brought them to Shirdi).
However, from where he was sitting, Baba shouted, ‘‘Don’t
climb ! I am a Muslim.. Go and prostrate before the Bhimashankar Sadhu. !’’
Hearing this, Gadgil bowed down before Baba. From
the description of Baba given by various people, Annasaheb had started
believing that Baba was a Muslim. However, at the time of the Darshan,
Baba eradicated the misconception. Darshan
in the form of Ganpati Baba
ensured with a kin eye that each follower followed the path of devotion
chosen by the devotee, Baba made sure of this by fulfilling the wishes
of the devotees and allowing them to do as they wished. Annasaheb was an
ardent follower of Shri Ganpati. Now, he started seeing Ganpati in Baba.
He even started performing Baba’s Pooja in the manner in which
one worships Ganpati. Once,
when he was performing Pooja in this manner, Baba remarked to one
of the gentlemen sitting nearby, ‘‘This old man is very cunning. He
says, I am sitting on top of mice.’’
(It is well-known that Shri Ganpati’s vehicle is a mice and he
sits on top of that.) Gadgil was delighted that Baba had guessed, what
was in his mind. ‘‘I
am always with you !’’ Later
on, Annasaheb was promoted and he became Mamledar of Sinnar. The
place being close to Shirdi, he used to frequently avail Baba’s Darshan.
However, after some period, he was transferred to a distant place. He
had to immediately report at the new place. He did not have enough time
to go for Baba’s Darshan before his departure. He was in
turmoil because of this and his eyes brimmed with tears. With a heavy
heart he boarded the train. His mind was full of Baba’s thoughts.
Suddenly, a packet of the Udi dropped on him from the
compartment’s window. Curiously he opened the packet and found that it
contained Udi. He preserved the packet carefully. He placed the
packet in a Tait (locket) and it remained with him till end. Later
on Annasaheb got the opportunity to take Baba’s Darshan. He
rushed to the Masjid and fell down at Baba’s fit. Before he
could apologize, Baba said to him, ‘‘Are, you could not come. Hence,
I sent you Udi. Did you get it ?’’ The
moment Gadgil heard these words, tears streamed from his eyes. An
old Sai devotee – Shri Laxman Govind Munge – narrates a beautiful
story related to this incident. He says... ‘‘Shri Chidambar Keshav Gadgil was a senior Mamledar
and I assisted him as a clerk. When the Mamledar and Nanasaheb
Nimonkar went to avail Baba’s Darshan, I also accompanied them.
We prostrated before Baba. A thought entered my mind ‘Why these Hindus
perform Pooja of a Muslim like Baba ?’ Just then, Baba
said to Gadgil, ‘Give me my Kharka (dried dates), packet of
Incense and my Dakshina of Re. 1 !’ I was surprised to
hear this. Because, the previous night, Gadgil had set aside these three
articles saying ‘I am going to place these as offering before my Sadguru
– Baba.’ And, Baba now was demanding exactly the same three things.
I was, therefore, convinced about Baba’s power of Antardnyan.
Baba accepted the offering with pleasure.’’ Annasaheb
had dip knowledge about Paramarthik matters. He had realized that
the ultimate destination of this mortal body was ‘Paramatmaprapti’.
He lived accordingly. He introduced several people to the divinity of
Sai Baba with the intention of spreading the joy of being in Sadguru’s
company and turning them to the path of Satkarya. One such person
was the manager of Satyanaratyan Co. Shri W. S. Joshi. In
the course of his life, Annasaheb retired and settled down at Ghodnadi.
He followed the practice of Annachhatra (distribution of food) at
Shri Kshetra Gangapur. Due to this, he came frequently in contact
with the Bazar at Solapur. Thus, he met Shri Wasudeo Sadashiv
Joshi who had turned to the path of Virakti from the young age of
16 years. Annasaheb was similarly enfolded in Sai devotion. Therefore,
this contact through a mere commercial transaction developed into a
thick friendship. Annasaheb
had similar close relations with Raobahadur Sathe alias Tatyasaheb. This
is an incident of 1913… Annasaheb
wrote a letter to Shri Joshi from Shirdi informing him that ‘‘I am
at Shirdi and a Namsaptah is going on here. Please do come and
avail Baba’s Darshan ! You will need Rs. 10 for expenses.
Don’t worry. Shri Narayan will give it at any place. But, don’t
allow this opportunity to pass.’’ Joshi
read the letter with great joy. He took permission of his wife, arranged
for the money and arrived at the Sathe Wada where Gadgil used to
stay. He carried Pooja Sahitya and went with Annasaheb to avail
Baba’s Darshan. Seeing the radiant figure of Baba, he was
amazed. Tears filled his eyes. At
the time of evening Aarati, he continued to stare at the Mukhakamal
of Baba. He was unable to regain his normal senses. Noticing this,
Annasaheb said, ‘‘Joshibua, the Aarati is over;
Come !’’ Only then, he came out of the trance. Joshi
asked the meaning of his trance. Annasaheb replied, ‘‘Joshibua, Baba
does lot of such Gamati-Jamati (tricks). Only watch
them !’’ After
spending a few days in the Namsaptah, he broached upon the
subject (with Tatyasaheb Sathe) of returning home. Tatyasaheb informed
him, ‘‘It is not possible to go without obtaining Baba’s
permission.’’ Thereafter, a Sevekari pleaded the case of this
guest of Annasaheb Gadgil. Baba replied, ‘‘Has the Lord not given
him enough Chatni – Bhakri (food) during your stay here ?
Why are you forcing him against his own wishes ?’’ The
day on which Joshi left Shirdi was Thursday. Gadgil told him,
‘‘Joshibua, take the Prasad from here with you.’’ Joshi
went to Bapusaheb Jog to ask for Prasad.
Bapusaheb placed one piece of Barfi on everyone’s hand.
Annasaheb said to Joshi, ‘‘Bua, this much Prasad will not be
sufficient for everyone at your home. Go and buy some more Barfi
from these 8 Annas !’’ Thinking that any sweet from
Shirdi is Baba’s Prasad, Joshi was proceeding to the Bazaar.
However, he met a person on the way who was hurrying towards him. He was
carrying a Thali full of Barfi. He said, ‘‘Baba has
asked me to give this to the guest of Gadgil !’’ In
the meantime, Gadgil had sent a person to fetch groundnuts. He wanted to
give them to Joshi. However, just then Raobahadur Sathe said, ‘‘Baba
has received gunny bags of groundnuts from some devotee. He has issued
orders to give two baskets full to Gadgil and his guest and distribute
the rest amongst the devotees who have gathered here. Therefore, it is
not necessary to buy groundnuts.’’ From these two instances, the people who had gathered there
realized, how Baba performs miracles sitting at one place and how He is
omnipresent. On
his return to Solapur, Joshi gave some amount to Shri Govind Dhondo
Pansare and sent him to Shirdi for availing Baba’s Darshan and
also to take Baba’s photos. The duo of Gadgil and Sathe welcomed
Pansare and took good care of him. He stayed there for four days and
with Baba’s permission took His two photographs – one while He was
sitting on the Shila and the other while he was reclining against
the pillar. Pansare returned home a happy man. Baba appreciated the devotion of Annasaheb and
hence, He showered Gadgil’s guests
– Joshi and Pansare – with love and affection. He also granted
permission to take His photographs and guided them in the direction of Atmaunnati. Balaji Patil Nevaskar There
is a couplet which reads – Place your Tan-Man-Dhan
(body-soul-wealth) at the feet of your Sadguru and spend your
entire life in Guru (devotion of Guru). Balaji
Patil of Nevasa truly lived this couplet. He was born in lower cast
family. However, through his Bhakti of Sadguru, he
traversed the Bhavsagar. A
long time back, the pious Balaji came for the first time to avail Darshan
of Baba. The moment he took Darshan he decided to reside
permanently at Shirdi. For sometime Baba tried to convince him to return
back to his family. However, till the end he was unable to find solace
in family life. Damuanna
Kasar came to Shirdi for the first time in 1892. While narrating his
experience he writes... “When I first came to Shirdi, I saw Bala Patil
of Nevasa doing all types of chores to serve Baba. He used to clean the Masjid
and look after its lights. He also cleaned the Chavadi and the
path on which Baba went to Lendi Baug.” The
villagers used to defecate on the path to Lendi Baug and also threw
garbage. Balaji used to get up early morning and clean the mess. He
started this practice which was later on followed first by
Radhakrishnamai and thereafter by Abdul Baba. Balaji also put soil over
the places where Baba used to spit His cough. While
narrating his Sai experience, Shri Saisharananand
says - ‘‘The life of this Nevaskar is worth following. He
was an ardent devotee of Baba’’ Balaji
carried the entire crop from his farm in bullock carts and considering
Baba to be its rightful owner, placed the crop at His feet. He took home
only that much portion which was given to him by Baba. He managed to run
his household within that. Balaji drank the water which was left over by
Baba or even that water in which Baba had taken His bath. After Balaji,
his son followed both these practices relating to the crop and water. Every
day about four times, Baba ate Bhakri made from Balaji’s milo. Balaji
never did anything without seeking Baba’s permission. He even sought
Baba’s permission for stitching clothes for his family members. He had
two wives. However, he had few children. Sometimes, the family came from
Nevasa to Shirdi to avail Baba’s Darshan. On such occasions,
Baba purchased Choli-Lugadi for Balaji’s wives and placed them
in their Oti with blessings. Once,
Raghuji Patil of Shirdi (elder brother of Bhagoji Shinde) went to Nevasa.
He stayed at Balaji’s home. One day a snake entered the stable of
Balaji. The livestock was tied there, got scared and tried to come
loose. Everyone was at their wits end as to how to set free the cows
etc. and save them. However, the snake was had raised his hood and was
sitting quietly. While
this havoc taking place, Balaji was overjoyed. He said, ‘‘Baba has
arrived in the guise of the snake. He is no one else but my Sai.’’
He immediately went inside his house and fetched a dish full of milk. He
placed the dish before the snake and said, ‘‘What is this
Baba ? Are you trying to scare us ? Have this milk !
Finish it completely !! This is my Seva. Please accept
it !’’ Then he thought, the quantity of milk offered may not be
sufficient. So, he brought the full pot of milk, placed it before the
snake and returned to his place. Everyone
was flabbergasted. They were keeping a watch to ensure that the snake
should not enter the house ! Here, the snake drank milk and went
away as quietly as he had come. Nobody had seen him coming and no one
saw him departing. Everyone could not locate in spite of great efforts.
All felt relieved; but Balaji was sad. He had seen the snake entering
the stable. He wished, he should have witnessed his departure. Balaji
saw Sai everywhere. For him, Sai existed everywhere. Baba also showered
this blessed soul with His Krupa. It
was the first death anniversary of Balaji. At that time, his mother was
alive. For the anniversary feast, the number of people who had gathered
was almost 3 times the expectation. Balaji’s wife panicked on seeing
the huge gathering. She informed her mother-in-law. She said, ‘‘Why
do you panic when our Baba is behind us ? Bring that Udi !’’
Balaji’s wife brought Udi. Balaji’s mother to fistful of Udi,
put it in all the vessels containing food and covered them with cloth.
Thereafter she directed her daughter-in-law, ‘‘Now take as much food
out of these vessels as you want and serve it to the people. But, ensure
that the vessels remain covered with cloth ! Sai Baba will protect
our reputation. Don’t worry.’’ Balaji’s wife followed her
mother-in-law’s directions and Baba also protected their reputation. The
above incident was narrated by Balaji’s mother to Kakasaheb Dixit.
This is a fine example which illustrates, how Baba looks after those
devotees who devote themselves with Shraddha and Saburi. Shri
Saisharananand writes about the last days of Balaji thus :- ‘‘Leaving
everything, Balaji came to Shirdi once again. However, Baba persuaded
him to return to his home. In his last days he gave up food and water.
He only ate the Prasad of Bhakri sent by Baba and drank
only water which was touched by Baba’s feet.’’ In
this manner, the unique Sai Seva of Balaji bore fruits. (contd.) – Translated from original Marathi into English
by Sudhir qqq |
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