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In Sai’s Proximity–
Mrs. Mugdha
Divadkar APPA
KULKARNI
in
the same year, like Nanasaheb, Baba also brought Shri Narayan Krishna
Pendse and his devout wife through Appa Kulkarni to His Darbar.
Pendse’s
wife was very pious. Everyone called her ‘Maai’. Hearing about
Baba’s reputation, she was keenly anxious to take His Darshan.
But, Pendse himself never believed in such matters. He said to her,
“There is no saint in Shirdi that you talk of. However, in a Masjid
there, a mad and pretentious Muslim Fakir sits. The villagers are
crazy after him. According to the information that I have received, this
beggar from the Masjid goes from door to door, collects alms and
survives.”
However,
his wife was restless. Considering her anxiety, Baba managed a
coincidence. Pendse was required to go to Shirdi for some Govt. work. His
wife accompanied him and when he proceeded for his work, she came to the Masjid
and took Baba’s Darshan. On returning home, she narrated the
incident to Pendse and said, “He is really a saint. Do not criticize Him
or blame Him. Take His Darshan and enjoy the bliss !”
Then
Pendse came to the Masjid. When he came near to the steps, Baba
roared, “I am warning you. Do not come forward. I am pretentious and mad
Muslim. You are high caste Brahmin. Then why do you come to take my
Darshan ?”
Pendse
was stunned to hear his exact words coming out of Baba’s mouth. He
became restless to have Baba’s Darshan. He caught hold of Appa
Kulkarni and with his influence availed Baba’s Darshan.
Once,
Appa was sitting with Baba in the Masjid as per his usual practice.
While chitchatting, Baba said to him, “You see Appa, thieves are going
to visit our village today. They are not going to commit dacoity; but they
are concentrating on the main wealth. They commit their act so fast and
with such expertise that even if you are alert, you get cheated. Go and
see, what precautions you can take. Because, today they are going to raid
you !”
At
that time, there were signs that an epidemic of cholera was likely to
break-out. But, nobody could see it coming. Taking Baba’s words
literally, Appa started making preparations. He put guards to protect
property.
It
was night time and Appa started having vomits and loose motions. His hands
and legs became cold turned stiff like wood. His pulse slowed down. Seeing
that his end is near, his wife panicked. She was sure that soon she would
become a widow.
She
rushed to Baba and pleaded to save her husband. She asked for Udi.
But, Baba consoled her that “One day every living being has to face
death. But, the soul lives for ever. Take courage and face the reality.”
Hearing
these words, the lady took control of herself. She went home and after
some time Appa went to his heavenly abode.
Next
day, 2-3 more people took ill. The villagers rushed to Baba. He said,
“Totally seven persons will die and then the disease will leave this
village.” Accordingly, seven persons passed away and the epidemic
disappeared. Appa was fortunate to have the love and affection of his Sadguru. |
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