THE STORY OF BABA'S PALANQUIN

[Guest guest]

He came to Baba and said, “The work is almost finished. Only one door is yet

to be fixed, but my leave is over and I must depart for Bombay tomorrow. If

you permit me I will ask Tatya to finish the work.”

“We can see to that later,” said Baba lovingly. “You go and rest first. You

have been working since morning without a break.” He gave udi to Purandhare,

who saluted his feet and left.

After Purandhare left, Baba said to Kaka Saheb Dixit, “Kaka, a person’s

progress depends on their faith and devotion.”

The kakad arati was finished next day. Purandhare saluted Baba’s feet and

asked leave to go home.

“Brother, what we decide to do, we must do. We should not do only half the

work and hand the balance over to someone else to complete,” said Baba.

“Complete your work and go home tomorrow.”

Baba had not wanted Purandhare to take up this work at all. He had shouted

at him and tried to stop him from doing it, but now, due to the love he had

for Purandhare, Baba wanted him to complete it. Purandhare’s eyes filled

with tears. He saluted Baba’s feet mentally and agreed. He resumed work on

the palanquin shed and finished it.

When the job was completed to his satisfaction Purandhare examined the shed

and the palanquin carefully once again to see if anything had been left

undone. He then went to Baba and prostrating at his feet asked for

permission to go home. Baba blessed him, “Go, but keep coming to Shirdi

frequently.” Purandhare took udi from Baba and touched it respectfully to

his eyes and agreed to come as often as possible to Shirdi.

The palanquin also seemed to bless Purandhare. “Come again soon, Purandhare.

You have given me the immense good fortune of a permanent place at Baba’s

feet. I will never forget the good deed you have done me. May you always

have good fortune.”

_Suchitra Devi

 

 

(Source Saipatham Feb 2001)