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Shama's Vows

When Kakaji was thinking his visit to Shirdi, a guest came to him at his place

to take him to Shirdi. He was no other than Shama, a very close and intimate

devotee of Baba. How he came to Vani at this juncture, we shall just see. Shama

was severely ill when he was very young and his mother had taken a vow to her

family Goddess Sapta-Shringi at Vani, that if the son got well, she would bring

and dedicate him at Her feet. Then after some years the mother herself suffered

much from ring-worms on her breasts. At that time she again took another vow to

her Deity that if she got all right, she would offer Her two silver breasts.

These two vows remained unfulfilled. At her death-bed she called her son Shama

to her and drew his attention to the vows and after taking a promise from him

that he would fulfills them, she breathed her last. After some time, Shama

quite forgot about these vows and thus 30

years elapsed. About this time a famous astrologer had come to Shirdi and stayed

there for a month. His predictions in the case of Shriman Booty and others came

true and everybody was satisfied. Shama's younger brother Bapaji consulted him

and was told that his mother's vows, which his elder brother promised to

fulfill at her death-bed, were not yet fulfilled; hence the Goddess was

displeased with them and bringing troubles on them. Bapaji told this to his

brother Shama who was then reminded of the unfulfilled vows. Thinking that any

further delay would be dangerous, he called a goldsmith and got a pair of

silver breast prepared. Then he went to the Masjid, prostrated himself before

Baba and, placing before Him the two silver breath, requested Him to accept

them and free him from the vows as He was to him his Sapta-Shringi Goddess.

Then Baba insisted upon him to go himself to the temple of Sapta-Shringi and

offer them in person at the feet of the Goddess. Then after taking Baba's

permission and Udi, he left for Vani and searching for the priest came to

Kakaji's house. Kakaji was then very anxious to visit Baba and Shama went there

to see him at that very time. What a wonderful coincidence is this!

Kakaji asked him who he was and whence he had come, and on learning that he came

from Shirdi, he at once embraced him. So overpowered was he with love! Then they

talked about Sai-leelas and after finishing the rites of Shama's vows, they both

started for Shirdi. On reaching the place, Kakaji went to the Masjid, and fell

at Baba's Feet. His eyes were soon bedewed with tears, and his mind attained

calmness. According to the vision of the Goddess, no sooner did he see Baba,

that his mind lost all its restlessness and it became calm and composed. Kakaji

began to think, in his mind, "What a wonderful power is this! Baba spoke

nothing, there was no question and answer, no benediction pronounced; the mere

darshana itself was so conducive to happiness; the restlessness of my mind

disappeared by His mere darshan, consciousness of joy came upon me - this is

what is called 'the greatness of darshan'." His vision was fixed on Sai's feet

and he could

utter no word. Hearing Baba's Leelas, his joy knew no bounds. He surrendered

himself completely to Baba, forgot his anxiety and cares and got undiluted

happiness. He lived happily there for twelve days and after taking Baba's

leave, Udi and blessings returned home."Gurur Brahma Gurur VishnuGurur Devoh

Maheshwar;Gurur Shakshat ParambramhaTashmai Shri Gurur Veh Namah"May the

Merciful Sri Sai Baba always shower His grace on us and our families and remove

our problems and anxieties by giving us all - strength , goodluck, success and

happiness with peace of mind.Sai bhakt,Deepa Hdebu7366

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