Sakhubai

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Sakhubai

 

Introduction

Devotee of Panduranga Vittala. Though suffering hardships from a cruel

mother- in- law and a foolish husband, She bore it and reposed pure

'Bhakti'(devotion) in Lord Vittala whom, for her sake, served her

people and transformed them.

 

 

Sakhubai

 

A poor man and his wife lived in a town near Pandharapur. Though poor,

they were lead- ing a peaceful, contented life. They would, within

their limitations, make dona- tions to charities; they would welcome

and entertain guests.They were partaking in others' joys and helping

those in difficulties. They were liked by all.

 

Pandharapur is a holy place. Panduranga Vittala is the presiding deity

there. There were a large number of devotees in that vicinity

worshipping Him. The poor couples too were among them. They had no

children and it distressed them. They ardently wor- shipped Vittala

daily and prayed for getting children. As though in response to their

devout prayers, the poor man's wife gave birth to a female child. The

baby grew up into a beautiful girl possessing many good qualities

since childhood. Sakhu had imbibed in her a deep sense of devotion of

God. She assisted in the 'Puja' at house by preparing flower-garlands,

sandal- wood paste, etc., tended the cattle, assisted her mother with

cooking and was constantly engaged in useful domestic chores. The

parents loved her immensely.

 

Neighbors looked upon this smiling, active girl with delight. She

would never hurt anybody nor utter harsh words. She made friends with

other children and played with them. She respected the elders and was

devoted to them. Everybody loved her.

The Miser of Karaveerapura

 

There lived in the town of Karaveerapura a Pandit. He used to carry

the Vedic texts with him and was always reciting mantras (hymns). But

all that was for no good purpose. He would not even drive away a crow

with his unwashed hand after meals lest any morsel of rice should fall

down and the crow might eat it! He was not poor but miserly.

Karaveera town was on the banks of Krishna. There was much greenery;

good crops grew on the fertile lands, and Mother Earth was bountiful

to the people. But the pandit was so miserly that people had named him

Krupanaraya'('Krupana' means a miser). His wife Gayyalibai was an

amazon, quarrelsome woman, and was always insulting -people and picked

up quarrels with them. She was neither a devotee of God nor helpful in

any way to others. No charities for her, and she would not entertain

any guests at their house. The couple had a son whose name was

Oaduraya. Neither the father not the son dared to open their mouth,

and the woman ruled the household as per her wish.

 

Krupanaraya had taught the Vedas to his son but it was mere parrotlike

learning. Matters from the sacred texts filled his brain, but his

heart was barren. He had not developed any good qualities like being

friendly, helpful and kind to others.

 

People used to keep away from this family.While some feared the

wife'sverbal onslaughts, others did not like to have any contact or

dealings with these misers who only loved money.

 

As the son reached marriageable age, his parents began to look for a

bride to him. But who would offer their daughter to such a person and

the family? 'Better throw the girl into a well than marry her into

such a household,' they would say. Realizing that none in the town

were willing to offer their son a bride, his father began to search

for one in neighboring places.

Sakhubai's Marriage

 

In his search, Krupanaraya came to living and the town where Sakhubai

was living and someone directed him to her house. Her father received

him in a friendly manner. Sakhubai brought water for him to wash his

hands & feet helped her mother in preparing the lunch for the guest;

she set the plate and tumbler for him.

 

Krupanaraya was impressed with the girl's intelligence and helpful

disposition. He asked for her to be given in marriage to her son.

 

Though Sakhu's father had heard about the wealthy pandit, they were

unaware of the bad name he had earned. The poor, good-hearted couple

felt happy; they thought it was a boon from Lord Vittala that their

daughter should be married into such a wealthy family.They were poor

and some times would not have enough food even for two meals a day and

they had to wear old and worn clothes. They now felt that at least

their daughter would enjoy a happy life and readily agreed for the

proposal.

 

Krupanaraya fixed the muhurta (auspicious time) to with his wife and

son place. The marriage without the bridegroom's coming to light.

Gayyalibai had brought some presents for some gold Jewelry were

impressed and was lucky. Krupanaraya then returned to Karaveerapura.

The Forlorn Deer

 

Sakhu's father-in-law fixed an auspicious day for bringing their

daughter-in-law. Sakhu was then only twelve. Her parents brought her

and the function of welcoming her was gone through. Sakhu's mother

felt that as she was too young, they would take her back and send her

when she matured. But Gayyalibai insisted that the girl would remain

at their home from now on. Sakhu's parents could not have their say

and returned thinking of bringing their daughter after home sometime.

 

Tender girl Sakhu revered her father-in-law and mother-in-law as her

own parents and considered her husband as God. But she was shocked to

see the manner in which they behaved. The Mother-in-law would scold

her all the time. She had to Pound paddy, churn the grains cleanse the

vessels, store the water, wash the clothes There was no end to the

tasks she had to perform. Still Gayyalibai was not satisfied with

anything she did. She would angrily shout about the dishes not

property washed and go on to denounce that her mother had not taught

her any work well. Sakhu had to constantly weep, suffering the

scolding. Her mother-in-law, after serving meals to the mate members,

would throw a little rice and a bit of other dishes into her plate. It

was like the care- less feeding of dogs. By the time Sakhu went to the

river for washing clothes and returned, even that little food would

have become stone cold. But she silently sat in a corner and ate it

silently shedding tears. Sometimes, it would be infested with ants,

flies etc. Many days she would not eat at all.After coming to her

husband's house, Sakhu was now like a lost and forlorn deer.

How can you live in a House where there is no Dharma?

 

Though she had grown up in her poor parents' house, Sakhu had never

aspired for rich,sumptuous food or anything of the sort. One may

starve if no food is available but the atmosphere in this house was

shocking. Sakhu had heard that her father- in-law was a great Vedic

scholar and she had thought that such learned men had greater faith in

God. She had felt that Krupanaraya, rich and learned, was helpful to

others in a liberal manner, donate for charities, etc. Now all her

illusions were shattered. One day when she was pound- ing rice, a

beggar came to the house for alms. She got a handful of rice and came

out to give it to him. Seeing it, Gayyalibai poured insults on her and

accused her that she was trying to destroy their house. Krupanaraya

supported his wife.

 

Sakhu felt extremely sad, Should one not have some sympathy, dharma

and be charitable ? Though her parents were poor, there was always

provision for a little charity; a handful of rice was always available

to those coming for alms. Here there was so much abundance. Krupana-

raya was also engaged infinancial dealings involving large sums.

Still, charity was absent in this house. No guests came. There was no

formal worshipping of God even once a day nor were there may prayers.

What was the difference between human beings and other species without

these, lamente Sakhubai. She could not even have her meals in company,

because of this dejection.Yet,she never openlycomplained against her

mother-in-law or father-in-law. With tears in her eyes, she would only

pray to Lord Vittala to bless these people with good thoughts and deeds. "

Mother Worries about Sakhu

 

After leaving her daughter-at her husband's place, Sakhu's mother was

constantly worried about her. " She is a very young girl. It would have

been better it we had brought her, " she used to lament, Worried for

her daughter,she would even forgether daily domestic chores. The calf

in their shed would shout 'Ambaa' before she rushed to feed her

grass. " It our Shaku was here, you would have your food on time, " she

would mutter caressing the calf.There were no modern postal facilities

at that time, you see. So they had to seek infor- mation about their

daughter from travelers and the sadhus who went from town to town and

came after visiting Sakhu'splace. When guests came from Karaveerapura,

they would inquire about their daughter. But, at the outset, they were

disheartened.

 

After leaving Sakhu at her father-in-law's house, they never had nay

information about that household. On the verge of a breakdown, Sakhu's

mother entreated her husband that they go to Karaveerapura and he,

equally worried, readily agreed. The couple started on their journey

in happy anticipation of seeing their daughter living a good,

comfortable life.

Parent's Bemoan Sakhu's Fate

 

When the parents came to Karaveerapura and saw their daughter's

condition, they were shocked. She looked pale and weak; her clothes

were worn out; her hair had become ruffled without any application of

hair-oil.The moment she saw her daughter, Sakhu's mother cried, " 0, my

dear child! " and embraced her. Sakhu had not heard such loving words

for years. Both broke down with grief and wept.

 

Gayyalibai suddenly appeared on the scene. Shouting with fory, she

demanded of her daughter-in-law: " Aren't youashamed to tag on like this

to yourmother? Go get inside. There is a lot of work to do. " Sakhu

faithfully went inside.

 

What had happened to Sakhu? She was active as a deer. Now, this girl

walks with wobbling steps and mortally afraid of her mother-in-law.

Where is that glow on her face? She looks like a forlorn orphan.

Unable to bear her grief, Sakhu's mother mildly inquired:

 

That was enough of a cue to Gayyalibai to explode into a harangue.

" She eats well thrice a day and has grown lazy. Now, those who cannot

afford a meal a day come to Enquirer about the welfare of their

daughter, " she shouted in an insulting tone and continued her

condemnation of them for quite sometime.

 

The Poor couple stood dumbfounded. The lady of the house did not

invite them to have a wash, did not offer them a glass of water to

quench their thirst after travel, did not inquire about their welfare,

did not even spread a mat and ask them to sit down. What sort of a

'Master of the house' was Krupanaraya? He would not utter a word

against his wife's objectionable outbursts.

 

Sakhu's parents remained silent and Gayyalibai could not quarrel with

them. After sometime, tired by her own outburst, she went inside.

Sakhu went to wash the clothes. Silently, her mother followed her to

the riverside. Many women of the town were there engaged in washing

and conversing.

 

When the women learned that Sakhu's mother had come, they asked her:

" Don't you have any wells or tanks in your town? " Sakhu's mother could

not understand their question and gave an obvious reply: " Why do you

ask that? Which place could be there on earth without well or tanks? "

 

The women replied: " Instead of giving Sakhu to the family of a devil

like that, you could as well have thrown her into a well. "

 

" My friends, we are ruined.... We did not know the kind of people they

are, " she lamented. Everybody sympathized with Sakhu and their mother,

but what can they do? None to advise Gayyalibai to be reasonable.

Sakhu's mother had already a taste of her tongue-lashing.

 

Sakhu consoled her mother. " Do not worry. Go home. It is time for

meals. " Worried that there could be trouble if it was found - she had

gone to the river with Sakhu, she rushed back.Gayyalibai served the

lunch. Krupanaraya and Oaduraya ate heartily and belched with content.

Sakhu's parents could hardly eat.

 

Hesitatingly, Sakhu's parents requested that she be sent with them for

a few days. In fact, they begged with folded hands. But Gayyalibai

scorned them saying: " You your selves have no means for a square meal.

Here she can eat as much as she wishes. We won't send her. "

 

Sakhu's father pleaded: " It is only just and proper that the girl

remains with herparents at least till she attains maturity. We may be

poor. But one fruit will not be a burden to the plant, " said Sakhu's

mother feelingly.

 

But Gayyalibai was not one to bother about justice or 'dharma'. No

argument could move her. She shouted still louder and would not budge.

 

Grief-stricken, Sakhu's parents took leave of their daughter, with

tears in their eyes. " God's will be done, " said her father who told

her as they were leaving: " My dear daughter, after we married you off,

you are now in their possession. Vittala will never let his devotees

down. Here, keep this statuette of Him. He will protect you. "

Sakhubai's Husband Oaduraya

 

When Sakhu saw her parents, she was a bit optimistic that she could go

to her house with them at least for a few days.

 

But that was not to be. Sakhu steeled her- self thinking it was her

duty to stay with her husband. And how was her husband Oaduraya?

Sakhu, a girl of tender age, had come from her parents' home with the

belief that her husband would maintain the household well. Parting

with one's parents is sad and it would be difficult for one to adjust

to a new home. The newly married husband should genuinely love his

wife, and treat her with affection. But Oaduraya had no such feelings.

He was not even inquiring whether she had her meals nor was he

bringing her any flowers, clothes etc.He was very much afraid of his

mother.

 

Sakhu's husband treated her as his slave and not as a life-partner.

Even though her mother-in-law ill-treated her,she could have had some

solace if only she enjoyed her husband's love. Even Krupanaraya,

eldest member in the family, did not have a sympathetic word for her.

In these circum- stances, she would wonder why she should live at all.

" You Are My Only Refuge "

 

With her parents away, Sakhu had to spend her days without any

affection and love either from her husband or from his parents. She

now began to love only Lord Vittala. Being a devotee of God since

childhood, she considered her husband and his parents as good. She

implicitly believed in her father's words: " Vittala will never let you

d ' own. " She recited His name throughout the day.

 

Gayyalibai became more and more cruel towards her. But Sakhu bore all

the suffering silently. The mother-in-law saw everything wrong with

her. If she sits down for a while, " You are lazy and want to escape

from work. " If she sat down when elders were present, " How dare you

sit before the elders? " Sakhu toiled from the daybreak till late in

the night. She would eat only when her mother-in-law threw a few

morsels of food at her; if she become angry, food would be much less.

At times Sakhu would be very hungry; pained both physically and

mentally, she would take out Vittala's statuette and narrate her woes

to Him: " For how long should I undergo this punishment, Vittala? How

much more should you test me? You are my savior, mother, father,

everything. " She found solace in her prayers.She used to hide the

statuette in the folds of her saree at her waist and proceed with her

household chores. If her mother-in-law noticed the statuette, she

would be annoyed. Even worshipping God was a sin in that house.

Mother-in-law Finds Out

 

Gayyalibai had noticed that her daughter - in-law talked to herself at

times. Not bold enough to talk back to her, she murmurs to herself,

thought Sakhu's mother-in-law and decided to 'teach her a lesson'. She

stealthily listened to Sakhu's murmuring but only heard the chanting

of Vittala's name. But she did not see the idol, which was hidden, in

her waist. Another day when Sakhu was talking to herself and narrating

her troubles to the idol the mother-in-law suddenly appeared and

seeing the idol seized it and threw it away. " 0, He is my Lord! 0 God!

Vittala! " bemoaned Sakhu. Gayyalibai condemned Vittala with mean words

and Sakhu could not tolerate it. She said: " Mother-in-law, condemn and

drub me as you like. But what did that idol do to you? Please don't

denounce God. "

 

Gayyalibai raised' a terrible rumpus saying her daughter-in-law was

opposing her and complained to Krupanaraya. " I seem to be less than a

broomstick to her! " she told her son and heaped complaints on Sakhu.

 

Oaduraya did not bother to inquire into what had actually happened.

Nor did he bother to note how extremely patient his wife was and

sweating away in household work. He took up a cane and thrashed his

wife as he would some animal. At her father's place, Sakhu could not

even mildly wield a stick against their cattle. Sakhu silently

received her husband's beating. Swelled marks dotted her body and in

the night she wept in agony. 'Even then, she was only chanting

" Vittala, Vittala! You are my only savior. "

Loses Interest in Domestic Life

 

Sakhu's devotion to 'God continued to grow and she was constantly

reciting His name. Gradually, she was losing interest in domestic life

though she was fulfilling all her duties at home perfectly. Her health

had broken down and shewas now nothing but skin and bones. Neighbors;

felt sad at her plight and thought that they should tender some good

advice to Gayyalibai. But who is to go and talk? Each wanted others to

undertake that task. 'Who is to bell the cat?'

 

At last, some men made bold to talk to Krupanaraya. They told him:

" Your daughter-in-law appears to be ill. As the elder, you should

think of her health and welfare. " For which he retorted: " What has

happened to her? She eats so well thrice a day! "

 

" You should not let a girl from another family suffer and cry. After

she came here, you have not sent her to her parents' home even once.

Send her for a few days, " they advised him.

 

Gayyalibai had ordered Sakhu not to move about in the house in the

presence of elders. Even her father-in-law had not seen her closely

recently. When he saw her and noticed how weak and bony she had

become, he told his wife about the talk among the town's menfolk.

 

Gayyalibai denounced the men with all sorts of harsh words. She

accused Sakhu of having complained to the men and told her son that

the girl was spoiling the good name of their family. Again,Sakhu

received a cruel thrashing. People of the town felt sorry when they

heard this episode.

 

Next day, when Sakhu went to the river to wash the clothes, the women

there said in sympathy: " Sakhu, why do you suffer here like this? You

are killing yourself un- necessarily. Go to your parents. Don't you

have any relations? "

 

Sakhubai replied in a stern voice: " Dear ladies, I appreciate your

affection and sympathy for me. Everything happens as per Lord

Vittala's wish. He is my father, mother and everything. He has to

protect me. Do not worry. "

 

Though she was suffering such cruelty and harassment, she did not

utter a word about her husband,father-in-law or mother-in-law. The

women of the town were actually surprised at the manner in which Sakhu

bore the suffering silently and hercomplete faith in God impressed

them. They were all praise for her devotion to God and peaceful

disposition.

Bhakti' Flows

 

One evening, Sakhu, accompanied by Shantabai, a neighbor, went to the

Krishna River to fetch water. A group of pilgrims were on way to

Pandharapur. The Devotees had to walk for miles, as there were no

transport facilities in those days. They had to stay at riverbeds,

cook their food, rest for a while and proceed further. When Sakhu

sighted these devotees, she forgot her chores and joined the people

who were chanting Vittala, Panduranga Vittala'. She was feeling

enthralled. Overcome by this devotional emotion, she said: " Shantabai,

I will also go to Pandharapur to see Lord Vittala. "

 

Shantabai said:

 

" If your mother-in-law comes to know of this, she will give you a good

thrashing. Let us go home without any fuss. " But Sakhu joined the

pilgrims' party and went on.

 

No sooner did Sakhubai's mother-in-law come to know of this than she

began to rant. She and her son came and saw the daughter-in-law

dancing in ecstasy reciting the name of Lord Vittala. Her eyes were

closed. She was lost to this earthly world. Only when her

mother-in-law rudely pulled her by the hair did she open her eyes. Her

husband and mother-in-law beat and dragged her home. They told the

people she wanted to run away from home and tied to a pole. She was

also refused meals.

The Lord Answers Her Prayers

 

Devotees narrate how God blessed Sakhubai. It is a very interesting story.

 

More than the physical beatings she received, Sakhu suffered a lot of

mental agony. She did not worry about her food, sleep, clothes, etc.

Though physically weak, she was unflinching in her devotion to God.

She was always chanting " Vittala ! Vittala! Please fulfill my desire. "

 

Vittala must have heard His devotee's prayers. Around midnight. He

disguised himself as a woman, came and untied

 

Sakhu. He told her: " Dear Sakhu, you are keen on having a 'darshan' of

Vittala, aren't you? Go ahead. Till you come back, I will look after

your work. "

 

Sakhu ran and joined the devotees. God had assumed Sakhu's form and

stayed in her place.

 

Came the morning. Sakhu's husband and his mother noticed that in spite

of their haranguing and beatings, she was calmly immersed in chanting

Vittala's name. Actually, noticing the intensity of her 'bhakti', they

became afraid. 'Is such terrific devotion possible for any being?' -

they wondered. They then untied her. As they thought she would

collapse with fatigue, she stood erect. Her mother- in-law, though

ruffled, ordered her, " Go, have your bath and cook the meals. "

 

Sakhubai silently went in and prepared the meals. What luck to eat

food prepared by God Himself! And what wonderful meals! It was like

savoring nectar. The families are heartily praising the dishes

prepared. But the constant chanting of Vittala's name irritated

Gayyalibai, who angrily ordered Sakhu not to mention 'that bad word.'

 

God in Sakhu's guise did not utter a word in reply and continued to

chant Vittala's name. He attended to all of Sakhu's duties. She went

to the river to fetch water, wash the vessels, and wash the clothes;

she pounded the grain. All the work was being done perfectly. Some

days passed and now the people in the house began to look at this

'Sakhu' with a sense of fear. Gayyalibai could no longer scold 'Sakhu'

as before. Nor could the husband Oaduraya raise his hand to beat her.

In the divine presence, the whole atmosphere in the house had been

transformed.

 

Meanwhile, Sakhubai arrived at Pandharapur and had the 'darshan' of

Lord Vittala. Overcome with devotion, she prayed in an enthralled

mood. By now, she had lost all interest in this worldly life. Several

days passed and she was in no mood to return home. She spent all the

time in prayer. One day, as she prostrated at the feet of Lord Vittala

chanting His name, she breathed her last.

 

The news of Sakhu's passing away in this manner soon spread in

Pandharapur and people came rushing to have a last look at this great

devotee who died praying. The whole town was full of praise for her.

People raised a pyre of sandalwood and camphor and consigned her to

flames.

Rukmayi's Worry

 

As narrated by people, the story of Sakhubai becomes still more

interesting hereafter.

 

While Sakhubai passed away, Lord Vittala was working in her guise at

Karaveerapura. " I will look after your duties until you come back, " He

had promised her. Lord Vittala's consort Rukmayi now was at a loss as

to how to get Him back. She decided that the only solution was to

revive Sakhu back to life. She gave 'darshan' to Her devotees in their

dreams and asked them to bring Sakhu's mortal remains to Her. Rukmayi

touched them with Her divine hands and revived Sakhubai and told her:

" Dear great devotee, go back to your Karaveerapura home. Lord Vittala

is staying there taking your form. Send Him back. You are blessed. Go. "

 

Sakhubai walked back home. Vittala in her guise was standing on the

banks of river Krishna carrying a couple of pots. Sakhu ran and fell

at His feet exclaiming, " O Lord! What a mad woman I have been to make

you undertake these tasks! I did not even ask who you were. I don't

know what tasks you were asked to attend to. Please forgive me. "

 

Lord Vittala laughed and replied: " There is nothing I will not do for

my devotees. Hereafter, your life will be happy. You are blessed. Lead

a life of help and service to others. "

 

Sakhu, blessed by her Lord, returned to her house joyfully.

 

Gayyalibai was surprised when she heard her daughter-in-law's story.

" O God! How I made you to toil for me! " she cried remorsefully. Now

she felt immensely happy that Sakhu had received God's blessings. " My

dear, please forget the past. You are the light of our family, " she

emotionally told her.

 

Sakhubai's entire life-mode had now changed. Her husband, the

mother-in-law and the father-in-law had all changed their attitude

towards her and treated her with great respect. She continued to be

affectionate and friendly to all of them. She explained the greatness

of God and ' 'Bhakti' to all the people around her and led a life of

peace and happiness.

'Bhakti' was Sakhubai's Strength

 

Every country has its own tales extolling the greatness of its saints

and devotees of God. Sakhubai's story has been a popular one in our

country. People venerate her.

 

Sakhu suffered much hardship right since her childhood. After coming

to her husband's house, she could not go to her parent's home at all.

Poverty at home may not appear to be a major problem. There is

happiness in sharing one's love and affection with others. But even

when the household is wealthy and there is abun- dance and a person is

thrown a morsel or rice as to an unloved dog, how much mental agony

the person suffers! She had also to suffer endless scolding and

beatings. Her parents were helpless. But Sakhubai bore all this

patiently and her devotion to God Vittala gave her strength to bear

the suffering. She surrendered herself completely to Him. She blamed

nobody for her sufferings and her devotion to Lord Vittala was total.

Thus, Sakhubai lived a life worthy and dedicated to the welfare of the

people.