Ovi to Ovi english Translation - Foreword

[Guest guest]

The second flag that comes at Ramnavami time is from Damodar Savlaram alias Damu Seth Kasar – that is already been mentioned above. Though he had two wives he had no sons by either, therefore he remained quite grieved about it. It was suggested to him once, by Govindrao Sapkar, the father-in-law of Madhavrao Deshpande, to come here and take Maharaj’s blessings. Accordingly, he came. Maharaj blessed him and he got a son by His blessings. Naturally, his faith in Maharaj was established; and since then bringing a new flag at Ramnavami and feeding all the fakir’s gathered there on that day has been followed by him; and this observance is continued to this day. Some years before the commencement of the Ramnavami festival, Maharaj had drawn towards him a selfless devotee. That devotee is Narayan Govinda alias Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Though he was a resident of Kalyan he was the chitnis19 of the Collector of Ahmednagar. He was told one day by the Kulkarni of this place viz. by Keshav Anant, alias Appa, that Maharaj had sent for him. At first Nanasaheb did not believe Appa and told him. “Why do you take Maharaj’s name in vain? If you desire something from me, why not speak plainly?” There upon, Appa maintained that he was truly called upon by Maharaj. Thus when he was told so with certainty, Nanasaheb came for Maharaj’s darshan and soon had faith in Maharaj. Then he came frequently and began to take the opportunity of receiving the nectar of Maharaj’s wisdom. Maharaj

and he remained together for hours at a time. “Making sashtanga20 namaskar, questioning the guru, serving him, learn what jñyana is. Then those jñyanis who have attained the real knowledge of the Sad-Vastu will give you upadesha of jñyana”. As per this quotation, from Sri Bhagvad, Nanasaheb’s obeisance, questioning and service was there and Maharaj gave him upadesha (instructions). On one occasion Maharaj propounded the full meaning of this very shloka for more than an hour. From this preaching, Nanasaheb was convinced that Maharaj had perfect knowledge of Sanskrit. Nanasaheb served Maharaj to his utmost. He will be always remembered for two special matters by the devotees. One was for breaking, renovating and expanding the old Masjid of Maharaj. As it was not convenient for Nanasaheb to do this work personally, it was Nanasaheb Nimonkar who stayed there himself, at his

request, and undertook to supervise the work and completed it with excellence. Maharaj’s consent to build the Masjid was taken through Mhalsapati, and Maharaj agreed to it. Nevertheless, while the work was progressing, Maharaj used to break down the structure, from time to time and huge and heavy stones and pillars were thrown afar. Then, that work had to be re-done. Others may find Maharaj’s actions as strange, but those who know the inner meaning would not be surprised at Maharaj’s actions. At last the Masjid’s work was completed; and Maharaj having gone that day to Nimgaon, was brought back with pomp and ceremony to live in the new Masjid. Sutars (carpenters) Kondaji, Gabaji and Tukaram, three brothers, were of great help in the work of the Masjid. Until Maharaj’s passing away, sweeping the Masjid, cleaning the utensils of Maharaj, heating the water for Maharaj to wash his face and then drying the place – all these jobs were

done by Tukaram only. Generally, Maharaj did not allow anyone else to do this work. Even today, the flags for the Ramnavami are prepared at this carpenter’s home and the procession starts from there. Devotees can read this book from the Book Section of http://www.saileela s.org/books/ sss/index. htm

Here’s a new way to find what you're looking for - Answers