Anna Saheb Karindkar

[Guest guest]

Anna Saheb Karindkar

 

 

This gem of a devotee was born in Dhanu Road station in Shake 1772

[1851] He died at age 81 on 24th march 1931 at 2.30 a.m in Malyan [Dhanu

road station] He was conscious till the end. He seemed to know that his

end was near. He summoned his entire family and asked them to sing

Baba's Aarati and Naam Jap. His wish was to read the Shrimad Bhagvat

Gita and this was done.

Anna Saheb studied up to 7th standard Marathi medium; and

discontinued because his eyes hurt terribly. But his love for reading,

only seemed to increase. His home had a well-stocked library. It

contained numerous books both religious and non-religious, magazines of

every kind and of course the newspaper. A philanthropist, social worker,

and educationist he spent his life doing good for the community. Averse

to doing a job and working for others he took up farming.

From the yields of the farm, he often donated, grain to, the needy,

temples, and various agencies, and to people for functions.

The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan and Sai Leela Magazine were his

favorite projects. Ever since the first Sai Leela Magazine was published

he d to it, and prevailed upon others to do the same. Needless

to say, that he preserved each and every Magazine date wise, very

carefully. Further, he advertised, and made announcements of weddings,

ceremonies, and other occasions, thus paying for them. It made him

happy, that by doing so the Magazine, got funds. Time and again he sent

donations through Dev to the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan. Like an

accountant he set money aside, and sent it to the Sansthan, for every

festival celebrated in Shirdi. Upon subscribing 100 Rs, he became a

member of the Sansthan. He then sent 100 Rs, for each of his sons. Shri

Krishna Janardhan, Keshev Mahadev, and Haribhau Karnik. Thus he got his

sons to become members, perforce. Once he had gone to Nana Saheb

Chandorkars house, there he found Das Ganu's Bhakta Leelamrit; and Sant

Leelamrit lying about and uncared for. After taking permission from Nana

Shaeb, he sold them for 150 Rs. He sent that money to Shirdi Sai Baba

Sansthan, as a subscription for Nanas two sons.

Baba's Grace enveloped him, and Baba came to his home

through a Photograph. The wonderful Leela is given here. Keshav Ganesh

Joshi was his Son-in- law. Keshev got a portrait of Baba painted through

the owner of Gyan Sagar Litho Press. He asked Kaka Saheb Mahajini for

help, as Keshev liked the portrait that Kaka had. And he wanted a

similar one. Thus a beautiful portrait was painted. Then he got it

framed with a rich colored wood. When it was ready, and he was

satisfied. he, and BV Dev took it home. With due rituals it was hung on

the wall. A few months later Dev visited Anna Sahib's home in Dhanu. He

was very surprised to see that very same portrait in his home. Curious

about this he asked Anna how that portrait came to his home. Anna said

" As you well know that Joshi, brought this portrait home, and hung it on

the wall, and a few days later he, had a dream. Baba told him " Take me

to Dhanu, and give this portrait to Anna " Joshi had no choice, as it was

Baba's wish. " Needless to say that Anna performed Morning and Evening

Aarti, daily. Chanted the Vishnu Sahasranam, offered Naivedya, and

lovingly took care of it.

 

(Source Shri Sai Leela Magazine)