Devotees Experience - Sai Leela Jan 1974

[Guest guest]

DEVOTEE'S EXPERIENCE

 

By Saisudha

Sai Baba of Shirdi is not merely a Sadguru but verily Sri Rama. He

has not only been guiding me in both official and domestic work but

has saved my life on two occasions.

 

It was in 1954, when I was in my early twenties. 1 was under­taking a

trip to Tirupati from Madras by the morning passenger train. My

uncle, then Post Master General of Madras Presidency, asked one of

his clerks to book my ticket and see that I boarded the train. It

was a Saturday, and though I did not wish to start from home at Rahu

Kal—it was about 9'30 A. M. I had no other choice. When I arrived at

the station with Mr. Nair, the clerk, the train was almost about to

leave. Somehow he managed to push my big box in the nearest third

class carriage and waved good, bye and left. The guard had blown the

whistle. When I was about to settle my things, I was horrified at

the sight of four gamb­lers sitting in the compartment which was

otherwise empty. They were busy playing cards and obviously did not

notice my presence. Young as I was, with no other lady passenger in

the train, I was at my wits end. I came and stood at the doorstep

praying itently to Shri Ram. I could not get down from the train,

nor could I stay within for fear of the gamblers. God verily sends

help to those in distress.

 

The train had just started moving when a young couple was rushing

towards me to board the train. I helped them with their - luggage.

After a few minutes by which time I had gathered a little courage I

surveyed the compartment again, for the fear had not totally left

me. Lo ! Baba's miracle, the suspicious elements had already

disappeared. I then relaxed after sending heartfelt thanks to Baba

for thus protecting my life from the goondas.

 

The second incident took place in June 1971. I was making an air

dash from Delhi to Bhopal to meet my husband, who was about to leave

for Hyderabad. I had despatched a telegram 24 hours in advance

informing of my arrival by the Fokker Friend— ship. The plane,

already delayed by three hours, took off at about. 1 '30 p. m. I was

just trying to relax with Sai Charita in my hands, for it was my

wont to read one chapter daily from the book. As I had not done it

earlier, I wished to complete my reading in the plane itself. Hardly

twenty minutes had passed since the flight started, I could feel the

air getting hotter under my feet. The two air hostesses rushed to

the cock-pit. Seeing them emotionally dis­turbed, I started feeling

nervous. My heart began to beat faster when the air hostesses rolled

the carpet covering the passage and the co-passengers were busy

preparing themselves for any emergency. I was the only lady

passenger and I started chanting Sai Ram loudly ! I moved to a front

seat, for the tension within me was increasing. After about ten

minutes of hard work when the co-pilot, steward and air hostesses

rectified the defect, which they alone knew, I could see the crew

heaving a big sigh of relief. To relieve the passengers' anxiety

soft drinks were supplied to us. It was smooth going afterwards. The

plane touched Gwalior and finally Bhopal. With fond hopes of meeting

my husband, I emerged from the plane. Imagine my confusion when I

saw no signs of my husband. The Indian Airlines Office staff was

kind enough to contact my husband. When he received the telephone

call, he rushed to the air-port. He was worried that something had

gone amiss, for he felt I could not have otherwise undertaken such a

sudden trip. Obviously my telegram did not reach him. It reached

after my arrival, i. e. after 30 hours !

 

I once again thanked my beloved Sai Baba for not only saving my life

but the lives of all the passengers. But for this divine help, there

could have been a major air-disaster.

 

Mrs Sita Shri

 

New Delhi-55.