THE STORY OF BABA'S PALANQUIN

[Guest guest]

He was a true devotee of Sai Baba who believed that even the anger of Baba

is but a veiled blessing. As the rain-bearing cloud can only give

life-sustaining water to the crops and not destroy them with fire, so is the

anger of Sri Sai Baba a blessing and not a curse. To his loving devotees the

anger is indeed a loving blessing. As Purandhare continued his work, Baba

could not but stop his tirade. Yes, Baba can punish pride or hatred but he

cannot help but love those who love him. God may rule the worlds, but he is

ruled by the heart of the loving devotee.

Purandhare got a variety of flowers and decorated the palanquin. It looked

very beautiful. Happily he said, “Baba, the palanquin looks beautiful now,

but if you sit in it the beauty will be enhanced much more.”

“What you have done is enough. Get away from here!” Baba grumbled. But

Purandhare was made of stern stuff. He said, “I am going. But you have to

get in the palanquin for tonight’s festival and we must carry you to

Chavadi. That’s decided.” He saluted Sri Sai Baba’s feet and went away.

The news that the palanquin was ready and that it would be part of Chavadi

Festival that night spread like wildfire throughout Shirdi. Devotees

thronged Dwarkamai in greater numbers than usual to see Baba riding in the

palanquin to Chavadi. Nana Saheb Chandorkar, Booty, Jog and many other

devotees got ready for the festival. All the devotees were happily and

eagerly awaiting to see whether Baba would indeed get into the palanquin or

not.

“Jog, do not be in a hurry today. We are not going to celebrate the Chavadi

Festival without the palanquin,” said Purandhare. Jog was afraid of crossing

Baba.

“Have you already forgotten what happened this morning? You can do as you

like, but don’t put me in an awkward position,” said Jog.

“Baba and Purandhare are a match for each other. Let them both have it out

and decide. Do not come between them, Jog,” Nanasaheb Chandorkar intervened.

Jog fell silent at this. Purandhare went to Baba and pleaded with him to get

into the palanquin. Baba refused outright to even consider it. Purandhare

was even more adamant. He said that he would not take part in the Chavadi

Festival unless Baba got into the palanquin and took part.

 

 

(To be contd.....)

 

 

 

Source (source www.saipatham.org) Saipatham Feb 2001 Magazine