APPA KULKARNI (contd....)

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APPA KULKARNI

in the same year, like Nanasaheb, Baba also brought Shri Narayan Krishna

Pendse and his devout wife through Appa Kulkarni to His Darbar.

Pendse’s wife was very pious. Everyone called her ‘Maai’. Hearing about Baba

’s reputation, she was keenly anxious to take His Darshan. But, Pendse

himself never believed in such matters. He said to her, “There is no saint

in Shirdi that you talk of. However, in a Masjid there, a mad and

pretentious Muslim Fakir sits. The villagers are crazy after him. According

to the information that I have received, this beggar from the Masjid goes

from door to door, collects alms and survives.”

 

However, his wife was restless. Considering her anxiety, Baba managed a

coincidence. Pendse was required to go to Shirdi for some Govt. work. His

wife accompanied him and when he proceeded for his work, she came to the

Masjid and took Baba’s Darshan. On returning home, she narrated the incident

to Pendse and said, “He is really a saint. Do not criticize Him or blame

Him. Take His Darshan and enjoy the bliss !”

 

Then Pendse came to the Masjid. When he came near to the steps, Baba roared,

“I am warning you. Do not come forward. I am pretentious and mad Muslim. You

are high caste Brahmin. Then why do you come to take my Darshan ?”

Pendse was stunned to hear his exact words coming out of Baba’s mouth. He

became restless to have Baba’s Darshan. He caught hold of Appa Kulkarni and

with his influence availed Baba’s Darshan.

 

Once, Appa was sitting with Baba in the Masjid as per his usual practice.

While chitchatting, Baba said to him, “You see Appa, thieves are going to

visit our village today. They are not going to commit dacoity; but they are

concentrating on the main wealth. They commit their act so fast and with

such expertise that even if you are alert, you get cheated. Go and see, what

precautions you can take. Because, today they are going to raid you !”

 

At that time, there were signs that an epidemic of cholera was likely to

break-out. But, nobody could see it coming. Taking Baba’s words literally,

Appa started making preparations. He put guards to protect property.

 

It was night time and Appa started having vomits and loose motions. His

hands and legs became cold turned stiff like wood. His pulse slowed down.

Seeing that his end is near, his wife panicked. She was sure that soon she

would become a widow.

 

She rushed to Baba and pleaded to save her husband. She asked for Udi. But,

Baba consoled her that “One day every living being has to face death. But,

the soul lives for ever. Take courage and face the reality.”

 

Hearing these words, the lady took control of herself. She went home and

after some time Appa went to his heavenly abode.

Next day, 2-3 more people took ill. The villagers rushed to Baba. He said,

“Totally seven persons will die and then the disease will leave this

village.” Accordingly, seven persons passed away and the epidemic

disappeared.

Appa was fortunate to have the love and affection of his Sadguru.

 

(Source Sai Leela Magazine)