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)