Sai Satcharitra - Ovi to Ovi english Translation

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“Welcome Sai Baba”, and that name viz. “Sai Baba” was adopted by Maharaj till the end. Most of the devotees of Maharaj called Him “Sai Baba” or just “Baba”. On one occasion, when Maharaj had to give testimony before the Commissioner,7 and He was then asked His name, He had replied: “They call me Sai Baba”. Mhalsapati brought Maharaj into the village and introduced Him to his friends Kashiram Shimpi and Appa Jagale. These three usually served, according to their capacity, the sadhus, saints, gosavis8, fakirs and ascetics visiting the village, and graciously took care of them. As Shirdi was so located that there was considerable movement of such people or groups. Such groups came often and the above-mentioned three persons gave them respectful treatment as per their

capacity. All these three (Kashiram, Appa and Mhalsapati) became complete devotees of Maharaj. Out of these Kashiram and Appa died after some years. Kashiram died first and some years later Appa passed away. But, both of them, were fortunate to die on Ekadashi Day9. It is appropriate that the devotees of God should die on His special day – and, in that way, the death occurred of both of them. Kashiram served Maharaj in the best possible manner, that is truly with ‘tana, mana and dhana10’. Earlier, Maharaj’s kafni used to be saffron coloured or white. Kashiram stiched a green kafni and a green cap for Maharaj; but, generally Maharaj wore a white kafni and tied a “dhoti” round His head. Similarly, he supplied Maharaj with tobacco for His ‘chillum’, fuel for His ‘dhuni11’, and if need be, also money – this was what

Kashiram undertook upon himself to do. Later on, he would place his bag of money before Maharaj and humbly request Him to take as much as he wished. Maharaj was not used to taking ‘dakshina12’ in those days; even then He took a piece or two from Kashiram. Kashiram was so keen for Maharaj to take ‘dakshina’ from him that if on some odd day Maharaj failed to take the ‘dakshina’, then he would feel very bad and tears would spring to his eyes. To feel bad thus, also hinders the spiritual progress, because it presupposes an egoistic attitude of having the capacity to give. Naturally, it is the Lord’s usual aim to remove all impediments in the devotees’ spiritual progress. Thus, it happened in the case of Kashiram. After some time, he experienced shortage of money and Maharaj commenced asking for ‘dakshina’ from him, repeatedly. He had to acknowledge that he had no money left. Then “Ask the grocer for a loan and

give it to Me”: so said Maharaj. Accordingly, for some time, the practice of asking the grocer and bringing it, continued. Later, the grocer also refused to give. Virtually, this sport was to remove Kashiram’s ego. He realised that he did not have the capacity to give; and as soon as this dawned on him, his financial position improved and he was comfortable again, as in the past. He also no longer had the intense desire that Maharaj should always take ‘dakshina’ from him. Kashiram was a dealer in textiles; and, he traveled to different villages and set up shop there on market days. Once, whilst returning from Naura, on market day, he came across some Bhil robbers. Kashiram was on horse back. They did not go to him first; but they intercepted the carriages that were going alongside him. Later,

when they spied Kashiram, they ran across to him. The robbers prepared to loot Kashiram; and, in fact took some of his belongings also. Kashiram did not offer any resistance. Later, those robbers laid their hands on the small bundle he had with him. The robbers believed that there were some valuables in it. In reality there was only fine, soft sugar in it. Kashiram had been advised by Jankidas Baba, a Satpurush so named, to feed ants regularly with sugar, therefore Kashiram usually kept sugar with him. Hence this bundle was very precious to him and he decided that come whatsoever he would not part with this bundle. At that moment the sword of one of the robbers was noticed lying around by Kashiram. He picked it up and killed two of the robbers. A third robber came from behind, at that time and gave him a blow on his head with a pick-axe. Thereupon, Kashiram became unconscious and fell down like a corpse. The remaining thieves, believing that Kashiram was dead, abandoned

him there and left. As a matter of fact, he was not dead. After some time he gained consciousness and became well after some days. As he had complete faith in Maharaj, he refused to be admitted to a hospital and earnestly requested: “Take me only to Shirdi”. Accordingly, he was brought there and as per Maharaj’s instructions, he was given medication by Madhavrao Deshpande. In effect, by Maharaj’s grace, Kashiram’s health improved and he became fit. The Government of Bombay awarded Kashiram with a sword, on account of this brave deed. While Kashiram was scuffling with the robbers, here, in Shirdi, Maharaj created a commotion. Continuous stream of abuses, shouts and similar agitations started. Those near Him, from among the devotees, immediately realised that some bhakta, dear to Him, was facing some grave calamity; and all this commotion was only to

protect the devotee and this was found to be true. The thieves were numerous and well armed. No one could have believed that Kashiram would escape alive from their resounding blows and violence but who can harm when there is a saviour! May that be whatsoever. Kashiram survived after this, for several years, and passed away on (Ekadashi) the 11th day of ‘Chaitra Shudha, Shake’ 1830 (1908).

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