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)