Shri balaram mankar,sai satcharitra-Chapter 31-Part II

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There was a house-holder devotee of Baba by name Balaram Mankar. When his wife passed away, he got dejected and entrusting his household to his son, left his home and came to Shirdi and lived with Baba. Being pleased with his devotion, Baba wanted to give a good turn to his life. He gave him Rs. 12/- and asked him to go and live in Macchindragad (District Satara).

Mankar was first unwilling to go and stay away from Baba, but Baba convinced him that he was giving the best course for him and asked him to practise mediation thrice a day. Believing in Baba's words, he did as per his instructions. He was much pleased with the lovely sight, pure water, healthy air and the surroundings of the place, and began to practice assiduously the meditations as recommended by Baba. After some days he got a revelation.

Generally Bhaktas get revelation in their Samadhi or trance states, but in Mankar's case he got it, when he came down to his ordinary consciousness from his trance. Baba appeared to him in person. Not only that Mankar saw Him, but he also asked Him why he was sent there. Baba replied - "In Shirdi many thoughts and ideas began to rise in your mind and I sent you here to rest your unsteady mind. You thought that I was in Shirdi with a body composed of the five elements and three and a half cubits in length, and not outside of it. Now you see and determine for yourself whether the person you see here now is the same you saw at Shirdi. It is for this reason that I sent you here."

Sai Ram. This is a real Spiritual Gem. This and a few more testify Baba's oneness with the Paramatma and His freedom from the constraints of time, space and physical body. Most of the time, Baba did not reveal His true nature and pretended to be a simple servant of God. But He gave a few indications like this and a few more at a few other places to deserving disciples and through them we too got these gems. Sai Ram.

Then after the period was over, Mankar left Macchindragad and proceeded to his native place, Bandra. He wanted to travel by rail from Poona (now Pune)to Dadar, but when he went to the booking office to get a ticket, he found it very much crowded. He could not get his ticket soon. Just then, a villager with a langoti (piece of cloth) on his waist and kambali on his shoulder turned up and said - "Where are you going?" "To Dadar." replied Mankar. The rustic proceeded, "Please take this Dadar ticket of mine; as I have some urgent business here, I have cancelled my trip to Dadar. Mankar was very glad to receive the ticket and when he was just taking out the money from his pocket, the rustic disappeared in the crowd. Mankar tried to find him out in the crowd, but it was in vain. He waited for him till the train left the station but found no trace of him.

The aforesaid incident was the second revelation Mankar got in a strange form. Then Mankar after visiting his home, again returned to Shirdi and remained there at Baba's feet, always following His biddings and advice. In the end, he was very fortunate to leave this world in the presence, and with the blessings of Baba.

Sai Ram Yes, he was indeed very fortunate and we are indeed fortunate to know a little more about the Leelas of Baba through this wonderful story. Sai Ram.

Chat With Devoties Of Shirdi Saibaba