25

Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by Granting

What is Desired Deeply
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the Guru
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1. Sai Maharaj, Ocean of Mercy, Veritable Incarnation of God.
Absolute Brahman, Great Lord of Yoga – I do my eightfold
obeisance before him!
2. Hail! Hail to you - The Highest Adornment of Saints, Abode of
All Auspiciousness, Sai Samartha, the Refuge of All Devotees! I
bow to you, whose desires have been fulfilled.
3. In the last chapter, there was a close study and narration of the wit
and humour (of Baba). But this Sai, who is fond of his devotees,
always kept his devotees pleased.
4. Sai is the embodiment of immense compassion. What is necessary
is a singular devotion. For the devotee who has faith and devotion,
there would be no lack of fulfilment of desires.
5. Krishna said to Uddhava: “The Sadguru is none but myself”. Such
a Sadguru should be worshipped with love. This is known as
singular or unparallel devotion.
6. The desire rose within me to write about the life of Sree Sai. He
chose the leelas which are very wonderful and worthy of being
listened to and he immediately got them written by me.
7. Though I did not have the powers nor the knowledge of the
Shastras, he gave me, the insignificant one, the inspiration and
got the book written by me, to bring about an awareness in his
devotees.
8. When the order was given to “keep the notes”, at that time my
slight intelligence was enriched with knowledge and courage.
354 Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita

9. Immediately, I was emboldened that this Sai, profoundly virtuous,

would get his stories collected, for the upliftment of his devotees.
10. Otherwise, would I have dared to enter this sphere of speech, as
this biography is like nectar, that is, the payas 1 from the prasad
offered at the feet of the saint.
11. This story of Sai is for the devotees a place where water is given to
the thirsty; but instead of water it is nectar. Drink to your fill, by
Sai’s grace, for it removes the problems of the world.
12. This is not a story but Somakant 2, from which the stories of Sai
ooze like nectar from the moon, which the thirsty devotees, like
the chakor, may drink to their fill.
13. Now, loving devotees, with full concentration and without
restraint, listen to these pious stories of Sai, which would destroy
the sins arising out of kaliyug.
14. Once there is singular faith, then all the calamities of that devotee
are warded off and he is granted all that is desired deeply. All the
difficulties are resolved.
15. Here is a story to that extent, which will demonstrate Sai’s love for
his devotees. If the listeners hear it with respect, they will feel
happy.
16. Therefore, listen with full involvement to this marvellous story,
when you will experience what an ocean of compassion, Gurumaya
is!
17. It is a very brief story, yet without parallel because of the lesson it
teaches. Pay attention for a while and all the problems will be
driven away.
18. One prosperous devotee called Damu Anna was a well-to-do bangle
merchant of Ahmednagar. He was greatly devoted to Sai.
19. The story of that excellent devotee would be a delight to listen to
and Sai’s immediate protection of the devotee will be distinctly
seen.
20. At the Ramnavmi annual festival, two big new flags are taken in
procession through Shirdi village. Everyone there knows about it.
21. Out of these, one is from Nimonkar and the other one from this
Damu Anna. This has been their practice since many years, carried
out uninterruptedly with love and devotion.
22. Damu Anna had two wives but no issue. After receiving Sai’s
blessings, he got a son.
23. It was then that he vowed to offer a flag for the Ramnavmi festival
25 – Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by granting What is Desired Deeply 355

and the taking out of the flag in procession every year started
from then.
24. The preparations for the procession were made at Kondya, the
carpenter’s house. From there, the flags are carried in a procession
with the reverbrations of the musical instruments.
25. These long flags were tied to the two corners of the Masjid. Every
year this is an auspicious signal of the beginning of the festival.
26. The fakirs that came there were also sumptuously fed. This merchant
observed the Ramnavmi, in this way, every year.
27. Now, I present the story of that Damu Anna for the benefit of the
listeners. If listened to carefully, you will realise the powers of Sai.
28. His friend from Bombay wrote to him and asked him, if he should
do a transaction which would result in a profit of two lakhs of
rupees.
29. “We shall be partners and each of us will earn one lakh of rupees.
Send a reply immediately. The transaction is clear and there is no
risk.
30. “We shall buy raw cotton now. The prices will rise sharply. If the
transaction is not done at the opportune time, then we are sure to
regret it later”.
31. Anna’s mind was disturbed because he did not want to miss this
opportunity. He had full faith in his friend yet he was not able to
firmly decide.
32. Anna began to wonder whether to enter into this transaction or
not. “Oh God! What will happen and how?” He was confused.
33. As Damu Anna was a disciple, he wrote to Baba: “I have no
independent judgement. You are my protection.
34. “On the face of it, I feel like entering into this transaction. But
will it be profitable or cause loss? Please let me know”.
35. He addressed the letter to Madhavrao saying:
“Please read it to Baba. Let me know his
instructions. The business seems to be good”.
36. The next day, in the afternoon, Madhavrao
received the letter. He took it to the Masjid and
placed it at Baba’s feet. Madhavrao Deshpande
alias Shama
37. “What is it Shama? Why this haste? What is this
paper that you have put at my feet?” Baba said. “Baba, that Damu
Sheth from Nagar is desirous of asking you something”.
38. “What does he write? What does he plan now? It appears that he is
356 Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita

trying to touch the sky. He is not contented with what God has
given.
39. “Read, read his letter”. Shama said: “What you have just said is
exactly the meaning of the letter of Damu Anna, word to word.
40. “God, you sit quietly and put the devotees in a turmoil. Then
when they are mentally disturbed, you bring them to your feet.
41. “Some you drag yourself and bring them here; for some you get
letters written. When you reveal before hand the secret contents
then why do you have the letter read?”.
42. “Oh Shama, read, read! Why do you believe me? I am just made
this way, speaking out whatever comes to my mind”.
43. Then Madhavrao read the letter. Baba listened attentively, and
then Baba said feelingly: “The Sheth has taken leave of his senses.
44. “Tell him in reply – What is lacking in your home? Let him be
content with half a loaf of bread, and let him not bother about a
lakh”.
45. Damu Anna was impatiently waiting for the reply. He read it, the
moment it reached him.
46. Damu Sheth was disappointed on reading that reply. The fortress
of his hopes was dashed to the ground. The tree of his expectations
was uprooted.
47. ‘Now, if I earn one lakh, I will lend half of it on interest and
immediately become a millionaire and live happily in Nagar’.
48. The castles that he had built in the air collapsed on the spot.
Damu Anna was greatly disheartened. ‘What has Baba done!
49. ‘I made a mistake in writing that letter itself! I have caused my
own ruin. I have myself kicked the platter of served food, no sooner
than it had come.’
50. Be it so. In that letter to Damu Anna, it had been hinted that
“there is a difference between seeing and hearing. Come here
personally”.
51. Such was Madhavrao’s indication. ‘I too feel that I should go
personally. May be that would be beneficial. Perhaps he may give
his consent.’
52. Thinking thus, Anna came to Shirdi and sat near Baba, after
prostration.
53. He was gently pressing Baba’s feet, but had no courage to ask. He
began to secretly think that he should keep a share of the profits
for Baba.
25 – Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by granting What is Desired Deeply 357

54. ‘Sainatha if you help me in this transaction, I shall offer some part
of the profits to you and always remain indebted to you’, he
thought.
55. He held Sai’s feet to his head and Damu Anna sat thus for a while.
It is human nature to make decisions and have hesitations. Such
thoughts about the transaction were turning round in his mind.
56. Devotees have desires without realising their true welfare. Only
the Guru knows what is in the devotee’s interest, knowing the
past, present and the future.
57. However much anyone kept his thought hidden, Sai Samartha
dwells within the hearts of everyone as the Witness and he knows
the innermost thoughts.
58. When anyone lovingly related his intentions and placed them at
Sai’s feet, and asked for permission with full faith, Sai showed the
right path.
59. This was his vow and all his devotees knew it. He removed the
obstacles of all who had completely surrendered.
60. The Guru is the real mother and father. Since numerous births, he
is the Guardian and Protector. He is Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar,
the Doer and the One who gets everything done.
61. A child wants sweets but the mother gives bitter medicine whether
the child cries or writhes. This is her loving decision.
62. How can the child know the properties of that bitter medicine
and how it will be beneficial at the proper time? Only the mother
knows the indications.
63. Even if Anna kept a share, was Baba likely to forget himself? His
love was not motivated by gain. He was ever ready to look after
the welfare of his devotees.
64. Money and gold were like dust to him, so what was the value of
the share for him? These Saints manifest in the world only to
uplift suffering humanity.
65. He is a Saint who has control over his senses and is free from the
vices of ignorance and envy and whose aim is to bestow favours
on others.
66. Though Damu Anna’s idea of giving a share was not expressed
and was hidden, Baba gave an open reply. Listen to it with respectful
attention.
67. Baba was fully aware of the desires of all beings - present, future,
past, like an amalak fruit held in the palm.
358 Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita

68. Baba knew very well the future of his devotee. Listen to how he
gave timely warnings and spoke clearly.
69. “Bapu, I am not to be involved in anything”, Baba informed him
lovingly. ‘Sai does not think this transaction to be good,’ Anna
thought and felt ashamed.
70. Hearing these words of Baba, Damu Anna understood what was
meant. He gave up the idea and sat quietly with his head downcast.
71. Again, another idea occurred to him whether he should do some
other business like dealing in rice, wheat and other grains. Listen
to Baba’s reply.
72. “You will buy five seers for a price and sell seven for the same
price.” Hearing these words of Baba, Anna felt ashamed.
73. Thus nothing ever happened which was not seen by Sai. Everything
everywhere was known to him.
74. On the other side, his friend (Anna’s) had troubled thoughts. He
did not know what to do. There was even no reply from Anna.
75. Then that Sheth wrote and told him all that had happened. His
friend was surprised on reading it and thought ‘strange is fate’.
76. ‘What a wonderful transaction had come our way! Why did he not
think for himself instead of dancing attendance on the fakir? He
has unnecessarily lost the gains.
77. God gives, but we lose by our own actions. The mind stops working
when evil days are imminent. Why did this fakir have to come in
the way of this clear business?
78. What can he say who has given up the normal way of life and goes
from door to door, like a mad man, to beg for morsels of food to
feed himself!
79. Let it be. He was not destined to have it, therefore, his mind acted
thus. I should look for another partner. Whatever is not destined
would never happen.’
80. May it be whatsoever! Anna remained contented. Someone else
became his friend’s partner whose karma dragged him into it. He
got into trouble.
81. They had hoped to make money but suffered reversals. They had
losses, as if the fakir’s satka had beaten them.
82. How fortunate is my Damu Anna! Very wise! Sai is a true pearl to
him, wise and sagacious. How compassionate was he to the devotee!
83. The friend said: “If he had followed my advice, then he would
have lost heavily. He was saved because he followed the fakir. How
wonderful was his faith!
25 – Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by granting What is Desired Deeply 359

84. “I laughed at his madness and was proud of my own cleverness. It

was truly futile. That’s the experience I got.
85. “I reviled that fakir unnecessarily. If I had followed his advice, he
would have given me timely warning also and I would not have
suffered this loss”.
86. Now, I will narrate one more story and then bring to a close the
narration about Anna. The listeners will be happy and will wonder
at Baba.
87. See, what happened once! A parcel came from Goa. A Mamlatdar
named Rale, sent some famous mangoes.
88. It was addressed to Madhavrao with the intention that they should
be offered at Baba’s feet, with respect. They were accepted at
Kopergaon and brought to Shirdi.
89. When opened in the Masjid before Baba, the mangoes were found
to be lovely. There were more than three hundred and the fruit
was full of sweet aroma.
90. Baba saw all of them and gave the lot to Madhavrao, who put
four in the kolamba (earthern pot in which Baba put all the food),
and took the rest away.
91. As soon as the fruit was put in the kolamba, Baba said: “Those
fruits are for Damu Anna. Let them be there”.
92. Two hours later Damu Anna arrived at the Masjid, to offer worship,
with flowers etc.
93. He had no idea of what had happened earlier. Baba began to speak
loudly: “Those mangoes are for Damiya and not ours, even though
people are casting covetous eyes upon them.
94. “He should take the mangoes for whom they are meant. Why
should we have what is for another? He alone should eat for whom
they are meant and then die after eating them”.
95. Anna naturally accepted them as being prasad. Anna knew fully
well not to misinterpret the words as being inauspicious.
96. Anna finished the worship and left. He came again and asked: “I
do not know to which wife I should give these fruits – the older or
the younger”.
97. Baba replied: “Give to the younger one. She will have eight children.
Four boys and four girls, all caused by this Amra (mango) leela”.
98. Since he had no children, he had made a lot of efforts. He had
invoked Saints and Sages to get their blessings.
99. He danced attention on Saints and Sages for this purpose and to
360 Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita

propitiate his planets he even tried astrology, to such a degree

that he became an astrologer himself.
100. According to the stars in his horoscope, he had no children. This
was the outcome of the knowledge of astrology. Anna knew this
very well and had given up all hopes.
101. Yet, these were the words of assurance from the saint Sai. Hope
dawned again as the Samartha was propitious.
102. Be it so. After some time, Baba’s words came true. As the prasad
of the saint germinated and bore fruit, the children were born.
103. It happened as it was said. Anna’s own forecast was proved to be
wrong. Sai’s words turned out to be fruitful. Sons were born as he
had promised.
104. May it be whatsoever. This was Baba’s speech when Baba was in
body. Later even after he left the body, he had determined the
greatness of his speech.
105. “Even when I pass away, believe in my words. From my tomb my
bones will give you assurance.
106. “Not only I, but my tomb would be speaking, moving and
communicating with those who surrender themselves whole
heartedly to me.
107. “Do not worry that I shall be hidden from your eyes. You will hear
my bones speak and discuss your welfare.
108. “Always remember me only. Believe in me heart and soul. Pray
without selfish motives and you will attain your welfare”.
109. “O’ Sai Sadguru, the wish-fulfilling tree of the devotees, let not
Hemad forget and lose sight of your feet.
110. “O’ Guruvara, the One who is Compassionate towards the devotees,
make haste and reach us. There is no respite in the wordly affairs.
Free us from this cycle of births and deaths.
111. “Our nature depends on our tendencies. Our senses are forever
directed outwardly. Restrain us from the attraction of the objects
of the senses. Introvert us.
112. “In the ocean of worldly existence, we are tossed around like waves
in a whirlpool. Extend your timely help and relieve us.
113. “The senses run amok; evil practice overpowers us. Please dam up
this unrestrained flow. Turn back the host of senses.
114. “If the senses are not introverted, there is no prospect of Self-realisation.
Without that, how can there be Supreme Bliss? Life will be futile.
115. “Neither wife, nor son, nor numerous friends will be of any use in
the end. You alone are the lasting friend for the final journey. You
are the giver of joys and salvation.
25 – Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by granting What is Desired Deeply 361

116. “Unravel the net of actions and sins and free us from its misery.
Uplift the poor and the meek with the power of your grace,
Maharaja.
117. “Destroy from their roots evil tendencies and argumentative habits.
Let our tongues get a passion for chanting the name, O’ pure,
Sairaya!
118. “Grant to me the ability to love you so intensely that I may forget
all my resolves, doubts, even my body and home. Take away my
ego also.
119. “Make me ever remember your name and forget all other things.
Remove the restlessness of the mind and make it steady and calm.
120. “If you just clasp us, the darkness of night of our ignorance will
vanish and we shall live happily in your light. What more can we
desire?
121. “That you made us drink the nectar of your life story and awakened
us from our slumber is due to your grace. Isn’t this something
extraordinary?”
122. The next chapter is sweeter than this. The listeners’ longing will
be satisfied. Their love at Sai’s feet will increase. Their faith will
also be strengthened.
123. Once, a devotee came for darshan after obtaining permission from
his Guru. On bowing at Sai’s feet, his faith in his own Guru was
strengthened.
124. Similarly, another gentleman who was rich but having great
problems came for Sai’s darshan with his son and his wife.
125. How his desire was fulfilled and his epileptic son was cured by
mere darshan! He was also reminded of an earlier experience.
126. Therefore, Hemad surrenders to Sai and respectfully requests the
listeners to become inclined towards Sai’s stories, and make the
listening meaningful.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the twenty fifth chapter of Sree
Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee Hemadpant, impelled by
Saints and virtuous people called “Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by
Granting What is Desired Deeply”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1. A dish (delicacy) composed of cooked rice, milk and sugar.
2. Jewel which starts oozing water when the rays of the moon fall on it.
362 Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita

Damodar Rasane alias Damu Anna

Trimbak D. Rasane Dattatraya D. Rasane

- alias Thanashah - alias Daulatshah