Chapter 9 - Historical Commentary - a podcast by Sai Babas Devotee Speaks

In chapter 9, almost the entire chapter is dedicated to the Tarkhad family. The Leelas are beautifully described, so a little of the background is given here. They hailed from Tarkhad village near Fort Vasai, and hence they were called the Tarkhadkars.

The history goes that their ancestors had fought in the battle of Fort Bassein, along with the great Maratha warrior, Chimaji Appa, against the Portuguese, who were defeated in the battle. As a recognition of their bravery, Chimaji Appa granted them Jahagiri of Tarkhad village. Later on, the Britishers took over the Fort from the Marathas, and Ramchandra's grandfather Pandurang Tarkhad moved to Mumbai.

Pandurang had two sons - Dadoba and Atmaram. Ramchandra Atmaram Tarkhad was a specialist in cotton textiles. He was the secretary of Khatau group of mills. He had established his household in Bandra and later came in contact with Shirdi Sai Baba. He was also one of the founder members of the Sansthan, and he was the first treasurer of the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan.

How Sitadevi Tarkhad Met Baba.

Her maiden name was Krishnabai Kusum Bagkar. She was affluent, cultured and educated. Her husband was also very affluent. He was an expert in textiles and was the secretary of Khatau Mills. After her marriage to Ramchandra A. Tarkhad, she had all the comforts that life could offer. But all this did not make her happy, as she had severe migraine. There was a slew of doctors on both sides of her family, and she was treated by all of them, but there was no relief. Soon, she started having cluster headaches. The headaches became more frequent and intense. There was a constant look of pain and suffering on her face. One day, her maid suggested that she should visit Pir Maulana Saheb, who was famous for treating and curing many chronic ailments. At this point of time, she was willing to do anything to get some relief from this throbbing and pounding in her head. Sitadevi confided in her son, Jyotindra, who was very enterprising, and he devised a plan. Pir Maulana had a Dargah near Bandra Masjid. In those days, it was almost impossible for a Hindu lady to go to a Muslim Pir. Hence, an elaborate plan was made. Jyotindra got a Hijab for his mother and he took her by car to the Dargah. The Pir, however, could not help her, and he said, "I cannot help you. But my brother at Shirdi, Sai Baba, surely can. Go to Him." Thus, the Rinanubandhik ties started unfolding. Again, Jyotindra came to her rescue. He asked the people at the Iranian restaurant about Shirdi. He gathered all the information that he possibly could. Now it remained for them to make the pilgrimage to Shirdi. This was a formidable task, as his father was a Prarthana Samajist who did not believe in idol worship, let alone going to Sadhus and Babas. Finally, he got permission, but there were other questions about the location of Shirdi and about their stay there. Jyotindra found all the necessary information as best as he could. On Friday evening, they made the life-transforming journey and reached Shirdi on Saturday in the morning. After having a bath, Sitadevi and Jyotindra went to the Dwarka Mai. Baba was sitting in his usual place facing Dhuni Mai. Mrs. Tarkhad bent and touched Baba's feet and they looked at each other. Their eyes locked in an intense look and Baba looked into her very soul. This was Drishtipath.

Baba said, "Aai, you have come. My brother at Bandra sent you to me. Isn't that so? Come sit here. You have extreme pain in your head, right?" While He was speaking, Baba put the palm of His hand in the dish containing Udi. Swiftly, He took the Udi-laden hand and hit Sitadevi with a great deal of force on her forehead. Simultaneously, He held her head in His grip. While He did this, he said, "Aai, from now on until the end of your life, your head will never ever hurt again. Your sufferings have come to an end." All this time, Sitadevi had not spoken a single word. But, the tormenting pain left her. The look of anguish and suffering also faded away, and her face had this blissful and calm look. Here, two things happened. First, Baba gave her a long intense look which was Drishtipath. The second thing which happened was that He hit her forehead and squeezed the pain out of her head. This was Shaktipath. Sitadevi turned to Jyotindra and asked him to touch Baba's feet. Baba loved Sitadevi and had a great deal of respect for her. Although she was rather young, Baba called her 'Aai' and meant it. Baba saw the total innocence of this gentle lady, as she knew no disgust or repulsion towards a mongrel or a mud-splattered pig. In chapter 9 of the Sri Sai Satcharita, the story of her feeding a hungry dog and a filthy pig is described beautifully.



Jyotindra meets a Fakir

It was his daily routine to have lunch at an Iranian restaurant near Metro Cinema. One day, he had lunch at the restaurant and was crossing the road to return to St. Xavier's School, when he was accosted by a Fakir. The Fakir wore a white robe and begged him for alms. Jyotindra immediately put his hand in his pocket and gave him a paisa and was about to leave, but the Fakir stopped him and told him that the one paisa coin was of the year 1894. At that time, one paisa was a large amount to be given in charity, and that too by a student. Jyotindra reassured him that it was all right as he got four annas daily as pocket money. The Fakir laughed and said, "Allah Bhala Karega," and went away. Some time later, Jyotindra went with his mother to Shirdi seeking a cure for her headaches. His mother asked him to bow at Baba's feet. Then, Baba asked, "Bhau, did you recognise me?" Jyotindra did not recognise him. Then Baba said "Arre, look directly at me and try to remember." As Jyotindra looked at Baba, Baba looked into his eyes and their gaze locked with intensity, and he was changed forever. He racked his brains trying to remember, when Baba put His hand into the pocket of His Kafni and took out the copper coin of one paisa denomination.

He showed it to Jyotindra and said, "Bhau, do you remember the copper coin that you gave in charity to one Fakir when you were on your way to school?" Now, he recollected the incident. His eyes were filled with tears, and he instantly held Baba's feet. Baba lifted him and said, "Bhau, that afternoon the Fakir that you had met was none other than me. I am returning your paisa. Now, take it and preserve it carefully. It will breed a multitude of paisas for you." After this divine meeting, the Tarkhad family decided to make Baba their Guru, and they became utterly devoted to Him.
(This is taken from the 'Life Experiences of The Tarkhad Family'.)


Pancha Soona

These are sins that are inadvertently incurred by the lady of the house while cooking and doing household chores. It is described in this chapter. Prayaschit, or atonement, for the sins is to perform the four Maha Yajnas: Pitru Yajna, Bhoot Yajna, Manushya Yajna and Dev Yajna, which are already described in chapter 6, and also by doing Vaishwadev Pooja, or putting offerings into Agni Dev.



Baba instructs Shagun Meru Naik to perform Vaishwadev Pooja.

Shagun Meru Naik says, "I came to Shirdi around 1912. At that time, I was jobless and did not have any business of my own. About six months later, I started taking Naivediya for Baba. About two years later, I had a dream where I was standing near Dhuni Mai. Baba said, "Shagun, bring me soft rice for breakfast tomorrow." So, the next morning around 7 o'clock, I took some cooked rice, a Papad and some curds. I did this daily for two years. One morning, I found Baba standing near Dhuni Mai. Baba turned to me and said, "Have you put any ghee on the rice?" I told Him I had not done so. Baba then said, "Henceforth, put some ghee over the rice." I did as I was bidden. Baba himself took a morsel or two from the plate and put it in Dhuni Mai. Then He said, "From now on, bring me ghee-enriched rice, put some of it in Dhuni Mai, and then give it to me." This became my daily routine. After Baba's Maha Samadhi, I continued this Vaishwadev Pooja. At noon, I bring Naivediya, first put it in Dhuni Mai, then I place a plate in front of Baba's photograph. After that, I put some in the Kolumba, and the remaining I feed to stray dogs.

Baba's Updesh, or teaching, was that cooked rice should first be cleansed and purified by pouring some ghee on it. This is called Anna Shuddhi. Then it should be offered to Dhuni, or fire. This is Vaishwadev Pooja. Vaishwadev Pooja is performed to this day by the Sansthan. At about 11 o'clock, the Pujari comes daily to Dwarka Mai and offers boiled rice and ghee to Dhuni Mai. Then, coconuts are offered to her. An easy way of doing Vaishwadev Pooja is putting a drop of ghee in the fire after cooking as an offering to Vaishwadev. In Hinduism, it is advocated that: 1. We feed crows daily to appease our ancestors. 2. Feeding cows is performed for all the Gods and Goddesses that reside in her, and to help us cross the Vaitarani River after death. When we feed grass to them, it is equivalent to feeding Brahmins. 3. The dog personifies Yama, the Lord of death, who guards the doors to the heaven and hell. 4. Feeding ants, as they bless us abundantly and immediately with good fortune. If fed during Pitru Paksh, our wishes and desires get fulfilled. 5. As mentioned in the Vedas and scriptures, it is considered that feeding birds and animals help us in avoiding the ill effects of the planets on our horoscope, and add to our good Karma.


Disobeying Baba

In 1960, Kalavati Bajirao Dhule was suffering from tuberculosis. She was given the best possible treatment. However, there were no visible signs of improvement. Finally, the physician advised surgery. Kalavati's daughter, Kusum, was devoted to Baba, so she sought refuge in Him. Kusum prayed to Baba and started reading the Sri Sai Satcharita and completed it in seven days. Early one morning, Kusum had a vivid dream of Baba. Sternly, He said, "Do not get your mother operated, and if you do, then do not come to me." Kusum could not understand a word of what Baba said. However, she prayed to Baba, and said, "Baba, if you cure my mother of this terrible disease, I will bring her to Shirdi and stay there for two weeks, and attend all your Aartis." Soon after Kusum had taken this vow, her mother's health started improving. Her mother, Kalavati, started walking around the house without huffing and puffing.

In due course of time, she was able to climb the stairs with ease. Kusum fulfilled her vow, and took her mother to Shirdi. At Shirdi, Kalavati visited all the holy sites with ease and her health improved beyond expectation. Then doubt raised its ugly head in her husband's mind. He wondered if his wife was really well as she claimed. He forced her to go to the doctor. Kalavati had herself checked again and the doctor again suggested surgery.

That day, Kalavati was admitted, and surgery was to be performed two days later. Immediately, Kusum and her husband rushed to the hospital, and vehemently opposed the surgery. But the father paid no heed to what they said. Then, Kusum related the dream and what Baba had said in great detail, but of no avail. Kalavati had her surgery two days later, and the same night she passed away. In the dream, Baba had given them an indication of the calamity that was to occur. He said, "Do not get your mother operated, and if you do, then do not come to me." If only her father had faith in Baba's words, as Kusum and her husband had, her mother would surely have been alive today.
Reference: Sri Sai Prasad, volume 33, no. 9, August 1979.


Baba has a unique way of guiding His devotees.

Either He comes in dreams and tells you, or He sends a message through someone who is known to you, or at other times through strangers. Oftentimes, He guides you to the Satcharita. Many devotees open the Charita at random, and the sentence that appears before them is the answer, or the chapter opened gives you the answer. These days, many devotees put chits to get answers to their problems, choices and decisions in life. If you do put chits, like Kaka Dixit, please do so with utmost faith and follow whatever Baba orders, regardless of what it seems like on the surface. It may seem contrary to what you think is right.

However, Baba can see far into the future. And, He has promised: "Sharan Majha Ala ani vaya gela, dakhava dakhava aisa koni" (Do show me, do show me anyone who has sought refuge in me and has been forsaken). This was the promise that He gave then, and it is true to this very day.

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