BABA’S INDEPENDENCE

Baba’s Says ie HIS independence

Para Number in the Book & About Baba’s Independence

(a) Dhulia Court Commission

581. A person was charged before the Dhulia Magistrate’s court with stealing jewels etc. The man pleaded that, Sai Baba of Shirdi had given him the jewels and cited him as a witness. Summons come

Constable’. Baba, here is a summons for you.

B.: “Take it and throw it into the fire”.

Anyhow the report was sent that Baba was served and as Baba was absent for the trial a warrant came to Shirdi. Ganpatram, the constable to Baba: “Baba, they have sent out a warrant. Will you kindly go with me to Dhulia?”

Baba, angrily. “Throw that piece of paper into” (Baba was cursing and swearing).

The constable was perplexed. Then, as advised by N.G.Chandorkar, a Mahajar (largely signed) was sent up to the effect that Baba was worshipped by large numbers as God; that the issue of summons and warrant were improper and undesirable, and that if his evidence was necessary a commissioner might be sent to take it.

Then Nana joshi the commissioner, a first class magistrate came and examined Baba.

Commissioner. What is your name?

Baba: “T”hey call me Sai Baba.”

Com.: Your father’s name?

B.: “Also Sai Baba.”

Com.: Your Guru’s name?

B.: “Venkusa.”

Com.: Creed or religon?

B.: “Kabir.”

Com.: caste or race?

B.: “Parvardigar {i.e.,God) “

Com.: Age please?

B.: “Lakhs of years.”

Com.: Will you solemnly affirm that what you are going to say is the truth?

B.: “Truth.”

Com.: Do you know the accused, so and so?

B.: “Yes I know him and I know everyone.”

Com.: The man says he is your devotee and that he lived with you.    Is that so?

B. ” Yes I live with every one.    All are mine.”

Com,: Did you give him jewels as alleged by him?

B.: “Yes. I gave him.    Who gives what to whom?”

Com.: If you gave him the jewels, how did you get them and become possessed of them?

B.: “Everything is mine.”

Com.: Baba, here is a serious charge of theft.   That man says that you delivered the jewels to him.

B.: “What is all this? What the devil have I to do with all that?”

The commissioner was perplexed. Then it was suggested that the village diaries showing the presence of strangers in the village should be sent for. The diary showed that the accused, a stranger was not at Shirdi, at the time of his alleged receipt from Baba. And it was well known that Baba never left the village.

The commissioner put the facts before Baba and Baba said they were true. That closed the Commission evidence. Baba was not asked to sign or put his mark. Baba does not appear to have signed or put his mark to any paper at any time.

(b) Sir G.Seymour Curds’ Visit

582. In 1910-11, Baba said at the Dwarakamayee: “Rascal, coming to see me! What have I got? I am a naked fakir with human organs.”

People wondered whom Baba referred to. Then in a short time a big official procession passed by the mosque, including Mrs. and Mr. Curtis, Revenue Commissioner, Mr. Macneil, the Collector etc.   They passed on to the chavadi. The assistant Commissioner said (to N.R.S.)-; “Ask Sai Baba to finish his morning routine quickly as the sahebs (officers) wish-to see him”.

N.R.S.: Such a communication to Sai Baba is unthinkable. If you have any business with him, you must await his pleasure.

In half an hour, Baba passed by that side. Mrs.Curtis, bowing to Baba said: “We wish to have a little talk with you, Maharaj. “

B.: Wait half an hour.    I have to go and beg.

So saying, Baba went away but returned in ten minutes.

Mrs. Curtis, again bowing, repeated her request.

B.: Wait one hour. So saying Baba passed on to the Masjid.

The officers were in a hurry and they did not stop; and Mrs. Curtis’ object namely, to get a child by Baba’s blessing was not achieved.

Worship with Sandal Paste Muslims with clubs

583. Baba was being worshipped by a number of Hindus with flowers, etc. As for sandal, the chief devotee, Mahlsapathy applied it to Baba’s neck, but not to the forehead, as Baba objected to it.

One day Mahlsapathy had a vision of Baba with sandal on Baba’s forehead. Thereafter Mahlsapathy was regularly pasting sandal on Baba’s forehead without any objection from Baba. But some Muslims raised objections. But Baba did not care for their views.

Then the Muslims met together, consulted the Sangamnere Kazi and resolved to beat anyone who should put sandal on Baba’s forehead. One Tambuli told Mahlsapathy of this fact. That day Mahlsapathy stood outside the mosque compound and performed puja of Baba from there.

B.: What are you doing there? M: Doing your Puja.

B.: Come in and daub me with sandal on the forehead, hands, breast, and everywhere; Let me see who will dare to beat!

The Muslims were cowed down and the puja with sandal developed into regular Hindu worship as in temples.

584. In 1913-1914, plague raged at Poona. R.K. Dube who vowed to go to Shirdi, broke that vow and went to Sasarwada. In that trip he lost a child and his wife was seriously unwell. Dube prayed to Baba.

Baba, appearing in a vision, said: “One must perform one’s vow. Else he has to bear the punishment in this manner.”

Applying Udhi to Mrs. Dube, Baba disappeared.

Dube saw the Udhi on her face. The next day she recovered.

Later when Mr. and Mrs. Dube went to Shirdi, Baba referred to the above incident.