S a i S h a n k a r (Sai is a form Lord Shiva)

S a i S h a n k a r

Megha was already a Shankar devotee. When he got attached to Sai’s feet, he looked on Sainath as Shankar! He was his Umanath.

Megha continuously chanted “Sai-Shankar” day and night, and his inner-self was merged in this form. His mind was pure and free of sin.

He became dedicated devotee of Sai. He felt that Sai was Shankar himself. His chant of “Shankar- Shankar’ reverberated. He did not believe in any other deity.

Worship of Sai was worship of God to him. Sai was his Girija Raman. With this idea firmly rooted in his mind, Megha remained always happy.

Shankar likes ‘bel’ leaves; but there were no ‘bel’ trees in Shirdi. Therefore, Megha walked for koss-anda- balf to fulfill his desire of offering these leaves.

For him a koss or two was nothing. He was ready even to cross a mountain for ‘bel’, for he would have fulfilled his desire to do puja as he wanted it to be done.

He would bring the ‘bel’ from long distances, get together all the Puja paraphernalia completely, and then worship all the village deities, one by one. He would offer to all according to the proper rituals.

After that he would come immediately to the Masjid, loving bow to Baba’s seat, wash his feet etc. and then drink the water as ‘tirth’.

Further stories about Megha will be delightful to listen. They will show Sai’s all pervasiveness and reverence for the village deities.

On one Makar-sankranti day, he felt like anointing Baba’s whole body with sandalwood paste and then giving him a bath with Godavari water.

He pestered Baba for permission, so Baba Said: “Go and do as you desire.” So, immediately Megha took a copper vessel and set out for the water.

Early in the, morning, before sunrise, Megha took the empty copper vessel and without an umbrella or chappals, set out to get water from the Godavari.

The entire distance, for coming and going, was about eight koss. It did not even occur to him to think of the exertion and strenuous efforts he would have to make.

Megha was not at all worried about this. He set out on getting the permission. When there is a strong determination there is a great joy in performing the task.

When he thought of giving a bath to Sai with the Godavari water, he was not bothered about the strenuous efforts or the exhaustion. His firm faith was his support.

So be it. He brought the water and poured it into a wide-mouthed copper pot. He began to persuade Baba to get up for the bath, but he did not agree.

“The noon arati is over and the people have gone to their homes. All the preparation for the bath has been made and it is afternoon”, said Megha.

Seeing Megha’s great insistence, then Sai in sport and as if in a mock fight, took Megha’s hand in his hands and said: “I do not wish to bathe in the Godavari waters? What is it to me?”

But Megha was not prepared to listen at all, since he believed that Baba was his Shankar. He only knew that Shankar is pleased with Ganges water.

He said: “Baba, today is the, festival of Makar-sankranti. When Shankar is given bath with the waters of the Ganges, he is propitiated.”

Then, considering his love and his adamant resolution, Baba said: “Fulfill your wish,” as Megha was pure of heart.

After saying that he got up and sat down on the low stool made ready for the bath. He bent forward his head and said : “Pour just a little water. Out of all the limbs the head is the most important. Pour a little water on it. It is as good as having a full bath. At least listen to that much.”

Agreeing to do so, Megha picked up the pot. He was so overwhelmed with love while pouring it on the head that he emptied it completely while shouting “Har Ganga”, and poured it on the whole body.

Megha was greatly joyful. “My Shankar has bathed with his clothes on” he said, as he put down the empty pot. When he looked he was greatly surprised.

Though he had poured the water on the whole body, only the head was wet. All the other limbs were absolutely dry. There was not even a drop of water on the clothes.

Megha’s pride was crushed. Those who were around were surprised! Shri Sai thus gratifies the fond

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