'Baba’s ‘Rehem Nazar’ Breathes Life into a Dead Man' is the 42nd story in this series.
'Sai Baba's Divine Leelas' is a new audio series compiled and recited by Dr Vinny Chitluri. Repeated hearing of these Leelas will deepen one's faith and love in Baba.
Transcript
Das Ganu was a police constable who turned into a Kirtankar by Baba’s grace. Chapter 15 of Shri Sai Satcharitra describes how Das Ganu was established in the Naradeeya Kirtan Paddhati. Baba admonished Das Ganu for his elaborate dress and outward show. The only prerequisite was purity of heart and soul and an intense passion for Bhakti.
Das Ganu had a wonderful metallic tinkling voice, and because of his Kirtans, Baba’s fame spread throughout Maharashtra. He had a ritual that he followed. First, he would take Baba’s permission, then at the place of Kirtan, he would keep Baba’s photograph on a stool, offer prayers and only then would he start his Kirtan.
On one of his visits to Shirdi, Das Ganu was invited to a village nearby. He went to take permission, when Baba said, “Ganya, take Bhau with you.” Baba addressed Das Ganu as ‘Ganya’, and Jyotindra Tarkhad as ‘Bhau’. Das Ganu had no problem in taking Bhau with him, but he did not want to break his routine with Baba. Bhau would light Petromax lanterns in the Dwarka Mai daily and do Baba’s Seva. However, Baba told Ganu not to worry about that as someone else would light the lanterns. Baba insisted, rather ordered him to take Bhau along with him.
The village was about 8 to 10 kilometres from Shirdi. They had to walk to the village due to lack of transportation. Finally, they reached there and it was past dusk, and getting dark. They hung lanterns in the four corners of the place, then Das Ganu placed Baba’s photograph on the stool, did puja and started the Kirtan.
A huge crowd that had gathered there was immersed in the Kirtan. Then there was a commotion. About eight well-built Bhils came there. They were carrying a dead body on a bier. The leader of the group came up to Das Ganu in a threatening stance and asked him to stop all the noise. He then pointed to Baba’s photograph and asked, “Who is this?” Das Ganu, oblivious of what had happened, waxed lyrical about the divinity and greatness of Baba. The leader then said, “If your God is so great then He can surely give life to the dead.” The leader further threatened to kill all of them if the person was not resurrected.
Das Ganu politely asked them to be seated. He then turned to Bhau and asked him his opinion. Bhau told Das Ganu to continue with the Kirtan for he knew it was Baba’s Leela. Then he added, “Ganu Maharaj, sing ‘Sai, rehem nazar karna bacchon ka palan karna’ and leave the rest at Baba’s feet. He will surely protect us.” Das Ganu again started singing and soon he was immersed and oblivious of his surroundings. He was dancing with joy and devotion. Bhau was looking intently at the dead person.
After some time, the dead man struggled and set himself free from the bier and sat up. Bhau then went to Das Ganu and said, “Maharaj, stop the Kirtan for a while. Baba has done our work. That man is alive. Now there is no danger to our lives.” The leader of the group came to Das Ganu and asked him about Baba. Then he promised Ganu that he and his relatives would definitely visit Shirdi.
After this incident, Bhau and Das Ganu went to the Dwarka Mai and fell at Baba’s feet. Baba said, “Arre Ganya, if my Bhau had not accompanied you yesterday, you know what would have happened to you.” Simultaneously, they both replied, “Baba, all this was your Leela. Nevertheless, please look after us and save us from these adverse situations, and continue to shower your blessings on us.”
This Leela is taken from Shri Sai Swanubhav Tarkhadanche.
A special podcast series by Dr. Vinny Chitluri which is on Baba's leelas and life history.