Maluram Chaudhary, Chief Engineer Indian Railways

By the grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj I am fortunate to write about memories of Shri Babaji Maharaj’s blessings.  Due to grace of God and disposition of my parents towards spiritualism, I was also attracted towards spirituality since childhood,.  However, I was devoid of the company of a guru and hence lacked proper direction in my quest for spiritualism. I had heard from elders that a true guru finds his disciples himself. In 1971 I was studying at Malviya Engineering College, Jaipur. One night I dreamt of a sage whom I had never seen before in my life.  This vision gave me immense peace and happiness.  After about 5-6 days, I went to the house of   Professor Shri Moolsinghji.  There I saw the photo of the same sage whose vision I had.  Shri Moolsinghji introduced the sage as his guru Shri Shraddhanathji Maharaj.  Seeing my curiosity he said that next day, Friday evening, he would be visiting Shri Shraddhanathji Maharaj and if I wished I could join him.  So, next day we left Jaipur for Sikar.  During those days Shri Babaji Maharaj used to travel frequently and there was no definite place where he could be found.  However, in Sikar one could find his whereabouts at Posani Wālon ka dhaba (a small restaurant).  Shri Moolsinghji checked there and was told that Shri Babaji Maharaj was in Laxmangarh.  We reached Laxmangarh and walked a distance of about one km from railway station and reached the ashram at 11pm in night.  On bowing to his feet, Babaji said “Welcome Maluram, I have been remembering you for many days”. Hearing this, I was surprised. Tears rolled down my eyes and I was speechless – at last I found my guru maharaj.  After dinner, Babaji asked me to sit with him and directed Shri Moolsinghji to go to sleep.  Babaji was Paramahansa (Master, the highest spiritual title), knower of all; he understood what was going in my mind.  He cleared all my doubts and showed me the correct path.  Past midnight he asked me to go to sleep.  During those days, he used to sleep in the Chhatries (monument at a cremation place).  I was hesitating to sleep there because since childhood I often had dreams of ghosts and I was thus quite scared.  Shri Babaji Maharaj understood my fear and asked me to repeat Hanumanji’s name and go to sleep. He blessed me, “From today onwards you will never have visions and fear of ghosts.” By Babaji’s grace, since that day I have no fear or vision of ghosts. Although I have many experiences of his blessings, there are a few which are unique.

For some time I was staying with my friend Ajit Sanghi.  I used to keep fast on Tuesday.  Once on Tuesday after the evening prayers when I sat down for my dinner, my friend, Ajit insisted that he would have dinner only after visiting Shri Babaji Maharaj.  For last few days he had been thinking about leading a monastic life.  After lengthy discussions, when he still didn’t give up (about visiting Shri Babaji Maharaj), we left Jaipur at 9pm (without having our dinner) on scooter to go to Laxmangarh.  Jaipur to Laxmangarh is about 145kms and it was certain that we wouldn’t reach there before midnight.  The road was bad and patchy and because of poor visibility, we fell in a ditch.  However, by grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj we weren’t injured and didn’t even have a single scratch.  We reached the Ashram at around mid-night and we saw Shri Babaji Maharaj standing at the Ashram gate with his ghota (stick which Shri Babaji Maharaj carried everywhere) like an eagerly awaiting mother for her children.  Seeing us, with little anger and in his usual way, he said, “is this the time to come?  Neither you sleep nor did you let others sleep. It hardly matters to you, if something had happened to you, but Shri Nathji Maharaj would have been blamed”.  Saying this he started walking towards the Ashram and with our heads down, we followed him.  Reaching the Ashram Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Go, wash your hands and go to the kitchen; your food is lying there on two plates.  Although this is against ashram’s rule, but Shri Nathji Maharaj won’t accept anyone going to sleep hungry.”  Hearing this, I developed a firm belief that whenever any disciple remembers him (Shri Babaji Maharaj) with true love and faith, he comes to know everything about the disciple. Such was Shri Babaji Maharaj’s love and compassion for his disciples.  After dinner he asked me to go to sleep and asked Ajit to sit with him – he sat with him whole night.  In the morning after wash and breakfast when we sat down with Babaji, he said “Maluram, now you go back and study hard.  Ajit will stay with me and both of us will pray to God together”.  Babaji said this authoritatively and hearing this Ajit fell at his feet “Maharaj, please forgive me.  Now I understand that becoming a monk and leading a monastic life is very difficult, please forgive me”.  Babaji blessed him “Ajit you will get everything in life and your faith towards Nathji Maharaj will also be strong, but there will be ups and down”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked us to go back to Jaipur and study hard.

Second incident took place in 1973 when I was in my fourth year of the engineering college.  I suffered a urinary infection. I used to bleed while urinating and had immense pain.  I also became very weak.  For my treatment, I was admitted in the Swai Mansingh hospital in Jaipur.  One day at 4am, I felt as if Shri Babaji Maharaj is calling me and asking me to leave hospital and come to ashram.  I felt this as a live experience.  I wrote a note for my friend saying that I am going to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj and put the note under the pillow.  I quietly left the hospital and took a rickshaw to go to Sindhi Camp bus station.  I boarded the Jaipur – Bikaner express bus at 5am.  I requested the ticket conductor that I have to go to Laxmangarh but have only 5 rupees.  Ticket conductor asked me where I wanted to go in Laxmangarh.  When I said I wanted to go to Shri Nathji Maharaj’s ashram, his eyes glowed with happiness and he said that he would drop me near the ashram.  He (his name was Swai Singh) was a disciple of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  By Babaji’s grace, he took pity on me and dropped me next to the ashram.  I reached ashram and after washing my hands and feet I bowed my head to the feet of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  By then I was having very high fever.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me to take bath and then offer prayers.  I obeyed him and then as per his instructions I was served the breakfast of dry bread with buttermilk.  Due to strong medication, my mouth was full of ulcers and I could barely manage to eat.  After that, Shri Babaji Maharaj didn’t ask me anything else and told me to water the plants.  After two hours, by his grace, my fever was completely cured.  After evening prayer, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me “do you want to get well?”  I said yes, to which he replied, “Then get ready to die and in the name of Shri Nathji Maharaj even if I give you poison you will have to take it”.  I said yes.  He gave me something to eat, which I swallowed with water.  After that I started feeling a burning sensation in my whole body.  Shri Babaji Maharaj called the ashram priest (Shri Chetannathji) and told him to serve me watermelon.  I was feeling unbearable pain in my whole body, but I still followed Shri Babaji Maharaj’s instructions.  That night, after many days, I slept well.  In the morning I passed lot of blood, pus particles and other stuff with my urine; it was very painful. Next day went off well.  In the evening, after prayers, Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “little bit of problem is still there but that will also be cured.  This evening again you should take the same treatment”.  Babaji gave me some powder, which I swallowed with water.  Next day I didn’t have much pain.  There after my health started improving and on the fifth day, sitting with me, Shri Babaji Maharaj instructed me “Till my body is alive, you will not tell this incident to anyone, else you will suffer.  You have been cured because of your faith in Nathji Maharaj”.  He told me “go to your village and spend few days with your parents and then go back to Jaipur.  Study hard as you have lost significant time due to your illness”.  That year I secured third position in my college.  Later on the doctors told me that I had tumour in my both kidneys and both kidneys had failed.  Those days there was no cure for that in India.  By the grace of my Guruji, I was blessed with this new life.  I followed Shri Babaji Maharaj’s instructions and never told this incident to anyone until 1986.

Another incident took place in 1984 while constructing a railway bridge in Vasai creek.  One night while on inspection, I was climbing down on the floating pontoon; I misjudged the height of the centre of the pontoon.  I fell 20 feet deep in the main hole of the pontoon.  While falling I experienced as if someone was holding my hands and letting me fall carefully.  Although I suffered severe injuries inside my stomach but by the grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj I was able to climb out of the hole.  I fell unconscious soon afterwards and remained in that state for next 48 hours.  In my unconscious state, by the grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj, I was able to lie in such a posture due to which my internal bleeding stopped.  When I was taken to the doctor after one and half hours, he commented that the unique posture only saved my life that day.

Shri Babaji Maharaj has saved me on every step and shown me the correct path.  It is not possible to narrate all the incidents.  He has showered so much grace on me that I do not have words to express it.  Shri Babaji Maharaj is God, he is knower of past, present and future, his powers are immense, he is still present and capable of doing everything. I pay my salutations to him billions of times.

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!!

Maluram Chaudhary

Murarilal Katewa, Ex Principal Todi College Laxmangarh

In May 1965, when I was studying M.Com, one day I had the luck of meeting Shri Babaji Maharaj on the university road in Babunagar, Jaipur. It was evening time and Shri Babaji Maharaj was taking a stroll with 4-5 students. Since I had respect for saints, I expressed my salutations to him; to which he asked me to come to Sultan Ruhela’s house in the evening. However to my bad luck, I couldn’t go that evening. Later on in November 1965, to my utter surprise, Shri Babaji Maharaj came to the house I was living in. Those days I was studying M.Com (final). I was sharing the house with another student, from Mukundgarh, who might have known Shri Babaji Maharaj. But Shri Babaji Maharaj came into my room and took the seat. He told me that he came to visit the student from Mukundgarh, but Babaji left the place after speaking to him only for few minutes and asked me to accompany him. That time I was only wearing pyjama and an undershirt with no slippers or shoes; however, without being aware of what I was dressed in, I started walking out with him. One of Shri Babaji Maharaj’s disciple had a timber factory and shop, about half a kilometre from my house. We reached there and I sat in front of Shri Babaji Maharaj in that shop. I clearly remember that day, I signed a pledge on a piece of paper on 23rd November and since that day Shri Babaji Maharaj accepted me as his disciple.

After that in May 1966, Shri Babaji Maharaj came to my village in Bhaktwarpura. He spent the night in Baba Nathuram’s cottage. He asked me to come over to the cottage and I spent the evening until 10:00pm in his holy company. Next day, early in the morning, Shri Babaji Maharaj left for Jhunjhunu on foot. After about 5-10 days when I went to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj in Posani, he told me that to see me he had travelled 20km on foot the other day. Shri Babaji Maharaj never asked students to buy tickets for him; he never touched student’s food and never touched or kept money with him. He always remained in the state of complete renunciation. My attraction towards Shri Babaji Maharaj became more intense after my visit to Posani. By his grace, I soon found a job as lecturer in the Todi College, Laxmangarh. Since then whenever he used to visit Laxmangarh, I would visit him in the mornings and evenings. Towards the end of 1966 I was also invited to appear for the post of a lecturer in Charkhi Dadri, Harayana; when I went to seek Shri Babaji Maharaj’s permission, he said “stay in Laxmangarh only. You will achieve progress and respect here”. By his grace, after retiring as principal, I am still working in Todi College. By his blessing, I have been living with respect and dignity in the same house (provided by the college). Shri Babaji Maharaj had gifted me a set of pillow, quilt and mattress; I still have kept these as token of his fond memories. I always have been showered with his grace.

Before construction of Shri Nathji Maharaj’s Ashram, Laxmangarh, I used to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj at the chudiwalon ki chhatriya (monument at the cremation ground of chudiwale) and later on at the ashram. If per chance I couldn’t go on a particular day, then next day Shri Babaji Maharaj used to say “you have come after number of years”. Whenever I visited him, like a mother, he always was very affectionate and loved me. This love and affection has been priceless to me. Whenever there was prasad (offering) I was always there in the ashram. Shri Babaji Maharaj used to say with affection “how is that you can smell this (offering)?” If I went to the ashram in the morning, he would not give me permission to leave until the evening. After the evening prayers, I used to sit in his holy company until 10-11pm. Since there was immense happiness, peace and magnetism around him, I too never felt like leaving his holy company. I used to get so much affection and love from him, even more than a mother can give to her children. By his grace, my life has been very peaceful. I do not have words to express my gratitude for him. I feel as if he is part and keeper of my life. I bow to him and give my hearty salutation to him again and again.

Once I was ill for almost one full year. I was suffering from tonsils, fever and stomach troubles and was not getting well. I went to several doctors but all in vain. Those days Shri Babaji Maharaj had gone to Shri Laxmanji in Dehradun. I also went to Dehradun to see Shri Babaji Maharaj. After staying for 2-3 days when I was leaving, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me “what’s the problem with you”. When I told him about my medical problems, he asked me to see ganedi wale vaidyaji (local pharmacist) when I return to Laxmangarh. Shri Babaji Maharaj told me to ask the pharmacist for shetalopaladi chooren (local medicine) with honey and some other local medicine. When I reached Laxmangarh I immediately went to the local pharmacist and narrated what Shri Babaji Maharaj had told me. The vaidyaji said “now you will get well, the medicine is an excuse as Shri Babaji Maharaj never takes any credit directly on himself. Therefore he has chosen me as the medium”. I took the medicine and soon afterwards got well. How beautiful his ways were to shower his grace on us.

When ashram’s construction was starting, there was no direct access to the ashram from the road side. I asked Shri Babaji Maharaj how he will stay at the ashram and how the disciples will visit the ashram. He replied “Shri Nathji Maharaj will take care of everything”. Soon afterwards, the panditji (who owned the land adjacent to ashram) sold the land to the ashram after one incident. The land adjacent to the ashram was owned by a panditji and he had refused to sell the land to the ashram, thus blocking any access to the ashram. The panditji’s son was suffering from typhoid for over a month. One day in the middle of the night the son woke up his father and said “do you love this land more than my life”. To which the panditji replied “son your life is much more valuable to me than this land”. Son said “in which case you should sell the land to the ashram. Ashram is being built for noble purpose and you have not done right by refusing to sell the land to the ashram”. After selling the land, panditji’s son was cured completely and soon afterwards he even found a job for earning his livelihood.

Once, Sikar Collector, Shri Pramesh Chandraji, came to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj. He asked “why have you taken saffron coloured clothes”? Shri Babaji Maharaj replied “The one who has ordered you to be the collector has ordered me to take these saffron coloured clothes. Today I have been ordered to remain in the Laxmangarh ashram. If the order comes to leave, I will go somewhere else. Similarly today you are in Sikar and tomorrow if you are asked to go to Jaipur, you will have to go to Jaipur”. When the Collector reached Sikar back, he heard about his transfer orders for Jaipur. Next day the Collector went back to the ashram and told Shri Babaji Maharaj that he has been transferred to Jaipur. Shri Babaji Maharaj said “Don’t worry. Go to come back”. He went to Jaipur and after two years came back to Sikar as the District Judge. After that incident, the District Judge became a sincere devotee and used to visit ashram regularly.

Similarly once Sikar Superintendent Police (S.P.) visited ashram in the evening. The moment he touched Shri Babaji Maharaj’s feet, Shri Babaji Maharaj said “Sikar is not your grandparents place”. S.P. couldn’t understand and when he tried to seek clarification from Shri Babaji Maharaj, the other police officer/staff present asked him to remain quiet. That night itself the S.P. was transferred to some other place.

There are numerous incidents like these which show Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace, love, selflessness, knowledge (of everything) and capability (to do anything). He was truly God but would not let others see that. We all are blessed by having the opportunity to take refuge in his feet. It is beyond my vocabulary to express his mahima (greatness).

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!!

Murarlilal Katewa

Sushil Pareek, Delhi

I am very fortunate to be born in Laxmangarh, the tapobhumi (land where austerities are performed) of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  I was in grade eighth and used to go to a local school.  This school was conducted at chudiwalon ki chhatriya (monument at the cremation ground of chudiwale).  During those days, Shri Babaji Maharaj used to stay at chhatriya whenever he came to Laxmangarh.  One evening, along with other disciples, I was with Shri Babaji Maharaj.  He sent off everyone and asked me to sit with him.  It was getting darker and Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me “Will you go to Ghanshyam Vyas’s house and bring back an oil lamp?”  I said yes, to which Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “don’t break the glass”.  At Ghanshyam’s house when I was taking the glass off, it broke.  I ran to the market and brought a new glass and was soon in front of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  He smiled and said, “So you broke the glass”. I was surprised over this as to how did he come to know about it? I understood that Shri Babaji Mahararaj knew everything; there was nothing hidden from him. In my heart I immediately accepted him as my spiritual guru. Since that day I have been under the grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj.

Soon afterwards, Laxmangarh ashram was constructed.  I started visiting the ashram every day and used to attend evening prayers.  It was all grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj that I could visit the ashram every day.  My family was also blessed with his grace. Subsequently he protected my father, my son and me from the mouth of death.  These incidents are as follows:

In 1988, my father was admitted in the Sikar hospital.  He had an abscess in his liver and was in great pain.  Doctors had given up hope and told my father to pray to God.  During the evening prayer, when I was sitting with Shri Babaji Maharaj, he said without my telling him anything “don’t be in despair, be strong.  Shri Nathji Maharaj will take care of everything”.  I was surprised as I had not mentioned anything about my father, but he knew everything.  By his grace, my father got well soon afterwards.

My brother got married in 1976.  During the time of his wedding I got seriously ill and there was no chance of me surviving.  Doctors had also given up hope.  In the night, when my situation became worse, my younger brother, Ramesh, went to Shri Babaji Maharaj’s ashram.  He reached early in the morning at 4am and told Shri Babaji Maharaj that Sushil’s (my name) condition is bad.  Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “take him to Richpal doctor”.  Doctor came in at 8am and gave me the medicines and by 10am I came out of my room, feeling very fine.  For the last ten days I had not eaten but all of a sudden I felt so much energy that I was now strolling outside.  All the family members, although worried about me walking around, were completely surprised.

In 1996, my son Gaurav caught Dengu (fatal viral fever).  Doctors gave up hope and removed blood and platelet transfusion, as it was ineffective.  Shri Mahabirji Pareek was sobbing looking away from the bed and Gaurav was lying unconscious and helpless.  Maluramji and I had been there, by the side of Gaurav, for the last three days.  We had not even had time to take bath for last three days so we decided to go for our bath.  During bath, all of a sudden we felt a jolt and ran back to the hospital.  When we reached hospital, I felt very sad looking at Gaurav’s worsening situation and Shri Mahabirji’s tears.  That moment, I saw a glimpse of Shri Nathji Maharaj near Gaurav’s head.  I told Shri Mahabirji that now nothing would happen to Gaurav as Shri Nathji Maharaj has come.  Gaurav got well very soon afterwards.  Doctors and nurse were surprised to see this and immediately started blood and platelet transfusion.  By the grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj, Gaurav soon got completely well and in fact was blessed with a new life.

My younger brother, Ramesh, was working in Bangalore.  There he came in contact with Prajapita Brahmkumari organisation.  He got very attached to this organisation and his state was such that at that time he would not listen about any other organisation except Prajapita.  He started following the path laid out by Prajapita organisation.  One day during prayer time, I took Ramesh to Shri Babaji Maharaj.  Although I had not told Shri Babaji Maharaj about Ramesh, after prayers Shri Babaji Maharaj called Ramesh and asked him “your entire family is devoted to Shri Nathji Maharaj but how is that you have started following Prajapita Brahmkumari organisation?”  Despite Shri Babaji Maharaj’s advice, Ramesh stuck to his position.  Then Shri Babaji Maharaj, who is full of pity, said smilingly “from today onwards no one should try to convince Ramesh to leave his path.  After few years he will, on his own, give up his liking for Brahmkumari organisation, he will earn well and will also get married”.  From that day onwards, as per Shri Babaji Maharaj’s instructions, we never talked to Ramesh to give up his association with Prajapita.  Over a time, he on his own gave up his association with Prajapita organisation; started earning well and got married.  This all happened due to grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj.

The happiness, which I got in the company of Shri Babaji Maharaj and the joy of listening to his words, was such that it cannot be expressed in words. I used to keep dreaming of seeing and listening to Shri Babaji Maharaj and enjoying the bliss of his company.  Every time there was a gathering of at least 10-20 people around Shri Babaji Maharaj.  He used to solve their problems without their speaking about it.  One used to be almost in the state of Samadhi in the company of Shri Babaji Maharaj and every moment was full of bliss.

Once, two men with a woman came to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj.  The woman had a 4-month-old daughter in her lap.  The men told Shri Babaji Maharaj that the woman is not able to produce milk for the baby and that the baby will die of hunger.  That time there were a number of people sitting around Shri Babaji Maharaj.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked everyone “if you beat a buffalo, will the buffalo give milk”.  Everyone replied ‘no’.  Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “These men are treating this woman like that buffalo”.  He scolded both men and said, “You keep telling the woman that she should have given birth to a boy.  Why did you give birth to a girl?  If you are destined for a girl then how can she give birth to a boy?  Don’t beat this woman.  You should serve this woman, feed her well and love her”.  He addressed the woman as bai (sister).  That woman became very emotional, and all of a sudden her daughter started drinking milk and woman’s breasts were filled with milk.  Shri Babaji Maharaj showed the strength of sweet words and love.  The two men and the woman bowed to Shri Babaji Maharaj and left the ashram very happy.

Similarly one day Shri Babaji Maharaj was sitting with disciples at 2pm in the afternoon.  That time Shri Salasar Dham’s pujari (priest) came and said, “I have got prasad (offering of sweets) from Shri Salasar Balaji”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj felt very happy and said, “we should give Balaji’s offering to everyone.  Salasar baba is also sitting in our Hanumanji’s temple.  Go and pay a visit to the Hanumanji’s temple and there after we will distribute the offering to everyone”.  The priest went to the Hanumanji’s temple (this temple is in the rear side of the ashram) and there he was blessed with the vision of Shri Salasar Balaji in the idol of Shri Hanumanji.  The priest was surprised and came back to the sitting room and fell on Shri Babaji Maharaj’s feet.

Once a sage, calling himself brahmasmi (I am brahm) came to the ashram and during conversation told Shri Babaji Maharaj “I have eaten ground glass and have performed intense yoga practices”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj kept smiling during this time.  After staying in the ashram for 5-6 days, when this sage was leaving, then Shri Babaji Maharaj told him “you have not yet attained brahm; you are speaking and having the body.  Brahm does not speak; there is no light either, being in brahm means becoming one with the infinity like a lump of clay when put in the water becomes one with the water.  His individuality does not remain.  That time he begets the brahm.  At this stage you are under the illusion of being brahm, you are not brahm.  You need to practice intense austerities and yoga.  Don’t live in the illusion of being brahm”.  The sage understood Shri Babaji Maharaj’s message and said “Maharaj I have roamed everywhere, but now only I had the chance to see you.  You have opened my eyes.  I would like to stay with you.  Please accept me as your disciple”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked him to leave the ashram and practice yoga and spiritual disciplines somewhere in a secluded place saying that visitors frequent the ashram.

Similarly, once another sage came to the ashram.  He was retired ex-vice chancellor of Delhi University.  He took the monastic life after retirement and was acting as the secretary to the one of the monks’ organisation.  He was around 80 years old.  He stayed in the ashram for about a week. He was having the vows of not speaking and used to communicate through signs.  He used to eat only in the evening, just one meal in a day.  Daytime he used to request for various newspapers from Sikar and spend his time reading newspapers.  After a week when he was leaving, Subhashji went to Shri Babaji Maharaj and told him “Maharaj this sage has a big ego, please remove his pride”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj called the sage in and explained him “why do you torture your mind like this?  You feel like talking to people but you are afraid that your vows will be broken – why have you taken such a vow?  You feel like eating and you feel hungry but you think that you will eat only in the evening.  Whole day you sit here and read newspaper, when do you practice spirituality?  Why are you faking such a monk hood?  Now you have reached final stage in your life”.  The sage felt very guilty, fell in the feet of Shri Babaji Maharaj, and said, “You are my guru.  Please take me in your refuge; I want to spend my last few years in your feet”.  To which Shri Babaji Maharaj replied, “Drop all outer shows such as being the secretary and go to Haridwar.  Take a small cottage there and spend time in spiritual practices, your end is nearing”.  The sage bowed repeatedly in Babaji Maharaj’s feet and took the evening train back to Delhi.  On the way, he spoke to me only about Shri Babaji Maharaj.  He said, “Now we are brother disciples, Shri Nathji Maharaj is my guru also”.  Following Shri Babaji Maharaj’s instructions, he went to Haridwar and spent rest of life there.  This way Shri Nathji Maharaj helps all the disciples; their desires get fulfilled without even asking.

Once, an old panditji came to Shri Babaji Maharaj and said, “Maharaj I am very sad, I can’t sleep properly”.  Shri Babaji Maharaj called for a chain (of beads) and gave it to the priest and said “panditji (priest), please indulge in repetition of God’s name with this chain”.  Just after two minutes of working through the chain, the priest fell asleep and the chain fell down.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked someone to pick-up the chain and started smiling.  We all started laughing and woke up the priest.  Shri Babaji Maharaj asked the priest “where is the chain?”  The priest was amazed that he fell asleep.  Then Shri Babaji Maharaj explained to the priest “you should repeat God’s name.  Don’t waste your time in unnecessary talks and worries.  If you repeat God’s name in your mind, you will fall asleep”.  The priest bowed repeatedly and left.

Shri Babaji Maharaj used to amuse everyone with such miracles.  His every word was unique and blissful.  He could instantly turn possible to impossible and impossible to possible and people wouldn’t even know about it.  He never used to take the credit for all the miracles.  He always used to say all this is due to grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj.  The literates used to come with their questions, and Shri Babaji Maharaj could answer their questions without even speaking.  Visitors used to feel immense happiness in his company and felt that Shri Babaji Maharaj should continue talking.  If someone came to see one of the visitors and the visitor had not known about it, Shri Babaji Maharaj used to say, “Go, someone has come to see you”.  The two will meet and will be surprised how Shri Babaji Maharaj knew about it.  Often older people from far used to come and visit Shri Babaji Maharaj, at times when one wouldn’t be able to find rickshaw or horse carriage to go back to the station.  Instantly Shri Babaji Maharaj used to tell us “got and get one rickshaw”.  We would wonder where we will find a rickshaw at this nighttime and soon outside the ashram gate we will find the rickshaw.  Such were his miracles.  I bow to him repeatedly.

Few days before Shri Babaji Maharaj took Samadhi, I had to go to Mumbai on office work.  I had not even spent a week in Mumbai and had not even started my work in Mumbai when I got a call from Delhi that I must return to Delhi for some urgent work.  Although the head accountant in Mumbai was reluctant for me to go, still he agreed to send me back to Delhi for a week.  I took the train from Mumbai to Delhi.  In the morning, when train reached Swaimadhopur, I cancelled my plans for Delhi and got down at Swaimadhopur.  I took the train to Jaipur and reached Jaipur in the night and then took the night bus to Laxmangarh and reached Laxmangarh at 3am.  I went to my home in Laxmangarh but felt restless and after taking bath went straight to ashram and reached there at 4am.  Morning ārti had started in the ashram. Prior to this, I always went to ashram at 8am but that day I was there at 4am.  I met brother Lala who told me that Shri Babaji Maharaj has been remembering me for last 2 days.  He said, “Shri Babaji Maharaj had even asked us to telephone you in Delhi but we couldn’t find you there.  Please go and see Shri Babaji Maharaj”.  I went to see Shri Babaji Maharaj; he said, “You have come; come sit down.  I cannot describe the feeling of love, which I had at that time.  After staying in the ashram for 10 days, I went to Delhi and from Delhi reached back to Mumbai via Laxmangarh after 20-25 days.  However, no one asked me where I was during those days – people in Delhi thought that I was in Mumbai and people in Mumbai thought that I was in Delhi.  With grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj, I could spend some days in the ashram in the service of Shri Babaji Maharaj few days before he took Samadhi.  In spite of being brahm swaroop (brahm with form), our guruji behaved like an ordinary man.  I surrender myself to his Lila (play).  I cannot forget his love.  He is personification of love, bliss and sympathy.  Even today, he is bestowing his grace on all in the same way as he did before.

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!!

Shishupal Kulhari, Delhi

On 17.7.1971 param pujya (respected or esteemed) Shri Babaji Maharaj reached Udaipur at Shri Todaram Puniyas place. On 16.7.1971 he had asked for someone to telephone Delhi to check on my condition. That day I was admitted in the hospital for treatment of appendix burst case and as it was an emergency case, I was operated on the same day. My boss explained my condition to Shri Babaji Maharaj on the phone. Soon Shri Babaji Maharaj left Udaipur to reach Ahmedabad. On 23.7.1971 my condition had deteriorated significantly. Shri Babaji Maharaj asked Shri Devi Prasad Tibadewala to telephone my boss to check on my condition.

At that moment my condition had become worse and body fluids started seeping though the stitches and doctors gave up the hope of my survival. At that time I prayed to Shri Babaji Maharaj! If you want to keep this body then please cure it; I am in tremendous pain and I can’t take it any more. I had not slept for three days and was also suffering from severe migraine. In that condition I could not think of any other saviour but for Shri Babaji Maharaj and I had to take refuge in Shri Babaji Maharaj. By Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace, at that moment, I don’t know how I got a short nap. During my sleep I had vision of Shri Babaji Maharaj; he dressed my wound, took hold of my hands and made me stand up and helped me walk outside the ward. After this when I woke up, I became confident that I would get well soon as Shri Babaji Maharaj was taking care of me. After this incident my condition automatically started improving and in next 4-5 days I was fully recovered. All the doctors were shocked to see my recovery and were surprised how such a hopeless case could cure by itself. Thus it was a rebirth for me, a new life has been granted to me by Shri Babaji Maharaj.

Another incident took place after 6 months. Shri Babaji Maharaj was travelling alone from Ambala to Delhi. Major (now Brigadier) Laxmansinghji wanted to give me the message about Shri Babaji Maharaj’s travel plans and so he tried to call Vidyadhar Bhuriya to request him to pass on the travel details to me. At that moment I was also trying to reach Vidyadhar Bhuriya from Chandani Chowk Delhi to Delhi Cant. As it happens I could contact neither Vidyadhar nor Laxmansinghji could contact Vidyadhar, but to my utter surprise, by grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj, Laxmanji and I got connected, I don’t know how! This way Laxmanji could give me travel details of Shri Babaji Maharaj straightaway rather than giving them through Vidyadhar.

There is so much to say about Shri Babaji Maharaj’s Lila (play) and grace; I have had so many experiences. He is very compassionate; he always transmits his daya (mercy, pity, compassion) in one way or another. I bow to him again and again.

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!!

Sishupal Kulhari

Mahabir Prasad Pareek, Delhi

In India, saints have a special place in the society and the saints have always guided the humanity on the righteous path. Although the saints have made very important contributions to the development of humankind but nowadays it is difficult to find real saints. In fact finding a saint like Shri Babaji Maharaj is very difficult. One continues to hear so many stories about saints and occasionally one can read about them in the newspapers. Yet there is a section of society, which has no interest in saints. Likewise, I also had no special interest in saints. My father had similar thoughts about the saints although he might occasionally mention a word or two about saints. However, my mother had immense respect for saints. She used to visit Shri Babaji Maharaj and Shri Amritnathji Maharaj’s Samadhi in Fatehpur regularly.

My grandparents (from my mother’s side) are from Laxmangarh.  Once when my father was visiting Laxmangarh he had the good fortune of visiting Shri Babaji Maharaj.  On returning to Delhi, my father spoke very highly of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  On hearing my father, I also felt a desire to see Shri Babaji Maharaj and next time when I visited Laxmangarh, I went to the ashram to see Shri Babaji Maharaj.  Shri Babaji Maharaj was sitting on his cot (a hard bed takhat) and a number of devotees were sitting in front of him on the ground.  I entered the room and greeted Shri Babaji Maharaj with folded hands.  Before I could sit down, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked my name.  I told my name and then he asked where I was from.  I said I was from Delhi.  Then he asked, who (which family) do I belong to?”  I said, “I am son of Panna Lalji and my mother’s name is Mani who is from Laxmangarh”.  I said my grandparents live in Laxmangarh.  To this Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “So you are son of Mani!  How are you?  How is Mani?”  I said, “All are fine Maharaj”.  I must have sat for 10-15 minutes only, when I felt like leaving.  Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “You may wish to take some prasad (offering)”.  Then, he gave me a fistful of batasha (sweets) and I left the ashram.  This was my first meeting with Shri Babaji Maharaj.  Although I sat for only few minutes and apart from giving my introduction, I didn’t say anything, I felt very good and I decided that whenever I would come to Laxmangarh I would surely visit the ashram to see Shri Babaji Maharaj.  From then onwards whenever I visited Laxmangarh, I would visit the ashram and Shri Babaji Maharaj would ask about the wellbeing of my parents.  This continued for many years; Shri Babaji Maharaj never asked for my introduction again and I felt that he has a very sharp memory and he remembers everything.  Nowadays, after hearing experiences of other devotees, I realise that Shri Babaji Maharaj was a true brahmgyani (realised soul).  He was the knower of past, present and future.  He knew about everyone and everything and although nothing was hidden from him, he always behaved like a normal person.

In 1980, my uncle passed away and I had to go to Laxmangarh.  In the evening, after dinner on my way to station to go to Sikar, I decided to visit the ashram.  Shri Babaji Maharaj was sitting outside in the garden on a cot and the devotees were sitting around him on the grass.  I greeted Shri Babaji Maharaj and raised my palm for the prasad (offering), to which Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Sit down”.  I said that I had a train to catch to which Shri Babaji Maharaj replied, “Sit down; there is enough time to catch your train”.  As soon as I sat down he asked me to take my dinner (Prasad) to which I replied that I had dinner at home.  After some time, Shri Babaji Maharaj again asked me to have my dinner and I again refused saying that I was not hungry.  In the meanwhile, Abhayanathji Babaji, who had not taken the monk hood that time, came and stood next to Shri Babaji Maharaj.  For the third time, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked Abhayanathji to serve me dinner and so I quietly followed Abhayanathji.  Abhayanathji served me two chappatis (Indian bread), guanar ki fali (type of vegetable) and kadi (type of curry); this was a proper meal and just a while back, I had my dinner.  I told Abhayanathji that I won’t be able to eat this much, to which he replied, “Yes you would be” and walked away.  Now I had no choice but to eat and I started eating.  To my surprise, I was able to finish off everything without having any uneasiness feeling.  After my meal, I came back and sat with other devotees in front of Shri Babaji Maharaj.  After a while, Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “It is time for your train”.  I took the prasad (offering) and reached station.  When I reached platform, the train was just arriving at the platform.  By this time, I had not realised anything and I was lost in my thoughts with a feeling that I am doing everything.

Those days my financial situation was not good.  After I returned from the trip, my son completed his B.Com degree and got a job as an apprentice in a factory.  After a year he was offered a permanent role although all his other colleagues were made redundant. Subsequently my financial situation also improved considerably.  Still I had not understood anything.  Now when Shri Babaji Maharaj has left his body, suddenly one day I realised that all this has happened after Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me to have dinner (Prasad) in the ashram.  He had forced me to take Prasad (meals) so that my situation could improve.  At that time, he knew very well that he wouldn’t be meeting me again.  After this realisation, my feelings (faith) towards Shri Babaji Maharaj have become stronger and I have started doing the prayers regularly.  As my faith continued to increase, Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace also continued to grow.  My daughter didn’t have any child and Jaipur’s famous gynaecologists had said that she wouldn’t be able to have any child.  By Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace, she is now blessed with a child.  Similarly, my daughter-in-law had two daughters and she has been blessed with a son.  There have been so many incidents in my family, that I can’t narrate them all.  In summary, wherever I see in my family I feel Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace.   Most important is that I have peace of mind and I do not feel the need for anything.  By Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace, I have been living happily with my family.

My only prayer to Shri Babaji Maharaj is that he should continue to shower his grace on my family; and may he forgive any of our mistakes.

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!!

Mahabir Prasad Pareek

Kanhaiya Lal Chotia

I bow thousand times to respected and esteemed Shri Gurudev Shri Shraddhanathji Maharaj. Since beginning, it has been my good fortune that I enjoyed Shri Babaji Maharaj’s company and he only showed me the correct path. I feel very fortunate to find such a perfect guru, who always guided me and took care of me. Shri Babaji Maharaj was always reluctant to write or praise himself but it is also not appropriate if glory of such gurus doesn’t reach the mankind. I have witnessed so many miracles of Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace that if I start narrating all of the incidents; I will not be able to complete them in my lifetime. For me, whose entire life is surrendered to Shri Babaji Maharaj, only if Mother Saraswati helps it may be possible to describe everything about him. Still I am writing down few sweet memories, which today also keep reminding me about him. I seek Shri Babaji Maharaj’s forgiveness in case I have made any mistakes.

My life’s first incident took place during the monsoon season in 1965.  I had gone to Paladi village with my elder brother and I felt like going for a swim in the village pond.  The pond was completely filled and I didn’t know swimming.  I requested my brother if he could kindly teach me swimming.  He said yes and we walked to the pond.  When I saw the pond filled to the top, I decided that I was not going to go in the water and sat at the corner.  My brother was a good swimmer.  My brother dived in the water wearing a dhoti (traditional dress) and soon he was in the middle of the pond.  He dived again but this time when he went in, his dhoti got stuck in some branch of a thorny bush sticking out from the bottom of the pond.  No matter how hard he tried, he was not able to free himself from the branch. I understood the gravity of the situation and started shouting, “please, help! Please help!”  However, there wasn’t any one in the sight for miles.  Then I remembered my Guruji and said, “Either you save him or else I am also going in the water and will give up my life”.  Thus decided firmly, by remembering my Guruji, I started entering the pond.  When the water was about waist high and as I was about to go further, a boy came from nowhere and dived in the water.  He pulled my brother out of the water.  That day, if two more minutes had passed both of us brothers would have died.  Shri Babaji Maharaj saved us that day.

My life’s second incident was even more dreadful.  In 1990, I was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi after my heart attack.  I was in the I.C.U. and third day the doctors sent me for T.M.T. test.  After looking at my condition and my papers, the doctor who was to conduct the T.M.T. test commented, “Which idiot has sent you for this test.  You should have been sent for this after 10-15 days of rest”.  I prayed to Shri Babaji Maharaj “Guruji now you only take care of me” and mounted on the T.M.T. machine.  I would have done only 6-7 minutes of fast walk when I started feeling pain in the chest.  Suddenly the machine broke down and I stopped.  If I would have taken another few steps, I could have had another heart attack.  However, I had full confidence in Shri Babaji Maharaj and with his picture in my mind I kept repeating his name, same way Draupadi repeated Shri Krishna’s name during her disrobing.  Shri Babaji Maharaj stopped the machine which otherwise could have been fatal for me.

Now also whenever I have any problems, I freely leave the problem to him with the thought “now you only take care of it; I have made mistake, now please help me in correcting it”.  Moreover, he always looks after me.  I have left everything to him and since I have surrendered everything to him, by his grace, all my work gets done with ease.

Om Shanti (peace)! Prem (love)!! Anand (bliss)!!I

Ex-MWO, Air force Harlal Singh s/o Shri Chunni Lalji Patwari, Posani

This incident took place in the year 1952 when Shri Babaji Maharaj had not taken sanyas and had not started putting on saffron clothes. He used to put on plain white clothes. One day he came to Village Posani and stayed at our house during the night. In the next morning, my father and Shri Babaji Maharaj started walking towards Dadiya Railway station to catch the train for Sikar since there was no other means of travel for Sikar then. However, when they were about 4 km away from the station the whistling sound of the train was heard. They were walking along the side of railway track. Shri Babaji Maharaj asked my father, “Chunni Lalji! Give a hand signal to stop the train.” My father said, “Maharaj, this is not a bus, it will not stop by giving a hand signal.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Don’t worry, you just raise the hand.” Obeying the instruction, my father raised his hand half-heartedly without any hope of train being stopped. But to my father’s utter surprise, the train immediately started slowing down and by the time it reached near them, the train had almost stopped. The guard, T.T. and the driver started asking for the reason of stoppage of the train amongst themselves but on not getting the satisfactory answer, guard of the train understood that the train has stopped for Babaji’s sake and he requested Babaji to sit in his compartment. However, T.T. wanted to accommodate Babaji in first class but finally they sat with the guard. On reaching Dadiya station, Shri Babaji asked my father, “Chunni Lalji! Go and get the ticket at least.” The guard kept on saying, there is no need of ticket for you. You are in my compartment.” However, when my father proceeded towards buying the ticket, T.T. took Eight Annas and brought the ticket. After this miraculous incident, as per my father he never looked back in life. He understood that Shri Babaji Maharaj was not an ordinary person. Surprisingly, even the train obeyed his wish. From that day onwards, my father developed utter faith in him. By Shri Babaji Maharaj’s kind, grace my father got lot of respect and recognition during his service. The king of Sikar, Shri Laxmansinghji awarded him 50 silver coins and king of Jaipur awarded 150 silver coins along with a commendation certificate and an all-India tour at Government expenses. Never a dispute from his area/zone of responsibility did ever go to court. Such was the grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj on him.

Since the time I remember, I always found myself under Shri Babaji Maharaj’s shelter and grace. Our complete family had been fully surrendered to him. Initially, he made me remember Hanumān Chalisa. Once on a Hanuman Jayanti, there was Prasād being distributed in Posani Dharamshala (guesthouse), one boy came running and said, “Shivbaksh has fallen inside a deep well.” Hearing this, Shri Babaji said in a peaceful tone, “Take him out, nothing has happened to him.” Villagers took him out of the well from the depth of about 135 feet but to the surprise of everybody not even a scratch was there to the boy but Shri Babaji Maharaj declared that in future there wouldn’t be any such Prasād here in Dharamshala, “Today at least Balaji had saved him.”

Once in the evening while I was studying in sixth standard, I started from our house with food for Shri Babaji Maharaj. It was dark and started drizzling also. I slipped into a ditch and whole of the food was spread over mud. I went back to our house with empty utensils. My grandmother again prepared the food and filled the lota (bowl) with milk but the vegetable was over so she borrowed vegetable from our neighbour Shri Karnā Ramji. When I reached Dharamshala since satsang was going on, I kept the food on a side stand. After satsang around 10 P.M. when Shri Babaji Maharaj started having his meals, the vegetable bowl he returned to me saying that “Throw it in a ditch.” I followed the instructions and did accordingly. At the time of departure from there, he told me to tell my grandmother that she should send only that which is prepared in the house and not the one borrowed from others.

Another incident is of the year 1965 when Bharat-Pak war took place. Shri Babaji Maharaj came to Bikaner and stayed there at Teacher’s Training College. Shri Babaji Maharaj asked one trainee teacher to inform me on phone so that I could go for his darshan. The trainee teacher replied, “Maharaj! There is only one telephone in this campus, that too in the office of the Principal, which is locked after working hours till tomorrow morning.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “What do you think, are phones ever closed?” From the Air force station I along with a friend named Bhagirath just happen to go to the Teachers’ Training College to see some of the teachers from our native area undergoing training there. As we reached there, we saw Shri Babaji Maharaj washing his feet under a tap before beginning the evening prayer. Seeing us Shri Babaji maharaj said, “Just now somebody was telling that the telephone is closed! Lo, it is working. There should be somebody to ring up from one end and somebody else to listen on the other side but the phone (Nature’s wireless phone) is always there functional. After the prayers Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Harlal! Tomorrow evening we will go to Air force camp.” I got frightened. Due to security reasons, civilians were not permitted inside Air force camp. In fact I had already requested my Officer Commanding to grant permission for taking Guruji inside the camp but he refused. It was the war like environment. Camp was already on red alert. But I had no courage to tell Shri Babaji Maharaj about it particularly when I had the faith that Guruji knows everything. So as per his instructions next evening I went to Guruji to accompany him to the camp. At about 5PM we both started walking from the Teachers’ training college towards the camp. It was the month of December. By the time we reached the Air force camp gate, it became dark. I was worried as to what is going to happen. However, the DSC guard when looked at Guruji, to my surprise instead of asking for the entry gate pass he opened the gate and did Salami Shastra to Guruji. Another guard ran from inside with a revolver and offered a chair along with a heater to Guruji. I ran towards the office of the warrant officer to seek permission but seeing me he shouted, “H Singh! Complete the formalities of permission later on, first accompany Maharaj to your place.” Accordingly, we went to my quarter where we did our evening prayers. After the prayers Maharaj told me, “If there is anything about me, talk only to the Officer Commanding directly” Subsequently warrant officer’s man from gate asked me, “How did you bring Guruji inside without permission?” Therefore, I rang up to OC and informed him, “Sir! Guruji has come.” He said, “But I had not permitted you, anyhow now relax and sleep in the night. Inform security police to enter into the gate logbook that ‘permission is there.’’ Next day we started journey for going to Kolayatji. That time Shri Jhabarmal Maharia was the DSP for Bikaner. His wife sent a Jeep for Shri Babaji Maharaj but Babaji declined to go by the Jeep and started walking on foot. En-route we met Officer Commanding, seeing Guruji he got down from his vehicle, prostrated in front of Guruji, and requested Guruji to take his vehicle up to bus stand or anywhere else but Guruji declined. Then OC told me, “You have got one day leave more to your credit, fill up the application and be there with Guruji as long as you want.” Later on Babaji said, “Let us now go to Mrs Hira Maharia.” DSP Shri Jhabarmalji Maharia had left for the office by then. Mrs Hira Maharia had lot of devotion for Guruji so he was kind enough to bless her darshan. We had our food there, rested for two hours and then left for Kolayatji along with one teacher named Chunnilalji.

Shri Babaji Maharaj once in September1968 came to Jodhpur along with two devotees Capt Laxmanji and CID Inspector Jhabarsingh Fagaria. Laxmanji and Jhabarji left soon since they were to go further ahead for their duties. Shri Babaji Maharaj expressed the desire to see the Jodhpur fort. As we came out traffic Inspector Birdichand, happen to come in a taxi. He bowed before Guruji and said, “Maharaj! This vehicle will remain with you today” and he left in another vehicle. We reached at the fort but the fort was closed being Tuesday. The sentry didn’t open the gate. Guruji said, “Let us wait for some time.” Soon the princess’s order came and the fort was opened for Guruji. After visiting the fort, a special arrangement was made in the guesthouse where the queen wanted to have Maharaj’s darshan. The queen came with lot of fruits and dry fruits. She requested Guruji to stay in palace for few days but Guruji said, “If Hanuman Singhji had been here today we could have stayed otherwise it is not correct to stay at this juncture.” Guruji got the offering of fruits distributed amongst all those who were present there. The queen offered a purse of 1100 silver coins to Guruji, which he declined in a humble way. On that the queen submitted, “Maharaj! No body goes from here empty handed.” On that Guruji asked Thana Chaudhary to take one coin and spend it on the way. While leaving from there Guruji said, “We will break our principle rather than breaking theirs’. Why should we block the way for other saints?”

Shri Babaji Maharaj once on 17 September1973 reached Coimbtore along with Shri Mali Ram ji Vijairania. Shri Babaji Maharaj mentioned that they were going to Bangalore but they got reservation in a Coimbtore coach and that is how surprisingly reached to Coimbtore, which they came to know at Coimbtore railway station only. Next day we went to have darshan of Guruvayur temple along with Ramnarain Sharma. We reached there at 11 O’clock, purchased parsād and after taking a rest went to the temple for darshan at 4 O’clock. There the priests were busy in cleaning etc. They said, “First the Mahant will have darshan and there after the door will open for public to have darshan.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “God wants to give darshan but these priests are considering themselves greater than God.” After saying so as Guruji turned back he found Mahantji standing with folded hands that immediately fell in Guruji’s feet. Guruji said, “I haven’t recognized you” on this the Mahant said, “But I have recognized you. Because of you, first time in life just now I have been blessed with God’s darshan and on His orders only I came running on foot for your darshan while instructions are there for me to come in Palaki only. Maharaj! You have darshan first and then purify my kutiya (hut) by your divine presence.” From there, Guruji was to go to Kochin. Mahantji insisted to send his car but Guruji declined. Mahantji arranged a Palaki but Guruji said, “I do not even ride a horse cart pulled by a weak horse what to talk of riding on human beings.” Mahant said, “Maharaj! You sit in this Palaki, Otherwise I cannot and it is compulsory for me to move only in Palaki.” Guruji said, “This rule is for you only.” Ultimately, the Mahant walked on foot with Shri Babaji Maharaj. Mahant submitted, “Maharaj I have studied all Vedas and Puranas but never got Ishwar darshan except today though while sleeping but had God’s darshan along with you. I saw in a dream that one saint is standing in front of God’s Idol, the Idol stood up and both met by throwing one’s arms round another’s neck embracing one another profoundly. Maharaj! Be gracious and bless me. Liberate me from the cycle of birth and death (Mum kalyanam kuru, Dev).” Shri Babaji Maharaj and mahantji were together in a room for almost two hours. From there Shri Babaji Maharaj and Maliramji left for Kochin, and Sharmaji and I came back to Coimbtore. Shri Babaji Maharaj came back from Kanyakumari to Coimbtore on 21 September. He said, “We were going to Minakshi temple but the bus brought us here to Coimbtore.” He further said, “This is a punishment for not coming earlier.” Guruji gave darshan to so many other devotees at the Air Force Station and next day we tried for railway reservation but couldn’t get. However, when we went to the station in the evening at 4 O’clock, T.T. arranged the reservation. This was all due to his grace only. Everything happened as per his wish and grace.

I was to go to Mahu from Coimbtore on 20 December1973. One friend of mine was also to go that side and we both were to go to railway station in the same vehicle. He reached my quarter at 4.45 AM while the train was to leave at 5.30 AM. As per Guruji’s standing instructions, I did not want to leave house at 4.45 O’clock so I continued my prayers. My friend kept on blowing horn but I came out only at 5.01 O’clock. My friend said, “How shall we catch the train now? Even our reservation is not confirmed.” I told him not to worry. Everything would be OK. Luckily, by the grace of Guruji, the train came only after our reaching railway station and our reservation was also confirmed. My friend said yār in that case tell your Guruji to send this train via Mahu so that we do not have to change the train at Khandwa. I replied, “Why not? There is nothing impossible for Guruji.” He taunted, certainly if you board a train for Madras you will reach Kashmir, isn’t it?” After boarding the train, we were informed that due to a strike at Nagpur the trains were not running via Nagpur so the route of the train was changed and it reached Mahu at 1 AM. Somebody woke me up at Mahu saying, “Mahu has come.” There was no light at the station so I could not make out whether it was Mahu, it was pitch dark and I remembered the taunting words of my friend so I slept back. Next station was Khandwa, We enquired from coolie as to which train would go to Mahu? The coolie replied in an angry tone, “keep sitting, this train is coming from Mahu and is going back to Mahu. You want to go back to Mahu?” Hearing this, my friend was surprised and he bowed before me. However, I was remembering my Guruji for his greatness and kindness, and realizing in my heart that there is nothing, which Guruji cannot do.

A unique incident happened at village Posani. Shri Babaji Maharaj had come to our village and was staying in Dharamshala. He asked me to call the village barber whose house was nearby there only. I went to the barber and told him that Shri Babaji Maharaj had called for him for having haircut. The barber replied angrily, “My only child is almost on the death bed. He is neither getting all right nor dying. Surprisingly even in this situation your Babaji is interested in haircut.” The fact was that the barber’s wife though used to bear children but none survived. Children used to die after some time and thus the barber was in a very sorrowful state. The last surviving child was also ailing for some time. He was holding the crying baby in his lap and trying all that he could do to make the baby quiet but without any success. I came back and told everything to Shri Babaji Maharaj. He got up, went to the barber’s house and asked the barber, “What did you say?” The barber told the entire story to Shri Babaji who then asked the barber to put the baby on a mat and fetch water from the well for haircut. The barber obeyed him and went to the well. Shri Babaji Maharaj sprinkled some drops of water from his kamandalu (a water pot which he always carried in his hand) on the crying baby lying on the mat (gudari). Immediately the baby stopped crying. The barber came back after fetching water and started shaving and having Babaji’s haircut. In the meanwhile, Babaji blessed the barber, “Now onwards your children will remain healthy and live long.” Exactly it happened so, there after all his subsequently born children survived and are living healthy. What an awesome grace, it is? I bow to such a merciful Shri Nathji Maharaj thousands of billions of times.

Once on 30 April 1975, I stayed at Posani Dharamshala in the night to serve Shri Babaji Maharaj when he stayed here continuously for 18 days after construction of Laxmangarh Ashram. During this period only I was promoted although I didn’t deserve. It was due to his grace only. Therefore I wanted to do Prasād at Laxmangarh Ashram, and also I wanted to undergo a family planning operation since I had three daughters one after the other but I didn’t have courage to seek permission for that from Shri Babaji Maharaj. Shri Babaji Maharaj was fast asleep with loud snoring. I was just slowly pressing his feet in deep devotion. Suddenly while sleeping he spoke, “Do prasād for both together.” I asked him, “Which both, Maharaj?” He said, “Your family has a tradition of doing prasād on getting a son after three daughters, therefore do prasād for promotion and getting a son together.” On 10 January 1976, I was at Air Force station Kumbhi. In the early hours Shri Babaji maharaj blessed me with his darshan and on the same day my wife delivered a male baby. How gracious he is? His ways of bestowing his grace are also unique. I bow before him lacs and lacs of times.

One Alim Khan of village Khinwasar was Shri Babaji’s devotee. Every year he used to bring a best of the watermelons from his farm for Shri Babaji Maharaj. Once when he brought a watermelon Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “You haven’t brought the one which you had selected for me.” Alim Khan went back and brought a white watermelon, which he had initially selected for Shri Babaji Maharaj. Then Maharaj said, “You have a desire for having a son. You will have two sons; one will have a fair colour and other slightly blackish (sanwala).” Subsequently he had two sons of colours as blessed by Guruji. Although the Muslims made him outcaste for being a devotee of a Hindu saint but another Muslim teacher supported him. His two sons are now in service and other Muslim brothers have also started supporting him. Thus, Shri Babaji Maharaj blessed people without any differentiation on account of caste, colour, or religion.

At Laxmangarh Ashram, there used to be one barber who was coming to Ashram on weekly basis for Shri Babaji’s haircut. Once the barber asked Babaji, “Do you know any Thanedār? Shri Babaji replied, “I do not know thanedār but I know the big officer.” The barber said, “Then it is very good. My wife went to her parent’s place but now my in-laws are not sending her back to me. They are trying to send her somewhere else. Please help me.” The barber now started coming to the ashram twice a week. After a few days, the barber asked Shri Babaji Maharaj, “Maharaj! Have you told the big officer?” Shri Babaji said, yes. The barber became very happy and next day itself he left for Jaipur his in-laws’ place to bring his wife. As he got down from the bus at Jaipur bus stand, he saw his wife waiting for a bus to come to Laxmangarh her in-laws’ place. The barber taunted at her, “You could have come earlier, instead of coming after getting a scolding from a senior police officer.” Seeing her husband, she pulled the veil down and told her husband, “Somebody had told me in the dream to come to you that is why I am coming. I haven’t seen any police officer.” How kind Shri Nathji Maharaj is?

This incident took place in the year 1985 when I went for Shri Babaji Maharaj’s darshan at Laxmangarh ashram. I reached here at10 o’clock in the morning. After having darshan, I stayed at the ashram until evening. In the evening, Shri Baijnathji asked me, “You should go home because if you stay here Shri Babaji Maharaj will not be at rest.” Therefore, when I went to Shri Babaji Maharaj for seeking his permission and blessings he asked me whether I had any essential work at home. I kept my handbag and informed him about Shri Baijnathji’s instructions. However, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me to stay back. After the evening prayers Shri Baijnathji again asked me, “How is that you have not gone? Any how in the night do not trouble Shri Babaji Maharaj, His health is not good.” Bhai Lal Singh was also taking rest in my room. At about 10 PM as we both were getting up for Shri Babaji Maharaj’s company an insect fell in Bhai Lal Singh’s eye. The eye started hurting. We took Abhaynathji’s bicycle and left for Dr Richhpalji. Although the insect came out by itself yet we went to the Dr and came back only after showing eye to the Doctor. At the Ashram gate, we met Shri Baijnathji whom we explained what for we went out. He told us to go to Shri Babaji Maharaj straightway as he was remembering you both. When we came to Shri Babaji he asked, “Where have you both gone?” I explained everything. We remained with him until 11.30 PM. At the time of leaving Shri Babaji’s room he said, “Do not feel bad over whatever Baijnath has told you since he has his own ideas about giving rest to this body.”

Om !  Shanti ! !   Prem  ! ! !  Anand

Yogi Ram Nathji, Shri Nathji Maharaj ka Ashram, Gothara Bhookran

Shri Babaji Maharaj used to go round from village to village and dhāni to dhāni for helping devotees by showering his blessings and grace. Once he went to Col Laxman Singh at village Udansari. Col’s Tauji urged to Babaji, “Maharaj! Due to  an acute shortage of rain the crops are drying up. Animals are dying because there is nothing to feed those.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, have faith on Shri Nathji Maharaj, rain will also be there.” Although at that moment, there was no possibility of any rain being nearby. There were no clouds seen anywhere but within half an hour it rained heavily. Villagers became very happy and started saying loudly, “Shri Nathji Maharaj ki Jai ho, Jai ho.” How kindhearted and great he was?

One Chaudhary from a village near Fatehpur was Shri Babaji’s devotee. Often, he used to come to Laxmangarh Ashram for Shri Babaji’s darshan. Chaudhary was issueless. One day Shri Babaji told him, “Chaudhary! Till you are alive do not adopt any one as your son and also do not make anybody heir for your property and lands.” However, Chaudhary’s brothers somehow persuaded him to adopt one of their sons. After execution of the adoption formalities Chaudhary came to Ashram and informed about it to Shri Babaji maharaj who again advised Chaudhary, not to make at least, property and lands in the name of the adopted son because after death it will automatically go to adopted son only. Somehow or the other the adopted son won Chaudhary’s heart by his sincerity and hard work; hence Chaudhary gave all his wealth and money to him. After some time, Chaudhary fell ill and everyday there was some expenditure in treatment. Within a few days the adopted son said, “I do not have any money now for your treatment.” Then Chaudhary remembered the advice given by Shri Babaji maharaj and started repenting but by then it was too late. He has to undergo the punishment for not obeying the words of a saint. Thus, Shri Babaji Maharaj could foresee the future and at times out of kindness, he used to forewarn his devotees.

This Incident is about one saint by the name Pagla Baba who constructed a temple at Mathura on Mathura-Agra road. In 1980, he sent an invitation to Shri Babaji Maharaj to attend the inaugural function of the temple. Shri Babaji Maharaj took the invitation letter in his hand and laughingly said, “Pagla Baba is really pagla. He himself is not going to be present at the time of inauguration and he is inviting us to be there.” Just a few days before the function, Pagla Baba expired.           

Once, Shri Kripatriji Maharaj came to Laxmangarh Ashram. He found unique peace and happiness there. Shri Babaji Maharaj gave him lot of respect and hospitable treatment and gave him seat next to self on the same takht (Wooden platform). Shri Kripatriji said, “I have been to various places and ashrams all over India but I did not find this sort of peace anywhere else.” In fact, this was all due to the presence and grace of Shri Nathji Maharaj. Kripatriji said, “Now whenever I happen to come to Rajasthan I shall certainly come to this ashram.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Where do great people like you have time to give darshan again and again?” Shri Kripatriji Maharaj expired within six months of this visit. Shri Babaji Maharaj at times do used to indicate the future events but in such an extra ordinary and pleasing manner that it remained like an open secret till the occurrence of the event. Great and mysterious were his ways. We were fortunate to see his Lila (divine play) every now and then. I salute in his pious lotus-feet repeatedly.

Om  !  Shanti  ! !  Prem  ! ! !  Anand

Hanuman Puran ki Dhani, near Badhadhar, sikar

When I was just 8 years old, Shri Babaji Maharaj started giving me his pious darshan in my dreaming state although until then neither I had seen him in person nor heard about him. During my dreaming state Shri Babaji Maharaj used to be seen seated on a big Āsan (seat) facing a sea like scene with spider’s web like very fine and slender threads hanging from his hands, catching those I used to try to save myself from drowning in that sea. When the thread held in my hands used to break, I would get restless and frightened and due to that restlessness, I used to get up and start running. My parents used to get worried and often called me under the influence of some evil spirit. However, that event of giving darshan stopped happening after my marriage, which took place at the age of 13 years. Later on once at the age of 35 years I got wheat grounded in flourmill to do sawāmani (prasād) but due to demise of a potter and a Jat in our neighbourhood that could not be done. Ganpat Sāran who came over there told me first time about Shri Nathji Maharaj in the evening. Hearing that I became so impatient for darshan that I left for Laxmangarh by 9 PM bus, saw Ramlila in the town in the night and at 5 AM reached Ashram but couldn’t have Shri Babaji’s darshan since he was not at Ashram on that day. Again after one week when I went, from the Ashram gate I saw Shri Babaji Maharaj seating in front of prārthana bhawan and felt immense happiness in my heart. Seeing the same saint in front of me whose darshan I used to have during dreaming state prior to becoming a teenager, I started getting vibrations. When I reached closure to him, he called me by name and said, “Hanumān! We have met earlier in some form.” Since then I developed the unwavering faith. I accepted him as God. Again after one week when I went for darshan I was putting on a suitor and a blanket. Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Hanumān! Take off your suitor and blanket, winter is over.” From that day onwards till today I haven’t used woollen cloths and never suffered from any cough and cold. I have seven girls and three sons. One of my sons who left studies was looking after the lands. Due to some reason he left home and didn’t return for 18 months. One day when I was seating in a sad mood in the Ashram Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Hanumān! Why are you so sad? Your daughters will get married in pairs of two at a time.” By his kind grace it happened exactly so. The marriages of elder two daughters were fixed on the same day but I was worried about my missing son so about 5-7 days prior to the marriages of my daughters my wife and me went to the ashram. Shri Babaji Maharaj advised me to write letters to my son at the addresses of big hotels in big cities like LMB at Jaipur. I wrote only one letter on the address of LMB Jaipur since Guruji mentioned the word LMB. When my missing son Ramlal was passing through Johri bazār and somebody came running from behind, delivered the letter to him, and told him, “There are marriages of your two sisters at home and you are roaming around here.” After reading the letter my son immediately caught a bus and reached home to attend the marriages. This was all due to the grace and kindness of Shri Babaji Maharaj that my missing son came back home and marriages of all my daughters took place in the same way as blessed by Shri Babaji Maharaj. I have no words to praise him. I am surviving because of him only. He is looking after every aspect of my life. I am like an innocent child for him. He is everything for me. He is my saviour. He is my God. I love him and adore him.

Om  !  Shanti  ! !  Prem  ! ! !  Anand

Raghuvir Singh Bangarwa

First of all I bow million numbers of times in the lotus feet of my life saviour siddha guru dev, venerated Shri Shraddhanathji Maharaj whom I adore like Lord Shiva or Lord Ram or Lord Krishna since I have always seen him and accepted him in these forms. In my childhood I regarded him as an incarnation of Shri Shri 1008 Shri Amritnathji Maharaj descended on this blessed land of Shekhawati for the spiritual uplift of masses of this region. I consider myself fortunate enough to have come under the shelter of the lotus-feet of Shri Babaji Maharaj but it was by his shear grace otherwise I didn’t have any merit for that. First time I had his darshan when Shri Babaji Maharaj came to my village (Athawas) School run in Gusainji’s temple. Shri Randhirji was the headmaster, and Lakhuji, Bhoorji Mahla, and Jawaharji Ola were other three teachers. Shri Babaji Maharaj was very kind to visit to bless them frequently. Infect the location of the school was away from the village situated on a big sand dune a lonely place suitable for a saint. All the four teachers were Shri Babaji’s disciples and hence during the course of every visit he normally stayed with them for 2-3 days. I was just a six-seven year old kid. Along with other senior boys I also went to say pranām to Shri Babaji Maharaj but he caught hold of my hand and made me sit close to him. He gave me haluwa to eat in a katori (a small bowl). There after I used to enquire from senior boys as to when was that haluwa-wala babaji going to come again. For quite some I couldn’t have his darshan again but I always cherished the memory of that haluwa. Even today, I remember taste of that haluwa. After some time in 1973 once, I fell sick seriously and was admitted in Bhartia hospital, Fatehpur. Somehow or the other, the treatment didn’t materialize properly. My liver was damaged due to some serious infection. Therefore, I was brought back home from hospital in that condition. I was having severe stomach pain. My father was in Assam those days doing some business. He had taken my cousin brother Banwariji also with him. They both came to Rajasthan for some days. Banwariji used to regard Shri Babaji Maharaj as his Guruji. He arranged one camel cart loaded with dry wood from his farm for taking to Shri Nathji Maharaj’s Ashram, Laxmangarh. My father asked Banwari Bhaiji, “This Raghuvir is continuously sick for quite some time. Why don’t you take him to Shri Babaji Maharaj and offer him to serve the Ashram there. Let us see if he becomes all right. It was evening time. I was made to sit over the dry wood in the camel cart and taken to the ashram. After taking dinner, Shri Babaji Maharaj was washing his hands under a tap in front of Aulia Bhawan. Banwariji and I were standing nearby. Shri Babaji Maharaj just spoke, “Your father took Banwari to Assam and now Banwari will take you to Assam. Don’t ever go to Assam.” He further said, “Uugwant suur patra puur, kāl kantak jave duur. Nathji ka bhandār bharpuur, rizak roti sadā hazuur i.e. on rise of the sun your bowl of desires will be fulfilled, all physical ailments and problems will be over. Shri Nathji Maharaj’s bhandār is always full; there will not be any shortage of food and shelter in your life. My son! Assam’s food and water is not good. Your mind and heart are like that of a Seth (businessman).” Then Banwari Bhaiji said, “He is seriously sick and my tauji (elder uncle) have asked me to offer him to the ashram for serving here if he becomes all right since he is not going to survive otherwise.” Shri Babaji Maharaj then said, “O! Yes, I know householders offer a non-milk giving cow and an ailing person only to saints. However, don’t let doctor operate him for the stomach. He is ours only. Somewhere in the marriage party, he has taken stale rice. Take him home and give hot milk to drink. Later on he can keep visiting ashram for darshan whenever he likes.” After reaching home from the Ashram, I had a hot glass of milk. Soon I had a laxative effect of it and my stomach became clear of the filth inside. I got a tremendous relief. By the kind grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj, I became completely free from the ailment. After this incident, I developed full faith and devotion in the lotus-feet of Shri Babaji Maharaj. I bow before him millions of times who gave me new life and filled my heart with his love and devotion at such a young age. Hereafter by his grace occasionally, I had the luck of getting opportunities to serve his lotus feet.

After some time Bhai Banwariji was blessed with a son. That time Banwariji was in Assam so I went with this auspicious news to Shri babaji Maharaj and informed him about Bhai Banwari’s newly born son and requested Shri babaji to give a name to the newly born child. He said, “Should I tell name for one or both of them. First one’s name is Shiv Chand and second one yet to be born be named Shiv Prasād. Such a foreseer he was that he forecasted and gave name to Banwari’s second son who was yet to be conceived and born.

Once a Chaudhari from a village came to seek Babaji’s blessings to buy a camel on that Shri Babaji said, “Brother I don’t know about the camel but to my mind you better buy a cow or buffalo so that your children will have milk and curd to eat.” After receiving prasād from Shri Babaji Maharaj, Chaudhari came back home and bought a camel in spite of Babaji’s advice against it. The camel was quite weak at the time of buying therefore Chaudhari looked after the camel and fed it well. Thereby the camel became very healthy and strong. Although the camel was quite difficult to handle prior to even buying but being weak it wasn’t that obvious. Now as it became strong the camel’s old habits became more evident. Now the camel started biting people, it could be used for neither ploughing nor pulling the cart or as a means of transport. The family members as well as the villagers were afraid to go near the camel. Chaudhari got fed up and wanted to sell it but could not find a buyer. Like this, Shri Babaji Maharaj could see the future of anything and everybody. Normally he never interfered in the course of Nature in spite of being capable of doing anything and everything. For all those who have faith in him his power exists even today as it was. I bow in his lotus feet millions of times.

Om  !  Shanti  ! !  Prem  ! ! !  Anand

Risaldar Shri Sawal Singh Shekhawat

Although since my childhood, I had faith in God Almighty and respect for my parents, teachers and elders, but my family and I did not have contact with any saint nor had the opportunity to be in company of spiritual people.

After completing my education, I joined army in 1954. In 1963, I was posted to Officers’ Training School (O T S) Pune as an instructor D&M for two years tenure. During this period, Brig Laxman Singhji was undergoing training for getting commission as a Second Lieutenant. I came in his contact and was highly pleased to know that a cadet from Fatehpur Tehsil was going to get commissioned. Thereafter we both remained in contact and whenever we met he used to talk about venerated Shri Babaji Maharaj, which had a tremendous impact on me, and I started having a thought to get darshan of such a great saint. After getting commission, Laxman Singhji was posted to his unit but we remained in contact through letters. In letters he often used to mention about Shri Babaji Maharaj.

In March 1964, I was on annual leave at my village and at the same time Laxman Singhji was also on leave. One afternoon I planned to meet him so I went to his village Udansari. We both met with profound love and affection. After knowing each other’s wellbeing he mentioned, “You are lucky that respected Shri Babaji Maharaj is here today and you will have the fortune of having his darshan.” Knowing this I felt very happy, as I was desirous for having his darshan for quite some time and Shri Babaji maharaj kindly provided this opportunity through Laxman Singhji on that day. This was a very great day in my life. Shri Babaji Maharaj was staying in Laxman Singhji’s outhouse. We went over there, prostrated to Shri Babaji Maharaj and sat down before him. Shri babaji maharaj enquired about me and there after started talking to me. His darshan gave me lot of peace and happiness. I felt like continuing sitting in front of him but I had to walk back to my village, which is 4 km from there. It was going to be evening time so I thought of going back to my village. Shri Babaji Maharaj could read my mind and asked me, “Are you thinking of going to your village?” I said, “Yes Maharaj” But he said, “Why don’t you stay here in the night and go tomorrow.” However, I kept on thinking of going back to village. There was nothing hidden from him, he said, “Go after 5-7 minutes.” After some time he gave his consent to leave.  I touched his lotus feet, he blessed me, and said, “Have love and faith in Shri Nathji Maharaj, remember him and keep coming.” I got tremendous peace of mind and felt as if I have been blessed with a new life. He asked Laxman Singhji to get me a blanket. Laxman Singhji got a blanket, accompanied me for quite a distance, and gave that blanket to me. I showed my reluctance to take the blanket since, it was not cold enough in the end of Falgun(March); and I was sure enough to reach my  village by 7 p.m. Laxman Singhji did not agree to this and force fully gave the blanket to me and said, “ This is an order from venerated Shri Babaji Maharaj therefore you have to carry it.” However unwillingly I took the blanket, said good-bye, and left for my village. After walking for a distance of 3 Km slight cool breeze started blowing from North direction. Till then the sky was clear and no clouds were visible. Soon there appeared a cloud and strong cool breeze started blowing and within no time I could hear thunder of clouds and it started drizzling. As it is commonly, said cold in Falgun gets enhanced manifolds if associated with cold breeze and exactly this only happened. Due to the cold breeze and drizzling, it became very cold and I had to cover myself with the blanket to protect myself from cold. Immediately itself I understood the reason why Shri Babaji Maharaj stressed on my taking the blanket. Now while remembering Shri Nathji Maharaj I started walking faster as it was quite evident that it would rain heavily. With much difficulty as I entered my village it started raining heavily. I had to take shelter in Shri Hemaramji Pachar’s house. Only after stoppage of the rain; around 8 p.m.; I reached my house peacefully and narrated the entire incident to all my family members. I was so much grateful and overwhelmed over the grace he bestowed on me. Thereafter I had been getting opportunities repeatedly in his lotus feet, his grace had been showering on me, and even now, it is continuing. I am confident that Babaji maharaj will always be there for me.

I don’t have much writing ability to describe Shri Babaji Maharaj but it is a fact that whoever surrendered to him he blessed him fully in improving his life with abundance in all aspects without any discrimination on account of gradation of ability and devotion. In today’s materialistic world of rat race where all are bewildered and confusion confounded, Shri Babaji Maharaj has shown spiritual light to the people and guided them to lead a peaceful life. Although he knew everything due to his omnipresence, yet he behaved like a normal human being within the parameters applicable to an ideal person like Lord Rama. He was a true symbol of Satyam Shivam Sundaram since he himself was the truth, the Lord Shiva and God’s beauty. I am grateful to Brig Laxman Singhji who became the medium for a humble creature like me to receive the grace of such a great Guru. During the Indo-Pak war in 1971, I was posted to NCC Bn for a period of 3 years and was stationed at Todi College Laxmangarh. This opportunity of staying at Laxmangarh i.e. physically closer to him was also due to his blessings. During this period, I could attend morning and evening prayers regularly when Babaji mostly used to stay at Chudiwalon ki Chhatri. The construction work of ashram was also completed during this period hence attendance in prayers and enjoying the pious company of Shri Babaji Maharaj remained a regular feature for me.

Earlier in 1968 Babaji Maharaj came to Ambala Cantt and stayed with then Capt Laxmanji. My unit was also at Ambala therefore I was fortunate to attend the evening prayers at Laxman Singhji’s residence. One day Shri Babaji Maharaj came to my unit due to which other Rajasthani jawans and JCOs also got an opportunity of having his darshan. We also arranged his ride on a tank driven by Than Singh Shekhawat of Batranow who was also a good sportsman.  Shri Babaji Maharaj blessed him there.

One day during the days of 1971 war after evening prayers at Laxmangarh Ashram Shri Babaji Maharaj asked me, “How is that jawan who drove the tank during my visit to your unit” I replied that I was in receipt of letters from the unit and there was no casualty of any kind in the war. But Shri Babaji Maharaj kept enquiring about the welfare of driver Than Singh 2-3 times. I kept replying everything was okay. After the ceasefire when Than Singh came on leave he happened to meet me at the Laxmangarh bus stand. As I saw a long injury scar on his nose I asked him how it happened. He replied that he was injured during the war but by the grace of God, he is saved. Then I could relate as to why Shri Babaji Maharaj had asked about his welfare 2-3 times after the evening prayers. I immediately took him to Shri Babaji Maharaj who was very pleased to see him. When Than Singh bowed in his lotus feet Shri Babaji Maharaj asked, “Sawai, You were telling that everything was okay! Look how the saviour has saved him.” Shri Babaji blessed him with love and affection and permitted him to go to his home.

From the above incident, it is obvious as to how Shri Babaji Maharaj was looking after his disciples. In fact, Than Singh had an opportunity to see him only for a short while when Shri Babaji Maharaj had a ride on the tank and this itself became sufficient for showering his blessings on Than Singh. Now Than Singh has come on pension of a Risaldar and by the grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj, he is living a happy life. In the end, I pray to venerated Shri Babaji Maharaj, “O Gurudev please remain kind and gracious to all of us so that we keep reciting his name and remembering his infinite splendour.”

Om  !  Shanti  ! !  Prem  ! ! !  Anand

Haribaksh Bangarwa

My mother used to respect saints and Brahmins and feed them whenever she got the opportunity. In my childhood, I learnt from my mother to respect saints. In 1957 I along with other companions from my village Dhandan came to Chamaria Middle School, Fatehpur to study in class sixth. We all started staying at Dehati Hostel, which was constructed under the supervision of late shri Balu Ramji for the convenience of students’ from nearby villages at economical rates. For construction of the hostel, contribution was raised from the villagers. In the evening, we used to go to the sand dunes for playing. One day per chance here in the sand dunes we met Shri Shraddhanathji Maharaj and were all graced by his pious company. However, we were too young to understand the philosophical aspect of the life. However, we introduced bhai Laxmanji to Shri Babaji Maharaj who became his ardent follower since then. Thereafter whenever I met bhai Laxmanji, he always advised me to go to Shri Babaji Maharaj to seek his blessings. Nevertheless, time passed very fast and I got that opportunity of having Babaji’s darshan only after 12 to 13 years. When I went to him for darshan, he spoke to me by my name although there was no prior personal acquaintance. He said, “I know your name through Laxman.” From that day onwards, my life changed completely. For me Shri Babaji Maharaj was everything i.e. my guru, my deity, my God etc. I got great amount of love, peace and bliss in my life because of his grace.

Once my elder brother Parmeshwar’s right hand lost its reflexes and sensory. Slowly the hand became thinner and thinner. He was unable to do any type of work. He took medicines from Dr Richhpalji as well as from experienced doctors of Sikar for many days but without any relief. Ultimately, when he became completely distressed and hopeless he came to Shri Babaji Maharaj and narrated his sad story. Shri Babaji Maharaj felt pity on him and said, “What can these doctors do? Go home, eat well, you will be alright.” Hearing this Parmeswar became very happy, came back home and ate ladoos made with ingredients like dry gum and ginger. He started regaining his sensory of the right hand and soon became normal. How gracious is Shri Nathji Maharaj who removes the grief of his disciples within no time.

Once my elder sister, Mohri came for Babaji’s darshan. Bhai Laxmanji and I were sitting in the room in front of Babaji Maharaj. Sister Mohri after paying regards to Shri Babaji Maharaj sat down and requested him, “Please give me also the gurumantra.” Babaji Maharaj kept on looking at Mohri with kindness without saying anything. Shri Nathji Maharaj is very kind hearted. From that day onwards, Mohri who was illiterate, desire arose in her mind to read books and soon she learnt reading books. Her irritating nature changed, she started saying morning and evening prayers regularly. Peace descended in her house. Her economical condition, which was weak earlier, improved now. Her sons started earning; an atmosphere of love, peace and prosperity prevailed in her house. This was all due to the grace showered on her.

One-day bhai Parmeswar was sitting in front of Shri Babaji Maharaj, in the meantime 3-4 new visitors came. Shri Babaji Maharaj asked Parmeswar to guide the visitors. Parmeswar got up and guided the visitors towards the temple indicating with the help of his index finger. Seeing Parmeswar’s index finger pointed towards the temple Shri babaji Maharaj spoke with little anger, “Parmeswar! You are pointing finger towards Gurus.” At that, instant Parmeswar’s index finger became numb which is numb even today. Parmeswar considers it as Shri Babaji Maharaj’s grace on him since look at the finger reminds him of Shri Babaji Maharaj, which is sole aim of his life. Bhai Parmeswar was always desirous of coming to ashram for darshan and after coming to the ashram surprisingly for whatever job he thought of doing, Shri Babaji Maharaj asked him to do that. By the grace of Shri Babaji Maharaj, he alone could do the most tedious work with ease, which many others together wouldn’t have been able to do. However, once while on work Parmeswar had a thought in his mind to go to his village by train since till then Parmeswar had not travelled by train. As the thought arose in his mind Shri Babaji Maharaj got up from his seat and came down to Kunj where Parmeswar was working and asked him, “Do you want to go to your village?” Parmeswar replied, “Yes I want to go.” Babaji again asked him, “do you want to go by train?’ Parmeswar said, “Yes maharaj, up to Fatehpur I want to go by train.” Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Train is already whistling and ready to depart, how will you catch it?” Shri Babaji Maharaj and Parmeswar came to Babaji Maharaj’s room, Parmeswar bowed before him; Babaji Maharaj blessed him, “Go you will get the train.” Parmeswar went to the station, purchased the ticket and as he boarded the train, the train departed. What a wonderous kindness it is? The train was kept stationary until he boarded it just to fulfil the desires of a devoted disciple.

Once while doing prayers in the prayer hall I experienced an inexpressible bliss. By the kindness of Shri Babaji Maharaj, a burning flame was seen by me arising from my navel region and traveling upwards which revitalized each cell of my body. After this experience Shri Babaji Maharaj gave me, so much of strength that I always remained engrossed in his thought.

My duty was always in villages near Laxmangarh and I made sure that I would reach ashram before dusk. One day Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Haribaksh! Always carry a stick along with you.” I forgot this thing completely and one day while coming back from village Khirva to Laxmangarh I came across two ferocious dogs. They were sitting right in middle of the lane and seeing those shivers ran down my body. I could move neither forward nor backward because in either case they won’t have spared me. I therefore sat down there itself and started remembering Shri Babaji Maharaj. By his, grace after some time both the dogs got up and jumped over the side fencing of the lane one on either side. Thus, gracious Shri Nathji Maharaj saved my life.

One evening during rainy season the frogs were croaking inside the flowerbeds, when Shri Babaji Maharaj came nearby he said, “what is this going on?” and all of a sudden there was pin drop silence just as the students become quiet after teachers’ entry to the class. What a wonderful miraculous play it was? All living beings obeyed him.

Although Shri Babaji Maharaj was kind to all disciples but I feel he certainly had a soft corner for me. Many a times he saved me from the clutches of death:- (1) once when I was on a search to find my lost goat Shri Babaji Maharaj saved me from the bite of a very highly poisonous snake. (2) While going to Yalsar I was saved from the bite of a poisonous lizard (gohara). (3) Once in the toilet of my main office a snake did not bite me even after my foot being as close as one inch from it.

Once my nephew Harlal sent a tape recorder and other items from Qatar (UAE) through someone to a hotel in Bombay and simultaneously posted a letter to my village Dhandan so that someone would go and collect it. My elder brother Surjaram got ready to leave for Bombay but thought that before going he should pay a visit to Babaji’s asharam to get his blessings. Thus he reached asharam in the evening and stayed there overnight. Next morning after prayers he sought permission from Shri Babaji Maharaj to leave for Bombay on this Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “Surja, you will not go to Bombay. Go and work in the orchard (ashram).” On this Surjaram started watering the plants, cutting grass etc along with other people but in heart of heart he still wanted to go to Bombay. As Shri Nathji Maharaj knew what was going on in his disciple’s mind so he got up from the main hall, came towards the orchard, and said, “Surjaram do you still want to go to Bombay?” On this Surja replied in affirmation. Shri Babaji Maharaj indicated that you would be handcuffed if you go to Bombay. On this Surja got frightened and said, “No, Babaji! Now I will not go.” Shri Nathji Maharaj is very kind hearted. He gave an alternative solution to Surja’s problem and suggested to send a retired fauji of village Sadinasar to get the items from Bombay. Thus, Shri Babaji Maharaj saved bhai Surja from getting into trouble and unnecessary expenditure. Bhai Surja was a very obstinate person. He normally didn’t listen to the advice of others. He used to do only that which he liked but kindhearted Shri Babaji Maharaj showed him the fear of getting into Police custody and thus saved him from a major problem.

Whenever Shri Babaji Maharaj used to give me any task to do, I felt very happy. On Shiv-Ratri festival when I was asked to get a tin of pure ghee from Village Kotadi I felt overwhelmed with joy. I used to feel as if I was flying to Kotadi and back to get ghee tins. The pleasure I got in Serving Shri Babaji Maharaj cannot be expressed in words and there is no parallel to that. At times I used to bring 3-4 tins of ghee together but never I had any problem encountered and unsolved during the entire process of going to Kotadi, collection of ghee from different dhanies, warming it, filtering and bringing to the ashram by engaging different means of transport as applicable at different places. Rather I used to be in a different world that time enjoying the intense love and proximity of Shri Babaji Maharaja’s spiritual existence.

Once one railway police officer asked me where you are carrying so many ghee tins. I replied, “To Shri Nathji Maharaj’s ashram for preparation of Prasād on Shiv-Ratri Festival.” He wasn’t convinced. I thought he would harass me unnecessarily so I remembered Shri Babaji Maharaj. Immediately another railway police officer Keshardevji appeared at the scene who told the other police officer, “this ghee is going to Shri Nathji Maharaj’s ashram for preparation of Prasād only and not for any business or profit earning purpose.” Hearing this police officer kept quiet. On another occasion a few of the earlier ashram-going boys on somebody’s instigation and misguidance caught hold of my hand while coming from Kotadi with ghee tins and asked me to accompany them to a different place. They wanted to take me there to beat me and harass me. However, Shri Babaji Maharaj had already alerted me in the previous evening, “If some misguided youths want to harass you tomorrow on some pretext or the other, do not get into arguments with them, and just avoid the confrontation.” Therefore, I talked to them sweetly and mentioned to them, “We all are friends. I had helped you on number of occasions. What other persons say shouldn’t carry us away. Please let me go today. It’s going to be my train departure time. We will talk it over some time again.” With great resistance from them, they let me allow to board the train with a warning that I shouldn’t go again there to get ghee from their area. When I reached ashram Shri Babaji maharaj said, “Good, well done, you didn’t get into arguments with them. They dare not touch you without your provocation.” By Shri Nathji Maharaj’s grace I kept on going there to bring more and more ghee but I never happen to meet them again.

At another time, I went to bhai Ram Pratapji, Dungargarh to bring ghee. From bus stand, when I was walking to Bhai Rampratapji’s house one bus passed me from opposite direction, which was going to Upani Kalyansar. When I reached Bhai Rampratapji’s house, on asking his Mrs. said, “He has gone in the same bus which you must have crossed while coming.” Hearing this, I started running back with two empty tins in a gunny bag on my back making hell of a noise due to collision of tins and people watching me running like wind. Soon I could see the bus at a distance after it had crossed the Ratangarh- Bikaner Road standing on south of it. People were shouting inside the bus as to why it was not moving for more than last 15 minutes. What’s it waiting for etc? As I stepped into the bus, it started. People shouted lo! It was waiting for him. I could see Bhai Rampratapji sitting inside the bus. After collection of ghee when I reached Ashram and bowed to Shri Babaji Maharaj he said, “Look, how surprisingly you managed to catch the bus.” I submitted, “It was all due to your grace only.” I felt as if he was traveling with me. How gracious he is? I bow to him millions of times. He looked after me at each and every second of my life and even now his grace is always with me.

Once, my mother fell sick. She developed typhoid and it got worsened. I mentioned this to Shri Babaji Maharaj. He asked, “Do you want your mother to survive or let her go.” I said, “How can I say for mother to go?” He said, “Okay, whatever you want will happen. Your mother will survive.” My brother Parmeshwar brought her to Ashram for darshan. While going back from ashram Shri Babaji Maharaj gave two Patasha (Candies) to my mother and said, “Take and eat these after drinking ashram’s tap-water. You will become all right. Keep remembering Shri Nathji Maharaj.” As my brother, mother and I came out of the ashram; she vomited which cleaned up her stomach. She got the energy to walk swiftly and soon she became quite healthy then and there itself. After two months, all my family members came to ashram with my mother for darshan. Shri babaji Maharaj told my mother, “Shri Nathji Maharaj has saved you otherwise by now your sons would have done your Shraaddh.” Since that day, my mother started reciting Shiv-Goraksh regularly on beads (Mala).

One evening just after the prayers, light went off. Shri Babaji Maharaj started murmuring Mira Bai’s Bhajan, “Palak ughāro Deenanath, seva mein dasi kad ki khadi i.e. O Lord of the poor and weak, open your eyes, your servant (maid) is waiting since long.” With the start of the murmur itself the light glowed. Then Shri Babaji Maharaj said, “ Ein ya palak ugharen, tab ānand rave i.e. Like this if Shri Nathji Maharaj looks at us and removes the veil of ignorance, then there will be nothing else but for bliss.”

At times after the prayers, Shri Babaji Maharaj used to murmur the following couplets:

Jab āshiq mast fakir huā, phir kya dilgiri hai baba? Har hāl hanshi har hāl khushi, har hāl amiri hai baba.

(One who is always smiling, always cheerful and always in the state of plentiful; once the lover becomes the carefree fakir, he has no regrets and no complaints left in his life. Everything becomes blissful to him.)

                   Koi kāl manohar thālan mein, rasdayak misth padarth hai.

                   Kisi roz jalā sukhā tukadā, mil jaye chabinā bhojan hai.

(Sometimes there is nicely decorated, tasty and sweet food stuff served in beautiful plates; while on some other day for a fakir even a half burnt dried piece of loaf may become a food to relish without having any feeling of distaste.)

                   Koi odhat shāl dushālan ko, sukh sovat mahal atārin mein.

                   Koi cheer phati tan ki gudari, niz letat jangal vā van mein.

(Some people wear and cover themselves with beautiful, decorated and costly dresses and clothes, and sleep with all sorts of comforts in highly ventilated magnificent bungalows; while on the other side there are some who sleep in jungles with torn clothes on their body but perhaps with better peace of mind.)

                   Koi dvait kā bhāv mitā kar ke, par Brahm sabhi ghat puran hai.

                Brahmānand na vair na preeti kahin, jag mein vichare sam darshan hai.

(Some people eliminate their thought of duality and realize the presence of undifferentiated Brahm (God) in the heart of everyone. Brahmānandji says such people neither have enmity nor attachment with any one rather they remain impartial to all and equipoise under all circumstances they face in life.)

                   Bāl se āl bade se virodh, kulakshan nāri se nā hansiye.

                  Ochhe ki preet gulām ki sangat, oghat ghāt mein nā dhasiye.

(Never play mischief with children nor oppose or fight with those who are stronger or mightier than you are. Don’t ever develop familiarity with a bad character woman or an evildoer. Avoid being in the company of servants and taking bath at an unknown ghāt (a place of taking bath on the riverbank).

                  Bāluu ki bheet atārin ko chadhabo, kapati ki phans mein nā phansiye.

                  Gang kahe sodh ke sun shah Akbar,kuur se sadā duur hi duur rahiye.

(Avoid climbing a sand-wall and a close spaced high tower. Protect yourself from getting into the clutches or evil designs of a cheat. Poet Gang after purifying his thought tells Emperor Akbar to remain far far away from a deceitful liar.)

Om ! Shānti ! !  Prem ! ! ! Anand.