Contents
Prologue by Anuradha Vasili
Disciples Introduction by Sri Subbarao
Smt.Swarajyalakshmi
Smt.Radhabhai
Smt.Lalitha
Sri S.R.Murthy
Sri.B.Raghavendra Rao
Sri P.R.K.Sharma
Smt.Sarada
Sri Harihara Subramanian
Smt.Annapurna
Smt.Vasundhara
Sri.Shankar
Gurudev Babajee
Anuradha Vasili
It was during Babajee’s Barsi in the year 2010; Sri Subba Rao garu was addressing the gathering after ‘Guru Pooja’. He was sharing some of his experiences with Babajee. At that moment Dr.Saimamba felt that the legacy of Bajee Baba should be spread across and should not be confined within the four walls of Babajee Mandiram and among the B.D.B.N family. The intense devotion which the B.D.B.N members had for Babajee is being continued to this day by their successors; however, in order to bring a holistic view of His Holiness Babajee, his spiritual journey and his teachings, we felt that we should gather first-hand information from his disciples of the B.D.B.N family in the form of articles and record them for the future. Accordingly, we approached a few Senior Disciples of Bajee Babajee and collected and compiled in a book form, their experiences and association with Babajee. The seeds that were sown on that Barsi day in the year 2010, have now taken root and the outcome is this ‘BOOK’.
Down the memory lane as I travel, I vividly recall my many associations with Babajee. My father Sri S.R.Murthy was a B.D.B.N member and disciple of Babajee. He worshipped only Babajee and I had my first dharsan of Babajee at the age of three. Babajee played a pivotal role in my childhood. The seeds of divinity were sown by my father for me and for my siblings. For us, God meant only Babajee. I wasn’t aware of other deities. We would worship Babajee and write letters to seek his divine blessings prior to our school examinations and later to meet the tougher challenges of life. We would look forward to his replies, which he would promptly send.
We were fortunate that Babajee would visit our home often. And the times we spent with him were most precious. Faith in Babajee was inculcated in us by our father. Just by uttering his holy name, I would feel protected and safe. Such was my faith in him which has endured.
Recently I happened to read Sri Bajee Baba’s Jeevitha charithra written by Sri P.J.Naidu. I was inspired by the wonders and miracles of Babajee described by his devotees. I was able to relate to those events and connect to some of them as my own real-time experiences. In like fashion, I hope that this book will also leave such an impact on the readers.
We are thankful for the guidance and valuable support of all esteemed B.D.B.N members for sharing their rich and varied experiences with us. Without their cooperation we would not have been able to accomplish this task.
I would like to thank my editor Sri Sivaswami and Smt.S.Visala Lakshmi who gave their time and continued encouragement in shaping this book. I also extend my thanks to my husband Sri V.Syam Sunder who supported at every level. Our intent was to maintain originality and authenticity of the different authors’ perceptions towards Babajee. At the same time, we wanted to keep the language simple, lucid and clear, so that Babajee’s Message and Personality can reach across society at large. We wanted the readers to experience the same bliss and wonder which the disciples and devotees had experienced. The noble and divine mission in bringing out this book is for the future generations, so that they can get connected to Sri Bajee Gurudeva. This is only a beginning. Babajee’s miracles and unstinting help to his devotees will continue; so also the work of the writer and the story-teller why try to catch a little of the grandeur of Babajee’s divine deeds when he was in our midst and long after he attained Samadhi. The saga will endure.
We pray to Sri Bajee Baba to shower his blessings on us all. I hope this book inspires people and serves as a useful tool of learning and inspiration in our spiritual journey. Peace be bestowed on one and all. I conclude my prologue with “My humble prostrations to thy holy lotus feet. Please accept my deepest namaskarams, ‘O’ Banda Nawaz, Bajee Baba”.
-o000o-
Om
Sri Guru Devaya Namaha
Sri Bajee Baba Vari Divya Charitam
Sri K.Subba Rao
“आत्म वा अरे द्रश्टव्यः श्रोतव्यो मन्तव्यो निदिध्यासितव्यः
आत्मनि खल्वरे द्रुष्टे श्रुते मते विग्नाते इदं सर्वं विदितम् ll”
(To attain Aatma sakshaatkar, one should observe, listen, recollect, and reflect at the inner self and by listening, observing and repeating, everything would be clear.) To make antaranga Sadhana, Guru is essential…
Dr. Saimamba is a cardiologist, residing in U.S.A. Whenever she goes to the visa office in New York, she is questioned by her friends, as to why she visits India every year to attend Babajee’s Barsi without fail. They enquire about the relationship she has with Babajee. They also ask her to relate her experiences with Babajee.
Dr. Saimamba pondered over this. She felt that if someone could pen down the wonderful ‘’leelas’’ of Babajee, it would be marvelous and of great benefit to many people. If Babajee’s Bhaktas could write about their stupendous experiences with Babajee it would indeed be very valuable. Hence she has commenced this noble mission of compiling material from Babajee’s disciples and Baktas and presenting it in a book form.
We pray to His Holiness Bajee Babajee to bless one and all to fulfill this mission.
May Goddess Saraswathi bless us so that this work can be completed with great distinction.
May Lord Ganesha bless us so that this job is done without any hindrance.
Dr. Saimamba’s Memoirs.
Dr. Saimamba recalled her memories. She was eleven years old, when her father Sri Gopalkrishnaiah garu, was working in Pune. They were staying at a military camp. They came to know that a saintly person by name Sri H.H. Babajee was staying at the residence of one Sri S.L. Sastry. Her mother Smt. Swarajyalakshmi garu took her to have darshan of this “Mahatma”. That first visit, which was full of affection, sealed the bond between them.
Subsequently, her mother was fortunate to become Babajee’s initiated disciple. Babajee would visit their house in Secunderabad. Her mother was a devout lady. She had experienced many wonderful leelas of Babajee. The love and affection shown to Dr. Saimamba by Babajee’s disciples and Baktas, make her go to Vijayawada every year to participate in Babajee’s Barsi. It is her ardent desire to see that the programmes and rituals which are performed during the Barsi must be done with complete faith, good–will and also celebrated on a grand scale. Smt Sreelakshmi Aunty, her mother Smt Swarajyalakshmi garu, S.R.Murthy uncle, Smt.Radha Bai aunty, Smt and Sri Rama Murthy garu, Smt and Sri Sharma garu and Smt and Sri Subba Rao garu are a few of them who attend the Barsi regularly. Thus she responds to the curious questions raised by her friends in U.S.A. She feels that Babajee’s Divya Charitra along with the Bhaktas’ experiences in a documentary form would be the best answer. She requires the support and motivation of Babajee’s disciples. Hence she has requested Sri Subba Rao garu to write Babajee’s jeevitha charitra so that everyone could benefit from it.
OM SRI BAJEE BABAYA NAMAHA!
I am Subba Rao, resident of Vizag. I was fortunate to have the divine darshan of Sri H.H.Bajee Babajee in the year 1962. In the year 1966, I was given ‘upadesam’ by Babajee and admitted into the holy B.D.B.N. family. As per Dr. Saimamba’s desire, I shall try to present to the best of my ability, the details of the incidents and experiences, If I am unable to do complete justice to this noble endeavour, please forgive me.
India is known as ‘’VED-BHOOMI’’ as well as “KARMA-BHOOMI’’. Many illustrious “Maharshis” have taken birth in this auspicious mother-land of ours. Not only these Rishis but eminent saints like “ADI SHANKARACHARYA, ALVARLU, SANT GYANESWAR, BAKTA TUKARAM, KABIR, RAMDASS, JALA RAM BABA, ANNAMAYYA, BHAGWAN RAMANA MAHARSHI, SRI SAI BABA, the list is endless, have taken birth here. They have sanctified and purified this soil by their deeds and preachings. They have brought solace to the suffering humanity.
This “Punya-Bhoomi” has been blessed by the birth of one more precious jewel. In the month of ‘Chaitra’, a small village by name Parandpalli , in Krishnagiri Taluk, Salem District, witnessed the birth of a holy saint by name “BAJEE’’. He was born to the lucky couple Rahim Saheb and Bibi Jannat. It was late on a Friday night, and early Saturday morning, the 10th day of “MUHARRAM” in the year 1894. Little did one realize that this holy saint would one day sanctify the soil of India and spread the eternal message of love and truth.
The little boy’s cradle ceremony took place on the 12th day. The whole courtyard was beautifully decorated, with the cradle at the centre. Little Bajee was placed in the cradle by his mother. Melodious lullabies were sung, accompanied by the beating of drums and lingering music of shenai. This was followed by prayers to the Lord. The whole atmosphere was festive yet wore a serene look.
One stupefying incident occurred on that day. A cobra crept near the cradle with its shining hood raised around the child’s head. This was noticed by the baby’s maternal aunt and others and was reported to the parents. Soon the village physician, Sri Seshagiri Iyer, a learned pandit as well, was summoned. He examined the baby. On seeing the “Sanku and Chakra” on the feet of the boy and the extraordinary lines on his palm, he proclaimed that one day the child would either become a “Maharaja” or a “Mahatma”.
Sri Janab Rahim was a very respectful well–to-do gentleman. He was an employee in the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). Little Bajee grew up here. His schooling was at Wesley Mission and St. Mary’s High school. After he reached his prime, he took up service as a “Labour Master” in the British Burma Petroleum company. Later, he joined the Military Services. After that he worked as an Under-ground Lighting Inspector in KGF. Baba also had acquired following degrees in Homeopathic Medicine (1).V.V.S. (Vaidya Vidwan Shiromani). (2).H.M.B. (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine –Bengal) (3). M.I.M.R. (Member of Institute of Homeopathic Research). He practised Homeopathy in Burma as well as in India. He performed Haj twice in 1929 and 1948.
In the year 1911, Babajee wanted to have darshan of Saint Hazrat Baba Jaan and halted at Pune, on his way back from Mumbai. Saint Hazrat Baba offered him tea with great love and affection. He directed him to proceed to Shirdi. From Pune, Babajee wanted to go to Bangalore via Wadi, but God willed otherwise. By mistake, he sat in another train and reached Kopergaon, in the morning. Along with other devotees Babajee too went to Shirdi and paid respects to Sai Baba. Baba was sitting in the Masjid and Smt. Lakshmi Bai was at his service. When Sai Baba saw Babajee, He asked, “Child how have you come?” He told his disciple Abdul in Marathi to serve food to Babajee. Babajee spent three days in Sai Baba’s Darbar. Sai Baba treated Babajee with love and cordiality. On his part, Babajee served Sai Baba in his own way. Sai Baba could foresee the greatness lying hidden within the personality of this 17-year-old boy, the future Banda Nawaz Bajee. While taking his leave, Babajee sought Sai Baba’s blessings.
Sai Baba blessed him saying, “You and Me are one and the same. What you are, so am I and What I am, so you are. One who has seen you has seen me and vice versa. There is absolutely no difference between you and me.” He then gave a two anna coin, placed his hand on Babajee’s head and patted him on his back. Babajee departed from Sai Baba hardly knowing the immense force behind Sai Baba’s words, and returned to K.G.F. via Bangalore.
After some time he left service and moved from place to place, visited mosques and other holy places of pilgrimage and various temples. The spiritual journey had begun. He spent many years in search of God and truth. Self-realization had become his goal. As a result he broke all ties with his friends and relatives including his family. He gave away his property. He did not have any care for food or clothing. He stuck firmly to his goal i.e. at-one-ment with his “Gurudeva”.
Babajee observed 101 days “Samadhi” at Ellarhi, Alur Taluk, Bellary district about three miles from the Samadhi of Hazrat Sheik Shal-wali. He was a completely transformed soul after he rose from the Samadhi. He had become a “Gyani”.
Baba was initiated into the “Divine Knowledge” at the age of thirty by his Guru, Hazarat Aminullah Hussaine from Cuddapah, who was the great grandson of Khwaja Syed Mohammed Yusuf Bandanawaz [Gesu Daraaz Bulandi, Parwaz of Gulbarga Shahe Deccan]. Babajee’s great grand Guru used to offer his hair locks to enable his Guru to hold them for getting up when required and for this reason he was called “Gesu Daraaz”.
Babajee in praise of his Guru, used to say that, he was an ocean of love and virtue and had no distinction of caste, creed or colour. He loved every one uniformly. Babajee would serve his Guru, whole-heartedly and sincerely with complete devotion. One such incident reveals the depth of his love and service for his Guru.
Once Babajee’s Guru was not feeling well and was resting. Babajee was attending on him. At about 10 PM he asked for a glass of water. By the time Babajee returned with the water, his Gurudeva was asleep. Babajee did not want to disturb him. So he stood away with the glass of water till 3 AM, thinking that he should be ready with the water whenever his guru woke up (for five hours the disciple stood with the glass of water). His guru was deeply touched by Babajee’s devotion and blessed him.
When Babajee attained marriageable age, his parents arranged his wedding with Bibi Jainabhi in the year 1920. In the year 1927 after gaining upadesam, he returned to his home. He performed his duties as a Grahasta. After taking permission from his guru he travelled far and wide, preaching universal love and brotherhood. With his nectar like words and divine deeds, he uplifted the suffering masses and brought solace to them.
With patience and compassion, Babajee showed to his disciples the path towards Mukthi which is the ultimate goal of every human being. He enrolled a few selected disciples into the BDBN family which is so prestigious. They were indeed fortunate to come into the fold of Babajee because of their good deeds done in previous births.
A few important disciples of Babajee:
Smt. Tenneti Veeralakshmi garu: She is blessed to be the first amongst Babajee’s disciples. She spent all her life with Baba’s namasmarana and attained Nirvana. Her devotion towards Babajee knew no bounds and set an example to other devotees. She is greatly respected by her fellow BDBN members. Her experiences were penned down in songs for Babajee. She herself would write the lyrics and sing in a melodious voice which would enthrall everyone.
Smt. Sista Sreelakshmi garu: She belonged to a Vedic Brahmin family. Initially, she hesitated to accept Babajee as Guru, since he was a Muslim. She later learnt about his greatness and yearned for his grace. She went on an indefinite fast, foregoing food and water until Babajee himself came and fed her with his holy hand. She observed this fast for 18 days, this “nari shiromani”. Babajee blessed her and accepted her as his shishya. She has penned many a song in praise of Babajee. A well-known song for Babajee’s devotees is Melukolupu, a song sung while giving holy bath to Babajee.
Smt. Sreelakshmi garu has described Babajee in each and every form she had seen him in as Lord Shiva, Venkatesha, Karthikeya, Ganesha etc. She exhibited profound devotion towards Babajee. She would sit in meditation for hours at a stretch. She could fulfill the wishes of Bhaktas, due to Babajee’s Divine Grace.
One such incident comes to my mind. A gentleman, by name Narayana was working as ASW in MES. He was suffering from leprosy. Smt Sreelakshmi garu was able to cure him.
Dadaji Vasvani, who was 90 years old, was guru of the Sindhis. He was much respected by them. He could detect the hidden powers in Smt. Sreelakshmi garu. He prostrated at her feet. These details are written in a letter by S.L.Sastry in “Sree Bajee Jeevitha Charitra”.
Smt. Soorapaneni Swarajyalakshmi garu: She was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. She had the inherent qualities in her which one can find in “Bakt Meera Bai” Smt. Swarajyalakshmi garu could face any problem with undaunted courage. She had immense devotion for her Guru, Sri Babajee. Such noble qualities like love, kindness and charity which were present in Babajee, were also present in her. She would always strive tirelessly to achieve what she wanted. She displayed leadership while, at the same time, she was a humble devotee. When Babajee was alive, she used to be behind Babajee like a disciplined student. After Babajee had attained Samadhi, she used to sponsor and lead every devotional programme, guiding and counseling other devotees.
In Vijaywada, Babajee’s “Mandiram” was constructed at Bhavanipuram. The “Mandiram’ which is the cherished dream of all devotees, is quite close to Babajee’s Samadhi. If Dr.Viswanath garu was the architect for this mandiram, then Smt Swarajyalakshmi garu was the main builder. On the whole, every single B.D.B.N. member was a major contributor for the building to come up.
For Swarajyalakshmi Garu, her main mission was to spread the greatness of Babajee, far and wide. She used to mingle with the neighbours at Bhavanipuram. She used to be very friendly with them. She told them about Babajee and inspired them to cultivate faith and devotion towards Babajee. She would accord a warm welcome to all the devotees who visited the Mandiram, without any distinction. For those who had problems, she would readily lend her helping hand. When it came to offering of food to the needy, she may indeed be called as “Annapoorna Devi”. Her goal in life was to make Babajee’s Mandiram well known, so that people from all walks of life could benefit by the divine grace of Babajee.
In the year 1996, she attained Nirvana. Such is the love and respect with which the ladies of Bhavanipuram regard her, that after her demise, special recitals, like Lalitha Sahasranamam, are held every Friday at the temple. At the heart of the temple is Babajee’s majestic and divine photo, flanked on either side by the pictures of Devi Lalitha Thiripura Sundari and Smt Swarajyalakshmi. Devotees prostrate before them, with great reverence and devotion.
SRI P.J. NAIDU: Sri P.J.Naidu garu used to work in Bhilai Steel Plant as Divisional Engineer. If we should compare Sri Babajee with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, then we can aptly compare Sri P.J.Naidu with Swami Vivekananda. Naidu garu met Babajee for the first time at Raipur. He often invited Babajee to Bhilai, thus their relationship began. Subsequently, at Bhilai his house became the head-quarters for Babjee. He was very fortunate to become Babajee’s disciple. Many devotees would throng to Naidu garu’s house to have Darshan of Babajee. He shared his spiritual knowledge with them. He spread Babajee’s greatness to many people at Bhilai, Raipur and the surrounding areas. “SREE BAJEE JEEVITHA CHARITRA” was authored by Sri P.J.Naidu. With great sincerity and devotion, he collected a number of facts from various disciples about Babajee; later, he compiled them and presented them in a book form. The essence of Babajee’s life, his teachings, glorious incidents right from his birth, parentage, education, marriage, service etc have been clearly written. Babajee’s spiritual journey and later his emergence as a great and revered Guru is very well expounded by Naidu Garu.
We should thank him for the pains he took in gathering various experiences from different devotees and adding his own innumerable experiences with Babajee and publishing them in the Charitra; this invaluable book has been of great benefit and inspiration to a number of people who became followers and devotees of Babajee.
SRI S.R.MURTHY GARU: Sriram Ramakrishna Murthy garu is yet another exemplary disciple of Sri Bajee Babajee. He used to work as Garrison Engineer in M.E.S. When he was posted in Secunderabad in the year 1964, he met Babajee at Vijayawada. Later he became his disciple. When his youngest child was just one year old, his wife expired. He was left with seven children, four sons and three daughters. With the divine blessings of Babajee, he nurtured all his children, serving as both a father and mother to them. Babajee would fondly call him “A LIVING SAINT”.
S.R.Murthy garu, was an honest officer at his work place and a perfect human-being. For his children, a perfect parent, showering love and, at the same time, being a strict disciplinarian. He inculcated “GURU BHAKTI” in all of them at a very tender age. Right from their childhood they regarded Babajee as “God”. He would start his day with Babjee’s namah –smarna and end the day once again with Babajee’s namah-smarna.
Each and every disciple of Babajee has a photo of Babajee’s divine feet in their pooja mandir. This is very common with them. S.R.Murthy garu went even further as the following incident will show. One day Murthy garu happened to go for a walk with Babajee. They went to the market and visited a shoe-shop. Murthy garu told Babajee, “Your shoes have been worn out, please let me buy a pair of new shoes.” Babajee agreed. He purchased new shoes for Babajee, which Babajee wore at once. Murthy garu very quietly put the old shoes in a bag and brought them home. He placed them prominently in his pooja mandir. He would regularly pray at Babajee’s shoes with reverence, only then would he start his daily chores. This is practised by his children too. This incident amply illustrates how he inculcated “GURU-BHAKTI” in them.
He particularly saw to it that they never felt the loss of their mother. He was successful in bringing up his children in the right manner. In all his turmoil, struggles and frustrations, there was a single ray of hope that was his “Guru”. With his divine blessings everything seemed possible, for which he was eternally thankful to Babajee. His house is blessed by both Goddess Lakshmi Devi and Sarswati Devi, yet his children are humble and devoted.
The charity work done by Murthy garu is a closely guarded secret; he never revealed it to anyone. Guests must be treated like God. This was his motto. He used to cater to the needs of any person who would stand in front of his house, seeking alms. Even a stray dog would be fed, if it happened to come at lunch-time. He used to follow Sri Sai-Baba’s principles. I recall one incident in which a mentally disturbed beggar was sitting under a tree about 100 yards from Murthy garu’s house. For about one month, that person was present there. Murthy garu would regularly send food to him through his daughter. For him all were equal. All the needy must be fed.
Sri Sista Lakshmipati Sastri Garu: He used to work in Bhilai. He was Sri P.J.Naidu’s friend and colleague. Later he had the good fortune of becoming Babajee’s disciple. As a consequence, he performed many good deeds.
Smt. Sreelakshmi garu, wife of Sri Sastri garu could not tolerate that a “Muslim Fakir” was her husband’s Guru. Subsequently, because of Babajee’s mahima and leelas there came a change of heart and mind for her. The fact that Guru-Shishya relationship is not of today or this birth was proven. This was revealed to her by Babajee . Later she too became his disciple.
Smt. Shakuntala, was a devotee of Sri Bajee Babajee. She had the good fortune of having Babajee’s darshan at Smt. Sreelakshmi garu’s house where she was staying. Once she fell unconscious in the bath-room, which was bolted from inside. Fortunately, Babajee was present at the house. He came to know with his divine powers that she had collapsed. He revived her and gave her “punar-janma”, bringing her back to life. She became his staunch devotee. He christened her as “Shantabai”. This incident is manifest example of how a Guru takes care of his disciples, whom he looks upon as his children. His entire attention is focused on their welfare.
In the year 1973, Babajee attained “Nirvana”, on the auspicious “Bakri-Id” day. He was 78 years old at that time. His “Barsi” is celebrated by his disciples and devotees with great devotion, pomp and religious fervour. All of them gather at his Samadhi at Vijayawada on this anniversary, every year.
Smt. Swarajyalakshmi garu was one of the main pillars for the construction of Babajee’s “Mandiram”. Daily poojas are performed here and Bajans are sung. Poor feeding “Annadanam”, is conducted regularly. “Narayana-Seva”, i.e. free medical-camp is held during Barsi time. Babajee’s memoirs, photographs and padukas are kept at the Mandiram, to enable devotees to have darshan of these holy relics.
After Smt. Swarajyalakshmi garu’s demise, her daughter Dr. Saimamba, has led other devotees, in shouldering the responsibilities of running the Mandiram and in organizing the pujas. It is the cherished wish of all B.D.B.N. members to successfully run the temple and carry on the message of Bajee Babajee.
Sri R.D. Ramamurthy garu, Smt.Lalitha.
Sri B.R.Rao garu, Smt. Kishori Bai.
Sri P.J.Sharma garu, Smt. Sharada.
They are all residents of Bhilai and Babajee’s dear disciples.
Smt. Savitri garu can well be called as “Florence of Nightingale”. When Babajee was in hospital, she served him as a devoted nurse.
Smt. Radha Bai garu, Sri V. Krishnamurthy garu, Smt. Papayamma garu[She is Smt. Veeralakshmi garu’s daughter] are very important disciples of Babajee. Dr. Viswanath garu, is yet another person who was very close to Babajee. He had monetarily contributed a lot for the construction of Babajee’s Mandiram.
OM GURUDEVAYA NAMAHA.
I now relate my own meeting and memories with Sri Bajee Guru Deva.
In the year 1962, I was working at the Naval base at Vizag. I had to walk 1 km to reach the port, from where I would commute by jetti [naval boat] to the office. My senior colleague was Sri Danalakoti Veerabadra Rao garu. I once noticed that he was buying bread at the office canteen, for two consecutive days. When I asked him about it, he replied that a “Mahatma” was staying at the Garrison Engineer’s office quarters. Since he did not take regular food at night, he was buying the bread for him. I was immediately eager to have Darshan of this saint. I asked him if I could meet him. Sri Veerabadra Rao garu replied that if the Baba consented then I could visit him.
With his permission Sri D.V. Rao garu took me to the house of Sri Vardhineni Krishnamurthy garu, who was working in the Defence Accounts Department. He and his wife Smt. Radha Bai garu had the good fortune of having Babajee’s Darshan at Sri Ganapathi Subramanyam garu’s house, in the year 1967. Later they became his disciples. They were fortunate to do seva for Babajee for one year. They experienced pure bliss during that time. They are blessed with five children, one boy and four girls.
Along with D.V.Rao garu, I went to Sri Krishnamurthy garu’s house in the evening around 7 PM. At that time, Babajee had gone for a walk. Before leaving, he had informed Sri Krishnamurthy garu that a gentleman would come, and he was to ask him to wait. I waited for Babajee. I had his Darshan and felt happy.
Here I would like to mention that this Guru-Shishya relationship is not of today, but goes way beyond to many previous births. A question arose in my mind as to how Babajee knew that I would be visiting him that day? A Guru knows his shishyas as soon as he sees him. A Guru goes in search of his disciples. Through the soul, either directly or indirectly, he can re-establish the relationship.
Babajee did not bother about bodily comforts. He travelled far and wide for the sake of his disciples, journeying often to Secunderabad, Pune, Bhilai, Bimilipatnam, Vizag etc.
In Bimilipatnam, Babajee’s first disciple “Bakta-Shiromani” Smt. Veeralakshmi garu used to reside. In Bhilai, Sri P.J.Naidu garu used to live. From Vijayawada, Baba used to travel to Bhilai via Vizag. In this way Vizag gained prominence.
At Vizag, Sri Krishnamurthy garu’s house became his headquarters. It was at this holy place that Dr. Viswanath garu, Smt. Venkatachalapathi garu and I had become his disciples. He was Grace itself when he gave us upadesam and admitted us into the holy B.D.B.N. family.
Smt. Venkatachalapathi’s husband Sri Ranganatham garu used to work as Engineer at Vizag port. They had performed “Bhagwad-Seva”. One Sri Narayana Baba, who was Sri Sai Baba’s disciple stayed in their house for one month. He used to give discourses about Sai Baba for the devotees. This satsang used to be beneficial to many people. Later this couple happened to hear about Babajee. They decided to have his Darshan. Thus they became his disciples. Sri D.V.Rao garu and Sri Ranganatham garu remained as Babajee’s lifelong “Bhakthas”.
Thus Vizag had now become a sacred and sanctified junction. Babajee used to come to Vizag, frequently, even if it was for just a day. He would graciously accept the hospitality of Sri Krishnamurty garu and Smt. Radha Bai garu.
I had met Babajee in the year 1963 and in the year 1966 he gave me upadesam. For Dr. Viswanatham garu Babajee gave upadesam on 6th April 1966, at Bimili at Smt. Veeralakshmi garu’s house. On 7th April 1966, Babajee came to Vizag and met my mother. I was a bachelor then, and with my mother’s consent Babajee gave me upadesam. From that day to this, I obey his command and practise sincerely what-ever he asked me to.
A FEW SAYINGS OF BABAJEE
You can choose your friends but not your relatives. The Guru-Shishya bond is a select companionship, “Atma- Sambandham”, which cannot be broken, which is forever. This spiritual link between Guru and Shishya is not of today, but it connects to previous births too. Those who are connected by soul [Atma - Paramata] are companions of the spirit, a relationship that endures eternally. If you sincerely desire it, you can gain the same.
When a basket full of fruits is emptied on a boulder, only a few selected ones shall remain on the boulder, the others would tumble down. Thus there are only a very few true disciples. These are the disciples who are fortunate to have an enduring link with their Gurudeva, not only in this birth but in previous births too. There are some disciples who have thirst for real knowledge and who want to quench their thirst. To be one with ‘Paramatma’ is not easy. This spiritual journey is not defined by time. It is eternal and the disciple has to continuously strive for it.
For such disciples the Guru will always be the guiding force. The disciples are like the fruits which are rolled out on the boulder. A few fall and get injured, a few get spoilt, like the disciples who fail the test conducted by the Guru; a few disciples leave in the middle. The remaining get filtered and endure.
Be at the bazaar but don’t be a buyer. Babajee gave this instruction to his disciples. This earth is like one business center, many attractive commodities are displayed, but don’t get carried away. Don’t try to buy whatever you see. Be a part of this society; observe everything; the good and the bad. But don’t fall into this ‘Maya’, i.e. illusion because they are not permanent, but temporary. Always strive for Guru’s grace. He shall guide you to the ‘Paramatma’. Come closer to God. Every person should become “Sang-jeevi’ (a living togetherness with God). Rise above temptation and lust. Do not become a slave to them.
How-ever much the body grows it should remain under the head only. Pride hath a fall. Never be proud of yourself. Nothing is yours. Everything is given to us by ‘Almighty’.
A true disciple should be humble however great he may be either financially or spiritually or his status in society. He must always remain bound by his Guru’s commands.
During the year 1964, Babajee was residing at Smt. Radha Bai Akka’s house. I would visit him daily and spend time with him in the evenings, listening attentively to what-ever he would speak. I would observe silence. I would assist Akka during Pooja and prasadam preparation.
One night after Babajee had returned from his solitary walk, he said that he had to go to King George Hospital. I too wanted to accompany him, but he told me to stay back. He returned home at 10 in the night. Radha Bai Akka and I asked him what had happened right at the door step. He looked disturbed. He had gone to visit Smt. Sreelakshmi garu’s daughter Buddhimati who had delivered a baby girl. The baby had died. He tried to console her and calm her down. In her grief she would not listen to him and had accused him of taking her baby away. Babajee felt sorry for her and replied that he would certainly return her baby. Lo!, the following year she gave birth to a baby girl. This girl was named ‘Bambi’. She is now the wife of a Lt. Colonel in the army. Babajee says, ’Life and Death’ are in the hands of ‘Kala Purushudu’.
In the year 1966, I had received upadesam. In 1967, I got married. I had one sister whose marriage was to be performed. This was my responsibility. In 1968 an alliance from Bilaspur got settled for her. I had no money for dowry. My elder brother-in-law‘s elder brother was financially very sound. We approached him for help. We told him about the situation. He refused. I felt very sad, felt like crying. I returned home. My heart was full of grief. I took a bath, then sat for meditation, in front of Babajee’s photo. I prayed to him for help. I prayed for half-an-hour. Babajee blessed me. To my utter surprise and happiness the same gentleman sent for me to meet him. I went immediately. He gave me the money for marriage expenses; in addition, he asked the store-keepers to give me whatever was needed. He saw to it that the marriage was performed in a grand manner. This was all made possible because of Babajee’s grace.
He would often say lovingly about his disciples that, “We have nothing in the bank, but we are gentleman of rank.”
In 1975 December, I along with my wife visited my elder sister at Mumbai. We had planned to visit Shirdi on our return journey via Nizamabad, where my second sister is staying. Later on our return journey, we wanted to halt at Hyderabad to meet Smt Swarajyalakshmi Akka and Smt. Radha Bai Akka.
We boarded the train at Mumbai, alighted at Manmad, kept our luggage at the station, and carried only a small bag. We went to the bus-stand. In those days few facilities were available. We waited for the bus for a long time. Many passengers were waiting along with us. At about 11’0 clock, a bus came along, but did not stop at the bus-stop, but a few yards away. We got into the bus along with others, but the conductor took only the two of us. In the afternoon we reached Shirdi. It was a totally new place; we could neither speak nor understand Marathi. I was worried.
While I was standing there an elderly gentleman came towards us. He was tall, thin and was dressed in a white kurta with a long bag slung over his shoulder. I asked him about the way to Sai Baba’s temple. He signaled us to follow him. He did not speak a word. He took us to an old house and sat on the mud platform in front of the house. Once again I questioned him, but he remained silent. There was a neem tree a few feet away. He kept looking at it. On the opposite side, there was a building with just a door but no windows. He kept looking at the door.
In Sri Sai Baba’s “Dandakam” it is written that Baba used to sit under a neem tree, which was near the Masjid, which later became “Dwarkamayi”. This flashed in my mind. I asked my wife to stay there, and went to enquire about the way to the temple. I soon realized that the wall which the old man was looking at was in fact the rear part of Sai Baba’s temple. I saw the entrance to the Masjid, and looked at the small shapes which were lined there. Very few people were present at that time, since it was still afternoon. While I was observing all this my wife came in search of me.
My wife told me that while I was away, the old man asked my wife for some rotis as he was hungry. She offered him a Rupee coin. He said “I am not a bhikari, but a fakir, you have rotis in your bag, give them to me or else they may get spoilt”. She had entirely forgotten about them as it was my sister who had packed the rotis for us. She gave them to the fakir. She asked him to take care of the bag, saying that she was going in search of me.
Here I would like to mention that my sister had sent with us a small box containing a diamond nose-ring. This was kept in the bag. My wife had completely forgotten about it.. When I reminded her about this, she ran towards the place where she had sat earlier. The old man was nowhere in sight. But to our astonishment, the bag was there, with all the articles intact. We were greatly relieved. We took the bag, had darshan of Sai-Baba. We reached Manmad in the evening by bus, and then travelled by train to Nizamabad; all the while we recalled the old man in white kurta who had escorted us to the masjid. After a good deal of reflection, I concluded that through the grace of my beloved Bajee Gurudeva,
Sai Baba himself had come in the form of the old man to guide us to the temple. I reasoned as follows:-
How could the old man know about the rotis given by my sister which my wife herself had totally forgotten!.
He had admonished my wife, saying”I am not a bhikari, but a fakir”, when she proffered him a Rupee coin, indeed why would a fakir, the great Sai Baba, need any money.
The diamond nose-ring was safe in the bag. Anyone could have easily walked away with it.
The conductor would accept no other passenger in the bus excepting us, both on the onward and return journey.
All this reinforced my belief that through the grace of my Gurudeva, Sai Baba himself had come and showed us the way. To realize all this one has to do ‘Sadhana’ and attain the divine grace of the Guru.
I will share with you yet another wonderful experience. In the year1968, my elder sister was staying with her family at Bilaspur. By the divine grace of God, an alliance got fixed for my younger sister. I was staying in Bilaspur for a month. There was a ‘Gayatri Mata Temple’ near my sister’s house. As I was busy with the preparations for the wedding, I did not go to have darshan of the Goddess. I had planned to go to the temple after the wedding. One early morning, after the marriage, I went to the temple. It was around 10AM. The Poojari was not present, hence the door was closed. The door was made of iron rods. Inside a silk curtain was there. I prayed to my Gurudeva to let me have darshan of ‘Mother’. I would like to mention here that as a matter of faith, all B.D.B.N. members remember Gurudeva whenever they go to any temple.
I recalled one ‘Tyagaraja-Keertana’ “Tera teeya raada”. I addressed the Goddess, ”Amma, are you angry with me, since I could not come earlier for your Darshan, please forgive this poor soul”. Suddenly, the wind blew, raising the curtain to a height of 3feet. Lo!, I had the darshan of the Goddess. Again the curtain came down. I felt contented. I am convinced that this was due to Babajee’s grace.
I would like to recall one more incident which rekindled my faith. We were staying at Murali Nagar, Marrepalam, Vizag. My son Nagesh was studying in Stella Mary’s school in the year 1977. The road to the school was just being laid, the mud cover had been made, but the tar was yet to be poured. The time was around 6 PM. This particular road was quite lonely with just one or two vehicles passing by. It was a Thursday; I had taken my bath on returning from office and sat down for meditation. Just then a boy came running, shouting, “Nagesh has met with an accident. Go soon to Dr. Pellam Raju’s dispensary”. After lighting incense at the feet of Babajee’s photo, my wife and I rushed to the clinic. We came to know that a motor-cycle had hit my son and his condition was critical. His skin bruised, he was soaking in blood. There was a rupture in the head. The doctor said that sutures were to be given but refused to treat him saying that it was a police case. He asked us to take him to the Government hospital. There was no conveyance available. I was totally shattered. I prayed to my Gurudeva. Suddenly, I could see an auto-rickshaw coming in the distance with a couple sitting inside. I requested them and with their help brought my son to the hospital. Meanwhile, the motor-cycle rider had escaped.
They kept my son in the casualty ward, and asked us to wait for a senior doctor. Luckily, an orthopedic surgeon came there, after playing tennis. He examined my son and gave primary treatment, took X-ray and prepared the case-sheet. The time was around 7.30 P.M. Normally, it was not the doctors’ duty time. Yet another Professor also came along, after watching a late night movie and checked my son. He tied a bandage around his head and got him shifted to the Pediatrics department. At about 11 PM, he administered an injection and kept a night-long vigil on him.
In the morning, while I had gone to fetch coffee and breakfast, I found that they had discharged my son from the hospital due to a misunderstanding. I was forced to bring him back. I also did not have the financial capacity to get him treated in a private hospital.
I approached Smt. Veeralakshmi Akka for help. I told her about the whole incident and sought her advice. She took me to her neighbour, a nurse who happened to be attached to the operation-theatre at the General Hospital. This lady helped us a lot. She secured an Out-Patient ticket signed by a doctor and treated my son. She gave the stitches and bandaged his head. After a fortnight, my son started to walk.
I would now like to relate the role which Babajee had played in this entire episode. On that particular day, while my son was crossing the road, a motor-bike was coming at high speed; the rider had tried to avoid hitting my son, but failed and the accident occurred. My son fell, his foot got stuck in the wheel and he was dragged along by the bike. As a result, one side of the skin on his leg had peeled off; his head had hit a boulder. An old man had witnessed the accident. He had brought the boy to the clinic which was 10km away, on a cycle. My neighbour’s son happened to go to that particular clinic on that day. He was horrified to see Nagesh badly wounded. The old man immediately had asked him to take his cycle and inform us.
The surprising thing was that the cycle by which he had brought my wounded son to the clinic actually belonged to my neighbour’s son. Strange it was as to how that cycle had been with the old man earlier. The auto-rickshaw, as if by a miracle, had come at the right time to take us to the hospital. The doctors at the hospital, although it was not their duty time, had arrived there one after another and treated my son. Equally strange was our finding the theatre nurse, who had nursed him back to health. Within one month my son had recovered completely. All these successive events established to me beyond doubt my Gurudeva’s constant care and concern for his disciples. He had saved my son and gave him a second life.
I had never asked Babajee for anything, but he would indeed anticipate and fulfill all my requirements. All I would do was to listen attentively to him and sincerely try to understand his discourse. Many would ask Babajee about the existence of evil spirits, the presence of the devil etc. Babajee would reply that they did exist, like other creatures. All these discussions would go on while Radha Bai Akka and I would be doing seva for him. Babajee used to state that we need one authentic reason in order to drive them away. He further added that in case they harmed his disciples, he would not remain quiet. A lot of ‘Dharma-Shukshamam’ is there, which may be difficult for us to understand!
After Baba had attained Samadhi:-
I would like to recount an incident, which would throw light upon Babajee’s statement about evil spirits. Some people had seen an evil spirit roaming around in our house, although I had never seen it nor had it troubled me. I spoke about this to Smt. Veeralakshmi Akka. She told me that these spirits wanted to get rid of their nebulous form; hence they wandered near the puja place. However, she asked me not to fear, since Babajee would not spare them if they caused any trouble. This talk had taken place after Babajee had attained Samadhi. On a Thursday in the year 1979, Smt Swarajyalakshmi Akka had come to my house for Babajee’s pooja and arti. As she was a little late and the pooja had started, she sat in the last row. Inexplicably, she started to cry as the arti was being given, saying “Babajee, why are you taking me away?” I tried to console her and told her that it was the lady in a white dress that Babajee was driving out, that it was the spirit which was causing trouble to my near ones. Hearing this, Akka became calm and peaceful. This incident was a visible demonstration of how Babajee protected his devotees.
In the year 1967, my marriage was performed in the presence of Sri Bajee Babajee. In the year 1968, my sister’s marriage was performed with the divine blessings of Babajee with great pomp. I am a poor man, my father having passed away when I was fifteen years old. I had to shoulder my family’s responsibilities. Even though I held a small job both the marriages were satisfactorily performed. Babajee’s blessings did the magic. During the same year Smt. Veeralakshmi garu’s daughter Smt. Papayamma secured a job in K.G.H. In 1970 Veeralakshmi Akka’s family shifted to Vizag from Bimli.
As I have mentioned, I have had many teachers during my spiritual journey. Among them was Smt Radha Bai Akka who was the first one to introduce me to this field. The second important teacher was Smt Veeralakshmi Akka. I learnt many things through her. The 3rd teacher was Sri S.R.Murthy Annai garu. He taught me how to tread carefully on the spiritual path. I and Murthy Annai garu were regular students of Veeralakshmi garu. I desperately tried to march on a par with Annai garu, but all I could do was to puff and pant behind him. I would regularly go to Akka’s house and listen to her experiences with Babajee. She related to us many incidents in the presence of Babajee himself. I endeavoured to imbibe the qualities of a faithful and true disciple.
My fellow students were Murthy Annai and his two sons, Kailash ane Sai. After some time Kailash and Sai were given ‘Upadesam’ by Veeralakshmi Akka. Murthy Annai used to regularly attend the “Satsang” until the year 1976, when he shifted to Secunderabad after his retirement.
In the year 1972, Babajee who was blessed with good health, unfortunately fell ill. We were all greatly worried. Dr. Viswanath garu served him day and night. Smt Swarajyalakshmi Akka and Kailash took turns caring for Babajee and serving him with great love and devotion. Another person, who served Babajee like a trained nurse was Smt. Savitri Akkai garu.
We were all completely shattered when Babajee left us. He attained ‘Nirvana’ on January 16th, 1973. This was a big blow to every disciple and bhakta of Babajee. It was an irreparable loss to everyone. Babajee’s physical body left us and blended in the mighty universe and shone with great brilliance.
Till today it is my experience that Babajee certainly responds to anyone who calls for him earnestly and with true devotion. Babajee used to assure his disciples, “When I am here, why fear? You look to me and I will look to you”. This has been proved time and again. He reaches to his Baktas and takes care of them as if they are his children. He preached and practised the motto, “Peace, prosperity and happiness to one and all.”
After Sri Murthy Annai shifted to Secunderabad, Smt. Swarajyalakshmi Akka and family came to Vizag, in the year 1978. She had secured a prominent place in the B.D.B.N. family. She exemplified love and charity. Her motto was to serve mankind in every way, if we are to serve the ‘Almighty’. She was driven by a zeal to popularize the life and teachings of Babajee. She wanted everyone to know about his greatness. She and Dr. Viswanath garu were the main pioneers in the construction of Sri Bajee Babajee Mandir. I learnt many things from her. If I learnt about togetherness from Radha Bai Akka then, I have come to know about affection, love, sharing and giving from Swarajyalakshmi Akka. They were my tutors and showed me how to combine the spiritual values of a B.D.B.N. member, while upholding family values. All these virtues were present in ample measure in Radha Bai Akka, Swarajyalakshmi Akka, Veeralakshmi Akka and S.R. Murthy Annai garu. I am truly indebted to them. My humble prostrations to them.
I am so fortunate to be amongst such illustrious fellow members. They would treat me as their own younger brother. All this had been designed by Sri Gurudeva himself. That’s why Murthy Annai used to call me as Sri Babajee’s favourite disciple and would often tease me on this. Because of the love showered by him, all his children love me as their own maternal uncle, and maybe even more. Even though they are all well-educated and scored many achievements, yet the love and respect they have shown towards me brings tears to my eyes.
My experiences and those of other fellow disciples and Bhaktas are being collected and compiled by Chy. Sweety. She is S.R.Murthy Annais youngest daughter. I pray to Babajee to shower his blessings on her.
-o))0o0((o-
OM SRI GURUDEVA
SMT. SWARAJYALAKSHMI GARU.
“GURU’S GRACE IS SO IMPORTANT TO ATTAIN MOKSHA”
Guru always takes care of His disciples. Whenever they are in need of help or are in any kind of trouble he rushes to their aid. Faith in one’s Guru protects them from all problems.
Once I was travelling to Hyderabad from Vijayawada along with my brother’s grandson. We were travelling by bus. Unfortunately we met with an accident. This happened near Khammam. Our bus fell into a huge ditch, which was full of thorns. When the bus tilted to one side, I knew that a disaster was coming. Immediately I prayed to my Gurudeva and cried aloud, “O Babajee, please save us”. The people who were sitting on the opposite row of seats suffered serious injuries, cuts and bruises as all glass panes were smashed into pieces when the bus fell. But to my surprise, the passengers on our side of the bus escaped with minor injuries. My brother’s grandson got a fracture. I telephoned Babajee’s mandiram. They came and took us back. Prior to this incident, I had a dream. I felt Babajee himself had held me in his hands, as though cradling a baby, and lifted me and placed me in a safe place. I recalled this dream after the accident and knew that it was ‘He’ who had saved my life and brought me back safely. Thank you ‘Gurudeva’ for taking care of me and saving my life.
The link between a Guru and Shishya is eternal; it is not of now, but ‘Janma Janmala Bandham’. Similarly, the link between the Guru and his “biddalu” and again that between his disciples is not of today’s creation but has continued over many births.
They need not belong to a single family but their relationship is bonded by their eternal link to their Gurudeva, the common cementing factor.
For me the spiritual path as shown by my Gurudeva is pure bliss. My joy knows no bounds when I am amongst my fellow B.D.B.N. members. The relationship which each one shares with the other is unique. For example my relationship with Smt. Radha Bai is like the love shared between sisters.
I would like to relate an incident to illustrate this unique relationship. We were staying at Pune where my husband Sri Gopala Krishnayya garu was working. A gentleman by name Sri S.R.Murthy garu visited my brother-in-law’s house. At that time my co-sister-in-law went to her mother’s home for her delivery. My brother-in-law asked me to prepare lunch for Murthy garu whose wife was out of station. I prepared the food and served the guest. At that time, I didn’t know that he was going to be my Guru Brother. After nearly fifteen years Sri Murthy Annaiya garu was inducted into the B.D.B.N family to which I belonged. Such are the ways of Gurudeva. He forms the linking factor between every B.D.B.N member.
H.H.Babajee’s leelas are such that one has to experience them to enjoy the sweetness. We were staying in Mud-Fort quarters at Secunderabad. Sri Murthy Annaiya’s house was located in walk-able distance from my home. I used to go to his home in the evenings. We would speak about Gurudeva’s leelas. Annaiya garu would read ‘Chinnamma garu’s discourses. We would discuss about them and also about Guru-shishya relationship. This satsang would enrich us. Annaiya garu would escort me back to my home. Once it was getting very late, but I did not agree to Annaiya when he sought to escort me back as he was not keeping well.
I started walking alone. The road was quite lonely and dark. To my surprise I saw a man in the distance wearing white clothes and sitting on a culvert. Being alone, I was trembling and started praying to Babajee. I could not believe that He would come at that time, as I knew that he was in Vijayawada; but to my surprise and comfort, the man was holding a basket which I had given to Babajee himself earlier. I continued walking towards my home and passed by the culvert without lifting my head. I dared not look at him although I could distinctly hear his foot-steps. Reaching my home, I turned back to have a look but to my surprise, there was no one there. I am convinced that it was none other than my Gurudeva Himself who had escorted me to my home that day and that he was holding up the basket to relieve me of my fear and comfort me in that dark road.
While visiting Secunderabad, Babajee once was staying at Murthy Annaiya’s house. I was at that time with my co sister-in-law at her home in Sapier’s Line in Secunderabad. One morning, as I was going to Murthy Annaiya’s home, I saw Babajee setting out and walking briskly as he normally did. I started following him equally fast, walking blindly as if I was in a trance. I did not notice anything, not even the cow which was standing in the way, but the cow moved aside. Finally, when Babajee reached my co-sister in law’s house he played a leela and asked her to close the door, adding that “your sister is following me”. When I reached the closed door to my utter astonishment, I saw Goddess Kalika devi’s avataram. It was my Gurudeva Himself who then opened the door for me. My joy knew no bounds. The bliss one experiences in the presence of Gurudeva is amazing and inexplicable. One has to go through the experience on his own to feel the overpowering Grace of Gurudeva’s presence and the intense sweetness of His nectarine words.
May Guru’s Grace be showered on everyone!
-o0O0o-
H.H.Bajee Babajee
Smt. V.Radha Bai
“REAL AND TRUE DISCIPLES ARE FEW AND THE SATHGURU IS IN SEARCH OF THESE.”
It was in the year 1968, when Sri Ganapathi Subramani garu used to come for audit work to G.E’s office at Vizag. My husband Sri V.Krishna Murthy garu used to work in this office. We came to know about Sadguru Sri Bajee Babajee through Sri Ganapathi Subramani garu.
We were staying in office quarters. Babajee had come to Vizag and he was staying in a hotel. My husband used to visit him. Babajee liked drinking filtered coffee. I prepared the coffee and sent it through my husband. I had the good opportunity of having Babajee’s darshan after he had returned from Bhimilipatnam. My heart was filled with joy and wonder, when I first saw him. It felt like seeing Shirdi Sai Baba. When I was in Jabalpur I used to pray to God to show me a Guru. Now I felt that I found my Guru. Babajee showed me photos of Smt. Lakshmi Akkaya garu and Smt. Swarajya Lakshmi Akkaya garu whom I knew when we were staying in Pune. Babajee told me that he had given them upadesam.
I requested Babajee to visit our home. He was kind enough to come to our humble home. He spent three days with us. I prayed to Babajee to give me upadesam, to enfold me in his divine spiritual grace. He was gracious to give me upadesam. The very next day he gave upadesam to both myself and my husband. Thus we were very lucky to join the B.D.B.N family.
Afterwards our lives changed dramatically. Our house was sanctified by the presence His Holiness Bajee Babajee. Our home thronged with people who longed to meet him. The devotees believed that he was a Mahatma. Whenever Babajee visited Bhilai, Sri Sambasiva Rao garu and Sri Subba Rao garu were regular visitors to our house.
Many devotees would come to meet Babajee. I wondered about the number of true devotees and asked Babajee about the same for which Babajee smilingly replied “if one takes a basket full of fruits and empty it on a boulder most of the fruits would tumble down and very few fruits will remain on the boulder. Similarly many people will come to me but only true devotees shall remain with me.”
We would perform pooja to Babajee and show Aarti. I would prepare prasadam which would be distributed amongst the devotees. Seeing about 10 people I will prepare prasadam accordingly. After sometime the number of devotees would suddenly increase. Even as I panicked, Babajee would smilingly reassure me and say, ‘Do not worry, I shall take care’; he would pray and bless the prasadam. Lo! The same amount of prasadam would be sufficient to one and all. This was proof of Babajee’s divine powers.
Babajee would say that the knowledge and wisdom he had given to me was just a sixtieth part of a mustard seed. The rest, I had to develop on my own. One has to continuously strive for spiritual growth. The Guru only shows the path. It is for us to tread the path with faith and determination and advance. The path will be full of thorns but do not give up. Only a few fortunate people are blessed by the divine grace of a Guru.
A great miracle happened in our home. My sister Suseela used to stay with us. She had come from our village for studies. Once when Babajee visited our home, while doing seva for Babajee she begged him to show her his ‘true form’, Babajee replied that she would not be able to withstand it. But Susheela persisted. At last Babajee relented. It was around midnight when he transformed himself into ‘Artha Nareeswara’. He gave her the Holy vision of ‘Lord Siva’. She was dumb struck. Her whole body started to perspire seeing this vision. She prostrated before Sri Bajee Babajee and asked for his grace and compassion. .
-o00oo00o-
OM SRI BAJEE BABAJEE
SMT.LALITHA
“GURU ALWAYS TAKES CARE OF HIS SINCERE DEVOTEES”
My humble prostrations at thy holy lotus feet. The experiences which I have felt with Gurudeva are truly wonderful. I am very fortunate to belong to the B.D.B.N.family.
I got initiation in the year 1963, in the month of March at Sri P.J.Naidu garu’s house, along with Sri Pappu Venkata Ramana garu and Prabhavathi garu. My husband Sri R.D. Rama Murthy garu got upadesam in the previous year i.e. 1962. Babajee would address me as his dear daughter Lalitha. His love and affection for all of us was exceedingly great. He used to shower his love on all of us.
My mother-in-law Smt. Kamamma garu was fortunate to get upadesam from Babajee in the year 1965. At that time Babajee was staying at Chittinagar in Vijayawada. All arrangements were made for the upadesam ceremony for Dr. Viswanath garu. But to everyone’s surprise in his place my mother in law got the initiation. She considered herself to be very lucky. She felt that to get upadesam from Babajee in his own house was indeed very fortunate.
The 4th member who got upadesam from my family was my husband’s sister Smt. Sanjeevamma in the year 1968 at Chennai (the then Madras). Thus, four members from my family are Sri Babajee’s disciples.
I would like to relate an incident which will testify to Babajee’s grace and kindness.
In the year 1964, my elder son, 2-year-old Srinivas, was suffering from pneumonia; his condition was getting very serious. We had admitted him in hospital. They were giving him I.V. fluids but he was deteriorating and slipped into a semi-conscious state. Smt. Indira Bai Akka came to the hospital along with Sri Venkata Ramana Anna garu in the evening. I asked Akka to sit at my son’s bed and went to have bath. At that moment, the doctor came and told her that the child may not survive. He wanted me to go home as I may not be able to face the impending situation. Akka wept profusely and cried out to Babajee “What is this? BABA please take care of the child.”
At that moment, as I was re-entering the ward, I saw an elderly man, dressed in splendid white, uttering prayers near my son’s bed. He was going around the bed. The next moment, to me it seemed that his dress changed to a glowing orange. My husband and his sister were also there. They too saw him. They thought that he must be coming regularly to the hospital and praying thus for critical patients. The doctor who had also seen him, thought that he was a relative of ours . As I neared my son’s bed, to the utter surprise and delight of everyone, he opened his eyes and called out to me “AMMA”.
”What a MIRACLE, Who was that gentleman”? Dr. Desai the senior child specialist remarked. Then we realized that it was Babajee Himself who had come and blessed our son and gave him a second life.
Once my elder son was suffering with chicken-pox; the boils had spread all over, from feet to the head. He was ailing for the past 22 days. Babajee had come to our home. He sat near my son’s bed and read out some-thing. Then he addressed the Goddess Mariamma and said, “It is time you left, enough of playing around.” From the very next day, my son’s condition improved and he recovered fully soon after!
In the year 1967, I was expecting my second child, Ramesh. I went to my mother’s place at Tirupati for the delivery. When I visited the doctor for check-up, she told me that the delivery may take place after 10 days.
The next day my mother had to go to Madras on some urgent work. She left in the morning and was expected to be back by night. That day there was a strike by non-gazetted officers (NGO’s) of the government. Thus, all doctors too were on strike. My sister who had recently delivered, was present in the house. Only the two of us were there. My younger brother and another sister had gone to college. I was sitting on a swing. At about 11 A.M. my labour pains started. In the opposite house a doctor was living but that day he, too, was out of station. I panicked and with great fear and trepidation, started chanting Babajee’s name.
Precisely, right at that moment a lady knocked at our door and asked, “Is there some-body in this house for delivery.” She said that the previous night, a man dressed in white had come to her and told her that somebody needed her assistance here. She declared that her name was ’Jagadhamba’ and that she was a mid-wife. I felt immense relief on seeing her. It was as though God had sent ‘mother’ to help me. She checked me and confirmed that the labour pains had started. She had not however brought her medical-kit. She said that someone should go to the hospital and somehow get the kit, since everyone there was on strike. Our tenant went there and managed to get the kit. In those days, deliveries used to take place even at home. She gave me an injection and by evening 4 ‘o’ clock the delivery took place safely, and my son was born.
After the cradle ceremony was over, accompanied by my husband and mother-in-law, I went to Vijayawada to seek Babajee’s blessings. Babajee had come to the station to receive us. He took the baby in his arms and told me with a twinkle in his eye, ”You had made me a mid-wife and nurse.” Then, in a flash, it dawned upon me that it was none other than Babajee himself who had come in the form of the mid-wife, and conducted my delivery. He had indeed given me a second life. I am indebted to him forever.
We were staying in Bhilai, Sector-4 quarters. It was Dusshera and we had arranged the traditional “Golu”- a variety of multi-coloured dolls depicting gods and goddesses arranged on ascending steps; we had also kept some pictures of our favourite deities on display.”Diyas” were lit and sweets were specially prepared as offerings. We had also placed a photo of Babajee in the display. Our neighbour was one Sri Chary garu belonging to the Vaishnavaite community. They had a 10- year-old son who was extremely shy. Even though his mother would come regularly to our house, the boy himself would never come inside. On that particular day my mother-in-law had prepared a sweet called ‘Bittu’. The boy, unlike his wont, came inside all by himself, which was quite surprising. He saw the dolls display, and then he asked about the prasadam. She offered him the sweet, which he took with relish. Then with evident interest, he enquired about Babajee’s photo, although it was quite small sized.
After few days my mother-in-law received a letter from Babajee, in which he had written that he enjoyed the special sweet and felt happy that she had kept his photo along with the dolls on the display. My mother-in-law was overwhelmed with happiness and reverence towards this Omnipresent and Omniscient Gurudeva and silently offered her prayers and Namaskarams to him.
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“FAITH AND DEVOTION ARE TWO IMPORTANT MILESTONES ON THE PATH TOWARDS GOD”
The Whole and Soul of My Life - Gurudeva
Sri S.R.Murthy, Retd G.E., MES.
I am deeply indebted to my friend Sri V.Krishna Murthy garu who was very kind enough to introduce me to one holy saint by name H.H Bajee Baba. Krishna Murthy garu told about H.H. Bajee Baba. He said that I could correspond with the holy saint through letters. At that time in the year 1963, I was working as Engineer in MES in Kota, Rajasthan. I was residing with my wife Smt. Vishalakshi and our seven children.
I used to regularly correspond with Babajee and he always responded to my letters. Unfortunately in the year 1964, a colossal personal loss occurred to me, a big blow to me with the demise of my wife. I was left with my children and my youngest child being just one year old. The extremely arduous task of up-bringing seven children single handedly was a mammoth task. I was totally shattered. I applied for request of transfer to Secunderabad. I secured transfer by the divine grace of God. After I came to my home town I desperately tried to have darshan of H.H.Babajee. Along with my brother-in-law Sri N.Subba Rao garu, Chartered Engineer who resides in Guntur, traced the address of Babajee.
Finally we reached Chittinagar in Vijayawada where His Holiness Babajee was residing. I was totally astonished when His Holiness Babajee addressed me as “Murthy garu come come”. Babajee had never seen me before. “How did he recognize me?” I wondered. I prayed at his holy lotus feet. He knew about the great personal tragedy that I had gone through. He consoled me. Life is full of surprises, when all the doors seemed closed to me, one door opened, beckoning me towards it. God Almighty showered blessings on me, in the form of His Holiness Bajee Baba.
Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa’s wording come to my mind “He who has FAITH has everything and he who lacks faith lacks everything. It is FAITH in the ‘name of God’ that works wonders; for Faith is Life and doubt is death”. I owe everything of me to my Gurudeva.
A Bhakta has to take many births to meet one’s Guru. The ardent desire to meet Guru gets fulfilled with the divine grace of God. For a Guru, one look at the Bhakta is enough to know about him.
I am grateful to my Gurudeva for being so gracious, to take a poor soul like me under His fold. It was in the year 1964 I invited His Holiness Bajee to visit my humble abode, to sanctify our house where I was living with my Children, Vasundhara, Kailashnath, Sai Rajendra, Sai Suguna, Sivananda, Raja and Sweety. Babajee conceded and visited our house at Mud Fort MES Quarters. Gurubehn Smt. Swarajya Lakshmi Akkai garu also came to our house. She requested Gurudeva to give Upadesham to me. She was already a B.D.B.N member. H.H. Babajee was kind enough to bless me with Upadesam.
The memory of the ‘holy day’ is clearly etched in my mind.
On Thursday, the 27th October, 1964, at 7.45 in the evening H.H.Bajee Baba gave me Upadesham. My youngest son, Raja who was around 3 years old was present by my side in the room. I asked Babajee whether I should send my son outside, but Babajee said ‘never mind let him stay’. That was the most auspicious and precious time in my entire life. I had yearning for a Guru, my desire got fulfilled. I am eternally grateful to you ‘O Gurudeva’. My humble prostrations to thy holy lotus feet. A couplet by Saint Poet Kabir aptly reflects my humble thoughts and gratitude to my Gurudeva.
Guru Govind Dou Khade, Kake lagu paav
Balihari Guru AApne Jin Govind diyo bathayaa.
गुरु गोविन्द दोऊ खड़े काको लागूं पायं।
बलिहारी गुरु आपने जिन गोविन्द दियो बताय।।
So goes the great Saint Kabir’s doha, Guru and God are standing side by side, At whose holy feet shall I prostrate first. I shall pray at the feet of my beloved Guru as it is he who showed me the path to God. So for me my Guru is greater than God.
Every single moment of my life, I owe to my Gurudeva. Before taking any important decision, I would pray to my Gurudeva for his gracious blessings. I would correspond with Him through letters. He would reply ever promptly. Today my children are all well-educated and well settled. I have performed their marriages. This was possible because Babajee blessed us. Believe me the path was very difficult, but my faith in Gurudeva made the task easy for me. I wanted to inculcate the same faith in my children for Babajee. For each one of them Babajee is ‘everything’. Today I am a complete man.
Babajee, the omnipresent takes care of his ‘Bhaktas’. For that I would like to relate one such incident. After I was enfolded into the B.D.B.N family, I wanted to share my happiness with others. On my youngest son Raja’s birthday, I invited some friends for lunch. H.H. Bajee Gurudeva was residing at my house. He was sitting in the portico (verandah). Two cooks were busy preparing food. Suddenly while in the process of cooking rice, the starch (ganji) was to be drained, which fell on the cooks feet accidentally. But to everyone’s surprise, nothing happened to them. They felt as though cold water was poured on their feet. Babajee who was sitting in the verandah came to the kitchen and said ‘idi anta mee Murthy gari chalava’. Babajee had saved them from severe burns.
Once Babajee visited our house at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra where I was working as Garrison Engineer. This place is close to Shirdi. Along with Babajee, we visited Shirdi to have darshan of Sadguru Saibaba. When Babajee entered the temple and stood before Sai Baba, a miracle took place. To everyone’s astonishment the garland which was around Sai Baba’s statue garlanded Babajee . This garland was given by Babajee to my eldest daughter Smt. Vasundhara.
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SRI BAJEE BABAJEE
Sri B.Raghavendra Rao
“GURU LIKES THE SIMPLE MINDED PEOPLE AND ALWAYS ENLIGHTENS THEM WITH HIS GRACE”
Since 1959-1960 Sri P.J.Naidu garu stayed in Quarter No: 7A, Street-2, Avenue-B, Sector-2 in Bhilai. Whenever he came to Bhilai, Babajee was a regular visitor to Sri Naidu’s house and stayed there. Devotees and disciples thronged to Naidu garu’s house to have Darshan of Babajee. Satsang would be held, discussions and chanting would go on up to mid-night.
Sri Naidu’s daughters, Veeralakshmi and Chinni, used to come to my house for tuition. In fact, Naidu garu had named his daughter as Veeralakshmi after meeting Sister Veeralakshmi who was the first disciple of Sri Babajee. His daughters told me that their family performed Babajee’s puja every Thursday which was attended by many devotees. On hearing this, somewhere a spark seemed to ignite in me. I too wanted to attend this puja and asked them whether I would be permitted to do so. By the divine grace of Babajee I was fortunate to join the puja, which I have regularly been doing since October 1969. I was also lucky to have Darshan of Babajee when he visited Bhilai and stayed at Naidu garu’s house. When I first set my eyes on Babajee I did not know who he was. I spoke to him almost casually and enquired about Naidu garu. Babajee asked me to be seated. I sat on the chair opposite to him. Just then Naidu garu came to the room and pointing to the floor, he asked me to shift there. I jumped and immediately sat on the floor. Then Sri Naidu introduced me to Babajee.
Thereafter, I would attend the Thursday pujas along with my wife Kishori bhai and Smt Bakshi. Babajee asked Smt. Bakshi to sing Babajee’s arti. Our regular meetings with Babajee continued. Later, we shifted to M.P.H. Board Colony Quarters. Now it was possible for me to meet Babajee almost every evening. I would purchase samosa, some-times Ganesh brand beedies which he liked so much. At other times my wife would prepare Kheer which we would offer to Babajee. He would ask us to distribute it among all the devotees.
In the month of September 1970, I received a letter from Babajee asking me to come to Waltair, with preparations to take initiation. I met Naidu garu and informed him about Babajee’s divine instruction. On 7th October, 1970 I reached Waltair and had darshan of Babajee at Sister Smt. T. Veeralakshmi’s house. Babajee introduced me her.
On 8th October 1970, i.e. Maha Ashtami day, H.H.Babajee took me into his holy fold. He gave me the sacred initiation along with Smt. Papayamma. Sri K. Subba Rao , Dr. B.V.Rao and Sri Veerabadra Rao. Other devotees were also present. On the 10th October 1970, which was the auspicious Vijaya Dashami day, I again had the darshan of Babajee who was staying at Hotel Manorama. I offered two flowers which I had plucked from a tree inside Sister Veeralakshmi’s compound. Babajee accepted the flowers, while simultaneously telling me where they had come from! This was most astounding to me and again reaffirmed to me how Babajee knew all that was going on in the world. He is truly Sarva-antarayami.
I was sitting at his holy feet and doing seva. I was silently chanting his holy name. After a few minutes, Babajee instructed me on how to meditate and whispered the holy mantra in my ears. He asked me to chant the mantra whenever I found time but cautioned me to avoid doing this while in the toilet.
I purchased for Babajee a packet of his favourite beedies. Once I offered to Babajee, a cup of tea; after taking few sips, he asked me to drink the rest. In the evening he gave me permission to leave for Bhilai and asked me to convey his pranams to Naidu garu. .
I would like to relate an incident to illustrate how the Guru takes care of his disciples as would a mother. Once as I was returning from office, my bicycle hit some thing and I fell. It was 10 PM and everything was pitch dark. Suddenly, I felt as though someone was lifting me, putting me back on my feet. However, on returning home, I did not talk about this incident to my wife, lest she be worried.
After few days my wife went to Vijayawada to have Darshan of Babajee. He related to her how Raghavendra (that is myself) had fallen while returning from duty. He also told her that his shoulder was paining. Like a bolt of lightning, it then struck me that it was none other than Babajee who had come to my rescue on that fateful night.
On the 4th of April 1971, which was Sri Ram Navami day, Babajee gave me and my wife along with Sri P.R.K. Sharma and Smt Sharda his divine foot-prints etched on yellow cloth. I was highly elated to receive the same. We have kept it in our puja room and offer regular prayers. Baba Tajuddin’s urs was being celebrated in Nagpur at his Darga. This urs falls on the 26th day of Moharam. All of us wanted to participate in it (Sri Naidu, Dr. B.V.Rao and myself). We left for Nagpur. Sri Chatterjee also accompanied us. We stayed in the Sarai along with Babajee. Here Babajee met Smt. Begum from Raipur, who is a qawali singer. All of us had meals together. Smt Begum’s children were also present.
Prior to this visit I would like to mention an incident. At about 10 PM, Babajee had started to shave, but accidentally cut his right cheek. Blood started to ooze. After some time the bleeding stopped. In the meantime at Naidu garu’s residence in Bhilai, the stone from his ring had slipped and fallen somewhere. Even after a thorough search, it could not be found. After having dinner I travelled in a rickshaw along with Babajee and Sri Chatterjee to the Medical College to meet Dr.S.Rajendra who was studying there. We met him in his room. Later all of us proceeded to His Holiness Tajuddin Baba’s Darga.
Babajee sat under a neem tree. I was doing seva along with Dr.Sai Rajendra at his holy lotus feet. Sri Chatterjee was taking a nap. At that moment a miraculous incident took place. His Holiness Sadguru Tajuddin Baba attired in shimmering white, was standing majestically in front of Babajee. Both of them were conversing with each other. I requested Tajudin Baba to sit near Babajee, at which he raised his hand in blessing and disappeared! After few seconds, Babajee asked us to go inside the Darga and have Darshan. He also asked us to buy four chocolates. After we came out of the Darga, Babajee blessed us and gave us a chocolate each, saying that our visit to Nagpur was now successfully completed.
Before leaving Nagpur, Babajee asked me to get some sweets. I did so and gave them to Babajee. He took the packet and returned it to me, instructing me to hand it to Naidu garu. After two days Babajee came back to Bhilai. In the evening Babajee asked me to bring the packet of sweets which I had bought in Nagpur. Babajee opened the packet and distributed the prasadam. Dr. B.V. Rao, who had started eating the prasadam, suddenly exclaimed that there was a ring-stone in his sweet. Babajee asked Sri Naidu to take a look at the stone and confirm whether it was the one which he had lost at his home. An astonished Naidu nodded his head excitedly. This was a clear example of Babajee’s omnipotent and omniscient way of helping his devotees with a mother’s unbounded kindness and compassion.
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OM SRI GANESHAYA NAMAHA
OM SRI GURUDEVAYA NAMAHA
“IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND THE ACTIONS OF A GURU AND THEIR ACTIONS ARE INSCRUTABLE TO ORDINARY HUMAN MINDS”
--P.R.K.SARMA
My humble prostrations at the holy lotus feet of Sri Bajee Babajee and Smt. Mataji. With their divine blessings I put forward my experiences.
I joined Bhilai Steel Plant on 20-3-1958. In the year 1968 through Sri R.D.Ramamurthy, I befriended Sri P.Jayarama Naidu. Through him I came to know about Babajee’s leelas, mahimas and miracles. We used to visit Sri Naidu garu’s house every Thursday for puja. In due course we gained experience.
Sri Babajee visited Sri Naidu garu’s house on 28th December, 1971. With Babajee’s permission Naidu garu asked me to come to his house along with Sri Ramamurthy and the same evening we went to his house to have Babajee’s darshan. Babajee was sitting in a chair in the backyard. There was a mattress in front of him. I prostrated at Babajee’s feet. We used to regularly visit Babajee as long as he stayed in Bhilai. On 31-12-1971, Babajee said to Naidu garu that he would give upadesam to me and my wife along with Sri K.K.Murthy couple. On 1-1-1972 when we went to have darshan of Babajee he said that he would give us upadesam. Then I told him that I was given upadesam in my dreams. Then Babajee replied in a jovial mood that if a marriage happened in a dream, would it be a real marriage? Babajee explained to us that the path shown by the Guru is not easy to walk. You have to tread the path with faith and determination.
I was very surprised when Babajee remarked that I had visited a Moulvi for his blessings to get a male child. I was astonished to hear this from Babajee. It was incredible when Babajee spoke about these things as if they had happened in His presence. He is Omniscient and Omnipotent. Babajee asked me, “Can you give me guarantee (to tread the spiritual path with faith and determination) if I give you upadesam.” Sri Naidu replied that he would give the guarantee on behalf of me.
On 3-1-1972, we were given upadesam for which all arrangements were made. In Bhilai itself Babajee had about 25 disciples. J.P.Kacheria was one among them. Along with Babajee we went to his house for dinner. On the way near Durg bus stand at Kabulibaba’s Mazhar , Babajee asked me and my wife to offer prayers. We offered the prayers. When we returned from the Dargah we were astonished to see a rose flower in Babajee’s hands which happened to be on the Samadhi. Once again we were reminded about His Divinity.
Sri Babajee and the rest of us set for a journey to Vizag. There we had darshan of Sister Smt.Veera Lakshmi. She told us about Gurudeva in an elaborate manner. At Vijayawada when we visited Sri Babajee’s house we were fortunate to have Anna Prasadam made by Smt. Mataji. Amir Bhayya, who is Babajee’s elder son, helped in the preparations.
During Srirama Navami in the month of April, Babajee visited Sri Naidu’s house in Bhilai. On the same day we were given Padukas of Babajee. In the month of July I went to Vijayawada to attend my grandmother’s ceremony. First I went to Babajee’s house to have his Darshan. From there I went to my uncle’s house which is at Suryaraopet. When I was about to give some money to my father he shouted,” why do you give such little amount. And for this, why did you come and who asked you to come.” I felt hurt. After having lunch I went back to Babajee’s house. Babajee was standing at the main entrance. Babajee recounted my father’s words. I was astonished. Then I realized that Babajee was Sarvantarayami. He knows everything and he is everywhere.
When we came to know that Babajee had attained Samadhi on 16-01-1973, we were heart broken. We have attended Babajee’s Barsi regularly for the last 18 years.
In the year 1974, I was ordered to observe Mounam on Ramzan day. Subsequently for 21 years I used to observe Mounam on Ramzan day. During that period I experienced different things and saw different forms of Gods, Rakshasas, Witches and Divine Beings. On one such Mounam day, I experienced having feasted along with Babajee and some Peers (Fakirs). I could feel the lingering sweetness of the feast even the next day.
In the year 1978 I went on a pilgrimage to Amarnath with Sri Ram Murthy garu. We wanted to be there on Sravana Pournami day. We stopped at Panchatarana to have tea. An old man came to us and asked for tea. I asked him to wait till the return of my friend. He said he cannot wait for anyone and asked for tea. Immediately I offered him tea. Then he blessed me and said that my journey would be successful and disappeared. I sensed the Divine presence of Babajee and our trip ended peacefully. Babajee always comforted his devotees with his divine assurance, “Why fear when I am here?”
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Smt. Sharada
W\oP.K.R.Sharma,
H.No. B-556, Street No.3,
Smriti Nagar,
Bhilai – 490 020.
“GURU OFTEN ACTS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS”
June 1970
We came to know about HH Bajee Babajee through Sri R.D.Murthy, who told us that Babajee used to visit Sri P.J.Naidu’s house in Sector 2 and advised us to go there to meet him. Sri P.J.Naidu was the first shishya of Babajee at Bhilai. When we went to Naidu garu’s house, he gave us Babajee’s photo and asked us to do pooja and pray to the saint.
We, who did not even know the meaning of the word ‘Guru’, had the wonderful experience of becoming his disciples (shishyas) and joining the B.D.B.N family. At the holy lotus feet of Sri Bajee Babajee on 3rd January in the year 1973 we got upadesam. Slowly we learnt to understand the meaning behind our Gurudeva’s sayings. Before we were admitted into the B.D.B.N family, Babajee told us that it was not easy to become a B.D.B.N member; one has to face many hardships. The path is not smooth and one should have faith and determination to tread this spiritual path.
Babajee used to say “If you believe in me, I am always with you”. This had become a fact of our life.
We did not know the true meaning of ‘Guru’. Babajee enlightened us about this through his disciples Smt. Veera Lakshmi Akkai garu, Sri S.R.Murthy Annai garu, Smt. Swarajya Lakshmi Akkai garu and Smt Savitri Akkai garu. Through them we came to understand that H.H. Bajee Babajee’s divine grace is the means by which we could reach our goal; it is the sole power by which we could merge with his divine being. In order to fulfill our goal, one has to follow with utmost faith the teachings of our Guru.
We would like to share some of our wonderful experiences with our readers.
This incident had happened in the year 1976. Every year we would attend Babajee's Urs. I was very fortunate to have Babajee’s darshan in my dreams. He told me in a dream, “Do not feel sad, Lord Balaji and I are ‘one’. Balaji places faith and heeds my words and I do the same. Both of us shall come to Barsi this time and give you darshan.” Babajee’s Barsi is held at Chittinagar in Vijayawada; hence we had the golden opportunity of having darshan of Lord Balaji and HH Babajee Gurudeva. Sri S.R.Murthy Annai garu and Smt Swarajyalakshmi Akkai garu asked me to offer prasadam to them. Both of them disappeared after taking prasadam.
December 1973.
This incident occurred on the 15th day after H.H.Babajee had taken Samadhi. He visited our humble home at Sector 2 in Bhilai in the shape of a Sadhu. He asked me whether I could give him food as he was tired of eating rotis daily. He wanted to eat food on a plantain leaf. I offered him food on a clean plantain leaf. After he had finished eating the Sadhu (Babajee) showed me the rotis which he had in his bag. He blessed us and left.
This incident occurred on the 40th day of Babajee’s attainment of Samadhi. My brother-in-law’s thread ceremony preparations were going on and my heart was yearning to visit Babajee’s Samadhi as the reconstruction of the Samadhi was going to take place as per Muslim rites and rituals. At that time, a Sadhu wearing white clothes appeared before us and said “Shall I blow the conch (Shanku)”. He blew the conch and later disappeared. This incident touched my heart.
Year 1995
I was traveling with my daughter Smt. Bhavani and her two sons to Bhilai from Hyderabad by train. Unfortunately, our ticket was kept by my husband Sri Sarma garu by oversight. Thus, when the ticket collector came to check, our ticket was not with us and we were extremely worried. However, it seemed that Sri Sarma garu had somehow managed to pass on details of our ticket to someone in Kazipet. For as we arrived at Kazipet station, a man came running on the platform, shouting ‘Bhavani, Sarada’ and told us that the station master had given “this paper with his signature on it. You people can now travel without any worry. I shall travel along with you till Bhilai”, he said and later disappeared. Thus we were able to reach Bhilai safely. This incident offers ample proof that Babajee travels with us from janma to janma till we attain moksha.
Year 2000
We were visiting Tirupati to have darshan of Lord Balaji. I was accompanied by my daughter, son-in-law and their two sons and we were climbing the Tirumala hills by foot, whereas my husband and my mother travelled by bus. When we had reached Mokalla Parvatham we were blessed by the divine darshan of Sri Babajee. He wore a green dress and a white cap. He asked for a cup of tea saying that he felt tired. We offered him tea. Before leaving he said, “I have made all arrangements for your comfortable stay at Tirumala Hills” We really had a most comfortable time and darshan at Tirupati, all thanks to my Gurudeva.
In the year 2008, in the month of January, around 8AM, two sadhus dressed in saffron clothing, got down from a car and asked for one “Sharmaji” . They spoke in Hindi. My son In Law gave directions to “ Sharma Ji’s ” house in our Street. They declined to go there and instead asked my son in law that one Swamiji is sitting in the car and would like to have tea and invite him. We invited them, They told me that their names were Sri Raghavendra Saraswathi and Sri Sivananda Saraswathi. One of the Sadhu asked tea to be served in stainless Steel glass only. They accepted my hospitality and advised me to give charity and observe Dharma. They left thereafter. My son in law tried to see their car just after but it was not traceable. Later on in my dream, Babajee scolded me for not washing their feet as is the custom and informed me it was Lord Venkateshwara and Him and we missed the opportunity to serve. I took it as His blessings and resolved to follow His advice till my last breath.
There are many more such incidents in our life and both I and my husband are blessed to have become part of the B.D.B.N family. Babajee’s blessings are ever present for all my family members and members of the B.D.B.N family.
My humble prostrations at the holy feet of Babajee and Matajee.
Forever in their Services
Sharada
000)))(((000
HARIHARA SUBRAMANIAN
BABAJEE
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DWELL UPON THE GURU’S NAME AT EVERY MOMENT IN LIFE”
In the year 1962, I first met HIS HOLINESS SRI BAJEE BABAJEE in my aunt Meenakshi’s home at Chennai. He was reading a book and smoking beedi.
I thought that like me, he too must be a visitor. I asked him whether he had come to meet Babajee. Being a very ordinary man I could not see the hidden divinity of HIS HOLINESS. He smiled and replied in the affirmative. I went inside to meet my aunt, who was busy making arrangements for the pooja. She asked me to invite Babajee in so that we could start the pooja. To my utter surprise it was the same gentleman to whom I had spoken earlier. He came in and sat on a chair as the pooja commenced. My aunt asked me to sing a song on Murugan. I along with my wife Shenbagavalli, started singing a Tamil song, ’’Ullam Urugudayya” (meaning our hearts melt in Your Presence). As we were rendering the last stanza, ’Kankanda Deivam Ayya, Kaliyuga Varadhanayya’, Babajee stood up and gave us the darshan of the very Lord Subrahmanya Himself. After this miraculous event, we firmly believed that we had the good fortune of meeting a great Mahatma in the person of Bajee Babajee.
We became regular visitors to my aunt’s house in Triplicane and to Sri P.J.Naidu’s house to attend the Thursday poojas. In the year 1962, we were expecting our child. When I informed Babajee about this, he declared, “I shall be born as your son on a Thursday” and added that the child should be named as Bajee. I was overwhelmed to hear this. Accordingly when our son was born, I named him as Bajee. He was born in the year 1963, in the month of March on 14th and the day was Thursday. It was 31st of ‘Masi’ and 1st of ‘Palguni’, in the Tamil calendar. Around 8 to 8.30 AM, my son was born. He was quite thin. I spoke about this to Babajee and remarked that the child being so puny, how could I name him after the very well built and handsome Babajee. Babajee smiled and replied that I should just wait for three months. To our great surprise, after this brief
3-month period was over, our son started displaying the highly robust physical features for which Babajee is known.
Once, Babajee visited our home at Chennai. He came by Howrah Express from Vijayawada. The time was around 4.30 A.M. As we were turning around in sleep, we heard our infant son lisping, ”Allah, Allah”. My mother woke up and she beheld Babajee doing namaz in the verandah. We all woke up and were feeling extremely happy to see Babajee. He told us, “I am a Muslim, and your son is a Muslim too.”
In the year 1964, I was music director for a ballet, ”Shakuntalam” by the famous Bharatanatyam dancer Kumari Kamala & Co. We had to perform in Guntur and Hyderabad. I mentioned about this to Babajee. He received our group at the station. He bought ice-cream for all the 25 members of the troupe. He then told Kamala that he would like to take me to his house. We travelled by a cycle-rickshaw to Chittinagar, where Babajee used to reside. Matajee prepared very tasty biryani for us. Later Babajee gave me Mulgova mangoes in a silver bowl for dessert. Mataji arranged his bed besides mine, but Babaji’s bedding was laid on the floor. I was shocked. When I remonstrated with Babajee over this, he replied that, “As I have been born as your son you are my father, so I do service to my father.” I could not but weep even as Babajee tried to console me. Early next morning we had coffee and left for the hotel where the dance troupe was waiting.
After 1972, the interaction between us became fewer. I was posted to
Coimbatore, but Babajee was always in my mind and heart. In the year 1992, my son Bajee was working in Vizag and I was living with him. That year there was the Krishna river Pushkaram festival. We went to Vijayawada to take the holy dip in the river. My wife was at that time staying in Chennai along with our other son Anand. I told her about the Pushkaram festival and asked her to join us along with Anand. We all went to Babajee’s mandiram, and later to the Krishna river to take the festive bath. However, fate had something else in store for us. Our joy in fulfilling the sacred dip turned to horror as we saw our son Anand drown in the river. We were all shattered, overcome by inconsolable grief. Smt Matajee, ever known for her piety and deep reverence for Babajee, addressed very harsh words to him, criticizing why he did not intervene to save his devotee’s son. We were all completely heart-broken. We performed the rites of our son Anand, on the banks of the Krishna river again, after one year. However, as assured by Babajee in his divine promise as he consoled and comforted us, Anand was reborn to us as the son of my elder son Bajee and his wife Kalpakam. We were overwhelmed by the divine grace which Babajee showered on us.
“We are blessed with the grace of Babajee to attend the Barsi every year after the birth of my grandson aravinda. "
"OHM SREE BAJEE DEVAYA VIDHUMAHEY!! KADARI NIVASAYA DHEEMAHEE!! THANNO BABA PRACHOTHAYATH!!"
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THE MIRACLES THAT HH BAJEE BABAJEE WROUGHT IN OUR FAMILY
Annapurna Sivaswami,
D/o Late Sri S.G. Subramani
“DHYANA MOOLAM GURUR MURTHI
POOJA MOOLAM GURUR PAADAM
MANTRA MOOLAM GURUR VAAKYAM
MOKSHA MOOLAM GURU KRUPA”
Koti pranams at Gurudeva’s feet
In the first edition of Gurudeva’s charithram, my father, Sri.S.G. Subramani had given his version of his first meeting with Gurudeva at Sri Lakshmipathi Sasthri’s residence at Pune.
Here, in these paragraphs I am going to describe what happened that morning when my parents were to meet Gurudeva later that day.
My mother, Smt Meenakshi had been suffering from insomnia for nearly one and a half years. She was all the time tired and going crazy. She started imagining that her days were numbered. Therefore, she insisted that I stop attending school in order to help my father take care of the family, a family of eight, my parents and the six of us children. I was the oldest of the children and my youngest brother was only a year and a half and he needed my mother’s attention. My mother being ill, I took care of him.
My father had taken voluntary transfer from Mumbai to Pune to see if a change of climate would help mother. Unfortunately this did not happen. She was in the same condition. He was very sad and frustrated. He met his erstwhile colleague, Sri Lakshmipathi Sastri who was also posted in the same office of Defence Accounts in Pune at that time. Sastri Garu found my father quiet and sad which was very unusual of him. When Sastri Garu insisted on knowing the reason, my father related to him all about my mother’s condition. Immediately, Sastri Garu invited my parents to his home to have a darshan of Gurudeva who was visiting him then.
It was a Thursday morning. In the evening there was going to be the bhajan and arthi at Sastri Garu’s place. The time was somewhere around 5:00a.m. It was warm. All the windows were open. We could see what went on in the street from our beds. I was wide awake. My little baby brother was fast asleep on my lap. I could not move, lest he woke up. My mother too was awake with my father sitting by her side half asleep. It was then that I heard the gypsy, a daily visitor to our street in the wee hours of the morning. He used to stop in front of every house and speak loudly about the future of the family living in that house, to the accompaniment of his ‘damaroo’ and move on without waiting for any appreciation or reward. Soon he was in front of our house. He started speaking: “Baba thumhara dil achcha karega(meaning: Baba will give you peace). Baba thumhara dil achcha karega. Baba thumhara dil achcha karega.” then he walked away to his next destination. It struck me as quite strange and weird! why should he say the same thing and that too thrice and only in front of our house? I tried to wake up my father from his semi-sleep, but he wouldn’t budge; he was too tired and exhausted. My mother did not pay any attention to all of this.
I slowly slipped back into sleep. Just half an hour would have passed. I was woken up by the next daily visitor to our street, a man amputated below his knees, moving on a roller board, pushing it forward with his hands and chanting “Ram, Ram, Ram”. He did not stop anywhere on that street normally. However, that day, to my surprise, he stopped in front of our house and facing our windows clearly uttered, “Baba thumhara dil achcha karega! Baba thumhara dil achcha karega! Baba thumhara dil achcha karega!” Then he pushed his roller board and moved on. I wondered; Could this be a coincidence that mother was going to visit H.H. Bajee Babajee that very evening and we were getting the hints that everything would be alright and mother would be fine soon?
By now the sun was up and everyone had got up to start doing their daily chores. I tried to tell my parents about what had happened that morning but they were in no mood to listen to anything as they had lost all faith. My father returned early from his office so that he could take my mother to Sathri Garu’s house near Pune railway station in the evening.
My parents left for Sri Sasthri’s place by an auto-rikshaw. They purchased some fresh flowers, a garland and some fruits on the way. Many devotees had gathered in the hall of Sastri Garu’s house for Gurudeva’s darshan and His blessings, when my parents arrived. As my mother related to me afterwards, Gurudeva was seated on a comfortable single seater sofa. As usual Gurudeva was dressed in spotless white lungi and kurta and his head covered in a white cloth. His face was radiant.
When Gurudeva saw my mother entering, he called out to her, “Amma Meenakshi , come. Why did you stop on the way? To buy flowers?” as though he had known her from a long time. Moreover, what was significant was that he knew my mother’s given name, which even I had not known till then, as she was always addressed as Rajam in our home (In Tamil Nadu, when a child is born, it is usually named after either grandparent. However, it is called by some other name if the grandparent is alive, out of respect.). My parents fell at Gurudeva’ feet and did shashtanga namaskar. Babajee made them sit near him.
More was to come. It was Thursday and therefore bhajan was going on. Many people sang. My parents were sitting in a corner and sang along with them. Then, suddenly, Babajee turned towards my mother and asked her to sing. My mother used to sing quite well though she had not received formal training in carnatic music. But that was in the good old days when she was enjoying good health. After some coaxing by my father, she sang a beautiful song in praise of Lord Muruga, the presiding deity at the Kadir Kamam temple in Sri Lanka. My father was surprised because he had never heard her sing that song before! Gurudeava encouraged her and kept saying, “ Wah, wah!” Then followed a few more songs by the assembled devotees. Mother was sitting quietly for some time and then suddenly she said, “I am afraid.” Babajee heard this and He commanded, “Keep quiet.” She fell silent.
Later, after the bhajan was over, prashad was distributed alround. My parents took leave of Gurudeva and returned home. After this, every Thursday my parents attended the bhajans. In the second week of October, Gurudeva announced that he was coming to our home for lunch along with twenty devotees on the first of November and he wanted drumstick sambar, which he knew that my mother was an expert at preparing. My mother happily agreed. Actually, my mother had stopped cooking ever since she had fallen ill. Father used to cook some rice for the family, and get the other dishes from a hotel nearby. So, when mother agreed, we all wondered how she was going to manage.
It was November First, 1960. I remember that day very well. My mother woke up very early, had her bath, and started cooking. Father and I helped her. Looking very cheerful and radiant, she prepared a lavish lunch. Gurudeva arrived along with his devotees around noon. We garlanded and welcomed Him. Everyone prostrated before Him and took His blessings. Food was served on plantain leaves. Mother served all the dishes on the first round starting with the leaf in front of Babajee. At first, Gurudeva tasted a little from all the dishes; thereafter He mixed everything and distributed a little to everyone around; only then did He start eating. In the second round of serving the guests, my father and I helped mother. Babajee lavished praise on mother’s drumstick sambar and complimented her as an expert cook. Mother fell at His feet and took His blessings. Gurudeva and His entourage took leave after a while. We felt happy and comforted for the first time in two years. Mother continued to remain cheerful thereafter and never slipped back. She cooked food regularly for the family; my little brother started getting a lot of attention from her which was his due; for my part, I started attending school regularly. My mother’s sleep returned and there was no looking back. Her health improved tremendously and today, at 90, although she is frail due to old age, she is spirited and full of enthusiasm, all due to the Grace of Gurudeva.
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SRI BAJEE BABAJEE
OM SRI GURUDEVAYA NAMAHA
Smt.Vasundhara Chirravuri
“BABAJEE’S CHANDANAM-THE DIVINE HEALER”
My humble prostrations at the holy lotus feet of Sri Babajee and my Gurudeva Smt. Veera Lakshmi garu. I am Sri S.R.Murthy garu’s eldest daughter. All my siblings grew under the divine guidance of HH Bajee Babajee. We have many wonderful experiences with Babajee. I would like to share one such experience with everyone.
It was during the festive season of Dasara, we had planned to go to our native village, Konakanchi near Vijayawada. My husband Dr.C.R.K.Murthy who is a surgeon was working in Mamta Medical College in Khammam. We were residing in Vijayawada. Suddenly my husband started suffering from severe stomach pain. He knew that it was appendicitis and hence immediately it was to be operated within 24 hours. He spoke to his colleagues and the operation was arranged for the next morning. Meanwhile, I applied Babajee’s Chandanam on his forehead and stomach. Early next morning, we left for Khammam. Again in the morning I gave him Chandanam. By the time we were about to start from Vijayawada station, the pain had subsided. When we reached Khammam, the doctors there checked on him and said that there was no need for surgery. We returned home safely. Babajee’s chandanam worked as medicine and cured the severe ailment.
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Sri Bajee Devaya namaha
Shankar and his wife
Guru is the truth, the strength and the faith.
In this article I would like to give a convincing example of how Babajee hears the pleadings of a bhaktha and unfailingly fulfills them. In this instance, the bhaktha was my brother and he had prayed to Babajee to get him married to the girl of his choice.
I am Shankar, son of Sri Ganapathi Subramani who is a disciple of Bajee Babajee. I would like to relate as to how the power of faith works. This incident relates to my younger brother Viswanath. He had fallen in love with Mallika who was his colleague. That girl Mallika was lean and short, and we felt that she may not be suitable for him. But he wanted to marry none other than that girl. He discussed this with my parents and sought their advice. My parents had no objection, provided their horoscopes matched.
My parents along with my brother went to an astrologer to seek his advice. Viswanath was very confident that this astrologer would answer in the affirmative. But the astrologer negated it, thoroughly upsetting my brother. My parents also felt bad. My father felt that we should take a second opinion. He wanted to show the horoscopes to our family astrologer called Jambu. My other brother Ayyappa said that ‘Mr Jambu is a tough astrologer and rarely says yes’. He further said jokingly: “Even if our parents’ horoscopes are shown to him for match making, he will object”.
The next day we were to go to Jambu astrologer’s house. Then a miracle happened. As Viswanath’s confidence was shaken, he had lost all hope. Normally he does not believe in prayers. But it was at this moment that he prayed to Babajee sincerely and with full devotion ‘Hey Bajee Baba! I have not asked for anything in life, nor did I have belief in you. If this miracle happens, then I shall believe that you have helped me. Please help me at any cost. Hey Bajee Baba, now I request you to show me the way to marry this girl’.
Next day they went to meet the astrologer, Jambu. To our surprise, we really did not know what happened but Jambu lost no time in saying that Vichu and Mallika’s getting together was a continuation of earlier life journies and that nobody can separate the couple. ”They are destined to get married”, he declared.
My brother’s face lit up with joy. His happiness knew no bounds. My parents could not believe as to how everything had changed overnight, but they were greatly relieved. My brother said, ”Hey Bajee Baba, you have proven it. No amount of thanks is enough. Please accept my namaskarams”. The marriage was fixed. This incident did not stop there. The wedding had to be held in Delhi. It so happened that my parents saw the bride in person only on the wedding day. They were literally shocked, as she was so lean and short. Will the almighty Babajee leave it like this? He has his own ways to send signals that everything is happening for good only and nothing to worry. See the wonder again!.
My father wanted to meet his old colleague Sri Sastry, who was in Delhi at that time. Mr.Sastry had introduced us to Sri Bajee Gurudeva, who had so graciously saved my mother’s life. (This incident is narrated in the chapter ‘Babaji Miracle’ by my sister, Mrs.Annapurna Sivaswami, published elsewhere in this book). We are all indebted to Babajee for life.
Mr. Sastry’s colleague had come to attend my brother’s wedding. With his help we could locate Mr.Sastry’s address. After the wedding we went to Mr.Sastri’s home. It was a Thursday. Incidentally to our surprise that day also happened to be Babajee’s Barsi day! Guru puja was about to start and we were just in time to participate in it. My mother took the lead in performing the pooja. She sang the same song which she had sung on the day when she had first time darshan of Babajee. She sang with devotion and dedication. She prayed for the wellbeing of the newly married couple. Babajee’s arti was performed and Prasadam was distributed. Then we were fully convinced that Babajee had blessed the couple. This proved how Babajee unfailingly fulfills the longings of his devotees and confers his grace and blessing on them always.
Since then Mr.Viswanath and his wife Mrs.Mallika became Babajee’s disciples and perform poojas regularly. They are blessed with two daughters who are well educated and settled in life.
The Apathbandhava – Bajee Baba
Apathbandhava means one who comes to the rescue of a disciple in need. This is one of the namas of Bajee Baba, which once again proved apt. In this context, I would like to recount an incident which happened to my brother Viswanath.
In the year 1986, Viswanath had suffered from prolonged illness due to continuous fever and loose motions with intermittent bleeding. He was admitted in a hospital. He went through various tests and given different medications but the doctors were unable to diagnose his illness. My mother prayed to Babajee, “Bajee Deva, Hey Apathbandhava !!! Please save my son”. My brother had immense faith in Babajee and felt that a Special Pooja should be performed in Babajee’s Mandiram. He requested my father to send money to the Mandiram to organize the same. But my father was not able to do so immediately and it took a couple of days before he could send the money order. Then a miracle happened. As soon as my father informed that he had sent the money order, the doctor said that it would be risky to administer any further medication without knowing the cause, and decided to discharge my brother from the hospital. To the surprise of everyone, he became alright soon thereafter!.
In this connection, my brother recollected an incident which took place after a month. He happened to read in a magazine that due to gross negligence at a hospital, a patient was improperly diagnosed and was administered with wrong medicines, due to which the patient had passed away. My brother remembered how Babajee had saved his life in a similar situation. Everybody in our family thanked Babajee, ‘HEY APATHBANDHAVA, BAJEE BABA, you have given him back to us. Thank you again and again”.
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