Shri Sai Satcharitra - Part 3 Of Chapter 23

Once, Cholera was raging virulently in Shirdi. The residents were much frightened and they stopped all communication with the outside people. The panchas (elders) of the village assembled together and decided upon two ordinances as a remedy to check and put down the epidemic. They were (1) No fuel-cart should be allowed to come in the village, and (2) No goat should be killed there. If anybody disobeyed these ordinances, they were to be fined by the village-authorities and panchas.

Baba knew that all this was mere superstition, and therefore, He cared two pence for the cholera-ordinances. While the ordinances were in force, a fuel-cart came there, and wanted to enter the village. Everybody knew that there was dearth of fuel in the village, still the people began to drive away the fuel-cart. Baba came to know of this. He came to the spot and asked the cartman to take the fuel-cart to the masjid. None dared to raise his voice against this action of Baba. He wanted fuel for His Dhuni and so He purchased it.

Baba like an Agnihotri keeping his sacred fire alive throughout his life, kept His Dhuni ever burning all day and night; and for this He always stocked fuel. Baba's home, i.e. the masjid was free and open to all. It had no lock and key; and some poor people removed some wood from there for their use. Baba did not grumble about this. Baba saw that the whole universe was pervaded by the Almighty, and so He never bore enmity or ill-will to anybody. Though perfectly detached, He behaved like an ordinary house-holder to set an example to the people.

Sai Ram. The lesson here is simple: share what you have and have total faith in God. Cholera epidemic is also the will of God and not allowing the firewood into the village was scientifically incorrect. Baba allowed others to take what He had, showing that giving is good. Seeing the one God in the whole world around is the best way of being one with the only one. Sai Ram.

Ordeal of Guru-Bhakti

Let us now see, how the second cholera-ordinance fared with Baba. While it was in force, somebody brought a goat to the masjid. It was weak, old and about to die. At this time Fakir Pir Mohamad of Malegaon alias Bade Baba was near. Sai Baba asked him to behead it with one stroke, and offer it as an oblation. This Bade Baba was much respected by Sai Baba. He always sat on the right hand of Sai Baba. After the chilim (pipe) was first smoked by him, it was then offered to Baba and others. After the dishes were served, at the time of taking meals at noon, Baba respectfully called Bade Baba and made him sit on His left side, and then all partook of food. Baba paid him also daily Rs.50/- out of the amount collected as Dakshina. Baba accompanied him hundred paces whenever he was going away. Such was his position with Baba. But when Baba asked him to behead the goat, he flatly refused, saying "Why it should be killed for nothing?" Then Baba asked Shama to kill it. He went to Radha-Krishna-Mai and brought a knife from her and placed it before Baba. Knowing the purpose for which the knife was taken, she took it back. Then Shama went to bring another knife, but stayed in the Wada, and did not return soon.

Kakasaheb Dixit's turn came next. He was 'good gold' no doubt, but had to be tested. Baba asked him to get a knife and kill the goat. He went to Sathe's Wada and returned with a knife. He was ready to kill it at Baba's bidding.