Sai Baba idol on Samdhi temple shirdi-old picture
Om Shri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai.
Last post we read the about Sai Baba’s teachings to hemadpant and how to worship Baba.
Now we will go through the second story from Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter 3, which starts from verse 109. The story tells us about the effects of Naamsmaran or Kalmas (verses) from Koran or from any sacred book.
Rohila’s Advent in Shirdi
A Rohila (Pathan) greatly attracted with Sai Baba’s divine quality came to Shirdi. He stayed in Shirdi for many days and during that time much love and devotion for Baba developed in him. Like a muscular well-fed he-buffalo in his physique. Quite unrestrained and self-willed in behavior, he would heed no one. He wore a kafni reaching down to his feet and stayed in Masjid.
He stayed in Shirdi for many days and during that time much love and devotion for Baba developed in him
By the day and by the night in the Masjid or in the Chavadi, with intensity of spirit and great enthusiasm he would recite the Kalmas (verses) from Koran at the top of his voice, whenever it pleased him to do so.
The villagers of Shirdi gets disturbed
Sai Baba was peace incarnate but the villagers of Shirdi became tired, because even at night his clamour continued disturbing their sleep. In the day time worked hard in the fields or in the woods. In the night they could not sleep peacefully and hence they were greatly annoyed. Maybe Sai Baba was not troubled but for the people of Shirdi it was a painful experience. They were in dilemma, how long could they suffer patiently? Day and night the irritating and disquieting noise continued and they were worried.
As it is Rohila was a strong-headed person and to add to it he had Sai Baba’s support. So he became more uncontrollable. He became arrogant and began to abuse people using foul language. He turned upon the villagers with his reckless and unrestrained behaviour. The villagers too turned against him.
Shirdi villagers makes a humble request to Sai Baba and Baba’s reply
Sai, the most compassionate Mother, protector of all who surrendered to Him. All the people now turned to him asking him earnestly with humbleness and in piteous tone. But Baba took no notice of them.
Not only that but he scold them, “Do not harass Rohila; he is very dear to me. His wife is a bad-tempered woman and does not want to 
stay with him. So this harsh tempered and aggressive woman wants to give him a slip and come to me. The wretched woman is without modesty and shame. Even if she is driven out she forces her way into the house.
“The moment he stops shouting the Kalmas, it gives opportunity for the wicked woman to enter. When he shouts she flees leaving him pure of body and mind, which is greatly creates a situation for my peace and happiness.
“Do not come in his way and let him shout full-throated. Without him I cannot pass the night in peace. He brings me profound happiness. His shouting in this manner is greatly beneficial for me. Thus this Rohila is benefactor and a great source of happiness to me. Let him cry out to his heart’s content, for it is good for my well-being. Or else, the Rohilli will cause me great pain.
” When he gets tired on his own he will stop. Then your purpose will be achieved and also the wicked woman will not wrestle with me.”
When Maharaj himself said this, there was no other alternative for Shirdi villagers. Also if Sai Baba’s mind was not disturbed in the least, what business did they have for complain? Rohila had boundless enthusiasm and to add to it he got the encouragement from almighty Baba. No wonder, he ventured freely with his loud recitation. The people were amazed and thought about Baba’s forbearance. What would bring a splitting headache gave him peace and deep happiness. His shouting was horrifying and people wondered why his throat did not run dry!
When Maharaj himself said this, there was no other alternative for Shirdi villagers.
Baba’s insistence was only this, “Do not intimidate Rohila!”
Rohila looked as a madcap. But he had deep reverence for Sai Baba. He happily recited the Kalmas with strict conformity with his religion. He did not bother whether his voice was pleasing or musical. No sooner did he get inner inspiration he would burst out with the chanting the name of Allah. He was endowed with the rattling voice. Regularly and unceasingly he shouted Allah-ho-Akbar, and the Kalmas with great joy.
Baba moved away from those who disliked the name of God and hence he said,”Why drive away this Rohila who is so fond of singing the name and praises of God? Where my devotees are singing my praises, I am present there, wide awake all the time.” As if to prove the truth of utterances of God, Baba said this.
Rohila looked as a madcap. But he had deep reverence for Sai Baba. He happily recited the Kalmas with strict conformity with his religion. He did not bother whether his voice was pleasing or musical.
Rohila would pass his days on alms, eating whatever he got with gravy or not. Sometimes he would pass the day without food altogether. How can such a man have a wife? And how shall she go to Baba? Rohila was a pauper, without any money. How can he have a marriage or a wife? Moreover Baba was celibate from childhood. So this story was metaphorical.
Let him (Rohila) sing out at the top of his voice to his heart’s content. Baba was very happy to listen to Kalmas and God’s name, day and night. Compared to it the sleep was like poison. Compared to the superior wisdom of Kalmas the complaints and petty grievance of villagers was without significance. Baba made this pretence to bring villagers to correct perspective.
In this way Baba clearly brought the perception of all that ‘I like the company of Rohila because he loves God’s name.’
Om Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha1
Leave a Reply