Thursday, December 16, 2010

Baba Shri Manohar Das ji, the Pride of the Spiritual World-XVII

Shri Yamuna & Parikrama Marg of Vrindavan


Manohar Baba could see Yamuna ji and the parikrama marg of Vrindavan from the terrace of his hut. Everyday without fail, Baba would come for some time to the Gopal Mandir to pay his respects to Shri Maharaj ji. After sitting quietly for a while, he would go back. 

“He should not have left but rather endured everything by staying right here,” highly revered Shri Maharaj ji would tell the members of his parikar (circle of devotees)about Baba.

Did Maharaj ji want to teach  his close associate Baba how to deal with honour and dishonour with the same dignity? Baba used to say that this was a crucial time for him when he was tested by fire (agni pariksha) or assayed by his guru (guru pariksha).

The food-prasad (remnants of food offered to an idol) was sent from Gopal Mandir to Baba's hut by saint Albeli Sharan ji and members of the parikar. Once it so happened that highly revered Shri Maharaj ji went and hid somewhere in Vrindavan. Baba tossed about miserably at the unbearable anguish of being separated from him.


Shri Vrindavan


Baba complained to Shri Soni ji (Rasik Bhushan ji) who was extremely dear to Shri Maharaj ji, “How come you people can not find the whereabouts of Bal Krishna Das ji Maharaj in Vrindavan itself.” 

On this remark,Shri Soni ji found Maharaj ji staying in Shri Sitaram ji's hut located in Fogla Ashram. When Baba came to know of this development he instantly went to Maharaj ji.



Shri Bal Krishna Das ji Maharaj


But as soon as Maharaj ji saw him, he vent his anger upon him. Baba listened to the violent outburst silently. 

“You have hidden here just because of me and are bearing such hardships. Kindly get up now and come to your abode,” Baba coaxed him when he had had calmed down.

It is really astonishing that Shri Maharaj ji who was fuming with rage just two minutes back, got up obediently like a child on Baba's suggestion and went along with him. Initially he went to Baba's kutiya and then proceeded to Gopal Mandir.


Devotee & Shri Krishna


The conduct and actions of saints and great men who have attained the Divine, is absolutely different from ordinary people. This is precisely what the inconceivable actions of Shri Maharaj ji were like.


Shri Manohar Baba Pained on Being Separated from Maharaj ji


The days and nights of Manohar Baba were passing like ages because he was living separately from Bal Krishan Das ji Maharaj. Invariably, he would weep hysterically when he was all by himself.

One fine day Devi ji came to his hut to meet Baba. 

“Why have you come here? ” he asked her in astonishment

“ Shri Maharaj ji had asked yesterday why I didn't go to your kutiya to meet you? When I answered that he was the one who had stopped all of us from coming to you, he confirmed that there was no ban on my visiting you.” Revered Devi ji replied, soon after,

 On another such day, higly revered Maharaj ji had sent Devi ji's father to meet Manohar Baba at his kutiya. But how can the parched throat of a thirsty person be quenched by a drop of water? (page 367 of 'Smriti Kaumudi,'the memoirs of Manohar Baba)

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