shreeswamisamarthtanaya
Spiritual journey of a Swami Samarth and Shirdi Sai devotee
Swami Krupa (Grace)
27 Oct 2016 – Tanaya’s heart missed a beat as the plane landed on her janmabhoomi, Mumbai. She sighed thinking that it had taken her 9 long years to return. So she prayed saying, “Swami when I bid adieu to this land in 2008, I had just discovered Sai bhakti. Now, I have come here as per your instructions to find something or learn a hidden truth. You continue to teach me in your own “unknown” ways. For the first time I believe your teaching methods. I don’t feel my highly creative brain cells are imagining things. So when you sent a thought message in early October asking me to go to my janmabhoomi. I just jumped to it. So, saying let your will be done, my dearest Swami.”
The next few days rolled by and Diwali festivities were in the air. Family, friends, fire crackers and lots of sweets filled the day. Tanaya was pleased to be amidst her loved ones. However, a strange sadness engulfed her heart. In the stillness of the night as everyone slept peacefully she prayed to Swami. Her tears were unstoppable. She prayed, “I am so close yet so far away from Akkalkot! I am happy to see everyone but I need you. Please help me I have to get to Akkalkot and Shirdi.” Somewhere in her heart Tanaya knew Akkalkot was a distant dream. How long can a child stay away from her Mother?
Tanaya’s restless mind put her in an action mode. She decided to head to any Swami Math in the vicinity. “I have to see Swami! ” was the new ringtone of her mind. Over the next few days Tanaya had covered below Swami Maths:
1. 30/10/16 Chembur – has padukas given to Shri Swami Sut. At this Math, she walked around and placed her head on the Swami padukas. There were 3 other padukas in a box belonging to Swami Sut Maharaj and his daughter, Smt. Siddhabai Nalavade. Tanaya rested her hands on the 3rd padukas. She looked around and found a temple volunteer. This lady cheerfully said that the padukas belonged to Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot. Tanaya looked surprisingly at the volunteer and stood rooted at the spot. She remember the unsolved mystery and prayed for guidance and inner peace.
2. 31/10/16 Vileparle: On the Thursday morning, Tanaya wanted to reach in time for the 7.45 am morning for Shantadurga and Swami aarti. Tanaya rushed around and managed to reach at 7.55 am. She knew she would miss the aarti and would barely get a glimpse of her Mother Durga. As she neared the Math, Tanaya ran for darshan. Only to find that the aarti was about to start. She immediately thanked Mother Divine tried to find a corner to catch her breath. Suddenly, a very elderly priest announced, “Swami chi aarti konala havi?” Tanaya wanted to put up her hand but held back thinking she shouldn’t act greedy. Reaching the math in time for aarti was her only wish and it was fulfilled. The priest continued to call out to someone to volunteer and after 3 attempts looked at Tanaya and said’ “Mooli chal aarti ghey tu?”. Tanaya was dumbfounded. The old priest impatiently signalled to make her way. Tanaya stood before her Father. A 3-5 kg silver tortoise shaped aarti plate was placed in her hands. For the next 30 minutes time stood still as Tanaya only focused on her beloved Swami and Mother Shantadurga. When the aarti finished, Tanaya handed the plate to the priest. He smiled and gently said, “Are you happy and satisfied?” Tanaya could only nod as she was holding back tears.
3. Dadar math: Was the next stop as she continued to search Swami’s message.
4. 11/11/2016 Vengurla: Tanaya wanted to see the Atmalinga Padukas which were gifted to Shri Anandnath Maharaj.On her first visit the Math was closed. She was very disheartened and thought of enquiring timings for pooja by the temple priest. 14/11/16 was her last day in Vengurla. Tanaya decided to go to the Math to see the padukas. Unfortunately, the priest had finished the pooja in early hours. Tanaya gave up and decided for some reason it wasn’t in her destiny. On her way back home, Tanaya stopped at the shops only to run into the Priest. She beamed and pleaded to see the padukas. The 82 year old priest straightened his back and laughed saying, “Ani keeti shodhnaar tyaana, sagli kadhye tech aahet,aadhi baghitley paduka ani hya madhye kahich farak nahi, jyaana tu shodhtey tey tar tuzhya barobar aahey.” Tanaya realised her act of sheer folly. It was true the mind give rise thoughts and a seeker gets bound to it. All one needs is to still the mind!
20 November 2016 – Tanaya’s next destination was Shirdi. In the early hours, she lined up for Kakad Aarti. Tanaya was distracted by the Gurusthan and decided to meditate near the Neem tree. She made her way and sat down to chant Aum Sai. Tanaya felt as if her wandering mind had reached home. The Samadhi Mandir was opened for darshan so she had to head back to the line. Just as she bowed down and touched her forehead, she heard, “pick up 7 leaves and take it with you.” Without a second thought she picked 7 leaves from the floor and walked back. Kakad aarti and Shirdi darshan had filled her spirit with divine love. Later that after, Tanaya left Shirdi by car.
The car driver suggested to go to Shani Shingnapur. Tanaya nodded in agreement. As the lush green fields of Shirdi rolled past, she thought of Baba in the samadhi mandir and prayed.She wished to go to Akkalkot too. A thought flashed past her mind. She screamed and instructed the driver to stop the car. Tanaya announced to drive to Swami Samarth Gurupeeth at Trayambakeshwar. The driver insisted that it’s auspicious to head to Shani Shingnapur. Tanaya requested him to give her a few minutes. She prayed to almighty Swami, “Please help me Swami. I know I am not destined to see Akkalkot. I just want to find a place as holy as Akkalkot. I am sending a heartfelt pranaam to Shani temple.” So saying she closed her eyes and told the driver to travel towards Trayambakeshwar.
One hour later they reached Trayambakeshwar Gurupeeth. The main gates were closed. Tanaya couldn’t control her tears. The driver suggested to leave. She looked around and chided him to drive uphill towards main office.
One hour later they reached Trayambakeshwar Gurupeeth. The main gates were closed. Tanaya couldn’t control her tears. The driver suggested to leave. She looked around and chided him to drive uphill towards main office.
At the main office, Tanaya was told that the Gurupeeth is open but the Prasad kitchen would close in about 10 minutes. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to main entrance. Tanaya smiled and started walking uphill. She thought, “I just want to see my Swami and it’s okay if I don’t get any prasad.” She snapped out if her thoughts and heard the office guard calling out. He was pointing to the car. Tanaya reluctantly walked back and heard the guard telling her to drive up to the main entrance. He insisted that it was important to have prasad. Tanaya looked very puzzled and made her way to the car. After having prasad she thanked her beloved GuruMauli.
Tanay made her way to the main shrine. On her last visit in 2008 the Swami murti was accessible to devotees. However, she noticed that the murti was now fenced off with glass panes. Tanaya found a quiet spot and sat down to pray. A group of visitors started chanting ” Swami Samarth” and she decided to join them. Tanaya wanted to meet one of the main trustees of the Gurupeeth. She found thatspiritual guidance, ayurvedic medicines and research were conducted at Gurupeeth. At around 4 pm she met Shri Chandrakant Dada More. A very kind and gentle person at heart. Shri More Dada blessed Tanaya and gifted her with a Swami photo.
The day passed very quickly and it was almost sunset. The blissful atmosphere of Trayambakeshwar gave a touch of heaven. Tanaya walked to the car holding Swami’s photo close to her heart and said, “Thank you Swami.”
27 Nov 2016 Swami math Thane west –
The last day before departing her janmabhoomi. Tanaya decided to spend the evening shopping around. She walked aimlessly on the streets with her shopping list. She thought, “I am content and need to shop but I still want to see Swami one last time. Nothing seems to make me happy anymore.” The thought had barely darted across her mind. She looked on the other side of the road and froze. Across the road was a Swami Math. Tanaya rushed not caring about the speeding vehicles. She ran to the Math fell at Swami’s feet. At the entrance of temple, a very elderly man was distributing holy ash while chanting Swami’s name. Tanaya wanted to find more about the history of the math. She had spent most of her childhood in Thane. However, she had never seen the Math.
The last day before departing her janmabhoomi. Tanaya decided to spend the evening shopping around. She walked aimlessly on the streets with her shopping list. She thought, “I am content and need to shop but I still want to see Swami one last time. Nothing seems to make me happy anymore.” The thought had barely darted across her mind. She looked on the other side of the road and froze. Across the road was a Swami Math. Tanaya rushed not caring about the speeding vehicles. She ran to the Math fell at Swami’s feet. At the entrance of temple, a very elderly man was distributing holy ash while chanting Swami’s name. Tanaya wanted to find more about the history of the math. She had spent most of her childhood in Thane. However, she had never seen the Math.
Tanaya walked towards the old man and took holy ash. She queried the history of the math. The elderly man introduced himself as Appa Bua. He said that the math was nearly 99 years old. Tanaya mentioned that She had accidentally found the math and was glad to see Swami and made her way to the exit. Appa Bua called her and requested her to wait for a few minutes. Tanaya was initially very reluctant as it was getting late. She decided to sit and meditate. Appa Bua spoke to her after 5 minutes and queried the reason behind teary eyes.
Tanaya said, ” I couldn’t visit Akkalkot, Gangapur and Peethapur. I feel I have not yet met the divine trinity.” Appa Bua smiled and replied, “my child, would you like to know the reason behind asking you to wait.” Tanaya nodded with affirmation. Appa Bua instructed Tanaya to take the staircase on outer side and to meet him after darshan.
Tanaya was getting late but her feet took the stairs that led to a room. Inside this room, were Swami’s paduka and big photo. Next to it was Lord Sreepad Vallabh’s idol. Tanaya was overjoyed and prayed. She walked back to meet AppaBhau in the math. Bua said, “It’s up to you to believe. While you were leaving Swami told me to stop you. You are His beloved daughter and He is with you. What else does have to do for you to believe. Not many people get to see the paduka’s. As per Swami’s instruction, I had to send you for darshan. Please believe He does care for your wellbeing.”
Tanaya was elated and touched Appa’s feet for blessings. Appa blessed her and said “I will see you again in 2017 and you will visit in mid- November” and gave her some holy ash. Tanaya walked out and only managed to whisper, “Thank you Swami”. She wondered if Appa’s prediction as she left the math.
Later on Tanaya visited the Sai Mandir from where her spiritual journey had begun during her childhood.
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I just loved your post and the experienced that you have shared. It’s true that swami maharaj is with us everytime, it is just that we have to believe in it.
Last night, i started my journey towards akkalkot, reached the venue in the morning, had a blissful darshan and now going back to my janma bhoomi (Thane). I strongly believe that if we have a strong desire to meet our swami then no matter what our swami maharaj will pull us towards him and shower us with blessing. And when swami maharaj have a desire to meet his devotee, all the hurdles, problems gets vanished and we get pulled towards him automatically. So, in a nutshell, it is swami’s wish to invite us for a darshan and not us.
I called swami maharaj as my swami ajoba and talked to him on daily basis. I just love my ajoba very much.