098. Pandu Sonar

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||

During the time that Shri Swami Samarth was in Akkalkot, He never stayed in one place and always used to tour the neighboring villages. He had a twofold objective of always moving around: protection of His devotees and bringing atheists onto the spiritual path.

Around three kos away from Akkalkot is a village by the name of Maidargi. Pandu Sonar, a goldsmith, who was a devotee of Maharaj, lived there. He was heavily in debt and was always being harangued by his creditors. 

Once, a wealthy man had placed an order with Pandu to make some gold jewelry. In a moment of weakness, to pay off some of his debt, Pandu made the jewels from some other metals, added a gold coating, and delivered them to his customer. 

Some days later, his wrongdoing came to light, and a police complaint was lodged against him. Tatyasaheb Mamledar carried out the investigation and a criminal case was made against him and he was found guilty, which he was, and was sentenced to receive lashes. 

Seeing no way out for himself, Pandu Sonar prayed to Shri Swami Samarth and swore to never cheat anyone ever again. Just as Shri Krishna pushed away the delicacies that Devi Rukmini had prepared for Him, and ran to protect his sister Draupadi, so did Bhakta-Kama-Kalpataru Swami Samarth rush to save His devotee.

On the day of the punishment, Pandu Sonar called out to Maharaj for help from the bottom of his heart. Samarth was at Akkalkot. It was morning and almost Shri's bathtime. Just as his attendants were about to begin pouring water on Him, He said, "I do not want to bathe. Bring the palanquin!"

His instructions were followed promptly and Maharaj with his entourage in tow set out. They did not know to which village Maharaj wanted to go but knew that He would tell them in which direction to move, and when and where to stop. When they reached the Bori river, He took a bath and then asked his troupe to make haste to Maidargi. 

The company reached Maidargi at around three in the afternoon and instead of going to a dharamshala, Maharaj instructed them to go to the police station. Tatyasaheb Mamledar, a devout man, was overjoyed to see Maharaj and promptly offered his obeisances. Then, after offering his seat to Shri Swami Samarth, stood before him with folded palms. 

Pandu Sonar was standing in front of Shri Maharaj and He called him closer and asked him to sit beside Him. Mamledar was surprised on seeing Maharaj's affection towards a convicted criminal. When Mamledar came forward to honor Maharaj, He ordered Pandu Sonar to manage the honor protocol. This is what Pandu wanted and with great joy, he executed the protocol perfectly. Maharaj instructed Pandu to stay by his side for the next day.

Seeing Maharaj's love for Pandu Sonar, Mamledar freed him. Pandu Sonar then narrated his story to the other devotees and that is when they understood why Maharaj had left Akkalkot promptly without taking a bath. 

All present then glorified Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj.

|| Shri Swami Samarth ||