|| Shri Swami Samarth ||
Narayandas was a Gujarati Brahmin who was staying around Mengalai in a village called Beed-Pattan. His wife was heavily pregnant and their child was to be born any day now.
One day a Brahmin, who was on a tirtha-yatra, arrived in the village and stayed for a few days. This Brahmin and Narayandas began conversing and they soon found themselves discussing great spiritual masters. The Brahmin said that he had seen a sadpurush yogeshwar at Akkalkot.
On hearing this, Narayandas said, "In this Kaliyuga, many sadhus, sants, sannyasis can be found wandering as a means to provide for themselves. They do this to make a living. Does performing tricks qualify them to be called an Avatari!?"
The Brahmin, slightly offended, said, "You should refrain from ridiculing mahapurushas without reason", and then got up and left.
Just then, Narayandas' wife went into labor. The contraction was unbearable but the childbirth was complicated. Narayandas was scared for his wife and unborn child and thought to himself, "I mocked Akkalkot Swami in front of that Brahmin. Is this my punishment?"
Then convinced of his offense he offered his obeisance and prayed, "O Lord! Deliver my wife from this suffering. I surrender to You. Do not turn me away!"
Just then Maharaj, who is a karunanidhi, appeared before Narayandas.
"So, You were the one mocking me before the Brahmin weren't you!?", said Maharaj.
Narayandas pleaded, "Maharaj! Please forgive me. I committed this offense out of ignorance. Have mercy on my wife who is suffering. Show us a way out!"
Samarth said, "If you are truly in need, go to Akkalkot and offer Rudrabhishek and then offer brahmin-bhojana by spending a thousand rupees."
"If my wife safely delivers by this evening, I will surely do as you instruct", promised Narayandas.
On hearing this Maharaj suddenly disappeared from sight. Everyone present who saw this happening before their eyes were mesmerized.
That day, before sunset, a son was born to Narayandas. His wife delivered a healthy baby and she was also in good health. Narayandas' joy knew no bounds.
By the time the boy turned five months old, Narayandas had forgotten about this vow. When his wife reminded him of it, he started suddenly started behaving as if he had lost his mind. He ripped apart his clothes, began jumping around like a madman, yelled out expletives, and became a terror for his family.
His wife and mother finally, with much effort brought him to Akkalkot. When he was brought in front of Maharaj, Shri said, " Tell me! You've become arrogant! Do you want more?", and then got up and walked away.
For four months, the entire family stayed at Akkalkot and offered service to Maharaj to their fullest ability. Then slowly, but steadily, Narayandas regained his sanity and began behaving normally. He then spent a thousand rupees in offering Rudrabhishek and brahmin-bhojana to fulfill his vow. Then, with Shri Swami Samarth's blessing, he returned home with his family.
|| Shri Swami Samarth ||
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