Tuesday, 8th August 1961:
1st August 1961
Just five days ago, on 27th July it was Gurupurnima. He had come to the Bangalore Wala building on the 24th. Shri Laxman Shah Khoday wished to take Him to Bangalore. But most of the devotees did not allow that to happen although Bhagvan too wished to go to Bangalore. Since devotees opposed He too gave in. Alternatively, He wished to go to Kanhangad. But that too did not happen.
Shree Shaligram Swami had taken Mahasamadhi some four months ago. Their association for nine reincarnations was over. At the behest of Shaligram Swami He had appeared to fulfill the wishes of the devotees to be with Him again. The purpose had been achieved, Sthir Samadhi was now to be taken. He sent for all His devotees through various means. To some, He appeared in His astral form and beckoned them to come to Ganeshpuri. One such devotee was Shri Madhav Hegde whom he often called Engineer Hegde. Madhav was sitting in his office in Mumbai. Suddenly He appeared in his cabin and said “Hurry. Come to Ganeshpuri immediately.” Saying this, He vanished. Madhav immediately left his office and picked up his family and made his way to Ganeshpuri.
In our house the lifesize picture of His turned pale. His face appeared pulled down and weak. Otherwise robust figure turned pale and weak. Captain Hatangdi, kept the ghee lamp burning for reasons not known to him.
He took a natural way to complete His Avatar, unlike three times earlier when He had withdrawn from His body for a long period!
The All-Encompassing:
Soon He was to end His sojourn. His devotees could easily approach Him and He was freely Available. Just remembering Him at the time of need, was enough. He would come to help. He once said, “‘This One’ can hear the trinkets tied on the feet of the ant”. When asked by my Father about the availability of His grace to his children He said ” Seed has been sown, it will grow into a huge tree and shall bear flowers. Everything is there for them.” When my cousin expressed “Unlike before we can no longer serve You. It has become difficult to get to you because of the people around You. It is no more like golden old days when You could be reached out”. He replied, “Does it make any difference? You serving and not serving is the same. Everything is there for you. Everything is there for you!”
When asked what will happen to the devotees? How will He be available to them in the future? He said “In the subtle Form, ‘This One’ will be very easily available to all who call out to Him with faith. ‘This One’ will stand by in time of need. Do your duty. Serve your mother. When you find time meditate, sing bhajans, and contemplate. Have Faith in Sadguru. He will guide you on Nivruti Marg. What does Sadguru do? Sadguru shows the Nivruti Marg.”
In two days time He was to emerge again as Supreme Consciousness!
The Night 7th August 1961
The gross was soon to be shed to make the subtle available to all freely, unconditionally, and openly. The process of withdrawal had started on 27th April 1961, when Shree Shaligram Swami was granted permission to entre into Mahasamadhi.
He was in the midst of devotees and people just as Lord Krishna was with Pandava and Kaurava. Nobody recognized Lord Krishna as a Mahavatar. They all took Him for granted. He was so easily available, and so casual in his behavior that they did not take the opportunity to hold His divinity in their hearts. Only gopies, Arjuna, and Vidhura sat at His Feet in surrender.
Nobody recognized the Mahavatar, that He was. They took Him for what they wanted and not for what He was. Even today, many simply use His name to further their own ulterior motives.
Tonight He is ‘available’ to all. My elder sisters looked upon Him as a figure like that of grandfather. He was so ‘close’ to them. He was not on a high pedestal, very difficult to reach. In Anant and later in The Endless One, we made Him available to All freely and unconditionally, the way He was.
On the eve of His Punyatithi, the Bhav is of Hanuman in the arms of Lord Rama – The Sadguru. Solace, Peace, Prem, Care, Quietness, Silence and Joy!
8th August 1961:
Nobody knew that while one sun rose that morning, another was to set forever leaving His devotees. He was quiet that morning. Whatever Dr. (Mrs.) Kotwala could not, she did. He refused all medicines. Most of those who served Him had left leaving Gopal Anna in charge. Bhagavan asked him whether Swami Janananda had come. He was told that Swamiji was on his way. He then told Gopal Anna, “Sthir Samadhi! From Sadhu to Swami, Swami to Deva, Deva to Bhagavan. Now Sthir Samadhi,, Sthir Samadhi, Sthir Samadhi!” He stretched His legs. His right leg had arthritis. However, both legs He straightened. Placed His hand on His heart and with one deep breath, He withdrew the Prana. His face shown with unusual glow. There was a sweet smile on His face. Gopal Anna looked at the watch. It was 10.43. He called others, who came running. The news spread like wildfire. It was announced on All India Radio.
Those who were with Him from the late 1920s, bowed and withdrew, carrying within them His Infinite Love and infinite Compassion, and experienced a vacuum that made them sob. “None like Him! Second to none! God of gods! Guru Mauli! The Endless One! The Eternal One! Bhaktakamkalpadruma!”
