Bhaktaratno

The murti-pratishthā ceremony of Dharmakul murtis at Sārangpur Mandir was approaching, and during this time, Shastriji Maharaj had arrived in Radhu. Just a village away, in Purushottampurā, lived Āshābhāi, Ishwarbhāi, and Motibhāi, who owned vast lands and estates. Around this time, they had built a grand new bungalow to store their agricultural produce, ensuring it was well-furnished and suited to their status. They had an abundant harvest that year - 600 maunds of cotton, 700 maunds of chickpeas, 1,000 maunds of wheat, and various other grains, all stacked and ready for sale (a unit of weight; 1 maund = 20 kg). But then, disaster struck. A burning matchstick accidentally fell into the cotton, and in moments, the fire spread uncontrollably. Before anyone could react, the flames engulfed everything - all their wealth, property, and possessions turned to ashes. The family barely managed to escape with just the clothes on their backs.

While in Radhu, Āshābhāi received this devastating news. Yet, blessed with spiritual insight from Shastriji Maharaj, he remained unmoved. Upon reaching Purushottampurā, he saw everything burned to the ground - a sight that would break anyone’s heart. But for this family, it was simply a divine test from Bhagwān himself. Instead of lamenting, they calmly sent a messenger to bring khichadi from Radhu, as there was nothing left to eat. That night, they gathered as usual for dinner. The next day, Shastriji Maharaj arrived. Seeing the immense loss, he was deeply pained. He consoled the two brothers, but then, as if one more test remained, he remarked: “This is merely an obstacle in our work. We came to collect funds for the Sārangpur murti-pratishthā, and this misfortune occurred.”

For most, hearing such words at that moment would have been unbearable. It would have surely caused one to perceive manushyabhāv (human-like qualities) in Shastriji Maharaj. But Āshābhāi, Ishwarbhāi, and Motibhāi were no ordinary devotees - they saw Shastriji Maharaj as Bhagwān himself.

Even after losing everything, their only thought was fulfilling their Guru’s āgnā. Without hesitation, Āshābhāi asked Motibhāi to take a loan from a moneylender. Once the funds were secured, they placed the money at Shastriji Maharaj’s feet. Shastriji Maharaj, stunned by their devotion, asked, “Where did you get this from?” Āshābhāi replied, “Swami, we would move heaven and earth for you. Please accept this and bless us.” Seeing their unshakable faith, Shastriji Maharaj was deeply moved. He embraced them and said, “In such difficult times, even when food and clothing are uncertain, bringing money on interest and offering it - who else could do such a thing?” Motibhāi then spoke with firm conviction: “Swami, only those who have the power to give generously can ask for donations at such a time. And you - you are the very form of Shriji Maharaj himself! If we let go of this moment, we will miss out on the divine grace you have come to bestow upon us. How could we let this opportunity slip away?”

It is easy to serve when times are favorable. But what kind of faith does it take to serve in adversity, hardship, and in the face of total loss? Everything was reduced to ashes, yet these devotees offered whatever they had at their Guru’s feet. Can there be a greater example of surrenderence in this world?