Satsang Anna Saheb Karindkar

Satsang Anna Saheb Karindkar

Anna Saheb Karindkar

This gem of a devotee was born in Dhanu Road station in Shake 1772 [1851] He died at age 81 on 24th march 1931 at 2.30 a.m in Malyan [Dhanu road station] He was conscious till the end. He seemed to know that his end was near. He summoned his entire family and asked them to sing Baba’s Aarati and Naam Jap. His wish was to read the Shrimad Bhagvat Gita and this was done.

Anna Saheb studied up to 7th standard Marathi medium; and discontinued because his eyes hurt terribly. But his love for reading, only seemed to increase. His home had a well-stocked library. It contained numerous books both religious and non-religious, magazines of every kind and of course the newspaper. A philanthropist, social worker, and educationist he spent his life doing good for the community. Averse to doing a job and working for others he took up farming.

From the yields of the farm, he often donated, grain to, the needy, temples, and various agencies, and to people for functions.

The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan and Sai Leela Magazine were his favorite projects. Ever since the first Sai Leela Magazine was published he subscribed to it, and prevailed upon others to do the same. Needless to say, that he preserved each and every Magazine date wise, very carefully. Further, he advertised, and made announcements of weddings, ceremonies, and other occasions, thus paying for them. It made him happy, that by doing so the Magazine, got funds. Time and again he sent donations through Dev to the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan. Like an accountant he set money aside, and sent it to the Sansthan, for every festival celebrated in Shirdi. Upon subscribing 100 Rs, he became a member of the Sansthan. He then sent 100 Rs, for each of his sons. Shri Krishna Janardhan, Keshev Mahadev, and Haribhau Karnik. Thus he got his sons to become members, perforce. Once he had gone to Nana Saheb Chandorkars house, there he found Das Ganu’s Bhakta Leelamrit; and Sant Leelamrit lying about and uncared for. After taking permission from Nana Shaeb, he sold them for 150 Rs. He sent that money to Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, as a subscription for Nanas two sons.

Baba’s Grace enveloped him, and Baba came to his home through a Photograph. The wonderful Leela is given here. Keshav Ganesh Joshi was his Son-in- law. Keshev got a portrait of Baba painted through the owner of Gyan Sagar Litho Press. He asked Kaka Saheb Mahajini for help, as Keshev liked the portrait that Kaka had. And he wanted a similar one. Thus a beautiful portrait was painted. Then he got it framed with a rich colored wood. When it was ready, and he was satisfied. he, and BV Dev took it home. With due rituals it was hung on the wall. A few months later Dev visited Anna Sahib’s home in Dhanu. He was very surprised to see that very same portrait in his home. Curious about this he asked Anna how that portrait came to his home. Anna said “As you well know that Joshi, brought this portrait home, and hung it on the wall, and a few days later he, had a dream. Baba told him “Take me to Dhanu, and give this portrait to Anna” Joshi had no choice, as it was Baba’s wish.” Needless to say that Anna performed Morning and Evening Aarti, daily. Chanted the Vishnu Sahasranam, offered Naivedya, and lovingly took care of it.

Shirdi Darshan

In 1910 Dev, Anna Saheb and Kavaji Patil visited Shirdi. They went to Dwarakamai and prostrated before Baba and sat down. Dev respectfully gave Baba 1 Re Dakshina. Baba asked him for another Re which he gladly gave. Then Baba put out His hand and asked for another Re. Dev happily gave it. Thus He took 3 Rs from Dev. Simultaneously Anna took out money for Dakshina. Turning to Anna Baba accepted the 1Re coin. Then He asked Anna for another Re, which Anna humbly gave. Thus He took 2Rs from Anna. From Kavaji He took nothing, Baba cursed him, and would not allow him to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum.

On subsequent visits, much to Anna’s discontent Baba did not ask Anna for Dakshina. Though He did ask Dev. Upset with the turn of events, he asked Dev about this; “Why doesn’t Baba ask me for Dakshina? I’m more than willing to give Him Dakshina. Although I accompany you; He asks you, but not me?” Dev replied, “Baba gets other kinds of Seva done through you. Dakshina is not the only Seva one can do for Baba. And who can know why Baba does what He does. He is mysterious, and an enigma. However what He does will never harm us”.

(Source Shri Sai Leela Magazine)