Prasang 74
“One with such devotion can attain the ultimate task”
In 1942, Shastriji Maharaj was in Sārangpur, suffering from severe arthritis pain. As a result, he remained there for nearly a month. One day, he softly mentioned: “If Narayan Swami (Pramukh Swami Maharaj) comes to Sārangpur and recites the Bhaktachintāmani kathā, my health will improve.”
Shastri Narayanswarupdas (Pramukh Swami Maharaj) was overseeing the Atlādarā Mandir construction site at that time. The moment he heard this, without any delay, he packed his potalu (cloth bag), took a fellow swami along, and immediately set out for Sārangpur. It was pouring heavily, but no storm could deter Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s determination.
At 3:00 AM, he reached Vadodarā railway station to board a train for Ahmedabad. However, the train was overcrowded, and due to the rain, all the coach doors were closed. Swamishri went from one coach to another, from the first to the last and then back to the first, but no one opened a door. The train was preparing to depart. With an unwavering resolve to reach Shastriji Maharaj at any cost, Swamishri clung onto the footboard of the third coach behind the engine. As the journey progressed, the difficulties increased. Harsh rain showers, howling winds, and tiny coal embers from the engine hit his skinny body. He had to balance his feet on the narrow footboard while ensuring his grip on the railing remained firm. Despite enduring these hardships, Swamishri reached Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad, he managed to find a place to sit. By around 3:30 PM, he arrived at Botād station. The exhaustion of traveling all night and into the next afternoon weighed on him. Additionally, the roads from Botād to Sārangpur were flooded, making vehicular travel impossible. Swamishri started walking. At that time, there were no paved roads between Botād and Sārangpur. He walked through muddy paths and flooded fields. The waters of the Vokala River surged up to his chest and neck. What lay beneath the water was unknown. Yet, Swamishri kept walking, relying solely on his faith in Shastriji Maharaj.
Seeing his bhakti, as if by Bhagwān will, a shepherd appeared. He said, “Come, I will help you cross.” Handing Swamishri the end of his wooden staff, he led him through the treacherous waters, guiding him all the way to Sārangpur.
Upon reaching Sārangpur, Swamishri went straight to Shastriji Maharaj. Shastriji Maharaj was resting on a cot. Swamishri, still in his drenched clothes, immediately prostrated before him. Seeing his beloved disciple, Shastriji Maharaj sat up in surprise and asked, “How did you get here in such heavy rain?”
Swamishri’s response reflected his unwavering gurubhakti in just one sentence: “It was your wish, so I came.” He did not utter a single word about his extreme hardships.
Deeply moved by Swamishri’s sacrifice, dedication, and love, Shastriji Maharaj was overwhelmed with joy and said, “One with such devotion can attain the ultimate task [Akshardhām]...” He then embraced Swamishri, showering him with blessings despite his clothes still being soaked.
When following a Guru’s āgnā or serving selflessly, our comfort zone often holds us back. When we face discomfort, we hesitate or slow down. But Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life teaches us that when we step beyond our comfort zone and serve with boundless enthusiasm and bhakti, the Guru’s immense blessings and rājipo are bestowed upon us.
