By: Prathibha G
Reference Source: Mahasamadhi by Dr. G.R. Vijayakumar
The year was 1918 and it was an auspicious day per the Hindu calendar year. The Hindus all over were celebrating Vijayadashami on the 15th day of October 1918. However, Shirdi wore a somber look and the day was a gloomy one in the heart and mind of the villagers of Shirdi. Let us recapitulate 15th October 1918 as Vijayadashami dawned! There was hope and despair inside Dwarkamai, the mosque alternately! That was the state of mind of Madhava Rao, Nana Chandorkar, Kaka Dixit and others who were constantly attending on Baba. One moment Baba showed hopes, another His condition became hopeless! Baba’s condition had gone from bad to worse.
The noon arathi was short! The lunch hour was already over – yet no one thought of having lunch. Though serious, Baba was conscious. He was aware that His time for ‘Mahasamadhi’ had come. He wanted to avoid the utter confusion caused by wailing, weeping and crying of devotees. But they were not prepared to leave Him alone. Baba told them to go for food. Nana Chandorkar, Buti, Madhava Rao, Kaka Dixit, Sathe, Mhalsapathy, Dabholkar were all near Him. It was hard for them to disobey Baba. They all left for lunch. Remained behind with Baba were Lakshmi Bai Shinde, a villager Bayaji Kote Patil and a couple of others.
Baba sat up in His bed. He took out from beneath His pillow a purse of His nine coins. With His polishing, they were gleaming with extraordinary shine. Holding them in His right palm, and looking at them intently He told Lakshmi, “Lakshmi, now you have to preserve this precious wealth of mine. These coins represent the nine fold devotion of my nine intimate devotees.
Keep them with you. They will set an example for ideal devotees. You too have served me selflessly giving boundless love. But I gave you nothing in return. Accept these coins as my gift. My fakir will look after your welfare!” He placed the coins in her hand, first five and then four! Lakshmi’s eyes welled up with tears. It was a unique experience in her life which left her enchanted.
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