Sai Baba's Miracle: Nanavali's Itching Story

Introduction to Nanavali and His Problem

In the lanes of Shirdi lived a devotee named Nanavali, who held immense faith in Sai Baba. He would often visit Shirdi to have Sai Baba's darshan and listen attentively to his teachings. There was no flaw in his devotion, but sometimes unexpected problems arise in life that seem difficult to resolve. Such a serious problem arose in Nanavali's life – he was afflicted with unbearable itching. This itching was so intense and painful that his life became miserable. He would writhe in agony day and night. He was not getting any relief from ordinary medicines and treatments, which made him even more despondent. Seeing his suffering, those around him were also worried, but no one could offer a solution to his problem.

Kulkarni's Wicked Scheme

Meanwhile, a man named Kulkarni, who wanted to teach Nanavali a lesson, was observing his suffering. Kulkarni's intentions were not good; he was thinking of worsening Nanavali's itching problem, perhaps to embarrass him or harm him in some way. He devised a wicked plan. He thought, why not misuse the very medicine for itching? He prepared a potent itching medicine with a very strong effect. Then, he cleverly mixed this medicine into a sweet. Kulkarni's plan was so secret that no one had any inkling of it. He knew Nanavali had a great fondness for sweets, so he chose 'peda' (a type of Indian sweet). He very cunningly mixed the medicine into those pedas, feeling pleased that he would now make Nanavali a victim of his scheme.

Nanavali Eats Peda and the Itching Worsens

As per his plan, Kulkarni fed the medicine-laced pedas to Nanavali. Nanavali, who loved sweets, ate the pedas without any suspicion. He had no idea how harmful this sweet was going to be for him. As soon as he ate the pedas, within a short while, the medicine began to show its effect. The itching he had before intensified manifold. He experienced unbearable burning and itching all over his body. He started writhing in pain. Where he could tolerate it somewhat before, it now became completely unbearable. It was difficult for him to understand what had suddenly happened that increased his suffering so much. Despondent and distressed, he could only think about what would happen to him now.

Reaching Sai Baba

Distraught by the unbearable pain of itching, Nanavali thought that only one refuge remained for him, and that was Sai Baba of Shirdi. He decided to tell all his suffering and pain to Sai Baba. After all other remedies had failed, all his hopes now rested solely on Sai Baba. He went directly to the temple in Shirdi, where Sai Baba was seated on his perch. Nanavali's condition was very pitiable; he was overwhelmed with pain and itching, and despair was evident on his face. He narrated his plight to Sai Baba and described his agony. He prayed to Sai Baba to help him and free him from this unbearable suffering.

Insisting on Sitting on the Perch

When Nanavali told Sai Baba his entire story, he became even more agitated. Seeing his suffering, Sai Baba's heart melted, but Nanavali's restlessness was so intense that he could not control himself. In his desperate desire to be free from his afflictions, Nanavali insisted on sitting on Sai Baba's perch. This was an unusual demand, as generally, no devotee dared to sit on Sai Baba's perch, especially when Sai himself was present there. But Nanavali's helplessness and pain were so great that he had lost all sense of reason. He repeatedly urged Sai Baba to let him sit on his perch, perhaps thinking that only by doing so would he find relief.

Sai Baba's Love for His Devotee

Sai Baba, known for his boundless love and compassion for his devotees, understood Nanavali's insistence. He knew how tormented Nanavali was by his suffering. The loving Sai Baba did not hesitate at all in fulfilling Nanavali's unusual demand. Without any hesitation, with immense affection and love, he gave his perch to Nanavali. This was a vivid example of Sai Baba's infinite love and compassion. He stood up himself and made Nanavali sit on his perch. This act was not ordinary; it demonstrated a saint's love for his devotee, which transcends all rules or social boundaries. Everyone present was astonished by Sai Baba's generosity and devotion to his devotee.

The Itching Stops Upon Sitting on the Seat

As soon as Nanavali sat on Sai Baba's seat, a miracle occurred. The terrible itching that had been troubling him for many days subsided in an instant. The sanctity of Sai Baba's seat and His divine energy immediately removed Nanavali's suffering. He felt as if all pain and burning had vanished into thin air. He was amazed at how this could happen. The problem that could not be cured by any medicine was resolved simply by sitting on Sai Baba's seat. This was direct proof of Sai Baba's supernatural power and His grace. Nanavali found it hard to believe this divine healing that had happened to him. He was filled with gratitude at Sai Baba's feet.

Divine Miracle and People's Reaction

Everyone present was stunned to witness this scene. They had seen the itching marks on Nanavali's body and his agony, and now the rapid disappearance of that intense suffering was an unbelievable event. Everyone chanted Sai Baba's name. This was such direct proof of Sai Baba's grace that no one could deny it. People began to extol Sai Baba's glory. This incident was symbolic of how quickly Sai Baba removes the suffering of His devotees, provided the devotee's heart is true and full of love. For Nanavali, this was a new chapter in his life, which made him even more devoted to Sai Baba's refuge.

Sai's Grace and the Importance of Shraddha-Saburi

This episode is a wonderful example of Sai Baba's boundless grace. It teaches that Sai Baba never leaves the call of His devotees unheard. He undoubtedly supports anyone who comes to His refuge with a true heart. Nanavali's story also teaches us the importance of Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). Although Nanavali had lost patience for a while, Sai Baba's compassion and love gave him everything he needed. Sai Baba's seat was not just a place to sit, but a symbol of His divinity and affection for His devotees. Even today, Sai Baba's grace continues to shower unceasingly in Shirdi, and whoever goes to His feet with faith and patience undoubtedly attains happiness, prosperity, and peace. Sai Baba's message has always been this: 'One God is the Master of all'.

Questions and Answers

Who was Nanavali?

Nanavali was a devotee of Shirdi's Sai Baba who suffered from a severe, unbearable itching problem. He held deep faith in Sai Baba and came to him seeking relief from his suffering.

What did Kulkarni do to Nanavali?

A person named Kulkarni, who wanted to teach Nanavali a lesson, mixed itching medicine into a sweet (peda) and fed it to Nanavali, which worsened his itching problem even further.

How did Sai Baba help Nanavali?

When Nanavali reached Sai Baba in unbearable pain and insisted on sitting on his seat, Sai Baba unhesitatingly gave him his seat. As soon as he sat on the seat, his severe itching subsided in an instant.

What is the significance of Sai Baba's grace?

Sai Baba's grace is infinite, and he undoubtedly hears the call of his devotees. This story teaches that by going to Sai Baba's refuge with true faith and patience (Saburi), he removes all suffering and brings happiness and prosperity into life.