Sundarabai's Pride and Dwarkamai: A Lesson

The Dancer Full of Ego: Sundarabai

On the sacred land of Shirdi, where Sai Baba's boundless grace showers, a Lavani dancer named Sundarabai arrived one day. She was immensely proud of her dance skills and captivating beauty. She was eager to attract people and showcase her art through her performance. When she heard about Sai Baba's court in Shirdi, she thought, why not display her art there and draw everyone's attention to herself? She was unaware that the land of Shirdi is known not just for art performances, but for devotion and surrender. Sundarabai's ego was so strong that she was unable to comprehend that her art held no value in the face of true faith and dedication. She was oblivious to Dwarkamai and was only focused on performing her dance.

The Unreachable Door of Dwarkamai

When Sundarabai attempted to have a darshan of Dwarkamai, she had a strange experience. She simply could not see the door. Despite repeated attempts, she remained unable to reach the entrance of that holy place. Seeing this, she became extremely angry and felt insulted. The thought arose in her mind: why was she being prevented from entering, when she herself was a skilled dancer and her art was second to none? She observed other devotees, like Ranjana, entering Dwarkamai with ease. This sight further wounded her ego. She couldn't understand why she was being kept away from this sacred place, despite her talent and beauty.

Neglect of Dance and Envy

Sundarabai's humiliation deepened when she noticed that no one from Shirdi had come to witness her dance performance. Meanwhile, everyone was rushing towards Dwarkamai to participate in Sai Baba's Aarti. Witnessing this, feelings of envy and malice grew strong in her heart. She felt her art had no significance, and everyone was engrossed in Sai Baba's devotion, which was unacceptable to her. A deep distrust and anger towards Sai Baba arose in her mind. She wondered how such a simple Baba could be worshipped so much, while her own art was so unique. This realization was shattering her ego, and she was unwilling to accept this situation.

Attempted Deception in Madhavrao's House

Overwhelmed by her ego and jealousy, Sundarabai went to the house of a Sai devotee named Madhavrao. Madhavrao was a true follower of Sai Baba and experienced Sai's grace in his life. Sundarabai thought she could control Madhavrao with her captivating beauty and dance skills and thus divert him from Sai's devotion. She employed all her cunning and deceit, attempting to allure Madhavrao with her beauty and expressions. She was trying to showcase her art and generate attraction towards herself in his heart.

Madhavrao's Unwavering Devotion

However, all of Sundarabai's schemes proved futile. Madhavrao, who was completely immersed in the devotion of Sai Baba, was unaffected by her beauty, allure, and deceit. He understood Sundarabai's attempts and maintained his unwavering loyalty to Sai Baba. Madhavrao humbly explained to Sundarabai that true happiness and peace lie only in the devotion to Sai Baba, and external attractions are fleeting. He advised her to seek refuge at the feet of Sai Baba so that she too could find joy in life. Madhavrao's steadfast devotion compelled Sundarabai to realize that her ego and deception were in vain.

Return Towards Dwarakamai and Downfall

After returning disappointed from Madhavrao's house, Sundarabai's heart filled with even more malice towards Dwarakamai. She decided to go to Dwarakamai once again, perhaps hoping to gain entry somehow this time. She moved forward once more, with the hope of reaching the gates of that holy place. But, as she was on her way, her ego and the burden of past experiences accompanied her. She was still not ready to accept the situation where she had been denied Sai's grace. Because of this mental turmoil and anger, she suddenly fell on the path and was seriously injured.

Experiencing Sai's Grace

Due to falling and getting injured, Sundarabai was once again prevented from reaching Dwarkamai. This was a great shock to her. As she groaned in pain, she experienced the boundless compassion of Sai Baba. She realized that her ego was the cause of her downfall. She couldn't see the door of Dwarkamai because her heart was filled with envy, malice, and pride. At this very moment, by Sai Baba's grace, Madhavrao arrived there. He picked Sundarabai up, took care of her, and advised her to seek refuge in Sai Baba. Madhavrao told her that Sai Baba does not resent anyone; rather, he showers grace on all who call out to him with a true heart.

Renouncing Ego and the Path of Devotion

Influenced by Madhavrao's words and Sai Baba's benevolent gaze, a change began to occur in Sundarabai's heart. She renounced her ego and expressed her devotion to Sai Baba. She admitted her mistake and sought forgiveness from Sai Baba. She understood that true happiness and peace lie only in devotion to Sai Baba, not in pride over her dance or beauty. She prayed to Sai Baba to take her under his refuge and show her the path of devotion. Sai Baba heard her call and blessed her with his infinite compassion.

The Open Door of Dwarkamai

When Sundarabai sought refuge in Sai Baba with a true heart and renounced her ego, a miracle happened. The next time she attempted to go to Dwarkamai, she could see the door clearly. She was able to enter Dwarkamai with ease. She had darshan of Sai Baba and bowed her head at his feet. This was the happiest moment of her life. She experienced how her life had changed due to Sai Baba's grace. The open door of Dwarkamai was not just a physical entrance for her, but also a symbol of the opening of the doors of devotion and love in her heart.

God's Boundless Grace

Thus, the story of Sundarabai teaches us that ego and malice can never lead us to God. Only through true faith, devotion, and humility can we attain the grace of divine powers like Sai Baba. Sundarabai learned from her experience that her dance and beauty are meaningless without the sentiment of devotion. Sai Baba's boundless grace is for everyone; whoever calls upon Him with a true heart, He fills their life with happiness and prosperity. This story presents a unique example of Sai Baba's love, forgiveness, and compassion, inspiring every devotee to walk on the right path.