Mavshi Bai's Nevaskar (Service) / Mavshi Bai or Nevaskar (Seva)
The Leela
One day in the sacred precincts of Dwarkamai, a scene unfolded that was equal parts humorous and terrifying. Anna Sahab Chinchankar—known as the 'Narada Muni' for his tendency to stir trouble—was pressing Baba's hand, while Mausi Bai (Venu Bai) massaged Baba's stomach. Mausi Bai served with such vigor that her body swayed violently back and forth. Seeing her face come close to Anna's, she jokingly asked if he was trying to kiss her. Anna, pure-hearted but quick-tempered, flared up instantly, feeling insulted. Baba intervened with divine wit, asking, "Why are you getting angry? What is wrong in kissing a mother?" bringing immediate peace.
However, the atmosphere shifted later when Mausi Bai resumed her forceful massage. A concerned devotee exclaimed that she might burst Baba’s stomach. Hearing this, Baba suddenly sprang up, His face red with apparent rage. He struck His satka (stick) against the ground, pressed one end against a pillar and the other deep into His own stomach, pulling the pillar toward Him as if to pierce His own abdomen. The devotees watched in horror, fearing the worst, until Baba suddenly calmed down, resuming His seat as if nothing had happened.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why would Baba display such intense anger and inflict pain upon Himself over a devotee's concern, and is it appropriate to offer service (Seva) that is rough or imperfect?
The Revelation
- The Mirror of Reactions: The quarrel revealed that irritation stems from hidden tendencies (vrittis) within us. If Anna had truly conquered desire and ego, the joke would have remained a joke. Baba showed that we react only when a dormant inclination is touched.
- Acceptance of Imperfect Service: Baba teaches the concept of Anuttama Seva (imperfect service). Even if the service is not 'sattvic' or refined, Baba accepts it if the core emotion is Nishkapata Prema (pure, guileless love).
"It is not for others to decide whether that service is right or wrong... I am capable of accepting their service."
- The Metaphor of the Pillar: The terrifying act with the satka held a deep esoteric meaning. Some devotees are like "lifeless pillars"—ignorant and unconscious. To fill such beings with light and knowledge, the Guru often has to endure personal suffering and pain.
- Two Paths of Devotion: While Baba accepts Mausi Bai's rough love, the transcript contrasts this with Balaram Patil (who swept paths to remove thorns) and Sant Dnyaneshwar (who wished to be his Guru's sandals). The devotee has the choice: serve with rough innocence or strive for the highest sensitivity.
Scriptural References
📖 Sai Satcharitra Chapter 24 (The Satka and Mausi Bai), Chapter 43 (Ovi on forgetting purpose), Chapter 35 (Balaram Patil), Chapter 13 (Sant Dnyaneshwar's Seva).
Watch the Discourse
One day in the sacred precincts of Dwarkamai, a scene unfolded that was equal parts humorous and terrifying. Anna Sahab Chinchankar—known as the 'Narada Muni' for his tendency to stir trouble—was pres...
Leela Narration
One day in the sacred precincts of Dwarkamai, a scene unfolded that was equal parts humorous and terrifying. Anna Sahab Chinchankar—known as the 'Narada Muni' for his tendency to stir trouble—was pres...