The Protective Shield of a True Devotee: How Shama Saved Mirikar
The Leela
The narrative unfolds from Adhyay 22 of the Sai Satcharitra, concerning Shri Balasaheb Mirikar, a Mamalatdar of Kopergaon. While travelling to Chitli for official work, Mirikar stopped at Shirdi to pay his respects to Baba. During their interaction, Baba strangely inquired if Mirikar knew about the 'Lambu' (a euphemism for a snake) and its deadly poison. Though puzzled, Mirikar prepared to leave due to the late hour.
Sensing an impending calamity written in Mirikar's destiny, Baba insisted that His closest devotee, Madhavrao (Shama), accompany him to Chitli. Mirikar hesitated, thinking, 'Why trouble Madhavrao unnecessarily for a short official trip?' However, remembering Baba's ominous hint about the snake, he acquiesced and took Shama along.
Upon reaching Chitli, they stayed in the Hanuman Temple. Late at night, while Mirikar was reading a newspaper, a rustling sound was heard. A servant brought a lantern only to reveal a terrifying sight: a poisonous snake was coiled right on Mirikar's waist. The servant whispered, "Snake, Snake." In that moment of frozen fear, the snake was eventually killed by the servants, and Mirikar's life was spared. Yet, the question remained: if the servants killed the snake, what was the purpose of Shama's presence?
? The Conflict / Doubt
If the snake was ultimately killed by the servants present at the temple, and Madhavrao (Shama) did not physically intervene to kill it, why did Sai Baba insistently send Shama with Mirikar? What spiritual function did Shama actually serve in this life-threatening situation?
The Revelation
To the naked eye, Shama appeared passive, but spiritually, he was the shield that altered destiny. The transcript reveals that while Mirikar was a devotee, he lacked the intense, surrendered faith required to avert a pre-destined death (Karma). Shama, however, possessed this absolute surrender.
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The Power of Intercession: When Shama saw the snake, he did not panic in a worldly sense; he turned immediately to Baba. His reaction is captured in Verse 84:
"Shamrao was surprised and said: 'Baba, what have you done? From where have you sent this unwanted calamity? Now, You must remove it.'"
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Surrender vs. Intelligence: Mirikar used his intellect (logic), questioning why Shama should come. Shama, conversely, was purely obedient. He did not use his own intelligence but relied entirely on Baba's word. This state of egolessness makes a devotee's prayer irresistible to the Guru.
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Baba is Bound by Love: The lesson highlights that God is bound by the love of His true devotees (Bhaktaparadhina). Baba had no choice but to intervene because Shama asked for it.
"I am hungry for love. I stand ever ready for My devotee. At a single call, I present Myself."
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The Value of Satsang: The ultimate teaching is that if one's own devotion is not strong enough to burn impending Karma, the mere company (Satsang) of an ardent devotee can act as a protective armor. Shama's presence was not for physical help, but for spiritual intervention.
Scriptural References
📖 Sai Satcharitra Chapter 22 (Verses 65 & 84)
Watch the Discourse
The narrative unfolds from Adhyay 22 of the *Sai Satcharitra*, concerning Shri Balasaheb Mirikar, a Mamalatdar of Kopergaon. While travelling to Chitli for official work, Mirikar stopped at Shirdi to ...
Leela Narration
The narrative unfolds from Adhyay 22 of the *Sai Satcharitra*, concerning Shri Balasaheb Mirikar, a Mamalatdar of Kopergaon. While travelling to Chitli for official work, Mirikar stopped at Shirdi to ...