The Alchemy of Faith: Transforming Duplicate Devotion into Original Shraddha

In the sacred precincts of Shirdi, Baba decided to test the mettle of his devotees—not through a miracle of abundance, but through a terrifying command. He called out for a knife, declaring His intent to slaughter a goat. The request sent ripples of confusion through the devotees. Radhakrishnamai, usually compliant, recoiled and withdrew the knife she had initially brought. Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama), the intimate devotee, hid himself, his mind plagued by the moral dilemma of violence.

Then came Kaka Saheb Dixit, a pious Brahmin for whom non-violence was a rigid way of life. Yet, when Baba demanded he strike, Kaka Saheb’s hand did not tremble with hesitation, but with the weight of absolute obedience. He raised the knife, his eyes closed, ready to sever the head of the goat—and simultaneously sever his own ego and social conditioning.

Just as the blade was about to fall, Baba roared, 'Stop!' The test was not of violence, but of Shraddha (Faith) so pure that it transcended logic, morality, and the self. Kaka Saheb had proven that the Guru's word was his only scripture, mirroring the ancient sacrifice of Ibrahim, where the intent to surrender was valued over the act itself.