The Silent Mirror: What Nanasaheb’s Hidden Motive Reveals About Us
The Leela
In the holy land of Shirdi, Nanasaheb Nimonkar and his wife had been serving Sai Baba for months. During their stay, news arrived that their son in Belapur had fallen ill. The mother’s heart naturally yearned to see her child, and she desired to stay in Belapur for four days to nurse him.
However, a conflict arose. Nanasaheb, for reasons left unexplained in the texts, imposed a strict condition: “You may go, but you must return tomorrow.” In that era, social norms often silenced women; thus, even though she desperately wished to stay longer, she did not dare argue. She buried her desire deep within her heart, fearing her husband's authority.
But nothing is hidden from the Indweller of hearts. As she prepared to leave, Baba was returning from Lendi Bagh. Seeing Him, Nanasaheb’s wife bowed at His lotus feet. Before she could utter a single word about her predicament, the Omniscient Master spoke directly to the wish she had suppressed, overriding the husband's command with Divine authority.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why does the Sai Satcharitra vaguely state that "Nana had some reason" without explaining it, and what does this ambiguity teach us? The text mentions "Nanasi hote kahi karan" (Nana had some reason) but leaves it as a puzzle. This invites the question: Was Nanasaheb's restriction based on necessity, or was it a manifestation of Ahamkara (Ego) and hidden human defects?
The Revelation
The depth of this Leela lies not in what is said, but in what is left unsaid. By omitting the specific reason for Nanasaheb's restriction, the text functions as a spiritual mirror. The speaker explains that Baba’s command—to stay for four days—was a calculated strike against the hidden flaws often found in the human (specifically male) psyche.
The “missing reason” compels us to examine four possibilities within ourselves:
- The Masculine Ego: The dominating attitude of “If I say return, you must return.” Baba shatters this arrogance by validating the wife’s silent wish.
- Hidden Laziness: A reluctance to perform household chores (cooking, cleaning) while the wife is away. Baba exposes the unwillingness to serve.
- Suspicion: A possessive nature that fears letting a spouse out of sight. Baba refutes this mistrust by sending her away comfortably.
- Lust: The inability to practice self-control for even a few days.
Baba dismissed the husband's restrictive petition with a simple, loving command to the wife:
"Go quickly, remain calm. Stay comfortably at Belapur for four days. After seeing everyone, then return to Shirdi."
Through this, Baba teaches that true devotion requires dropping one's ego and controlling nature.
Scriptural References
📖 Sai Satcharitra Chapter 12, Verses 69-80
Watch the Discourse
In the holy land of Shirdi, Nanasaheb Nimonkar and his wife had been serving Sai Baba for months. During their stay, news arrived that their son in Belapur had fallen ill. The mother’s heart naturally...
Leela Narration
In the holy land of Shirdi, Nanasaheb Nimonkar and his wife had been serving Sai Baba for months. During their stay, news arrived that their son in Belapur had fallen ill. The mother’s heart naturally...