Florida Shirdi Sai Temple

Shri Guru Charitra
Chapter IX

A Washerman Blessed to be a King

"There lived a washerman at Kuravpur. He was a great devotee of Shri Guru. Shripad Shrivallabha used to go to the river, have bath, morning Sandhya and other rituals just like ordinary Brahmins. The washerman would go to the river, wash Shri Guru's clothes and would bow to him with reverence.

Once Shri Guru asked him, 'why do you take so much troubles for me. I am pleased with your services. Go home and live happily.'

Hearing this the washerman gave up household attachment, lived at Shri Guru's dwelling place, swept the court yard and sprinkled water on it everyday. Thus he served Shri Guru with more devotion.

Once in spring, in the month of Vaishakh, a Muslim king came to the river along-with his harem of beautiful woman, wearing precious ornaments and clothes with many servants, elephants, horses, musical instruments and was enjoying joyfully.

The washerman was looking at the splendor and glory of the king. He began thinking, 'How fortunate shall I be, if I could also enjoy such glorious life.'

Knowing his intentions, Shri Guru asked him what he was thinking about. The washerman replied, ' I was just thinking what deity this king might have pleased, so as to have such splendor and glory? However I do not long for it. I have all my pleasures at thy feet.'

Shri Guru said, ' you are struggling hard in life. Do you aspire to enjoy royal glory? If the senses are not satisfied by enjoying their objects, they obstruct the path of 'Moksha' (freedom from worries of life and death). So you better take birth in a Muslim royal family and enjoy kingly life.'

Washerman- 'Kindly do not ask me to go away from you'.

Shri Guru- 'You will have birth in the Royal family of Bidar and I shall meet you in your later life, I shall also have another birth and shall be known as 'Narsinha Saraswati.' I shall be leading a Sanyasi's life.

Saying this, Shri Guru allowed him to go, but again asked whether he would like to enjoy Royal life in that very birth or in the next birth.

Washerman expressed, 'I am now grown old. It would be good if I enjoy royal pleasures from the childhood.'

Soon after the washerman died. He was later born in the Royal family of Bidar. His account is narrated later in the 50th chapter of this book.

Shri Guru was thus much praised and respected during his stay at Kuravpur, I am unable to describe all the miracles of h;is life, Kuravpur has become a famous holy place due to his residence. Shripad Shrivallabha disappeared in the river Krishna on Ashwin Vady;a 12, which is known as 'Guru Dwadashi'. Real devotees can still see here Shripad Shrivallabha, the Dattatray incarnate. Many have experienced this.'