Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group VII | Mr. Iswar Bhai Desai

Mr. Iswar Bhai Desai,
10-Sai Asis, Sivkripa Society,
Jamalpora, Navsari District,
Gujarath.

Tel: 02637-251847

      Mr. Iswar Bhai Desai (63), a retired Government Servant, relates a few of his experiences of the Divinity of Bhagavan in his own words.

'Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came to Navsari on March 31, 1967 when we had a glimpse of His darshan.

In 1990, I joined sevadal and came to Prasanthi Nilayam for the first time. 'Something is here' I thought, 'that gives the experience of the Divinity'.

I was here for Mahasivarathri and had darshan. The next day, as I was walking in the premises of Prasanthi Nilayam, one person came to me. 'Go to Kalyana Mandapam' he said, 'you can see Swami from close quarters.' I did not know him. Nor did I know where Kalyana Mandapam is. Enquiring its location, I rushed there. Swami was already there. I went to the door. I was among the last five persons to get in before the door was closed. I could see Swami from close quarters. Not only that. Some marriage was going on there. Swami waved His hand in the air and materialised mangalasutra for the bride. He gave it to the bridegroom and asked him to tie it around the neck of the bride. Then He materialized a ring and gave it to the bride. 'Put it on the finger of your husband' Swami told her. He waved His hand and there were akshatas which He sprinkled on the couple. I noticed that along with akshatas some chandan and rose petals also rained on the couple as He waved His hand over their heads.

I thought that the stranger who had guided me to this place was Swami only. He afforded me an opportunity to observe Swami performing miracles.

I constructed a house in Navsari setting apart a portion for samithi activities. So I asked Swami when He was giving us padanamaskar at the end of seva 'when can I enter my new house?'

'Very happy, very happy' Swami remarked and moved on. I made a prayer in my mind to Swami about the marriage of my son. 'We should get such an alliance for our son' I prayed to Swami, 'as both the bride and the bridegroom like each other, the family background of the bride is good and Swami bless the alliance.' This was my prayer.

When I returned to my place, my son married a girl from a good family background whom he had loved. We accepted the bride happily and thought that it was Swami's grace that had fulfilled my prayer.

In 2002, my son, Mr. Hiren (39) met with an accident when the motor cycle on which he was riding collided with a truck. He sustained head injuries. He underwent two surgeries. Doctors lost hopes. 'Even if he survives, he won't be able to move about.' We were praying to Swami and putting vibhuti on his forehead. He was in coma for two months. Later, he regained consciousness. Now, after six months, he is limping back to normalcy. He is mentally alert and can walk. Only his left hand is still to recover. Doctors wonder about his miraculous recovery which is owing to Swami's grace.

Our daughter's marriage was also a miracle. During padanamaskar after the seva, I asked Swami about the marriage of my daughter. He gave vibhuti prasad. After the marriage, my daughter was harassed by her in-laws. We applied for divorce, and it was granted. After sometime, a young man in our neighbourhood came forward to marry her. In 2004, the marriage was held. By Swami's grace she is happy. They are blessed with children.

We all came to Prasanthi Nilayam for my daughter's daughter's birthday. The child's name is Bhranti. That day Swami arranged distribution of laddu prasadam to all. 'Swami is celebrating your grand daughter's birthday' every one was telling me and congratulating. That is Swami's grace.

I have had many health problems of late. I had to undergo surgery for glaucoma in my eye in 2006. My eye is ok now. In 2005, I fell down and could not walk. Surgery was indicated. I refused. Owing to Swami's grace, I was able to walk again within six months, and my disability disappeared totally.'

-- Mr. Iswar Bhai Desai

    (As narrated to Mr. B. Parvatala Rao at Prasanthi Nilayam on 26.06.2006)