Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group I | Mr. P. Subba Rao

Mr. P. Subba Rao
Deputy Manager, State Bank of Hyderabad
Siricilla, Karimnagar District
Tel: 08723-232027

Mr. P. Subba Rao (56), a senior officer of the SBH, relates a few of his experiences of the Divinity of Bhagavan in his own words.

'I think it was in 1975 or so; a few journals were indulging in propaganda against Swami. Though I was not a devotee of Bhagavan at that time, I used to argue with my friends that unless one ascertained facts, one should not indulge in wild allegations and sweeping remarks based on untruths and half-truths. Thanks to my mother who believed in sakaladevata pooja (worship of all gods). I, too, had opportunity to broad base my views on spirituality.

I came to Prasanthi Nilayam for the first time in 1978, along with my wife and our 6-year old son on L.T.C. Our plan was to have Darshan and leave. In case we found everything OK, we wanted to halt for the night. In those days, Sai Kulwanth Hall was not there. We used to gather under trees and have Darshan of Bhagavan. First we were asked to be in the shed. Later we were shifted to a room on our request. Postponing our departure day after day, we remained in Prasanthi Nilayam for nine days!

During our stay we used to have daily Darshan. I used to interact with other devotees who used to tell me about their miraculous experiences. One Malaysian young man was totally paralyzed and was brought by a stretcher. Swami used to look at him. It went on for two days during Darshan. Then on the third day Swami gave him vibhuti. The improvement was amazing. He told me he could not move his limbs earlier. Now he was able to move them on his own. Instead of being brought on a stretcher, he was coming on a wheel chair. When I last saw him, he was hopeful of becoming a normal being.

Another was a Railway employee. On one of his earlier visits to Prasanthi Nilayam, Swami asked him to go back. He was taken aback and started pleading. Swami did not relent. 'How can I?' he asked Swami, 'I cannot get reservation'. 'Go back', Swami said. When he went to the Railway Station for reservation, one person came for cancellation. Some how, he could return to his place securing a berth in the train. When he went home, he found that his daughter became mentally upset and was creating a scene. She was, in fact, violent. Doctors came but were of no help. Then this devotee put Baba's vibhuti in his daughter's mouth. In a few minutes, she became docile though she did not become normal yet. All those present were wonderstruck. His son-in-law was a non-devotee and was a critic of Baba even. He saw this miracle and became a devotee. We do not understand leelas of Bhagavan. May be He was using the insanity of the lady to draw her husband into His fold.

In 1988, I had a passing thought, 'would I ever construct a house?' At that time, some of my friends were in my house discussing their house-building plans over a cup of tea.

'Why don't you join us?' they asked.

'You have a site to build a house on it. I don't have any. I have to build castles in the air', I replied.

'Buy a site along with us.'

'But I don't have money', I replied.

'Don't worry about money.' One of them assured me. I don't know what he did. He brought papers registering a site in my name. The construction started in 1990. I do not know who got the plans approved; who had done all the spadework. The house rose though much more still remained to be done. The Administrative Officer of our Bank explained the many ways I was eligible to take loans, and arranged for their sanction. That enabled me to clear all loans raised by me to pay for the site and the building thus far done.

In 1984, our Regional Manager asked me, 'why don't you try for promotion? Many useless people are getting it'.

'I passed the written test twice', I replied, 'I could not manage the interview part of it.'

'Try this time', he encouraged me. I tried. Miraculously I got promotion owing to Swami's grace.

In 1995, my Assistant General Manager asked me the same question. He encouraged me to try for promotion. I tried. Owing to Bhagavan's grace, I got another promotion.

I had the good fortune to serve at Prasanthi Nilayam from 2002 to 2004. It was a golden period in my life. We used to have Darshan of Bhagavan regularly.

Many times we experienced vibhuti parimalam and other fine perfumes in our house indicating His bliss. When we went out on a scooter, we used to get the perfume suddenly for a few seconds as if Bhagavan was assuring us that He is always with us.

One day I carried a letter seeking a placement to my son at Prasanthi Nilayam. Swami came along and took the letter. So I hope that He takes care of my prayer. We wait and hope.'

-- Mr. P. Subba Rao.

(As narrated to Mr. B. Parvatala Rao at Prasanthi Nilayam on 18.01.2005.)