When I first met Guru Maa almost eighteen years ago, I never believed in miracles. Then, I began witnessing miracles. The sick were being healed by Baba through the medium of Guru Maa’s healing powers. Cancer, AIDS, leprosy and many serious diseases were being miraculously healed at ‘Baba’s Darbar’. My own father was healed after he had a series of retina detachments. He did not have any for the rest of his life. We had a child after all doctors had given up. Over the last several months, faith in miracles has been reawakened in all the bhaktas and shishyas. Guru Maa has witnessed death so closely so many times that we have been left speechless. Only our faith in Baba and Guru Maa has strengthened. Guru Maa has escaped from 2 near-deaths in the Himalayas, 6 heart-attacks and 1 accident! In 1973, Guru Maa had predicted that Her 66th year of life will be crucial as She will go through ‘Markesh’ from an astrological perspective. But, I never believed that would happen. In my mind, Guru Maa was indestructible and would die only when She wanted to!
Guru Maa has proved this time to all of us that certainly there are powers, which create death, but powers which can protect us from death also exist for the faithful. After the Nov 04 program, we had seen that Guru Maa, who was always full of amazing energy, had weakened quite a bit. She was repeatedly pleading to all of us to take over our responsibilities at Vedic Heritage, as She may not see tomorrow. We did not take it seriously. It was hard for us to believe that something could happen to Guru Maa so soon. But, it has happened so many times that had I have been forced to believe. I have forced to believe the power of deadly powers – but it has also strengthened my belief in the power of positive energy and faith.
The Himalayan pilgrimage
Guru Maa had planned to go to India in July for a pilgrimage of Badrinath and Kedarnath with Her devotees and disciples. As we believed in Her predictions, none of us wanted Her to make this difficult trip. But, She insisted and made the trip. Luckily, Dr. Sanghpriya from US and Mokshpriya from India also joined Her.
The first experience was on Her way to Kedarnath. After Guru Maa and busload of devotees crossed Devprayag, the road was very treacherous , and it was the season of landslides. Guru Maa and Her group had hired a 28 seater private bus. They had just seen a bus in front of them take a plunge in the valley. 22 pilgrims had died, and the dead bodies were being brought up. This could have happened to their bus too. Suddenly, their driver started screaming. An oncoming bus was heading towards them from the opposite direction quite recklessly. Guru Maa’s drivers’ protestations went unheeded. Both the buses got stuck with each other and the front wheel of Guru Maa’s bus was off the road on the valley side. One jerk and the bus could plunge into the valley of death. All the bus occupants were very scared. But, Guru Maa was chanting Sri Hanuman Chalisa. According to Dr. Sanghpriya, who was accompanying Her, She was totally relaxed and calm, with no sign of anxiety or fear. But all others were pretty sure that death was staring at them. There was no way that they could get out of the bus. One side was the deep valley, and the other side was the bus...and there was no way out. Everybody also started chanting Sri Hanuman Chalisa. In such moments only the Supreme Lord could protect you. As soon as they finished 11 paths, the bus moved forward by a few inches and the driver elatedly shouted, ‘Thank Lord, we are saved’
The second such experience happened on the way from Badrinath to Haridwar.
Guru Maa’s bus must have traveled barely 20 miles when their bus was stopped by the police. There were many other buses in front of Guru Maa’s bus in the convoy. Most of the passengers has disembarked their buses and were waiting anxiously. There were landslides only 100 yards in front of the convoy of buses. Guru Maa saw with Her own eyes that one van (quails) was stuck by falling boulders. The van had 3 newly married couples. One huge boulder fell in front. One more just missed them and fell right behind the stationary van. With Baba’s grace, the six of them left the van and ran towards Guru Maa and the rest of the convoy. Moments later, the baggage carrier of the van was thrown off into the fast flowing Ganges by the falling boulders. The landslide could hit Guru Maa’s bus at anytime. But, they were all stuck in the convoy of cars/vans/buses. Nobody could move. This happened at 2.30 pm in the afternoon on July 14 or 15. Guru Maa said upon Her return to US, ‘You cannot imagine when you have death facing you. Everyone was chanting the name of God. Everyone had resigned to the fact that they were to die soon. Heavy rain, flooding water was shaking their bus, landslides and raging river down in the valley. We were surrounded by dark forces. The tourist bus was so bad that water was leaking inside the bus. It was a very cold, wet and dark night. Though it was Shukla Paksh, it felt like Kal Ratri or death.’ All the 26 bhaktas/shishyas were wondering why they made the pilgrimage considering that this was the worst time to do so due to the monsoons. But they were confident that they would survive since Guru Maa was with them. But, their confidence was shaken due to the staring death. Guru Maa’s presence were helping them a lot. Everyone was chanting, ‘Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karhu GuruDev Ki Nai’ Thy passed the night in the bus – it seemed like an eternity. But, Baba had saved Guru Maa and the pilgrims. At least for the moment.
In the morning, the bhaktas pleaded with Guru Maa to get them out of this situation. Guru Maa reassured them. This comforted everyone and gave them hope despite the shaken faith or Vishwas due to the near-death experiences. At about 8 am the rain stopped. The bulldozers, cranes etc equipment started clearing the roads. Around 1 pm, the green signal was lifted by the policemen. Everyone thanked God and started the vehicles. Only after half a mile, once again the traffic was stopped due to recurring landslides. Guru Maa’s bus was now in front. But, a miracle happened – and the policeman showed the green flag by mistake. Guru Maa asked the driver to leave fast – the other policeman came screaming after them to stop. But, Guru Maa’s bus had successfully left. Thanks to Baba’s blessings . .......since the rest of the vehicles were stuck for 3 more days. Guru Maa and Her group experienced death only one day. The others experienced it for 3 more days.
The six heart-attacks
Guru Maa came back to US after experiencing this 2 death defying experiences. But the dark shadow was still following Guru Maa. After 7-8 days, Guru Maa experienced shortness in breathing. Dr Gill and Dr Yadav were immediately requested to come to the Ashram, since they are Maa’s personal physicians. They suggested that Guru Maa had an asthma attack. But Guru Maa knew better, and insisted that She may have a heart problem, contrary to the arguments that the cardiologists insisted upon.
About a week later, Guru Maa was doing Her puja. She started sweating, felt heaviness in the chest area, felt giddy. It was difficult for Her to continue with the puja. She told Baba – please let me finish bathing you otherwise the whole world will remain the same.’ She was able to barely finish the puja. She rushed to Her room as She saw blacking out. Dr Bhangdia followed Her. He called Her cardiologist, Dr Yadav immediately who suggested that She be rushed to the hospital. 911 was dialed. Within a few minutes, the emergency crew had arrived. They said that Guru Maa was going through a cardiac arrest. They rushed Her to the Winthrop Hospital – where the doctors confirmed the heart attack. Angioplasty was soon performed, and one stent was inserted to clear one blocked artery She was in the hospital for two days. Due to Baba’s blessings, She returned to the mandir on 18th August. On 20th August, no one could believe that She had a heart attack, as She delivered a Pravachan on the Purnahooti of the 28 day Akhand Ramayana Path.
The Falling frame and Baba’s presence
Hardly 4-5 days later, She went to Her kitchen at 3 am, as usual, to prepare Prasad. She was standing near the counter about to pick some fruits for the Prasad. As soon as She turned, at least a 40 pound heavy picture frame fell right on Guru Maa. But Baba had moved Her a few inches in a fraction of a second, and the frame did not fall on Her head It fell right next to Her. She said that death does not leave anyone – and comes until your karma is completed. We thought that Guru Maa had escaped Her fourth death experience due to Baba physically coming and saving Her. Guru Maa said that death almost fell on Her this time – She was shaken for a couple of days since Baba had really come and physically pulled Her at the right moment and saved Her from death.
The continuing heart problems
About 15-20 days She lived in peace and happiness. Guru Maa was feeling very good. But the other side, Lord Yama was smiling. She had just completed 108 parikrama. This time, Guru Maa felt tightness in Her jaw. Her son Pappu was sitting next to Her and immediately called Dr Yadav. Once again, Doctorsaheb suggested that She should be rushed to the hospital. She did not know that jaw pain is also associated with heart attack. Doctors said that She was brought to the hospital at the right time. Otherwise Her heart could have been completely damaged. She returned to the Mandir on the 21st, and even gathered enough energy to attend functions at the homes of Renu Jain on the 22nd, and at SanghPriya’s on the 23rd . On the 25th, the 16th birthday party of Kalindi, Her grand-daughter was being grandly celebrated on a cruise. She walked backwards on the stairs and bravely went to the boat. But towards the end of the cruise, about 90 minutes before the return time, She started feeling tired and uncomfortable. But, nothing could be done until we reached the port. Guru Maa came down the boat very carefully and returned to the Mandir.
A few days later, Guru Maa was feeling pain the Her chest and was not comfortable again. That day there was a Jain puja in Pandit Jasraj Auditorium. People came to invite Her to give blessings. Despite Her discomfort, She went down to offer Her blessings to the congregant which had gathered to seek blessings from His Holiness Manakmuniji. One doctor came to Her and introduced himself as a cardiologist, and inquired about Her health. Guru Maa did not know him nor was She aware of his status or rank in the medical field. Actually, he was none other than Dr. Shamin Sharma , a foremost cardiologist.
The same evening, the pain converted into a massive heart attack. She was once again rushed to the hospital. The ECG was not normal. The doctors immediately asked for an Angiography. The medical team was perplexed, and decided to get a second opinion. Amazingly, Dr Sharma’s name came up. Dr. Yadav immediately called him up at Mt. Sinai hospital. Dr Sharma immediately recognized that the patient was none other then Guru Maa whose blessings he had received the same morning. He send an ambulance from Mt Sinai to Winthrop. Dr Sharma was waiting for Her and performed an angioplasty at midnight – the first artery which was stented was again blocked and 2 more arteries required stents. We were relaxed since Dr Sharma was an authority in this treatment. 3 days later She came back from the hospital.
The Fourth cardiac attack
But death was still fighting – and Lord Hanuman was still protecting Her. Only 10 days later, Guru Maa got sense of an impending heart pain. She called Pinku and talked to him about the journal. Pinku suggested that She rests and to have a conversation the next day when She feels better. But, Guru Maa said that ‘who knows whether tomorrow comes or not’ Pinku was really worried. After talking to Pinku, Guru Maa called our publication administrator, Vijay Singh. Vijay was also wondering why Guru Maa was planning in advance. He got worried and called Pappubhaiya, and asked him if something was wrong with Guru Maa. Pappu bhaiya who is emotionally attached to Guru Maa, was very angry that Guru Maa had not called him. He rushed to the Mandir feeling slightly hurt. He sat in a corner. Guru Maa did not know why Pappu was sitting and not talking. But, within moments, Guru Maa asked Pappu to take Her to the hospital again. He called Dr Yadav and Dr. Gill. Dr Gill came to the Mandir, and Dr Yadav rushed to the hospital. They took Her to Winthrop. Now everyone was very shocked and worried how this had happened again. This time it was a mild attack. After 2 days She was discharged and returned to the Mandir.
The Fifth incident
Death was playing a game with Her. 2 days later again, She had pain in Her arm, She was feeling terrible, and Her blood pressure had shot up. She was rushed back to Winthrop. Again, She had angiography. 2 minor arteries were blocked. A ballooning procedure was conducted to open the blockages. She came back from the hospital for the fifth time – and doctors assured Her that nothing could go wrong now due to the stents and balloons.
But death was smiling again and mockingly asking Guru Maa, ‘Can you run away from me?’. On the other side, Baba was smiling and saying, “You cannot do anything until I let Her go.’ Lord Yama and Lord Hanuman were fighting.
It was Saturday – She wanted to come back to the temple. This time, She was given wrong medicine on the prior evening despite Her protestations. She got an allergic reaction. She was given benadryl injection to negate the allergic reaction, despite Her refusal. They gave Her benadryl tablet again before discharge.
Sangita bhabhi brought Her back from the hospital. Guru Maa was half conscious. I happened to reach the Mandir at about the same time. I had never seen Guru Maa in such a bad shape. May be 30 minutes later, She stopped recognizing anyone. Guru Maa was very restless. She was jumping from one side of the bed to the other. She scared the hell out of us by saying, ‘Please do not take me to the hospital. I want to die in the Mandir in the Charan of Sri Hanumanji.’ She was now in a delirious condition. She did not know where She was, and who was around Her. She started vomiting. We called the doctors again. 911 was also called. But, Her condition was so bad, that Pappubhaiya, Panditji and I rushed Her in the car to Winthrop. She was rushed to the emergency room. She was given a host of medicines. She was given Ivy. The medical staff, despite being told not to put needles in Her left arm, tried doing so unsuccessfully. Guru Maa was screaming with pain. Her condition was worsening. At 2 am, She was finally under control, and became conscious. She was transferred to CCU and then soon transferred to Mt Sinai.
Dr Sharma decided that Dr. Fuster, who is considered a great authority in this field, should be consulted. Even he said that this was a mystery. He also plans to attend the angioplasty scheduled for the next day. Again, Dr Sharma performed the angiography. They were surprised to find that the first stent had blockage again. Dr. Fuster said that this was a mystery for medical science. Such an eminent doctor said, ‘I feel that the devil is attacking Her and a divine power is protecting Her”. We all believe that too. A group of students are doing research work on this mystery case.
We do not know if this is mystery or not. It is very painful for us to see Guru Maa in such condition. We hope that devil has been defeated, and pray that Her agony and pain is behind Her. We hope that the strong hand of Baba has defeated the persistent devil or Lord of Death, Yamraj.
We have received hundreds of emails, letters, and phone-calls from Her bhaktas, shishyas and well wishers throughout the world. Everyone around Guru Maa has performed tremendous Seva, and the trustees have stepped up to take care of the ongoing responsibilities, including the Dipawali Program.
The prayers of the countless devotees are being answered by Baba. With His grace, Her Holiness is much better and recovering. It is a miracle indeed that even after 6 attacks, Her heart has not been damaged – a big mystery for the doctors, but good news for us.
Even in these difficult times, Guru Maa is inspiring us and teaching us how to respond to grave sickness with such grace, strength and optimism. We have learnt to have total faith in Baba, just like Guru Maa. Nothing can happen to us, if we have strong faith.
Even death can be beaten with strong and unwavering faith!!.
I urge all readers to pray for Guru Maa’s speedy recovery! |
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