Sairam! Here I am making an effort to express one of my very special experiences with Babaji Shivananda (Shivswami). Although it would be impossible to write all the experiences with him; as his presence can be felt at every moment of life which is inexpressible. In this incident I clearly felt his omniscience.

I have always felt that the biggest and the most eternal blessing one can get from Swami is the “Vibhuti”. There are several incidences in past where the Swami has created Akshay Patra for devotees. Having read such incidences many times, it was quite obvious for me to have the fancy to possess one. Therefore, gradually it became a part of my regular prayers to ask for one.

Finally on 24th of December 2012, Shree Shivswami came to visit us along with his younger brother Rishi at our home in Indore. We were all busy in dinner preparations (their favorites). On spur of moment in a commanding way he called me and asked “What did you ask for from Swami?” He was whimsical and I, astonished. What was I to say. For a normal person like me there are several things to pray for from Swami. This, was about which one??

Once again he asked with that look on his face “What did you pray for, from Swami, I know it!”. Now, he started swirling his hand in the most prominent manner we all know. I moved my hand forward. And here is what I see in full amaze.

It was a beautiful little box (dibbi) with Ganesha incarved on it. Overwhelmed, I looked at the dibbi once, and at him the other. It was eternal! Somehow, I gathered the courage to ask him “what is it Swami?” He said, “you wanted a Vibhuti Akshay Patra since long and so today I bless you with one”. The feeling at that moment was something beyond the limit of words.

From that dibbi he took some vibhuti and applied it on my forehead. In that dibbi was a small photo of Swami and a gold ring. He explained more about it as follows: This Akshay Patra is given to you for human welfare (Jana kalyanam). Vibhuti will keep on creating from Swami’s photo inside it. The ring shall be used to disseminate the holy vibhuti. One scoop of the ring at a time. This is a miraculous vibhuti. It has the powers to save or take somebody’s life. Therefore, never give it to anybody without my permission, howsoever you can use it anytime you want.

It is truly our fortune to have Shri Shivananda amongst us. This incidence is a great example of his omniscience. He is everywhere and knows everything. Pranams in the lotus feet. — Sandhya Mehta