Once upon a time, a Brahmin sage from a distant land was on a quest to find the home of Sant Eknath Maharaj. When he arrived at Nath’s doorstep, an inexplicable calmness enveloped the atmosphere. Filled with fervor, the Brahmin immediately grasped Nath’s feet and implored,
“Nath Baba, grant me the vision of Lord Krishna.”
Perplexed, Eknath Maharaj questioned the stranger’s identity, unsure of who he was or where he resided. It was then that Girijadevi, Nath’s wife, entered the scene, having overheard the Brahmin’s plea.
Nath welcomed the Brahmin into his home, but the visitor persistently uttered the same request,
“Nath Baba, show me the divine presence of Lord Krishna.”
The Brahmin’s eyes scrutinized every corner of the house, searching. Nath seated him and washed his feet, while Girijadevi brought sweet water to offer. Witnessing this, the Brahmin’s heart softened.
Suddenly, he stood up, grabbed Nath’s feet, and revealed, “Nath Baba, I had a vision 15 days ago. Lord Krishna appeared in my dream, saying that for the past 12 years, I have been residing in the form of Shri Khandya in the home of Eknath Maharaj. Now is the time for me to leave. If you wish to meet me, come to Eknath Maharaj’s home.”
Nath Baba, tell me, where is Shri Khandya? My life is slipping away in his absence.
Girijadevi was stunned. Nath was bewildered. Shri Khandya had been performing the humble task of filling water in their home for the past 12 years. Just yesterday, he had informed Nath that he would return to work today.
Nath pondered, “He didn’t reveal his true identity. What kind of divine play is this? If only he had disclosed his presence, I would have surrendered my soul to his feet instantly.” Nath, overwhelmed with the separation from the Lord, teary-eyed, took support from a pillar and slowly sat down.
Girijadevi regained her composure, and memories of Shri Khandya flooded her mind—the simplicity, every gentle movement, silently carrying out his tasks, and the enchanting smile that would be there tomorrow.
Nath’s eyes welled up. He meditated, realizing that Lord Krishna, the master of the universe, had been residing in the form of Shri Khandya in his home for the past 12 years, filling water.
