Pathakji, "Sir, do you know that Murga is Muslim??
Me, "What???" Pathakji, "Yes Sir. You know once there were two men to whom God said that I will give you both a very healthy life and you may return to heaven after your time on earth is complete. The only condition is that you have to come back a whole, leave nothing behind when you return."
"One of them was born Hindu and the other, a Muslim. They both lived a long and happy life & died almost at the same time. At the gates of heaven, Hindu guy was permitted instantly while Muslim guy was stopped. When the Muslim protested and blamed God of being biased; God explained that he had not come a whole, that he had left something behind. Muslim guy denied right away, said he has left nothing. Then God told that you forgot to bring the 'tukkdi' back. Now, you can't enter heaven without it. So, go back and find it."
"Now, as he had died already he could never go back as a human. So, God sent him back as a Murga and tasked him to search for the 'tukkdi'. Since that time every morning Murga gets up and shouts 'Subah ho gayi chalo tukkdi dhoondho. - Its morning now, search for the TUKKDI.'
I don't know now or even knew then as to what should I make of this story. Obviously it was a cheap story devised by men under influence of contempt, ignorance and a great deal of liquor. This perverted story was told to me by Pathakji, my driver, while travelling from Nashik to Ahmedabad. I felt irritated and tried to discard this story as a stupid joke. Hence, I said nothing and dismissed it. There was one more reason for my subdued reaction - This man had, in a way, saved my life.
Last 3 days had been full of events. 3 days back I started my journey from Ahmedabad to Nandurbar in Navjivan express. From Nandurbar I had to visit towns like Shirpur, Dondayecha, Jalgaon, Malegaon, Manmad, Nifad and Nashik. And for that purpose I had requested for a cab. When the cab came to me at Nandurbar, I had little idea that it would prove out to be a death-cab or near-death-cab. This driver, Nepal Singh, was definitely a drug addict as evident from his tone and appearance. And the way he drove, he might as well have been flying a chariot of YAMARAJ.
However, the 1st day completed. My colleagues gave a word of advice to the driver at the end of day to drive cautiously. Although he recovered from a state of decency and started the 2nd day by almost running over a bike. I had to scold him at least 4-5 times that day for nearly killing us in road accident but the driver wouldn't budge. All the prayers of my mom and my wife must've been working for me to come unscathed that day. Manmad was the last town that I visited on 2nd day which is only 50 kms away from Shirdi. And I could not resist the temptation to pay a visit there. Even though it was getting late and I wasn't sure whether I would make it to Nashik alive or not, I thought to give it a chance.
May be that fear was a bigger reason for me to visit Shirdi Sai Baba. I thought maybe he will keep me safe from this suicidal guy. We reached Shirdi at time of evening aarti, I was told that I'm lucky to have witnessed it. My family worships and has a great faith in Sai Baba and I felt lucky to be able to visit his place. I cannot even explain how magnificent he looked in that blue shawl sitting at his throne. His effigy was radiant with divinity. And I felt a charming smile on his face. He looked at me with love and I felt something passing to my heart.
Shirdi is a town as I stated near to Manmad. Baba's temple is located on the main road or rather all roads lead to the Sai. The temple has a huge compound and strict security for the safety of millions of devotees visiting Baba daily. Like most holy places there is a line of vendors selling prasad and a great competition prevails there. The queue to Baba's darshan reminded a great deal of Tirupati Balaji darshan. We had to wait for 2 hours, and it's considered very less wait, for darshan. Once obtained Sai Baba's darshan and blessings, we started for Nashik. I firmly believe that it was Baba's grace that I survived for those 100 kms from Shirdi to Nashik.
Next day I called my travel agent and requested to change the driver. Then Pathakji joined me. As stated earlier, by joining me he saved my life from the assassin in form of Nepal Singh.
Pathakji is not just a great driver but a wonderful guide & companion to be with. After finishing up with the work he took me to Kapaleshwar - a small Shivji temple in Nashik. Later he took us to Shri Trayambkeshwar Mahadev Temple. This is one of the 12 Jyotirling of Bholenath Shivji. It's situated 27 kms from Nashik and was reconstructed during 18th century.
7 km before Trayambkeshwar lies Anjaneri mountain. This is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanumaan. I have no doubt that Hanumaanji is the most popular Lord of Hindu culture, contested only by Lord Krishna. He is believed to be omnipotent and one of the 7 legendary sages who are living in yug of Kali. This mountain is surrounded by jungle all around and many hikers visit there to seek adventure. They might get more than they intended as this place is a sanctuary to tigers and other predators. Each year on Hanumaan Jayanti a huge pilgrimage is organized at this mountain. With reference to literature, Hanumaanji is the first ever recorded second lead who outperformed the protagonist himself. In the life story of Shri Ram Chandra, the Ramayan; achievements of Hanumaanji are recorded with utmost perfection.
After visiting these holy places we started our journey back home, to Ahmedabad. Obviously under holy influence, we discussed a great deal about Hanumaanji and Shivji. After that Pathakji told me about his life story and like most his was filled with lots of struggles & hard ships. His words convinced me that he is a family man and has lead a good life for himself & his family.
Around the time we reached Maharashtra border at Peth area, the discussion became absurd and unbearable. Well it started when I suggested putting some music on and Pathakji switched on a wonderful collection of songs by R.D.Burman. Oh boy!!! What songs!!! Kishore Kumar started singing 'Kehna Hai, Kehna Hai'; the song from movie Padosan. This song was followed by other classics like 'Raat kali ek khwab mein aayi', 'Yeh kya huaa' and 'Rimjhim gire saawan'. I asked Pathakji to switch to some of the songs of Mohammed Rafi Sa'ab as I'm a great fan of his.
He answered, "Sir, I don't have any songs of Rafi. But you know one thing, he was a great ally to ISI & Pakistan and he was murdered by Indira Gandhi."
I almost kicked him in anger and retorted that "This is stupid. He was a great man and I've never heard anything like this in my life." He was taken aback a bit and thought to amuse me. That is when he told me the cooked up tale which I stated in the beginning. I didn't want to say anything or discuss this matter any further so I stopped talking. But.....but.....but.....Pathakji was not done. He continued with another anecdote.
Pathakji, "Sir, do you know what is there in Mecca???" I obviously knew this would be something beyond my immagination, so denied. Pathakji, "Sir, there is Shivji's Lingam kept in Mecca. Actually, these Muslims have captured Shivji there with crook and cunningness. Shivji can be released from this prison only if the holy water of Ganga is taken there." I was dumbfounded and felt my head spinning.
Pathakji continued, "Actually Sir, many men have tried that but they were killed by Muslims at Mecca. Even Swami Vivekanand and Netaji Subhashchandra Bose also tried. This is the only reason they were murdered in very young age." I decided not to speak to Pathakji any further and resigned to sleep.
However, my mind was not to rest that easily. I travelled many a years and related this incidents to a few other such stories I was told. During college one of my Muslim friends shared this information that "There is a provision in Quran which orders heaven for all the Muslim males who marry Hindu girls and hell for all the Muslim girls who marry anyone other than a Muslim guy." Now, the guy who told this story is a great friend till date and I don't know if he even remembers saying these things. I know he had no idea about the implication of his words as we both were pretty young then. However, I can't say that about Pathakji.
The stories told by him are no doubt repeated many a times before and will be repeated by him. But I saw nothing cheap with this man who was so sincere in his work and compassionate to another human being. Even the sales managers who had travelled with him said that he is one of the best they've met. Then I realized that may be Pathakji is also as unaware of the implications of his words. May be he is as innocent, in a matter of saying, as my friend in our teens.
I can't claim to know his thoughts for sure but I believe he is a good man. And he must've many Muslim friends of his own. May be it is his manner of jesting or amusing me. Why???
May be because I am a Hindu and possess one of the strongest & strictest beliefs in my faith. I have great inclination and also some knowledge about our faith which I shared during our conversations. May be that is what encouraged him to share such absurd thoughts with me.
However, I've read about religions and their practical implementation. And I at least learned that all the branches of religion and faith are designed primarily to unite the human societies. The rituals that we follow are nothing but a drill to exercise our faiths in a disciplined manner. And all the faith preaches us to lead a life in harmony with nature and other beings.
Hence, it is obvious that the nature intended all the faiths and its follower to survive & flourish together. May be that is what each and every Dharm wants us to do. That is what Sanatan Dharm must be all about.
Quoting Ramayan to end:
Dharm is the core of each soul and a way of life for each & every living being, human or otherwise. But as the time will grow the meaning of Dharm will also change or worse, its definitation & rituals might get perverted. In the yug of Kali, Dharm will be perceived merely as following your religion and its rituals. In that yug; men will find their salvation only by praying and reciting name of their Gods.
So, live well and pray well.
Pray to Allah.........
Pray to Jesus.........
Pray to Shri Ram...........
Me, "What???" Pathakji, "Yes Sir. You know once there were two men to whom God said that I will give you both a very healthy life and you may return to heaven after your time on earth is complete. The only condition is that you have to come back a whole, leave nothing behind when you return."
"One of them was born Hindu and the other, a Muslim. They both lived a long and happy life & died almost at the same time. At the gates of heaven, Hindu guy was permitted instantly while Muslim guy was stopped. When the Muslim protested and blamed God of being biased; God explained that he had not come a whole, that he had left something behind. Muslim guy denied right away, said he has left nothing. Then God told that you forgot to bring the 'tukkdi' back. Now, you can't enter heaven without it. So, go back and find it."
"Now, as he had died already he could never go back as a human. So, God sent him back as a Murga and tasked him to search for the 'tukkdi'. Since that time every morning Murga gets up and shouts 'Subah ho gayi chalo tukkdi dhoondho. - Its morning now, search for the TUKKDI.'
I don't know now or even knew then as to what should I make of this story. Obviously it was a cheap story devised by men under influence of contempt, ignorance and a great deal of liquor. This perverted story was told to me by Pathakji, my driver, while travelling from Nashik to Ahmedabad. I felt irritated and tried to discard this story as a stupid joke. Hence, I said nothing and dismissed it. There was one more reason for my subdued reaction - This man had, in a way, saved my life.
Last 3 days had been full of events. 3 days back I started my journey from Ahmedabad to Nandurbar in Navjivan express. From Nandurbar I had to visit towns like Shirpur, Dondayecha, Jalgaon, Malegaon, Manmad, Nifad and Nashik. And for that purpose I had requested for a cab. When the cab came to me at Nandurbar, I had little idea that it would prove out to be a death-cab or near-death-cab. This driver, Nepal Singh, was definitely a drug addict as evident from his tone and appearance. And the way he drove, he might as well have been flying a chariot of YAMARAJ.
However, the 1st day completed. My colleagues gave a word of advice to the driver at the end of day to drive cautiously. Although he recovered from a state of decency and started the 2nd day by almost running over a bike. I had to scold him at least 4-5 times that day for nearly killing us in road accident but the driver wouldn't budge. All the prayers of my mom and my wife must've been working for me to come unscathed that day. Manmad was the last town that I visited on 2nd day which is only 50 kms away from Shirdi. And I could not resist the temptation to pay a visit there. Even though it was getting late and I wasn't sure whether I would make it to Nashik alive or not, I thought to give it a chance.
May be that fear was a bigger reason for me to visit Shirdi Sai Baba. I thought maybe he will keep me safe from this suicidal guy. We reached Shirdi at time of evening aarti, I was told that I'm lucky to have witnessed it. My family worships and has a great faith in Sai Baba and I felt lucky to be able to visit his place. I cannot even explain how magnificent he looked in that blue shawl sitting at his throne. His effigy was radiant with divinity. And I felt a charming smile on his face. He looked at me with love and I felt something passing to my heart.
Shirdi is a town as I stated near to Manmad. Baba's temple is located on the main road or rather all roads lead to the Sai. The temple has a huge compound and strict security for the safety of millions of devotees visiting Baba daily. Like most holy places there is a line of vendors selling prasad and a great competition prevails there. The queue to Baba's darshan reminded a great deal of Tirupati Balaji darshan. We had to wait for 2 hours, and it's considered very less wait, for darshan. Once obtained Sai Baba's darshan and blessings, we started for Nashik. I firmly believe that it was Baba's grace that I survived for those 100 kms from Shirdi to Nashik.
Next day I called my travel agent and requested to change the driver. Then Pathakji joined me. As stated earlier, by joining me he saved my life from the assassin in form of Nepal Singh.
Pathakji is not just a great driver but a wonderful guide & companion to be with. After finishing up with the work he took me to Kapaleshwar - a small Shivji temple in Nashik. Later he took us to Shri Trayambkeshwar Mahadev Temple. This is one of the 12 Jyotirling of Bholenath Shivji. It's situated 27 kms from Nashik and was reconstructed during 18th century.
7 km before Trayambkeshwar lies Anjaneri mountain. This is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanumaan. I have no doubt that Hanumaanji is the most popular Lord of Hindu culture, contested only by Lord Krishna. He is believed to be omnipotent and one of the 7 legendary sages who are living in yug of Kali. This mountain is surrounded by jungle all around and many hikers visit there to seek adventure. They might get more than they intended as this place is a sanctuary to tigers and other predators. Each year on Hanumaan Jayanti a huge pilgrimage is organized at this mountain. With reference to literature, Hanumaanji is the first ever recorded second lead who outperformed the protagonist himself. In the life story of Shri Ram Chandra, the Ramayan; achievements of Hanumaanji are recorded with utmost perfection.
After visiting these holy places we started our journey back home, to Ahmedabad. Obviously under holy influence, we discussed a great deal about Hanumaanji and Shivji. After that Pathakji told me about his life story and like most his was filled with lots of struggles & hard ships. His words convinced me that he is a family man and has lead a good life for himself & his family.
Around the time we reached Maharashtra border at Peth area, the discussion became absurd and unbearable. Well it started when I suggested putting some music on and Pathakji switched on a wonderful collection of songs by R.D.Burman. Oh boy!!! What songs!!! Kishore Kumar started singing 'Kehna Hai, Kehna Hai'; the song from movie Padosan. This song was followed by other classics like 'Raat kali ek khwab mein aayi', 'Yeh kya huaa' and 'Rimjhim gire saawan'. I asked Pathakji to switch to some of the songs of Mohammed Rafi Sa'ab as I'm a great fan of his.
He answered, "Sir, I don't have any songs of Rafi. But you know one thing, he was a great ally to ISI & Pakistan and he was murdered by Indira Gandhi."
I almost kicked him in anger and retorted that "This is stupid. He was a great man and I've never heard anything like this in my life." He was taken aback a bit and thought to amuse me. That is when he told me the cooked up tale which I stated in the beginning. I didn't want to say anything or discuss this matter any further so I stopped talking. But.....but.....but.....Pathakji was not done. He continued with another anecdote.
Pathakji, "Sir, do you know what is there in Mecca???" I obviously knew this would be something beyond my immagination, so denied. Pathakji, "Sir, there is Shivji's Lingam kept in Mecca. Actually, these Muslims have captured Shivji there with crook and cunningness. Shivji can be released from this prison only if the holy water of Ganga is taken there." I was dumbfounded and felt my head spinning.
Pathakji continued, "Actually Sir, many men have tried that but they were killed by Muslims at Mecca. Even Swami Vivekanand and Netaji Subhashchandra Bose also tried. This is the only reason they were murdered in very young age." I decided not to speak to Pathakji any further and resigned to sleep.
However, my mind was not to rest that easily. I travelled many a years and related this incidents to a few other such stories I was told. During college one of my Muslim friends shared this information that "There is a provision in Quran which orders heaven for all the Muslim males who marry Hindu girls and hell for all the Muslim girls who marry anyone other than a Muslim guy." Now, the guy who told this story is a great friend till date and I don't know if he even remembers saying these things. I know he had no idea about the implication of his words as we both were pretty young then. However, I can't say that about Pathakji.
The stories told by him are no doubt repeated many a times before and will be repeated by him. But I saw nothing cheap with this man who was so sincere in his work and compassionate to another human being. Even the sales managers who had travelled with him said that he is one of the best they've met. Then I realized that may be Pathakji is also as unaware of the implications of his words. May be he is as innocent, in a matter of saying, as my friend in our teens.
I can't claim to know his thoughts for sure but I believe he is a good man. And he must've many Muslim friends of his own. May be it is his manner of jesting or amusing me. Why???
May be because I am a Hindu and possess one of the strongest & strictest beliefs in my faith. I have great inclination and also some knowledge about our faith which I shared during our conversations. May be that is what encouraged him to share such absurd thoughts with me.
However, I've read about religions and their practical implementation. And I at least learned that all the branches of religion and faith are designed primarily to unite the human societies. The rituals that we follow are nothing but a drill to exercise our faiths in a disciplined manner. And all the faith preaches us to lead a life in harmony with nature and other beings.
Hence, it is obvious that the nature intended all the faiths and its follower to survive & flourish together. May be that is what each and every Dharm wants us to do. That is what Sanatan Dharm must be all about.
Quoting Ramayan to end:
Dharm is the core of each soul and a way of life for each & every living being, human or otherwise. But as the time will grow the meaning of Dharm will also change or worse, its definitation & rituals might get perverted. In the yug of Kali, Dharm will be perceived merely as following your religion and its rituals. In that yug; men will find their salvation only by praying and reciting name of their Gods.
So, live well and pray well.
Pray to Allah.........
Pray to Jesus.........
Pray to Shri Ram...........
Hey dude...bravo....once again you did it.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely written story with some moral. I know you admire writting on religion and psycology but it would be better if you try something funny ONLY.
Whatever you write .. u will always found 1 follower.
Looking forward to see next one.
Urjit