Hari OM
The Miracle Photograph.
The Miracle Photograph.
My journey to India in 1992 Gujarat was a pilgrimage steeped in spirituality
Among the temples visited, Shirdi Sai Mandir in Chauta Bazaar, Surat. I popped in at Kishorebhai from Kacholi, 20 km from Bilimora. His dedication teaching at a school for the deaf until his retirement, exemplified a life committed to service and Satyagraha.
During our precious moments, we engaged in discussions about India's rich history and saints that continues to inspire countless souls. He casually urged me to visit the ashram of Pujya Shri Mota. Upon hearing this name, I felt an inexplicable aura of peace envelop me, prompting me to inquire about his whereabouts. He informs Surat, where I had just come from.
Our dialogue shifted as we delved into the life of Shri Mota, only to discover with some dismay he had taken Samadhi. Undeterred, I asked if he possessed a photograph of this revered sage, but to my disappointment, he only had a Gujarati book detailing Mota's teaching.
Upon returning home, I eagerly recounted my experiences to my mother, repeatedly mentioning Shri Mota's name, much to her amusement. I found myself pondering what this sage might look like, determined my next visit to India would include darshan of his samadhi.
The spring of 1993 Staturday - Patel Street, Actonville, Mum visits her friend Hansaben and Navin down the road unfolding a revelation. While cleaning my bookcase stumbled upon a photograph inscribed with Shri Mota's name in Gujarati. The uncanny presence of this image in our home left me astounded, sparking an endless curiosity how it had come to be there. When I shared this discovery with my mother, she too was taken aback, her gaze fixed on the photograph as if uncovering a hidden treasure.
In 1994, my pilgrimage led me once again to Gujarat, specifically to the serene Hari OM Ashram in Surat. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by tranquility, my presence initially went unnoticed. I observed a middle-aged gentleman engrossed in his newspaper. After an agonizing five minutes silence, he turned his attention acknowledging my presence.
He was met with surprise at my journey from South Africa. He recounted very few visitors had graced the ashram in the past six months, a testament to the rare blessing of Mota's grace that allowed me to be there. The gentleman graciously offered to show me around, bestowing me prasad, Mota's photographs, and a book outlining his teachings.
Shri Mota encouraged the establishment of schools over the construction of murtis in his honour. I gained insight into his profound humanitarian vision.
Mota demonstrated the separation of the soul from body by His free will and illustrious Tapasaya.
Rang Avaduth Bapji of Nareshwar and Shri Mota were intimate friends.
Hari OM -- Pujya Shri Mota Ki Jai
In 1998, an online article from Sathya Sai Baba's Sanathan Sarathi of 1976, reports great Sage of Gujarat takes Samadi, brought clarity to the lingering mystery surrounding Shri Mota.
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Photograph Insert:
Pujya Pad Keshvanandaji Dadaji
Balyogiraj
Shri Mota