Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj

A Short Biography of Shree Swami Samarth 90
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Basappa Teli
When Sri Swami Samarth was in Mangalvedha, Solapur District, Maharashtra, a
poor man named Basappa Teli started rendering devotional service. Sri Swamiji would
roam in the forests and Basappa Teli would follow him to render devotional service.
Basappa’s wife was making ends meet by doing odd jobs as a day-labourer. A number
of days passed like this.
Once Sri Swamiji became compassionate towards Basappa and showered his
kind grace. Sri Swamiji took him to the forest of Kathavan Village. By that time the sun
had set and thousands of snakes were seen moving around in the forest. Sri Swamiji
told Basapppa “Take as many snakes as you want. Do not be afraid”. Basappa started
trembling with fear. Finally, garnering some courage and repeating the name of Sri
Swamiji Basappa caught hold of one snake, nearly two feet long, wrapped it in a piece
of cloth and held it under his armpit. Sri Swamiji said “Whatever is under your armpit,
take it with you and lead your life happily with your children. Now, go home”.
Basappa returned home. His wife became very happy seeing the bundle brought
by Basappa. She found gold equal to the size of the snake, which Basappa had picked
up. Basappa’s poverty was rid off. His family became very happy. Basappa continued
rendering his devotional service at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. He continued going to
Akkalkot every year for Sri Swamiji ‘Darshan’.
Weaver
A weaver, great devotee of Sri Swami Samarth, lived in Mangalvedha. He was
very poor. He maintained himself by begging. After Sri Swami Samarth’s ‘Darshan’ he
started rendering service at the lotus feet of Sri Swamiji. He continued the service for
nearly three months. Sri Swamiji was pleased and showered his kind grace on him. The
weaver got visionary insight and in his vision, Sri Swamiji told him “Your father was a
big merchant. When he had been to the fair, at Pandharpur, he died. Your mother had
already died earlier. Your father buried large amount of wealth under a Tulsi 165 plant in
your backyard. Dig out that wealth”. He went home after taking the orders of Sri
Swamiji. He dug out large amount of wealth under the Tulsi Plant. He became very
happy. His life changed completely. He continued rendering devotional service to Sri
Swamiji.
165 Tulsi: The Tulsi (also known as Tulasi) plant or Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is an important symbol in many Hindu
religious traditions. The name "tulsi" means "the incomparable one". Tulsi is a venerated plant and devotees worship it in the
morning and evening. Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. Dark or Shyama (Krishna) Tulsi and light or Rama
Tulsi are the two main varieties of basil. The former possesses greater medicinal value and is commonly used for worship.
Tulsi has also been recognized by the rishis for thousands of years as a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment. It has been
traditionally used by Hindus, and now others, for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi is mentioned by Acharya Charak, in the
Charak Samhita, the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine written at least two thousand years ago, and in the Rigveda. Tulsi
is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its
strong aroma and astringent taste, Tulsi is regarded as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
Copyright © 2006 Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust