The Torn Robe

 

The Golden Chariot had arrived in Prashanthi Nilayam and final fittings works were going on in a separately allotted shed. Late Subramania Chettiar and his son, Srinivasan Chettiar were busy arranging big celebrations of Rathothsavam when Bhagavan would ascend the Golden Chariot.

Sri Chettiar wished to invite important residents inside Ashram. With specially printed invitation cards, the team first visited the flat of late Poojya Sri Karunyananda.

What did they see there? Sri Karunyananda was stitching a torn robe of Swami. When enquired why you are doing this, he quietly replied that this robe is torn and has to be stitched and made ready for Swami to wear for the next day!! 

Sri Chettiar was stunned.  For  Bhagavan who is going to ride on a Golden Chariot has no robe to wear!! With so much wealth in the trust, why this problem to Bhagavan?  Karunyananda replied that it is true. Swami never uses public money for his personal use. Somebody will give food and somebody will provide robes. This time nothing had come through and this old robe has to be stitched.

Sri Chettiar was stunned. He spoke to devotees that we have to do some thing on this matter. He suggested that henceforth Swami should a wear a new robe everyday. Scores of tailors were summoned and for a few days the Poornachandra auditorium became a tailor shop.  Many devotees sponsored the cause. Several hundreds of robes were stitched at war speed and they were submitted to Swami.

Do you know what Swami did after this?

Swami gave these robes as Prasad to many visiting office bearers, to be maintained in their  respective Sai Centers!

 - Bombay Srinivasan