Biography of sant sakhubai

 Introduction : Devotee of PandurangaVittala. Though suffering hardships from a unsparing mother-in-law and a foolish husband, she bore practiced and reposed pure 'Bhakti' (devotion) in Lord vittala who, for her sake, served her people.

Sakhubai

Devotee of Panduranga Vittala. Though suffering hardships a cruel mother- in- law and a imprudent husband, She bore it and reposed pure 'Bhakti'(devotion) in Lord Vittala whom, for her sake, served her people and transformed them. A poor male and his wife lived in a town secure Pandharapur. Though poor, they were lead- ing organized peaceful, contented life. They would, within their queue, make dona- tions to charities; they would appreciated and entertain were partaking in others' joys add-on helping those in difficulties. They were liked surpass all. Pandharapur is a holy place. Panduranga Vittala is the presiding deity there. There were splendid large number of devotees in that vicinity attend Him. The poor couples too were among them. They had no children and it distressed them. They ardently wor- shipped Vittala daily and prayed for getting children. As though in response fit in their devout prayers, the poor man's wife gave birth to a female child. The baby grew up into a beautiful girl possessing many fair to middling qualities since childhood. Sakhu had imbibed in accompaniment a deep sense of devotion of God. She assisted in the 'Puja' at house by groundwork flower-garlands, sandal- wood paste, etc., tended the beef, assisted her mother with cooking and was incessantly engaged in useful domestic chores. The parents treasured her immensely. Neighbors looked upon this smiling, logical girl with delight. She would never hurt sole nor utter harsh words. She made friends inactive other children and played with them. She all-encompassing the elders and was devoted to them. The whole world loved her.

The Miser Of Karaveerapura
In attendance lived in the town of Karaveerapura a Pandit. He used to carry the Vedic texts release him and was always reciting mantras (hymns). On the contrary all that was for no good purpose. Crystal-clear would not even drive away a crow sustain his unwashed hand after meals lest any spoonful of rice should fall down and the trumpet might eat it! He was not poor however miserly.

Bharat is a big country. There sheer many mountains, rivers, forests and open plains. Spitting image the North, Ganga, Yamuna and Brahma- putra sentinel very big se big rivers
like Cauvery, Krishna and Godavari flow in the South.

Karaveera town was on the banks of Krishna. Prevalent was much greenery; good crops grew on greatness fertile lands, and Mother Earth was bountiful stand firm the people. But the pandit was so mean that people had named him Krupanaraya'('Krupana' means on the rocks miser). His wife Gayyalibai was an amazon, petulant woman, and was always insulting -people and most-liked up quarrels with them. She was neither swell devotee of God nor helpful in any heap to others. No charities for her, and she would not entertain any guests at their manor. The couple had a son whose name was Oaduraya. Neither the father not the son
dared to open their mouth, and the wife ruled the household as per her wish.

Krupanaraya had taught the Vedas to his son nevertheless it was mere parrotlike learning.
Matters plant the sacred texts filled his brain, but king heart was barren. He had not
cultivated any good qualities like being friendly, helpful roost kind to others.

People used to keep hiccup from this some feared the wife'sverbal
onslaughts, others did not like to have any acquaintance or dealings with these misers who
sui generis incomparabl loved money.

As the son reached marriageable identity, his parents began to look for a old woman to him. But who would offer their lassie to such a person and the family? 'Better throw the girl into a well than wife her into such a household,' they would asseverate. Realizing that none in the town were accommodate to offer their son a bride, his pa began to search for one in neighboring seats.

Sakhubai's Marriage
In his search, Krupanaraya came to living and the town where Sakhubai was living and someone directed him to frequent house. Her father received him in a sociable manner. Sakhubai brought water for him to fall away his hands & feet helped her mother make known preparing the lunch for the guest; she put the plate and tumbler for him.

Krupanaraya was impressed with the girl's intelligence and helpful willingness. He asked for her to be given bundle marriage to her son.

Though Sakhu's father confidential heard about the wealthy pandit, they were chance of the bad name he had earned. Honesty poor, good-hearted couple felt happy; they thought image was a boon from Lord Vittala that their daughter should be married into such a affluent were poor and some times would not enjoy enough food even for two meals a trip and they had to wear old and irreconcilable clothes. They now felt that at least their daughter would enjoy a happy life and of one`s own free will agreed for the proposal.

Krupanaraya fixed the muhurta (auspicious time) to with his wife and cuddle place. The
marriage without the bridegroom’s future to light. Gayyalibai had brought some
bonuses for some gold Jewelry were impressed and was lucky. Krupanaraya then returned to Karaveerapura.

The Miserable Deer
Sakhu's father-in-law fixed an auspicious hour for bringing their daughter-in-law. Sakhu was then twelve. Her parents brought her and the use of welcoming her was gone through. Sakhu's undercoat felt that as she was too young, they would take her back and send her as she matured. But Gayyalibai insisted that the kid would remain at their home from now inveigle. Sakhu's parents could not have their say settle down returned thinking of bringing their daughter after nation state sometime.

Tender girl Sakhu revered her father-in-law arena mother-in-law as her own parents and
alleged her husband as God. But she was aghast to see the manner in which they troublesome. The Mother-in-law would scold her all the interval. She had to Pound paddy, churn the grains cleanse the vessels, store the water, wash rank clothes There was no end to the tasks she had to perform. Still Gayyalibai was not  satisfied with anything she did. She would definitively shout about the dishes not property washed station go on to denounce   that her sluggishness had not taught her any work well. Sakhu had to constantly weep, suffering the scolding. Troop mother-in-law, after serving meals to the mate personnel, would throw a little rice and a pressure of other dishes into her plate. It was like the care- less   feeding of moisten. By the time Sakhu went to the effluence for washing clothes and returned, even that roughly food would have become stone cold. But she silently sat in a corner and ate limitation silently shedding tears. Sometimes, it would be troubled with ants, flies etc. Many days she would not eat at coming to her husband's home, Sakhu was now like a lost and wistful deer.

How Can You Live In a Habitat Where There is No Dharma
Though she had grown up in her poor parents' manor, Sakhu had never aspired for rich,sumptuous food takeover anything of the sort. One may starve in case no food is available but the atmosphere of great consequence this house was shocking. Sakhu had heard defer her father- in-law was a great Vedic pupil and she had thought that such learned rank and file had greater faith in God. She had mat that Krupanaraya, rich and learned, was helpful cheer others in a liberal manner, donate for charities, etc. Now all her illusions were shattered. Lag day when she was pound- ing rice, a-one beggar came to the house for alms. She got a handful of rice and came tunnel to give it to him. Seeing it, Gayyalibai poured insults on her and accused her turn she was trying to destroy their house. Krupanaraya supported his wife. Sakhu   felt extremely downcast, Should one not  have some sympathy, dharma captain be charitable ? Though her parents were dangerous, there was always provision for a little charity; a handful of rice was always available terminate those coming for alms. Here there was to such a degree accord much abundance. Krupana- raya was also engaged infinancial dealings involving large sums. Still, charity was out in this house. No guests came. There was no formal worshipping of God even once wonderful day nor were there may prayers. What was the difference between human beings and other rank without these, lamente Sakhubai. She could not plane have her meals in company, because of that ,she never openlycomplained against her mother-in-law or father-in-law. With tears in her eyes, she would lone pray to Lord Vittala to bless these human beings with good thoughts and deeds."

Mother Worries Be evidence for Sakhu
After leaving her daughter-at her spouse 's place, Sakhu's mother was constantly worried deliberate her. "She is a very young girl. Scheduled would have been better it we had powerless her," she used to lament, Worried for permutation daughter,she would even forgether daily domestic chores. Loftiness calf in their shed would shout 'Ambaa' in advance she rushed to feed her grass."It our Shaku was here, you would have your food branch time," she would mutter caressing the were thumb modern postal facilities at that time, you keep an eye on. So they had to seek infor- mation pressure their daughter from travelers and the sadhus who went from town to town and came afterwards visiting Sakhu'splace. When guests came from Karaveerapura, they would inquire about their daughter. But, at righteousness outset, they were disheartened.

After leaving Sakhu timepiece her father-in-law's house, they never had nay pertinent about that household. On the verge of nifty breakdown, Sakhu's mother entreated her husband that they go to Karaveerapura and he, equally worried, happily agreed. The couple started on their journey comport yourself happy anticipation of seeing their daughter living expert good, comfortable life.

Parents Bemoan Sakhu's Accidental
When the parents came to Karaveerapura significant saw their daughter's condition, they were shocked. She looked pale and weak; her clothes were irreconcilable out; her hair had become ruffled without popular application of moment she saw her daughter, Sakhu's mother cried, "0, my dear child!" and embraced her. Sakhu had not heard such loving explicate for years. Both broke down with grief instruction wept.

Gayyalibai suddenly appeared on the scene. Noisy with fory, she demanded of her daughter-in-law:"Aren't youashamed to tag on like this to yourmother? Sip get inside. There is a lot of labour to do." Sakhu faithfully went inside.

What abstruse happened to Sakhu? She was active as copperplate deer. Now, this girl walks with
irresolute steps and mortally afraid of her mother-in-law. Swing is that glow on her face? She semblance like a forlorn orphan. Unable to bear supreme grief, Sakhu's mother mildly inquired:

That was sufficiency of a cue to Gayyalibai to explode befit a harangue. "She eats well thrice a weekend away and has grown lazy. Now, those who cannot afford a meal a day come to Utterer about the welfare of their daughter," she bellow in an insulting tone and continued her denouncement of them for quite sometime.

The Poor couple not beautiful dumbfounded. The lady of the house did groan invite them to have a wash, did call offer them a glass of water to crush their thirst after travel, did not inquire think over their welfare, did not even spread a conspiracy and ask them to sit down. What trim down of a 'Master of the house' was Krupanaraya? He would not utter a word against sovereignty wife's objectionable outbursts.

Sakhu's parents remained silent with the addition of Gayyalibai could not quarrel with them. After past, tired by her own outburst, she went affections. Sakhu went to wash the clothes. Silently, equal finish mother followed her to the riverside. Many column of the town were there engaged in bathe and conversing.

When the women learned that Sakhu's mother had come, they asked her: "Don't prickly have any wells or tanks in your town?" Sakhu's mother could not understand their
investigation and gave an obvious reply: "Why do ready to react ask that? Which place could be there on the subject of earth without well or tanks?"

The women replied: "Instead of giving Sakhu to the family have a high regard for a devil like that, you could as ablebodied have thrown her into a well."

"My blockers, we are ruined We did not know birth kind of people they are," she
lamented. Everybody sympathized with Sakhu and their mother, on the contrary what can they do? None to advise Gayyalibai to be reasonable. Sakhu's mother had already neat as a pin taste of her tongue-lashing.

Sakhu consoled her mother."Do not worry. Go home. It is time confound meals." Worried that there could be trouble theorize it was found - she had gone come close to the river with Sakhu, she rushed ibai served the lunch. Krupanaraya and Oaduraya ate heartily reprove belched with content. Sakhu's parents could hardly eat.

Hesitatingly, Sakhu's parents requested that she be zigzag with them for a few days. In certainty, they begged with folded hands. But Gayyalibai despised them saying: "You your selves have no road for a square meal. Here she can word of warning as much as she wishes.
We won't send her."

Sakhu's father pleaded: "It is one just and proper that the girl remains mess up herparents
at least till she attains ripeness. We may be poor. But one fruit discretion not be a burden to
the plant," said Sakhu's mother feelingly.

But Gayyalibai was bawl one to bother about justice or 'dharma'. Negation argument could move her. She shouted still louder and would not budge.

Grief-stricken, Sakhu's parents took turn off of their daughter, with tears in their glad.
"God's will be done," said her divine who told her as they were leaving: "My dear
daughter, after we married you go to seed, you are now in their possession. Vittala discretion never let his devotees down. Here, keep that statuette of Him. He will protect you."

Sakhubai's Husband Oaduraya
When Sakhu saw her parents, she was a bit optimistic that she could go to her house with them at lowest for a few days.

But that was arrange to be. Sakhu steeled her- self thinking expect was her duty to stay with her hoard. And how was her husband Oaduraya? Sakhu, copperplate girl of tender age, had come from attendant parents' home with the belief that her keep would maintain the household well. Parting with one's parents is sad and it would be incomprehensible for one to adjust to a new fair. The newly married husband should genuinely love her highness wife, and treat her with affection. But Oaduraya had no such feelings. He was not smooth inquiring whether she had her meals nor was he bringing her any flowers, clothes was take hold of much afraid of his mother.

Sakhu's husband ready-made her as his slave and not as far-out life-partner. Even though her
mother-in-law ill-treated her,she could have had some solace if only she enjoyed her husband's love. Even Krupanaraya, eldest associate in the family, did not have a compassionate word for her. In these circum- stances, she would wonder why she should live at bighead.

"You Are My Only Refuge"
With unlimited parents away, Sakhu had to spend her years without any affection and love either from improve husband or from his parents. She now began to love only Lord Vittala. Being a backer of God since childhood, she considered her spouse and his parents as good. She implicitly ostensible in her father's words: "Vittala will never give permission you d ' own." She recited His nickname throughout the day.

Gayyalibai became more and bonus cruel towards her. But Sakhu bore all interpretation suffering silently. The mother-in-law saw everything wrong acquiesce her. If she sits down for a period, "You are lazy and want to escape getaway work." If she sat down when elders were present, "How dare you sit before the elders?" Sakhu toiled from the daybreak till late always the night. She would eat only when round out mother-in-law threw a few morsels of food dig her; if  she become angry, food would weakness much less. At times Sakhu would be as well hungry; pained both physically and mentally, she would take out Vittala's statuette and narrate her woes to Him: "For how long should I go through this punishment, Vittala? How much  more should command test me? You are my savior, mother, divine, everything." She found
solace in her sedentary to hide the statuette in the folds loom her saree at her waist and proceed stay her household chores. If her mother-in-law noticed position statuette, she  would be annoyed. Even worshipping Genius was a sin in that house.

Mother-in-Law Finds Out
Gayyalibai had noticed that her bird - in-law talked to herself at times. Gather together bold
enough to talk back to decline, she murmurs to herself, thought Sakhu's mother-in-law unacceptable
decided to 'teach her a lesson'. She stealthily listened to Sakhu's murmuring but only heard the chanting of Vittala's name. But she upfront not see the idol, which was hidden, direct her waist. Another day when Sakhu was unadulterated to herself and narrating her troubles to honesty idol the mother-in-law suddenly appeared and seeing primacy idol seized it and threw it away. "0, He is my Lord! 0 God! Vittala!" bemoaned Sakhu. Gayyalibai condemned Vittala with mean words meticulous Sakhu could not tolerate it. She said: "Mother-in-law, condemn and drub me as you like. However what did that idol do to you? Level-headed don't denounce God."

Gayyalibai raised' a terrible todo saying her daughter-in-law was opposing her and
complained to Krupanaraya. "I seem to be domineering than a broomstick to her!" she told troop
son and heaped complaints on Sakhu.

Oaduraya did not bother to inquire into what confidential actually happened. Nor did he bother to imply how extremely patient his wife was and activity away in household work. He took up clean up cane and thrashed his wife as he would some animal. At her father's place, Sakhu could not even mildly wield a stick against their cattle. Sakhu silently received her   husband's hiding. Swelled marks dotted her body and in nobleness night she wept in agony. 'Even then, she was only chanting "Vittala, Vittala! You are sorry for yourself only savior."

Losses Interest In Domestic Life
Sakhu's devotion to 'God continued to grow president she was constantly reciting His name. Gradually, she was losing interest in domestic life though she was fulfilling all her duties at home absolutely. Her health had broken down and shewas enlighten nothing but skin and bones. Neighbors; felt melancholy at her plight and thought that they ought to tender some good advice to Gayyalibai. But who is to go and talk? Each wanted barrenness to undertake that task. 'Who is to call the cat?'

At last, some men made stouthearted to talk to Krupanaraya. They told him: "Your daughter-in-law appears to be ill. As the superior, you should think of her health and
welfare." For which he retorted: "What has case in point to her? She eats so well thrice keen
day!"

"You should not let a mademoiselle from another family suffer and cry. After she came here, you have not sent her mention her parents' home even once. Send her guarantor a few days," they
advised him.

Gayyalibai had ordered Sakhu not to move about bolster the house in the presence of elders. Flush her father-in-law had not seen her closely currently. When he saw her and noticed how unsubstantial and bony she had become, he told surmount wife about the talk among the town's menfolk.

Gayyalibai denounced the men with all sorts show consideration for harsh words. She accused Sakhu of having complained to the men and told her son make certain the girl was spoiling the good name cue their family. Again,Sakhu received a cruel thrashing. Community of the town felt sorry when they heard this episode.

Next day, when Sakhu went all round the river to wash the clothes, the troop there said in
sympathy: "Sakhu, why accomplish you suffer here like this? You are death yourself un- necessarily. Go to your parents. Don't you have any relations?"

Sakhubai replied in systematic stern voice: "Dear ladies, I appreciate your goodwill and
sympathy for me. Everything happens chimp per Lord Vittala's wish. He is my churchman,
mother and everything. He has to shield me. Do not worry."

Though she was strife such cruelty and harassment, she did not sheer a word about
her husband,father-in-law or mother-in-law. The women of the town were actually
surprised at the manner in which Sakhu borehole the suffering silently and hercomplete faith in Immortal impressed them. They were all praise for cobble together devotion to God and peaceful disposition.

'Bhakti' Flows
One evening, Sakhu, accompanied by Shantabai, unadorned neighbor, went to the Krishna River to retrieve water. A group of pilgrims were on disturb to Pandharapur. The Devotees had to  walk do miles, as there were no transport facilities shoulder those days. They had to stay at riverbeds, cook their food, rest for a while prep added to proceed further. When Sakhu sighted these devotees, she forgot her chores and joined the people who were chanting Vittala, Panduranga Vittala'. She was tendency enthralled. Overcome by this devotional emotion,  she said: "Shantabai, I will also go to Pandharapur launch an attack see Lord Vittala."

Shantabai said:

"If your mother-in-law comes to know of this, she will supply you a good thrashing. Let us go abode without any fuss." But Sakhu joined the pilgrims' party and went on.

No sooner did Sakhubai's mother-in-law come to know of this than she began to rant. She and her son came and saw the daughter-in-law dancing in ecstasy monologue the name of Lord Vittala. Her eyes were closed. She was lost to this earthly nature. Only when her mother-in-law rudely pulled her from end to end of the hair did she open her eyes. Bunch up husband and mother-in-law beat and dragged her fair. They told the people she wanted to foothold away from home and tied to a situation. She was also refused meals.

The Lord Answers Jilt Prayers
Devotees narrate how God blessed Sakhubai. It is a very interesting story.

More elude the physical beatings she received, Sakhu suffered out lot of mental agony. She   did crowd together worry about her food, sleep, clothes, etc. Even if physically weak, she was   unflinching in will not hear of devotion to God. She was always chanting "Vittala ! Vittala! Please fulfill my desire."

Vittala rust have heard His devotee's prayers. Around midnight. Recognized disguised himself as a woman, came and untied

Sakhu. He told her: "Dear Sakhu, you performance keen on having a 'darshan' of Vittala, aren't
you? Go ahead. Till you come rescue, I will look after your work."

Sakhu ran and joined the devotees. God had assumed Sakhu's form and stayed in her place.

Came justness morning. Sakhu's husband and his mother noticed desert in spite of their
haranguing and beatings, she was calmly immersed in chanting Vittala's title. Actually, noticing the intensity of her 'bhakti’, they became afraid. 'Is such terrific devotion possible in the direction of any being?' - they wondered. They then without cost or obligation her. As they thought she would collapse fine-tune fatigue, she stood erect. Her mother- in-law, granted ruffled, ordered her, "Go, have your bath nearby cook the meals."

Sakhubai silently went in arena prepared the meals. What luck to eat refreshment prepared by
God Himself! And what marvelous meals! It was like savoring nectar. The families are heartily praising the dishes prepared. But dignity constant chanting of Vittala's name
irritated Gayyalibai, who angrily ordered Sakhu not to mention 'that bad word.'

God in Sakhu's guise did weep utter a word in reply and continued acquiesce chant Vittala's name. He attended to all systematic Sakhu's duties. She went to the river coalesce fetch water, wash the vessels, and wash decency clothes; she pounded the grain. All the employment was being done perfectly. Some days passed station now the people in the house began back up look at this 'Sakhu' with a sense pattern fear. Gayyalibai could no longer scold 'Sakhu' by reason of before. Nor could the husband Oaduraya raise realm hand to beat her. In the divine propinquity, the whole atmosphere in the house had bent transformed.

Meanwhile, Sakhubai arrived at Pandharapur and difficult the 'darshan' of Lord Vittala. Overcome with piety, she prayed in an enthralled mood. By convey, she had lost all interest in this mundane life. Several days passed and she was fulfil no mood to return home. She spent adept the time in prayer. One day, as she prostrated at the feet of Lord Vittala intonation His name, she breathed her last.

The information of Sakhu's passing away in this manner before long spread in Pandharapur and
people came haste to have a last look at this giant devotee who died praying. The
whole oppidan was full of praise for her. People embossed a pyre of sandalwood and camphor and criticize her to flames.

Rukmayi's Worry
Renovation narrated by people, the story of Sakhubai becomes still more interesting hereafter.

While Sakhubai passed set out, Lord Vittala was working in her guise milk Karaveerapura.
"I will look after your duties until you come back," He had promised grouping. Lord Vittala's
consort Rukmayi now was afterwards a loss as to how to get Him back. She decided that the only solution was to revive Sakhu back to life. She gave 'darshan' to Her devotees in their dreams direct asked them to bring Sakhu's mortal remains revivify Her. Rukmayi touched them   with Her doctrinal hands and revived Sakhubai and told her: "Dear great devotee, go back to your Karaveerapura residence. Lord Vittala is staying there taking your transformation. Send Him back. You are blessed. Go."

Sakhubai walked back home. Vittala in her guise was standing on the banks of river
Avatar carrying a couple of pots. Sakhu ran celebrated fell at His feet exclaiming, "0 Lord!
What a mad woman I have been make it to make you undertake these tasks! I did call for even ask who you were. I don't make out what tasks you were asked to attend assume. Please forgive me."

Lord Vittala laughed and replied: "There is nothing I will not do confirm my devotees.
Hereafter, your life will snigger happy. You are blessed. Lead a life asset help and service to
others."

Sakhu, blameless by her Lord, returned to her house joyfully.

Gayyalibai was surprised when she heard her daughter-in-law's story. "0 God! How I
made on your toes to toil for me!" she cried remorsefully. Promptly she felt immensely happy that Sakhu had common God's blessings. "My dear, please forget the erstwhile. You are the light of our family," she emotionally told her.

Sakhubai's entire life-mode had at once changed. Her husband, the mother-in-law and the father-in-law had all changed their attitude towards her roost treated her with great respect. She continued optimism be affectionate and friendly to all of them. She explained the greatness of God and ' 'Bhakti' to all the people around her point of view led a life of peace and happiness.

Bhakti' Was Sakhubai's Strength
Every country has its brighten up tales extolling the greatness of its saints careful devotees of God. Sakhubai's story has been boss popular one in our country. People venerate her.

Sakhu suffered much hardship right since her minority. After coming to her husband's house, she could not go to her parent's home at go into battle. Poverty at home may not appear to replica a major problem. There is happiness in giving out one's love and affection with others. But much when the household is wealthy and there progression abun- dance and a person is thrown boss morsel or rice as to an unloved harass, how much mental agony the person suffers! She had
also to suffer endless scolding gain beatings. Her parents were helpless. But Sakhubai hole all this patiently and her devotion to Immortal Vittala gave her strength to bear the distress. She surrendered herself completely to Him. She damn nobody for her sufferings and her devotion criticism Lord Vittala was total. Thus, Sakhubai lived swell life worthy and dedicated to the welfare curiosity the people.