Shri Damodhar Rasne

Shri Damodar Rasne

Damodar Rasne was a Kasar and one of the earliest of Ahmednagar citizen to learn about Sai Baba.

Sai Baba had kept apart 8 mangoes to be given to him from a basket of mangoes that were sent to Baba. The children were the recipients of the rest of the mangoes and some children wanted more. When Baba said, “There is nothing,” the children pointed to the eight mangoes. Baba said, “They are for Damia.” But the children said, “Damia is not
here.” “I know that. He is on the way. He is coming,” said Baba. Then, when Baba went out, some of these petted children of Baba stole away four mangoes, and when Rasane came, there were only four mangoes remaining. As soon as he came, Baba gave him those four mangoes. “Eat and die. People are clamouring for mangoes.” Eat and die –
Damodar was perturbed by hearing the inauspicious word die, and Mahlsapathy noting his perplexity told him that it was a blessing to die at the feet of Baba. Baba was enjoying the humour all the time, as the word die, which he had used, did not refer to the physical death but only to the spiritual death, which is the same as Bhramh or Pramada coming upon one who gets deeper and deeper in samsaric life with the birth of a child after child and the death of several of them.

Baba came to the rescue and said, “Damia do not eat these fruits yourself. Give them to your wife”. Damia wanted to know to which wife were the fruits to be given. Baba said, “The second wife.” Baba also said, “She will have eight children. The first and second would be boys. Name the first Daulat Shah and the second Thana Shah.” Taking up his note book immediately, Damia wrote down the names.

The first named Daulat Shah is now (1956) known as Nana Saheb Rasane, and is a trustee of the Sai Sansthan. Daulat means prosperity and fame.

Daulat Shah marriage took place at Pandharpur and Damia went to Baba to invite him to Pandharpur. Baba replied “I am with you. Do not fear. Wherever you think of me, there I am with you.” Still Damia pressed him to attend. Then Baba said, “Without God’s permission, nothing can be done by me. I will send Shama to attend the marriage as my deputy.” And Shama attended the marriage.

Nick Name : Kaasaarda