RAIN

 
On September 16th [1928], Baba's father, Sheriar, came to Toka with Padri, who had gone to Bombay four days before. After spending the night, Sheriar left accompanied by Padri and his son Jal.

The same morning, the Patel of Toka village approached Baba and prayed to him to bring rain. He said, "All of the villagers have done their best in worshiping the gods and goddesses of our ancestors, but there is still no rain."

Baba consoled him that he need not worry; rain would soon fall. Baba's blessings were immediately translated into action as a heavy rain shower began shortly after the Patel departed.

It rained heavily for four days without stopping and the river flooded. The ashram and women's quarters were inundated. Baba went to the women to help them bail out their residence. Standing at he entrance of their quarters, he picked up a little mud and made a small dam in the doorway, diverting the water.

After four days of rain the villagers returned to Baba, this time with the prayer to stop the rain. They were afraid of the river flooding to the point of submerging their village. Baba assured them that it would not happen.

The flooding was becoming a serious concern, not only in Toka but throughout Ahmednagar district. The amount of rainfall was unprecedented.

Houses were collapsing in the cities and several people had been killed. The roads were closed and traffic had come to a standstill. The Pravara River was completely flooded, nearly overflowing into Toka village.

Late in the night of September 20th, Baba asked Waman Subnis and Pleader to offer prayers to stop the rain. At 2 A.M., with a few persons, Baba walked to the banks of the Pravara River. There he sat down and dipped his feet in the water.

Soon after, the rains diminished and the flood waters gradually receded. The village of Toka was saved and its residents were greatly relieved.