Saint Chokhamela was a saint from Maharashtra. He worked hard to survive with the money he earned from house construction, so he used to have only a few rupees. One day, he went to buy vegetables to serve his Thakur Ji’s diety. He saw big bananas in the market and thought Lord Vitthal would like these bananas very much. He did not buy vegetables; he bought bananas with the same money. Chokhamela stood at the door and called to offer Lord Vitthal bananas since he could not enter the temple.
Some priests pushed him out. They said, What do you think? If you chant the lord’s name a few times, you will become such a great devotee that God will eat food touched by your hand.
Sacred Heart Of A Devotee
He did not feel bad that he was mistreated. He went into solitude and started talking to God, saying, I am not sad that I was insulted, but why did you do this? After having the inspiration in my heart and seeing the fruit, it came to my mind that you wanted to eat it. So I bought it for you. Why was I born into a family that can’t render services to you? You could have fixed it, right? After that, why did you express your desire to eat bananas? What will I do with this body? This body is not worthy of your service. From today on, I will stop eating and drinking water and give up this body. He closed the door of his hut and decided to fast until death.
Thakur Ji Came To Chokhamela’s House
As soon as Thakurji was made to sleep in the temple, he came out of there. He went outside Chokhamela Ji’s hut and knocked on the door. He spoke with a very sweet voice. Chokhamela Ji was immediately attracted and asked who it was. I am very hungry; please open the door, replied Thakur Ji. As soon as the door opened, Chokhamela saw Thakurji in his teen form; infinite beauty emanated from his face. Seeing the lord before him, Chokhamela started crying. The Lord said, there is no time to cry; I am hungry.
Chokhamela laid out whatever seat he had and asked Him to sit. Thakurji said, No, not there; I will sit on your lap. Where are the bananas you brought? Chokhamela ji said, Yes, Lord, I was insulted and sent away, so it is still left. Thakurji ate bananas on Chokhamela Ji’s lap. He said that the taste I am getting today is not even available in the food offered in the temple.
Rukmani Ji should also know how much taste there is in what my loved ones offer. Give me two bananas. Thakurji ate the remaining bananas and said, Stay happy. I belong to those who are there only for me. I do not belong to any caste, clan, practice, state, or penance. But those who are only for me, I belong to them.
Thakur Ji Got Angry And Did Not Open The Temple Door
Thakur Ji gave bananas to Rukmani Ji and threw the peels in the courtyard. He closed the door of the temple from inside. Thousands of devotees gathered to see the lord in the morning. The priests used to lock the door from the outside, and when they came and opened the lock, the door did not open. Everyone became very upset, started crying, and started praying. Lord, what offence has happened? Thakurji said that this door would open only when you brought Chokhamela, and he would ask me to open the door. Only then will I open it. God’s servants said, lord, we will leave immediately then. Thakurji said, Not like this; go with the palanquin. Bring Chokha Mela Ji in the palanquin. Since he is very humble, he may not sit in the palanquin. If that happens, hold his feet and make him sit politely.
Chokhamela Ji Was Brought In The Palanquin
The servants of the lord ran away with the palanquin to bring Chokhamela. All the devotees were surprised that the same person who was pushed from the temple door yesterday would be brought back in a palanquin by the same priests who had insulted him. As soon as the priests requested that he go to the temple, sitting in the palanquin, Chokhamela prostrated. He said I am not worthy of this respect! The servants again held his feet and told him they knew his elevated spiritual position. They forced him to sit in the palanquin and brought him to the temple, singing his praises.
As soon as he reached the temple, Chokhamela prayed with tears in his eyes, Lord, please stop! Now, please open the doors. Immediately, the doors opened.
Conclusion
A small service to the Lord manifested a miracle. How will our lives transform if we remember and love God every moment? Just think about it.
Narrated By: Shri Hit Premanand Ji Maharaj
