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Humble Submission Innumerable humans take birth on this earth and then depart. Few and far between them, incarnates one rooted in purity who shows light to the humanity groping in dark. However far man goes in pursuit of materialism, he is always attracted to such pure souls. Sant Thakur Ram Singh was one such great human being who created benchmarks of righteous humankind while leading a married life. He established examples of honesty and compassion while being in police service. In worldly affairs, he remained spotless and attained the supreme state by treading the path of truth. He is said to be a Sufi sant, but he does not belong to any particular faith; he is a philanthropist in the true sense. The life incidents of the Sant Thanedar are a dulcet music in the mindless din of this world. It is such a mellifluous story which would delight the readers for ages. The more one is impassioned, the more he would enjoy reading these divine incidents. Since the beginning, man harbours craving about humanity. Somewhere the pace of his evolution is hindered and somewhere he has lost direction. Even then, knowingly-unknowingly, he wants to find his original source. He wants to attain that state where there is eternal peace, unbounded love and is bliss all around. He wants a human race as his goal where the veil of ignorance disappears, fallacy of duality1 vanishes, and love is abounding. The incidents of our Sant Thanedar are an inexhaustible treasure trove for humanity.

In submission Shardool Singh Kavia

1 The illusion of seeing God and His existence as separate.

Forward (From first edition)

On the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the reverend great sant Thakur Sahib Ram Singh, I am happy to present this book, “Sant Thanedar” to the readers. There has been heavy demand of books related to Thakur Sahib. Before this, only one publication “Satguru Prasad” was available which was published on 14th January 1997. It contains articles written by Thakur Sahib along with commentary on them by reverend Balkumar Khare, who is a disciple of samarth satguru Raghubar Daya l Ji and is retired as Principal from Government Basic Training College, Varanasi. The book “Sant Thanedar” consists of a collection of the life incidents of Thakur Sahib. The life-incidents greatly impact the reader’s mind and provide guidance. The compiler of the incidents has tried to present them as a matter of fact with some editing and has left its significance to the readers because presenting the purports may be influenced by the writer’s own feelings. The compiler of the book-the writer, had a long association with Thakur Sahib. They first met in 1957. Thereafter, till the end, he was benefited now and then by the company of Thakur Sahib. In fact, Thakur Sahib inspired him to write a spiritual daily diary and as a result, he started writing this diary in 1963 which continued till 1970. The incidents in the book pertaining to the satsang at the City Palace have been lifted from this diary and are absolutely authentic. Other incidents too have been collected by meeting different persons or through correspondence. He was inspired to write the current book by Thakur Sahib on the Samadhi place during the last bhandara. Therefore, he has done a commendable job by finishing this work which, you never know, would benefit whom. For that, the Samsthan is grateful to him. He himself considers himself fulfilled to complete this task. Mr. Shardul Singh Kawiya has retired from the post of Joint Director, Education Department, Rajasthan and is writer of several books. I remember that when he was Principal at the STC School, Khetri, on his arrival, Thakur Sahib used to enquire him about “Ramkrishna Mission” at Khetri; he used to seek information about the sants and sanyasins there and their activities. He has deeply studied the literature of Ramkrishna Mission and the Nath Tradition and has gained from the company of many sants and mahatmas. Presently, the Samadhi Mandir and the Ashram is a centre of attraction for many followers on the path to spirituality. Man, traumatized by the fiery of the world, finds himself here free and in peace for some time. He then moves on to his destination endowed with the grace of sants. It seems that the divination is coming live that was pronounced by Mahatma Ram Chandra Ji (Lala Ji Maharaj), the reverend Guru-Bhagwan of Thakur Sahib, as his blessings for his fanafil murid (a disciple in whom his guru interfuses his existence as a result of love of the former) on presentation of a bouquet of roses by kunwar Ram Singh, “Ram Singh! Your fragrance too will spread like that of these roses.” At the end, whosoever were associated with the publication of this book, Ramashram Satsang Samstan, Manoharpura (Jaipur) is grateful to all of them from the heart.

Today, on day 3 September, 1997, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Centenary Celebration of reverend Thakur Sahib, this book, prompted at his instance, is presented at his feet in all humility with love.

Servant to the devotees to God Narayan Singh Bhati

Table of Contents

Roots in Purity ........................................................................................1

Sant Ram Singh............................................................................................................1 Advent of Guru Bhagwan............................................................................................3 Experiencing Gratitude ................................................................................................7

Wonder Policeman..................................................................................8

Tender-hearted .............................................................................................................8 Kind and Compassionate ...........................................................................................10 Happiness...................................................................................................................12 Cleanliness .................................................................................................................13 Own Work with Own Hands......................................................................................13 Uprightness and Commitment to Truth .....................................................................15

Some Incidents of Service in Police....................................................... 17

Sambhar to Sawai Madopur .......................................................................................17 Satsang in Jaipur Kotwali ..........................................................................................18 Probity at its Highest Peak.........................................................................................19 On Way to Justice ......................................................................................................20 Frank to the Core........................................................................................................20 Illustrious Police Officer ............................................................................................21 Case against the Chief................................................................................................21 Lustrous Personality...................................................................................................22 Enrichment in Right Means .......................................................................................23 The Distinguished Coin .............................................................................................23 Devotion to Duty........................................................................................................24 Gallantry Steps ...........................................................................................................26 God Stands with Truth...............................................................................................27

Forgotten Episodes................................................................................ 29

Mysterious Mystic .....................................................................................................29 Truth is God ...............................................................................................................30 Immaculate Character ................................................................................................31 The Coming of a Handicap........................................................................................31 Divine Feast ...............................................................................................................33 Showering of Love .....................................................................................................34 Your Remembrance Pulled Me..................................................................................35 Compassionate to the Uncared...................................................................................36 Short Incidents ...........................................................................................................38

Incidents of Beneficence ........................................................................ 43

This too is Wine .........................................................................................................44

The Sentry of Treasury..............................................................................................46 Lesson to the Camel-herder .......................................................................................47 Read the Book of Your Heart ....................................................................................49 Regulating and Trusting .............................................................................................50 Congregation at the City Palace.................................................................................51 Satsang on Tuesday....................................................................................................51 Trust and Surrender....................................................................................................52 Imparted Such a Nectar..............................................................................................54 On the Path of Truth...................................................................................................56 Compassionate Sant ...................................................................................................59

Soldier of Truth: Roots in Purity

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Roots in Purity

Sant Ram Singh

n the 19th century, Thakur Mangal Singh Bhati, a religious devotee of Lord Rama, was a faithful samant1 of Maharajah Sawai Madho Singh, the then ruler of Jaipur.

Village Manoharpura, near Jagatpura in the south of Jaipur was part of his territory. Thakur Mangal Singh used to stay with Maharajah Madho Singh. He was protector of the Maharajah. He was a Rajput and was a man without any ostentation or affectation. He remained engrossed in his devotion to God. On 3rd December 1898, Thakur Mangal Singh’s home became birthplace of a discerning child who grew up to become an illustrious grihastha2- sant3 in the years ahead. Young Ram Singh was tended in a devotional environment that inculcated noble impressions in him since childhood. The impressionable mind too became staunch devotee of Rama. His father was committed to chanting of Rama. His mother was always ready to serve the needy and address the needs of the poor. She too constantly chanted name of Rama on a rosary. In his meditation, Thakur Mangal Singh had visions of Sita-Rama4 as couple. Once he disclosed this happening to young Ram Singh. At this, Ram Singh became inquisitive and demanded to see them himself. It was a turning point towards God. Slowly, he started feeling that God was always with him and was watching him. Thus he became a devotee like his father. As the boy was born in an affluent samant family, he was raised in tenderness and affection. He had an elder sister and no other sibling. Thakur Mangal Singh wanted to provide best education to his only son. At the age of eleven, he was admitted to Nobles School, Jaipur which was known as Maharaja Collegiate School. In those days, this school functioned in the Ramchandra Temple in Chandpol Bazaar, Jaipur. Later this institute continued as Man Nobles School in Garh of Goner. This school was meant for Rajput children from noble families. Young Ram Singh obtained education in the premises of the temple for five years. As per his inclination, he got an environment filled with devotion all around. In this huge temple of Lord Rama, one can get a glance of the couple-deity from far a place. The passion of young Ram towards great Lord Rama was nurtured continuously for these five years. Sant Ram Singh used to say:

1 Samants were high ranking nobles in the court who controlled a piece of land on behalf of the ruler. 2 Grihastha is one who remains committed to the search of truth without actually following the tradition of sanyas (renunciation) as prevalent in many schools of Hindu religion. 3 Sant is a soul on advanced stage on the path to God. The translator has intentionally avoided the English word saint as the synonym of sant as the former has been derived from the word sanctus of Latin, which actually means sanctioned by Church. The word sant has an altogether different connotation. 4 A Hindu Deity

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Worldly education is like indulging in fun by a child. When one grows up to real self, it deserves to be forsaken. In the samant milieu, young Ram Singh learned the patterns of elite families well but never allowed himself to overtaken by supposed licentiousness. Like his father, he progressed towards the principles of leading simple life and maintaining purity of thoughts. Thakur Arishal Singh of Manpur was an affectionate friend of Thakur Mangal Singh. He was fond of young Ram Singh and sometimes took him along, kept him with himself for a couple of days and took good care of him. As Thakur Arishal Singh was close to famous king of Khetri, Raja Ajit Singh, he was privileged to get the company of youthful tapaswi1 Swami Vivekananda. Under the influence of the great Hindu sanyasin2 (Vivekananda), his philosophy towards life underwent transformation and he submitted himself to the discipline of yoga-sadhana3. At the dusk, Thakur Arishal Singh used to enter into meditative state that lasted till rise of the sun. Young Ram Singh thus gained from the togetherness with cerebral practitioner like Thakur Arishal Singh. The wife of Thakur Arishal Singh expired when he was still young. This created a propensity of renunciation in him. He did not marry again and spent rest of his life in yoga-sadhana. Thakur Arishal Singh had two daughters who were raised by their grandma. When the elder daughter attained marriageable age, Thakur Arishal Singh placed a proposal before his beloved friend Thakur Mangal Singh to marry her with Ram Singh. Thakur Mangal Singh gave his consent by replying that Ram Singh belonged to Arishal Singh only. At the age of seventeen, kunwar4 Ramsingh got married to Gopalkanwar, the daughter of Thakur Arishal Singh. In those days, the country was under foreign rule. Kunwar Ram Singh had an inclination to join the British army. He gave up the idea upon insistence of his father. His father expressed that their forefathers were in service of Jaipur Court and thus, if Ramsingh wished to join service, he should be in service of the Majesty. He got a job in the state police department. When kunwar Ramsingh was leaving home to join the police service, his father advised him that if he were not able to meet both ends in the service, he was free to collect foodstuff from his home. “Never solicit any favour; we have seen corrupt being ruined”, he averred. A great lesson from the father. Kunwar Ram Singh resolutely followed the advice. He never sought any favours. By no means was he ever lured by others’ wealth. He won’t ever accept eatables from others. Even on a peao5, he always paid up for water. With the passage of time, the splendour of illustrious morality and integrity of kunwar Ram Singh started spreading out. When he was posted at Asalpur police station as

1 One who tries to obtain self-realization through control of senses. 2 One who follows the path of renunciation 3 Practice of spiritual methods of yoga 4 An attributive name for an adult male in deference to his status 5 A facility installed by charity workers to serve free drinking water to passers -by


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head constable, Rai Sahib1 Gapaldas, DIG, Police, happened to visit the police station for inspection. Kunwar Ram Singh went to receive him. As he cast his eye over Ram Singh, the former remarked, “When you are so immaculate, your station too must be perfect. Ram Singh, I have heard about your righteousness. I am proud of you.” Hearing this, kunwar Ram Singh looked to the ground unobtrusively. Rai Sahib Gapaldas stepped forward, patted kunwar Ram Singh on his shoulder and turned back from there itself. It was commonly known that DIG Gopaldas was tyrannical and was a terror among criminals. Once a police station head, who was a close relative to them, came to visit village Manoharpura to meet Thakur Mangal Singh. Fortuitously, kunwar Ram Singh was also on a vacation at home. During the course of conversation, the guest asked his father, “Is Ram Singh earning something extra2 or not?” “He doesn’t accept a single penny”, his father replied. On that, the relative reacted, “I don’t see anything unfair in the practice. Don’t extort money; but if you accept consideration afterwards in lieu of the work done, that cannot be termed wrong.” The father called his son and asked to pay heed to the opinion of the police station head. The police station head offered his views again. Listening all that, Thakur Ram Singh asked, “What if Thakur Bahadur Singh (the then Police Commissioner) comes to know?” This brought a quick rejoinder from police station head, “Why should you let him know? Do it covertly.” Kunwar Ram Singh gave a plain reply, “What are you saying? Shall I be afraid of a human being and not have any fear of the one who is omnipresent? If nobody is around to watch, can it be hidden from God?” His father was delighted listening this.

Advent of Guru Bhagwan

he uprightness and deep commitment of kunwar Ram Singh ushered in such opportunities that raised his life above board. The arrival of Guru Bhagwan in the

life of kunwar Ram Singh is one such extraordinary incident. It is a divine story like the descent of holy Ganges from Himalayas to the Ocean3. A great Sufi4-sant was born during the term of mogul emperor Aurangzeb. His name was Mirza Mazhar Janjana. Janjana promoted a very liberal view of the Sufi practice and moulded it as a manav-dharma 5. Fanatics could not tolerate his downright plain-speaking and executed him. However his death was the onset of a new way in the realm of religiosity for the human race. Once again, a great Sufi sant was born on the bank of holy Ganges who followed in the footsteps of Mazhar. In his free time, he would graze goats and tutored children of the village. He had a son who died at a very young age. This heart-rending incident was unbearable for the mother of the boy. She kept weeping all the day. The Sufi-sant

1 A title of nobility in the days of British Raj 2 Ä euphemism for accepting bribe. 3 According to Hindu scriptures, Ganges is a holy river which descended on earth to bring along heavenly blessings. 4 A branch of Islam known for its distinctive faith in love towards God. 5 Religion of all human beings

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tried his best to consol her but the mother was not able to control herself. One day an idea struck him. A classmate of his son, who had become very close to them, was studying nearby. The sant addressed his wife, “Why do you wail all the day; why do you not accept Fazlu as your own son?” The mother looked at Fazlu, called him close, embraced him in her bosom and started shedding tears. Fazlu wiped off the tears of his mistress. He got a new mother and the mother found her lost son. Fazlu said, “Mother, do not moan. I too am your son.” Fazlu carried on with this relationship till the end. Fazlu was a bright child. Khalifa (the Sufi sant) adopted him. He initiated him in Sufi tradition and blessed him with all his spiritual attainments. At the time of his demise, the Sufi sant revealed to Fazal Ahmed, his beloved disciple that the latter was going to receive a follower belonging to some other faith. “Embrace him and there should be no faltering on this account”, he instructed. Like Hazarat1 Mazhar Janjana, Shah Fazal Ahmed also demonstrated great magnanimity. He considered spirituality free from the bonds of religious convictions and verbatim followed the advice of his master. His benediction passed on the priceless treasures to an endowed Hindu sadhaka2. During that period, Shah Fazal Ahmed shifted from Raipur to Farrukhabad. There he started living in a small room in a madarsa3. Coincidentally, a Hindu young man also resided on rent in another room in vicinity. The gentleman was working in the Revenue Department at Fatehgarh. There was no acquaintance between the two, however, as per mannerism, the man used to greet Shah Sahib with absolute reverence whenever he happened to pass that way. Thus incidentally, affinity built up between the two. One day, at dusk, the man was returning from Fatehgarh to his dwelling place. The sunset occurred soon in the winter season. Clouds started billowing in the sky. Wintry cold waves were blowing. Suddenly it started raining cats and dogs. The man got drenched and began shivering. When he was crossing the way to his room, Shah Sahib noticed him. He signalled him to come to him after changing cloths. Shah Sahib was warming himself near a stove. The man also came and sat nearby. Even the hotness of the stove was not sufficient to provide him relief from his shivering. Shah Sahib commiserated with him, made him sit on his cot with himself and wrapped him in his quilt. The contact of the master made the young man transported to some other state. Consciousness turned inwards and he went into meditation. There was absolute bliss. Inner and outer was all illuminated. That single instance was a moment of transmutation in the life of the young man. The accomplished master had found a credible disciple. Shah Fazal Ahmed recognised the young man the very first day. The Existence created this happenstance. The man submitted himself at the feet of the benevolent 1 A title used to express veneration in islam. 2 A follower or practitioner of a particular system 3 A muslim school to impart education to children


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Shah Sahib. At the young age of twenty four, the worthy disciple was assigned guru-padwi1. This worthy disciple was Lala Ramchandra. He was born in a high-status Chaudhary Kaistha family. In the course of time, Lalaji Sahib2 and his virtuous disciples spread a new light in the whole of northern India under the appellation ‘Ramashram Satsang’. The Sufi-sadhana attained a new dimension by breaking the embankments between Hindu and Muslim. Today thousands stand benefited. The path of love is open to whole of human race. Discerning and grateful people remember the generosity of Shah Fazal Ahmed and address him as “huzoor Sahib”. Huzoor Sahib used to state, “God is not in religions but in religiosity. Sufi-sadhana is not hostage to a particular faith.” Mahatma3 Ramchandra established this in his life-time. Many capable disciples of Mahatma Ramchandra, like Dr. Shri Krishna Lal and Dr. Chaturbhuj Sahay were at the forefront of spreading his message. Among the successors of Lalaji Sahib, his younger brother Mahatma Raghubar Dayal and Sant Brijmohanlal are revered most. Mahatma Ramchandra, the beloved disciple of huzoor Sahib is the guru-bhagwan4 of our Sant Thanedar5. How the Guru-Bhagwan reached Rajasthan to meet his favourite disciple is an interesting story in itself. Initially kunwar Ram Singh was posted in Jaipur State Railway Police. In 1926, he was transferred to police post of the Niwai railway station. Within a few days, everyone around came to know that the new police station incharge was honest and did not accept bribe. He would offer cigarette to others but won’t accept himself. A railway employee, Krishna Chandra Bhargava was very much impressed to learn that. He hailed from Rewari (Haryana) and was a disciple of Mahatma Ramchandra. Mr. Bhargava was enchanted when he came in contact with kunwar Ram Singh. As they shared same ideology, they drew close and fraternised with each other. One day Mr. Bhargava asked, “Have you submitted to any guru or not? 6” Kunwar Ram Singh answered that anyone from whom he could learn was his guru. On that Mr. Bhargava rejoined, “That is different; a satguru7 belongs to some other dimension. My satguru is samarth8” Mr. Bhargava introduced his guru and the next day, presented a photograph of Lalaji Sahib to the Sant Thanedar. Kunwar Ram Singh placed the photo on his table. He continued to stare at it for long intervals. He was swayed by its magnetism and found himself engrossed in am amazing ecstasy. In a letter written to Lalaji Sahib, kunwar Ram Singh expressed desire to learn mesmerism from him. He received the reply, “Dear friend! I am only surrendered to the almighty. I have only set my sights on God and do not know any mesmerism.” Kunwar Ram Singh wrote back, “I surrender myself to you.” 1 Nomination of his most capable disciple by a master to carry forward his mission. 2 As Lala Ramchandra was popularly known. 3 A title used for great souls. 4 Thakur Ram Singh referred his master in reverence as Guru-Bhagwan which means ‘God embodied as Guru (Master)’. 5 A police station head. 6 In Hinduism, surrendering to your spiritual advisor (guru) has been accorded utmost importance. 7 Spiritual mentor to whom one surrenders. 8 Highest order in spirituality; one who is enlightened.


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Again came the reply that corporeal existence is impermanent. It was necessary to be face to face once. On that, Ram Singh informed that getting days off from his duty was not possible for him. Adoration between the two kept multiplying and communion continued. At last, one day, Guru Bhagwan himself came to meet his beloved disciple. Mr. Bhargava had shifted from Niwai to Bandikui and kunwar Ram Singh moved to Palsana police station. Reverend Lalaji Sahib stayed with Mr. Bhargava at Bandikui. As soon as Sant Thanedar came to know about this, he reached Bandikui. He presented himself there and introduced, “I am Ram Singh”. Just the moment he looked at him, Guru Bhagwan exclaimed, “You are exactly the same as I envisioned you. Your love has drawn me to this place. Love is so potent that it traverses upto heavens”. Ram Singh submitted that he had to reach back on duty by the next morning. The Guru Bhagwan said, “I have come all the way for you; I will accompany you.” He came to Palsana. The next day, together they came to Jaipur and stayed at the bunglow of Thakur Sahib. Later, after many years at the City Palace, Sant Thanedar narrated the further events in the following words: “Next day when I was travelling in a horse-carriage from Chandi-ki-taksal1, the charioteer sang a song: ‘The consequence of my losing heart to you is that now my heart beats only for you. Since I have set my sights on you, wherever I see, only you are all around.’ I noticed that this exactly described my state. Next day, when I was walking from Bari Chaupad1 to Chhauti Chaupad1, I felt that I had imbibed characteristics similar to him (Guru Bhagwan). When Lalaji Sahib was leaving for Ajmer from Jaipur, I presented him a bouquet of roses. On that he enunciated, ‘your glory will spread like fragrance of these roses’.”

1 Name of a place in the city of Jaipur.


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Experiencing Gratitude

Experiencing the Truth has freed me of all my sufferings. My munificent master has purified me. I feel fulfilled, as my search in the vast ocean has yielded me treasure.

-- Sant Kabir

s with Kabir, kunwar Ram Singh also spotted treasure as he dived into the ocean. A samarth guru embraced him. All misery of life disappeared. On the very third

day, the disciple melted into his guru and became his image. The fallacy of two vanished. 1 Way to self-realisation was now crystal clear. He lost his self into the master and freed himself of all concerns. What remained was only silence and bliss. Heart was brimming with love. Sant Thanedar had struck gold. Kunwar Ram Singh was finding every step in the practical life in the service of police to be extremely challenging. He had even concluded that it was difficult for him to continue with the police service. However, the advent of Guru Bhagwan in his life made everything a smooth ride. Benediction of guru fulfilled the desire for the supreme. And the essence of his life was-he swallowed the mighty powers bestowed on him2. In the world, he posed himself as a worldly person and never let his Knowing come in the open. He remained ordinary despite being extraordinary.

1 The highest spiritual order in Hinduism is the realisation that the creator and creation are not two. All existence is manifestation of the One that is the only reality. 2 The Sufi tradition emphasises on completely preserving incognito.

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Soldier of Truth: Wonder Policeman

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Wonder Policeman

Rising above the tenets of scriptures, I have used shabd1 as sword to destroy all evils and have submitted myself to the discipline of Truth.

-Gorakhwani

ant Thanedar has been an enlightened being of this order. Like Maryada Purushottam (Lord Rama), his life story is a new epic in the field of righteousness

and humanity. He towers like Gita in the epic of Mahabharata. Like king Videha 2, he combated the struggles of life with great detachment. On the one hand, he established the highest standards for the mankind; on the other hand, he marched ahead continuously on the path of self -liberation. Right from Palsana police station to up to his eventual settlement at City Palace at Jaipur, even those people who were unaware of his spiritual heights and deep insights were charmed by his uprightness and mannerism.

Tender-hearted

he Sant Thanedar was very compassionate towards every human being. Any convict was never subjected to force at his station. He had no ill will even

towards hard-core criminals. He would feed any detainee in his station with his own hands. He would eat himself only after serving food to the convict. In those days, any convict in the police station was entitled to an allowance of paise one per day which was just enough to buy handful of roasted peas at the mercy of the officer. Sant Thanedar never followed this practice. He would prepare meal for the convict with his own hands. It was commonly believed that Thanedar Ram Singh was able to elicit confession by regaling his detainee with feast. In reality, the blissful aura, compassion and immaculacy of this divine person were enough to induce a sense of purity even in depraved souls. The elder son of Thakur Ram Singh used to narrate an interesting account in this context. In those days, he was staying with his father at Nawalgarh. A thief was caught in the Nawalgarh police station. He was afraid that policemen would thrash him. In the night, the Thanedar himself brought dinner for him and fed him with great affection. Next day too he was treated with similar tenderness. When the thief was taking meal, the Sant Thanedar insisted, “Dear friend, take some more”. The thief was overwhelmed by this extraordinary treatment and started crying. He disclosed the theft of jewellery. The recovery was made from a field beneath the roots of a tree. It is said that after this incident, the thief became a follower of the Sant Thanedar and gave up thievery. He adopted peaceful life of a peasant and submitted himself to devotion towards God. In Nawalgarh, he was a frequent visitor of the Thanedar.

1 The yogic system of Hinduism considers shabd (sound energy) to be the source of origin of the universe just as the modern theory of science propounds explosion of energy as the beginning. Communion with this conscious energy is the ultimate realisation. 2 A great king in ancient India who despite being a king was an ascetic.

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Once he wanted to go to his relatives outside of the Nawalgarh police station command area. In those days, such people were required to seek permission to move out of the police control area. He visited the Thanedar to obtain permission. Sant Thanedar refused him permission to leave the station but he was adamant. Hari Singh, the elder son of sant Ram Singh recounts that, that day, kakosa1 became incensed. With folded hands he said, “Thanedar Sahib, when you are indignant, then there should be something to it. I may fall in trouble. I won’t go anywhere.” Sant Thanedar was a very truthful and courageous person. In daily life too, he never mislaid his association with truth. Many times, he had to come to Jaipur to appear in court for hearing. In the evening, whenever he visited his village, he won’t claim the daily allowance for the day in his bill. He was frugal, spent money carefully and used his savings in welfare of others. If ever, he laid his hands on a spoiled coin, he would bury it at a secluded place. Never in his life, did he resort to wrong means. Until he himself was fully convinced, he never named anybody an offender. Only after ascertaining all evidences, would he move to testify in court. He would always side with the innocent. It is an incident of village Sheopur in the Sanganer police station area. A young woman did not want to go to her husband’s place. For a long time, she was putting up with her father. Her husband and father-in-law came to fetch her. The parents forced her to accompany them. All three were walking back home. On the way came a well. The woman jumped into the well. Her husband immediately climbed down into the well with a rope and saved her. She again ran back to her parent’s place. There she narrated that the other two pushed her into the well and ran away, and villagers saved her noticing her cries. Her parents lodged a report in the Sanganer police station. The Thanedar was away that day on a hearing in court in Jaipur. His deputy reached Sheopur with police force and investigated the matter. He recorded the accounts, made a case and put the father-son duo in lockup. Next day, Sant Thanedar reached Sanganer police station. The deputy put up the case before him. Sant Thanedar examined the case and called the father and the son. The father described the true story. The head of Sheopur village was a relative of the Thanedar. He pressured that the murderers ought to be punished. Sant Thanedar soon got to the facts. He asked the boy to show his palms. The palms bore wounds due to abrasion with rope. Sant Thanedar examined the palms of the boy and declared him innocent. He recorded their statements and released them. The fragrance of Sant Thanedar’s uprightness, moral conduct and truthfulness spread everywhere in the State of Jaipur. Judiciary too was not unaware of his angelic aroma. The Chief Justice of Jaipur State was very well aware of this fact. The justice, Mr. Sheetla Prasad Vajpeyee regarded the Sant Thanedar in high esteem. The Magistrate of Shekhawati, Mr. Nazim Ikram was so much impressed with the honesty and integrity of the Thanedar Ram Singh that he would not go through the proceedings to take many testimonies and would award judgment believing in the investigations carried out by the Sant Thanedar. In a case of this kind, Ikram Hussain

1 Hari Singh used to address his father kakosa.


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pronounced a thief as culprit and awarded him punishment based on the statement of the Thanedar Bhati Ram Singh. The judgment was challenged in the Jaipur State Chief Court and it was heard by the famous Chief Justice of the Jaipur State Mr. Sheetla Prasad Vajpayee. After hearing both sides, the Chief Justice upheld the decision of the magistrate and maintained the sentence. Lawyer of the defence side contended that it was not proper to award sentence on the basis of statement of a police sub-inspector. Criminal law had no such provision. The Justice Vajpayee rejected the argument saying that the statement belonged to a veracious sub-inspector Ram Singh Bhati. The observation of this sub-inspector carried much more weight than provisions of law. In those days, right from the police department to the common people, everybody knew that Bhati Ram Singh was a sub-inspector who, leave aside taking bribe, would not partake water from a peao for free. He won’t accept meal free of charge. Mr. FS Young, the then Police Commissioner was also aware of this. Once, pleased by the candour of Sant Thanedar, he offered him two fresh oranges to eat. The Sant Thanedar immediately took out a 25p coin from his pocket and placed on the table of the officer. The English officer was perplexed. He said, “Ram Singh, do you expect me to accept payment for this?” Sant Thanedar politely replied, “I beg your pardon sir; I do not eat anything without paying for it.” Ultimately, Mr. Young had to accept the payment. Once his father petitioned police officers for his promotion through an influential samant. When he came to know of this, he very emphatically urged his father, “I do not want to be favoured for promotion.” Dayalkunwar, the elder daughter of the Sant Thanedar committed sati1 on the pyre of her husband in the village Khur in district Sikar. The next day, the Sant Thanedar reached the sati spot from Jaipur. The villagers asked him about the statements they should give to the police. He clearly advised that they should state only the truth. The villagers did the same. At the end, everybody was acquitted.

Kind and Compassionate

ant Thanedar Thakur Ram Singh was an embodiment of courage and stout heartedness. No situation could baffle him. He never tolerated cruelty with any

human-being; He never allowed savagery in his control area. In any incident, he always favoured truth. In Fulera, a teacher was very cruel with his pupils. In school, he physically tortured students. One day the Thanedar came to know of all this. Next day, he sent a constable and called for him. After that, the teacher never dared to touch the students.

1 An old Hindu tradition, especially among Rajputs. As an expression of supreme devotedness towards her husband, the woman ended her life by burning alive with the pyre of her beloved. Britishers later banned the practice.

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Once Sant Thanedar was on a bus from Nawalgarh to some place. While descending from a mound on the way, the bus turned turtle. The Thanedar Sahib used to narrate that when the bus started rolling, he just uttered ‘Rama-Rama’. When he looked outside, he felt presence of God everywhere. None of the passenger was hurt. All got up flinging off the sand. The co-passengers said, “Thanedar Sahib, we were saved due to glory of your devotion; God only knows in what state we would have been, if you were not with us.” Sant Thanedar said humbly, “God takes care of all.” Wife of a teacher expired in Nawalgarh. The teacher could not bear the shock. He was not able to sleep in the nights. This made him befuddled. His teacher colleagues consoled him. Day and night he was fatigued. Somebody suggested him to seek help from Sant Thanedar. The teacher presented himself at the Nawalgarh police station and pleaded for himself. Thenedar Sahib listened to his complaint and asked him to come in the evening. Sant Thanedar associated him in his prayers for three days. The third day, he had such a sound sleep that till morning he could not get up. The teacher continued to get benefited from the Thanedar’s presence. Next incident belongs to the same period. Once he came to Mahalan with his beloved colleague sub-inspector Rajawat Kushal Singh. The wife of the elder brother of Kushal Singh was suffering from unbearable pain in her foot. The pain did not allow her to sleep in nights. The lady stated her agony to the Sant Thanedar. With God’s grace, the same night the pain disappeared. She slept in comfort all over the night. There are many episodes of kind-heartedness of the Sant Thanedar. Some satsangi1 got rid of his headache, while of another, a wound in the eye healed in a single night. Whosoever pleaded for earnestly was fulfilled. Miracles are common on the Samadhi Temple2 of Sant Thanedar. A mighty being can do anything. We should not attach much importance to such incidents. These are common phenomena for a devout. In fact, whatever is possible through the mortal body is not all. Beyond that, the conscious is all-powerful, the conscious has great momentum. For one who is awakened in his consciousness, who has moved inwards, the pure soul who reflects the instincts of the super-consciousness, these are normal affairs. The invocation of such holy beings is so strong that for whosoever they pray for, the prayers are answered back. This is the importance of prayer in life. Sufi is one who has immersed himself into the love for God. Thanedar Thakur Ram Singh was a true Sufi sant in the right sense of the term. He was forever melted into the love for God. Dipping endlessly into the waves of bliss in the pacific ocean of the love for God, our Sant Thanedar attained the meaning of his life. The biggest miracle seen in the Sant Thanedar was that he completely demolished his ego. He merged his being into the Guru-Bhagwan. It is said once he even forgot his own name. He appeared in a court to testify in a case. To record the statement, the Reader asked his name. He found himself in a quandary. The police advocate reminded him that his name was Ram Singh. He thanked the advocate. Even the magistrate looked in wonderment. 1 Literally means “traveller on the path of truth”. Satsangi is one from a group of people following a particular way of sadhana (spiritual practice). 2 Samadhi temple is the place where mortal body of Sant Thanedar was consigned to flames. This is a place of pilgrimage for his followers.


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When Guru’s grace enables one to find his path, the wavering mind attains peace and comes to standstill. Sadhak realises unity between the outer and the inner. Consciousness rises to higher dimensions. The inner is filled with bliss. The finite body becomes reservoir of infinite love. The whole universe echoes the same reality that one finds within. Then the sadhak, who turns into embodiment of love, becomes adept at living life with complete let go to the wishes of God. Sant Thanedar was a holy being of the same category. He used to say, “When you go to some enlightened being, wait for his grace with perseverance and veneration. A billionaire can lift you up to the status of a millionaire. Reading books would not help, only surrender to your master will. His one suggestion can cause turnaround in your life. Those who are inclined towards their master, they eventually turn into the latter’s image. The more one surrenders his being to his master, and the more one develops love for him, the more he is blessed with the strength to move on the path. The trembling of mind starts disappearing. The person gets fulfilled. Guru’s faiz1 will elevate the spirit without gulping spirit (alcohol), giving rise to a new life filled with ecstasy. Set your eyes on your heart2. Fix your remembrance on the heart centre. Bind yourself with the Supreme Being. Delight in His remembrance and dive into your inner core. When the mind starts dissolving and accent is on the heart, the path to the divine becomes clear.

Happiness

ne of the masterpiece qualities of the Sant Thanedar was that he was happy all the time. He laughed all the day. His eyes were brimming with love. Anybody

coming in contact with him was induced with a sense of felicity. Although cheerfulness and rejoicing is a big treasure, it is not easy to own such characteristics. Shri Ramkrishna Dev3 used to say that it was easy to produce sounds of pakhawaj 4 with your mouth but it was difficult to play it with hands. The secret behind the joyousness of Sant Thanedar must be that he had completely surrendered himself to the almighty. He was happy in any situation the Supreme Force would guide him into. He used to say, -the only devotion towards God is to remain always happy come what may. Sant Thanedar became so well known that whichever police station he was moved to, people in the area would become ecstatic knowing this. They were infused with

1 Grace 2 The Centre of Heart assumes special significance in the Sufi practice. Love of the beloved (God) is essentially the core of the Sufi teaching and heart is the centre of love. Many of the meditation methods in this practice are centred in heart. 3 A great enlightened master born in Bengal. He was the guru of famous young sanyasin Swami Vivekananda. 4 An Indian percussion instrument which is very difficult to learn.

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confidence that amity and peace would reign with his arrival. The atmosphere of the police station used to undergo complete transformation. Everybody was happy seeing a cheerful officer. Even the criminals lodged in the police station were not unaffected by his aura. Whole life he spread joyousness all around. At the time of bidding adieu to the City Palace, he had the same smile on his face. In the City Palace, satsagis got worried when his health suddenly deteriorated. Two satsangis helped him on their hands to proceed downstairs. At that time too, he was beaming and kidding. As the satsangis carried him, he spread his arms on the shoulders of the two satsangis and chortled like a kid.

Cleanliness

hanedar Ram Singh was very neat and tidy. He had a predisposition towards pure mind, pure body and pure environs. Whichever station he was posted to, would

imbibe a novelty. The building, veranda and the whole premises was always found neat and clean. If ever the sweeper or constable forgot to sweep, he would do the job himself. There was a guard in the Sikaria Guest House of Laxmangarh Shekhawati who was a retired policeman. Once a satsang1 was organised there in which the policeman narrated an instance. He had never earlier seen the mahatma Thanedar, only had heard his name. Once he reached Mandawa police station to deliver mail. A man was sweeping the rostrum outside the station building. After finishing, the man went inside, changed his clothes and seated on the chair of station head. The policeman was befuddled to see that the man on the chair was the same person who was sweeping outside. This was the first meeting of the policeman with the mahatma Thanedar. Then he continued to come to him. Sant Thanedar would do even the smallest work with extreme dedication. If he cleaned his pots, he would make them sparkling clean. If he washed clothes, they would shine like feathers of a swan. He bathed deriving abundant pleasure. He would take his meal in absolute serenity, tasting every bit of it. He would drink water slowly taking one sip at a time enjoying fully its taste. Sometimes he would exclaim, “How cool and sweet”! He would remain tidy and would live life in its festivity. When he tied his turban, it was in traditional marwari rathori style on which he would add two more rounds. Even in the last days of his life, he never forgot to do up his beard. He carried with him a small round mirror and a comb. In the cottage ward of sanatorium2, at the dawn, he would touch up his pure white beard in such a way as if he was going to attend a marriage.

Own Work with Own Hands

1 Religious gathering 2 Where he was admitted before leaving his body

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Mind either whirls in mundane, or droops in dejection. Its frenzy either propels it to the feet of the master or to the craze of further worldly desires.

-Gorakhwani

ind needs something to hold up. Hopes, hopelessness, passion, and aversion are the places where it finds refuge. Lured by desires, it falls into the lap of avarice.

If however, it has proclivity towards detachment, then to save itself from the worldly whirlwinds, it takes shelter in the master and finds comfort in surrender. In this experiential truth expressed by Guru Gorakhnath1, is hidden the secret of the actions of the Sant Thanedar. Bhati Ram Singh retreated to the sanctuary of his Guru Bhagwan. He surrendered himself to the Guru Bhagwan. He submerged his existence into his master doing away with the attitude of a ‘doer’. He developed a feeling of non-attachment towards his deeds. He would do every task as that of his master and was always alert and disposed towards his actions. He always considered his actions as his sacred duty. He did all his work with his own hands and gave up all expectations and hopes from others. He enjoyed his work. Sant Thanedar was always devoted to the service of others. In the service of police, he performed his duties very well. He never allowed sloppiness and lethargy to overtake him. A gentleman close to him recounts that he had the opportunity to stay with Sant Thanedar in the Mandawa police station. The Thanedar would keep a tumbler and a rope with him. There was a well opposite the police station where he would go in the morning. After taking bath, he would fill an earthen pot with water and bring along. He did all his work with his own hands and would never ask a constable to do his personal work. He cooked his food himself. Even on a tour, he would carry his bedding himself. Once at Fulera police station, he was in a hurry to appear in a deposition. He sent a constable to bring laddus 2 for one rupee from the market. The constable told the shopkeeper that the Thanedar had sent him to bring laddus worth Rupee one. The shopkeeper added two more laddus over and above after weighing was over. The constable brought the laddus and as he placed them on the table of the Thanedar, two of the laddus slipped away and fell on the floor below. The Thanedar enquired the constable if he had brought two laddus extra. The constable explained that he did not bring the extra laddus but the shopkeeper added them in the name of the Thanedar. The Thanedar asked the constable to pick up the laddus from the floor and return to the shopkeeper and instructed him to not to repeat this in future. In those days, transport facility was scant. He walked on foot from Jaipur to his village. After crossing the Moti Dungri3, he would encounter just mounds of sand. He had also to carry groceries for home from the Jaipur city. In those days, even salt was not available in his village. He would carry a big bag of khaki colour. With a heavy load of bag on his shoulder, he walked all the way from Jaipur. On the way, if somebody offered to carry the bag, he wouldn’t allow him. Nahar Singh Shekhawat tells that once he accompanied Thakur Sahib to the way from Jaipur to Manoharpura. 1 A great yogi born in ancient times who added a new dimension to the yogic tradition of India. His system of yoga is known as Gorakhpanth. 2 A kind of sweet 3 A small hillock in Jaipur.

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On the way, he bade twice requesting him to hand over the bag, but he did not allow. He carried the bag himself right up to the village. In the last days of his life, when he was admitted to the cottage ward of sanatorium, whenever he felt thirsty at night, he would get up himself despite being infirm and would somehow manage to get the water. In those days he faced difficulty in movement. His son Narayan Singh recounts, “During the night, I lied down on a bench nearby. Whenever I dozed off, he would not call out for me, he would get up himself to fetch water. Whenever I got up to serve him water, he would sip a bit, and expressing pleasure would give his blessings, ‘dear master1, God bless you’.”

Uprightness and Commitment to Truth

Only some rare brave ones stand aloof to realise the union of their consciousness with the Super-Consciousness.

-Vivekvar Nisani Poet and devotee Kesodas Gadan

he path to self-realisation is open to all but only a few tread on the path. Rest of the humanity remains engrossed in self -indulgence and worldly brawls. Those

who step on the path of spirituality, most of them get stuck on the way. Some become slothful, some become victim of narcissism while others tumble harbouring hubris of their sadhana. Only rarely some courageous human takes leap, transcending his ego and keeping his spiritual attainments under wrap. Out of them, somebody extraordinary, incessantly pursues and reaches the goal of self-realisation. Only he is called tathagatha2. Tathagatha is one who has known the ultimate truth of Existence. The way of life and deportment of such a great personality undergoes transformation. His every conduct becomes a benchmark for the whole of humanity. Sant Thanedar’s virtues and his commitment to truth are such human values. Sant Thanedar had in his heart an overflowing compassion for each of the living being. He was very fond of growing new trees and watering them. He raised a grove of trees in his village. If somebody hurt trees, he would feel injured himself. In the premises of police stations, he planted many trees and looked after them. To feed birds was among his daily routine. Many sparrows, peacocks, pigeons were befriended with him. In the police station of Sawai Madhopur, birds would pick raisins from his palm. He always spent a portion of his earnings in the service of the poor. He served so invisibly that no one would come to know. When he was ill in the cottage ward of sanatorium, he sent fifty rupees of his last pension to hakim3 Matu Ram through Chiranjeelal, a satsangi who was attending him, to buy a pestle4. On the same evening, Matu Ram appeared along with soap manufacturer, Mr. Khan Chand

1 Thakur Ram Singh addressed his youngest son as ‘master’ because he was a teacher in a school. 2 A Buddhis t expression that literarily means, ‘one who has arrived’. 3 A practitioner of Unani medicines. 4 Matu Ram used to dispense free medicines to poor. He was not having a pestle to grind medicinal ingredients.

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Dulani and urged him to take back the money. He pleaded that he would buy the pestle with his own money. Sant Thanedar mused over it for a while, then rejoined, “Hakim Sahib, kindly allow the contribution of this poor man to some charity”. Hearing this, the eyes of satsangi Matu Ram and Khan Chand became moist. There have been many police officers but Sant Thanedar was a cut above the rest. This wonder policeman left an indelible impression of his godly presence on his colleagues and masses. In the police department and in this scampering world, he created a paradigm.

Soldier of Truth: Some Incidents of Service in Police

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Some Incidents of Service in Police

Sambhar to Sawai Madopur

efore his promotion to the post of Kotwal1 of Sambhar, Ram Singh Bhati was Station Incharge at the Asalpur Jobner police station. A constable at the station

was cooking meals for him. The constable belonged to a village nearby. Once the constable went to his village and reported for duty late the next day. Another constable at the station protested and asked the former why he was so late. “Because of you, I had to perform your functions” he lamented. On that, the constable rejoined, “So what? I also cook for the Officer. At that time, you never volunteer to do the job.” Bhati Ram Singh heard the conversation. From the next day, he started cooking his food himself and continued to do so till he was in police service. He never allowed any constable to share any work and did all his work himself. Even on official visits, he always carried his luggage himself. In this context, there is an interesting incident of Railway Station of Sawai Madhopur. In 1931, he was transferred from Sambhar to Sawai Madhopur. Bhati Ram Singh alighted on the Sawai Madhopur railway station with his luggage and bedding. He was looking around for a coolie. Incidentally, he met a constable of the Sawai Madhopur police station, who was in civil clothes and recognised the new incumbent. The constable picked up the luggage and escorted him to the police station. As the new station head reached the destination, the staff of the station gathered around. Bhati Ram Singh proffered money to the one who carried his bag and baggage. With folded hands, the constable begged to be excused and said, “Sir, I am your subordinate.” The distinctive Thanedar was bent upon paying him, and the constable was recoiling back in demureness. At the end, the Thanedar succeeded. Everybody around was amazed at this astounding scene. Nobody could ever imagine that a Thanedar could be like this 2. In those days, camels were used for transportation. A constable who was provided with a camel was known as shutursawar. In addition to his salary, he got allowance for upkeep of his camel. Whenever Thanedar Ram Singh visited an area riding a camel, he would proffer food to shutursawar and would pay for camel’s fodder. Fortuitously, many years back, the writer met one of these shutursawars. During talks, when the name of Thanedar Ram Singh came up, his face brightened up. He started saying, “What to talk about Ram Singh! He was god, god in human form. While in journey, he would make me eat first before partaking himself. What to talk of humans, he would never eat before his camel had food.” Narrating this, the old constable was in tears. How tall this wonderful police officer stands among Thanedars in this country by leaving so indelible mark on his subordinates!

1 A high ranking police officer in British Raj 2 In India, general image of a high ranking police officer has always been that of a snobbish, despotic and corrupt character, especially in the days of British Raj when they ruled the roost over poor and hapless masses on account of oppressive powers bestowed by colonial rulers.

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Satsang in Jaipur Kotwali

hosoever came in contact with Thanedar Ram Singh was captivated by his innocent nature and angelic conduct. Blissful state of this godlike Thanedar

was extraordinary. He had a strange kind of tipsiness in his eyes and a sweet smile on his face. He influenced many officers of the police department. Many saw the course of their life changing after coming in his contact; prominent names among them are that of Mr. Kushal Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Mr. Mool Singh, Superintendent of Police. Mr. Mool Singh, Superintendent of Police was kotwal1 of Jaipur city for many years. In those days, Thanedar Ram Singh used to stay with Mr. Mool Singh in Kotwali2 on his Jaipur visit. Their fondness and affection for each other went on multiplying. Mr. Mool singh was a good-humoured person. He used to term the service in police as a ‘tree of dry-fruits’; ‘whenever you want, just shake the tree and windfall is yours’, he believed. He used to advise Thanedar Ram Singh, “What kind of Thanedar are you? You are empty handed in spite of sitting under a bounteous tree. I fill my pockets with both my hands”. The kotwal Mool Singh Shekhawat was as strong and muscular as he was stouthearted. He was a renowned figure in the Jaipur State Police. He had a great fear in criminals’ mind. It is said that once, when a dreaded dacoit was surrounded by the police force, no policeman could muster the strength to step forward. The dacoit was ready to encounter them with his life. The policemen were afraid that facing him would mean embracing death. In such crucial moments, Mool Singh Shekhawat pounced upon the dacoit, who was running after outmanoeuvring the surrounding policemen, from behind and he alone captured him. However, in bad company, he became a heavy drunkard. Day-by-day the addiction grew in proportion. He started feeling helpless and miserable but was not able to stem the craving. One day the kotwal told his misery to the Sant Thanedar. Thanedar Ram Singh was quiet for some time. Then he said, “Sir, there is another booze, even better than this one. The effect of former is only temporary but the other one lasts forever.” Beseeched the kotwal, “Dear Thanedar, kindly partake the drink you have taken with this friend of yours. Who will take my care if not a virtuous and affectionate being like you?” The hit was right on point. The same evening, on the second floor of the Jaipur kotwali building, Thanedar Ram Singh asked Mool Singh Shekhawat to sit on a wooden stage in front of him. Inner satsang took place. When he opened his eyes after an hour or so, the kotwal was thanking his friend with folded hands, “Today you made me go on a binge, I forgot myself completely.”

1 Administrative Incharge of the city during British Raj 2 Office-cum-residence of Kotwal

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The residence of Mool Singh Shekhawat, SP is in Mehrauli Village of District Sikar. There is a huge building, in front of which, is spreading a large veranda. In the centre of the veranda stands a dense tree of maurshali. About forty-five years back, under this green tree, Mool Singh narrated this impassioned story to the writer; that how the Sant Thanedar rescued him from the muddle of vices. How that maudlin and mammoth kotwal was heaved back on the path of virtuousness. In August 1956, the writer was first introduced to Mr. Mool singh Shekhawat. In a few days, the introduction turned into a bond of friendship. Afterwards, on a golden day, this introduction led the writer to the Sant Thanedar at City Palace. In the pious company of the Sant Thanedar, Mr. Mool Singh continued to rid himself off the muck he was deep neck in. Evil company is so terrible and how difficult it is to be cleansed and be pure again. Mool Singh, SP recounted the life stories of the Sant Thanedar and would become emotional. Once, curiously, the writer asked the SP about what he experienced at the satsang in Jaipur Kotwali. Remembering that blissful experience, tears started rolling from the eyes of the SP, he was overwhelmed by emotions. Then controlling himself a bit, he said, “I felt as if waves of absolute bliss were rising inside me. I was in a state of timelessness. My mind and body were intoxicated. When I stood up from the stage and tried to stroll, my feet were intractable. When I was kotwal of Jaipur, I used to gulp complete bottle of liquor in a day but never did my feet tremble. I don’t know what magic that divine being spelled on me. From that day, my life has undergone transformation. My life has become virtuous. I could get rid of alcohol. I submitted myself to God”.

Probity at its Highest Peak

ne day Thanedar Ram Singh was travelling from Jaipur to Reengus. As soon as he stepped on the Jaipur railway station, the train blew whistle for departure.

Somehow he managed to catch the train but did not have the boarding ticket. On the Chomu-Samod railway station, he got hold of the Travel Ticket Examiner (TTE). He told the TTE that he could not buy the ticket from Jaipur and requested him to make ticket from Jaipur to Reengus, and if the latter desired so, he could charge double according to rules. The TTE said, “Sir, you please take your seat, everything will be managed”. When the train reached Reengus Junction, he again met the TTE. This incident pertains to the time when he was well-known all over. People knew him as mahatma 1 Thanedar or devta2 Thanedar. His humanity, principles and honesty were talk of the society. TTE knew him very well and respected him as an ideal human being. Even after much persuasion, he did not agree to issue a ticket. He beseeched with folded hands, “Respected Sir, kindly pardon me. Please proceed to your destination.” Ultimately he had to leave for Khatu Shyamji, where he was Thanedar in those days.

1 A great soul 2 godlike

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In a few days, he again happened to visit back to Jaipur. From Khatu Shyamji, he came to Reengus Station. There he asked his shatursawar to bring two tickets for Jaipur. Shatursawar was wondering why he had asked for two tickets. He kept one ticket with care in his pocket and tore up the second there and then. A known person standing nearby asked in amazement, “Sir, what have you done?” He smiled and replied, “I paid back the due to the Railways”.

On Way to Justice

nce a dispute on farmland led to clash in Khatu Shyamji. Employees of aristocracy beat up a peasant family. The peasants appeared in the police station

with their petition. On getting the information, Thanedar Ram Singh himself went to the site of the incident, carried the survey and the probe into the matter started. Learning all this, the nobleman sent his assistant to the Thanedar and asked to dispose the matter. He emphasised upon the close relationship between the father of the nobleman and the father of the Thanedar. Thanedar listened to the assistant carefully and then said, “I agree that my father and the father of your master were quite close, but at this time, I earn my living under the patronage of the Raj (The State of Jaipur). My job is to maintain peace. Never be under the impression that I will turn a blind eye towards justice.” The assistant returned after a while and urged, “Master has conveyed that probably your good-self has not been able to comprehend the matter. Either you please come to the bungalow or, if you wish, he would like to present himself here.” The Thanedar replied, “I understand the substance well. Even then if I need to ask anything, I would come to the bungalow and interview him. Your men are at fault. They have beaten up others; therefore a case will be made against you. If you wish so, you can arrange to hand over the investigation to some other officer.” At the end, they managed to transfer the case under jurisdiction of some other police officer.

Frank to the Core

andawa is an old police station in Shekhawati region. When Bhati Ram Singh was Thanedar in Mandawa, Mr. Hakikat Rai was Superintendent of Police in

Jaipur. A wealthy baron in Bisau was close to Hakikat Rai. Whenever he happened to visit there, he stayed at the place of this baron. Once Hakikat Rai told Thanedar Ram Singh, “Bisau falls in your area. Do you ever call on that wealthy person? When you visit Bisau next, just go to see him.” On his next visit to Mandawa police station, Hakikat Rai repeated the same thing. This time Thanedar Ram Singh answered back, “Sir, for what reason shall I go to see him? If I visit him without any reason, then he would think that I harbour some motivation. Then people too would notice my relation with that mighty person and would be

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afraid of him. My visit to him is going to harm the common people; therefore it is better for me to stay away from him.” The officer was wordless with this riposte.

Illustrious Police Officer

hakur Madan Singh of Nawalgarh was known to be an influential samant among Shekhawat Rajputs. During those days, there was a dispute on a piece of land

containing a water body and meadow. The aristocrat looked upon the land as his personal property while people of Nawalgarh considered it as grazing land. The row aggravated to such an extent that there was apprehension of law and order problem and therefore, police intervention became necessary. Fortuitously, during the same period, Bhati Ram Singh was deputed to Nawalgarh as Thanedar. In those days, the Superintendent of Police of Shekhawati was a Rajput. The new incumbent too was a Rajput; this delighted Nawalgarh’s masses. The land dispute was going on. The samant wanted control over the piece of land. Mr. Rana, the Superintendent of Police and the patrician had close relationship. Common people there soon came to know that the new Thanedar was honest and upright. He would not give in to greed or influence. This occurrence became talk of the town in Nawalgarh. The patrician was an astute person. He wanted to appropriate the matter from backdoor. He tried his best to influence the new officer but the lean and thin Thanedar proved to be too much for him. One day Mr. Rana, SP was taking a tour of Nawalgarh. In the evening, he was having a stroll with Thanedar Ram Singh. While walking around, they were outside the bungalow of the patrician. Mr. Rana proposed, “Come dear, let us pay a visit to the Thakur.” Sant Thanedar replied forthrightly, “Sir, please you go inside. I would wait outside.” Finally, Mr. Rana went inside alone. In the meanwhile, a glass of sherbet was sent from the bunglow for the Thanedar. The Sant Thanedar refused the beverage and told that he should be excused. The patrician requested Mr. Rana to take up with the Thanedar that the latter should not counter his interests. The SP replied, “Sir! Thanedar Bhati is a man of principles. He would always stick to his guns. What about me, even if Hari Singh Ladkhani (the famous Police Commissioner of the Jaipur State) comes, he won’t give in”. A similar incident happened once in the Nawalgarh police station. In a case, the Sant Thanedar filed his affidavit. The SP of Shakhawati wanted some amendment in the statement. Thanedar Ram Singh had the clear cut reply, “Sir I have recorded what was truth. You are my senior. You are free to make any change but Ram Singh won’t be able to do so.”

Case against the Chief

he Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement of Mahatma Gandhi resulted in a new wave of awareness in the whole country. The princely states of

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Rajasthan too were not unaffected by the movement. In those days, prajamandal was established in Rajasthan which metamorphosed into a mass movement subsequently. Taking inspiration from prajamandal, a similar movement was promoted in Geejgarh area which had traders’ body at the forefront. In the erstwhile Jaipur State, Geejgarh was a stronghold of Champawat Rathors. The samant of Geejgarh was a member of the Jaipur State Council and was known to be among powerful samants. He did not want that any such movement should gain ground in his area. To suppress that, the Geejgarh Thakur consulted Mr. FS Young who was a British officer and was police commissioner in the Jaipur State. Mr. Young handled the situation astutely. Some people arrived at Geejgarh in plain cloths. These people tried to silent the traders forcefully. They threatened and thrashed them. In the heat of the moment , the leader of the group blurted out, “We have been sent out by Mr. Young; we are going to mend your ways.” The trounced people came to the police station to petition. Fortuitously, Ram Singh Bhati was the Station Incharge. He immediately reached Geejgarh with the police force. After reaching there, he came to know that there was no casualty or damage, only some people were thrashed. Till then the offenders went absconding. Thanedar Ram Singh registered a case. He investigated the matter and recorded statements. It was evident from the statements that the leader of the truncheon wielding attackers, who was wearing a headgear and was a Punjabi by appearance, was relating himself to Mr. Young. Thanedar Ram Singh Bhati recorded the statements as they were, and filed FIR in Register. When the police officer of the area came to know about this report, he took the register in his custody and said, “Dear Thanedar, you have dared to write against Mr. Young in the register. Now the substantiality of your sainthood will come to fore.” On that Thanedar Ram Singh replied, “I have fulfilled my duty. I have not added anything from my side.” To prove his allegiance, the deputy immediately headed for Jaipur with the register. At that time, Kashi Prasad Tiwari was the Superintendent of Police of Jaipur. The officer did not appear before the SP and reached straight at Jaleb Chowk to Mr. Young, the Inspector General of Police. Finding an opportunity, he placed the register before the IGP and submitted, “This is the register of the police station of Bassi. In this, Thanedar Ram Singh has filed a report against my lord.” Mr. Young got alerted, freed himself from all his work and asked to read out the report. The deputy was too happy and started reading the report. Mr. Young carefully listened to the contents. After it was over, he spread out his arms, had a belly laugh and rolled in the back of his chair. Then he told the police officer who brought the register, “Thanedar Ram Singh can write such a report, not people like you. You people are dirty.”

Lustrous Personality

ecause of his truthfulness and integrity, the name of Thanedar Ram Singh spread to far flung places. Often people discussed among themselves about his B


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illustrious qualities. People used to say that not only taking bribe was out of question, Thanedar Ram Singh wouldn’t even drink water from a peao for free. “First he would pay to the peao attendant, and then only can he slake his thirst.” Truthful conduct of the sant Thanedar was a matter of reverence and admiration in the society. Once Thanedar Ram Singh was travelling by train alongwith his youngest son, Vishnu. By chance, Thakur Kesri Singh Champawat, who was a distant cousin of the Thanedar and addressed the Thanedar as ‘dadasaa’ was also travelling by his side. At the Sikar railway station, a co-passenger bought some peanuts. He offered the nuts to the boy sitting next to him but the boy did not accept them. The co-passenger insisted very much but the boy was adamant. On that, the passenger exclaimed, “Have you become Thanedar Ram Singh that you are so much tenacious?” Hearing that, Thakur Kesri Singh started laughing. Addressing the Thanedar, he said, “Dadasaa, did you hear what this fellow is saying?” Thanedar Ram Singh Bhati just grimaced. Thakur Kesri Singh could not control himself. He engaged the passenger in talks. He asked, “Dear Sir, have you only heard about the Thanedar Ram Singh or have ever seen him?” The passenger replied, “I hail from Akola (Maharashtra). I have only heard about him; have never had the opportunity to come face to face.” On that, Thakur Kesri Singh smiled and said, “Then, today you have the occasion to see him. The person you have heard the name is sitting just across you. He is the Thanedar Ram Singh and the child belongs to him.” Knowing this the person bowed down in reverence and said that he was fulfilled meeting him.

Enrichment in Right Means

hile on a tour, Thanedar Ram Singh Bhati would refrain from eating at anybody’s place. He cooked with his own hands. He would never take the

services of a constable to cook for him. If he didn’t get time (for cooking), he would simply skip and would drink only water. If somebody insisted too much, his reply would be, “I would eat only the own-cooked food.” He used to tell; “I never accepted food from any police personnel except at the homes of Mr. Kushal Singh, DSP and Mr., Mool Singh, SP. Mr. Kushal Singh, DSP was a very honest and conscientious person since he joined service in police. Mr. Mool Singh, SP too desisted from taking graft after he joined the satsang. That is why I accepted food at his home. I was not alone in police who saw virtue in living by right means, because fulfillment comes only from honest living”. In City Palace, Jaipur, when he was relating in connection with the above context, somebody asked, “I have heard that you have not even used light belonging to others.” On that, he said, “Not so, but once I had to encounter such a situation. I was on an investigative trip in a case. Then came the night and there was no light around. I asked for a lamp from a shopkeeper who arranged it from his residence. I recorded the statements in the light of the lamp. Then I paid to the owner of the lamp.”

The Distinguished Coin

n those days, transport service was scant; there were no modern means of commutation. People used to walk on foot. Only a few privileged rode on camel’s

back. In the desert of Rajasthan, camel was the only commonly available mean of

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transportation. Farmers’ complete subsistence depended upon camel. On the other hand, aristocrats kept camels for riding. One such bedecked camel was standing outside the Nawalgarh railway station. The camel belonged to the richest person in Nawalgarh, Raja Ramdev Poddar. It was waiting for a guest arriving from Jaipur. When the train arrived, the guest did not alight. By chance, Thanedar Ram Singh got off from the same train. In his whole tenure in the service of police, the Sant Thanedar was twice station incharge in the Nawalgarh police station. This incident pertains to the period when he was Thanedar in Nawalgarh for the first time. As soon as the Thanedar stepped out of the railway station, he was noticed by the camel attendant. He took him along up to the police station on his animal. After alighting from the camel, The Thanedar thanked the attendant and said, “Your camel is nice. You have reared it well. The ride was comfortable.” With these words, the Thanedar took out a 25p coin from his pocket and extended to the attendant. The attendant was in a quandary because the camel belonged to a millionaire in Nawalgarh of that era. It was never for a paid ride. How could he accept the payment! The attendant pleaded a lot. He said, “The camel belongs to my master, Raja Ramdev Poddar.” But the Thanedar was unrelenting. He forced the attendant to accept the coin. When the camel returned to the bungalow, the attendant told, “My master, today our camel has earned something.” He narrated the incident and handed over the silver coin to the aristocrat. Mr. Poddar inspected the coin, and with delighted countenance, kept the coin in his safe. Then he said to the attendant, “the coin has been touched by Thanedar Ram Singh; it would be valuable for us.” A similar occurrence was once recounted by Sant Thanedar himself in the City Palace and a satsangi noted it down in his diary. In the words of the reverend Thanedar, this was as follows- “Once when I was Thanedar in Nawalgarh, I was travelling in a private bus from Nawalgarh to Jhunjhunu. Like my co-passengers, I tendered the fare to the bus attendant. But he refused to accept the fare. Then I said to him that either accept the payment or drop me back to Nawalgarh. At last, he agreed to take the fare. This incident got to Mr. Young, the IGP. He also mentioned this to me once.”

Devotion to Duty

nce the Viceroy of India had travel from Jaipur to Delhi through rail route under his itinerary. Security guards of the state police were deputed on the both the

sides of the railway track up to the extent of the Jaipur State. For a certain area, Thanedar Ram Singh was appointed as in-charge of the guards. Coincidentally, after joining the duty, Thanedar Ram Singh Bhati suffered the attack of malaria. The body started shivering and he had high fever but Sant Thanedar continued quietly in his duty. After the special train of the Viceroy passed off safely, he returned to his Dausa base along with his team. The beloved buddy of Thanedar Ram Singh, Mr. Mool Singh Shekhawat, SP was looking after the activities at the police station. From the speech

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and face of the Thanedar Ram Singh, he could make out that the Thanedar Ram Singh was suffering from fever. When he touched, it was high fever. Mool Singh, SP said, “You are suffering from too high a fever.” Nonchalantly, Thanedar Ram Singh replied, “Yes Sir! This body has caught fever.” In a tone of remonstration, Mool Singh Shekhawat, SP said, “You are enduring with so much temperature and you did not even inform the police station through a constable. Had we been informed, we could have arranged to send another officer.” Thanedar Ram Singh said, “Sir, why shall I trouble others for my sake.” The news of Sant Thanedar’s standing erect in high fever reached the higher ups in police. Ram Singh, SI received a citation for the outstanding services. The certificate is preserved in his old file. The manner in which Thanedar Ram Singh took care of the Viceroy of India by standing in the security guards, the same way he looked after the common man whenever the opportunity came his way. The dutifulness and conscientiousness he demonstrated on the pleading of a poor man, is a touchstone for the mankind. An old and known gentleman narrated an incident in this connection in City palace. The gentleman, who hails from Jaipur, was a tahasildar1 at Sambhar in 1941. In those days, Ram Singh Bhati was police station incharge at Fulera. The tahasildar was quite impressed with the angelic, truthful, serving and tenderly attitude of the Sant Thanedar. He was near his heart and whenever he got an opportunity, he would head for the Fulera police station to benefit from the company of Thanedar Ram Singh. Thanedar Ram Singh was truly an embodiment of love, whosoever came in contact, was blessed by his love. It was a holiday. In the afternoon, as the longing for the Thanedar pulled the tahsildar, he rushed from Sambhar to Fulera. The Thanedar was cooking at that time. The tahasildar kept sitting alongside talking to him. When he finished his cooking, he served the food for himself. As soon as he sat to eat, a poor man came to the police station. It was an instruction of Thanedar Ram Singh that anybody coming with a plea at any time should be directly sent to him. The guard sent the petitioner straight to the Thanedar. With folded hands, the villager pleaded, “I was lying down wrapped in my dhoti2in a travellers’ inn, I dozed off for a while and somebody took away my dhoti. The Thanedar solicitously looked towards the poor man and set aside the plate of his meal. Straight he accompanied the man to the inn. In those days, Fulera was not so spread over place. In the middle of the railway station and market, the re was a small travellers’ inn where only a small number of wayfarers stayed. To see what was going to happen, the tahasildar too went along with them. The Thanedar inspected the place of theft; then looked around the inn and got hold of a man and said, “My beloved, please give back the dhoti of this poor man. What would you do with the dhoti

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belonging to someone else?” The man looked at the face of the Thanedar, and without saying a word, took out the dhoti from his baggage and handed over back. Mr. Dwarka Nath Purohit, the adopted son of Sir Gopinath Purohit was Dy. Commissioner of Police, a high rank in the state police. He used to aver about Thanedar Ram Singh, “I have never seen such a righteous and devoted Thanedar in the police department.” He would describe an incident - The Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh was going with a British guest from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur. Hunter Col. Kesri Singh was ascorting them. Ram Singh Bhati was posted at police station of Sawai Madhopur in those days. Just as special coach reached the Sawai Madhopur railway station, it started raining heavily. There was arrangement of police on the railway station. The policemen ran helter-skelter to save themselves from the downpour but Thanedar Ram Singh kept standing there in the rain. In the meanwhile the coach reached in front of the station. Maharaja Man Singh noticed that a Thanedar was drenching in front. He asked Col. Kesri Singh, “Who is this Thanedar?” Kesri Singh told him that he was Ram Singh Bhati. Sawai Man Singh remarked, “What we heard about this Thanedar, he is exactly the same.”

Gallantry Steps

s a Thanedar, Ram Singh Bhati was in the police station of Nawalgarh most of the time. Even today, older people of Nawalgarh remember Thanedar Ram

Singh. Many memorable incidents of police service of the Sant Thanedar are associated with Nawalgarh. First time when he came to Nawalgarh in 1933, the fragrance of his virtuous acts spread all around. On popular demand, he was again sent to Nawalgarh in 1940. In those days in Shekhawati, many thieves and dacoits were active. Every other day, burglaries were taking place in Nawalgarh. A powerful gang of dacoits was thriving in Shekhawati which was committing robberies at far flung places in Rajasthan. Arjun, a dacoit from Bhoorki was a terror in the area. He committed crime in distant areas by changing his appearance. Police was unable to rein him. Jaipur State had issued orders for his capture dead or alive. The village Bhoorki was a part of the Nawalgarh police station area. Ram Singh Bhati joined as station incharge at Nawalgarh. The advent of sant Ram Singh registered a fall in incidents of thefts but the dacoits Arjun and Kalu continued to be troublemakers. To fight dacoits, Ram Singh called for additional police force. Somebody clued in the Nawalgarh police station at late night that the dacoit Arjun was present in Bhoorki. As he received the information, Thanedar Ram Singh rushed to Bhoorki along with police force. Before the daybreak, the whole village was surrounded. Till sunrise, the associates of the dacoit were in the police net but the Arjun could not be captured. Arjun was a very clever and daring dacoit. He donned makeup of a Brahmin priest and slipped from in front of Thanedar Ram Singh Bhati. Casually, he came face to face with the Thanedar and blessed him by raising his hand like a Brahmin and left.

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When Thanedar Ram Singh came to know about this, he declared to the villagers, “I have seen the dacoit Arjun. Now whenever I encounter him, I am going to shoot him.” Arjun was aware that Thanedar Ram Singh was true to his words. Whatever he said, would be brought in action. Fearing this, he himself went to Jaipur and surrendered before Mr. FS Young, the Inspector General of Police. Learning the success of the above operation, the Inspector General of Police sent a congratulatory telegram1.

God Stands with Truth

uring the same period, one more dacoit was proving to be difficult for police. He committed robberies in the Sate of Bikaner and hid in the Lohargal mountain

ranges of Shekhawati. He was such a terror that no police officer dared to lay his hands on him. He used to profess that when he would be caught, many women married to policemen would become widows. “I would not be caught easily. They will have to carry me in a big basket. That is, I would fight till the end.” He rarely visited his home. One late night, news of his coming was received in the Nawalgarh police station. Thanedar Ram Singh started off on the mission in the mid of the night along with three camels and four constables. Moon was shining above. The camels were treading on a desolated path. Suddenly, a kochar bird cooed in a shrilled tone, as if stone was being cut. A sepoy, who was an elder and was superstitious, commented, “Sir, kochar has cried; bloodshed is imminent.” Listening to this, the fellow constables shuddered with fear. Thanedar Bhati remained composed. Then he said, “Be in high spirits. Guru Bhagwan will help.” And the same happened. Bloodshed took place but the policemen were unharmed. The dacoit was sleeping at his home. Accidentally, the police hit straight at his door. Sensing the clatter, as soon as he stepped outside, he was hit twice by canes. He lied down on the floor and canes rained on him. He cried helplessly. He was hauled up, tied at top of a camel and taken immediately to the police station. Next day the news spread like wildfire. People started gathering at the police station to take a look at the notorious criminal. Nobody was able to believe that four constables caught him and not a single policeman was hurt. A person known to the dacoit could not hold back. Getting an opportunity, he asked the dacoit, “O macho 1 Copy of telegram dated 7th March, 1941 from the Inspector General of Police Jaipur State, Jaipur to the Superintendent of Police, Shekhawati. Congratulations self and subordinates. Jaipol No. 882 Dated Jhunjhunu, the 12th March 1941 Copy forwarded to the SI Ram Singh with the remark that the undersigned expresses his sense of appreciation for the good work done by him in connection with the raid on the absentee Minas and dacoits of Bhoorki on the 5/6th March, 1941

Superintendent of Police Shekhawati

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man! Listening to your name, even the most valorous lost their courage; and you were caught by a frail Thanedar like Ram Singh and his four policemen. Did you not resist? How timorously you submitted. What adversities befell on you?” The dacoit replied morosely, “What shall I tell you. As soon as I got up from sleep and stepped out, I saw that policemen were stationed all over the place. As I was thinking which way to escape, I was hit by a cane on my back with such a force that I could not stand up again.” How can the dacoit know that spiritual power is powerful than muscular power? Like Prahalad1, those who harbour absolute faith, remain under the protection of God. God is on the side of the Truth.

1 A Hindu mythological character who was a great devotee and survived several attempts on his life by his detractors due to his absolute faith.

Soldier of Truth: Forgotten Episodes

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Forgotten Episodes

he people contemporaneous to the Thanedar sant Ram Singh addressed him as santji, bhaktaji or mahatmaji. Among the satsangis associated with Ramashram-

Satsang, he was famous as Thakur Sahib. At the satsang held at thandi peao in Jaipur, people called him Pujya Thakur Sahib. But a lovely name stands apart from all his other names. The family members of his close satsangis address him by a single name, that name is ‘Babasa’. The name contains an intimacy, closeness and succulence. For example, the descendants of Kushal Singh, Dy. SP, and the family of Dr. Chandra Gupta and scions of Sain Bhagat all call the bearded Thakur ‘Babasa’. There are many families who worship Babasa like a god, make offering of prasad1, genuflect at the Ram Samadhi Mandir, consider him a part of their family and when are in trouble, submit to him the ir entreaties. Babasa is partner in their happiness and sorrow. They all have adopted this beautiful title for him at their inner core and have woven a close relation. The most significant characteristic of Babasa was that he donned a veil of disguise all his life. Even after knowing the supreme, he portrayed himself as ignorant. Pleasant episodes of satsang at thandi peao are witness to that. In a satsang congregation, he would sit in the last rows, and would bow down to everyone. If anyone attracted by his spiritual state asked something by drawing him into discussion regarding sadhana, his sole reply would be, “I do not know anything.” Rajjab, a great sant of Sanganer has said- One knows all only when he becomes completely ignorant and submits to his Guru all his being, speech and deeds. Those who possess precious treasures, they hide them. Those who have nothing, proclaim possessions. This contemporary sant of Sanganer too belongs to the same category but only a few could recognise Babasa. Among those who could understand him, the names of Maulvi Hidayati of Khejre Ka Rasta and Sant Bapji Shyamji of Satyashram Husainpura Mithri are prominent.

Mysterious Mystic

n Jaipur, Maulvi Hidayat Ali was an outstanding Sufi of this century. He has many disciples. His grandson Maulvi Sahib at Khejre Ka Rasta too has been quite

renowned. He was revered a lot in the Muslim society. Once Babasa went to meet Maulvi Sahib at his residence. With a sense of obeisance, he left his sandals below in stairs. At the time of return, Maulvi Sahib climbed down fist through the stairs, briskly picked up the sandals in both his hands and presented to

1 An offering made to a deity by Hindus

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Babasa upstairs. Sant Ram Singh was dumbfounded to see that and exclaimed, “Maulvi Sahib! What have you done?” Maulvi Sahib said entreatingly with folded hands, “I am a Muslim. I could not even offer you a glass of water1. You are an aulia2. How can I be of any help to you?” On that, Babasa smilingly replied humbly with a sense of obligation, “You talk of water! You have offered me nectar. By touching my sandals, I stand indebted to you.” Hearing this, Maulvi Sahib was in tears. Here we see that at the higher stage of sadhana, differentiations of caste and creed disappear. In the second half of the last century, at the banks of the holy Ganges, the stream of love that flowed from the great Sufi sant Maulana Fazal Ahmed towards the young Ram Chandra, after a long time, the same current of the pure love raced ahead in the desert of Rajasthan, breaking the barriers among Hindus and Muslims. The veneration of this Hindu Sufi sant wearing round turban among Muslims is a live example of this. This is a sanguine face of the human race impregnated with the Dharma. The Sufi sant Baba Allahjilah of Ramganj, Jaipur had a very close association with Thakur Ram Singh. In those days, Hajibaba Bagdadi was very famous. The Haji brothers, Abdullah Shah and Ahmed Shah revered Thakur Ram Singh despite being elders to him. They would stand up to greet him and adored him as an aulia. As a good human being, this extraordinary police officer’s reputation spread to far-flung places in Rajasthan but only a few distinctive people could gauge his spiritual calibre.

Truth is God

uring the Second World War, the country was reeling under the shortage of sugar. The scarcity that started during the wartime continued for some more

years in the aftermath of war. The distribution of sugar was controlled. During the days, marriage of Dayalkunwar (sati bai sa), the eldest daughter of Babasa was fixed. At the house of Babasa, only sawa-mann3 sugar was present. At the controlled rate, only this much could be arranged. A big congregation was expected at the ceremony from the groom’s side which was to include many aristocrats and nobles. Sugar was available in black market and could be procured easily. However, wrong means were not acceptable to Babasa. Ultimately, it was decided that only two sweets would be prepared. The chef started preparing the sweet dishes. Two dishes were ready but the sugar syrup was not receding. How could it be difficult to swell the sugar syrup for the one who enlarged the cloth wrapping on Panchali in king’s court!4 Thakur Kesri Singh Champawat, a cousin of Thakur Ram Singh Bhati was looking after the affairs. One by one, five sweets were ready. The store was full of sweets. The whole marriage party was served. The whole village had party. Still sugar

1 In those days, society did not permit Hundus and Muslims to partake food at each others’place. 2 An attained soul. A Sufi word. 3 About 50kg 4 According to epic Mahabharata, Krishna, the incarnation of God enlarged the cloth Panchali was wearing to infinite length when Dushasana, a scoundrel relative of hers tried to disrobe her in full court’s view.

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syrup was left. After the marriage was over, the leftover syrup was again converted to sugar. 20 kg sugar was the produce. Sati bai sa was gifted a cow by Babasa in marriage. Babasa wanted the cow to accompany grooms family as they left back for Khoor. He could not have used the milk of the cow once gifted to his daughter. Arrangements were made to send the cow in a vehicle but the cow was not getting on the vehicle. Ultimately, somebody came home and informed Babasa. Babasa himself went to the place. Very affectionately, he patted the bovine and requested it, “O mother cow! You have been given to bai sa. Please go to the groom’s place of bai sa.” The cow looked towards Babasa and quietly got into the vehicle. When Babasa was in police service, he used a spectacle and kept it with good care. Once in a case, he happened to visit court and forgot the spectacle somewhere in the court. From there, he returned back to the police station. The whole night, remembrance of God was interfered by thoughts of the eyeglasses. In the morning when newspaper was delivered, he started reading it without the glasses. He did not feel any inconvenience in reading. Thereafter he never felt any need to use glasses all his life. Absolute faith and complete surrender yielded him eyesight forever. He considered it a blessing from Guru Bhagwan.

Immaculate Character

nce a gentleman hailing from west Rajasthan came to Sanganer police station on transfer. The native village of Thakur Ram Singh falls in the same station area.

One day, an acquaintance introduced Thanedar Ram Singh to the new incumbent Thanedar of Sanganer and said, “He too was a Thanedar, and his name is Ram Singh Bhati.” As he heard the name of Ram Singh Bhati, the new incumbent Thanedar was as if he had struck gold. He leapt forward to touch his feet. Babasa never allowed anybody to touch his feet. He immediately stepped back and said, “What are you doing, Thanedar.” On that, the Thanedar told that he never ever imagined that he would come across him in person. “Today I am fortunate enough to see you with my eyes”, he said. He continued, “I know you for many years when I was undergoing training at Jodhpur. When the training was about to be finished, The Director of Inspector General of the Jodhpur Range came to address us. He told that in our Rajasthan, we had a Thanedar, Ram Singh Bhati of Jaipur, who is called a mahatma Thanedar. Bhati never took single paise in bribe. He never ate anywhere free; he not even drank water from peao for free. Such honest people too have served in police. Only a righteous police officer can work for the cause of the masses.” Afterwards too, this police officer continued to visit Babasa. Once I met him at City Palace. The reverence this officer had towards Babasa was worth seeing.

The Coming of a Handicap

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agru and Mahlan are two juxtaposed villages. Two satsangis lived in these two villages. In due time, both came in contact with the Sant Thanedar and connected

with each other. Their affectionate communion induced effusion of satsang in these villages. Mr. Rajawat Kushal Singh of Mahlan was amongst the first who got an opportunity to come in contact with Babasa. Kushal Singh too had been in police service. Both of them were together in Jaipur Police training. In the very first instance, the charisma of the Sant Thanedar cast such a spell on Rajawat Kushal Singh that the bondage lasted forever. In due course, the spiritual discipline of Rajawat Kushal Singh became a common talk in nearby villages. In the nearby village Bagru lived a raika1. His name was Bholu. Spiritual discipline is such a treasure that carries along through to the afterbirths. When somebody incarnates on the earth with accumulated riches from his previous births, his destiny automatically lines up for him. The Bholu raika was such an evolved soul. Though he was unsophisticated and uneducated, he was dedicated to sadhana of akshar brahma 2. He heard about the eminence of Deputy Kushal Singh and presented himself at Mahlan to meet the latter. Both were wayfarers on the same path. In the very first meeting, they were attracted to each other, which soon transformed into mutual bonding of love. Through Mr. Rajawat, the raika came to know about the master of the former. He was gripped by the desire to see him. Among the persons who have come in contact with Babasa, the name of Rajawat Kushal Singh is at the forefront. Babasa loved Rajawat so much that whenever the latter failed to turn up, he would himself go to Mahlan to meet him. By chance, after a few days, Babasa came to Mahalan. Deputy Kushal Singh told Babasa about Bholu Raika. As Bholu came to know, he immediately rushed to Mahalan. At the first sight, Babasa recognised Bholu and he was in his good grace. Bholu was so delighted meeting Babasa as if he had bumped into the treasure of Kuber3. He easily attained what he was in search for. He conceded him as guru and surrendered life at his feet. Bholu frequently visited Manoharpura to see his Guru. It is said that Babasa too went to Bagru at his home. The love of Bholu towards Babasa was unparalleled. One day Bholu Raika fell from a tree. His one foot received blow. He was admitted to a major hospital at Jaipur. The wound was growing larger. Kushal Singh stayed continuously at the hospital. Lot of money was spent but there was no improvement. Ultimately his foot had to be amputated. After recuperation, he used to come to see his Guru walking on a single foot. When he did not find Babasa at City Palace, he would reach Khatipura Farm. If he did not find him there too, he would get to village Manoharpura. Howsoever he had to walk, he would return only after seeing him. Mr. Durga Ram, a resident of Mahalan was also disciple of Babasa who often visited Bholu’s house to be benefited from his company. Sometimes Bholu visited Kushal Singh at Mahalan and satsang would continue for two to four days continuously. All

1 A camel herdsman 2 Literally, practice of Supreme Sound. According to many of the Hindu systems, Sound Energy is the Original Source of Emanation of the whole universe and a sadhaka stumbles upon this fact in the process of discovering essence of own being. 3 The god of prosperity in Hindu mythology whose treasures are inexhaustible.

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would submerge in an atmosphere of bliss. Satsangi Durga Ram has mentioned this in his memoirs. He cites at a place: “During the days Guru Maharaj was staying at City Palace, whenever I visited Jaipur, I wished I could see him in the the market itself. It took time to reach City Palace. With this urge in mind, I would come across him in the marketplace itself on the way from Chhoti Chopar to Bari Chopar. Once or twice, I met him coming straight in the face at the place I visited for some work. It became my regular habit and I never realised this (evil). Once Maharaj said in the market itself that he was happy with the one who, in spite of having just one leg, visited his place. The allusion of Maharaj was towards Bholu Raika. He further added that he (Bholu) suffered so much by being in his company that he had to lose one foot. His words shocked me and I realised that despite having both my feet in good shape, I committed this folly and he (Guru Maharaj) had to appear before me to fulfil my demand.”

Divine Feast

is Highness Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur State had retained Babasa at their Khatipura farm to look after the farming. He stayed on the job for nearly two

years. He was provided all the facilities from the State but he continued to cook for himself. On the farm, many servants were under him but he never took any personal work from them. One day, Babasa was walking through the Jaipur city. In the market, he happened to meet satsangi Durga Ram. He was visiting Jaipur for some work. Finding Babasa in the market, Durga Ram was very happy. Babasa inquired about his well being. Babasa had immense fondness towards him. He too considered him all in all. Babasa asked, “When did you come from Mahalan?” Durga Ram told that he was coming straight from Mahalan and started off in the morning from his village. Babasa asked him where he had had his lunch. Durga Ram told that he had breakfast at his home in the morning and would have supper on his return to village. Babasa looked towards Durga Ram, and said grinningly, “Then accompany me today. We shall have nectar.” Durga Ram thought that he was blessed with benediction. He should certainly savour the nectar. He had to return back to Mahalan by evening but he preferred to follow him. By late evening, they reached the Khatipura famhouse. First internal communion went on, and then followed some conversation. Late night Babasa started to prepare food. He cooked vegetables with intense aroma of strong spices. Then calmly he went on making rotis 1. He added a lot of ghee in rotis. Babasa used to perform each task with great poise. Cooking too was being performed with absolute serenity as was always the case. Durga Ram offered help but he refused. It was midnight till the meal

1 Indian bread

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was ready. Durga Ram was not only feeling hungry but was also swaying with sleepiness. Durga Ram writes in his memoirs that he had hard time controlling his sleep. In fact it was not sleep but a current of benediction flowing with great force. It was descent of faiz1. When he was too much overcome by sleep, Babasa said, “See Durga Ram! Amrita2 food is being cooked.” Durga Ram expressed his agreement by trying to open his eyes. Then Babasa smiled and asked, “Do you know what amrita is?” Durga Ram pleaded, “Sir, I do not know.” “O brother! When you are extremely hungry, then whatever you get feels to be like amrita. This is the characteristic of amrita food.” After cooking was over, he positioned things in place, dried up his sweat, brought mangoes from inside and soaked them in cold water. It was past midnight by then. The food had indeed turned to nectar. Now he served the food, first to the satsangi and then for himself. Patiently they had their meal. After the meal was over, he laid the bed of the satsangi alongside his own. In the bed, he sang a devotional song and said, “Turn your food into devotion and sleep into remembrance (of God).”

Showering of Love

fter retiring from the job at Khatipura Farm, Babasa stayed at City Palace for almost eleven years. Most of the satsangis are associated with that room in the

royal bunglow of Jaipur state. When somebody reached the place crossing a dark tunnel, he would find the bearded Thakur sitting and enjoying his own company. By streak of luck, if someone reached him, just seeing him, he would stand up and welcome him smilingly with, “Welcome, kindly take a seat.” The comer was instantaneously deluged in love. His sparkling drunk eyes would become succulent. He met strangers as if he were an old familiar beloved. Nobody ever noticed any formality, affectation or show-off. A communion filled with love, empathy and warmth was the identity of Babasa. One day a satsangi came from his home to City Palace empty stomach. His wife had served him food but he declined to eat. It happened that rice was cooked at home, sweet and salty. According to advice of the doctor, he was not allowed to eat rice. For many days, he was keeping away from rice but that day, he was so much tempted to eat rice that he could not control himself. The wife did not serve rice in his plate. He pushed the plate aside, left home and headed straight to City Palace in devoutness of Babasa. It was noon. Babasa was in the process of preparing his lunch. Seeing the satsangi, he said, “Welcome Mr. Tandon! You are here at the right time. Today you shall have lunch with me. Today we shall cook rice of two varieties, sweet and salty.” The satsangi was baffled. He said with folded hands, “I beg your pardon, Sir! Doctors

1 A Sufi term. It is the process of transmission of energy from an able master to his disciple to elevate latter’s spiritual state. 2 Nectarous

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have advised me to abstain from eating rice.” Hearing that, Babasa had a loud hearty laugh. Then he said, “That restriction is applicable at your home, not here. Here have it considering it a grace of God. The satsangi remembered the incident at home. He was remorseful and narrated the incident to Babasa. Heedlessly Babasa said, “Forget all those things, be cheerful.” That day the guest satsangi had rice with Babasa to his heart’s content. The satsangi described the incident of having rice to his other colleagues and also framed a poem on that. When Babasa came to know, he expressed his indignation. He said that everything should not be revealed to all. As a penance, the satsangi observed fast for a day. A similar interesting episode is connected with another satsangi.

Your Remembrance Pulled Me

n the earlier years, the satsangis who used to visit City Palace included one young man who commuted from Shekhawati. Once when he reached City Palace, he did

not find Babasa there. Whenever Babasa visited out of Jaipur, he would write a notice in this respect on a blackboard. When the young man saw the writing on the blackboard, it pronounced that he was out to his village. There was no information about the timing of his coming back. The young man was disappointed reading the notice. His visit to jaipur was in vain. For some time he remained undecided about his next action. Ultimately he turned back. In the market, he met a known Thanedar but the latter could not tell the address of the village of Babasa. At that moment, the Thanedar recalled that an old satsangi, whose name was Harnarayan Saxena, resided near the powerhouse opposite Jaipur railway station. Satsang was held at his place. “That could be the place where some information could be obtained”, he told the satsangi. The next morning, the young man reached the residence of Mr. Saxena. Luckily satsang was about to begin there. He also joined the satsang. They began to meditate. The visitor also closed his eyes. Meditation continued for some time. When he opened his eyes what he saw was Babasa, smiling and donning a round turban, seated in a corner of the room. Finding the reverend Thakur suddenly among themselves, all the satsangis were thrilled. Dr. Harnarayan Saxena and the bearded Thakur were disciples of the same master. Both had an intense fraternal relationship. Whenever they met anywhere, both would get passionately delighted. Mr. Saxena immediately stood up as soon as he noticed him. He greeted him with folded hands and said, “O Brother, when did you come! You have obliged us today. Why are you sitting there? Come on the dais.” Babasa said gently, “Sir, I am OK. Let the satsang continue.” Under the companionship of Babasa, the satsang continued for some more time. Prasad was distributed. When Babasa was about to leave, he gestured the young man to come to him. He kept his hand on the shoulder of the latter and accompanied him to

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the corner of the big platform in front of the house. Standing there he confided, “I had to come as you remembered me.”

Compassionate to the Uncared

he Bhati family of Manoharpura has been associated with Jaipur Royal family since the very beginning. Among the recent descendents, Hari Singh, the eldest

son of Bhati Ram Singh was in the service of the Jaipur dynasty. He was provided residential facility in the City Palace. Here Babasa has resided for many years, where blissful treasure of satsang was continued to be disbursed. People visited this peaceful and secluded place of City Palace in the morning and evening to get benefited from the company of the Sant Thanedar. The storehouse of love was always open. Festivities of heavenly rapture were on. Showering of love by Babasa was never-ending, like a continuous river of love. Those who loved him found a joyous coolness on the bank of this river forgetting all their family problems. Here in the City Palace, the way a derelict individual was regarded with heartfelt love, the way he was facilitated to cultivate new relations, is an illustration to be imbibed-the incident is related to Lala Matu Ram Jain. Matu Ram was a rich man. He belonged to Rohtak in Haryana. He owned a large business in Delhi. Matu Ram did not have a child. His nephews looked after the business. Suddenly destiny had it that his wife expired. Since then, Lala Matu Ram was dejected with life. He was entrenched in great boredom. No job would elicit his interest. Life became a burden. One day, he left home with a suitcase in hand and came to Jaipur along with a friend. After that he never went back to his family. His friend was in a high position in Rajasthan where he was quite busy with work the whole day. Lala Matu Ram stayed at the friend’s house for five-seven days but there too, he could not be at rest with himself. At the end, with the help of his friend, he found a job, rented a house and started living separately. This aggravated his loneliness. He came to know that at Subhash Chowk, a nearby place, satsang was being held at the residence of a judge. Lalaji joined the satsang but could not find peace of mind. One day, he expressed his misery to the judge. The judge thought over it. Then he suggested, “I will take you to City Palace to Thakur Sahib on Sunday. He is the storehouse of serenity and love.” The judge presented the Lalaji in the court of the bearded Thakur in City Palace. The first meeting was remarkable in itself. After that Lala Matu Ram was not able to contain himself. Every now and then, he would come to City Palace. Babasa would talk chuckling and both enjoyed themselves. Just as Matu Ram reached his beloved friend traversing the dark tunnel, Sant Thanedar would stand up from his seat smiling and would welcome him with folded hands, “Welcome sir, please come-come, have a seat.” With his own hands, he would lay an asana1 and make him sit in front. He treated the neglected being with friendliness and bestowed so much regard that the visitor would get entranced. Lala

1 A mat for sitting on floor

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Matu Ram was an expert in home remedies and provided free medicine to people. Babasa called him hakim Sahib1. The companionship at the City Palace was so much gratifying that the stranger soon intermingled. Now he would take out cigarette from his pocket, sitting joyfully on the carpet, and would spew out smoke in that hallowed compartment of the City Palace. The other satsangis found the scene disturbing but nobody complained. In a few days, Lala Matu Ram became aware that the person he had built frienship with belonged to a higher realm. That he was a divine personality who could read your innermost just by looking at you. One who could see the inner reality of the other like a mirror. Now his hands were not drifting towards his pocket even when there was strong urge to smoke. At such a moment, Babasa would calmly smile and ask, “Hakim Sahib, won’t you smoke today? When the smoke of your cigarette rolls in the air, it looks beautiful.” Listening this, Matu Ram would feel abashed. Many such incidents happened. Finding an opportunity, one day Lala Matu Ram laid bare his burden before that beloved Thakur. He said, “Sir, when I come to you, pleasure in my heart knows no bounds. The people who come to you too pay me respect because of you. I am extremely happy since I have been here but when I am alone at home, I feel extremely stifled. Please suggest some remedy.” The Sant Thanedar offered a plain solution, “Hakim Sahib, expand the reach of your love. Love your neighbours. Just try love. You would get fulfilled.” Matu Ram responded in a tone of disbelief, “Sir, in front of me reside Sindhis2. Their children create disturbance all the day. I do not even understand their language.” Babasa advised, “Consider those children as your own. Talk to them. Love them. Offer them something to eat. This will create a link. Your mind will be relaxed.” Lala Matu Ram was introduced to the path of love. He started finding the children affectionate. A meaning was created in life. In a few days, the Sindhi family in the neighbourhood became like his own. They started sharing happiness and miseries of each other. By the quirk of fate, one day, Lala Matu Ram fell on a slope while returning from City Palace on a bicycle. The anklebone of a foot got displaced. The Sindhi family came to his rescue. The eldest daughter, Indra and other younger children in the family devoted themselves to his service. When the foot was cured a bit, Lala Matu Ram started craving to visit City Palace. On the request of Matu Ram, Khan Chand Dulani took him to City Palace on a bicycle. Attending to Lalaji also fetched Khan Chand Dulani to the abode of the bearded Thakur. The sant hermit adopted this kind-hearted soul. The whole family of Khan Chand Dulani surrendered themselves to the Sant Thanedar. This Sindhi family is devoted to Babasa. The whole family worships Sant Thanedar like a god with

1 An expert in alternative medicines 2 Native of Sindh in Pakistan who migrated to India after Partition. For Matu Ram, they were total strangers.


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offerings of incense sticks etc. Frequently they come to samadhi mandir1 to genuflect and pray for their needs and get their desires fulfilled. So, with the blessings of the sant of City Palace, a lonely, uncared person overcame his misery. The old Matu Ram created a new world for himself. He joined a new family. Thereafter, for the rest of life, he never left Jaipur. The children of the Sindhi became his own. One day Matu Ram suffered from acute diarrhoea. At the instruction of Babasa, some satsangis looked after him but the Sindhi family took his care most. Baby, the eldest daughter of Khan Chand would come and do all the chores. She would frequently change clothes of Lala Matu Ram, would wash them and clean the room. Now the last wish of Lala Matu Ram was to see the marriage of his beloved daughter Baby. His last desire was fulfilled. Lala Matu Ram used to say, “Thakur Sahib granted me a new life.”

Short Incidents

nce the writer, upon reaching the sacred room of the city palace, did not find Babasa there. There was no lock but apparently he was out somewhere. In the

meanwhile he returned. He was in a very ecstatic mood with a grinning face. After sitting on asana, he took out a bowl out of his clothes and laughed uproariously. He was not able to contain his laughter. It was blissful to know the reason of his laughter. He had taken the bowl along to the market to bring red slices of watermelon but returned back from mid way. Babasa revealed, “I had strong craving to eat watermelon today. When the mind did not concede, I decided to feed it watermelon. As I stepped out of the bungalow, the desire receded and I turned back from there. This mind is strange. If you continue to witness it, it finds the correct way but it is not right to restrain it much.” x x x x x x x x x x x x Jodhiji, the wife of Deputy Kushal Singh Rajawat and wife of satsangi Durga Ram once came to Manoharpura to visit guru maharaj. Jodhiji praised the wife of Durga Ram very much. That lady payed her obeisance to Babasa. Next day, when they were to leave back, Babasa came to see off at the main gate. He said to Durga Ram pensively, “Brother, wife should be regarded as a friend. Life is ephemeral.” All the three returned to Sawai Madhopur. In a few months’ time, the wife of Durga Ram expired. Then Durga Ram recalled why the guru maharaj was sad on that day. x x x x x x x x x x x x Narayan Singh, son of Babasa describes, “During my childhood, twice I faltered on complying with the advice of my father. On both the occasions, I had to pay for the same.

1 A temple devoted to Thakur Ram Singh in Manoharpura village. This is the place where mortal remains of the great sant were consigned to flames as per Hindu rites.

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There is a well in the courtyard outside the cottage at Manoharpura,. This well was being dug. When Babasa was leaving for jaipur, he told bari baisa (the eldest daughter of Babasa) to not to allow Narayan Singh near the well. Evading attention, Narayan Singh went to the well, gripped rope there and leaned over the well to look into it. He lost grip on the rope and fell into the well. The implements of digging the well were lying there but he did not land on them and escaped unhurt with minor bruises. In 1951, when he was studying in class tenth in the Maharaja High School, a group of scouts went for excursion to Himalayas. The journey covered Kedarnath, Badrinath, Ranikhet, Nainital and Kathgodam. Babasa forbade Narayan Singh that the climate of mountains would not suit him. However when he insisted vociferously, Babasa paid up Rs. 200 towards expenses for the journey. In Nainital, Narayan singh suffered from acute diarrhoea which affected him for a long time even after his return. x x x x x x x x x x x x In those days, a Hindu woman committed sati in Kalwara village. Bari baisa sought permission from Babasa to visit the place of the sati in Kalwara village along with other women. Affectionately basasa said, “Baisa, what would you do there? You are a sati yourself.” Later on, bari baisa committed sati with her (deceased) husband in the village Khoor of Sikar. The younger daughter, Laxmankunwar (chhoti baisa) was married to Nahar Singh Patoda (Tahsildar Sahib). Bari baisa committed sati and the chhoti baisa did not bore a child. This worried their mother. Once she expressed her feelings to Thakur Sahib. He consoled her, “Do not think about it. With the grace of Guru Bhagwan, chhoti baisa will have a son who would take care of both of them.” The idea of the great man proved prophetic. The only difference was that baisa did not bear child in her womb and in her lap. Her foster son Govind Singh Patoda is as gentle as he is handsome. Once chhoti basia fell severely ill. She came from Patoda to City Palace to be with Babasa. Her mother too reached there. One day, the health of chhoti baisa deteriorated. The mother became worried and conveyed to Thakur Sahib. Babasa went to baisa, and with her head in his lap caressed her, and said giggling, “You will be well baisa. You have a long life ahead.” Baisa was cured. Thirty two years have passed since then. She is happily leading life. x x x x x x x x x x x x In City Palace, a young satsangi frequented the bearded Thakur. One day seeing his melancholic state, Babasa asked the reason for it. Satsangi revealed the real matter. He had come to City Palace after having strife with his wife. Babasa said, “Create harmony with your wife. Both of you should live in love.” The young man complained, “Whatever I tell her to do, she does the opposite. She is bound by her nature.”


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Babasa replied, “But you too are propelled by your nature. Only an impotent can thrash his wife. Don’t do that again.” The deed was repeated again. Repenting, he straight headed to City Palace. Seeing Babasa, he said with tears in his eyes, “I am not worth your company. Kindly forgive me.” Babasa consoled and seated him next to him. Then he asked Dr. Chandra Gupta to bring bananas from inside. Babasa peeled a banana and offered to the youth seething with rage. When the young man was asked the outcome, he said, “As I consumed the banana, all my anger, chagrin and remorse evaporated.” His wife told that after coming in contact with Babasa in City Palace, she too had a transformation of mind. Many years have passed since then. Both the individuals are living together with love. x x x x x x x x x x x x A loving satsangi frequented satsang at the City palace. The satsangi got transferred from Jaipur to Beaor. The satsangi informed Babasa about that. Babasa kept quiet for a while, and then he said placidly, “His grace.” After a few months, again the satsangi had restitution to Jaipur. He appeared before Babasa and cheerfully informed his return back to Jaipur. With the same placidness, he repeated, “God’s grace.” x x x x x x x x x x x x Listening to his glory, a young satsangi came to the cottage ward of sanatorium. Seeing the young man, Babasa started laughing. Humorous ly he addressed the present satsangis, “Somebody has gone to watch movie, some are hanging around with friends, see this fellow—he has come to hospital.” The young man quietly sat on a side. The young man was much enchanted by the wits of Babasa and his beaming face. Now whenever he felt the urge, he would visit sanatorium. One day he asked him, “Have you read Ramayana, Gita or Hanuman Chalisa? When the young man replied in the negative, he laughed and said, “Then sing a song.” And he laughed again. One day when that fun-loving lad was coming to visit Babasa, he saw a lass coming from the opposite side. When she crossed, he looked back at her. That day, after meditation was over, Babasa said, “Here such people come who look back again and again.” Then he changed the topic. Since that day, the satsangi was in such a situation that he never looked back towards any woman. x x x x x x x x x x x x


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Sant Thanedar had intense fondness for Sain Bhagat. It was an old relationship. In the early years, Sain Bhagat used to visit Fatehgarh bhandara 1 along with Sant Thanedar. Both were of the same age. Sain Bhagat had surrendered to the Sufi sant. Sain Bhagat addressed Sant Thanedar as ‘guru maharaj’ and Sant Thanedar called him, ‘ram partapa’. He used to utter ‘Rama-Rama’. Sain Bhagat led a shattered life. He was alone. After death of his wife, he was dejected. With the blessings of Babasa, he again tied knot. Guru Maharaj’s grace blessed him with three sons. Leaving the rented house in the confines of the city, Sain Bhagat built up a hutment at an isolated place in Shastri Nagar. He shifted there with his children. Subsequently, Shastri Nagar was included in town-planning. A main road came into existence in front of the cottage of Sain Bhagat. After a few years, population in the nearby areas swelled. One day, two higher officials came and marked a streak with lime through his cottage. The senior officer among the two called Sain Bhagat and informed, “A road will pass through this area. You are given three days’ time to move your construction. The road coming from the hill will join the main road. You may go through this map.” Sain Bhagat pleaded with folded hands, “Sir, this poor man would be ruined.” The wife of Sain Bhagat was terrified knowing this and started crying. Seeing her grief, Sain Bhagat consoled her, “You simpleton! We have the almighty to take our care.” The senior officer could not sleep that night. The sleep was totally disturbed. He started walking in the veranda outside. The scene got imprinted in his mind. Again and again, he revisited the words, “Sir, this poor man would be ruined.” He went inside his room, took out the map and amended the passage. The house of Sain Bhagat was spared. The sons and grandsons of Sain Bhagat consider Babasa as God. They worship him. The whole family has faith in the Sant Thanedar. Kishoribai, the wife of Sain Bhagat, keeps Thakur Sahib at a higher pedestal than her in-laws. She does not take his name 2. She calls him ‘Falan Singh Ji.’ On the occasion of every makarsankranti3, she presents herself at the samadhi mandir to pay her obeisance. She never uncovers her face. Veil on the face is necessary as the bearded Thakur is in front.4 Such wonderful Thakur , who never allowed zest and fervour to wane during his lifetime, is still disseminating the same joy on the holy Samadhi. x x x x x x x x x x x x Eastward to the Jagatpura Railway Station, is situated Anand Vihar, a vast railway colony. One day, a railway guard was wandering around on an isolated stretch and strayed towards Samadhi Mandir. Seeing the serene environs, he entered the Samadhi Mandir premises and sat there to meditate. A familiar benediction started settling in.

1 A congregation held at Fatehgarh in which disciples of Mahatma Ram Chandra gathered. 2 In many communities among Hindus, ladies do not utter names of elders as a mark of respect. 3 On makarsankranti, which falls on 14th January every year, a congregation is held at the samadhi mandir of Thakur Sahib. 4 Again, as a mark of respect, Hindu women avoid uncovering their face before elders.


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In the very first encounter, he lost awareness of his body. Innermost was all ecstatic. That stranger stumbled upon endless treasure of stillness. The railway guard belongs to Ajmer where he was associated with the mast kalandar tradition of Sufis. After coming to Jaipur, he was missing the satsang. Luckily, readily the doors to satsang opened for him again. He often visits the Samadhi Mandir. Munificent and wondrous Thakur has embraced him.

Soldier of Truth: Incidents of Beneficence

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Incidents of Beneficence

ant Thanedar Thakur Ram Singh served a long tenure in police service and worked for the good of the masses. Wherever he was posted, he maintained peace

and order in his area. He reformed many criminals with the impact of his benign character, divine love, pleasing behaviour and strong will. This way, serving the common people, in 1944, he tendered resignation voluntarily and came to his home. The rest of his life, he continued to serve others. The whole life, he never gave up this pious work. When he was infirm and sick, even then satsangis continued to pour in at the same pace. In the cottage ward of the sanatorium, special arrangement was made for satsang, where satsangis thronged in large numbers. In later life, everybody wants to live a comfortable life among family members. Babasa never cared about this aspect. His well-settled family had every facility. Reverend Mother1 and other family members were always ready to take his care. But in his old age, he stayed alone instead of among his family members at Manoharpura, only to ensure that the visitor satsangis do not face any difficulty; so that they could comfortably come to City Palace and get benefited from satsang. The Guru Bhagwan of Babasa second time came in 1929 to Jaipur to see him. This time, he took him to his village Manoharpura. For a few days, gurudev stayed amongst the family of the sant which the Thanedar enjoyed very much. There was abundance of satsang. On this occasion, mahatmaji directed him, “Ram Singh, those who come to benefit from your company, allow them to sit with you. Only a remembrance should prevail that your existence is not. The only perception left should be that a stream of love is flowing. The person sitting in front also recognises this fact. No interference from your side is necessary.” Bound by his humility, Sant Thanedar did not follow this. He continued to submerge in his own sadhana. Some time was passed like that. In those days, he received a letter from the great sant, Brij Mohan Lal2 that he would be held responsible if he did not act on the direction ordained by the reverend Lalaji. After that, he started allowing satsangis to sit in front of him.3 Thus the path of availing his benefaction was opened. In the spiritual sadhana, the companionship of sant is a great help. A good company for a moment leaves indelible impressions on life. Those who can command their mind can also sway the mind of others on the path of truth. The attained sants develop softness in their anatomy. Continuous sadhana renders charmingness in their speech. Their face gets illuminated. Love seems to be oozing out of eyes. The person sitting in front starts getting intoxicated. The atmosphere all around attains holiness. Despondency evaporates from the mind and it reaches the plane of pure bliss. Cognation with all the beings is experienced. Owing to their past karma, those who come in contact with a guru have had everything in this life. A few incidents related to his benefaction are presented here.

1 The wife of Babasa 2 He was the son of Lalaji and carried the lineage of Lalaji further 3 The Sufis and many schools in Hindu faith propound that Guru’s role goes beyond guiding the disciple. His mere company can induce spiritual growth and hence to sit in his physical presence is recommended.

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This too is Wine

his happened in 1934. Bhati Ram Singh was Thanedar in the Nawalgarh police station and Rajawat Kushal Singh was Thanedar in Malpura. By chance, both

came on training to Fateh Tiba Police Lines, Jaipur. As an upright Thanedar, everybody there knew Bhati Ram Singh, out of which Kushal Singh was most impressed by him. Both had old association. As teens, both studied together in the same school. Since then, due to benignancy of Bhati Ram Singh, Kushal Singh built up affection for him. Rajawat was a simple and honest Thanedar. At the same time, Bhati Ram Singh was a yardstick for righteousness. Due to same convictions, their affection continued to grow with each passing day. Rajawat Kushal Singh was a virtuous man but he harboured a vice that was more potent to keep all his worthiness under wraps. This depravity was drinking like a fish. Just at the onset of dusk, he would sit to hit the bottle. Kushal Singh was born in a noble family in Mahalan Royalty. He was a youth of indulgent nature. We would drink and would also offer drinks to his buddies. Sant Thanedar saw this scene. One day, Bhati Ram Singh invited Rajawat to sit with him and said to him softly, “Brother, you please give up drinking.” Rajawat vivaciously evaded the topic. By evening, party would begin in Rajawat’s room. Sant Thanedar affectionately advised him. On that Rajawat rejoined, “What do you know about the exhilaration associated with boozing? Once you too try it, heaven would descend on earth.” Listening that, Sant Thanedar smiled and said calmly, “I also drink. It doesn’t cost a penny and the elation is multifold.” Rajawat asked, “Is there any such drink which provides even more joy?” Sant Thanedar replied, “Yes, you come to me today evening. I will partake with you.’ The same evening, the young Thanedar presented himself in the room of Bhati Ram Singh. The latter told him to perform ablution on the tap. The youth cleaned his hands and feet and sat facing him. Talks continued for some time. Rajawat found himself immersing in drunkenness. There was deep stillness and he was in slumber. He lost all awareness of his body and felt his innermost illuminated. It was such phenomenal showering of love that life seemed to be undergoing a transmutation. When he got to senses, he found Sant Thanedar smiling in front. In a state of bliss, Rajawat fell at the feet of the Sant Thanedar. It is said that Rajawat continued to have this experience continuously for seven days and seven nights. He had a strange grogginess in his eyes. His friends started asking whether he had started drinking during the daytime too. The wine drunk by Rajawat belonged to some exotic source. Rajawat was feeling its tinge in each of his nerve. He was craving for recurrence of the experience. Rajawat got rid of the habit of drinking forever. Kushal Singh is instated as the first desciple of Babasa.

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Since Rajawat surrendered himself to the Sant Thanedar, his life was transformed. He addressed Babasa as guru maharaj. The whole life he remained obsequiously in his service. Babasa cared for Deputy Kushal Singh more than his own life. In City Palace, a mention of the Deputy would brighten up the face of Babasa. He would never feel tired praising the Deputy. The deputy was an able disciple of a samarth guru. Such serendipitous happening is rare. Deputy Kushal Singh was fitting in the tradition of disciplehood of Babasa. To tread the footprints of Babasa is moving on swordlike edge. Cherishing such high ideals in life is not possible for normal human being. Even then it can be stated that Rajawat Kushal Singh was successful to a good extent. In the context of spiritual position of Kushal Singh, Babasa once said, “When a tree is laden with flowers, most of them fall unceremoniously. Only a few bloom on the tree for long. When fruits crop up, many simply fall down without attaining ripeness; very few mature to ultimate ripening. Here many such (persons) came, but only Kushal Singh could reach his potentiality.” Along with the evil of drinking, Rajawat Kushal Singh was not an exception to the self-indulgence that was prevalent in aristocrat families. However, as he was embraced by the Sant Thanedar, his footsteps in life completely changed their direction. After returning from Police Lines, Jaipur, the young Thanedar was circumscribed by his own restraints. He completely abstained from adultery. This remarkable association in the Police Lines, Jaipur aroused a new thirst in the innermost core of Rajawat. The sequence that took shape continued unabated till the end of his life. He yielded to saki 1 forever. Every day, Rajawat Kushal Singh got up at four in the morning and performed his sadhana. He strode the path defined by his master and would comport with anyone who came in contact in humanly manner. At all times, wine of love would exude from his eyes. The most important characteristic was that his continuing sadhana did never cause any exhibitionism in him. With the grace of guru maharaj, he continued to progress on the path of truth and he developed the same characteristics that were present in Sant Thanedar naturally. In 1936, Kushal Singh came to Jaipur from Malpura. For six years, he was Thanedar at Jaipur Station Sadar. In the parlance of police, the station Sadar was considered to be a hotbed of hush money. The post of Thanedar here was a coveted placement for many. But the young Thanedar was above the avariciousness. He was follower of a guru who would not even drink water for free from a peao, leave aside accepting bribes. Rajawat never demanded any gratification from anyone. The fragrance of the probity of the new Thanedar of Sadar police station spread all over the Jaipur city. This might be the reason that Rajawat Kushal Singh was allowed to serve at that police station for six years. It was the tenure of Mr. Young in Jaipur State police. Being in the capital, Mr. Young too took note of the righteousness of Kushal Singh. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. FS Young used to call Rajawat

1 A waitress who serves liquor. A symptomatic use in Sufis for the master, who proffers intoxication of love (for God).


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Kushal Singh as ‘another Ram Singh’. Many incidents are known related to towering humanism of Deputy Kushal Singh. In 1953, when he was posted as CI in Sawai Madhopur, Hira Singh, a constable was reporting to him. Suddenly Hira Singh became sick. The Deputy provided him treatment but he could not survive. Hira Singh had a young son who was staying with him. When the constable was too much ill, the Deputy served him to his best. When the constable breathed his last, he opened his eyes and looked towards the deputy. The young boy was standing there. Hira Singh said to the Deputy, “I hand-over this boy to you. Now you are his guardian.” The Deputy assured him, “Do not worry. I will keep him with me.” Deputy Kushal Singh adopted the boy Narpat Singh, provided him education, and arranged for his job in police. Narpat Singh is a high ranking officer in police. Copiously rich in human values, Deputy Kushal Singh is held in high esteem in the satsangi group connected with Babasa. People remember him even today.

The Sentry of Treasury

ike Rajawat Kushal Singh, whosoever imbibed the teachings of the guru and marched ahead, could attain to the supreme. In this context, incident of a guard

constable, Mr. Kishan Gurjar is quite inspirational. Shri Kishan Gurjar was a resident of village Setiwas. Rajawat Kushal Singh was Thanedar in Malpura. First he came in contact with Rajawat Kushal Singh. With the encouragement from Rajawat, he could get to near Sant Thanedar. He devoted himself to sadhana. Seeing his dedication and faithfulness, Sant Thanedar sent him to Nauharewale Mahatmaji. In those days, he was putting up with Mool Singh, SP. For some time, he was servitor to Mool Singh, SP. Whenever Mool Singh visited Nauharewale Mahatmaji, he would take Shri Kishan along. After that, he was posted as guard at treasury. He was a sentry at the Jaipur Government treasury at Jaleb Chowk. He was a tall sinewy young man. When he stood as guard in the police uniform with a rifle in hand, his body would do the duty and consciousness would be deep in sadhana. This practice went on continually. He would forget his bodily state and would immerse in deep meditation while standing. The meditation would disrupt only when the next guard called for him. This occurrence was reported to the officers. An officer investigated the matter on the spot in the night and found that Shri Kishan was in trance and was performing the duty in void. It was assumed that he was under the influence of drug and as a punishment, he was sent to the barracks. In police lines, after all the constables went to sleep, Shri Kishan would withdraw himself to a secluded place and would enter into meditation. In the morning, parade was held in the police lines. One day, when he was immersed in meditation, he could not hear the call for parade. When he came out of meditation, it was too late. The parade was over. He met his officers and sought pardon for not being able to make it to the parade. When the officer looked into the register, he found that his presence was marked. The officer reminded, “But you were present in the parade. Are you under the influence of drug?” Shri Kishan decided that he would henceforth serve

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only the one who cared to mark his attendance. He resigned from the service of police. When Mool Singh, SP came to know about this, he had his pension approved. He was getting pension every six months. Every year twice, he would come to Jaipur to get his pension and would present himself before Nauharewale Mahatmaji. He used to call the Sant Thanedar as ‘guru maharaj’. He would follow trail of his guru maharaj wherever he was staying and would return back only after seeing him. When Babasa left his mortal body, he would present himself at the Samadhi. In those days, satsang was held at the residence of Nahar Singh Patoda (younger son-in-law of Babasa), Tahasildar at Chini Ki Burj, Gangauri Bazaar, Jaipur. Reverend Mother was also staying there. Shri Kishan Gurjar too reached there and joined the satsang. Many loving satsangis were present there. That accomplished satsangi went deep into meditation. Even after satsang was over, he continued in his meditative state for long. When he became aware of his surroundings, his eyes were wet; tears were rolling.

Lesson to the Camel-herder

he facilities for land transport that are available today did not exist earlier. In those days, police Thanedar kept his own camel to tour his area. Normally, the

camels belonging to police were left to graze fields of others. Bhati Ram Singh never unleashed his camel unattended so that it did not cause harm to fields. It is said that once he was riding his camel on a tour somewhere. The route passed through farms. There were green plants on both sides of the way. His camel extended its neck, uprooted a few plants from the field and started munching holding its neck high. The Thanedar pulled its rein, drew out the green plants by stretching his hand and threw them back in the field. Subsequent to that, whenever the camel would pass through fields, he would hold the rein tight and won’t allow the camel to pluck plants. What to blame a camel! It is an animal with a long neck and takes undue advantage of that. Here humans have fallen below the level of beasts. Everyday bulls are ravaging the fields. Character of the nation is receding in abyss. In the glitter of the material avarices, man has lost direction. In this odd time of moral depravity, our Sant Thanedar’s high principles and shimmering character is beacon to the humanity. The coming generation in India would be charmed to learn that in our country, a police inspector like Ram Singh was born. Thanedar Ram Singh cooked his own food. In 1937, he was posted in Sanganer police station. His village, Manoharpura is quite near Sanganer. Till he was in Sanganer, his food was sent from home. He would not send any constable of the police station to fetch food. For that, Bhanwari Lal Sharma1, a youth from his village was appointed. He would bring the meal and leave it on the window of the room. The same man grazed camel of the Thanedar. This arrangement continued for a year.

1 Bhanwari Lal Sharma died on 11-05-2000.

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Bhanwari Lal knew that the Thanedar was a mahatma. He also wanted to learn something from him, but never dared to ask anything. How could he hide it from the Sant Thanedar! One day he asked him, “Bhanwari, if I tell you something, will you follow it?” Bhanwari Lal replied, “If I am capable to follow, I shall.” Listening this, the Thanedar was amused. Then he said, “That which belongs to others, keep your hands off it.” “Please explain it further.” Sant Thanedar told, “It is simple. Mind should not be carried away by the wealth of others . And never get beguiled by lasciviousness.” Bhanwari Lal got the lesson from the Sant Thanedar. He resolved to stick to these two morals. He grazed the camel all day and would return home in the evening. One day, it so happened that the camel went a bit far. Adjacent to Manoharpura is the Sanganer Aerodrome. The camel headed towards the aerodrome. The camel broke one of the pillars of the wire fencing to the aerodrome area by rubbing its back on it. Complaint reached the police station. Bhati Ram Singh said to Bhanwari Lal, “You have earned me a complaint. Now I will have to discharge you from duties.” He was worried. Seeing this, Sant Thanedar had pity on him. He said, “Don’t worry. You will be employed again.” He got job on the Sanganer railway station as a water-boy. First he was engaged on contract and later it was converted to regular job. He served railways for thirty six years. He considers it the blessings of the Thanedar. The lessons that the great sant had bequeathed on him, he stuck by them. The water-boy became famous for his honesty. Once he found two hundred bucks on the railway platform. He enquired among the passengers and returned the money to the one who had lost it. When the latter tried to reward him with a ten rupees note, he declined. Once on the Niwai railway station, he found a box of gold jewellery under a neem tree. The royal family of the Newab of Tonk was visiting Lucknow on a pilgrimage. The jewellery belonged to them. The water-boy deposited the box with the Station-Master, which was then sealed. A member from the royal family came to receive the box. Coming to know about the one who deposited the box, the person hugged the water-boy. He lives in a hutment at a little distance from Manoharpura. Now he is getting old. He considers the Sant Thanedar as God. He is immensely self-contended and feels himself a blissful being. When the writer of these lines talked to him regarding the reverend Thakur , the aged man was in tears. During the talks, he narrated a lovely incident which was never heard before. The Sant Thanedar of the Sanganer police station was coming to his village Manoharpura during late night. In his own farm, somebody was stealthily cutting a babool tree. Hearing the sounds of tree cutting, he rushed to the spot. The tree was already cut and the person was about to carry it away. Seeing the Thanedar in front, he got terrified. He was caught red-handed. When the Thanedar threatened him, he


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beseeched with folded hands, “Now onwards, I will never commit this. Kindly leave me.” The Sant Thanedar marched forward to help him keep the tree on his shoulder and said, “Now straightway rush to your home.” The thief said, “Please do not disclose my identity to your son, otherwise he would thrash me.” The Sant Thanedar promised not to reveal his identity. The next day, when the eldest son of the Thanedar went to the field, he found the babool tree missing. The son informed his father and asked, “Father, you are the Thanedar here and somebody has stolen the tree from our own farm.” The Sant Thanedar did not reply. After many years, the water-server disclosed this secret. He said, “A man like the Thanedar has neither born on this earth, nor will ever be born.”

Read the Book of Your Heart

n the earlier years, the satsangis who were given an opportunity by the Sant Thanedar to join him in meditation practices, include Mr. Durga Ram of Mahalan.

Whenever he found an opportunity, Durga Ram joined the satsang of the Sant Thanedar. Durga Ram served Deputy Kushal Singh a lot. Sant Thanedar had much affinity towards him. He often visited Manoharpura. After the death of his wife, he was dejected. He was not able to concentrate in any work. Once he conveyed this to his Guru Maharaj. Since then, he found relief from the haunting memories and had happiness instilling in mind. During the same period, once he visited Manoharpura. In the morning, when he sought permission to leave, Mataji presented him a ten rupees note. Durga Ram was not accepting the note. The Guru Maharaj asked Mataji to bless Durga Ram so that he settles down by tying knot. Within two months, he was engaged and married. Really, Durga Ram had established a home. It was a pleasing coincidence that marriage procession of Durga Ram passed through Manoharpura, the village of the Sant Thanedar. The generous sant served food to the cavalcade at his home. Ample merriment took place. Durga Ram was much fond of reading books. Whenever he found time, he would read scriptures. He would recite Ramcharitmanasa1. He considered it a very religious act. He wanted to progress on the path of sadhana but could not embrace the path of enduring practices. He was confined to the books he read. He did not get any opportunity to evolve beyond the state he was in. Sants are very compassionate. Seeing the state of mind of Durga Ram, one day guru maharaj asked, “Durga Ram! Do you intend to spend your life just on these books or would ever think of growing up.”

1 A holy epic written by Tulsidas that extols the life and virtues of Lord Rama

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Durga Ram begged with folded hands, “I wish I could do but the mind never finds the sadhana appealing. I only recite Ramayanji. Guru Maharaj said, “It is good to recite Ramayana but along with that learn reading the book of your heart.” Durga Ram asked, “How can it be read?” Sant Thanedar told, “Be watchful of your heart. Mould mental faculties on the right path. Brother, surrender to the Almighty. Always rejoice in His remembrance. You will find the path instinctively.” Durga Ram says that after that he was so blessed that he lost any liking for books and instead the mind moulded itself to meditation and devotion.

Regulating and Trusting

gentleman called Durga Singh was in police service of the State of Jaipur. He happened to come in contact with the Sant Thanedar. At a young age, he devoted

himself to rumination of the Almighty. In the old age, he used to come sometimes to City Palace to see the great sant. Babasa would be pleased seeing him. Babasa had told him that he needn’t come all the way so far to City Palace and that remembrance by him at home would tantamount to their meeting. With this conviction, Durga Singh Bhati continued to engage in sadhana at his own residence. The commandments that Sant Thanedar delivered him, he followed them with all his might. On the basis of those precepts and his faith in them, the progress that he achieved was known either to him or to Babasa; no one else had any inkling of that. However this much can be said with surety that sant Durga Singh had a kind of drunkenness in his eyes. A grace could be seen on his face and he spoke steadily in a mellowed voice. Nahar Singh Patoda tells that Durga Singh Bhati came in contact with the reverend Thakur Sahib long ago. He was much enamoured of satsang. He was a follower of advait vedant1 sect. Initially he encountered Thakur Sahib once while coming from Chandpole 2. When both came near, Durga Singh stepped ahead, fell at the feet of the latter and beseeched, “You will have to bestow your blessings on me.” Thakur Sahib told him to come to City Palace sometime. Durga Singh reached City Palace. Thakur Sahib made him sit in meditation facing him, showered his grace and transformed him into a wayfarer on the divine path. In course of time, people used to come to sant Durga Singh to benefit from his satsang. On every Sunday, satsang was held at the residence of sant Durga Singh. Nahar Singh Patoda tells that he was a frequenter to his satsang. His composed disposition and the attitude of let go was very appealing. At the mere mention of reverend Thakur Sahib,

1 A prominent school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of conscious and unconscious (material) existence. 2 A place in Jaipur city

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he would get tickled. He used to say, “Whatever I have got is the blessing from Thakur Sahib.”

Congregation at the City Palace

any sadhaks belonging to various schools used to visit City Palace in Jaipur to see reverend Thakur Sahib. He would never slam anybody’s beliefs.

Whosoever had adopted whatsoever path, he would provide fillip to his consciousness in the same direction. Ramashram Satsang in Rajasthan has been mostly promoted by the satsangs conducted by Mahatma Chaturbhuj Sahai, one of the gurubhai1of reverend Thakur Sahib and his able disciple, Pandit Mihilal. Many sadhaks associated with Pandit Mihilal used to visit City palace to see reverend Thakur Sahib. One day Mr. Baij Nath Pareek from Bikaner came to City Palace, Jaipur to get benefited from him. Pandit Mihilal had a beatific affection for reverend Thakur Sahib. Receiving Baij Nath, the disciple of the Pandit, the great sant was delighted. The latter ensconced him in front in meditation. When meditation was in progress, the satsangi Pareek opened his eyes a little and looked towards the Sant Thanedar to see him in the act of meditation. In place of Sant Thanedar, Pandit Mihilal was sitting. Pareek again closed his eyes. Pareek never disclosed this happening to anybody. After many years, on the Samadhi Mandir of the Sant Thanedar, he narrated this divine incident to Narayan Singh, the son of reverend Thakur Sahib. In the disciple posterity of Mahatma Chaturbhuj Sahai, reverend Thakur Sahib is deeply respected. Many satsangis associated with the former had been in contact with reverend Thakur Sahib to get benefited. Such an incident from the diary of a satsangi is being presented here. In his diary, the satsangi has described about satsang held at the City palace. In this diary, reverend Thakur Sahib has been addressed as ‘Ram Mahashaya’.

Satsang on Tuesday 11 June, 1963

t is time of nightfall. Ram Mahasaya is sitting calmly on floor. His idyllic countenance is beaming with radiance. There is all pervasive bliss all around in

City Palace. One by one, all the satsangis left. Today is Tuesday. On Tuesday, satsang is held at the residence of Judge Sahib. Recalling that it was a Tuesday, Ram Mahashaya said, “Come, I will show you satsang at Judge Sahib’s place.” We walked from City Palace to Subhash Chowk at the residence of Judge Sahib. It is summer. Satsang is being held on the terrace of the second floor. The whole terrace area is crowded with satsangis. Satsangis have their back towards stairs. As

1 Disciples of the same master. Mahatma Chaturbhuj Sahai was also disciple of Lalaji.

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the Ram Mahashaya climbed stairs and was about to sit on a mat in the last row, Judge Sahib noticed him. Judge Sahib stood up with folded hands and with him all other satsangis stood up too. Seeing this, Ram Mahashaya said courteously, “Please take seats. Why do you need to stand up in the kingship of the Lord?” Judge Sahib rejoined with laughing expression, “In His kingship too, a noble commands due respect, warranting our standing up.” And the Judge Sahib came close to Ram Mahashaya. The latter gently smiled and stood still in the posture of folded hands towards Judge Sahib for the next few moments. This supernal graciousness was worth seeing. Witnessing this extraordinary scene was exhilarating. Immediately a sakhi 1of sant Kabir2 came to mind. Kabir is disciple of a sant. He is servant of the servants of God. Kabir submits himself to the will of the existence as remains grass underneath feet. After that, Judge Sahib politely requested him to sit in front but Ram Mahashaya did not agree. He seated himself at the mat at the end of the gathering. The Judge Sahib too sat next to him and asked all the satsangis to turn around towards Ram Mahashaya. For some time, there was complete silence. The stillness was more virtuous than any discourse. Nobody was uttering a single word. Ram Mahashaya submerged in his silence to the innermost core. In dim light, satsangis ware looking towards his face. The silent satsang continued. Ram Mahashaya occasionally joins satsang. The satsang underwent a new transformation with his fortuitous advent. After some time, Judge Sahib requested, “Kindly speak something for satsangis.” He continued in his introvert state for some more time. Then he treated all with a story with a moral that we should nurture our-life partner too in harmony with our own disposition. Again there was absolute silence. At the end he said, “The one we are in search of, is inside us. We will have to love Him. If we stride two steps towards him, he would advance four steps towards us. After all, he is the omnipotent father.” “We will have to watch this mind. A passionate love will have to be born inside. The crux is that his constant remembrance should instil.”

Trust and Surrender

1 A piece of poetic writing by sants in the medieval India. 2 A very prominent sant born in the medieval period whose poetry assiduously attacks evils of the established religions and propounds love and surrender as the mean to attain salvation.


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This body belongs to you. Mind too belongs to you. Material and spirit are all yours. Everything is yours and you are mine. Dadoo1 shares this knowledge.

ant Thanedar carried deep love in his heart for his Guru Bhagwan. His being completely immersed in interminable trust and his absolute surrender was forever

at the feet of his master. Guru Bhagwan was the base of his life. At a satsang in City Palace, somebody asked, “Why do you call your master as Bhagwan?” Sant Thanedar gave a simple reply, “Though he was a human being like all of us, his heart throbbed with God. He had turned himself towards God.” Sant Thanedar was utterly for God. He was surrendered wholly to the God. Not for a single moment would he lose his remembrance of God. Guru Bhagwan had suffused into his being. How divine this intimate relationship was, is difficult to gauge. At the time of bhandara2, he would carry two towels to Fatehgarh, one small and another big. He would clean the Samadhi mandir using the towels. He would use the same towel at his home. He would place the smaller towel on his pillow and would sleep with his head on it as if he was sleeping in the lap of his Guru Bhagwan. When the big towel wore away, we would make a rope out of it. He spread his clothes on the rope for drying. Sant Thanedar had learnt to lead his life in trust for God. The reclusion of the City Palace was a boon for the visiting satsangis. Anybody could come anytime without any restriction. The sentry of the palace would let in just at the mention of his name. There was no check over satsangis. Whenever anyone reached the abode of the bearded Thakur manoeuvring through dark meandering tunnel, a vivacious welcome awaited him without any discrimination. As soon as one stepped into the hallowed chamber of the City Palace, love started showering. Whosoever ever was enwreathed in this hem, could never forget this fortuitous affair. The happening would etch forever in his mind. Many people are known to have got into trance on sighting him. This remarkable hermit was living his life surrendered to his Guru Bhagwan in absolute recluse. He was fully contented, centred, immersed in bliss and did not carry any expectation from anybody. The body was getting weak with the passing age. His hands were shaking. Movement of fingers was impaired. But he was totally submitted to God, devoid of any worries. He was happy in the will of the Supreme. Sant Wajind, a disciple of Dadoo Dayal says— It’s all your will my Lord, what stake do I have! I am ready to be as per you wishing. The sant of City Palace was jovial even in those difficult circumstances. One day he wished to take off his shirt to take bath. The uppermost button of the shirt was not 1 Another sant born in the state of Rajasthan. With this sakhi Dadoo announces oneness of all the existence. 2 Congregation at the Samadhi place

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opening up. For quite some time, he tried to unbutton it. Then leaving the attempt, he had a hearty laugh and said, “I have been divested of power.” The echoes of the belly laughter of the loving sant from the rampart of the palace may have lasted momentarily but it has left an indelible message for the true sadhaks who submit themselves to the will of the almighty. It revealed the self-contentment that prevails in the life suffused with surrender to the will of God. Gita says—

It is difficult to imbibe the meaning of these divine words. Gyaneshwar, a great commentator on Gita1 explains— One who has surrendered his being with all his might to me, one who remembers me with single focus, I take the responsibility of his physical and metaphysical world. I take care of his welfare. This amaranthine proclamation of Lord Krishna was amply manifested. By the grace of the Guru Bhagwan, three such devoted adherents came who took a good care of the loving sant of the City Palace. Out of the three adherents, two are still alive by God’s grace. Hence it would not be fit to write on them. Incidentally, among them, the middle aged devotee is no more. It would suffice to give an account of only this loving gentleman. This simplistic young man was an embodiment of faith and servility. He served the sant of City Palace with great devotion. As a consequence of the service, his own life underwent transformation. An atypical self-contentment arose in his heart. Life attained an amazing harmony. The satsangi brother Ravindra Singh Chauhan was a very simple and noble person. Babasa embraced him at the first instance. He would straight reach City Palace from his office and would return home by after ten or so. In the morning, he would again be present. Chauhan used to feel as if Sant Thanedar was accompanying him along. As he reached the City Palace, he would find him sitting there in his merriment. Subsequently, the feel pervaded continually in all his daily actions, while walking, while standing, while sitting, and so on. The loving dutiful Ravindra Singh Chauhan thus progressed on the path of understanding. He has mentioned this as the advent of spring in his life. A poem to this expression which has been dedicated to the Sant Thanedar has been found. A few of its stanza are presented below2:

Imparted Such a Nectar

1 A holy book of Hindus that forms part of the great epic of Mahabharata. 2 Some life incidents of Babasa have been found written on loose papers, courtesy Sudhir Chauhan, the son of Ravindra Singh Chauhan. This composition has been found noted in an old note book-- obtained by the efforts of satsangi brother Yash Paul Jolly


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hese eyes are only capable of seeing this body made of skin and bones. That radiating light dwelling at the inner is out of bound for these eyes.

Every moment, my eyelids are overshadowed by an amber glow. O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____1 I have assimilated you by repeatedly listening to you Every moment your splendid teachings, remind me of you. There is a fresh uprising in my youth, fading out the personality I built up for myself. O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____2 For many previous births, I am parched

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So much that I even forgot that I was thirsty Know not who came in my life to quench my thirst O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____3 O hermit of the palace, you have concealed your reality With your articulate conversation, you masquerade your substantiality Even knowledge of these facts has not improved my understanding O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____4 O seeker of knowledge from guru, understand your reality Before advancing in love, you need to undergo transformation Who is being humble to me day and night! O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____5 At every step is present that lover whom you yearn for Someone has come to awaken me, with a refreshing love Invigorating drink is on offer, why are you keeping from it! O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____6 Who else will make me realise that the path has to be traversed alone The light of the supreme luminescence will have to glow in every corner of heart (So near as) behind eyelids but out of sight, no one is able to see you O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____7 Dawn has descended in human life, this garden experiences vernal season Life is meaningful to those who imbibe this spring Mind is free of lust-hatred, again is juicy the dried up life O my master, I could not recognise you despite all the love you showered._____8 The kind of faith and surrender that was witnessed in the satsangi brother Ravindra Singh, similar delicate sentiments were observed in the old satsangi, Dr. Chandragupta. Dr. Chandragupta was a frequenter to get benefited from the company of reverend Thakur Sahib. His family has endless faith in Babasa. Since those days, satsang is held regularly at their residence. There are many families in Jaipur and Jodhpur who regard the Sant Thanedar all in all. In Jaipur, turn by turn, satsang is held at the satsangis’ place on every Thursday. Besides, on every Sunday, satsang is organised on the Ram Samadhi Mandir.

On the Path of Truth

here seem to be some supernal relationship between the sant Shyamji Bapji of Satyashram Hussainpura Mithri and sant Thakur Ram Singh of Jaipur. These are

such mystical things which cannot be described with the help of intellect. While sitting far away, Shyamji Bapji used to join satsang at the City Palace. They would greet each other and would converse with each other. In a small village of the Nagaur district in the desert region of western Rajasthan, an extraordinary boy took birth who was a sidhha-yogi1 since birth. When the boy Shyam Singh grew older, he started showing mysterious characteristics. He would go to an isolated place and would sit in meditation. He was of reticent, introvert and composed nature and would remain engrossed in contemplation. After completing education in Mithri near his village Hussainpura, the boy took admission in Gram

1 A soul who has carried high spiritual state from previous births

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Bharati Vidyapeeth Kothari. He put up in the hostel of the Vidyapeeth. There he came in contact with Baij Nath Sharma, the principal of the Vidyapeeth. The famous nath-siddha1, Baba Shraddha Nath would sometimes drop in at the place of his beloved disciple Baij Nath Sharma in Kothari. One day when yogi Shaddha Nath was taking rest on a mound near Vidyapeeth Kothari, the boy Shyam Singh came to him at night and sat in meditation near his feet. It is said that he was in meditation for a couple of hours. Seeing this high state of the boy, the siddha-yogi Baba Shraddha Nath was delighted. Young Shyam Singh was a recluse even before he took admission into Gram Bharati Vidyapeeth Kothari. He left his home and went to the mountain of Lohargal and went into meditation on its peak. There he remained in meditative state till break of the day. There he encountered a mahatama. Mahatma Poornanand told him that he was his mentor. “Return to your home; you would gain from my knowledge at your home but first complete your studies”, he said. The great sant Poornanand of Satyashram, Bareilly went to his heavenly abode in 1960. Mahatma Poornanand and Sant Thanedar shared deep relationship. Before leaving his body, Mahatma Poornanand sent Babasa some esoteric message about the young Shyam Singh. At the same time, in dream, the young Shyam Singh was instructed to be in contact with Sant Thanedar Ram Singh. It seems that young Shyam Singh was able to join the satsang at City Palace remotely from his home. He would sit in meditative state and got benefited from the presence at City Palace. In due course, the young Shyam Singh Rathore became a sant of high order. According to a satsangi brother Guman Singh Mertia, Shyamji Bapji2 first came from Jobner to City palace, Jaipur in October 1968 to meet Babasa. Guman Singh Mertia himself and Ghisa Lal Sharma, a satsangi brother from Jaipur too accompanied Shyamji Bapji from Jobner. All three were unknown and never visited City Palace before. As soon as they entered the divine compartment of the City Palace, Babasa was enraptured seeing Shyamji. Suddenly he said, “Very nice that you came. Now let us sing glory of our guru”. Sentimental prayers were made. The satsang continued. Next day morning, Shyamji Bapji came to City Palace along with Guman Singh Mertia. Bapji directed Guman Singh to visit museum3. He went alone to see Babasa. That day, he alone met the latter three times. In those days, Shyamji Bapji was studying at the Sujangarh College. Second time he again came from Sujangarh to Jobner. Guman Singh Mertia and Ghisa Lal Sharma were studying at Agriculture College, Jobner. Taking both along, he again presented himself at the abode of the bearded Thakur. A blissful internal communion took place. Everything about Bapji was wonderful. Mertia and Sharma were overwhelmed. Babasa directed Bapji to distribute prasad to all. After distribution of prasad, Babasa smiled and went into deep contemplation. Then he got back to Shyamji and said, “Today I have returned your inheritance.” Listening that, Shyamji Bapji prostrated before Babasa, then he became quiet and serious. He did not utter a word. On the way while returning from the City

1 A mystic from the Nath tradition descended from the great yogi Gorakhnath. 2 As Shyam Singh Rathore is widely known 3 The City Palace houses a museum displaying instruments of warfare and other gadgets of the royal family of the erstwhile State of Jaipur


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Palace, Mertia asked Bapji about the return of inheritance Thakur Sahib mentioned. Bapji was evasive on this. He strongly believed in darveshi pardaposhi1. He never revealed anything his whole life. Tersely he only told that it pertained to some spiritual inheritance that his guru left with the reverend Thakur Sahib. After acquiring inheritance, Shyamji Bapji went into the state of paramhansa2. For the rest of his life, he left home and stayed with Guman Singh Mertia at Jodhpur. During the same period, devout satsangi of the Sant Thanedar, Amar Chand Mehta got transferred to Jodhpur from Jaipur. He appeared before Shyamji Bapji. Meeting a lover of reverend Thakur Sahib, Shyamji Bapji was very happy. In the beginning, Mehta did not reveal his identity, did not tell any secret. But how could it be hidden from a sant! On the very first day, the manifestation of love said it all. Reverend Thakur Sahib had by then passed over to the great beyond. Mehta felt that the great sant was present with him; the same white beard and the round turban. In Jodhpur, many satsangis are associated with Mehta. A young satsangi, Ram Avtar Sharma tells that in Jodhpur, regular satsang is held by the grace of the great sant. Amar Chand Mehta tells that on the very first day, he was so much in ecstasy that he became a regular to Bapji. He would sit twice for meditation before 10. In the evening, satsang continued up to late hours. Time would simply fly away. How Guman Singh was initiated in the service of the sant is an interesting episode. On directions of Shyamji Bapji, Guman Singh used to come often to City Palace on Saturdays from Jobner to see Babasa. For a long time, Babasa did not ask his visitor his name, address or antecedents. He never gave any instructions. He would tell only, “Come sir; sit in meditation; sir, please leave now”. Mertia wanted that he too ought to serve Babasa. Last time when Mertia came to the cottage ward of sanatorium, Babasa was lying in the veranda of the cottage. After a long while, Babasa asked Mertia to leave. Mertia felt himself deprived of the opportunity to serve Babasa. He was never granted any opportunity to serve. At that moment, he received a call from behind, “Please come back.” Guman Singh turned back, took off his shoes and socks, washed his hands and presented himself in service. Babasa smiled and said softly, “Please switch off the fan.” At the end, Sant Thanedar granted an opportunity to serve. Guman Singh was fulfilled. Then he served Shyamji Bapji for many years. Mertia devoted his life in service. In Satyashram Hussainpura Mithri, district Nagaur, is situated the Samadhi place of Bapji. It is a small and beautiful samadhi temple. Water and light are available. For lodging, enough rooms are there. The area is surrounded by a boundary. It is an isolated place, a bit far from the village and is a fit place for sadhana. Every year, annual function is held from 20th to 22nd June at Satyashram. On Basant Panchami, Basant Mahotsav and satsang are organised. With the divine inspiration of Shyamji Bapji, another satsangi, Nathmal Sankhala reached the abode of the bearded Thakur at City Palace. Nathmal Sankhala sang prayer songs on iktara3. He is a good musician. As he entered the divine 1 Not to exhibit one’s spiritual might to others; a Sufi term. 2 A high spiritual state of trance in which sadhak starts living completely in his inner reality and finds difficulty in relating to the outer world. 3 A musical instrument consisting of just one string.


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compartment, he headed ahead to touch the feet of the old sant. Babasa said, “Please hold back. There is no difference between these feet and your own.” He provided him seating mat on which the musician sat quietly. They did not introduce each other. After some time, Babasa said, “You know devotional songs. Please sing for me.” Sankhla first sang the composition, “saadho bhai hari guru antar naahin” – O my brethren on the path; there is no difference between God and the Guru. Listening to the composition, he was very happy. Sankhla sang a few more songs. Actually, the aim of Sankhla to visit the Sufi sant was to attain the learning of the correct path but due to hesitancy he could not ask anything. When Sankhla was leaving, Babasa said, “the sadhana that you are doing, continue in that. With the blessings of Guru Bhagwan, you will find the way.” The musician continued in his sadhana. He continued in devotion but was not contended. He wanted to reach the limit of what the expressions in devotional songs depict but was unable to find the way. After Babasa left his body, Nathmal Sankhla once visited Jaipur and presented himself at the Samadhi Mandir at Manoharpura. He sang with the same profundity. Then he sat on the Samadhi place with closed eyes. He was so drenched in grace that he felt a peculiar ecstasy. Mind became silent and disappeared. He felt that the bearded Thakur was sitting in front. At the same time, the inner was full of divine illumination. When he opened his eyes, he saw the same light outside too. His body, Samadhi Mandir and all the plants and trees around were submersed in that light. Since then, the path of spirituality was open for him. He had found the way.

Compassionate Sant

amashram Satsang has chapters at many places in northern India. In Jaipur, satsang is held on the occasion of Ramnavmi. In the beginning, this satsang was

led by Dr. Chaturbhuj, a guru-brother of Babasa. In later years, his beloved disciple, Pandit Mihilal took over. In this satsang gathering on Ramnavmi, the bearded Thakur of Rajasthan came wearing a coarse dhoti and a round turban of mustard colour and would sit in the back row quietly. In the Ramashram Satsang society, the bearded Thakur is respected a lot. When the satsangis in front would give him way seeing him sitting at the rear, he would mildly say to them, “Please relax; listen to the discourse of Panditji.” As Pandit Mihilal noticed him, he would climb down from the dais, would rush to the bearded Thakur and request him to take seat on the dais in front. Very humbly he would reply, “Sir, please mind not. I am sitting comfortably. I came to listen to you. Let the discourse continue.” The satsangis present would become overwhelmed listening to the unpretentious conversation. Even after much request, the bearded Thakur never agreed to take seat in front. Among the satsangis, Sant Thanedar left no stone unturned to maintain a camouflage. But the heavenly fragrance arising out of higher sadhana cannot be suppressed despite

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every effort. Just seeing him created a wave of ecstasy among people. Delightful incidences of thandi peao are a witness to this. Near the metropolitan city Jaipur, in the south of Malviya Nagar and Jagatpura Railway Station, Ram Samadhi Mandir is a peaceful and secluded place. It is a beautiful ashram surrounded by green trees. The atmosphere is clean and relaxing. At the middle of the ashram is situated magnificent Samadhi Mandir made of white marble. It is a place quite suitable for sadhana. Every year, for two days on the occasion of makar sankranti, and for one day on third September, the birth day of the sant, special arrangements are made for satsang. Narayan Singh1, the son of Sant Thanedar, looks after the arrangements at the ashram while staying there. People keep pouring in to get benefited from the presence of the mystical sant. In the last days of his life, the bearded Sufi sant of Rajasthan said pointing to his body, “At present, my existence is constricted in this cage. I will be omnipresent after being free from it.” Definitely, Sant Thanedar has become omnipresent. Wherever you remember, he is ready to help. His grandeur is continually spreading. On third September 1997, centenary of the sant thaedar was celebrated. His glory is ever widening. People throng Samadhi Mandir in the satsang on makar sankranti. A stream of emotions and devotion flows here. Many persons, who have not been able to connect to the Sufi sant while he was in body, find themselves under a spell at the Samadhi Mandir. The sant police officer has not forgotten his work. You file a report and it will be heeded. His blessings are showering on everyone. The fragrance of the Ram Samadhi is spreading all around. The sant of City Palace has now taken a seat in the Samadhi.

1 Narayan Singh Bhati went to his heavenly abode on 12th April 2001.

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