Mahadeo V.Sapatnekar

Mahadeo Sapatnekar was a pleader from Akkalkot. When his only son died, he was overcome with grief and could find no comfort. A friend told him to visit Baba. When he first came to the Dwarakamai, Baba sharply told him, "Get out!" Sapatnekar left, hurt and puzzled.

A year later he returned, this time with his wife, humble and ready to surrender. Baba now spoke to him gently, and through a story told his wife that the child would come back. Sapatnekar realised that his earlier visit had been made with pride and doubt, and that Baba had sent him away so that he would come back with true faith.

As Baba had said, a son was born to the Sapatnekars soon after. The family named him Murlidhar and remained devoted to Baba all their lives. The Satcharitra tells this story to show that Baba's harshness is a form of grace that prepares a devotee to receive his blessing.