Pujya Sri Gurumurthy Guruji

During those times, Dr. Sri Gurumurthy Guruji was a student of the eighth standard at Patel Education Society in NS Palya, situated close to the BTM layout.

One day the school closed early as an enumeration was being conducted. Guruji walked back home in the late morning and, tired from the long walk, took a quick afternoon nap while his mother was away at work.

On that same evening, as he had fallen asleep, he heard a voice saying “Allah Malik”. The voice woke him abruptly, and he saw an elderly person with a grown beard standing in front of his house, radiating the presence of a great holy power.

His head was covered with a white cloth, his off-white kurta was creased, and he held a bhiksha bowl. Recalling his mother’s instruction not to make way for strangers, the young Guruji asked the man to leave.

The old man lifted a hand towards the sky and said, “Allah Malik. Gracious child, I know who you are — but do you know me? Are you not concerned about finishing the half-completed task?” Then he answered, “Alright, Allah will open the doors, Allah Malik,” and began to leave.

The old man had hardly walked four or five steps when he suddenly vanished. Distressed, Guruji rushed outside to search for him — wondering how an elderly man could move so fast — but could not find him anywhere.

Nearly 45 minutes later, Guruji heard the same voice saying “Allah Malik.” As he turned, he could not believe his eyes — the same elderly man stood before him.

Sai Baba said, “Gracious child, didn’t I tell you that whenever you call me, I will appear? Allah has cleared a path now.” Looking up at his face, Guruji saw an incredibly bright reflection in the man’s eyes.

Shirdi Sai Baba placed his hand on Guruji’s shoulder and said, “Gracious child, for the goodness of the entire world, sow the seed of Gnana, sermonize Dharma, and carry everyone towards the Satya Marg.” A thrilling, weightless bliss filled his body as Baba placed his hand on his head.

A few days after this incident, Guruji noticed that the Tulasi Brindavan in front of the house was full of dried Tulasi leaves. As he removed the withered plant, he was astonished to see a pair of feet glimmering in a faint bluish reflection.

He was too young then to comprehend that these were Sai Baba’s Paada — his sacred footprints. The impressions could be seen in the very mud where the old man had stood days earlier. As he watched in disbelief, the footprints grew brighter. Even today, Guruji can still see Sai Baba’s footprints from when he came to give darshan.