Dr Athavale’s sevabhav unto Param Pujya Baba and the Ashram, and the precious blessings bestowed upon him by Baba

Disciple Dr Athavale walking alongside Param Pujya Baba

1. After visiting Param Pujya Baba’s Ashram, Dr Athavale engaging in physical sevas,and getting so engrossed in discussing and clarifying his doubts in Spirituality with Param Pujya Baba that he would lose track of time 

Whenever Dr Athavale visited the Indore Ashram to meet Param Pujya Baba, he would first change his clothes and start cleaning the Ashram. He would always engage in tasks such as sweeping, removing cobwebs, putting mattresses out in the sun, and even tying plastic bags around his hands and cleaning the toilets and bathrooms. After completing these chores, he would bathe and then go to Param Pujya Baba’s room with a notebook and pencil to clarify his doubts in Spirituality. He would meticulously make notes and completely lose track of time. Param Pujya Baba had a keloid scar on His chest that caused him discomfort and He would fall asleep. At such times Dr Athavale would remain seated there until He would wake up.

2. A playful comment by Param Pujya Baba upon seeing Dr Athavale performing physical seva 

Even when Dr Athavale visited the Kandali Ashram, he would continue in the same manner – sweeping the courtyard, collecting and neatly arranging stones, and removing dried-up flower plants. Once, Param Pujya Baba playfully remarked to a visitor, “Look ! The foreign-returned doctor is sweeping my courtyard”.

3. Dr Athavale cleaning the Ashram premises and creating a small pathway with the help of seekers; later, at that very spot, Param Pujya Baba’s Samadhi was constructed

At the far end of the Ashram courtyard, there was a stone bench, and beyond that, the area was littered with thorny bushes, stones, and rocks. With the help of a few seekers who accompanied him, Dr Athavale cleaned the entire area and even created a small pathway.

It is truly remarkable that at this very spot, Param Pujya Baba’s Samadhi (Shrine or a memorial) has now been constructed.

4. Param Pujya Baba advising Dr Athavale to read the Gurucharitra during His final illness

During Param Pujya Baba’s final illness, Dr Athavale would sit at His feet, reading and writing. One day, while explaining spiritual concepts, Param Pujya Baba suddenly asked, “Have you read the Gurucharitra ?” When Dr Athavale responded, “No, I haven’t”, Baba was slightly displeased and said, “From tomorrow onwards, sit at my feet and start reading it”. From the very next day, Dr Athavale began reading the Gurucharitra. He not only read it diligently but also made detailed notes, which later proved valuable for his compilations.

5. Param Pujya Baba testing His disciple Dr Athavale

5A. As instructed by Param Pujya Baba, Dr Athavale telling a couple that Baba will not meet anyone now, and at the same time, Param Pujya Baba asking him to send them in; later, the visitors leaving angrily, said, ‘The disciple thinks he is greater than Maharaj’ : Once, while staying at Kandali during his illness, Param Pujya Baba told Dr Athavale, “I’m going to sleep now. If someone comes, do not wake me up”. Dr Athavale then sat by the door, reading. Shortly afterwards, a couple came to meet Param Pujya Baba. Dr Athavale humbly told them, “Baba is unwell and will not be meeting anyone today”. At that moment, Param Pujya Baba called out from inside, “Who is there ?” When Dr Athavale informed Him about the visitors, Baba told him to send them in. The couple stayed for a while and then left. As they were leaving, they angrily muttered, “The disciple thinks he is greater than Maharaj”.

5B. Param Pujya Baba scolding Dr Athavale once the visitors left : At that time, I was nearby and heard the entire conversation. I asked Dr Athavale, “Why did you inform Param Pujya Baba about the visitors ?” In response, Dr Athavale said, “Do you know what Maharaj told me after calling me in once the guests had left ?” He said, “Is this how you care for patients in the ICU ? Are you a doctor or a barber ?” Hearing this, I was stunned. It was a perfect example of how a Guru tests His disciple.

6. Param Pujya Baba’s invaluable blessing to Dr Athavale 

Param Pujya Baba tested Dr Athavale many times in various ways; each time he passed the test. Pleased with him, Param Pujya Baba once said, “Doctor, I have best-owed upon you knowledge, devotion, and detachment”. One must be immensely fortunate to obtain such a blessing from the Guru.

– Dr (Mrs) Kunda Athavale (29.4.2025)

 When Dr Athavale would visit Ashram to meet Param Pujya Baba, he would first engage in sweeping, removing cobwebs, etc. !