Kings and queens are also human beings and are in constant need of blessings of divine and holy men. A sincere king is all the time under stress because of the nature of the duties he has to perform for the welfare of his people. Such a king has to face many problems for which sometimes-immediate solutions are not possible. He will then often seek the blessings of Holy men and pray for grant of wisdom and intellect to solve the problems in the right manner. In addition some need the blessings for a child in the family, seek succor from health problems and for the prosperity and happiness of the public at large. Such individuals have complete sincerity and devotion for the Holy men. Strength is gained from the DARSHAN of great divine persons
Sant Baba Basant Singh ji Maharaj being a Braham Giani, commanded respect in the eyes of many rulers of the states of Punjab. The Maharaja of Patiala was a devout follower.
The Maharaja of Patiala once received two new cars for his use. Immediately, he thought of giving one car as an offering to Sant Baba Basant Singh ji Maharaj. He shared his thoughts with the Maharani, “I have a strong desire to donate one of these cars to Sant Baba ji of Nirmal Kutiya Johalan.”
The Maharani replied, “If this pleasant thought has come to your mind, then fulfill your desire without any delay.” She was also a devotee of Sant Baba ji and had great admiration for him. She suggested to the Maharaja, “I would suggest that you take both the cars to Sant Baba ji and let him decide which car he wants to keep.”
The Maharaja was very pleased to listen to the suggestion of the Maharani. He said, “You have taken a burden off my head, by giving such an easy solution to the problem. You should also accompany me to pay homage to Sant Baba ji.”
The Maharaja, with his Maharani and other ministers reached Johalan. Sant Maharaj ji was sitting and enjoying the Eternal through his inner pleasures. Sant Baba Gian Singh ji on observing the caravan of the Maharaja informed Sant ji Maharaj, “Maharaj ji! The Maharaja of Patiala has come to pay his homage.”
Sant Baba ji kept quiet and continued to enjoy his blissful state. After some time he asked, “Santa! Is there anything that can be served to the Maharaja?”
Sant Baba Gian Singh ji replied, “Patshah! There is LADDU PARSHAD. A devotee has brought it to share his happiness on being blessed with a son.”Sant Baba ji instructed, “Santa! Go and ask ‘Virakat’ ji to make preparations for serving milk and snacks to the Maharaja.”
Sant Baba Gian Singh ji got up and informed ‘Virakat’ ji about the instructions. In the mean time, the Maharaja reached close to Sant Baba ji. He touched the feet of Sant Baba ji. Sant Baba ji said, “Welcome, Sahib!”
When all of them had paid their respects, Sant Baba ji spoke, “Sahib! Please sit down. We just have an ordinary DARI ( hand made cotton carpet) for you to sit on.”
The Maharaja did not sit on the DARI and instead picked up a MURRA (a mat made from bagasse) and brought it close to Sant Baba ji and sat on it. Sant ji Maharaj smiled but did not object to it.
Everyone was quiet. Both Maharaja and Maharani looked at the Holy face of Sant Baba ji. They found a different kind of solace from the glow on his face. They considered themselves fortunate to have had the DARSHAN of Sant Baba ji. They were happy that they could take out time to be in the presence of this divine personality.
Sant Baba ji was carrying a stick in his hand. He was hitting the ground lightly with the stick, again and again. The striking of the stick on the ground seemed to fill the whole atmosphere with the words ‘WAHEGURU’.
Sant Baba ji waited for some time before he addressed Sant Baba Gian Singh ji, “Santa! Please serve the sangat with milk and snacks. Please hurry up as the Sahib must be having other important things to do.”
Sant Baba Gian Singh ji informed, “Patshah! Milk and snacks are ready to be served.”
The Maharaja sat in the PANGAT with others. The sevadars served milk and snacks. The Maharaja accepted everything served in the langar and relished it like nectar.
When the Maharaja came back, Sant Baba ji was standing at his place. He said to the Maharaja, “Sahib! Let me see you off and take leave of you.”
Sant Baba ji started walking along with the Maharaja. The rest of the group followed the two. When Sant Baba ji reached the entrance door of the Kutiya, the Maharaja pointed out to the two cars and said, “Patshah! These are two cars. One is for your use. You may select one of the two.”
Sant Baba ji said in a slow voice, “Sahib! Cars are meant for the rulers. We don’t require them.”
The Maharaja said, “You are a King of Kings. These cars have been specially brought for you. Please do accept our offering.”
Sant Baba ji said, “Sahib! One requires petrol to run the car, a driver to drive it and a mechanic to repair it. We don’t have anything in this Kutiya.”
The Maharaja had planned everything. He said, “All this has been taken care of. A driver will remain in your service. He will put up in Rama Mandi and come to this Kutiya everyday in the morning. He will take you to any place you instruct him to do so. The petrol and repair of the car will be my duty. The driver will take care of everything.”
Sant Baba ji was getting a little agitated and said, “According to you the driver is going to take care of everything but the question is who will look after the driver. I am an ascetic. I do not want to forget my Lord and involve myself in looking after and thinking about the driver and the car. Please take these back with you.”
The Maharaja said, “Patshah! It was my heart’s desire to donate one car. The car was brought for your comfort. Please accept the offering and bless me.”
Sant Baba ji now sounded irritated and said, “Sahib! If you leave it here, we will throw it in a ditch. It is of no use to us.”
The Maharaja understood that Sant Baba ji would not accept the car at any cost. He thought in his mind, “Such a divine person is rare who does not have any desires for the material comforts.” He fell on the feet of Sant Baba ji and prayed, “Patshah! I abide by your instructions. I however, request you to give me place in your heart so that I may continue receiving the love of your Holy feet.”
Sant ji Maharaj advised him to adopt the Sikh ways of life, recite Gurbani and accept the ambrosial nectar. He took leave from the Maharaja after quoting the following verse from Gurbani:
Even empires are of no use at all, if they do not bring satisfaction. ||2|| Someone may wander around naked, but if he loves the One Lord, he receives honor and respect. (Page 745)