Diksha’s first Shirdi visit excitement

I was visiting Shirdi for the first time with my friends. I was so eager for Darshan, I was ready to go alone at 1.30 a.m. in the morning! I was fine with going without my friends! It was of paramount importance to me to get the morning darshan. The water heater was not working in our hotel bathroom. I still managed to take a bath in cold water. When the others woke up, hot water was available for their bath. I felt that was so unfair!  I insisted on taking flowers to offer to Baba, which were falling apart by the time we reached the shrine what with all the jostling in line by the crowds of people. But I was determined to give the flowers to the priest. I don’t remember if I managed to hand it over successfully, but I remember that I tried my best.

As I moved away after darshan, a priest came towards me and handed me a big bouquet. I was astonished. I was ecstatic! I could feel the divine energy seep through my body and felt that my prayers were answered. I kept the bouquet in my cupboard for a long time, till it withered and dried. 

On our way back from Shirdi during that trip, I was craving for Indian Chinese fried rice. But the restaurant where we stopped served only South Indian food. One of my friends ordered pulao but she was served fried rice instead! She was disappointed but I was thrilled and happily devoured it. It felt like a little miracle, a little sign of my deepest desires being fulfilled!