15 LAST VISIT
Maharaj’s health started failing
rapidly so we made an SOS trip in Oct 2011. Pravrajika Virajaprana Mataji
received us and notified that Maharaj would meet with me after his breakfast.
Tirthankar may see him during breakfast. So, I waited for maharaj at the new
temple right early in the morning hoping to catch a few moments. Unfortunately,
right after breakfast he started feeling uneasy and requested to be shifted to
his room. This was in the monk’s quarters where female devotees are not allowed
except Pravrajika V who was attending on him. So, Tirthankar remained with
Maharaj and I eagerly waited to catch a glimpse.
Doctors were notified. Morning crept onto noon and evening but no sign of
betterment. Finally a call on Pr. Virajaprana mataji’s cellphone comes
enquiring if I was still there. Of course I was.
Maharaj’s
tired feeble voice comes over the air: “Nandini, sorry I could not meet you!”
Choking back
my flowing tears I replied: “I heard your voice Maharaj that is enough for me.
Please get well soon.”
He
continued: “You waited all day
but I could not come. I am not feeling well you see. I wanted to see you.”
“It’s
absolutely alright Maharaj. It’s alright. I am talking to you, Maharaj. That is
enough for me. Please get well. We will come again once you are well.”
“Alright. May Sri Ramakrishna bless
you!”
Yes, even in that situation, maharaj did not forget to bless
me..! We returned on the late night flight. For me, it was a wonderful tapasya...
entire day in the temple landing grateful thoughts about Maharaj, Thakur’s
precious child; his teachings, little events. That day I realized how much I
loved this father figure, Revd. Swami Prabuddhanandaji Maharaj.
Yes, the miracle did happen.
Maharaj indeed got better and I (we both) was blessed to see him one last time
in person July 6, 2013. I made some sandesh and roasted salted cashews and some
south Indian style tomato rice for him which he happily accepted..! Little did
I know that to be my last offering; the last goodbye the last sunbathed
magnificent view in Maharaj’s office in his magnanimous presence.
Nandini Mitra Banerjee
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