Late Fatehchandji Balialiwala

Fatehchandji :

He was sobre, calm, lived a life of honesty and integrity, He was staunch Vaishnavite (Ramanuji Sampradaya) yet used to go to Shiva temple in the era when Vaishnav and Shaiv used to remain at loggerheads. He lived a very disciplined life. He never ate anything from market. Generally, he never fell ill and never took any medicine. He left this heavenly abode in the year 1981 at the age of 94 years when all of his offsprings (more than 200 at that time) were all alive in this world. He was living legend of Satvichaar – सत विचार – and Satkarm – सत कर्म. He transmitted these qualities to his Children / Grandchildren by imparting Pious Education – सत्शिक्षा to them which became the core of their life. Courtesy – Bhai Prabhat / Pradeep

I was down with high fever for a couple of days in my early teenage years and was feeling dull and low (as entertainment devices like TV & Mobile were not available in those days). During that time, he spoke some soothing words to me and gently caressed me with his palm. He also taught me a mantra to chant : Shiv saman data nahi, Vighan vidaran haar. Lajja mori rakhiyo, Bailan ke sawar. – शिव समान दाता नहीं, विघ्न विदारण हार। लज्जा मोरी राखियो, बैलन के सवार। This mantra continues to give me strength and energy even after so many years. During my illness, he also taught me Mundi language so that I could write letters to his relatives, as people of his generation used to know only Mundi. In addition, he taught me how to calculate time according to the Hindu Panchang — Ghadī, Minute, and Pal (घड़ी, मिनट और पल). Unfortunately, over the years, I have forgotten that language and those calculations, as they are no longer in common use now a days. Courtesy – Pradeep

Bhagirathi Deviji :

She was “Vidushi” – intellectual, sobre, graceful sole, valued the traditions. She managed her home with love and care and efficient in household chores. The memory of her delicious Paranthe – परांठे still force us to lick our fingers. During her life span a few years were of struggle – hard time; still then she used to give nutritious food – पोस्टिक आहार to her children and knew the art of running house in such time. These qualities were carried over by her children to the next generation. She used to say which I remember vividly is “APNI SANTAN KO KHEVOGE TO JANIYO SANSAR THIK SE CHALAYA” – अपनी संतान को खेवोगे तो जानियो संसार ठीक से चलाया which is very true in present day world also.

She taught us a mantra to chant if you are feeling sleeplessness/ fear : Ram, Lakshman, Janki; Jay Bolo Hanuman Ki – राम, लक्ष्मण, जानकी; जय बोलो हनुमान की । The beauty of this mantra is that even your lips don’t move while chanting this mantra, otherwise you can get sleeplessness instead of sleep. Courtesy – Bhai Prabhat / Pradeep