The Vision

         It was in the year 1908 that Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj visited Kalka Devi temple to participate in the mela held there. Those who participate in the melas, usually purchase food stuffs, a variety of wares, toys and articles of play and amusement. Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj did nothing of the sort. He bought at the fair a prayer-book containing prayers and songs concerning the glories of Kalka Devi. He also purchased a book of Persian poetry. He made it a point to read everyday prayers from this prayer-book. He also loved to sing the glories of Goddess Kali.  For nearly three years, he continued to do so without fail. The result was that Goddess Kali was so pleased with him that she blessed him with her vision. The devotee got so excited that he called out to his mother and asked her to behold the vision of the Goddess, but not all may behold such visions. Says not Sri Krishna in the Gita to his beloved disciple Arjuna that it is not with the eyes of the flesh that one may behold visions? The inner eye, the third eye, the Shiva Netra is to be opened to get glimpses of the divine ones. As the mother of Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj had not yet reached that lofty stage, she could not even get a fleeting glimpse of the divine form of Devi Kalka.

        A strange change came over Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj soon after he was blessed with the darshan of Goddess Kalka. Ever since, he had a vacant look in his eyes and grew absent-minded. At times, he would become so thoughtless that he would abuse those who visited him. He also kept shouting loudly. He even went so far as to slap those who came close to him for no apparent fault of theirs. Even children did not escape his wrath.

        The father of Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj, Bhai Issardas Bhatia, breathed his last when Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj was in his late teens. He, who earned for the family was no more. There was now no one to look after Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj and his mother and to support them. The burden of earning naturally fell on the shoulders of Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj. Fortunately for him, he had passed the Vernacular Final Examination. He had not, therefore, to struggle hard to get a job. He, who was destined to become a spiritual guide and preceptor, began his worldly career by serving as a humble teacher in a primary school.