Tai Ma lived a life remarkably free from attachment and ego. Bhagwan Mahavir was her highest ideal and guiding light. Her path was deeply original - shaped not by worldly influence, but by the unfolding of her own spiritual insight and inner potential.
At the same time, she was blessed throughout her life with the selfless guidance, grace, and affection of Pujya Gurudev Rashtrasant Upadhyaya Shri Amar Muniji Maharaj, Pujya Sadhvi Shri Rambhaji Maharaj, and Pujya Sadhvi Shri Sumatikunwarji Maharaj (Pujya Bai Maharaj). Tai Ma’s mother, Shri Premkunwarji, also stood beside her with unwavering love and support at every step of her journey. They all recognised in Tai Ma a noble swan soaring high - graceful, fearless, and destined for an extraordinary spiritual journey.
In Mere Devdoot (‘My Angels’), Tai Ma lovingly remembers those who shaped her own spiritual journey. One particularly moving story reflects her deep gratitude towards Pujya Bai Maharaj.
I recollect the early days when Veerayatan Rajgir had just been formed. We encountered many adversities at every step. One evening, Pujya Bai Maharaj and I had been undertaking some work at the foothill of Vaibhargiri. The work had finished. It was twilight. We were just returning when it started to rain heavily. The road quickly became so waterlogged that its very outline disappeared. There was no place even to stand. With no other choice, we attempted to cross the flooded road, when suddenly Pujya Bai Maharaj slipped and fell. Somehow, I managed to lift her up and pull her to safety. Her knees were injured. Despite the injury, she courageously walked ahead with me. Soon, we reached the outskirts of the village. The sky roared with thunder, and lightning flashed fiercely. As we walked beneath a gigantic banyan tree, a massive branch suddenly came crashing down. By the blessings of our Guru, we were unharmed and safely reached the dharmashala. I thought to myself, ‘So many difficulties lay before us. There were no means of treating Pujya Bai Maharaj's injuries, nor was there anyone around to support us.’
In this state of despair, I asked Pujya Bai Maharaj, ‘What should we do? Amidst such hardships, how can we possibly continue our work?’ With deep love and unwavering faith, she replied, ‘On the path we have chosen to follow, there is not the slightest option of turning back. If such small obstacles frighten you, how will you ever be able to carry out this noble work?’
I asked her, ‘Do you not feel that it is because of me you are forced to bear all these adversities?’ Pujya Bai Maharaj responded, ‘What I am doing is not for you, but for my own happiness. You should not worry. We are not going back - now we must move forward with courage.’
These words of Pujya Bai Maharaj strengthened my resolve further. Today I have no words to truly express my gratitude to Pujya Bai Maharaj.
