It was a dark Ashadh night, with the sky heavily covered by clouds. The clouds seemed to play hide-and-seek as thunder roared and rain poured down relentlessly. Mud houses and even those built with mortar began to collapse one after another. It became nearly impossible for people to withstand nature’s fury in the face of such heavy rainfall.
In Salangpur, two Patidar devotees, Lakho and Devo, found themselves in deep trouble. Their mud house collapsed, trapping their cow, bull, and buffalo inside. What could they do? The devotees were confused and terrified. They ran to the court of Jiva Khachar, the home of village chief, where Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan was reciding.
“Oh Prabhu! Please help me, save my cattle! They will die,” cried the distressed devotee, “Please help this poor man!”
Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, an ocean of compassion and mercy, was instantly stirred. He turned to the Kāthi chieftains and commanded, “Go and help these poor devotees!”
But the rain continued to fall relentlessly. Who would go? No one rose, no one went to help. Shreeji Maharaj became restless and deeply troubled. How could Bhagwan Himself bear to see the suffering of His devotee?
He rushed towards the Patidar’s house. Reaching the collapsed wall, He personally lifted the fallen main wooden beam onto His shoulder. Soon after, the Kathi chieftains also arrived. Shreeji Maharaj stood there the entire night, holding up the heavy beam on His shoulder. He was drenched, tired, and His shoulder was aching.
The cattle of the Patidars were saved. The joy and relief of the devotees made Him forget His pain.
As dawn broke, what a sight it was! Shreeji Maharaj’s shoulder had deep marks from the wooden beam, and blood began to ooze out. Seeing Maharaj’s condition, the devotees were deeply moved. Tears welled up in their eyes. From the heart of Sadguru Shree Premanand Swami, the words flowed:
“Ati dayāḷu rē, svabhāva chē svāmīnō;
paraduḥkha hārī rē, vārī bahunāmīnō…
kōīnē duḥkhīyō rē,dēkhī nā khamāy
dayā āṇī rē, ati ākaḷā thāya..”