Jashbhai was the village leader of Sokhda-Matar in the Kheda region. He was very vocal about his dislike for sadhus and bawas. He had sworn to never let them into his town. In the meantime, the local devotees had arranged for Yogiji Maharaj to visit the town. Purushottamdas begged Jashbhai to let Yogiji Maharaj visit. Jashbhai agreed because of Purushottamdas’ pure character and lifestyle.
There was, however, one problem. None of the devotees’ homes could accommodate all the sadhus and devotees. The only house big enough was Jashbhai’s. Purushottamdas hesitantly approached Jash-bhai and requested the use of his house. Jashbhai clenched his teeth and agreed on one condition, “I am not coming for your guru’s darshan. Don’t ask me or force me to come. I am going to stay elsewhere while your guru visits.”
Purushottamdas agreed, made the necessary arrangements and awaited Yogiji Maharaj’s arrival.
Due to certain circumstances, Yogiji Maharaj was not able to come and had sent Pramukh Swami Maharaj in his place. After staying at Jashbhai’s house for a few days, Swamishri asked the question that Purushottamdas had feared, “Who is the owner of this house? I want to meet him. Why won’t he come?”
Purshottamdas explained the situation and thought it would be best not to invite him. Swamishri smiled and insisted, “The least we should do is thank him for letting us stay in his house. Call him. Tell him I want to meet him.”
Purushottamdas went to speak to Jashbhai. As expected, Jashbhai wasn’t interested. But Purushottamdas persisted and finally Jashbhai agreed to come.
At his first sight of Swamishri his inner feelings changed completely. He fell at Swamishri’s feet and apologized, “Swamiji, I was unfortunate that I didn’t come to serve you the past few days. Will you stay at my house for a few more days? I want a chance to serve you.”
Everyone was surprised by Jashbhai’s sudden about-face, but Jashbhai knew that he had experienced divinity. He couldn’t explain it to others, but there was certainly something different about Swamishri. He became a devotee and served Swamishri for the rest of his life.