Today we have been privileged to see something very touching: An old follower of Maharaj ji, Mata Bedi, died two days ago. Her family had called Maharaj ji to tell him she was very weak. He closed his eyes and saw her being cremated, so he said, “Don’t worry. She is blessed.” Within two minutes, she expired.
Some years ago, she had lost her only son in an airplane crash. Crying bitterly, she came to Maharaj. Maharaj ji explains that he got this hukam:
‘Tell her that she should consider me her son, and then she will be happy.’ I said these words, ‘Consider me your son,’ and she was happy.
Today, in an unprecedented gesture, having played the role of son to Mrs. Bedi for many years, he carried out his final filial obligations by having her body brought to Gobind Sadan for his blessing before cremation. As garlands were placed on her, he put his hand on her head, very lovingly. Then again, after everything had been placed, including a rumala of gold colour from Gobind Sadan, he again stroked her covered head again and again, so sweetly. He said to her family,
This is very rare, that such a human being comes. She is a very special mother. Those who have this kind of mother and wife are very fortunate. She has great patience. She has gone to a very good place. She is a very lucky mother. People like her are very rare. Her whole life was devoted to this place.
Afterward, the grandchildren of Maharaj ji’s sister Mohinder Kaur, plus Balwant Singh’s granddaughter, gathered around Maharaj ji in his garden, clinging to him as their beloved great uncle. Then another older devotee, Mata Harbans Kaur, who is managing the langar, brought a bowl of Prasad to him for blessings. We are very privileged to witness these intimate family scenes. Maharaj has never married and thus has no children of his own, but he has great love for children and also great respect for older women. Back in his kothi, Maharaj also gazed thoughtfully at a new addition to his household: young Gagan, the nephew of Harinder Kaur.
