Eruch first met Meher Baba at the age of nine and had a happy childhood. One summer, while tending to his garden, he received a telegram from Baba asking him to come to Panchgani immediately. Despite his mother’s insistence, Eruch delayed his departure until he received a second telegram from a different location, prompting him to leave immediately and catch a train and go to Baba. Eruch recounts this meeting with Meher Baba, who asked him and his family to join Him on August 1st. Despite not fully understanding spirituality, Eruch accepted Baba’s invitation, believing it was his fate. His family, particularly his mother, was overjoyed at the prospect of joining Baba, while his father was initially concerned about practical matters.

Eruch Jessawalla

Eruch recounts a story about a meeting between Meher Baba and Gadge Maharaj, a renowned saint known for his cleanliness and service. Despite Baba’s repeated praise for Gadge Maharaj, the saint pleaded for release from his earthly burdens. When Baba refused, Gadge Maharaj requested to stay at Baba’s door and eventually asked Baba to visit Pandharpur, a sacred pilgrimage site. Baba and his companions traveled to Pandharpur, where they were received by Gadge Maharaj. After a day of waiting and singing, Gadge Maharaj revealed that he had brought Baba to fulfill a promise to the people of Pandharpur. The following morning, they visited a leper colony, but found it empty as the lepers had gone to the riverbanks to beg for alms. Baba and Gadge Maharaj searched for a disabled leper, finding and caring for him by bathing, cleaning, clothing, and feeding him.

Baba advised His lovers to return home directly after visiting Him to share His love with others. He discouraged sightseeing or visiting other saints, as it could distract from their love for Him. However, for those stable in their love, sightseeing was acceptable, as Baba often encouraged it himself.

A pilgrim visited the Khandoba Hill temple and noticed a painting of the Avatar as a warrior on a horse, with a face resembling Baba’s. Eruch explained that the temple, dedicated to the watchful aspect of the Lord, is maintained by local villagers who hold fairs there twice a year. The pilgrim plans to return and bring a picture of the painting.