Dapoli to Shirdi - My bicycle journey of divine experience.

Dapoli to Shirdi - My bicycle journey of divine experience.

On 30th September 2010, I came to institute as usual. After few hours, institute authorities declared that there is no need to come here for next few days. As soon as there will be any necessity they will inform all of us. So every one planned there schedule, few went to there native places, few decided to stay back here in Pune. I was confused. As I am desperately waiting for my call letter, there is no point in going back at home with empty hands. All my relatives also has the idea that I am doing ‘some’ kind of course , which will offer me job. It is futile to show my face to them without any opportunity in my hand. So what to do ??? ‘I can’t stay at my room that is for sure’ I thought. I rang the number of my varsity friends in Kerala, they were busy in class, so they didn’t attended it. I became more and more nervous. I went to my room and, tried hard to sleep as it was afternoon. But found it was also impossible at that time. Unexpectedly idea came to my mind, why not to go to Shirdi on bicycle from Dapoli? “How is the idea, and what is your opinion?” I asked to my best friend Abhishek over a phone. He immediately gave me green signal. I cut the phone and dialed my another friends, Aniket’s number, after few seconds he also gave me thumbs up for the plan. I called my old friend, Rushi in Dapoli. I enquired about my bicycle as I had kept it in his custody since I left Dapoli, around three years back. He told me that bicycle was given to garage and he didn’t know current status, he will inform me after some time. As he is busy in his hotel business, I was not sure that, ’some’ means exactly how much time he will take. So after half an hour I called back. He didn’t answered. I was becoming impatient at that moment, as I was unable to decide any plan. After some time he called and told me that “your bicycle is not in condition and it can’ be repaired right now, I don’t have time” at this moment I spontaneously told him that “no matter what is the condition, I am coming over to Dapoli, tomorrow


morning and I will take care of my bike. This is very urgent for me.”
I boarded the bus at night and reached Dapoli at around 3.45 am. Walking on the roads, where you had spent four years of your college life with your friends is always special. I went from Dapoli stand to ‘Kisan Bhavan’ accommodation facility made for farmers and other visitors. It was locked so I went towards main campus. Cool, peaceful atmosphere and so many past memories made this walk leisurely. I encountered security guards on one of the gates. I told them that “I am ex-student and I know both of you” then they allowed me to go inside. I walked outside my ‘old’ lecture halls, different departments, and ultimately reached the main university building. I knocked the door, it was closed. I wanted to use toilet facility inside the building. Just when I turned away from the door, I heard the sound, one man came out and asked about my ‘where about’. I asked his permission to use the washroom. He refused it immediately stating that “you have to go Kisan Bhavan for that purpose.” I accepted it and explained him that “it was closed.I am ex-student of this varsity and I am not here to cause any harm, I can understand your limitations and you are doing your duty I know. If you want you can check my bag.” Then he allowed me to enter the building and asked me to follow him. Ones done, I came back and planning to leave the building. Again he ordered me to take the rest there just besides him. I took my shawl and slept there on ‘box-cartoon’ laying on the floor. It was kind of experience to sleep in university building. I think no any other student have enjoyed this liberty !!! I wake up early, but he asked me to sleep, pointing that there is no hurry. I slept for one more hour. Watchman again asked me ‘whether you want to take a bath ?If you want you can take it on upstairs !!!’ I declined, I thanked him for his help. I climbed library steps. Door was open. So I went in to library. Timing of the library has been changed and now it opens one hour early. One staff member told me. Then after whole day passed so fast. I visited Mrs. Devdhar’s house. Where I was a mess member when I was in Dapoli. The family is very close to



my heart. Mrs. Devdhar always treats me like son. When I went inside her house, she was busy preparing Tiffin for her children, who were about to leave for school. She talked with me. Upon her insistence I ate ‘Bhakari and Brinjal-Potato rassa.’ I explained her my plan. She was surprised yet supportive to me. Only ‘she’ told me that, “Guru, you are going that’s fine. Just call and inform me in between your journey. Even if you face/ encounter any problem you call me.” That’s the heart of mother. ‘In success all is well, but there is no one when you taste the failure, but here I found someone who was ready to accept me with or without success.’
I got my bicycle back in my hand after three years at around 12.10 pm. Though it was not in condition I found myself connected with it instantaneously. Immediately I gave it for repairing. Shopkeeper assured me that I will get it back at 7 pm. He offered me another bike, for next few hours. After so many years I was driving bicycle. Around 6 pm I was standing in the long queue outside SBI ATM. After few minutes somebody declared that “cash is finished !!” Now what to do, I have to give money to garage walla. Then I found that new branch of ICICI has been opened in Dapoli. I searched it and luckily I got the cash. When I reached garage, I saw that my bicycle was standing there as it was in the noon. I was very nervous, as I have decided to leave Dapoli on this bicycle next day(on 2nd Oct.2010). I need it at any cost. I was praying to god. Finally after few minutes shopkeeper ordered his mechanics to repair my bike and to stay there even after their regular hours. I was happy now. Meanwhile lights were off in Dapoli city. So it was very difficult to go and purchase other necessaries which I need for long journey. Any how I went ahead and secured 4 china made small torches.
Ones my cycle was under progress I went to medical store and purchased Glucon-D, Electral powder knee-caps, elbow-caps and asked storekeeper about few tablets on probable cramps, after over exertion. I told him my plan that, “ I am going to Shirdi on my bicycle from Dapoli and leaving tomorrow at dawn.” He asked me about my rout, that is what I had not


decided till that time. Then I asked him, “which will be better option”?
He advised me to go via Mandangad, Tamhini Ghat to Pune. He penned map stating all route and names of villages which will come in between on paper, for me happily. I thought that it was the God’s wish, and I decided to go with that plan. At 9 pm I got back my bicycle ‘perfectly conditioned’ ! While paying bill amount of Rs.1680, I thought for a while, I am expending this much money on this endeavor, whether I will complete it or not ? I asked one favor from garage Walla, that he should give me pair of tubes and material to fix the puncture, and one air pump. He agreed and even gave me small fiber(plastic), air pump, instead of traditional long heavy pump. It helped me in reducing weight of my luggage by few hundred grams. I took supper in my old mess, hotel ‘Shreyas’. My favorite professor, Dr. Borkar was also dining there. After dinner we talked for some time. The dialogue with this man is always a ‘quality’ time. He wished me best for the journey and departed. I went to Kisan Bhavan, where I was going to stay for night. Luckily manager in that shift offered me room with beds at the rate of ‘sataranjee’- i.e. ordinary room i.e. for Rs.10. Inside the room there were four beds and I was alone. I took bath at around 10.45 pm. One’s got in to the room, I put few of my cloths which need to be dried and has to be carried for next few days on three beds. Switched on the fan at full speed. Arranged my bag and went to bed at around 11.35pm. Now the real struggle have started in thoughts in mind and my eyes. Which were not ready to sleep.
There was lot of pressure. ‘I had not informed my mother about my plan. Very few people actually know it. And even they know, if actually something ‘wrong’ happens to me on road, how they will come to know it ? Mobile is there, but some times range may not be there. If death occurs on the spot, it’s okay for me, but in accident if any kind of disability happens, all people will definitely going to ‘ridicule’ this kind of adventure. This is one part and another was any ways I am going to do this. I can do it. I will prefer to die on road doing this kind of adventure instead of living safe life. If any thing has to happen it can


happen at anytime anywhere. No need to worry.
How will be the journey? It’s going to be excite me.’ All this kind of thoughts came repeatedly to my mind. Around 1.30 am I wake up. After looking in to the watch, I felt it’s too early and again tried hard to close my eyes. Finally at 3.00 am I succumbed. I got up, brushed, bathed. I offered my prayers with immense concentration. I apologized to almighty for not informing my mother about this tour. I bowed in front of him. I surrendered my life in his hand completely. Before leaving the room I missed my old room mate Aniket very much, who used to take care of me in previous tours. He used to give me sugar just before going out on such occasions as sign of good omen. In his absence I took the initiative. I ate small piece of ‘Amba-Poli’ (Dried mango pulp), and few biscuits of ‘Marie Vita’, drank some water. At 4.15 I returned the key. Filled the water bottle. And finally approached my bicycle, checked the air pressure. I bowed in front of my bi-cycle, and prayed that “up to now you have taken care of me, today we are going for one more adventure, please take care of both, you and me.’ This bicycle (Hero Jet- Roadstar model- 22 inch.) is very special for me. It was purchased by mother and selected by my Father. It was purchased from ‘Chaddha Cycle stores’ in Sangali, when I was in class seven. (emotional bond of 13years !!! ) Since then it was my most trusted companion.
Around 4.30-35 am. I sat on the bicycle. At 4.43am I was near Dapoli –ST- Depo at Mandangad bypass road. My mother was calling me at the same time. (She came in Pune at same time.) So I called her back and enquired that whether she reached Pune safely? Her reply was ‘yes’,I cut the phone. Any ways, I talked to my mother at the beginning of travel. I gave miss call to Aniket. As he had had coming up to this point with me on such long journeys to say good bye.
Here on the real journey started. Small ‘China made toarch’ in my hand showed the way. Initial few kilometers were in such a pathetic condition that I thought it is going to be tough task to ride the bike on such road. The speed was reduced, after few minutes I disembark.



There was huge load on back carrier which was carrying my bag. I kept walking. Meanwhile chanting the name of god, I move ahead. The hour that is from 5 am to 6 am was appeared like months. The road was free, without any traffic, occasionally vehicles did appearance. Some times ST buses, running at full speed driving at wrong side came roaring. I had to stay vigilant and active, without loosing my balance, and without going down from the road ! I was tried my level best that they will take note of me. I used to show my little torch up and down, extending my right hand, so that this much margin of 1 feet will be available for me. Some of them honestly did it, they switched their headlights to deeper mode from upper, other few didn’t. The critical period was the moments just after passing of any vehicle which was running at full speed and having very strong headlights. It was must to look just in front of your vehicle at the very beginning before the next vehicles crosses you. As the strong light blinds your vision for few seconds. Human eyes take few seconds to adjust with black out and light. Here the painted radium strip at the side of road came to my rescue. I use to concentrate on it to get the idea of actual distance available at my disposal, just after the crossing of vehicle which was approaching me from the front.
After that real beauty and fun began. Dense fog had appeared right in front of me. My glasses had covered with moisture, it was impossible to recognize the vehicle like ST-Bus/ truck which was just about 40 feet’s away from me. My torch showed me way in all this conditions. After few minutes I found that it was too fine to go with naked eyes instead of spects. But in order to keep the pace of journey I couldn’t offer to stop and remove the glasses. So I continued to see ‘through’ and ‘above’ the glasses as per need ! Whenever there will be climb I disembarked as there was no point in stretching my muscles unnecessarily. Only one thing I decided and followed on day one was that I avoided any break for rest. I kept going and going. If not on a bike, I kept myself busy in walking. As inch and inch was important for me. I ate biscuits, Amba-Poli (as it was my favorite, and it is enriched with sugar (calories).)


,drank water when I was walking or riding the bicycle. After the Sunrise, the picturesque surrounding energized me. I was going through thick forest. Morning breeze, coolness, rising Sun, humming birds, and amazing greenery hypnotized my Soule. Whenever there was any slope, plane road, I enjoyed the speed of my vehicle, at the climbs, while walking I enjoyed the pace of my thoughts. I found myself very close to the nature. I for got about all worries and all routine nonsense business. I was just there living the very moment perfectly, enjoying it fully. Nobody was there to disturb me. No coverage of mobile, no noise, no pollution. Everything was in perfect equilibrium. I just tried to be part of it. After 7.30 am herds of dairy animals, cows and buffaloes were started appearing on and around road side. I was searching for the fresh milk. I asked one elderly lady who was carrying milk can in her hand, she agreed but said that it could take half an hour to reach her cattle shed and get the milk. I said ‘thanks’ to her as I didn’t want to loose time. At 9am I saw one fellow walking on other side of road with milk cans in his hand. I drank 750ml. fresh milk. It was one of the best experience. He charged me less than the market rates. In addition he invited me to his house. His surname was ‘Kutekar’. Small act of inviting me at his house touched my heart. Then at one hotel Deshmukhvadi, I refilled my bottle with natural water.
Before 2kms from Mandangad I took right tern, which was going to Goregav. I took almost 4 hrs to reach first stretch of 45 kms. Here after quality of road improved. Just before Goregav, I enquired twice as there were two roads and I was not sure which was correct. Finally I took ‘right’ turn which was going to Mangav, and called ass ‘Tol Phata’. Here the road was quite okay. Large pool of water and business of ‘sand’ was apparent at the ‘site’. The road was like making ‘Pradakshina’ (circle) to this water mass (river). First half was really painful, as afternoon Sun was shining very bright, and there was a climb, I have walk. Here I met one old lady, she was very worried about me. She enquired ‘why I was going on bicycle? Where I was going ?’ She affectionately told me in Marathi, “ baba kashala jivache hal kartoa re ?”



( Son, why are you putting yourself in so much of trouble ?) I stated her that, nobody had forced me, but I am doing it at my own, happily. During second half of circle, whenever there was slope I enjoyed it a lot. I stretched my legs alternatively, in order to make them relax a bit. Bicycle was running automatically as it was in slope. Around 1 pm I reached Mangaon. Here I drank one glass Lassi at Rs.10. And I filled the empty bottle at the same time. (Purchasing new bottle could have cost me Rs.15so I saved that, in addition I got Lassi – great economics. I thought.)
After drinking lassi with little bit of ‘ilayachi’ I moved forward on ‘Nijampur road’. Bypass road which takes you from ‘Mumbai-Goa’ highway towards Tamhini ghat. The road was nice one. Here the slow and steady change in climate began. Greenery remained around the roads, but feel of ‘ghat’ had began more and more apparent. Number of vehicles going on road was comparatively smaller one. In between small villages appeared. When I was going on a plane field, I saw one ‘fellow’ carrying his ‘wife’ on a pillion of bicycle. I remembered ‘Khudaya Khair’ song from movie ‘Billu’,( where Irfan Khan carries his wife on cycle and mean while ‘SRK’ appers on screen). I watched them carefully. How happy they were! In that hot and horrible temperature, they were going happily. I liked it. I sang that song for few minutes and continued my journey. After few kilometers, I saw a square. There was a small shop, and bus stop. I asked the people standing there, which one I have to choose in order to reach ‘Tamhani ghat’. They advised me to take ‘right’ one. I drank water, ate biscuits and moved ahead. At the left side there was a large banner with map of MIDC. The road was too wide. There was almost three lanes at each side. And very few vehicles were going on it. Road was almost empty. Perfect road for cycling. The point up to which human eye reach normally, up to that extent I found, the road was without any climbing, continuously plane, leveled. On both the sides there was number of workers, JCB’s, trucks were busy in construction work at the MIDC site. One’s I


encountered a board with kind of ‘letters’ which I thought could be a Chinese one. It might be any MNC. I tried to run my bicycle at maximum speed. Because now all conditions were favorable, and I had to climb ‘whole’ Tamhini ghat before Sun set. Some time direction of wind made my movement quite difficult. Otherwise scene and site was very beautiful. The mountain with great wall of black stone, was adoring green trees. This beautiful mountain in front this plane field of few kilometers reminded me front page of ‘The fifth mountain’ book penned by Paulo Coelho. Now the time was around 3 pm. I was feeling hungry, I ate few more biscuits and sweet dried Jackfruit juice- ‘Fanas-poli’. But I needed something more. At that time there was very few stock with me. I had to keep it for emergency. Finally at around 3.30pm I saw one small hotel- ‘Tapari’ at one point. I told myself, “even if they are preparing ‘non-veg’ items here, go inside and eat something ‘vegetarian’ food. As ‘you and your’ body needs it at this point, in order to carry on journey.” I went inside and ordered ‘Chapti- and Mung Dal’. I filled my bottle and at sharp 4pm. started climbing the ‘Tamhini ghat’. The climb was difficult and condition of road was really pathetic. So I gave up and took my bicycle in hand and started walking. I was thinking that it will over soon. One hour passed, the vehicles coming down were in full speed thanks to gravitational force ! As it was ‘Saturday’ number of vehicles coming from Pune was much higher. Many of them were young stars going for outing. There shouting, ‘masti’, and music system with very high volume supported me to climb the ‘Ghat’. The road was not going to end I thought, as I encountered large size stones around 2 inch wide, frequently in between the road. There was no asphalt on the road. Walking on that road was also a tough task, forget about driving the vehicle over there ! Road side boards were showing message like ‘Sadak Raksha, Jeevan Suraksha’(Care of road is care of life.) I laughed at that board ! Nobody was there to take care of road and life, except God !
Some times when I was feeling dull some of the passing travelers cheered me, few of them enquired ‘kya hua?’(what happened ?) , some gave best luck,


they injected enthusiasm within me. I saw percolating water running out of stones. Actually I wanted to drink it, wash my face with that water, but it was not possible, as there was gap between the road and wall of mountain. There was small ‘gutter’ of around 2-2.5 feet wide and very deep. So I was looking for an opportunity. At around 5.45- 6 pm I got it. I feeled my bottle, washed my face. It soothed my soul. I looked at left side, there was a great vally, which I was climbing for last 2 hours. Setting Sun didn’t permitted me to wait there for too long. I moved forward. Slowly Sun disappeared. Still there was no any sign of any hotel or any village. Few houses came and go along but I preferred to go ahead. I saw one fellow walking on a road. I surpassed him. He looked at me, shouted come forward voluntarily running at full speed and told me to wait for a second. He told me that “here there is no village in this area. You have to minimum 10-12 Kms. Then you will get village called Niva, you can find food and shelter there. But how you will go there now here is going to be black out !” I told him about my ‘China made torch’. I thanked him and moved ahead. I took out torch from the bag and mounted on the bicycle. Here the road was nice one, and quite sloppy initially. So I increased the speed. Later on I came across one small climb and turn. There was a street light. I saw there an opportunity. I thought let’s stop here for few minutes, take short break and eat whatever remaining ‘Fanas-poli and drink a sip of water.’ As in light I could open my bag easily and locate each and everything very easily. So I stopped my vehicle at the road side. Drank water, and took out ‘Fanas poli’ from the bag. There was a one stone, I sat on it and ate Fanas Poli. Meanwhile I noticed one watch man who was sitting there behind this street light on chair. He was observing me silently. I decided to ignore him. And finally drank some more water and got ready to move ahead. Just then the same man approached me, and told me to not travel at night on that road. I listened quietly. Suddenly he gave me the reason for the same. “Now a day’s one leopard is wandering here and there. So don’t take risk.” I asked him “whether I can get water”? He readily agreed and we came back towards his cabin. He gave me water, and informed me that


“there is jungle for next 15-20kms. And you can’t accommodate yourself there. Forget about hotel ! Don’t go ahead at this time. You can wait here, my colleague is coming very soon. He is on the way right now. Wait here.”
He gave me chair. I accepted the offer immediately. His name was Abbas Kagadi. The time was around 7.30pm. After ten minutes his colleague turned up with two more men. He enquired about me. When he came to know that, there was a problem of my food and shelter. Immediately he declared “you stay here, we will give you food. No problem.” Due to his hospitality within second I became there ‘guest’, God didn’t made me ‘beggar’. Immediately he asked me to take my bicycle inside the gate of his cabin. Ones done that I removed my shoes. He directed me towards there room. He started ‘fan’ for me, cleared the floor. And told me to sleep comfortably over the cot. Cot was made up of metal frame, which was covered with plane, polished wooden logs. I washed my face and legs. I offered prayer to almighty, thanked me for giving the shelter. I slept over the cot. My back felt at most comfort when it touched the flat wooden surface. My body was so relieved. My tiered eyes closed immediately. When that watchmen ‘uncle’ called me, I felt that I was sleeping for so many hours, but in reality only half an hour or so have passed. He told me that food is ready, “you eat it and sleep peacefully.” The same bed was converted in to dining table. Four of us were sitting on it. Chavan uncle offered me ‘thapatane’ from his Tiffin, along with Urid curry. It is kind of ‘roti’ prepared with addition of cucumber in floor. Curry and ‘thapatene’ were so tasty. Uncle distributed ‘thapatane’ among all of us and latter offered me all Tiffin. Then there was hot rice, which I ate with curry. All three of them were so kind to me, offering curry, thapatane, rice, water with great affection. While supper I learnt that there ration was actually in shortage. But they done everything possible to fulfill my hunger. Indeed they cooked additional rice for me. They ate little, and took care that I got sufficient. One of the great moment in my life where ‘I realized, how important to welcome and treat respectfully any guest coming at your door / way.’ I remember my mother and fathers effort to do the same. First time in the shoes of needy for


food and shelter I understand the other side of the coin. The deeds of my parent helped me I guessed. I got loving people, nice food and one of the best shelter here in no where, unexpectedly, God was with me.
After supper I washed my dish. Uncle didn’t allowed me to wash their dishes or other utensils. They washed it and cleaned the ‘bed’. Then we sat out side in open air for chatting. They discussed so many things. I listened patiently. So much tired I preffer passive role. Two of them smoked ‘bidi. Later one boy came on ‘bike’, and joined the group. Their gossip continued. Their bonding I found very close and intense. Later I started yawning, thus finally I said ‘good night’ and went to bed at around 10-35 pm. FM radio was on, outside the room. Songs from the upcoming movies were aired. Listening to them, within seconds I slept.
At around 6 am my eyes opened automatically. I found myself very fresh and energetic signaling that I slept soundly last night. I brushed my teeth, then I took, half filled small ‘can’ in hand. With can in my hand, I came outside the gate of watchmen’s cabin. Looking towards road and a small path going inside the bush I smiled. I took about 5 minutes to settle on a ‘place’. The pipe line carrying water with high pressure for power plant was in front of me. The grate greenery surrounded me. I thought I was doing ‘sin’ by squatting in this perfectly architectured beauty of the nature. I remember Suketu Mehatas’s book ‘Bombay –The maximum city’, where ‘underworld don use to soil in front of the video screen while looking at running train (on screen) as he was out of Mumbai and habituated to the act.’ “Today I joined the majority of Indians”, I told to myself. I refilled the ‘can’ with running water from nearby stream. When I came back , I found two buckets filled with hot water. “Water is ready and you can take a bath.” Abbas uncle announced. Water was too hot. My muscles got relaxed instantaneously. I enjoyed the bath. Then I offered prayer to almighty. Suddenly uncle turn up with a steel glass, filled half with hot ‘black tea’. For first time I drank black tea !!! It was tasty. I got ready, I took photos of two ‘angel’, thanked them ones again. I promised them to come and meet them in future.


Honestly speaking even my relatives had not welcomed me with this kind of affection. I moved forward for next journey at around 7-55 am on 3rd October 2010. Still I am at middle of the jungle. While walking on climb I found ‘coverage; to my mobile. I called my mother. Who was about to leave Pune and going towards Ratnagiri. I told her that I am coming in Pune today, without giving any additional details, I cut the phone. Later I thought “I have to stop this business. This should be my last trip. Let’s concentrate on road.” I had to cross 12-15 kms. To reach small village. At around 10 am I spotted one ‘vegetarian’ hotel. There were all posh four-wheelers parked outside the hotel. I parked my ‘bicycle’ with same sense of pride and went inside. Menu card was eye opener ! I ordered cheapest dish ‘pohe’ ( dish prepared with bitten rice). Just before arrival of my order, I saw one poster. It was giving message of Osho, it was something like this, “ The one who keeps going and going, peak after peak, without looking for the goal, and who enjoyes the every moment of journey he can achieve the God. God is above all”. I read it twice or thrice. Finally waiter came up with dish. Size of dish was small. But the taste was nice. I finished it fast. I paid the bill. Then I understand hotel ‘Quick bite’, had taken ‘quick bite’ in my pocket. I had to locate Axis bank ATM, as my liquidity was shrinking.
There after the road was quite good, I kept moving ahead, very eager to enter Pune. I crossed ‘Paud’. Some where I saw axis bank ATM, immediately I withdrew 1200 Rs. Financially I was okay, but real job was to cross the climb at ‘Pirangut’. The stretch was small as compare to ‘Tamhini’. But the dry climate with less humidity took a toll. My speed became too slow. The Sun was at it’s full zenith. Skin of my fore arms and skin above the knee, became red. The feeling of burning became stronger as there wasn’t a single tree on road. Here the sweating was less as compare to previous day when I was in humid zone. Here the thing was different, water level in my body was reducing very fast. I could sensed it in two ways. One whenever I drunk water, ate biscuits, Glucon-D immediately I found myself singing or chanting the name of God. With slow speed, this chanting or talking used to come at halt. Only after some more time


I could actually noticed it. And second, there was no sweat but only feeling of tiredness. No thrust. Found myself bonking at one such point I gave up and decided to sleep for while. But I couldn’t locate ideal spot for around half an hour. Finally at around 1-45 pm I crossed the road, parked my bicycle and slept on stone wall at the road side. I slept for less than 5 minutes. Sound of vehicles didn’t allowed me to sleep peacefully. I had less quantity of water with me. I decided to get going. After half an hour I found one ‘water tank’ donated by some one. Behind that tank there was small temple. Luckily tank was full with water. I drank the water. Filled my bottle. Washed my face, fore arms. Then I bowed in front of god. Here was one devotee, whom I asked “how far the Pune is?” He answered about 20 kms more! “Okay last few miles don’t worry.” I told myself. I surpassed one highway. Took left. I drank glass of ‘rose milk’ at Rs. 10. It cooled my body instantly. I embarked on bicycle, I went ahead with the road which eventually came down, and separated from the highway. I was in Kothrud. Journey from Kothrud to Sadashiv Peth was an adrenaline rush. As I had traveled before on this road in bus. I drove my bicycle with unbeatable spirit in Pune’s chaotic traffic. Moment of crossing the ‘Lakadi Pul’( one bridge) which took me inside the real Pune was one of the best. Actually two wheelers are not allowed on this bridge from 8am to 9pm. I rode my bicycle on same bridge, crossing behind four wheelers, auto rickshaw’s. which were waiting for green signal. I reached ahead in queue from side gap on right side, as soon as I reached at front signal turned green, I moved ahead, happily. Again I got green signal at Alka talkies chawk. From where I moved proudly on Tilak road. At 3-30pm I was in Sadashiv peth, just outside Hotel Swad. As I was hungry and desparate to eat ‘curd rice’. I parked my ‘bicycle’, and about to enter the hotel I found the door closed. Luckily this time ‘man’ sitting behind the counter signaled me to came inside !! Which was in total contrast with the tradition of ‘Sadashiv Peth.’ I phoned Aniket and told him that I reached Pune successfully. His response was real surprise for me. He congratulated me and told me that he hadn’t seen my miss call. ( which I gave at the beginning of 1st day journey.) I


said okay, and cut the phone. I ate curd rice.paid the bill and instead of going on my room, I went to my friend’s house in Navi Peth(adjuscent Peth to sadashiv Peth). Anil dada and entire Bhave family welcomed me. Anil dada asked me straight question whether “your mother knows this? If you have not informed I will inform her now! All other is okay, but I am against this lie.” I accepted my mistake but explained the rational behind it, in addition my next phase of journey up to Shirdi is yet to finished so I urged him not to inform. He agreed. Then I bathed, and talked with them. I drank cup of coffee after the gap of 1 year and 257 days! Coffee was strong and too sweet, (my favorite taste.) Bhave couple was busy in ‘project work’ of Atharva, next scion of Bhave family. I was there up to 9pm. Anil dada gave me biscuit packs as agift for next journey. Later I ate rice plate in hotel ‘Satvik’. Went to my room at around 10-pm. Washed my cloths. Put them for drying below the fan moving at maximum speed. I slept at around 11.30 pm.
Alarm rang at 3.15 am. There was heavy rain outside I surrendered and slept again. Finally at 4.15 am on 3rd October 2010, I woke up. I bathed with ‘warm’ water. Offered my prayers ate few ‘good day’ biscuits and drank water. When I got ready to depart one of my room partner asked me whether I am going for trip? I didn’t gave him any details. Just said “yes, I am going out side.” I came down with lift. Took my bicycle on the road from the parking lot of apartment. I embarked on it, I prayed silently, in front of the temple in our ‘galli’(lane). I rang bell of my bicycle, and moved on from the small and quite roads of ‘Tulashi baug’(famous market in Pune.) At 6 am I was in front of ‘Shreemant Dagadusheth Ganapati Mandir’. I sat on a bicycle prayed and started my journey for consecutive 3rd day. I went via ‘Shivaji-nagar’, crossing ‘Sancheti bridge’ ( I missed some one here! ) I moved towards Yeravada. When I was crossing another bridge, rain started. I stopped, covered my mobile with plastic bag. Now I was ready to wet. Happily I started paddling. Rain continued for next hour or so. I remember the depiction of ‘extreme climates one has to go through’, from the autobiography of ‘Lance Armstrong – legendary


winner of ‘Tour-de France.’ Here I can’t get ice, snow but ‘at least rain is there I have to enjoy’ it I thought. And moved ahead. After 8am rain stopped completely. I ate biscuits, when I was moving. The climate remained cloudy. Which actually helped me. As while riding the bicycle you can survive the noon sunshine nut it’s more difficult to with stand rising Sun. especially when you are driving towards east. As the sun rays continue to fall on your face and eyes, making it unbearable over a longer period. At around 10 am I reached Ranjangav. Village famous for one of the Ganapati from Ashta (eight) Vinayak. I purchased items of offering, from small shop. Kept my bag, shoes in his custody and enquire place for parking. He directed me in front of other shop. And said that “don’t worry I am here.” When I was parking my bicycle, I noticed ‘No-parking’ board. Suddenly one guard shouted and warned me not to park my bicycle there. I looked back towards the shopkeeper. Finally he intervened and told the guard that “he is my man”. He permitted me. I went inside the temple, first time in half pant ! I bowed in front of ‘Mangalmurti’, purchased Modak as ‘Prasad’. Came out, took bag and was ready to leave. But for strange reasons I was unable to unlock the bicycle. I was trying hard, but no any effort was not working. I got tensed, really. Even I considered the option of breaking the lock. But it was time consuming option so I continued my efforts. Finally I prayed to ‘Ganesha’, do something and unlock this ‘situation’. He listened it !!! Within seconds another guard came voluntarily, took control of the ‘situation’ and he successfully unlocked it!! I thanked him and Ganesha. Then I went inside one hotel, I sent SMS to Anil dada. Waiter didn’t turned up for next five minutes. I came out of hotel. There were many hotels but all of them offering spicy and oily food which I wanted to avoid. So moved on. Rode my bicycle energetically for next hour or so. While passing through small bazaars I felt strong hunger for ‘tomato’ that day but I ignored it. I saw boards at the road side promising pure vegetarian food. Looking at board I decided to take breakfast at this hotel. I passed few more kilometers. Finally when I reached the spot I found hotel was closed !! But boards are still inviting to dine. ‘Okay’ I said


to my hungry stomach and kept moving. Finally at one point I saw one small hotel. There was no any specification given about ‘Veg’ or ‘non-veg’. After going through the menu list written on the wall I was assured that it was vegetarian. So I ordered ‘Pohe’, I told to add some ‘rassa’/ ‘sambar’ on it. I washed my hands, face and head. I refilled my water bottle (Aquafina brand) with cool water from big earthen barrel. Pohe were tasty and he made it separately for me so it was fresh dish. The size and design of the plate was same as that of hotel ‘Quick Bite.’ When I was eating it, one fellow came and ordered cucumber and tomato as a dish. So I decide to follow the suit. I went up to the kitchen of hotel and ordered the cucumber and tomato ‘plate’ with pinch of salt over it. When dish came I ate it voraciously. In addition to cucumber and tomato he added little quantity of delicate green coriander leaves. (One of the best ever I have seen.) In total bill was only Rs.22 ( Rs. 15 Pofe and Rs 7 for salad.) So I saved whole 8 bucks and ate additional salad as compare to previous day. The name of the hotel was Hotel Ramlingam. Thank god that I ate there, as later on I didn’t found any hotel on the road. Cloudy climate remained up to 11.30 am. Later on Sun was shine was at it’s peak. Soon I realized that I had forgotten the most necessary ‘cap’ on my room ! I took out ‘Gamacha’ kind of towel. I covered my head with it. My fore arms and skin above the knees became red. The road was too fine. While burning under the Sun, I wondered, why our government didn’t made it compulsory to plant trees along the roads or as a divider? Banyan trees would have given me much necessary shadow in this hot afternoon. I thought hundred times. At around 1 pm I found that some times only two or three vehicles on very straight road. Others are four wheeler or multi axel vehicles. Only I was the ‘silly’ man on two wheeler and that is too on bicycle. I kept my smile intact even in that odd conditions. I had to walk long climbs in between. Some times climb was not so high, but weight of my bag which was resting on carrier, and direction of wind made it difficult. The weight of bag also helped me. Whenever there id slight slope, even if of say 5 to 10 degree, it increased my speed. Allowing my legs to rest on steep slopes.


At around 2 pm I saw one dhaba at my left side. Board mentioned it’s Rajasthani offering. I had tasted the Rajasthani food and knew their management in Kerala. So I went inside the dhaba. In side I found, number of woven beds. I sat out side. Washed my head, hands and face. I slept on one of the bed kept outside. I felt relaxed. After few minutes waiter came. I ordered dal fry and jeera rice. And enquired about salad. He told me “it will come along.” Dal was not so good. Basically it was half baked, I kept most of dal in dish and ate rice. I ate salad. I asked waiter about ‘Tak’ (‘buttermilk’), dahi (curd) he declined. I asked for milk. He nodded. I enquired whether milk is pure ? I don’t want milk with ‘added water’! He promised to give pure cow milk. He asked whether I need sugar? I said yes and insisted that don’t boil the milk, give it as it is.(cool). I drank full glass milk. I wetted the ‘gamacha’ and embarked on mu bicycle. At around 5 pm as I wassclose to Ahemad nagar, When I called my junior, currently studying at Rahuri campus (number one Agri. Varsity in Maharashtra) I learnt that Rahuri is too away from ahemad nagar. So I had to change my plan of staying at Rahuri. It’s about 35 kms. I reached Ahemad nagar at around 6 pm. Later I phoned my friend ‘Omkar Deshpande’ and informed him that I was in his home town and needs his assistance in locating ‘lodge; in order to sleep at night. It took much time to actually meet him. Near one garden. Meanwhile I missed the road and entered main market of Ahemadnagar. Again Ikept asking DSP chawk for next half an hour. Finally at aroung 6.45pm. we met each other. He welcomed me with ‘prasad’ of Lord ‘Jagannath’ ! I ate it immediately. Later he directed me on the road. He was on his bike, I was on my bicycle. First lodge was full. Second was too cheap charging Rs. 1800 per night. ( The budget of one room was equal to my expenditure on cycle.) I asked him “whether there is any temple nearby? If it’s there you give me news paper I will sleep on it peacefully. I can’t spend this much money.” He invited me to his house. I told him to take the permission of his parents. He got it and I entered his house at around 7.15pm.on my traditional half pant, kind of t-shirt, and over all ‘avataar’ made by 12 hrs long journey.


Onkar took me upstairs. The house was ‘posh’ in every sense. Onkar declared after entering one room, “this room is yours now”. Room was luxurious. With bed, lamps, table, chair and clean. I bathed. Onkar turned up with, ‘sabudana khichadi, buttermilk’, I ate it. After some time, Onkar’s father came with another plate full of ‘bananas, chakali and laddu’. He talked with me very nicely. As they are the followers of ESCON, on Ekadashi they keep fast. He informed me. As my legs might be paining, he himself came upstairs for me ! later I went down stairs talked with Onkar’s mother for few minutes. Finally I slept around 9-30pm. I woke up, I saw the clock, it was only 11.30 pm! I slept again. At around 3.15 am on 4th October 2010, I woke up. I bathed, prayed, thanked Onkar and his family for offering me shelter and food. Finally leaved for last phase of my journey at 5.45am. The patch of first few kilometers was too bad. So many heavy vehicles, trucks were coming from both the sides. The noise of there engine was irritating some times. After Sunrise the road was too good. Only there was no mile stone indicating the distance passed / remained ! The scene and the atmosphere was so beautiful. Small children in there school uniform going towards school. Looking towards laughing, jostling and energetic kid’s I remember my school days, I got energy! Listening to use of English in their dialogue I saw ‘changing rural India’, the idea much better explained by Nandan Nilekani in his book, ‘Imagining India- Ideas for new century’ The cow and buffellow sheds at road side, small houses, parked motorcycles, men moving on bicycle. Tractors and kind of ‘juggad’ carrying green fodder for animals, sugarcane farming on both sides made that morning in ‘nagar’ district memorable. I can’t say exactly when I fall in love with that district ! I missed my best friend ‘Abhishek’ he could have liked the place if he was with me at that time! There in the ‘milk pot’ of Maharashtra, I wanted to taste the fresh milk. I saw one buffelow out side one hut. One lady was milking the buffalo I asked for milk, she declined. I got back on my bicycle. Now more alert I kept looking for next cattle shed. On road I asked one man who was carrying the milk container, he told me milk was not fresh. I thanked him for honest answer and moved


ahead. At around 7.15am,I saw one cow shed. I stopped my bicycle. And just when I was about to enter the compound two barking dogs welcomed me ! within seconds owner came out and controlled dogs. I asked for the milk. He nodded, and said that it will charge Rs.20/ liter. “Okay, give me half liter” I said. He asked for vessel. Then I explained it to him,that I want to drink it here immediately, and not to carry. Then owner ordered one boy to bring half liter milk in steel jar. He brought it. I drank ‘sweet and frash’ milk, at one stretch and happily paid Rs.10. The milk drunken at Mr Puranik’s cow shed one of the happiest moment on this ‘wonder’ tour. Road was nice one. There was no any mile stone, I was not sure of distance passed. So kept moving very fast. At around 9 am I passed the gate of Rahuri Agri- universities main gate. Actually I wanted to go inside the gate, I wanted to meet my juniors, seniors from Dapoli who are there studying! But in order to keep focus on my target- on Shirdi I didn’t wasted a single minute there. I stopped just near one board which was giving details of particular project carried out on field. I took two photos, one of me along with bicycle and other of my bicycle in front of that board. Then I continued the joy riding. I halted at one hotel. At around 8-45 am. I ate delicious ‘butter alu parotha’ worth of Rs. 35.I refilled the water bottle. Here on I kept riding with maximum ease. Some where near ‘Rahata’, one village, while crossing one river bridge,at around 10.15 to 10.30am I noticed mob of around 150 people listening to kind of ‘pravachan / kirtan’ delivered by one man in hot climate and bright Sunshine, without any shadow they were sitting literally in sand. Really great, ‘It happens only in India’ I concluded and moved on. After some time I noticed one board, Shirdi was only 24 kms away! Here on the journey was different for me. There was tremendous pressure, of completing these few kilometers without any problems like ‘puncture’. And kind of sadness in knowing that I am riding my bicycle for last time in such a joy ride / crazy tour. (I have finally decided to stop such long distance cycling here after.) So each pedal was so special for me, each taking me towards my destination and same time taking me away from my bicycle tours. Just before Shirdi few


kilometers road was bad. It’s more rough on left side lane. The rough surface of asphalt makes the bicycle riding more tough task, as it holds the tire more firmly. So I decided to go on extreme right side lane. I kept going for few kilometers. Forcing all other big ‘cats’ like multi utility vehicles, ST buses etc. The condition of road was such that everybody understood the reason I hope. At around 11.40 I reached near Shirdi ST bus stand. I requested one school boy to take my photo just near the board indicating that I was near the Shirdi bus stand. He gave his five minutes to me. I thanked him and went on asking the Shree Sai baba’s mandir. The marketing of stalls in Shirdi is special. They grab you as soon as you enter the Shirdi. This time just when I was thinking about ‘where to park my bicycle?” One man came at rescue. I told him to wait for a minute. I wanted to have word with my mother at this special moment. I dialed her number repeatedly but she didn’t answered at that time. “Okay, this is the punishment for me as I had not informed her at proper time.” I said to myself nervously. I followed that man, near Gate number 4, in one lane I parked my bicycle. ‘Magic moment for me’ ! I reached successfully in Shirdi, without any preparation, any proper plan at a time when I had least expected it to happen! Though, I had 2 knee-caps, pair of elbow caps, iodex spray, I never felt need of using anything during the journey. Only on second day, I used one knee cap. Only because God was with me, I could complete this 400 plus kilometers journey in 4 days, where I actually rode the bicycle only for around 42 hours. Even afte the journey I am fit and fine. Saibaba is really great !!! All his devotee says that, whenever there is no order from ‘Baba’ you can’t go to Shirdi! And when there is his wish he brings you in Shirdi. I believe in it by experience. I lifted my trusted companion with my hands and told the ‘man’ to take one photo. When I went to his shop and removed my shoes,I listened that on loud speaker afternoon ‘Aarati’ had started. It was 12’o clock in the afternoon. I wore black colour jeans.I purchased few items and finally entered the corridor of ‘Sai mandir’. First few minutes I was moving from here and there. The arrangement of queue was quite complicated.latter I understood that during ‘Aarati’ hours,


queue is stopped for a while. Inside the premises, I washed my face, bare feets and hands. I entered the hall. The queue was long. I sat there on specially prepared sits in queue. Initially my eyes closed unknowingly. Later I regained my posture and remained awake. At one moment while thinking of ‘God’s miracle my eyes became moist. The moment when I really stood in front of the ‘Sai baba’s idol’ was really ‘Divine’ one. I took darshan of ‘chvadi’, ‘Mashid’ and ‘Dwarkamai’. The ‘mattha’ drunken near Dwarkamai, was one of the best. The one glass for Rs.8, As there was a problem of change (chillar) I asked him to give me some more ‘Mattha’ of remaining Rs.2. Actually he gave me almost half of glass. I drank it with gratitude. After coming out side the temple I called Aniket, Abhishek, Anildada, Mrs. Devdhar, Nagvekar uncle who gave me detailed map for journey up to Pune, I tried hard to call my mother but all efforts were in vain. I took my bicycle to ST stand, I board the bus for Pune scheduled to depart at 2.45 pm on 5th October 2010. Initially there was little difficulty in locating the collie. So I was moving with my bicycle in and around the bus stand. Finally I discovered him near parcel office. He uploaded my bicycle on top of the bus, for Rs.10. Bus moved after delay of some 10 or 15 minutes. I found the sit, after few minutes, boy sitting at my side got down. Then window was mine. Though bus moving at a speed, I felt restless and uncomfortable inside the bus. I was sitting inside the bus after 5 days. My body found it difficult to re adjust itself to this ‘luxury’. I couldn’t stretch my legs. My body, eyes, mind everything was tired but I couldn’t sleep inside the bus. When I was near Rahuri, my mother called me. She had seen the miscalls. This time I told the truth. She accepted the fact easily, and just cut the phone immediately, after confirming that ‘now I am traveling by bus and not bicycle.’
Finally at around 8.30 I reached Shivaji Nagar bus stand. Again I asked bus conductor to help me in getting the bicycle down. Initially he ignored. I insisted him to help me, I told him that “I will go on ‘roof top’ and you just carry it down.” He relented. I went on top, and tried to transfer in the hand of conductor standing on the ground. But he found it difficult. So he came up, I


went downside. Finally I grabbed my ‘beloved bicycle’ in my hands, Thanked the conductor and God for helping me up to last point of my journey. I embarked on bicycle, and finally entered the Shivaji road, wait for few moments in front of ‘Dagadusheth Ganapati’, bowed my head. With gratitude for almighty I rode my bicycle on Laxmi road towards hotel, Swad. At night I slept on Vikrant’s room. In morning while coming back to my room, in lift I called my ‘best friend, philosopher and guide’ to inform this ‘successful completion of my desire.’ As I have told her this desire repeatedly for past few months. I entered the room while talking on phone.
The idea of this journey was in my mind for almost past 2 years. During this journey I saw different face of human life. I saw number of truck drivers who were actually staying away from there homes and beloveds, to supply to transport all kind of things all over the country. While purchasing single bath ‘soap’ I never realized that the thousands of unseen hands work for me. Here on I will remember the efforts of these unseen, unnoticed ‘hero’s. Who travels in all kind of seasons, eats whatever available on the road, and rests below the truck. The ordinary men and women in my nation who keeps busy themselves in all kind of works, which may not be economically most profitable. But they keep on working in all kind of odds, with smile on there face, and humanity in there heart. I will not forget the farmers who tills their farm under burning Sun, with limited resources at there disposal. I will not forget ‘extraordinary Sanskar’ inculcated by the so called ‘ordinary’ class of the people. I will always remember the impeccable ‘spirit’ of ‘aam aadami’ to fight back all kinds of odds, with wide smile on their leaps and ‘love’ in their heart. While looking at reality, I forgot my worries, all kind of tensions and up to some extent myself. Looking back I strongly feel that the journey of around 42 hours finished so fast. By the grace of ‘Saibaba’, my ‘dream’ came in to reality. Sainath Maharaj ki Jay !