My father, Sanmarg Krishna Shet, and I had gone to Brindavan in September of 1970. Needing to speak with Swami, he sought an interview. Being invited for one, we were waiting near the "bungalow" as Swami's residence was called prior to Trayee. It was at around 3pm when Sri Ram Brahmam, caretaker of Brindavan and a great devotee of Swami, stopped by and spoke to us. There was a cow, by name 'Yagnamatha' munching on some grass, in a corner. Pointing to it, he said, we use the milk from this cow for Swami. But the milk is drying off. My father then sought his opinion, if he could give a cow to Swami from some that we had at home. Why don't you ask Swami, as you'll be speaking to Him shortly anyway, he replied. When my father did ask Swami during the interview about offering a cow, He said "Okay, bring the cow over and I will start Gokulam".
In the first week of December 1970, the calf was born, and sheltered in our home. To see Swami's imprint on its back, many people came home. After a few days, we decided to take the cow and calf to Brindavan in the last week of December. My parents sat in front of the lorry(truck) along with the driver, while I sat in the back along with the cow & calf amongst the bales of hay. The lorry was part of a regular service to transport roof tiles, everyday. Such an experienced driver lost his way while driving overnight, and we reached town of Pavagad in the morning, instead of reaching Bangalore/Brindavan. By the time he found his way back to Brindavan, it was 1pm in the afternoon.
While we were busy trying to find our way back from the detour, Swami was making arrangements for us. At around noon, anticipating the comfort of the cow, He got a truck to dump some mud, to create a ramp for it to get down from the truck. There was a poornakumba by sumangalis who also had turmeric, kumkum, flowers, fruits & arathi; ready for a royal reception. No one knew why they are standing or to whom the reception was. They were just following instructions from Swami.
When we entered the gates of Brindavan, Swami was waiting to receive us. They asked that the truck be parked, with the back near the mound of mud. Placing a plank from the back of the truck to the heap of mud, the cow and the calf were brought down. Pointing to where I was standing, He joked "place the plank on his head", to bring a smile after a long exhausting journey.
The sumangalis welcomed with purnakumbha, puja was performed with turmeric, kumkum and flowers and with arathi. Swami asked, does the cow eat banana? and fed them bananas. Do they eat apple, he asked, and fed them apples. The cows look like poor brahmins, he commented on their sleek physique. My father pointed out Swami's silhouette on the calf's back to Swami. I reside in all living beings, He replied. We learned later that the calf was named Shankara.
We were then treated to an unforgettable honour. Swami invited all of us to have food with Him. "Where are they?" Swami asked me, referring to the driver and cleaner of the truck. I ran out and brought them for lunch to Swami's residence. Swami was served at the table, while the five of us sat on the floor. It was a delicious feast with Basundi, bananas and many dishes. After the food, we were called into the interview room. I cannot forget the Basundi lunch even now! After talking with all of us in the interview room, He materialized 2 pendants. He gave them to the driver and cleaner. He asked the driver to stop drinking alcohol and materialized vibhuti as well for him.
In 1976, Swami took my father in his red car to show him the gokulam. It's grown a lot since then. A chance talk with Sri Ram Brahmam prompted this small offer to Swami. Swami not only accepted it, but involved Himself, spent so much time making these arrangements and blessed us all profusely. We are forever grateful to Him.
