The Miracle in Reverse

“Then, suddenly from among the crowd, an old man emerged. He shouted in a loud commanding voice, ‘Give the child to me’. There were two women and one man with him, who also pleaded, ‘Give the child to him, lady! He is famous as a curer of children’s diseases.  He has saved many children from death.’ And, so, losing all fear, my wife handed over the child to him.”

This is from a letter written by S. R. V on 28^th November 1958. The incident happened on 25^th November 1958. The ‘old man’ was no other than Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself. The two women and the man who accompanied Him were also creations of His grace and power, while He appeared in disguise in His mission of mercy!  …Let us now look a little closer at this strange story, this leela [play] of Bhagavan.

A devotee, S. R. V. from Bangalore, had come to Puttaparthi with his wife and child for the Birthday Festivities of Bhagavan, on 23^rd November 1958. He left Prasanthi Nilayam on the 25^th at 12.45 p.m. taking leave of Baba and receiving from His hands the Vibhuti [sacred ash] that He gets by a mere wave of the Hand as well as a few oranges.

At 5:30 p.m. that evening, when some devotees gathered round Him at Prasanthi Nilayam, Baba told them a dramatic tale of ‘death’ and ‘rebirth!’ He said that S. R. V.’s child, Geetha Sudha, called Sudha for short, had died on the way to Bangalore at 2:45 p.m., but He had left His body at Puttaparthi, hurried to the place, manifested Himself as an old man, and saved the child. His narration was full of details and very clear, and devotees who keep diaries of their experiences have recorded every word of it.

He said that the child was sleeping on the back seat; that a scratching sound was heard by the mother; that when she turned she was shocked to find the baby stiff and blue and practically lifeless; that the moving car was stopped; that the time was 2:45 p.m.; that the place was between Palasamudram and Bagepalli; that a huge crowd of villagers gathered on account of the wailing; that everyone was advising all kinds of remedies and cures; that a bus proceeding to Hindupur came on the scene, was stopped and added to the confusion; that as soon as the bus moved off, He appeared as an old man and demanded that the child be given over to Him, saying that He heard about the tragedy and had come running to the place; that He asked the party for a little Vibhuti because He was sure they had it; that keeping the child on His lap, He showed it His real form, upon which the baby, as usual on all occasions when He took the child up in His hands, cried; that He pretended to go through some curative rituals and handed the baby to the overjoyed parents; that S. R. V. thanked Him profusely for His service; that he offered to pay Him a rupee [Indian currency], which He refused to accept; that he pressed upon Him an orange out of the five or six that He Himself had given him at noon while leaving Him at Puttaparthi, and that after invoking upon that fruit the calamity that had pursued the baby, He threw it away before reaching the Nilayam!

On the 28^th of November, a long letter written by S. R. V detailing the entire incident was received at Puttaparthi and it was given over by Baba to be read by those who had heard Him describing the miracle three days earlier within a few hours of the ‘death’ and ‘re-birth.’ What a surprise it was to read in the letter that the child was sleeping on the back seat (!) there was heard a scratching sound (!) that the body was stiff, that the child was breathless, that the villagers ran in from all directions, that there were suggestions galore, that the Hindupur bus was stopped at the scene (!) and then, the para quoted above! “Then, suddenly from among the crowd, an old man emerged……………”

The letter continued, “The old man placed the child on His lap and she began to cry (!) He also heated a copper wire and applied it to the brow. We thanked him much for saving the child and I asked him to accept at least a rupee as a reward (!). But despite our best efforts he refused to accept it. I then gave him an orange from among the ones which Baba had given us while leaving. He asked us to leave for Bangalore without worry and do Arati to our Ishtadevata—Venkataramanaswami as soon as we reached home. I asked him his name and he gave it as Jodi Adipalli Somappa.”

S. R. V. concluded his letter thus, “I am now certain that the Old Man was no other than Baba Himself. I also suspect that the three villagers who asked us very forcibly to give Sudha into His Hands were also ad hoc creations of His leela. My inference is that Baba must have gone on a ‘trance’ about 2:30 or 2:45 p.m. on the 25^th.”

We who had heard Baba relate the whole thrilling story on the 25^th evening itself have no doubt in our minds that Jodi Adipalli Somappa is no other than Baba Himself, Baba manifesting Himself 48 miles away to save the child!

Om Jodi Adipalli Somappaya Namah. . . Mysterious are the ways of the Lord.  Words are of no avail if one desires to describe Him. The mind is too feeble an instrument to measure His glory… aprapya manasa saha [our mind is unable to conceive]!

~N. Kasturi
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, May 1959

The Miracle in Reverse

Miracles are often understood as extraordinary events that defy the ordinary laws of nature. People are amazed when they witness diseases being cured, impossible situations being resolved, or unexpected blessings appearing in their lives. Yet, there is a deeper spiritual lesson that teaches us about The Miracle in Reverse—a miracle that begins not from the outside world but from within the human heart.

Many devotees seek divine intervention to solve their problems. They pray for wealth, health, success, and happiness. While such prayers are natural, true spirituality reveals that the greatest miracle is not changing the world around us but transforming our own thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This inner transformation is what can be called The Miracle in Reverse.

A person may live with anger, jealousy, greed, and selfishness for many years. These negative tendencies create suffering not only for the individual but also for everyone around them. However, when divine grace awakens spiritual awareness, the same person begins to cultivate love, compassion, patience, and humility. Such a transformation may not attract public attention, yet it is far more powerful than any outward wonder. Through sincere devotion, prayer, and selfless service, one discovers the hidden beauty of the soul.

The teachings shared through Devotional India often emphasize that God resides in every being. When this truth is understood, a devotee naturally begins to see others with respect and kindness. Instead of demanding miracles from God, one starts becoming an instrument of God’s love. This shift in consciousness represents The Miracle in Reverse, where the seeker changes instead of expecting the world to change.

History is filled with saints and spiritual masters who demonstrated this principle. They taught that real spirituality is measured not by supernatural powers but by purity of character. A transformed heart radiates peace and inspires countless others. One act of genuine kindness can create a chain of positive influence that touches many lives.

In daily life, opportunities for spiritual growth appear in simple situations. Forgiving someone who has caused pain, helping a person in need, speaking truthfully, and remaining calm during difficulties are all expressions of inner strength. These actions may seem ordinary, but they reflect a profound spiritual victory. Every time a devotee chooses love over hatred and service over selfishness, The Miracle in Reverse unfolds.

The wisdom shared on Devotional India reminds us that divine grace is always present. God does not merely perform miracles for devotees; He transforms devotees into channels of goodness. This transformation brings lasting peace because it is rooted in spiritual understanding rather than temporary circumstances.

Ultimately, The Miracle in Reverse teaches that the greatest wonder is the awakening of the human heart. When ego diminishes and love expands, life itself becomes sacred. The world may still have challenges, but the devotee faces them with faith, courage, and serenity. Such inner change is the foundation of true happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

May every seeker be inspired through the teachings of Devotional India to experience this divine transformation and discover the profound truth behind The Miracle in Reverse.