N. KASTURI

Sri N. Kasturi was admitted to the hospital on August 7, 1987 with low blood pressure and bleeding at the rectum. An intravenous drip was started and the patient was on a conservative line of management. On August 14, 1987, he passed a lot of blood clots. The doctor went and told SWAMI that he needed a blood transfusion. SWAMI said that HE personally would come and see Sri Kasturi and the doctors were to continue the intravenous glucose saline drip till then.

SWAMI came, stood in front of the patient and said,

"Kasturi, see who has come. See, SWAMI has come to you. Go on looking at ME, don't think of the past, don't think of your son Murthy, don't think of anything else, you only think of ME." Kasturi kept on looking at SWAMI with a smiling face. SWAMI materialised Vibhuti and gave it in the hands of Mr. Kasturi's daughter, Padma and asked her to put it in water and give her father sips of it to drink.

SWAMI walked down to the central hall of the hospital, and all followed HIM. SWAMI told Dr. Chari,

"Chari, Kasturi is a very popular person in Karnataka. He was a radio artist. There will be an announcement in All India Radio. So, the funeral must be very grand. You arrange for music bands for the funeral procession."

Dr. Chari said, "Yes, SWAMI." SWAMI was laughing and then HE added , "Chari, only one music band is enough. Do you know why?" SWAMI turned and looked at the doctors with a mischievous smile and said, "Do you know why only one music band? Our doctors will start the first music band. They chant, "OM SRI SAIRAM" In such a way that even if the soul doesn't want to leave the body, it will leave the body immediately."

SWAMI laughed loudly and said, "You doctors, yes, you can start now." The doctors were looking at each other and SWAMI said, "Go to his room and start." They went to Kasturi's room. He kept on looking at SWAMI'S photo and he closed his eyes peacefully. He stopped breathing on August 14, 1987.

What a humorous send off by Bhagwaan to a humorist and poet.

After his death, the dead body was shifted to the old traveller's bungalow. In the evening after bhajans, SWAMI sent a flower garland through Swami Karunyanandaji to put on Kasturi's body. He came, put the garland on Kasturi's body and went back.

A doctor got a message at 9pm that she must go and lock the doors of the traveller's bungalow where Kasturi's body was kept. She was told to keep the keys with her and to open the doors herself at 6am. She did as she was told. In the morning when she went and opened the doors, a nice fragrance emanated from the room. She was astonished to get such a good fragrance from the dead body. The body looked as fresh as a live body.

SWAMI, while talking about Kasturi's death, on the verandah, mentioned about this incident and told those seated there that SWAMI had been there with him throughout the night. Kasturi had served Bhagwaan as an intimate servitor and his soul perhaps was even more intimate. He was doubly blessed indeed. No doubt the fountain of death makes the water of life play.

Dr. N. Shantamma

Prashanthi Nilayam