TLDR;
This episode revolves around a young monk and the challenges he faces in Shirdi. Kulkarni, fueled by his allegiance to the British and personal vendettas, sees the monk as a threat and tries to drive him away. Meanwhile, the monk's presence stirs the hearts of the villagers, especially Baija Maa, who accepts him as her child. The episode highlights themes of devotion, power, and the conflict between tradition and colonial rule.
- Kulkarni tries to enforce British rules and sees the monk as a rebel.
- Baija Maa embraces the monk, offering him maternal love and protection.
- The villagers are drawn to the monk, creating tension with Kulkarni.
The Monk's Solitude and Baija Maa's Affection [0:21]
The episode starts with the monk being alone, possibly hungry and without proper clothing to shield himself from the cold. Baija Maa reflects on the qualities of a person who has control over their mind, stating that such a person is close to God and unaffected by worldly elements like heat, cold, joy, or pain. However, she sees the monk not as a detached ascetic but as a child, emphasizing a mother's need to see her child happy and safe. She expresses regret for revealing his location to others and worries about the harm it may have caused him.
Seeking Sandalwood Paste and Rukmani's Oversight [6:31]
A priest is shown preparing for his prayers, and he gets upset with his wife, Rukmani, for forgetting essential items like sandalwood paste. He scolds her, referencing ancient scriptures that label a woman who disrupts her husband's prayer as a demon. This scene highlights the strict religious practices and the expected role of women in maintaining them.
The British Officer's Visit and Kulkarni's Servitude [8:56]
The villagers discuss how their rights were taken away and how Kulkarni is only interested in power, mistreating his own people to serve the British. News arrives that a British officer is coming to Shirdi. Kulkarni, despite being in the middle of his prayers, rushes to greet the officer, seeing it as his duty to serve his guests, a principle rooted in the scriptures. He instructs his wife to prepare ghee laddoos, considering the officer as a god.
Enforcing British Rule and Kulkarni's Opportunity [12:49]
The British officer, accompanied by Mr. Shastri, arrives and informs Kulkarni that gatherings are prohibited in public places and that it is Kulkarni's responsibility to enforce this rule. He also warns Kulkarni about a rebellion and instructs him to be vigilant. After the officer leaves, Shastri suggests that the young monk might be one of those causing trouble, giving Kulkarni an opportunity to get rid of him. Kulkarni, remembering how the monk made him look foolish in front of the villagers, decides to destroy the monk's teacher's tomb if he doesn't leave.
The Significance of Roots and the Monk's Disappearance [19:24]
The episode includes a philosophical statement about strengthening roots to provide shade to the world, implying the importance of inner strength and grounding. Baija Maa searches for the monk, who was there the previous night, but he is nowhere to be found. Kulkarni denies any involvement in the monk's disappearance, blaming Baija Maa for giving the monk too much importance. He claims the monk was a rebel and a phony.
The Monk's Departure and Shirdi's Reaction [22:18]
The villagers spot the monk leaving, and Kulkarni uses the opportunity to assert his authority, reminding everyone that the British officer has forbidden gatherings and that he has the right to punish those who disobey. The narrator describes Shirdi's pain at the monk's departure, comparing it to a body without a soul. Baija Maa, heartbroken, believes the monk will return one day, as she considers him her child.