21. Parcha-4 (26.05.2009)

20. Parcha-3 (26.09.2009)

19. Parcha-2 (25.05.2009)

18. Parcha-1 (25.05.2009)

17. PUJYA JALARAM BAPA NI AARTI

Adhaar chhappan saal, Vahaalaa adhaar chhappan saal
Avanimaa avtariyaa bhajavaa ram kripaal
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Rajbaai dhanya maat vaala rajbaai dhanya maat
Abhijit nakshatre avtaryaa, paavan pradhaan taat
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Ragu vanshamaa avtar vahaalaa raguvanshamaa avtaar
Bhojal gurune dhaaryaa dhanya dhanya bhojalram
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Virpurmaa chhe vaas vahaalaa virpurmaa chhe vaas
Raam hridaymaa dhaaryaa, samaryaa shvaaso shvaas
Om jai jaliyan jai jalian
Annadaan ne aapi vahaal annadaan ne aapi
Sevak sankat kaapyaa, atal dharm sthapyaa
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Adbhut rup dhair vahaalaa adbhut rup dhaari
Ishwar dwaare aavyaa aapyaa neei naari
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Ravi deen diwali vahaalaa ravi deen diwali
Ogniso sittere stuti karun taari
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Jaiyaan avatari vahaala Jaliyan Avattari
Mohan ashtak gaave sukh aape bhaari
Om jai jaliyan jai jaliyan
Jai Sita Ram Jai Sita Ram
Jai Raadhe Shyaam Jai Raadhe Shyaam

16. JALA BAVANI

Sorath Bhumi Pavan Dham, Virpu Name Ema Gam;
Pragatya Tya Shree Jai Jalaram Jansevanu Karva Kam....2
Rajbai Matanu Naam, Pradhanji Pitanu Naam;
Lohana Gnati Harkhay, Naam Samarta Raji Thay...4
Sant Padharya Ene Dwar, Rajbai A Kidho Satkar;
Ujjaval Thashe tari KuKh, Evu Bholya A NijMukh...6
Savant Atharso Chhapan Mahi, Kartak Sud Satamni Chhayn
Ashrivadthi Pragatya Ram,Naam Padyu Shree Jay Jalaram...8
Vrudh sant Avya Te Tham, Olkhiya Shree Jay Jalaram;
Mata Pita Swadhame Gaya, Kakane Tinya Mota Thaya...10
Savant Atharso Siter Manhi, Yagyo Pavitno Vidhi Thay;
Savant Atharrso Boter Manhi; Prabhtama Pagala Mandi...12
Kakanu Sambhade Haat, Dharm Danana Manma Ghat;
Sadhu Santne Deta Dan, Raghuvirnu A Dharta Dhyan...14
Ek Same Santono Sangh, Aavi Jamavyo Bhaktino Rang;
Jalaramni Pase Aaj, Aviya Sidhu Leva Kaj....16
Jalaram Lai Mathe Bhar, Deva Chalya Ene Dvar;
Padoshine Lagi Lhay, Te Kaka Ne Kahewa Jay...18
Vahala Kaka Do Dya Tinyay, Jinya Jalaram Devane Jay;
Gabharaman Chhtuti tevar, Pat Rakhe Chhe Deen Dayal....20
Chhana Kahiya To Chhana thay, Gheena Badle Jal Dekhay;
Padoshi to Bhotho Thay, Durijan Karmo Thi Pastay....22
Jala Bhaktne Lagni Thai, Bhitar Bari Ughadi Gai;
Yatra Karva Kidhi Haam, Pachhi Fariya ae chare Dham...24
GuruKaravane Pragtya bhav, Fatepur Jai Lidho Lhaw;
Bhoja Bhagat kidha Gurudev, Vrat le Karve Sachi Seva...26
Savant Adharso chhoter Manhi, Sada vratnu Sthapan Thay;
Virbai Sulakshna chhe Nar, Sevani RakheSambhal....28
Sadhu Santo Ave Nitya, Jala Bapani Joyi Ne Prit;
Ann Tana Nidhi Chhalkya, Badha Akhadithi Dukh Jay...30
Bapa Sauma Bhale Ram, Khauravine Le Aram;
Gada Bhari Ann Ave Jay, Sadhu Santo Khub Ja Khay...32
Tan Man Dhanthi Dukhiya Jan, Avi Nit Kare Bhajan;
Bapa Sauna Dukh Harnara, Bhed Na Rakhe, Koyi Lager...34
Thoda Janna kahu Chhu Nam, Maliyo Chhe Jene Aram;
Jamal Ghanchi Je Kahevay, Dikro Teno Sajo Thay....36
Hariji Darjine Petnu Dukh, Tali Tyan Pamyo Chhe Sukh
Mrutyu Pamyo Koli ek, Pita Teno Kargariyo Chhe...38
Bapa Haiye Karuna Thay. Ramnamni Dhun Machai
Thayo Sajivan Teno Bal, Ramnamno Jay Jay Kar...40
Punya Tapyu Bapanu Ahin, Vhalo Utaryo Avani Manhi
Kari Kasoti Magi Nar, Jova Kevu Dil Udar....42
Dhanya Dhanya Chhe Virbainar, Prabhu Sam Janyo Chhe Bharthar;
Agaya Apo Chhu Taiyar, Seva Santni Sacho sar...44
Seva Karva Gaya Sati, Jani Tribhuvana Ae Pati;
Akashvanima Sambhaday, Dhanya Jala Bhakti Ae Kahevaya...46
Dando Zodi Virbai Hath, Daine Alop Thaya Chhe Nath;
Vayak Pahonchya Virpur Gam, Saue Samarya Sitaram...48
Aaje Pan Virpur Ni Manhi, Saunse Aena Darshan Thay;
Janseva To Khubaj Kari, Tharya Saune Pote Thari...50
Savant Augnise Sadtris Manhi, Bapa Sidhavya Vainkunth Dham;
Manudas Je Bavani Gay, Dukhthi Chhuti Sukhai Thay...52
Leicester Ma Kidho Chhe Vas, Bhakatjanoni Purva Aash
Ja;a Mandal Gunla gay, Dukh Daridra Tena Jay...54
Sorath bhumi Pavan Dham, Virput Nam Ema Gam.

15. THE BABUL TREE

There lived a peasant family in kevadara village near Keshod . The head of the family was Nanji Ladani.

One day all the members of the family were relaxing under the babul tree at noon after hard work in the field. Suddenly there was a whrilwind and the tree was uprooted . In a split second it would fall on them and there was no time for escape . All were frightened. Suddenly Nanji cried out, " O save me , Jaliya Bapa ."

No sooner did he speak these words then the tree stopped falling down as if some one had lifted it above them and gradually every one safely slipped from beneaath it.

After a few days Nanji came to Virpur and told Bapa of this incident . Bapa smiled and said, " Look here! See what has happened to my back and remove if there's any babul thorn still inside the body !"

Nanji saw that there were marks of the thorns on Bapa's back.

14. A LOST NOSE RING FOUND FROM A COCONUT

The daughter -in-law of a farmer in Virpur went to a village named Roopavathi in a marriage party . She wore a nose ring with a precious red pearl set in it . While enjoying the wedding festivities she lost it somewhere, and did not find it . she took a vow of offering a coconut in Bapa's temple before going home .

The marriage party returned to Virpur. The daughter-in-law went straight to Bapa's ashram with a coconut .Seeing her weeping Bapa said , " Come on , my child, Let me break the coconut before God ."

Saying this he took the coconut and broke it before the idol of Rama . A miracle happened . The nose -ring came out of the broken coconut !

Bapa said , " Oh, how mischievous my Rama is !"

The daughter-in-law was simply mad with joy. She went home with nose ring .

13. DEAD BIRDS COME ALIVE !!!

There were three Arabs in the service of the Thakore of Rajkot. They demanded an increase in wages by four rupees a month. The Thakore refused. So they resigned and started for Junagadh. On their way they hunted a few birds, and put them in the bag they carried on their shoulders.

They were passing through Virpur in the evening when Jalaram Bapa saw them. He said, "Please have your meals here and then go."

The Arabs said, "We are Muslims!"

Bapa said, "there is no distinction of caste or creed in the court of god. You are welcome here!"

Led by Bapa, the Arabs came to his place. Now they rememberd that they had the dead birds with them and here was a hindu temple.What to Do ?

As soon as the meals were finished they tried to go away silently , but Bapa said , " You must have been tired ! Have a night halt here!"

The Arabs felt most embarrassed. Bapa then touched their bag with his staff and said , Ah ! The poor birds feel suffocated make them free."

The Arabs saw that the bag hanging on a peg had live birds in it . They opened the bag and the birds flew away to the tree nearby . The Arabs were amazed . They fell at the feet of Bapa and asked , "Bapa,shall we get a job in Junagadh ?"

Bapa said , why , the Arabs serve only one master ." The Arabs said, " But the Thakore of Rajkot is not willing to pay us adequately."

Bapa said , he will . You asked for four rupees more , but he will give you seven ."

It really happened so. Just at that time, a camel-man ,sent by the Thakore of Rajkot arrived there and took the Arabs back with honour. The Thakore had sanctioned an increase of seven seven rupeesin their salary.

12. ' JALLA SO ALLAH ", " JALARAM IS GOD "

There lived a rich muslim named Jamal in Virpur. Once his ten years old son was ill. Inspite of all treatment his temperature did not come down. The doctors gave up hope his recovery. The tailor Harji told Jamal about his own experience , " Jamal, a pellet bow can send a pellet upto three hundred yards, a gun can send a bullet upto a thousand, a tank can send a ball upto ten thousand but the Jalaram Bapa's morsel of food given to the sadhus has its reach upto the door of the heaven . Therefore, take a vow in jalaram Bapa's name and that will surely save your son from death.

" Jamal caught the suggestion and said, " O bapa, relieve my son of the disease. I'll give forty meaasures of grains to your charity house ."

It so happened that his son's temperature got down that very night , he opened his eyes, and was saved.

Jamal took a cart load of grains to Jala Bapa, paid obeisance to him and said " Jalla so Allah !"( Jalaram is God ). One who fails to receive something from god can receive it from Jalaram!"

Henceforth Jala Bapa became popularly known as " Jalla so Allah" ( Jalaram is God ). He was twenty two at that time ( Vikram era 1878 )

11. The First Miracle

Virpur is on the way to Girnar, the holy pilgrimage centre, and all pilgrims and sadhus used to make a halt at Virpur for their food and rest. They used to ask for foodgrains at the shops in the village and used to cook their food. One day it is so happened, all the other shops were closed. Valaji' shop alone was open. Hence all the sadhus and mendicants called at Valaji's shop for alms. Jalaram was so delighted to see so many sadhus come to him. He doled out to them dal, rice, flour, ghee, sugar oil and many other items, which ever they asked for, as charity. Further when he saw some of the sadhus in torn clothes, he gave away new cloth also from the shop.

Some of the people of the village who were jealous and envious of Jalaram because of his uncle's fondness for him, went and complained to Valaji who become very furious on Jalaram. He came threateningly to the shop. He said he wanted a complete check to be made in the shop of all the things and materials. Jalaram felt frightened and started praying to God to save him from his uncle's wrath. As the uncle went on checking, every bag was full with the contents, there was no shortage of the cloth even. The uncle was amazed, and instead of taking Jalaram to task, complimented him profusely.

How did the above miracle happen? Only because whatever Jalaram did, he used to say within himself "Iswararpanam". And is it not the duty of the God to protect on who has surrendered himself unto him, and who saw in all but God alone !

10. First Recognition

There was one significant and miraculous event, which took place, when Jalaram was still a child. An old saint came from Ayodhya. He was on his way to the holy Girnar. He called at Pradhan Thakkar's house and asked Rajabai to bring to him and show him Jalaram, their second child. Even as he was telling this, the child Jalaram came there, leaving his toys with his friends and fell prostrate at the feet of old sanyasi. The latter asked Jalaram, "Do you not recognize me, my son?" As the saint said this, in Jalaram's mental vision, the memory of the whole life of his previous birth flashed itself. His eyes beamed with an expression of recognition of the old saint. He fell at the saint's feet. After the prostration, by the time he raised himself the old saint was gone. But the link had been forged with his previous life, and the chant of 'Ram Nam', which he used to do without any intermission in his previous life, caught up and started on again as unceasingly as his breath.

9.Life Story Part-4

In having true devotion and faith, there is a powerful vision that anything is possible. Such a case is that of Govind, son of Karo Reeyani, who became his disciple and in turn Jala Bapa prayed to Shree Ram to protect his only disciple.
Years passed by and one day as everyone has to leave this earth, it happened that Govind was taken of ill health and gave up his life. Entire village had gathered to pay their last respects, even Jala Bapa had come and requested to be shown the face of the deceased. He sprinkled some sacred water on his face and to everyone's surprise Govind became alive.
This is a case that proves that Shree Jala Bapa who in humanly form had been bestowed special powers from none other than Shree Ram.



During the course of Respected Shree Jala Bapa's life, it had occurred that in the year 1901, in Jamnagar, a person by the name of Jamshree Ramanji, in his house had invited all saints, including Jala Bapa, to chant and praise the name of the Gods.
The host, Jamshree, had desired to give cloth to all those who attended the ceremony. It happened that the qunatity of cloth fell short for distribution. Jamshree was perplexed and thought of Jala Bapa. He requested the work of distribution of the cloth to be carried out by Jala Bapa.
Jala Bapa continued giving cloth and to everyone's surprise, each and everyone got their cloth. It was just like a coincidence of a beautiful occurrence during Draupadi times, when Shree Krishna had helped her. So was the case in Jala Bapa's life.
In our lifetime, should we hand over ourselves to the Almighty, he in turn, never let's us down.

8. Life Story Part-3

Without knowing inner voice of the soul, our birth is incomplete and this can be felt. If we chant the name of the God and turn our vision, we will have certain targets, which will make us become pure and free from sins. By doing this only, a person attains the highest God's salvation. This happened in Jala Bapa's life.
God, himself appeared in the form of a saint and begged for Virbai from Jala Bapa in form of alms. He asked for the most unusual thing and Virbai was given to the saint by Jala Bapa, to carry out the daily chores. By offering this, the saint in return gave Virbai "Jholi" and "Dand", which is even present as of today.
This once again concludes that any prayer or deeds done with whole-heartedness is always beneficial. So let us join Bapa and achieve this also, at earliest opportunity.



The most praised relationship is that of a Teacher and a student. The student has to serve the Teacher with lots of devotion which is a very important task. In turn the teacher has to help the student to free himself from this materialistic world and further protect him also from all evil.
Near Amreli, there is a town called Fatehpur, a place where Bapa's Guru viz. Bhojalram resided. Bapa used to frequently visit him. He used to walk his way to and fro to Fatehpur in order to have his desired blessings.
When two saints meet, they discuss a lot in common and would not realise how time has lapsed, without feeling tired and sleepy. This is a true love for each other.



In Rajkot, there were two sisters by the name Ranbai and Rulbai, who used to carry out the noble work of serving the saints. This noble work by the sisters had come to the knowledge of Bapa, who decided to pay a visit to these two sisters.
At the same time, "Lala Bhagat", from Saila town had also come. Both were welcomed by the sisters and all of them chanted religious songs (Bhajans).
In the morning both sisters took the cows to the fields to graze and had intended to come back early, in order to grind the cereals. Bapa realised this and in turn decided that he would assist the two sisters in grinding the cereals, since both would be tired after the day's hard work.
Jala Bapa-chanting God's name completed the grinding work and when the sisters returned and noticed this, they fell at Bapa's feet, saying that only a highly respected saint can do this work, without any pride. This shows that for a saint, any work can be done without any financial gains in the mind.

7. Life Story Part-2

Without a Guru (teacher) and his blessings, a person cannot gain necessary knowledge, or improve his life-style. Furthermore the Guru shows a true path, which leads to the ultimate - the salvation.
Similarly, Jala Bapa even accepted a Guru by the name Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur and was given a "Guru Malaa And Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram, which was duly accepted.
By the grace of Guru, Jala Bapa's work proved to be fruitful and was accepted as a true spiritual leader who was merciful and taken by the people as incarnation of the God.
This is the real sense of having a Guru.



There is a saying in Gujrati that "to achieve heaven, one has to die". Any work done cannot be successful without faith and honesty and one can be successful if this principal is adopted in one's own life.
All that Shree Jalaram Bapa had done in his entire life, was to feed the needy and gain the blessings of the Almighty. Bapa fed the hungry people and explained the meaning of the donation.
Without any malice, boastfulness or any help from anyone, he himself worked hard on his farm and gained the required wealth and food which he donated to all and attained total bliss.
Virbai supported Bapa's work and showed the charm of it and further proved that behind every successful man there is a woman.



At the age of 21 Jala Bapa had become famous and had lots of responsibilities. With these responsibilities, there is always a lot of worries and tension, but Bapa had left all this at God's disposal for guidance.
Once upon a time, in the village, there lived a tailor by the name of Harji. Harji had some stomach aches for which he had various ailments which were futile. Upon other villager's suggestions, they requested Harji to vow in the name of Jala Bapa, that should his health improve, he would donate food. To his surprise his sickness disappeared within eight days. He fulfilled his wish and Jala Bapa's fame had grown further, but Bapa had never taken that to be his wonderful work. But in turn, he said, it was just ordinary work and that he was just trying to help the needy.
This reflects a true picture of a Saint.

6. Life Story Part-1

In human life, a saint meets one in two ways :-
1. Through his good deeds.
2. Through the will of Almighty God.

If a person meets a true and genuine saint, he transforms himself to a loving person and tears of joy will roll down his face for such a saint.
When Bapa was in his tender years, a saint visited him and blessed him that when he grows up, He (Bapa) will become a great saint and the holy man's words cannot go wrong and exactly the same happened as destined in Bapa's life.
All this has been explained in the holy script of our ancient Ved Purana.




Jala's father had fear that Jala Bapa would become a saint, hence he called upon his younger brother to look for a suitable bride and found one in Aathkot town. She was the daughter of Shri Pragjibhai Thakher by name Virbai who was only sixteen years old.
By blessings of the God, even Virbai was humble and polite by nature, a right choice for Jala Bapa.
Virbai performed her duties whole heartedly in serving her husband viz, Jala Bapa. Because of her, Jala Bapa's work was accomplished.
The way Jala Bapa performed and discharged his duties, sets an example for everyone to follow with utmost holiness in mind.
Out of the actual four duties, there is no religious duty like that of discharging day to day work in the most sincere way. If these are done with entire soul, even the God himself can come to our home.



Virpur town is situated between Junagadh and Dwarka. Since there used to be lot of followers travelling between these two towns, they used to halt at Virpur, this also being Jala Bapa's home town.
Jala Bapa's father was a middle class man owning a ration shop, which was run by Jala Bapa. Any saint who would be invited to visit Bapa would be given any items free of charge. Bapa gained peace by doing this.
Once a neighbouring shopkeeper reported this incidence to Jala Bapa's uncle Valjibhai, who scolded Bapa and went to the saints to get back those items given out by Bapa.
Jala Bapa in turn prayed to Shree Ram, who replaced those items with something more likable. Similarly the stock of shop also remained as earlier.
This shows that one taking God's name is always helped and his work is made simpler. However, this should be all done without malice.
After this rare incident Jala Bapa was worshipped and elevated to the status of Almighty.

5. History

SHRI JALARAM BAPA (1799-1881 A. D. )
The saying goes - Guest is god-'Athidhi Devo Bhava'. That is why among Indians, it is a tradition, whether there be sufficient food for the family members or not, but whoever comes to the house at the meals time, are first fed. Feeding all, and especially the poor, are not only a humane but also a spiritual act as per Indian thinking.There is no greater meritorious act than feeding the poor and hungry. Actually allaying the hunger of whosoever he is, whether he is rich or poor, is a highly meritorious act indeed.

Virpur in Saurashtra is very famous. It was the place of birth of one of the great saints of recent times, namely Sri Jalaram. He had sanctified the place by his devotional and spiritual sadhanas. Feeding the people was one of the routine daily chores in his life, besides his other devotional exercises. He used to delight himself allaying the hunger of people. "It is Narayana, the lord himself I am feeding" - that was his bhavana and belief. Even today in the Jalaram Ashram at Virpur, thousands and thousands of people are fed daily. The kitchen is run there at all times of the day. What is fed there is 'Prasad', which not only fills the stomach and nourishes the body, but also nourishes the soul. Jalaram termed this mass feeding by the name 'Sada Vrat', that is an all-time and every day duty, which he undertook as his principal Sadhana.

Jalaram was born in Virpur in the year 1799, on the seventh day of the Kartika month. His father was Pradhan Thakkar and mother was Rajbai. At his sixteenth year, Jalaram was married. His wife's name was Virbai.

Jalaram's uncle Valji, who had no children, had always loved Jalaram. He asked Jalaram and his wife to stay in his house, as members of his own family. He had a grocery shop of his own, and made Jalaram to attend to it. Jalaram was working very sincerely at the shop. But here his charitable deeds continued as ever.

Many miraculous events happening in Jalaram's life brought a tremendous change in his mind. His spiritual yearning, which was dormant in him so far, burst forth in a new blaze. It made him completely restless. His uncle, who noticed this, thought that it was good and advisable to send him on a pilgrimage to some of the holy places. Jalaram visited Ayodhya, Kasi, Badrinath and several other sacred places. He also visited Fatehpur and took Diksha from one saint named Bhojalram.He sought also the Guru's blessings to start ' Sadavrat'.

Jalaram started the Sadavrat at his 20th year. He just started it with forty measures of grain. The very first guest to his Sadavrat was a saint. The guest saint blessed Jalaram and gave him the idols of Sri Rama, Lakshman and Sita and told him that he should offer worships to the idols daily. On the third day itself after Jalaram started the worship of the idols, he got a vision of Hanuman, Jalaram got a temple constructed and installed the idols gifted to him by the saint, along with the idol of Hanuman also.Jalaram was doing the daily worship of the idols till his very last day, with the deepest devotion.

For his Sadavrat, the inflow of the people was increasing day by day. Jalaram's gentle and hospitable nature, combined with his humility, used to win the admiration for all. But his means were meager and limited to meet the ever-increasing expenses for the daily mass feeding of the visitors and the pilgrims. He used to work very hard in the field" to make both ends meet", to keep the "Sadavrat" ever going on without any slackening. But his ever-lasting faith and dependence on Lord Sri Rama guided him throughout.

Inspired by his insatiable desire to feed the poor and needy, many became his devotees, and used to serve him, helping in the 'Sadavrat'. Mulubha Thakore, Jam Saheb and many others, who experienced Jalaram's grace, gave contributions to his Ashram. Whenever there was any shortage in the ashram, help used to come from unknown sources. His wife always stood by his side with total devotion and used to toil all the time in the Ashram- services and kitchen work.

The maharajah of Dhrangadhara presented two big grinding stones for use in the kitchen, which are still there. The Nawab of Junagadh donated some land for the Ashram.

Jalaram stood the test of time, wavered. One day an old sadhu came. He appeared greatly fatigued and tired. Jalaram welcomed him and offered to serve him. The visitor made a strange request. He said" I do not want your food. I have no one to attend to me, if you really want to help, you give away your wife and send her along with me to serve and attend on me." Jalaram after consultation with his wife offered Virabai to him. The sadhu left the place along with Virabai. They reached the outskirts of a forest. The sadhu asked her to wait there for some time and said he had a little work to attend to and would come back soon. He left with his 'Danda' and 'Jholi' asking her to keep watch on them while he would be away. As he walked along in to the forest, Akash vani was heard saying "Virabai, my child ! you are a great sati. Your husband Jalaram is matchless in his charity; he excels even Sibi and Karna. He is my dearest devotee. I bless you both always. Go back to your husband, install my Danda and Jholi in your Ashram, and worship them. Go on serving your husband and people. That is your worship to me. I shall be ever with you." The Danda and Jholi were installed in Virpur and they are worshipped even now. Jalaram and his wife thus stood the severest test of God, passed through it unscathed and earned the fullest Grace of God.

Jalaram had one daughter. She was married to Bhaktiram of Kotdapitha. She had one son Hari Ram. In the year 1881, Jalaram Bapa took his Samadhi. At Virpur, the Sadavrat goes on still, in a most magnificent way.

4. Religious Place Virpur

Virpur is well known for the temple of lord Jalaram and attracts thousands of pilgrims daily. Nearby at Khambalida are some Buddhist relics.

Saint Jalaram was a devotee of Lord Ram. From very childhood, he served the Shadhu, saints and needy without any bias, opinion or discrimination of any kind. He had done hard labor to earn money to serve the society. With the name of Lord Ram on their lips, mind and heart, his wife and him served men, women, child, old, young, rich, poor and animals alike. His spirit continues to serve the people who believe in him and who need desperate help in every day trouble in life. His temples are found all over the world. Many devotees of Jalaram are residing in the USA. They formed Jalaram Seva Samaj of North America (JSS) to continue the tradition Jalaram began to serve the public.

In virpur, Trustees have stop taking cash money as well as any sort of foodgrains since 9th February, 2001 As they have enough money and they dont require any more money from anyone. It is the first and only temple in the world to discard taking money from people.

Jalaram was born in Virpur in the year 1799, on the seventh day of the Kartika month. His father was Pradhan Thakkar and mother was Rajbai. At his sixteenth year, Jalaram was married. His wife's name was Virbai.

At the tender age of 16, Jalaram married Virbai, daughter of Thakkar Pragji Somajia. Jalaram was however not inclined to live household life and to continue to do business with his father. He is mostly engaged in serving sadhus and saints. He separated himself from his father's business and stayed with his uncle, Valjibhai, who was very fond of Jalaram. It was obvious that Jalaram was inclined to completely withdraw from marital life. Fortunately his wife, Virbaima decided to follow the path of Jalaram. So, when Jalaram decided to go for a pilgrimage for holy places, Virbaima followed him.

At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram from Fatehpur as guru and was given a "Guru Malaa and Mantra" in the name of Shree Ram. With blessings of his guru, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding centre, a place where all sadhus and saints as well as the needy could have food any time during 24 hours. Nobody returned from that place without having food. All this he did single handed with Virbaima assisting him.

Soon his fame spread as an incarnation of the divine. Whoever come to Virpur, whether Hindu or Muslim was fed by Bapa. Once three Arabs in the service of Thakore of Rajkot demanded an increase in wages by four rupees in a month. Being refused, the Arabs resigned and set out to Junagadh. On their way, they hunted few birds and kept them in their shoulder bag. When they reached Virpur, Bapa asked them to have their meals and then go. When they protested that they were Muslims, Bapa said that in the court of God there was no distinction in caste and creed and they were welcome.

The three Arabs had their meals in the temple but they were embarrassed that they were carrying dead birds in their bag. The Bapa touched the bag and said that the birds were feeling suffocated. The Arabs opened the bag and found that the birds were alive. They flew away to a nearby tree. The Arabs were amazed and understood that they were in the presence of divine person. They fell at his feet and asked whether they would get a job in Junagadh.

Bapa said "What was the need to have a job in Junagadh? The Arabs serve only one master." Just at that time, a camel man sent by Thakore of Rajkot arrived there. He took back the Arabs with him saying that Thakore has sanctioned an increment of seven rupees in their wages.

There are many stories about the greatness of the saint of Virpur. Remembering the stories, we can fill the heart with devotion and gratitude.

In 1934, Jalaram Bapa worked very hard for whose who were struck by the terrible famine. In 1935 Virbama died and in 1937 Jalaram Bapa left his body in his prayers. This is the story of the great saint of Virpur.

3. Jay Jalaram Bapa Temple at Virpur

India is a land of saints since ages. Many saints have served the poor and miserable people of India through out their life. Such saints are really rare on this earth. One of such saint was Jalarambapa of Gujarat. Saint Jalaram was born in the year 1799 at Virpur, a small village near Rajkot, one of the important cities of Gujarat. There is a famous temple of Jalarambapa at Virpur in Gujarat. Many Indians have a deep faith in Jalarambapa. They always visit this temple whenever they get an opportunity. Saint Jalaram was not a god but was a human being, just like you and me. In spite of it, he is worshipped today amongst all Indians more than god. The worshippers of Saint Jalaram are available in all the parts of the world.

devotee of Lord Ram. His father was doing a business at Virpur near Rajkot in Gujarat. In spite of his many efforts, young Jalaram never took any interest in the worldly activities and was drawing towards Lord Ram day by day. His guru gave him one advice to feed hungry people all the time. Jalaram took this advice and started giving food to the poor, sick and needy people. His parents made him to marry Virbai, a local village girl. However, his religious activities continued along with his wife. Jalaram was moving from village to village to collect the donation to feed hungry people. People started to know and recognize about the work of Jalaram and they started giving donations to him for his noble cause of feeding hungry people. The span of activities increased and Jalaram was soon worshipped as "Rotibaba". He started giving food to all the people coming to his house since the year 1827. Both Jalaram and his wife continued serving like this for many years. Then came the greatest famine of the century in the year 1856. Jalaram and Virbai worked very hard and fed hungry people all through this famine. This service was really invaluable as it was performed without any physical expectations of any kind of returns. Finally, Jalarambapa died on 23 rd February 1881 while doing prayers of Lord Ram at Virpur only where he was born. This is called samadhi in Hindu religion.

The temple of Saint Jalaram was established at Virpur, Rajkot after the samadhi of bapa to pay the tribute to the noble acts of Saint Jalaram in the year 1885. There is no statue of Jalarambapa in this temple but his only real photograph available is worshipped here. Most of the Indians visit this place and Virpur has become a place of pilgrimage since then. The old practice of serving food, tea, and snacks whoever come to this temple is continued even today after around 121 years. This service was possible due to unlimited donations from Indians all over the world and has never stopped even for a single day during the long span of 121 years. Even today, all the persons visiting this temple take prasad in form of lunch, dinner or snacks. The whole job of cooking, serving, cleaning etc. is done by the youngsters of Virpur village without taking any type of compensation. Have you seen such a holy and noble place where food is served to all the people with love and affection without any charges for last 121 years? I am sure your answer would be NO. The most important aspect is that the temple trust have stopped taking donations since the year 2001 as there are sufficient funds already available to continue this service in the future. Special lunch and dinner are served on the birthday of Saint and some special occasions.

You can reach Virpur by road from any major city of Gujarat. Virpur is around 130 miles from Ahmedabad by national highway 8B. The roads are excellent and it hardly takes around 3 hours to drive. There is a Dharmashala available, managed by the temple trust, to stay during the night at very nominal rates of Rs. 20 (50cents) per day for two people. There is a small market where you can buy all types of souvenirs of Saint Jalaram. The temple is still having the bag and the stick that was carried by Saint Jalaram while he was going for collecting donations. There is also a beautiful statue of lord Ram and Devi Sita in the temple. The temple remains open all through the day and closes at 9pm. The morning and evening Artis are really worth attending. Try to remain present during these Artis and you will have a divine pleasure. Though food is provided free, there are some small hotels that can provide varieties of food on nominal payment. Around 10000 pilgrims visit this holy temple everyday and pay their homage to the great Saint Jalaram.

If you also want to share this unique experience, make sure to visit this temple at least for a day in Gujarat. This will increase your faith in powers of human beings and what can be achieved by the sincere efforts of an ordinary human being.

2. Family Tree of Jay Jalaram Bapa

1. Life History of Jay Jalaram Bapa

Shree Jalaram Bapa was born in Samvant 1856 (A.D. 1800). His mother's name was Rajbai and father's name was Pradhan Thakkar. Pradhan Thakkar and Valji Thakkar were two brothers actively and honestly engaged in business earning their livelihood.

It is said that Rajbai, wife of Pradhan Thakkar was religous lady who was very inclined to serve sadhus' and sants'. A mother of three sons and three daughter's, she was content in her family life and used to find free time to do her religous duties to sadhus' and sants'. She was once a host to Sant Raghuveerdasji who was very impressed with her selfless services and had blessed her - his blessings were that her second son would be instrumental in enhancing the services that she was doing - he would be famous all over in advocating pious life, duty full of devotion and act of good deeds. This second son was none other than our Shree Jalaram Bapa.

There was a remarkable incident in early life of this saint person : when he was a child, a saint came to the house and requested to see Jalram; when they came face to face with each other - Jalaram at once greeted the saint with respectful "Namaskar" and it appeared that Jalaram had recollected his previous life, he realised who he was, he was reminded of his goal in life - it is argued that this visiting saint was probably a heavenly messenger - from that day onwards the young Jalaram never stopped chanting "Sita Ram" and he began to live life in a different way.

At a young age of 14 Jalaram's marraige was arranged with Virbai, a daughter of Thakkar Pragji Somaija. Jalaram was not in favour of marraige, but his duties towards his parents forced him to accept this arranged marraige. He got married when he was 16 years of age.

Jalaram's love towards sadhus' and sants' grew day by day and he would go to any extent to entertain sadhus and sants. This was not acceptable to his father. Jalaram's deep involvement with sadhus' and sants' led to his seperation from his father's business. He had decided to go his way. He worked for his uncle for some time. Uncle Valjibhai was very fond of Jalaram, but even that love and fondness would not deter Jalaram's desire to serve sadhus' and sants'. If at all anything it made more determined to devote himself fully to the service of sadhus' and sants' and the needy. He was fully aware that such devotion would mean complete withdrawal from marital life, a life free from family ties and circles. His inclination was to go on that path faster and with approval of his parents and uncle Valjibhai, he set out on a holy pilgrimage of holy places. He was fortunate that Virbaima was keen to follow her husband Jalaram. To her, Jalaram's work was her work, Jalaram's wishes were her wishes and all that Jalaram decided to do she was but prepared to do that. She was following Jalaram in every respect.

At the age of 18 he accepted Bhojalram as his Guru and with Gurus' blessings, he started "Sadavrat" a feeding centre, a place where all sadhus' and sants' and the needy can go and expect to be fed 24 hours a day. Both Jalaram Bapa and Virbaima started working for this holy place. Jalaram's strong belief was that "This was the Lord's order - This was Lord's work - I am not doing anything for anybody - Lord has asked me to do this work - since it is Lord's work HE looks after it and ensures that it functions". Actually that did happen - indeed the place functioned well. Nobody ever returned from that place without being fed. One can question whether this can possibly be done by a single person - Yes. We argue and debate and yet probably would not come to a sensible answer - but then to do what Jalaram did one has to be a person of Jalaram's determination, his patience, his love towards others.

He was 20 years when his saintliness acquired a great fame. There are stories of how he was put to tests for his qualities of patience, endurence, love towards others, his steadfastness of thinking - he did not change under any pressure - he came out of all those tests successfully. His fame spread and he was regarded and accepted as a saint. People started worshipping him. They came to him for guidance in difficulties, for blessings in real distress and discomfort. It is said that once he was called out to see an ailing child struct with serious disease. Parents of this child believed that the cure was solely due to Jalaram Bapa's blessings - Jala was since called Allah. In another instance a person who was threatened to be imprisoned went to Jalaram for his blessings. This man was not only saved from such imprisonment but he decided to lead a normal honest life then onwards. Jalaram was then onwards addressed as Bapa - Father of all. There are numerous such instances that can be quoted from his books but fact is that his feeding place was open and is still open today in Virpur where people go and are fed. People go to Jalaram Bapa's places for prayers to him and seek his blessings for their personal griefs, shortcomings and failures and many acquire relief and satisfaction.

Human beings during their span of life always aspire to be rich and acquire wealth - they pray for complete family life - it is such saint as Jalaram Bapa who remain away from such desire and wants. In their lives they always give - even when they are gone they still give to those who ask from them with purity of heart and sincerity of purpose.

In 1934 during terrible famine Jalaram Bapa worked very hard to feed those who were suffering. In 1935 Virbaima died and 1937 Jalaram Bapa died while in prayers.

Such is the story of the life of this Great Saint of Virpur.