On Friday May 16th, 2008 I was invited to a local Siva-Vishnu temple by one of my friends. Since that day was a Pradosham day–I did not refuse, since I had never taken part in a temple Pradosham puja before.

Well what a lovely afternoon it was! I took part in the abhishekam and the Chief temple priest took some time to give me counsel on a few personal issues. I truly felt that Baba wanted me to be at the temple that day.

However, I was on the subway heading home when I felt a very sharp pain in my left ear. I knew this pain very well–it was an ear infection. But there was a problem–money was very tight and I wouldn’t be able to get a prescription filled for the antibiotics for another week.

I was rather scared because, since childhood I have been plauged by ear infections–some so serious–they required surgery.

When I got home,my ear was bleeding. I opened my altar, lit a candle in front of Baba’s picture and I prayed to Baba. Then I suddenly got an idea. I had a packet of Baba’s vibhuti on my altar. I put some vibhuti on my forehead, my shoulders, my arms–and then I managed to put some inside my left ear.

The next day, I got a prescription from my doctor. By this time the bleeding from my ear had stopped. I still applied vibhuti to my ear however. Over time, I noticed that the infection did not seem to be getting any worse.

It is now May 20th and I am happy to say that my ear infection is clearing up and the bleeding has stopped entirely. I’ll be able to fill the doctors prescription by Friday–but something tells me I might not need to!

Thank you Baba from the bottom of my heart (and my ears!)