The public festival of the Master’s birthday celebrations, which was usually attended by thousands, would normally be held on a Sunday.
The previous night there was a torrential rain, and water had even entered the kitchen. The senior monks were very apprehensive about the weather, and they asked Swami Shivananda’s advice. Without saying a word, Swami Shivananda left for the shrine with his rosary. After a while he came out with a radiant face, reciting the following verse from the Bhagavata: ‘Thou hast saved us ever from poisonous water, wild animals and demons, from rain, storm, lightning and fire, from our enemies and fears, O Lord!’ Then, with great assurance, he said: ‘Go on making preparations for the celebrations as usual. Through His Grace, everything will be alright.’ Strangely enough, the clouds cleared and the sun shone forth; the festival went off well.