Mockingly asked the owl of the Satan,
"Master, why don't you enjoy pleasure and fun
On this happy Divali day
When all are feeling happy and gay?
Why do you sit brooding quietly
In a corner feeling gloomy?
Where's your big company
Seeking pleasures in plenty,
Dancing and singing,
Drinking and gambling?
Alas! Your den in quite empty,
There's neither sweet saqi
Nor the damsel of beauty.
Who used to attract so many
Visitors for passion and pleasure!
Master, with sorrow and wonder
I request you most humbly,
Tell me your tale of agony
Who has brought this misery
And made you melancholy?"
The Satan heaved a deep sigh
And looking towards the sky,
Replied in a painful tone
And with a groan and moan,
"My sweet owl, the God Almighty,
My only and eternal enemy,
Has descended on this earth,
Giving every joy and mirth
To the people in pain and misery,
Who seek His celestial company!
Believe. He grants boon and favour
To all chanting Allah and Ishwar.
There's divine magic in His eyes
And even the learned and wise
Go to far-off and tiny place
To seek His guidance and grace!
M> choice friends and followers, too,
Are ?ttracted by His aroma and hue!
They have only to chant Allah and Ishwar
And get the boon; what a wonder!
Really I am at my wit's end,
How to beat and bend
This dreadful enemy
Who weans away my army
Of drunkards and debauchees,
Gamblers and of faithful devotees,
Who never heard of Allah and Ishwar
But now chant His name; what a wonder!
Dear, can >ou render me service
To get rid of this nuisance?"
Hearing this the owl bent his head,
And with mischief in his eyes Saluted
The Satan sitting in sorrow
And overwhelmed with worry and woe
Saying, "Master, Where's that Almighty,
Who troubles your majesty?"
The Satan with pain and prick,
And feeling sore and sick Replied mournfully,
"The Almighty Is sitting in the masjid at Shirdi
In the guise of a fakir smoking chillum
By the fireside, chanting 'Ram, Ram'.
Dear, if only you could go and reside in the mosque
And utter your cries, all shall feel sick
Of the place and leave it immediately.
And I shall get back my followers quickly".
The owl after deep meditation
And with fear and hesitation
Replied, "Master, you know my fate
How I live lonely and hate
Crowds since my birth
Knowing no joy and mirth!
I simply shiver and shudder
And it shall be a blunder
To Hve in the masjid with throngs
Of people dancing and singing songs
Day and night in the company
Of the fakir whose greatness and glory
Eclipse your authority in this country !
So, I can't do the job, I am sorry;
But I shall tender you a good advice,
If you want to play the evil and vice,
Leave the area of influence of this Almighty
And migrate to some distant country
Where people shall welcome you with open arms
For you have got the tricks and charms
Which, undoubtedly, shall attract and bring
You new followers as you dance and sing".
So saying, the owl began to fly away,
Leaving the Satan in utter dismay!
—Bakht N. Moolchandhani