The story of Basappa and Veerabadrappa.

Saibaba started narrating the previous story of Basavappa and Veerabadrappa to the wayfarer. Near a place where Saibaba resided, there was an ancient temple of "Mahadev". The temple was in repair and needed immediate renovation. A rich man in the village was approached by the villagers for renovation of temple. The villagers collected donation for renovation and handed over to the rich man for carrying out necessary works. The rich man really a miser. He accepted the money but has not done anything worthwhile. The villagers again approached him and he was telling so many excuses for the slow progress. Again, the villagers collected some more money and handed over to him to request for early action. The rich man kept quiet. One day Lord Shiva came in the dream of his wife and said, whatever is possible from your side, you do it and you will get 100 times of what you have spent on the temple. The rich man's wife wanted to donate the jewels she wore for the temple. She gave it to her husband who undervalued it and gave her Rs.1000/- He also gave her a barren land, a poor woman had pledged with him as a security. Thus the transaction came to an end. One day, there was a thunder and lightening and it fell on the rich man's house. Both the man and his wife perished in the mishap. In the next birth, the wife of the rich man was born in the temple Pujari's house. The poor woman who pledged her land was working as a helper in the temple and his name was Basavappa. He was fond of Saibaba. The pujari was searching for a hand for his daughter. Baba told him, "Do not worry! A suitable boy will come on his own and you can give your daughter in marriage. Accordingly, a poor boy named "Veerabadrappa" was wandering from village to village and he came to the place where the Mahadeva temple stood. As advised by Baba, the Pujari gave his daughter to the boy Veerabadrappa. Initially he was attached to Saibaba since he was instrumental in arranging his marriage. However, in this birth also, he was after money and riches. There was a sudden change in fortune. The land where the temple stood gained value and it was sold for One lakh, 100 times the amount spent by the girl in her previous life. It was agreed to give her a part in cash and other part in equal instalments. Thus the transaction ended. The girl Gowri came to me and consulted me regarding the money. I (Saibaba) told her, "You are the owner of this property, your husband has no share in it. Give Basappa, a share from the instalments. Coming to know of my advise to his wife, Veerabadrappa became angry and said Baba want to covet the money. Gowri came to me and said, "Please do not bother about my husband's words. I am like your daughter. Veerabadrappa challanged Basappa and said, he will kill him. Basappa came to me and surrendered to my feet, seeking my protection. After some time, they both died and born as a snake and frog and you have seen their plight now" said Baba to the stranger. Thus Baba saved Basappa(Frog) from the anger of his enemy(snake) Veerabadrappa.Sairam.