The Story of Eknath Maharaj & a Muslim

Story
Eknath Maharaj ji (1533–156 AD), a famous Marathi saint who was born in the family of Saint Bhanudas in Paithan was living in Paidand. He was a Brahmin from the Varna. He raised his voice against the caste system and also suffered due to unique courage.

​Eknath ji always used to go for Godavari bath. On the way, a Muslim used to harass him. But Eknath ji always tolerated. One day, the Muslim decided to infuriate him. When Eknath Maharaj returned after taking a bath, he spit on him. Eknath Maharaj went to the river and took bath again. The Muslim repeated the misadventure several times. But Eknath maharaj ji did not show any annoyance and took bath each time. Ultimately, the Muslim felt ashamed. That way he would have to bathe five times a day. One day this atrocity was over. One hundred and eight times, the Muslim spit on him, and one hundred and eight times Eknath ji took bath. But Maharaj's peace and happiness remained as it was. Seeing this, the Muslim was very ashamed of him and fell at the feet of Maharaj. The Muslim said, he is saint and he could not recognize him. Eknath Maharaj ji told him because of him, he got virtue of taking bath in holy river Godavari again and again. Since then life of Muslim changed.

Spiritual significance:

1. Insult could be done by other person, but getting insulted is within our hands.
2. Insult might have been done one time by anyone. But by thinking over it again and again, we insult ourselves repeatedly.
3. Peace is attained by those who are connected to almighty.
4. One who can endure, he is saint. 

Source: Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran