Merwan later called Gulmai his spiritual mother .
While Gulmai and a few others gradually recognized Merwan's spiritual attainment, most in the Zoroastrian community scoffed at the notion that this young Irani had become a prophet. They included Merwan's younger brother, Jal, seventeen, who, although he respected saints, likewise did not believe in his elder brother's spiritual advancement and dismissed Merog as being insane. Soon after he left school, Jal had visited Siddharudh Swami of Hubli (considered to be a Sadguru), but he would ridicule those who believed his brother should be given such spiritual respect1
One day everything changed. Merwan Seth was at home talking casually with Jal, Jamshed and Baily. He looked at Jal and stated, "Brother, I am God!"
Jal burst out laughing and mockingly exclaimed, " You , God? Merog, you are no one but a madman! How can a man be God?"
"Believe me, I am truly God," Merwan Seth replied.
Brazenly, Jal retorted, "This is nonsense! I don't believe a word you say, Merog!"
Then Jal challenged his elder brother, "If you are God, you must have powers. Prove to me that you are God!"
Merwan Seth agreed to the challenge and said, "I will place a burning coal on the palm of your hand, but you won't feel any pain. Do you agree to this test?"
Jal arrogantly replied, "I am quite prepared. Let me see what sort of God you are!" Then he added, "If my hand burns and I feel pain, your delusions will be shattered once and for all. I don't want to hear you ever repeat that you are God!"
Merwan Seth smiled and sent Jamshed to the kitchen to bring the Zoroastrian afarganyu (a pot in which burning coals are kept during prayers). He then instructed Baily to remove one of the red-hot coals with a pair of tongs and place it on Jal's palm when instructed. Jamshed was told to bring the inkpot from a table in the next room. Merwan then told Jal to extend his right palm, which Jal did. Jamshed held the open inkpot in his hand. Merwan once again asked Jal if he wished to withdraw his challenge. Jal declined.
Merwan Seth held Jal's wrist and told Jal not to move his hand. Merwan signaled Baily, and he placed a small piece of burning coal in the center of Jal's palm.
Footnotes
- 1.Siddharudh Swami (1836–1929). Among the thousands of his followers were several Indian maharajas. Indian national leaders, such as Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, also sought his blessings.