Once Maharaj arrived at Kariyani from Gadhada. From here Maharaj wanted to go to Vadtal for the festival of Ram-navami. But here nineteen saints were taken ill. So Maharaj said, "I'll give the fruit and benefit of one hundred samaiyas to that person who serves these ailing saints." But nobody was prepared to leave Maharaj and serve the ailing saints. Swami knew Maharaj's desire and was the only person who was ready. Maharaj was very happy and said, Kudos to this sadhu. He did not let me down." Maharaj then left for Vadtal. Swami served the ailing saints with enthusiasm. By the grace of Maharaj all the saints recovered fully. The date for the welcome was yet far, so Swami expressed his desire to go. All the saints gave their consent willingly and requested Swami to embrace Maharaj on their behalf. Swami reached Vadtal, remembering Maharaj. Maharaj was very happy to see Swami who had come after serving the ailing saints and thereby pleasing Him. Maharaj embraced Swami nineteen times.
From the very beginning Swami was attached to the group of Swami Muktanand. But other sadgurus like Kripanand Swami, Bhai Atmanand Swami, Ramdas Swami (senior), Brahmanand Swami and others demanded his company. Maharaj used to send Swami to all these groups. Everyone wanted him due to his modesty, service-mindedness, politeness and constant love for holy discourses. Each group treated him with respect. When Atmanand Swami was sick Swami remained in his group to nurse him. After his recovery, after courting his pleasure, Swami joined the group of Kripanand Swami.
Kripanand Swami was extremely affectionate towards Maharaj. He disliked the slightest disobedience in carrying out Maharaj's orders. He disapproved of any behaviour outside the limits of Satsang and therefore, only those sadhus could continue with him who were like Swami. Once somebody asked him, "How is it that you like to accompany Kripanand Swami?" Swami replied, "Unless a man is disciplined by elders he cannot imbibe his virtues. One cannot find out his own merits and demerits unless somebody points them out. Those persons who obey the guru can cultivate the virtues of great people. Kripanand Swami is frank and out spoken, so I prefer to remain with him."