Once Muktanand Swami was addressing an assembly of devotees and saints. One devotee enquired regarding the whereabouts of Maharaj because, he had prepared pickle from fresh bamboo, ginger and pepper and he wanted to send it to Maharaj. Muktanand Swami replied, "Of late, I have no news from Maharaj, but he likely to be at Gadhada. I, too, want to send my book 'Sati Gita' which I have recently finished writing, to sanctify it as prasadi. Let us send some willing saint." Honouring the wish of Muktanand Swami, Gunatitanand Swami was immediately ready to go. Another saint named Shantanand insisted on giving him company and said, "Whether you like it or not, I'll go with him."
Swami was ready with three jars of pickle, Sati Gita, a very fine mat, a pot of barfi, (sweets), etc. Affectionate devotees of Surat recommended Swami to embrace Maharaj on their behalf. Constantly remembering Maharaj, and walking day and night on foot, Swami reached Gadhada on the fourth day. Here, Maharaj was living under cover and did not meet anyone. Swami put up on the bank of the river Ghela. He enquired regarding the whereabouts of Maharaj from whoever that came from the darbar but could not get the desired information. At last, Naja Jogia brought the news: "Maharaj is going to Kariyani. So you should come there.
Swami reached Kariyani with great enthusiasm and sent a message to Maharaj. On hearing the name of Gunatitanand Swami, Maharaj immediately asked that he be to shown in. Swami met Maharaj face to face in the court of Vasta Khachar. Maharaj was about to begin his dinner. Swami offered the pickle and sweets. Maharaj consumed the same with great affection and gave prasadi to Swami. Swami was lost in the divine pleasure of seeing Maharaj face to face. The strain of the journey was soon forgotten. As soon as Swami conveyed the message of the devotees of Surat, Maharaj stood up from the cot and embraced Swami. Swami remembered the names of devotees one by one, and Maharaj embraced Swami twenty two times on behalf of the devotees. Thereafter Swami stopped taking names of the devotees to avoid straining Maharaj. Then Shantanand Swami came forward to embrace Maharaj. Maharaj said, "You have come by force, so I'll not embrace you." Swami then intervened, "He has carried the jars on the way and done plenty of service, so please embrace him." So Maharaj honoured the wish of Swami and then said, "I did not find it hard to embrace Swami twenty two times, but I found it hard to embrace you even once, because you have come without orders." In this way he described the importance of obedience.