Sai Museum Shirdi
Sai Museum in Shirdi is a rich repository of all things associated with Shri Saibaba. Kept under the maintenance of Saibaba Sansthan of Shirdi, the Museum has some of the most intimate and personal belongings of the Spiritual Guru Saibaba. Devotees from across the world visit this Museum that is a part of Dwarkamai.
The Sai Museum has carefully kept many of the things that were close to this charismatic Guru. It has Saibaba's padukas or footwear, which are revered by the Sai devotees. The place also has some of the coins that Saibaba gave to Malsapati, the priest of Khandoba. The museum preserves the two utensils that were used to feed people in hordes. In these utensils one was small and other big. The smaller one was used to provide food for 50 people while the big one was used to serve a group of 100 people.
The sai museum also has a Grinding Mill that was used by Saibaba. This grinding mill has its own significance and is symbolic of the deep-seated philosophy of Saibaba. The Grinding Mill posits the concept of Dharma and Bhakti that must come together for the ultimate salvation. The upper stone symbolized Bhakti and the lower one was representative of Dharma. Deciphering the true essence of life the mill showed that with the faith on Dharma and Bhakti, mankind could achieve the state of Supreme Being.
Articles that were personally used by Saibaba are kept in Samadhi temple. Devotees can witness these articles when in the Samadhi temple. The Sai museum also has the chair that was used by Saibaba regularly. You can also have a look at the cot on which Saibaba's last bathing took place after his demise. There is this earthenware, which was used by Saibaba while begging. The pot in which Saibaba stored water is still here and full with water even today. There is the original chimta carefully preserved in here that Saibaba used while singing.
September 30, 2007
Personal Belonging of Saibaba can be viewed at Shirdi Temple ChulliUsed by Baba for preparing food (prasad) and later distributing to gathering of devotees (Annadan). KolambaA stone pot which Baba used to place collected (Bhiksha). The food placed at an open place near Masjid was eaten by insects, birds and animals like dogs, cats, pigs.The remainder used to be eaten by Baba.
Water-PotUsed for storing water to be drunk by all the thirsty (Pan-Pot) Jata and Sack of WheatJata (Hand mill) a pair of stone crushers used for grinding wheat implying that the seed of Karma when crushed and transformed into floor destroys the consequences of all good and evil deeds and liberates soul from binding of Karma.
Udi Stand and Kathada (railing)At Masjid where Baba used to place his hands and attended visitor artists and give them Prasad (fruits or coins and handful of udi- as the most precious, pure and powerful substance in the universe from all sorts of contamination by evil or malignancy. Baba’s bathing stoneOn this stone Baba used to take bath which was executed by devotees.
Udi stone and Ota (platform)For burning essence sticks or udi (Loban) sticks whose fragrance was pleasant For creating a purified scented atmosphere. Baba used to sit on the platform on which udi stand was fixed. Satka (stick)The thick stick used by Baba to drive away evil for protecting his devotees facing calamities. Two copper potsUsed by Baba to cook khichadi or sweet pulav as his Prasad (Annadan)
Water-PotUsed for storing water to be drunk by all the thirsty (Pan-Pot) Jata and Sack of WheatJata (Hand mill) a pair of stone crushers used for grinding wheat implying that the seed of Karma when crushed and transformed into floor destroys the consequences of all good and evil deeds and liberates soul from binding of Karma.
Udi Stand and Kathada (railing)At Masjid where Baba used to place his hands and attended visitor artists and give them Prasad (fruits or coins and handful of udi- as the most precious, pure and powerful substance in the universe from all sorts of contamination by evil or malignancy. Baba’s bathing stoneOn this stone Baba used to take bath which was executed by devotees.
Udi stone and Ota (platform)For burning essence sticks or udi (Loban) sticks whose fragrance was pleasant For creating a purified scented atmosphere. Baba used to sit on the platform on which udi stand was fixed. Satka (stick)The thick stick used by Baba to drive away evil for protecting his devotees facing calamities. Two copper potsUsed by Baba to cook khichadi or sweet pulav as his Prasad (Annadan)
Kalki Avatar
Kalki Avatar
- the PredictionJust before the beginning of the current age in which we are living (known in the East as the Kali or Iron age), the sage Markandeya recorded a conversation he had with God Vishnu (the embodiment of the preserver aspect of the trinity). In a passage in the Mahabharata text, it is recorded that Vishnu spoke of a time during the darkest period of the Kali Age when human values would deteriorate, violence and injustice would be widespread, falsehood would triumph over truth, oppression and crime would be prevalent. Vishnu told how he would take a human birth in order to intervene and set the world on a new course. Here is the text of that statement.
When evil is rampant upon this earth, I will take birth in the family of a virtuous man, and assume a human body to restore tranquility by the extermination of all evils. For the preservation of rectitude and morality, I will assume an inconceivable human form when the season for action comes.
In the Kali Age of sin I will assume an Avatar form that is dark in color. I will be born in a family in south India. This Avatar will possess great energy, great intelligence and great powers. Material objects needed for this Avatar's mission will be at his disposal as soon as He will think of them. He will be victorious with the strength of virtue. He will restore order and peace in the world. This Avatar will inaugurate a new era of truth, and will be surrounded by spiritual people. He will roam over the earth adored by the spiritual people.
The people of the earth will imitate this Avatar's conduct, and there will be prosperity and peace. Men will once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. Educational centers for the cultivation of Brahmic lore, and temples, will reappear again everywhere. Ashrams will be filled with men of truth. Rulers of the earth will govern their kingdoms virtuously. The Avatar will have an illustrious reputation.
The Avatar mentioned in this text is referred to as the Kalki Avatar. The advent of this Avatar has been known of and predicted for thousands of years in various holy books and obscure texts including the Book of Revelations, Nostradamus in his book Centuries, The Ocean of Light (an ancient Persian manuscript of the revelations of Prophet Mohammed),and the Shuka Naadi Granthi - containing detailed prophecies of the Kalki Avatar written on hundreds of palm leaf manuscripts by Sage Shuka over 5000 years ago. The time of great evil mentioned in the prophecies corresponds to the Twentieth Century with its World Wars, regimes of mad dictators and authoritarian rulers, nuclear weapons, famines, diseases, pollution, crime, violence, catastrophes, and worldwide decline of morality
Mystery of the Avatar
The Western mind is capable of believing in Jesus as the Son of God, at least on the part of some of the population, but seems unable or unwilling to grasp the concept of the Avatar as an incarnation of God. By contrast, the average Indian is aware of historical Divine personalities and Eastern literature is full of descriptions of the various Avatars. The Bhagavata text is precisely about the various Descents of the Divine on Earth.
Millions of people around the world accept Sathya Sai Baba as the Avatar of this age. How do we know that Sathya Sai Baba is truly an Avatar? This question must be answered by each person individually. Skepticism is natural and must be overcome by evidence and intuition. The important thing is to make a proper investigation. Sai Baba himself says:
No one can understand my Mystery. The best you can do is to get immersed in it. It is no use your arguing about pros and cons; dive and know the depth; eat and know the taste. You must dive deep into the sea to get the pearls. What good is it to dabble among the waves near the shore, and swear that the sea has no pearls in it and that all tales about them are false? So also if you must realise the full fruit of this Avathar, dive deep and get immersed in Sai Baba. Half-heartedness, hesitation, doubt, cynicism, listening to tales, all are of no avail. Concentrated complete faith - that alone can bring victory.
In truth you cannot understand the nature of My Reality, either today, or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short time, you will become cognizant of the Bliss showered by the Divine Principle which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred Name. Your good fortune, which will provide you this chance, is greater than that which was available for anchorites, monks, sages, saints, and even personalities embodying facets of Divine Glory. Do not allow doubt to distract you; if only you will install in the altar of your heart steady faith in My Divinity, you can win a vision of My Reality.
The Divine in Human FormWhen Krishna lived on the Earth, few were aware of his divinity although he successfully accomplished his mission of ridding the earth of many powerful and evil personalities. Shirdi Sai Baba was an incarnation of God Shiva but most regarded him as a very great saint. Only a few of his closest devotees knew him to be an incarnation. It is difficult to grasp the implications of the Divine in human form. If we accept the Advaitha philosophy that there is One only without a second; nothing but God throughout the manifested universe and beyond, then logically we are in God, God is in us, we ARE God.
The Atma within us - our innermost awareness is the Eternal Witness, a spark of the Eternal Flame. God enjoys the play of this universe by sporting inside the various manifested forms as the Atmic awareness of each. All this apparent diversity is the only the illusion of Maya - the formless taking on form, the Eternal manifesting in time and space and then indwelling each form as the Atmic spark within. Thus He sees all, knows all, is all. Really the form of the Avatar is like a focal point wherein this colossal Divine force can contact the human in the tiny knot of energy that is our Earth, on the fleeting time scale that is a human lifetime. But the Avatar is in no way limited by the constriction of bodily confinement because He is one with the source of all. The Avatar takes the human form and behaves in a human way so that humanity can feel kinship with the divinity.
At the same time he rises to godly heights so that mankind also can aspire to reach God. People could not stand the Lord in super-human form. ... If the Lord came in all His majesty people would be afraid and would have no opportunity to know and love him. It is only when the Lord comes in a human body that people are able to approach him and learn to love him and know him even a little bit. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that is all there is. ...
For instance, the airplane flying high in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that the plane is a ground machine because they see it on the ground. In like fashion, although the Lord has made a landing here on earth, so to speak, He is not limited to His human form. I am new and ever ancient. I come always for the restoration of Dharma (righteousness), for tending the virtuous and ensuring them conditions congenial for progress, and for educating the "blind" who miss the way and wander into the wilderness. Some doubters might ask, can Parabrahman assume human form? Well, man can derive joy only through the human frame; he can receive instruction, inspiration, illumination only through human language and human communication.
The Divine Lives in the Hearts of AllThe Avatar appears to be human and we are misled into thinking of him in these terms but the Avatar himself warns us against this error. Sathya Sai Baba once responded to a devotee who asked when he should return for another visit: "First understand that you do not need to come back to see this little body", he said pointing to himself. Then he added - "Find me in your heart". In his previous embodiment as Shirdi Sai Baba (1835 - 1918) he made a similar statement to his devotees: "Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the seven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as in the hearts of all beings." Shirdi Sai Baba Sathya Sai Baba, who is Shirdi Sai Baba come again, echoes this thought in many of his statements: You may be seeing me today for the first time, but you are all old acquaintances for Me. I know you through and through. My task is the spiritual regeneration of Humanity through Truth and Love. If you approach one step nearer to me, I shall advance three steps towards you. Wherever you walk, I am there. Whomsoever you contact, I am in that person. I am in each. From each, I will respond. You can see Me in one place and miss Me in another. You cannot escape Me or do anything in secret.
Reason for the Divine's Descent into MatterIn past ages, when the power of evil reached a certain stage, the Divine descended into form to suppress the evil and to foster the good. In the Kali age in which we are living, evil has reached new depths. Of all the various ages - each with its own characteristics, the Kali age is the age of the deepest descent into matter and form, away from spirit. We have passed through the lowest point of the pendulum, the dark times of this 20th century and are now beginning the upward climb. The appearance of the Avatar coincides with the darkest hour of the Kali Yuga.
People tell me that mankind is on the brink of destruction, that the forces of hypocrisy and hate are fast prevailing on all continents, and that anxiety and fear are stalking the streets of every city and village in the world; there is no need to tell me this, for I have come precisely for this reason. When the world is on the verge of chaos, the Avatar comes to still the storm raging in the hearts of men. Prasanthi, the higher Peace, will be established soon; the demonic deviations from the straight Divine Path will be corrected. Dharma will be revived and re-vitalised in every human community.
God incarnates for the revival of Dharma (Righteousness) which includes morality, truth, virtue, love and a host of other qualities that uphold the communities of man as well as the individual. The other purposes usually given - serving the devoted, destroying the wicked, re-establishing the sacred tradition - these are all secondary. For, he who is righteous will be guarded from harm, by righteousness itself; he who is unrighteous will fall into disaster through the evil that he perpetrates. The one task includes all else. For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil-doers and for establishing righteousness on a firm footing, I incarnate from age to age. Whenever asanthi, or disharmony, overwhelms the world, the Lord will incarnate in human form to establish the modes of earning prasanthi, or peace, and to re-educate the human community in the paths of peace.
Mission of the AvatarThe Avatar comes to transform humanity but this must take place through the transformation of individuals making up humanity. To raise bread we mix a pinch of yeast into the dough and the action of the yeast spreads throughout the mix, eventually leavening the entire loaf. So the Avatar works through individuals, transforming them into the divinity they essentially are. The light from the many individuals gradually dispells the darkness of ignorance, impacting all of humanity.
Through interviews with devotees who come to see him Sai Baba reveals that he knows intimate details of their lives including physical problems and issues dominating their lives, sometimes even events they themselves have long forgotten. Though he left school at the age of fourteen saying "My devotees are calling me" and never read a book, he has been known to speak to people from all over the world using words from their own language. Though he never read the Indian classics he liberally sprinkles appropriate stories from them in his talks. He quotes long passages in the ancient mother language Sanskrit, and assists Brahmic priests in correctly carrying out elaborate Vedic rituals. He tells of undocumented events and conversations in the lives of sages, holy persons, and historic persons as if he were there at the time of their happening.
To all who come to him he makes them feel as if he were their own. He constantly exudes bliss and love and all who come to him regard him as they would a loving parent. Sai Baba never appears rushed or hurried and yet he accomplishes more than ten or even a hundred humans ever could. He is in constant motion from early morning until night greeting visitors, going over plans, giving darshan (sight of a holy person) and interviews, taking letters, attending bhajans (religious singing), taking part in and planning ceremonial events. He dedicates his entire life to his devotees and his mission with absolutely no attachment to possessions, personal time, or ordinary human pursuits.
My work is ceaseless and so your work, too, is without end. Know that I am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of petty matters for ever more. You are now ME and I am now THEE. There is no difference. My Darshan will pour forth from ME to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure in heart and soul, and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. This is a great chance. Be confident that you will all be liberated. Know that you are saved. Many hesitate to believe that things will improve, that life will be happy for all and full of joy, and that the golden age will recur.
Let me assure you that this dharmaswarupa, that this divine body, has not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon humanity. In my present Avatar, I have come armed with the fullness of the power of formless God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to divinity. In this avathar [Divine Incarnation], the wicked will not be destroyed; they will be corrected and reformed and educated and led back to the path from which they have strayed.
- the PredictionJust before the beginning of the current age in which we are living (known in the East as the Kali or Iron age), the sage Markandeya recorded a conversation he had with God Vishnu (the embodiment of the preserver aspect of the trinity). In a passage in the Mahabharata text, it is recorded that Vishnu spoke of a time during the darkest period of the Kali Age when human values would deteriorate, violence and injustice would be widespread, falsehood would triumph over truth, oppression and crime would be prevalent. Vishnu told how he would take a human birth in order to intervene and set the world on a new course. Here is the text of that statement.
When evil is rampant upon this earth, I will take birth in the family of a virtuous man, and assume a human body to restore tranquility by the extermination of all evils. For the preservation of rectitude and morality, I will assume an inconceivable human form when the season for action comes.
In the Kali Age of sin I will assume an Avatar form that is dark in color. I will be born in a family in south India. This Avatar will possess great energy, great intelligence and great powers. Material objects needed for this Avatar's mission will be at his disposal as soon as He will think of them. He will be victorious with the strength of virtue. He will restore order and peace in the world. This Avatar will inaugurate a new era of truth, and will be surrounded by spiritual people. He will roam over the earth adored by the spiritual people.
The people of the earth will imitate this Avatar's conduct, and there will be prosperity and peace. Men will once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. Educational centers for the cultivation of Brahmic lore, and temples, will reappear again everywhere. Ashrams will be filled with men of truth. Rulers of the earth will govern their kingdoms virtuously. The Avatar will have an illustrious reputation.
The Avatar mentioned in this text is referred to as the Kalki Avatar. The advent of this Avatar has been known of and predicted for thousands of years in various holy books and obscure texts including the Book of Revelations, Nostradamus in his book Centuries, The Ocean of Light (an ancient Persian manuscript of the revelations of Prophet Mohammed),and the Shuka Naadi Granthi - containing detailed prophecies of the Kalki Avatar written on hundreds of palm leaf manuscripts by Sage Shuka over 5000 years ago. The time of great evil mentioned in the prophecies corresponds to the Twentieth Century with its World Wars, regimes of mad dictators and authoritarian rulers, nuclear weapons, famines, diseases, pollution, crime, violence, catastrophes, and worldwide decline of morality
Mystery of the Avatar
The Western mind is capable of believing in Jesus as the Son of God, at least on the part of some of the population, but seems unable or unwilling to grasp the concept of the Avatar as an incarnation of God. By contrast, the average Indian is aware of historical Divine personalities and Eastern literature is full of descriptions of the various Avatars. The Bhagavata text is precisely about the various Descents of the Divine on Earth.
Millions of people around the world accept Sathya Sai Baba as the Avatar of this age. How do we know that Sathya Sai Baba is truly an Avatar? This question must be answered by each person individually. Skepticism is natural and must be overcome by evidence and intuition. The important thing is to make a proper investigation. Sai Baba himself says:
No one can understand my Mystery. The best you can do is to get immersed in it. It is no use your arguing about pros and cons; dive and know the depth; eat and know the taste. You must dive deep into the sea to get the pearls. What good is it to dabble among the waves near the shore, and swear that the sea has no pearls in it and that all tales about them are false? So also if you must realise the full fruit of this Avathar, dive deep and get immersed in Sai Baba. Half-heartedness, hesitation, doubt, cynicism, listening to tales, all are of no avail. Concentrated complete faith - that alone can bring victory.
In truth you cannot understand the nature of My Reality, either today, or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short time, you will become cognizant of the Bliss showered by the Divine Principle which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred Name. Your good fortune, which will provide you this chance, is greater than that which was available for anchorites, monks, sages, saints, and even personalities embodying facets of Divine Glory. Do not allow doubt to distract you; if only you will install in the altar of your heart steady faith in My Divinity, you can win a vision of My Reality.
The Divine in Human FormWhen Krishna lived on the Earth, few were aware of his divinity although he successfully accomplished his mission of ridding the earth of many powerful and evil personalities. Shirdi Sai Baba was an incarnation of God Shiva but most regarded him as a very great saint. Only a few of his closest devotees knew him to be an incarnation. It is difficult to grasp the implications of the Divine in human form. If we accept the Advaitha philosophy that there is One only without a second; nothing but God throughout the manifested universe and beyond, then logically we are in God, God is in us, we ARE God.
The Atma within us - our innermost awareness is the Eternal Witness, a spark of the Eternal Flame. God enjoys the play of this universe by sporting inside the various manifested forms as the Atmic awareness of each. All this apparent diversity is the only the illusion of Maya - the formless taking on form, the Eternal manifesting in time and space and then indwelling each form as the Atmic spark within. Thus He sees all, knows all, is all. Really the form of the Avatar is like a focal point wherein this colossal Divine force can contact the human in the tiny knot of energy that is our Earth, on the fleeting time scale that is a human lifetime. But the Avatar is in no way limited by the constriction of bodily confinement because He is one with the source of all. The Avatar takes the human form and behaves in a human way so that humanity can feel kinship with the divinity.
At the same time he rises to godly heights so that mankind also can aspire to reach God. People could not stand the Lord in super-human form. ... If the Lord came in all His majesty people would be afraid and would have no opportunity to know and love him. It is only when the Lord comes in a human body that people are able to approach him and learn to love him and know him even a little bit. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that is all there is. ...
For instance, the airplane flying high in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that the plane is a ground machine because they see it on the ground. In like fashion, although the Lord has made a landing here on earth, so to speak, He is not limited to His human form. I am new and ever ancient. I come always for the restoration of Dharma (righteousness), for tending the virtuous and ensuring them conditions congenial for progress, and for educating the "blind" who miss the way and wander into the wilderness. Some doubters might ask, can Parabrahman assume human form? Well, man can derive joy only through the human frame; he can receive instruction, inspiration, illumination only through human language and human communication.
The Divine Lives in the Hearts of AllThe Avatar appears to be human and we are misled into thinking of him in these terms but the Avatar himself warns us against this error. Sathya Sai Baba once responded to a devotee who asked when he should return for another visit: "First understand that you do not need to come back to see this little body", he said pointing to himself. Then he added - "Find me in your heart". In his previous embodiment as Shirdi Sai Baba (1835 - 1918) he made a similar statement to his devotees: "Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the seven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as in the hearts of all beings." Shirdi Sai Baba Sathya Sai Baba, who is Shirdi Sai Baba come again, echoes this thought in many of his statements: You may be seeing me today for the first time, but you are all old acquaintances for Me. I know you through and through. My task is the spiritual regeneration of Humanity through Truth and Love. If you approach one step nearer to me, I shall advance three steps towards you. Wherever you walk, I am there. Whomsoever you contact, I am in that person. I am in each. From each, I will respond. You can see Me in one place and miss Me in another. You cannot escape Me or do anything in secret.
Reason for the Divine's Descent into MatterIn past ages, when the power of evil reached a certain stage, the Divine descended into form to suppress the evil and to foster the good. In the Kali age in which we are living, evil has reached new depths. Of all the various ages - each with its own characteristics, the Kali age is the age of the deepest descent into matter and form, away from spirit. We have passed through the lowest point of the pendulum, the dark times of this 20th century and are now beginning the upward climb. The appearance of the Avatar coincides with the darkest hour of the Kali Yuga.
People tell me that mankind is on the brink of destruction, that the forces of hypocrisy and hate are fast prevailing on all continents, and that anxiety and fear are stalking the streets of every city and village in the world; there is no need to tell me this, for I have come precisely for this reason. When the world is on the verge of chaos, the Avatar comes to still the storm raging in the hearts of men. Prasanthi, the higher Peace, will be established soon; the demonic deviations from the straight Divine Path will be corrected. Dharma will be revived and re-vitalised in every human community.
God incarnates for the revival of Dharma (Righteousness) which includes morality, truth, virtue, love and a host of other qualities that uphold the communities of man as well as the individual. The other purposes usually given - serving the devoted, destroying the wicked, re-establishing the sacred tradition - these are all secondary. For, he who is righteous will be guarded from harm, by righteousness itself; he who is unrighteous will fall into disaster through the evil that he perpetrates. The one task includes all else. For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil-doers and for establishing righteousness on a firm footing, I incarnate from age to age. Whenever asanthi, or disharmony, overwhelms the world, the Lord will incarnate in human form to establish the modes of earning prasanthi, or peace, and to re-educate the human community in the paths of peace.
Mission of the AvatarThe Avatar comes to transform humanity but this must take place through the transformation of individuals making up humanity. To raise bread we mix a pinch of yeast into the dough and the action of the yeast spreads throughout the mix, eventually leavening the entire loaf. So the Avatar works through individuals, transforming them into the divinity they essentially are. The light from the many individuals gradually dispells the darkness of ignorance, impacting all of humanity.
Through interviews with devotees who come to see him Sai Baba reveals that he knows intimate details of their lives including physical problems and issues dominating their lives, sometimes even events they themselves have long forgotten. Though he left school at the age of fourteen saying "My devotees are calling me" and never read a book, he has been known to speak to people from all over the world using words from their own language. Though he never read the Indian classics he liberally sprinkles appropriate stories from them in his talks. He quotes long passages in the ancient mother language Sanskrit, and assists Brahmic priests in correctly carrying out elaborate Vedic rituals. He tells of undocumented events and conversations in the lives of sages, holy persons, and historic persons as if he were there at the time of their happening.
To all who come to him he makes them feel as if he were their own. He constantly exudes bliss and love and all who come to him regard him as they would a loving parent. Sai Baba never appears rushed or hurried and yet he accomplishes more than ten or even a hundred humans ever could. He is in constant motion from early morning until night greeting visitors, going over plans, giving darshan (sight of a holy person) and interviews, taking letters, attending bhajans (religious singing), taking part in and planning ceremonial events. He dedicates his entire life to his devotees and his mission with absolutely no attachment to possessions, personal time, or ordinary human pursuits.
My work is ceaseless and so your work, too, is without end. Know that I am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of petty matters for ever more. You are now ME and I am now THEE. There is no difference. My Darshan will pour forth from ME to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure in heart and soul, and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. This is a great chance. Be confident that you will all be liberated. Know that you are saved. Many hesitate to believe that things will improve, that life will be happy for all and full of joy, and that the golden age will recur.
Let me assure you that this dharmaswarupa, that this divine body, has not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon humanity. In my present Avatar, I have come armed with the fullness of the power of formless God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to divinity. In this avathar [Divine Incarnation], the wicked will not be destroyed; they will be corrected and reformed and educated and led back to the path from which they have strayed.
September 28, 2007
Shirdi - Sai BabaSamadhi Mandir
Shirdi - Sai BabaSamadhi Mandir :
The Mandir is built with stones and Baba's Samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant.
This statue was installed on 7th October 1954. Above the statue is an open, silver umbrella. The front of the Mandir has an assembly hall where about 600 devotees can be accomadated. Here is the show-case where various things handled by Baba are kept. On the first floor of the Mandir are pictures depicting the life of Baba.
The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Shejarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight .ie. on Gurupoornima, Dassera, and Ramnavami. Every Thursday and on each fesitival, a Palakhi with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.
Dwarkama
Shri Sai Baba came to Shridhi with a marriage procession. He stayed at Dwarkamai till the very end of his life. Dwarkamai is situated on the right side of the entrance of Samadhi Mandir. Here he solved problems of the people, cured their sickness and worries. Before Baba's arrival in Shridhi, Dwarkamai was an old mosque in a dilapidated condition. Baba turned it into Dwarkamai and proved that God is one.
The first level of Dwarkamai has a portrait of Baba and a big stone on which Baba used to sit. This level has two rooms. One contains the chariot and the second a palkhi. Just in front of the room where the chariot is kept is a small temple. A saffron flag flies over it. The second level of Dwarkamai has a square stool made of stone, which Baba used for taking a bath. The main attraction of this place is the oil painting of Shri Sai Baba sitting in a carved wooden shrine. This level also has the grinding stone and the wooden vessel called Kolamba in which Baba used to keep the Bhiksha brought from the village.
Gurusthan
Sai Baba first came to Shridhi in the form of Bal Yogi - a child ascetic. He was first spotted seated under a Neem tree. This place came to be known as Gurusthan. The renovation of Gurusthan was made on 30th September, 1941. The present temple was built after this period. There is a small shrine in Gurusthan. On a elevated platform of this shrine a big portrait of Baba is placed. On the side is a marble statue of Baba. In front of the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi. Photos of twelve Jyotirlingas are kept in the temple. The branches of the Neem tree have come out through the roof of the temple.
At a short distance lies Baba's CHAVADI. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him. There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. The Lendi Baug was looked after by Abdul Baba. There are photos and various things which were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba in the cottage.There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Balyogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived. There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar to be visited.
Lendi Baug :
At some distance from Gurusthan there is the Lendi Baug. This Baug was made and watered daily by Baba himself. It got its name from a Nalla (a drain) which used to previously flow there. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem tree. Baba dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the Neem tree and kept a Deep lit in that pit. One octangular Deepgriha called Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone in memory of this place.
It constantly burns in a glass box. On one side of the Deepgriha is a Peepal tree and on the other side is a Neem tree. Some distance away is a Datta Mandir below an Audumbar tree. In the Mandir there is a statue of Datta built in marble stone. The statue of Datta was installed on 6th December, 1976. Just behind the Datta Mandir is a Samadhi of the horse, Shyamsundar which belonged to Baba and which used to bow to him. Lendi Baug also has a well dug by Baba with the cooperation of his devotees. At the entrance of the Baug are the Samadhi's of ardent Sai devotees Tatya Kote Patil, Bhau Maharaj Kumbhar, Nanavalli and Abdul Baba.
Khandoba Mandir
This temple is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Baba was welcomed by Poojari Mhalsapati, of this temple, saying "Aao Sai", when Baba stepped in Shridi. In this temple there are icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai. How to get there Shirdi is located approximately 296 Kilometers from Mumbai (Bombay) City in India.
BY Rail:
The nearest railway station is Kopargaon 15 kilometers on Manmad-Daund section of Central Railways.One could take a Central Railway train from Mumbai (Bombay) V.T. station to Manmad station and then take a bus to Shirdi. State transport buses are available from Manmad to Shirdi. By Road :Well connected to Mumbai, Nasik. By Air : Programmes and Their Timeings : Kakad Arati 5:15 a.m. Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba 6:00 a.m. Darshan Begins 7:00 a.m. Satyanarayana Pooja 9:00 a.m. Abhishek 9:00 a.m. Noon Arati 12:00 Noon Pravachan or Pujan 4:00 p.m. Dhuparati Sunset Bhajan, Keertan, Vocal Music, etc 9:00 p.m. Shejarati 10:00 p.m Important instructions to devotees arriving in Shirdi For proper guidance and assistance to the devotees, Reception centers have been opened opposite the S.T. Bus stand.
On arrival to Shirdi, devotees should immediately get in touch with the above mention Reception centers of the Sansthan and should thereafter proceed to the Enquiry Office for booking their accommodation which is made available after registration of name and other particulars. Occupied room(s) should be locked before going out. If the accommodation provided is in the common hall, luggage should always be left in charge of a member of the party to safeguard it from anti-social elements.A locker is available at nominal charge and against a deposit, which may be booked at the enquiry office, and used for keeping luggage or any other valuables.
Care should be taken not to leave any belongings behind in the toilets and the bathrooms. As the Samadhi Mandir is over-crowded at the time of Arati, devotees should safeguard their ornaments and purses from pick-pockets and mind their children. Devotees should note that all religious functions and Poojas in the Sansthan premises are to be arranged and performed through the office of the Sansthan. Necessary payments for these are to be made at the office against a receipt. Boxes have been provided by the Sansthan in the Mandir itself to receive the devotees' offerings by way of Dakshina and Hundis. Offering to Shri Sai Baba in cash or kind should always be made at the office against a receipt. Devotees should bear in mind that Baba left no heirs or disciples and should guard themselves against such deception practiced by impostors.
As all the necessary assistance and guidance is readily available to the devotees at the Reception center of the Sansthan, assistance from unauthorized guides at the S.T. stand, if taken by the devotees, will be at their own risk. Devotees are warned against practitioners of black magic professing allegiance to Shri Sai Baba, and also against those circulating chain-letters, asking the receiver to send a certain number of copies of the letter to his friends. Literature about Shri Sai Baba containing authentic information has been published by the Sansthan and is readily available at book shops near the Samadhi Mandir.
A complaint/suggestion book is always kept in the office for the use by the devotees, in which they are requested to write clearly their complaints/suggestions along with their full name(s) and addresses. The Sansthan authorities take due note of such complaints/suggestions. Donations should always be sent by Money Orders, Postal Orders, Crossed and A/c. Payee Cheques or Drafts to ensure safe delivery of the same.
Do not send cash or currency notes in postal envelopes. As the various dealers and vendors of Pooja articles are not connected with the Sansthan, devotees should first fix the price before buying these articles to avoid any trouble thereafter. All donations for oil for the Nanda-deep and for firewood for Dhuni in the Dwarkamai are to be given in the Accounts office only. Further details regarding these can be obtained from the Temple-in-charge. Devotees desirous of feeding the poor can arrange to do so against cash payment to be made to the Prasadalaya itself or the account office. Coupons are not accepted for this purpose. Devotees desirous of distributing alms to beggars can do so only in the beggars' shed, near Prasadalaya with the help of the Security officer.
Devotees making correspondence should give their complete and correct addresses. Devotees are requested to avail of the facilities at the Tea canteen and Prasadalaya run by the Sansthan where tea and meals are served at subsidized rates. Medical facilities are available at the well-equipped Sainath Hospital run by the Shirdi Sansthan. The Sansthan has not appointed any representative for the purpose of collecting donations in cash or otherwise. Devotees are informed that no donations either in cash or otherwise should be given to anybody personally. This is to avoid deceit as well as to prevent devotees from being cheated by unscrupulous elements. Source : Publications of the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi .
The Mandir is built with stones and Baba's Samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant.
This statue was installed on 7th October 1954. Above the statue is an open, silver umbrella. The front of the Mandir has an assembly hall where about 600 devotees can be accomadated. Here is the show-case where various things handled by Baba are kept. On the first floor of the Mandir are pictures depicting the life of Baba.
The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Shejarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight .ie. on Gurupoornima, Dassera, and Ramnavami. Every Thursday and on each fesitival, a Palakhi with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.
Dwarkama
Shri Sai Baba came to Shridhi with a marriage procession. He stayed at Dwarkamai till the very end of his life. Dwarkamai is situated on the right side of the entrance of Samadhi Mandir. Here he solved problems of the people, cured their sickness and worries. Before Baba's arrival in Shridhi, Dwarkamai was an old mosque in a dilapidated condition. Baba turned it into Dwarkamai and proved that God is one.
The first level of Dwarkamai has a portrait of Baba and a big stone on which Baba used to sit. This level has two rooms. One contains the chariot and the second a palkhi. Just in front of the room where the chariot is kept is a small temple. A saffron flag flies over it. The second level of Dwarkamai has a square stool made of stone, which Baba used for taking a bath. The main attraction of this place is the oil painting of Shri Sai Baba sitting in a carved wooden shrine. This level also has the grinding stone and the wooden vessel called Kolamba in which Baba used to keep the Bhiksha brought from the village.
Gurusthan
Sai Baba first came to Shridhi in the form of Bal Yogi - a child ascetic. He was first spotted seated under a Neem tree. This place came to be known as Gurusthan. The renovation of Gurusthan was made on 30th September, 1941. The present temple was built after this period. There is a small shrine in Gurusthan. On a elevated platform of this shrine a big portrait of Baba is placed. On the side is a marble statue of Baba. In front of the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi. Photos of twelve Jyotirlingas are kept in the temple. The branches of the Neem tree have come out through the roof of the temple.
At a short distance lies Baba's CHAVADI. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him. There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. The Lendi Baug was looked after by Abdul Baba. There are photos and various things which were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba in the cottage.There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Balyogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived. There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar to be visited.
Lendi Baug :
At some distance from Gurusthan there is the Lendi Baug. This Baug was made and watered daily by Baba himself. It got its name from a Nalla (a drain) which used to previously flow there. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem tree. Baba dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the Neem tree and kept a Deep lit in that pit. One octangular Deepgriha called Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone in memory of this place.
It constantly burns in a glass box. On one side of the Deepgriha is a Peepal tree and on the other side is a Neem tree. Some distance away is a Datta Mandir below an Audumbar tree. In the Mandir there is a statue of Datta built in marble stone. The statue of Datta was installed on 6th December, 1976. Just behind the Datta Mandir is a Samadhi of the horse, Shyamsundar which belonged to Baba and which used to bow to him. Lendi Baug also has a well dug by Baba with the cooperation of his devotees. At the entrance of the Baug are the Samadhi's of ardent Sai devotees Tatya Kote Patil, Bhau Maharaj Kumbhar, Nanavalli and Abdul Baba.
Khandoba Mandir
This temple is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Baba was welcomed by Poojari Mhalsapati, of this temple, saying "Aao Sai", when Baba stepped in Shridi. In this temple there are icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai. How to get there Shirdi is located approximately 296 Kilometers from Mumbai (Bombay) City in India.
BY Rail:
The nearest railway station is Kopargaon 15 kilometers on Manmad-Daund section of Central Railways.One could take a Central Railway train from Mumbai (Bombay) V.T. station to Manmad station and then take a bus to Shirdi. State transport buses are available from Manmad to Shirdi. By Road :Well connected to Mumbai, Nasik. By Air : Programmes and Their Timeings : Kakad Arati 5:15 a.m. Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba 6:00 a.m. Darshan Begins 7:00 a.m. Satyanarayana Pooja 9:00 a.m. Abhishek 9:00 a.m. Noon Arati 12:00 Noon Pravachan or Pujan 4:00 p.m. Dhuparati Sunset Bhajan, Keertan, Vocal Music, etc 9:00 p.m. Shejarati 10:00 p.m Important instructions to devotees arriving in Shirdi For proper guidance and assistance to the devotees, Reception centers have been opened opposite the S.T. Bus stand.
On arrival to Shirdi, devotees should immediately get in touch with the above mention Reception centers of the Sansthan and should thereafter proceed to the Enquiry Office for booking their accommodation which is made available after registration of name and other particulars. Occupied room(s) should be locked before going out. If the accommodation provided is in the common hall, luggage should always be left in charge of a member of the party to safeguard it from anti-social elements.A locker is available at nominal charge and against a deposit, which may be booked at the enquiry office, and used for keeping luggage or any other valuables.
Care should be taken not to leave any belongings behind in the toilets and the bathrooms. As the Samadhi Mandir is over-crowded at the time of Arati, devotees should safeguard their ornaments and purses from pick-pockets and mind their children. Devotees should note that all religious functions and Poojas in the Sansthan premises are to be arranged and performed through the office of the Sansthan. Necessary payments for these are to be made at the office against a receipt. Boxes have been provided by the Sansthan in the Mandir itself to receive the devotees' offerings by way of Dakshina and Hundis. Offering to Shri Sai Baba in cash or kind should always be made at the office against a receipt. Devotees should bear in mind that Baba left no heirs or disciples and should guard themselves against such deception practiced by impostors.
As all the necessary assistance and guidance is readily available to the devotees at the Reception center of the Sansthan, assistance from unauthorized guides at the S.T. stand, if taken by the devotees, will be at their own risk. Devotees are warned against practitioners of black magic professing allegiance to Shri Sai Baba, and also against those circulating chain-letters, asking the receiver to send a certain number of copies of the letter to his friends. Literature about Shri Sai Baba containing authentic information has been published by the Sansthan and is readily available at book shops near the Samadhi Mandir.
A complaint/suggestion book is always kept in the office for the use by the devotees, in which they are requested to write clearly their complaints/suggestions along with their full name(s) and addresses. The Sansthan authorities take due note of such complaints/suggestions. Donations should always be sent by Money Orders, Postal Orders, Crossed and A/c. Payee Cheques or Drafts to ensure safe delivery of the same.
Do not send cash or currency notes in postal envelopes. As the various dealers and vendors of Pooja articles are not connected with the Sansthan, devotees should first fix the price before buying these articles to avoid any trouble thereafter. All donations for oil for the Nanda-deep and for firewood for Dhuni in the Dwarkamai are to be given in the Accounts office only. Further details regarding these can be obtained from the Temple-in-charge. Devotees desirous of feeding the poor can arrange to do so against cash payment to be made to the Prasadalaya itself or the account office. Coupons are not accepted for this purpose. Devotees desirous of distributing alms to beggars can do so only in the beggars' shed, near Prasadalaya with the help of the Security officer.
Devotees making correspondence should give their complete and correct addresses. Devotees are requested to avail of the facilities at the Tea canteen and Prasadalaya run by the Sansthan where tea and meals are served at subsidized rates. Medical facilities are available at the well-equipped Sainath Hospital run by the Shirdi Sansthan. The Sansthan has not appointed any representative for the purpose of collecting donations in cash or otherwise. Devotees are informed that no donations either in cash or otherwise should be given to anybody personally. This is to avoid deceit as well as to prevent devotees from being cheated by unscrupulous elements. Source : Publications of the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi .
September 27, 2007
Saibaba Chronology
Saibaba Chronology
1838 Hemadripant has approximately determined the date of Sai Baba's birth as A.D. 1838.
1842-54 Sai Baba spent 12 years with his Guru. The name of his Guru is not exactly known but could be 'Venuksha' alias Gopalarao Deshmukh of Selu or even a 'Sufi' fakir. Some say " Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi". Arrival of Devidas at Shirdi (Aged 10-11 years) took place in 1846. When he enquired, BABA mentioned the name of his GURU as Venkusa implying VISHNU (Parvardigar).
1854Sai Baba first appeared at Shirdi under the Neem Tree (aged about 19 Years) and after sometime disappeared to an unknown place.
1858Sai Baba returned to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil of village called Dhoop in Aurangabad District and remained at Shirdi for ever till His Samadhi.
1865Saint Manik Prabhu of Homanabad in Bidar District of Karnataka passed away in 1878, Chaitra Vadya 14. H. H. Akkalkot Swami left His mortal coil at Akkalkot in Solapur District of Maharashtra. (First appeared in 1835). It is reported that three of them (Manik Prabhu, Swami Samartha and SAIBABA) met at Humanabad.
1885Saint Anandnath (aged 95 years) of Yewala Math and a disciple of Akkalkot Swami visited Shirdi and seeing Sai Baba exclaimed, "This is a precious real diamond."
1886, April 16Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahansa of Bengal 1886, Margashirsh 15 Sai Baba got rid of an attack of asthma, by going into samadhi for 72 Hrs.
1889Abdullah arrived at Shirdi from Nanded (in West Khandesh near Jalgaon and Amalner)
1892 (approx)Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time after being invited by BABA many a time showing his intimate relations with NANA since his many previous births.
1894 (approx)Das Ganu (Ganesh Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe) accompanied Nanasaheb Chandorkar to Shirdi for the first time
1896Celebration of 'Urus' ( fair) started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Gopalrao Gund, a Circle Inspector of Kopargaon
1897Son (Nanasaheb Rasane) was born to Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar by Sai Baba's Grace.
1898Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank.
1899-1900Nanasaheb Chandorkar visited Shirdi with his sister-in-law's husband, Shri Biniwale. Baba scolded Nanasaheb for dissuading Biniwale, a devotee of Shri Dattatmya from visiting Datta Temple on the bank of Godavari River to avoid delay in reaching Shirdi.
1900-1902Sai Baba like a learned Pandit explained Geeta to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who believed that BABA was not well versed with Sanskrit language of Pandits (learned people).
1903Das Ganu left Govt. service and as per Baba's instructions settled at Nanded and started performing keertans and writing life histories of recent saints
1903Das Ganu's book 'Sant Kathamrit' was published. (Ch. 57 about Sai Baba's advice to Nanasaheb Chandorkar)
1904, AprilRao Bahadur H. V. Sathe first arrived at Shirdi. (Aged 49 years)
1904-1905Nanasaheb Chandorkar's pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner in Jalgaon District had severe pains of delivery. Sai baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi from Shirdi and she had a safe delivery. Sai Baba even took the form of tonga's Rajput driver to make Ramgir reach Jamner safe and on time.
1906Das Ganu's book 'Bhakta-Leelamrit' was published. (Chs.. 31, 32 and 33 about Sai Baba)
1906Nanasaheb Chandorkar was transferred as Mamlatdar from Nandurbar to Pandharpur. On the way, he stopped at Shird! with his family and started requesting Baba to accompany them to Pandharpur and stay there permanently with them. The devotees then told Nanasaheb about the singing of bhajan just finished in which Baba's mood of going to Pandharpur and staying there for ever was expressed. The text of the song was,'I want to go and stay at Pandharpur .'
1907Radhakrishna Mai (Sunderabai Kshirsagar) arrived at Shirdi.(Young good-looking widow aged 25 years). She was blessed by BABA who used to send a part of food collected as (Bhiksha) to her.
1908Sathe Wada was constructed.
1908 Ekadashi Kashirarn Shimpi died. (Chaitra Shuddha 11). BABA saved his life in a mysterious way when he was assaulted by Thieves in a jungle.
1908Pundalikrao of Nanded met Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. (Tembe Swami) at Rajahmundry on banks of Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and Swami gave a coconut to be presented to Sai Baba. BABA showed cognizance of Swamiji's gilt and showed his oneness with Swami by describing him as his brother (Bhau)
1908Shri Tatyasaheb Noolkar, (Aged 45 years) the Sub-judge of Pandharpur first arrived at Shirdi in 1908. Gurupournima festival was prompted by Baba for Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others.
1909Saibaba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, and an atheist, on his very first visit and Balasaheb lost complete interest in worldly matters. He retired prematurely from service and settled down at Shirdi permanently.
1909Bapusaheb (Sakharam Hari) Jog on retirement from Govt. service came to stay at Shirdi permanently accompanied by his wife.
1909Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon (Pune District) came to Shirdi for getting his chronic tuberculosis at the last stage and was cured by Baba's blessings.
1909, Nov 2Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit (Aged 45 years), a prominent solicitor and M.L.C. first arrived at Shirdi. Baba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders.
1909, Dec 10Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days
1909, Dec 25Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar.
1910Baba's 'Handi' ritual, occasionally cooking food Himself in a big copper pot and distributing it to devotees and poor people without discrimination. This practice continued till this year. After wards owing to Das Ganu's keertans (musical recitals praising Baba), Baba's fame spread far and wide and devotees started flocking together in large numbers offering large quantities of food as 'naivedya' and thus there was no need of 'Handi.
1910Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad from Bandra (Bombay) first visited Shirdi.
1910Rao Bahadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan of Santacruz (Bombay) first visited Shirdi.
1910Govind Raghunath alias Annasaheb Dabholkar (Aged 51 years), the author of Shri Sai Satcharita (Marathi), had his first darshan of Sai Baba and received significant and prophetic title of 'Hemadpant. Baba gave him his blessings and inspired him to write SAI SATCHARITA - a religious scripture describing BABA's life story and his divine play (leela) as monumental as GURU CHARITRA- the old monumental POTHI - a poetic religious scripture inspiring worship to GURU, NARASINHA SARASWATI.
1910Balkrishna Vishwanath alias Balasaheb Deo (Dahanu Mamlatdar) first visited Shirdi prompted by Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Deo used to describe him as Baba's child - with a full sense of surrender.
1910, Bhadrapad Shuddha 5H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon (Buldhana District of Maharashtra) left His mortal coil. (First appeared in 1878). At that very time at Shirdi, Sai Baba grieved profusely and said, "Hallo! My Gajanan is gone. I must take bath again in reverance to the Great Soul."
1910Shrimant Gopalrao Mukund alias Bapu saheb Butty of Nagpur, (a rich statesman) started staying permanently at Shirdi.
1910Harishchandra Pitale's son suffering from epilepsy, was cured by Baba's mere glance at him. Baba gave Pitale three rupees and reminded him of two rupees earlier received by him from Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and thus showed his oneness with all the other SAINTS (Vibhutis)
1910, Ashwin Vady13Sai Baba pushed his arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith's child. 'The arm was scorched and burnt. Nanasaheb came from Bombay with Dr. Parmananda but Baba did not allow the doctor to treat him.Bhagoji Shinde's service of massaging the arm with ghee and bandaging it continued till Baba's Samadhi. This episode is in testimony to BABA's cosmic existence- HIS super consciousness.
1910, Dec 5Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti (Maharashtra) first visited Shirdi. (Refused on 10 Dec. 1910) Mr.Babasaheb Khaprde was an ardent devotee of BABA and his efforts were instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak- (a great national leader -Khapurde's contemparary) to Shirdi for Baba's darshan and blessings in his movement for India's freedom from the British Rule
1910, Dec10Foundation-stone of Dixit Wada laid with Baba's permission
1910, ChristmasLala Lakhamichand of Santacruz (Bombay) came to Shirdi. Baba loved him very much and affectionately accepted his petty gifts given with love.
1910Megha returns to Shirdi and stays till his death. In Baba's company he underwent mysterious experiences which transformed Megha from an athiest to an ardent devotee of Baba and spent his life in the service of Sai -Shiva. He regarded Baba as Shiva-Shankar (Lord Shiva-Shankar -the welfare Doer).
1911Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on a pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, haulted at Shirdi and breathed his last while reading 'Bhagawat' (a religious script written by Saint Eknath) for 3 days on Baba's advice.
1911, MarchTatyasaheb Nulkar (Aged 48), the Sub-judge of Pandharpur breathed, his last at Shirdi . Baba showed HIS oneness with Tatya Nulkar and described him as a pure soul and expressed HIS grief at Nulkars demise.After Tatyasaheb Nulkar passed away, Megha took over the regular daily worship of Baba in the Dwarakamai. (He used to stand on one leg while performing the Arati). Tatyasaheb Nulkar relinquished everything and stayed at Shirdi in Baba's company till his demise Baba bestowed him with the unique experiences in self realization. Baba advised him and Mr Shyama Deshpande to perform Guru worship (Pooja).
1911 Ram-Navami Festival was started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani
1911, Ram-NavamiConstruction of Dixit Wada was completed and was inhabited with due rites.
1911Extension and roofing of the open space in front of the Dwarakamai was carried out by Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba got enraged and tried to shake and uproot a pole. Then removing Tatya Patil's pugree, struck a match, set the pugree on fire and threw it in a pit along with one rupee as if an auspicious offering to avert evil. Baba never liked renovation of his dwelling place viz. Dwarkamai (the masjid) and opposed any such effort by the devotees.
1911Somdav Swami alias Haridwar Swami visited Shirdi.
1911, June 27Kashinath Govind Upaswii (aged 41 years) first visited Shirdi and returned again on 6 July. Baba ordered him to stay for 4 years in the Khandoba Temple.
1911, DecKashinath Upasani composed the famous 'Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra (hymn) in Sanskrit. (Now being recited daily during Arati at Shirdi.)
1911, DecBubonic plague raged at Shirdi (Lasted upto March 15 next year) Baba however saved lives of plague inflicted devotees by taking upon himself i.e. on his body the malody.
1911, DecBaba's grinding of wheat in the hand-mill. It was not wheat that was ground but plague or cholera itself was ground to pieces and cast out of village. Seeing this Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was inspired to write 'Shri Sai Satcharita.'
1911, Dec 5Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti arrived at Shirdi again with family and stayed for 3 months. Shri Krishna Bhishma the author of Arati book 'Sagunopasana' accompanied him. Dadasaheb Khaparde wrote diary (daily record of his stay at Shirdi in Baba's company).
1911, Dec 11Waman Rao Patel (Aged 22 years) (Later Swami Sai Sharanananda) first arrived at Shirdi.
1911, Dec 13Chandrabhan Shet Marwadi, uncle of Khushalchand of Rahata. expired.
1911, Dec 16Dr. Capt. Hate first visited Shirdi (who had just appeared at LCPS examination.) Baba sent him a messege in the dream saying, 'have you forgotten me?'
1911, Dec 19Sai Baba's great devotee and a great saint of Nath-panth order, Shri Rama Maruti visited Shirdi. (Stayed for 34 days.) '. Ram Maruti offered 'Naivedya' to Baba and Baba very affectionately took a part of it (SWEET SANJA).
1911-12Sagun Meru Naik arrived at Shirdi at the age of 23 and on Baba's advice settled permanently running a small restaurant for the devotees visiting Shirdi.
1912, JanDadasaheb Khaparde's youngest son Balwant was cured of bubonic plague by Baba by taking the disease on himself.
1912, Jan 3Megha fed some Brahmins on completion of his Gayatri Punascharana (a religious ritual). Dadasaheb Khaparde attended it at Sathe Wada.
1912, Jan 19Megha died at Shirdi at about 4 A.M. Baba lamented loudly and followed the funeral procession for some distance. Baba showered flowers on Megha's body.
1912, Jan 20Bapusaheb Jog started performing Baba's Pooja and Arati after Megha's death.He continued this till Baba's Samadhi and even some years afterwards until he shifted to Sakuri and joined Upasani Maharaj there.
1912Transformation of Dwarakamai (the masjid) started. Pits were patched up and the stone slabs fixed on the floor. Baba gave up sack-cloth seat and started using cushion scat and boister in deference to devotees' wishes
1912 JanGanapatrao, father of Tatya Kote Patil passed away. Tatya Patil stopped sleeping in the Dwarakamai with Baba.
1912, Feb 25Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama) left Shirdi to attend Kakasaheb Dixit's son's thread-ceremony at Nagpur and Nanasaheb Chandorkar's son's wedding at Gwalior. From there accompanied by Appa Kote, he went on a pilgrimage to Mathura, Prayag, Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya. At Gaya Madhavrao saw Baba's picture at the priest's house and was reminded of Baba's words, "After visiting Kashi and Prayag I would be reaching the religious place ahead of Shama."
1912, Mar 15Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amraoti. Mrs. Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind.
1912, Ram-navamiDada Maharaj Satarkar, known as 'Modern Tukaram', was invited to perform Ram-navami Kirtan.When he bowed down in obeisance, Baba said, "I know this man since last 4 years". Bala Buva had never met Sai Baba before but 4 years ago at Bombay, he had prostrated before Baba's picture. Thus Baba proved to His devotees that seeing His picture was equivalent to seeing Him in person.
1912, AprilFirst visit of Balaram Dhurandhar along with his brothers. Before they arrived Baba had expressed, "Today many of my Durbar people are coming". Baba offered Balaram Chillim to smoke and since then his 6 year old asthma was cured for ever
1912, Shravan 15Guru-sthan padukas were installed under the Neem Tree at Shirdi
1913.First visit of Mahadev Rao Sapatnekar of Akkalkot accompanied by his younger brother Pandit Rao. When Mahadev Rao prostrated before Baba, Baba shouted 'Chal hat' (Get away) in the protest of absence of faith in Saptnekar's mind and his prejudice for Baba.
1913Baba gave at Dwarakamai darshan of himself as Vitthal and Rakhumai of Pandharpur to the wife and mother of R. B. Purandare of Bandra.
1913, Ram-NavaimiBala Buva Satarkar performed Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi and Baba gave him a gift of Rs.150/- for the Kirtan. These coins were collected in a dish (Thali) after Baba's prayer (Aarti). Baba poured the whole dish in Satarkars bag (zoli)
1913, MayWamanrao Patel (Aged 24 - 25 Years.) (Swami Sai Sharanananda ji) visited Shirdi again and this time stayed for 11 months.
1913Rao Bahadur Sathe got a son by Baba's Grace at the age of 57 years.
1914Sapatnekar of Akkalkot arrived at Shirdi again with wife and returned being blessed for begetting a son.
1914, Feb 14Mr.B.V. Deo (Memlatdar of Dahanu in Thane Distict) was charged and reprimanded by Baba for stealing His rag and after lot of abusing and scolding was favoured with instruction to read Dnyaneshawari regularly every day as per Deo's desire. This episode is an example of how Baba sometimes displayed his transcendental powers to read devotees mental inclinations even without formal oral communication.
1914, Feb 22A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and seeing Baba eating bread with onion got suspicious and disappointed. However Baba proved His power of omniscience by reading his mind and the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed.
1914, April 2Before the year was over, Baba appeared to Deo in a dream and inquired if he understood Dnyaneshwari properly. Deo said 'No' and added that without Baba's Grace it will not be understood. Then Baba explained to Deo how to read it slowly (and without making haste) with full concentration for knowing the subtle meaning between the lines (Bodha -Knowledge)
1914, Ram-NavamiDas Ganu was ordained by Baba to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi every year.
1914, ShravanH. H. Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Aged 80 years) (Tembe Swami) left His mundane body at Garudeshwar on the banks of River Nannada in Gujarat.
1914. July 15Kashinath Upasani left Shird! (total stay 3 years, 19 days) and proceeded towards Nagpur, Khadakpur etc.
1915,DecSai Baba suffered from asthma and was very weak. Yet He climbed over Radhakrishna Mai's roof with a ladder. Paid Rs. 2/- to the person bringing and placing the ladder. Honouring a worker for his work, Baba showed how Dignity of labour should be maintained.
1915, DecBalakram Mankar passed away at Shirdi.
1915, DecMrs Tarkhad (wife of Babasaheb Tarkhad of Bandra) sent a pedha (made of milk and sugar) which was already offered as naivedya and that too with Balakram's son Govindji who was in mourning. Yet Baba swollowed it with great eagerness and love
1915, Dec 30Construction work of Butty's Wada was in progress. Baba occasionally used to go at this place to see the progress of this work and gave instructions.
1916Sai Baba made Das Ganu to do 'Nam-saptah and Kirtan' at Shirdi for a week
1916Radhakrishna Mai (Aged 35 years) passed away. Baba used to bless her by sending a portion of food collected by him by way of Bhiksha.
1916.Arrival of a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order). Baba gave darshan to the chief's wife in the form of her beloved diety Shri Rama. The chief also got a dream and his attitude towards Baba was completely changed.
1916Nephew of Dr. Mulky from Malegaon (District Nasik), suffering from tubercular bone-abcess, was fully cured by Sai Baba's Udi and his loving glance. The doctor himself visited Shirdi afterwards and became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba realising that Baba's service is to be performed not only for the sake of money or other mundane things but for the welfare of the disabled, helpless and downtrodden.
1916Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) retired from Govt. service. On Guru Poumima Day while at Shirdi, Anna Chinchanikar pleaded before Baba for getting some other appointment for Hemadpant as his pension was quite insufficient and his family was growing. Baba assured him about his source of income for livelyhood after retirement.
1916, Vijaya DashamiWhen in the evening Shirdi residents were returning from 'Simollanghan' ceremony (crossing of the border or limits of the kingdom village), Baba suddenly got into wild rage and taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota (loin cloth) etc., tore them into pieces and threw them in the burning Dhuni before Him. The fire in the Dhuni became brighter and Baba stood there stark naked. Later when cooled down and dressed again Baba said, "This is My Simollanghan" and thus hinted at His departure from this world soon on Dassehra Day. This Darshan provided an enlightenment that Baba's body cannot be described as Hindu or Muslim or of any cast or belonging to any religion in vogue.
1916Ramchandra Dada Patil became seriously ill. One night. appearing before him, Baba told him that he would recover soon but Tatya Patil will die on Vijaya Dashami Day in 1918. Thus by substituting Tatya's name for HIS, Baba foretold Tatya's passing away. However, Baba sacrificed his body to save devotees life by saying 'instead of him another person will go?'.
1916Baba averted Gopal Narayan Ambadekar's effort of suicide by prompting him to read an appropriate incident from Akkalkot Swami's Chaiitra (religious scripture) and avoided greatest sin in his devotees life.
1917Parayana (recitation for 7 days) of Guru Charitra by one Mr Sathe (Not Rao Bahadur Sathe of Sathe Wada) and Baba's vision to him on the last day. Shama narrated to Hemadpant the story of Radhabai Deshmukh and Baba asking Hemadpant to narrate the same to Him again blessed Hemadpant by pouring into his hands sugar-candy as prasad.
1917, May19Lokmanya Tilak arrived at Shird! with Dadasaheb Khaparde for Baba's Darshan.
1917Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (District Thane) wished to offerd. one more rupee to Baba while leaving Shirdi, but could not do so. On the way at Nasik, in the Kala Rama Temple another saint Narasing Maharaj demanded one rupee from him. Karnik gave it willingly thinking that Baba was demanding the rupee he wanted to offer at Shirdi. Baba fulfilled in HIS many mysterious ways devotees' desire to offer dakshina through all the media.
1917Sai Baba appeared at Thane (North of Bombay) to inquire the well-being of Appasaheb Kulkarni's wife and children when he was away on tour. When Appasaheb returned Baba not only fulfilled his desire of offering Rs.10 as Dakshina but also favoured him by returning nine rupees consecrated by His touch. These nine rupees are the symbol of nine bhakti services done to HIM.
1917Upasani Maharaj (Aged 47 years) made Sakuri (near Rahata) his permanent residence.
1918Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan purchased Lendi Baug and later presented it to Shirdi Sansthan'. Baba himself planted some trees at the Lendi Baug
1918, April 1At Vile Parle (East) (now suburb of Bombay) on Hanuman Road, Narayan Mahadev Thosar's residence (later known as Narayan Ashram) was built a Hanuman Temple. On the day it was consecrated, Baba paid Rs. 25 to a Brahmin named Waze and made him perform Shri Satya-narayan Pooja
1918Prof. G. G. Narke, son-in-law of Butty got a permanent job by Baba's Grace as Professor in the Engineering College at Pune. Baba always remebered him by saying 'where has he (Narke) gone? Baba gave him a begging bag (zoli) for collecting food -an exercise in cultivating humility and eliminating ego.
1918, AugustBaba offered Hemadpant a glass of butter-milk and said, "Drink it all, you won't get such opportunity again suggesting that time for his Samadhi has arrived.
1918, Sep 9Das Ganu wrote 'Shri Sai Stavan Manjaril at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the banks of River Narmada.
1918, Sept 28Nath Panthi saint Rama-Maruti of Kalyan passed away.
1918, Sept 28Sai Baba had a slight attack of fever which lasted for 3- 4 days. Since then Baba abstained from food and day by day His weakness increased.
1918, Oct 1Baba asked a Brahmin devotee by the name Waze to read 'Raum- Vijay' (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days.
1918,Oct 8A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated.
1918, Oct 15, TuesdayOn Vijaya Dashmi, Sai Baba left his mortal coil at about 2-30 p.m. Few minutes before He gave Rs. 9/- as prasad to Laxmi Shinde. These nine coins represent nine dimensional devotion to GOD.
1918, Oct 16 WednesdayEarly morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur, in dream and said, "The Dwaraka mai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body copiously with flowers".
1918, Oct 16 Wednesday in the evening Baba's body was taken in procession through the Shirdi village and then interred in Butty Wada with due formalities
1918, Oct 27On the 13th day Baba's devotees from all over gathered and funeral rites were performed by Balasaheb Bhate with a feast (Bhandara) to Brahmins and poor. Later Upasani accompanied by Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) and performed all the remaining obsequies on the banks of River Ganges
1838 Hemadripant has approximately determined the date of Sai Baba's birth as A.D. 1838.
1842-54 Sai Baba spent 12 years with his Guru. The name of his Guru is not exactly known but could be 'Venuksha' alias Gopalarao Deshmukh of Selu or even a 'Sufi' fakir. Some say " Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi". Arrival of Devidas at Shirdi (Aged 10-11 years) took place in 1846. When he enquired, BABA mentioned the name of his GURU as Venkusa implying VISHNU (Parvardigar).
1854Sai Baba first appeared at Shirdi under the Neem Tree (aged about 19 Years) and after sometime disappeared to an unknown place.
1858Sai Baba returned to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil of village called Dhoop in Aurangabad District and remained at Shirdi for ever till His Samadhi.
1865Saint Manik Prabhu of Homanabad in Bidar District of Karnataka passed away in 1878, Chaitra Vadya 14. H. H. Akkalkot Swami left His mortal coil at Akkalkot in Solapur District of Maharashtra. (First appeared in 1835). It is reported that three of them (Manik Prabhu, Swami Samartha and SAIBABA) met at Humanabad.
1885Saint Anandnath (aged 95 years) of Yewala Math and a disciple of Akkalkot Swami visited Shirdi and seeing Sai Baba exclaimed, "This is a precious real diamond."
1886, April 16Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahansa of Bengal 1886, Margashirsh 15 Sai Baba got rid of an attack of asthma, by going into samadhi for 72 Hrs.
1889Abdullah arrived at Shirdi from Nanded (in West Khandesh near Jalgaon and Amalner)
1892 (approx)Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time after being invited by BABA many a time showing his intimate relations with NANA since his many previous births.
1894 (approx)Das Ganu (Ganesh Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe) accompanied Nanasaheb Chandorkar to Shirdi for the first time
1896Celebration of 'Urus' ( fair) started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Gopalrao Gund, a Circle Inspector of Kopargaon
1897Son (Nanasaheb Rasane) was born to Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar by Sai Baba's Grace.
1898Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank.
1899-1900Nanasaheb Chandorkar visited Shirdi with his sister-in-law's husband, Shri Biniwale. Baba scolded Nanasaheb for dissuading Biniwale, a devotee of Shri Dattatmya from visiting Datta Temple on the bank of Godavari River to avoid delay in reaching Shirdi.
1900-1902Sai Baba like a learned Pandit explained Geeta to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who believed that BABA was not well versed with Sanskrit language of Pandits (learned people).
1903Das Ganu left Govt. service and as per Baba's instructions settled at Nanded and started performing keertans and writing life histories of recent saints
1903Das Ganu's book 'Sant Kathamrit' was published. (Ch. 57 about Sai Baba's advice to Nanasaheb Chandorkar)
1904, AprilRao Bahadur H. V. Sathe first arrived at Shirdi. (Aged 49 years)
1904-1905Nanasaheb Chandorkar's pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner in Jalgaon District had severe pains of delivery. Sai baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi from Shirdi and she had a safe delivery. Sai Baba even took the form of tonga's Rajput driver to make Ramgir reach Jamner safe and on time.
1906Das Ganu's book 'Bhakta-Leelamrit' was published. (Chs.. 31, 32 and 33 about Sai Baba)
1906Nanasaheb Chandorkar was transferred as Mamlatdar from Nandurbar to Pandharpur. On the way, he stopped at Shird! with his family and started requesting Baba to accompany them to Pandharpur and stay there permanently with them. The devotees then told Nanasaheb about the singing of bhajan just finished in which Baba's mood of going to Pandharpur and staying there for ever was expressed. The text of the song was,'I want to go and stay at Pandharpur .'
1907Radhakrishna Mai (Sunderabai Kshirsagar) arrived at Shirdi.(Young good-looking widow aged 25 years). She was blessed by BABA who used to send a part of food collected as (Bhiksha) to her.
1908Sathe Wada was constructed.
1908 Ekadashi Kashirarn Shimpi died. (Chaitra Shuddha 11). BABA saved his life in a mysterious way when he was assaulted by Thieves in a jungle.
1908Pundalikrao of Nanded met Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. (Tembe Swami) at Rajahmundry on banks of Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and Swami gave a coconut to be presented to Sai Baba. BABA showed cognizance of Swamiji's gilt and showed his oneness with Swami by describing him as his brother (Bhau)
1908Shri Tatyasaheb Noolkar, (Aged 45 years) the Sub-judge of Pandharpur first arrived at Shirdi in 1908. Gurupournima festival was prompted by Baba for Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others.
1909Saibaba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, and an atheist, on his very first visit and Balasaheb lost complete interest in worldly matters. He retired prematurely from service and settled down at Shirdi permanently.
1909Bapusaheb (Sakharam Hari) Jog on retirement from Govt. service came to stay at Shirdi permanently accompanied by his wife.
1909Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon (Pune District) came to Shirdi for getting his chronic tuberculosis at the last stage and was cured by Baba's blessings.
1909, Nov 2Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit (Aged 45 years), a prominent solicitor and M.L.C. first arrived at Shirdi. Baba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders.
1909, Dec 10Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days
1909, Dec 25Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar.
1910Baba's 'Handi' ritual, occasionally cooking food Himself in a big copper pot and distributing it to devotees and poor people without discrimination. This practice continued till this year. After wards owing to Das Ganu's keertans (musical recitals praising Baba), Baba's fame spread far and wide and devotees started flocking together in large numbers offering large quantities of food as 'naivedya' and thus there was no need of 'Handi.
1910Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad from Bandra (Bombay) first visited Shirdi.
1910Rao Bahadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan of Santacruz (Bombay) first visited Shirdi.
1910Govind Raghunath alias Annasaheb Dabholkar (Aged 51 years), the author of Shri Sai Satcharita (Marathi), had his first darshan of Sai Baba and received significant and prophetic title of 'Hemadpant. Baba gave him his blessings and inspired him to write SAI SATCHARITA - a religious scripture describing BABA's life story and his divine play (leela) as monumental as GURU CHARITRA- the old monumental POTHI - a poetic religious scripture inspiring worship to GURU, NARASINHA SARASWATI.
1910Balkrishna Vishwanath alias Balasaheb Deo (Dahanu Mamlatdar) first visited Shirdi prompted by Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Deo used to describe him as Baba's child - with a full sense of surrender.
1910, Bhadrapad Shuddha 5H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon (Buldhana District of Maharashtra) left His mortal coil. (First appeared in 1878). At that very time at Shirdi, Sai Baba grieved profusely and said, "Hallo! My Gajanan is gone. I must take bath again in reverance to the Great Soul."
1910Shrimant Gopalrao Mukund alias Bapu saheb Butty of Nagpur, (a rich statesman) started staying permanently at Shirdi.
1910Harishchandra Pitale's son suffering from epilepsy, was cured by Baba's mere glance at him. Baba gave Pitale three rupees and reminded him of two rupees earlier received by him from Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and thus showed his oneness with all the other SAINTS (Vibhutis)
1910, Ashwin Vady13Sai Baba pushed his arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith's child. 'The arm was scorched and burnt. Nanasaheb came from Bombay with Dr. Parmananda but Baba did not allow the doctor to treat him.Bhagoji Shinde's service of massaging the arm with ghee and bandaging it continued till Baba's Samadhi. This episode is in testimony to BABA's cosmic existence- HIS super consciousness.
1910, Dec 5Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti (Maharashtra) first visited Shirdi. (Refused on 10 Dec. 1910) Mr.Babasaheb Khaprde was an ardent devotee of BABA and his efforts were instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak- (a great national leader -Khapurde's contemparary) to Shirdi for Baba's darshan and blessings in his movement for India's freedom from the British Rule
1910, Dec10Foundation-stone of Dixit Wada laid with Baba's permission
1910, ChristmasLala Lakhamichand of Santacruz (Bombay) came to Shirdi. Baba loved him very much and affectionately accepted his petty gifts given with love.
1910Megha returns to Shirdi and stays till his death. In Baba's company he underwent mysterious experiences which transformed Megha from an athiest to an ardent devotee of Baba and spent his life in the service of Sai -Shiva. He regarded Baba as Shiva-Shankar (Lord Shiva-Shankar -the welfare Doer).
1911Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on a pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, haulted at Shirdi and breathed his last while reading 'Bhagawat' (a religious script written by Saint Eknath) for 3 days on Baba's advice.
1911, MarchTatyasaheb Nulkar (Aged 48), the Sub-judge of Pandharpur breathed, his last at Shirdi . Baba showed HIS oneness with Tatya Nulkar and described him as a pure soul and expressed HIS grief at Nulkars demise.After Tatyasaheb Nulkar passed away, Megha took over the regular daily worship of Baba in the Dwarakamai. (He used to stand on one leg while performing the Arati). Tatyasaheb Nulkar relinquished everything and stayed at Shirdi in Baba's company till his demise Baba bestowed him with the unique experiences in self realization. Baba advised him and Mr Shyama Deshpande to perform Guru worship (Pooja).
1911 Ram-Navami Festival was started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani
1911, Ram-NavamiConstruction of Dixit Wada was completed and was inhabited with due rites.
1911Extension and roofing of the open space in front of the Dwarakamai was carried out by Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba got enraged and tried to shake and uproot a pole. Then removing Tatya Patil's pugree, struck a match, set the pugree on fire and threw it in a pit along with one rupee as if an auspicious offering to avert evil. Baba never liked renovation of his dwelling place viz. Dwarkamai (the masjid) and opposed any such effort by the devotees.
1911Somdav Swami alias Haridwar Swami visited Shirdi.
1911, June 27Kashinath Govind Upaswii (aged 41 years) first visited Shirdi and returned again on 6 July. Baba ordered him to stay for 4 years in the Khandoba Temple.
1911, DecKashinath Upasani composed the famous 'Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra (hymn) in Sanskrit. (Now being recited daily during Arati at Shirdi.)
1911, DecBubonic plague raged at Shirdi (Lasted upto March 15 next year) Baba however saved lives of plague inflicted devotees by taking upon himself i.e. on his body the malody.
1911, DecBaba's grinding of wheat in the hand-mill. It was not wheat that was ground but plague or cholera itself was ground to pieces and cast out of village. Seeing this Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was inspired to write 'Shri Sai Satcharita.'
1911, Dec 5Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti arrived at Shirdi again with family and stayed for 3 months. Shri Krishna Bhishma the author of Arati book 'Sagunopasana' accompanied him. Dadasaheb Khaparde wrote diary (daily record of his stay at Shirdi in Baba's company).
1911, Dec 11Waman Rao Patel (Aged 22 years) (Later Swami Sai Sharanananda) first arrived at Shirdi.
1911, Dec 13Chandrabhan Shet Marwadi, uncle of Khushalchand of Rahata. expired.
1911, Dec 16Dr. Capt. Hate first visited Shirdi (who had just appeared at LCPS examination.) Baba sent him a messege in the dream saying, 'have you forgotten me?'
1911, Dec 19Sai Baba's great devotee and a great saint of Nath-panth order, Shri Rama Maruti visited Shirdi. (Stayed for 34 days.) '. Ram Maruti offered 'Naivedya' to Baba and Baba very affectionately took a part of it (SWEET SANJA).
1911-12Sagun Meru Naik arrived at Shirdi at the age of 23 and on Baba's advice settled permanently running a small restaurant for the devotees visiting Shirdi.
1912, JanDadasaheb Khaparde's youngest son Balwant was cured of bubonic plague by Baba by taking the disease on himself.
1912, Jan 3Megha fed some Brahmins on completion of his Gayatri Punascharana (a religious ritual). Dadasaheb Khaparde attended it at Sathe Wada.
1912, Jan 19Megha died at Shirdi at about 4 A.M. Baba lamented loudly and followed the funeral procession for some distance. Baba showered flowers on Megha's body.
1912, Jan 20Bapusaheb Jog started performing Baba's Pooja and Arati after Megha's death.He continued this till Baba's Samadhi and even some years afterwards until he shifted to Sakuri and joined Upasani Maharaj there.
1912Transformation of Dwarakamai (the masjid) started. Pits were patched up and the stone slabs fixed on the floor. Baba gave up sack-cloth seat and started using cushion scat and boister in deference to devotees' wishes
1912 JanGanapatrao, father of Tatya Kote Patil passed away. Tatya Patil stopped sleeping in the Dwarakamai with Baba.
1912, Feb 25Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama) left Shirdi to attend Kakasaheb Dixit's son's thread-ceremony at Nagpur and Nanasaheb Chandorkar's son's wedding at Gwalior. From there accompanied by Appa Kote, he went on a pilgrimage to Mathura, Prayag, Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya. At Gaya Madhavrao saw Baba's picture at the priest's house and was reminded of Baba's words, "After visiting Kashi and Prayag I would be reaching the religious place ahead of Shama."
1912, Mar 15Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amraoti. Mrs. Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind.
1912, Ram-navamiDada Maharaj Satarkar, known as 'Modern Tukaram', was invited to perform Ram-navami Kirtan.When he bowed down in obeisance, Baba said, "I know this man since last 4 years". Bala Buva had never met Sai Baba before but 4 years ago at Bombay, he had prostrated before Baba's picture. Thus Baba proved to His devotees that seeing His picture was equivalent to seeing Him in person.
1912, AprilFirst visit of Balaram Dhurandhar along with his brothers. Before they arrived Baba had expressed, "Today many of my Durbar people are coming". Baba offered Balaram Chillim to smoke and since then his 6 year old asthma was cured for ever
1912, Shravan 15Guru-sthan padukas were installed under the Neem Tree at Shirdi
1913.First visit of Mahadev Rao Sapatnekar of Akkalkot accompanied by his younger brother Pandit Rao. When Mahadev Rao prostrated before Baba, Baba shouted 'Chal hat' (Get away) in the protest of absence of faith in Saptnekar's mind and his prejudice for Baba.
1913Baba gave at Dwarakamai darshan of himself as Vitthal and Rakhumai of Pandharpur to the wife and mother of R. B. Purandare of Bandra.
1913, Ram-NavaimiBala Buva Satarkar performed Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi and Baba gave him a gift of Rs.150/- for the Kirtan. These coins were collected in a dish (Thali) after Baba's prayer (Aarti). Baba poured the whole dish in Satarkars bag (zoli)
1913, MayWamanrao Patel (Aged 24 - 25 Years.) (Swami Sai Sharanananda ji) visited Shirdi again and this time stayed for 11 months.
1913Rao Bahadur Sathe got a son by Baba's Grace at the age of 57 years.
1914Sapatnekar of Akkalkot arrived at Shirdi again with wife and returned being blessed for begetting a son.
1914, Feb 14Mr.B.V. Deo (Memlatdar of Dahanu in Thane Distict) was charged and reprimanded by Baba for stealing His rag and after lot of abusing and scolding was favoured with instruction to read Dnyaneshawari regularly every day as per Deo's desire. This episode is an example of how Baba sometimes displayed his transcendental powers to read devotees mental inclinations even without formal oral communication.
1914, Feb 22A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and seeing Baba eating bread with onion got suspicious and disappointed. However Baba proved His power of omniscience by reading his mind and the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed.
1914, April 2Before the year was over, Baba appeared to Deo in a dream and inquired if he understood Dnyaneshwari properly. Deo said 'No' and added that without Baba's Grace it will not be understood. Then Baba explained to Deo how to read it slowly (and without making haste) with full concentration for knowing the subtle meaning between the lines (Bodha -Knowledge)
1914, Ram-NavamiDas Ganu was ordained by Baba to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi every year.
1914, ShravanH. H. Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Aged 80 years) (Tembe Swami) left His mundane body at Garudeshwar on the banks of River Nannada in Gujarat.
1914. July 15Kashinath Upasani left Shird! (total stay 3 years, 19 days) and proceeded towards Nagpur, Khadakpur etc.
1915,DecSai Baba suffered from asthma and was very weak. Yet He climbed over Radhakrishna Mai's roof with a ladder. Paid Rs. 2/- to the person bringing and placing the ladder. Honouring a worker for his work, Baba showed how Dignity of labour should be maintained.
1915, DecBalakram Mankar passed away at Shirdi.
1915, DecMrs Tarkhad (wife of Babasaheb Tarkhad of Bandra) sent a pedha (made of milk and sugar) which was already offered as naivedya and that too with Balakram's son Govindji who was in mourning. Yet Baba swollowed it with great eagerness and love
1915, Dec 30Construction work of Butty's Wada was in progress. Baba occasionally used to go at this place to see the progress of this work and gave instructions.
1916Sai Baba made Das Ganu to do 'Nam-saptah and Kirtan' at Shirdi for a week
1916Radhakrishna Mai (Aged 35 years) passed away. Baba used to bless her by sending a portion of food collected by him by way of Bhiksha.
1916.Arrival of a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order). Baba gave darshan to the chief's wife in the form of her beloved diety Shri Rama. The chief also got a dream and his attitude towards Baba was completely changed.
1916Nephew of Dr. Mulky from Malegaon (District Nasik), suffering from tubercular bone-abcess, was fully cured by Sai Baba's Udi and his loving glance. The doctor himself visited Shirdi afterwards and became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba realising that Baba's service is to be performed not only for the sake of money or other mundane things but for the welfare of the disabled, helpless and downtrodden.
1916Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) retired from Govt. service. On Guru Poumima Day while at Shirdi, Anna Chinchanikar pleaded before Baba for getting some other appointment for Hemadpant as his pension was quite insufficient and his family was growing. Baba assured him about his source of income for livelyhood after retirement.
1916, Vijaya DashamiWhen in the evening Shirdi residents were returning from 'Simollanghan' ceremony (crossing of the border or limits of the kingdom village), Baba suddenly got into wild rage and taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota (loin cloth) etc., tore them into pieces and threw them in the burning Dhuni before Him. The fire in the Dhuni became brighter and Baba stood there stark naked. Later when cooled down and dressed again Baba said, "This is My Simollanghan" and thus hinted at His departure from this world soon on Dassehra Day. This Darshan provided an enlightenment that Baba's body cannot be described as Hindu or Muslim or of any cast or belonging to any religion in vogue.
1916Ramchandra Dada Patil became seriously ill. One night. appearing before him, Baba told him that he would recover soon but Tatya Patil will die on Vijaya Dashami Day in 1918. Thus by substituting Tatya's name for HIS, Baba foretold Tatya's passing away. However, Baba sacrificed his body to save devotees life by saying 'instead of him another person will go?'.
1916Baba averted Gopal Narayan Ambadekar's effort of suicide by prompting him to read an appropriate incident from Akkalkot Swami's Chaiitra (religious scripture) and avoided greatest sin in his devotees life.
1917Parayana (recitation for 7 days) of Guru Charitra by one Mr Sathe (Not Rao Bahadur Sathe of Sathe Wada) and Baba's vision to him on the last day. Shama narrated to Hemadpant the story of Radhabai Deshmukh and Baba asking Hemadpant to narrate the same to Him again blessed Hemadpant by pouring into his hands sugar-candy as prasad.
1917, May19Lokmanya Tilak arrived at Shird! with Dadasaheb Khaparde for Baba's Darshan.
1917Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (District Thane) wished to offerd. one more rupee to Baba while leaving Shirdi, but could not do so. On the way at Nasik, in the Kala Rama Temple another saint Narasing Maharaj demanded one rupee from him. Karnik gave it willingly thinking that Baba was demanding the rupee he wanted to offer at Shirdi. Baba fulfilled in HIS many mysterious ways devotees' desire to offer dakshina through all the media.
1917Sai Baba appeared at Thane (North of Bombay) to inquire the well-being of Appasaheb Kulkarni's wife and children when he was away on tour. When Appasaheb returned Baba not only fulfilled his desire of offering Rs.10 as Dakshina but also favoured him by returning nine rupees consecrated by His touch. These nine rupees are the symbol of nine bhakti services done to HIM.
1917Upasani Maharaj (Aged 47 years) made Sakuri (near Rahata) his permanent residence.
1918Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan purchased Lendi Baug and later presented it to Shirdi Sansthan'. Baba himself planted some trees at the Lendi Baug
1918, April 1At Vile Parle (East) (now suburb of Bombay) on Hanuman Road, Narayan Mahadev Thosar's residence (later known as Narayan Ashram) was built a Hanuman Temple. On the day it was consecrated, Baba paid Rs. 25 to a Brahmin named Waze and made him perform Shri Satya-narayan Pooja
1918Prof. G. G. Narke, son-in-law of Butty got a permanent job by Baba's Grace as Professor in the Engineering College at Pune. Baba always remebered him by saying 'where has he (Narke) gone? Baba gave him a begging bag (zoli) for collecting food -an exercise in cultivating humility and eliminating ego.
1918, AugustBaba offered Hemadpant a glass of butter-milk and said, "Drink it all, you won't get such opportunity again suggesting that time for his Samadhi has arrived.
1918, Sep 9Das Ganu wrote 'Shri Sai Stavan Manjaril at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the banks of River Narmada.
1918, Sept 28Nath Panthi saint Rama-Maruti of Kalyan passed away.
1918, Sept 28Sai Baba had a slight attack of fever which lasted for 3- 4 days. Since then Baba abstained from food and day by day His weakness increased.
1918, Oct 1Baba asked a Brahmin devotee by the name Waze to read 'Raum- Vijay' (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days.
1918,Oct 8A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated.
1918, Oct 15, TuesdayOn Vijaya Dashmi, Sai Baba left his mortal coil at about 2-30 p.m. Few minutes before He gave Rs. 9/- as prasad to Laxmi Shinde. These nine coins represent nine dimensional devotion to GOD.
1918, Oct 16 WednesdayEarly morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur, in dream and said, "The Dwaraka mai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body copiously with flowers".
1918, Oct 16 Wednesday in the evening Baba's body was taken in procession through the Shirdi village and then interred in Butty Wada with due formalities
1918, Oct 27On the 13th day Baba's devotees from all over gathered and funeral rites were performed by Balasaheb Bhate with a feast (Bhandara) to Brahmins and poor. Later Upasani accompanied by Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) and performed all the remaining obsequies on the banks of River Ganges
September 19, 2007
Udi - Sacred Ash Download Powers of Sai UDI
Udi - Sacred Ash Download Powers of Sai UDI
Greatness of Udi (ITS MIRACULOUS POWERS)
It is well-known that Baba took Dakshina from all, and out of the amount thus collected, He spent a lot on charity and purchased fuel with the balance left with Him। This fuel He threw in the Dhuni - the sacred fire, which he kept ever burning. The ash from this fire was called Udi and it was freely distributed to the devotees at the time of their departure from Shirdi. Udi or ash is the purest substance on earth having tremendous powers of doing and undoing and is the result of sacrifices offered to fire (agni) which purifies everything by destroying whatever is evil. Performing 'Yagha' (Dhuni) is the most pious ritual recommended. The ancient Vedic literature.
There is a deeper underlying significance behind Baba’s practice of for distributing Udi। Baba taught by His Udi that all the visible phenomena in the universe are as transient as the ash। Our bodies composed of wood or matter of the five elements will fall down, become inanimate after all their enjoyments are over, and will be reduced to ashes। In order to remind the devotees of the fact that their bodies will be reduced to ashes, Baba distributed Udi to them। Baba also taught by the Udi that the Brahman is the only Reality and the universe is ephemeral and that no one in this world, be he a son, father or wife, is really ours. We come here (in this world) alone and we have to go out alone.
It was found and is even now found out, that the Udi cured many physical and mental maladies, but Baba wanted to din into the devotee's ears the principles of discrimination between the Unreal and the Real, non-attachment for the Unreal, by His Udi and Dakshina. The former (Udi) taught us discrimination and the latter (Dakshina) taught us non-attachment. Unless we have these two things, it is not possible for us to cross over the sea of the mundane existence. So Baba asked for and took Dakshina, and while the devotees took leave, He gave Udi as Prasad, besmeared some of it on the Bhaktas' foreheads and placed His boon-conferring hand on their heads. When Baba was in a cheerful mood, He used to sing merrily. One such song was about Udi. The text of the Udi song was, "Oh, playful Rama, come, come, and bring with you sacks of Udi." Baba used to sing in very clear and sweet tones.
So much about the spiritual implication of Udi. It had also its material significance. It conferred health, prosperity, freedom from anxiety, and many other worldly gains. So the Udi has helped us to gain both our ends - material as well as spiritual.
Sai Baba temples
Sai Baba temples
Devotees of Shri Saibaba transcend the limits of India and Sai devotees living outside India have spread the benevolence of Saibaba of Shirdi in foreign lands. Most of the associated temples outside India are patronized by Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathy.
Indian diaspora in Canada have led to the vibrant Sai culture with the establishment of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual and Charitable Trust, managed by the trustee Shri Vijay Madan. The trust deals with the awakening of the Sai consciousness and a holistic spiritual growth of the Sai devotees. The trust is based at 1404, D.R.Penfield Montreal, Quebec, Canada H-3 G1 B7.
There is a grand Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in Chicago that is creating the Sai awareness among people in the US. Another Sai temple is in Cuba where the Sai devotees have taken to lead the awakening of Sai philosophy among the devotees and general mass of the region. With simple philosophy ingrained with the demand of trust and complete surrender to the Guru, the Saibaba is making a great impact upon the people of the region.
Sai devotees are equally present in England with their gatherings and similar discourses during which the Sai philosophy is discussed and analyzed. With rapidly increasing number of Sai devotees, the world is surely treading towards a universal calmness leading to detoxification of mind and spirit.
Devotees of Shri Saibaba transcend the limits of India and Sai devotees living outside India have spread the benevolence of Saibaba of Shirdi in foreign lands. Most of the associated temples outside India are patronized by Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathy.
Indian diaspora in Canada have led to the vibrant Sai culture with the establishment of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual and Charitable Trust, managed by the trustee Shri Vijay Madan. The trust deals with the awakening of the Sai consciousness and a holistic spiritual growth of the Sai devotees. The trust is based at 1404, D.R.Penfield Montreal, Quebec, Canada H-3 G1 B7.
There is a grand Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in Chicago that is creating the Sai awareness among people in the US. Another Sai temple is in Cuba where the Sai devotees have taken to lead the awakening of Sai philosophy among the devotees and general mass of the region. With simple philosophy ingrained with the demand of trust and complete surrender to the Guru, the Saibaba is making a great impact upon the people of the region.
Sai devotees are equally present in England with their gatherings and similar discourses during which the Sai philosophy is discussed and analyzed. With rapidly increasing number of Sai devotees, the world is surely treading towards a universal calmness leading to detoxification of mind and spirit.
September 17, 2007
Sai Baba's Devotees
Sai Baba's Devotees
Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi had a great impressionable personality which hypnotized those who came near him। With his miraculous power and simple teachings he had a host of ardent devotees who carried forward his teachings and philosophy to a wide gamut of society. Here we will discuss some of the most prominent devotees of Saibaba of Shirdi.
Abdul बाबा
Abdul Baba came to Shirdi in around 1890। He came here after a fakir who was inspired in his dream by Saibaba to bring Abdul Baba to Shirdi. On his coming to Shirdi, Saibaba greeted him by saying "My crow has come". A dedicated worker Abdul Baba took care of Baba's mosque and lit the lamps in Lendi. Baba took care of his welfare, and often had him reading aloud passages from the Koran.
Bayajabai Kote
Patil Bayajabai was Tatya's mother and the family had a close association with Baba, who he took as his sister। She had taken a vow that until Saibaba had her food she won't take food. Such was her devotion to Saibaba that she would carry food in a basket and went looking for him to feed him.
Bhagoji Shinde
Bhagoji Shinde suffered from leprosy and yet he was among the closest to Saibaba। He accompanied Saibaba to Lendi garden carrying a parasol to give him shade. Once Saibaba got hurt while thrusting his hands into dhuni, Bhagoji was the one who bandaged the wound and dressed him long after it had healed.
Das Ganu Maharaj
Dasganu was originally in police service and it was during this time that Nana Chandorkar took him to see Sai Baba। Das Ganu wrote about the lives of saints and composed kirtans (devotional songs) which he sang with great fervor.
Annasaheb दà¤ोलकर
Most popularly known for being the author of the work The Sri Sai Satcharitra, Annasaheb Dabholkar was called Hemadpant by Saibaba after a well known poet of 13th Century। His work is a great insight into the life and philosophy of Saibaba.
Hari Sitaram Dixit
Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit was a prominent solicitor another of Saibaba's ardent devotees। Saibaba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind। Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders।
Dadasaheb Khaparde
Hon'ble Mr। Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti, an ardent devotee of Saibaba and was instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak, the great freedom stalwart to Shirdi for Baba's darshan.
Laxmibai Shinde
Laxmibai शिंदेwas well-to-do woman, who worked in the masjid day and night। Except Bhagat Mhalasapati, Tatya and Laxmibai, none was allowed to step in the Masjid at night.
Bhagat महल्सपती
Mahalsapati was the one who owes the name of Saibaba as we know it today। He uttered 'Ya Sai,' when Baba made His first appearance at the Khandoba temple along with the marriage party of Chandbhai. Saibaba used to call Mahalsapati 'Sonarda,' and later on 'Bhagat' i.e. close disciple.
Tatya Kote Patil
Tatya Kote Patil's family was one who loved Saibaba for Himself and not for what they got from His divinity। Tatya was the first amongst the devotees who had all the love of Saibaba. Nanasaheb Chandorkar Nana Chandorkar was among the most prominent devotees. A Deput Collector by profession, he had the distinction of being one of the very few disciples that Baba directly called to his side.
MadhavRao Deshpande
He was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.
GAJANAN MAHARAJ He was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.
Legacy of Sai Baba of Shirdi
Legacy of Sai Baba of Shirdi
Shri Saibaba is among the most influential spiritual gurus of India, who lived at a nondescript village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra। With his miraculous powers and captivating teachings he rules the heart of millions of his devotees, whose number is ever growing with each passing day.
He is also among the most recognizable gurus whose image can be found throughout India, sometimes simply as a fashion statement or kept along as accessories। Worn as pendants and kept in lockets Saibaba makes his presence in all corners of India. He lived in the cusp of two centuries i.e., between 1838 and 1918. During this time Shri Saibaba made a great impact on the psyche of the people coming under his influence. With his simple and trite philosophy combined with his clairvoyant prowess, Saibaba's legacy is still on among his ever growing number of followers.
Today, many religious teachers, groups and organizations promote his teachings and devotion to Sai। Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is the most prominent promoter of Saibaba's legacy all across the world. The trust also takes care of the shrines and temples in Shirdi. All-India Sai Samaj, founded by B.V. Narasimha Swamiji, publishes books on Sai Baba as well as administrates the temples of Sai Baba built all over India.
There are a great number of followers of Sai Baba, who have achieved fame as spiritual figures। Among the most popular of such gurus are Upasni Maharaj of Sakori and Meher Baba of Ahmednagar. There have been at least three gurus and two youngsters, who have claimed to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. Among them the most famous is Sathya Sai Baba who lives at Puttaparthi Andhra Pradesh, India. Sathya Sai Baba has immense popularity across the world with devotees thronging from all across the world.
Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi's legacy is also lived through the multitude of literature that has been written on him. Sai literature has the widest possible dimension covering almost every aspect of Saibaba. Scholars across the world have studied the life and philosophy of Saibaba and tried to understand and decipher the quintessential Sai Baba of Shirdi।
Sai temples that are built all over the world are also carrying the legacy of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi। With over 2,000 major Sai temples in different parts of India and 150 abroad, the conviction and faith on Sai Baba are lived and professed enriching the lifestyle of his devotees and mankind at large.
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Shri Saibaba is among the most influential spiritual gurus of India, who lived at a nondescript village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra। With his miraculous powers and captivating teachings he rules the heart of millions of his devotees, whose number is ever growing with each passing day.
He is also among the most recognizable gurus whose image can be found throughout India, sometimes simply as a fashion statement or kept along as accessories। Worn as pendants and kept in lockets Saibaba makes his presence in all corners of India. He lived in the cusp of two centuries i.e., between 1838 and 1918. During this time Shri Saibaba made a great impact on the psyche of the people coming under his influence. With his simple and trite philosophy combined with his clairvoyant prowess, Saibaba's legacy is still on among his ever growing number of followers.
Today, many religious teachers, groups and organizations promote his teachings and devotion to Sai। Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is the most prominent promoter of Saibaba's legacy all across the world. The trust also takes care of the shrines and temples in Shirdi. All-India Sai Samaj, founded by B.V. Narasimha Swamiji, publishes books on Sai Baba as well as administrates the temples of Sai Baba built all over India.
There are a great number of followers of Sai Baba, who have achieved fame as spiritual figures। Among the most popular of such gurus are Upasni Maharaj of Sakori and Meher Baba of Ahmednagar. There have been at least three gurus and two youngsters, who have claimed to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. Among them the most famous is Sathya Sai Baba who lives at Puttaparthi Andhra Pradesh, India. Sathya Sai Baba has immense popularity across the world with devotees thronging from all across the world.
Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi's legacy is also lived through the multitude of literature that has been written on him. Sai literature has the widest possible dimension covering almost every aspect of Saibaba. Scholars across the world have studied the life and philosophy of Saibaba and tried to understand and decipher the quintessential Sai Baba of Shirdi।
Sai temples that are built all over the world are also carrying the legacy of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi। With over 2,000 major Sai temples in different parts of India and 150 abroad, the conviction and faith on Sai Baba are lived and professed enriching the lifestyle of his devotees and mankind at large.
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September 16, 2007
Miracles of Shirdi Sai Baba
Miracles of Shirdi Sai बाबा
Sai Baba of Shirdi is an epitome of spiritual perfection and has been the guiding source for the mankind leading to salvation। As a spiritual guru and savior Shri Saibaba was no ordinary fakir but an avatar of high order. This was evident through his miracles and sayings that exhibited his purpose and intention for which he had come. He would often say, "My Leela is inscrutable". Saibaba's Leela's (miracles) were plenty and varied; here are a few of the miracles of Shirdi Saibaba, for his devotees and those interested in his philosophies.
Baba's Leelas (Miracles)
Lighting Lamps with Water
This is among the earliest evidences of Saibaba's miracles। Baba was fond of lighting earthenware lamps in his masjid and other temples. For this he needed oil, which he got from the grocers of Shirdi, as small donations. But there came a time when the grocers got tired of giving him oil for free. And so they refused him any oil saying they had no fresh stocks. Baba didn't say a word and returned to his masjid. But the masjid was not to remain in dark, as Sai Baba lit his earthenware lamps pouring water instead, which burnt deep into the midnight. Such was the miraculous power of Saibaba who lit fire out of water! When grocers came to know about it they rushed to him with apologies. Sai Baba pardoned them, but he warned them never to lie again. "You could have refused to give me the oil, but did you have to say that you didn't have fresh stocks?" he admonished them. But he had made his point.
Premonition of Burning Fields
Once, harvesting in Shirdi had been completed and the foodgrains of the entire village had been stored in a yard। Blistering summer was ferocious. One afternoon Saibaba summoned Kondaji Sutar and asked him to better rush to his field as it was on fire. Fear struck Kondaji ran to his field but there was not a trace of smoke. He got back and said so to Saibaba. Unfazed Baba asked him to look again and as the luck would have it, a part of corn was indeed afire and smoke was beginning to billow from it. With strong wind fanning the fire, Kondaji became jittery and asked Saibaba to do something. At this Baba walked to the yard and sprinkled some water and the fire immediately got extinguished.
Stopping the रैन
There goes a story that one Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan s wife had come for Sai Baba's darshan। As the couple was about to leave, it began to rain heavily with thunder and lightening. Seeing the Pradhan couple in trouble, Saibaba invoked the God and asked the rain to calm down, which surely did and the Pradhan were able to reach their destination safely.
Raising the Water Level in Well
When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi it had of no basic facilities। There was a well put only in name, with no natural spring water. Villagers had tough time fetching water from a distance. When the villagers were to celebrate Baba's birthday on Ramnavami, there was obviously crisis of water in the region. But Saibaba with his miracles had solution for this problem as well. He showered some leaves into the well and lo and behold the level of water rose fulfilling the dire wish of the villagers.
Saving a Child from Drowning
Once a 3-year-old daughter of a poor man named Babu Kirwandikar had fallen into a well and got drowned। When the villagers rushed to the well, they found to their utter disbelief that the child was suspended in midair as if some invisible hand was holding her. This again was one of the many miracles of Saibaba that saved people from distress.
Flow of Godavari (river) from Baba's Feet
As recounted by Das Ganu, one of the disciples of Shri Saibaba, once he sought permission from Baba to visit a place called Singba on the banks of Godavari to have a holy bath. Saibaba refused and said what was the use of going that distance when Godavari was right under his feet. Das was puzzled. Realizing the doubt in Das's mind Saibaba asked him to come closer and hold the hollow of his palms at Baba's feet. As soon as he did so water flowed freely out of the toes of the master's feet and filled the hollow of Das Ganu's palms in no time. His joy knew no limits. He sprinkled the water on his head and his body and distributed some more among the assembled devotees as tirtha
Sai Baba of Shirdi is an epitome of spiritual perfection and has been the guiding source for the mankind leading to salvation। As a spiritual guru and savior Shri Saibaba was no ordinary fakir but an avatar of high order. This was evident through his miracles and sayings that exhibited his purpose and intention for which he had come. He would often say, "My Leela is inscrutable". Saibaba's Leela's (miracles) were plenty and varied; here are a few of the miracles of Shirdi Saibaba, for his devotees and those interested in his philosophies.
Baba's Leelas (Miracles)
Lighting Lamps with Water
This is among the earliest evidences of Saibaba's miracles। Baba was fond of lighting earthenware lamps in his masjid and other temples. For this he needed oil, which he got from the grocers of Shirdi, as small donations. But there came a time when the grocers got tired of giving him oil for free. And so they refused him any oil saying they had no fresh stocks. Baba didn't say a word and returned to his masjid. But the masjid was not to remain in dark, as Sai Baba lit his earthenware lamps pouring water instead, which burnt deep into the midnight. Such was the miraculous power of Saibaba who lit fire out of water! When grocers came to know about it they rushed to him with apologies. Sai Baba pardoned them, but he warned them never to lie again. "You could have refused to give me the oil, but did you have to say that you didn't have fresh stocks?" he admonished them. But he had made his point.
Premonition of Burning Fields
Once, harvesting in Shirdi had been completed and the foodgrains of the entire village had been stored in a yard। Blistering summer was ferocious. One afternoon Saibaba summoned Kondaji Sutar and asked him to better rush to his field as it was on fire. Fear struck Kondaji ran to his field but there was not a trace of smoke. He got back and said so to Saibaba. Unfazed Baba asked him to look again and as the luck would have it, a part of corn was indeed afire and smoke was beginning to billow from it. With strong wind fanning the fire, Kondaji became jittery and asked Saibaba to do something. At this Baba walked to the yard and sprinkled some water and the fire immediately got extinguished.
Stopping the रैन
There goes a story that one Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan s wife had come for Sai Baba's darshan। As the couple was about to leave, it began to rain heavily with thunder and lightening. Seeing the Pradhan couple in trouble, Saibaba invoked the God and asked the rain to calm down, which surely did and the Pradhan were able to reach their destination safely.
Raising the Water Level in Well
When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi it had of no basic facilities। There was a well put only in name, with no natural spring water. Villagers had tough time fetching water from a distance. When the villagers were to celebrate Baba's birthday on Ramnavami, there was obviously crisis of water in the region. But Saibaba with his miracles had solution for this problem as well. He showered some leaves into the well and lo and behold the level of water rose fulfilling the dire wish of the villagers.
Saving a Child from Drowning
Once a 3-year-old daughter of a poor man named Babu Kirwandikar had fallen into a well and got drowned। When the villagers rushed to the well, they found to their utter disbelief that the child was suspended in midair as if some invisible hand was holding her. This again was one of the many miracles of Saibaba that saved people from distress.
Flow of Godavari (river) from Baba's Feet
As recounted by Das Ganu, one of the disciples of Shri Saibaba, once he sought permission from Baba to visit a place called Singba on the banks of Godavari to have a holy bath. Saibaba refused and said what was the use of going that distance when Godavari was right under his feet. Das was puzzled. Realizing the doubt in Das's mind Saibaba asked him to come closer and hold the hollow of his palms at Baba's feet. As soon as he did so water flowed freely out of the toes of the master's feet and filled the hollow of Das Ganu's palms in no time. His joy knew no limits. He sprinkled the water on his head and his body and distributed some more among the assembled devotees as tirtha
Festivals in Shirdi
Festivals in शिर्दी
Ramnavami : March/April Guru Purnima : July Shirdi Vijayadashmi (Sri Sai Punyatithi) October
Festivals are great time to visit Shirdi of Saibaba। There are three major festivals that are held in Shirdi attracting thousands of devotees from across the world। The three major festivals celebrated at Shirdi are Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Shirdi Vijayadashmi। All these festivals are celebrated all across India with equal zest and excitement but at Shirdi they have some other significance। All these festivals have their special distinction to them in the way they are celebrated in the other parts of India।
रामनवमी
Ramanavi is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great excitement and fanfare। In the year 1897 Goplarao Gund proposed holding in Urus in name of Saibaba in gratitude of a child which he was granted after so many childless years. Saibaba conceded to celebrate his urus on the condition that it be celebrated on Ramnavami. This was indeed an ingenious touch of Saibaba bringing together the Hindus and Muslims together. People may know Urus is a Muslim festival that is celebrated to honor a saint.
You can come to participate in Ramanavami at Shirdi, celebrated every year in March or April। This shows the kind of communal harmony that weaves people of different faiths at Shirdi. Ramnavami has equal and enthusiastic participation of both Hindus and Muslims. In Shirdi, two locally historic rituals are carried out during this festival. The sack of wheat that is kept in Dwarkamai is changed and the old one taken to prasadalaya to be used there, and secondly, the dwarkamai flags are replaced. This year that is in 2007, Shirdi is celebrating the Ramnavami from 26th to 28th of March.
Gurupurnima
Gurupurnima or Full Moon is also a wonderful time to visit Shirdi। It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing. Quite a significant festival in Shirdi Guru Purnima was the only festival which Saibaba has asked his devotees to celebrate. This is the time devotees all across the world converge in Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings. There is also Vyasa Puja that is held during Guru Purnima, in honor of Ved Vyasa who wrote the epic Mahabharata.
Shirdi Vijayadashmi
Vijayadashmi is a big festival in Shirdi, venerated as a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode. The festival is also celebrated as Shri Sai Punyathithi in Shirdi attracting great number of devotees from all over the world. Various religious activities are arranged Great number of people flock to Shirdi during this Festival. During this festival 'Brahman Bhojan' is arranged with Dakashina (Donation to Guru). This year the festival is celebrated from 20th to 23rd October.
Ramnavami : March/April Guru Purnima : July Shirdi Vijayadashmi (Sri Sai Punyatithi) October
Festivals are great time to visit Shirdi of Saibaba। There are three major festivals that are held in Shirdi attracting thousands of devotees from across the world। The three major festivals celebrated at Shirdi are Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Shirdi Vijayadashmi। All these festivals are celebrated all across India with equal zest and excitement but at Shirdi they have some other significance। All these festivals have their special distinction to them in the way they are celebrated in the other parts of India।
रामनवमी
Ramanavi is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great excitement and fanfare। In the year 1897 Goplarao Gund proposed holding in Urus in name of Saibaba in gratitude of a child which he was granted after so many childless years. Saibaba conceded to celebrate his urus on the condition that it be celebrated on Ramnavami. This was indeed an ingenious touch of Saibaba bringing together the Hindus and Muslims together. People may know Urus is a Muslim festival that is celebrated to honor a saint.
You can come to participate in Ramanavami at Shirdi, celebrated every year in March or April। This shows the kind of communal harmony that weaves people of different faiths at Shirdi. Ramnavami has equal and enthusiastic participation of both Hindus and Muslims. In Shirdi, two locally historic rituals are carried out during this festival. The sack of wheat that is kept in Dwarkamai is changed and the old one taken to prasadalaya to be used there, and secondly, the dwarkamai flags are replaced. This year that is in 2007, Shirdi is celebrating the Ramnavami from 26th to 28th of March.
Gurupurnima
Gurupurnima or Full Moon is also a wonderful time to visit Shirdi। It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing. Quite a significant festival in Shirdi Guru Purnima was the only festival which Saibaba has asked his devotees to celebrate. This is the time devotees all across the world converge in Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings. There is also Vyasa Puja that is held during Guru Purnima, in honor of Ved Vyasa who wrote the epic Mahabharata.
Shirdi Vijayadashmi
Vijayadashmi is a big festival in Shirdi, venerated as a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode. The festival is also celebrated as Shri Sai Punyathithi in Shirdi attracting great number of devotees from all over the world. Various religious activities are arranged Great number of people flock to Shirdi during this Festival. During this festival 'Brahman Bhojan' is arranged with Dakashina (Donation to Guru). This year the festival is celebrated from 20th to 23rd October.
Excursions around Shirdi
Excursions around Shirdi
Pilgrims visit Shirdi to make a mark in their spiritual journey. This holy land becomes a turning point in the lives of many devotees. Coming to this holy land is also an invitation to visit many religious sites that will interest you. About 75kms from Shirdi lies Nashik, another of major holy cities of India. You could also venture out to Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad about 144kms from Shirdi. There are many more significant religious and tourist destinations that will make your pilgrimage to Shirdi even more worth cherishing.
Sakori
Close to Shirdi is Sakori at a distance of about 5kms. Sakori is a very special place and popular among pilgrims for its Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan. You can come here for peace and tranquility. Founded by Upasani Baba in 1917, Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan reverberates with positive energy that can be felt by anyone. Shri Sai Baba took him as his Param Shishya, meaning Astute Devotee.
Shanisinghnapur
Shanisinghnapur is a village that is the holy seat Lord Shani. Another important pilgrim spot near to Shirdi, Shanisinghnapur is about 70 km from here Shirdi. Here the devotees themselves can perform pooja and abhishek on any day at Shari Shaneshvar tirtha. Amavasya or the no moon day, which falls on a Saturday, is considered to be most auspicious. On such a day lakhs of devotees from all corners of the country come to receive blessings of Shri Shanidev. On every Shani Amavasya a yatra is held with great fanfare. One unique quality about this village is that there are no doorframes or locks in any of the houses. It is said that it's because of Lord Shani's blessings that there is no fear of crime in the village.
Nashik
Nashik is among the most holy places that evokes a personality of its own. Rich in mythological connotations with great historical and cultural significance, Nashik is about 75 km from Shirdi. Here you can visit several of temples and religious spots making your spiritual journey lively and fulfilling. Among the temples you could visit Panchavati with five sacred banyan trees and Sita Gumpha. You can also visit Naroshankar Temple built in an architectural style of Maya. Kalaram Temple is dedicated to Kala Ram built with black stones. Sundarnarayan Temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge. In addition to many temples and religious places, Nashik also has Shri Kailas Math, one of the Vedas Schools in Nashik.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
About 144kms from Shirdi are the world famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. As the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage, these caves are located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora caves are the world heritage sites famous for the cave shrines that are cut out of rock, all by hand. There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta. And all are sheer outstanding specimens of Indian architectural excellence.
September 12, 2007
Shri Saibaba Sansthan
Shri Saibaba Sansthan
Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba's Samadhi Temple and all the temples that are in this premises. The Saibaba Sansthan Trust also works towards the general development of the Shirdi village.
Saibaba Sansthan is also authorized to control and manage the day-to-day activities at the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple, providing miscellaneous activities such as accommodation, lunch, refreshments, railway reservations and lot more.
As a full fledged trust the Shri Saibaba Sansthan also runs Kanya Shala(Girls School) and English Medium School, Hospital, Blood Bank, Industrial Training Institute (I. T. I.), Drinking Water supply, etc.
Shri Saibaba Sansthan also has a Sansthan Seva Desk that looks after various activities including donation collection, publication of Saileela Magazine, newsletter publications, maintenance of guestbook and addressing the feedback.
Shri Saileela Magazine is an official periodical of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi. A bi-monthly magazine, it covers nearly all the activities of Sansthan including rich spiritual and religious information.
Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba's Samadhi Temple and all the temples that are in this premises. The Saibaba Sansthan Trust also works towards the general development of the Shirdi village.
Saibaba Sansthan is also authorized to control and manage the day-to-day activities at the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple, providing miscellaneous activities such as accommodation, lunch, refreshments, railway reservations and lot more.
As a full fledged trust the Shri Saibaba Sansthan also runs Kanya Shala(Girls School) and English Medium School, Hospital, Blood Bank, Industrial Training Institute (I. T. I.), Drinking Water supply, etc.
Shri Saibaba Sansthan also has a Sansthan Seva Desk that looks after various activities including donation collection, publication of Saileela Magazine, newsletter publications, maintenance of guestbook and addressing the feedback.
Shri Saileela Magazine is an official periodical of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi. A bi-monthly magazine, it covers nearly all the activities of Sansthan including rich spiritual and religious information.
Wonderful Incarnation
Wonderful Incarnation
Sai Baba as a Yogi- Satchidanand SATGURU
Sai Baba knew all Yogic Practices. He was well versed in the six processes including Dhauti, Khandayoga and Samadhi, etc. He demonstrated His mastery over yogic exercises many a time.
Yet, if you think that He was a Hindu, He looked like a Yavan. If you think Him to be a Yavan, He looked like a pious Hindu. No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mohammedan. Inferences could be drawn from His dress or bodyfeatures but all such superficial inferences were meaningless. They did not serve any purpose.
He celebrated the Hindu festival of Rama-Navami with all due formalities and at the same time permitted the ‘Sandal’ procession of the Mohammedans. He encouraged wrestling bouts in this festival and gave good prizes to winners. When the Gokul Ashtami came, He got the ‘Gopal-Kala’ ceremony duly performed and on Id festivals, He allowed Mohammedans to say their prayers (Namaj) in His Masjid.
Once in the Moharum festival, some Mohammedans proposed to construct a Tajiya or Tabut in the Masjid, keep it there for some days and afterwards take it in the procession through the village. Sai Baba allowed the keeping of the Tabut for four days and on the fifth day removed it out of the Masjid without the least compunction. He allowed all the devotees to celebrate festivals at Shirdi according to their preferences and the various religious in vogue adopted by them. In Baba's Masjeed except a garlanded wall there is no image or photograph of any deity.
If we say that He was a Mohammedan, His ears were pierced (i.e. had holes according to Hindu fashion). If you think that He was a Hindu, He advocated the practice of circumcision (though according to Mr Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who observed Him closely, He was not Himself circumcised. Vide article in Sai Leela on "Baba Hindu Ki Yavan" by B.V. Deo, page 562).
If you call Him Hindu, He always lived in the Masjid; if Mohammedan, He had always the Dhuni - sacred fire there, and the following things which are contrary to Mohammedan religion, i.e., grinding on the hand mill, blowing of the conch and bells, oblation in the fire, Bhajan, giving of food, and worship of Baba’s Feet by means of ARGHYA (water) were always allowed there. If you think that He was a Mohammedan, the best of Brahmins and Agnihotris, leaving aside their orthodox ways, fell prostrate at His Feet. Those who went to make enquiries about his nationality were dumb-founded and were captured by his darshana. He gave visions of all the respective Gurus and deities according to devotees choice whether expressed or hidden. Baba,when asked about HIS creed, to that HE belonged to Saint Kabir's creed.
So none could definitely decide whether Sai Baba was a Hindu or a Mohammedan*. This is no wonder; for he who completely surrenders himself to the Lord, by getting rid of his egoism and body - consciousness thus becomes one with Him, and has nothing to do with any questions of caste or nationality. Such a one as Sai Baba was, saw no difference between caste and caste and among beings and beings. He took meat and fish with Fakirs, but did not grumble when dogs touched the dishes with their mouths. Thus Sai Maharaj was beyond all personal references, time and space dimensions.
Such a unique and wonderful GOD incarnation was Sai Baba.
[* Note--(1) Mhalsapati, an intimate Shirdi devotee of Baba, who always slept with Him in the Masjid and Chavadi, said that Sai Baba told him that He was a Brahmin of Pathari and was handed over to a Fakir in his infancy, and when He told this, some men from Pathari had come, and Baba was enquiring about some men from that place. [Vide sai Leela 1924, Page 179. (2) Mrs. Kashibai Kanitkar, the famous learned woman of Poona says in the experience No.8, published on Page 79, Sai Leela Vol. 11,1934, - "On hearing of Baba’s miracles, we were discussing according to our theosophic convention and fashion whether Sai Baba belonged to Black or White Lodge. When once I went to Shirdi, I was thinking seriously about this in my mind. As soon as I approached the steps of the Masjid, Baba came to the front and pointing to His chest and staring at me spoke rather vehemently -"This is a Brahmin, pure Brahmin. He has nothing to do with black things. No Musalman can dare to step in here. He dare not." Again pointing to his chest - "This Brahmin can bring lacks of men on the white path and take them to their destination. This is a Brahmin’s Masjid and I won’t allow any black Mohammedan to cast his shadow here."
Sai Baba is widely regarded as an incarnation of God, but He always said that He was an obedient servant of God. Though an incarnation He showed the people the way how to behave satisfactorily and carry out the duties of their respective stations (Varnas) in this life. He never emulated others in any way, nor asked others to have something done for Him. For Him, Who saw the Lord in all movable and immovable things of this world, humility was the most proper thing. None He disregarded or disrespected; for He saw Narayan (Lord) in all beings, He never said, "I am God," but that He was a humble servant and He always remembered Him and always uttered - "Allah Malik" (God is the sole proprietor or Owner). By His thoughts and worldly behavior He established ideal values and virtues of faith, patience and humanity. One should concentrate on and do faithfully one's duties assigned to him/her by GOD and wait patiently for the results (fruits) of his action (Karma) because the effect of any cause is always determined by GOD.
Sai Baba as a Yogi- Satchidanand SATGURU
Sai Baba knew all Yogic Practices. He was well versed in the six processes including Dhauti, Khandayoga and Samadhi, etc. He demonstrated His mastery over yogic exercises many a time.
Yet, if you think that He was a Hindu, He looked like a Yavan. If you think Him to be a Yavan, He looked like a pious Hindu. No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mohammedan. Inferences could be drawn from His dress or bodyfeatures but all such superficial inferences were meaningless. They did not serve any purpose.
He celebrated the Hindu festival of Rama-Navami with all due formalities and at the same time permitted the ‘Sandal’ procession of the Mohammedans. He encouraged wrestling bouts in this festival and gave good prizes to winners. When the Gokul Ashtami came, He got the ‘Gopal-Kala’ ceremony duly performed and on Id festivals, He allowed Mohammedans to say their prayers (Namaj) in His Masjid.
Once in the Moharum festival, some Mohammedans proposed to construct a Tajiya or Tabut in the Masjid, keep it there for some days and afterwards take it in the procession through the village. Sai Baba allowed the keeping of the Tabut for four days and on the fifth day removed it out of the Masjid without the least compunction. He allowed all the devotees to celebrate festivals at Shirdi according to their preferences and the various religious in vogue adopted by them. In Baba's Masjeed except a garlanded wall there is no image or photograph of any deity.
If we say that He was a Mohammedan, His ears were pierced (i.e. had holes according to Hindu fashion). If you think that He was a Hindu, He advocated the practice of circumcision (though according to Mr Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who observed Him closely, He was not Himself circumcised. Vide article in Sai Leela on "Baba Hindu Ki Yavan" by B.V. Deo, page 562).
If you call Him Hindu, He always lived in the Masjid; if Mohammedan, He had always the Dhuni - sacred fire there, and the following things which are contrary to Mohammedan religion, i.e., grinding on the hand mill, blowing of the conch and bells, oblation in the fire, Bhajan, giving of food, and worship of Baba’s Feet by means of ARGHYA (water) were always allowed there. If you think that He was a Mohammedan, the best of Brahmins and Agnihotris, leaving aside their orthodox ways, fell prostrate at His Feet. Those who went to make enquiries about his nationality were dumb-founded and were captured by his darshana. He gave visions of all the respective Gurus and deities according to devotees choice whether expressed or hidden. Baba,when asked about HIS creed, to that HE belonged to Saint Kabir's creed.
So none could definitely decide whether Sai Baba was a Hindu or a Mohammedan*. This is no wonder; for he who completely surrenders himself to the Lord, by getting rid of his egoism and body - consciousness thus becomes one with Him, and has nothing to do with any questions of caste or nationality. Such a one as Sai Baba was, saw no difference between caste and caste and among beings and beings. He took meat and fish with Fakirs, but did not grumble when dogs touched the dishes with their mouths. Thus Sai Maharaj was beyond all personal references, time and space dimensions.
Such a unique and wonderful GOD incarnation was Sai Baba.
[* Note--(1) Mhalsapati, an intimate Shirdi devotee of Baba, who always slept with Him in the Masjid and Chavadi, said that Sai Baba told him that He was a Brahmin of Pathari and was handed over to a Fakir in his infancy, and when He told this, some men from Pathari had come, and Baba was enquiring about some men from that place. [Vide sai Leela 1924, Page 179. (2) Mrs. Kashibai Kanitkar, the famous learned woman of Poona says in the experience No.8, published on Page 79, Sai Leela Vol. 11,1934, - "On hearing of Baba’s miracles, we were discussing according to our theosophic convention and fashion whether Sai Baba belonged to Black or White Lodge. When once I went to Shirdi, I was thinking seriously about this in my mind. As soon as I approached the steps of the Masjid, Baba came to the front and pointing to His chest and staring at me spoke rather vehemently -"This is a Brahmin, pure Brahmin. He has nothing to do with black things. No Musalman can dare to step in here. He dare not." Again pointing to his chest - "This Brahmin can bring lacks of men on the white path and take them to their destination. This is a Brahmin’s Masjid and I won’t allow any black Mohammedan to cast his shadow here."
Sai Baba is widely regarded as an incarnation of God, but He always said that He was an obedient servant of God. Though an incarnation He showed the people the way how to behave satisfactorily and carry out the duties of their respective stations (Varnas) in this life. He never emulated others in any way, nor asked others to have something done for Him. For Him, Who saw the Lord in all movable and immovable things of this world, humility was the most proper thing. None He disregarded or disrespected; for He saw Narayan (Lord) in all beings, He never said, "I am God," but that He was a humble servant and He always remembered Him and always uttered - "Allah Malik" (God is the sole proprietor or Owner). By His thoughts and worldly behavior He established ideal values and virtues of faith, patience and humanity. One should concentrate on and do faithfully one's duties assigned to him/her by GOD and wait patiently for the results (fruits) of his action (Karma) because the effect of any cause is always determined by GOD.
Worship schedule Saibaba Temple
Worship schedule Saibaba Temple
Here is the daily program at Sai Temple at Shirdi. The worship schedule at Saibaba temple begins early in the morning that continues till late in night. The daily worship program includes various rituals and rites that go into invoking Saibaba, and the congregation of devotees who seek the blessings of Shri Saibaba. Dwarkamai, Gurusthan and Chavdi get open for the devotees at 4.30am and the Samdhi Mandir opens at 5am. With this temple is ready with prays and other rituals invoking Saibaba of Shirdi. At 9pm Chavadi and Gurusthan close. At 9.45pm the upper part of Dwarkamai closes. And finally at 10.45pm the Samadhi temple is closed till the next day.
4:30: Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi open
5:00: Mandir opens, Bhupali, Abhishekam at Gurusthan
5:15: Kakad (morning) Arati, Naivedyam of butter and sugar to Baba in Samadhi Mandir, Oil offered to the lamps in Dwarkamai
5:40: Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir
6:00: Mangal Snaan (washing) of Statue and Samadhi in Samadhi Mandir
7:00: Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir
9:00: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai
8:00 -10:30: Satyanarayana Pooja
11:30: Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai
12:00: Mid day Arati
12:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan
4:00: Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir Sunset: Dhoop (evening) Arati
6:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan
8:00 - 9:00: Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programs (if any)
9:00: Chavadi and Gurusthan close
9:30: In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit
9:45: Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes
10:00: Shej (night) Arati, after this , a shawl is wrapped around the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, a Rudraksha mala is put around baba's neck, Mosquito net is hung, and a glass of water kept there
10:45: Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati
Here is the daily program at Sai Temple at Shirdi. The worship schedule at Saibaba temple begins early in the morning that continues till late in night. The daily worship program includes various rituals and rites that go into invoking Saibaba, and the congregation of devotees who seek the blessings of Shri Saibaba. Dwarkamai, Gurusthan and Chavdi get open for the devotees at 4.30am and the Samdhi Mandir opens at 5am. With this temple is ready with prays and other rituals invoking Saibaba of Shirdi. At 9pm Chavadi and Gurusthan close. At 9.45pm the upper part of Dwarkamai closes. And finally at 10.45pm the Samadhi temple is closed till the next day.
4:30: Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi open
5:00: Mandir opens, Bhupali, Abhishekam at Gurusthan
5:15: Kakad (morning) Arati, Naivedyam of butter and sugar to Baba in Samadhi Mandir, Oil offered to the lamps in Dwarkamai
5:40: Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir
6:00: Mangal Snaan (washing) of Statue and Samadhi in Samadhi Mandir
7:00: Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir
9:00: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai
8:00 -10:30: Satyanarayana Pooja
11:30: Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai
12:00: Mid day Arati
12:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan
4:00: Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir Sunset: Dhoop (evening) Arati
6:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan
8:00 - 9:00: Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programs (if any)
9:00: Chavadi and Gurusthan close
9:30: In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit
9:45: Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes
10:00: Shej (night) Arati, after this , a shawl is wrapped around the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, a Rudraksha mala is put around baba's neck, Mosquito net is hung, and a glass of water kept there
10:45: Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati
Sai Baba's Teachings
Sai Baba's Teachings
Sai Baba of Shirdi is the epitome of reverence a guiding force who generates supreme faith and confidence among his devotees looking for salvation and in quest of coming out of the drudgery of living. As a divine mother he is saturated with love for those who seek him. With his mission of making people about the divine consciousness and transcending the limits of mortal body, his teachings are guiding his devotees to the path of salvation. People are blessed who follow his teachings.
Among the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi there are the cardinal principles of Sai Path called 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi'. Sai Baba looks for these two qualities in his devotees. Here are the teachings and philosophies of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Shraddha
'Shraddha' is a Sanskrit word, which roughly means faith with love and reverence. Such faith or trust is generated out of conviction, which may not be the result of any rational belief or intellectual wisdom, but a spiritual inspiration. According to Sai Baba of Shirdi, steadfast love in God is the gateway to eternity. Baba's teaching, both direct and indirect explicate the significance of 'Shraddha'. Baba reiterates the spiritual guidance of Shri Krishna to Arjun - "Whosoever offer to Me with love or devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, that offering of pure love is readily accepted by Me".
Saburi
'Saburi'; means patience and perseverance. Saburi is a quality needed throughout the path to reach the goal. This quality must be ingrained in a seeker from day one, least he looses his stride and leaves the path half way
Purity
For Sai Baba it was not the purity of the body but inner purity that mattered. No amount of physical and external cleansing would serve any purpose if the man remained impure in mind and heart. Therefore, Baba cautioned His devotees not to make austerity as an end itself, lest they should indulge in physical mortification.
Compassion
Himself an epitome of compassion and love, Sai Baba taught compassion among his disciples. Baba often told His devotees, 'Never turn away anybody from your door, be it a human being or animal'.
Complete Surrender to the Guru
Sai Baba put Guru on a high pedestal of reverence. For Him Guru was the profound base of the path of devotion. Pointing to his physical frame, "This body is my house. I am not here. My Guru (Master) has taken me away". He asked for complete surrender to the 'Guru'.
Sai Baba's Teachings through 'Udi' and 'Dakshina'
Udi
Udi or the sacred ash was produced from the perpetual fire called 'dhuni' lit by Sai Baba in Dwarkamai at Shirdi. Explaining the meaning of life He would refer to Udi and taught that like Udi all the visible phenomena in the world are transient. Through this example Sai Baba wished to make his devotees understand the sense of discrimination between the unreal and the real. Udi taught the devotees discrimination or vivek.
Dakshina
Sai Baba would demand 'Dakshina' or alms from those who visited him. This explained the sense of non-attachment to worldly things. Hence Dakshina taught the devotees non-attachment or Vairagya.
Sai Baba of Shirdi is the epitome of reverence a guiding force who generates supreme faith and confidence among his devotees looking for salvation and in quest of coming out of the drudgery of living. As a divine mother he is saturated with love for those who seek him. With his mission of making people about the divine consciousness and transcending the limits of mortal body, his teachings are guiding his devotees to the path of salvation. People are blessed who follow his teachings.
Among the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi there are the cardinal principles of Sai Path called 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi'. Sai Baba looks for these two qualities in his devotees. Here are the teachings and philosophies of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Shraddha
'Shraddha' is a Sanskrit word, which roughly means faith with love and reverence. Such faith or trust is generated out of conviction, which may not be the result of any rational belief or intellectual wisdom, but a spiritual inspiration. According to Sai Baba of Shirdi, steadfast love in God is the gateway to eternity. Baba's teaching, both direct and indirect explicate the significance of 'Shraddha'. Baba reiterates the spiritual guidance of Shri Krishna to Arjun - "Whosoever offer to Me with love or devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, that offering of pure love is readily accepted by Me".
Saburi
'Saburi'; means patience and perseverance. Saburi is a quality needed throughout the path to reach the goal. This quality must be ingrained in a seeker from day one, least he looses his stride and leaves the path half way
Purity
For Sai Baba it was not the purity of the body but inner purity that mattered. No amount of physical and external cleansing would serve any purpose if the man remained impure in mind and heart. Therefore, Baba cautioned His devotees not to make austerity as an end itself, lest they should indulge in physical mortification.
Compassion
Himself an epitome of compassion and love, Sai Baba taught compassion among his disciples. Baba often told His devotees, 'Never turn away anybody from your door, be it a human being or animal'.
Complete Surrender to the Guru
Sai Baba put Guru on a high pedestal of reverence. For Him Guru was the profound base of the path of devotion. Pointing to his physical frame, "This body is my house. I am not here. My Guru (Master) has taken me away". He asked for complete surrender to the 'Guru'.
Sai Baba's Teachings through 'Udi' and 'Dakshina'
Udi
Udi or the sacred ash was produced from the perpetual fire called 'dhuni' lit by Sai Baba in Dwarkamai at Shirdi. Explaining the meaning of life He would refer to Udi and taught that like Udi all the visible phenomena in the world are transient. Through this example Sai Baba wished to make his devotees understand the sense of discrimination between the unreal and the real. Udi taught the devotees discrimination or vivek.
Dakshina
Sai Baba would demand 'Dakshina' or alms from those who visited him. This explained the sense of non-attachment to worldly things. Hence Dakshina taught the devotees non-attachment or Vairagya.
Saibaba Personality
Saibaba Personality
SaiBaba's Nature and Personality
It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. It is interesting to study what sort of (a personage) Sai Baba was.
Sai Baba conquered this Samsar (worldly existence), which is like a deep sea, very difficult and hard to cross. Peace or mental calm was His ornament and He was the repository of wisdom. He was the home of Vaishnava and Shiva devotees, most liberal (like Karna) amongst liberals, the quintessence of all essences. He had no love for perishable things and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was His sole concern. He felt no pleasure in the mandane things of this world or of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as a mirror and His speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people were the same to Him. He did not know or care for honor or dishonor.
Baba was the Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all people, saw the acting and dances of ‘Nautchgirls’ and heard Gazhal songs. Still, He swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium). The name of Allah was always on His lips. While the world awoke, He slept; and while the world slept, He was vigilant. His abdomen (Inside) was as calm as the deep sea. His Ashram (life-stage) could not be determined, nor His actions could be definitely determined and though He sat (lived) in one place, He knew all the transactions of the world. His Darbar was imposing. He told daily hundreds of stories; still He swerved not an inch from His vow of silence. He always leaned against the wall in the Masjid or walked morning, noon and evening towards Lendi (Nala) and Chavadi; still He at all times abided in the Self. Though a Siddha, He acted like a Sadhaka. He was meek, humble and egoless, and pleased all. Such was Sai Baba, and as the soil of Shirdi was trodden by Sai Baba’s Feet, it attained extraordinary importance.
Sai Baba did not mix and speak with the people. He only gave answers when he was questioned. By day he always sat under the Neem tree, sometimes under the shade of a branch of a Babul tree near the stream at the outskirts of the village.
Many Sanyasis, Sadhakas and all sorts of men aspiring for salvation came to Sai Baba. He always walked, talked and laughed with them and always uttered with His tongue ‘Allah Malik’ (God is the sole owner). He never liked or encouraged discussion or arguments. He was always calm and controlled, though irritable at times, always preached full Vedanta (knowledge) and nobody knew till the last the real Baba.
Dress Demeanor and Daily Routine
His demeanor was quiet and sober. However on occasions he used to get ruffled because of some suggestion of calamity or evil in HIS devotees life. He did not talk frequently and was in trance. His eyes penetrating skies. Since his young days, Sai Baba grew hair on His head, never had His head shaved. He used to wear a piece of white cloth round His head along with a long flowing Kafni. The piece of white cloth on the head was twisted like matted hair and flowed down from the left ear on the back. This was not washed for weeks. He wore no shoes, no sandals. A piece of sackcloth was His seat for most of the day. He wore a coupin (waist-cloth-band) and for warding off cold he always sat in front of a Dhuni (sacred fire) facing South with His left hand resting on the wooden railing. While sleeping at Chavadi Baba used to rest HIS head on a brick.
Sai Baba visited certain houses daily and went from door to door where He stood as a beggar and called out, "Oh Mai, give Me a piece of bread" and spread out His hand to receive the same. In one hand He carried a Tumrel (tinpot) and in the other a zoli or choupadari, i.e., a rectangular piece of cloth as food collecting bag. Liquid or semi-liquid things such as soup, vegetables, milk or buttermilk were received in the tinpot, while cooked rice, bread, and such solid things were taken in the Zoli. Baba's tongue knew no taste as He had acquired control over it. Whatever things He got in His Zoli and in the tinpot were mixed together and partaken by Baba to His heart's content. The food collected was poured into Kolamba - a stone pot and animals and birds used to cluster around the pot to eat food. Baba never prevented them from eating.
Baba begged till noon, but His begging was very irregular. Some days He went a few rounds, on other days up to twelve noon.
In the afternoon, He used to walk at random and go at times to neighboring villages where He used to frequent the houses of some of His devotees.
Style of Teaching
As for Sai Baba’s style of teaching, He did not deliver lectures and rarely gave formal teachings. He has never written anything by way of wordy philosophy. Rather, He taught orally by parable, direct experience and the example of His own life. He assures all that each could experience. His Devine Love and blessings flew directly and not through any intermediary. All would experience fulfillment of their worldly desires and also perfect satisfaction of their craving for self realization (AATMA BODHA). There is no exception to this experience.
Baba’s way is to cater directly to the needs of each individual and He did not require His devotees to take up any rituals or conventionally prescribed practice, nor did He favoured any particular path over another. Baba generally discouraged people from changing their chosen form of worship in GOD and never advised total detachment from worldly life and changeover of preference for a particular deity as GOD. He advised perfect loyalty in and faith in the power and blessings of the Almighty (ALLAH MALIK) and patience for the results of action (KARMA). As a result of Baba's grace, devotees experience self-generated conviction and faith that whatever their desires and aspirations are, they will never go unnoticed by Baba and they would not return empty-handed from SAI-COURT (DARBAR).
SaiBaba's Nature and Personality
It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. It is interesting to study what sort of (a personage) Sai Baba was.
Sai Baba conquered this Samsar (worldly existence), which is like a deep sea, very difficult and hard to cross. Peace or mental calm was His ornament and He was the repository of wisdom. He was the home of Vaishnava and Shiva devotees, most liberal (like Karna) amongst liberals, the quintessence of all essences. He had no love for perishable things and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was His sole concern. He felt no pleasure in the mandane things of this world or of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as a mirror and His speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people were the same to Him. He did not know or care for honor or dishonor.
Baba was the Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all people, saw the acting and dances of ‘Nautchgirls’ and heard Gazhal songs. Still, He swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium). The name of Allah was always on His lips. While the world awoke, He slept; and while the world slept, He was vigilant. His abdomen (Inside) was as calm as the deep sea. His Ashram (life-stage) could not be determined, nor His actions could be definitely determined and though He sat (lived) in one place, He knew all the transactions of the world. His Darbar was imposing. He told daily hundreds of stories; still He swerved not an inch from His vow of silence. He always leaned against the wall in the Masjid or walked morning, noon and evening towards Lendi (Nala) and Chavadi; still He at all times abided in the Self. Though a Siddha, He acted like a Sadhaka. He was meek, humble and egoless, and pleased all. Such was Sai Baba, and as the soil of Shirdi was trodden by Sai Baba’s Feet, it attained extraordinary importance.
Sai Baba did not mix and speak with the people. He only gave answers when he was questioned. By day he always sat under the Neem tree, sometimes under the shade of a branch of a Babul tree near the stream at the outskirts of the village.
Many Sanyasis, Sadhakas and all sorts of men aspiring for salvation came to Sai Baba. He always walked, talked and laughed with them and always uttered with His tongue ‘Allah Malik’ (God is the sole owner). He never liked or encouraged discussion or arguments. He was always calm and controlled, though irritable at times, always preached full Vedanta (knowledge) and nobody knew till the last the real Baba.
Dress Demeanor and Daily Routine
His demeanor was quiet and sober. However on occasions he used to get ruffled because of some suggestion of calamity or evil in HIS devotees life. He did not talk frequently and was in trance. His eyes penetrating skies. Since his young days, Sai Baba grew hair on His head, never had His head shaved. He used to wear a piece of white cloth round His head along with a long flowing Kafni. The piece of white cloth on the head was twisted like matted hair and flowed down from the left ear on the back. This was not washed for weeks. He wore no shoes, no sandals. A piece of sackcloth was His seat for most of the day. He wore a coupin (waist-cloth-band) and for warding off cold he always sat in front of a Dhuni (sacred fire) facing South with His left hand resting on the wooden railing. While sleeping at Chavadi Baba used to rest HIS head on a brick.
Sai Baba visited certain houses daily and went from door to door where He stood as a beggar and called out, "Oh Mai, give Me a piece of bread" and spread out His hand to receive the same. In one hand He carried a Tumrel (tinpot) and in the other a zoli or choupadari, i.e., a rectangular piece of cloth as food collecting bag. Liquid or semi-liquid things such as soup, vegetables, milk or buttermilk were received in the tinpot, while cooked rice, bread, and such solid things were taken in the Zoli. Baba's tongue knew no taste as He had acquired control over it. Whatever things He got in His Zoli and in the tinpot were mixed together and partaken by Baba to His heart's content. The food collected was poured into Kolamba - a stone pot and animals and birds used to cluster around the pot to eat food. Baba never prevented them from eating.
Baba begged till noon, but His begging was very irregular. Some days He went a few rounds, on other days up to twelve noon.
In the afternoon, He used to walk at random and go at times to neighboring villages where He used to frequent the houses of some of His devotees.
Style of Teaching
As for Sai Baba’s style of teaching, He did not deliver lectures and rarely gave formal teachings. He has never written anything by way of wordy philosophy. Rather, He taught orally by parable, direct experience and the example of His own life. He assures all that each could experience. His Devine Love and blessings flew directly and not through any intermediary. All would experience fulfillment of their worldly desires and also perfect satisfaction of their craving for self realization (AATMA BODHA). There is no exception to this experience.
Baba’s way is to cater directly to the needs of each individual and He did not require His devotees to take up any rituals or conventionally prescribed practice, nor did He favoured any particular path over another. Baba generally discouraged people from changing their chosen form of worship in GOD and never advised total detachment from worldly life and changeover of preference for a particular deity as GOD. He advised perfect loyalty in and faith in the power and blessings of the Almighty (ALLAH MALIK) and patience for the results of action (KARMA). As a result of Baba's grace, devotees experience self-generated conviction and faith that whatever their desires and aspirations are, they will never go unnoticed by Baba and they would not return empty-handed from SAI-COURT (DARBAR).
Shirdi Weather
Shirdi Weather
Climate: Dry Climate Temperature: Max - 400C, Min - 70C Monsoon: Scanty rains (June - August)
Shirdi is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra on latitude 19°45' N and longitude 74°25' E. This pilgrim spot has mostly dry climate and during summers the temperature can be quite volatile. During summers you can expect the temperature shooting as high as 400C in the month of May. Winters can be cold in Shirdi, with January often showing temperature dipping to as low as 70C.
Shirdi has the most pleasant weather during Monsoons, between June and August. It is the time when the surroundings of Shirdi turn fecund and greenery is all round. However, Monsoons in Shirdi are mild with scanty rains and hence they come as a pleasant respite that never gets ruined with excess of rains. In fact Monsoons are the best time when you can plan your visit to Shirdi. Amidst the drizzling you can pay homage to Saibaba and participate in all the activities without bothering about sweat.
Weather and overall climate of Shirdi is quite tolerable; however, those hailing from cold countries may find it slightly upsetting if they happen to tread in here in the summer. Wear comfy clothes with cotton fabric. Loose garments are preferable; one must respect India's dressing sense and they should not be offensive to anyone's sensibilities.
Climate: Dry Climate Temperature: Max - 400C, Min - 70C Monsoon: Scanty rains (June - August)
Shirdi is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra on latitude 19°45' N and longitude 74°25' E. This pilgrim spot has mostly dry climate and during summers the temperature can be quite volatile. During summers you can expect the temperature shooting as high as 400C in the month of May. Winters can be cold in Shirdi, with January often showing temperature dipping to as low as 70C.
Shirdi has the most pleasant weather during Monsoons, between June and August. It is the time when the surroundings of Shirdi turn fecund and greenery is all round. However, Monsoons in Shirdi are mild with scanty rains and hence they come as a pleasant respite that never gets ruined with excess of rains. In fact Monsoons are the best time when you can plan your visit to Shirdi. Amidst the drizzling you can pay homage to Saibaba and participate in all the activities without bothering about sweat.
Weather and overall climate of Shirdi is quite tolerable; however, those hailing from cold countries may find it slightly upsetting if they happen to tread in here in the summer. Wear comfy clothes with cotton fabric. Loose garments are preferable; one must respect India's dressing sense and they should not be offensive to anyone's sensibilities.
Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans
Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans
Sai Baba of Shirdi is among the epoch making spiritual gurus of India, who has a magnetic pull from the devotees haling from across the world. With his amazing miraculous powers Sai Baba has millions of devotees that pray to him for his blessings. There are several sweet and endearing bhajans that sung in praise of Sai Baba. Songs, bhajans, prayers being a melodious way to feel closer to someone, has effected into making of several bhajans that are sung and played all across the world by the Sai Baba devotees.
In fact audio-visual media has played a great role in popularizing such bhajans on Sai Baba of Shirdi. In the year 1977 a movie on Sai Baba was produced named Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. The movie has some great bhajans and religious songs such as "sai baaba bolo dagmag jag yeh dole" and "sainaath tere hazaaron haath sainaath tere hazaaron haath". Indian Television serial producers have also come with serial on the life of Sai Baba with many popular bhajans attracting the devotees in hordes. Sai Baba is the latest serial produced by the veteran Ramanand Sagar capturing the essence of Sai Baba with various melodious bhajans on Sai Baba having earned great popularity among the devotees.
There are many other bhajans that are sung with great religious fervor and devotion. Some of them are as follows: Aali Prasadachi Wat, Akra Vachan, Ananta Tula Re, Aarti Saibaba, Ata Swami, Ghoshna, Gurubrahma Guruvishnu, Hari Om, Jai Jai Sainath, Kadhi Na Ruso, Lopaley, Ovaloo Aarati, Sada Satswarupam, Sai Digambara, Tuj Kay Magu.
Sai Baba of Shirdi is among the epoch making spiritual gurus of India, who has a magnetic pull from the devotees haling from across the world. With his amazing miraculous powers Sai Baba has millions of devotees that pray to him for his blessings. There are several sweet and endearing bhajans that sung in praise of Sai Baba. Songs, bhajans, prayers being a melodious way to feel closer to someone, has effected into making of several bhajans that are sung and played all across the world by the Sai Baba devotees.
In fact audio-visual media has played a great role in popularizing such bhajans on Sai Baba of Shirdi. In the year 1977 a movie on Sai Baba was produced named Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. The movie has some great bhajans and religious songs such as "sai baaba bolo dagmag jag yeh dole" and "sainaath tere hazaaron haath sainaath tere hazaaron haath". Indian Television serial producers have also come with serial on the life of Sai Baba with many popular bhajans attracting the devotees in hordes. Sai Baba is the latest serial produced by the veteran Ramanand Sagar capturing the essence of Sai Baba with various melodious bhajans on Sai Baba having earned great popularity among the devotees.
There are many other bhajans that are sung with great religious fervor and devotion. Some of them are as follows: Aali Prasadachi Wat, Akra Vachan, Ananta Tula Re, Aarti Saibaba, Ata Swami, Ghoshna, Gurubrahma Guruvishnu, Hari Om, Jai Jai Sainath, Kadhi Na Ruso, Lopaley, Ovaloo Aarati, Sada Satswarupam, Sai Digambara, Tuj Kay Magu.
Sayings of Saibaba of Shirdi
Sayings of Saibaba of Shirdi
Saibaba of Shirdi is revered as one of the greatest saints that India ever had. Worshipped as God incarnate, Saibaba had his sole mission to give blessings to one and all. Beyond the narrow boundaries of religions, castes, creeds Saibaba preached the universal religion of love. The sayings of Saibaba have been a rich resource of solace among the distresses lot of mankind. Devoid of any metaphysical intricacies and high sounding words, the sayings of Saibaba struck an immediate chord with people. Here are the eleven sayings of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi that has been the guiding principles for millions of his devotees across the world.
No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.
Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.
Know that My Spirit is immortal.Know this for yourself.
Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
Knock, and the door shall open. Ask and ye shall be granted.
To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted. Blessed is he who has become one with Me.
Saibaba of Shirdi is revered as one of the greatest saints that India ever had. Worshipped as God incarnate, Saibaba had his sole mission to give blessings to one and all. Beyond the narrow boundaries of religions, castes, creeds Saibaba preached the universal religion of love. The sayings of Saibaba have been a rich resource of solace among the distresses lot of mankind. Devoid of any metaphysical intricacies and high sounding words, the sayings of Saibaba struck an immediate chord with people. Here are the eleven sayings of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi that has been the guiding principles for millions of his devotees across the world.
No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.
Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.
Know that My Spirit is immortal.Know this for yourself.
Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
Knock, and the door shall open. Ask and ye shall be granted.
To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted. Blessed is he who has become one with Me.
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