Shirdi Sai Baba Quotes

by Jai Sai Ram on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 2:36pm

Here are some famous quotes by Shirdi Sai Baba, the mystic saint guru who is worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. Shirdi Saibaba or the Sai Baba of Shirdi according to some of his Hindu devotees was an incarnation of Dattatreya or Shiva. Here are some of the great quotes by Shirdi Sai Baba and the teachings and practices Shirdi Sai Baba wanted his devotees to follow for a peaceful and happy life.

Shirdi Sai Baba Quotes & Teachings

Wherever ever there is Faith and Devotion together, I remain enslaved forever. Have no doubts about this, but otherwise, I always remain unattainable.

The devotee will have self realization, which will bring in tune, both, his Jeeva (Atman) and Shiva (Brahma); he will comprehend the incomprehensible, which is without attributes, and the supreme spirit shall reveal itself.

Give food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and clothes to the naked. Then God will be pleased.

The four Sadhanas and the six Sastras are not necessary. Just has complete trust in your guru: it is enough.

Death and life are the manifestations of God’s activity. You cannot separate the two. God permeates all.

Do not be obsessed by egotism, imagining that you are the cause of action: everything is due to God.

God is not so far away. He is not in the heavens above, nor in hell below. He is always near you.

108 Names of Sai Baba

by Jai Sai Ram on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 2:15pm

Sai Baba 108 Name

1 OM Shri Sai Nathaaya Namaha

2 OM Shri Sai Lakshmi Naarayanaya Namaha

3 OM Shri Sai KrishnaRaamaShiva Maruthyaadhi Roopaaya Namaha

4 OM Shri Sai SeshaSai Ne Namaha

5 OM Shri Sai Godhavarithata Seeladhivasi Ne Namaha

6 OM Shri Sai Bhakta Hrudayalayaaya namaha

7 OM Shri Sai Sarva Hrudh Vasine Namaha

8 OM Shri Sai Bhoota Vaasaya Namaha

9 OM Shri Sai Bhootha Bhavishyadh Bhaava Vargithaaya Namaha

10 OM Shri Sai Kaalaa Thithaaya Namaha

11 OM Shri Sai Kaalaya namaha

12 OM Shri Sai Kaala Kaalaaya Namaha

13 OM Shri Sai Kaaladarpada Manaaya Namaha

14 OM Shri Sai Mrutyunjayaaya Namaha

15 OM Shri Sai Amarthyaaya Namaha

16 OM Shri Sai Marthyaa Bhayapradhaaya Namaha

17 OM Shri Sai Jeevadhaaraya Namaha

18 OM Shri Sai Sarvadhaaraaya Namaha

19 OM Shri Sai Bhaktaavana Samarthaaya Namaha

20 OM Shri Sai Bhaktavana Prathikjnaaya Namaha

21 OM Shri Sai Anna Vastra Daaya Namaha

22 OM Shri Sai Aroogya Ksheemadaaya Namaha

23 OM Shri Sai Dhana Maangalya Pradaaya Namaha

24 OM Shri Sai Riddhi Siddhi Daaya Namaha

25 OM Shri Sai Putra Mitra Kalathra Bandhudaaya Namaha

26 OM Shri Sai Yogakshema Vahaaya Namaha

27 OM Shri Sai Aapadh Bhaandhavaaya Namaha

28 OM Shri Sai Margabandhavee Namaha

29 OM Shri Sai Bhuddhi Mukti Swargapavargadaya Namaha

30 OM Shri Sai Priyaya Namaha

31 OM Shri Sai Preeti Vardhanaaya Namaha

32 OM Shri Sai Antharyamine Namaha

33 OM Shri Sai Sachitath Mane Namaha

34 OM Shri Sai Nityanandaaya Namaha

35 OM Shri Sai Parama Sukhadaaya Namaha

36 OM Shri Sai Parameeshwaraaya Namaha

37 OM Shri Sai Parabrahmanee Namaha

38 OM Shri Sai Paramaatmanee Namaha

39 OM Shri Sai Gnaana Swaroopine Namaha

40 OM Shri Sai Jagatha Pithre Namaha

41 OM Shri Sai Bhaktanaam Maathru Daathru Pithaamahaaya Namaha

42 OM Shri Sai Bhaktaabhaya Pradhaaya Namaha

43 OM Shri Sai Bhakta para Dheenaya Namaha

44 OM Shri Sai Bhaktaanugraha Karaaya Namaha

45 OM Shri Sai Sharaanagatha Vatsalaaya Namaha

46 OM Shri Sai Bhakti Shakti Pradaaya Namaha

47 OM Shri Sai Gyana Vyraaghya Daaya Namaha

48 OM Shri Sai Preema Pradaaya Namaha

49 OM Shri Sai Samsaya Hrudaya Dhowrbhalya Paapa Karma Vaasanaa Kshayakaraaya Namaha

50 OM Shri Sai Hrudayagranthi Bhedakaaya Namaha

51 OM Shri Sai Karma Dhvamsine Namaha

52 OM Shri Sai Sudda Sath Vasthithaaya Namaha

53 OM Shri Sai Gunaatheetha Gunaathmanee Namaha

54 OM Shri Sai Anantha Kalyaana Gunaaya Namaha

55 OM Shri Sai Amitha Parakramaaya Namaha 56 OM Shri Sai Jaine Namaha

57 OM Shri Sai Durdharsha Shobaya Namaha

58 OM Shri Sai Aparaajitaya Namaha

59 OM Shri Sai Trilookeeshu Askanthitha Gatayee Namaha

60 OM Shri Sai Ashayak Rahitaaya Namaha

61 OM Shri Sai Sarva Shakti Murthayee Namaha

62 OM Shri Sai Sorupa Sundaraaya Namaha

63 OM Shri Sai Suloochanaaya Namaha

64 OM Shri Sai Bahuroopa Vishwamurthayee Namaha

65 OM Shri Sai Aroopav Yaktaaya Namaha

66 OM Shri Sai Aachintyaaya Namaha

67 OM Shri Sai Sookshmaaya Namaha

68 OM Shri Sai Sarvaanthar Yaminee Namaha

69 OM Shri Sai Manoovaaga Theethaya Namaha

70 OM Shri Sai Prema Murthayee Namaha

71 OM Shri Sai Sulabha Durlabhaaya Namaha

72 OM Shri Sai Asahaya Sahaayaya Namaha

73 OM Shri Sai Anatha Naatha Deenabaandhavee Namaha

74 OM Shri Sai Sarvabhaara Bhrutee Namaha

75 OM Shri Sai Akarmaaneeka Karma Sukarmine Namaha

76 OM Shri Sai Punyasravana Keerthanaaya Namaha

77 OM Shri Sai Theerthaaya Namaha

78 OM Shri Sai Vasudevaya Namaha

79 OM Shri Sai Sataam Gathayee Namaha

80 OM Shri Sai Saty Parayanaya Namaha

81 OM Shri Sai Lokanaathaya Namaha

82 OM Shri Sai Pavanana Ghaaya Namaha

83 OM Shri Sai Amruthamsavee Namaha

84 OM Shri Sai Bhaskara Prabhaaya Namaha

85 OM Shri Sai Bramacharya Tapa Saryaadi Suvrathaaya Namaha

86 OM Shri Sai Satyadharma Paraayanaya Namaha

87 OM Shri Sai Siddhesh Varaaya Namaha

88 OM Shri Sai Siddha Sankalpaaya Namaha

89 OM Shri Sai Yogeshwaraaya Namaha

90 OM Shri Sai Bhagwate Namaha

91 OM Shri Sai Bhakta Vatsalaaya Namaha

92 OM Shri Sai Sathpurushaaya Namaha

93 OM Shri Sai Purushootthamaaya Namaha

94 OM Shri Sai Satya Tatva Bodhgaya Namaha

95 OM Shri Sai Kaamaadi Sharva Akgnyana Dwamsine Namaha

96 OM Shri Sai Abhe Dhaanandanu Bhava Pradhaaya Namaha

97 OM Shri Sai Sama Sarvamatha Sammataaya Namaha

98 OM Shri Sai Shri Dakshinaa Moorthiyee Namaha

99 OM Shri Sai Shri Venkatesa Ramanaaya Namaha

100 OM Shri Sai Adbhuthaanantha Charyaaya Namaha

101 OM Shri Sai Prapannarthi Haraaya Namaha

102 OM Shri Sai Samsaara Sarva Dukha Kshayakaraaya Namaha

103 OM Shri Sai Sarva Vitsarvato Mukhaaya Namaha

104 OM Shri Sai Sarvaantharbhahis Thitaaya Namaha

105 OM Shri Sai Sarvamangala Karaaya Namaha

106 OM Shri Sai Sarvaabhishta Pradhaaya Namaha

107 OM Shri Sai Samarasa Sanmaarga Sthaapanaaya Namaha

108 OM Shri Sai Samartha Sadguru Shri Sai Nathaaya Namaha

Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat pooja

by Jai Sai Ram on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 3:02pm

I mostly suggest the devotees to do parayan - Reading of Sai Satcharitra - Life of shirdi saibaba again and again. This is a greater blessing than any pooja in this world. Sai himself has said reading his life, his leelas and living with faith and patience will take devotees very close to him.

Sai vrat Pooja has somehow become famous as below but during shirdi saibabas time it surely was followed in a different way. The following doubts i often get by emails which i wanna clarify here

1. What kind of food i can have ? How many times. etc etc.

Answer is first of all sai is a saint who never wants his devotees to be fully empty stomach. Some how this pooja became famous and many go to extent of not eating anything. Please have any vegetarian food as many times as you want...ha ha...2...3...your wish. the matter to consider is dont eat FULL. Make sure you have a feeling of sai in you n u are doing a vrat. Thats it.

2. How to do udyapan.

People who do this pooja for 9 weeks are asked to distribute such books to 9 devotees and also give annadhan. Fine do it if you can. If not its ok. Many ask me for soft copy of sai vrat book . At times i guide them , at times i cant. I always suggest this

SAIBABA LOOKS ONLY YOUR DEVOTION.

dont worry if you cant get books or dont be in hunger. Do the pooja as you feel comfortable but only devotedly pray sai and show your devotion on saibaba with simplicity. That will do.

Now read the pooja as described below.

I suggest you consider to do other pooja for saibaba . Links are below this article.

Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat pooja

I saw this Pooja interesting. You will reap the rewards in no time, when you do this Vrath. May sai bless you with all his grace to do this vrat properly and answer your prayers :

Kind request : Friends, Please understand shirdi saibaba has no specific rules in any pooja or way we show our devotion to him. He is a saint of mercy.People write to me asking for sai vrat katha book.I ask them to search net for online versions.I do not like to do anything commercial. so i ask them to try to get the books in near by shirdi saibaba temple. If you can't get book also try to do this pooja as given below.Instead of book, you can read sai satcharita and also Sainath Stavan Manjarican be copied in your wordpad, take a print out , xerox it ,stabler it and give it to sai devotees.

Humble effort to keep Sai vrat Pooja sacred :

Friends, This Sai vrat Pooja is done by many shirdi saibaba devotees .Recently i realized many books about sai vrat pooja has come and these books are got again as the pooja says that after completion of the 9th week, one has to distribute the pooja book.Its getting too commercial . I appreciate anything that creates sai faith . So atleast those who cant get the book, try to take print out of sainath stavan manjari written by Das ganu maharaj. Its very powerful if you read this sacred poem on praise of saibaba .

If you can get the sai nav guruwar vrat book , fine then do as you wish but i have a better request. Its only personal request. Please see if you can print out Sainath Stavan Manjari for distribution to friends. Devotees abroad can also send a link to this page or sainath stavan manjari as many mail me asking for book. Thats what my friends have been doing and its really helpful. Now lets go to the Pooja ....

The credit for below pooja goes to the person who created it by saibabas blessings and the person who contributed it . I have just provided sai vrat puja as a service to help shirdi saibaba devotees.

You can also do other Saibaba pooja which i have personally created by shirdi saibaba belssings called "Shradha saburi pooja "

Story behind the sai vrat pooja :

Kokilaben and her husband Maheshbhai used to live in a big city and they had lots of love for each other. But Maheshbhai’s nature was very annoying and he had no sense of talking. Neighbors were also very much frustrated by his this kind of nature. Kokilaben had lots of faith in GOD and she was very religious.

She was tolerating all her problems silently having lots of faith in GOD that GOD will make everything all right one day. But because of Maheshbhai’s nature, their business went down gradually and there was not enough income. He started staying at home all day and his nature become worst. 

It was an afternoon. One old saint came to Kokilaben’s door. There was enormous light on his face. And he asked for rice and dal (lentils). Kokilaben gave him rice and dal and she folded her both hands and said “namste” (greetings).

Saint replied “SAI will always keep you happy.” Kokilaben said “There is no happiness in my life” and she told all her problems to the saint. 

After listening to all her problems, Saint told her about

“SAI NAV (NINE) GURUWAR (THURSDAY) VRAT”.

Saint told as follows about the Vrat.

· This Vrath can be started from any Thursday by uttering SAI BABA’s name. 

· This Vrath has to be continued for 9 Thursdays. 

· Any male, female or child can do this Vrat. 

· On these Nine Thursday, individual who is doing vrat can eat fruit/milk/sweets etc. all day long or can have one meal a day. ONE MUST NOT DO THIS VRAT WITHOUT EATING ANYTHING.

· If possible, go to SAI BABA’s temple to have SAIBABA’s darshan on these Nine Thursday. 

· At home, do pooja / prayer of SAI BABA as follows. 

· In the morning or in the evening, do the pooja as mentioned below. 

· Put Yellow Cloth in front of you and place SAI BABA’s Photo or Statue on this cloth. 

· Light lamp (diya) in front of BABA’s picture. 

· Wash or wipe BABA’s picture with clean water and cloth. 

· Put “tikka (Bindi on the forehead)” with “kumkum” (red powder) on BABA’s face. 

· Offer Yellow Flower to BABA. 

· Offer Fruit or Sweets to BABA as Naivadhya (Prasad) 

· Read this SAI story and Read / Sing SAIBABA’s Aarti after finishing Pooja and reading story. 

· Tell BABA why you are doing this Vrat and ask him to fulfill your wish. 

· Give Prasad to all your friends and family members and you also eat it some. 

· If, because of any reason, you cannot do vrat on any Thursday, skip that Thursday and continue from the next Thursday. 

· If female is doing this Vrat, skip the Thursday during Menstrual Cycle period. 

· On the 9th Thursday, Celebrate SAI VRAT. In this celebration process, feed 5 poor people and distribute this SAI VRAT book among people. One can give 5, 11 or 21 etc.

Since i get mails from shirdi saibaba devotees who cant donate food : Saibaba devotees living abroad and those who are not able to give food , can give some sweets to your friends or childrens near by. If possible send money to your relatives in india or request them provide food to poor people sitting outside temple or generally distribute sweets to devotees in any temple.Its better to make childrens happy by giving them any toys, books sweets etc. The point is you are inlving yourself in a good deed.

· Put this SAI VRAT Story Book or printed paper , which you are going to distribute among people, when you do pooja and then give them to people. By doing this, their wishes will be fulfilled very soon too.

Since few saibaba devotees living abroad are not able to get this book , you can also distributeSainath stavan manjari provided in this site. Take a print out and send to your friends or send the link with personal message to close friends.

· All wishes will be fulfilled by doing this vrat. 

In this Kali Age (Kaliyug), this vrat is very effective. This vrat will give desired fruit to doer but doer must have full faith and patience. Whoever will distribute this SAI VRAT book among people and make good name of SAI and this Vrat, their all wishes will be fulfilled. 

After listening about this SAI VRAT from Saint, Kokilaben also decided to do this vrat. She started Vrat from the Thursday. And she finished 8 Guruwars with full faith. On the 9th Guruwar, she fed poor people and distributed SAI VRAT books among friends and relatives. 

As soon as she finished the Vrat, all the quarrels vanished from her house. Prosperity, happiness and peace spread in her home. Maheshbhai’s nature was changed completely. Their business started doing well. And in no time, they got all the happiness and prosperity. 

Both husband and wife started living happily. One day Kokilaben’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law came from Surat. Her sister-in-law was talking with Kokilaben. The former said that her kids were not studying and getting failed in exams. Kokilaben told her about SAI VRAT. She said “SAI devotion will make education better. Have faith in SAI BABA. HE helps everyone.” Kokilaben’s sister-in-law asked the detail of the vrat. 

Kokilaben told about the SAI VRAT in detail. And explained her everything about the vrat. Her sister-in-law went to Surat and she sent a letter after few days. She wrote that her children have started doing SAI VRAT and now they are studying very well. She also did Vrat and distributed SAI VRAT book in her office. One of her friend, who had very hard time in getting married, got married to a very nice man after started doing SAI VRAT. Her neighbor has also started doing SAI VRAT and she got her stolen jewelry box back. It was a great miracle. 

Dear shirdi sai baba , as you have blessed these people, please bless all of us too. 

Contributed by saishuba - shirdi sai bless her. Thanks.

Questions and doubts about this sai nav guruwar vrat puja ?

I have not done this pooja myself but my sai friends has done. Few ask me about the story and i guide them with links but better copy the contents of this page , take printouts and distribute it in the end of 9 weeks pooja or just send email to your sai friends.If you still have doubt write to me, i shall try to guide you when i have time.Please start doing it with love on sai .surely you will get blessings of saibaba by doing this sai vrat pooja.Don't stop yourself from doing this pooja..Its simple.If you feel like doing it , ask baba for blessings to start it and try to do it . My prayers to sai for you to start sai vrat pooja as soon as possible.

Original rare picture of Sai Baba

by Jai Sai Ram on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 5:59pm

An Amazing, Beautiful, Old, Rare & Original Photograph Of Shirdi Sai Baba Before He Wore The Cloth On His Head:

Sai Baba was first seen as a youth of sixteen sitting under a neem tree in Shirdi. None knew his origin or past. Even then he seemed to be full of the knowledge of Brahman. He had no desire for worldly objects, even in dream. He kicked out Maya (illusion) and Mukti (illumination) was serving at his feet. This young lad, fair, smart, and very handsome, was first seen under a Neem tree seated in an Asan (meditative posture). The people of the village were wonderstruck to see such a young lad practicing hard penance, not minding heat and cold. By day he associated with none. by night he was afraid of nobody. People were wondering whence that young chap turned up. His form and features were so handsome that a mere look endeared him to all. He went to nobody's door, always sat near the Neem tree. Outwardly he looked very young; but by his action He was really a great soul. He was the embodiment of dispassion and an enigma to all.

Sai Baba Ashtothara satha namavali

by Jai Sai Ram on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 3:32pm

Om Sree sainadhaya namah-Lord Sai

Om Lakshmi-narayanaya namah -Lord Lakshmi narayana

Om Krishna-rama-siva marutyadi rupaya namah-Lord with the form of Krishna, Rama, Shiva and Anjaneya

Om Shesha-shaene namah-Lord who sleeps on the snake Sesha

Om Goda-varee-tata shirdi-vasine namah-Lord who lived in Shirdi which is on shores of Godavari

Om Bhaktha hruda-layaya namah-He who merges with the heart of his devotees

Om Sarwa-hrunni-layaya namah-He who merges with all hearts

Om Bhuta-vasaya namah-He who lives in all beings

Om Bhuta bhavi-shyadbhava varji-taya namah-He who removes thoughts about past, present and future

Om Kalati-taya namah-He who is beyond time

Om kalaya namah-He who is the time

Om Kala kalaya namah-He who is the killer of God of death

Om Kaladarpa damanaya namah-He who removes pain inflicted by God of death

Om Mrutyum-jayaya namah-He who has succeeded death

Om Amartyaya namah-He who is a super human being

Om Martya bhaya-pradaya namah-He who gives salvation to human beings

Om Jiva-dharaya nama-He who is the support to life

Om Sarwa-daraya namah-He who is support of everything

Om Bhakta-vana samar-dhaya namah-He who is worshipped by forest of devotes

Om Bhakta-vana prati-gynaya namah-He who is the affirmation of the forest of devotion

Om Anna vastradaya namah-He who gives food and cloths

Om Aarogya kshema-daya namah-He who grants health and comfort

Om Dhanamangalya pradaya namah_he who grants well being and wealth

Om Bhuddi siddi-pradaya namah-He who grants wisdom and power

Om Putra mitra kalatra bandhu-daya namah-He who grants son, friend, wife and relatives

Om Yoga kshema vahaya namah-He who looks after our well being

Om Aapadbhanda-vaya namah-He who is the friend in times of danger

Om Marga-bandave namah-He who is the friend of the way

Om Bhukthi mukti swarga-pavar-gadaya namah-He who gives devotion, salvation and heaven

Om Priyaya namah-He who is very dear

Om Priti vardanaya namah-He who has a pleasing face

Om Antarya-mine namah-He who is in side

Om Sachi-datmane namah-He who is the divine truth

Om Nitya-nandaya namah-He who is happy forever

Om Parama-sukha-daya namah-He who gives immense (divine) pleasure

Om Parame-shwaraya namah-He who is the divine lord

Om Para-bramhane namah-He who is the unltimate brahmam

Om Paramat-mane namah-He who is the divine soul

Om Gynana-swarupine namah-He who is wisdom personified

Om Jagath pitrena namah-He who is the father of universe

Om Bhakthanam matru datru pitamahaya namah-He who is mother, father and grand father

Om Bhaktha abhaya-pradaya namah-He who gives protection to devotees

Om Bhaktha-para-deenaya namah-He who is in the control of his devotees

Om Bhaktha-nugraha karaya namah-He who blesses his devotees

Om Sharanagata vatsalaya namah-He who loves people surrendering to him

Om Bhakti shakti pradaya namah-He who gives strength to his devotees

Om Gynana vairagya pradaya namah-He who gives wisdom and rennunciation

Om Prama pradaya namah-He who grants salvation

Om Samkshaya-hrudaya daorbalya-paapakarma vasana-kshya-karaya namah-He who weakens weakness of heart and propensity for sins

Om Hrudaya-grandi bheda-kaya namah-He who destroys the attachement of the heart

Om Karma dvamsine namah-He who destroys effect of previous births

Om Shuda satya aditaaya namah-He who sin of pure truth

Om Gunatita gunat-mane namah-He who who is beyond charecterstics but is personification of them.

Om Ananta-kalyana gunaya namah-He who is the limitless good qualities

Om Amita-para-kramaya namah-He who is greatly valorous

Om Jnane namah-He who is wisdom

Om Durdharksha-kshobyaya namah-He who gets angry with bad people

Om Apari-jitaya namah-He who cannot be defeated

Om Trilokeshu avighata gataye namah-He who removes impediment for journey in the three worlds.

Om Ashakya rahitaya namah-He who is perennially there

Om Sarwashakti-murthaye namah-He who is the idol of all powers

Om Surupa sundaraya namah-He who is form is very pretty

Om Sulocha-naya namah-He who has good eyes

Om Bahurupa vishva-murthaye namah- He who is the form of the world with several forms.

Om Arupa avya-kthaya namah-He who is formless and not clear

Om Achintyaya namah-He who is beyond thought

Om Sukshmaya namah-He who has a micro form

Om Sarwantar-yamine namah-He who is in everything

Om Mano-vaga-titaya namah-He who is beyond mind and words

Om Prema-murtaye namah_he who is personification of love

Om Sulaba-durla-baya namah-He who is easy as well as dificult to get

Om Asrahaya saha-yaaya namah-He who helps people depending on him

Om Anadha-nadha dina-bhandave namah-The merciful lord of orphans

Om Sarwabhara bhrute namah-He who wears all ornaments

Om Akarmaneka karma-sukarmine namah-He who does good deeds among all deeds

Om Punya-shravana keerta-naaya namah-He who likes to hear the song of good deeds

Om Thirdhaya namah-He who is the path and stair case

Om Vaasu-devaaya namah-He who is Lord Krishna

Om Sathangataye namah-He who gives us salvation

Om Satya-narayanaya namah-He who is Sathya Narayana

Om Loka-naadhaya namah-He who is the Lord of all people

Om Paavana ana-ghaya namah- He who is pure in my mind beyond limits

Om Amrutham-shave namah- He who is nectar

Om Bhaskara-prabhaya namah_he who has light like Sun

Om Bramha-charya taparcharyadi suvrataaya namah_he who observes penance of Brahma Chari as well as sages

Om Satya-dharma paraaya-naaya namah-He who reads forever about Truth and Dharma

Om Sidhe-shwaraya namah-He who is the divine God

Om Sidha-samkalpaya namah-He who is the divine thought

Om Yoge-shwaraaya namah-He who is the Lord of Yogas

Om Bhagavate namah_he who is wise about God

Om Bhakta-vatsalaaya namah-He who cherishes his devotees

Om Satpuru-shaya namah-He who is a good man

Om Purusho-ttamaya namah-He who is the greatest purusha (man)

Om Satya-tatva bhodhakaya namah-He who teaches essence of truth

Om Kamadi-shadvri dhvamsine namah-He who destroys six hankerings like passion

Om Abedha-namdanu bhava-pradaya namah—He who gives unalloyed blessings

Om Sama-sarvamata samataya namah-He who is tolerant and equal to all

Om Sri dakshina murthaye namah-He who is Dakshina murthy

Om Sri venkatesha ramanaya namah-He who is Lord Venkateswara

Om Adbhuta-nanta charyaya namah-He who has the story of wonder and happiness

Om Pravannarti haraya namah-He who destroys great hankerings

Om Samsara sarwa-duhkha kshaya-karaya namah-He who reduces the entire sorrow of the world

Om Sarva-vitpar-vato mukhaya namah-He who has the same face to every one

Om Sarvamtarba-histhitaya namah-He who lives inside everybody

Om Sarva-mangala-karaya namah-He who does all good deeds

Om Sarva-bhishta pradaya namah-He who grants all desires

Om Sama-rasa sanmarga sthapa-naya namah-He who established the good path of reconciliation

Om Samardha sadguru sri sainadhaya namah-He who is Lord Sai and teacher Samartha Ramdas

Eti Sree Sainadha Astottara Shatanamavali Samaptham-Thus ends the 108 names of Lord Sai

Sainathashtakam

by Jai Sai Ram on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 3:28pm

Sai Baba was a great modern day saint who lived in Shirdi, Maharashtra. He was considered as incarnation of God Dathathreya by some and of Saint Kabir by some. He lived a very simple life and is believed to have performed several miracles. Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and guru He has millions of followers who consider him as their God, their teacher, Their friend and their guide. Thursday is supposed the most holy day to pray him.)

Pathri grama samudhbhootham dwarakamaayi vasinam

Bhaktha beeshta pratham devam sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who was born in Pathri village,

Who lived in Dwarakamayi,

And who fulfilled desires of devotees.

Mahonnatha kule jaatham ksheerabdhi same shubhe

Dwijarajam thamoknantham sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who was born in a great caste,

Who is a good as the ocean of milk,

Who was a great Brahmin , and dispelled darkness.

Jagadhodharanartham yo naroppa tharo vibuhu

Yoginamcha mahathmanam sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who took the human form of a saint,

For the redemption of this world,

And who is the greatest among saints.

Saakshathkaaram jayelaabhe swathmaaraamo gurormuhaath

Nirmamam mamadhaaknantham sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who blessed with victory and vision of God,

For those who got teaching from a Guru,

Who was not egoist and never was selfish.

Yasya darshana maathrena nashyanthi vyadi kotayaha

Sarve papah pranashyanthi sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Sai,

On just seeing whom,

Crores of diseases would be cured,

And all the sins committed would be destroyed.

Narasimhadhi sishyanaam thatho yoshrunuthgruhamguruhu

Bhavabandhaaya harthaaram sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who is the disciple of Narasimha,

Who is the teacher of all teachers,

Who cuts of attachments in life.

Dhana heenaan dhanaatyanyaha sama drishtyaiva pashyathi

Karunaa saagaram devam sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Sai,

Who gave money to the poor,

Who saw every one as equal,

And who is the ocean of mercy.

Saamadhi sthubhyo bhakthaha nava drushta vaartha dhaanathaha

Achintya mahimaanantham sai natham namamyaham

I salute that Lord Sai,

Who blessed his devotees with Samadhi,

As well as all knowing sight and riches,

And who had inestimable greatness.

Maatha sai math pitha sai naathaha

Swami Sai math sakha sainathaha

Sarvaswamme sai nadhidhyanuhu

Naanyam jaane neive jaane na jaane

Namah shri sai nathaya mohathanthra vinashine

My mother is Lord Sai,

My father is Lord Sai,

My God is Lord Sai,

My friend is Lord Sai,

And I see in everything,,

Nothing except Sai,

I do not know anything,

I do not know anything,

And I salute that Lord Sai,

Who is killer of all passions and desires.

Prayer to Sai

by Jai Sai Ram on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 3:25pm

Dheena Dukhiyom se Prem Kao,

Sai Prasanna Hoga,

Prem Karo, Prem Karo, Prem Karo,

Sai Prasanna hoga,

Love the oppressed,

Love those who are sad,

Sai would be pleased with you,

Love, love and Love,

Sai would be pleased with you.

Sai Meraa, Main theraa,

Yeh prem ki bhakthi dhara,

sai prem ki bhakthi dhara

Sai belongs to me,

And I belong to Sai,

This is the stream of love,

This is the stream of love of Sai.

Dhayaa karo, Kripa karo, Sai

Raksha karo, Mere Sai,

Raksha karo , Mere Sai

Oh Sai, Show kindness, show mercy,

Oh my Sai, protect me,

Oh , my Sai, protect me.

Taking Leave of Baba

by Jai Sai Ram on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 2:52pm

Balaram Mankar

Balaram Mankar became dejected after the death of his wife, handing over the household responsibility to his son, he came to Shirdi and remained there with Baba. His devotion was appreciated by Baba.

Once Sai Baba gave him Rs.12 and asked him to go to Machindragarh and stay there, meditating thrice a day. After experiencing the natural beauty, pure drinking water and healthy air, Mankar felt happy and meditated regularly as directed by Baba. One day Baba gave him darshan while he was in conscious state. He asked Baba why he was sent to that place . Baba replied, "While at Shirdi so many thoughts were in your mind and hence to make your mind stable, I sent you here. You imagined me as a person made of five elements and three and half cubits in length. You also thought that I am always at Shirdi. Now say whether the Baba you see here and the Baba you saw at Shirdi are the same or not. I have sent you here only to prove this."

After sometime, Mankar started for Bandra and wanted to travel from Poona to Dadar by train. When he went to purchase the ticket he found the booking office crowded with people buying tickets. He could not get a ticket. Then a villager with a blanket over him, approached Mankar and enquired where he wanted to go. When Mankar told him it was Dadar, the villager gave him a ticket to Dadar saying that he had cancelled his visit due to some other work. Mankar lowered his head to look at the ticket and by the time he lifted his head the villager was not to be seen. He waited for him till the departure time of the train but could not find him. He went home and again came to Shirdi and remained with Baba till his last days. He was very lucky to have died in Shirdi.

Completion of the Temple Construction by Butty

Butty, with the intention of completing the construction of the Krishna temple early, was getting things done quickly. Shama was regularly supervising the construction work, while Bapu Saheb Jog, Tatya, Ramachander Patil and other devotees were helping him in his work. With Baba’s grace, the construction of Butty Wada was completed in December 1916. Some minor items like carvings, polishing, etc. remained.

Waman Narvekar

Waman Narvekar was the devotee who loved Baba wholeheartedly. Once he brought a rupee with him.On the obverse were the images of Sita,Rama and Lakshman and on the reverse side was the image of the Reverent Anjaneya (Hanuman). He gave the coin to Baba. His desire was to have the coin consecrated by Baba and to keep it in his house for worship. But Baba put it in his pocket. Shama, knowing the desire of Narvekar, requested Baba to return the coin to Narvekar . Baba asked why he should return the coin and wanted to keep it with him. But, if Narvekar gave Rs.25, then the coin would be returned to him. As Narvekar did not have the money with him, he borrowed from others and gave this to Baba. Then Baba said, "This coin is valued more than Rs.25, Shama. Let us keep the coin with us. Keep it in your Puja room and worship it." No one had the courage to ask Baba about his action. Perhaps, Baba did it for the good of Narvekar.

Ramachander Patil

Ramachander Patil was a friend and relative of Tatya Kote Patil. Having known the greatness of Baba, he also worshipped Baba daily with devotion and sincerity. He and Tatya used to do service together during the Chavadi procession and also while Baba was in Lendi Bagh. At the end of December 1916 he fell seriously ill. In spite of using several medicines there was no relief. Unable to take food and water properly, he became weak and bed ridden. He became discouraged. He lost hope of survival and thought that death was emminent.

One night he prayed to Baba to give him early death so that he could avoid these sufferings. That night Baba appeared at his bedside. Ramachander Patil wept and told Baba that he could not suffer like this any longer and requested him to help him in dying early. Sai Baba, the Love Incarnation, asked him not to fear as he (Baba) had removed his death slip and that he would recover soon. But he expressed his concern to Ramachander about the impending death of Tatya, who would die on the Vijayadasami day in 1918. He asked Ramachander not to reveal this to anyone ,including Tatya, for if Tatya came to know, he would fear. Ramachander Patil knew that Baba’s words would never fail. He became healthy soon. But he was always worried about Tatya, and unable to keep the secret he told Bala Shimpe. Since Tatya was a friend of both they began to worry a lot about Tatya.

Time was passing by. The year 1916 came to an end and the new year began. Butty was very anxious to get Sri Krishna’s idol installed in the Butty Wada which was built at a huge cost. Whenever he asked Baba for permission to order for Sri Krishna’s idol, Baba asked him to have patience and wait. The number of devotees who were visiting Baba increased enormously. Sai Baba’s greatness and leela’s spread to the four sides of our country.

Baba’s Holi Meal in Hemadpant’s House On Holi festival in 1917, Baba appeared in the dream of Hemadpant at his house in Bandra and told him that he would be coming to his house to participate in the Holi meal. Hemadpant told his wife about the dream and asked her to prepare food for one more person. The festivities of Holi were over. Arrangements were made for serving the meal. They reserved a seat for Baba. All the members of the family sat down for the meal. After offerings were made to God, ghee was served; they were about to start eating, when someone knocked the door. Hemadpant opened the door and found two persons standing there. They handed over to him a photo of Shirdi Sai Baba with a request to keep it safely. They asked him to finish his meals first and then they could discuss the details about the photo later on; they left the place.

Hemadpant was surprised at the arrival of Baba in the form of photo, exactly at meal time. He shed tears of joy. He felt happy that what Baba had told him in the dream had come true in this manner. He immediately put the photo in the place set apart for Baba. All the food items were kept before the photo and only after offering them to Baba, did the others eat.

The same day at the same time Baba told Shama at Shirdi that he had a sumptuous meal at Bandra in Hemadpant’s house. Shama could understand Baba’s words only after sometime when Hemadpant went to Shirdi. Now let us see how the photo was delivered at Hemadpant’s house.

A long time back, a saint by name Abdul Rehman gave a lifesize framed photo of Baba to Ali Mohammed. After sometime, Ali’s brother-in-law fell sick. Someone said that if the photos of saints were put in the sea, the illness would subside. So he sent for this manager and asked him to collect all such photos in his house and also in the houses of relatives and put them in the sea. After some days Ali Mohammed came home and was surprised to find that Baba’s photo was still there in the wall. He began to think to whom it should be given. As per Baba’s order given to him through his thoughts, the photo was handed over to Hemadpant.

Lala Laxmichand

Lala Laxmichand heard for the first time about Baba in the year 1910, through the Hari Kathas rendered by Das Ganu. After that he saw him in his dream. He was very eager to go to Shirdi and see him. While this was so, his friend Shankar Rao came to him and told him that he was going to Shirdi and asked him to accompany him. Laxmichand was very much pleased. He borrowed sixteen rupees and made arrangements for his journey. Both of them did bhajan (singing of devotional song) in the train. They thought of taking some guavas for Baba. Coinciding with their thoughts, an old woman came with a basket of guavas. They purchased some, and the old woman asked them to take the remaining fruits also along with them to Shirdi and present them to Baba on her behalf.

Laxmichand prostrated before Baba and the moment he touched his feet, his heart melted. Baba said, "Cunning person! He did bhajan on his way. What is the use of asking others about me? Has his desire been fulfilled? Where was the need to borrow sixteen rupees and come for my darshan? "Realising that what Baba said was about him he was surprised at his omniscience."

Laxmichand liked sanja (a wheat preparation). One day no one had brought sanja. But Baba ordered Bapu Saheb Jog to get prepare two pots full of sanja. He asked Laxmichand to take whatever quantity of it he could eat. Laxmichand was surprised that Baba knew about his favourite food and got it prepared, which proves that there is nothing in this world that Baba did not know. He reposed complete faith in Baba for the rest of his life.

Shrimati Mehta - The Burhanpore Lady

Smt. Mehta was resident of Burhanpore. Baba once appeared in her dream and wanted Khichidi (rice cooked with dal) . She tried her best to prepare it and offer it to Baba, but an opportune time had not come for a long time. At last in the month of April 1917, she went along with her husband to Shirdi. There also she could not prepare khichdi for fifteen days. But one day with determination, she procured the necessary foodstuff and prepared it. She went with it to the mosque at about noon. A curtain was drawn across the entrace which was an indication that none should enter inside the mosque. Though she knew of this practice, she could not wait further and in the eagerness to serve Baba khichdi, she went inside and put the plate before him. Baba ate it eagerly and quickly.All those who were there were surprised. She also let herself in joy on seeing Baba’s enjoyment. How anxious she had been for so many years to serve Baba with khichidi; now with the same anxiousness, Baba had accepted it.Everyone was happy at the etraordinary love of Baba towards his devotees.

God’s Treasury

One day Baba narrated a story which might have taken place in one of his previous incarnations. "In my younger days, I had been to Beedgaon in search of livelihood. There I secured a job in a factory manufacturing knitted cloth. I used to work very hard. The proprietor was satisfied with my work. There were three workers before me. The first worker was paid Rs.50, the second worker was paid Rs.100 and third worker Rs.150. But I was paid double the money of all the three amounts put together - Rs.600. The proprietor appreciated my work and loved me. I did the work given to me with devotion. Hence, I used to think that the salary I was getting was given by God and carefully saved it. What is given by a human will not last long. But what God has given will remain permanently. My God Allah asks the devotees to take as much as they want. But the devotees come to me and ask me to give . If a thing is given once, it is not sufficient. The number of devotees who want everything everytime has increased. There is none to understand what I am saying. My God’s Treasury is full and overflowing. Any real devotee can take away cartloads from this. But none is interested in it. My fakir’s tact and my divine acts are extraordinary. My body will join the earth and my breath will join the air. As long as there is life in me, this opportunity is there. I go somewhere and will do some work. But this Maya is troubling me. In spite of all these difficulties, I am anxious about my devotees. I am ever alert in the case of them. The reward I give them depends on their effort. Those who believe in me and those who never forget me will have endless joy.

Bala Buva Sutar

One evening, Baba on his way to Lendi Bagh stopped for a few seconds before Buty Wada. Bala Buva Sutar, a yogi from Bombay who came to Shirdi for the first time, saluted Baba . Blessing him with raised hand, Baba said that he knew him since four years. Baba Buva Sutar was surprised. He thought over the matter deeply and recollected having saluted Baba’s photo at Bombay, four years back. He was surprised at Baba’s omniscience.

Hari Bavu Karnik

Karnik came to Shirdi on Guru Poornima day in 1917. He worshipped Baba and gave him clothes and dakshina. While he was going down the steps of the mosque, he thought of giving one more rupee as dakshina. As there was a convention that one should not go back to see Baba after taking leave of him, he started his journey back home. On the way he visited the temple of Kala Ram in Nashik. While he was coming out a yogi named Narasingh Maharaj, who was talking with his disciples, left them and came to Hari Bavu, and catching hold of his hand firmly, said "Give me my one rupee." Hari Bavu was surprised that Sai Baba was taking a rupee through this yogi and gave the coin to him. All yogis are one. All Gods are one. In fact, there is no difference between yogis and Gods. Thus, Baba collected the amounts which devotees had vowed to offer other Gods but forgot to fulfil their vows.

Taking Leave of Baba

From 1905 to 1917 many devotees from distant places came to Shirdi and remained there for a long time, experiencing Baba’s love. Those who had lived with jealousy, selfishness, hatred, ego and attachments and then experienced Sai’s love, were not inclined to leave Shirdi. But Baba used to send back some of them, as they had to discharge their duties towards their families. They would start their journey back home, as per Baba’s orders, but after going some distance, unable to bear the separation from Baba, they would weep and remain in Shirdi village till dusk; they would go back to Baba in the night, as he would not ask them to leave Shirdi at night time. Noticing this weakness in the devotees, Baba strictly ordered that once the devotees took leave of him to go back to their homes, they should not return . If anyone came back, he would face a lot of difficulties in his journey. This rule was intended only to make the devotees disciplined.

Let us resolve to always remember the things we learn from the stories in the Life History of Sai Baba and see him in our hearts every moment. Let us pray to Sai Baba to give us strength, not to go back on our resolve, in the same manner as the devotees who had once taken leave of Baba, should not return back.

Message for the Construction of Samadhi Mandir

by Jai Sai Ram on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 2:50pm

Accepting dakshina by Baba commenced in the year 1907, with few pice (coppers). In the years 1912 - 1916, Baba used to get Rs.500 per day as dakshina. But Baba used to distribute this amount by evening to the needy and those who were dependent on him. Sathe established a society,"Dakshina Biksha Sanstha", in 1915, for the propagation of Sai leelas and miracles. This Sanstha gathered several matters relating to Baba and published them.

Baba’s Pilgrimage to Gaya

Kaka Saheb decided to perform the thread ceremony of his son at Nagpur. At the same time Nana Chandorkar’s eldest son’s marriage was fixed to be celebrated at Gwalior. Both came to Shirdi and invited Baba to attend the functions. Baba asked them to take Shama as his representative. But they insisted that Baba should come personally. He asked them to take Shama along with them and he would reach Gaya, before Shama finished his pilgrimage of Kashi and Prayag and reached Gaya.

Shama went to Nagpur as Baba’s representative for the thread ceremony of Kaka Saheb’s son. From there he went to Gwalior for the marriage of Nana Chandorkar’s eldest son. Afterwards he went on pilgrimage to Kashi and Ayodhya and from there reached Gaya in the third month. Having come to know that there was plague in Gaya, he feared. He stayed with a panda at Gaya. On seeing a big photo of Sai Baba in the panda’s house, he was surprised. He remembered Baba’s words that he would reach Gaya even before he reached the place and he shed tears out of joy on seeing Baba’s photo there. The panda told him that when he had gone to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan 12 years’ back a Sai devotee named Shama had given him the photo of Sai Baba. Shama recollected this and told the panda that he was the same Shama who had given him the photo. The panda was very much pleased to have him as his guest.

Sapatnekar and His Wife

Sapatnekar was a resident of Akalkot. When he was studying law, a co-student of his by name Shevade used to get low marks. Shevade told him that though he got low marks then, now he would get good marks and pass in the final examination with the blessings of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba. On hearing this, Sapatnekar made fun of Shevade as well as Sai Baba.

After 15 years, Sapatnekar’s only son died. He became disheartened and visited several holy places but could not get peace of mind. He finally came to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan. Baba did not allow him inside the mosque. He tried twice or thrice but every time Baba asked him to get out. He became helpless and went back home. After some time, Baba appeared in the dream of Sapatnekar’s wife . In the dream Sapatnekar’s wife was going with a pot on her head to fetch water. A fakir met her on the way and told her that he would fill the pot with water. Considering this as a good omen, Sapatnekar and his wife went to Shirdi immediately. After seeing Baba she told her husband that was the same fakir who had appeared in her dream. Because of her good behaviour and devotion, Baba called her and told her following in his usual style: "My stomach, waist, hands and legs are paining since several days. In spite of using several medicines, there is no relief. After coming here the pains have subsided." Even though Baba did not reveal the name, the story was about her she realised. Thinking this was the approporiate time,Sapatnekar worshipped Baba’s feet with folded hands. This time also Baba asked him to go out. Sapatnekar realised that this was the result of his insulting his friend Shevade and Baba. With repentance in him, he again fell at Baba’s feet. This time Baba blessed him with his hand put on his head and stroked it.

While Sapatnekar was pressing Baba’s feet, Baba narrated a story about a person and his sufferings - it was Sapatnekar’s story. Baba told the devotees who were by his side: "This man is blaming me for his son’s death. Will I kill other’s children? He is sitting on the lap of this mosque mother and weeping. I will put the boy who died, again in his wife’s womb." The he told Sapatnekar, "These feet of mine are very holy. They are also old. Your difficulties are over. You be calm and without any worry." Next day Baba took two rupees as dakshina from Sapatnekar.He gave a coconut to him and asked him to put it in the lap of his wife. He told him to be fearless and go back home. After a year , they were blessed with a son.

Somadeva Swamy

Somadeva Swamy from Haridwar was coming to Shirdi in the year 1912. From a distance he saw the flags on the mosque. A yogi (saint) who shows interest in the flags is interested only in name and fame and there is no need to visit such a yogi, so thought Somadeva Swamy and wanted to turn back without meeting Baba. But his co-passengers in the tonga persuaded him to visit Baba, having come all the way. They also told him that actually Baba was not interested in the exhibition of flags etc. Somadeva Swamy changed his mind and went for a darshan of Baba. As soon as he had darshan from a distance, all his prejudices vanished, his heart melt and eyes filled with tears of joy. His throat dried up. He was eager to dedicate his life to the service of Sai Baba. When Somadeva Swamy went into the mosque and tried to touch Baba’s feet, Baba said to him, "Let our pomp and show be with us. You go home. Do not come to the mosque. Why should you have the darshan of a yogi who is fond of flying flags on the mosque ? Don’t stay even for a minute." Somadeva Swamy understood that Baba was reflecting the thoughts he had at the beginning. He took the words of Baba as his blessings. Afterwards, he became a great Sai devotee.

Message for the Construction of Samadhi Mandir

Sreeman Baba Saheb Butty, a millionaire from Nagpur, was living in Shirdi along with his family in August 1913. He wanted to build a ‘Wada’ like Sathe and Dixit Wadas. Baba never talked about things he intended to do. But when the time and opportunity came he used to get things done tactfully.

One night when Butty and Shama were sleeping in Dixit Wada, Baba told them in their dream, to build a Wada for Sri Krishna temple. Shama unable to control his joy, wept. Butty, being a wealthy and competent person and above all this a faithful devotee of Baba, commenced the arrangements for building the temple. A plan was prepared by Shama with a big hall in the centre and rooms on all sides, with Lord Krishna’s idol to be placed in the hall. This model plan was shown to Baba and his approval obtained. Arrangements were made for the commencement of the temple construction, starting with the foundation ceremony.

Tendulkar’s Family

The Tendulkars lived in Bandra and all the members of the family were Sai devotees. Tendulkar’s son was studying hard to appear for medicine. But he was unable to concentrate on his studies and was fearing that he might not be able to get through in the examinations. The astrologers who examined his horoscope expressed their opinion that the planets were in adverse position in that year and it would be very difficult to pass the examinations. In such circumstances, Savithri Bai, wife of Tendulkar went to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan. She raised her son’s topic with Baba. He told her, "Ask him to keep faith in me and study carefully and not to get disheartened. Let me put aside the horoscopes and palmistry and keeping faith in me write the examinations. He will definitely pass the examinations." Tendulakar’s son kept complete faith in mother-like Baba and got through in the examinations. Baba’s words proved correct while astrology failed. From this we learn that Baba’s words are above all shastras. Any word coming from his mouth will happen without fail. There is no question of Baba’s words failing.

The above-mentioned boy’s father was Raghunath Rao Tendulkar. He was working in Bombay for a foreign company. Due to old age, he could not discharge his duties properly and thought of resigning. He was getting a salary of Rs.150 p.m. So, he would get a pension of Rs.75 p.m. He was fearing that with his meagre pension he would not be able to maintain his family. Baba appeared in Savitri Bai’s dream, asked whether a pension of Rs.100 would be sufficient. The management of the company decided to give him a pension of Rs.110 p.m. This happened because of Sai’s grace only.

Captain Hatey

Captain Hatey was a resident of Bikaner and a Sai devotee. One day Baba appeared in his dream and asked him whether he had forgotten him. Captain Hatey asked how a mother could forget her child, and how she could live forgetting the child. So saying he brought a bottlegourd from the garden, prepared curry with it and offered to Baba. Suddenly he woke up. After a few days, he gave Rs.12 to a friend who was going to Shirdi and requested him to get the curry prepared with the bottlegourd for Rs.2 and give Rs.10 to Baba as dakshina . His friend did as requested by Hatey. When he took the curry to Baba, he ate only the curry and forsook his meals that day. Knowing this, Captain Hatey, felt extremely happy.

On another occasion, Captain Hatey, desirous of worshipping the coin touched by Baba, sent one rupee through his friend to Shirdi. The friend gave the rupee coin to Baba without mentioning anything. Baba examined the coin turning it this side and that side. With the thumb of the right hand he played for some time by sending the coin up. Afterwards, he gave back the coin to Hatey’s friend with instructions to give it back to the owner along with udi , and also to inform him that Baba did not require anything from him. He further told him to inform the owner to keep cool and be happy. Captain Hatey started worshipping the coin daily.

Baba used to say to devotees that if their heart was like a mirror, he was the image in the mirror. He said several times that he depended on sincere and pious devotees only. What he required was the devotees’ love and affection and not wealth. Therefore, the devotees should sincerely repose their faith in Baba and not spend huge amounts of money in fulfilling their vows. They should offer their mind, intellect and thoughts to Baba and dedicate their life to him.

Importance of Thursday (Guruvar) Pooja

by Jai Sai Ram on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 2:46pm

The real name of Radhakrishnamai was Sunderbai Ksheersagar. She came to Shirdi in the year 1907 and completely dedicated herself to Baba’s service. Before her arrival at Shirdi, Balaji Sevalkar used to clean the paths on which Baba walked and also the front space before Dwarakamai and Lendi Bagh. Later, Radhakrishnamai attended to this work. She devoted herself with body, mind and soul in Baba’s service, for nearly 9 years till her death in 1916. She had no other thoughts except serving Baba. After her death, a Muslim devotee, Abdula, attended to the work done by Radhakrishnamai. Tatya Kote Patil also served Baba with love. Tatya’s duties were to changing Baba’s dress, serve Baba with tasty food, arrange soft mattresses one over the other for Baba to sleep. If sometimes Baba did not do as told, Tatya somehow coaxed him and if necessary by undertaking fast, made Baba do as he was told. The mutual love between Baba and Tatya appeared like the uncle-nephew relationship.

Baba slept in Chavadi on alternate days. On such days he and Venkusa talked over several matters. The eastern side of Chavadi was set apart for Venkusa, as per his wish and none were permitted to sleep there. Ladies were not allowed to enter this portion but only the western side portion and after visiting Baba, they had to leave immediately. Thursdays were important to Baba’s devotees. Baba who gave much importance to the Guru tradition told them that Thursday (Guruvar) was very dear to him. Thus, the importance to Thursday started from then onwards. In the beginning Chavadi Utsav was celebrated once in two days. Afterwards, it was celebrated once a week on Thursdays. The Utsav attracted a large number of devotees who participated with joy and danced with full abandon. We shall now go into these details.

Chavadi Utsav

On Utsav night, devotees gathered near the front side of the mosque and sang bhajans (singing of devotional songs accompanied by musical instruments) for sometime. Behind the bhajan party was the chariot, on their right side was the tulsi plant and to their front was Baba. The lighted torches for the procession were got ready. Some said loudly now and then with devotion "Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai". Lights were lit all around the mosque and buntings tied. While these arrangemnents went on, Tatya would come to Baba and ask him to get ready. Baba’s horse Shyam Karna, gaily decorated, would be kept ready for the procession.

Baba, putting on his upper cloth, carrying the sataka under the arm and also the chillum along with tobacco, would get ready to go. Tatya brought a zari shawl and it was put around Baba’s shoulders and lifted him up slowly. After getting up, Baba would go near the Dhuni, push the firewood with the toe of his right foot and with his right hand put out the lamp in the mosque,turning in all directions, appearing to talk to someone by making gestures. Perhaps, he was talking to his mother Dwarakamai! After this he would come down the steps of Dwarakamai and the devotees would cry out "Shri Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai". Some devotees on either side of Baba would wave the chamaras. Lengths of white cloth were spread throughout on the path on which Baba walked. Tatya would hold Baba's left hand, while Mhalsapathi his right hand. Bapu Saheb Jog would hold a zari silk umbrella over Baba's head. Baba's horse Shyam Karna would be in the front of the procession. The bhajan party were behind the horse, with different kinds of musical instruments.

After proceeding for about 10 or 15 feet, Baba’s sight would wander somewhere else. He appeared to be talking to somebody and making gestures. Perhaps, Gurudhan, Dwarakamai and Venkusa were also there in the procession along with Baba! Baba also appeared to be talking and making gestures to Hanuman in the Maruthi Mandir to the left. When the procession reached halfway, the facial expressions of Baba changed. He appeared shining and emitting bright light like the morning sun. Sometimes he used to look with piercing eyes at some of the devotees, and their fears, sufferings and diseases would disappear. The devotees would become joyous and Mhalsapathi would dance as if in a trance. Tatya used to shed tears of joy at this sight. But Baba appeared unmoved by all this and was steady. Dixit used to shower flowers and gulal on Baba.

In this manner, as soon as the procession reached the main entrance to Chavadi, Bapu Saheb Jog washed the feet of Baba in a silver plate, applied sandalpaste and gave arathi with Camphor. Then Baba was slowly taken inside and made to sit on a bed made up with several mattresses. Then Shama prepared chillum and gave it to Tatya. After smoking once, Tatya gave it to Baba. It was then given to Mhalsapathi after Baba smoked. This act showed oneness. In this way the Utsav ended and some devotees put garlands on Baba. Baba had no desire for all these. But he agreed to all these for the satisfaction of the devotees. Finally, Bapu Saheb Jog gave full arathi and the devotees went back to their places. After making all arrangements for Baba, Tatya took leave of Baba, and while permitting him to go Baba asked him to come once during the night and see him. Tatya did as asked. After all the devotees left, Baba used to make a bed with 50 or 60 bed sheets, one over the other and slept. That was Yoga Sleep. But, for Baba it was not real sleep. If Baba slept then the entire world will sleep.

Sai devotees, while going to bed, are advised to recollect the Chavadi Utsav and imagine themselves to be in the procession. Then they will be nearer to Baba and it would be possible to see him in their dreams