Wednesday 20 February 2008

Sai Baba's Belongings

Chulla
Chulla
Chulla is used by Baba for preparing food (prasad) and later distributing to gathering of devotees.
Kolamba
Kolamba
A 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 Pot
Water-Pot
Used for storing water to be drunk by all the thirsty (Pan-Pot).
Jata
Jata
Jata (Hand mill) used for grinding wheat implying that the seed of Karma when crushed and transformed into flour destroys the consequences of all good and evil deeds.
Udi Stand and Kathada (railing)
Udi Stand and Kathada (railing)
Baba used to put udi in Udi Stand and give udi to devotees from this railing."
Baba’s bathing stone
Baba’s bathing stone
On this stone Baba used to take bath in the morning.
Udi stone and Ota (platform)
Udi stone and Ota (platform)
For burning essence sticks whose fragrance was pleasant for creating a purified scented atmosphere. Baba used to sit on the platform on which udi stand was fixed.
Two copper
Two copper pots
Used by Baba to cook khichadi or sweet pulav as his Prasad.
Satka (stick)
Satka (stick)
The thick stick used by Baba to drive away evil for protecting his devotees facing calamities.

Sunday 17 February 2008

Important places in Shirdi

Samadhi Mandir

Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur, a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. Gopalrao wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the Mandir became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba.

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 Guru purnima, Dusshera, and Ramnavami. Every Thursday and on each fesitival, a Palki with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.

Dwarkamai

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 Shridi, 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 palki. 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 Shridi 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 Bagh 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 Bagh

At some distance from Gurusthan there is the Lendi Bagh. This Bagh 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 Bagh also has a well dug by Baba with the cooperation of his devotees.

At the entrance of the Bagh 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.

Khandoba Temple

Khandoba temple holds special place in Shirdi, since this was the site which saw the coming of Sai baba in his tender years dressed in kaafni. It is believed that when this young man, with flowing beards and sparkling eyes, approached the temple premises as one of the guest of a wedding party, the temple priest Mhalsapati greeted him as 'Sai'. This name led to the appellation and evolution of one of the most admired spiritual gurus of India.

Earlier the temple lay on the periphery of the village and Khandoba was the tutelary deity of the Mahalsapati family. Peaceful and secluded ambience of the temple impressed Sai baba. At the entrance to the temple is a large banyan tree which is mentioned in the 'Shri Sai Satcharitra' as the place where the bullock cart halted. It is now commemorated with a small shrine and 'padukas' or footwear of Sai baba lay at its base.

Baba was refused to enter in Khandoba Temple
At first Mahalsapathy, a priest at the Khandoba Temple in Shirdi, did not allow the young boy who looked like a Muslim fakir, inside the temple. But he was also the one to first realise the god is there inside this young boy and address him as "Sai." When baba realised him about this then he felt down on Baba's feet and asking for forgiveness. As usual Baba forgive him but explained him that there is no difference in caste or religion. God is for everyone and as a priest he should preach others about this and should not stop anyone to enter in the Temple. Mahalsapathy promised baba that he will never do this in his entire life. From that date all the true followers or devotees of Sai Baba started believing in one religion that is MANKIND. Om Sai Ram.

Sunday 10 February 2008

Shani Temple near Shirdi Temple

Shinganapur is a village situated at a distance of 70 kms from Shirdi, 6 kms from Ghodegaon on Aurangabad Ahmedanagar road in Maharashtra. It is 84 kms from Aurangabad and 35 kms from Ahmednagar. From Ghodegaon, there is a motorable tar road leading to the Shri Shaneshwar and is open in all the seasons. The population of this village is about 3000.

State Transport buses regularly go to Shinganapur from Ahmednagar, Aurangabad and Shirdi. Devotees who visit Shirdi should visit Shani Temple to see that how people still believe in each other by not building any door or window in their homes. They don't put any locks to safe their valuable ornaments or jewelleries. In this village you can see the trust of one person to another person by Shani's blessings. It surprises every one who comes to this village from all around the world so I would suggest to all devotees not to miss this chance and visit Shani Temple when they go to Shridi. Some people believe that this Shani Temple had been built by Sai's consent and blessings. If that's true then this is another reason for true believers of Sai Baba to go and see this Temple. It's just an hour drive from Shirdi. If you are going to Shirdi then hope Baba and Shani Dev will make your journey pleasant and joyful.

OM SAI RAM and JAI SHANICHARYA NAMAH

Thursday 7 February 2008

A Sai Miracle - Revive the dead

Once Sai Baba performed a miracle before which all other super natural powers pale into insignificance. This was to revive the dead. The daughter of the maternal aunt of Vasudeo Sitaram Ratanjanakar, who had come to Shirdi, had this experience. The daughter had developed Tuberculosis. As treatment of doctors had proved ineffective, she was being given only udi of Sai Baba as medicine. She also began saying that unless she had the darshan of Sai Baba, she would not get well. Though the girl's condition was delicate, Ratanjanakar brought her to Shirdi and took her for Sai Baba's darshan. Baba let off a volley of abuses and said, "Let her lie on the kambal (coarse blanket) and keep her on water." Accordingly, she was given only water for seven days and on the eighth day the girl died in the morning when it was time for Sai Baba to wake up. That morning Sai Baba was in Chavadi but he did not get up at the usual time. It was eight 0'clock and yet Sai Baba was asleep! It was the first time in the history of Shirdi for Sai Baba to wake up so late. People began attending to the arrangements for the funeral of the girl. The girl's mother and Ratanjanakar's mother were weeping and other devotees were trying to pacify them. Just then the girl made some movement, yawned and looked around bewildered. All were gladdened on seeing this. Then the girl narrated the following account: A dark man was forcibly taking her away when she called out to Sai Baba. Immediately Sai Baba belabored the man with his staff, rescued her and took her to Chavadi. The girl had not seen Chavadi but she described it vividly. While all this was happening in Dikshit wada where Ratanjanakars were staying, people were discussing animatedly why Sai Baba was still asleep. Suddenly, Sai Baba got up in Chavadi, shouting loudly, and striking his staff on the ground, ran in the direction of Dikshit wada. There was excitement all around, and the hearts of the bhakthas (devotees) were filled with joy and wonder at the miracle Sai Baba performed in this mortal world.

Satchidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Tuesday 5 February 2008

Shirdi Temple Daily Schedule

Here is the daily schedule at Sai Temple at Shirdi. It starts early in the morning that continues till late in night. It includes various rituals and rites that go into invoking Sai Baba, 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 Sai Baba 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.

Daily Schedule of Shirdi
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4:30 AM
Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi open

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5:00 AM
Mandir opens, Bhupali, Abhishekam at Gurusthan
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5:15 AM
Kakad Arati, Naivedyam of butter and sugar to Baba in Samadhi Mandir, Oil offered to the lamps in Dwarkamai
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5:40 AM
Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir

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6:00 AM
Mangal Snaan (washing) of Statue and Samadhi in Samadhi Mandir
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7:00 AM
Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir
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9:00 AM
Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai
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8:00 -10:30 AM
Satyanarayana Pooja

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11:30 AM
Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai

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12:00 noon
Mid day Arati

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12:30 PM
Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan
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4:00 PM
Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir Sunset: Dhoop (evening) Arati
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6:30 PM
Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan

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8:00 - 9:00 PM
Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programs (if any)
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9:00 PM
Chavadi and Gurusthan close

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9:30 PM
In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit
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9:45 PM
Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes

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10:00 PM
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

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10:45 PM
Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati
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Miracles of Sai Baba

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 those who are 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 Rain
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 (holy water).

Heritage of Shridi Sai Baba

Shri Sai baba 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.

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.

Sai Baba's TeachingsAmong the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi there are the cardinal principles of Sai Path called 'Shraddha' (faith) and 'Saburi' (patience). 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

Sunday 3 February 2008

Greatness of Udi

Doctor's Nephew

At Malegaon (District Nasik) there lived a doctor (qualified and degree-holder). His nephew suffered from an incurable disease - Tubercular bone-abscess. The doctor himself and his brothers, the medical practitioners, tried all sorts of remedies and even an operation. There was no relief and there was no end to the little boy's suffering. Friends and relations advised the parents of the boy to seek divine aid and recommended them to try Sai Baba, who was known to have cured such incurable cases by his mere glance. The parents, therefore, came to Shirdi. They prostrated themselves before Baba, placed the boy before him and pleaded humbly and respectfully, and implored him to save their son. The merciful Baba comforted them saying "Those who resort to this Masjid shall never suffer anything in this life and to the end of time. Be now care-free. Apply Udi on the abscess and within one week he will recover. Believe in God. This is no Masjid, but Dwarkamai. He who steps here will soon get health, happiness and his sufferings will come to an end". The boy was made to sit before Baba, who moved his hands on the affected part and cast his loving glances on him. The patient was pleased and with the application of the Udi, he began to recover, and was all right after some days. The parents then left Shirdi with their son, thanking Baba for the cure, which was effected by Udi and Baba's gracious looks.

After knowing this, the doctor, the uncle of the boy became wonder-struck and desired to see Baba while he was on his way to Bombay for some business; but at Malegaon and Manmad somebody spoke to him against Baba and poisoned his ears. He therefore, dropped the idea of visiting Shirdi and went to Bombay direct. He wanted to spend the rest of his leave at Alibag, but at Bombay he heard three successive nights, a voice crying out,"Still you disbelieve me?". Then the doctor changed his mind and resolved to go to Shirdi. He had to attend in Bombay to a case of infectious fever, which showed no signs of abatement soon. So he thought that his Shirdi trip would be postponed. He however proposed a test in his mind and said,"If the patient gets all right today, I start for Shirdi tomorrow." The wonder is that exactly at the time when the determination was taken, the fever began to abate and the temperature became normal. Then he went to Shirdi as per his determination, took Baba's darshan and prostrated himself before him. Baba gave him such experiences that he became his devotee. He stayed there for four days and returned home with Baba's Udi and blessings. Within a fortnight he was transferred on promotion to Bijapur. His nephew's case gave him an opportunity for seeing Baba and this visit engendered in him a neverfailing love for the Saint's feet. Om Sai Ram

Dr. Pillay

Dr. Pillay was an intimate Bhakta (devotee) of Baba. He was much liked by Baba, who always called him Bhau (brother). Baba talked with him off and on and consulted him in all matters and wanted him always at his side. This Pillay suffered once very badly from guinea-worms. He said to Kakasaheb Dixit, "The pain is most excruciating and unbearable. I prefer death to it. This pain, I know, is for repaying past Karma, but go to Baba and tell him to stop the pain and transfer the working of my past Karma to ten future births of mine." Mr. Dixit went to Baba and told him his request. Then Baba, being moved by his request, said to Dixit, "Tell him to be fearless. Why should he suffer for ten births? In ten days he can work out the sufferings and consequences of his past Karma. While I am here to give him temporal and spiritual welfare, why should he pray for death? Bring him here on somebody's back and let us work and finish his sufferings once for all".

The doctor was brought in that condition and was seated on Baba's right side,where Fakir Baba always sat. Baba gave him his bolster and said, "Lie calmly here and be at ease. The true remedy is, that the result of past actions has to be suffered and got over. Our Karma is the cause of our happiness and sorrow; therefore put up with whatever comes to you. Allah (God) is the sole dispenser and protector, always think of him. He will take care of you. Surrender to his feet with body, mind, wealth and speech, i.e. completely and then see what he does." Dr. Pillay said in return that Nanasaheb had put a bandage over the leg, but he found no relief. "Nana is a fool" replied Baba. "Take off that bandage or else you will die. Now a crow will come and peck you, and then you will recover."

While this conversation was going on, one Abdul, who always cleaned the Masjid and trimmed the lamps, turned up. While he was attending to his work of training, his foot accidentally fell upon the stretched leg of Dr. Pillay. The leg was already swollen and when Abdul's foot fell upon it and pressed it, all the seven guinea-worms were squeezed out at once. The pain was unbearable and Dr. Pillay bawled out loudly. After some time, he calmed down and began to sing and cry alternately. Then Pillay enquired when the crow was coming and peeking. Baba said, "Did you not see the crow? He won't come again. Abdul was the crow. Now go and rest yourself in the Wada and you will be soon alright."

By application of the Udi and by taking it in the stomach with water, and without taking any other treatment or medicine, the disease was completely cured in ten days as predicted by Baba. Sachidanand Sai Ram Maharaj Ki Jai

Shama's Sister-in-law

Shama's younger brother Bapaji was staying near Sawool well. Once his wife was attacked with Bubonic plague. She had high fever and two buboes in her groins. Bapaji rushed to Shama at Shirdi and asked him to come and help. Shama was frightened, but according to his wont, he went to Baba, prostrated himself before him, invoked his aid, and requested him to cure the case. He also asked his permission to go to his brother's house. Then Baba said, "Don't go there at this late hour (night), send her Udi. Why care for the fever and buboes? God is our father and master; she will be alright easily. Do not go now, but go there in the morning and return immediately."

Shama had full faith in Baba's Udi. It was sent with Bapaji. It was applied on the buboes and some of it was mixed with water and was given to the patient for drinking. No sooner was it taken in, than perspiration set in profusely, the fever abated and the patient had a good sleep. Next morning Bapaji was surprised to see his wife alright and refreshed with no fever and buboes. When Shama went there next morning with Baba's permission he was also surprised to see her at the hearth and preparing tea. On questioning his brother, he learnt that Baba's Udi cured her completely in one night. Then Shama realized the significance of Baba's words. "Go there in the morning and return immediately.

After taking tea, Sharma returned and after saluting Baba said,"Deva, what is this play of yours? You first raise a storm and make us restless and then calm it down and ease us". Baba replied "You see mysterious is the path of action. Though I do nothing, they hold me responsible for the actions which take place on account of Adrista (destiny). I am only their witness. The Lord is the sole doer and inspirer. He is also most merciful. Neither I am God nor Lord. I am his obedient servant and remember him often. He, who casts aside his egoism, thanks him and he, who trusts him entirely, will have his shackles removed and will obtain liberation". Sai Ram Tere Hazaro Haath

Irani's Daughter

Now read the experience of an Irani gentleman. His young daughter got fits every hour. When the convulsion came she lost her power of speech, her limbs got shrunk and contracted and she fell down senseless. No remedy gave her any relief. Some friend recommended Baba's Udi to her father and asked him to get it from Kakasaheb Dixit at Vile Parle (suburb of Bombay). Then the Irani gentleman got the Udi and gave it mixed with water to his daughter daily for drinking. In the beginning the convulsions, which were coming on hourly, came every seven hours and after a few days the daughter recovered completely. Sai Ram Bhagwan Ki Jai

Harda Gentleman

An old gentleman of Harda (C.P) was suffering from a stone in his bladder. Such stones are generally removed by surgical operations and people recomended him to undergo one. He was old and weak, lacked strength of mind and could not think of submitting himself to surgical treatment. His suffering was soon to end in another way. The Inamdar (City Officer) of that town happened to come there at this time. He was a devotee of Baba and had always a stock of Udi with him. On the recommendation of friends, his son got some Udi from and mixing it with water, gave it to his old father to drink. Within five minutes the Udi was assimilated, the stone was dissolved and came out through his urine and old man was soon relieved.

"Sai Kripa on me as well" Believe it or not but this had happened to me as well. I was also suffering from terrible pain because of the kidney stone but as soon as I had drunk the mixture of Udi my pain was gone like that it wasn't there before and by doctor's report I got to know that it has been gone forever. Mere Sai Ram Bhagawan Ki Sadhai Jai

Bombay Lady

A woman of the Kayastha Prabhu caste in Bombay always suffered terrible pain at her delivery. She was very much frightened each time she became pregnant and did not know what to do. Shri Rama-Maruti of Kalyan, who was a devotee of Baba advised her husband to take her to Shirdi for a painless delivery. When she next became pregnant, both husband and wife came to Shirdi, stayed there for some months and worshipped Baba and got all the benefit of his company. After some time the hour of delivery came and as usual there was obstruction in the passage from the womb. She began to suffer labour pains, did not know what to do, but began to pray to Baba for relief. In the meantime, some neighbouring women turned up and after invoking Baba's aid, gave her Udi-mixture to drink. In five minutes, the woman delivered safely and painlessly. The issue was still-born according to its fate; but the mother who got rid of the anxiety and pain, thanked Baba for the safe delivery and ever remained grateful to him. Jai Sai Ram

Friday 1 February 2008

Dwarkamai

Baba lived here for so many years (and I believe that Baba still lives in Dwaramai only and fullfil everyone's dream) in a ramshackle mosque, which he always referred as ‘Dwarkamai’, the Mother of Mercy. Dwarkamai is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It is the Holy landmark of all religions in the world. To the Muslims he was a Fakir living in a mosque observing the disciplines of Islam, well versed in Islamic scriptures utteringAllah Malik (God is the Master).

To Hindus he called himself a pure Brahmin, bore the caste marks of a Hindu, well versed in Hindu scriptures. To the Parsees he was the sacred fire worshipper. His abound love and compassion was Christ like. His life was a living manifestation of the eight-fold path of Buddha.

Baba preached the universal faith from this mosque. Following this faith the Muslims, Hindus, Parsees, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists unequivocally surrender to him. Sai Baba’s appeal lies in the fact that he was a perfect model of the harmony of all religions. He guided all the seekers along the lines of their own religion.

The religious harmony was illustrated in the fact that in this mosque only the Hindu festival ‘Ram Navmi’ (Birthday celebrations of Lord Ram) was celebrated with zest and fervour and the same day in the evening Sandal procession was taken out by Muslims, the tradition continues even today. His mosque contains the nimbar on western wall towards which Muslims turn for prayer and there are bells hanging from its ceiling like a Hindu place of worship.

It was a magnificent tribute to his luminous presence in this mosque that the most orthodox members of both communities prostrated themselves at his feet.

Few features of this mosque are -:

  1. It is the place of Universal faith where all the religions have found their sanctity in Baba.
  2. It eliminates or marginalizes the miseries of many millions who climb the steps of this mosque with faith.
  3. Baba's Dwarkamai is curing many incurable diseases and all kinds of afflictions through Udi (sacred ash) collected from dhuni fire place, the perpetual sacred fire burning here.
  4. Baba's presence has been found by so many true devotees in Dwarkamai. Dwarkamai listens everyone's prayers like a Mai (mother) and fulfil all their desires.