Shri Sai Baba Of Shirdi

                       " OM SAI NAMO NAMAHA ,

                          SHRI SAI NAMO NAMAHA      

                         JAY  JAY  SAI  NAMO  NAMAHA,

                        SADGURU  SAI  NAMO  NAHAMA."

                                               

                                                      

                                              
                                            

                             
                                              

                            " SHRADDHA  AUR  SABURI "

                                            

Shirdi Sai Baba :

Shirdi Sai Baba, also called Sai Baba of Shirdi, (born 1838?—died October 15, 1918), spiritual leader dear to Hindu and Muslim devotees throughout India and in diaspora communities as far flung as the United States and the Caribbean. The name Sai Baba comes from sai, a Persian word used by Muslims to denote a holy person, and baba, Hindi for father.

Sai Baba's real name remains unknown. The name Sai was given to him by Mahalsapati when he arrived at Shirdi, a town now in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. The word Sai refers to a religious mendicant but can also mean God. In several Indian and Middle Eastern languages the term Baba is an honorific signifying grandfather, father, old man or sir. Thus Sai Baba denotes holy father, saintly father or (venerable) poor old man.

Some of Sai Baba's disciples became famous as spiritual figures and saints, such as Mahalsapati, a priest of the Khandoba temple in Shirdi and Upasni Maharaj. He was revered by other saints as well, such as Saint Bidkar Maharaj, Saint Gagangiri Maharaj, Saint Janakidas Maharaj and Sati Godavari Mataji. Sai Baba referred to several saints as 'my brothers', especially the disciples of Swami Samartha of Akkalkot.

Shri Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest saints ever seen in India, endowed with unprecedented powers, and is worshipped as a God incarnate. (SAI meaning Sakshaat Ishwar) - GOD THE ABSOLUTE

This mysterious Fakir first made his appearance in Shirdi as a youth and remained there throughout his long life. HE transformed the lives of those who met him and continuously is doing so even after his Samadhi in 1918 for those whose hearts are touched by his love and who pray and call him at any emergency in life for his blessings.

Baba stated that his mission is to “Give Blessings” without discrimination to all, and he proves it in myriad ways by healing the sick, saving lives, protecting the vulnerable, averting accidents, granting offspring, facilitating financial gain, bringing people into harmony within themselves and with each other and, above all, in effecting the spiritual evolution and transformation of those who came to him as the last resort.

Baba is, as one of his contemporary devotees put it, “The embodiment of the Supreme Spirit lighting the sadhaka's (seekers') path by His every word and action”.

To his devotees, Baba is nothing less than a GOD. This has been a matter of experience and not imaginary.

“I look on all with an equal eye”

An outstanding aspect of Sai Baba is that he is beyond distinctions of religion, caste or creed. He embodied all religions and preached the Universal religion of Love.

Devotees of all faiths find their meeting point in Sai and people from all communities and all walks of life are united by the great love and reverence Baba inspires in them. Baba had great regard for his hindu devotees and their Gurus and he responded to their needs and permitted worship according to the hindu and other religious rituals. At the same time his dwelling place was a Masjid (Mosque) and the name of Allah was ever on his lips. HE described himself as in Service to GOD (ALLAH) and as a soul ever remembering ALLAH -(YAD - A - HAKKA)

People today flock Shirdi in ever-increasing numbers to pay homage to the Divine and to experience the truth of Baba’s promise that He would be active in answering devotees' prayers even from his tomb. Like Ten Commandments BABA has given eleven assurances to humanity for welfare.

Baba said that he was a slave in the service of those who loved him that he was ever living to help those who turn to him and that he has to take care of his children day and night. He then taught values of total surrender to the Almighty Master (ALLAH MALIK EK- The only ONE) and experience his grace.

In coming to Baba’s Shirdi His children experience the truth how BABA unfailingly fulfils his commitments to his devotees by coming to their rescue in times of crisis.

 

 

LIFE OF SAI BABA AT SHIRDI :

Baba came to village Shirdi in Maharastra at age of 16 for the first time. People wondered looking at him that a boy at a very tender age doing deep meditation sitting in asana under a Neem tree, without food and even water for several days. This made to grew lots of curiosity on young baba. Bayajabai, wife of village chief occasionally enquired about the welfare of the sai Baba in his childhood. Gradually she started bringing food to Baba. As the days passed baba started treating her as his mother. Mhalspati, the village chief and a priest, once possessed by lord khandoba, uttered that there is a holy spirit here pointing towards the Sai Baba.

Baba pointed towards the neem tree and asked to dig it to roots. The villagers followed the words of Baba and started digging it. As the layers of earth passed on, they found a slab made of stone, oil lamps glowing without any oil and air too, Which was completely opposite to science. In the same place they found a vessel which is in the shape of cow mouth on a wooden table. Baba clarified that this is the holy place where his guru had done penance. He also suggested that instead of worshipping me(sai baba), worship the tree and leave it untouched. Till today no one touched it. This tree is the first stop of a pilgrim in shirdi

Baba was an unique personality who earned a huge attention towards him, in the day time he was not associated with any one and not afraid of any one. Some people thought that he was mad and even hurt him physically by throwing stones at him. Initially Baba spent about 3 years at Shirdi. After this, for a period of one year Baba left Shirdi and very little was known about sai baba during that period. He met many saints, fakirs and even worked as weaver as history says.

In the year of 1858, Baba returned to Shirdi permanently. For about five years of time Baba took his accommodation under the neem tree and very often Baba used to wander in the jungle near Shirdi was very uncommunicative as Baba spent lot of his time in meditation. Gradually Baba shifted his accommodation to a nearby mosque. Many Hindus and Muslims were visiting Baba. In the mosque Baba maintained sacred fire which was called dhuni. Baba gave sacred ash to the entire visitor. People believe that ash is the best medicine to heal for all health issues.

Baba was god for all and used to participate in all religious festival. Baba had a habit of cooking and the same was distributed among all devotees as "Prasad" at the time of their visit. Baba best pass time was singing (religious) and dancing. Many believed that baba was a saint and even as god. As the time passed on the volume of visitors to Shirdi gradually increased.

 

Religious View Of Sai Baba Of Shirdi :

Baba was completely opponent to orthodoxy, Hinduism, Christianity and muslim. Baba asked his devotees to lead a ordinary life. He asked his followers to chant holy words ,god's name and asked his devotees to read their respective holy books. He followed all hindu rituals and permitted muslims to follow Namaz, reading of Quran at festival times

One of his well known epigrams, "Sabka Malik Ek " ("One God governs all").

He always uttered "Allah Malik"("God is King").

                                 

                                  

                               

 

Wonderful Incarnation

   Sai Baba as a Yogi- Satchidanand SATGURU

Sai Baba knew all yogic practices. He was well versed in the six processes including Dhauti, Khandayoga and Samadhi, etc. He demonstrated His mastery over yogic exercises many a time.

Yet, if you think that he was a Hindu, He looked like a Yavan. If you think Him to be a Yavan, he looked like a pious Hindu. No one definitely knew whether he was a Hindu or a Mohammedan. Inferences could be drawn from His dress or body features but all such superficial inferences were meaningless. They did not serve any purpose.

He celebrated the Hindu festival of Rama-Navami with all due formalities and at the same time permitted the ‘Sandal’ procession of the Mohammedans. He encouraged wrestling bouts in this festival and gave good prizes to winners. When the Gokul Ashtami came, he got the ‘Gopal-Kala’ ceremony duly performed and on Id festivals, he allowed Mohammedans to say their prayers (Namaj) in his masjid.

Once in the Moharum festival, some Mohammedans proposed to construct a Tajiya or Tabut in the Masjid, keep it there for some days and afterwards take it in the procession through the village. Sai Baba allowed the keeping of the Tabut for four days and on the fifth day removed it out of the Masjid without the least compunction. He allowed all the devotees to celebrate festivals at Shirdi according to their preferences and the various religious in vogue adopted by them. In Baba's Masjid except a garlanded wall there is no image or photograph of any deity.

If we say that he was a Mohammedan, his ears were pierced (i.e. had holes according to Hindu fashion). If you think that he was a Hindu, he advocated the practice of circumcision (though according to Mr Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who observed him closely, he was not himself circumcised. Wide article in Sai Leela on "Baba Hindu Ki Yavan" by B.V. Deo, page 562). If you call him Hindu, he always lived in the Masjid; if Mohammedan, he had always the Dhuni - sacred fire there, and the following things which are contrary to Mohammedan religion, i.e., grinding on the hand mill, blowing of the conch and bells, oblation in the fire, Bhajan, giving of food, and worship of Baba’s Feet by means of ARDHYA (water) were always allowed there. If you think that he was a Mohammedan, the best of Brahmins and Agnihotris, leaving aside their orthodox ways, fell prostrate at his feet. Those who went to make enquiries about his nationality were dumb-founded and were captured by his Darshana. He gave visions of all the respective Gurus and deities according to devotees choice whether expressed or hidden. Baba, when asked about his creed, to that he belonged to Saint Kabir's creed.

So none could definitely decide whether Sai Baba was a Hindu or a Mohammedan. This is no wonder; for he who completely surrenders himself to the Lord, by getting rid of his egoism and body - consciousness thus becomes one with him, and has nothing to do with any questions of caste or nationality. Such a one as Sai Baba was, saw no difference between caste and among beings and beings. He took meat and fish with Fakirs, but did not grumble when dogs touched the dishes with their mouths. Thus Sai Maharaj was beyond all personal references, time and space dimensions.

Such a unique and wonderful GOD incarnation was Sai Baba.

Miracles of Udi (Vibhuti) of Shri Shirdi Sai :

                         

1

Udi Prasad

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba used to keep Dhuni (Sacred Fire) continually burning in His masjid and gave this as prasad to His devotees. The Udi (Vibhuti) teaches detachment as Ash is the final state of all bodies.

 

                                     

 

2

Curing Tubercular bone-abcess

At Malegaon (Dt. Nasik) there lived a doctor (qualified and degree-holder). His nephew suffered from an incurable disease - Tubercular bone-abcess. 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 abcess and within one week he will recover. Believe in God. This is no Masjid, but Dwarawati. He who steps here will soon get health and 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.

                        

                  

3

Curing fever and Bubos

Shama's younger brother Bapaji was staying near Sawool well. Once his wife was attacked with Bubonic plague. She had high fever and two bubos 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 bubos? 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 bubos 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 bubos. 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. 

 

                                       

                                          

4.

Author's Note

OM SAI RAM Baba has infinite power and applying His Udi is very beneficial. The Udi can be applied as is or can be mixed in water and taken as tirth. Those who have major illness can take the Udi every day. It is to be noted that Sai has mentioned that ones Prarabdha Karma causes suffering and in not all cases does Sai remove it. Essential suffering must still be undergone by the devotee. This is because God is just and His creation is based on the cause - effect law.

 

 

SaiBaba's Nature and Personality :

It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. It is interesting to study what sort of a personage Sai Baba was.

Sai Baba conquered this Samsar (worldly existence), which is like a deep sea, very difficult and hard to cross. Peace or mental calm was his ornament and he was the repository of wisdom. He was the home of Vaishnava devotees, most liberal (like Karna) amongst liberals, the quintessence of all essences. He had no love for perishable things and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was his sole concern. He felt no pleasure in the mundane things of this world or of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as a mirror and his speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people were the same to Him. He did not know or care for honor or dishonor.`

Baba was the Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all people, saw the acting and dances of ‘Nautchgirls’ and heard Gazhal songs. Still, he swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium). The name of Allah was always on his lips. While the world awoke, he slept; and while the world slept, he was vigilant. His abdomen (Inside) was as calm as the deep sea. His Ashram (life-stage) could not be determined, nor his actions could be definitely determined and though he sat (lived) in one place, he knew all the transactions of the world. His darbar was imposing. He told daily hundreds of stories; still he swerved not an inch from his vow of silence. He always leaned against the wall in the Masjid or walked morning, noon and evening towards Lendi (Nala) and Chavadi; still he at all times abided in the Self. Though a Siddha, he acted like a Sadhaka. He was meek, humble and egoless, and pleased all. Such was Sai Baba, and as the soil of Shirdi was trodden by Sai Baba’s feet, it attained extraordinary importance.

By day he always sat under the neem tree, sometimes under the shade of a branch of a babul tree near the stream at the outskirts of the village.

Many Sanyasis, Sadhakas and all sorts of men aspiring for salvation came to Sai Baba. He always walked, talked and laughed with them and always uttered with His tongue ‘Allah Malik’ (God is the sole owner). He never liked or encouraged discussion or arguments. He was always calm and controlled, though irritable at times, always preached full Vedanta and nobody knew till the last the real Baba.

 

 

Baba’s Personal Belongings (Articles used by Baba) :

Chulli

Used by Baba for preparing food (Prasad) and later distributing to gathering of devotees (Annadan).

 

 

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

Used for storing water to be drunk by all the thirsty (Pan-Pot)

 

 

 

 

Jata

Jata (Hand mill) a pair of stone crushers used for grinding wheat implying that the seed of Karma when crushed and transformed into floor destroys the consequences of all good and evil deeds and liberates soul from binding of Karma.

 

 

  

Baba’s Bathing Stone

On this stone Baba used to take bath which was executed by devotees.

 

 

 

Two Copper Pots

Used by Baba to cook Khichadi or sweet Pulav as his Prasad (Annadan)

  

CHRONOLOGY :

IN 1858 : 

SHRI SAI BABA RE- APPEARED IN SHIRDI WITH MARRIAGE PARTY OF CHANDBHAI  PATIL"S NEPHEW.

IN 1878 :

SHRI  AKKALKOTE MAHARAJ'S NIVARAN

IN 1885 :

VISIT OF SAINT ANANDNATH OF YEOLA TO SHIRDI .

 

IN 1886 :

SHRI  SAI  BABA RAISED HIS PRANA HIGH UP & WENT TO SAMADHI FOR 3 DAYS .

 

IN 1889 :

 ABDULLAH CAME TO SHIRDI FROM NANDED TO BE WITH SHRI SAI .

IN 1892: 

NANASAHEB CHANDORKAR CAME TO SHIRDI FOR THE FIRST TIME.

IN 1894: 

DAS GANU MAHARAJ CAMETO SHIRDI WITH CHANDORKAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME.

 

IN 1896 :

 GOPAL GUND { A CIRCLE INSPECTOR FROM KOPARGAON } STARTED URUS  FAIR IN SHIRDI.

IN 1897:

NANASAHEB RASNE WAS BORN , TO DAMU ANNA ,AFTER BLESSING FROM SAI BABA.

IN 1898 :

BABA SLEPT ON NARROW PLANK HUNG FROM RAFTERS BY RAGS IN MASJID.

TATYA PATIL BEGAN TO SLEEP NEAR BABA IN MASJID .

IN 1899 / 1900 :

BINIWALE , BROTHER - IN - LAW OF NANA CHANDORKAR VISITED SHIRDI - WITHOUT TAKING DARSHAN OF DATTA TEMPLE ON THE BANK OF GODAVARI RIVER .

 

IN 1900- 1902 .

BABA EXPALINED GEETA  TO NANA CHANDORKAR.

IN 1903 :

DAS GANU LEFT GOVT. SERVICE & BEGAN TO DO KIRTANS AT NANDED.

DAS GANU'S " SANTA KATHAMRIT " WAS PUBLISHED.

IN 1904 :

RAO BAHADUR H. V. SATHE CAME TO SHIRDI AT THE AGE OF 49.

IN 1904 OR 1905:

CHANDORKAR'S DAUGHTER MINATAI SUFFERED DURING CONFINEMENT . BABA SENT UDI & AARTI WITH BAPUGIR GOSAVI FROM SHIRDI ,TO ENSURE SAFE DELIVERY.

IN 1906 :

DAS GANU'S " BHAKTA LEELAMRUT " WAS PUBLISHED.

 

15 October 1918

Final years and death (Samadhi)

On 15 October 1918, he breathed his last. The day coincided with the Hindu calendar date that year for Vijayadashami. His remains were interred at "Buti Wada" in Shirdi, after which it became a place of worship known today as Shree Samadhi Mandir or Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

 

                        

 

Last Days

Baba Sai became weaken day by day , he gave necessary directions to the devotees. He never did anything for himself. His life aim was to provide peace and happiness to all mankind. Baba as usual went out for alms to five houses and after collecting the food, put some in the Dhuni and fed the animals and birds with the remaining food.
Baba s body looked very weak. The eyes which were shining like fire, were sunken. Even then there was no change in his concentrated looks. He gave proper advice and udi prasad to the devotees who came to him. Devotee wished to recovery of sai baba . On the night of 14 October, even though he was seriously ill, he got up and made loud noise and hit the floor with his sataka. Everyone woke up at the sound. Then Baba explained his action by saying that thieves had come to Khaparde s house at Amaravathi and he drove them away. In his last hours also, Baba was thinking about his devotees only and not about himself.

Final Day

The day was Tuesday, the 15th of October, 1918. Last day of baba physical body .It was Vijayadashami (Dushera) . Baba became bodily very weak, Baba got up as usual and sat in his place. Devotees came for his darshan as usual.Baba put his Abhaya Hastha on their heads, blessed them and gave them udi prasad. Baba gave them necessary advice as per their need. They took them as usual advice which Baba used to give, but failed to think that they were Baba s last ones to them while in physical body. Baba asked Laxman Mama, who was an astrologer and devotee , to do God s Namasmaran for some time.

The time was 11 in the morning.
Preparations were being made for noon Aarti. It appeared as if some divine light entered Baba. Aaarti was started. Throughout the Aarti Face of Baba was changing every moment. Those who looked at him had peace of mind and felt like looking at him continuously. During that period Baba appeared in different forms to the devotees present there. He appeared in the forms of Maruthi, Vittal, Dattatreya, Rama and to Muslim devotees as Mecca and Medina. For one Christian devotee, he appeared as Jesus. For Butty he appeared as Sri Krishna playing the flute in the Wada built by him.In this manner Baba, during aarti time, had shown his divine form to the devotees as per their thoughts.
aarti was over. The time was one hour past noon. Baba ordered all the devotees to go away quickly.All of them went away to their houses. Suddenly Baba had a brutal cough and he vomited blood. There, Tatya the devotee of baba who was also fighting with death , recovered and his pulse came to normal. Some new strength entered his body. He stood up and could walk also. He cried out of joy. He could not understand from where he got this new power all of a sudden. The spectators were also surprised. Before he recovered from his surprise, he remembered Baba. Thinking that Baba had given him another lease of life, he went running to the mosque.
By that time Baba leaned on Baija Appaji Patil and was telling him something secretly. Saying this, he warned him not to reveal this to others, otherwise, he would die. Tatya heard these last words. Baba was getting severe cough and was heaving. Whenever he coughed, blood poured out through his mouth and fell all over Dwarakamai. Beforehand Baba had asked his devotees to be without fear and sent them for their meals. But a few devotees refused to leave Baba. When Tatya saluted Baba, he asked Shama to take Tatya and leave him in his house. Shama returned after leaving Tatya in his house.

Charity of Nine Rupees

Lakshmi Bai Shinde and Bayyaji were the only ones remaining. She was near Baba s feet. Baba put his right hand in his shirt pocket twice, took out Rs.5 and Rs.4 and gave them as charity to Lakshmi Bai. Baba explained the significance of these nine rupees as the nine qualities a devotee should have (1)Absence of egoism (2) Absence of jealousy (3) Untiring service (4) Absence of worldly desires (5) Complete faith in Guru (6) Peaceful nature (7) Desire to know the truth (8) Absence of envy, and (9) Absence of self-boasting and finding faults in others. Unless a devotee improved these nine qualities, he could not have true devotion to reach God. Thus Baba taught to Lakshmi Bai even in his last moments.

Sai Baba  Mahasamadhi

Dashami ended and Ekadashi came. The time was 2.30 in the afternoon. Sai Baba told Bayyaji that he was leaving this body and after his body was to be kept in Butty Wada.he would be protecting his devotees at all times. He breathed his last giving charity and teaching Jnana to his children. This is the way the king of yogis - Yogiraja - attained Samadhi. The divine light which came out of the body of Baba, joined Gurudhan, Dwarakamai and Venkusa, who were already in the form of divine lights (jyotis) and all the four jyotis combined into one as Sai divine power. It again divided into four parts. One part went to Gurusthan. The second part when to Chavadi and settled there. The third part merged in Dwarakamai, and the fourth part went into Butty Wada. These four powers represent the four Vedas. These are the proofs of Sai Power which can command and control the whole world. The Shivashakti from Kailash came and stayed in Shirdi. In this way Shirdi became a holy place. The body of Sai who exhibited supernatural powers and saved several devotees, was lying in Dwarakamai.
The physical body of Sai Baba, lying in Dwarakamai, cannot be seen again. So let us imagine ourselves to be in Dwarakamai and touch the holy feet of Sai Baba and make our life meaningful.