Stories of Sai Baba of Shirdi

Madhavrao Aadkar - contemporary devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:15:44 PST

Madhavrao Adkar a contemporary devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba, and also a medium for Shirdi Sai Baba was very good friend to Das Ganu another medium of Shirdi Sai Baba. Madhavrao Adkar was blessed with sweet melodic singing voice with good and devotional looks. He became a medium for popularizing the poetic and devotional song compositions of Das Ganu Maharaj. Both of these good friends shared the intense pull towards devotional music, poetries and singing. Mostly they loved to be immersed in devotion of God with - thoughts, music, singing, reading and music. Noting Madhavrao’s pull towards the divine, Das Ganu took him to Shirdi to his spiritual Guru Sai Baba. The time was about around 1897. Reaching Shirdi and having darshan of Sai Baba Madhavrao experienced the taste of what he was looking for - The peace of mind and devotion he felt in the presence of Sadguru Shri Sai Baba.

Madhavrao’s basic pull was towards divine and much less in worldly activities. It is called vairagya, a person much attracted towards the divine and less in worldly matters. Thus it gave him much joy to be in the highly spiritual environment of Shirdi and near his Sadguru Sai Baba. He was not interested in going back to live with his family. His family members and relatives missed his presence and made searches for him, which ended in failures. This ended when a person named Raghopant told them that he was living in Shirdi. Immediately his father along with a companion set off to Shirdi.

As they were nearing Shirdi, the all knowing Sai Baba told Madhavrao,“Two persons are coming to take you back. You will have to go back with them. Go! I will be always with you in from of Aarati (Story behind arati Sai Baba). Thus Baba also confirmed His presence in His Aarti. When the riders arrived, Sai Baba said,”Go with them immediately! You will give birth to a son. Name him as ‘Ram’! You need not stay here. Go with them.”

Like a true devotee Madhavrao obeyed the words of his spiritual master, against his spiritual wishes(Sai Baba knows better). Thus he returned back to his family life along with his father. He knew that the words and guidance of his Guru Sai Baba were the most important, than his own wishes, spiritual of otherwise. The threads of the spiritual growth lies in the hands of Guru, so surrender to Guru’s guidance is best for Spiritual growth and also worldly life. In due course a son was born to him as Sai Baba had said. He was named Ramchandra according to Sai Baba’s advice given much earlier.

He also had a daughter who was married to Shri Ropalekar who lived in the sacred land Pandharpur. Just like her mother, she also did not live long. Hence in the thread ceremony of Ramchandra, his father Madhavrao Adkar was the only immediate family member present.

Few of Madhavrao’s experiences in Shirdi.

Madhavrao’s devotional heart always yearned to be in the sacred land Shirdi. To be in Shirdi and being closer to his Sadguru Sai Baba was what gave him immense happiness. Once, Ramnavami, one of the major festival celebrated in Shirdi was approaching. Madhavrao wanted to be in Shirdi as soon as possible. His feeble health at that time made him anxious. He was worried how he will be able to travel in poor health conditions. As Sai Baba did and do with many devotees, he was able to reach Shirdi:). Two of his friends destined to go to Shirdi, reached him and took him along with them.

Like many devotees, Madhavrao experienced Sai Baba’s strong presence in Shirdi. He felt Sai Baba’s grace was with him and taking care of him each and every moment. His heart and mind were at rest, knowing his wellbeing and welfare was being taken care of. The compassionate Sai Baba was taking care of him and everything related with him. To be in Masjid (Dwarkamai) in the physical presence of Sai Baba was his most loved daily activity while in Shirdi. Once he was disappointed to see a huge crowd waiting to enter Masjid (Dwarkamai). The guards would not allow Madhavrao soon. Just then, Sai Baba sent a message, “Let Madhavrao come in!” Only a devotee with intense desire like Madhavrao can imagine the joy and fulfillment Madhavrao at that moment.

The compassionate Sai Baba took under His loving care, the welfare and spiritual progress of the devotional hearted Madhavrao Adkar. Besides the sacred land Shirdi, he also visited other sacred places of pilgrimage in India, such as Kashi, Rameshwar, Balaji(Tirupati Andhra Pradesh), Gangapur, Narasobachi Wadi, Mahur, Tuljapur, Pandharpur and many other. During these visits he was also fortunate to have the darshan and company and blessings of Spiritual Masters, sages and holy men like, Gajanan Maharaj, Akkalkot Swami, Balbheem Maharaj, Sakhaya Swami Dehukar, Vaskar, Vyankat Swami, Vinayakbua, Dada Maharaj.

His love for singing devotional songs, enhanced by love for in-study of spiritual and religious subjects.

Madhavrao also enjoyed studying various spiritual, religious, mythological and historic topics. So this along with his devotional heart and sweet singing voice made him a popular singer among people. People loved to attend his singing and Kirtans (singing of bhajans and rendering spiritual talks). Madhavrao was also gifted with the composing of poems. He always bowed his head before his dear friend Das Ganu Maharaj a composer. He made it a point to attend Das Ganu’s Kirtans whenever he could. He memorized most of Das Ganu’s compositions and poems and Kirtans. Another good practice of Das Ganu he followed was that of recite Vishnu-Sahashra-Naam 12 times daily. We can also find Sai Baba explaining importance of Vishnu-Sahasranama to Shama in chapter 27 of Shri Sai Satcharitra. He also accompanied his dear and respected friend Das Ganu in Ramnavami festival in Shirdi every year, until 1952 A.D.

More on Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Sai Baba's arrival to Shirdi

alps07@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:34:50 PST

The birth and parentage of Sai Baba of Shirdi is a mystery. In Shri Sai SatCharitra we read that, those who asked the question about Sai Baba's birth, parents or Guru, about His earlier life before coming to Shirdi. Sai Baba's glance would silent the questioner. So there are no records of Sai Baba himself answering such questions. Anyhow if you are interested to read about Shirdi Sai Baba's earlier life before coming to Shirdi. This part of the book Lord Meher, will make a good reading. Sai Baba's earlier life in Shirdi is available on this blog.

Also in Shri Sai SatCharitra is mention of Shirdi Sai Baba's arrival in Shirdi with Chand Patil, in a marriage procession. The story of the meeting of Sai Baba and Chand Patil is very interesting.

Chand Patil, the headman of village Dhupkheda of Nizam's State, travelled regularly on his horseback to Aurangabad district for business and other related matters. Once on such a trip, while he was resting in a jungle on the way, his horse was lost. Chand Patil, was deeply concerned with the loss of his favorite horse.

Frantically he looked for the horse, here and there, but in vain. Gloomy, he was walking around in search of his horse when he was called by Fakir, sitting under a huge Margosa tree. The Fakir had scarf worn on His head and a Kafni (a robe) on His body. He had short thick stick with him (called Satka), a Chilum (clay pipe used for smoking). He was preparing the Chilum for smoke. He called Chand Patil and asked him to sit and rest. Stressed under the loss of his horse, Chand Patil replied that he was searching for his lost horse.

The Fakir told him not to worry and look for the same on the banks on a nearby water stream. Chand Patil did the same, and was relieved from the stress and felt much happy on finding his lost horse. This Fakir had some different divine qualities. As Patil sat near Him, he noticed that the Fakir was preparing for smoking Chilum. Two vital elements were missing for the same. One was the fire with which the Chilum has to be lighted. The other was water, with which a cloth is moistened and wrapped on the smoking end of Chilum.

To the amazement of Patil, Sai Baba hit the Satka on the earth and fire appeared. He hit the Satka at a nearby point and water started flowing from there. The fakir lighted the tobacco with the fire and moistened the cloth. He puffed few smoke from the same and offered it to Patil.

This amazed Patil. He was already feeling some divine qualities in this Fakir and witnessed one of these Miracles of Sai Baba. He urged the Fakir to visit his home. The Fakir agreed. He went Dhupkheda with Patil, spent few days there. The brother of Chandbhai's wife was to be married to a girl from village in Shirdi. A procession for the same left for Shirdi with the bride.

Sai Baba accompanied them. The procession reached Shirdi. From a bullock cart under a tree near Khandoba Temple, stepped out the Fakir.

Read : How this Fakir was named Sai Baba.

Below is the video from a movie made on Shirdi Sai Baba with this story in Hindi language.

Even today Samdhi of Chand Patil is preserved in the village Dhupkheda near Aurangabad district.

Some pictures below

Start of the worship of Sai Baba

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:55:34 PST

Soon after the first miracle of Sai Baba that of lighting the lamp wicks soaked in water, was noticed by the villager’s of Shirdi. The pagal (mad) Fakir was was visited by many. Not because of His miraculous powers, but the compassion that goes along with. The miracles of Sai Baba, were and are never meant for amusement purpose or for the display of powers. They happened purely for compassion. The compassion that Sai Baba had for the devotees and human kind. The miracles are for guiding the devotees on the path of spirituality, truth and bringing an end to the miseries created by devotees own deeds present or past.

Before this Mahalsapati and his two friends Tukaram Darji and Appa Bhil were the only trio that used to recognize Baba’s divinity and worship Him. Now other people also started flocking to the divine compassionate Dwarkamai and start worship of Sai Baba, with waving of lamps, pouring of flowers and colored rice over Sai Baba’s head, offers of fruit, sandal, money, camphor, attar etc. This was resisted much by Sai Baba, to the point that Sai Baba would get angry and throw away the dish containing articles to worship Him.

But then owing to the love and devotion of devotees he allowed them. Sai Baba in the beginning was much known as a Muslim Sufi Fakir. A Muslim devotee once was thinking about the Hindu ways of Worship that Sai Baba accepted was against Islamic rules. Sai Baba the instant knower of everybody’s thoughts looked at him and said, “Jaisa desh, vaisa bhesh.” , which meant do as Romans, while in Rome. Baba further said that He himself was devotee of Allah. But if Hindus were pleased with the devotion to God in their own way, there was no need to stop them.

All that is needed is devotion of heart, the ways of Worshiping Sai Baba or the Divine Infinite One “Sabka Malik Ek” does not matter much.

When ever we worship that One indivisible, infinite and formless divine, much love towards the divine is needed. The intensity of love, is what that matters most. When saints, sages and avataras are worshiped it the divinity in them that is worshiped. The real lovers and worshipers see and feel the divinity in idols and pictures. For others, they appear just dead statue.

read more articles on Sai Baba's earlier years in Shirdi

Sai Baba curing ailments

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:52:58 PST

Om Sai Ram,

Those who have been reading Sai SatCharitra might be aware that many ailments physical, mental and emotional would be wiped out by just having darshan of Sai Baba. Just going near his physical form, with submission from within was enough. The troubled or turbulent mind would find peace and contentment. Many stubborn diseases, refusing to go with modern medicine and surgeries would have to go just with his glance or the words from Sai Baba’s mouth. Sacred Udi was given in many cases. For some, they received abuse and beating from Sai Baba and found that they were free from ailments. For some the aliments aggravated for some time and then never returned. In some cases the ailments would be actually manifest on Sai Baba’s body for some time. Sai Baba would take the aliments of the devotees on Him, and free the devotees from the same.

In the earlier years in Shirdi, when Sai Baba was not much known as a compassionate Fakir but a mad fakir. Most of the time Sai Baba remained in total contemplation of divine. Other time He would spend with meeting people and noting their ailments. He would prescribe and make medicines from simple herbs found in neighborhood and available in local markets. He became well known as hakim. To villagers His knowledge of curing physical ailment was surprising. He cured leprosy, snake bites, ailing eyes and many other diseases, normal and stubborn. He never accepted any money or fees for the cures.
Sai Baba also ploughed the village’s common land. This is the place were Samadhi Mandir of Shirdi is situated now. He planted plants of flowers and created a beautiful garden. Many plants bearing different flowers such as Jai, Jui and Zendu were brought by Baba from Rahta and planted, where Samdhi Mandir now stands, a solace for so many devotees. Wamanroa Tatya a potter supplied Him with two unbaked pots daily. Sai Baba would carry pots full of water, carry it on his own shoulders, and water the plants. The unbaked pots would break after the watering was done and kept under a tree. Sai Baba freely distributed the flowers and leaves from that garden to various Hindu and Muslim sacred places. The sacred places were considered as sacred and not as Hindu’s or Musim’s sacred place.
Sai Baba also used to travel to Rahata village some 3 kms away from Shirdi. He would spend some time with Kushalchand. Even today the house of Kushalchand in Rahta stands as Sai Baba used to visit. Only changes being made is the electricity wires added and repainting of the house. Devotees can visit and see the house and know the details like where Sai Baba used to sit.
Another house that Sai Baba used to visit outside Shirdi was of Shri Dengle in Neemgaon.
read more articles on Sai Baba's earlier years in Shirdi

Sai Baba’s first miracle noticed by Shirdi villagers

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:50:26 PST

Om Sai Ram,
During the early years in Shirdi, Sai Baba was much known as a mad Fakir. Very few people knew that the Fakir was mostly absorbed in Divine contemplation and was one with God. Other’s could see his not so social friendly activities. A fakir who would be seen either sitting at one place for long times or roaming about.

The fakir loved to light lamps in the old Mosque which he had selected to stay in Shirdi. In the day time he would beg the oil from Telis (Oil traders). This oil Sai Baba used to light lamps in Musjid (now popularly known as Dwarkamai), when the darkness would take over in the evening. Human tendency to derive joy at other people’s expense was at work one day. The traders decided in unison not to donate any oil, and have some fun. They wanted to see the reactions of the fakir that evening.

Next day the fakir (Sai Baba) went for usual round of begging for oil. All the telis (oil traders) lied that they had no oil with them. The fakir unperturbed, went to each one of them, listened to the same reply and returned to Dwarkamai empty handed.
The mob who knew about this conspiracy hid themselves and watched the fakir, anticipating some fun.
What they saw, snatched away their seeking of amusement at other’s expense. The fakir filled the tin container with some water from the pot in Musjid (Dwarkamai). He stirred it with little oil sticking on the walls of container, and drank it. Then, he took some water from the pot again, filled the earthen lamps with it and put the cotton wicks in them. The minds of oil traders and few other villagers hiding were confirming of the fakir being mad.
“The lamps would never burn with water.” they thought. They were wrong. The fakir struck up the match, the lamps lighted. Not only they got enlightened but kept burning whole night. It was their turn to get scared. They had tried to play prank with a fakir who possessed miraculous powers. They had fear about the magicians and sorcerers.
So they fell at Sai Baba feet for forgiveness and that they should not be cursed for their actions. But Sai Baba was not a magician, a sorcerer he was not there to show his powers and strength. He was compassion incarnate and had motherly love. They were in proper mood to receive some instructions. Tenderly and lovingly he advised what was best for humanity and them.

He asked them, “You really had oil when you said you had none, eh?’ They agreed that they lied. Then Sai Baba advised them not to utter lies. “Lies displeases God.” He said.

Next he pointed out how wicked their conduct was. The oil lamps were lighted for the good of villagers. He asked them if they wanted to enjoy the plight of fakir who could not light lamps in dark, and spend the night in darkness. The answer was in affirmation again.

Sai Baba pointed out that the person who took delight in other’s miseries instead of sympathizing with them displeased God. God is mother to all and loves all equally. If you hurt a child and tell the other that you have hurt child. Will the mother be pleased? Thus those who amuse themselves at plight of others really displease God.

More Sai Baba's earlier years in Shirdi
related links Miracles of Sai Baba

You go; I am with you

alps07@gmail.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:25:28 PDT

Om Sai Ram,

Sai Baba's love and compassion for His beloved devotees is seen in many of the stories we read. Sai Baba of Shirdi knew all that was happening, all that happened and all that would happen.

Mhalsapati was a dear devotee of Sai Baba. Mhalasapati was the one who welcomed Sai Baba when Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in physical form and stayed there, till He left His physical human body.

Mhalsapati had an attraction for holy men. He was a priest in Khandoba temple in Shirdi.
When he saw Sai Baba, he knew that the young fakir (Sai Baba), who has arrived in Shirdi was indeed a holy man. This attraction made him visit Sai Baba more often. With each visit the attraction towards Sai Baba, the attraction towards divinity increased. He had found a spiritual guru with love and compassion.

Mhalsapati would worship Sai Baba when Sai Baba was considered to be a mad fakir by most villagers. Miracles of Sai Baba are well known to most devotees and non devotees. It was after a miracle of lighting the earthen lamps with water instead of oil, that the villagers knew that the fakir was not ordinary but had miraculous powers. As time passed by due to devotees love aartis of Sai Baba was accepted by Baba and Mhalsapati the devotee who loved Him through heart and soul would always be present on such devotional occasions.

Though devotional occasions such as aartis and worship were not the only time Mahalsapati would be with Sai. Sai Baba called him Bhagat (devotee), and like a true devotee he would be with Sai Baba when ever the time would permit him. He would not sleep at home but would sleep with Sai Baba in the open Musjid (Dwarkamai).

Once, in the late evening Mahlsapati was about to leave Dwarkamai for his home, some 100 meters away. In those days there was no electricity in Shirdi, also it was like a village situated in jungle. Sai Baba told Mahlsapati,"You go; I am with you. There are thieves near your house. Take a lamp." Mhalsapati on the way to his home with lamp in his hand discovered that there were snakes, which he could avoid stepping on and kept a safe distance.

Sai Baba used the word thieves, many a times for the agents who take away life from physical body. Thus the compassionate Sai Baa saved Mahlsapati from the thieves.

Sai Baba took care of Mahlsapati's spiritual progress. In the old age when it was time for Mhalsapati to leave his body, he postponed it for a day. At the time of leaving the physical body (what we generally call death), he said, "I am leaving for heaven.", and passed away with peace and purity.

Amidas Bhavani Mehta - Shirdi Sai Devotee

alps07@gmail.com — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:22:23 PST

Om Sai Ram,

Amidas Bhavani Mehta, the name is mentioned in Shri Sai Satcharitra, chapter number 2. Hemadpant mentioned, this name as one of the few authors, who had written about Sai Baba and His leelas, when Sai Baba communicated with devotees in physical body, in early 1900 A.D. This book is not available these days. Part of the books noted by some devotees are available, which we will read on this blog.

Amidas Bhavani Mehata (Amrutlal was his name) was an affluent and intelligent, scholar and a poet. He was trained in Indian classical and voacl music. He came from Nagar Brahmin, a community of Narsiha Mehta and lived in Bhavnagar (Kathewad, Saurashtra).

He was greatly devoted to Lord Krishna and did his daily worship of Lord Krishna. However, there was new experience during his worship. He saw an image of Fakir, over imposing the image of His lord Krishna. He started searching for the Muslim Fakir, whose image appeared during his worship and devotion. He soon found out that, the image that appeared was of Shri Sai Baba a venetrated saint of Shirdi.

Sai Baba has and still,attracts and guides the people with devotional heart. Many on the

way to spiritual paths, who had never herd of Sai Baba or seen His pictures were approached by Sai Baba in many mystirious ways. For Amidas Mehata it was appearing on His Lord's image, while in devotion and worship. It is Sai Baba's love and compassion for this clean hearted people that He himself goes and attracts them to divinity.

Being well off financially he often visited Shirdi and rented a house, so that He can be close to Shri Sai Baba, and spent long periods of time in Shirdi with Baba. Being a learned scholar and poet, he started writing about the habits, likes, dislikes and characteristic of His beloved Sadguru Sai Baba. Since he was close to Baba and spent much time with Him in Shirdi, with Baba's grace he was able to write on His life. The book was titled, "Purna
Parabrahma Sri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ni Jaanvajog vigato temaj chamatkaro." (if anybody finds this book, please let us know, there are many Sai devotees, active with publishing of Sai Baba related books and maintaining libraries and translation of the books in various languages. They all will be very glad if this book is found somewhere, lying in the collection of books that their forfathers owned).

Amidas had a very gentle nature and Baba loved and appreciated it. If someone got sick in Shirdi, Baba would send him to Amidas. Amidas would gently, gladly and lovingly take care of the needs of sick person, and would nursed him back to health.

Today those who visit Sai Baba's devotees Samadhi in Shirdi, must have seen the Samadhi of Amidas near Lendi Baug. It was Amidas's wish that he leaves his body in Shirdi, in vicinity of his Guru Sai Baba. Sai Baba knew his desired and said, "You may die anywhere, but you will always be with me." According to his heart'swish he left his body in Shirdi and his samadhi is next to Muktaram's Samadhi.

Note : Details about Amidas Mehata were read in a book called Baba's Rinanubandh one of few very good books written by Vinny Chitluri. Vinniji, is a dedicated Sai Baba's devotee, who lives in Shirdi.

Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.

alps07@gmail.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:04:32 PST

Please note : clicking on the image of the devotee with the link will take you to the blog post with stories of that particular devotee of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi! As the blog develops all the pictures will be linked to comprehensive collection of stories of these devotees from this blog and Shirdi Sai Baba.

Most that we know about the life and stories of Sai Baba is from the contemporary devotees of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Those many devotees and non devotees who were graced by Shri Sat Chit Anand Sai Baba. Many of those were fortunate to spend much time with the embodied Sai Baba and witness and be part of Sai Baba's divine play.

Ganesh Shrikrishna Khaparde used to mantain a diary of daily events that occurred in his life, along with the date. His long stay in Shirdi has also been recorded and Shri G. S. Kaparde dairy has also been published by Shri Saibaba Sansthaan Shirdi. Hari Sitaram Dixit ( known as Kaka Saheb Dixit) and Langda Kaka as lovingly called by Sai Baba, also wrote a diary of many leelas (divine play) that happened with him and other devotees. The diary was published in the Sai Leela magazine in the early 1920's.

There is a wonderful book called Sai Vaani written by a dedicated devotee Vinny Chitluri. Many leelas and parables told by Saibaba recorded in 'The Dixit Diary' have been written in this book, which is a great gift to all Sai Baba devotees from the autor and the hard work she put for the same with the grace and divine love of Sai Baba.

Below are the pictures and names (Links to the name follows to the page or post containing to the stories related with that particular devotee.

Also Sai Baba lovingly called many devotees by the pet names he gave to them which had also a deep meaning. The name which were given by Baba are given in ( ). While female devotees were usually called as 'Mai' (mother) Or Tai (sister) or Bai or Mousi with respect.

please note : clicking on the image of the devotee with the link will take you to the blog post with stories of that particular devotee of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi!

Madhavrao Despande (Shama) (Shamya)

Shri Abdul Baba ( Halalkar)

Anna Babre

(Hemad ) Govind R. Dabholkar

Bala Saheb Dev (Chindi Chor )

Baijabai Kote

Appa Kulkarni

Bhagoji Shinde

Balasaheb Mirikar Bhau Dhumal (Bhau)

Dadasaheb Khaparde (Bapusaheb Tapsun Dada)

Bhaumaharaj Kumbhar

Chotubhaiya Paralkar

Dadasaheb Purandare

Damodhar Rasne

Dasganu

Gopalrao Bapusaheb Buti (Buttyaa)

Justice Awasthi

Kakasaheb Mahajani

Kashiram Bala Shimpi

Laxman Mungi

Laxman Nulkar

Laxmibai Shinde

- - Bhagt Mhalsapati Stories
------------Mahadev Sapatnekar---------Megh Shyam Rege------------Mhalsapati

- -
-----------Moreshwar Pradhan---------------Nanasaheb Chandorkar-----------Nanasaheb Kharkar

- -
------------------Nanasaheb Rasne----------------Nandu Marwadi--------------Parvatabai Sapatnekar

- -
---Pillai (Andhoji Pillai)-------------------Radhakrishna Swami------------Rajubhaiya Naik

Sagun Meru Naik (Naik Takki(deceiver))

Ramakrishna Walkar

Sadubhaiya Naik

Tatyakote Patil (Kothayacha Godmukhya)

Swami Sharananand

Sunderrao Navalkar

Trimbak Rasne

Yashwant Galwankar

Y . R. Sukher

Sai Baba's youthful love of art and music

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:48:49 PST

Om Sadguru SaiNathaya Namaha,

In His earliest days (even upto 1890), Sai Baba had youthful love of art and music.

Dance and music has been used as a powerful means to be one with divine by various Spiritual Masters. Sufi masters have been known to use music and dance as an aid to merge with the divine. The devotional songs sung by Sufi dervishes are called Qawwali.

Chaitanya Mahabrabhu and Nityananda were used the singing and dancing in love of God. Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsha also used to sing devotional songs and dance in divine frevor and created great spiritual force to drive many to spiritual interest and divine drunkness. It is also known as Bhakti movement. The way of singing and dancing to the God.

Shri Sai Baba often use to go to a place called Takia, the resting place for visiting muslims and sing devotional song with sweet and melodious tone. Sai Baba mostly sung the divine songs of Kabir. Sai Baba also sung song in Persian or Arabic, which the local people did not understood.

Sai Baba also use to tie tinklets (Gungroo) to His feet and danced in divine ectasy singing the devotional songs and bhajans.

Devotees with the knowledge of singing and music were sometimes explained the ragas or musical notes in detail by Sai Baba.

Sai Baba also encouraged and loved the singing of Bhajans Devotioanal songs in Dwaarkamaai when too many devotees started visiting Shirdi attracted by the divine magnectic and loving and caring force of Sai Baba.

You may also like to Visit blog devoted to Bhajans and devotional songs devoted to Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

More on earlier Life of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi

Ganpat Rao Kote Patil and Bayjabai

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:11:10 PST

Om Sri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai

Sai Baba in the earlier years after being not allowed to stay in Khandoba Temple remain absorbed in divine contemplation for most of the time under the Sacred Neem tree called Gurusthan (Shirdi).

As all the wandering Fakirs, provision for food was left to the divine. Sai Baba would roam about in Shirdi and surrounding lands and would sit in the jungle like places. The village head Ganpat Kote Patil and his wife Bayjabai, were greatly attracted to this divine Fakir. Particularly the love of Bayjabai for this unknown and unnoticed Fakir was great. She would roam about looking for this mad Fakir with food to feed him. Only after finding Him with great difficulties and feeding Him, she would feel satisfied and would eat herself. The Fakir looked mad to the world as He was always engrossed in God, engrossed in divine. All the other material things, even eating the food at regular times was neglected.

Sai Baba called her as her sister, and also told that she was His sister in previous life. Bayjabai through Rinanubandh was indeed very fortunate to be attracted by this divine brother and looking anxiously for Him to feed Him. Sai Baba said about Bayja Bai, "This is my sister in previous Janmas (births), and she has always been supporting me."

This was her bhakti or love for divine. She would think and yearn to feed Sai Baba hence her consciousness was always upon the divine and Sai Baba was Divine personified. Bayjabai was simple village woman and accidentally was engrossed in bhakti (devotion).

People might go and visit temples, do pilgrimage, offer puja (Worship Sai Baba) , Chant Sai Baba's name but the most essential is Love. Love for God and divine. Yearning to feed the beloved, yearning to offer flowers or service to beloved is the right form of devotion.

And Bayjabai had that yearning. Something in her would always yearn to take care of divine Fakir called Sai Baba.

Tatya Kote Patil the son of Baijabai was equally loved by Sai Baba he loved Sai Baba. Tatya used to call Sai Baba as Maamaa (Mother's brother) and would sleep in the divine Masjid (Dwarkamai) with Sai Baba for long time. Tatya Patil just as Shama could force Sai Baba, and had a loving relationship with Sai Baba. Blessed was the Kote Patil Family, who loved Sai Baba, and thus had the love for Divine.

Sai Baba the compassionate Master is also well known for the temporal benefits along with the spiritual push. Tatya became materially rich by the money given by Baba to him. Sai Baba used give him money everyday with which he bought much land. Sai Baba also advised him to save money and not spend lavishly on self. Also many calamities of Tatya and his family were averted by Sai Baba's grace. We should note here that Bayjabai and Tatya were not attracted to Sai Baba for material money or averting the calamities. It was love.

We should always be asking for love of Sai Baba. Love includes all. A child if asks for money or some other thing from the mother. The mother might give it if it does not harm the receiver. But if love is sought for, all the needs of child are taken care. If the child is hungry the mother rushes to provide for food. If the child is in danger, the mother rushes to protect the child. The child does not have to ask individually for essential needs.

Om Sat Chit Anand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Read More on earlier Life of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi
Or read more about Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Sai Baba Mhalsaapati and Khandoba Temple

alps07@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:38:18 PST

There are very few incidents of Sai Baba's earlier life that have been recorded, that too from the memory of people of Shirdi. The task becomes more difficult as Sai Baba visited Shirdi as a wandering Sufi Fakir and many were found all over India.

People would hardly notice their presence Sufi Fakirs normally wander and have no single place to live. They are supposed to be dedicated to God, Allah or to the indivisible almighty, sacred and the one and only one divine energy. Not all Fakirs would have been totally dedicated to the divine and hence most would go unnoticed as just another Fakir.

As soon as Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi with Chand Patil. Mhalsapati called Him Welcome Sai.
None knows by which name He was called before. 'Sai Baba' were the words exclaimed by a village priest Mhalsaapati who noticed something divine in Him and welcomed him as Sai Baba. Sai is the word used for divine and Baba for Father or someone respectable, respectable from heart and love and not out of fear.

The same Mhalsaapati who noticed the divine in a wandering Fakir and later was one of the closest to Sai Baba.Who even use to sleep in Masid Mai or Dwarkamai with Sai Baba. Who considered Sai Baba as Divine manifestation and worshiped him whole heatedly. This Mhalsaapati was priest of local Khandoba temple of Hinduism. Sai Baba liked the sacred environment of the Temple and wanted to stay there. Mhalsaapati had not allowed Sai Baba to do the same as He was a Muslim Fakir and the social standards and peoples way of thinking would have created too many problems for the same.

Sai Baba moved to a margosa (Neem Neem) tree and would remain absorbed in divine contemplation for most of the time. The place called Gurusthaan is higly sacred and place for worship in Shirdi.
Bhagat Mhalsapati had contact with Shri Sai Baba on very intimate terms. Due to some reason, Sai Baba who gave wealth to many did not give even a single penny to this close and intimate devotee Mahalsapati.

It was was not just Shri Sai Baba even his Istdevata (The form of God loved and worshiped by him) Khandoba also willed the same. Bhakt Mahalsapati was goldsmith by profession, but due to intense devotion towards the God he was unfit for this or any other profession for good material life. He had a piece of land which was not fertile and yielded nothing.
One day in meditation, he had a vision. Lord Khandoba appeared and said, “Why can’t you gert your bread without the help of your profession of goldsmith?”
Mhalsapati replied, “Yes I shall give up the profession of goldsmith.”
Then Khandoba said, “Touch my feet and hold to my feet.”
This meant that Bhakt Mahalsapati surrendered to to Lord Khandoba and his Sadguru Sai Baba was the material requirements, leaving any kind of job for his material welfare.
This pious soul passed away on Ekadashi. Thereis also a story that said that Mahalsapati actually postponed a day for leaving his body.
Om Shri Sai.

Pictures in this post

Top Left : Picture of face of Sai Baba's Statue in Samadhi Mandir

Right : Picture portrait of Mhalsaapati

4th picture : One of the Original pictures of Sai Baba in which Sai Baba is seen sitting with Mhalsaapati (also spelt Mahalsapati), with his son on Sai Baba's lap.

3rd picture : picture of Khandoba temple probably taken in 1920's
5th picture : The idol of Lord Khandoba which Bhagat Mhalsapai used to worship.
6th picture : Entrance of Khandoba temple these days. It is on main road near the water tank.

Read More on earlier Life of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi
Or read more about Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Sai Baba's earlier years in Shirdi

alps07@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:55:53 PST

Aum Sai Ram,

This section contains the stories of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, when Sai Baba as a wandering Fakir use to visit Shirdi. The people of Shirdi village where interviewed and whatever they could remember about earlier days of Sai Baba in Shirdi, was noted down.

Most part were recorded by Pujyashri H. H. Narshimha Swamiji. Narshimha Swamiji was one graced devotee in whom the divine energies of Sai Baba flowed and worked through him. Narshimha Swami became Pujya (one who could be worshiped) as the divine energy has taken over his mind, body and heart. It was the divine that manifested in Him that drew the people to give the title Pujya.

Below are the topics written about the earlier years of Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai Baba Mhalsaapati and Khandoba Temple

Ganpatrao Kote Patil and Bayjabai

Sai Baba's youthful love of art and music

Sai Baba’s first miracle noticed by Shirdi villagers

Sai Baba curing ailments

Start of the worship of Sai Baba

my wallpapers Sai [Webshots]

Sat, 08 May 2004 11:49:11 PDT

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Tue, 10 Sep 2002 05:21:48 PDT

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Sat, 20 Jul 2002 10:42:41 PDT

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Fri, 05 Jul 2002 11:52:43 PDT

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Kailash [Webshots]

Fri, 05 Jul 2002 11:41:43 PDT

Mount Kailash

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