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Shirdi Sai Baba - Blissful joy that subdues our sufferings

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Om Shri SaiNathaya Namaha,

Last post was about Sai Baba taking the sufferings upon Himself. In layman terms this becomes little difficult to understand. Although numerous incidents happened, people actually experienced that their suffering ended and there were many witness to those incidents. If we read the leelas of Shirdi Sai Baba, these sort of incident happened almost daily. They have not stopped after the Compassionate One left His physical body, which is called MahaSamadhi.

Blissful Joy is my Nature

In the Sacred text Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter number 19. Sai Baba have explained "Know that which is knowledge incarnate, or Supreme pure Consciousness or Blissful joy -- that is my true nature. So meditate on it regularly."

Those chapters (18 and 19) of Shri Sai SatCharitra has excellent guidance for meditation from Master Guide Baba himself. But here the topic we are about to see is different and the above quote is relevant with it.

Since Sai Baba is one with the almighty, He is also the ocean of bliss. The topic of this particular was knocking on the door of mind and i stumbled upon an article signs of spiritual perfection by Meher Baba as a help to this post. I consider it a little miracle :). The quote below fits perfectly well.

The second sign is the atmosphere of bliss that Perfection radiates in its immediate vicinity, an atmosphere that a stranger in search of it cannot help feeling. A Perfect Master not only enjoys infinite bliss but also experiences universal suffering. The acuteness of suffering however is nullified or subdued by the overwhelming feeling of bliss. Hence Perfection can outwardly appear blissfully calm in the face of every kind of suffering and persecution.

The acuteness of sufferings subdues

Now what was going on in my mind to understand this in layman's term. Lets suppose we individuals are glass of water holding some amount of that spiritual infinite bliss. More an individual is spiritual more bliss he or she experiences and also radiates the same.

Nobody is free from suffering. It's a fact that sufferings visits each and everyone. Lets imagine suffering as ink. Now suppose a drop of ink is dropped in a small glass of water. The color of water (consciousness or chitta) will change. It will all be the color of ink (suffering). So individual with very less spiritual advancement will experience that more intensely. If the same drop of ink is dropped in a lake or river (more spiritually advanced beings), the same drop of ink will have negligible effect for a short time.

While Sadguru's are infinite oceans of bliss. They can consume rivers of inks with and diffuse it's effects. This explains that when Sai Baba took upon the pain and sufferings of devotees, not a trace of pain was seen on his glowing benign face. Not only this the Sadgurus or spiritual Gurus are the ones capable of awakening the source of infinite bliss in each one of us.

What should we learn from this?

We can also understand from this that more the person gets spiritually advanced, he or she experiences more and more bliss. The smile and experience of bliss and happiness is not easily disturbed with challenges and trials of life. Happiness and bliss becomes a the nature of those people. They carry it with them along with the other good qualities like compassion. As Sai Baba has taught us to seek His blissful nature, we should seek His blissful nature and love and grace. Then there would be no need to ask for mundane things which our mind feels would bring happiness and harmony.

Divine love the answer against anguish

Since Sai Baba fulfills our desires

Love is what sadguru wants

Sai SatCharitra - Baba's grace a couple of experiences

Asking from Baba His grace and miracles

Little more about Sai Baba's grace

Attraction towards Sai Baba's clothes

Sai Baba taking sufferings up on Himself

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:59:00 +0000

Om Shri Sadguru SaiNathatya Namaha!

Sai Baba taking pain upon Himself for the sake of His devotees welfare

In G.S. Khaparde's diary, it is mentioned that Sai Baba once pointed out His body and said that His body got emaciated, His digestion impaired, His food reduced to bare bread and water(due to looking after worries of innumerable devotees), and yet in spite of these He must go on doing His duty, whatever the consequences. Such is the Eternal love and Compassion of SadGuru Sai Baba.

In Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 7 we can read two examples of Sai Baba suffering for the sake of His devotees. In the first incident Sai Baba was sitting near the Dhuni, the sacred fire in revered Dwarkamai, which burns 24 x 7 since He lighted it. A close devotee of Sai Baba Shama, noted that the Protector Sai thrust His hand in the sacred fire of Dhuni. The hand got scorched. Shama immediately pulled back the Merciful Baba. He asked the Holy One, "Deva for what have you done this?"

The Preserver Baba said, "Oh, Shama, you know, a child slipped from it's mother's arms suddenly, and felt into smith's forge! Hearing her husbands call, the wife of the smith began to blow the bellows vigorously, out of fear, while holding her child in her armpit all the while. While doing so unintentionally she lost her attention from the child for a while. The restless, over-active child slipped from there."

"But Shama, No sooner did she fall, than I picked her up. And as I picking her up, this is what has happened! Let the hand be scorched, but at least the child's life is saved!"

Shama wrote a letter to one of the prominent devotees of Sai Baba, Chandorkar. On hearing the news Nanasaheb Chandorkar rushed with a doctor. But the Unique Baba never cared to show the wounds of hand to the medical doctor. He said, "Allah is our Vaidya"

Sai Baba taking the plague disease on himself

Another incident described in the same chapter of Shri Sai SatCharitra is of the son of G. S. Khaparde. G. S. Khaparde and his wife were having a long stay in Shirdi, according to the wishes of Preventer Sai Baba. Sai Baba wanted to prevent a danger on this family, thus made them stay in holy Shirdi for about two months . We will see this story later.

The little son of Khaparde was sick, burning with fever. This made the mother's heart broken and her head became restless. Her home was in Amravati, and she wished to go there. On finding a suitable opportunity, when Baba came for his evening round near Wada. She clasped the Compassionate One's feet and told about her son's condition. Moreover she said there was the fear of dreaded plague.

Gently the Holy One said, "The sky is overcast, but it will rain, bringing forth harvest and the clouds will melt away.

"Why be afraid?" So saying, He lifted His Kafni up to the waist and showed inflamed buboes to everyone. The size of hen's egg, four buboes could be seen spread in four directions.

"See I have to take upon myself all your sufferings", said Baba.

Two another such incidents of taking the sufferings of disease in short

Mrs. Tarabai Sadashiv Tarkhad of poona, was suffering from a long-standing disease of eye. Her eyes were in constant pain and watered. Doctors had failed to cure or even diagnose the disease.

She made a Shirdi visit, and sat in front of the Sai Baba, the Responsive One gave a divine glance in her eyes. Instantly the lady's eyes were restored to normal. The Restorer's eyes were seen watering, and the pain of many years, had to be dissolved in the infinite Bliss.

One Mr. Noverkar was suffering from high fever. He sent his son to Shirdi with Rs.500 as an offering to Sai. As soon as Baba received the sum, His limbs began to shiver and body was in fever for few moments.

Baba explained, "I have to bear the burden of my devotees."

The task of Sadguru is very difficult and beyond our imagination. They have that Great High Powers to do so. This was not the only way the Merciful took up on and still takes away the sufferings of innumerable devotees. There are more. We will see them here on this blog in days to come.

Om Sai Ram.

Vaidya = In Sanskrit it means "one who knows" and in Ayurveda it means physician

How do you go to Shirdi?

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Om Shri SaiNathaya Namaha!

How do you go to Shirdi? Obviously the question asked is not about the physical or gross means like do you go by air plane?, train?, or road?, or car? or walking? or perhaps on a bicycle (devotees do reach by all these means). It is about our mental attitude. So this article also implies to how you go to any local temple of Sai Baba or the temple sacred space in your home.
As it appeared on Sai Baba says blog, Sai Baba himself once said People do ask for abundance of wealth and prosperity, or for the cure of disease, removal of difficulties, or for fame, honour, power and authority. It is happiness they always ask for.
Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 16 verse 40.

So, the above given reasons are the chief reasons for most of us to get attracted to Shirdi or Sai Baba. We mostly go there with reasons of our own. The reasons we think would would bring about happiness or do away with problems and troubles. Or we might think certain spiritual activity would give us a spiritual push and we might go there with that idea. So basically our ideas rules. We try to push our ideas on Baba.

So mostly, either we go with some demand in our heart and mind. Or we might go with ideas like I will do Naamsmaran, do Sai Satcharitra parayan, attend Sai Baba arati in Samadhi Temple, do pradakshina, do meditation. And all these activities are really very good and helpful and Sadguru Sai Baba have always asked us to spend more time in such activities.

And there is another way also. We just go there, without any desire. Worldly or spiritual. We go empty. We might have lots of things running around inside us, few or many desires knocking hard within our self, if that is the case we just present our present state to the divine grace of Baba. We can I say, Baba I have come to you. I don't know what is best for me. I surrender myself to you and I love you. Whatever within me, good or bad, I offer it to You. I will sit here and love you. Or engage my self in the activities like Naamsmaran, Sai SatCharitra Parayan, doing seva. But all the rest I completely leave to you. I have full faith in You, so will leave the results to You.

If we go with go with one of the many spiritually helpful activities. Again we might get stuck. If we just go there and let it happen. Humbly we go to Shirdi. There we let Baba decide what we should do. Because while we are there, Sai Baba is the doer. He does work on us. We are not the doer. The all knowing and all powerful will decide how,when and where to give you.

I have seen many devotees. They think I should and must get a chance to attend arati standing or sitting near Samadhi. Or i must read this much. As if, not doing so will lead to failure in getting Baba's grace and favor.

Actually it's opposite. If we go there without our ideas. Worldly or Spiritual. We are able to receive more.

We can leave the workings and results on the all knowing, all powerful, who has the knowledge of most secrets, the divine light and a perfect guide, our Sadguru Shri Sai Baba.

Om Shri SadChitAnand Sadguru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai.
Bow at your holy feet.

Since the gross information is also helpful to most devotees, a detailed post/article has already been written earlier Travelling Shirdi pilgrimage and Places to Visit in Shirdi.

Related articles

Sai SatCharitra and Baba's grace - couple of experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:25:00 +0000

Om Shri Sai,

Reading Sai SatCharitra or going through Sai SatCharitra parayana is one of the most loved activity of mine. It all started with my first experience with this sacred book, which is mentioned in my first experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba.

It was an experience amazing, while i was not reading this sacred book. Would like to quickly share it here again. It was real tough time on my consciousness. My heart and complete self was in real pain (not physical). Was spending the days lying on the bed, with often burst of silent tears rolling out of eyes. There was nothing else to do but to go through this pain with inner chanting of the name Sai Baba. The pain was accepted as a part of karmic happening and so there was no complain towards anything or anyone, according to the teachings of Sai Baba.

Only things that i got of my bed were, to complete the needed gross rituals like brushing teeth, answering nature's calls, taking bath etc. Little food was taken to sustain the physical body as a help to go through this pain. Then, at a point the pain in the heart got real wild. The painful energies started rushing madly starting from the heart towards the brain and it felt this will make this person insane. Somehow with a miracle of Sai Baba. My hand moved itself and grabbed the copy of Shri Sai SatCharitra that i used to read often. The sacred book placed itself on the left hand side of the chest. There was a rush of Baba's grace or Baba's love from the sacred book towards the heart.

The pain was still there. But a far more powerful force called Baba's grace was holding and supporting the heart. The maddening rush of energies in the head, condensed at a single point on the third eye. The fear of getting mad was over. The pain was there, but the support was far greater, and slowly and gradually in few days the pain had to leave.

I was reading this sacred book few moments ago, like to share a story of Sai Baba from it as i saw it. So started writing. At this point it seems Baba wants the above and the more recent experience with this sacred book of Sai Baba to appear on this blog. So shall do this.

I was reading a wonderful book on Sai Baba called 'Sai Baba the Master', by Pujya Acharya Sri Ekkirala Bharadwaja, you can read Sai Baba the master online. This book is also on my list of good books on Sai Baba. While reading it i came to an incident where Sai Baba asked a devotee to do 108 parayans Guru Charitra. This evoked my love for Sai SatCharitra. As reading it is always an experience to being very close to Sai Baba. The grace constantly flows through my hands holding the sacred book and filling my body from within.

I started doing it and was able to finish 108 Sai SatCharitra parayans. A devoted singer and a good friend of mine Vikram Hazra happened to visit my home and sung Bhajans for Baba, as a part of spiritual ceremony of the completion of these 108 Sai SatCharitra parayans. Below you can see a video snippet recorded on normal digital camera.

This sacred book i prefer to keep near me always. Often in my hands, as i feel the flow of Baba's grace. I keep it beside the pillow and keep one hand on it and go to sleep with mental chanting of Sai Baba's name.

One night in deep sleep i had a dream. Somebody pulled me gently and showing me a well, told me, "Something very valuable has fallen in the well. Pull it out quickly."

So with the help of pulley and a rope i pulled up that valuable thing out of the well. I leaned forward and grabbed it. It was a kind of box in a gift wrapping. I removed the wrapping and moved the wrapping and tried to feel the content with both the palms of my hands. It was a small plastic cuboid, with small door. I opened those small doors and saw Sai Baba picture, sound of chanting of name Sai Baba along with soft music was clearly herd.

Oh, This is Baba i said to myself. Then in a split of second the dream was over. Since it was real deep sleep it took a while and much efforts to open my eye lids to have a look at Baba's picture again, while my hands and fingers tried to open the plastic doors of that slim cuboid to have another look at Baba. It took a while an some struggle to open up that cuboid. As it was opened, the struggle to open the eye lids also ended. "Hey, where is Baba!" i said to myself. I had a closer look and could see marking i did with the pen for each completions of Sai SatCharitra Parayan, on the first inner page of this sacred book. It was a record which i kept. "Oh, this is Sai SatCharitra. i said to myself. Then i realized that, it had fallen down from bed on the other side. I put back the sacred book where i generally put it while i sleep. Placed my hand on it, in less then a second i was in sound deep sleep again.

In the morning i remembered everything and wondered how the book travelled all the way from one side of pillow to the other side. I still wonder! But most important thing is, with this incident Baba showed me how valuable this book is for me, and other devotees who love him. It is not just a book. Baba's grace flows through it!

Om Sai Om Sai Om Sai.

Why should one curse Sai Baba? - When one does not want to listen to Him

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Om Shri SaiNathaya Namah!

Sai Baba have said, "I give people what they want so that I can give what I want to give them."

"My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give. If you listen to Me carefully, you will be certainly benefited. Sitting in this Masjid, I never speak any untruth." ---- Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 16.

When i started writing this post it was titled something else. Then the experience in the following paragraph happened. At that time, with about 4 hours sleep in about 60 hours, i needed some sleep badly. So i left this post after couple of paragraphs more and hit the bed. As i tried to sleep with my mind on Sai Baba's grace and chanting of Baba's Name. The title kept harassing me. Could not sleep for about three hours more. Got up changed the title and then sleep. The title was copy pasted from few emails i received with much negative emotions about Sai Baba, i can't write it. i know the results. So; being in love with Sai Baba, if we do something wrong, the result is instant. Then we stay away from it.

(following was written with that title and i'll keep it the way it was)
For me it's quite a painful experience to write or even read that title of this blog post. It's too painful an experience. Drops of tears are wetting the eyelids, a subtle pain is felt from head to toe.

But have to write as i feel there might me some similar misguided souls, who might enter the above lines in search engine, end up here and might find some solution with the help of Sai Baba's grace.

(Then i continue writing this post next day with Baba's grace)
In past recent month i have been receiving few emails with lot's of words which a person, devoted to Sai Baba will not be able to write. The person even claims to have written similar emails to many dedicated devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba, who put their love and devotion for Shirdi Sai Baba on either blogs, websites, web forums, groups.

Out of many emails i will copy paste the latest and the shortest one. Shortest because Sai Baba have always advised us to stay away from words and people that propagates negativity. Special care about words spoken against Saints, Sages, Spiritual Gurus and forms of Gods. In this story of Shama with Sai Baba Sai Baba gave a very valuable lesson : "Don’t look down or talk ill of others, especially a Satpurush (saints, sages and spiritually elevated people) for the ill effect of it will be seen on the future generations. Your Guru and Father should be treated with love and respect, do whatever Seva you can do for both of them. Have total faith in them."

So as a devotee and lover of Shirdi Sai Baba i should be remembering the words of Sai Baba and should act accordingly. So below is the mail from a distressed person and with the help of Sai Baba's grace, i'll try to point out few things from Sai Baba's stories, words and teachings. It should be helpful to people in distress and devotees who might face this situation, and be helpful.

Dear Mr. alpesh,
I had written some mails to you regarding my negative experiences with baba. I tried to write in your web site also, but what I wrote was not getting approved. It is my request that people should be allowed to register even negative experiences with Baba. I understand that your site is for spreading baba's blessings and helping people to cope up with problems in life by creating hope among them saying baba will take care. I was one of such persons who had immense faith in baba and lived with such hope. Because of that I am totally broken today and I am struggling to control my feeling for ending my ordeals. I wish people should not have such blind faith that baba will take care, instead I would like to request all these sites to teach people to be alert and handle things in life carefully and learn to accept everything that is happening, instead of telling people that baba will fulfill our desires. That is a total lie. How i curse baba and how I am shocked that baba could destroy my life so much, I am sinking everyday slowly, I wish people should learn from my experiences also. Kindly allow me to write my experiences in your site.

Experiencing Sai Baba.

The reader says my negative experience with Baba. i'd like to question this one. The one who writes this or feel this way should do some self-research. It is, does the negative experience comes because one is experiencing the grace or presence or love of Baba? It is impossible. It is like saying, i see the darkness when the light bulb has been switched one. May be the light bulb is switched on or you have tightly covered your eyes with black cloth. Nothing negative can stay when one is totally with Baba's grace. Or does the negative experience comes due to some desires that does not get fulfilled. Then it should be understood well that the negative experience is the result of some unfulfilled desires and not due to Baba. The cloth of desires are covering the eyes, grace is not seen, the desires are.

Purpose of this site dedicated to Sai Baba.
Next thing from mail is, I understand that your site is for spreading baba's blessings and helping people to cope up with problems in life by creating hope among them saying baba will take care. Certainly yes. Baba will care and Baba is there to care. Baba has been caring for innumerable devotees, guiding them, protecting them. Otherwise why should so many devotees go to Shirdi? Why so many temples of Sai Baba around the world? Why so many devotees sing the glories of Sai Baba? The writer feels His grace and compassion and so many devotees have felt this and feels this. The word hope can be dangerous if misunderstood.

So rather i would say the site is written to spread the grace and teachings of Sai Baba. Sai Baba with all his love and compassion is pointing us to something and many things. If we don't have enough time and efforts to ponder what He says. We just stick to our hopes which might not act according to Sai Baba's teachings. It is like we want to reach Shirdi, we see a sign board showing us the way to Shirdi. But we disregard it, we say i'll go my way. We don't reach Shirdi, then it is not the fault of the sign board.

If our hopes of fulfillment of desires, have a much higher place than what Sai Baba says, or to what He is pointing to. We should understand that we are devoted to our own hopes and not Baba. i was one of such persons who had immense faith in baba and lived with such hope. Because of that I am totally broken today and I am struggling to control my feeling for ending my ordeals. Faith and patience. Along with Faith Sai Baba have given most importance to patience. Lets see what Sai Baba says on patience. Baba says 'Unswerving faith (Shraddha), is Patience (Saburi) own sister, both being to each other, dearer than life itself.'

Forbearance or patience (Saburi) alone, succeeds, it scuttles calamities away in all directions.

This forbearance (Saburi) (Patience) is the essence of manliness in a man that overcomes sin, suffering and adversity, averts disaster ingenuously and drives away all fear.

Unswerving faith (Shraddha), is Patience (Saburi) own sister, both being to each other, dearer than life itself.

Forbearance (Patience) (Saburi) is a mine of Virtue, the queen of the noble , virtuous thought.

''Have faith and patience. Then I will be always with you wherever you are."

Forbearance and patience (Saburi), never cast it away. Whenever faced with a difficult situation , it will take you across safely.

These are the words of Baba. This emails suggests the essential 'Patience' (an not an easy part) is missing. I think we should give it a try.

Parayans of Sai SatChritra holds so much importance for devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba. It has Sai Baba's grace and love and much valuable advice. The grace of Baba makes it very easy for us to imbibe those advice if we do it regularly. From Sai SatCharitra Chapter 18 and 19 we know calamities for some devotees can be eased with few readings or few have to have much more patience.

Our hopes and ending of the ordeals.

We move on to next point from the email. Because of that I am totally broken today and I am struggling to control my feeling for ending my ordeals. How to pass through ordeals is what Sai Baba is teaching us and what this website or blog promotes. It is done through Sai Baba's stories, words, actions and grace. If only we have time to ponder on these things.

In the former email the word ending or life or suicide was used instead of ending ordeal. Ending of ordeal and ending the physical life or suicide are both poles apart. Ending of the ordeal, or pain or anguish. It may be physical, emotional or mental is what, everybody is looking for. If we look at the content of this site there is so much on this subject. It is through devotion and surrender to the divine.

On the other hand if we have Faith and devotion towards Sai Baba we will never ever think of ending the physical life or suicide. In Sai SatCharitra Chapter 26 we know through a story, that this action of ending life does not lead to end of pain. It multiplies and prolongs the pain. Best course is to go through it. Going through it while doing Naamsmaran, or worship of Sai Baba, or parayan of Sai SatCharitra, Meditaion on Sai Baba picture, talking with Sai Baba from the depth of the heart, asking for Baba's love and grace. It is best during these times, to get the invisible support of Sai Baba and His grace during these difficult times. Sai Baba says any form of spiritual activity, dedicated to any form of God-Goddesses, Guru or religion helps. Sacred literature dedicated to any forms of Gods, Goddesses, Guru or religion will help.
This is one way of going through ordeal, which helps us to lead on right way. It removes much of the ordeal. There is another way, don't do all this and go through ordeals. Nobody and nobody having physical body can escape the ordeals all together.

Sai Baba says even i have to suffer for the sake of my devotees. Sai Baba is known to take much of His devotees pain upon Himself, such is His compassion. This certainly does not mean we don't have to go through a very important part of life which enrich us and makes us strong called struggle or ordeals or challenges. This are the test for us devotees, if we have loved Him enough and have faith in what he says. From writers own experience he can say these times are real tough, not at all easy. Also these times are much helpful to totally seek the divine grace and love. In these intense moments when the mind is seeking nothing but the end, total intensity can be put on the Guru and the divine. If we pass the tests, there is nothing to complain about it. And i have experienced, that each of those tough moments have repaid much more than what i could have asked for. If we fail in school because we did not cared about what is taught, we cannot blame the school.

Be alert - accept everything

As we move forward with the email, instead I would like to request all these sites to teach people to be alert and handle things in life carefully and learn to accept everything that is happening, instead of telling people that baba will fulfill our desires. Above topic answers this. Still i'd like to few links from this blog that points to this same things. There are many more but i'll put few.

Since Sai Baba fulfills desires

Divine love the answer to anguish

Baba why don't you listen to my prayers?

Shirdi Sai Baba and the gold

Asking from Baba His grace and miracles

Can we understand Sai Baba's activity?

On finding faults with others

i think all the contents of the email have been answered. Baba is there for us because we can easily and anytime start shrinking, can be attacked by unfavorable conditions, go through ordeals. We have to listen to Baba and go through it. Going through it as Baba says will put it to end. Our own efforts can multiply them, prolong them.

Saint Kabir : भटक मुआ भेदी बिना, कौन बतावे धाम ?

चलते चलते जुग गयो, पाँव कोस पर गाँम ।।

Meaning : Without a guide (Spiritual Master) I search life time in search of beloved (God or divine) (all the inner miseries ends here) with no one to guide me; i was worn out and tired while the manzil (destination) was right there.

Om Sai Om Sai Om Sai!

The story behind Aarti Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Sai Baba said, "Aree Madhava (Madhavrao Aadkar), why are you trying to hide the paper? Read it aloud!"

Madhavrao read the poem devoted to his Guru Sai Baba in form of Aarti, which got composed, while he was in Shirdi in 1903-04 A.D.

On hearing it Sai Baba said, "Your this aarti will look after welfare of devotees."

Which is this Aarti of Sai Baba?

As we know there are many aartis of Sai Baba daily sung in Shirdi Samadhi Temple and temples of Shirdi Sai Baba around the world.

Aarti Sai Baba composed by Madhavrao Aadkar, which is sung in afternoon aarti and evening aarti in Shirdi Samadhi temple. Lyrics of this aarti and it's meaning are also written at the end of Shri Sai SatCharitra published by Shri SaiBaba Sansthan Shirdi.

Online you can watch this aarti video along with lyrics and meaning of the aarti on blogpost titled Aarti Sai Baba on Sai Baba videos blog.

Madhavrao Adkar

Little more about Madhavrao Aadkar

Madhavrao Adkar was one of the contemporary devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi. He was very good friend of Das Ganu Maharaj. Both of them had Sai Baba as their spiritual guru. Both of them had a sweet voice and sung spiritual and religious songs. They composed these songs also. Thus they were excellent medium for popularizing Sai Baba through their compositions and songs.

It was Das Ganu, who took Madhavrao Adkar to Sai Baba. Mahavrao Adkar considered and honored Das Ganu as his elder brother and had much regards for him. Das Ganu, reciprocated these feelings. To the extent that he made Madhavrao sit for puja and garland him, and touch his feet with devotion. Dasganu affectionately called him 'Baban'.

His visits to Shirdi

Whenever Madhavrao visited the sacred land Shirdi, he would stay in that divine place for longer periods of time. He sustained himself by taking private tuitions. And as soon as he felt the pull towards Shirdi, he would set off for the same.

Das Ganu Maharaj

In the year 1903-04 A.D. once while he was in Shirdi, totally immersed in devotion of Sai Baba. Suddenly a poem in form of Aarti was composed. He wrote it on a piece of paper. When Das Ganu read it he was much happy and was amazed to read that wonderful composition. Though Madhavrao himself was not much exited about it. He just put the paper with the aarti in his pocket.

Both of them went for Sai Baba's darshan in Dwarkamai. Sai Baba knew Madhavrao was trying to hide the paper. So the conversation happened which is given at the beginning of this blog post.

There few more stories of Madhavrao Adkar. Which i feel would me much better that they become part of Sai Baba stories blog and linked to contemporary devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Sai Baba's love for His devotees

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:49:00 +0000

Om Shri SatChitAnanda Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai.

Shirdi Sai Baba is known for His love towards the devotees. His unbounded love attracts so many souls towards Him. All Sai Baba requires if intense love from His devotees. Although, most often we read or hear about Sai Baba's the fulfillment of wishes of devotees, it is but the immense love of Shirdi Sai Baba whose words we should remember are, "I give people what they want so that I can give what I want to give them."

It is for Baba's immense love towards His devotees, to divert their love towards the divine, He fulfills devotees wishes, also give them protection in many ways and on many levels of consciousness. Also loving Sai Baba's divine form and His Name (Namasmaran), is love for divine.

So in reality, it is because of Baba's love that we devotees love Baba and the divine.

Just a night before a similar experience of Sai Baba's love happened with me. I read about Satsang (singing of bhajans in love for divine) with highly devotional hearted Vikram Hazra on 14th of Jan., in presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Pune . Another artist a painter, who paints beautiful Sai Baba's paintings of canvas, Sunil Shegaonkar lives in Pune. So i thought both of them meet, on occasion that Baba loves, that of singing devotional songs and i should contact both for the same.

Soon after this thought i was reminded of watching photo copies of paintings of Sai Baba by Sunil Shegoankar in a shop exactly opposite Dwarkamai. A point from the past, me asking the shopkeeper (who also happens to be my friend) about visiting devotees responses for the photos.

Usually, the night sleeping time is best for me to contemplate on divine grace. And Baba's love and grace makes it so simple. I just have to keep my head on Sai Baba's clothes putting my hand on Shri Sai SatCharitra takes my consciousness to Baba's divine world in seconds. Am simply in love with this divinely graced book by Baba, better still, Baba's love and grace flowing through this book gives so much solace to me. There is no other way, but to love the divine book.

Somehow prior to this day Wednesday 4th Jan 2012, for about four days. The sleeping happened with chanting of Ma Kali's name, feeling Maa's divine grace from Kali Maa's Chunri from Dakshineshwar Temple, where Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsha loved the Divine Mother. More on how devotion for Maa Kali began is written on the post titled Male and female spiritual energy.

Now, on Thursday as i had mentally reached the point from the past, where i was asking my friend about Sai Baba's photos in his shop. The shop is exactly opposite Dwarkamai. So before i could complete my sentence, i felt strong grace coming from Dwarkamai. I looked back, forgot everything else. The heart and head taken over by grace, lovingly started chanting Sai Baba Sai Baba. 4 to 5 hours might have passed in this state of Sai Baba's love in Dwarkamai.

During that time mentally or say subtly i walked into Dwarkamai and each and every atom of Dwarkamai i felt was Baba. Once i even thought, we have walked in Dwarkamai so many times, and we have to walk on Baba's love, because there is no other way.

On the next night Thursday 5th 2012, i was again sleeping in Baba's grace and then too much saturated by grace got up at around 12. Had some food spent some time in home temple. At about 2 'o clock strongly felt to share previous night experience on the blog. But did not do it, thinking if i start to write, it will get over by 6 a.m., considering the break i would take at 3.30 for cleaning home-temple (Baba's room) lighting incense and attending live aarti of Sai Baba on Tata Sky TV. Sleeping at 6 or 7 in morning would disturb the sleeping pattern.

Next day, in mail i got a picture from a devotee friend in Mumbai. About people seeing Sai Baba's face in Nimbar in Dwarkamai. Again i was reminded of the strong feeling of Baba's grace in each atom of the Holy Dwarkamai. Later on could also see a couple videos on the same on youtube videos.

Sai Baba blessed me with His grace and a baby boy

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Following is a very heart touching leela of Shirdi Sai Baba, which a devotee sincerely wants to share with this blog readers. i have added some relevant links to the writing.

Om Sri Sai Nathay Namah

I sincerely request the team to allow this article to be published, as it will give immense strength and confidence to all baba's children who are still waiting for his amazing blessings, which CAN make their lives take a BIG U TURN!!!!

JAI SAI RAM
Shirdi Sai Baba came into my life in 2005. Although i knew about him a few years before but getting to understand him only came in 2005. It was the same year my mother-in-law was visiting us from india, and we went to his temple together. Although i had no intention of opening my heart to him but as soon as i saw him i bursted out crying (One of the 8 types of spiritual ecstasies). I had been trying for a child for quite sometime now without any success. I had a miscarriage in 2003 and was unable to conceive after that. As soon as i saw baba's idol, tears rolled down and i heard a very clear voice telling me "Ï HAVE COME HERE FOR YOU". I kept crying while the shej aarti (Shirdi Sai Baba Aartis) was being played, and felt really light after that. I came home and started praying to baba to bless me with a child. 3 years passed and i became pregnant in 2008. Me and my husband were over the moon. Everything was going fine until 21 weeks, when things started looking bad. I lost my pregnancy. I was totally devastated and couldn't stop asking baba "WHY DID U DO THIS?????"

Baba told me through a fellow devotee that this was meant to happen and soon i will be blessed with a beautiful son.

I again got pregnant in 2010 and a gorgeous little baby boy was born the same year.There are no words which can describe the merciful nature of our BABA. He proved to me that certain things are pre-destined and cannot be changed but he will hold us and take us safely across this samsara. Baba is everything for me, my friend, my brother, my advisor in fact MY LIFE.

I thank baba from the bottom of my heart for being in my life and making it so meaningful. Beyond this samsara is a beautiful beautiful almighty waiting for us with his stretched hands to embrace us and we only need those eyes to see and touch to feel it. Baba bless all your children with whatever is good for them and grant us wisdom to lead this life on your principles. Love you now and ALWAYS.
JAI SAI RAM

How do we do Sai Baba’s bhakti in Navratri?

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Om Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha!

Navratri 2011 has already started. I received an email from a Shirdi Sai Baba devotee, with a question. The email was

Alpeshji,
Namaste.

Navatari ke dino me Shri. Saibaba ki bhakti kis prakar kar sakate hain? matlab, Shri. Sai Satcharit padhane ka, jaap karane ka. aur kuch aap bata sakate hain? pl. reply kijiye.

The question was asked in Hindi. Here is rough translation. How can we devote ourselves to Shirdi Sai Baba?

Further the reader gets a little more specific :).By doing Parayan of Shri Sai SatCharitra, doing jaap or Naamsmaran of Sai Baba. Or is there anything more?

I was reading a wonderful short story few days back. It was in a book called Words of Kabir and other stories by Sam Kerawala. i was suppose to send this book to my dear friend Vikram Hazra, who is a very good bhajan singer. He sings with bhava and devotion. A gifted soul. When he sings, a divine atmosphere is felt, the listeners minds are transported to another world. Hopefully we will get a Sai Baba Naamsmaran audio cd recorded with his devotional voice and music.

So coming back to the story which tells a lot about devotion.

The Story. (as i remember, not exactly as it appears in the book)

Once there was a man who had worked, all of his life as a clown in a circus. At the old age, he retired and settled in his village. He had genuine love for God. He regularly visited Church for prayers. Having spent his entire life working as a clown in circus, he did not knew much about traditional ways of prayers and rituals.

To please God, everyday he visited Church and performed some juggling and other clown tricks, only things he knew best. His actions went without much noticed for few days. Then, a priest got a little suspicious about this strange behavior of a new and regular visitor of the church.

He hide himself to notice what exactly this man was up to. He was shocked to see the man performing silly tricks in front of Lord. This idiot should be thrown away he thought. He was about to open the chapel door to put in action of what he thought about.

What he witnessed, left him frozen in awe. The statue of Jesus came alive, stepped down the altar, with his very own hands and robe, he lovingly wiped the sweat of his dear clown.

Bhava or love is what Sadguru or divine wants. Already on this blog, a similar story of Sai Baba Himself, loving a poor devotee name Mahali who loved Sai Baba and called Him Shai Baba is posted Intense love is all that Sadguru or the God wants.

Sai Baba sacred book Shri Sai SatCharitra has a very special place in many devotees heart. You can read more about it - Sai SatCharitra Parayan

Worshiping Sai Baba is another post that i suggested in reply to the answer of the email.

Foe those devotees who love Japa or chanting or singing of Sai Baba name or Sai Baba mantras. Naamsmaran of Sai Baba and What's The Meaning of "Om Sai Ram"? should be a good read.

A very similar story is also written in the article Prayers to Shirdi Sai Baba.

Om Sai Ram!

Website for booking passes for Darshan Aarti and rooms in Shirdi

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Om Sai Ram,

Last article was about the new online services to be provided by Shri SaiBaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi).

The site for online services like time for getting specific time for Samadhi Temple darshan, attending specific Aarti of Sai Baba, Online booking or reservation for accommodation, provided by Shri SaiBaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) (you can have a look here) and donating money to Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) has been launched.

General tip for booking darshan passes, aarti passes and room booking in Shirdi.
Rooms and darshan passes will be booked according to availability. So it will be better to book the rooms and passes well in advance, especially for Thursdays, weekends, holidays and festivals, to avoid any disappointments.

Some more details on new website launched
Click ---> online.sai.org.in for the same. The devotees or pilgrims wishing to avail this facility will have to register on the site first. Click ---> link for registration. The darshan passes and aarti passes will have to be collected from Shirdi. Below is a snippet from the website.
“In online Darshan pass system, devotee has to provide personal details and select time slot for Darshan. Using the acknowledgement generated online, devotee will get an actual Darshan pass at Shirdi. Devotee needs to undergo biometric scanning at verification gate before proceeding for Darshan. Devotee can avail Darshan only in selected time slot.”

Below is the list of Details Required for Registration so keep those details handy before you hit the registration link.

1. Valid Email Id
2. Personal details, such as
- Name
- Contact address
- Contact number
3. Your photo (Max 50 KB). Valid file format - JPEG,BMP,PNG,GIF,JPG,TIFF
4. One of the following Ids:
- UID
- VOTE ID
- PAN CARD
- PASSPORT
- RATION CARD
- DRIVING LICENSE
- OTHERS

Other similar articles and information on Shirdi wale Sai Baba

Sai Baba Aarti - Lyrics-downloads-free

Download Sai Baba Aartis mp3 Shirdi Aratis

My experiences - Shirdi Sai Baba - Devotees Experiences

Traveling to Shirdi for First time ?

Shirdi Tour |Shirdi Pilgrimage online

Shirdi darshan - room reservation online facility

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:56:00 +0000

Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) has been providing the online darshan of Samadhi Temple throughout the day, while the temple is open for the devotees for darshan and prayers.

Here is an update to this post If you want to book a room or get darshan passes or aarti passes Click >>>>> Website for booking passes for Darshan Aarti and rooms in Shirdi for details, written after this website was launched.

However those visiting Shirdi, mostly face the problem of finding a suitable cheap and convenient place to stay, and they have to stand for hours together in queue, until they reach the Samdhi of Sai Baba and take darshan.

Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) offers many places to stay at very affordable and cheap rates. But, for new visitors of Shirdi it becomes difficult as the rooms have to be booked in person after reaching Shirdi. Many of the good services for accommodation provided by Sansthan Trust are scattered around in Shirdi.

Although, for devotees and pilgrims of Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Temple, very good arrangements are made during there wait in queue. Arrangements like benches for sitting, video view of Samadhi Temple, refreshments like tea, coffee, milk, water, cold drinks, toilets. Still the time taken on the way to Samadhi Darshan is quiet long. It becomes more stressful during the festivals, on weekends and on Thursdays.

There is good news.

According to a press release, with the help of Rs. 22 crore Sai Tech project, devotees and pilgrims will be able to book their darshan online. This means devotees with advance plans to visit Shirdi can get their darshan tokens online. With this facility they will have to wait relatively very less time for darshan of Sai Baba Samadhi Temple.

Another major problem for pilgrims and devotees in Shirdi is booking accommodation provided By Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi (you can have a look here). The range that Pilgrims have to pay is from INR 21per person to INR 400. Through this upcoming facility devotees will be able to book rooms online:)

One thing not mentioned in the press release is online sale of publication books, pictures, audio CD and video DVD. This is one thing most devotees find missing. If Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust also comes up with online sale of their books, CDS, DVDS and pictures, it will be just great.

Other similar articles of Shirdi Wale Sai Baba :

Traveling Shirdi for First Time ?
Shirdi Tour |Shirdi Pilgrimage online
GuruSthan In Shirdi online tour
Shirdi Sai Baba live Darshan on Tata Sky Satellite Television
free Udi sacred ash from Shirdi - Saisatcharitra

Guru Purnimaa - July 15th 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Tomorrow July 15, 2011, is Guru Purnima. Guru Purnimaa is a very special day for the devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, as Sri Sai Baba is a compassionate SadGuru. Also lovingly known as Shirdi wale Sai Baba.

2 articles, Guru Poornima and celebrate Guru Purnima are the ones you might go through.

Guru Purnima or Guru Poornimaa is celebrated throughout India with spiritual enthusiasm by devotees. This is a very special day to celebrate, to show their love for their SadGuru and to thank the Guru from the very depth of heart and soul.

How is Gurupoornima celebrated?

The essence of Gurupurnima celebration is to show the love towards the Guru and thank the Guru for His help, which none other, but only a spiritual Guru or a spiritual Master can render. That’s why it becomes so special. There is none who can help the way our Sadguru can help.

So the celebration of the can be done in a number of ways. There are more ways to show one’s love towards the Guru.

Many devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba visit the sacred land Shirdi. Shirdi is crowded with the devotees on this particular day. Few of my devotee friends are already there and have reported that Shirdi has been filled with Lakhs of devotees, wanting to be there on this very special day.

Devotees in Shirdi, or in their home, or in a local temple will celebrate Gurupurnima in many ways. Chief of them will be -

Sai SatCharitra Parayan
Worship of Sai Baba.
Chanting the name of Sai Baba
Performing Aartis of Sai Baba
Feeding the poor and helping the needy.
Meditation on Shirdi Sai Baba.
Reading stories of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Singing, listening and attending to the bhajans of Sai Baba.
Giving most importance to The essence of Sai Baba’s teachings

How the celebration of Gurupurnima started in Shirdi.

.
One day Sai Baba told his devotee, Dada Kelkar (father in law of Hari Vinayak Sathe), “You know, this day is the day to approach Guru. Bring your worship articles.”

Dada Kelkar and his friends looked up to the calendar, and it happened to be Gurupurnima. Since that day Gurupurnima is celebrated by Shirdi Sai Baba’s devotees either in Shirdi or at their homes or at local temples.

So on this special day of Guru let us set aside everything and put our minds towards our Sadguru Sai Baba, towards His love and be thankful for whatever He has done for us, known to us and unknown to us.

We can see Sai Baba’s regard towards His guru in Sai Baba’s brick.

A quote of Sufi Mystic Hafiz as read in Meher Baba’s room.

“About what you hear from the Master never say it is wrong because my dear, the fault lie in your own incapacity to understand HIM.”

Other similar articles on Shirdi wale Sai Baba you might like to read:

Give me the real Gold – Sai Baba

Sai surrounded with Gold

Sai Baba of Shirdi explains a verse from Bhagwat Gita

God or Guru (Sai Baba )grace

Devotees Expeiriences-Satya

Offerings to Shirdi Sai Baba - Devotees experiences

8 types of Spiritual ecstasy

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Many devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi go through experiences like uncontrollable tears, hair standing on the body, choking of heart, feeling a current is passing through some parts of their body or whole of the body, spacing out of mind when they visit Samadhi temple of Shirdi. Most does not understand this sudden happenings as they are not prepared or have not expected it. These are signs of Spiritual ecstasy, something spiritual within is awakened with the love and grace of Sadguru Sai Baba. i was lucky to feel these spiritual fervor during the first visit of Shirdi and it continues and intensifies :).

In the just released book "Shirdi che Sai Baba" there is mention of 8 forms of spiritual ecstasy. Megha, the beloved devotee of Sai Baba went through all 8 types of Spiritual ecstasy. The readers of Shri Sai SatCharitra must be aware of the story of Megha bathing Sri Sai Baba with the sacred waters of Godavari. Sai Baba often called Godavari river as Ganga. Megha's devotion towards Sadguru Sai Baba was total and he saw and worshiped Sai Baba as Lord Shiva. Since the Shiv Lingam is worshiped with bathing with the water, and the water of sacred river Ganga is considered very sacred.

Megha's heart thrived to bath Sai Baba with the sacred waters of Godavari river.
When Megha requested Sai Baba about his heart's desire. Baba replied, "Why Sachaila-Snana? In the whole body the head and the feet are the important from the worship viewpoint. So you pour and offer water on head and feet. That will be sufficient."
Megha's tendencies were that of a deeply devoted Bhakta (devotee). Standing near and Baba getting the permission of bathing His beloved God and Guru, Megha's whole being blossomed like Lotus. In this spiritual ecstatic state, quite unaware of what Sai Baba had just said, Megha emptied the whole pot of water, which he had filled with waters of Godavari. It took long walk of few miles from Shirdi for this devotee to collect the water from river bank and also bel leaves from nearby forest.

One hand of Megha was ringing the bell according to the customary temple ritual while worshiping the deity. After poring the pot-full of water right on Shri Sai Baba's head, when Megha opened his eyes, what Megha saw astonished him. He saw that only Sai Baba's head and feet were wet with water.

Then in this wonderful book 'Shirdiche Sai Baba' it states that Megha received the prasadam of divine love and bliss. All 8 signs of spiritual ecstasy were visible in him.

The 8 signs of Spiritual ecstasy.

Sudden perspiration.
Rising of body-hair.
Stillness.
Chocking of throat.
Subtle trembling.
Feeling nerveless.
Uncontrolled flow of tears.
Dissolution of existence.

Megha went through all this spiritual states in an instance. With this Satwik-Bhava, he fell at the holy feet of Baba.

Few other posts, you might like to read on similar topic on this blog dedicated to Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

The essence of Sai Baba’s teachings
Sai Baba shows Trilok (Three divine worlds) to Shama
The honor of the house is revealed by the dweller.
Don't look down or talk down of any Saint or SadGuru
When others are present, we keep off the children
God or Guru (Sai Baba )grace
The Vanity
Dev Baba - A spiritual Devotee of Sai Baba
What's The Meaning of "Om Sai Ram"?
Male and Female spiritual Energy
Sai Baba of Shirdi a Unique Spiritual Sadguru

Practical lessons from Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 21:24:00 +0000

Om Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha!

One of Sai Baba’s unique ways of teaching the people and devotees have been blogged about 4 years ago. It was the story of feeding the dog by Mrs. Tarkhad, from Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 9. Then, Feeding the hungry pleases me – Sai Baba was written about 1 and a half month back. Going through the blog posts mentioning the dog, i happen to revisit the preface of this Sai Baba blog written about 5 years earlier when this blog had just born, that too mentions a hungry feeble puppy.

This mode of Sai Baba’s teaching has made great impact on writer. And while reading a just released book ‘Shirdiche Sai Baba’ by Dr. Kehav Bhagwant Gawankar (Annasahib Gawankar), it was a pleasant surprise to know that the incident described in Shri Sai Satcharitra chapter 9 was followed by similar incidents on the same day. Sai Baba followed the teaching as He knew, that was not enough for some present there.

Two hours after the incident of Mrs. Tarkhad and dog, those who were present there and had witnessed and heard Baba, "“ After eating the Bhakhri, given to me so lovingly, I am satiated most truly, - nay I am still belching ( In olden days in India, when the guest was invited to a meal the host would fed him to the point of satiety, of which belching was indication) with satiation. “When you sat down to lunch, you suddenly saw that a hungry dog with a an empty stomach, who came to door know that I am one with him. “ And also the pig the pig you saw suffering from pangs of hunger, and smeared all with mud, -- I am one with him too!” “Know, that I like only him who sees me in all living beings. So give up the sense of differentiation. This is the way to worship me." what had happen, gathered at wada ( Large building with many rooms to accommodate visitors for short and long stays in those days were called wada). They all sat there for lunch, as it was custom to take lunch after they satiated their heart and soul with Sai Baba in Dwarkamai.

There too, a dog came. Hard is the long term sanskara to shrug off. Quite unconscious of their behavior they expelled the hungry creature. The dog in search of food went next door, were it received thrashing. When the dog started yelling and barking due to pain from beating, they were awakened to Sai Baba’s lesson which was imparted just a couple of hours before. Those who expelled the dog felt sorry and ashamed of themselves, for not being able to imbibe Baba’s teaching.

It did not end there, the lesson pursued. Sai Baba loved Naamsmaran (Chanting of God’s name) and bhajan kiratns (singing the glories of God). Das Ganu, Sai Baba’s beloved kirtankar (who sings the glory of God and chants the name of God in gatherings of devotees) was to perform in the evening in presence of compassionate Sai Baba.

Das Ganu narrated a story concerning dog. The story.

Once God Vitthal visited saint Namdev’s house, disguised as a dog. The dog snatched the roti from saint Namdev’s dish and began to run away. Seeing this Namdevji followed the dog. He followed the dog with a bowl full of ghee (clarified butter applied on roti). He was calling out the dog, “Deva, do not eat that dry roti. Eat this ghee with it; dry roti will harm your stomach.

Give me the real Gold – Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:29:00 +0000

Om Shri SatChitAnand SadGuru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai!

Om Shri Sai!

Recently, i received a email from a Sai Baba devotee, with pictures of Sai Baba idol. The devotee wanted to donate the idol to a Temple, were Sai Baba’s idol would be loved.

I looked at the pictures and the idol looked amazingly alive.

Since long i wanted to write an article, that would be helpful as guide for devotees building a temple of Sai Baba and requiring a Sai Baba idol for Sai Baba’s worship. The thought of writing the same came, when a devotee friend of mine wished to donate a Lord Duttatreya idol to a Sai Baba temple. He wanted to donate the idol with the best marble and best craftsmen. For this he made number of trips to Jaipur, where the best craftsmen of marble idol are found,and the best deals. As there are no traders in between. So i thought of putting his experience as a guide to those who would want to buy a good Sai Baba idol, directly from the manufacturer or the artist.

So, if you wish to buy a carved idol, or statue or Murti of Baba for home temple or Sai Baba Temple. Below is the list you can lookout for. These manufacturer also make statue and idols of other forms of Hindu Gods and other decorative marble handicrafts. (Important : This is just a guide from our own experience and efforts. Those who want to buy must visit these manufacturers and see the work first. We also have requested the listed below manufacturers to give the best possible rates to the devotees looking for their beloved Sadguru’s idol.)
All the idols in this post are of the idol lovingly carved by Naresh Bhardwaraj.

Also please see more guidelines on shirdisaitrust.org

1. Naresh Bhardwaj
    Address : 4th Crossing, Khazane Walon Ka Rasta,
       Chandpole Bazar, Jaipur-1
       Phone: +91 141 2317449 (O & R)
       Mobile : 9414042028
Websites : http://www.omsaiart.com/index.htm
                http://www.omsaiart.net/
                http://www.omsaiart.co.in/
                http://www.saibabamoorti.com/

2. Talim's Art Studio
    381-C, V. P. Road
    Nr. Congress House
    Mumbai 400004
   Tel: +912223869395
    Contact: Mr. Rajiv Talim
E-mail Talim Art Studio

The title of the blog post does not seem to go with this blog post or the article. No! It is!

Since i forwarded the two Sai Baba idol manufacturers or craftsmen’s details to the devotee. Pictures of Sai Baba’s idol from both of them were sent to me along with the prices for guidance.

This brought me a reminder of a wish to write a blog post with the title “Give me the real Gold.”

I have a small Sai Baba idol about 5”, which i had bought from Shirdi. It might have cost about Indian Rupees 200/-. Marble powder molded idols available in many shops in Shirdi. This idol is in the home’s puja room.

Once a desire arose in the heart to place a bigger and more beautiful idol of Baba in Puja room for worship. I called the devotee friend who had roamed about for best idol. Talked with him, about my desire just before sleeping, and that i would require his help for the same. Talked about the cost of idol of Sai Baba which was in some thousands of Indian Rupees. It was not a matter as it could have comfortably been paid, if i told it to my Dad.

Then it was time to sleep with mental and heart-full chant of Sai Baba name. And mentally in Dwarkamai near the dear and divine Baba. All the time in my mind Baba seemed to tell me, “Give me the real gold. You may get a most wonderful and expensive idol, perhaps an idol of material gold or any other costly metal. It does not matter a least to me. What i want is the gold that i want. Your love and devotion towards me.”

Naturally, the plan for another better(? ) idol ended there.

We have seen this in Intense love is what Sai Baba or God needs. Sai Baba’s love for garland and prasad from poor old women devotee. Baba loved, appreciated and accepted prasad from these devotees leaving aside other gifts and prasad, which would seem far more better to our gross eyes and taste. It was and is, a lesson to us that intense love matters most. Offerings with love, whether they appeal to gross eyes or not, whether they have any value in material world or not, it does not matter. What matters is love towards Guru, a thankful heart towards Guru, a surrendered heart towards Guru, a heart, full of reverence.

Sai Baba in Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter 50, says to Nanasaheb Chandorkar while expounding a verse from Gita, “Do not do service with the feeling that i have a choice of doing this service to Guru. This body and mind belongs to Guru and it exist for service of Guru, such should be the bhava feelings, while serving Guru.”

Selecting Sai Baba’s idol

i was also put a very tough job of selecting a Sai Baba idol from few. This is very tough part. The mind can say that this looks good to the gross eyes. For heart, any idol of Baba or picture is as beautiful. The heart gets filled with love and joy. The head bows in reverence, the moment it sees any idol or picture of Baba. It may be an old picture with maybe tore borders and wrinkles on it. It does not make any difference to the heart.

Related posts : Shirdi Sai Baba and gold
The one sitting on the throne is more important than the throne itself.

Parable of gold told by Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai surrounded with Gold

Sit quiet and calm with me – Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Aum Shri Sadguru SaiNathaya Namaha !

Bow to Shri Sadguru with deep and Loving Gratitude !

As mentioned 2 days earlier in Intense love is all that Sadguru or the God wants, less than 3 parayans of Shri Sai Satcharitra are left. The heart gets the message to go really slow with these last 3. Even looking at the road sign ‘Go Slow’, Baba’s message to go slow with parayans come to the mind.

Last post The kiss of Shirdi Sai Baba was born out of a devotees comment on facebook. This one comes from a post on google buzz by Shastri X.

Spiritual Thoughts: http://bit.ly/fsxSpiTho
| April 30: Never be in a hurry, do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.

Reading this immediately, brought about the words of Sai Baba, “Sit quietly and calmly with Me.” To so many devotees Sai Baba had said, these words when they visited Him in Masjid (Dwarkamai), while Baba was in flesh and blood. Baba’s words never die, Even today we can listen from Baba “Sit quietly and calmly with Me.” Baba suggested, this was the best way to be in the company of Guru.

Again this leads to Intense love is all Sai Baba wants. When one is in love, it is very important that the mind, heart and the whole system is calm and receptive. Then the love of Sadguru sinks deep within. An agitated mind and heart, is a block to the love, a wall standing between Baba’s love and our heart. Sadly, most of us prefer to go to Sadguru when the mind and heart is agitated. As if Sadguru is a place where we throw all our agitation. Sadguru’s immense love and compassion is there to wipe these agitation out. He is there to accept these agitations and His divine grace there to wipe them off.

But it does not end there, Baba’s love is also waiting. And to receive love we must love. i have seen young boys and girls when falls in love. They do things like writing the beloved’s name in books, walls and trees and any place they can write it down. They keep a picture of beloved in books and other places to keep their personal belongings. They keep things gifted or given by their beloved.

This is the kind of love we should have for Baba. Chant Sai Baba name, why? because i love You Baba! Read Sai SatCharitra or keep it close, why? because i love You Baba! Look at Baba’s picture or idol or do seva or Worship of the same, why? because i love You Baba! Do things that pleases Baba and keep away from those which Baba says NO, why? Because i You Baba! Visit Shirdi and sit in places like Dwarkamai, Chavadi , Gurusthan and Mukhdarshan, why? because i love You Baba ! All the time anything i do, Baba’s loving remembrance should occupy the heart.

Sit lovingly with Baba when the spirits are calm and quiet. Or, have a look on ourselves are we calm and cool, ready to receive Baba’s love and grace?

I was reading a book of Short Stories told by Shri Ramakrishna Paramhasha,

One, of all these very good stories is worth mentioning here.

Once king Akbar was sitting in prayers at a sacred place. A person was waiting for kind King Akbar.

In the middle of prayers the emperor Akbar noticed that the person, waiting for him, stood up to leave. Akbar signaled him, stay.

After the prayers Akbar asked him that why did he want to leave. Could not he stay for few minutes until the prayer was over?

To, this the person replied. “‘I had come to ask for wealth and money and respectable status form you.’ ‘ I noticed that in prayers, you were asking for similar things from Allah.’ ‘So i though, why beg from a beggar? I can straight away beg form the One who gives!’”

We beg for love from beggars, when our Sai Baba is anxiously waiting for the same to give in abundance. If we are seeking love for us and our loved ones. Let it be asked from Sai Baba. This Baba gives instantly, whether we are aware of it or not!

Om Shri Sai ! Om Shri Sai ! Om Shri Sai !

The kiss of Shirdi Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:36:00 +0000

Om Sadguru Shri Sainathaya Namaha !

I would have never dreamt of writing a blog post with this title on this blog. But have to do it, after getting a comment on the last post Intense love is all that Sadguru or the God wants on the facebook and replying to the comment. Experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba, of devotees where they feel Baba’s presence always fascinates me.

In last post it is mentioned that a contemporary devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba, Mahali who had deep spiritual love for her Sadguru Sai Baba, had a dream vision in which Sai Baba kissed her cheek before giving her the message.

Now the comment on the facebook from a Sai Baba devotee, Neeraja Nimmagadda, where the last post was linked. It goes, “Jai Sairam! My life too changed from 2004, when I came to know about Sai Deva for the very first time! For me He is more than 200% true and alive! Without Him, I am nothing. Thank U Alpesh for this soul touching leela!!!! Baba too came in my dream and kissed my ear! I felt the kiss immed and could still feel His old lips on my ear after waking up too....Love U Sai Deva...”

As the devotee says, Sai Baba is more than 200% true and alive. Baba too came in my dream and kissed my ear! I felt the kiss immed and could still feel His old lips on my ear after waking up too.

Reading this comment i remembered Sai Baba’s kiss to me. Not in dream but in vision. In February of this year, i was lucky to spend about 6 days in Shirdi. It was really a great stay. Might blog about the same, if Baba wishes. On the last night of stay, i was in the sacred place Dwarkamai during the night kakad aarti. I sat near the wall where Sai Baba used to stand leaning against the wall, and we can see padukas on the floor and the place where the great old sage used to put His divine elbow on the wall, while lovingly chatting with the devotees and the residents of Shirdi. Inquiring about their well being and other daily cores of their lives.

As, always the moments of sitting in the compound of the Masjid (Dwarkamai), where Sai Baba spent most of His time while in flesh and blood, were really pleasing. His loving presence, so alive fills the body, heart and soul.

I always like to mentally and heartily communicate with Baba in Masjid, wherever i might be. Normally before sleeping is the best time. This when the mind and heart are at peace. When the heart and mind is agitated, mentally i do pradakshina of either Baba’s Samadhi, it is not possible these days physically. But, nobody can stop me doing it mentally :). Or pradakshina of Gurusthan.

So, with my eyes closed. My senses filled with Baba’s presence, i was mentally sitting in the Masjid (Dwarkamai) right in front of my divine, beloved Baba. Initially, it was like some martial art style meditation. I was sitting right in front of my Sadguru Sai, with my body erect, happily lost in the divine energy that prevailed within and without.

Then, perhaps my mind and body got a little tired. No! it was the heart that was tired. The heart wanted the full glory of love with Baba. The heart said, enough of this meditation. Love is most important while with Baba. So, everything was relaxed. The communication of Baba with my heart-full love, then begun . Out of the blue Baba began dancing and whirling. He went behind me and after few moments, He kissed my right hand side cheek.

I could actually feel amazing feeling on the spot where my cheek was kissed. Not only that, the vibrations from that spot where Baba kissed, ran like electricity to my heart, brain and throughout the body. For me nobody is greater than my SadGuru Sai Baba. Nobody more loving and more compassionate. Nobody can give what Baba gives.

As this is written the heart dances with joy with the chant of His holy name, Sai Baba Sai Baba Sai Baba Sai Baba. And the face beaming with happiness which cannot be described. The whole thing is living again as this is written. :) :) :) What can i do? other than bowing to Sai Baba with deep gratitude flowing from the joyful, love filled heart?

Readers, who have any experience of getting kissed by Baba either in dream or vision, please share your experience in the comments.

Om Shri SatChitAnand Sadguru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai !

Intense love is all that Sadguru or the God wants

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Om Shri SatChitAnand Sadguru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai !

I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to work for what i love most. And to devote most time on what i love most. About an hour ago i watched a Shirdi Sai Baba video and post it on Sai video blog. Watching the video song of Shirdi Sai Baba, listening to chanting of Sai Baba Mantra. It was all so pleasing.

Then as body felt a bit tired wrapped my body in Sai’s clothes hugged the Sai SatCharitra and had rested in Sai’s love and grace while chanting His holy name.

Am back from love from love. Writing Sai Baba stories, which guides me and guides so many souls. In the blog post worshiping Sai Baba (would recommend to go thru worshiping Sai Baba post if you have not yet) mention is there about a story of devotee named Mahali. Today this story of Shirdi Sai Baba is due.

Before that the source of the story Baba’s Vaani , His teachings and sayings by Vinny Chitluri.

The story is in the book is titled as Mahali loved Baba passionately. Won’t copy the story here, exactly as written in the book. The story in Baba’s Vaani is referred from : Shirdi che Sai Baba by Dr. K. B. Gavankar.

There was a lady named Ravu, her in-laws called her Radhe. Baba used to assign names to many devotees which had meaning. You might like to go through pictures of Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba which have names of devotees along with the names with which Baba use to call them.

So, Radhe Sai Baba called her Mahali. She had visited numerous dharmik Kshetra (sacred pilgrimage places in India). After coming to Shirdi she stayed there because of her intense love and devotion for Baba.

She was about 75 years old when she visited Shirdi. The villagers thought of her as mad. Her behavior and mode of dressing seemed odd. She was rather short and walked with the help of a stick. Her hair, uncombed, loose and matted. She talked continuously and irrelevantly. She tied two pieces of rags around her feet. With a smile on her face. She would laugh for no apparent reason. She sat wherever she wanted, and often lay on the ground or the road on her back. She addressed every male as ‘Baba’ and female as ‘Aayi’

This Mahali survived on the alms given by the devotees visiting Shirdi. The mode of begging was same. Begging from males she would say, “Baba feed me. I am hungry. Start giving me wages. Look after my welfare.”

The blessing she gave to the benefactor remained the same all the time. She would bless, “You will remain married couple for all your life. You will have 5 grandsons, and my Shai Baba (She called Sai Baba as Shai Baba) will bless you. Give me clothes, start giving me wages O.K.”

Due to scarcity of water in Shirdi in those days, there were no gardens or flowers readily available in Shirdi. Nonetheless, Mahali would wander in forest search for wild flowers and offer them to her Shai Baba. Sometimes with love she would weave garland with these flowers and with overflowing joy from her heart and being, she would offer it to her Shai Baba. Sai Baba would accept this offering of love and would keep her garland around His neck the whole day.

At other times Mahali picked fruits from forest and offered them to Baba. Baba accepted them and ate them. Baba would also call her out and offer her food from His Bhiksha.

Once Sai Baba visited her in her dreams. Mahali was too happy and exited to share her dream with everyone. “Baba came to dream and kissed my cheek and said, “Mahali, I will bless you with spiritual upliftment. I will give you one finger. Whoever is angry with you, i do not associate with them. Mahali, I will give you jewelry and money. 1 rupee, 2 rupees, 5 rupees I will give you henceforth, and I will stay with you.

Then Baba stood in front of me and said, “Keep calling me Shai Baba Shai Baba, at all times, both day and night.”

One more story of Sai Baba story comes to the mind. Once Sai Baba sitting in the Dwarkamai. There were too many people in Dwarkamai and outside seeking His grace, blessings and boon. Plentiful of dishes with variety of food were placed before Baba.

Baba told Shama that Her aayi was waiting outside and could not come near him due to the crowd, to go and bring her near Him. Shama piercing the gathered crowd goes where Sai Baba had pointed. He saw and old lady, too tired in ragged clothes. He respectfully guided and helped her in Dwarkamai in front of Baba. Baba was too pleased to see her. He asked the lady about what she was hiding in her ragged, dirty clothes. The lady reluctantly handed her Lord the chappatis she had. Baba leaving aside all the other dishes, relished the chapatis, as tears of gratitude fell from the old lady’s eyes. Nobody can describe the joy her heart felt. Nobody can describe the love of Baba she felt.

She had traveled long on her feet. With intense love for Baba. The chapatis she carried to offer to Baba, she did not felt right to offer, as it was in very bad condition. For Baba it was the most delicious meal.

Om Sai ! Om Sai ! Om Sai !

You might like to enjoy a Hindi devotional song on the same theme
Vikram Hazra - Kaun Kehate hai Bhagwan Ate Nahin

Life After Death

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:29:00 +0000

Om Sai Ram !

Was reading Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter 5. Last 3 parayans of Sai SatCharitra are left to complete the 108 Parayans, how it started is mentioned in Dig for the wealth and carry it away by cart-loads. It has been a great voyage going through these parayans of Shri Sai SatCharitra. An entire new post might be dedicated to the same.

Last 3 parayans of Sai SatCharitra are going real slow. The heart captures each image of what happens. The mention of Sai Baba’s earlier years in Shirdi, comes in Chapter 5. The heart was capturing the scenes when Sai Baba used to plant the flower plants, draw water from well, and carry the pots on His shoulder and water the plants. This he used to do on a barren land near Dwarkamai, were now countless of His devotee flowers are drawn and receive the essential water for souls, His divine love and grace. The place is known as Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, Shirdi.

The watering was done by unbaked clay pots ( Some more details on the same on Sai Baba curing ailments). As the heart was watching and capturing the scenes, Baba after watering the plants puts the clay pots. Being unbaked they break.

As they break the mind remembers a very good example of baked and unbaked pots, given by Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, In The Gospel of Ramakrishna Chapter 34.

The discussion was about life after death. Below we can enjoy the example give by Thakur.

"I said the same thing to Keshab. He asked me, 'Sir, is there an after-life?' I didn't commit myself either way. I said that the potters put their pots in the sun to bake. Among them you see both baked and soft pots. Sometimes cattle trample over them. When the baked pots are broken, the potters throw them away; but when the soft ones are broken they keep them. They mix them with water and put the clay on the wheel and make new pots. They don't throwaway the unbaked pots. So I said to Keshab: 'The Potter won't let you go as long as you are unbaked. He will put you on the wheel of the world as long as you have not attained Knowledge, as long as you have not realized Him. He won't let you go. You will have to return to the earth again and again; there is no escape. You will be liberated only when you realize God. Then alone will the Potter let you go. It is because then you won't serve any purpose in this world of māyā.' The Jnāni has gone beyond māyā. What will he do in this world of māyā?”

"But God keeps some jnanis in the world of māyā to be teachers of men. In order to teach others the Jnāni lives in the world with the help of Vidyā-māyā. It is God Himself who keeps the Jnāni in the world for His work. Such was the case with Sukadeva and Sankaracharya.

Feeding the hungry pleases me – Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Once Sai Baba was sitting in the evening in the holy Dwarkamai. Laxmibai a devotee, who sent Baba very lovingly jowar bhakhri and vegetables every day at appointed time.

Tatya Patil and few others were present there too. Laxmibai paid obeisance to Sai Baba. Then Baba said to her, “Laxmi, I am feeling very hungry”.

“Baba, I will go this instance and get some bhakhri for You”. So said Laxmibai.

She went to her home, baked some fresh bhakhri. along with it she brought vegetables etc., and placed the prepared dish before Baba.

Baba picked up the dish and placed it before a hungry dog. Laxmi asked at once, “Baba, what is this you have done? So hastily that i went and prepared bhakhri with love, – and is this all it’s fruit? It is the dog that You gave true enjoyment. You were feeling hungry, but is this any way to appease this hunger? Not a morsel did you put in your mouth and here am I fretting in vain!”

Then Baba said to her, “Why do you feel sad, needlessly? Know that the satiety of this dog is my own satiety. Does this dog not have life? All living creatures experience the same hunger. Though he is dumb and I am vocal, is there any difference in the hunger? Know that those who give food to the one suffering the pangs of hunger are really putting it in my mouth. And this is true everywhere.
Story taken from Shri Sai SatCharitra The life and teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba translated by Indira Kher. Chapter 42 Nirayan of Shri Sainath.

Below are buying options for - Shri Sai Satcharita: the life and teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba -
Govind Raghunath Dabholkar – Verse by verse translation in English by Indira Kher.
Published by Sterling Publishing private limited.

related post Sai Baba Stories highest form of Love

Sai Baba Arati Hindi and English pdf file download

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:03:00 +0000

A devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba from Houston have sent the following mail with the Sai Baba Arati written in Hindi in pdf format.

OM Shri Sainathay namah:
Dear sai bhakta bandhu,
I would like to upload a pdf prinatble file of 6 Sai aartis in devnagri script. The artis have been formatted to print on standard 8.5 X 11 paper. The aarti sequence is from our local Sainath temple in Houston. Please post this attachment so that anybody interested can easily download and print the pdf file. The following aartis are in the file:
Devotees can download the pdf file of the 6 Sai Baba aratis listed below in Hindi here
Some details in the list of Arati has been added by the blog author.
1. Aarti Saibaba ( Composed by Shri Madhav Adkar )
This Arati Sai Baba has also been posted on Sai Baba videos blog along with video Lyrics in English, Marathi and meaning in Hindi.

This Arati has two interesting stories of Sai Baba.
There is a story that Shri Madhav Adkar the composer of this Aarti. With the paper in the pocket on which this Arati was written, he went to Dwarkamai for Sai Baba’s darshan. Sitting in the gracious environment of Dwarkami and Sai Baba, he had a wish to show the same to Baba. But could not gather enough courage to do so.

Baba called him and asked him what he was hiding in the pocket. He had to give that piece of paper on which the Aarti was written, which was to be sung daily in Shirdi and many temples around the world. Many home temples of Shirdi Sai lovers around the world. Baba looked at it and gave a pleasing look of approval.

Another well known story of this Arati is that it was sent by Sai Baba to Nanasaheb Chandorkar in the famous Jamner miracle described in Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 33. However in the psalm book of Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir by Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji. In the Moot Point Shri Sarath Babuji points out. The Jamner miracle happened in 1904 – 05 A.D. The custom of offering Arati to Sai Baba started in December 1910 A.D. Rest can be followed on the Moot Point link.

The Arati Sai Baba book by Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji in pdf format can downloaded here. This one is a very good book of Shirdi Aratis, with English transliteration of the original Marathi Arati Songs. Each Arati has English translation, Introduction and commentary.
Also you might like to Download Sai Baba Arati mp3
2. Shirdi majhe pandharpur ( Abhang composed by Das Ganu Maharaj )
3. Ananta tula te (Namaskarashtak)
4. Aisa Yei ba Sai Digambara (Prayer)
5. Sada Satsvarupam (Shri Sainath Mahima Stotram)
6. Sri Saish krupanidhe khila nruna
I would like to Thank You from the bottom of my heart for the website BabaSaiofShirdi and for all the work you do in maintaining it.
sincerely
parag kanade

Question to ponder this Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Why was the brick ( Sai Baba's brick ) dearer than life to Sai Baba ?

Share your views in comments below if you feel like !

Stories of Shama – Madhavrao Deshpande

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Shama one of the closest contemporary devotees of Sai Baba was the reason, that everybody could meet Sai Baba easily.It was Shama who would request with humbleness, nag and even pick a fight with Sai Baba if He refused to meet any particular devotee.

On this blog dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi there are about 15 posts with the stories of Sai Baba with Madhavrao Deshpade or Shama as he was called. Sai Baba used to call him Shamya with love. This post is a collection of the links to all those posts.

Shirdi Sai Baba on Setu bridge of Ramayana
Shama asked Sai Baba, " Kaya Re" ( a slang use in Marathi, to address the closest of friends, otherwise it would enrage the other person as a mark of disrespect). "Deva (Shama always use to address Sai Baba by Deva, meaning God) it is written in Ramayana that Lord Rama got a bridge built by 1 crore (10 million) monkeys. (more on the link above)

Saibaba curing eyes of His Sakha devotee Shamyaa
A bit from what the above link contains. If you like, go ahead and read the whole story. ------

Shama when confronted Sai Baba, Sai Baba, knowing all, asked him if everything was Ok. Being the relation of Sakha (friend),
Shama replied in upset tone, which a bhakt (devotee), would not think about, he said angrily, " Deva I have not seen such a callous, uncaring and unconcerned God like You. You cure the whole of the humanity. For past four days I am in immense agony."

Sai Baba shows Trilok (Three divine worlds) to Shama
A bit from the post linked above.

Shama having read these descriptions in scriptures, once asked Sai Baba that whether there was a Trilok. It feels nice to read the question in his characteristic way of Shakha Bhav (sense of friendship). " Deva, is there a Bhrahma Lok, Vishnu Lok and Shiva Lok Re?" 'Re' suggests a sense on deep friendship.

Shama and Money
This what Shama says to Shirdi Sai Baba - I don't think there is anyone as stingy as You in this world, Deva. You tie a rag around your head, sit in this Masjid and smoke a chillum, and then go around this village begging for food and eat it. Then how can You give me anything? Now everyone calls You God, but who made You God, but me? Otherwise everyone would be calling You a begging Fakir."

Shama and money 2

Once it happened that a devotee had sent two Rupees via post. Shama collected the money, on his way back somehow his intentions where changed. He did not return the money to Sai, instead he hide it over the door of huge room adjacent to Dwarkamai, where Ratha was accommodated, in a crevice of wall.

Don't look down or talk down of any Saint or SadGuru

Once Shama visited Nagpur and Amravati. On returning to Shirdi, he went straight to Dwarkamai to see Saibaba.
Straight away Sai Baba asked him, “Arre Shamyaa, what were the places that you visited?’
Shama replied that he visited Nagpur. Sai Baba furthered his query, “Arre Shama did you go to South Nagpur? There is a golden tree there. Did you see it?”
Sai Baba mostly spoke in symbolic language. Shama was quick to grasp the symbol; he knew that Sai Baba was referring to contemporary saint and a perfect Master, Shri Tajuddin Baba.

Shama and religious texts

When Sai Baba spoke most people felt that all the attention gathered on their ears and the wandering mind got concentrated without effort. The words would pierce deep inside the heart and soul. Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi (patience) developed by the power of grace around Shri Saibaba.

You might like to read more about other - Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.

The honor of the house is revealed by the dweller.

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Sai Baba in earlier years in Shirdi, was treated and see as ordinary man, although He had reached the God or Divine through His Heart. Fery few devotees like Mhalsapati and Bayjabai recognized him as a holy Fakir. Most of the people of Shirdi looked at His poor appearance and tattered clothes and failed to see the treasure in essence.

Sai Baba was shown a broken house, a village Masjid, no longer in use. He accepted this house lighted a fire, called Dhuni Ma, and filled the interior with Love and Divinity. Eventually, the people who could see the light were drawn to Him initially. Guru is the light, which dispels ignorance in us and the agonies that comes due to ignorance.

Out of compassion Sai Baba started fulfilling worldly wishes like granting babies to childless couples, curing physical ailments restoring physical health. This attracted more and more people to Shirdi. Most people attracted with the worldly desires to Shirdi, eventually could feel the divinity and were drawn towards the divine aspect of Shri Sai Baba, and accepted Him as their Guru. Nevertheless there were many spiritual seekers and God lovers who also were attracted towards Sai Baba for the spiritual progress and guidance and were lucky to get a rare jewel Guru.

The tattered house which He accepted is known as Dwarkamai. More and more the house is being honored, for the honor of the house is revealed by the dweller. Dwarkamai is one of the most important places to visit in Shirdi.

Recommended books of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Baba's Rinanubandh buy here Author Vinny Chitluri - This book is a kaleidoscope, of leelas, photographs, and lives of some devotees which illustrates the karmic and rinanubhandhic ties with Sai Baba.

Ambrosia in Shirdi buy here - Author Vinny Chitluri - A Comprehensive guide with details of various spiritual places in Shirdi.

Other similar post on Sadguru Sai Baba that you might like to read :

8 types of Spiritual ecstasy
Sai Baba shows Trilok (Three divine worlds) to Shama
The honor of the house is revealed by the dweller.
Don't look down or talk down of any Saint or SadGuru
When others are present, we keep off the children
God or Guru (Sai Baba )grace
The Vanity
Dev Baba - A spiritual Devotee of Sai Baba
What's The Meaning of "Om Sai Ram"?
Male and Female spiritual Energy
Sai Baba of Shirdi a Unique Spiritual Sadguru

Baba Why don’t you listen to my prayers ?

noreply@blogger.com (Alpesh Patel) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Time and time again this question is herd from so many devotees. Sai Baba, who teaches Shraddha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience) has to listen to this complaint. From the devotees, perhaps who don’t care to listen to His teachings, or perhaps care to listen but does not have the ability or strength to digest it. Whatever the reason may be.

In the post or article, Attraction towards Sai’s clothes mentioned was made “ Although these days the attraction is towards His chest asking for the deep connection of His heart with mine. The respond is instant.”

It was in these times one night while sleeping i was ment ally communicating with the dearest Sai Baba. I asked Him, “When, i ask for the connection of your heart with mine the response is instant. No delay of even a second, how merciful and great you are!”

Before continuing the mental communication with Shri Sai, i would like to point towards a subtle difference in asking from Sai Baba or the divine. Right in the first paragraph, it states, devotees who care to read and listen to Sai Baba, and does not ability or strength to digest the same. As the devotee of

Sai Baba, the ocean of Knowledge,
         the All-Knowing,
                       Infinitely-Knowing,
                         the Knower of the past,
the present and the future,
                 and the Knowledge itself.

Sai Baba all-merciful
            and eternally benevolent;
          the Soul of the souls,
            the One with infinite
                         attributes.

We should first and foremost put our ego or our sense of ability to follow and understand our Guru’s teachings.

To quote the reader’s own experience the first prayer was, Sai Baba i want to connect my heart with Yours. The response was instant but not as powerful, when there was a subtle change in the prayer to Sai Baba. Sai Baba please connect Your heart with mine. You (Sai Baba), comes first then i or me. If i try to do things the possibilities of success is too low or negligible. If He does there no possibility of failure.

When i read the sacred book Sai SatCharitra and come across the line where Sai Baba says, “For Brahmadarshan or Self-realization Surrender five things to Me, Five pranas (vital forces or life forces) , five karmanendriya (5 indriya the doers) and five gyannnendriya (5 indriya of Knowledge) , mann (mind), buddhi (intellect) and anhankar (ego).” Instantly i pray, “Sai Baba, i don’t know these things in their completeness. How can i surrender these 5 things to You. You, Baba, takes these things from me. Then it becomes meaningful. Now since, Baba is going to take them, i need not worry much. Before the start of Worship of Sai Baba, i pray to Him, O’ Infinite Satchitanand i don’t know the vidhi rituals of worship. Please, You make me worship Thee.

Coming back to the mental communication. I said to Him, “When, i ask for the connection of your heart with mine the response is instant. No delay of even a second, how merciful and great you are!”

Sai Baba replied, “ I am for that, I am here to connect My heart with each and every devotee, and it is available infinite. So no delay.”
“But devotees don’t ask much that is instantly available, and what I want to give much”
“My problems are much, “People come to me in thousands every second (in time). A boy asks Me that a particular girl marries him. There are 5 more boys asking to get married with that same girl. The girl ask me she does not want to get married, or wants to marry some other boy. There is a particular job opening and 100 people prays to me for that 1 single place.”

i said, “Please stop this Baba. my head is already spinning in dizziness if i had to solve this.” “Please, You always stay connected with my heart, head and whole of this little, petty me. Until it is ready to be merged and melt in You the SatChitAnanda, the infinite Truth, The consciousness and The Bliss.” “Please always be with me as a guide, friend and Guru!”

Om Shri SaiNathaya Namaha !
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