Sai Baba and Shri Hanuman

Baba always gave due respect to Lord Hanuman, He would first come out of the mosque in the morning and stand leaning of the wall for a while. After that He would stand opposite the Maruti( Lord Hanuman) temple and glazing fiercely at the temple would move His hand making some kind of signals.

Once when Mr. Tarkhad was given Baba’s kafani(gown) to hold, he was unable to do so and so prayed to Lord Hanuman and Baba immediately asked him why is he calling Hanuman?

Once Baba and Shama had a conversation where Shama had some doughts and he asked Baba “Kya re(One one word to close friend) Deva, it is written in Ramayana(an ancient Sanskrit epic) that Lord Rama  got a bridge build by one crore(10 millon) monkey. The bridge spanned the sea, so Rama could cross it and reach Lanka. There, he waged war with Ravana and vanquished him. Deva is it true?”

Baba said, ” Yes, this is true. The sea is real Shama and Lord Rama was really there.” Shama then said,  “where did so many monkey sit? And how did they sit?” Baba replied, “ They sat on trees and clunged of the branches. They looked like myriads of ants.” Shama than said “Did you see this with your own eyes?” Baba said, “Yes, yes I saw this with my own eyes.” Shama then said, “When I first saw you here you hardly had stubble of moustache then How and when did you go to see the baner sena( anrmy of monkeys)?” Baba said, “Shama you and I have been together for many generation. I remember them but you do not.” ( How beautiful relation  Baba and Shama had!!)

In wonder  Shama said "How old were you then Baba?" Baba said "Just as you see me now". Shama could not grasp the fact that Baba was, is and will be same forever.Then he said "is this really true?" Baba said, " Have I ever lied sitting here in Dwarkamani(Mosque)? What I said is true. I swear by you".Once Shri Krishna said the same thing to Arjun, in the Dynaneshwari Shlok 1368,Krishna says, "Do not entertain any misgiving about what I say. I swear by you to guarantee its true".

As I narrate these words of Baba, it really touched my heart "Yes, yes I saw this with my own eyes". and these words of Baba, "Have I ever lied sitting here in Warkamani(Mosque)? What I said is true. I swear by you".How beautiful words Baba spoke- we all are blessed to know this conversation.

We all are Sai's children,knowing very well that Baba's words always meaningful and true. He never uttered anything just for speaking. Sometimes devotees would not understand as Baba would speak in parables, but whatever he spoke it always carried some important message of instruction. Even after so many years of Samadhi of Shri Sai Baba, whatever  HE said at that time, was and is witnessed by millions of people every single seconds coming true,nothing else can be said expect experiencing  it and I am sure readers will agree with me.

As Baba said " He was there and He saw with His own eyes" it directly speaks of Him being Rama, with Rama-from ages -centuries, He is the Peram Brahma(the Supreme ultimate true).

Devotees: An Experience of Baba

Nau Sikkon Ka Karishma!-Sai Leela!-The wonder of 9 coins.

My name is Ryan and I live in Netherlands.I am Sai devotees since I was just 10 years old.Today I am sharing with all of you my experience of how I become devotee and how Baba blessed me with nine coins of devotion.

I was just 10 years old.Today I am sharing with all of you my experience how I become a devotee and how Baba blessed me with nine coins of devotion. I was just 10 years old when I watched Baba’s movie “Shirdi ke Sai Baba”. There was one particular clip in this movie that really touched me. i.e. just before Baba took Mahasamadhi(leaving his mortal body) He gave Lakshami Bai nine coins which signify nine types of devotion. I was so touched by this scene that I was always wondering when in my life will Baba bless me with nine coins of devotion. This thought was always presant in my subconsious mind.

When I was 14 years old my grandmothe mentioned that she was planning a trip to Indian.She planned to visit Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Goa. While discussing her religious trip I told my grandmother about Saibaba and asked her to visit  Shirdi as well.Dispit not knowing much about Shirdi my grandmother spoke to her travel agent and decided to change itinerary and go to Shirdi instead of Goa. On hearing this I was extremly happy.When my grandmother was in Shirdi she called me from there, I asked her to offer my prayers and get me some Udi (sacred ash).

After month when my grandmother reached home, The Netherland, she gave me small statue of Baba, a book, one diary with Baba’s photo, Udi, a big poster of Baba, some Indian Rupee notes and some 3-4 coins. Out of my immaturity I kept Rupee notes in book and coins in my personal bag. While putting those coins inside the bag again the desire of getting nine coins from Baba aroused. After some day when I open my bag I found axactly nine coins inside that bag. I was shocked because I had put only 3-4 coins inside the bag, so from where did 5 more coins came? I understood  that Baba had heard my prayers and at least after 4 years of Shradha(faith) and Saburi(patience) Baba blessed me and fullfill my wish of getting nine coins. I have framed these nine coins of devotion and placed them inside my small mandir(shrine) and worship these regularly.

Baba's Neem Tree,(Samadhi-Stan)

Our introduction to the Neem tree in Shree Sai Satcharitra is given when we look at how Sai Baba, Himself, first appeared in Shirdi. We are told that Baba’s first appearance is the holy village of Shirdi was as a young boy of sixteen under a Neem tree practising penance. As we read further, we learn how baba sat in as asan (meditation pose), not minding the weather. On deeper thought, we realise that even from such a younger age of 16, Baba was filled with holy qualities. It is not easy for a person to sit for long periods of time in one place, let along sitting in the outdoor in various weather condition for long duration. Baba must have surely been filled with yogic power such a stability and peace of mind, to be able to do so. If you try to sit yourself in public place outside, you will notice how difficult it is. It will not be long before your mind begin to wander or you start to feel uncomfortable in your current position and need to alter your posture. This small experiment gives us a glimpse of Baba’s greatness. Only a very content soul, one who is filled with peace and tranquillity, one who has ceased to be affected by the highs and low in everyday life can even begin to contemplate sitting in such a stage of peace. He truly is an exceptional soul.

As we learn in Shri Sai Satcharitra, chapter 4, Baba always sat near the Neem tree. How fortune the Neem tree is, for it acted as a shelter to such a gem as Saibaba.

What are the main things we can learn from Baba?

One such reason why Neem tree holds particular importance to Saibaba could be because the location of this regarded as the resting place of Baba’s Guru (spiritual teacher). According to Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter 4, when God Khandoba one day passed the body of devotee and was aksed where this young boy(Sai Baba) came from, God Khandoba led them to an underground passage where Sai Baba had practiced penance for 12 years. When questioned about this, Sai Baba said that it was His Guru's place, His holy watan and requested them to guard it well. Baba, therefore, loved this Neem tree and regarded it as sacred. Baba's devotees alse respected this place and regarded it as the resting place (Samadhi-Stan) of Baba's Guru and prostrated before it.

Let us now look at an example of adevotee’s worship. In Shir Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 5, we learn about a gentleman called Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkarto , who was a devotte of Shri Swami Samarth Akkalkot. A desire arose in his mind to visit Akkalkot, to darshan(to see with reverence and devotion) and offer his worship to Shri Swamin Sarathh. However, before he got  chance to go, he had a vision, in which Shri Swami Samarth appeared to him and told him that Shridi is now His resting place, so go there and offer worship. On hearing this, Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar changed his plans and went to Shirdi with friend Doctor Ramarao Kothare of Bombay. Bhai Krishnaji offered his worship to Baba in Shridi and stayed there for six months.During this time, he got acquainted with other devotees of Baba, namely Sagun Meru Naik and G.K Dixit,  Whilst in discussions, they all agree that there should be some symbol or memorial to signify Baba’s first appearance in Shirdi and where He sat under the Neem three. The idea acroess to have Baba’s padukas(footprints) installed in that spot. A plan of the padukas was drawn up by Ramarao Kothare and shown in Upasani Maharaj, who made some improvements, added some designs and suggested that a verse, describing the greatness of the Neem three and Baba’s yogic powers, should be inscribed on the padukas.

“Sada Nimbarvrikshasya mooladhiwasat,

Sudhasravinam tiktamapi-apriyam tam,

Tarum Kalpavrikshadhikam Sadhayantam

Namameeshwaram Sadgurum Sai Natam”

Translation:- I bow down to the Lord Sainath, who by his constant stay at the foot of the Neem tree, whose juice thought by nature is bitter and unpleasant, his turned it sweet like nectar (nectar- on account of the healing proparties of Neem tree), superior than  the Kalpavruksha(with fulfilling tree).

These amendments were accepted and design was sent to Bombay to the made. Baba suggested that the Padukas should be installed on the full moon day of Shravan month of the Hindu calender. So on that day, G.K. Dixit carried the padukas, from Khandoba temple to Dwarkamani, on his head. Baba touched the padukas, saying that these are the feet of the Lord and asked the people to install them the foot of the Neem tree. The worship and preservation of these padukas has since been taken  care by Baba's devotees.

As we can see, the Neem tree was clearly a sacred location to Saibaba, otherwise He wouldn't have gone through such formalities. A wada (residence complex) called as Baba's wada(now demolished) was built on this site enclosing the Neem tree by Baba's devotee Mr Hari Vinayak Sathe. A platform was built around the Neem tree and lofts with steps were constructed. Under the steps, there is a niche facing south and devotees sit on the platform facing north. It is believed, that he who burns incense there, on Thursday and Friday evening will, by God's grace,be happy.

Thus the Neem tree has been significant throughout Baba's time in Shirdi and since them, the Neem tree has grown in significance, to what is today. We have explored the Neem tree is Baba's time;now let us explore the significance of the Neem tree in today's world.

Introduction to Baba-2/2

Allah Makil

Allah Makil (God is King) were the words Baba always had on his lips, yet he never declared Himself to be a Muslim. He accepted Hindu prayers and rituals but never declared himself to be a Hindu. No one ever knew which religion Baba belonged to –not by what he said, how he behaved and what He did. If you consider Him a Muslim, He had ever burning Dhuni (Sared fire as in Hindu Tradition) in Mosque, if you consider him a Hindu; He live in a mosque uttering Allah Malik. He encouraged both the religions. Ram Navami( Hindu festival  celebrating the birth of Lord Ram) and Urus (a Muslim festival) were both festival celebrated by Baba on the same day on large scale and by His grace these celebrations continues successfully even today. Baba always encouraged people to follow their own religion. He believed that there is only ONE God. He was beyond religion.
At times Baba was humorous and sometimes He would become enraged. Later it was understood that the yelling and shouting has reason behind it. Even when He was angry or joyful, He never stopped taking the Lords name. He did not like it if people criticized a devotee’s way of rendering service to Baba.

Baba’s relationship with His devotees is greater than the relationship of a mother and a child. A mother understands the baby is hungry only when he or she cries, but Baba understood His devotees even without them uttering a word.
What are the main things we can learn from Baba?

Religious tolerance

Baba had devotees from different religions and He never tried to convert anyone. Instead, He encourage them to follow their religion and not with others. By not declaring His religion and by accepting from all religions, Baba proved that Bhagwan (God as known in Hindu religion) and Allah (God as known in Muslim religion) is one. I.e. SABKA MALIK EK (One God governs all)

Simplicity

You can say by his clothing, dwelling and diet what kind of a lifestyle Baba had. Although He had many rich devotees, who were ready to build places, He never left Dwarakamani and Chavadi, nor did He enjoy the luxury of the material gift. The message given by leading such a life is that although you are capable of living extravagant and luxurious life, you should stick to simple and modest way of living in order to progress spiritually.

Charity

Once a person surrenders to Baba completely, He is there for him always. He will be with him life after life until he reaches salvation. Baba said ‘Be wherever you like, do whatever you choose, remember this well that all what you do is known to me. Nothing will harm him, who turns his attention to me, nut Maya will lash or whip who forget me’. Not only spiritually, but His protection for his devotees is unbiased materialistically also.

Abandoning all the cleaver and cunning ways, chant always ‘Sai, Sai’. By doing this you will be able to across the worldly ocean. Have no doubts. These are the profound words of Sai. Do not think that they are worthless. Do not try to evaluate them.

Introduction to Baba-1/2

In around 1858, during the time of the British Raj, approximately 150 miles from Bombay (now Bombay, in the state of Maharashtra) there was an unremarkable, tiny and virtually unknown village called Shridi. Today, this village has emerges as a busy town attracting and average of 100000 visitors from all over the world every day.Shrirdi’s global identity and attraction is all due to the personification of hope for opinion is referred to as SHIRDI SAI BABA.

His words, actions and life style throughout the 60 years of His mortal presence (life) in Shirdi and His immortal presence afterwards, has continually left an enormous impression on society, which is influencing and transforming millions people.

No one know when or where Baba was born, what his real name was who his parents were. He was first seen in Shirdi as a young man of 16 undertaking severe penance beneath a Neem tree, not caring about the heat or cold. He barely over spoke to anyone and disappeared after few days before returning to Shridi with marriage party. The “Sai” name was given to him upon His arrival at Shirdi, by Mahalsapati, a local Khandoba temple priest. Mahalsapati recognized Him as a saint and greeted him with the words ’Ya Sai’ meaning ‘Welcome Sai’. Sai in Sanskrit refers to ‘Sakshat Eshwar’ or the divine, in Persian for Saint and baba in a Hindi endearment meaning ‘loved father’.

After Sai baba’s arrival in Shirdi, He used to live in the outskirts of the village. He started lining in debris of the old village wall, where people use to their garbage, where stream of filthy, striking water run. Baba stayed there unnoticed by the village people for about year or two. He used to sleep by digging a pit and no one knew what He ate. Mahalsapati was probably the first person to notice the greatness of Sai baba and he started introducing Baba to his friends. Baba then moved to a dilapidated   mosque (which he named Dwarkamani) inside the village. He was always seen wearing a long white robe, which was torn and probably only washed occasionally.

He used to live on alms, sometimes He received tasty food and sometimes He would come empty-handed but He was never disappointed. He had no taste for food and use to mix and eat whatever he got. Almost all the food bagged y Him was placed in mosque for the hungry to eat. When animals took the food He never shooed them away. He treated every living being the same. He begged daily until 2 or 3 days before He left His mortal coil. At times individuals offered Him cooked food, but later He started cooking and distributing food Himself.

Baba used to collet dakshina (donation) from the devotees although HE sometimes refused to take from people who were willing to give. He never took donation from people who did not wish to give. Baba mostly asked for two rupees, which denoted Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). He wanted His devotees to have faith and patience.  The money collected during the day as donations was distributed to people who come to Dwarakamani (Mosque) and, by the end of the day He had nothing to himself.

All the above incidents prove that He never cared for external things; whet HE wore, where He lived or what He ate- His only motive was to help mankind in whatever way they needed him.

Baba started treating village people for their health issues. No doctor would have advised the way Baba treated people, however, miraculously disease disappeared. He cured leprosy, snake and scorpion bites, eyesight problems, alcoholism problems and there are several examples of childless couple being blessed with kids. As Baba’s miracles spread, more and more people started coming to Shirdi.