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.