Category: Healing

  • Nature, Uses, and Preparation of Udi- Holy Ash

    Nature, Uses, and Preparation of Udi- Holy Ash

    Based on Chapter 33 of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, here is the discussion on the nature, uses, and preparation of Udi:

    What is Udi?

    Udi is the sacred ash taken from the dhuni, the eternally burning fire kindled by Shirdi Sai Baba in the Masjid. It is regarded by devotees as a miraculous and holy substance that embodies Baba’s power and grace.

    Preparation by Baba

    Baba prepared Udi by offering an oblation of firewood (logs and sticks) into the dhuni. He purchased this wood using the dakshina (monetary offerings) collected from devotees, piling it in large heaps to keep the fire burning day and night. The resulting ashes were then distributed to his followers as a blessing.

    Uses of Udi

    The sources categorize the significance of Udi into both material and spiritual realms:

    • Material World (Health and Prosperity): Udi is frequently used to cure physical and mental ailments. The text states there are “innumerable stories” where Udi was used to benefit the health and prosperity of devotees, acting as a “healing touch in the afflictions of life”.
    • Devotional and Spiritual (Destruction of Sins): Spiritually, Udi serves as a reminder of the transience of the human body and the illusory nature (Maya) of the universe. It teaches that the body will ultimately be reduced to ashes, prompting a focus on the eternal Brahman. Applying Udi with devotion is said to destroy sins and help seekers cross the “ocean of existence”.

    Notable Instances of its Power

    The sources describe two specific instances where Udi—or even road dust used in its stead—demonstrated Baba’s omnipresence:

    • The Jamner Miracle: When Nana Chandorkar’s daughter was suffering from intense labor pains in Jamner, Baba felt compassion from Shirdi. He sent a packet of Udi with Gosavi Ramgir (Bapugir) to Nana. Nana gave the Udi to his wife to administer to their daughter with water, resulting in an immediate safe delivery.
    • The “Road Dust” Incident: In another case, a devotee’s daughter was suffering from the plague. Her father sent a message to Nana Chandorkar asking for Udi. Nana, who was at Thane railway station and had no Udi with him, picked up a little dust from the ground, invoked Sai Baba’s name, and applied it to his own wife’s forehead on behalf of the girl. At that exact moment, the girl’s fever broke and she began her recovery.
  • Self-Affirmation from Chapter XIII of SSSC for Sai Baba devotees

    Self-Affirmation from Chapter XIII of SSSC for Sai Baba devotees

    1. I always say ‘Sai, Sai,’ and HE shall take me over the seven seas .
    2. I trust that as soon as I remember Sai Baba, my sufferings have come to an end; and I am on the pathway to happiness .
    3. I recognize that my cure is due to past evil karma being worked out, and Sai Baba’s intervention hastens this .
    4. I express grateful remembrance, keep unchanging faith, and show devotion to Sai.
    5. I show implicit obedience and prompt compliance with Sai Baba’s order, which is the true dharma .
    6. I am satisfied that Sai Baba is the Sadguru who, by His simple word and touch, relieves all maladies.
    7. I trust Sai Baba even when He suggests remedies, like groundnuts for diarrhea, that may not align with modern knowledge, believing His word is true.
  • Self-Affirmation from Chapter VII of SSSC for Sai Baba devotees

    Self-Affirmation from Chapter VII of SSSC for Sai Baba devotees

    1. 🧎I am grateful for the moments I have experienced by sitting at Sai Baba’s feet; the joy and delight I embrace are truly incomparable.
    2. 🩺I am healthy, and my connection with Sai Baba empowers my well-being.
    3. 🪶I surrender myself completely to God Sai Baba, by getting rid of my egoism and body consciousness.
    4. 🔥I trust that Sai Baba, the perfect Siddha, is always working for the good and welfare of others, even suffering pain Himself.
    5. 🌿I look to faith and devotion (represented by Bhagoji Shinde’s service) as the true Upasana (worship).
    6. 🚀I trust solicitation is not necessary since Sai Baba, the omnipresent, is always ready to stay with us.
  • Testimonials about Sai Baba, Online

    Testimonials about Sai Baba, Online

    Shirdi Sai Baba, revered as a saint and a manifestation of God by his devotees, performed countless miracles during his lifetime and continues to bless his followers even today.

    Here’s a curated collection of testimonials from various publicly available sources, reflecting the deep faith and experiences of devotees:

    1. Healing and Health Miracles:
    • Many testimonials speak of Sai Baba’s intervention in grave health conditions.
      • One devotee shared how their mother battled both a brain tumor and cancer; and through continuous prayers to Sai Baba, she survived and recovered, defying medical odds.
      • Another account describes a child who fell seriously ill and was in great distress,; but after fervent prayers and repeating Sai Baba’s name, the child miraculously recovered and started speaking normally.
      • A devotee suffering from a painful cyst behind their knee, which made daily puja difficult, found complete relief by applying Sai Baba’s Udi (sacred ash), enabling them to perform their spiritual practices without pain.
      • A particularly striking testimonial recounts a person who was stabbed multiple times, with the knife blade even entering their heart. They screamed “Baba help me” and lost consciousness. Despite two cardiac arrests and doctors believing survival was impossible, they miraculously recovered, with the medical team attributing it solely to a miracle.
    1. Guidance and Problem Solving:
    • Finding Lost Items: There are numerous stories of lost possessions being recovered through Sai Baba’s grace.
      • One devotee’s restless child misplaced a phone, and after a fervent prayer to Sai Baba, the phone was miraculously found ringing within the child’s bag.
      • Another account details a lost purse on a bus, which was later retrieved with all important documents, highlighting Baba’s help in seemingly small matters.
    • Career and Financial Blessings: Devotees have shared experiences of securing jobs against all odds, even without applying, after praying to Sai Baba.
      • One person, after facing significant financial losses and personal challenges, found their life gradually returning to normalcy with Baba’s blessings.
    • Overcoming Obstacles in Life: Testimonials often highlight how Sai Baba helps devotees navigate difficult situations, from resolving workplace tensions to facilitating smooth transitions in life.
    1. Divine Intervention and Presence:
    • Being “Called” to Shirdi: Some devotees describe a profound, unplanned urge to visit Shirdi, which inexplicably materializes into a trip, signifying Sai Baba’s direct invitation and presence in their lives.
    • Dreams and Visions: Sai Baba often appears in dreams, offering guidance, blessings, or even materializing Udi (sacred ash) when a devotee is in need, as shared by those who received Udi in dreams during illness.
    • Answers to Prayers (Big and Small): Devotees recount how Sai Baba answers both profound and seemingly trivial prayers, demonstrating his constant attentiveness to their needs. This includes a father’s blood pressure normalizing during a health scare after chanting “Om Sai Rakshak Sharanam.”
    1. Transformation and Spiritual Growth:
    • Instilling Faith and Patience: Many testimonials emphasize Sai Baba’s teachings of “Shraddha” (faith) and “Saburi” (patience) as cornerstones for experiencing his grace. Devotees often express how their unwavering faith in Baba helped them overcome immense suffering and transform their lives.
    • Experiencing Inner Peace: Beyond material benefits, many devotees share how connecting with Sai Baba brings a profound sense of inner peace, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment, even amidst life’s challenges
    • These testimonials, sourced from Online devotional blogs like Rgyan and Shirdi Sai Baba Experiences, temple websites such as Shirdi Sai Baba Kripa and Shirdi Sai Baba Devotees, and open forums like Sai Vichaar and Quora, [Thanks to each Websites /Blogs] through AI,
      • collectively paint a picture of Shirdi Sai Baba as a compassionate and powerful divine presence who continues to touch the lives of his devotees in miraculous ways.
  • Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    A captivating exploration of the profound themes and vital truths surrounding Shirdi Sai Baba reveals a figure of immense spiritual significance.

    I. The Nature and Identity of Sai Baba

    Sai Baba is a divine, omniscient, and omnipresent, being whose true nature transcends conventional human and religious classifications.

    • Ambiguity of Origin and Faith:
      • Baba’s identity as Hindu or Muslim is deliberately obscured, highlighting his universality.
      • He celebrated both Hindu festivals (Rama-Navami, Gokul Ashtami) and allowed Muslim practices (Sandal procession, Namaj in Masjid).
      • His physical attributes (pierced ears like a Hindu, advocacy of circumcision, but not circumcised himself) further blurred the lines.
      • No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mahomedan.
    • Divine Incarnation and Sadguru:
      • Baba is depicted as a “Wonderful Incarnation,” a “precious Jewel,” and a “precious Diamond.”
      • He is the “crest-jewel of the Saints, who is the home of all auspicious things, who is our Atmaram (Dear Self), and who is the able refuge of the devotees.”
      • He is explicitly referred to as a “Sadguru,” a true spiritual master.
      • “Lord (God) dwells in the Saints.
        • In fact they are not different from Him.
        • Our Sai is One of these,
          • Who incarnated for the welfare of the devotees,
          • Supreme in knowledge and surrounded with divine lustre.”
    • Omniscience and Omnipresence: Baba has absolute knowledge of the past, present, and future.
      • He knew Mr.Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about cotton speculation and his desire to offer Baba a share of profits.
      • He knew Mr. Cholkar’s secret vow regarding sugar and his decision to forego sugar. Baba remarked, “Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you.”
      • He knew Mr.Hari Kanoba’s name, parentage, and other details about him, even though it was Hari’s first visit to Shirdi.
      • He read Somadeva Swami’s critical thoughts about the flags at the Mosque, directly addressing them.
      • He knew about one pleader’s slander behind His back at Bar Council, demonstrating “His omniscience and His using it for correcting people and setting them on the right path.”
      • He correctly predicted and averted the death of Ramachandra Patil and foresaw Tatya Patil’s passing.
    • He is described as “omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited.”
    • Detachment and Humility: Despite his divine powers, Baba lived a life of extreme simplicity and humility. He lived on alms, possessing nothing, and residing in a deserted Masjid. He begged for food daily, mixing all offerings together, and “His tongue knew no taste.” Dogs, cats, and crows freely ate from his earthen pot, and “Baba never drove them away.”

    II. The Role and Importance of the Sadguru

    The Sadguru (Guru, who realized Self) as the sole means to spiritual liberation and worldly well-being.

    • Bridge to Salvation:
      • The Sadguru is essential for crossing the “worldly ocean.”
      • “Where Real or Sadguru is the helmsman, he is sure to carry us safely and easily beyond the worldly ocean.”
      • The Vedas alone cannot achieve this; “It is only the Sad-guru, who can do so and make you, see the Lord in all creatures.”
    • Destroys Egoism and Sins:
      • The touch of the Guru’s hand is described as having “wonderful… power.”
      • It can destroy the “subtle-body (consisting of thoughts and desires)” and cleanse “sins of many past births.”
      • M. Hemadpant said, when starting writing Shri Sai SatCharitra, “Sai Baba took away my egoism and wrote Himself His stories.”
    • Catalyst for Transformation:
      • Baba’s darshan (sight) leads to profound inner change:
        • “by His darshana our thoughts are changed,
        • the force of previous actions is abated and
        • gradually non-attachment of dispassion towards worldly objects grows up.”
      • He transforms his devotees into “Himself (His nature).”
    • Teacher and Guide:
      • The Sadguru Sai teaches based on the disciple’s qualifications, without unsettling their minds.
      • He dispels ignorance (“Destroying ignorance is Jnana”) and
      • He helps the disciple realize their true Self (“You are God, you are mighty and opulent.”).
    • Unconditional Love and Service:
      • A true Sadguru expects no service or profit,
      • but instead wishes to serve his disciples, treating them as equals or even as Brahma.
      • “Baba had great love for the disciples.”
        • He “loved all beings equally.
        • He was unattached. Foes and friends, kings and paupers, were the same to Him.”

    III. Key Teachings and Practices Advocated by Sai Baba

    Baba’s teachings, though sometimes indirect, emphasized faith, surrender, moral conduct, and devotion.

    • Faith (Nishtha) and Patience (Saburi): These were presented as two coins of devotion by Baba to His Guru.
      • Baba said: “This is one pice -Faith. Patience or perseverance is the other pice. I waited patiently and very long on My Guru and served him. This Saburi will ferry you across the sea of this mundane existence.” (pice=1/100 INR)
    • Complete Surrender: “If any one prostrates before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him,
      • then unsolicited, all the chief objects of life viz. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (Desire) and Moksha (Deliverance), are easily and unsolicitedly attained.”
      • “The best way, therefore, to get free from the shackles of Maya is our complete and whole-hearted surrender to Baba.”
    • Charity and Non-Attachment to Wealth: Baba frequently extracted “Dakshina” (offerings),
      • not for personal gain, but “to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds.”
      • He asserted that “He had to give back hundred times more of what He received.”
      • He discouraged debt for spiritual purposes: “Baba never liked people to run into debt for taking His darshan, or celebrating any holiday or making any pilgrimage.”
      • He considered “money as a danger or bar to spiritual progress.”
    • Ethical Conduct and Self-Correction:
      • He advised against discourteously turning away those who come to you, emphasizing:
      • “Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give
        • water to the thirsty,
        • bread to the hungry,
        • clothes to the naked, and
        • your verandah of your Home to strangers for sitting and resting.”
    • Baba condemned slander:
      • “Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you,
      • do not resent by giving any bitter reply.
      • If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.”
      • He used the example of a pig eating filth to correct a slanderer, stating, “Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart’s content.”
    • Baba taught the importance of offering everything to the Guru before enjoyment:
      • “before the senses, mind and intellect enjoy their objects, Sai should first be remembered, and if this be done, it is in a way an offering to Him...
      • all the Vrittis (thoughts) regarding Desire, Anger, Avarice etc. should first be offered and directed to the Guru.”
    • He guided devotees to remain calm and composed, engage in good actions, and perform duties without attachment.
    • Remembrance of God/Guru (Dhyana/Bhajan): Baba advised various forms of devotion, including
      • “remembering My name,”
      • “hearing His Leelas,”
      • “worship of His Feet,” and
      • studying sacred scriptures like Shri Sai SatCharitra, Bhagwat, Jnaneshwari, and Vishnu-Sahasra-Nam.
      • He stated, “If you always say ‘Sai, Sai’ I shall take you over the seven seas.”

    IV. The Human and the Divine

    • Interaction with Devotees:
      • Baba allowed devotees to serve him in their own way,
      • demonstrating his “dependency on Bhaktas” (in the sense that he allowed their devotion to manifest).
      • He engaged in normal conversation, jokes, and sometimes strong reprimands, always with a deeper purpose.
    • The Guru-Disciple Relationship: The relationship is central. Disciples are encouraged to fully surrender and trust the Guru. The Guru sees beyond superficiality and acts for the disciple’s ultimate good.
    • Transcending Form:
      • While he had a physical form, Baba’s true nature was “unattached and indifferent” and “the state of Brahman.”
      • He demonstrated “Khandayoga, i.e., separating His limbs and joining them again,”
      • His visible form was merely a “mould” for the “liquid essence of Pure Self.”

    V. Miraculous Powers (Leelas) and Their Purpose

    Baba’s “Leelas” (divine plays or miracles) are frequently cited, serving not as ends in themselves, but as tools to deepen devotees’ faith, teach spiritual lessons, and alleviate suffering.

    • Manifestation of Divine Power:Grinding Wheat: Initially misunderstood as mundane, Baba’s grinding of wheat was a symbolic act to “destroy the cholera epidemic in Shirdi” with the flour.
    • Turning Water into Oil: This demonstrated his control over natural elements(fire) and taught the Banias (Oil Traders) a lesson in /
    • ‘truthfulness.
    • Curing Diseases: He cured various ailments, including eye problems with Beeba (marking nuts-Carpus Ana Cardium) and diarrhea with groundnuts, emphasizing that “The true medicine… was Baba’s word.”
    • Saving from Calamities: He averted the snake bite for Shama and predicted/averted the death of Ramachandra Patil. He also saved Mr. Mirikar from a potential snake bite.
    • Fulfilling Desires (within divine plan):
      • The “Amra-Leela” story illustrates his power. Four mangoes, given by Sai resulted in four sons and four daughters for Damu Anna. This happened despite astrological predictions.
      • He facilitated the return of a stolen jewel-box and a stolen sum of money.
    • Disguised Blessings and Tests:Baba’s “rage” and “abuses” were often a “blessing in disguise,” as seen with Somadeva Swami, or a direct command to the poison in Shama’s case.
    • Drawing Devotees and Confirming Faith:
      • The numerous anecdotes of individuals being drawn to Shirdi, despite their initial reluctance (Hemadpant’s own journey, Kakaji Vaidya being directed by Goddess Sapta-Shringi, the “idolater” friend of Kaka Mahajani) highlight Baba’s magnetic spiritual pull.
      • His precise knowledge of hidden thoughts or distant events served to “create faith and devotion” in his devotees.
    • Guaranteeing the Welfare of His devotees:
      • “There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding Food and clothes in My devotee’s home.”
    • In a nutshell
      • Baba’s teachings
        • emphasize love, compassion, and faith,
        • uniting all religions and
        • inspiring devotion beyond boundaries.
      • His miraculous acts instill hope, and
      • His wisdom fosters inner peace.
  • Promoting Love

    Promoting Love

    Sai Baba actively promoted love and unity, both among his devotees and towards animals, through his teachings, actions, and the examples he set. Here’s how the sources illustrate these aspects:

    • Unification and Harmony:
      • Sai Baba worked towards the unification of communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims.
      • He celebrated Hindu festivals like Rama-Navami with all due formalities.
      • He also permitted the ‘Sandal’ procession of Mahomedans and allowed Muslims to offer prayers (Namaj) in his Masjid. This demonstrated his disregard for religious distinctions and his wish for communal harmony.
      • His constant advice was that “Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the Mahomedans) were one and the same.” He emphasized that their devotees should not quarrel. Instead, they should “join hands and bring both the communities together” for national unity.
    • Fostering Unity and Eradicating Duality: Baba emphasized the importance of dissolving the sense of difference between individuals and with God.
      • He explicitly stated, “Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then the road for our meeting will be clear and open. The sense of differentiation, as I and thou, is the barrier that keeps away the disciple from his Master, and unless that is destroyed the state of union or atonement is not possible“.
      • This teaching directly supports universal love by promoting the realization of oneness.
    • He also encouraged his devotees to love their Guru with whole-hearted affection. He advised them to surrender completely. He suggested prostrating reverentially before Him to attain this unity.
    • Direct Instruction on Conduct:
      • Baba provided invaluable general advice for interacting with others:
      • “If any men or creatures come to you,
        • do not discourteously drive them away,
        • but receive them well and treat them, with due respect.
      • Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and your verandah to strangers for sitting and resting“.
      • This emphasizes hospitality, compassion, and respectful treatment of all.
    • Discouraging Slander and Gossip: Baba strongly disliked slander.
      • He stated, “He who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures, pleases Me most“.
      • In one instance, he corrected a slanderer by pointing to a pig eating filth and comparing the slanderer’s actions to the pig’s,
      • thereby teaching a powerful lesson against reviling others.
    • Personal Relationships and Care: Baba demonstrated deep personal love and care for his close devotees.
      • He shared his dormitory with Tatya Kote Patil and Bhagat Mhalsapati for 14 years, showing immense affection and intimacy.
      • He loved Khushalchand of Rahata and “watched his welfare, day and night,” even visiting him.
      • He exhibited “motherly love” towards his disciples, knowing their wants and feeling boundless joy when they were adorned.
      • He ensured the proper execution of religious functions in devotees’ homes, even attending a dinner in Mr. B.V. Deo’s house through an appearance.
      • His “anger” was often a disguise for blessings or tests, as seen
        • when he appeared enraged with the women grinding wheat but later smiled at their devotion, or
        • when he seemingly scolded Haji Sidik Falke only to then show him great favor.
    • He sometimes appeared in dreams or visions to guide and comfort his devotees, like the instance of Hemadpant’s Shimga dinner.
    • Importance of Guru-Disciple Relationship: Baba emphasized
      • complete surrender and unwavering faith in the Guru, assuring that such
      • devotion leads to spiritual progress and self-realization. This deep bond fosters profound love and trust.
    • Saints, like Baba and Shri Tembye Swami, are shown to love each other with “fraternal affection,” indicating a wider spiritual family bound by love.

    Promoting Love with Animals:

    • Oneness with All Creatures: Sai Baba explicitly taught the principle of seeing God in all beings, including animals. When Mrs. Tarkhad fed a hungry dog, Baba told her, “The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread is, one with Me, so also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are one with Me. I am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved. So abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve Me, as you did today“. This is a profound teaching that directly connects compassion for animals with devotion to God.
    • Compassion and Non-violence: Baba’s conduct consistently demonstrated compassion for animals. He never drove away dogs, cats, or crows that ate from his food pot, indicating his acceptance and care for them. He also gave a clear opinion on the killing of serpents, stating, “God lives in all beings and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions… So we should take pity and love all creatures, leave off adventurous fights and killings and be patient. The Lord (God) is the Protector of all“.
    • Reminiscences of Past Lives: In a remarkable instance, Baba purchased two goats for a significantly high price, explaining to his surprised devotees that these goats were formerly two human brothers who had fought bitterly and killed each other. He bought them out of pity, fed them, and then returned them. This story highlights Baba’s boundless love and compassion for all creatures, acknowledging their karmic journeys.
    • Protection of Animals:
      • Baba saved his devotees from potential harm from animals like snakes,
      • sometimes by foretelling the danger and
      • other times by direct intervention,
      • but he always advised against killing them,
        • emphasizing universal love and the divine presence in all creatures.
      • Even a fierce tiger was drawn to his feet and found a blessed end in his presence, demonstrating Baba’s all-encompassing mercy towards even wild animals.
  • Baba’s Compassion and Love

    Baba’s Compassion and Love

    Shirdi, Shri Sai Baba’s life is a testament to His boundless compassion, profound gentleness, and unwavering selflessness. He consistently demonstrated these qualities through His actions, teachings, and interactions with His devotees. Here are instances:

    Baba’s Compassion:

    • Protection from Epidemics: Baba displayed compassionate foresight by grinding wheat and having the flour thrown on the Shirdi village borders to curb a cholera epidemic.
      • Villagers understood that He was not only grinding wheat.
      • He was also grinding the cholera itself to pieces. This act pushed cholera, out of the village. This led to the epidemic’s subsidence.
    • Encouragement of Hemadpant: When Hemadpant expressed self-doubt about writing Baba’s biography,
      • Baba gently encouraged him. He blessed him with Udi (sacred ashes) and placed His boon-bestowing hand on his head.
      • Baba assured,
        • “I will help him.
        • He is only an outward instrument.
        • I should write Myself My autobiography and
        • satisfy the wishes of My devotees”.
        • This shows His desire for devotees’ spiritual growth and His loving support.
    • Motherly Love for Disciples: Baba exhibited a unparalleled motherly love towards His disciples. He was always attending to their needs. Sadgurus like Baba have this peculiar and extraordinary love for their disciples.
      • All-Embracing Love and Tolerance:
        • Baba’s all-embracing love was evident in His defense of the Rohilla, who disturbed villagers with loud prayers.
        • Baba took the villagers to task, explaining that the Rohilla’s prayers kept away “Durbuddhi” (bad thoughts),
        • thus protecting even those perceived as troublesome.
    • Omnipresence and Constant Protection: Baba’s statement: “I am the Inner Ruler of all and seated in their hearts. I envelope all the creatures, the movable and immovable world.“
    • Curing Ailments through Grace: Baba cured numerous diseases without using conventional medicine. He did so through His Grace, Words, or Udi. This demonstrated His compassion for the suffering. Examples include:
        • Bhimaji Patil’s severe tuberculosis, cured by Baba’s words of hope and mercy, through two dreams.
        • Bala Ganapat Shimpi’s malaria, cured by instructing him to feed a black dog, with rice mixed with curds.
        • Bapusaheb Booty’s dysentery and vomiting, instantly cured by Baba’s command, “Now take care, you should not purge any more” and “The vomiting must also stop”. He also cured in another time, Booty’s cholera with a seemingly fatal remedy, effective due to Baba’s word.
        • A Swami from Alandi’s ear pain, relieved by Baba saying, “Alla Accha Karega (God will do good)”.
        • Madhavrao Deshpande’s piles and Gangadharpant’s stomach-pain, cured by simple words and touch, and Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s stomach-pain with a sweetmeat.
        • A doctor’s nephew of tubercular bone-abscess, cured with Udi and Baba’s “loving glances”.
        • Dr. Pillay’s excruciating guinea-worm pain, relieved by Baba’s command to be ‘fearless’ and allowing an accidental step on the wound, to expel the worms.
        • Shama’s sister-in-law’s bubonic plague, cured overnight by sending Udi and giving instructions.
        • A Harda gentleman’s bladder stone, dissolved with Udi mixed with water.
        • A Bombay lady’s painless delivery, despite a stillborn issue, by her praying to Baba and consuming Udi-mixture.
      • Acceptance of Sincere Offerings: Baba lovingly accepted offerings made with devotion, such as
        • Mr. Cholkar’s small offering of sugar-candy, knowing his secret vow to save money for his trip by abstaining from sugar.
        • He knew devotees’ sincere intentions,
          • even reminding them if they
          • forgot to offer something,
          • demonstrating His acceptance of their inner devotion over the material value.
      • Teaching Non-duality through Action: Baba profoundly taught the principle of “See God in all beings”
        • when He told Mrs. Tarkhad, “Mother, you have fed Me sumptuously… The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread is, one with Me, so also other creatures… I am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved.“. This practical demonstration encouraged compassion for all life.
      • Drawing Devotees and Fulfilling Desires: Baba had an incredible ability to draw devotees to Shirdi, “like a sparrow, with a thread tied to its feet.” He was omniscient and knew their innermost thoughts and desires. Often, His compassion led Him to fulfill them. Examples include:
          • Knowing Lakhamichand’s taking a loan for his darshan and forgetting to buy guavas, but arranging for an old woman to sell him the fruits.
          • Knowing Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about speculative business and gently dissuading him, saving him from financial ruin. He blessed Damu Anna’s wife with four sons and four daughters, by gave her four mangoes as Prasad. This act overrode astrological predictions.
          • Fulfilling Mrs. Tendulkar’s dream of her son passing his medical examination despite unfavorable astrological predictions, emphasizing faith. He also blessed Mr. Tendulkar with a higher pension after a dream.
          • Ensuring painless death and salvation (Sadgati) for devotees like Sannyasi Vijayanand, Balaram Mankar, and Tatya Noolkar; Even showering flowers on Megha’s body and arranging his funeral rites after his passing shows, deep affection.
        • Compassion for Animals: Baba displayed immense compassion for animals.
          • Notably, he bought two goats for an exorbitant sum. He explained their past lives and their enmity in their previous human forms. Out of pity, he fed them.
          • He also taught not to kill creatures, stating “God lives in all beings and creatures”.
        • Personal Sacrifice for Devotees:
          • A supreme act of compassion was when Baba
          • sacrificed His own life to save Tatya Kote Patil’s life, fulfilling an earlier prophecy that Tatya would pass away, but Baba took his place.

        Shirdi’s Shri Sai Baba exemplified unparalleled compassion and selflessness through numerous acts. He protected villagers from epidemics, encouraged disciples, healed ailments without medicine, and accepted sincere offerings. Baba’s teachings emphasized seeing God in all beings, fulfilling devotees’ desires, and displaying profound love for both people and animals, often embodying true sacrificial spirit.

      • People benefited immensely by having Baba’s Darshan.

        People benefited immensely by having Baba’s Darshan.

        • Some became vibrantly hale and hearty;
        • wicked souls were transformed into paragons of virtue.
        • Leprosy was miraculously cured in certain instances,
        • countless hearts had their deepest desires fulfilled,
        • without any medicine being into their eyes, some blind men get back their sight, and
        • the lame were blessed with limbs.
        • No one can fathom the boundless depth of His extraordinary greatness.

        SSSC Ch-7

      • Baba is a Scientist in Optometry and Pharmacognosy

        Baba is a Scientist in Optometry and Pharmacognosy

        Optometry involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects and abnormalities. Pharmacognosy is study of crude drugs obtained from medicinal plants, animals, fungi and natural sources.

        Baba started practicing medicine in the village, examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became famous as a Hakim (Doctor). A curious case may be narrated, about His knowledge of solving Eye problem with medicinal plants, here.

        One devotee got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases.

        Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘Beeba’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them, thrust them over each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water was poured over them.

        The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the Beeba caused no hurt, but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured, this is only one instances in this regard.

      • Earlier Years at Shirdi IV- Cure Ailments & His Garden

        At times when he was not absorbed in contemplation, he went about meeting people and noting their ailments. He picked up herbs or got cheap drugs from shops and with their use cured the villagers of their bodily illness.

        His knowledge of medicine and surgery appears to have been extraordinary for he cured not merely snake bite but also leprosy with snake venom and rotting eyes with Bibba. He never accepted any payment for his medical or other services. He also rendered other kinds of services.

        He ploughed up the village common land, the very land on which his Samadhi Mandir now stands, and raised a flower garden thereon. He watered the plants, carrying pots full of water on his own shoulders. He distributed the flowers and leaves freely to various Hindu temples and to Muslim holy places and

        never made any invidious distinction between Hindu and Muslim places of worship. From his supreme realised state, differences of caste, creed, position and learning, were non-existent or meaningless. This is all the history of the early years of Baba.