"I draw to Me, My man from far off or even across the seven Seas to Shirdi, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet"-Shirdi Sai Baba, Indian Spiritual Guru-God

Thanks SSS Trust, Shirdi

People from different Religious, Geographical, Economic, and Social backgrounds are brought together here. Their prayers are delivered and successfully resolved with the grace of the Indian spiritual SadGuru-God, Shirdi Sai Baba.

Category: Teller

Baba use to tell the Past History and Future of many people.

  • 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.
  • 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.

      • HELP IN MARRIAGE

        Baba’s Says on Marriage

        Para Number in the Book & About Marriage

        (a) Adam Dalali

        575. Adam Dalali (to Baba): My son has to be married. Unless you bless and give permission, how am I to get the money for it?

        B.: “Wait.”

        After a time, Baba said to A.D. : ‘Now, celebrate your son’s marriage.”

        A.D. then got very good brokerage business and with the money got, he performed his first son’s marriage.

        Similar blessing from Baba enabled him to perform the marriage of his two other sons.

        (b)L.G. Munge

        576. Laxman Govind Munge went in 1890 to Rahata and there met Sai Baba.

        B.: “Come child, I was thinking of you yesterday. Come, eat this mango and shampoo my leg”; ” What for have you come?”

        Munge: My marriage is settled.  I have no jewels. I have come to borrow jewels (from my relations).

        B.: “Who is whose? Who gives? Who receives? None will give timely help. If you need 1,000 Rupees or 2,000 Rupees (worth of ornaments), receive it from me.”

        Munge (thinks): How is this poor fakir to give me 2,000 Rupees jewels.

        His relations (as foretold by Baba) refused to help. Then a Gujarati Sowcar at Sinner was induced by M.’s friend, to lend him 2,000 Rupees worth of jewels, for a payment of 25 rupees cash. Thus the marriage was celebrated.

        (c) Damodar Rasane

        577. Damodar Rasane had four offers of marriage for his son Nana (Daulat Shah), one of which had Rs.2,500/ or 3,000 of dowry.

        D.R.: Baba, which of these girl’s horoscopes shall I accept for my son?

        Baba, Picking up a poor girl’s Horoscope: “Damia, let this be your daughter-in-law. (That girl was married to Daulat Shah and proved a good choice).

        Id) S.B.Dhumal

        577B. S.B. Dhumal became a widower at 36 without issue. The Question about his marrying again was raised by his father-in-law Rao Bahadur B.D.Kinkhede. Rao Bahadur approached Baba. Baba’s eyes gave the negative reply. Baba did not permit him to marry at all. Hence Rao Bahadur S.B.D. remained single till the end of his life.

      • KINDNESS EVEN TO CRIMINALS

        Baba’s kindness even to criminals

        Para Number in the Book &About His kindness to Criminals

        1. One day in Dassera 1915, Baba said to H.S.D.: “Kaka, in our Durbar, the good and evil alike come. We should regard them impartially; should we not?”

        A clerk then came and prostrated before Baba. There was a warrant out for him for having embezzled his master’s money. So his immediate senior officer, who was present at the mosque, thought that he must go and inform the police.

        Baba then narrated the incidents about embezzlement and warrant, however concealing the real names and substituting for these, general names like vani, Teli,etc.

        Baba to the clerk: “Go and have your meal at once.”

        Baba to the senior: “You had better remain here.”

        Baba again, to the clerk (who had finished his meal and had a little private conversation with Baba): “You may go away now.”

        Baba (detaining the senior, who was afraid that his own superiors might blame him for letting the clerk escape): “Are you afraid?”

        Senior: No Baba.

        The senior was sent away from Shirdi only after 3 or 4 days. His superiors did not blame him. The clerk surrendered himself and pleaded guilty at the prosecution, evidently following Baba’s advice. The master did not press for a severe sentence and a light punishment was awarded.

      • WATCH AND FORE-KNOWLEDGE 

        Baba’s loving watch and fore-knowledge

        Para Number in the Book & About His Watch and Fore-knowledge

        (a) G.G. Narke (cf.608)

        558. In 1916 a halwa-maker usually supplying halwa (cake) for Baba’s Arati died of plague.

        Baba to G.G.N: “Go to the halwayi’s shop and bring naivedya.“

        G.G.N. going to the place asked Mrs. H: Baba wants Naivedya.

        Mrs.H: Look there. My husband’s plague-stricken corpse is there. The Halwa is in the almirah. Take it if you please.

        G.G.N. took it, trembling for himself and for others who were going to take naivedya, with the possibility of catching plague: and he placed the Halwa before Baba.

        B.: ” You think you will live if you are away from Shirdi and that you would die if you stay at Shirdi.

        That is not so. Whoever is destined to be struck will be struck. Whoever is to die will die. Whoever is to be caressed will be caressed, (cf. 298,608)

        The Halwa was given as naivedya and none caught plague’ from the Halwa.

        (b) S. B. Dhumal

        559. S.B. Dhumal at Nasik found plague in the town and plague rats in his house. He wrote to Shama at Shirdi asking him to consult Baba whether he should leave the house and go to the bungalow. Baba’s answer permitting the removal to the bungalow, came.

        But on the very night of going to the bungalow, a dead rat was found in one of the beds and a letter was sent to Baba as to whether he should move away. S.B.D. continued to remain in the bungalow till the reply should come. The reply came advising continued stay.

        Later, dead rats were found all over the house, in the servant’s quarters, in the well, as in the neighbourhood.

        Then writing a letter again to Baba, S.B.D. packed his articles before reply came, and was about to unlock his house at Nasik for re-occupation. Just at the moment Baba’s reply came. It was: “Why should we give up (change) our residence?”

        At once S.B.D. went back to the bungalow and lived there. By Baba’s supervision, S.B.D. and his family were, perfectly safe, (cf.9)

        559A. Villagers (after Appa’s death): Baba, there is terrible cholera raging in the village. Save us.

        Baba: “Do not fear. Only seven will die. After that this epidemic will disappear”.

      • Help in Business

        Baba’s help in business

        Para Number in the Book “BCS”, About Baba’s Help in Business

          (a) D.S.Rasane

        548. Damodar S. Rasane had an offer for speculation in cotton at Bombay from a broker. The broker promised him lakhs of rupees by way of profit. D.S.Rasane wrote to Shama to gel Baba’s permission. Shama brought the letter to Baba. Before it was read, Baba spoke.

        Baba: “Damia  wants to catch at the sky. He is not content to keep what God has given him. Damia’s is confused. Write to him that his present state is not unhappy. His present half loaf is enough. Let him not bothered about lakhs.”

        Then Damia went in person and, thinking of starting that speculation and giving Baba a share in the profits, massaged Baba’s feet.

        Baba, loudly: “Damia, I am not in anything (i.e. I do not wish to get entangled in any samsara, like sharing profits.)”. So, that enterprise was given up.

        Again Damia had a proposal, when prices of grains were running high to buy in a lot of grain; and store it for some months or years and then sell it. Damia went to Baba and said “Shall I trade in grain ?”

        B.: “No, you will be buying at five seers [weight] and selling at seven (per Rupee).”

        But for weeks, the rise in prices was kept up and Baba’s prophecy seemed to be falsified. But a month or two later i.e., in Sravan, there was abundant rain on all sides; and the prices suddenly fell and remained low for a long time. The grain storers had a serious loss. Baba saved Damia from that fate.

        (b) Bayyaji patel

        549 (1) Baba was giving regularly Rs.4/- per diem to Bayyaji Appaji patel for years.

        B.: “Do not lend these moneys, nor give them away to others, Do not eat and excrete these.”

        Baba evidently wanted the money to be invested in land Purchases. Accordingly Bayyaji purchased 84 acres of land, which he is still retaining.

        (2) Sugarcane was the vogue, and everybody was planting the Godavari valley with sugarcane.

        Bayayaji: Baba, shall I plant sugarcane? Baba. “Don’t.”

        But the example of others and the hope of large profits from sugarcane, made Bayyaji disregard Baba’s advice and go in for sugarcane planting. What was the result?.

        First, a loss of Rs.300/- in the money invested and next, the going without the usual supply of dry crops, he would have got on the land.

        (c) Rao Bahadur S.B.Dhurnal

        550. S.B. Dhumal was offered the pubic Prosecutor-ship at Nasik. He wrote to Shama for Baba’s approval.

        B. “ Why should he accept the new? The old is good enough.”

        S.B.D. rejected the Public Prosecutorship and his income was still good.

      • HELP IN DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

        Baba’s says on domestic affairs

        Para Number in the Book & About Baba’s Help in Domestic Affairs

        (a) Mr. and Mrs.Nimonkar

        546. Nana Nimonkar (to his wife): See our boy at Belapur, and return immediately.

        Mrs.N.N: How ? There are so many relations there to see.

        N.N.: I cannot wait. Next day being Amavasya, you must return.

        Mrs. N.N. was greatly worried and perplexed.

        Baba coming up just then from the mosque said: “Mother, you are going to see your convalescent son at Belapur. Go Quickly. Go unperturbed. See all your relations there and then return to Shirdi, after 2 or 4 days of stay.”

        Thus Baba’s appellate decree reversed Nana Nimonkar’s. Nana proposes and Baba disposes.

        547. Mrs.H.V. Sathe had agreed to go with her husband to see a land recently purchased near Shirdi. But her father persuaded her and she resolved not to go as. If she did, Babu’s widow (relative) would give trouble by claiming rights in the land.

        So when the cart came and stood in front of Sathe wada; and her husband asked her to get in, she refused. The irate husband pulled out the whip from the cart-man and raised it aloft to chastise the wife. Suddenly, Megha rushed in.

        Megha: Baba wants you urgently to go to Dawaraka Mayee.

        H.V.S dropped the whip and went to Baba.

        Baba: “What is the matter? What is it that has happened? Your land is there. Where is the necessity to go and see it?

        H.V.S felt ashamed of his attempt at whipping his wife and was glad to note the watchful eye of Baba over himself and family.

      • PROPHECY AND CONTROL

        Baba’s Saying of Prediction of Future and Control

        Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About prophecy and control

        Foretells coming glory of Shirdi

        360. Long before 1908 (after which alone Baba’s popularity developed), when Shirdi was a very quiet and humble village.

        Baba said: “ Mansions will arise in this village. Bigwigs will come. Guns will be fired. Chariots, horses, elephants all will come. Grand processions will be held.

        People laughed, as these were unlikely in such a worthless hamlet, but with increasing popularity of Baba, all these came about.

        L.V. NADKAR.

        1. Lakshman V. Nadkar of Mahim Bazaar went in 1915 to Baba. When he went to take leave of Baba, it appeared to be very much after the time for catching his train at Kopergaon.

        Baba: Go, you will catch the train at Kopergaon.

        Nadkar went; but when he reached the Godavari river, it was dark and after dark the ferry was not allowed to ply across the Godavari in floods. So he appeared to be stranded. Suddenly the mamlatdar arrived there and a boat was got ready for him. Nadkar also got in. So he reached the station without molestation from thieves etc.

        D.V. SAMHARE

        1. When D V Sambhare started for Bombay by a train which should reach Bombay at 8 a.m.

        Baba: Go. You will reach at noon.

        The train was four hours late at Bombay. So D.V.S reached at noon.

        N.G.C’s Train Late

        See 143 (I) Supra) The train was late. Nana caught it

        MAHLSAPATHY
        1. Mahlsapathy was invited to a feast at his daughter’s father-in-law’s house at Dorhali. He came to Baba for leave.

        Baba: You will get insult there.

        Anyhow Mahlsapathy could not avoid going and he went.

        When he reached Dorhali, the feast party had finished their dinner without caring to wait for him.

        1. Mahlsapathy wanted to visit Arthangaon and asked Baba for leave.

        Baba: Do not go there. There will be quarrel and fight there.

        But Mahlsapathy had to go and went up to read Pothi. i.e., Malhari Mahatmyam. But as he read on, lads quarrelled with each other and beat each other with sticks. The Pothi was abruptly stopped and Mahlsapathy went back to Shirdi.

        Singvekar

        365. Anant Mahadev Kulkarni Singvekar asked: ” Baba, Shall I pass my examination? Will my number appear in the list?

        Baba: “Your number is 114. It will appear in the pass list”. His number was 114 and it appeared in the pass list.

        N.A.Samant

        366. Baba (to N.A.Samant) “you take back this Rs.5/- Keep it carefully. It will be stolen.”

         Mr.N.A Samant went for a meal leaving his coat outside the dinner hall and the note was stolen

        Tendulkar and Sapatnekar’s Friend

        367. Baba: “Tell him (Tendulkar) to throw aside all horoscope predictions and consultation with astrologers. Let him go and sit up for his examination quite at his ease. He will pass.” (And he passed)

        Baba (to Sapatnekar’s friend): “However much you study, you will not pass (your law examination) this year. However little you study in the next year, you will succeed.” (The next year he passed)

        A Parsee Merchant’s missing son
        1. Baba :   “Kaka, the boy is gone south. He is all right and cheerful and he will come back of himself”. Soon after the boy did return from Madras.

        Insane Parsi boy’s health

        1. Baba (to an insane Parsi boy’s father) : “your boy will become all right.”

        The boy improved and was later able to do business.

        Vakil’s brother’s insanity
        1. Baba (to a Bombay High court vakil): “Your brother will recover from his insanity”. (And he did.)

        370A. Mr. A.’s derangement:- M.B.Rege took A with him to Shirdi for the first time. Baba (on seeing A said) “why have you come, pissat (crazy)?” In a day or two, A actually got mental derangement and got back to his normal condition as soon, as he left Shirdi.

        DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIRACLE AND PROPHECY

        1. Baba (to NGC): “None cares to take from me, what I am prepared to give abundantly. But they want from me, what I am unable to give.”

        Baba once told to NGC about Chamatkars, something very interesting. It was about 1901-04. NGC’s daughter Minatai, at delivery had been helped by Baba with Udhi sent through Gosavi. That child however died very young. She was also widowed at that very early age and had no other issue. This cast a gloom over all the family. NGC and family went to Shirdi and sat before Baba glum in sullen silence. Usually whenever he went, Baba would question and he would talk and all would be cheerful. Now on this occasion there was a sad sullen beginning; this continued for some minute. Then Baba broke the ice.

        Baba: Why are you so silent?

        NGC: Baba, you know everything. while we are under your care, these calamities have befallen us; bereaved of child and son-in-law etc.,

        Baba: “If you care for child (or son-in-law) and come to me for that, you are mistaken. You need not come to me for these. These are not in my power. These (i.e., birth of child and death of relatives) are dependent on poorva karma. Even Parameswar, the great God who has created the world cannot alter these. Do you think, he can tell the sun or the moon, “Rise some two yards farther from you usual or appointed place.” No, he cannot and will not do that. That would produce disorder, chaos.“

        NGC: “If that is so, how is it that you tell some one, “You will have a son” and he gets a son and you tell another “You will get appointment” and he gets an appointment. Are these not Chamatkars of yours?“

        Baba: “No, Nana. I do not do any chamatkars. You have astrologers. They work 2 or 3 days ahead and give out their predictions, some of which come true. I look further ahead. What I say happens. My art also is a sort of Astrology. But you people do not understand this. To you, my words look like chamatkars, because you do not know the future. So you regard events as proof of my miracle working power and you turn your reverence on to me. I, in my turn, turn your reverence on to God and see that you are really benefitted.

        372. Baba (to Narayan Rao Motiram Jani of Nasik in October 1918)- “Henceforth, you are not to be a servant.

        Do your own business.”

        Then N. started the Anandashram Hotel at Nasik and that was a great financial success.

        373.   Baba (to Nachne):  “(a)come to Bombay for service” (b)”Do not trust mad men.”

        [Then (a) N. was transferred to a suburb of Bombay. (2) A mad man, whom he considered harmless at pooja time, grasped his throat and attempted to murder him.]

        374. Baba (to Sankar Rao and Nachne): “Give me Rs.15/- Dakshina.”

        Shankar Rao: No money, Baba.

        Baba: Give me Rs. 30/- Dakshina.

        Sankar Rao: I have no money, Baba.

        Baba: Give Rs.64/-

        Then Nachne: We are poor people. We can’t afford to pay such large sums.

        Baba: Then collect and give.

        Sometime later (1916) Baba fell ill. A big sapta was performed for his restoration to health and subscriptions were raised for mass feeding. Then Sankar Rao and Nachne collected subscriptions and sent up the collection. It proved to be exactly Rs.64/-

        H.S.Dixit’sBoy

        375.   H.S.D. got a letter in 1913 that his son was unwell at Bandra and he wanted Baba’s permission, to go.

        B,: Do not go, bring the boy here.

        H.S.D. wrote for the boy,  but  the answer was that the examination was nearing and that Shirdi, lacking both medical and educational aid, was not the best place for the boy. 

        B.: Never mind, do send for the boy.

        The boy accordingly came and improved in his health, very rapidly.   Then a letter came from Bandra that tha date of the examination was 2-11-1913 and that boy should be sent up. 

        B.:    Do not send up the boy.

        Again a letter came that the examination was postponed from 2-1I-19I3 to 6-11-1913 and that the boy should be sent up for 6-11-1913

        B.:   Wait, Iet us see.

        And the boy was not sent for 6-11-1913,

        Again a letter came that the examination was postponed to 13-11-1913.

        B.:    Send him up for 13-11-1913.

        The boy sat and passed his examination.

        GODAVARI WATER FOR JOG

        1. In November 1910 Babu Saheb Jog: “Baba, give me leave to go for Godavari bath for tomorrow. It is a holy day.”

        Baba: Do not go.

        Jog was dissatisfied, but stayed at Shirdi alone.

        Next morning villagers rushed to Baba.

        Villagers: Baba, the Godavari water is coming into Shirdi in the newly cut channel (though the Government had not ordered the supply, to be begun till 1912).

        Baba: See, how gracious is God! Jog!

        1. Bapu Saheb’ Jog’s Pithru Shraddha was approaching. 

        Jog to Baba: Give me leave to go and find out Brahmins of my sec from Kopergaon, for the approaching Shraddha.

        Baba: You need not go.

        Jog: Am I give up Shraddha, Baba?

        Baba: There are yet four days more. We will see.

        Two days later, Jog went to Baba.

        Jog: I want Brahmins of my sect. Let me go.

        Baba: They will come.

        Jog: How will they know of the Shraddha and come? Will they be of my sect?

        Baba: Yes.

        On the day of the Shraddha, two Brahmins from Puntamba came to Baba and asked him “can we get Brahmin food here?”

        Baba: Go to Jog.

        They went to Jog and Jog found that they were Brahmins of his-sect, well versed in Sastras, able and ready to perform his Pithru Shraddha.

        Jog’s Loans (=230)

        378. Jog had lent Rs.1,400/- to an Aurangabad man. When the limitation term was approaching,

        Jog to Baba: Baba, give me leave to go to Aurangabad.

        Baba: The debtor himself will come here. Then ask him.

        Jog, flaring up: Am I to lose Rs. 2 to 3 thousand? I will not do your Pooja and Arati from tomorrow. Without money, how can I get on here?

        Baba: Where will your money go? sit at home it will come.

        Jog: I cannot listen to you. Will he come of his own accord? Even when I went to him, he did not pay. Unless a suit is filed, he will not pay.

        Baba: Let it rest.

        Jog gave up hopes of recovery of the amount. At last the debtor came, long after limitation time, and offered only Rs.1,400/- the principal. Jog would not agree.

        Baba: Jog take it and give him release.

        Then Jog took it and placed it before Baba.

        Baba took a part and gave the rest to Jog.

        379. G G Narke’s mother to Baba (in 1913): “My son is being tossed to all sorts of places and he is without a permanent job. Settle him at Poona.”

        Three years later, an offer of service in Benares School or College came.

        GGN: Baba, shall I apply for this?

        Baba: What have we to do with Benares? We have to go to Poona and Satara.

        In 1917 a vacancy in the Engineering College, Poona, was advertised.

        GGN: Shall I apply for this, Baba?

        Baba: Yes.

        Later, Baba: Where is Narke gone?

        Devotees: He has gone to Poona to try for the appointment.

        Baba: Allah will bless. Has he any children?

        Devotees: Three or four were born, but they all died after a short life.

        Baba: Allah will bless.

        GGN got the appointment in 1918 and the children he had after 1913 are all lived longer.

        1. Baba: (In 1913 to GG Narke): “Your father-in-law, Buti will built a temple and you will be in charge of it.”

        Sai temple was built (1913-1918) and G G Narke was in charge of it as trustee of the Sai Sanstham after 1918.

        1. Baba (To Mrs. M.W.Pradhan)- ” Your baby will have fits (it had fits two hours later)”
        Karnik of Kalyan

        382. Baba addressed Mr.Karnik of Kalyan, at his first arrival at Shirdi- “Welcome, sowcar (Banker or money lender).”

        K. at that time was wretchedly poor. But many years later, he became a sowcar.

        Shama’s Sister-in-law’s plague

        383. Shama’s brother’s wife had bubonic plague fever and bubo in the groin. Shama’s brother ran to Shama and asked for udhi and Shama’s presence at the patient’s bedside.

        Shama: Baba, please give me udhi and leave to go.

        B. :”Send the Udhi now, God is our master. The fever and bubo will subside of themselves. You may go there in the morning at sunrise and return. Do not go now.”

        The udhi was applied. The patient improved and in the morning, she was preparing coffee when Shama visited the place. Shama returning said, “Baba what wonders you are working.”

        B.: To God be the praise. I am but the slave of God.

        Balawant G. Khaparde’s Plague (=521)

        384. When Shirdi had an epidemic of Plague in 1911, Balwant G.K. had fever and bubos. Baba showed the mother the bubos that he (Baba) drew from B.G.K. to save his life.

        Baba (to G.S.K.): “I have saved your son. Balawant, My orders are supreme.’

        Adam Dalali-Criminal Case

        385. Adam Dalali.: “Baba a serious criminal case has been brought against me unjustly.”

        B.: Do not fear.   Everything will come right.

        Adam Dalali was  discharged  and taken as  prosecution witness.

        H.M. Penses’s Criminal Appeal

        386. Nachne (to Baba): “Haribhav M. Pense wants your help Baba, in the criminal appeal he has filed, as he is innocent.”

        B.: Tell him not to have any anxiety. He will be acquitted in the appeal. (And he was acquitted)

        Death Sentence on a Brahmin

        387.   Baba- “In 4 days he will be acquitted.” (And he was)

      • PAST AND FUTURE TELLER

        “When one gets laya in God, all powers, all knowledge, all wisdom, all perfection, that are termed Divine, shine forth from such a person”

        Srimad Bhagavata

        Similarly Baba mentioned frequently facts about the Past, Immediate or Remote, the Present and Future, Immediate or Remote of Every one going to him. Baba added “I know the future, and what I say comes true’

      • “Give your guest, cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

        “Give your guest, cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

        Dasganu was once performing his Kirtan and singing the glory of Sai Baba, in the Koupineshwar temple in Thana.

        One Mr. Cholkar, a poor man serving as a candidate in the Civil Courts in Thana, was amongst the audience. He heard Dasganu’s Kirtan most attentively and was much moved.

        He there and then mentally bowed and vowed to Baba saying – “Baba, I am a poor man, unable to support my family. If by your grace, I pass the departmental examination and get a permanent post, I shall go to Shirdi. I will fall at Your Feet. I will also distribute sugar-candy in Your name.” As good luck would have it, Mr.Cholkar did pass the examination. He got the permanent post. Now it remained for him to fulfil his vow. The sooner, the better.

        Mr. Cholkar was a poor man with a large family to support; and he could not afford to pay for the expenses of a Shirdi trip. As is well said, one can easily cross over Nahne ghat in Thana District. It is easy even to cross the Sahyadri Range. However, it is very difficult for a poor man to cross Umbareghat, i.e., the threshold of his house.

        As Mr. Cholkar was anxious to fulfill his vow as early as possible, he resolved to economize, cut down his expenses, and save money. He determined not to use sugar in his diet; and began to take his tea without it.

        He saved some money in this way. Then, he came to Shirdi and took Baba’s darshan. He fell at His Feet and offered a coconut. He distributed it with a clean conscience along with sugar-candy as per his vow. He told Baba that he was much pleased with His darshan and that his desires were fulfilled that day.

        Mr. Cholkar was in the Masjid with his host Bapusaheb Jog. When the host and the guest both got up and were about to leave the Masjid, Baba spoke to Jog as follows:- “Give him (your guest) cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

        Hearing these significant words, Mr. Cholkar was much moved, he was wonderstruck, his eyes were bedewed with tears, and he fell at Baba’s Feet again. Mr. Jog was also curious about this direction, regarding the tea-cups to be given to his guest.

        Baba wanted by His words to create faith and devotion in Cholkar’s mind. He hinted as it were, that He got the sugar-candy as per his vow and that He knew full well his secret determination not to use sugar in his diet.

        Baba meant to say, “If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. 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. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus.”

        SSSC Ch-15