Shirdi, Maharashtra: The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust has received a distinguished offering from a Dubai-based devotee, who has donated an intricately carved, gold‑plated frame for the northern window, inside the Shirdi Temple. This window is deeply revered by pilgrims as it provides the sacred Mukhashadarshan—a direct view of Shri Saibaba’s idol in the Samadhi Mandir.
The newly installed frame, crafted with detailed gold workmanship, has already become a point of admiration for thousands of devotees visiting the shrine each day. Its presence enhances both the devotional atmosphere and the architectural beauty of the Temple.
Ceremonial Installation
Before installation, the Sansthan performed a traditional vidhivat puja, marking the auspicious beginning of the offering. Following the ceremony:
– Official Felicitation: Sansthan Chief Executive Officer Goraksha Gadilkar formally honored the devotee for their generous contribution.
– Respecting Donor’s Wishes: In accordance with the donor’s request, the Sansthan has maintained complete confidentiality regarding their identity.
A Continuing Tradition of Devotion
The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust continues to welcome heartfelt acts of devotion from devotees across the world. Contributions such as this not only enrich the spiritual ambience of the Temple but also strengthen Shirdi’s role as a global center of faith and inspiration.
Tag: Bless
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Dubai Devotee Donates Gold‑Plated Frame to Shri Saibaba Sansthan
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Sai Baba appearance
Attribute Description Build Well-built with arms that reached up to his knees. Height Medium height. Complexion Fair, yellowish complexion. Eyes Powerful and penetrating, giving the impression that he could read people through. Ears Pierced ears, indicating he was likely a Hindu. Circumcision Not circumcised. Attire Dressed like a fakir. Residence Lived in an old mosque called Dwarkamai. Dhuni A sacred fire (Dhuni) was constantly burning in the mosque. Worship Practices Devotees were allowed to worship him, which included blowing of conches and ringing of bells. -
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).”
- Baba’s darshan (sight) leads to profound inner change:
- 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 teachings
- Ambiguity of Origin and Faith:
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Selflessness
Baba’s Selflessness:
- Life of Mendicancy: Despite His divine status, Baba lived a life of mendicancy. He begged for food from five houses daily and did not care for the taste of the mixed food. He also did His own grinding for cooking.
- Generous Distribution of Wealth: “The money He used to collect as Dakshina was freely distributed, Rs.20 to some, Rs.15 or 50, to others everyday.”. He “would distribute the whole amount the same day, and the next morning He would become a poor Fakir as usual”. He only used a very small portion for Himself (chilam and fuel).
- Taking on Devotees’ Suffering: Baba literally absorbed the ailments and sufferings of His devotees onto Himself.
- He displayed four bubos on His own body, stating to Mrs. Khaparde, “See, how I have to suffer for My devotees; their difficulties are Mine.“.
- Similarly, He burnt His arm to save a blacksmith’s child from a furnace, proclaiming, “I do not mind My arm being burnt, but I am glad that the life of the child is saved”.
- He “always worked for the good and welfare of others, Himself suffering unbearable and terrible pain many a time in the process”.
- He readily allowed a peculiar devotee named Nanavalli to take His seat, showing not “the slightest displeasure”. He was described as “meek, humble and egoless”.
- Disregard for Worldly Possessions and Fame:
- He had “no love for perishable things” and
- “never cared for wealth and fame”.
- His entire “property” consisted of a koupin, a piece of cloth, a Kafni, and a tinpot, and He disliked devotees bringing costly articles.
- He was “indifferent” to pleasures and misfortunes, treating kings and paupers alike, and did not care for honor or dishonor.
- Focus on Spiritual Welfare: Baba’s actions and teachings were consistently aimed at the spiritual welfare and liberation of His devotees.
- He stated, “The Lord (God) is the Protector of all.“.
- He emphasized simple devotion and faith over complex rituals. He asked devotees to remember “Sai, Sai” to remove shackles and attain freedom.
- He guided devotees to self-realization by diverse methods suited to individual needs.
- Disapproval of Fasting:
- Baba neither fasted nor encouraged it in others, believing that “God is not attained on an empty stomach”. He would gently insist that devotees eat, as seen
- when He made Mrs. Gokhale prepare and eat Puran Polis despite her vow to fast.
- This illustrates His care for devotees’ physical well-being as a foundation for spiritual pursuit.
- Teaching Renunciation and Purification:
- Baba’s act of asking for Dakshina was not out of desire for money,
- but to teach devotees “the lessons of Renunciation and Purification” and
- to remove their “attachment to money”.
- He clarified that whatever was given to Him, He had to return a hundredfold, showing it was a means for the devotee’s benefit rather than His own
- Profound Humility: Baba lived a life of immense humility. He referred to Himself as “Slave of slaves,” “your debtor,”; considering Himself blessed by His devotees’ presence.
Baba exemplified selflessness through his mendicant lifestyle, generously distributing wealth collected as Dakshina. He absorbed his devotees’ suffering, prioritizing their welfare over his own desires. Indifferent to worldly possessions, Baba focused on spiritual liberation, advocating simple faith and rejecting fasting. His teachings emphasized renunciation and humility, reflecting profound devotion to others.
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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.
- All-Embracing Love and Tolerance:
- 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.
- 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.
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Love as Forgiveness
Baba’s Forgiveness:
- Transforming Initial Displeasure into Blessings: Baba’s “anger” was often a tool for spiritual correction rather than true wrath.
- Initially enraged at the women who forcibly took the hand-mill to grind wheat, He quickly became pleased by their love and devotion.
- He allowed Dr. Pandit to apply sandal paste to His forehead, a personal practice usually restricted to Mhalsapati. Baba explained it was because Dr. Pandit saw Him as his own Guru, showing acceptance of sincere devotion despite unconventional acts.
- He sometimes appeared as “wrath Incarnate.” However, internally, He was “a stream of affection and motherly love.” Baba stated, “He is ever angry with His devotees.”
- Baba used seemingly harsh words with Haji Sidik Falke. Initially, he prevented him from entering the Masjid and demanded a large sum. This ultimately led Haji to humility and acceptance. After this, Baba treated him with respect and gave him mangoes and money. This showed Baba clearing Haji’s spiritual block related to pride.
- He confronted a Pandharpur pleader for slandering Him and others behind their backs. Baba directly addressed the pleader’s inner thoughts. “Baba’s remark was aimed at me. It was a hint to me. I should not indulge in reviling or scandalizing others”. This led to the pleader’s sincere reform. It resulted in the riddance of this “evil tendency”.
- He initially gave Mr. Sapatnekar a harsh “Get out” upon his visit, likely due to Sapatnekar’s prior derision of Baba. Sapatnekar showed genuine penitence and perseverance. Baba then blessed him with a son. He said, “These feet are old and holy, you are care-free now; place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object”.
- He similarly dealt with Somadeva Swami, who initially judged Baba by outward appearances (like flags on Baba’s mosque). Baba’s “wild” response exposed the Swami’s inner thoughts, which led to the Swami realizing Baba’s omniscience and transforming into a staunch devotee. The Swami realized “Baba’s wrath was a blessing in disguise”.
- Baba gently corrected Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s wandering mind. When he was smitten by a lady’s beauty, Baba advised him to let the senses do their work. He cautioned not to meddle with them. Baba also said, “When the heart is pure, there is no difficulty”.
- When devotees tried to interfere with Mavsibai’s intense abdominal massage of Baba, as they feared she would hurt Him; Baba became enraged. He took hold one end of his Satka with both hands and pressed it in the hollow of His abdomen and other end on fixed on a Post ie. His body could withstand anything. This demonstrated that He permitted devotees to serve Him as they chose, and His “rage soon cooled down”, showing His understanding and forgiveness of well-intentioned but misguided interventions.
- Transforming Initial Displeasure into Blessings: Baba’s “anger” was often a tool for spiritual correction rather than true wrath.
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Sai Baba’s Compassion: Miraculous Tales and Teachings
Shri Sai Baba consistently demonstrated gentleness through His actions, teachings, and miraculous interventions.
Here are several examples illustrating Baba’s compassion and gentleness:
Protecting the Village from Cholera: When a cholera epidemic afflicted Shirdi, Baba’s unique remedy involved grinding wheat and throwing the flour on the village border limits. The villagers understood this not as literal wheat, but as Baba grinding the cholera itself to pieces and pushing it out of the village, leading to the epidemic’s subsidence. This shows His compassionate foresight and unconventional methods for collective well-being.- Encouraging and Supporting the Author Hemadpant: Hemadpant, the author of Shri Sai SatCharitra, expressed his self-doubt about writing Baba’s biography. Baba, however, blessed him, gave him Udi (sacred ashes), and placed His boon-bestowing hand on his head, assuring him, “I will help him. He is only an outward instrument. I should write Myself My autobiography and satisfy the wishes of My devotees”. This demonstrates His gentle encouragement and complete support for His devotee’s spiritual endeavor.
- Motherly Love for Disciples: Baba displayed motherly love towards His disciples, akin to a cow’s love for its calf or a human mother’s care for her child. This signifies His deep, selfless, and disinterested affection, always attending to their needs.
- Tolerance and Protection of Rohilla: Despite the villagers’ complaints about the Rohilla’s loud prayers disturbing their sleep, Baba took the villagers to task and asked them to mind their own business, explaining that the Rohilla’s prayers kept away “Durbuddhi” (bad thoughts). This illustrates His unique way of protecting even those who seemed troublesome, seeing the underlying spiritual effort.
- Omnipresence and All-encompassing Love: Baba often spoke of His all-pervading nature, stating, “I am the Inner Ruler of all and seated in their hearts. I envelope all the creatures, the movable and immovable world“. He assured devotees that “Nothing will harm him, who turns his attention towards Me”. This reflects His gentle, ever-present protection and boundless love for all.
Curing Ailments through Simple Means: Baba cured various diseases through His grace, words, and Udi (sacred ashes).
- He cured Bhimaji Patil’s severe tuberculosis by telling him his sufferings had ended and instructing him to stay in a specific house, completing the cure through two dreams.
- He cured Bala Ganapat Shimpi’s malaria by prescribing a “strange recipe” of feeding a black dog rice mixed with curds.
- He instantly cured Bapusaheb Booty’s dysentery and vomiting simply by saying, “Now take care, you should not purge any more” and “The vomiting must also stop”. He also cured Booty’s cholera with a seemingly fatal remedy of sugared milk with dry fruits, which proved effective due to Baba’s word.
- He healed a Swami from Alandi’s ear pain by saying, “Alla Accha Karega (God will do good),” which proved true even though the Swami went for an operation.
- He relieved Madhavrao Deshpande’s piles and Gangadharpant’s stomach-pain by simple words and touch, and Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s stomach-pain with a sweetmeat.
- He cured a doctor’s nephew of tubercular bone-abscess with Udi and His loving glances.
- He cured Dr. Pillay’s excruciating guinea-worm pain by telling him to be fearless and allowing Abdul’s accidental step to expel the worms.
- He cured Shama’s sister-in-law of bubonic plague by sending Udi and giving instructions not to go out, leading to her complete recovery overnight.
- He dissolved a stone in the bladder of a Harda gentleman with Udi mixed with water.
- He ensured a painless delivery for a Bombay lady by her praying to Him and consuming Udi-mixture, despite a stillborn issue according to fate.
- He transformed Harishchandra Pitale’s epileptic son by just seeing him, leading to the boy recovering within half an hour.
- Acceptance of Offerings and Devotion: Baba lovingly accepted offerings made with devotion, regardless of their monetary value.
- He accepted Mr. Cholkar’s small offering of sugar-candy wholeheartedly, knowing his secret vow of abstaining from sugar in his tea to save money for the trip.
- He knew when devotees sincerely intended to offer something and would remind them or their friends if forgotten, showing His acceptance of their inner devotion.
- Teaching Non-duality (“See God in All Beings”): After Mrs. Tarkhad fed a hungry dog, Baba told her, “Mother, you have fed Me sumptuously up to my throat, My afflicted pranas (life-forces) have been satisfied. always act like this… 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 profound teaching highlights His compassion for all life.
- Humility and Selflessness: Despite being God Incarnate, Baba allowed Nanavalli to take His seat without displeasure.
- Guidance in Spiritual Practices: Baba did not prescribe difficult yogic practices but emphasized the easiest path of remembering “Sai, Sai” to remove shackles and attain freedom. He tailored His instructions to individual needs, advising some to remember God’s name, others to hear His Leelas, and some to study scriptures.
- Patience and Understanding with Devotees’ Flaws: He handled Haji Sidik Falke’s initial pride and inability to enter the Masjid by seemingly harsh words, which ultimately led to the Haji’s humility and acceptance. He used a unique method to make the Ramadasi understand non-attachment by seemingly forcing a book dispute with Shama.
- Reading Minds and Fulfilling Desires: Baba’s omniscience allowed Him to know the innermost thoughts and desires of His devotees and address them directly.
- He knew Lakhamichand’s private thoughts about buying guavas and taking a loan for His darshan, and then made an old woman sell him the fruits and offer the rest on her behalf. He also knew Lakhamichand’s hunger and back pain; so offer food.
- He knew Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about speculative business and gently dissuaded him, saving him from financial ruin. He also granted Damu Anna’s wife four sons and four daughters, going against astrological predictions, by giving her four mangoes as Prasad.
- He fulfilled Mrs. Tendulkar’s dream of her son passing his medical examination despite unfavorable astrological predictions, emphasizing faith over external influences.
- He also blessed Mr. Tendulkar with a higher pension than anticipated after Mrs. Tendulkar’s dream.
Interventions to Avert Calamities: Baba often intervened to prevent harm to His devotees.
- He warned Balasaheb Mirikar about a “Lamba Bava” (serpent) before his trip, and the serpent was later killed, averting the danger.
- He reassured Bapusaheb Booty about an astrologer’s prediction of danger to his life, and a snake that appeared later was killed before it could harm him.
- He saved Amir Shankar from a snake near his bed by timely warning and intervention.
- He cured Shama of a poisonous snake-bite with powerful words, diverting the poison’s spread.
- He saved Mr. Ambadekar from committing suicide by making him read a relevant story in a book that deterred him.
- Teaching Dharma through Experiences: Baba often used everyday incidents to impart spiritual lessons. He patiently corrected the Pandharpur pleader’s habit of slandering others by directly addressing his inner thoughts, leading the pleader to reform.
- Respect for Devotees’ Sentiments: He allowed devotees to worship Him as they pleased, even if it meant temporary ‘anger’ to correct their understanding.
- Sacrifice for Devotees: A poignant example of His compassion is when He 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.
- Blessing with Liberation at the Time of Death:
- He guided devotees like Sannyasi Vijayanand by making him read sacred texts, ensuring his “Sadgati” (salvation) at the time of death.
- He also blessed Balaram Mankar to leave the world in His presence and stated that
- Tatya Noolkar “won’t be reborn” after his passing.
- He also showered flowers on Megha’s body and arranged funeral rites after his death, showing His deep affection.
- Compassion for Animals:
- Baba showed immense compassion for animals, as evidenced by His buying two goats for a seemingly exorbitant sum, and then revealing their past lives and their previous enmity, explaining His desire to feed them out of pity.
- He also taught not to kill creatures, stating “God lives in all beings”.
- Honoring the Ancestral Faith: When Mr. Pitale’s son suffered from epilepsy, Baba’s intervention not only cured the child but also reminded Mr. Pitale of his father’s devotion to Akkalkotkar Maharaj, leading him to understand Baba’s omnipresence and continuity of divine grace across different saints.
- Ensuring Comfort of Devotees (e.g., Fasting): Baba never fasted himself and disapproved of others doing so, emphasizing that spiritual progress cannot be attained on an empty stomach. He gently made Mrs. Gokhale, who intended a three-day fast, cook and eat Puran Polis, addressing both her spiritual intent and physical well-being.
- Acceptance of all beings, regardless of their nature: Baba embodied non-duality and saw no difference between castes or even between humans and animals. He ate with Fakirs and did not mind dogs touching His dishes.
In essence, Sai Baba’s compassion and gentleness were not merely passive qualities but active forces that manifested in His daily interactions, teachings, and miraculous interventions, always aimed at the temporal and spiritual welfare of His devotees and all creation.
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You are God, you are mighty and opulent
Shishya (disciple) like the Sad-guru is really embodiment of Jnana.
The difference between the two lies in the attitude, high realization, marvellous super-human Sattva (beingness) and unrivalled capacity and Aishwarya Yoga (divine powers).
The Sad-guru is Nirguna, Sat-Chit-Ananda. He has indeed taken human form to elevate mankind and raise the world. But his real Nirguna nature is not destroyed thereby, even a bit. His beingness (or reality), divine power and widsom remain undiminished.
The disciple also is in fact of the same swarupa. But, it is overlaid by the effect of the samaskaras of innumerable births in the shape of ignorance, which hides from his view that he is Shuddha Chaitanya (see B.G. Ch. V-15). As stated therein, he gets the impressions – “Iam Jiva, a creature, humble and poor.”
The Guru has to root out these offshoots of ignorance and has to give upadesh or instruction.
To the disciple, held spell- bound for endless generations by the ideas of his being a creature, humble and poor, the Guru imparts in hundreds of births the teaching – “You are God, you are mighty and opulent.” Then, he realizes a bit that he is God really.
The perpetual delusion under which the disciple is labouring, that he is the body, that he is a creature (jiva) or ego, that God (Paramatma) and the world are different from him, is an error inherited from innumerable past births. From actions based on it, he has derived his joy, sorrows and mixtures of both.
To remove this delusion, this error, this root ignorance, he must start the inquiry.
How did the ignorance arise? Where is it? And to show him this, is called the Guru’s upadesh.
SSSC-Ch 29
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During 72 generations that you were with me.
A woman from Sholapur tried for 27 years to have a child, making prayers to various gods in vain. In her final effort, she and her stepson went to Shirdi and stayed for two months, serving Baba.
Whenever she visited the Masjid, it was crowded, and Baba was always surrounded by people. She wanted to express her feelings, but couldn’t find the right moment to pray to Him for a child. In the end, she asked Shama to speak to Baba for her when He was alone.
Shama told her Baba’s Darbar was open, still he would try for her, hoping the Lord would bless her. ‘She should be ready with a coconut and joss sticks when Baba had His meals. She should also come to Him, when he called’.
One day, after dinner, Shama was wiping Baba’s wet hands with cloth, when Baba playfully pinched his cheek. Pretending to be upset, Shama said, “Deva, is it right to pinch me? We don’t want a mischievous God. Are we Your dependents; is this fruit of intimacy?”
Baba replied, “Oh Shama, during 72 generations that you were with me, I never pinched you until now. Now you resent my touch.”
Shama: “We want a God who always love us and give food; we don’t want reward or heaven. Let our faith unto your feet be awake.” Baba: “Yes, I have come for that. I care for you and love you.”
Then Baba sat down, and Shama signaled to a lady who offered a coconut and joss sticks. Baba shook the dry coconut, and the kernel made noise. He said, “Shama, look how it’s rolling, what does it mean?” Shama replied, “The woman hopes to have a child that rolls and grows in her womb. Please bless her.”
Baba questioned, “Will the coconut give her a child? People are foolish to believe such things!” Shama insisted, “Your blessing will bring her children. You are just wrangling and not giving a real blessing.” They continued to discuss.
Baba wanted to break the coconut, but Shama suggested gifting it to the lady instead. Then Baba agreed, saying, “She will have a child in 12 months.” The coconut was split in two. One half was eaten by Baba and Shama. The other half was given to the lady.
Shama alias Madhav looked at the woman and said, “You will be my witness. If you don’t have a child in a year, I will break a coconut on Deva’s head. If I fail, I won’t call myself Madhav anymore.”
A year later, she had a son, taken to Baba at five months. The grateful father, Mr. Aurangabadkar, donated Rs.500, which was spent to build a shed for Baba’s home, “Shyamakarna.”
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