Bayajabai had extreme love and devotion towards Baba and she used to prepare food and take it to Baba. Baijabai, wife of Appa Kote Patil and mother of Tatya Kote Patil used to refer to Shri Sainath as her brother. Along with Mahalsapathi and Shama, Baijabai was one of the earliest people in Shirdi who recognized the divine personality of Shri Sainath. Baijabai and her son Tatya Patil remained very attached to Baba. Tatya used to call Baba, Mama or maternal uncle.

During initial days, Baba used to sit under neem tree or used to wander around in the woods. Baijabai, not minding the elements, used to take the food and walk in search of Baba in the jungles and feed Him. Baijabai used to walk long distances in search of Baba and used to feed Him lovingly. She did this diligent service to Shri Sainath for a long time until later days when Baba began to stay in the Masjid. After this, Baijabai's physical strain of walking around in search of Baba ended. She remained a strong devotee of Baba until her death.

Service or Seva is as important as Bhakthi or devotion. Baijabai, the simple-minded devotee of Sainath stands out as an example to everyone in this aspect. Her diligent service to Baba should be a reminder to everyone that treads Baba's path that service offered at the feet of Sadguru, in any form befitting Sadguru's virtues is as important as Bhakthi. Baijabai's episode stands testimony to the virtue of Seva or Service. As Baba Himself assured, Baijabai's service was amply repaid as Baba took care of her son Tatya Patil. However, that was not in the mind of Baijabai as she was humbly serving the Lord! The virtue of service should be done with humility and not with any expectation. Seva in the spirit of humility and surrender is the Seva that Baijabai personified. Jai Shri Sainath!
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Contributed Article: What? Surrender?

What is surrendering to Sadguru? As said in many instances, is it following Sadguru to the letter, in thoughts, words and deeds? If so, is it easy to "accomplish"? How many births would it take to garner this as an enterprise? An ambition or a life-long mission with the intellect unleashed?

Someone that can line up his thoughts, words, and actions is a Yogi, someone that has achieved a state of continuum with the infinite. This is harmony in its most perfect state. Such specks of truth are rare. Sai Satcharitha has examples of those souls that surrendered completely to the will of Saibaba and for them everything else was secondary. Do we know if they followed the principles of thoughts, words, and action? No!

Once, Nana smitten by the beauty of the lady that visited Saibaba was having difficulty to curb his enthusiasm. Baba commented that it is the nature of the mind to be restless but body should be kept in check. Is there any advice that is more practical? It is with such messages that Baba taught the practical way of living and not through any metaphysical rigor.

Fortunate are those devotees that had the bounty of Sadguru's physical presence and guidance in their daily lives. For they didn't have anything except implicit faith in Sadguru's words and the loving disposition to make Sadguru happy always. For them, nothing else matters.

It is not known whether surrender might be a lengthy process of stepwise accession well spelt and guided in the light of scriptures. But, when love for Sadguru is sparked in the hearts and when the spark flames into eternal fires that consume everything on its way in hunger for Sadguru, surrender sure happens unsolicited without even being aware of it.
(Contributed by Sai Vichaar team)
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Experiences of Devotees:

Deepak
This was a unique experience, which took place on April 17th 2008. I along with my wife had gone to attend a marriage reception. As it is my habit to carry a pen having Sai Baba's photo in my shirt pocket. That day also, I was carrying a pen having Baba's photo. When my wife and me went to the dice to give blessings to the newly wed couple, the bride noticed that a pen was hanging from the saree of my wife. When this was told to her she was quite surprised as there was no point of her carrying the pen and that too hanging from the saree. I suddenly noticed that, that was my pen, which I had kept in my pocket. I was surprised to see and was unable to understand how the pen had gone to my wife. My wife in turn gave that pen to the bride, as Baba's blessing to her. Now the important thing happened. The bride inform my wife that as she was a staunch believer of Baba she had asked Him to come and bless her on the occasion of her marriage and somehow Baba had kept His appointment with her, in the shape of a photo coming with a pen. May Sai Baba bless all.

Jagannathan
I am been a devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba since many many years and on innumerable occasion I could feel his hands blessing me in tiding over many of the difficulties that I had to face in my life. Recently, I had been asked to deliver a project within a very short time requiring approvals from a number of higher levels of officials. There were many obstacles at every step. I felt helpless at every stage and many a time I felt that I am going to fail to meet the target date. I prayed one day to Sai Baba fervently and sought his blessings to help me tide over the difficulties and make the passage smooth. I also promised him that I would write my experience in Sai Vichar if the obstacles were removed. While the task is still incomplete but there has been change since I prayed and things are moving much faster than before. With this momentum I am sure Sai will help me in meeting the target date. I sincerely wish to use this forum to convey my heartfelt gratitude to him. Om Sai Ram.

Padmavathi
I have had countless miracles blessed by lord Sai in my life. Don't know which one to share with devotees. The latest ones are approval of my green card, after a long and tedious journey of almost 6 years Sai blessed me and my husband with the green card. By Sai's grace my pregnancy is going smoothly and now I am 32 weeks pregnant. My husband's psychological mood swings and aggressiveness are in control and he is taking his medicine regularly now. Looking back, just one year ago my life was under so much distress, we were on the verge of divorce - but the strong belief on Sadguru Sai only helped me to come out of all these problems. My husband stopped raising his hand on me for no reason; I am not sitting in the corner of my house anymore after a long and exhausting day of office work and housework. Now I can sit with him and talk. Without Sai I know for sure, all these things should not have happened in my life. I am incredibly thankful to Shri Sai. Please be with me Sai for the rest of the pregnancy and help me to deliver the baby safely. I request all Sai devotees to keep Shradda and Saburi and Lord Sai only knows what is best for us and Shri Sai never let us down. Humble pranams on your lotus feet Sai, Bow to Shri Sai - Peace to all!
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Devotees say...

Shweta
Thank you Sai Baba for giving me the job on Thursday. As per my promise I am submitting my article. Please Sai Baba help me and my husband to perform efficiently in our new jobs and please make our living smooth in Australia. Please bless us, our family members and everybody on this earth to live a successful life and to have full faith in You. Jai Sai Ram

Maheswari
Only today morning did I write that my lost luggage be found, since we tried to track it for two days, I just now got the news that my luggage has been found and will be coming home by tomorrow. Baba, you have tested my disowning of material things and I think I got pass marks, since I was longing for the material things. But once I consoled myself that come what may I won't worry over the things I lost but will be grateful for You to have blessed me a safe trip abroad. Thanks Baba for clearing my mind and taking me to the next level in spirituality.

Madhavi
I am from a middle class family. When I wrote my MCACET, I first got a seat in University College in Vishakapatnam. My family could not afford that so my mother who is a very strong believer in God and my guiding force in studies and career was praying hard for Sai Baba to lead us in the right way. Baba blessed us and in the next week I went for interview in Kakatiya Uinversity, which was in my town Warangal, and I got a seat in KU campus. If not for that blessing I would not have done my MCA. Thank You Baba.

Kalyani
My son wrote his GMAT for MBA and he scored less than what he expected. He has been working so hard for this and I was very stressed that he may not get his admission. I had prayed to Baba as always and begged him to make this happen for him and that I would post it in Sai Vichaar. Very surprisingly last week Friday night he received a call informing that he is accepted. I am so relieved and could not thank Baba enough for this. He has blessed me with so much and strong faith in Him keeps me going. Thank you Baba.

Ekta
Baba, I promised to You that I will write my experience about Your blessings on my family. Sainath, I remember how my bhabhi was pregnant and doctors had said that 99 percent she will have an operation. Baba, how I prayed to You and wished it to be a normal delivery. Even just before the delivery we were not sure what would happen. That evening my mother and bhabhi went to Your temple with tears in their eyes, praying for a safe and normal delivery and the next morning, my bhabhi gave birht to a baby boy. It was a normal delievery. it just took around 10 seconds. Sainath, You have been with me and my family and forever and answered our prayers. Thank you Baba, we have no one else except You to look upto in times of need.

Vaishali
Thank you very much Baba for helping my daughter to recover from her skin eczema which was not getting better from long time using any medicine. I prayed to you to help her and you heard my prayer. As promised I am posting this to Sai Vichaar.

Chakradhar
Baba I was so much depressed and crying 20 days ago when I came to your feet for help. I started reading Sai Satcharitha and was calmed down by your grace. To my surprise I found your picture out of nowhere. I just moved into this house 2 months back but didn't see the picture before. It's all your grace Baba. Baba my loved one is going through lot of pains for the past one year. Her parents are also going through lot of pain. Please show your grace on them and make them calm and happy. I keep telling her to have faith in you and you will guide her in the right direction. Please guide her in the right direction. Jai Sai Ram.
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Prayer Club:

Raj
Baba! you are always with me at every stage of my life guiding me and helping me to get through situations. You know that I need a new project for which I have been waiting for a long time. Baba please bless me, nothing is possible without Your grace. Baba help me with a good project and be with me to as always. I am getting miserable Baba. I am putting my head on Your feet and praying, please bless me. Om Sai Ram !

Sai devotee
Sairam, why this type of difficulties for me, I am also Your child, I don't konw whatever mistake or sins I have done in my previous birth. If I have made any mistake please forgive me. Lord bless all. Thank You Sairam.

Pankaj
I wish to thank You for everything in life Sai. I am very thankful and greatful to You for everything. Sandeep is very worried about work. I want You to grant Your blessings to him Sai. He is always worried and stressed about not completing targets and his boss is making his life miserable for him. Please Sai, I cant see him suffer like this and take humiliation. Please see that he gets the huge case and is promoted with a decent package. He is very low and demotivated, we need Your blessings Sai. Please remove all the obstacles from his path.

Sai devotee
Baba koti koti pranam. Show me the way how I should solve my problem. Baba help me, save me and give me peace of mind. I am so depressed, You know my problems. Baba do some miracle and make my husband Your devotee. Give me strength to face all these problems. Baba, I have complete faith in You. I am waiting for Your blessings. Baba don't test me more. Listen to my prayers. Jai Sai Ram.

Anil
Dear Baba, You have been listenning to my prayer regarding this complicated issue, now please resolve this where everyone around will be happy. During this period I have not been able to concentrate on looking for the new assignments. Also please show me the right way to approach the new clients. Please guide me.

Debasish
Baba, please help me finding a suitable job. I have applied in many companies but not got yet any positive answer. Please help me get a good job.

Vidya
Please let my ultrasound reports be normal.

Amuda
Dear Sai Baba, every week I read Your miracles. You know the problems I am facing due to death of my mother and rent/tenant issue. You also know very well how much my brother is praying for a life partner. Please do bless us and be with us always.

Rajagopalan
Om Sri Sainatha, my third son aged 30 died in a train accident on August 25th 2006. Through out his life he was desciplined and sincere. Helped many of his friends. His wife and only daughter are always remembering him. I do not know how to console them. Please be with us and bless my son's soul so that it remain in peace. Everyday I realise that Sai Ram taking care of my departed son's wife and his daughter and able to get good material support and required wants in life. Besides there is enormous delay in getting my pension getting approved. I am one among 286 retirees waiting for this approval. Please help me to get my pension earlier to survive in the old age. I surrender to Thee to help me to recover from this deep shock and my present problems.
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Quotation of the Week:

"I shall draw out My devotees from the jaws of death"-Shri Sai Baba
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Question of the Week:

Q. For a Sai devotee, is it appropriate to base decisions on practices such as Kundalini or seek the advice of other Gurus?

A. by Nainesh

We should not base our decisions on Kundali or palmist etc just have faith in our Sai and that is enough and he has shown this in many example in Sai Satcharita. As far as advice from other Gurus is concerned do not disrespect them but stick to our own Guru Sai and seek his advice.
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Sai Activities:

Shirdi Sai Temple of Chicago and Suburbs, Illinois, USA
Shirdi Sai temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.(Summer hours). Daily program includes Kakad Arathi at 7 a.m. followed by Abhisek. Madhayana Arathi at 12 noon, Dhoop Arathi at 6 p.m. and Shej Arathi at 9 p.m. Archana, Homams, Sahasranama and sponsored poojas continue in between the Arathis. To request a pooja for yourselves, your friends and family, please call. Devotees can request water (Abhishek Jal) from the Holy bathing of Baba by sending us an email or by phone. Temple is located 25 minutes drive west of Schaumburg on intersection of IL Route 47 and Plank Road in Hampshire, IL. For more information please call 847-931-4058 or send email to maildrop@saibaba.org.

Sri Saibaba Mandir, Minneapolis, MN
Sri Saibaba Mandir is located in Minneapolis, MN at 1835 Polk St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. The mandir is open 7 days a week in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and during morning hours from 9 am to 12:30 pm, everyday. Satsangs are conducted every Sunday mornings, 9 am to 12:30 pm. Please visit the mandir website www.hamaresai.org or call 612-789-7729 for more information on mandir activities, events and other information.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW Metroplex is located at 2109 West Parker (Parker Plaza), Suite 212, Plano, TX 75023. For temple hours and activities please call the temple office at 469-467-3388 or visit the website www.shirdisaidallas.org.

Shirdi Sai Temple of New England, Boston Area
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of New England is now operational. It is located at 1827 Bridge St # 8, Dracut, MA 01824. The temple is open every Thursday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Saturday's from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. For temple hours and activities please visit the website www.nessp.org or send mail to maildrop@nessp.org.

Shirdi Sai Center in Bay Area, CA
Shirdi Sai Center is located 897-B East Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. For more information please call 408-705-7904 or 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu@yahoo.com. You can also visit our website is www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org.

Shirdi Saibaba temple, Los Angeles, CA
Devotees in Los Angeles area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Los Angeles area. The temple is located at - 144 South 4th Street, Montebello, CA 90640. For more information please call Krishna Samantula at 949-679-9938 or visit www.shirdisaila.org.

Saibaba Temple, Columbus, Ohio
Devotees in Columbus and surrounding Ohio locations area are informed about Sri Shirdi Saibaba temple in Metro Columbus area. The temple is located in a leasing space at 7674 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016. Please attend daily Aaratis and Thursday bhajans. For more information please call Panditjee at 614-799-8411 or visit www.saibaba.cc.

Shirdi Sai bhajans every Thursday at Maitland, Florida
Devotees are invited to participate in Sai study and bhajans on Thursdays between 7-8 pm at Meditation Gallery, 219 E Horatio Ave, Maitland, FL 32715. For more details please contact Bonnie at 407-830-1276.
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