Sai Baba of Shirdi is considered as the humblest of the humble and the most merciful Guru. Sadguru Sainath placed an enormous amount of importance to Bhakthi or devotion as a means for attaining salvation. Devotion is an emotion that is basic to every human and an attitude that could be cultivated by everyone regardless of one’s religious preference. Let us observe what Smt. Mani Sahukar says in her beautiful work, "Sai Baba, the Saint of Shirdi", on Sai Baba and devotion:

"As a matter of fact, with the advent of the Saint of Shirdi, the great and traditional movement of Bhakthi (Devotion), as a virile Sadhana for attaining salvation, received a tremendous impetus. Sai Baba brought about a powerful renaissance of the cult of devotion. For this contribution alone has the Master earned Himself an immortal name in the annals of spirituality."

Conscious of the beauty and power that reside in devotion that is tendered to the divine, Shri Sai Baba exhorted men and women to adopt Bhakthi as the most rewarding Saadhana. It must not be imagined however, that Sai Baba in any way decried the value and importance of other paths. After all, the goal is the same, declared Baba. Shri Sainath did feel that intellectual concepts have an uncomfortable and an infinite capacity of varying and multiplying with individuals. There are as many systems of philosophy as there are philosophers, and , as such, these concepts, more often than not, become causes of tension among seekers. However, Bhakthi is different. Bhakthi or love (love towards God is the principle emotion involved in Bhakthi), is the most natural and vital feeling of the human heart. Like a true and sensitive psychologist, Sai Baba recognized that the need to adore is inherent to human heart and as such, he felt that the saadhana of devotion could well become the basis of an inter-religious dialogue.

Shri Sai Baba, therefore, descended as the Avatar of Love. It could be said that after Jesus Christ, there has not been a greater apostle of love than Shri Sai Baba, the Saint of Shirdi.
Back to Menu

(Dedicated to the Children of the World)
Contribution by Havovi Medora, Bombay, India

Chapter 7

Baba’s Teachings

Baba’s devotees came from all religions and from all walks of life. Muslims, Hindus, Parsis, Christians - all sought his blessings. Baba himself did not profess or favor any particular religion. He did not sermonize or preach. He instead narrated stories and talked in parables. He let his devotees experience mistakes and then he would help them improve their lives.

All of Baba’s devotees had his assurance of love, security and compassion. Everyone was welcome to the masjid where he lived. He expected his devotees to treat each other with respect, regardless of race or religion. "He who carps and cavils at others pierces me in the heart and injures me, but he that suffers and endures pleases me most," he would say.

Time and again, Baba told stories of people who defiled others. He showed how an eye-for-an-eye was not for people who wish to get ahead in life. To belittle others is something he totally opposed. Baba would say, "Words of others will not harm you. Bear with all patiently. Accept you lot cheerfully and do not retaliate." On many occasions, Baba said out of love for his devotees, "What is ours (good or bad) is with us, and what is another man’s is with him. All of us have shortcomings. Why then must we point a finger at anyone?"

Another important lesson Baba taught was not to borrow money. "A man of restraint is better than one of indulgence. Be happy with what you have. Do not crave for more. Contentment will do you well." Charity was also an important aspect of Baba’s teachings. "Give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry and clothes to the naked," said he. "Whatever you give in true charity will come back to you." All our feelings of pain and pleasure depend upon the attitude of our minds. We can accept the inevitable with a groan or a smile. It really means one has to reap what one sows. Baba is all compassionate, all forgiving and all merciful.

Chapter 8

Some Devotees’ Experiences

Dr Pillai was a profound devotee of Baba and was well liked by him. However, he suffered badly in his legs from guinea worms. He told Baba that the pain was so terrible that he would rather die and be reborn ten times. Baba was surprised on hearing this and said, "Why should you suffer ten births when I can cure you in ten days? I am here to give you comfort and relief. Why should you pray for death?" Then he made Dr Pillai lie beside him with his legs outstretched and said, "You will recover soon."

Just then, Abdul, who lit Baba’s lamps daily, was busily attending to his work. His foot accidentally trampled upon Dr Pillai’s outstretched leg and all the guinea worms were squeezed out in one go. Dr Pillai first roared in pain and then gave a loud sigh of relief. Baba told him, "See? You are all right. Now go rest." For ten days Dr Pillai applied udi on his legs and became completely cured thereafter.

One evening there was a violent storm in Shirdi. The rain came down in torrents, and lightning and thunder waged a battle in the sky. All the people and animals in Shirdi were frightened and worried for their safety. Baba came out from his masjid and calmed the wind and rain. The storm abated, leaving behind a clear blue sky. None of Baba’s devotees was allowed to be afraid of anything. Such was the power of Sai Baba.
Back to Menu

Experiences of Devotees

Dtd. 1st October 1998.

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM

I would like to share the experience of my Brother's fiancée (Ms.Uma Keerthivasan) being an Ardent Lord Sai devotee.

Three years ago when we were in Godavarikhani and when I was in my Graduation, My younger sister Bharathi was a great Devotee of Sai and she painted a SAI Image and kept it in POOJA room.

My sister believed on SAI very much and used to pray Sai daily and she got a seat in M.C.A. She asked me too to follow SAI and asked me to do "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" and Said that I would M.B.A seat. I was very Lazy and I said that I can't do fasting and also I Don't believe in this.

My mother forced me and started that "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" That book contains all the stories of SAIBABA and how he helped POOR, DISABLED. Hope you must have read that book.

"Sai's one week PARAYANAM" should start on Thursday and should end on next Thursday, In this entire week we have eat only once and Sleep on the floor and on the final day of this pooja we have remain in fasting and have the food after offering the food to most wanted Beggar or poor person or a Person who cannot afford to have Food.

It is written in the book if we give food to a person Suffering from Leprosy or a Handicapped or a very hungry beggar, BABA will be very happy and he will come to our house in the some or the other form.

So on the final Thursday I was fasting and was waiting for a Beggar so that I can give food, But in that place Sighting a beggar was very rare and nobody came that day. I was waiting near the gate till 3 PM. then my mother told me to give the food or Servant as She was also poor, But I didn't agree I said she was poor but she can afford to buy vegetables and prepare lunch and have it.

I wanted a Handicapped person I was very determined and made up my mind that I was end this fasting till I find a Suitable person. Mummy was forcing since my elder brother who was very close to me was waiting was my lunch at last mother told to keep some food aside for a poor beggar and have my lunch.

I told that I will a last glance and went to the gate and found a Very old lady was passing by and she was handicapped and she was the right person. I called her and said that today I did Sai Baba's Pooja and asked her to have the Lunch in our house.
She was very happy and she said that she did not have food from past few days my sons are very bad and they don't take care of me & they have sent me out. and she was moving her handicapped hand so that I can notice.

Mummy asked from which place she is coming and belong to and she told that our native place is GodavariKhani which is also our Native place. We felt so pity on her and my second brother asked her to come daily to our house and have the lunch here itself.

We gave her prasadam, rice, poori and everything we prepared. She ate only prasadam and said that I will take the rest in the evening, I told her I will give you food for evening also, and have the food here itself. She said NO NO I ATE PRASADAM AND STOMACH IS FULL. She thanked us so much for giving food and she went off.
First we came inside and my brother said we will find Address So that we can send food, we came outside only in the matter 15 to 20 seconds gap, but we could not see her. From our gate we can see people coming and going for almost Half Kilometer.

she was very weak and it has taken her almost 1 Min to come from previous house to our house but we could not trace her we tried a lot even by coming outside.

Then we thought it was Saibaba who came to our house in the form of a OLD LADY and I was very happy. From that time I started worshipping Sai Baba and I got a M.B.A seat.
By Uma Keerthivasan, Hyderabad.
bindoor@emirates.net.ae

Dear Devotees,

Now that this kind-hearted girl is having a problem which had moved my heart and I was on tears and my brother is even more very much worried and scared about their future and their life. Since that day I am constantly praying and pleading our Lord Shirdi Sai for her. I pray Lord Shirdi Sai and I promise in the name of MY LORD SHIRDI SAI that she should alright from this 'VIJAYADASHAMI' day.

I request you all to pray for our Lord Sri Shirdi Sai for her safety and long life.

And further I thank you very much for the time spent by you in sharing my experience.

N.Krishnan

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM
Back to Menu

Devotees say...

Dr. Vrinda Kumar from Sydney Australia writes

SRI SACHIDANAND SADGURU SAINATH MAHARAJ KI JAI

Tvamaive Mata , Ch Pita tvamaive, tvamaive Bandu ch sakha tvamaive Tvamaive Vidhya dravinam tvamaive, tvamaive sarvam mam dev dev.

The auspicious occasion of Vijaydashmi is celebrated with great enthusiasm as it signifies the victory of good over evil. For the devotees of Sri Sainath , this day holds even more importance as it was on Vijaydashmi , 15th October , 1918, that Baba left his mortal coil .
It was a unique coincidence , that the day was auspicious (propitious ) for the muslims also. According to the muslim panchang , it was the 9th Muharram ‘Shabe Ashoora’ of the Hijri samvat 1377. By choosing this day for his Mahasamadhi , Baba re-emphasised his idea of equality amongst humanity, where manmade discrimination based on religion, caste, creed or nationality was irrelevant.
Sri Sai exists in the cosmic form and looks after his devotees. Eighty years after leaving his moral coil his devotees continue to feel his presence in times of need. True to his repeated assurances , a sincere call for help is all that is required to invoke his help and guidance.
This is very well illustrated by a profound experience of one of our devotees’ as recent as August 1998. The lady had been suffering from breathing problems throughout winter. She had been trying various remedies, but each time she got temporary relief only. One day, things got worse and she decided to go a specialist. The consultant was shocked to see her state and advised immediate admission to hospital. She was reluctant to do so. He advised her to get certain investigations done before making any decisions. In desperation, she quietly prayed to Baba for help as she had had enough and couldn’t take any more. To everyone’s amazement and disbelief her tests results were absolutely normal. The specialist had to send her home with some medication. She is feeling and looking so much better now.This miracle was possible only because of the grace of our dear Sai. Millions of people visit Shirdi day and night, in the hope of experiencing his divine presence. Baba use to say, "My devotees will be visit my samadhi in large numbers and my bones will speak to them."

It is said that Sai came in this incarnation for the sake of religious and communal harmony. He was the embodiment of all religions, He was Vishnu, Shiv, Muslim fakir, Aulia, Sufi, Kabir all in one . He was a Perfect Master and acceptable to all.

The duty of a guru is to lead his disciples in the right path, in life and death. Cycle of events seems to follow a predestined path that is hard to understand . Death is a reminder of the temporary nature of the human body. Baba helped his devotees to come to terms with this very final fact of life. He stressed the fact that death was inevitable. This is well brought out in the incidence where he comforts Tatya Patil at the death of his mother, Bajya bai. He exemplified the detachment he advocated by conducting himself in a completely calm manner when his own end was near. He gave nine coins to Lakshmi bai as charity, highlighting nine ways of bhakti. He went through his morning activities as usual . He sent most of his devotees away at the precise time, much against their wishes. At 2.30 in the afternoon he quietly left for his heavenly abode.

According to the sufis death means union of the soul with God and is therefore a happy occasion. That is why Baba had sent some money to fakir Bane miyan to celebrate Urs , indicating his date of departure We should not mourn on this day as the soul never dies. Instead we should concentrate on following the Sai spirit which is pure and simple love. Let’s distribute love in a world full of contradictions and antagonism.

"There is no greater joy than that of sharing. For only in giving can one truly discover the sublime satisfaction of selflessness, an experience that far surpasses any material value."

With his compassionate sayings and actions Baba inspired his devotees to follow the path of spiritual devotion and deviate from the petty materialism. On this auspicious day we should all bow our heads to this great saint and resolve to adopt and spread his teachings.

Sai raham nazar karana , bachon ka palan karana.

Sai Nanduru, Chicago, IL, USA
Om Sairam. I would like to congratulate you on maintaining this wonderful web site. It is providing addresses of Sai Sansthans around the world. Please update this page immediately, as there are some references in the page to events, which have already passed (eg: dates in 1997). Also please keep adding content to this site, as possible.

Neelakantachar, Bhagavan
I was wondering do you have the web site address of Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Pittsburgh, USA Please pass me the email address Thank you

Sai Ram. We are not aware of a web site for Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Please visit Sai centers around the world to know more about Shri Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Sai Vichaar Team.
Back to Menu

Sai Activities

1. Vijaya Dasami is celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety at Sri SAI Samsthan, WarrenVille,IL. In the morning, after performing Kakada Aarti to Sri Sainath Maharaj, the Mahasamadhi Ashtothra Kalasa Pooja began.The holy water obtained from Manas Sarovar, Ganges, Godavari, Triveni Sangam rivers in India and Missisippi etc., from USA was filled in kalasas with vedic chants and Kalasa Pratisthapana is done. After that, Shakti Havan was performed. Then, Abhishek is performed to Baba with the holy water in the sanctified kalasas. After the abhishek, Baba was decorated and pooja was performed. Also, Sri Lalitha Ashtothra pooja was done.The program ended with the Madhyahna Aarti.

After mahaprasad in the noon, the chapters describing Sri Sai's Mahasamadhi were read out .The evening program started with Dhoop aarti. Abhsihek was performed to Baba with eleven different types of fruit juices(milk, sugarcane ,honey, sandal wood, vibhuti, orange, rosewood water,apple, mango, coconut and ghee) chanting Rudra Namakam and Chamakam. Mahasamadhi was created, decorated beautifully with red roses and other flowers. Ashtothra pooja was done to Mahasamadhi after which bhajans were sung. The program concluded with Shej aarti.

2. At Shirdi Sai Center of New Jersey, the Maha Samdhi puja at the center was completed with Sai's grace. We had a lot of devotees who came from distant places. It was their feeling that Sai Baba was present in the Bhajans. The children of the parents who came here also paricipated and chanted Baba's Dhun "Om Sai Shree Sai Jai Jai Sai"

3. Shri Shirdi Sai Satsang Group, New Jersey, organized Shri Baba's Bhajans at Ved Mandir on Saturday, Oct.03. Over 300 devotees enjoy the Bhajans for four hours. Devotees came from Tri State drove more than fifty miles to receive Shri Baba' blessing, they felt Baba's present at the event, you can feel the vibration. On this Maha Samadhi/ Dussehra Mahotsav special Palki was made, and was moved around in temple, was created same atmosphere like you in real Shirdi Temple.

Maha Prasad was served after Hanuman Chalis, Sai Bavni and Sai Palki. You are all welcome to Ved Mandir where we have Shri Sai Bhajans held on Every First Saturday of the month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Back to Menu

You may subscribe to receive the newsletter by e-mail.

Fill out your e-mail address and hit the subscribe button:

Back to Menu