An analysis of the life of Shirdi Sai Baba would indicate that the advices rendered by Him and the examples set by Him can be considered to be the easiest path to spiritual evolution in the present world, in case, they are followed in the correct perspective. As described in the Hindu scriptures, during the Satya Yuga the majority of people trying for spiritual evolution resorted to the path of meditation and righteous living. During the Treta and Dwapar Yugas, practices in 'Yoga' and 'Yagyan' were adhered to as methods of spiritual evolution. In those periods of time, people endeavoured and opted for a life of purity leading to Mokshya (emancipation) and God-realisation. Shri Krishna was born in the inter-mediary period between the Dwapar and Kali Yugas. For the spiritual evolution of the people in Kalyuga, Shri Krishna has prescribed different methods described in the Gita. Would one try to find the actual application of the principles enumerated in Gita in the life of any one, he can find it in the life of Sri Sai Nath Maharaj.

During the Satya Yuga majority of the people accepted spiritual life as the real life and did not give much importance to the worldly life considering it to be illusory, temporary and painful. The realised souls of that time known as the Great Rishies established a social order which contained in-built norms and principles for the spiritual evolution of each and every person. After the Treta and Dwapar Yugas the number of people consciously striving for spiritual evolution gradually reduced and the people afflicted with worldly desires increased progressively. Therefore, the realised souls had to prescribe simpler methods for the people of Kalyuga towards their evolution. The social, economic and ethical norms having undergone a sea-change during the last few centuries all over the globe, difficult methods like Yoga, Sadhana etc. prescribed earlier would have certainly been difficult for most of them. Kaliyuga has crossed more than 5100 years of its age and during this period the number of persons with evolved spiritual potentiality has greatly reduced in today's materialistic world. Even if the path needed for spiritual evolution in the present age has been made simpler yet the intellectual potentiality to understand the subtle world of nature or of God is highly lacking in them as their minds are more worldly oriented. Under these conditions, the easiest path is "Nam Samaran" or "Remembrance of the name of God or the Sadguru" constantly. Sai Baba once told his devotees that "I went on repeating the name of Hari and my troubles ended". He used to advise the devotees visiting Him to read different books on religions, and spiritualism and to remember the name of God constantly and to have a righteous living. Although the population of the world has multiplied manifold yet the number of true and spiritual persons in comparison to the last three yugas has reduced substantially. On the other hand, the number of people afflicted with family and worldly miseries has increased substantially. There are examples of many persons who had families but were also spiritually realised in the earlier yugas. The ancient Rishies like Kapil, Gautam had their families but maintained their spirituality through rigorous spiritual practices. But today's man engrossed deeply with the worldly problems is painfully convinced that he cannot get out of these problems and, hence, cannot evolve. He is desperately trying to find a path, a direction, which would give him an independence from the worldly encumbrances. But he is not able to find a way. In spite of all the technological and scientific facilities provided to him a feeling of hollowness, restlessness and desperation goads his life.

An evaluation of the role of Sri Sai Nath Majaraj as depicted in Shri Sai Satcharitra would indicate that he tried his best to pull these house-hold people having mundane responsibilities into the path of spiritual evolution through certain perceptible and imperceptible methods. No doubt, some Sadhus, Fakirs, Yogies used to visit him often but even at that time their number was much less than the number of house-hold people visiting him. Most of the families of Shirdi were connected with Sri Sai Baba. For example all the family members of Shama, Tatya, Mahalsipati were attached to Baba. Some families even constructed rest houses (wadas) at Shirdi to stay for long periods. Many people like Megha, Vijayananda came from outside and even breathed their last at Shirdi and all of them who came from outside were taken of care by Baba. These people came from different stratas of society with different professional backgrounds and also used to believe in different traditions of worship. Yet all of them used to gather around Baba for His guidance and support for the fulfillment of their temporal and religious aspirations. Thousands of families from many places used to visit Baba regularly as they do today with an ever increasing number. However, a study of the available literature on the contemporary activities at Shirdi would show that comparatively very less number of people approached Him purely for their spiritual evolution. Yet, the lives of all these people had become simpler, purer and peaceful after they came in contact with Sri Sai Baba. In spite of their struggle for existence, they did evolve spiritually to different levels of their consciousness under the close guidance of Baba, the all knowing Master.

Today the number of such family members have multiplied a thousand times but the number of devotees seeking purely spiritual evolution has reduced substantially. I am not mentioning here about those handful of people who are quietly striving for their spiritual evolution and that of the world as a whole. Today millions of people in India and abroad are trying to follow the advice and precepts of Baba, having accepted him as their Master, within the limits of their intelligence, faith and capacity. It has been experienced that if one develops faith in Baba, gradually his negative qualities like restlessness, selfishness etc. reduces and good qualities like kindness, tolerance and honesty increases.

The greatest contribution of Sri Sai Nath Maharaj is that he stands like a beacon-light in the tempestuous and darkened ocean of this Kaliyuga, singing to his devotees a soothing a melody of loving assurance and keeping His compassionate hands on them. He is saying "When I am with you why do you fear". To those who are lost in the whirlpool of the worldly sufferings, Sri Sai Baba is assuring that "You can have spiritual progress and even in this evil world full of trials and tribulations you can realise God and emancipate". Baba further tells us that "for this you do not have to strenuously practise Yoga, Tapa, Dhyana, Hatta Yoga etc., only take my name, medidate on me with or without my form, follow my advices and make me the very basis of your existence with faith and patience, believing that I am always with you". Baba proved what he said through his own examples. What he means to tell all his devotees can be put in the following language: "You see me in this world in the poor you help; you see me in the kindness you extend to the distressed; you see me when getting rid of debts; you see me when getting rid of hate and anger; you see me when caring for your children; you see me in loving your neighbours; you see me in fulfilling the promises you have made; you see me in getting out of greed and you see me in every religion, every guru and every pure thing around you". The gist of all that He said in Shri Sai Sacharitra is that while staying in the society one should look at Him and should test the level of his faith and purity with reference to the ideals set by Baba.

In today's world it is not easy to follow and practice all that has been mentioned hereinbefore. Baba knew that his devotees would fail many a times and, therefore, will feel hopeless and restless. To encourage them what he said can be written thus: "Do not desperate my child. If you take one step towards me I shall take ten steps towards you. It does not matter how many times you fail but try to proceed step by step towards your goal. As I am your mother, I shall, therefore, accept both your virtues and sins, your purities and impurities equally. Therefore, till the last moment of life depend only on me. It may take a few lives but do not be desperate because whatever good act you do, will never go unrewarded." In order to convince his devotees about the continuity of life cycles of human beings, He spoke about the past lives of many of His devotees (mentioned in Shri Sai Satcharitra) and has promised that in all their lives He will be responsible for their protection and evolution. We do not know whether his devotees like Kaka Saheb Dikshit, Shama or others are born and if so where they are, but we believe that in whatever form they are, Sri Sai Baba is taking care of them. Then what is there to fear? When the Sadguru is with us life after life and keeping His promises then why should anyone be desperate, why should anybody feel hopeless and agonized?

In today's world it is difficult to go through the four stages of life (ashramas) as prescribed as of old by Hinduism. They are Brahamcharya, Grahstha, Vanaprastha and Sanyas. Therefore, Baba had shown the way to His devotees to go through these four stages of life even when staying in the family. Baba held that the institution of family is one of the most difficult Ashrams but even being a family man one can carry on the activities of all the four Ashrams. Upasani Maharaj who was a married person was asked to stay for years in Khadoba Mandir at Shirdi. Kaka Saheb Dikshit whose family was at Bombay was also asked to stay at Shirdi. Similarly, many other devotees came from time to time and stayed at Shirdi and had spiritual evolution and emancipation. It has been experienced that one can evolve out of his miseries, hopelessness, desperation of the domestic and worldly life and evolve spiritually even in this Kalyuga, would he follow the simple path prescribed by Baba with faith and patience. The fluttering flag atop the Sri Shirdi Sai Samadhi Mandir at Shirdi announces this eternal truth saying: "Do not fear when I am there"

- C.B.SATPATHY
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Contributed Article: Bhakthi Maala

On this GuruPoornima day, humbly we offer our obeisance at thy Lotus Feet. Bless us with the choicest gifts from Your Treasure Box. Sri Hemadpant came to Shirdi on account of the stored merit of his Punyakarmas. You were standing in the corner of Sathe's wada. He ran, prostrated before you. Joy knew no bounds. He found more than what he had heard from Nana Chandorkar. All his senses were pacified and he forgot thirst and hunger. As he touched Your sacred feet, he began a new lease on life. You held his hand and never let go.

Gaulibuva came for your Divya Darshan every year and testified with great faith that you are Pandharinath Vithal incarnate, the merciful Lord of the poor and the helpless. Sri Dasganu had a desire to visit holy Prayag You showed with mercy, Ganga and Yamuna flowing from Your Toes. Such is the significance of Your holy feet. That is where live all the Thirthas of your Bhaktas.

You came to Shirdi as a young lad. Just like Krishna, children looked at You with awe and old ladies' hearts swelled up with motherly affection. At Your very first Darshan, Mahalspati heart cried out, YA SAI and You became our Sai. Bless us with the same wealth that You blessed your Mahalspati with.

Saint Gangagir came to Shirdi and seeing you carrying pitchers of water in both hands for watering the garden was amazed at Your Darshan and said, "Blessed is Shirdi that it got this precious Jewel; but He is not an ordinary fellow. As the land was lucky and meritorious, it secured this Jewell". Saint of Anandmath was lucky to find pure diamond like you. Such was the efficacy of Your Darshan that it quieted our Samsar. Mr. Cholkar's desires were fulfilled just by Your Darshan. Mr. Sathe resorted to Your feet and seeing Your form, which was like eternal Brahma, luminous, spotless and pure, his mind became calm and composed.

Such was the efficacy of Your Darshan that Bhakta Pant saw his guru in You and was blessed with fearlessness. Ramdas Bhakta devotee saw her beloved Deity Rama in You. Lala Lakhmichand was so happy to have Your Darshan that he was enrapt with Your Lotus Feet as a bee with a sweet smelling Rose. Kakaji Vaidya found that there was no benediction, no words; just Your Divya Darshan filled his whole being with peace. Darveshis came with their sick Tiger at Your door for You to cure him. Tiger's head hung down on account of luster on Your face. Such fortune to have death at Your Lotus Feet.

Baba, On this GuruPoornima day, bless us with the Vision like you blessed Anandrao Pakhade. Let us decorate our Hridya simhasan with gold and diamonds of all Satwick vrittis. Reside our Deva, take Your Feet out of Your Kafni and let us change the directions of our lives towards the SatyaPath. Let us direct all our senses towards our eyes wherein live You my Sai., We have placed Your Padukas in our heart. Murmur with Your sweet voice, Your eternal message that "THESE ARE THE FEET OF THE LORD".

Baba, instill Your Shashwat Sandesh in our ears, "OH.. WHAT IS THERE IN AKKALKOT, and WHAT IS THERE IN PRAYAG"? THE RANCHOD OF DWARKA IS IN SHIRDI. Come to our house for Bhiksha and let us serve You with our sweet devotion. Be pleased with it and placing Your VardaHasta on our heads, comfort us by saying, "THESE FEET ARE OLD AND HOLY, YOU ARE CAREFREE NOW. PLACE ENTIRE FAITH IN ME AND YOU WILL SOON GET YOUR OBJECT."

(Contributed by Sathyabhama Sharma, Maryland, USA)

Contributed Article: CELEBRATIONS IN SHIRDI- GURUPOORNIMA!

The word Guru stands for the source of light, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. Thus, worship of Guru means a journey from darkness to light (Tamaso ma Jyotirgamaya!). Gurupoornima is the day of worship of all our True Gurus!

In the year 1908, an old man Krishnaji Noolkar came to Shirdi from Pandaripur and was staying in Chavadi. Baba told Shama, his nearest devotee to call and tell the old man to worship the Pillar near the Dhuni and after that, Baba suggested to celebrate that day. Shama questioned Baba why to worship the central pillar while Baba Himself was very much there. Finally, Baba conceded to the request of Shama. Meanwhile another devotee Noolkar referred Panchanga (the Hindu calendar) and found that the day was Gurupoornima. On that day Tatya, Noolkar, Shama and others worshiped Baba with new clothes etc. From that day, the celebration of Gurupoornima became a tradition in Shirdi. This is the only celebration suggested by Baba to his devotees!

Then the question arises why Baba asked to worship the pillar. Symbolically, Baba suggested the worship of the pillar to the benefit of the devotees. A true Guru never tells his devotees to worship Himself. In the eyes of a Jnani, all are the replicas of God. Then how anybody can have disciples! Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi remarked that anybody who proclaims himself as the Guru deemed to be unfit for that holy position. Sai, a true Sadguru never craved for disciples.

The central pillar is rooted deep into the ground, supports the entire load of the house, and thus protects all the inhabitants. Similarly, a Sadguru remains steadfast in Atmasthiti and Gurubhakti and protects all his devotees in that Godly state. It leads to the conclusion that the universe is the house and we are all the inhabitants. The Guru the protector of Dharma is the central pillar of this world and Atmasthiti is the supporting ground. He is deep rooted in the ground of Atmasthiti and thus supports the creation. Such a true saint is called Qutub, the pillar of Dharma in Islam.

(Source: Sri Saileelamrutam by Sri E.Bharadwaja
Contributed by Syamasundar V Davuluri, Houston, TX )

Contributed Poem: Mujhe Ishq Hai Sai Se

MUJHE ISHQ HAI SAI (SATGURU) SE MERI JAAN JINDGANI,
MERE PAAS MERA SAI HAI MERE PYAR KI NISHANI.

KAISA BHI HOUN MAIN SATGURU, KHOTA HOUN YA KHARA HOUN.
TERI SHARAN HOUN AAYA,CHARANO MEIN AAPNE RAKHNA.
JO BHI HAI MERI HAALAT, THUJSE CHIPPI NAHIN HAI.
MERE PAAS MERA SAI HAI MERE PYAR KI NISHANI.

MUJHE ISHQ HAI SAI SE MERI JAAN JINDGANI,

MERE DIL MEIN SATGURU JI RAHE CHHAVI BAS THUMARI,
HAR SWANS MEIN SAMAYI RAHE YAAD BAAS THUMARI.
AATHONE PAHAR THUMARA DHYAN KARONE SATGURU JI.
MERE PAAS MERA SAI HAI MERE PYAR KI NISHANI.

MUJHE ISHQ HAI SAI SE MERI JAAN JINDGANI.

RAHMATONE KA BAN KE SAI AAYA, MERI ZINDGI MEIN AAYA.
KRIPA SE TERI SAI JIVAN SAFAL BANAYA.
IS DAAS KE SAR PER, SADA HAATH RAHE THUMARA,
MERE PAAS MERA SAI HAI MERE PYAR KI NISHANI.

MUJHE ISHQ HAI SAI SE MERI JAAN JINDGANI.

MERI ZINDGI BHI SAI MERI BANDGI BHI SAI,
TU HI HAI MERI POOJA TUJHE MEIN HI MERI SHRADHA.
JAG KO BANANE WALE AAPNA MUJHE BANAYA.
SHUKRIYA HAI TERA SAI, DIDAR TERA PAAYA,

MUJHE ISHQ HAI SAI SE MERI JAAN JINDGANI,
TERE PAAS MERA DIL HAI MERE PYAR KI NISHANI.

(Contributed by Sunita Madnani)
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Experiences of Devotees

Sadhalakshmi

Dear Devotees, I first make a humble bow to Shri Sai Baba. I came to know of Lord Sai when I was in my 5th class when we (my parents, sister, brother and myself) went to Shirdi in holidays. When we reached Manmad station, we were taking short cut by crossing the tracks, rather than using the over bridge. All four of us crossed the tracks but my mother being a bit over weight could not climb up the other side of the platform. None of us recognized that a train was coming on the tracks we were crossing and it was just 200-300 mts away from where my mother was there, within a second some gentleman came and pulled my mother onto the platform, and within no time the train passed that spot. It is only his miracle that my mother was saved.

From my class 8 onwards I used to visit Sai's temple near my house every Thursday. He also guided me and helped to get a job when it was really necessary for my family. At the age of 16 I started working. I continued my education while working. With Baba's grace I successfully completed my graduation with gold medal, a Professional degree and post graduation. I always used to look upon Baba as my Guru and ask him to help me in my education. With his grace he helped me to enter a world-renowned institute for my higher studies.

All through these years he saved me. My sisters wedding was fixed but we did not have the amount to perform her marriage. None of our relatives helped us though they knew that financially we were in a bad position. Just 2 days before the marriage we got the amount through a known person and the marriage was performed extremely well than expected, and all our relatives were wonder struck as to how we could do it. This is all because of Sai's grace. Not only this Sai stopped me in committing grave mistakes, which would have literally ended my life. I used to like one of my friends and was planning to get married to him, but by Baba's grace I came to know through a common friend that he is a characterless person and I stopped even thinking about him, this was in Dec 2000.

Last six months was the worst phase in my life, I was very upset and I never had any confidence in myself. I used to get scared of anything in life. Any person who saw me could make out that there was something wrong with me. Co-students and my relatives tried to hurt me in various ways on knowing that I was already sad. I even could not think that one day I will be able to smile whole-heartedly. The entire 6 months I cried, only my parents and Baba protected me if not I don't know what would have happened to me. Now everything is all right by his grace.

Though I am unable to provide any particular instance as to how Baba protected me, I can assure you that if you believe him whole-heartedly he will always be day and night with you.
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Devotees say...

A Sai devotee
It's happened last 6 months back. On Jan 2002 I enrolled as an anchor home to SaiChitraYatra. Actually I don't know what is anchor home. I received a Sai portrait on Jan 11th, and I read everything about anchor home role in instructions. Then I thought I don't have any Sai friends, how can I role as an anchor home. One of my friends took the Sai photo as host home. Then he met a one of Sai devotee. Then he took the photo. Afterwards that photo has gone to Sai center. So many Sai devotees take a role as a host homes. I did nothing. Sai came to my home by himself. Now he goes to all of his devotees' homes by himself only. Because of him, now we know the Sai center and attending to bhajanas every Sunday.

Prasad V Nimmagadda
The following story illustrates the benefits of sadhu darshan:

Sage Narada had a peculiar question in his mind once: What is the benefit of having darshan of great people (Satpurusha)?

He posed this question to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu suggested to Narada that even a puppy can answer this question. Narada approached a puppy and asked the question. Just as Narada was completing the question, the puppy rolled over and died.

Narada was puzzled. He approached Vishnu again and informed him of the incident.

Vishnu then suggested that Narada should ask a just-born baby calf. When Narada posed the question to a baby calf, the calf fell dead immediately. This time Narada got alarmed and concerned.

Upon hearing about this incident, Vishnu suggested to Narada to try one last time with a just-born human baby. Narada couldn't refuse his Grandpa's suggestion and approached a baby boy. Just as Narada was completing the question, the baby died.

This time Narada was visibly unnerved and returned to Vishnu seeking an explanation for all these events.

Vishnu explained: "Narada, you are a Satpurusha. When the puppy had your darshan, it was able to cleanse its sins and got promoted to the next level of birth as a calf. When the calf had your darshan, it advanced to be born as a human. When the baby had your darshan, it was able to eliminate ALL its sins and merged into Me. That is the benefit of having darshan of Satpurusha."

Sage Narada then realized the merit of the method Vishnu chose to make him answer his question through his own experience.

Recollect the methods Sri Shiridi Sai used in teachings his disciples various things: the merchant who wanted to get "Gnana" being taught a lesson, the story about Nana reciting a Geeta sloka thinking Sai wouldn't know Sanskrit and Sai teaching him a lesson.

A Sadguru is needed to enlighten us every step of the way! Om Sai Ram!
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Prayer Club

A Sai devotee
I feel very much disturbed as I am not able to get a job, though I am currently doing PhD. I am getting older and therefore getting anxious to get into a good position. I have applied for one, you know all about it. You have helped my family and me at every stage of our life and we are indeed grateful to you for this. But only you know the state of my mind. If I get this job it will be very good for our life. The only hope I have is you and I am very confident that you will help me. Dear Sai Bandhus, please pray for me to get this job.

D.Srinivasa Rao
Baba! please do accept my highest of the regards for all those mercifull blessings your kindness has showered on me. Baba how could a tiny being like me describe your kindness and ever forgiving nature in these simple words. Baba I do understand that no amount of words could be sufficient in praising your holy feet and mercy.

Baba! your kindness surely knows what I am trying to seek and aspiring to! Baba with your grace Iam just about knowing what am I and what are my qualities, my limitations and weaknesses!

Baba! my earnest prayer at your kind holy lotus feet is please do look into my life even for just a few seconds and bless this poor child of yours with your kindest mercifull glance.

Baba! please give me a sign of your kindness and ever protective presence to me on holy gurupoornima day.

Baba! I am desperately and most humbly seeking your lotus feet. Kindly bless me and make me worhty for your lotus feet.
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Quotation of the Week
"What is yours remains with you and what ever is others' remains with them " - Sai Baba of Shirdi
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Question of the Week

Q. There are two ways of approaching our Lord Father Sai for the fulfillment of our desires. One is pestering and demanding obstinately like a child asks his mother, and the other is watching silently for Him to fulfill your demand with the conviction that He knows what is best for you. Which way is better?

A. by Shyamala Hari
There are two ways of approaching our Lord Father Sai for the fulfillment of our desires. One is pestering and demanding obstinately like a child asks his mother, and the other is watching silently for Him to fulfill your demand with the conviction that He knows what is best for you. Which way is better?

Which way is better depends on what one is asking Sai. If it is for the Darshana of the Lord, then one should make persistent appeals. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was an Avatar Himself, showed us how one should yearn for Lord's Darshan. He used to say to Kali, 'Another day of my life is gone, I have not seen you yet. Mother, you've been gracious to many devotees, in the past and have revealed yourself to them. Why would you not reveal yourself to me, also? Am I not also your son?' He would weep bitterly and sometimes even cry out loudly while worshipping. At night, he would go into a near-by jungle and spend the whole night praying. One day he was so impatient to see Mother Kali that he decided to end his life. He seized a sword hanging on the wall and was about to strike himself with it when he saw light issuing from the deity in waves and he was soon overwhelmed by those waves. He then went into Samadhi. In Bhagavata, Radha and other Gopikas were constantly yearning for meeting Krishna. So, if it is for His Darshan, one should ask Him constantly like a child asks its mother.

On the other hand, if one is praying to Him to solve worldly problems or to fulfill some material desires, pestering does not help. First of all, the mind, by itself, brings in thoughts about what to pray for, the moment we set ourselves to pray. So, we do not have to make an intentional effort to repeat our requests to Sai, pestering for its desires occurs very naturally to the mind. We have to turn such desires as opportunities to pray to Sai and meditate upon Him believing that once we place our requests at His feet He will carry the entire burden. Once we give Him the burden, we will accept whatever happens as His will and that His will is only to do the best for us. In this process, mind becomes more and more silent and focuses more on Sai rather than on its desires. It is interesting that in the story of Mrs.Aurangabadkar, Baba seemed to agree to fulfil her desire to have a child, after some pestering by Shama. But, Baba liked that pestering because Shama did it, not for himself but for Mrs Aurangabadkar, and Baba likes His devotees to love one another.
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Sai Activities

Gurupoornima Celebrations and Shirdi Sai Satsang in Kansas City, KS
Date: July 27th, 2002, Saturday
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Venue: Overland Park Community Center
6300 W, 87th Street at Lamar, Kansas - 66212
Program includes Baba's abhishek, bhajans and arathi.
For more details and directions call:
Narayana - 913-526-4922/Ravi - 913-894-6596

Gurupoornima 2002, Houston, TX
Shirdi Sai devotees of Saimandir Houston invites you to join in for Gurupoornima celebrations on 27th July Saturday from 4:00pm to 08:45pm.

The program is as follows:
4:00pm Satsangh
5:00pm Saibaba puja/Abhishekam
6:30pm Special bhajans by Sisters
7:30pm Talk on Saitatwa
8:15pm Arathi
8:45pm Maha prasad

The venue is Hindu worship temple (Near intersection of I10 west and 610north.) For route and other details pl. contact at 713-383-6501, sai_syam@hotmail.com. or rajesh_yadlapati@hotmail.com

Gurupoornima celebrations in the Bay Area, CA
Shirdi Sai Devotees invite you to join us for Gurupoornima celebrations on (Sunday) July 28th, 2002 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. This includes Sai puja, bhajans, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad. The venue is at: Club House, The Grove Apartments, 243 Buena Vista Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 For further details or directions please contact: Aparna/ Ajay Ganti at (408) 738-1305, Savita Jayaram at (408) 615-8389 or email us at aganti@yahoo.com or savita_jayaram@yahoo.com

Gurupoornima at Toronto, Canada
Shree Hemadpant Ji in Chapter6; Topic 'Efficacy of the Touch of Guru's Hand' has quoted Baba, "If you want anything, beg of the Lord, leave worldly honors, try to get Lord's grace and blessings, and be honored in His Court."

Our beloved Baba is coming to be with us in the form of holy idol on Sunday July 28th, Shree Shirdi Sai devotees invite all devotees, in Toronto and surrounding areas with family and friends to celebrate Guru Poornima.

We all need to put together our hearts and hands and celebrate Baba's arrival to satisfy the devotion/praying needs of all Sai Bhaktas visiting Baba on that day.

Devotees wishing to Participate in Puja or volunteer for the Guru Poornima Celebrations, or for more information on Guru Poornima celebrations and Sansthan's activities, please contact Mrs. Shammi Chopra at 416 402 8089 or email: shchopra@trebnet.com or Mr. Tarun Jain at 416 590 3484 or email: tajai@mailboxcity.com

PROGRAM: Baba's Puja and Abhishek -- 5PM
Satcharit Reading -- 5:45Pm
Bhajan -- 6:00Pm
Pravachan -- 6:45Pm
Aarti -- 7:00Pm
MahaPrasaad -- 7:50Pm

VENUE: Durga Mandir 2691 Markham Rd. Unit #5; Ph: 416 754 2983.

GURUPOORNIMA CELEBRATIONS AT BALDWIN, NEW YORK.
Shirdi Sai family invite you to join us for Gurupoornima celebrations on Saturday, July 27th, 2002 from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM. This includes four aarathis at 6 AM, NOON, 6 PM, and 9 PM, rudrabishekams, bhajans, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad. The venue is at: 1889 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York. For further details or directions please call (516) 867-8008 OR visit us at www.shirdisamsthan.org.

Saibaba Mandir, Garla, Khammam Dt., A.P, India
People in Garla village of Andhra Pradesh are constructing SAI Baba Temple and are in need of donations to complete the construction. The temple construction began in March 2001 and ever since they are committed to work and finish the construction. Myself and people of Garla village would very much appreciate your cooperation and kindness for any donations that you make towards the temple construction. For further details, please contact Sridhar by email at svallampatla@hotmail.com.

Note: Please verify accuracy of the infomation and ascertain its authenticity before making any donations - Web Site Administrator

Gurupoornima at Dublin-Columbus, OH
Sri Saibaba Temple Society of Ohio invites you to join Guru Poornima Celebrations on 24th July 2002 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Venue: Dublin Community Center,
5600, Coffman Park, Post Road, Dublin, OH 43017.
Program Details:
7:00PM to 7:45PM : Sai Ashtotram and Dhup Arati,
7:45PM to 8:45PM : Bhajan and Mangala Arati
8:45PM to 9:30PM : Mahaprasadam.

The portrait of Sri Shirdi Saibaba presently being worshiped at number of Columbus homes as part of Shirdi Sai USA yatra will be installed to preside our Guru Poornima Celebrations. For more information please visit our website : www.srishirdisaibabamandir.org

Gurupoornima at Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, South Brunswick, NJ
Saibaba.org invite you to join us for Gurupurnima celebrations on Sunday July 28th, 2002 and Sai puja, bhajans, Saicharitra readings, aarti and prasad every sunday at VFW hall at Henderson Rd, Kendall Park, South Brunswick, NJ from 3pm-6pm. For further details or directions contact Kumad Sachdev at (732) 257-1438, Shyam Addanki at (610) 648-0191 or email us at maildrop@saibaba.org.

Shirdi Sai Baba Prayer Center, VA
Please join us in Shirdi Sai prayers, Bhajans, Kirtans, arathis, etc every sunday at Compton Village Community Center from 10am to 1pm starting Sunday, May 26th. For more details contact Padma Balusu at (703) 631-0972, Kumar Swami at (571) 643-0203.

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in UK
Devotees may participate in Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra currently underway in UK. To invite Baba to your home and for further details please contact Manu Bajaj at bajaj_manu@yahoo.com or call at +44 7905 933 489 in Wembley, UK

Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra 2002 in USA
"Shri Shirdi Sai Chitra Yatra(Pictorial Journey)", started in USA on Jan 01, 2002. With anchor points across USA concurrently participating from day one, this unique event is off to a great start.

The journey which involves the ceremonial travel of Baba in the form of a portrait will stop at all Baba devotees homes who are interested in being a host to his protrait. The Yatra which will run till fall of this year, is open to one and all. There is no fees or charges involved to take part in this event. You may participate either as a host home or serve as an anchor point in your community.

Vist online at yatra page for all the details and to register.

For questions, comments, suggestions or to get details on an Anchor home in your area, send us an email at maildrop@saibaba.org with the subject line of "Shri Sai Chitra Yatra".
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