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Shri Sai Leela June 1990
SHRI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, SHIRDI
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Lekha Pathak
Chairperson
Shri Hcmraj Shah
Shri Brijmohan Bhamasha
Shri S. R. Shinde
Dr. E, B, Gondkar
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Shri Sai Leela June 1990
Shri B. V, Khambekar
Shri D. S. Rohamare (Palil)
Shri U. R. Shelke
Shri K. B. Dcokar
Shri M. S. Pawar
Pro!. N. S. Pharande
Shri D. A. Shinde
Shri S. M. Jadhav
Shri M. N. Gogalc Shri P. R. Adik Shri R. P. Kulkanii Shri. P. T. Borawake Shri B. A. Narodc (Palil)
Shri P. B. Borawake Shri S. M. Dhorde Shri A. K. Pali! Shri P. V. Hiray Shri A. S. Mhaske Shri G. B.
Kote (Palil) Shri M. M. Jaikar
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SHRI SAI LEELA JUNE—1990
CONTENTS
Quote for the Month
Guru Pournima Festival 1990 Akhand Parayan
System
Editorial
Spot-light on Foundation Ceremony of Sai
Baba Bhakta Niwas
Development Projects for Sai-devotees at
Shirdi
The Shirdi Mother
Lead Me Ever
Feeding Sai
Baba- The Gold Smith
Sai Baba Resurrection of faith
Pledge
The Soverein Lord begs with a Bowl
The Saviour of Shirdi
Dakshina
Towards Life Divine (14)
June-1990-Highlights
P. S. Purushothama Rao
Rama Rao
K. Padma Raju Baba
E. B. Patro
Paturi Prasannam
Vijay U. Kshirsagar!
Chakor Ajgaonkar
P. S. Purushothama Rao
S. B. Mathur
Chakor Ajgaonkar
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GURU-POURNIMA FESTIVAL » 1990 AKHAND - PARAYAN SYSTEM
The Akhand Parayan of Shri Sai Satcharita will begin at Shirdi from 6-7-1990 to 7-7-1990. It
will start at 6-30 A.M. on 6lh July 1990 and will end at 6-00 A.M. on 7th July 1990.
To avoid inconvenience to the devotees, the following arrangements have been made. It is
expected that those who can read fluently could participate in this Parayan since it will have
to be completed within specific time.
The devotees, who desire to participate in this Akhand Parayan, are requested to register their
names to the Mandir section between 3-00 P.M. and 6-30 P.M. on 5th July 1990. Selection of
48 devotees will be made by draw system between 7-30 P.M. and 8-30 P.M. on the same day.
Their names will be declared immediately after the draw. Selected devotees should secure
their tokens immediately after draw.
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The devotees selected by draw only will be allowed to participate in the Parayan. The
selected devotees failing to remain present for Parayan, will lose their chance and the
chapters will be read by Sansthan's employees.
TIME TABLE
1. Submission of Names - Thursday 5-7-1990 between 3-00 P.M. and 6-30 P.M.
2. Result of Draw - between 7-30 P.M. and 8-30 P.M.
3. List of selected devotees -- 10-00 P.M. on the Notice Board
Executive Officer
Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi
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EDITORIAL
BENEDICTION IN RIGVEDA
Ornkarashchatha shabdashcha
dwavetau bramhanahpura
Kaniham bhitwa viniryatau.
tasrnanniangalikavubhau II
- Naradapurana
The tradition of introductory prayer is ancient. We have already slated earlier that being
ancient, we have to turn towards the foremost and the most ancient volume called 'Rigveda ’ .
It is the only volume of ancient literature available today. There are many old books available
today but the Rigveda is to be mentioned as the first since it is available today in its original
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form for thousands of years and from generations innumerable. This fact has been universally
accepted by the scholars. There is no other ancient volume available today which can be
compared with the Rigveda.
Period of Rigveda
Modern history and historians are very particular about the period of any event. This is a vital
question for them, particular another belongs to which period or when he compsed his works,
who else have noted these works are basic issued for these modern historians. It is a million
dollar question for them when they come across the period of Rigveda which has acquired a
universal status -- among the ancient volumes. We have no special interest in their
discussions. Though vital issue, whatever is needed for knowing the benedictory prayer of
Rigveda, we shall note to that extent.
The period of Rigveda has been regarded as 1500 B.C. by most of the scholars. It comes to
nearly 3500 years from the present date. It is difficult to assign later period than this.
However, it has been assigned nearly 10,000 years back by some scholars. Western scholars
like Pargiter, Jecoby, Macdonell and Indian scholars like S. B. Dixit and others, with the help
of astronomy have examined this problem critically and expressed their views about the
period of
Rigveda. We can safely pass on this topic to the concerned scholars since time is the most
precious factor in our human life which has very limited spell hence -- 'Rigveda is the ancient
volume' is sufficient for our information.
Arrangement of Rigveda
The Rigveda is entirely a poetry. Being ancient, it is vast too. It consists of 1028 poems or
hymns called 'Suktas' and ten thousand stanzas known as 'Rics' or 'Mantras*. These are
divided in two ways, i.e. into 10 Mandalas or 8 'Ashmkas'. There is a typical method of
reciting the mantras. The method has remained intact for several thousand years. The art of
printing and writing belongs lo this era where as Indian tradition is to recite and hand it over
orally to the next generation. This is the way we kept the traditions alive. Even Dunny
invasions, we have not lost this prestigious tradition.
Characteristics
The hymns of Rigveda are addressed to various deities in praise. The deities are mostly
nature deities like Agni (Fire), Surya (Sun), Varuna (Water), Vayu (Air), Indra (Rains), etc.
These are offered what they liked through the sacrifices. They are requested to accept the
offerings. The praise includes the might and deeds performed by the deities. Demands have
been placed before them. Then supplication to fulfil these demands. The deities are reminded
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about such fulfilments earlier by them hence beseeching for repeat performance for the
praiser.
Besides prayers and invocations. These are various other topics in the Rigveda. There is a
praise for the gift of food (Bhikshu-sukta -- 10th Mandala) as well as the person who is
making this gift. The sage Vishvamitra requests the rivers Vipasha and Shutudri for safe
passage of King Bharata's Carts through their water which is overflowing (3rd Mandala). The
herbs are invoked for their usage for curing the diseases describing different qualities in them
as medicines. There is a stroy of Pururawa and Urvashi. The Suryaa-Vivah Sukia depicts the
nature of marriagee institution of the then prevailing society. Even the lamentation of a
gambler ruined by the game of dice finds place in the Rigveda along with the praise for rains,
jungles, frogs, night, dawn etc. The well known 'Purushasukta' explains the cosmology. Thus
there is a variety of topics in the Rigveda hymn which shows the social lifeand that period.
The description is objective with no ambiguity.
(to be continued)
-- Dr. V. V. Satpurkar
____„ Executive Editor
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"BABA'S TEACHINGS VITAL TODAY"
-- Shri Ramrao Adik
Hon. Finance & Planning Minister, Maharashtra
The Foundation Ceremony of the proposed "Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas" was held at Shirdi on
4th May 1990. Shri Ramrao Adik, Hon. Finance and Planning Minister, Maharashtra, who
laid the Foundation Stone, declared on this occasion, that Baba's Teachings are vital today.
Smt. Pushpatai Hiray, Hon. Public Health and Cultural Affairs Minister, Maharashtra,
presided over the function. Shri Shankarrao Kolhe, Hon. Co-operation and Prohibition
Minister, Maharashtra, was the Chief Guest on this occasion, while Shri Laxmanrao
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Hatankar, Hon. Revenue, Public Works, Co-operation and Rehabilitation Minister of Slate,
Maharashtra, was the Guest of Honour.
Shri Ramrao Adik, Hon. Finance and Planning Minister, Maharashtra, spoke on this occasion
with full personal attachment to the cause for which Lord Sai lived. Himself hailing from the
area where Shirdi is located Mr. Adik very proudly recalled that Ahmednagar district is the
Karmabhoomi (work-place) of many Saints like Shri Sai Baba, Meher Baba and Upasani
Maharaj. It is here in this district that Saint Dnyaneshwar wrote Dnyaneshwari.
Mr. Adik expressed his immense satisfaction over the plans initiated by the Sansthan to
beautify Shirdi and make it one of the holiest place on the earth. This would attract not only
devotees but many domestic and international tourists.
In barely seven months after taking over the charge of the Sansthan affairs the new Board of
Trustees has come out with so many laudable ambitious projects. Mr. Adik praised the efforts
of the Sansthan to solve the difficulties faced by devotees, visiting Shirdi. Because you are
doing work, you are being criticized from some corners, Mr. Adik added. Those who do not
work are obviously not noticed by anybody. Mr. Adik further appealed to the new Board of
Trustees to continue to do good work. There will be no dearth of funds, for people oriented
good work, Mr. Adik promised. Pointing out to the demand made by local people to by-pass
the highway passing through Shirdi to avoid congestion, Mr. Adik assured that the
Government shall under render all the assistance to buy the land for this by-pass. Providing
Rs. 40 lakhs for this purpose is no great problem. Mr. Adik informed that the Divisional
Commissioner of Nashik has prepared "Master Plan" for the same. We shall sec that shopkeepers
are properly rehabilitated, he affirmed.
Speaking about Shri Sai Baba, Mr. Adik said, He was a great advocate of national unity and
integrity. He could cast His spell on all people, cutting across the barriers of religion, caste,
creed and language. Baba's teachings have become still more important now. We need to
sincerely practice His teachings.
At Tirupati, every State has constructed residential buildings to accommodate devotees from
respective States. The Maharashtra Government too is planning to construct a residential
building for about 200 devotees visiting from Maharashtra, Mr. Adik informed. However at
Shirdi, the Sansthan itself has undertaken a huge project to provide residential facilities to a
large number of people. We must appreciate this, Mr. Adik added. The two new auditoriums
under this project will additionally accommodate 3500 devotees at a without any charge.
Mr. Adik additionally briefed about the Government's plan to boost tourism industry in the
State. An Airport at Shirdi is already planned. The Maharashtra Government's Policy is to
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make each district accessible by Air. This would facilitate growth of backward regions and
would provide employment opportunities. Mr. Adik confirmed that if the Sansthan could give
the loan, the District Commissioner of Nashik will be asked to immediately commence the
work regarding Airport at Shirdi.
Regarding the Sansthan's desire to start a Medical College at Shirdi, Mr. Adik affirmed that
as a Finance Minister, he is prepared to approve this project. It would require 150 beds as per
rules. As the number of beds at Shirdi hospital is soon going to increase to 200, the Sansthan
can very well make a claim. This would greatly help the devotees, local people and villagers
from surrounding areas. The Sansthan deserves credit for greatly improving medical facilities
available at Shirdi.
While concluding his speech, Mr. Adik pleaded with the new Board of Trustees, managing
the Sansthan affairs to continue the good work and bring in more facilities to Sai devotees.
Presiding over the function Smt. Pushpatai Hiray, Hon. Public Health and Cultural Affairs
Minister, Maharashtra, expressed her great pleasure in participating in this programme. Smt.
Hiray is a regular visitor to Shirdi since 1950. The Government would certainly permit the
Sansthan to start Medical College at Shirdi provided all set norms are fulfilled.
Smt. Hiray requested the Chairperson of the Sansthan, to start small scale industry for the
rural women. The local women would certainly put in hard work and give full returns. Smt.
Hiray expressed full optimism about this matter as the Sansthan incidentally has a active lady
as its Chairperson. In the end Smt. Hiray also requested the Sansthan authorities to start
Primary School at Shirdi for downtrodden people.
Shri L. R. Hatankar, Hon. Revenue, Public Works, Co-operation and Rehabilitation of S tale
Minister, Maharashtra, assured alt assistance for the completion of construction at Shirdi.
CHAIRPERSON'S WELCOME SPEECH
Dr. Lekha Pathak, Chairperson of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, welcomed the august
gathering that had assembled to witness the grand Ceremony at Shirdi. In her welcome
speech she said that Sai Baba was yet another incarnation of Almighty. The man-made
differences of religion, caste and creed just don't have any locus-standi here. Baba's words
"Sabka Malik Ek Hai" (God is One) have magical influence on His devotees. Hindus,
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and others forget their identity and prostrate before His lotus feet.
Shirdi and Sai Baba are now known all over the world. Several eminent personalities
including Mahalma Gandhi and Pandit Jawahar-lal Nehru have visited Shirdi and they have
recorded it in their books. Sai Baba may be perhaps the only deity in the world, worshipped
by all, cutting across the barriers of religion, caste, creed, language etc., she added.
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Visibly moved by the plight of ever growing number of devotees who are inundating Shirdi,
day in and day out, Dr. Lckha Pathak informed the crowd that the Sansthan has decided to
construct a new Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas with 500 self-contained rooms with all required
amenities.
Provision of residential accommodation to all devotees visiting Shirdi is given top priority by
the new Board. Keeping in line with the Sansthan tradition in the new proposed building too,
Sai Bhaktas will be required to pay very reasonable charges towards lodging and boarding.
She also added that there will be two halls in the Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas to accommodate
3,500 devotees at a without any charge.
While briefing about the catering facilities extended by the Sansthan, Dr. Lekha Pathak
informed that nearly 1500 to 2000 food-packets are sold daily at a very affordable price.
Nearly 4000 devotees are daily provided with full meals at a cost of just Rs. 3.50 per plate,
Efforts are on to improve still further the catering facilities.
The Chairperson also enumerated the medical facilities provided by the Sansthan. Sainath
Hospital, Shirdi, have presently 100 beds. Earlier only 3 doctors were working here. To give
justice to every patient the Sansthan has appointed some specialist doctors. All modern
facilities like Blood Bank, Sonography, Pathological Laboratory, I.C.C.U. etc. will also be
provided. This would greatly be benefited to devotees, local people and villagers from the
neighbouring areas.
Going into details of financial aspect of the Sansthan, Dr. Pathak told that nearly 2/3 of the
income by way of offerings by devotees is spent on the salary of the employees. In order to
increase the cash flow, the Sansthan has taken measures like transferring the matured deposits
to Central Bank of India which has promised the highest rate of interest equal to 13%. Rs. 2.0
crorcs have been invested with Central Bank of India in the 'Certificate Deposit' scheme
permitted by Reserve Bank of India. Thus the Sansthan will be benefited by Rs. 26 Lakhs
annually by way of interest.
Dr. Lckha Pathak expressed satisfaction about the work done by the Sansthan to solve the
water problem at Shirdi. Drinking water is regularly chlorinated and checked for its potability
every three days. The Central Government is also working on a scheme for the water supply
to Shirdi.
Lot of work has been done and lot more remains to be done. Dr. Pathak pleaded with the
Honourable Ministers from the Government of Maharashtra, present on the dias to provide all
required assistance for completing the jobs at the earliest. Drainage lines in Shirdi are open
which is a potential threat to the health of masses. The Sansthan is planning to implement
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underground drainage system, she informed. Shirdi Municipality too have plans in this
direction but they do not have funds. If the Municipality, the Sansthan and Hoteliers come
together the task becomes much earlier, she remarked.
The Chairperson also elaborated on a very ambitious project of starting a Medical and
Engineering College at Shirdi. Dr. Pathak fervently appealed to the Ministers present on the
dias to sanction this project and donate 200 acre land under the state farming scheme, free of
cost to the Sansthan. The Sansthan additionally plans to beautify Shirdi by making it full of
fauna and flora, A beautiful garden will be developed in the vicinity of temple. Plans to
construct a hall for meditation are also afoot, she added.
While concluding her welcome speech, Dr. Lckha Pathak very confidently expressed her
optimism about completing all developmental projects in the shortest possible lime with the
Blessings of Sai Baba.
Shri Moliram Pawar, Vice-Chairman of Construction Sub-committee of the Sansthan,
proposed the vote of thanks. The members of the Board of Trustees S/Shri Hemraj Shah, M.
N. Gogatc, P. R. Adik, S. R. Shindc, R. P. Kulkarni, Dr. E. B. Gontfkar, P. T. Borawakc, P.
V. Khamhckar, B. A. Narode (Patil), P. B. Borawakc, U. R. Shelke, S. M. Dhordc, K. B.
Dcokar, P. V. Hiray, A. S. Mhaskc, G. B. Kote (Patil), S. M. Jadhav, M. M. Jaikar, Executive
Officer Shri K. P. Kshirsagar were present on this occasion. Smt. Sindhutai Kolhc, Shri
Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chairman, Pravara Co-operative Sugar Factory Ltd., Pravaranagar,
Shri Shankarrao Kale, Chairman, Kopargaon Cooperative Sugar Factory Ltd., Kolapcwadi
were present among the distinguished Guests on this occasion.
English Medium School of Shri Sai Baba Sanslhan. Shirdi was inaugurated on this occasion
by the hands of Shri Shankarrao Kolhe, Hon. Co-operation and Prohibition Minister,
Maharashtra.
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DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR SAI DEVOTEES AT SHIRDI
SPECIAL FEATURES
More Lodging facilities
Easy Darshan
A new English Medium
School
A spacious Hall for
Meditation
Beautification of Mandir
A modern well-equipped Hospital
Adequate and pure water
A Restaurant for 24 hours
Adequate care and attention to Health and Hygiene
Noticeable improvement in Transport facilities
A larger and more attractive edition of "Shri Sai Leela" to be published regularly and on
lime.
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In the progressive days of "Sarvadharma samabhava" i.e. "Secular atmosphere", it is our
humble desire to develop the Shirdi as ideal place of worship and pilgrimage. It will be a
place of proud for every Indian and outside the world.
Shirdi temple of Shri Sai Baba is a unique in our country. There is no difference of any
religion - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian in Shirdi. All are the same as extolled by Baba "Sab
Dharma Ek Hai, Sab Ka Malik Ek Hai." Therefore, this temple is a symbol of National
integration. It is popular not only in Maharashtra or India, but all over the world. This is
infact the most famous internationally venerated religious temple.
During Baba's time, nearly 5000 to 7000 devotees used to visit Shirdi on festive occasions.
The number of devotees swell to nearly 75,000 at times. However, there is an enormous
increase in the number of devotees visiting Sai Baba these days. The average number
everyday is about 9,000 to 10,000. The number is about 15,000 to 20,000 and even much
more on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. On special occasions like Ramnavami,
Gurupournima and Dasara the number may be about one lakh, This itself speaks about the
popularity of this "Devasthan". At present the Sansthan provides accommodation to about
2,000 to 2,500 people; but this is not even 1/3 of devotees visiting Shri Sai Baba. Everyone
cannot afford to stay in a hotel. To provide facilities for devotees of Shri Sai Baba,
accommodation has been given top priority by This Board, which has taken a decision to
construct a residential complex of 500 rooms with modern amenities. These self-contained
rooms in this complex will be provided on a subsidised basis and at a nominal cost. There
will also be two common halls to accommodate 3,500 devotees at a without any cost. This
building "Sai Baba Bhakta Niwas" will be ready in one year. At present the Sansthan is
charging Rs. IO/- per room and accommodation in common hall is free of charge. In a few
months another building "Prasadalaya" with 80 rooms will also be ready to provide some
more accommodation.
The Sansthan runs one Prasadalaya to provide lunch and dinner to devotees visiting Shirdi.
Nearly 8,000 to 10,000 devotees take Baba's prasad at a very subsidised rate. Please
remember it is sitting lunch -- dinner, unlimited and served at the seat in Rs. 3.50 only. The
trust also provides free food to five hundred poor people everyday. The Sansthan also runs a
restaurant, open for 24 hours, for tea, coffee, snacks. The tea is provided at 40 Paise and
coffee at 50 Paise. The Sansthan also provides food-packets for about 1,500 to 2,000
devotees every morning containing Puri, Bhaji and Sheera at nominal rate.
The Sansthan also has a hospital known as "Sainath Hospital" for the benefit of devotees and
villagers. There were only 3 doctors working in this hospital. The post of Chief Medical
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Officer was lying vacant for quite some lime. The patients attending the O.P.D. are
approximately 500 per day. This means that each of the 3 doctors had to see nearly 175
patients as outdoor and look after indoor patients and operation also. This hospital has 100
beds. The work-load is so much that the Sansthan uses to appoint 5 interns from Pravara
Hospital to look after the O.P.D. work. It was humanly impossible for any doctor to give
justice to his patients either O.P.D. or indoor. This hospital also did not have any other
specialist beside medicine and surgery; and therefore, people at Shirdi and surrounding areas,
have to go Bombay or Nagpur for their specialists' opinion. Considering all these points and
keeping the benefit of devotees and people in and around Shirdi, the Board has appointed
some specialist doctors. Work of the hospital will be smoothened with these specialists and
will be one of the biggest medical centre to provide medical-aid in different specialities. The
Board is also planning to set-up Blood Bank, Sonography, ICCU, full-fledged Radiology and
Pathology shortly. The Trust is hopeful, that these amenities would provide necessary
medical relief in different disciplines to the public at large.
The Trust also runs I.T.I, institute and provides diploma in electrical, tractor mechanic and
motor mechanic courses.
The Trust also provides scholarships for clever and needy students and medical-aid to the
poor people.
All devotees visit Shirdi not only once but several times to receive the Blessings of Shri Sai
Baba. To provide easy Darshan of Shri Sai Baba and avoid long waiting queues, the Sansthan
plans to renovate the temple premises. The Sansthan also plans to build a hall for meditation,
-perform religious ceremonies, prevent pick-pocketing and beggars. This Borad of Trustees
has decided to .make these facilities available to Sai devotees. According to the renovation
plan this temple could be the best in our country.
Abhishek is a popular form of Pooja for devotees. Initially Abhishck used 10 be more in
number. Abhishek was delaying the Darshan of Shri Sai Baba as more space in Mandir was
occupied by Sai devotees performing Abhishek. With stopping of Abhishek, the Darshan of
Shri Sai Baba has reduced the waiting period. Abhishck is sentimental for devotees coming
from all over the world. The present Board has decided to start Abhishek and sub-committee
has been formed to implement suggestions for easy way to perform Abhishck. It will be
started with renovation of temple and easy going process of Abhishck will enable as many as
500 devotees.
Devotees of Shri Sai Baba do not like anyone to stand or sit on the Samadhi of Baba and then
touch the idol of Shri Sai Baba. The archeological experts suggested that nobody should
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climb up to prevent damage to Samadhi. The sanctity of Sai Baba has to be maintained by all.
In every Mandir of this country Darshan is given at the door and nobody can go inside and
touch the idol of God.
There is no problem about water and there is no shortage of water. Dam and canal work is
progressing well and by the end of a year, the Sansthan will get pure water. This is a Central
Government Scheme amounting to Rs. 1 crorc. Rs. 19 lakhs have been spent so far. At
present there is enough water; but without filtration. The water is chlorinated every 3rd day
and sent for testing too. All devotees have been getting sufficient water for the last six
months.
The Sansthan has appointed sufficient number of sweepers to maintain cleanliness not only in
the Sansthan area but also on the roads near the temple. The open gutters will be closed very
soon to improve the hygienic conditions. The Sansthan desires that Shirdi should be clean
and green.
The Sansthan has no power to- control the illegal activities like gambling, liquor etc. The
Sansthan has requested the Government officials to lake stricl action against these activities.
The Sansthan's main income is donations. However, majority of income i.e. about 2/3 is spent
on the salary of workers. Another source of income is by way of interest over the money. The
aim behind the investment is to achieve interest over the funds. The Board of Trustees has
taken a decision to invest money at higher rate of interest. In the new scheme, known as
"Certificate of Deposit" introduced by the Reserve Bank of India, the Sansthan has deposited
the amount in State Bank of India with 13 % of interest. Thus the Sansihan will be benefited
by Rs. 26 lakhs in a year.
The present Chairperson Dr. Lekha Pathak is an eminent Cardiologist in the medical world.
In her extremely busy and right schedule of work, she devotes her valuable time for
improvement of the Shirdi Sansihan. She has planned the dcvelopment of this unique pilgrim
place for the benefit of lakhs of devotees with determined to complete various projects as per
schedule. Her individual attention to all the problems have achieved remarkable results in
short period. She has visited the famous Shrines of Vaishno Devi (Kashmir) and Tirupati
Balaji for the spot study as pilgrim centres. She is an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba and has
been visiting Shirdi for many years. She is aware of the devotees hardships hence planned the
development of this place with the sole aim to make the Shirdi an ideal place of worship and
a universal centre of pilgrimage.
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THE SHIRDI MOTHER
On certain occasions the decisions of Baba appear to be very harsh, cruel, merciless even bad
and mad proving Baba stone hearted. In Shri Sai Satcharita we can find so many such acts of
Baba towards his devotees. There could be many additional recorded experiences of Sai
Bandhus in their day-to-day life, of this type. Then the circumstances make us feel that, it is
the result of our Bhakti towards Baba whom we believe as our care-taker and Mother.
In this regard it is my sincere opinion that those who are very near and dear to Baba will have
to suffer a lot. Undoubtedly there will be acid test for our Sraddha and Saburi. It is not so
easy to pass this examination. But Baba will never leave our hand and make us reach the
other bank, winning in this race. Victory will always be ours. But due to our common human
weakness we are not at all in a position to invite and receive such hits patiently and
peacefully as we always want to be very happy. In this regard let us not forget thai after lot of
heating only, the original colour and spark of gold can be traced. The same rule applies for us
too.
As I know once one Sai Mother was attending Shej Arathi and at that time she could come to
know that her husband, returning from camp passed away in an automobile accident, who
was to take over charge of another station on the following day on promotion.
In another case the wife was a Lecturer whereas the husband, a Bank officer. This young
couple were staunch devotees of Baba. They were going to fix Muhurtham for 'Nuthana
Gruha Pravessam'. Mean while unfortunately the husband fell ill and passed away, leaving
behind his wife and two young children.
In another case head of the family passed away on the way to Shirdi, at Pandharpur for no
known reason. In my case during Shirdi tour in December 1988. I lost everything including
my money bag and was thrown to the mercy of others.
So at times the circumstances make us doubt the alertness of this 'Shirdi Mother' and His
promise, 'If you look to me, I look to you'. If all is well we feel, it as our greatness. If
anything goes wrong we doubt every thing. As we are not 'Stita Pragnas', in distress we doubt
every one and every thing. In this regard there is no exception and exemption even for Baba
too.
Now let us be calm and cool and once again analyse the case. There may be bad children but
there will not be bad mother. We can never find fault with 'This Shirdi Mother'. Even till this
moment undoubtedly we are under the care of this 'Mother' as promised, "You will hear my
bones speaking and discussing your welfare".
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Fate is inevitable. From God to man everybody will have to obey this law and time table of
'Vidhi’. As law makers should not be law breakers, 'Sri Rama' underwent 'Aranya vasa’ for
fourteen year. His wife ‘Sita’ was abducted by Ravana. To get back her he had to fight fierce
war. He could not prevent the death of his father. Was it impossible for Lord Rama to stop
this ? Certainly not.
We recall the story of 'Pancha Pandavas' and their plight. They favoured 'Dharma' and
suffered a lot which culminated in 'Mahubhara-tha'. They were having the full support of
'GhatanaGhatana Samartha', Lord Sri Krishna. Arjuna lost his son ' Abhimanyu'. This' Maya
Manusha Vigraha' Sri Krishna instead of saving them gave courage and encouraged Pandavas
to face the difficulties boldly. If desired 'this biggest Jadu Samrat', Lord Sri Krishna could
have stopped this. Here also this is the test for 'Sraddha and Saburi' of Pandavas. But Lord Sri
Krishna also honoured this nature's law and at every moment he kept an eye and saved
Pandavas.
In Kaliyuga, Baba's is a peculiar' Avatara'. Even till this moment we know nothing about
Him, except His mercy. Now let us once again remember the fully justified remarkable
remark of Baba about 'Dwarakamai', "This is a Brahmin masjid; who ever sits in the lap of
this Masjid Mother need not worry about anything". Here the word 'Brahmin 1 means 'Brahma
Gnyani'.
During the illness, mother gives bitter medicines to her child. Can it be said that she is
merciless? Once Baba told Chandra Bai Borkcr that 'I am taking away your Rama (her
husband). Be bold and discharge your duties courageously". She simply accepted the order of
Her Guru. Upto her 48th year she did not get children. Once Baba asked her, "Mother, what
is your desire?" The reply was "You know". She had reached her menopause stage. After
sometime doctors told that she was having an ulcer in stomach and advised operation. With
the 'bharosa’ on her Guru God, she wanted to wait for ten months. Ten months after she gave
birth to a child that too easy delivery. Question remains whether Baba cursed her by making a
wodow or blessed her with the child? Baba alone knows his 'Leefa'.
Mhalsapathi, the Personal Assistant to 'Baba' and others close to Baba were allowed to accept
even a single pic form the offerings. Did Baba neglect them? At every moment, Baba took
care of them. Even after Mahasamadhi, they are not away from the close watch of Baba and
were eternally blessed.
Once a lady requested Baba to save her son by giving Udi for snake bite. But Baba paid deaf
ear and the boy died. The mother lamented. Very much moved with the grief of that
mother,'Dixit' asked Baba to make the child alive. Baba replied "Bhau, do not interfere in thi
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matter. What has taken place is for the welfare of the boy. Now he gets new body. With this
body he will be discharging his old body. For you, I am prepared to give life to the boy. Have
you thought of the result? Will you take the responsibility for that?" Needless to add that
Dixit kept quite.
The premier servant of Baba, Bhagoji Shinde is a leper in advanced stage. But Baba did not
leave him, till Mahasamadhi day. He took the plague of Mrs. Khaparde's son and said, "See
how I have to suffer for my devotees. Their difficulties are mine. At every critical moment
He saved His devotees.
Simply silting at Dwarakamai is no many 'roopas' Sai Deva saved and blessed His devotees in
the far off places. Baba played a domincnt role in the lives of so many persons. The action of
this 'super star 1 , 'The Hero' of Sai Satchariui is simply superb. I humbly fold my hands before
'This Mega star of Shirdi' to keep an eye on us. So many persons were blessed with children.
So many devotees were freed from worries.
In the words of G. G. Narke "What is good for us, Baba alone knows better". The decisions
taken by Baba are always correct and unquestionable and always for the welfare of devotees.
Baba is always merciful. For our fate Baba should not be made responsible. Baba is always
correct in taking the decisions. Once Baba said, "You are all well, under the neem tree,
feeling its cool shade and spending your life happily. But here I am experiencing all your
difficulties and troubles".
Baba never broke His promise that "I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me,
who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me". The root cause for all our troubles is
nothing but our past 'Karma'. In Sai Satcharitra, we read about Baba, suffering from asihama.
On certain occasions this Mother suffered a hell; breathing had become very difficult and he
could even take his diet. Baba used to say, "Fate is 'inevitable". So is the case with Lord Sai,
where do you and me stand? Let us perform our duties religiously and pray Baba with
Shraddha and Saburi, the end result will be nothing but total salvation.
I once again humbly prostrate before 'This Shirdi Mother' to bless all.
- P. S. Purusliotlutma Rao Oncolc, A.P.
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LEAD ME EVER
Father of Fathers,
Universal father,
Benevolent father,
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Baba Sai, Father,
Lead me ever.
Leave me never.
Milk of divine kindness,
Devotees' desired happiness.
Kaliyug's Kalpaiaru,
Shridi sai Sadguru,
Disembodied soul.
Our final eternal goal,
My fortune's favour.
Great heavenly father.
My good deeds' Lord,
Lead me ever,
Leave me never.
- N. Rama Rao
Secunderabad.
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'FEEDING SAI ’
The Vaishnava temple at Akiripalli within the erstwhile Nuzvidu Zamindari is a well know
temple whose Dharmakartha was the Zamindar at Nuzvidu in Krishna District, Andhra
Pradesh. The Zamindar was a staunch devotee of the temple's Deity, Sri Lakshmi Narayana
Swamy. The Zamindar used to preserve with special care, selected mango fruits of superior
variety out of the crop of the tree near his palace and send them to the Deity as Naivedyam,
through his family priest every year. On one occasion when the priest was going by walk,
carrying with him half a dozen mango fruits specially selected and entrusted by the Zamindar
for purpose of offering the same to the Deity at Akiripalli, which is at a distance of about 15
kms from Nuzvidu, the priest suffered from great thirst and hunger, as it was mid-summer
and the mid-way was a desolate place. The priest sat under a shady tree, earnestly prayed to
the Deity to permit him to eat a couple of fruits and ate two of the six fruits to save his life
and continued his journey to Akiripalli where he handed over, the remaining four fruits to the
temple priest who offered them as Naivedyam to the Deity in a casual manner and sent them
to his house.
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Wonder of wonders the Deity appeared to the Zamindar in his dream on the following night
and clearly expressed that out of the six fruits sent by him only two fruits had reached him
and the remaining four were not accepted by him. Not knowing the significance of this
dream, the Zamindar called the family priest, who with fear approached the Zamindar and
explained, what had happened. The Zamindar, understood the significance of his dream by
construing mat the tw'o fruits consumed by the hungry soul (the family priest of the
Zamindar) had reached him direct but the remaining four fruits mechanically offered to him
by the temple priest, were not accepted by the Deity. The Zamindar was immensely pleased
with his priest and paid him his respects.
This incident was published long ago in "Sri Ramakrishna Prabha", a Tclugu Periodical
issued by Ramakrishna Math, Madras.
This anecdote had amply affirmed, SAI NATH'S dictum to his devotees that he who feeds the
hungry, really feeds him.
In chapter IX of "Shri Sai Sat Charita" we find an illustration to this dictum, Mrs. Tarkhad a
devout lady from Bombay had been staying in Shirdi doing service to Sainath. One day
before leaving for Dwarakamai, she gave a piece of bread to a hungry dog, who swallowed it
with great relish. Later at the Masjid, Baba looking at Mrs. Tarkhad said, "Mother you have
fed me sumptuously". When Mrs. Tarkhad had expressed her astonishment at the remark, not
knowing the implication of Baba's words, Baba explained that the dog to which she gave the
bread was one with him and similarly all the creatures are one with him.
In chapter XIII Baba expressed' 'Oh, Lakshmi I am very hungry". Lakshmi Bai Shinde
hurried to her house, prepared bread and curry and placed the items before Baba, who instead
of eating the same, gave the food to a dog. As Baba did not eat even a morsel of what she had
prepared with devotion, Lakshmi Bai expressed her displeasure. Baba replied "Why do you
grieve for nothing. The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as Mine. The dog has
got a soul. Know for certain that he who feeds the hungry really serves me with food."
This mysterious connection between the hungry soul and the Omnipresent Universal soul,
can be explained if we accept that JEEVATMA (Limited soul in a living being) is only a part
of Paramatma (Universal soul) and any effect caused to Jeevatma is directly felt by
Paramatma, just like the ripples caused at the fringe of water tank, will travel through out the
tank. Jeevatma must be hooked to Paramatma by regular sadhana and direct communication
is established with the Almighty, to experience the Divine Bliss.
My Sai, our Almighty bless us all.
- K. Padma Raju
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ELURU, Andhra Pradesh.
FOR SHRI SAI LEELA NEW SUBSCRIBERS
* New subscribers may enrol themselves from any month, however, they will be receiving
the issues after two months for obvious reasons.
• Subscriptions may be remitted by Money Order/Cheque/D.D. The Cheque/D.D.
should be in favour of "SHRI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, SHIRDI".
BACK TO TOP
BABA, THE GOLD SMITH
A Gold Smith goes on hammering low and hard on a raw gold piece and puts it into fire to
purify it. After purification, he makes it a very beautiful ornament liked and loved by one and
all.
Similarly our beloved Mother Baba hammers on us, her dear children, low and hard by
putting us into various troubles and humiliation. When we the Sai children bear all these
difficulties keeping constant faith on our Amma (Baba), she makes us a pure soul and
beloved man like a dazzling ornament.
So all these troubles, insults, humiliations, etc., are nothing but the small and big hammerings
of Baba on us to make us pure and glittering souls.
1. Like nights are followed by days and vice versa, the bad days are always followed by good
days. The patience i.e. Saburi and Bhakti are required to waitl and enjoy. .
2. A man who is away from pleasure is also away from pain. He is Paramahamsa. He is
Jeevan Muktha.
3. If you want to enjoy heavenly pleasure of self realisation (Sat Chit Ananda State) then you
have to forgo worldly pleasure and enjoyments.
4. All tear and anxiety are the result of desire. Head aches and heart attacks are the
consequences of desire only.
5. The food which is tasty for tounge, is bad for stomach. Similarly the activity which is most
enjoyable for physical body is more dangerous for spiritual progress.
6. Every activity in anybody's life is controlled by the unseen hand of Baba. If you divert
your mind and try to realise his hand, you can know it.
7. The richest man on the world is he who never worries for tomorrow.
Major E. B. Patro (Retd.)
Vishakhapatnam, A.P.
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BACK TO TOP
SAI BABA - RESURRECTION OF FAITH
FAITH is one of the most fundamental spiritual qualities, which any human being is expected
to possess for his steady progress in SADHANA.
The purpose of God's incarnation is to uphold this faith of man whenever it declines. This is
the meaning of "DHARMA - UDHARANA" i.e., uplifting of Dharma.
Jesus Christ always used to address the masses as "Ye, the generation of non-believers",
before commencing His Soul stirring sermons. Even before 2000 years back, man was
equally a non-believer, which is the same situation even today. Belief and Faith are the terms
conveying the same meaning and purpose. Doubling is opposite to Faith! "A man of doubt
always suffers both in this world and in the next world", says Gita.
In order to re-establish the sense of belief, and to free the man from the blinding influence of
rationalism, Jesus Christ repeatedly pronounced, "Seek the Kingdom of God. You shall gel it!
Knock the doors of Heaven, they shall be opened. Ask for it, it shall be given". These are the
most powerful statements, carrying all the vehemence and authority of experience. He
communicated the Divine experience to the rest of humanity by re-establishing the faith.
In modern era of our Indian History, we find several spiritual masters, philosophers, and
thinkers, who visualised the universal spirit in man, and broke the shackles of narrow
limitations, which degenerated us for centuries. In this context there emerged in SHIRDI an
incarnation of God and He was called SAI.
SAI BABA'S BLESSING TO HUMANITY :
SAI BABA gave no sermons. He behaved in such a way that He was taken as an unlettered
and illiterate person, being himself a repository of spiritual knowledge and God - experience.
This is only to prove that the spiritual experience is not the exclusive prerogative of the elite
community, and Sai Baba proved that this spiritual experience is the birth right of all. Baba's
day to day activity was itself an example for entire humanity. Instead of teaching values, He
used to act them, in His daily routine. His acts were living commentaries on Gita, Bible, and
Koran.
Fountain of Faith has dried up in man, Sai Baba's main task was to resuscitate this dried up
faith. His divine presence could again refill this faith in the human hearts. Sai Baba made the
man to re-establish this faith in himself first and in God next. This resurrection of faith
changed the fate of humanity. Non-believers have become believers in God, before Sai. The
entire life story of Sai Baba amply illustrates several blessed souls, who look refuge at his
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Holy Feet, and transformed themselves into Holy men. Das Ganu Maharaj, Bhakta
Mhalsapati, Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Dixit, Khaparde, and several others were such persons
who were all blessed by Sai Baba during his life Lime, by enkindling the liny lamp of faith in
them! Even after Sai Baba's Mahasamadhi, illustrious persons like Sri Narasimha Swamy
were also blessed by Sai Baba, and the real meaning of faith was experienced by them.
RESURRECTION OF FAITH :
Man's nature is to doubt and question, to contradict, and to enquire. Sai Baba was rigorously
subjected to all these rational altitudes and oppositions by the contemporary society. To the
surprise of all, Baba a Fakir, or a Sadhu as seen by them, turned to be a personified divinity.
He converted poison into nectar. He made the unhappy men happy. He poured water inio the
lamps, and lighted them without oil. His prophetic words made the world to prostrate before
His Holy Feet,
"Why fear, when I am here" "Cast all your burdens on Me. I shall bear them." "I shall protect
all, whosoever takes refuge in Me." "My help is there with you, whenever you are helpless."
"My devotees never suffer from pecuniary conditions,"
These are the prophetic words, spoken by Sai Baba and fulfilled by him during his life-lime,
and even after His Samadhi these words are equally relevant with us! These are the words
inscribed at the entrance of DWARAKAMAI MANDIR. And if we inscribe them in our
hearts, and experience their truth, then only we deserve to call ourselves as devotees with
faith. Somebody calling faith as blind-faith is not acceptable. There is no blind-faith! There is
no intellegent-faith! There is no ignorant-faith! Faith is faith. If we put our feet on a burning
charcoal, by chance unknowingly, our feet bum instantly. Who are we and what is our status
to believe or disbelieve? Let us simply call' 'SAI, "SAI, "SAI". There is an instant answer to
our call! SAI is with us! baby cat resigns itself to its mother. And the rnother-cat takes hold
of the baby-cat. Failt is like that. Sai Baba visualised to the world what faith really means.
"SRADDHA and VISWASA", "SRADDHA and SABURI" (Faith & Patience) - Sai Baba
often spoke these words! Faith is consummated in spiritual experience!
Faith is not for the sake of faith. It should transform us from earthly to the Godly State. When
we read the lives of several devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba, we clearly notice thai by words not
only they confirmed their faith, but by acts also they made their lives transformed into
blissful episodes of spiritual realities. "Sai is in me & I am in Sai. Sai is ali around me. He is
above me. I sec Sai in all. I breath Sai for my life. I touch eternal Sai in every cphemiral
matter. I smell Sai-aroma to inspire my divine consciousness. 1 taste Sai in all my sense
experiences, since my senses are now under His control. I feel Sai in my difficulties, trials
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and tribulations! Sai is my life energy". This is how the seed of faith in us should bear the
flowers and fruits of spiritual experiences! Saintly devotees like Das Ganu Maharaj expressed
this sort of affirmations as an out come of their Sai-faith.
SCIENCE AND FAITH :
Science is based on the experience of sense perception and rational evaluation, whereas faith
is not subjected and limited to the sense-obeservation! Faith is beyond The scope of senseunderstanding!
Beyond the scope of science! Result of Faith is seen only in the personal
experience!
There are several illustrations where science failed and faith worked wonders in our daily
lives. Sai Avatar has come only to teach the significance of Faith to this scientific and
technological modern man!
Here is a simple example,
My Co-Son-in-Law, Dr. P. V. Punnaiah was affected with a stomach complaint during 1970s.
Being a man of medical science he used to disbelieve the spiritual matters pertaining to Sai
Baba. Inspite of expert treatment, he became undone! At the behest of my sister-in-law, Smt.
Rukma Bai, he had to bow down before Sai Baba's photo in his house, which he used to
redicule earlier, There was instant reaction. By bowing down before Baba's Photo and taking
Udi, his stomach complaint disappeared in no lime. His experience is fantastic. It is a real
experience, but he could noi prove how it worked out medically!
This is the resurrection of faith! Now Dr. P. V. Punnaiah's life is service oriented and
spiritually represented! It is next to impossibility to count these sort of miracles resulting
from faith, being experienced by the millions of human beings in the name of Sai. Miracles
resulting from faith are innumerable and limitless!
Faith is the rock-bottom foundation on which a huge edifice of spiritual life is erected!
Faith is like a big rock built dam across the thought currents arising from our deep
consciousness. As a big stretch of water is formed behind the dam, there forms a widened
consciousness or an expanded consciousness in us. Faith successfully checks up our thought
currents and makes our minds still. From this stillness of mind we generate spiritual energy.
This is Sai energy! Soul energy!
I humbly feel that this is the blessing of Sai Baba to us, and this blessing is through the
resurrection of faith.
- Paturi Prasannam
Hyderabad.
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PLEDGE
Thou shall not preach but practice
The teachings of Sai Baba's life.
Simple living and high thinking was his goal,
Helping the oppressed was dearest to this Eternal Soul.
Cross the man-made barriers of religion, cast and creed,
Being human is the noblest deed.
Do not boast of your materialistic possession,
After all haves and have nots are Baba's creation.
Baba used to say 'fate is inevitable',
Understanding this, sorrow no more becomes intolerable.
Finally pray Baba not for achieving wordly wealth,
But for obtaining his love and grace.
Vijay U. Kshirsagar
Hon. Asst. Executive Editor
BACK TO TOP
SHRI SAI GEETAYAN - 14
THE SOVEREIGN LORD BEGS WITH A BOWL !
(The amazing manner of Baba's slumber in Dwarka was as miraculous as the lighting of
lamps with water to an ordinary observer. But to Baba il was natural expression of His
divinity. The Fakir who wore rags who was neither Hindu or Muslim, had majestic
sovereignty and siddhi wealth. In the hot hours of midday the Lord moved from door to door
begging for alms. Why was He begging for a loaf of bread, when He was-Kalpataru Himself
? Did He want Bhiksha really ? No, He was begging for love, devotion, dedication and
surrender. He was searching the inmost recesses of devotees hearts. Blessed were the
householders, who greeted Him at their door ways and donated to Him fully, willingly and
munificently their entire mind, intellect, ego and self.)
* The wonderful occurs in the mundane life. The Lord is setting out 10 beg !
* The Lord of wealth guards His treasure. The Goddess Laxmi is serving His feel. Yet the
divine Majesty spreads His hand to receive alms.
* The wonderful is taking place in material soil. The Lord is out to beg !
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* The Master holds a zoli in His hands and moves from door to door. All quarters are dusky
with the dusts blowing with the wind.
* The wonderful occurs in the mundane world. The Lord sets out to beg ! "Part with a loaf of
bread", prays the Master at each door .step ! The riches itself dons the attire of a Fakir and
works wonders !
* The wonderful occurs on earth's soil. The Lord goes out to beg • He is the Master, Who
etches a line of fate on the forehead and at the same time suspends the working of destiny by
His own volition for He is the Supreme Lord of the world of creation.
* Yet He is begging at each door. The wonder ! The Master is out to beg ! This idol of
compassion represents the distress of the hungry world ! Only the wise know that this is
Brahman itself set out to beg !
* His majesty is Kalpalaru Himself. It is our fortune that He is standing at our door. Does He
care for a loaf of bread ? He is searching the hearts of devotees. The wonder unfolds, the
Master is out to beg !
* This is the Lord of three worlds, what can the donors donate to Him ? Light the lamp of
devotion and donate to Him your lovelorn heart. This moment would never return. This
opportunity will not come back. Part with everything you have. Part with your mind, Buddhi,
ego and self. Be at the feel of the great Master, at the feet of compassion incarnate.
(Adapted from Marathi song)
- Chakor Ajgaonkar
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THE SAVIOUR OF SHIRDI
H is not at all possible even to the 'thousand tongued serpent God Adiseshu' to narrate the
leclas of Baba. Gradually 'Sayin Maharaj' is showing His 'Viswarupa' and dragging His
sparrows from 'Aslik to Naslik', from every nook and corner of the world. All are being
attracted and dragged to the 'abode of this Universal God' with 'Sai fever' for 'Sai Krupa'. All
the Sai bandhus may kindly excuse me to use the word 'Sai fever' which I have used in good
sense only, I feel hope and trust that everybody will agree with my argument.
Even though He took Mahasamadhi in 1918, Sai Saheb left no heir or disciple, which we will
have to remember for ever. In the case of emergency personally, and physically 'Sai Deva' is
still attending towards His devotees as Mother alone knows the welfare of her children.
Let us once again recollect and remember the assurances of Baba to His devotees. 1) No
harm shall be fall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi. 2) He who comes to my
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Samadhi, his sorrows and sufferings shall cease. 3) Though 1 be no more in flesh and blood, I
shall ever protect my devotees. 4) Trust in me and your prayer shall be answered. 5) Know
that my spirit is immortal, know this for thyself. It requires no publicity or propaganda to 'this
Magnet of Shirdi' as they are cent percent true.
After having darshan of Baba at Shirdi on 23-2-89 Thursday and 24-2-89 Friday our tourist
bus was returning to our home town, Ongloe, Andhra Pradesh, On the morning of 26-2-89
Sunday, our bus reached 'Nagarjuna Sagam Dam' noted as the 'world's biggest masonary
dam'. In the curve one loaded lorry was coming towards our. bus side. When our bus driver
tried to give way to that vehicle, he could come to know about the failure of vacuum brake as
well as hand brake and lost his grip on the bus.
On the right side of the road there was steep, deep slope leading to valley. On the left side
there were hillocks. Even through confused, the driver did not loose presence of mind and
made the bus run left side into a pit with full of big stones and thorny bushes so that there is a
possibility for survival to some extent. At that time it was 7.50 hours in the morning. The bus
got into that ditch and began to dance in whatever way it liked. During that time in the bus
some were chit chatting and some were drowsy. I was sitting in the last seal, so 1 did not
know what was happening.
Gradually everybody could come to their senses and understood that the 'count down' has
stared in the life. During distress only we remember God and more or less it has become a
tradition or custom. We have also observed the same rule. When the people in the bus
realised that they are stepping into the 'black hole' everybody began to cry 'Baba, Sai Baba'.
The bus made all the trials to come out from the pit. It dashed the cement pillar, which was
broken and the speed of the bus was lessened. Even though the front portion of the bus was
totally damaged, the two front wheels could climb the road and stopped. If the back wheels
would have followed the front wheels the bus might have gradually slipped into the valley
and we can imagine the scene. Finally we managed to come out from the bus.
It is my sincere opinion that even though it was the 'Abhishekam time' of Baba at Shirdi, the
time being 7.50 A'.M. this 'so called mad old fakir', did not keep quiet and ran to us with a
single call, not caring for Himself like 'Sri Hah' in 'Gajendra Moksha' to save his devotee
'Gajendra' from crocodile, showed his 'Viswarupa' and by stretching and spreading not of his
four hands but all of His hands saved all of us, as if under the care of a mother in her lap
without even minor injuries. As everybody was shocked, it took quite sometime to come to
the senses from this dramatic scene. Everybody simply folded their hands with tears shedding
for the pains taken by Baba to come all the way from Shirdi to This 'danger one'.
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But simply leaving us on the road 'Sai Deva' did not wash off His hands. Even though it was
a very busy traffic road, some lorry driver without any load, came to us, gave us courage,
solaced us and look all of us in his lorry to bus junction. There the Road Transport
Corporation authorities initially expressed their inability to provide a bus for us with a single
fare.
Here also Baba did not leave us to our fate and with the intervention of some officers, with
single fare only a brand new special bus was arranged and we reached home very happily like
a marriage party instead of being brought in 'coffins' from the 'check post of death' to our
home. Thus Baba stood on His promise "If, it requires I will offer even my head to save my
devotees". We know mat Baba always used to utter 'Allah Malik' and said that He is 'slave to
God'. The circumstances made us feel that now the lime has come to rewrite the statement of
Baba as "Baba is our Allah Mallik and He is slave to His devotees".
Thus this 'Sarvantaryami', even though not physically present, does not leave His 'sparrows'
even now. Through this can it not be confirmed that Baba is ever living?
- P. S. Purushothama Rao
BACK TO TOP
DAKSHINA'
An offering of cash, clothes or other personal effects by a 'Shishya' to his 'Guru’, with respect
and reverence, is known as 'Dakshina', Giving of 'dakshina' is accompanied with a resolve to
follow the teachings of the guru, unquestiongly and without hitch & Hindrance in order to
learn and assimilate the wisdom of the Guru, in the shortest possible time. The gurus feel
honoured by this gesture. Giving of dakshina has been an essential part of the ‘ Guru-shishyaparampara'
of our country since times immemorial in all branches of learning viz. arts, crafts,
eduction and other similar activities.
In the case of Shirdi Sai Baba, however there was a difference in the observance of this
custom. Baba would Himself ask for Dakshina, from some of those who went to Him and His
demand of Dakshina had some special features which baffled many people eg. asking
dakshina repeatedly from the same person till he was left with nothing to give, or to ask from
someone who had nothing to give to start with itself. These and Some other features were
characteristic of Baba and associated with Him alone, because we do not come across anyone
else in the saintly order who would have done so. Since every action of Baba was of great
significance and for the benefit of the people, people tried to understand the underlying
reasons for Baba's action. Sai Satcharita and other books on Sai Baba have many references
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to this manner of Baba asking for Dakshina and these provide an insight into the matter. But
like every other thing about Baba, nothing is conclusive about Him, and new concepts and
new possibilities go on presenting themselves endlessly, as we lead and contemplate about
Him. Needless to say, this aspect of Baba's nature, is one such matter which must continue to
be studied generation after generation. In the Sai Satcharita it is said, "It is well known fact
that Baba always asked for Dakshina from people who went to see Him". Somebody may ask
a question, if Baba was a Fakir and perfectly non-attached, why should He ask for Dakshina
and care for money.
We shall consider the question broadly now. First for a long time Baba did not accept
anything. He stored burnt matches and filled His pocket with them. He never asked anything
from anybody. If anybody placed before Him a paisa or two, He purchased oil or tobacco. He
was fond of tobacco as he always smoked a Bidi or Chillim (a clay piple). Then some persons
thought they could not see the saint empty handed and they therefore placed some copper
coins before Him. If a paisa was placed before Him, He would immediately pocket it. If it
was a two paise coin it was returned immediately. Alter Baba's fame spread for and wide,
people began to flock in numbers and Baba began to ask for Dakshina from them too. In
order to teach the devotees a lesson in charity and the remove their attachment to money and
thus to purify their minds, Baba extracted Dakshina from them. He had to give back hundred
times more of what He received." The above passage explains the reasons for Baba's asking
for Dakshina by trying to remove peoples' attachment for money, he was striking at the root
of several impediments which come in the way of spiritual progress.
Another special feature of Baba's asking for Dakshina was that he would ask from some and
not from others, as it happened in the case of Kaka Mahajani's friend who went IQ Baba on
Kaka's insistence. Baba asked for Dakshina from Kaka twice but not from his friend. On
being asked the reason for doing so, Baba explained that He did not want to interfere in the
beliefs of individuals specially in the matter of their attitudes towards Him. In this case the
friend was a believer in 'Nirakar' worship and did not want to bend in obeisance to Baba.
Quite different to this was the case of Ganpatrao Bodus, from who Baba kepi on asking for
Dakshina tell he was left with nothing more to give. Only those with unflinching faith can
stand this test and Bodus did so. He was amply rewarded as we all know, because he had lot
of money coming to him in later years of his life. How true -- Baba had to give hundred times
more than He received!
Yet another feature of Dakshina, was that Baba made demand from someone who had no
money to give, as known already to Baba due to His omniscient nature. It happened thus way
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in the case of Mrs. R. A. Tarkhand from whom Baba asked for Dakshina of six. Baba's
demand was not for money, but for the surrender of six human vices - "the Shadripus" -- So
Baba continued to extract money and other vices from the hearts of people whom He loved in
order to reduce their attachment towards these.
Baba's habit of asking for Dakshina was inextricably linked with another of His habit viz.
distributing the sacred ash of the divine fire in Dwarakamayi - the 'Udi'. Whosoever went to
Baba to take His leave was given Udi by Him with His own hands. The sacred fire in
Dwarakamayi is reminder of the transient nature of our lives on this earth. It is as though
Baba wanted to impart this lesson to everyone that like firewood our bodies too have to be
confinced to the fire and therefore one must develop discrimination between the real and the
unreal. The money which came to Baba as 'Dakshina' was used for The purchase of fuelwood
for the "Dhuni" and the "Udi" of this "Dhuni" was distributed freely to the visitors. Thus,
through "Dakshina", Baba exhorted His people to discriminate between good and evil and to
understand the transient nature of our lives on this earth.
The whole concept of Dakshina can be best understood in the words of Baba himself, "If I
lake one rupee as Dakshina from anybody, I have to return it tenfold to him. I never ask
anyone indiscriminately. I only ask and take from him whom the Fakir (my Guru) points out.
If anyone is indebted formerly to the Fakir, money is received from him. The donor gives i.e.
sows his seeds only to reap a rich harvest in future. Wealth should be a means to work out
Dharma. If it is used for personal enjoyment it is wasted. Unless you have given it before you
do not get it now. So the best way to receive is to give. The giving of Dakshina advances "
Vairagya'' (non-attachment) and thereby Bhakta and Jnana. Give one and receive ten fold."
The above words of Baba explain clearly why He laid so much stress on giving of Dakshina.
Baba had His special way of giving 'Upadesha' -- not lengthly discourses but straightforward
statements full of logic and conviction.
This Saint of Shirdi was visited by thousands of people from far and near in later years of His
sojourn at Shirdi, and got big amounts as 'Dakshina'. But strangely enough He left this world
as a pauper with no earthly processions, Bank balances or Trusts etc. Whatever He recieved
during the day, He distributed the next day amongst the poor and the needy. His total
renunciation -- "Fakir" - in His own words - impresses the common man most. One is kept
wondering whether there really lived in flesh and blood someone who loved His fellowmen
so dearly and whose every action was for their emancipation.
S. B. Mathur
New Delhi.
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BACK TO TOP
REALM OF SADHANA
- Chakor Ajgaonkaji
TOWARDS LIFE DIVINE - 14
(Continued from May 1990)
I have elaborated in details the principle behind the sadhana of purifying body, mind, buddhi
and ego and turning the face of life away from the sense objects. This is preparatory sadhana
in an aspirant's life. No sadhana can start without this essential background. I have therefore
harped again and again on these points in my past articles. Let us now have a direct look on
the advance stage of study to (1) install saguna in pure mind (2) manifest the stream of
devotion in the control of senses.
BHAVA, EGO, SAMKALPA, CONTEMPLATION, AWARENESS, CREATION
A sadhaka has to establish the important process of purifying his ego and installing God in
the heart by discipline. In short the sadhaka treads on from individual devotion to the
universal sham bhava or viralodaya bhava. He has to climb many steps to reach this goal.
The speech (Vaikhari) help the mind on this path with the methods such as mantra, nama,
recitation of japa etc. The word before it manifests, u is dormant in the form of "Madhyama".
The wordless bhava is called "Pastiyanti." The para or the supreme speech manifest in
silence. There are stages in the sadhana which lead him from outer speech" Vaikhari to
wordless speech "Paravani."
(to be continued)
BACK TO TOP
JUNE 1990 HIGHLIGHTS
Date Day Highlights
2 Saturday -- Ganga Dashahara, Gangavatar, Yajnawalkya Jayanti
4 Monday -- Nirjala Ekadashi, Champaka Dvadashi
5 Tuesday -- Bhaumapradosha, Thvikram-pujan, Savitri-vratarambha (Paurnimant)
6 Wednesday— Shivarajyabhishcka-dina, Shivshaka 317
7 Thursday -- Savitri-vralasamapti
8 Friday - Valapaurnima, Sun enters Mruga Nakshatra
9 Saturday -- Guru Hargobindas birthday
10 Sunday -- Trinity Sunday
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12 Tuesday -- Angaraka-samkashla Chaturthi
15 Friday -- Sun enters Mithuna, Rajas Samkranti
19 Tuesday -- Yogini Ekadashi
20 Wednesday -- Pradosha
21 Thursday -- Sun enters Tropical Cancer, Shivaratri, Vidyaranyaswami Punyatithi
22 Friday - Bharatiya Ashadha, Sun enters Ardra Nakshatra, Amavasya
23 Saturday -- Ashadha begins
24 Sunday -- Sri Rama-rathotsava
25 Monday -- Julhija
26 Tuesday -- Vinayaka Chaturthi (Angarka-yoga)
28 Thursday -- Kumara Shashiht, Vivasvat Saptami
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