Photos of shirdi sai baba and his devotees

pictures of devotees of sai baba

abdul baba

Abdul Baba came to Shirdi in around 1890 from a poor family and through a fakir who received instructions in a dream to send him. Baba greeted him with the curious words "My crow has come".
He was a dedicated worker and it was he who cleaned the mosque, washed Baba's clothes and collected water. He swept the streets outside the mosque, lit the lamps in Lendi and obeyed Baba's instructions to the letter.
Baba took care of his welfare, and often had him reading aloud passages from the Koran

Bayajabai Kote Patil

Bayajabai was Tatya's mother and the family had a close association with Baba from the very beginning and Baba saw her as a sister always addressing her as such. On first meeting him she vowed she would not take food until Baba had eaten.
In the early days Baba did not stay in one place but roamed around and so Bayajabai would carry the food in a basket on her head and go in search of him. Only when he had been fed would she be satisfied.
In later years as if to save her the bother of finding him, Baba settled down in the mosque and hers was one of the handful of houses that he went to beg.

Bhagoji Shinde

Bhagoji Shinde suffered from leprosy but this never deterred Baba from keeping him close by. He regularly accompanied Baba on his walk to Lendi gardens carrying a parasol to give him shade.
Once when Baba thrust his hand into the dhuni (the sacred fire) and was badly burnt (thus saving the life of a devotees' baby), Bhagoji was allowed to clean and dress the wound with a bandage.
Even though Baba lived for a further eight years after the incident, Bhagoji would daily continue the ritual of bandaging Baba's arm long after it had healed.

Das Ganu Maharaj

Dasganu was originally in police service and it was during this time that Nana Chandorkar took him to see Sai Baba. From the very first, Baba tried to get Das Ganu to quit the service, but he always found an excuse. It was only after a series of disasters had befallen him that he vowed to give it up.
Baba rarely allowed him into the mosque but rather sent him to the Vittal Temple where he stayed and wrote about the lives of saints and composed kirtans (devotional songs) which he sang with great feeling.
After he finally gave up his work, Baba advised him to settle in Nanded, which he did, and he became well known for beauty of his kirtans which inspired many to seek Baba's darshan

annasaheb dadholkar

Annasaheb Dabholkar is most notably known for being the author of the beloved work The Sri Sai Satcharitra. He lived in Bombay and, although he was not a greatly educated man, he rose to being a magistrate in the Bombay government. He was a poet by heart and long before he began his noted work, which he started in 1922 with Baba's blessings and completed it in 1926. It was Baba who called him Hemadpant after a well known 13th century poet

harisitaram dixit

Kakasaheb Dikshit was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, which he served as a Member of the Working Committee. He was a close associate of Phiroj Shah Mehta, known for his moderate views. Dadasaheb Khaparde was another important leader of the Indian National Congress. He was considered to be the "right hand" of Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, well known for his extreme political views with in the Congress party. When these two important functionaries of Congress Party came under the influence of Sai Baba, their divergent views got mellowed down and gradually they came to appreciate the need for a common unified approach for getting Independence from British. It was due to the efforts of both these leaders who came to an understanding under the influence of Sai Baba that Indian National Congress finally chalked out the strategy to fight for the total independence of the country

G. S. Khaparde(Dadsaheb Khaparde)

Dadasaheb Khaparde was an influencial advocate of Amraoti in Maharashtra taking an active part in public life as a great orator and member of the Legislative Assembly. He first came to Shirdi in December 1910 and it was Sri Sai Baba who drew him out of that life and onto the spiritual path. In his diary he wrote,“ Sri Sai Baba’s smile was so charming that one could wait a lifetime in Shirdi for a glimpse of that bewitching smile”.He is immortalised in the minds of Sai devotees because of the wonderful diary that he left behind in which he habitually recorded the day's happenings and which have been published as the Shirdi Diary.

Laxmibai Shinde

Laxmibai Shinde was well-to-do woman, who worked in the masjid day and night. Except Bhagat Mhalasapati, Tatya and Laxmibai, none was allowed to step in the Masjid at night

Bhagat Mahalsapati

Mahalsapati was the one who owes the name of Saibaba as we know it today. He uttered 'Ya Sai,' when Baba made His first appearance at the Khandoba temple along with the marriage party of Chandbhai. Saibaba used to call Mahalsapati 'Sonarda,' and later on 'Bhagat' i.e. close disciple

Nanasaheb Chandorkar

Nana Chandorkar was among the most prominent devotees. A Deput Collector by profession, he had the distinction of being one of the very few disciples that Baba directly called to his side.

MadhavRao Deshpande

MadhavRao Deshpande was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.he was told to be very favourite of baba .

Tatya Kote Patil

Tatya Kote Patil occupies a special place in the history of Shirdi and Sai Baba ,and many of his descendants are active in the local community. Sometimes referred to as Baba's "pet" devotee. Tatya had a unique relationship with the saint and was under his wing from the age of about seven. While most devotees were attracted to Baba because of his powers and what he could give them, Tatya related to Baba in a personal and human way.Tatya's parents had been among the very first to recognise Baba, although Baba had the appearance of a fakir and, to many, seemed to be a madman. The moment Baba saw Bayajabai, Tatya's mother, he said, "She has been my sister for the last seven births" For her part, Bayajabai was immediately very drawn to baba, even before his powers or saintliness had been revealed. Having once met him, she would never eat without having first fed Sai. At that time Baba was roaming in the fields and every day Bayajabai would go and search for him, carrying food, baba never forgot this service, and took loving care of her son. Later, when Baba was begging regularly for his food, the Patil's house was one of the five to which he mostly went

Bibliography

Hardgrove, Anne. 1994.
"The Life and Teachings of Sai Baba or Shirdi." The Journal of Asian Studies. Nov. p. 1306.
Kamath, M.V., and V.B. Kher. 1991.

Sai Baba of Shirdi: a Unique Saint. Bombay: Jaico Publishing House.
Kirkland, R. 1997.

"Religions of India in practice." Journal of the American Academy of Religion. 65 pp. 230-234.
Melton, J. Gordon. 1996.

Encyclopedia of American Religions. Detroit: Gale. p. 868.
Murphet, Howard. 1978.

Sai Baba Avatar. India: Macmillan Company of India Limited.
Myers, Helen. 1994.

"Singing with Sai Baba: The Politics of Revitalization in Trinidad." American Ethnologist. Nov. p. 1099.
Narasimhaswamiji, H. H. 1966.

Devotees' Experiences of Sri Sai Baba. Mylapore: All India Sai Samaj.
Rigopoulos, Antonio. 1993.

The Life and Teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi. New York: State University of New York.
Ruhela, S.P., and Duane Robinson. 1976.

Sai Baba and his Message. Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd.

Shirdi Sai baba biography

Name: Shirdi Sai Baba (group)

Literal meaning: Shirdi is a village in India and Sai Baba is "divine mother and father" or the "divine God." a.k.a S.A.I. Foundation or Sai Organization

Founder: Sathya Sai Baba

Date of Birth: November 23, 1926

Birth Place: Puttaparthi, South India

Year Founded: Sathya Sai Baba declared his religious mission on October, 29, 1940.

History: Shirdi Sai Baba's family were believers of the Hindu tradition;

His original name was Sathya Narayan Raju. Shortly after he was born, legend says that strange things began to happen in his house such as musical instruments playing by themselves and a cobra snake appearing next to the infant, doing him no harm.When he became fourteen, Sathya Narayan Raju proclaimed that he was the incarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi village and from then, he went by that name. This first Sai Baba, a holy man and miracle worker, laid the foundation for the Muslim-Hindu unity and was influenced to teach the Hindu traditions and emphasize certain parts of the text. Before his death in 1918, he had proclaimed that he would be reborn eight years later; the second Sai Baba was born exactly eight years later. Thus, the present Sai Baba had to continue his mission of turning people toward God and urging them to lead moral lives as well as build a world community based on peace. (Robinson, 1976: 4-9)

Sacred or Revered Texts: Sai Baba and his followers quote and study the Koran, the Muslim religious text, but more importantly, they follow texts from the Vedas. The Vedas are ancient scriptures comprised of four stories written by great seers. (Murphet, 1978: 288) The Upanishads, religious stories in the Vedas, and the Purana, supplements to the Vedas, along with many other writings influence the teachings of Sai Baba. These texts incorporate a variety of themes from religious endeavors, mythology of the Gods, philosophy, history, political treatises, entertaining religious folk tales, and other stories stressing devotion to the Gods. (Rigopoulos, 1993: 261-263)

Cult or Sect: Negative sentiments are typically implied when the concepts "cult" and "sect" are employed in popular discourse. Since the Religious Movements Homepage seeks to promote religious tolerance and appreciation of the positive benefits of pluralism and religious diversity in human cultures, we encourage the use of alternative concepts that do not carry implicit negative stereotypes. For a more detailed discussion of both scholarly and popular usage of the concepts "cult" and "sect," please visit our Conceptualizing "Cult" and "Sect"page, where you will find additional links to related issues.

Size of Group: In 1993, Rigopoulos reported that there were close to ten million devotees. (p. 377) Today, there are 1,200 Sai Baba Centers for promoting the religion in 137 different countries. Another source says that there are over 6500 Sai Baba Centers in different countries. A few gurus such as Narayana Baba made several trips to Europe and the United States to spread the mission of Sai Baba. Though it did not reach high popularity in the U.S., the gurus were still able to teach many of the religious concepts. (Rigopoulos, 1993: 375)More recently, in 1967, lectures on Sai Baba were given at the University of California and interest in this group began. During the 1970s, the pace of the movement grew and Melton reports a growing number of groups in North America, especially the United States. In addition, Sai Baba's group formed a S.A.I. foundation in California and they also publish a Sathya Sai Newsletter there. (Melton, 1996: 868)

Contemporary Issues: There have been several reports indicating that Sai Baba's claim to be able to perform magical tricks is false. Committees for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal video taped his performances conclude that they are plain magic tricks.

II. Beliefs of the Group
IntroductionSai Baba believes that he is a reincarnate of the original Sai Baba and thus continues his teachings. He believes strongly in the one God and encourages others to do so through devotion. Most of his ideas are based on the Hindu tradition but he takes a more practical approach; he expands the context to include doing pious works and helping the world. Thus, he and many of his followers do volunteer service in India and other countries. Below are more details of his beliefs.

Dedication to the Guru and GodIn the Sai Baba religion, there is only one true God although he is called by many names: Allah by the Muslims, Krishna or Vishnu by the Hindus, or Lord by the Christians. It does not matter what people call him as long as they believe in him because only an unreligious person is wrong. Thus, Sai Baba welcomes all religions and encourages unity although he mainly takes his ideas from Hinduism.Guru is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) word meaning teacher. In this case, Sai Baba is the teacher who leads his followers on the path of God. Followers must be devoted and hold trust in the Guru. They must also offer puja, religious offerings such as food, to God. There is a spiritual progress, or a bond of the guru and disciple, in the process of Bhakti; Bhakti is when God communicates to the devotee and the devotee participates in the love by offering himself only to God. Sai Baba is a divine incarnation (not God himself) destined to be the intermediary in this process. Devotion to God is foremost important and it can come in many forms.

The forms are:

1) Repeating God's name, or mantras, many times.

2) Reading holy texts or listening to religious talks.

3) Singing God's hymns while talking about his exploits.

4) Deep contemplation or meditation called dhyana

5) Murmuring passages from the Scriptures.

6) Sitting quietly and clearing the mind to attain moksha.(Rigoplouso, 1993: 270-285)

The Knowledge to attain EnlightenmentEnlightenment is what most Sai Baba (and Hindu) followers strive to achieve. Enlightenment is a spiritual process in which the devotee is "one with God" and will have eternal life when he dies. To gain Enlightenment, the follower must have pious faith and resignation toward the Guru; direct all his thoughts, feelings, and actions toward God; he can no longer think of himself as an individual or think of material rewards; act like he is totally vulnerable at the grace of God; and surrender all material things and live in near poverty.

Sai Baba himself begs for food sometimes and lives in old huts around India.Knowledge of God or religion is the most important value that a person can have. One cannot become smart by knowing material subjects such as the sciences but he can only become smart by reading the scriptures and following it. Knowing Enlightenment and devotion to God is the ultimate knowledge. People's flesh and bodies are nothing; it is their eternal conscience which matters and if they direct it toward God, their thoughts and actions will be noble. In fact, Sai Baba encourages people to help others more than just sitting and praying. Sai Baba strongly encourages people to follow moral and good behavior each day and follow the values of truth, proper conduct, peace, selflessness, nonviolence, and morality. Therefore, the followers of Sai Baba strongly believe in doing good deeds. (Rigoplouso, 1993: 285-290)

Sai Baba's Beliefs through ActionSai Baba believes that good action and helping people is more important than sitting down and simply praising God. All followers should act with love, care, and selflessness and dedicate themselves to helping people. Sai Baba strongly encourages helping the helpless and needy around the world. He mostly concentrates his work in India but he has traveled to Africa to do work. He has opened schools, hospitals, and helped to transport food and water to the needy in India.

He has also completed several other innumerable works and several community projects for India in education, health, and teaching people the Sai Baba religion. He also has an ashram, a complex for promoting religious studies and education. He does not believe in getting merit or praise for his work. His bigger goals are to create a spiritual change in each man in the whole world to believe in God. He wants to build a world community based on peace and love where people help each other by working together. God will be the being who binds all the people of the world in one "family." (Robinson, 1976: 138) Today, all the centers in the 137 countries work to promote the religion and do good deeds.

Sai Baba's MagicSince Sai Baba claims that he is an reincarnation, he also can perform certain magic tricks to prove his divinity. He can raise the dead, produce gold things from his hand, recover from serious illnesses and poisonous bites, and cure extremely ill people. Religious witnesses claim other specific instances such as him converting water into oil, sleeping on a plank held by threads hung to the ceiling, and making coins smooth out by simply speaking. Sai Baba states that the soul of the original Sai Baba is helping him perform these feats; these ideas and tricks were always part of the original Hindi tradition.
(Narasimhaswamiji, 1966: 48)

ConclusionTherefore,
Sai Baba's group is not only a religious sect but they benefit the world through their charitable works. It is an outgoing and sharing sect based on devotion, belief, and love. Their dedication to God motivates them to serve. As Sathya Sai Baba says, "there is only one religion, the religion of love. There is only one language, the language of the heart. There is only one race, the race of humanity. There is only one God, and He is omnipresent."

Sai Baba of Shirdi never sleeps ........

I Was reading an interview of Sri Martand Mhalsapati, the son of Mhalsapati, the devotee of Sai Baba who accompanied Sai Baba most of the time and also slept with Sai Baba in Masjid (Dwarkamai) and Chavadi.

Martand Mhalsapati's age was around 100 years while this interview was taken. On questioning about how long he served Sai Baba the answer was that he served Sai Baba with his father (Mhalsapati, Much known devotee of Sai Baba) till the age of 45 years.

One of the questions put to him was that It is said that Sa Baba was never seen sleeping. They say that He was always awake! What would you like to say?Answer : Sai Baba use to lie down in half-lying posture, supporting his head on his hand thus only relaxing.

My father (Mhalsapati) use to press his limbs. Some times my father felt drowsy in the middle of the night and the pressure of the hands on Sai Baba's limbs relaxed Sai Baba would strike him with his Satka Satka : (Short Stick which Sai Baba always use to keep with him, one of which was presented to Mhalsapati, and can still be seen at Mhalsapati's home in Shirdi and other one is kept in Samadhi Mandir (Temple) and on every Thursdays kept with Sai Baba's footwear at the feet of Idol with the picture placed in Chavadi, all of this taken in a huge procession after the night Arati, from Samadhi Temple to Chavadi again).

The posture of head resting on hand in half lying posture brings the similar posture of lord Vishnu shown in pictures, that of Gautam Buddha and few more enlightened souls.Also Sai Baba of Shirdi is known for the unique, miraculous, activities. Which brings to the mind the mention of Sai Baba sleeping on the plank of wood suspended, on the ceiling of the Masjid.

In Sai SatCharitra it is stated that " Mr. Nanasaheb Dengale brought, for Sai Baba, a wooden plank, amount 4 cubits in length and only a span in breath, for sleeping upon." :) this brings to mind, that what was it that inspired Nanasaheb Dengale to bring such a piece of wood to sleep upon and seeing the size mentioned, it would in no way a comfortable place to sleep on.

And Sai Baba, no wonder he was consider Crazy Fakir in the beginning and even afterwards by very few, accepted and hung it like a swing with few slender pieces of torn clothes. Das Ganu Maharaj another eminent devotee of Sai Baba of Shirdi, who had witnessed Sai Baba sleeping upon this plank wondered how the plank was suspended so high i.e. about 7 to 8 feet above the floor and 1 to two cubits below the roof.

We can still see the place where it was hung in Dwarkamai it we care to look upward just after the Dhuni ends and in front of the Nimbar.Also it is mentioned that four earthen lamps were put loosely on the four corners of the plank. The strength of the rags with which the plank was suspended were just good enough to bear the weight of the plank and the earthen lamps placed on them. This shows us the command of Sai Baba over his physical body.

Firstly it would have needed aviation of the body to reach on the plank, and also aviation required to stay on the plank looking at the strength of the rags that supported the plank, also the loosely put earthen lamp would fall down on the slightest swing we can assume. Sai Baba would have been staying there with aviation of his physical body and bestowing grace for his devotees from there.

Naturally after few people of Shirdi including Das Ganu saw Sai Baba sleeping in this unusual manner, people began to wonder how Sai Baba climbed up the plank and came down but none could discovered it, upon people trying to see this wonderful and miraculous feat, Sai Baba one day got enraged and broke the plank and threw it away and continued to sleep(?) on the floor.

Also mentioned in Sri Sai SatCharitra chapter 45 "Once Baba was describing the greatness or importance of this plank to Kakasaheb. Hearing this the latter said to Sai Baba "If You still love the wooden plank, I will again suspend or hang up one in the Masjid again for You to sleep at ease." Sai Baba replied - "I won't like to sleep up, leaving Mhalasapati down on the ground." Then Kakasaheb said "I will provide another plank for Mhalasapati." Sai Baba "How can he sleep on the plank? It is not easy to sleep up on the plank. He who has many good qualities in him can do so.

He who can sleep 'with his eyes wide open' can effect that. When I go to sleep I ask often Mhalasapati to sit by My side, place his hand on My heart and watch the 'chanting of the Lord's name' there, and if he finds Me sleepy, wake Me up. He can't do even this. He himself gets drowsy and begins to nod his head. When I feel his hand heavy as a stone on My heart and cry out - 'Oh Bhagat', he moves and opens his eyes. How can he, who can't sit and sleep well on the ground and whose asana (posture) is not steady and who is a slave to sleep, sleep high up on a plank?

After reading the above paragraph, i always try this while sleeping, i try to sleep with the awareness on the body posture but at the time of sleep the heaviness and unconsciousness start taking the charge, as it becomes heavy on the body the awareness is shifted on the brain and the chanting of Sai Baba's name or his picture of the grace is kept, until the unconsciousness takes over till the what we term as awakening happens the next morning. :)

Shirdi Weather
Climate: Dry Climate Temperature: Max - 400C, Min - 70C Monsoon: Scanty rains (June - August)

Shirdi is located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra on latitude 19°45' N and longitude 74°25' E. This pilgrim spot has mostly dry climate and during summers the temperature can be quite volatile. During summers you can expect the temperature shooting as high as 400C in the month of May. Winters can be cold in Shirdi, with January often showing temperature dipping to as low as 70C.

Shirdi has the most pleasant weather during Monsoons, between June and August. It is the time when the surroundings of Shirdi turn fecund and greenery is all round. However, Monsoons in Shirdi are mild with scanty rains and hence they come as a pleasant respite that never gets ruined with excess of rains. In fact Monsoons are the best time when you can plan your visit to Shirdi. Amidst the drizzling you can pay homage to Saibaba and participate in all the activities without bothering about sweat.

Weather and overall climate of Shirdi is quite tolerable; however, those hailing from cold countries may find it slightly upsetting if they happen to tread in here in the summer. Wear comfy clothes with cotton fabric. Loose garments are preferable; one must respect India's dressing sense and they should not be offensive to anyone's sensibilities.

Excursions around Shirdi


Pilgrims visit Shirdi to make a mark in their spiritual journey. This holy land becomes a turning point in the lives of many devotees. Coming to this holy land is also an invitation to visit many religious sites that will interest you. About 75kms from Shirdi lies Nashik, another of major holy cities of India. You could also venture out to Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad about 144kms from Shirdi. There are many more significant religious and tourist destinations that will make your pilgrimage to Shirdi even more worth cherishing.


Sakori


Close to Shirdi is Sakori at a distance of about 5kms. Sakori is a very special place and popular among pilgrims for its Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan. You can come here for peace and tranquility. Founded by Upasani Baba in 1917, Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan reverberates with positive energy that can be felt by anyone. Shri Sai Baba took him as his Param Shishya, meaning Astute Devotee.


Shanisinghnapur


Shanisinghnapur is a village that is the holy seat Lord Shani. Another important pilgrim spot near to Shirdi, Shanisinghnapur is about 70 km from here Shirdi. Here the devotees themselves can perform pooja and abhishek on any day at Shari Shaneshvar tirtha. Amavasya or the no moon day, which falls on a Saturday, is considered to be most auspicious. On such a day lakhs of devotees from all corners of the country come to receive blessings of Shri Shanidev. On every Shani Amavasya a yatra is held with great fanfare. One unique quality about this village is that there are no doorframes or locks in any of the houses. It is said that it's because of Lord Shani's blessings that there is no fear of crime in the village.


Nashik




Nashik is among the most holy places that evokes a personality of its own. Rich in mythological connotations with great historical and cultural significance, Nashik is about 75 km from Shirdi. Here you can visit several of temples and religious spots making your spiritual journey lively and fulfilling. Among the temples you could visit Panchavati with five sacred banyan trees and Sita Gumpha. You can also visit Naroshankar Temple built in an architectural style of Maya. Kalaram Temple is dedicated to Kala Ram built with black stones. Sundarnarayan Temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge. In addition to many temples and religious places, Nashik also has Shri Kailas Math, one of the Vedas Schools in Nashik.


Ajanta and Ellora Caves


About 144kms from Shirdi are the world famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. As the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage, these caves are located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora caves are the world heritage sites famous for the cave shrines that are cut out of rock, all by hand. There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta. And all are sheer outstanding specimens of Indian architectural excellence.

Festivals in Shirdi

Ramnavami : March/April
Guru Purnima : July
Shirdi Vijayadashmi (Sri Sai Punyatithi) October

Festivals are great time to visit Shirdi of Saibaba. There are three major festivals that are held in Shirdi attracting thousands of devotees from across the world. The three major festivals celebrated at Shirdi are Ramnavami, Guru Purnima and Shirdi Vijayadashmi. All these festivals are celebrated all across India with equal zest and excitement but at Shirdi they have some other significance. All these festivals have their special distinction to them in the way they are celebrated in the other parts of India. The distinction is the association of Saibaba himself which add to these festivals all new and exciting verve to them.

Ramnavami

Ramanavi is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great excitement and fanfare. In the year 1897 Goplarao Gund proposed holding in Urus in name of Saibaba in gratitude of a child which he was granted after so many childless years. Saibaba conceded to celebrate his urus on the condition that it be celebrated on Ramnavami. This was indeed an ingenious touch of Saibaba bringing together the Hindus and Muslims together. People may know Urus is a Muslim festival that is celebrated to honor a saint.

You can come to participate in Ramanavami at Shirdi, celebrated every year in March or April. This shows the kind of communal harmony that weaves people of different faiths at Shirdi. Ramnavami has equal and enthusiastic participation of both Hindus and Muslims. In Shirdi, two locally historic rituals are carried out during this festival. The sack of wheat that is kept in Dwarkamai is changed and the old one taken to prasadalaya to be used there, and secondly, the dwarkamai flags are replaced. This year that is in 2007, Shirdi is celebrating the Ramnavami from 26th to 28th of March.

Gurupurnima

Gurupurnima or Full Moon is also a wonderful time to visit Shirdi. It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing. Quite a significant festival in Shirdi Guru Purnima was the only festival which Saibaba has asked his devotees to celebrate. This is the time devotees all across the world converge in Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings. There is also Vyasa Puja that is held during Guru Purnima, in honor of Ved Vyasa who wrote the epic Mahabharata.

Shirdi Vijayadashmi

Vijayadashmi is a big festival in Shirdi, venerated as a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode. The festival is also celebrated as Shri Sai Punyathithi in Shirdi attracting great number of devotees from all over the world. Various religious activities are arranged Great number of people flock to Shirdi during this Festival. During this festival 'Brahman Bhojan' is arranged with Dakashina (Donation to Guru). This year the festival is celebrated from 20th to 23rd October.

Sayings of Saibaba of Shirdi

Saibaba of Shirdi is revered as one of the greatest saints that India ever had. Worshipped as God incarnate, Saibaba had his sole mission to give blessings to one and all. Beyond the narrow boundaries of religions, castes, creeds Saibaba preached the universal religion of love. The sayings of Saibaba have been a rich resource of solace among the distresses lot of mankind. Devoid of any metaphysical intricacies and high sounding words, the sayings of Saibaba struck an immediate chord with people. Here are the eleven sayings of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi that has been the guiding principles for millions of his devotees across the world.

1. No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.
2. He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.
3. Though I 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 yourself.
6. Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.
7. In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.
8. Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.
9. Knock, and the door shall open. Ask and ye shall be granted.
10. To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted. Blessed is he who has become one with Me.

Sai Museum Shirdi

Sai Museum in Shirdi is a rich repository of all things associated with Shri Saibaba. Kept under the maintenance of Saibaba Sansthan of Shirdi, the Museum has some of the most intimate and personal belongings of the Spiritual Guru Saibaba. Devotees from across the world visit this Museum that is a part of Dwarkamai.

The Sai Museum has carefully kept many of the things that were close to this charismatic Guru. It has Saibaba's padukas or footwear, which are revered by the Sai devotees. The place also has some of the coins that Saibaba gave to Malsapati, the priest of Khandoba. The museum preserves the two utensils that were used to feed people in hordes. In these utensils one was small and other big. The smaller one was used to provide food for 50 people while the big one was used to serve a group of 100 people.

The sai museum also has a Grinding Mill that was used by Saibaba. This grinding mill has its own significance and is symbolic of the deep-seated philosophy of Saibaba. The Grinding Mill posits the concept of Dharma and Bhakti that must come together for the ultimate salvation. The upper stone symbolized Bhakti and the lower one was representative of Dharma. Deciphering the true essence of life the mill showed that with the faith on Dharma and Bhakti, mankind could achieve the state of Supreme Being.

Articles that were personally used by Saibaba are kept in Samadhi temple. Devotees can witness these articles when in the Samadhi temple. The Sai museum also has the chair that was used by Saibaba regularly. You can also have a look at the cot on which Saibaba's last bathing took place after his demise. There is this earthenware, which was used by Saibaba while begging. The pot in which Saibaba stored water is still here and full with water even today. There is the original chimta carefully preserved in here that Saibaba used while singing.

Worship schedule Saibaba Temple

Here is the daily program at Sai Temple at Shirdi. The worship schedule at Saibaba temple begins early in the morning that continues till late in night. The daily worship program includes various rituals and rites that go into invoking Saibaba, and the congregation of devotees who seek the blessings of Shri Saibaba. Dwarkamai, Gurusthan and Chavdi get open for the devotees at 4.30am and the Samdhi Mandir opens at 5am. With this temple is ready with prays and other rituals invoking Saibaba of Shirdi. At 9pm Chavadi and Gurusthan close. At 9.45pm the upper part of Dwarkamai closes. And finally at 10.45pm the Samadhi temple is closed till the next day.


4:30: Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Chavadi open

5:00: Mandir opens, Bhupali, Abhishekam at Gurusthan

5:15: Kakad (morning) Arati, Naivedyam of butter and sugar to Baba in Samadhi Mandir, Oil offered to the lamps in Dwarkamai

5:40: Bhajan in Saibaba Mandir

6:00: Mangal Snaan (washing) of Statue and Samadhi in Samadhi Mandir

7:00: Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir

9:00: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir and Dwarkamai

8:00 -10:30: Satyanarayana Pooja

11:30: Dhuni Pooja with rice and ghee in Dwarkamai

12:00: Mid day Arati

12:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan

4:00: Pothi (Devotional reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir Sunset: Dhoop (evening) Arati

6:30: Naivedyam in Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan

8:00 - 9:00: Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir and other Cultural Programs (if any)

9:00: Chavadi and Gurusthan close

9:30: In Dwarkamai water is given to Baba, a mosquito net is hung and the hanging lamp is lit

9:45: Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes

10:00: Shej (night) Arati, after this , a shawl is wrapped around the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, a Rudraksha mala is put around baba's neck, Mosquito net is hung, and a glass of water kept there

10:45: Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati

Sai Baba Temples

Devotees of Shri Saibaba transcend the limits of India and Sai devotees living outside India have spread the benevolence of Saibaba of Shirdi in foreign lands. Most of the associated temples outside India are patronized by Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathy.

Indian diaspora in Canada have led to the vibrant Sai culture with the establishment of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual and Charitable Trust, managed by the trustee Shri Vijay Madan. The trust deals with the awakening of the Sai consciousness and a holistic spiritual growth of the Sai devotees. The trust is based at 1404, D.R.Penfield Montreal, Quebec, Canada H-3 G1 B7.

There is a grand Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in Chicago that is creating the Sai awareness among people in the US. Another Sai temple is in Cuba where the Sai devotees have taken to lead the awakening of Sai philosophy among the devotees and general mass of the region. With simple philosophy ingrained with the demand of trust and complete surrender to the Guru, the Saibaba is making a great impact upon the people of the region.

Sai devotees are equally present in England with their gatherings and similar discourses during which the Sai philosophy is discussed and analyzed. With rapidly increasing number of Sai devotees, the world is surely treading towards a universal calmness leading to detoxification of mind and spirit.

Sai Baba's Devotees

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi had a great impressionable personality which hypnotized those who came near him. With his miraculous power and simple teachings he had a host of ardent devotees who carried forward his teachings and philosophy to a wide gamut of society. Here we will discuss some of the most prominent devotees of Saibaba of Shirdi.

Abdul Baba

Abdul Baba came to Shirdi in around 1890. He came here after a fakir who was inspired in his dream by Saibaba to bring Abdul Baba to Shirdi. On his coming to Shirdi, Saibaba greeted him by saying "My crow has come". A dedicated worker Abdul Baba took care of Baba's mosque and lit the lamps in Lendi. Baba took care of his welfare, and often had him reading aloud passages from the Koran.

Bayajabai Kote


Patil Bayajabai was Tatya's mother and the family had a close association with Baba, who he took as his sister. She had taken a vow that until Saibaba had her food she won't take food. Such was her devotion to Saibaba that she would carry food in a basket and went looking for him to feed him.

Bhagoji Shinde

Bhagoji Shinde suffered from leprosy and yet he was among the closest to Saibaba. He accompanied Saibaba to Lendi garden carrying a parasol to give him shade. Once Saibaba got hurt while thrusting his hands into dhuni, Bhagoji was the one who bandaged the wound and dressed him long after it had healed.

Das Ganu Maharaj

Dasganu was originally in police service and it was during this time that Nana Chandorkar took him to see Sai Baba. Das Ganu wrote about the lives of saints and composed kirtans (devotional songs) which he sang with great fervor.

Annasaheb Dabholkar

Most popularly known for being the author of the work The Sri Sai Satcharitra, Annasaheb Dabholkar was called Hemadpant by Saibaba after a well known poet of 13th Century. His work is a great insight into the life and philosophy of Saibaba.

Hari Sitaram Dixit

Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit was a prominent solicitor another of Saibaba's ardent devotees. Saibaba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders.

Dadasaheb Khaparde

Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti, an ardent devotee of Saibaba and was instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak, the great freedom stalwart to Shirdi for Baba's darshan.

Laxmibai Shinde

Laxmibai Shinde was well-to-do woman, who worked in the masjid day and night. Except Bhagat Mhalasapati, Tatya and Laxmibai, none was allowed to step in the Masjid at night.

Bhagat Mahalsapati

Mahalsapati was the one who owes the name of Saibaba as we know it today. He uttered 'Ya Sai,' when Baba made His first appearance at the Khandoba temple along with the marriage party of Chandbhai. Saibaba used to call Mahalsapati 'Sonarda,' and later on 'Bhagat' i.e. close disciple.

Tatya Kote Patil

Tatya Kote Patil's family was one who loved Saibaba for Himself and not for what they got from His divinity. Tatya was the first amongst the devotees who had all the love of Saibaba.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar Nana Chandorkar was among the most prominent devotees. A Deput Collector by profession, he had the distinction of being one of the very few disciples that Baba directly called to his side.

MadhavRao Deshpande

He was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.

GAJANAN MAHARAJ
He was another of Saibaba's ardent disciples who was quite close of Saibaba.

Shri Saibaba Sansthan

Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba's Samadhi Temple and all the temples that are in this premises. The Saibaba Sansthan Trust also works towards the general development of the Shirdi village.
Saibaba Sansthan is also authorized to control and manage the day-to-day activities at the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple, providing miscellaneous activities such as accommodation, lunch, refreshments, railway reservations and lot more.

As a full fledged trust the Shri Saibaba Sansthan also runs Kanya Shala(Girls School) and English Medium School, Hospital, Blood Bank, Industrial Training Institute (I. T. I.), Drinking Water supply, etc.

Shri Saibaba Sansthan also has a Sansthan Seva Desk that looks after various activities including donation collection, publication of Saileela Magazine, newsletter publications, maintenance of guestbook and addressing the feedback.
Shri Saileela Magazine is an official periodical of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi. A bi-monthly magazine, it covers nearly all the activities of Sansthan including rich spiritual and religious information.

Sai Literature

Sai Baba of Shirdi has been a great influence on literary mindscape of those who were inspired by his life and philosophy. He has been written about in volumes and bookshops are agog with Sai Literature. Books on Saibaba are immensely popular among people of all faith and tradition. The life, philosophy and all the things that were linked to this epoch making saint and guru has been the treasure trove for writing books that are always in demand.

Here are some of the works that are written on him by different authors, which will be of your interest.

108 Names of Shirdi Sai Baba, compiled by Vijaya Kumar Ambrosia in Shirdi : 101 Experiences of Devotees when Sai Baba was Embodied, and 100 Experiences of Devotees after Sai Baba's Samadhi in 1918, by Ramalinga Swamy. Shri Sai Satcharita (Enlarged Edition), by G.R.Dabholkar The Blossom of Praise to Shri Sainath, (Shri Sainath Stavan Manjari), by Das Ganu Children's Sai Baba, by D. L. Parchure Devotees' Experiences of Shri Sai Baba (Statements of 81 Devotees Most of Whom had Seen Sai Baba), by B. V. Narasimhaswami, Golden Words of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Ramalingaswamy, Munja Guide to Holy Shridi, Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Gurus Rediscovered : Biographies of Sai Baba and Upasani Maharaj of Sakori, by Kevin R.D. Shepherd

The Incredible Sai Baba (The Life and Miracles of a Modern Saint), by Arthur Osborne

Introduction to Sai Baba of Shirdi, by B.V. Narasimhaswami

The Life and teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Antonio Rigopolous

The Life and teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, by T.S. Anantha Murthy

Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba, by Ammula Sambasiva Rao,

Sterling Life of Sai Baba, by B.V. Narasimhaswami

A Mission Divine (novel on Shri Sai Baba), by R.S. Junnarkar

Pictorial Sai Baba, Sri Sai Baba Sansthan, Sai Baba: The Master, by Acharya E. Bharadwaja

Sai Baba : The Perfect Master, edited by D.N. Irani

Sai Baba : The Saint of Shirdi, by Mani Sahukar

Sai Baba of Shirdi (Pictorial), by Indira Anantha Krishna

Sai Baba of Shirdi : A Unique Saint, by M.V. Kamath

and V.B. Kher Sai's Help, by B.V. Narasimhaswami

Santakathamrita, by Das Ganu, and many more .........

1903 Shirdi Darshan (Pictorial), Sri Sai Baba Sansthan Shirdi Diary of the Hon'ble Mr. G.S. Khaparde (events between 1910 December and 1918 March), Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi Sai Baba : An Epic, by Basavaraj Gunaki Sree Guru Charita, by Gangadhara Saraswati Shri Sai : The Superman, by Swami Sai Sharan Anand Shri Sai Baba, by Swami Sai Sharan Anand Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, by Rao Bhhadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan Sri Sai Baba's Charters and Sayings, by B.V. Narasimhaswami Sri Sainath Sagunopasana, by K.J. Bhishma The Eternal Sai, by S. Maneey Sai Baba: The Perfect Master, Compiled from writings by Dr. A.G.Munsif Shirdi Sai Baba in the Light of Sufism, by Marianne Warren

Miracles of Shirdi Sai Baba

Sai Baba of Shirdi is an epitome of spiritual perfection and has been the guiding source for the mankind leading to salvation. As a spiritual guru and savior Shri Saibaba was no ordinary fakir but an avatar of high order. This was evident through his miracles and sayings that exhibited his purpose and intention for which he had come. He would often say, "My Leela is inscrutable". Saibaba's Leela's (miracles) were plenty and varied; here are a few of the miracles of Shirdi Saibaba, for his devotees and those interested in his philosophies.

Baba's Leelas (Miracles)

Lighting Lamps with Water

This is among the earliest evidences of Saibaba's miracles. Baba was fond of lighting earthenware lamps in his masjid and other temples. For this he needed oil, which he got from the grocers of Shirdi, as small donations. But there came a time when the grocers got tired of giving him oil for free. And so they refused him any oil saying they had no fresh stocks. Baba didn't say a word and returned to his masjid. But the masjid was not to remain in dark, as Sai Baba lit his earthenware lamps pouring water instead, which burnt deep into the midnight. Such was the miraculous power of Saibaba who lit fire out of water! When grocers came to know about it they rushed to him with apologies. Sai Baba pardoned them, but he warned them never to lie again. "You could have refused to give me the oil, but did you have to say that you didn't have fresh stocks?" he admonished them. But he had made his point.

Premonition of Burning Fields

Once, harvesting in Shirdi had been completed and the foodgrains of the entire village had been stored in a yard. Blistering summer was ferocious. One afternoon Saibaba summoned Kondaji Sutar and asked him to better rush to his field as it was on fire. Fear struck Kondaji ran to his field but there was not a trace of smoke. He got back and said so to Saibaba. Unfazed Baba asked him to look again and as the luck would have it, a part of corn was indeed afire and smoke was beginning to billow from it. With strong wind fanning the fire, Kondaji became jittery and asked Saibaba to do something. At this Baba walked to the yard and sprinkled some water and the fire immediately got extinguished.

Stopping the Rain

There goes a story that one Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan s wife had come for Sai Baba's darshan. As the couple was about to leave, it began to rain heavily with thunder and lightening. Seeing the Pradhan couple in trouble, Saibaba invoked the God and asked the rain to calm down, which surely did and the Pradhan were able to reach their destination safely.

Raising the Water Level in Well

When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi it had of no basic facilities. There was a well put only in name, with no natural spring water. Villagers had tough time fetching water from a distance. When the villagers were to celebrate Baba's birthday on Ramnavami, there was obviously crisis of water in the region. But Saibaba with his miracles had solution for this problem as well. He showered some leaves into the well and lo and behold the level of water rose fulfilling the dire wish of the villagers.

Saving a Child from Drowning

Once a 3-year-old daughter of a poor man named Babu Kirwandikar had fallen into a well and got drowned. When the villagers rushed to the well, they found to their utter disbelief that the child was suspended in midair as if some invisible hand was holding her. This again was one of the many miracles of Saibaba that saved people from distress.

Flow of Godavari (river) from Baba's Feet

As recounted by Das Ganu, one of the disciples of Shri Saibaba, once he sought permission from Baba to visit a place called Singba on the banks of Godavari to have a holy bath. Saibaba refused and said what was the use of going that distance when Godavari was right under his feet. Das was puzzled. Realizing the doubt in Das's mind Saibaba asked him to come closer and hold the hollow of his palms at Baba's feet. As soon as he did so water flowed freely out of the toes of the master's feet and filled the hollow of Das Ganu's palms in no time. His joy knew no limits. He sprinkled the water on his head and his body and distributed some more among the assembled devotees as tirtha

Assurances of Saibaba

Shri Saibaba of Shirdi inspires unflinching faith and conviction from the Sai devotees. His simple and straightforward messages strike an immediate chord with people of any faith. Saibaba has imparted eleven assurances to the mankind inspiring confidence among His disciples.

Here are the eleven assurances that Shri Sai Baba disseminated to the world:
Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi's soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness, as soon as they climb the steps of my Mosque.
I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
My tomb shall bless and speak the needs of my devotees.
I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb.
My mortal remains would speak from my tomb.
I am ever living to help and guide all, who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.
If you look at me I look at you.
If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it.
If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
There shall be no want in the house of my devotees.

Legacy of Sai Baba of Shirdi

Shri Saibaba is among the most influential spiritual gurus of India, who lived at a nondescript village of Shirdi in the state of Maharashtra. With his miraculous powers and captivating teachings he rules the heart of millions of his devotees, whose number is ever growing with each passing day.

He is also among the most recognizable gurus whose image can be found throughout India, sometimes simply as a fashion statement or kept along as accessories. Worn as pendants and kept in lockets Saibaba makes his presence in all corners of India. He lived in the cusp of two centuries i.e., between 1838 and 1918. During this time Shri Saibaba made a great impact on the psyche of the people coming under his influence. With his simple and trite philosophy combined with his clairvoyant prowess, Saibaba's legacy is still on among his ever growing number of followers.

Today, many religious teachers, groups and organizations promote his teachings and devotion to Sai. Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is the most prominent promoter of Saibaba's legacy all across the world. The trust also takes care of the shrines and temples in Shirdi. All-India Sai Samaj, founded by B.V. Narasimha Swamiji, publishes books on Sai Baba as well as administrates the temples of Sai Baba built all over India.

There are a great number of followers of Sai Baba, who have achieved fame as spiritual figures. Among the most popular of such gurus are Upasni Maharaj of Sakori and Meher Baba of Ahmednagar. There have been at least three gurus and two youngsters, who have claimed to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. Among them the most famous is Sathya Sai Baba who lives at Puttaparthi Andhra Pradesh, India. Sathya Sai Baba has immense popularity across the world with devotees thronging from all across the world.

Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi's legacy is also lived through the multitude of literature that has been written on him. Sai literature has the widest possible dimension covering almost every aspect of Saibaba. Scholars across the world have studied the life and philosophy of Saibaba and tried to understand and decipher the quintessential Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Sai temples that are built all over the world are also carrying the legacy of Shri Saibaba of Shirdi. With over 2,000 major Sai temples in different parts of India and 150 abroad, the conviction and faith on Sai Baba are lived and professed enriching the lifestyle of his devotees and mankind at large.

Sai Baba's Teachings

Sai Baba of Shirdi is the epitome of reverence a guiding force who generates supreme faith and confidence among his devotees looking for salvation and in quest of coming out of the drudgery of living. As a divine mother he is saturated with love for those who seek him. With his mission of making people about the divine consciousness and transcending the limits of mortal body, his teachings are guiding his devotees to the path of salvation. People are blessed who follow his teachings.

Among the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi there are the cardinal principles of Sai Path called 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi'. Sai Baba looks for these two qualities in his devotees. Here are the teachings and philosophies of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Shraddha

'Shraddha' is a Sanskrit word, which roughly means faith with love and reverence. Such faith or trust is generated out of conviction, which may not be the result of any rational belief or intellectual wisdom, but a spiritual inspiration. According to Sai Baba of Shirdi, steadfast love in God is the gateway to eternity. Baba's teaching, both direct and indirect explicate the significance of 'Shraddha'. Baba reiterates the spiritual guidance of Shri Krishna to Arjun - "Whosoever offer to Me with love or devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, that offering of pure love is readily accepted by Me".

Saburi

'Saburi'; means patience and perseverance. Saburi is a quality needed throughout the path to reach the goal. This quality must be ingrained in a seeker from day one, least he looses his stride and leaves the path half way

Purity

For Sai Baba it was not the purity of the body but inner purity that mattered. No amount of physical and external cleansing would serve any purpose if the man remained impure in mind and heart. Therefore, Baba cautioned His devotees not to make austerity as an end itself, lest they should indulge in physical mortification.

Compassion

Himself an epitome of compassion and love, Sai Baba taught compassion among his disciples. Baba often told His devotees, 'Never turn away anybody from your door, be it a human being or animal'.

Complete Surrender to the Guru
Sai Baba put Guru on a high pedestal of reverence. For Him Guru was the profound base of the path of devotion. Pointing to his physical frame, "This body is my house. I am not here. My Guru (Master) has taken me away". He asked for complete surrender to the 'Guru'.

Sai Baba's Teachings through 'Udi' and 'Dakshina'

Udi

Udi or the sacred ash was produced from the perpetual fire called 'dhuni' lit by Sai Baba in Dwarkamai at Shirdi. Explaining the meaning of life He would refer to Udi and taught that like Udi all the visible phenomena in the world are transient. Through this example Sai Baba wished to make his devotees understand the sense of discrimination between the unreal and the real. Udi taught the devotees discrimination or vivek.

Dakshina

Sai Baba would demand 'Dakshina' or alms from those who visited him. This explained the sense of non-attachment to worldly things. Hence Dakshina taught the devotees non-attachment or Vairagya.

Sai Baba's Mission

The spiritual guru and redeemer of mankind, Sai Baba of Shirdi has been one of the greatest influencing gurus of the Modern times. As among the most popular Indian saints with an ever growing following of devotees, Sai Baba inspires an unflinching faith on his devotees with his clear cut mission to provide not only a spiritual awakening, but also saving the mankind from suffering and ignorance.
Forsaking the worldly pleasure in his tender years Sai Baba came to Shirdi with a mission that sprang from the source of His free and redeemed spirit. His mission was self-allotted and that was to awaken the mankind to his true self and divine nature. He wanted to lead them to salvation by saving them from delusion and ignorance. Such is His benevolence that Sai Baba stands there eternally extending His helping hand to give solace to His children who are suffering and leading a wretched life devoid of any hope.

With the whole world under benevolence Sai Baba inspires an undying hope among the mankind. Thus, it is His sacred mission to awaken, elevate, transform and comfort His children. These may be the tangible missions of Sai Baba that ensure harmony all around. However, He had several bigger missions as well that encompassed the whole of universe and its administration including creation, sustenance and destruction.

Ultimately, the mission of Sai Baba was to evolve human beings to the state of godliness, i.e., realizing the spiritual body in the mankind leading to their complete redemption and salvation. His powerful assurance 'Why fear when I am hear' has been the great source of strength among the ever growing number of Sai Baba's devotees.

Shirdi Sai Baba Bhajans

Sai Baba of Shirdi is among the epoch making spiritual gurus of India, who has a magnetic pull from the devotees haling from across the world. With his amazing miraculous powers Sai Baba has millions of devotees that pray to him for his blessings. There are several sweet and endearing bhajans that sung in praise of Sai Baba. Songs, bhajans, prayers being a melodious way to feel closer to someone, has effected into making of several bhajans that are sung and played all across the world by the Sai Baba devotees.


In fact audio-visual media has played a great role in popularizing such bhajans on Sai Baba of Shirdi. In the year 1977 a movie on Sai Baba was produced named Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. The movie has some great bhajans and religious songs such as "sai baaba bolo dagmag jag yeh dole" and "sainaath tere hazaaron haath sainaath tere hazaaron haath". Indian Television serial producers have also come with serial on the life of Sai Baba with many popular bhajans attracting the devotees in hordes. Sai Baba is the latest serial produced by the veteran Ramanand Sagar capturing the essence of Sai Baba with various melodious bhajans on Sai Baba having earned great popularity among the devotees.


There are many other bhajans that are sung with great religious fervor and devotion. Some of them are as follows: Aali Prasadachi Wat, Akra Vachan, Ananta Tula Re, Aarti Saibaba, Ata Swami, Ghoshna, Gurubrahma Guruvishnu, Hari Om, Jai Jai Sainath, Kadhi Na Ruso, Lopaley, Ovaloo Aarati, Sada Satswarupam, Sai Digambara, Tuj Kay Magu.

Kalki Avatar

- the PredictionJust before the beginning of the current age in which we are living (known in the East as the Kali or Iron age), the sage Markandeya recorded a conversation he had with God Vishnu (the embodiment of the preserver aspect of the trinity). In a passage in the Mahabharata text, it is recorded that Vishnu spoke of a time during the darkest period of the Kali Age when human values would deteriorate, violence and injustice would be widespread, falsehood would triumph over truth, oppression and crime would be prevalent. Vishnu told how he would take a human birth in order to intervene and set the world on a new course. Here is the text of that statement.


When evil is rampant upon this earth, I will take birth in the family of a virtuous man, and assume a human body to restore tranquility by the extermination of all evils. For the preservation of rectitude and morality, I will assume an inconceivable human form when the season for action comes.

In the Kali Age of sin I will assume an Avatar form that is dark in color. I will be born in a family in south India. This Avatar will possess great energy, great intelligence and great powers. Material objects needed for this Avatar's mission will be at his disposal as soon as He will think of them. He will be victorious with the strength of virtue. He will restore order and peace in the world. This Avatar will inaugurate a new era of truth, and will be surrounded by spiritual people. He will roam over the earth adored by the spiritual people.


The people of the earth will imitate this Avatar's conduct, and there will be prosperity and peace. Men will once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. Educational centers for the cultivation of Brahmic lore, and temples, will reappear again everywhere. Ashrams will be filled with men of truth. Rulers of the earth will govern their kingdoms virtuously. The Avatar will have an illustrious reputation.

The Avatar mentioned in this text is referred to as the Kalki Avatar. The advent of this Avatar has been known of and predicted for thousands of years in various holy books and obscure texts including the Book of Revelations, Nostradamus in his book Centuries, The Ocean of Light (an ancient Persian manuscript of the revelations of Prophet Mohammed),and the Shuka Naadi Granthi - containing detailed prophecies of the Kalki Avatar written on hundreds of palm leaf manuscripts by Sage Shuka over 5000 years ago. The time of great evil mentioned in the prophecies corresponds to the Twentieth Century with its World Wars, regimes of mad dictators and authoritarian rulers, nuclear weapons, famines, diseases, pollution, crime, violence, catastrophes, and worldwide decline of morality

Mystery of the AvatarThe Western mind is capable of believing in Jesus as the Son of God, at least on the part of some of the population, but seems unable or unwilling to grasp the concept of the Avatar as an incarnation of God. By contrast, the average Indian is aware of historical Divine personalities and Eastern literature is full of descriptions of the various Avatars. The Bhagavata text is precisely about the various Descents of the Divine on Earth.

Millions of people around the world accept Sathya Sai Baba as the Avatar of this age. How do we know that Sathya Sai Baba is truly an Avatar? This question must be answered by each person individually. Skepticism is natural and must be overcome by evidence and intuition. The important thing is to make a proper investigation. Sai Baba himself says:

No one can understand my Mystery. The best you can do is to get immersed in it. It is no use your arguing about pros and cons; dive and know the depth; eat and know the taste. You must dive deep into the sea to get the pearls. What good is it to dabble among the waves near the shore, and swear that the sea has no pearls in it and that all tales about them are false? So also if you must realise the full fruit of this Avathar, dive deep and get immersed in Sai Baba. Half-heartedness, hesitation, doubt, cynicism, listening to tales, all are of no avail. Concentrated complete faith - that alone can bring victory.

In truth you cannot understand the nature of My Reality, either today, or even after a thousand years of steady austerity or ardent inquiry, even if all mankind joins in that effort. But, in a short time, you will become cognizant of the Bliss showered by the Divine Principle which has taken upon itself this sacred body and this sacred Name. Your good fortune, which will provide you this chance, is greater than that which was available for anchorites, monks, sages, saints, and even personalities embodying facets of Divine Glory. Do not allow doubt to distract you; if only you will install in the altar of your heart steady faith in My Divinity, you can win a vision of My Reality.

The Divine in Human FormWhen Krishna lived on the Earth, few were aware of his divinity although he successfully accomplished his mission of ridding the earth of many powerful and evil personalities. Shirdi Sai Baba was an incarnation of God Shiva but most regarded him as a very great saint. Only a few of his closest devotees knew him to be an incarnation. It is difficult to grasp the implications of the Divine in human form. If we accept the Advaitha philosophy that there is One only without a second; nothing but God throughout the manifested universe and beyond, then logically we are in God, God is in us, we ARE God.

The Atma within us - our innermost awareness is the Eternal Witness, a spark of the Eternal Flame. God enjoys the play of this universe by sporting inside the various manifested forms as the Atmic awareness of each. All this apparent diversity is the only the illusion of Maya - the formless taking on form, the Eternal manifesting in time and space and then indwelling each form as the Atmic spark within. Thus He sees all, knows all, is all. Really the form of the Avatar is like a focal point wherein this colossal Divine force can contact the human in the tiny knot of energy that is our Earth, on the fleeting time scale that is a human lifetime. But the Avatar is in no way limited by the constriction of bodily confinement because He is one with the source of all.
The Avatar takes the human form and behaves in a human way so that humanity can feel kinship with the divinity.

At the same time he rises to godly heights so that mankind also can aspire to reach God. People could not stand the Lord in super-human form. ... If the Lord came in all His majesty people would be afraid and would have no opportunity to know and love him. It is only when the Lord comes in a human body that people are able to approach him and learn to love him and know him even a little bit. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that is all there is. ...

For instance, the airplane flying high in the sky descends to the airport. But one should not make the mistake of thinking that the plane is a ground machine because they see it on the ground. In like fashion, although the Lord has made a landing here on earth, so to speak, He is not limited to His human form. I am new and ever ancient. I come always for the restoration of Dharma (righteousness), for tending the virtuous and ensuring them conditions congenial for progress, and for educating the "blind" who miss the way and wander into the wilderness. Some doubters might ask, can Parabrahman assume human form? Well, man can derive joy only through the human frame; he can receive instruction, inspiration, illumination only through human language and human communication.

The Divine Lives in the Hearts of AllThe Avatar appears to be human and we are misled into thinking of him in these terms but the Avatar himself warns us against this error. Sathya Sai Baba once responded to a devotee who asked when he should return for another visit: "First understand that you do not need to come back to see this little body", he said pointing to himself. Then he added - "Find me in your heart".
In his previous embodiment as Shirdi Sai Baba (1835 - 1918) he made a similar statement to his devotees:
"Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the seven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as in the hearts of all beings." Shirdi Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Baba, who is Shirdi Sai Baba come again, echoes this thought in many of his statements:
You may be seeing me today for the first time, but you are all old acquaintances for Me. I know you through and through. My task is the spiritual regeneration of Humanity through Truth and Love. If you approach one step nearer to me, I shall advance three steps towards you. Wherever you walk, I am there. Whomsoever you contact, I am in that person. I am in each. From each, I will respond. You can see Me in one place and miss Me in another. You cannot escape Me or do anything in secret.

Reason for the Divine's Descent into MatterIn past ages, when the power of evil reached a certain stage, the Divine descended into form to suppress the evil and to foster the good. In the Kali age in which we are living, evil has reached new depths. Of all the various ages - each with its own characteristics, the Kali age is the age of the deepest descent into matter and form, away from spirit. We have passed through the lowest point of the pendulum, the dark times of this 20th century and are now beginning the upward climb. The appearance of the Avatar coincides with the darkest hour of the Kali Yuga.

People tell me that mankind is on the brink of destruction, that the forces of hypocrisy and hate are fast prevailing on all continents, and that anxiety and fear are stalking the streets of every city and village in the world; there is no need to tell me this, for I have come precisely for this reason. When the world is on the verge of chaos, the Avatar comes to still the storm raging in the hearts of men. Prasanthi, the higher Peace, will be established soon; the demonic deviations from the straight Divine Path will be corrected. Dharma will be revived and re-vitalised in every human community.

God incarnates for the revival of Dharma (Righteousness) which includes morality, truth, virtue, love and a host of other qualities that uphold the communities of man as well as the individual. The other purposes usually given - serving the devoted, destroying the wicked, re-establishing the sacred tradition - these are all secondary. For, he who is righteous will be guarded from harm, by righteousness itself; he who is unrighteous will fall into disaster through the evil that he perpetrates. The one task includes all else. For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of evil-doers and for establishing righteousness on a firm footing, I incarnate from age to age. Whenever asanthi, or disharmony, overwhelms the world, the Lord will incarnate in human form to establish the modes of earning prasanthi, or peace, and to re-educate the human community in the paths of peace.

Mission of the AvatarThe Avatar comes to transform humanity but this must take place through the transformation of individuals making up humanity. To raise bread we mix a pinch of yeast into the dough and the action of the yeast spreads throughout the mix, eventually leavening the entire loaf. So the Avatar works through individuals, transforming them into the divinity they essentially are. The light from the many individuals gradually dispells the darkness of ignorance, impacting all of humanity.

Through interviews with devotees who come to see him Sai Baba reveals that he knows intimate details of their lives including physical problems and issues dominating their lives, sometimes even events they themselves have long forgotten. Though he left school at the age of fourteen saying "My devotees are calling me" and never read a book, he has been known to speak to people from all over the world using words from their own language. Though he never read the Indian classics he liberally sprinkles appropriate stories from them in his talks. He quotes long passages in the ancient mother language Sanskrit, and assists Brahmic priests in correctly carrying out elaborate Vedic rituals. He tells of undocumented events and conversations in the lives of sages, holy persons, and historic persons as if he were there at the time of their happening.

To all who come to him he makes them feel as if he were their own. He constantly exudes bliss and love and all who come to him regard him as they would a loving parent.
Sai Baba never appears rushed or hurried and yet he accomplishes more than ten or even a hundred humans ever could. He is in constant motion from early morning until night greeting visitors, going over plans, giving darshan (sight of a holy person) and interviews, taking letters, attending bhajans (religious singing), taking part in and planning ceremonial events. He dedicates his entire life to his devotees and his mission with absolutely no attachment to possessions, personal time, or ordinary human pursuits.

My work is ceaseless and so your work, too, is without end. Know that I am within you and without you. There is no difference. Rid yourselves of petty matters for ever more. You are now ME and I am now THEE. There is no difference. My Darshan will pour forth from ME to and through you. You may be unaware of this constant action. Be ever pure in heart and soul, and mankind in your lifetime will benefit from your unique qualities. This is a great chance. Be confident that you will all be liberated. Know that you are saved. Many hesitate to believe that things will improve, that life will be happy for all and full of joy, and that the golden age will recur.

Let me assure you that this dharmaswarupa, that this divine body, has not come in vain. It will succeed in averting the crisis that has come upon humanity. In my present Avatar, I have come armed with the fullness of the power of formless God to correct mankind, raise human consciousness and put people back on the right path of truth, righteousness, peace and love to divinity.
In this avathar [Divine Incarnation], the wicked will not be destroyed; they will be corrected and reformed and educated and led back to the path from which they have strayed.

Shirdi - Sai BabaSamadhi Mandir :

The Mandir is built with stones and Baba's Samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant.

This statue was installed on 7th October 1954. Above the statue is an open, silver umbrella. The front of the Mandir has an assembly hall where about 600 devotees can be accomadated. Here is the show-case where various things handled by Baba are kept. On the first floor of the Mandir are pictures depicting the life of Baba.

The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Shejarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight .ie. on Gurupoornima, Dassera, and Ramnavami. Every Thursday and on each fesitival, a Palakhi with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.

Dwarkama

Shri Sai Baba came to Shridhi with a marriage procession. He stayed at Dwarkamai till the very end of his life. Dwarkamai is situated on the right side of the entrance of Samadhi Mandir. Here he solved problems of the people, cured their sickness and worries. Before Baba's arrival in Shridhi, Dwarkamai was an old mosque in a dilapidated condition. Baba turned it into Dwarkamai and proved that God is one.

The first level of Dwarkamai has a portrait of Baba and a big stone on which Baba used to sit. This level has two rooms. One contains the chariot and the second a palkhi. Just in front of the room where the chariot is kept is a small temple. A saffron flag flies over it.
The second level of Dwarkamai has a square stool made of stone, which Baba used for taking a bath. The main attraction of this place is the oil painting of Shri Sai Baba sitting in a carved wooden shrine. This level also has the grinding stone and the wooden vessel called Kolamba in which Baba used to keep the Bhiksha brought from the village.

Gurusthan

Sai Baba first came to Shridhi in the form of Bal Yogi - a child ascetic. He was first spotted seated under a Neem tree. This place came to be known as Gurusthan. The renovation of Gurusthan was made on 30th September, 1941. The present temple was built after this period. There is a small shrine in Gurusthan. On a elevated platform of this shrine a big portrait of Baba is placed. On the side is a marble statue of Baba. In front of the portrait is a Shivling and the Nandi. Photos of twelve Jyotirlingas are kept in the temple. The branches of the Neem tree have come out through the roof of the temple.

At a short distance lies Baba's CHAVADI. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.
There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. The Lendi Baug was looked after by Abdul Baba. There are photos and various things which were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba in the cottage.There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Balyogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived.
There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar to be visited.

Lendi Baug :

At some distance from Gurusthan there is the Lendi Baug. This Baug was made and watered daily by Baba himself. It got its name from a Nalla (a drain) which used to previously flow there. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a Neem tree. Baba dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the Neem tree and kept a Deep lit in that pit. One octangular Deepgriha called Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone in memory of this place. It constantly burns in a glass box. On one side of the Deepgriha is a Peepal tree and on the other side is a Neem tree.
Some distance away is a Datta Mandir below an Audumbar tree. In the Mandir there is a statue of Datta built in marble stone. The statue of Datta was installed on 6th December, 1976. Just behind the Datta Mandir is a Samadhi of the horse, Shyamsundar which belonged to Baba and which used to bow to him.
Lendi Baug also has a well dug by Baba with the cooperation of his devotees.
At the entrance of the Baug are the Samadhi's of ardent Sai devotees Tatya Kote Patil, Bhau Maharaj Kumbhar, Nanavalli and Abdul Baba.

Khandoba Mandir

This temple is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Baba was welcomed by Poojari Mhalsapati, of this temple, saying "Aao Sai", when Baba stepped in Shridi. In this temple there are icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai.
How to get there Shirdi is located approximately 296 Kilometers from Mumbai (Bombay) City in India.

BY Rail:

The nearest railway station is Kopargaon 15 kilometers on Manmad-Daund section of Central Railways.One could take a Central Railway train from Mumbai (Bombay) V.T. station to Manmad station and then take a bus to Shirdi. State transport buses are available from Manmad to Shirdi. By Road :Well connected to Mumbai, Nasik. By Air :
Programmes and Their Timeings : Kakad Arati 5:15 a.m. Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba 6:00 a.m. Darshan Begins 7:00 a.m. Satyanarayana Pooja 9:00 a.m. Abhishek 9:00 a.m. Noon Arati 12:00 Noon Pravachan or Pujan 4:00 p.m. Dhuparati Sunset Bhajan, Keertan, Vocal Music, etc 9:00 p.m. Shejarati 10:00 p.m Important instructions to devotees arriving in Shirdi For proper guidance and assistance to the devotees, Reception centers have been opened opposite the S.T. Bus stand.

On arrival to Shirdi, devotees should immediately get in touch with the above mention Reception centers of the Sansthan and should thereafter proceed to the Enquiry Office for booking their accommodation which is made available after registration of name and other particulars. Occupied room(s) should be locked before going out. If the accommodation provided is in the common hall, luggage should always be left in charge of a member of the party to safeguard it from anti-social elements.

A locker is available at nominal charge and against a deposit, which may be booked at the enquiry office, and used for keeping luggage or any other valuables. Care should be taken not to leave any belongings behind in the toilets and the bathrooms.

As the Samadhi Mandir is over-crowded at the time of Arati, devotees should safeguard their ornaments and purses from pick-pockets and mind their children. Devotees should note that all religious functions and Poojas in the Sansthan premises are to be arranged and performed through the office of the Sansthan.

Necessary payments for these are to be made at the office against a receipt. Boxes have been provided by the Sansthan in the Mandir itself to receive the devotees' offerings by way of Dakshina and Hundis. Offering to Shri Sai Baba in cash or kind should always be made at the office against a receipt. Devotees should bear in mind that Baba left no heirs or disciples and should guard themselves against such deception practiced by impostors.

As all the necessary assistance and guidance is readily available to the devotees at the Reception center of the Sansthan, assistance from unauthorized guides at the S.T. stand, if taken by the devotees, will be at their own risk. Devotees are warned against practitioners of black magic professing allegiance to Shri Sai Baba, and also against those circulating chain-letters, asking the receiver to send a certain number of copies of the letter to his friends. Literature about Shri Sai Baba containing authentic information has been published by the Sansthan and is readily available at book shops near the Samadhi Mandir.

A complaint/suggestion book is always kept in the office for the use by the devotees, in which they are requested to write clearly their complaints/suggestions along with their full name(s) and addresses. The Sansthan authorities take due note of such complaints/suggestions. Donations should always be sent by Money Orders, Postal Orders, Crossed and A/c. Payee Cheques or Drafts to ensure safe delivery of the same.

Do not send cash or currency notes in postal envelopes. As the various dealers and vendors of Pooja articles are not connected with the Sansthan, devotees should first fix the price before buying these articles to avoid any trouble thereafter. All donations for oil for the Nanda-deep and for firewood for Dhuni in the Dwarkamai are to be given in the Accounts office only. Further details regarding these can be obtained from the Temple-in-charge. Devotees desirous of feeding the poor can arrange to do so against cash payment to be made to the Prasadalaya itself or the account office. Coupons are not accepted for this purpose. Devotees desirous of distributing alms to beggars can do so only in the beggars' shed, near Prasadalaya with the help of the Security officer.

Devotees making correspondence should give their complete and correct addresses. Devotees are requested to avail of the facilities at the Tea canteen and Prasadalaya run by the Sansthan where tea and meals are served at subsidized rates. Medical facilities are available at the well-equipped Sainath Hospital run by the Shirdi Sansthan. The Sansthan has not appointed any representative for the purpose of collecting donations in cash or otherwise. Devotees are informed that no donations either in cash or otherwise should be given to anybody personally. This is to avoid deceit as well as to prevent devotees from being cheated by unscrupulous elements. Source : Publications of the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi