Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji, whom people affectionately call 'Guruji', settled in Shirdi in 1989. He grew up in Andhra Pradesh where he came into close association with his spiritual guide and teacher, Acharya E. Bharadwaja. One of the major inspirations in the early years of Sri Babuji’s spiritual quest was the life of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Later, in the 1970s, he spent a fruitful spell of time in the presence of Sri Poondi Swami as a renunciate.
Above all, it was the life and teachings of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi which served as the catalytic backdrop for all his spiritual endeavours and their fruition. It is to the grace of Sri Sai Baba that he attributes each and every facet of his existence. Sri Babuji’s great love for Baba stands out in all aspects of his life and it is that power of love which he teaches and transmits.
Sri Babuji represents for many Sai devotees, in India and abroad, a living paragon of the beatific Path of Sri Sai Baba. His whole persona conveys, with great simplicity and naturalness, a palpable and immediate experience of the sacred and numinous. “Know what you really need” is the catch-phrase of his exhortations, and he does cater in a very direct, practical and personal way to the ‘needs’ of numerous seekers.
Sri Babuji is persistently reluctant and wary of any involvement in establishing organized ashrams, institutions and the like. He reminds people, 'Baba himself lived for more than 50 years in Shirdi and what institutions did he found?' Saipatham - literally, 'the path of Sai' - has come into being because of the presence of our beloved Guruji Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji who until recently lived modestly in the main building.
In April of 2003, Sri Babuji moved into another house just a short distance from the main compound and here he rents the first floor with his family. "Guru Charan" as it is called has now taken on a new significance, for wherever Sri Babuji stays, here lies the heart and the wellspring of life in and around Saipatham.
Saipatham provides the opportunity for many to express, through service and devotional communion, a love that is brought to life through the connection with Sri Babuji. His heart so fully expresses his love for Sri Sai Baba that all who come into contact with him cannot help but experience some of that fullness. This in turn helps to fuel the growth of the fullness of their own love which may be said to be the true path of Sai or Saipatham.
A small colony of buildings is springing up around Saipatham built by some who wish to have both their heart and their feet in Shirdi. Our beloved Guruji has gracefully given us such an opportunity.
The whole atmosphere around Sri Babuji is vibrant with an aroma of sweet love which he breathes into those that are fortunate enough to come within his orbit. The open and carefree yet caring atmosphere around him fosters a sense of ease and sharing, exemplifying Baba’s principles of simplicity, love and meaningful living.
Daily structures, strictures and routines are held to a minimum. No donations are expected or accepted. Sri Babuji’s income derives from a honorarium from the Sai Baba Mission Central School which he founded in Ongole (Andhra Pradesh) years ago. As a pious principle he does not accept any gifts or donations in any form from anybody. Even the small respectful offerings made by visitors during darshan, such as fruits or sweets, are distributed to the devotees present. Aparigraha (non-acceptance of anything gratis from others) and anugraha (bestowing or channelling Baba’s grace to whomsoever seeks it) are the two sides of the coin of his social and spiritual interaction.
Topic: Sadguru Sri Sainathuni Sarath Babuji (Read 8493 times)