What is the significance of Tortoise in front of Dwarka Mai in Sri Sai temple .?
Dwarka Mayi - the mosque in Shirdi which was used as a dwelling by Sai Baba. Baba spent about 60 years of his life here. Baba kept the sacred fire (dhuni) all his life and is kept on till to day. There are five padukas, puja pillar near dhuni, grinding stone and two big portraits of Baba found in Dwarkamai. Padukas signify the presence of a Saint. Puja pillar or Guru Pillar just in front of the dhuni, the silver padukas are at the bottom if it.
Central place on the floor is marked with the TORTOISE white marble tile.
--------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------- --------------------------------------
In Sai Baba's own words "I look after my devotees the way a TORTOISE looks after her young ones, never taking my eyes off them".--------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
Reference 2:
Significance of tortoise in Dwarakamai:
This the place where Sham sunder used to bow, and the original location of the stone on which Baba sat,which was moved when the mosque was extended after Baba’s mahasamadhi.
--------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tortoise traditionally is associated with the qualities of protection (Mother tortoise protecting its children with its vision).--------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
What was the guruji’s explanation to the meaning of Dwarkamayi?Dwar-ka-mai: the mother(mai) waiting at the door(dwarak) to nourish her child. Just as a loving mother will allow her child to continue playing happily until he or she gets weary or hungry, and will then offer whatever her child needs, so our motherly Sai Baba is waiting to receive us.
Reference 3 & 4: Short biography:Sai Baba of Shirdi or Shirdi Sai Baba (c. September 27, 1838 - October 15, 1918), born under an unknown name, was an Indian guru and fakir, who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint.
He first came to Shirdi as a young lad of sixteen and stayed there for three years, Then he disappeared. He appeared in the Nizam state near Aurangabad. He again came to Shirdi with a marriage party when he was twenty. On seeing him, Bhagata Mhalsapati near Khandobha temple accosted him "Ya Sai" (Welcome Sai). Henceworth, he was known as Sai Baba.Sai Baba began to stay in a deserted Masjid (Mosque).
He never mentioned any family, made no home, and no wife, no progeny, nor any relations, near or distant. He took his 'bhiksha' i.e. begging for bread from four our five houses. He often sat under the (Neem) tree, and taught all how to act and behave in this by being an embodiment of what virtue.
His eleven famous sayings (on looking of His devotees) are: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.11. Blessed is he who has become one with Me. 
Topic: DwarakaMai Sai (Read 10928 times)