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DWARAKAMAI SAI
Devotees of Sai are fortunate indeed for
We are drawn to Him due to rinanu bandhu
As a lad of sixteen, he entered Shirdi
Ready to bear our burdens on his shoulders
Amicably solving all our problems.
Kindness to animals and Love towards all
Are always immensely in him. Shirdi
Masjid was His permanent residence
And even to day, His presence is felt there
Yet in another sacred place He resides,
It is the heart of His staunch devotee who
Surrenders whole heartedly to His will
And adheres strictly to shraddha and Saburi.
Indeed blessed is he who steps his foot on Dwarakamayi
Saimani R. Jayamani
Madras-61,
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.
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DWARAKAMAI SAI
Devotees of Sai are fortunate indeed for
We are drawn to Him due to rinanu bandhu
As a lad of sixteen, he entered Shirdi
Ready to bear our burdens on his shoulders
Amicably solving all our problems.
Kindness to animals and Love towards all
Are always immensely in him. Shirdi
Masjid was His permanent residence
And even to day, His presence is felt there
Yet in another sacred place He resides,
It is the heart of His staunch devotee who
Surrenders whole heartedly to His will
And adheres strictly to shraddha and Saburi.
Indeed blessed is he who steps his foot on Dwarakamayi
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Dwarakamai Sai Says-
Do not fight with anyone, nor retaliate, nor slander anyone.
JaiSairam.
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DwarakaMai Sai said-
Choose friends who will stick to you till the end, through thick and thin .
OM SAI RAM.
Sai guide us all.
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Sai Baba is always full of mercy.
What is wanted on our part is whole-hearted devotion to Him.
When a devotee has got firm faith and devotion, his wishes are soon fulfilled"
-Sri Sai
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DwarakaMai Sai ;D
Highly merciful is this Masjid (mosque) Ayi (mother).
Once a person climb into her lap, all their troubles are over – Sai Baba.
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DwarakaMai Sai
If you cannot endure abuse from another, just say a simple word or two, or else leave"
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DwarakaMai Sai!!!!!! :)
I live in one and all. I live in Shirdi, but I also live in the heart of each and every devotee who worships me and pays obeisance to me.
My message is simple: Love all and be kind to all because I live and exist in all.
So if you worship all - animals and men alike - you will never fail to serve me.
Be my bhakta and the inheritor of all that I have to give you - blessings, bliss and benediction. Shirdi is holy. My guru stayed here; my friends stayed here; and now you visit here. May God's abundant grace be upon you all.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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Tortoise traditionally is associated with the qualities of protection (Mother tortoise protecting its children with its vision).
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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.
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DwarakaMai Sai ;D
It is said that Sri Sai Baba left Shirdi after a period of three years and came back when He was twenty years old, accompanying a marriage party. In Shirdi, He mostly stayed in an abandoned mosque, situated in the outskirts of the village. Later, the mosque came to be known as 'DwarikaMai'. With time, Sai Baba came to be known in places far away from Shirdi. This time, Baba remained in Shirdi for a period of sixty years. It was in Shirdi only that He attained Maha Samadhi (salvation) in 1918.
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The following poem are feelings of Radhakrishnamai an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Mujh Par Daya Karo
Mujhko Kshma Karo,
Mera Jeevan Soona Tha
Bas Har Pal Ka Rona Tha,
Phir Tum Shirdi Aaye
Maine Tumhara Pyar Paya
Jeevan Jeene Ka Arth Samajh Aaya...
Baba Tum Jahan Jaate
Main Bhi Wahan Jaati
Tumhari Raahon Mein
Kewal Phool Barsaati
Tumhari Leelaon Ka
Smaran Kar Hi
Main So Paati...
Tumhari Dhuni Ko Swachh Kar
Main Prasanta Ka Anubhav Paati
Tumhari Hi YogMaya Ki Shakti
Kewal Mujhe Suhaati
Phir Ek Din Jor Se Aandhi Aayi
Meri Satarkta Bhi
Mere Kaam Na Aayi...
Lekin Tumhara Pyar
Mere Saath Raha
Tumhara Haath
Sadaa Mere Saath Raha
Aaj Phir Mujhe
Tumhari Yaad Aayi...
Baba, Main Koi Aur Nahi
Main Hoon, Tumhari RadhaKrishna - Maai
Ab Yeh Baat
Meri Samajh Main Aayi
Gareebon Ka Hai Allah - Bhai
Ameeri Se Kahin Laakh - Suhaai...
मुझ पर दया करो
मुझको क्षमा करो,
मेरा जीवन सूना था
बस हर पल का रोना था,
फिर तुम शिर्डी आये
मैंने तुम्हारा प्यार पाया
जीवन जीने का अर्थ समझ आया...
बाबा तुम जहाँ जाते
मैं भी वहां जाती
तुम्हारी राहों में
केवल फूल बरसाती
तुम्हारी लीलाओं का
स्मरण कर ही
मैं सो पाती...
तुम्हारी धुनी को स्वच्छ कर
मैं प्रसंता का अनुभव पाती
तुम्हारी ही योगमाया की शक्ति
केवल मुझे सुहाती
फिर एक दिन जोर से आंधी आई
मेरी सतर्कता भी
मेरे काम न आई...
लेकिन तुम्हारा प्यार
मेरे साथ रहा
तुम्हारा हाथ
सदा मेरे साथ रहा
आज फिर मुझे
तुम्हारी याद आई...
बाबा, मैं कोई और नहीं
मैं हूँ, तुम्हारी राधाकृष्णा - माई
अब यह बात
मेरी समझ मैं आई
गरीबों का है अल्लाह - भाई
अमीरी से कहीं लाख - सुहाई...
Take pity on me and forgive me. There was nothing in my life. Only tears came down my eyes every moment. Then You come to Shirdi. I got Your love and understand how to live life. Wherever you went Baba, i used to come with You. I dropped flowers in Your way. I used to sleep while remembering Your sports. I got happiness by cleaning Your Dhuni (Sacred Fire). I was witness of Your supernatural powers. Then one day there came a calamity and my presence of mind became useless. But Your love was with me always. Today I am again missing You. Baba, i am none other than Your Radhakrishnamai. Today I understood that Allah is with poor people which is far better than richness.
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Two Lizards - Shirdi Sai Baba Poem
In Chapter 15 of Sai Satcharitra, we had seen an instance of two lizards sisters meeting and hugging each other in Dwarkmai. This incident was prophesied by Sai Baba well before they both appeared in front of all. Shri Vikas Mehta ji has quoted his imagination about what must have happened after this incident when two birds sat talking about Baba and His Leelas in the following poem.
Masjid Ki Munder Par Baith Kar
Pakshi Bhi Chahchahate The
Baba Ki Leelaon Ko Yaad Kar
Din - Raat Aansoon Bahaate The,
Ek Din Ek Chidiya Ne
Doosri Chidiya Se Kaha
Kya Baba Humein Jaante Hain
Hum Kaun Hain
Hamein Bhi Pehchantein Hain ?
Doosri Ne Pehli Se Kaha
Ye Baba Lagte Hai, Faqeer
Lekin Pahuche Hue Sant Hain
Aur Main To Kahungi
Ye Anant Hai,
Thode Hi Din Pehle
Maine Masjid Ke Kone Mein
Do Chhipkaliyon Ko Budbudaate Dekha
Gale Lag Kar
Aansoon Bahaate Hue Dekha,
Tabhi Maine Kisi Se Suna
Yeh Do Behne Thi
Jo Bichhud Gayi Thi
Aaj Baba Ne Inhe Milaya Hai
Dekho To ! Inhe Bhi Gale Se Lagaya Hai,
To Kya Wo Humein Na Jaanege
Hum Kaun Hai
Humein Na Pehchanege,
Prem Ke Avtaar Hai Sai Baba
Jo Bichhud Gaye Hain
Unhe Bhi Milaane Aaye Hain
Sabhi Ko Gale Se
Lagaane Aaye Hai...
मस्जिद की मुंडेर पर बैठ कर
पक्षी भी चहचहाते थे
बाबा की लीलाओं को याद कर
दिन - रात आँसू बहाते थे,
एक दिन एक चिडिया ने
दूसरी चिडिया से कहा
क्या बाबा हमें जानते हैं
हम कौन हैं
हमें भी पहचानतें हैं ?
दूसरी ने पहली से कहा
ये बाबा लगते है, फकीर
लेकिन पहुचे हुए संत हैं
और मैं तो कहूँगी
ये अनंत है,
थोड़े ही दिन पहले
मैंने मस्जिद के कोने में
दो छिपकलियों को बुदबुदाते देखा
गले लग कर
आँसू बहाते हुए देखा,
तभी मैंने किसी से सुना
यह दो बहने थी
जो बिछुड़ गयी थी
बाबा ने इन्हें मिलाया है
तो ! इन्हें भी गले से लगाया है,
तो क्या वो हमें ना जानेगे
हम कौन है
हमें ना पहचानेगे,
प्रेम के अवतार है साईं बाबा
जो बिछुड़ गए हैं
उन्हें भी मिलाने आये हैं
सभी को गले से
लगाने आये है...
Two birds used to chatter on roof of Masjid (Dwarkami). They cried day and night remembering Baba's Leelas. One one sparrow said to another, "Does Baba know us? Who are we? Does He recognise us? Another one said, "This Baba looks like a Fakir, but He is renowned saint, rather I would say He is Almighty. Before sometime, I saw two lizards in Masjid making noise, shedding tears and hugging and kissing each other. I heard Someone saying that they are sisters who were separated and Baba made them meet. Today Baba has also hugged them". Then how He cannot know us or recognise us? Baba is embodiment of Love, He has come to help those who are separated and love and hug all.
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Dwarakamai
Shri Sai Baba came to Shirdi with a marriage procession. He stayed at Dwarakamai until the very end of his life. The Dilapidated Masjid of Shirdi village was named "Dwarakamai" by Sai Krishna. This is the mosque where He lived His divine advent and performed Leelas. Not only He named but in practice also the doors were open too all castes and religions. Not only Humans but also animals were allowed inside. It has been a storehouse of Spiritual power by 60 long years stay of Mother Sai. Innumerable devotees got blessings of Baba here.
Before Baba's arrival in Shirdi, Dwarakamai was an old mosque in a dilapidated condition. Baba turned it into Dwarakamai and proved that God is one. It is here one can observe how a universal religion can be practiced. We see devotees of Hindu, Parsi, Christian and Muslim religions. All are allowed to worship according to their religion. Sacred Fire (Dhuni) lit by Baba is ever burning here. Baba used to give Sacred Udi to the devotees to solve their problems in life.
Baba named it Dwaraka at the time of His entrance into it, but also advised Shri.Bhuti to build a Mandir for Muralidhar. His mortal remains were preserved in the place of Lord Murlidhar. This confirms Sai is no other than Lord Krishna of Dwapara Yuga. The feeling of His physical presence persists even today most overwhelmingly. The citizens of present day, or at least devotees who believe in Shirdi Sai should try to understand, implement Sai's method of Religious Tolerance and propagate Universal brotherhood.
(Contributed by Sai Eshwari)
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Behind every prayer and parayan (reading of holy books) there lies a desire, the quest for a miracle. Nice are those experiences where the seeker gets what he desires. It is the experiences of several devotees to receive the good news, from seemingly nowhere, beyond the logic, at the end of a sincere prayer. What of those who do not see the light at the end of the tunnel? Did Sai not hear them? Are those prayers not sincere?
A prayer is always sincere. The mere thought of surrendering our ego, even for a moment, at the feet of Sadguru and invoking His grace to the betterment of our existence is a significant step. However, not being able to receive the expected or wanted may not construe as a failure.
It does help one to know why the prayers aren't answered always. Why is that Sai withholds His miracles, seemingly to a few "unfortunate" ones? A careful analysis may help our little minds to some extent. Next time, if our prayers are unanswered, let us remember those occasions carefully and move on. Let our faith be doubled and let our love to Sainath is unchanged. It will be revealed later, that the prayers that were "unanswered" were a part of a much bigger plan. It will be known that, what happened is in our best interests. It will also be known that it may not be a dealing between Sai and the self, but a part of a grander revelation. "Seek my treasure. My coffers are open", said Sai. The best miracles are the ones that are unseen.
DwarakaMai Sai !!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are the sole refuge to us.
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A Pure Heart- Shirdi SaiBaba
Chitt - Shudh Na Hoga
To Sabhi Kuch Vyarth Hoga,
Vichaar - Shudh Hoga
To Dekhne Ka Andaaz Shudh Hoga,
Phir Avashya Hi
Bhitar Bhi
Prakash Hoga,
Ichhayen Shudh Hogi
To Doosron Ke Prati
Prem Shudh Hoga,
Tabhi Tumhen Sai Ka
Sandesh Hoga,
Unke Prem Ka
Aabhaas Hoga...
चित्त - शुद्ध
चित्त - शुद्ध ना होगा
तो सभी कुछ व्यर्थ होगा
विचार - शुद्ध होगा
तो देखने का अंदाज शुद्ध होगा
फिर अवश्य ही
भीतर भी
प्रकाश होगा
इच्छाएं शुद्ध होगी
तो दूसरों के प्रति
प्रेम शुद्ध होगा
तभी तुम्हें साईं का
सन्देश होगा
उनके प्रेम का आभास होगा
English Translation:
If heart is pure, then everything would have a meaning. If thoughts are pure, view point will also be pure. Soul will also be enlightened. If desires are pure, love towards others will also be pure. Then only Sai Baba's message can be grasped and His love can be felt.
By Shri Vikas Mehta
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The way of Sai Baba is not only unique but simple and unfolding as well. He is in his Gurusthan at Shirdi. Sri Baba leads us to the highest goal on the easiest path. Let us not leave Baba, because his way is simple and sure of success. To dispel all ignorance and to be free from all sufferings, please make Sadhana.
Please go to Shirdi. Until Shirdi enters into you, you repeatedly enter into Shirdi. Until Shirdi is established in your heart, visit Shirdi. Until you see Sai Baba in your heart during your state of wakefulness dream and sound sleep gaze at him incessantly.
Shirdi removes your sufferings. Shirdi grants you peace. Shirdi drives away your ignorance. Shirdi grants you knowledge and wisdom. Shirdi reveals your own self. Shirdi unravels the mysteries of the cosmos, Shirdi cuts off the cycle of birth and rebirth. Shirdi will prove the statement of Baba that it will remove all anguish.
Shirdi is the Gurusthan of Sai Baba. Shirdi will grant us Moksha undoubtedly. My dear devotees of Sai Baba, in this vast universe, you are living with Shirdi Sai Baba. Live in Shirdi, Shirdi will live in you. You cannot afford to be away from Baba. He is in you. You are in him. Know this truth and serve your Sadguru.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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When things are down
And you are out of your mind
Remember just remember
Sai is so Kind.
When your life is in darkness
And nothing is right
Remember just remember
Through the darkness, Sai is The Light.
When nothing makes sense
And everything seems dense
Remember just remember
Sai is The Wise.
When times are troubled
And no one seems to care
Remember just remember
Sai is so Fair.
When your heart is breaking
And your pain makes you fall
Remember just remember
Sai Sees it all.
When you are weak
And the road seems long
Remember just remember
Seek strength from The Strong.
When life is a burden
And everything is unstable
Remember just remember
Sai is The Able.
When the way is cloudy
And there is no one by your side
Remember just remember
Sai is The Only Guide.
When no one wants to listen
Or is willing to lend an ear
Remember just remember
Sai is always ready to hear
When you are poor and penniless
And you are stuck in a niche
Remember just remember
Sai is The Rich.
When you are down in your misery
And there is nowhere to run
Remember just remember
You can always run to The One
And when your scars are hurting
And your heart is in fear
Remember just remember
Sai is always near so why fear.
SAI IS LIGHT
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When Jesus was born three wise men followed a star to reach his place of birth.
Seeing the new-born babe they bowed to the divine child in their hearts.
One sage told Mary: "He loves God."
The second sage said: "God loves him."
The third man said: "He is God.
" What is the inner significance of these three pronouncements about Jesus?
The first statement implies that Jesus is a messenger of God.
A messenger may love his master, but the master may not so easily love his messenger.
The second statement implies that he is the son of God, for a father loves his son most dearly.
The third statement proclaims the unity of the Father and Son.
It means that as the Son of God he is entitled to ascend to his Father's place. - Baba
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God has created this beautiful world, and it is our duty to appreciate its beauty.
The mind will get steady and calm slowly and gradually.
When the front door is open, why go by the back door ?
When the heart is pure, there is no difficulty, what so ever.
Why should one be afraid of any one, if there be no evil thought in us.
-- Shirdi Sai Baba
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SAI BABA - The Saint who lightened the lamp with water
The land of Maharashtra, is fortunate enough to have seen on it a good number of saints, who by their virtuous life, and teachings affected the masses to illustrate, Samartb Ramdas, Gajanan Maharaj. Tazuddin Baba, Avtar Mehar Baba, Nivratti Gyandev, Sopan, Muktabai, Janardan, Eknath, Namdeo, Tukaram, Kanba, and Narhari, are the names of some of such saints, whose activities, though centralised in Maharashtra, were later on worshipped all over the nation due to their teachings.
In the above said tradition the name of 'Sai Baba' also should be mentioned, who made 'Shirdi' a place of pilgrimage by his appearance there.
So far, no body could identify, as to whether 'Sai Baba' was a 'Muslim' or a 'Hindu'. To those who intensified their search about the above matter, Baba magically changed their minds to such an extend that they forgot their original question.
If anybody wished Baba with 'Pranam' he would bless him with 'Allah Rakkhe', and for 'Salam' his reply was 'Ram Rakkhe'. He was staying in a Masjid which was named in Hindu style as 'Dwarka Mai', contrary to Muslim traditions. In the Masjid 'bell' 'fire' 'flour grinder' etc. were there. During Moharram days 'Tajias' were kept in the above place, and on 'Ram Navami' the festival of the birth of Lord Ram, was celebrated with full spirit and zeal.
On the one hand 'Sai Baba' possessed fair knowledge of 'Quran', and on the other he was well versed with 'Geeta' and 'Vishnu Sahasranam'.
As a matter of fact -Sai Baba' had no differentiation between 'Ram' and 'Rahim', or 'Krishna* and 'Karim'. He believed that 'Master' of all is one, and religions are different paths to reach Him.
Let me tell you an incident from Baba's life. Sai Baba used to take round of shops every evening to beg for oil. The oil thus received, he used to pour in a pot, and it was distributed to different earthen lamps, which were lighted in the Masjid. This programme of Baba which was continuing for a long time, annoyed the shopkeepers, and one day they decided not to oblige ‘Baba' henceforth.
The next day, when 'Baba' took his usual round, nobody obliged him by giving Him oil. He returned with the empty pot. The shopkeepers, who had not obliged him, were eager to see the disappointment of 'Baba' and they followed him.
Baba put some water in his mouth, and poured it in the empty oil pot. This water he drained in the earthen lamps, and lighted them. To the utmost surprise these lamps, with water continued to burn in the Masjid for the whole night as usual.
The shopkeepers, who had been witnessing all this magical event, bowed before. Baba, and asked for an apology. In reply Baba, cautioned them to be careful about their behaviour.
As a matter of fact, charity does not go in vain. Baba, in one of his sayings had declared that whatever he received through charity he bad to repay ten times.
His Godly acts, are beyond the understanding of men like us. Such was the wonderful saint 'Sai Baba'.
V. K. Thakur
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Dwarkamai is situated to the right of the entrance to the Samadhi Mandir. It was here that the Saibaba healed the sick and the sufferers who came to him. It is said that when Shri Sai Baba first came to Shirdi with a marriage procession, he stayed at Dwarkamai and remained there till the very end of his life.
The site was an old dilapidated mosque to which the holy seer restored its sanctity. The building has a large portrait of the Saibaba. His personal effects have been lovingly preserved and you can see the famous big stone that was his favored seat, along with the Kolamba, water pot and the grinding stone that he used. JaiSaiRam
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1 Aarati - The Prayer Song
Oh Sai Baba,we wave lights before you,the bestower of happiness to the Jivas.Give us - Your servants and devotees rest under the dust of your Feet,burning (destroying) desires.You remain absorbed in Your Self,and show the Lord (God) to the aspirants.As one feels intently for you,you give him experiences or realizations accordingly.Oh Kindhearted,Your power is such!meditation on Your name removes our fear of the Sansar.Your method of word is really unfathomable as You always help the poor and the helpless.In this Kali age - the all-pervasive Datta,have Incarnated as Sagun Brahma.Ward off the fear of Sansar of the devotees,who come to You every Thursday,so as to enable them to see the Feet of the Lord.Oh Gods of Gods,I pray that,let my treasure be the service of Your Feet.Feed Madhav (the composer of this aarati) with happiness as the cloud feeds the Chatak bird with pure water,and thus keep up your Word.Amen!
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2 Saibaba’s Sweet and Nectar-like Words
One day at noon,after Arati,devotess were returning to their lodgings,when Baba gave the following beautiful advice
“Be wherever you like,do whatever you choose,remember this well that,all what you do is known to Me.Iam the Inner Ruler of all and seated in your hearts.I envelope all the creatures,the movable and immovable world.I am the Controller - the Wire-puller of the show of this universe.I am the Mother - origin of all beings - the Harmony of three Gunas,the Propeller of all sense,the Creator,Preserver and Destroyer.Nothing will harm him,who turns his attention towards Me,but maya will lash or whip him,who forgets Me.All the insects ants,the visible,movable and immovable world is My body or form”.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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3 Sai as Sagun Brahma
There are two aspects of God or Brahma : (1) the Unmanifested (Nirgun) and (2) the Manifested (Sagun).The Nirgun is formless,while the sagun is with form,though,both denote the same Brahma.Some prefer to worship the former,some the latter.As stated in the Gita (chapter XIII) the worship of the latter is easy and preferable.As man has got a form (body,senses,etc),it is natural and easy for him to worship God with form.
Our love and devotion do not develop,unless we worship Sagun Brahma,for a certain period of time,and as we advance,it leads us to the worship (meditation) of Nirgun Brahma.So let us start with Saugn worship.
Image,altar,fire,light,sun,water,Brahma are the seven objects of worship;but Sadguru is better than all these.Let us,on this occasion,bring to our mind the form of Sai,who was non-attachment Incarnate,and Who was a resting-place for His devotees.Our faith in His words is the Asan;and our Sankalpa (determination to accomplish the puja) is the bhakta abandonment of all our desires.Some say that Sai was a Bhagwad-bhakta (devotee of the Lord),others say He was a Maha-Bhagwat (a great devotee);but to us He is God incarnate.He was ever forgiving,never irritable,straight,soft,tolerant and content beyond comparison.Though,He looked embodied (as having the form),He was really dis-embodied,emotionless,unattached and internally free.
The Ganges on its way to the sea,cools and refreshes the creatures affected with heat,gives life to the crops and tress,and quenches the thirst of many.Similarly,saints (Souls) like Sai,while they live their own,give solace and comfort to all.
Lord Krishna has said that the saint is My soul,My living image,I am He or He is My pure form (Being).This in-describable Shakti or power of God,known as pure Existence,Knowledge and Bliss,incarnated in the form of Sai in Shirdi.The Shruti (Taittiriya Upanishad) describes Brahma as Pure Bliss.
This,we read or hear daily in the books,but the devout people experienced this Brahma or Bliss in Shirdi.Baba,the support of all,required no prop or Asan from anybody.He always used a piece of sack-cloth for His seat,which was covered with a small mattress by His bhaktas and had a bolster,placed by them,rest as His back.Baba respected the feelings of His devotees and allowed them to worship Him as they liked.Some waved Chamar or fans before Him,some played on musical instruments some washed His hands and feet,some others applied scent and Chandan,some gave betel nut with leaves,and some others offered Naivaidya.Though,He looked like living in Shirdi,He was present everywhere.This all-pervasiveness of His was daily experienced by His devotees.Our humble prostration to this all-pervasive Sadguru.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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04 Love All
Hearing of Saibaba stories will always enchants you.One should follow these stories and apply in real life,then he will be successful in all aspects.
The following incident tells us how Sai Baba loves all.Just mediate on these stories and you will be always protected by Sai.
Once,Mrs.Tarkhad was staying in a certain house in Shirdi.At noon meals were ready and being served,when a hungry god turned up there and began to bark.Mrs.Tarkhad got up at once and threw a piece of bread which the dog gulped with great relish.In the afternoon when she went to the Masjid and sat at some distance,Sai Baba said to her,”Mother,you have fed Me sumptuously,My famished Pranas (life-forces) have been satisfied.Ever act like this,and this will stand you in good stead.Sitting in this Masjid I shall never,never speak untruth.Take pity on Me like this!.First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself.Note this well!” She could not understand at first the meaning of what Baba said.So,she replied, “Baba,how could i feed You? Iam myself dependent on others and take my food from them on payment”.Then,Baba replied,”Eating that lovely bread I am heartily contended and I am still belching.The dog,which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread,is one with Me,so also other creatures (cats,pigs,flies,cows etc) are one with Me.I am roaming in their forms.He,who sees Me in all creatures,is My beloved.So,abandon the sense of duality and distinction,and serve Me as you did today.”Drinking these nectar-like words she was moved,her eyes were brimmed with tears,her throat was choked and her joy knew no bounds.
Moral
“See God in all beings!” is the moral of this incident.The Upanishads,the Gita and the Bhagawat,all exhort us to perceive God or Divinity in all creatures.In this way SaiBaba stands as the best Exponent or Teacher of the Upanishadic doctrines.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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05 Baba’s control over the Elements
This is our Sai,an Incarnation of God.He will bless any man,who will prostrate and surrender himself to Him.
(1) Once at evening time,there was a terrible storm at Shirdi.The sky was overcast with thick black clouds.Winds began to blow with great force,clouds roared and lightening began to flash and rains started pouring,in torrents.In a short time,the whole place was flooded with water.All creatures,birds,beasts and men got terribly frightened,and they all flocked to the masjid for shelter.There are many local Deities in Shirdi but none of them came to their rescue.So,they all prayed to Baba - their God,Who was fond of their devotion,to intercede and quell the storm.Baba was much moved.He came out and standing at the edge of the Masjid,addressed the storm in a loud and thunderous voice,”Stop,stop your fury and be calm!”In few minutes,the rains subsided the winds ceased to blow,and the storm came to stop.Then,the moon rose in the sky and people went back home well-pleased.
(2)On another occassion at noon the fire in the Dhuni began to burn brightly,its flames were seen to be reaching the rafters above.The people who were sitting in the Masjid,did not know,what to do.They dared not to ask Baba to pour water or do anything to quench the flames.But Baba soon came to realize,what was happening.He took up His Satka (short stick) and dashed it against a pillar in front,saying, “Get down,Be calm”.At each stroke of the Satka,the flames began to slow down,and in few minutes the Dhuni became calm and normal.
How wondrous our Saint Sai Baba is? We pray Him and We worship Him daily.
Jai Sairam!
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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06 Manifestation of Brahma
Though,Sai Baba looked like a man,three cubits and a half in length,still He dwelt in the hearts of all.Inwardly,He was unattached and indifferent but outwardly,He longed for mass welfare.Though,inwardly,an abode of peace,He looked outwardly restless.Inwardly,He had the state of Brahma,outwardly he seemed engrossed in the world.Some times He looked on all with affection and at times He threw stones at them;sometimes He scolded them,while at times He embraced them and was calm,composed,tolerant and well-balanced.He always abided and was engrossed in the Self,and was well-disposed towards His Bhaktas.He always sat on one Asan and never travelled.His ’satka’ was a small stick,which He always carried in His hand.He was calm and thought-free.He never cared for wealth and fame,and lived on alms.Such a life He led.He always uttered “Allah Malik” (God is the real owner).Entire and unbroken was His love for the Bhaktas.He was the mine or store-house for self-knowledge and full of Divine Bliss.Such was the Divine Form of Sai envelopes the whole universe (from a stone to Brahma),incarnated in Sai Baba.The really meritorious and fortunate people got this treasure-grove in their hands,while those people,who not knowing the real worth of Sai Baba,took Him to be a mere human being,were indeed unfortunate.
Jai Sairam!
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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07 Ganges Bath
On one Makar Sankranti day Megha wanted to smear the body of Baba with sandal-paste and bathe Him with Ganges water.Baba was first unwilling to undergo this but at his repeated requests He consented.Megha had to traverse a distance of eight Kos (going and returning) to bring the sacred water from the Godavari river.He brought the water,made all preparations for the bath at noon and asked Baba to get ready for the same.Then Baba again asked him to be spared from this bath saying that as a Fakir He had nothing to do with Ganges water but Megha did not listen to Him.He knew that Shiva is pleased with Abhishek (Sacred Bath) on that auspicious day.Baba then consented came down and sat on a wooden board and projecting His head said,”Oh Megha do at least this favor,head is the most important organ of the body,so pour the water over that only - it is equivalent to the whole bath”.”All right “,said Megha and lifting the water pot up began to pour it on the head but in doing this,he was so much overwhelmed with love that he cried out,”Har Har Gange” (Hail goddess Ganga) and emptied the pot on the whole body.He kept the pot aside and began to look at Baba,but to his surprise and amazement he found that only Baba’s head was drenched while the body quite dry.
Jai Sairam!
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all.
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DwarakaMai Sai Says DwarakaMai Sai Says DwarakaMai Sai Says DwarakaMai Sai Says DwarakaMai Sai Says
"If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes, increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life and My deeds, him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides. Those devotees, who are attached to Me, heart and soul, will naturally feel happiness, when they hear these stories. Believe me that if anybody sings My Leelas, I will give him infinite joy and everlasting contentment. It is My special characteristic to free any person, who surrenders completely to Me, and who does worship Me faithfully, and who remembers Me, and meditates on Me constantly. How can they be conscious of worldly objects and sensations, who utter My name, who worship Me, who think of My stories and My life and who thus always remember Me? I shall draw out My devotees from the jaws of Death. If My stories are listened to, all the diseases will be got rid of. So, hear My stories with respect; and think and meditate on them, assimilate them. This is the way of happiness and contentment. The pride and egoism of My devotees will vanish, the mind of the hearers will be set at rest; and if it has wholehearted and complete faith, it will be one with Supreme Consciousness. The simple remembrance of My name as 'Sai, Sai' will do away with sins of speech and hearing".
- Sri Shirdi Sai Baba
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08 Love and affection of our Sai
God was originally formless.He assumed a form for the sake of Bhaktas.With the help of Maya,He played the part of an Actor in the big drama of the universe.Let us remember and visualize Shri Sai.Let us go to Shirdi and see carefully the programme after the noon-Arati.After the Arati ceremony was over,Sai used to come out of the Masjid and standing on its edge,distribute Udi to the devotees with very kind,gracious and loving looks.The Bhaktas also got up with equal fervour,clasped His feet and had the bliss of Udi.Baba passed handfuls of Udi into the palms of the devotees and marked their forheads with Udi with His own hands.The love He bore for them in His heart,was boundless.Then He addressed the Bhaktas, “Oh Bhau,go home to take your lunch,you Anna,go to your lodgings,you Bapu,enjoy your meal”.In this way,He accosted each and every devotee and sent them home.Even now you can have the pleasure of these sights,if you bring into play your imagination.Now,bringing Sai in our mental vision,let us meditate on Him,from His feet upwards to His face,prostrating yourself before Him humbly,lovingly and reverentially.
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09 Mighty words of Shri SadGuru Saibaba
Shirdi Saibaba said, “if a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all his wishes,increase his devotion.And if he sings earnestly My life and My deeds,him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides.Those devotees,who are attached to Me,heart and soul,will naturally feel happiness,when they hear these stories.Believe Me that,if anybody sings My leelas,I will give him infinite joy and everlasting contentment.It is My special characteristic to free any person,who surrenders completely to Me,and who worships Me faithfully,and who remembers Me,and meditates on Me constantly.How can they be conscious of worldly objects and sensations,who utters My name,who worship Me,who think of My stories and My life,and who thus,always remember Me! I shall draw out My devotees from the jaws of death.If My stories are listened to,all diseases will be got rid of.So,hear My stories with respect,and think and meditate on them,assimilate them.This is the way of happiness and contentment.The pride and egoism of My devotees will vanish,the mind of the hearers will be set at rest;and if he has wholehearted and complete faith,he will be one with supreme Consciousness.The simple remembrance of My name as “Sai,Sai” will do away with sins of speech and hearing.”
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Sai Baba as Sadguru
There are many so-called Gurus,who go about from house to house with cymbals and Vina in their hands,and make a show of their spirituality.They blow Mantras into the ears of their disciples and extract money from them.They profess to teach piety and religion to their disciples,but are themselves impious and irreligious.
Sai Baba never thought of making the least show of His worth (piety).He had no Body-consciousness but He had great love for His disciples.There are two kinds of Gurus (1) ‘Niyat’ (appointed or fixed) and (2) ‘Aniyat’ (unappointed or general).The latter by their advice develop the good qualities in us,purify our hearts and set us on the path of salvation;but contact with the former,dispels our sense of dualities (sense of difference,)and establishes us in Unity by making us realize “Thou art that”.
There are various Gurus imparting to us various kinds of worldly knowledge but he,who fixes us in our Nature (self) and carries us beyond the ocean of worldly existence,is the Sadguru.Sai Baba was such a Sadguru.His greatness is indescribable.
If anybody went to take His darshan,He without being asked,would give every detail of his past,present and future.He saw Divinity in all beings.Friends and foes were alike to Him.Disinterested and balanced,He obliged the evil-doers as well as the pious.He was the same in prosperity and adversity.No doubt ever touched Him.Though,He acted through the body He was not in the least,attached to His body or house.”Though,He looked embodied,He was really unembodied ,i.e., free from gross existence.
Blessed are the people of Shirdi,who worshiped Sai as their God.While eating,drinking,working in their backyards and fields,and doing various household jobs,they always remembered Sai and sang His glory.They knew no other God except Sai.
What to speak of the sweetness of the love of the women of Shirdi!They were quite ignorant but their pure love inspired them to compose poems or songs in their simple rustic language.Letters of learning they had none,still one can discern real poetry in their simple songs.It is not intelligence,but love that inspires real poetry.As such,real poetry is the manifestation of true love,and this can be seen and appreciated by intelligent listeners.Collection of these folk-songs is desirable and by Baba’s wish some fortunate devotee may undertake the task of compiling and publishing these folk-songs,either in the Sai Leela magazine or seperately in a book.
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Goal of Life
The life of this Saint is naturally sweet.His various doings,eating,walking and His natural sayings are also sweet.His life is Bliss Incarnate.Sai gave bliss to His devotees as a means of remembrance.He gave them various stories of duty and action,which ultimately led them to true religion.His object may be,that people should live happily in this world but they should be ever cautious,and achieve the object of their life,viz.self-realization.We get human body as a result of merits in past births and it is worth-while that,with its aid,we should attain devotion and liberation in this life.So,we should never be lazy but always be on the alert to gain our goal of life.
If you hear the leelas (stories) of Sai daily,you will always see Him.Day and night you will remember Him in your mind.When you assimliate Sai in this way,your mind will lose its fickleness,and if you go on in this manner,it will finally be merged in Pure Conciousness.
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The Instructable Power of Maya
Baba’s words were always short,deep,full of meaning,effective and well-balanced.He was ever content and never cared for anything.He said,”Though I am a Fakir,have no house or wife,and though,leaving all care,I stay at one place,the inevitable Maya teases Me often.Though,I forgot Myself but she cannot forgot Me.She always envelops Me.This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) harasses even Lord Brahma and others,then,what to speak of a poor Fakir,like Me? Those,who take refuge in God,will be freed from Her clutches with His grace.”
In such terms Baba spoke about the power of Maya.Lord Shri Krishna has said to Uddhava in the Bhagwat that the saints are His living forms and see, what Baba has said for the welfare of His devotees,”Those,who are fortunate and whose demerits have vanished,take to My worship.If you always say “Sai,Sai”,I shall take you over the seven seas believe in these words,and you will be certainly benefited.I do not need any paraphernalia of worship - either eight-fold or sixteen-fold.I rest there,where there is full devotion.”
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Baba’s Dress and Daily Routine
In his young days,Sai Baba grew the hair on His head,never had His head shaved.He dress like an athlete.When He went to Rahata (3 miles from Shirdi),He brought with Him small plants of Marigold,Jai and Jui and after cleaning them He planted and watered them.A devotee by name Vaman Tatya,supplied Him daily with two unbaked earthen pitchers.With these Baba Himself used to water the plants.He drew water from the well and carried the pitchers on His shoulders.In the evening,the pitchers were kept at the foot of the Neem tree.As soon as they were placed there,they broke as they were made of mud and not baked.Next day,Tatya supplied two fresh pitchers.This course went on for 3 years,and with Sai Baba’s toil and effort,there grew a garden.On this site,at present stands the big mansion-Samadhi Mandir of Baba,which is now frequented by so many devotees.
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DWARKAMAYI
(ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OF SAMARTH SADGURU SHRI SAINATH)
The Dwarkamayi Is veritably the VAIKUNTH on earth of SHRI SHIRDI SAIMATH.
It was at this place, where BABA stayed for an
uninterrupted period of more than 60 years and which has attained great importance.
After BABA'S arrival at Shirdi with Chandbhai Patil's
marriage party, BABA resided here In the Dwarkamayi till the very end of HIS life.
Here HE solved problems of the people, ushered their sickness and worries.
Here HE showed the various forms of God to the devotees and
proved that GOD is one.
It was here BABA explained in length Chapter 34 of Bhagavad Glta to Sri Nana saheb Chandorkar.
It was here HE gave lessons of KORAN to Abdul.
Just before HE passed away. HE Instructed Lakshmi Bal Shinde what Navadha Bhakti (9 types of devotion) means,He explained the meaning of each word to Lakshmibai after giving her 9 rupees.
It was here that BABA lit the Dhuni and which remains perpetually lighted uninterruptedly.
The ash In this Dhuni is given to all devotees.
Here BABA's Midday and Dhup Arati were being sung and BABA used to distribute prasad and udhi to all those present.
It was here that BABA ground the cholera in the form of wheat Flour.
It was here that HE gave a clear consent and blessings to Sri Annahsheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) to write His biography.
Here BABA explained the importance of having a Guru, the importance of giving dakshina.
It was here that BABA lighted lamps with water and it was here that BABA used to sleep on a bed of rags.
It was here that HE prepared food in a big handy and lovingly distributed It to His devotees.
It was here that BABA granted salvation to A tiger.
It was here that HE put HIS hands in the Dhuni (lighted fire) and saved a blacksmith's child far away.
It was here that BABA doused the fire that raged ih the Dargah of
Nagpur’ s Hajrat Tajuddin Baba when the latter beseeched HIS help.
It was here that HE (Baba) proved that HE had control over nature by stopping storms on two occasions.
It was here that BABA went into Samadhi for three days on Margarisha Purnima of 1886.
It was here that BABA showed Himself as LORD DATTATREYA on Datta JayantI in 1911.
It was here that BABA meted out justice at times very severe to those devotees who would just refuse to mend their ways.
BABA used to say often "Our Justice is stern.
Even if a child Sails athwart the womb we have to cut it.
It was here that BABA, blessed devotees and rewarded each according to their faith in HIM.
Hi is Dwarkamayi is a witness to many many more such noble activities and incidents during BABA's lifetime.
Every Inch of space in this holy place vibrates with life if only one has faith.
The serene silence at night here is so soothing that one literally feels himself relieved of his burdens and offloading them at SAI's feet.
This Valkuntha of earth-the Dwarkamayi Is supremely holy and sacred.
A mighty Avatar spent His entire lifetime here and today HE rests in peace and silence & the Samadhi Mandir.
But, the holy Dwarkamayi Is still throbbing with HIS divine presence.
His oil portrait placed In the Dwarkamayi is so lively that one feels BABA is still sitting and looking at him.
A fakir that BABA resembled outwardly, HE was none but Incarnate.
The beauty of these wonderful saints is that they appear so quietly in a remote unheard of village and after fulfilling their earthly mission leave as quietly as they come.
It is then that their fame begins to spread like wildfire as they become spiritually active from their tombs.
BABA as already mentioned is an Apantaratma.
HE will therefore remain eternally active from HIS tomb to help and protect HIS devotees and all others who place their in HIM.
1.What can the snake do to Dwarkamayi's children? They look on amused when the snake appears.
2.We have no need to fear. Strike, let Me see how you can strike and kill.
3.This is not it Mosque. It is Dwaraka.
Those who seek refuge in her will never be harmed.
4.As soon one climbs the steps of the mosque sufferings due to Karma are atan end and joy begins.
That Fakir(God) is very kind and will relieve your troubles.
5.When any one enters this Dwarka Mayi his goal (object) will be achieved.
6.This place (Dwarka Mayi) is for Tarana i.e. saving them and NOT marana i,e. killingthem. _ SHRI SAINATH.
Before BABA's arrival in Shirdi, the Dwarkamayi was an old mosque in a dilapilated condition.
BABA turned it into Dwarkamayi.
It was the desire of Gopal Gund, land Surveyor of Kopergaon to repair this masjid after he started the Ram-Navami Urs Fair in Shirdi every year from 1897.
However, this work of repairing the masjid was not assigned to him but for Nana Chandorkar and the pavement work for Kaka Dixit.
Initially,BABA refused permission to have these Jobs done but on theintervention of Bhagat Mhalsapathy, HIS consent was obtained.
The work of restoration of the masjid together with the Sabha Mandap was completed in 1911.
How fortunate is this mosque where BABA chose to stay In Shirdi.
For decades and centuries, this mosque may have been left unused and allowed to decay.
When BABA first stayed In this mosque, it was so dilapilated that one feared if the walls of the roof would crumble down
on him.
The masjid bore the full brunt of heat, rain and cold
and made it useless for inhabitation.
It was a wonder how BABA spent a good 60 years in this mosque when one could not live there for a single day.
It is believed that BABA Himself in some earlier lives had connection with Shirdi and even of this Dwarkataayi mosque.
Shri Sainath being a God incarnate.
His actions all resemble some past links and what HE
did always had a deeper meaning beyond ordinarly human intellect.
It was only the saints and God realised souls who could understand BABA and realise His greatness and His actions.
COURTESY SANJAY PADIA Kolkatta
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I get angry with none. Will a mother get angry with Her children? Will the ocean send back water to several rivers?
Sai Baba the compassion incarnate said this words. Sai Baba sometimes used to get angry. His body would be seen burning with rage and eyes red like hot charcoal at those times. But sooner or later it was disovered that Sai Baba's rage was towards the ill effect on any of His devotees. The devotees would be free from the ill effect that might have hurt much. A little more on Sai Baba's anger. It shows that Sainath's anger is also out of compassion and ultimate good for His devotees.
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RELY ON DWARAKMAI SAI ALONE
Our love for Lord Sainath should be whole-hearted.
Then it will banish the feeling of loneliness and gradually diminish our dependence on human relationships.
Ultimately, the companionship of Shirdi Sai alone is dependable.
It is right that we love others, but our reliance should not be on human beings, but on Sainath.
Anyone else we cling to, we lose.
May be it is because the Lord wants us to know that if we wish for Him, our attention to Him must be single-minded.
It is wonderful to pine for the one divine beloved of our souls; wonderful to utter Sai Name.
Then He is sure to respond.In Arabia, there was a great saint know as Ibn-Al-Arabi.
Once he sat down facing the Kaba. After a long time he turned round happily and demanded his supper,
which he received and ate very heartily. When he was asked aobut it, he told : I declared to God that I
would neither eat or drink till the man imprecating me was pardoned.
I recited “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH’ seventy thousand time till God pardoned him.
Whether it is agreed or not, that fact is that Allah who is the MALIK of ALL CREATION has always listened to the
prayers and demands of the saints and pardoned the sinners.
The saints intervene on our behalf and pray to the most merciful Allah to forgive us and in turn Allah very gladly
grants their request. Shri Sai Baba was one such beloved saint.
Sai Baba has clearly told that the person who thinks that Baba is in Shirdi only has not at all understood him.
Baba’s mortal body has disintegrated into its original constituents like air, ether, water, earth etc.
But the real Baba who is the great invisible force still continues
to help people in mysterious ways even after His “Mahasamadhi”. He is active as before taking care of His children.
Sainath is the divine channel through which the beloved Lord’s wisdom and mercy flow.
Like a mother bird that pushes the fledgeling out of the nest so that it can learn to fly, the Gurudev Sai Maharaj forces
the devotee to establish his own relationship with Almighty.
For the same reason, Sainath takes away from the devotee every human
support to awaken awareness about Him, until the devotee comes to
the ultimate realization :
“Sai is my strength.
Sai is my Friend.
Sai is my beloved, my only one.
When He is absent from me, I am bereft of everything.
I am a beggar.
When He is with me, I am filled with love and joy ;
I am filled with courage and strength.
Dear Sai brothers and Sai sisters:
If we go to human beings to find divine solace, divine comfort,
we may for a while receive a little happiness and contentment, but
sooner or later the Lord takes those props away.
We have to rely on Sainath alone.
He alone is ever lasting, so He wants us to be strong in our faith
in him.
courtesy Shivajyoti M.Nanjappa
:)
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When the merciful father is the wrath incarnate, it will be for a purpose.
When Sapatnekar sought Baba after losing his only son to throat disease,
Baba tested him for a long time before giving him the best comfort of his life, His Company!
Had Sapatnekar known earlier about the omniscience of Baba,
perhaps he would not have belittled his friend's faith in Baba during his younger days.
When Haji Siddiq Falke, proud of his pilgrimage to Mecca did not recognize the Supreme in Baba,
he was made to realize his mistakes soon.
Completely grounded by Baba's impossible questions, Haji opened his eyes, realized his misconceptions about his
own spiritual experiences and was enlisted in Sai's darbar.
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DwarakaMai Sai!
A devotee should always, every moment, remember his soul relationship with Baba and feel affinity. The more we will remember, the closer we will feel with Him. This remembrance is like the life force of all other aspects of devotion, so it is of first importance.
Remembrance of any of the names, leelas, virtues, abodes, and the associates of Shirdi Sai can be done singly or collectively. So, while doing the chanting or while listening to a chant or while remembering a chant in our mind we should feel the synonymity of Blissful sweetness of Baba with the name, and, at the same time, think of any leela, or feel and imagine the presence of Baba near us.
Bhakti is the selfless remembrance of Baba. It is accompanied by the feeling of affinity and a desire to increase longing. Such a devotion purifies the heart of the devotee and qualifies it to receive the Grace of Baba. The practical and best way of Baba devotion to increase the longing for the vision of Shirdi Sai is to remember the Divine relationship and to meditate on the form and the leelas of Shirdi Sai Baba affectionately.
Baba devotees who have read Shri Sai Satcharitra experience this all the time when they chant His name and meditate on Him. It brings up nostalgic moments as if we are in Dwarkamai and He, the graceful and handsome Sai, standing on the edge of the Masjid and distributing
Udi to each and every Bhakta, with a view to his welfare.
He, Who thinks of the world as an illusion and Who is ever engrossed in Supreme Bliss before Him, we humbly prostrate ourselves.
Om Sai Ram!!!! :)
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Nine forms of devotion.
1. Shravana listening to the praise of lord or chantings of lord.
2. Kirtana - singing the glories of God and Saints, devotional songs and bhajans
3. Smarana - remebering the God or Sadguru wherever we are what ever we are doing.
4. Padsevana - resorting to the feet of Sadguru (Thou art the doer i am the machine) surrender with heart soul and mind.
5. Archana (Worship) Worshiping the God or Sad Guru
6. Namaskara - Bowing to Sadguru and giving the self to Him
7. Dasya service serving the guru with bhava of a dasa a divine servant who serves his Sadguru
8. Sakhyatva (Friendship) looking to Sadguru as a friend and always remembering Him as the best friend.
9. Atmanivedana (surrender of the self)
If any one of these is done with totality with Faith and Patience and as Sai Baba had said in the earlier story
"In this spiritual path, you have to put in your best exertion as it is very difficult"
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The Protecting Arms
There was a judge who used to come to Shirdi; he asked his wife and child to stay with Baba and left to go home for a couple of days. He said to the boy when he took leave, "This is God Himself". After some days the mother left for Manmad with the boy.
Buzz up!There, they fell in with a kathak who was reciting musically some Pur"nic story. Within a few minutes, they heard him revile Sai Baba as a mad man and a cheat; the child could not stand it any longer. He tugged at the sari of his mother and forced her to return to Baba. Next morning, they approached Baba for His blessings and He asked them why they had returned. The incident of the kathak was duly reported.
The boy heard every one addressing Baba as the Lord. Remembering the harsh words of the kathak, the boy wept, But Baba pacified Him humorously, "I am only a man. What the kathak said is true; I am mad and I am cheating people of what they consider very valuable, but what I feel is useless". Then, even as they were talking, one Mr. Patel came there and related how Baba had saved his child from a serious accident.
Baba told him, "Yes, I held him when he fell, with My Four Hands". Patel shed tears of thankfulness, but the boy cried out, "Ah, I told you, You are God, You have four hands like Vishnu". Baba laughed, He took the boy inside and gave him a vision of Himself, as having Four Hands.
That boy stayed on in Shirdi for 26 years after this and left only after Baba 'left'. He then took sanny"sa and became a great sage.