Experiences of the Devotee's With Divine Father ,

[Dipika]

Experiences of the Devotee's With Divine Father ,SAI Vol 3

July 23, 1998

I want to share with you a story of how Baba helped me in my times of utter need. I went overseas on a trip and forgot some important documents at home. I could not finish my assignment and return without having the documents. I called and had my family search my study for the documents. They kept saying that they could not find it. I was thousands of miles away and after all the money spent and travel time, I just felt stupid and useless. How was I going to face my peers? How was I going to face my Boss?

I sat down in the Hotel room, prayed to Shri Sai Baba and started reading the Sai Satcharita Book, which I had taken along with me. The next day I called home again and had no luck. This happened the next day too. By that time, with nothing else to do, I had almost finished 3/4 of the book. Finally, resigning to the situation, I resolved to finish the book and prayed to Baba again.

The fourth day the miracle happened. No sooner that I had finished reading the last page of the book, I got a phone call from my family saying they found the documents and were sending it to me by courier. My joy knew no bounds and my eyes were filled with tears.

The documents reached me in a day and I finished my assignment and returned with great success. As it turned out that while packing my bags, I had put the documents in the inside cover of the portfolio, which I was not supposed to carry. On the third day, my uncle got a dream at 3 a.m. that the only place he had not checked was the portfolio cover and he woke up to see if the documents were there. This was the same time while I was about to finish the Sai Satcharita thousands of miles away.

I do not know what else to say except that I bow and pray to Shri Sai. Strange are his ways to get things done.

May peace be with you.

July 30, 1998

Dear devotees,

Thank you for sending me the Sai newsletter. It is a pleasure to read about Baba. I would like to share a wonderful experience with all Sai devotees, which I had actually witnessed in 1996. I had a friend who was polio stricken from birth. In 1994, she met me for the first time and I was deeply saddened to see a young and beautiful girl dragging herself to the computer class. One day I mustered courage to ask her about her condition. She said she was always like that. Next day, I gave her a locket of Saibaba of Shirdi whom I absolutely revered, I asked her to wear it and I remember telling her that He will cure you. I lost all touch with her, once the computer course was over. One day, in JULY 1996, I heard from her and she broke the news that she could walk, run do anything with her legs. I was stunned, I have yet to see such a miracle happen, Baba inspired a doctor in Vellore, circumstances so happened that she went to visit her uncle in UP, India and she ran into this God-sent doctor. The doctor said he would like to operate on her, if the surgery is successful, you'll be able to walk again, otherwise I will amputate your affected leg and replace it with an artificial leg. She agreed and Sai spared her leg, the surgeon straightened her leg, all this may sound unbelievable but I have seen it with my own eyes. She is married now and what I feel is that all these years prior to wearing the locket, why no Doctor had ever suggested or even tried saving her leg? As far as I am concerned , it remains a sheer miracle of modern times. Sai Ram to all, I wanted to share this with all esteemed Bhakts' of OUR LORD SAI BABA OF SHIRDI. Thanks for reading this and please publish it in your next newsletter because it will be read by scores of devotees. Thank You.

Babita Lakhanpal

AUGUST 06, 1998


Originally posted by Srinivas on Sun, Aug 2, 1998)


Sai Ram,

One day I was in deep trouble, I really do not know how to deal with the situation and how to tackle it. I had only one and only Guruji it is my SAI. I say Sai is my friend and direction. He wakes me up so manytimes whenever I sleep. He is my dear guru. I am lucky to become close to my Sai. I read a book on Sai, on some pages it suggests me that offer some sugar to sai for 40 days and give it to a sadhu. I was successfully offered sugar and able to complete 40 days. I was in a question that how to give it to a sadhu. There is no sadhu in my area. I took it to my home. I arrived with that whatever I was offering to Sai, in a pack on a morning. The same day I saw a person who looked like a pakir wearing a turban and a stick in his hand shouting at the door "SAI BABA". I was so surprised. I just took that pack of sugar and offered to him. After three days, I was thinking how I was able to make it to reach the offerings. Its amazing Sai came on his own to collect my offerings. That is Sai. I love you Sai. Hey friends .. You see Sai. He is in your hearts. You call Him; He will come anywhere you want. This is one small experience in my life. Sai has done many many miracles in my life. He is Great Sadguru.
OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

OmSaiSriSaiJayaJayaSai

Prem Desai, Surat, India

I would like to inform you about how my wife SANNIDHI saved from critical delivery. As we are working couple & devotee of Shree SAIBABA & with his blessing we had a baby boy born on 11/11/96 named RISHI. When she was pregnant, jaundice was detected on 7/11/96 & on the same day, I took her to Valsad, about 85 Kms. towards south, her hometown as she can be treated well. As it was peak Dipavali time, there were very few Doctors present in town & others were on holiday. However we took her to a maternity home were her name was registered for delivery & we came to know that the lady doctor was also on holiday. However she had made alternate arrangement then she was taken to one doctor & he started treatments.

I would like to inform you that probability of delivery was in mid of December. On 10/11/96 she had a little pain at midnight. Next day morning I drove to Surat for some work, moment I reached to my house at Surat I got a telephone from Valsad saying that Sannidhi is admitted. Moment I reached to Valsad hospital, present doctors had warned me about critical situation & also told me that if baby comes in normal delivery then O.K. but if we have to operate her then we don't give any guarantee about mother or child. I always read one ADHYAY (part) of Shree Sai Satcharitra, I started reading book & told my mother & mother in law to put some UDI (bhasma) in her mouth & apply some on her stomach. At about 4.55 baby boy was born & best part was it was a normal delivery and only nurse was present. Moment she gave this news, I rushed to the nearest temple of SAI BABA at Tithal (Tithal is a beach about 3-4 Kms. from Valsad Town & this temple is right on beach, beautiful place to visit ). After visiting temple, I saw my wife & baby boy. This was the real CHAMTKAR of SHREE BABA. Now my son, he is about two years, he is very healthy.

For Other Devotees Information, Valsad is about 200 kms. from Mumbai (Bombay) towards north, well connected by Train on Western Railway. Valsad is a Dist. Head Quarter. From Valsad transport is available to TITHAL, SAI BABA TAMPLE, There is a good guest house near to temple, managed by Sai BaBa Temple Organization.

 

Mona wrote to us - "I am a devotee of Sai. He is always with me. Recently I had misplaced some important papers and have been searching it for a month. Today was the last day for finding it. I prayed to my Sai, read the Sthavan Manjari, and he directed me straight to it. I felt him asking me to search for it in the right place. Sainath answers everybody's prayers. Thank you Sai. Jai Sai

AUGUST 20, 1998

Sairam

Hello friends/Sri Shirdi Sai's web site viewers, the following is very interesting and it really happened to me this day the 12th Aug 1998.

I am working as a software consultant here in Australia since April this year. My wife joined from India. An interesting incident took place during her travel. She was travelling along with our son and met one girl also travelling in the same flight. They booked one bag each from Singapore to Sydney and on arriving here we enquired for the bag and the airport authorities told it will take a day to get them and asked for the address to deliver the bags. Unfortunately, my wife's and the other girl's baggage receipts were mixed up and no one could identify which was whose. The other girl told that she got very important and everyday used items and given her address to deliver the baggage as my wife and I were agreed for that. She told she would be calling us when she receives the bags. Unfortunately, we do not have a clue to contact her but she got our address and telephone number. Until yesterday, we did not hear anything from her and thought she might lost our details. We tried through many different ways to contact her and failed to do so. Yesterday night my wife told me that she was supposed to perform 101Pradakshinams in Saibaba temple in India and failed to do so before she came here and may be thats why all this happened. Immediately we prayed Lord Saibaba to show a way to get the bag for which we both together perform 101 pradakshinams after we are back to India. That bag has some valuable things and my wife was worried a lot for almost loosing it. I told if it were ours, we would get it. Very very surprisingly she heard from that girl's husband today (the very nextday) morning that they have the bag and asked her to come and collect. Its a real wonder and I really admired to be a real spectator of his Leelas. We both are devotees of Lord Sri Shirdi Saibaba, we believe in him very strongly, and our belief doubled with this incident. We are going to Shirdi when we go back to India and perform 101Pradakshinams in our local Sai temple. He is the real KALIYUGA PARAMATMA saint came from heaven to look after all his devotees. We are proud to tell that we are DEVOTEES of Lord Sri Shirdi Saibaba.

I thank Sri Shirdi Sai website organizers to let me share this with you all and look forward to see more later on the same wonderful Sai's site.

Thank you very much

Satish Babu Matukumalli, Australia

Baba appeared to a non-devotee

Peace be with you all.

I would like to share this experience with all Sai Devotees. I am a devotee of Sai Baba since birth. I often conduct prayer meetings at my home. One of the attendees, a Roman Catholic woman asked me who is that Baba with a crown. I have Sai's picture with the saffron cloth, tied to his head so I could not understand at that time that she was talking about.

After 2 weeks, I received a picture of Baba with a crown(from Shridi). I left it on my altar. That same woman came visiting me again, saw the picture of Baba and said "This is the same crown I saw in my vision" I knew for a fact that Baba had visited her, here in Kuwait.

Amazing isn't it.

Sunita, Kuwait

AUGUST 27, 1998


Just couple of months ago, we were waiting for the birth of our first baby. Sumedha, my wife, had completed 37 weeks of pregnancy. It was the night of 19 July (Sunday) when she suddenly started feeling strong labor pains. Pains were so strong that she was hardly able to talk or communicate well. I took her to the hospital immediately, and soon her doctor and nurses were working with her. When the nurse checked her dilation, it was hardly one centimeter. This made everyone much worried because such a small dilation would lead to a long and very painful labor period. My wife was crying badly. Doctor immediately decided to give epidural (a strong pain medicine given through spinal chord) to her. In such a panic, I remembered SAI BABA and asked for his help. I always keep a photo of BABA in my purse. I took that out and showed that to my wife. Immediately after that moment, I saw one of the biggest miracle of my life by SAI KRIPA. My wife's dilation, which was just one centimeter five minutes ago, suddenly became ten centimeter, which is just appropriate for delivery. Everyone in the room just jumped out of surprise. And, in next 5-10 minutes, the baby was out without any problem. So, SAI BABA helped her by giving her relief from the severe labor pain, and she was too happy after giving birth to a cute girl. Doctor and nurses, all accepted that they have never seen such a miracle in their lives. It was the shortest labor period they had ever observed for a first time pregnancy, just 30-35 minutes. And, we both knew that this all happened because of SAI KRIPA.

I came to know BABA in 1994, and since then, I have felt that he listens to his followers and helps them in whatever way. I have personally felt his blessings hundreds of times. I remember one more miracle, which happened in 1995 to me when I came to New York for a new job. The day I landed in New York, I fell seriously ill and became very weak in just 2-3 days. At that time of distress, I prayed to SAI BABA and asked for his help. I also asked my BABA to take me back to Delhi to my family, although it was next to impossible because my employer had paid for my air tickets and was not ready to send me back to India. I prayed my BABA to take me back in next 24 hours, and said that I will go to Shirdi to thank him. And, then this miracle came from nowhere. Suddenly, overnight everything was changed. My employer decided to send me back that too on his expense, and within 24 hours I was flying back to India. This was probably the first miracle of my BABA that I felt. And, when I went to Shirdi to say thanks to BABA, that place looked so familiar to me as if I have some kind of relation with it. And, I know there is a relation. BABA ne bhi kabhi kaha tha - jo mujhe jis bhav se pukarega main usi bhav se sununga. JAI SAI BABA.

Ravi Kant Shukla, Santa Clara, CA

SEPTEMBER 03, 1998

Gadi Hari BapiRaju, Virginia, USA, wrote to us of his experiences:

I want to share my experience. But for Saibaba, I would not have been able to pursue my education in united states. When I was studying my undergraduate in India, there was a Sai temple near my room (I used to stay alone in a rented room). So I occasionally used to visit the temple, whenever I used to feel lonely or depressed. I used to get peace of mind and motivation. With Baba's grace, I secured first rank in my undergraduate. In this way, I became a follower of Sairam.

My ambition was to do a Master's, degree, but financially we could not afford that. So we had to take a loan from bank. I did not try for a loan until I got Visa(Even though I was sure of getting visa since I visited Shirdi before I went to the embassy). Once I got visa I had only fifteen days to try for a loan. I did not know what to do, I just used to pray to Sainath. I needed to take Life insurance policy and get all the documents ready. The insurance company was on a strike at that time, so there was no way I could get that. I just approached the bank manager and told my problems. With divine grace, the bank manager was also a ardent follower of Sainath, took my signatures on the forms, so that my father can apply for the insurance at a later late.

Also I was supposed to submit some security to the bank. We were supposed to take signatures of the local government officials. This proved to be a difficult task due to the corrupt nature of the one of the officers. However, the bank officer approved the loan although the documents were not completely satisfactory as required by the loan issuing authority. I was able to accomplish all the necessary tasks in two weeks’ time only due to the grace of Sai Baba. Now I am doing my masters in Virginia and will be finishing by Fall 1998.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1998
Shailaja Divakarla, Sydney, Australia

I had a wonderful experience yesterday of how Baba draws people to Himself. I had offered a friend of mine to take her and her mother to the Sai worship on Sunday (yesterday). On the previous day, I informed her about it. However, later my daughter became sick and her fever began to rise. I thought at night I would cancel the program the following day and thought of ringing my friend the next morning to tell her about the same. But in my heart I was not decided because my friend has polio and she could not drive to the Mandir and in 5 days she was leaving for a holiday in India. I wanted to wish her well before she left and I felt seeing Baba in the Mandir would do her good.

The next morning, my daughter's fever subsided fully and she was running around ! So I decided to go. I picked them up and went. In the worship, the last segment is the reading of one experience of any devotees. Yesterday the story was about how a lady gave her friend who had polio, a locket of Baba to wear and how the former lady miraculously had got her leg cured, could jump and run, and had got married !! It was so apt. It was like Baba saying that to my friend. My friend and her mother were stunned. Later in the car, I felt the whole story fitted exactly except the locket given to that lady. So I immediately took the Baba's locket that my daughter wears and gave it to my friend wishing her well in her trip. They were so pleased.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1998
Sai Sampathnath, Pamidighantam

Columbus, Ohio, USA

It is since long that I want to write about my experiences and encounters with Baba. It started with miracles, but now I am no longer interested in them but for the feeling of His presence.

I was a non-believer of God, frustrated to the core because of failures in my life one by one. Though termed as intelligent guy and Engineering degree with good ranking, personal failures, job in Public sector and lost opportunities for higher education made me a nervous wreck. I get respite only when I am with a couple of friends or mother.

During this time after four and half years I got a break to work on the field I am interested in - LAN administration, reporting to Executive Director of the company and then to Chairman. I have learnt a lot during this period, were engaged to a girl on one fine Thursday. I got married to Subhadra on Thursday, 8 Jun 1995. I have passed all my CNE papers, final paper on another Thursday in Jan 1995. I was not sure of God at that time.

It all started during 1996 January. Mother and father were staying with me in Bangalore. Subhadra was 5 months pregnant. Immediately after Sankranti, after my brother’s family left back to Hyderabad, mother and Subhadra observed some strange marks in a small Saibaba’s photograph which my earlier roommate had left in our house. They are oily, and Subhadra thought they might have fallen while mother was doing prayers. Our neighbors next day reported to mother that they saw few drops of honey flowing from Shirdi Sai Baba’s photo in their house. Mother was skeptical that such incidents were not heard about Shirdi Baba. To our utter surprise the next day, we have observed that the marks on our Saibaba’s photo actually tasted like honey. I started checking all the photographs at home. I found the same on the other SAIBABA photograph that was bigger in size. The flow of honey started at the same spot in each of those photos - from the center of His raised hand, mouth and from turban. My inquisitiveness and the scientific mind made me to experiment. I kept my photograph next to Baba’s, and cleaned both of them. Both of them had a similar smooth surface, so any deposits on them should be same in nature. The result concluded that I am not God.

The honey flow started to increase day by day. Now it started from other Gods’ pictures, photos, and sculpture of any material, and inside the books. It appeared in 5 min to 2 hours on any material having impression of any God even those brought by any outsiders into our house. Sweet smells and scents of incense started, in both office and house. I was horrified. Mother, one day narrated that she heard knock on door, but when she went there, no body was there. However, when he came to other corner of the house two persons, wearing flowing Kashaya robes were moving out from the compound. One of them was very tall, turned back and waved towards her.

Now, it is known to us that Baba is behind us, showing his presence, may be wants to get something done from us. But from whom? Why he chosen us? In fact who among us: Me, Subhadra, Mother, Father or little Pranav who is still in his mother’s womb.

It is not Subhadra. She left to our in-laws house in Hyderabad for delivery. Baba’s sweet presence is still felt through honey everyday. On Mahasivaratri day mother went to Mysore to have darshan of Sri Ganapati Sachchidanda Swami. She left early in the morning, the whole day there was no honey flow. She came back around 11:30, brought a small Dattatreya idol and kept it on TV. As she was tired, had little buttermilk and went to Bed. I deciding to stay awake on Sivaratri day, was watching TV. Suddenly I observed that the honey is flowing from Dattatreya idol spoiling the cloth on the TV, placed it in a small plate and it filled the plate in no time. Now we are having another problem. People started coming to our house anytime they like to see this miracles. Mother’s concentration is disturbing. Even our Director finance, GMs started coming to our house. One way it was entertaining, but I started fearing for consequences. Even at this point I do not know much about Baba, his preaching and ways to pray. I used to simply sit before Him, stare at Him, and ask Him to give strength to help others as much as I can. Mother is growing spiritually, telling different experiences and miracles each day. Now I know it is mother, whose heart is filled with His name, singing and writing poems and songs, who can enlighten all of us in family. I have decided to give full support to her, giving anything she wants, providing right atmosphere to her. Her only fear now is that Baba may leave her after Ramanavami day (I do not know why!)

SEPTEMBER 24, 1998


Ayush Mehra, Chicago, USA

Jay Sai Ram

I want to share my experience of Baba's Grace with all the Sai Devotees. I came to the US in August last year. In Dec'97 I had a severe surgery, which due to Baba's Grace been averted or else, it would have resulted in greatest disaster of my life. I had some brain surgery and today I am very fine and doing my well-provided job here. I went into severe depression at one stage and got worried about my finances about the surgery(about 38,000 US dollars).But I was blessed enough to handle this by his Faith and support. I was having sleeplessness and after reading Shri Sai Satcharita I was relieved from my tensions and started getting good sleep. Just after completing my Parayan saptah, I found changes. Now before sleeping I always remember the shaved procession of Shri Baba Maharaj. I have started believing that Baba pulls his devotees from far away under many pretexts. I bow to Shri Baba Maharaj for his bountifulness that he has showered by saving my life and giving me new birth. I could not understand Baba initially and thought bad about him, but later I really realized the greatness of His Baba's Wisdom that how intelligently He brought me to US for my Surgery and in this wake I came to Know of Baba's love for his devotees. It is true that we really lack faith and patience to see him. However, one who has both will definitely experience in daily lives.

I prostate before Shri Sai Ram and asks the other disciples to believe that whatever he does is only for Our benefit and Baba's love is much more grater than we can ever think of. I continue to pray Baba to increase my devotion and reverence and tread me on a moral path with strength and courage. JAY Sai Ram.

OCTOBER 1st, 1998

Nalini Mosali, South Carolina, USA

I have to tell about one of my latest experiences! I had lost my admission letter, which was very much necessary for registration of courses in my school! the next morning was the last day to register my courses & I had faintly remembered that I had shown the letter to somebody but I did not remember who it was! I tried at all my friends’ places but without success. Then, I realized as usual that my human efforts are unsuccessful and I sincerely prayed to Baba that "Oh Baba! My father, you know that every moment I remember you! Why cause me this trouble? You know how important that letter is for me! Kindly help me in finding it!" thus saying I went to bed having full faith in Baba as I know He is my best friend! That night, I dreamt of finding my letter at one of my friend's places just beside the telephone! Next morning I went to their place with full faith in Baba, I just went directly towards the telephone and placed my hand on a folded piece of paper, which was undoubtedly the admission letter I was searching for! my friend was shocked as he searched for it many times before at the same place! That was a miraculous experience! I have nothing to say other than I LOVE YOU MY BABA!
Thank you for allowing me to tell about my divine experience!

OCTOBER 8, 1998

Dtd. 1st October 1998.

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM

I would like to share the experience of my Brother's fiancé (Ms.Uma Keerthivasan) being an Ardent Lord Sai devotee.

Three years ago when we were in Godavarikhani and when I was in my Graduation, My younger sister Bharathi was a great Devotee of Sai and she painted a SAI Image and kept it in POOJA room.

My sister believed on SAI very much and used to pray Sai daily and she got a seat in MCA She asked me too to follow SAI and asked me to do "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" and Said that I would M.B.A seat. I was very lazy and I said that I can't do fasting and also I don't believe in this.

My mother forced me and started that "Sai's one week PARAYANAM" That book contains all the stories of SAIBABA and how he helped POOR, DISABLED. Hope you must have read that book.

"Sai's one week PARAYANAM" should start on Thursday and should end on next Thursday, In this entire week we have eat only once and Sleep on the floor and on the final day of this POOJA we have remain in fasting and have the food after offering the food to most wanted Beggar or poor person or a Person who cannot afford to have Food.

It is written in the book if we give food to a person Suffering from Leprosy or a Handicapped or a very hungry beggar, BABA will be very happy and he will come to our house in the some or the other form.

So on the final Thursday I was fasting and was waiting for a Beggar so that I can give food, But in that place Sighting a beggar was very rare and nobody came that day. I was waiting near the gate till 3 PM. then my mother told me to give the food or Servant as She was also poor, But I didn't agree I said she was poor but she can afford to buy vegetables and prepare lunch and have it.

I wanted a Handicapped person I was very determined and made up my mind that I was end this fasting till I find a suitable person. Mummy was forcing since my elder brother who was very close to me was waiting was my lunch at last mother told to keep some food aside for a poor beggar and have my lunch.

I told that I will a last glance and went to the gate and found a Very old lady was passing by and she was handicapped and she was the right person. I called her and said that today I did Sai Baba's Pooja and asked her to have the Lunch in our house. She was very happy and she said that she did not have food from past few days my sons are very bad and they don't take care of me & they have sent me out. and she was moving her handicapped hand so that I can notice. Mummy asked from which place she is coming and belong to and she told that our native place is GodavariKhani which is also our Native place. We felt so pity on her and my second brother asked her to come daily to our house and have the lunch here itself.

We gave her prasadam, rice, poori and everything we prepared. She ate only prasadam and said that I will take the rest in the evening, I told her I will give you food for evening also, and have the food here itself. She said NO NO I ATE PRASADAM AND STOMACH IS FULL. She thanked us so much for giving food and she went off. First we came inside and my brother said we will find Address So that we can send food, we came outside only in the matter 15 to 20 seconds gap, but we could not see her. From our gate we can see people coming and going for almost Half Kilometer.

she was very weak and it has taken her almost 1 Min to come from previous house to our house but we could not trace her we tried a lot even by coming outside.

Then we thought it was SAIBABA who came to our house in the form of a OLD LADY and I was very happy. From that time I started worshipping Sai Baba and I got a M.B.A seat.

By Uma Keerthivasan, Hyderabad.


Bindoor emirates

Dear Devotees,

Now that this kind-hearted girl is having a problem which had moved my heart and I was on tears and my brother is even more very much worried and scared about their future and their life. Since that day I am constantly praying and pleading our Lord Shirdi Sai for her. I pray Lord Shirdi Sai and I promise in the name of MY LORD SHIRDI SAI that she should alright from this 'VIJAYADASHAMI' day.

I request you all to pray for our Lord Sri Shirdi Sai for her safety and long life. And further I thank you very much for the time spent by you in sharing my experience.

N.Krishnan

OM SHRI SHIRDI SAI NADHA SARANAM

OCTOBER 15th, 1998
Devotees
Om Sai Ram, Hello my name Rohit Ummat from Saint John, NB Canada. I like to tell how Swami saved my life last Thursday October 8, 1998. I was coming home from work after 5:00 pm. The weather was very bad the rain was coming down very heavily. I was driving my car and going home. I just passed a car and the next thing I remember, the ambulance staff were helping me out of car. I had a very major car accident. The front of my car was all pushed inside. The windshield was shattered, The driver's door was all pushed inside. There was a lady who helped me to stop my bleeding. To me I think Baba came down and help her to save my life. The police told me, I do not know how I lived after this terrible accident. The whole car was destroyed. All I can say I want thank Baba for helping for saving my life.

I did not end up with any serious injuries, just cuts in my forehead. Baba was there, who saved my life. It all happened on Baba's day (Thursday). Om SAI RAM!!! Rohit

 

Hello to all,

My name is Mrs. Rekha Ramanand and I have lived in the U.S. from 1974-1983. My immigration lapsed when I came to India and now finally after 14 years it has been restored. I am a Shirdi Baba devotee and along with my guru we have had many wonderful experiences with Sai. However my problem now is that I have to report to the U.S. by January so that my visa does not lapse. Financially I do not have much but have tremendous faith in Sai that something will work out. I am accompanied by my son, who is a juvenile diabetic (17 years old) and requires my constant attention. While in the U.S. I did diet Indian cooking and helped the handicapped league at Maryland. I also taught at John Hopkins University over there. Now I have turned my interest towards Sai and my entire life revolves around him. I request you to forward this to all Sai devotees in the U.S. so that I may be able to share my experiences with them and maybe find some means of employment to sustain my son and myself. Thanking you for your time

SAI RAM

A Sai Devotee

I have read the Sai Satcharita several times, and not once has Shirdi Sai Baba fulfilled any of my wishes. None of my wishes are material & yet I am amazed that he fulfilled my friends wishes, yet I am the one who passed the Sai Satcharita to them. They have reached & obtained their goals & I am where I am At present I am beginning to believe that there is no God or that Shirdi Sai Baba must truly hate me, yet I go to satsang reguraly. Please advice.

Once again I am contemplating on reading the Sai Satcharita again today, I am not one to give up easily. I have faith one day I will reach my goal.

Jai SaiRam


Bill Colorado

OCTOBER 22nd, 1998

A Sai Devotee

I am SAI CHAND

I am a devotee of SAIBABA.

I have a lot of experiences with SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA. I used to share an apartment with another guy while I was doing my Masters. I lost my apartment key. On that Thursday, I had an early class in the morning from 8AM to 10 AM. My roommate was leaving to go to his office the same time I was leaving. He (my roommate) comes home only in the evening. I asked him to give his keys to me as I would be done with my class by 10 AM and would be at home in the evening. I also told him that I would make a duplicate key for my self. However, he refused to give his keys. I was hurt because it was a small favor that I asked him. After I finished my class I stayed the whole day at some other place. To my surprise, when I came in the evening, I found a cop talking to my friend in our apartment. Do you know what happened? While my friend was returning from the office into my apartment, someone mugged my roommate and stole the apartment keys from my friend. My friend lost only his apartment keys-nothing else. The mugger scared my friend by showing his gun. I think Baba doesn't tolerate people who are not nice to His devotees. HE takes care of us in every way.

OM SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA GURUNATHAYANAMAHAKIJAI

OCTOBER 29th, 1998

A Sai Devotee


Dear Readers,

Believe it or not the Great Miracles of SAIBABA

It was on Thursday Sept.03 1998, I happened to go for the Vehicle Driving Test without schedule with my Driving School Instructor who had called up to me and try for the standby. I was given the date for the exam in the last week of October. To my surprise, without taking the driving course for the exam I went along with him to the Driving Test office and inquired if I stood any chance for appearing the test to-day. The lady on the desk immediately responded to my request and asked me to pay the necessary charges for the driving test and be on the standby for that day.

It was unbelievable for me that I would be given a chance on that day as there is always a waiting list for months in advance. However, I paid the amount and another surprise is that the lady who had filled the driving test form wrote that I would be given G2 test at once which I had not gone through it prior to giving the road test. My driving instructor wished me good luck and said that I will have a tough test because there are two instructors sitting in my car instead of normally one. I did Pray to my Lord SAIBABA earnestly this time that if I fail then I could not afford to give the test once again as He knows that I am already passing through the great stress and hardship.

I am always in the habit of carrying the Lord Saibaba's locket in my wallet. I took out the Lord SAIBABA locket and put it in my shirt pocket. The driving inspectors asked me if I am ready for the test. I said once again to myself and Prayed to the Lord before starting the engine. "O Lord Please Help me to pass this exam". I started the car and inspectors gave me the instructions while driving. At one instance I made a mistake, I thought to myself that I have failed once again. Finally the driving test is completed and the inspectors are holding the discussions among themselves of my result.

To my shock and surprise, the driving inspectors said although I made a mistake 'You have passed the exam'. My happiness knew no bounds . The Lord truly heard my prayers. Thanks to Lord SAIBABA for the first stepping stone of success.

Ravinder Thota Canada

I would like to share with you an incidence that happened to our Group this day. I belong to Southern Highlands Sai Group. We all went to a Sai Devotees place at Canyonleigh. There wasn't much of the Sacred Ash. when the time came for everyone to dip into the Ash it was full (not the grey Ash that originally was in the container) but this time it was white. It was great for me, as the others are all followers of Sai Baba. I go because I like their company and I have an open mind, as he was in a Dream I had.

Dorothy Wells

NOVEMBER 05, 1998
I would like to narrate to you the experience when I was first blessed with the love of Sai Baba. After a lot of struggle, I got a job in Shaw Wallace and Company. It was a fantastic job with lots of perks and other benefits. I was thrilled as this was my first job and that too in such a big company. But when I received my appointment letter, to my utter dismay I found that I was posted to Guwahati. Being a resident of Calcutta, I could not move out at that time as my father was suffering from cancer and being the only child I had to stay by his side. We had a Mandir of Baba in our locality. In the evening that day out of sheer depression, I went to the Mandir and told Baba about my unpleasant situation. The next day I went to the company to tell that I was not ready for the job but I was astonished to find a revised appointment letter posting me back to Calcutta. I could not believe this, but this was a reality. Later I heard that the General Manager was so impressed with my interview that he wanted me to work with him in Calcutta, otherwise he threatened to resign. This was the first incidence I had with Baba and I continued to receive His blessings till now.

Kaushik Roy Chowdhury,


Embassy of India,Stockholm.

NOVEMBER 12th, 1998

Nila Vaishnav

Marquette, Michigan

I have had several miraculous experiences in my life and I attribute them to SAIBABA. I would like to share one of my recent experiences. Four months ago, I decided to take part in a race per one of my friend’s suggestion. She has had several years of experience in doing this race while this was my first. She was very much willing to help me with the training and she did. We had a great training schedule and it all went well until the last three weeks before the race. I started having problems that I did not know the cause of. I just did not feel even close to how I was feeling prior to this. In fact, it kept getting worst. I was really worried since my family and I had invested so much in me succeeding this challenge. Moreover my friends and colleagues were quite aware of me doing this and it was a question of embarrassment should I have to drop out. I did not know what I was going to do. All along, my friend and I were making plans to finish the race together. This seemed impossible since I could not even do 1/4th of the race without having problems while my friend was getting stronger every day. At this point, I talked to Baba, told him how important this is for me, and asked if he could help me. As always, like Baba says, "If you look to me I look to you", he immediately heard my prayer and I started feeling better. In fact, in the last issue of Sai Vichaar, I had read about how we don't need to take any medicine if we have faith in Baba- Vibhuti (udi). I stopped taking any pain-related medicine and until now, I have still not taken one, even after my race. We started our race and half way into the race, my pain started again. I told Baba to please continue to help me. Like a miracle, my pain disappeared. I had a desire to finish the race with my friend and she was quite a bit ahead of me so I had no hope that I would be able to. As I got close to the finish, all of a sudden I saw my friend next to me. I could not believe my eyes since she was so much ahead of me all along. We both finished together in the time we had desired. It was a pure example of another one of Baba's miracle. I can not thank Him enough for helping me and my family every every step of the way. I can go on and on describing how in the day-to-day life Baba comes to my rescue like he is always there, you just have to call upon him.

Pranam and Thank you Baba

NOVEMBER 19th, 1998
Rebecca, USA (originally posted on November 16, 1998)

I came to know Sai Baba while I was living in India, about ten years ago. I made two trips to Shirdi at that time. I particularly like the quotation where Baba says, " I will draw my devotee to me as though he was a bird with a string attached to its leg." Now, I live in the States and with my husband started a business. Last year we expanded and went far into debt and everything that could go wrong did. The terrible stress and financial difficulties caused me to go into such a bad depressions that I had to take medication. Things are getting better now but still very difficult. Recently, I started praying to Baba, again. I tried to be very specific and asked for a good delivery driver who would care about our business and do a good job. Good drivers are hard to get and I had to do all this work myself, usually, plus all the bookkeeping, sales, not to mention taking care of a household. In fact, about a month later, my daughter moved back home with her best friend who needed a job and is about the best driver we have ever had. I said to myself, this is probably just a coincidence. the way one does say such things to oneself the beginning of this month I was terribly short of cash and I prayed to just make it through the week. The money came through just when I needed it and I was very grateful. But later, I was so badly in the hole, I knew that the money from the receivables would not come in fast enough and I was going to be in real trouble. I felt so anxious, I did not want to get up in the morning. I felt like crying all the time. I go to a little Protestant church in our village here in the northern US. There are very few paritioners, sometimes only five or six on a Sunday. I like to attend because generations of my family have done so in the same church and I love to sing the old Christian hymns. After church I was sitting with some of my friends and telling them about my worries. This morning, one of them, an eighty-year-old lady, came to my house and presented me with a check for ten thousand dollars. This was totally unexpected, totally out of the blue, and was just about the exact amount I needed. I started to cry when I got it and I have started to cry thinking about it now. She said it was a gift and gave me a hug and said, "I love you, Rebecca." After this, I have a hard time thinking that all these answers to my prayers were just coincidence. I have to say, thank you Baba, thank you for helping me. I have felt, with all the suffering and injustice in the world, why should I succeed with my dumb little business. I should have more faith. When I do succeed, I dearly hope to be able to help other people in turn.

NOVEMBER 26th, 1998
NAVITHA
(Originally posted on Tuesday, Nov 24, 1998)

SAIRAM
Today I would like to share on of my experience with SHIRDI SAI with you. It happened in 1991, it was time when I just started believing in SAIBABA. I was doing my post graduation and I used to be in hostel. I went to a nearby place to a function and had to come back to college within four days. Unfortunately, in the function I contracted conjunctivitis, a contagious infection also called as 'madras eye'. I had to come back to the hostel since I was in the middle of completing my course work. The second morning I noticed that my best friend who is my roommate also got it. My roommate was so skinny, weak, and sensitive. I like her very much and I always used to take care of her like a baby. I felt very guilty that she got that only because of me. Conjunctivitis stays for atleast four days no matter whatever medicine you use. In addition, my friend is so weak I felt she could not bear the pain. As we were about to leave to the college at 10.00 AM, she complained that she is feeling pain and itching in her eyes. I felt very sad and guilty then I just turned to my BABA prayed to him, put udhi on her forehead, and told her just to sleep. Then, when I came back for lunch at 1200 noon I was very surprised to see her eyes were so clear and you know what happened, my friend does not have any belief on SAIBABA but that day in her sleep she saw Baba came to her and just put his hand on her forehead and left. From that day, she also started believing in Baba. I felt very happy because he did this only for me as I was feeling very upset and guilty and in the class, I was just praying Baba. In this way my Baba is always with me and where ever I go I always am noticed as Sai devote which make me feel very happy. I LOVE YOU BABA AND I KNOW VERY WELL THAT YOU LOVE ME.

SAIDEVA, BE WITH ME IN EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE AND GUIDE ME

DECEMBER 03, 1998

K. P. Rao, Nauru

My wife is an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba and I am her supporter. Due to my job in this small pacific island nation of Nauru, my wife and daughter have been staying away in India for the past one year.

When I got the Internet connection in this August, I somehow visited your site and subscribed to the newsletter. As I receive them, I read and send them to my wife whose joy finds no bounds, not just because she receives the newsletters but I have started reading them too. Recently, on my job front, a terrible setback was averted and my wife believes that it is due to my reading the newsletters.

I give a copy of each letter to a good friend of mine here who enjoys reading them. If I delay giving them by a day, he would remind me. Thus, the two persons to whom I circulate are very happy with your newsletters.

When my wife first put a sticker of Baba in my car back in 1992, I met with a minor accident on the very same day. When I visited Shirdi last year, as part of my pilgrimage, my daughter suffered from hepatitis. But, I do not think that Baba did not help us. I believe that he helps those who deserve help. One simply can not demand help from him. We deserve his grace by good thoughts and good deeds. Next year when I visit India, we plan to visit Shirdi again. Thank you for keeping us in touch with Baba

DECEMBER 10, 1998

Latha Ramesh

(Originally posted on Thursday, Dec 3, 1998)

This is my personal experience I am sharing with you all. Beginning of this year i.e., Jan 98, my mother had fever. Even after five days, fever did not subside. She was on antibiotics but they did not help her much. On the seventh day, I felt she was getting weaker and I took her to the hospital, thinking that she could be given some glucose/drips. They told me to admit her. She was weak but could walk. Before admission, she had all the routine tests, like blood, urine, etc and the chest X-rays etc. There was no evidence of any infection. It was diagnosed to be viral fever. But the next day, when I went to visit her in the hospital, the Doctor told me that she had acute renal failure, lung failure, a multi organ failure the words he used "Only her brain seems to work". I am not one of the ardent devotees of Baba like the ones I see on this site. But I prayed hard to BABA. I cried to Him begging Him to save my mother. The next day was a New Moon Day, and most of friends told me that the situation normally deteriorates on this day, so told me to accept whatever came. I prayed very hard. It may sound silly. However, I poured my heart to BABA in paper and placed it in front of him in our Puja room. At that time one of Baba devotees called me and told me that Baba would definitely help and he would show some sign. I was hopeful but at the same time feeling very depressed, took my car out. Hardly I drove about 100 yards from my house when I saw a long Black Cobra. My heart was beating so fast in disbelief, but what I saw was true. Baba told me that He has taken over my problems. My mother did improve though slowly. Anyone who saw her in the Emergency would not believe that she came out. Till date, I feel it is only BABA who saved her. It is really true that He hears you when you call.

DECEMBER 17, 1998

Havovi Medora, Bombay, India

Last weekend I had the good fortune to visit Shirdi. I went in a car with three other devotees and received the most wonderful darshan. There Baba sat - like a King, while millions thronged and craned their necks to get a glimpse of their beloved Sai. Yes, it was my destiny to go in comfort and get a VIP pass to stand right at Sai's feet, but the feeling of all those who had walked miles, clutching a few dried up flowers, children and babes-in-arm, oh what an overwhelming sight!

Tears streamed ceaselessly down my cheeks as I witnessed their devotion. I have been to so many places of worship but I have never seen devotion like this. What is it about this simple humble soul who came to this little village? What every devotee had in common was the unconditional love for this unique being who chose to go around begging for his food.

At this point, I wish to tell a story from the Sat Charita about a devotee, Kaka Saheb Dixit. He suffered from total restlessness of the mind. No matter what he did, no matter how much he prayed, his mind knew no peace. One night he had a dream in which a Hindu goddess appeared and told him to go to Sai Baba. Unfortunately, he awoke before confirming where he had to go. So he went to a few holy places, prayed and did the usual rites, but still he remained restless and knew no peace of mind. In a subsequent dream, he learned that he should go to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. He made all arrangements to undertake the journey. As soon as Kaka Saheb saw Baba his mind lost its restlessness. He felt calm and at peace - what wonder! Baba said nothing, did nothing; just his glance was enough. Yes, my dear fellow devotees, just to look upon him one feels that sense of calm. Mental worries seem to disappear and we are left there standing steadfast with a power and strength to take on what this world has to offer.

It was a beautiful weekend in Shirdi. In the early hours of the morning, as Baba sat there patiently allowing his pujaris to bathe him with milk and rose water, it was truly a sight for the gods. We were all there - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis - poor, rich, black and white. But we all had one purpose. We all wanted the same thing. Our Sai Baba. He has touched people from all over the world. The Incredible Sai Baba.

DECEMBER 24, 1998

Ravin Gnanasambandam, Arkansas, USA

It happened sometime ago. I was travelling with my wife and my two little children on a major city highway. It was busy hour traffic in the junction of three major highways with most traffic leading out into the suburbs. Since the exit I was supposed to take came on the left, I was travelling on the extreme left lane watching out for my speed and the exit. All of a sudden, I saw another lane on my left that lead to the exit I am supposed to take and I immediately swirled leftwards into the exit in order not to miss the exit. During the sudden rush of events, I failed to notice a fast travelling vehicle that was travelling on the left lane, which was a just few feet behind mine. Since it happened too fast for the driver behind to react, he hit my car on the rear bumper and fortunately for both of us, the driver was able to control the car and negotiate a turn we were approaching. I began to increase my speed in order to maintain the traffic flow and I realized that my car was making a huge noise at the rear, probably due to the broken bumper. It went on for a few minutes and by then; I was totally shook up and did not know what to do. I took the next exit and pulled into the first gas station I saw. We got out of the car and to our utter disbelief we saw the whole bumper hanging on the ground and was dragging all along! The agony got manifold because the new car we were driving did not belong to us!

I did not find any other damage to the vehicle, and we were physically safe. The vehicle following us went on, probably not wanting to involve in the mess. I am sure every car driving behind us saw the broken bumper and heard the noise! The incident happened on a bridge and I was travelling a couple of feet away from the concrete parapet wall. Praying to Sainath, as we always do at times of distress, slowly I drove around in search of someone who could help me fix the bumper and the rear indicator lights without which I cannot drive. I found an auto body shop that was right in the next street. The shop was open although it was late in the evening. After about 45 minutes, the damage was fixed and it was minimum. The bumper did not break into two although it was dragged on the high way for some time and the small scratch it had was almost invisible. It was as if nothing had happened to the car! While so many things could have gone wrong that day, we believe that it was Sainath who saved us from breaking into the wall and plunging down, or from the driver behind who could have been hurt in the process, and the car sustaining from major damage. My five-year-old son, who was amused at all these events, exclaimed in the end, "Baba fixed the car!"

Incidentally, we were going to the Hindu temple and we wanted to reach before the closing hours of the temple. We could not make it to the temple that day. The next day, a Thursday was a blessing and we had a blissful visit to the temple. Lessons were learnt and Sainath showered His grace, once more.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all

 

DECEMBER 31, 1998


Anitha Ramesh Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia

On December 21st evening after returning from work, kids were playing in the living room while I was cooking. I heard a news headline by accident since the cartoon cassette that my five-year-old son was watching had finished. It was on National news and the Head lines said "255 women at maternity ward in THE CANBERRA HOSPITAL at risk of contracting Hepatitis B and HIV A, after undergoing surgical procedure's by a health care worker". I did not give it a thought but somehow they kept repeating it again and again. When I thought I would just listen, I heard them say that women who have undergone some procedures in the Hospital between since January 1998 and December 11, 1998 were at risk. It was further said that 255 women on whom this particular health care worker has done procedures in the maternity ward were short listed.

I dismissed this news thinking this was not relevant to me. Somehow it kept flashing back in my mind and I realized soon that I was in the ward during that period and Shamukh Sai, my second son was delivered there. Just as a routine measure and to be on the safe side, I thought I would ring the hospital Hotline for and find out if it had anything to do with me. The hotline, which was set up only for this particular catastrophe, was busy and I could not get to talk to them. Some how my anxiety was increasing and I was feeling distressed. I prayed to BABA and I have this old habit of asking BABA for guidance through Saicharitra. I asked him if this would affect me anyway, praying to Lord Sai I opened the book and there was this sentence "No, have no fear and anxiety, Shyama and myself will be there before you". This is in relation to Shyama's trip to Bhuvaneshwar in Hemandpant's Saicharita. I called my General Practitioner at home (which I do only in emergency) at night 7.30, apologized for the inconvenience, and told them about what I heard on the TV and my anxiety. GP said that I did not have to worry as I had not been contacted by the hospital. However, to rest my mind she said she would write a prescription for blood test and leave it at the reception so I could collect it and get the tests done.

Later that night when Ramesh, my husband, came home at 9.00 PM after a busy day, I told him what I heard on TV and what the General Practitioner had said about it. He was anxious to know more details and tried to call the hospital. On third attempt Ramesh was able to get through to the hospital hotline for this matter and I spoke to the lady identifying myself and saying I have had a baby on 21st January and is there anything that I had to worry about regarding this issue. The counselor on the other end said she will get back to me immediately and hung off. This further increased our anxiety levels. I got a call again after 10 minutes and the same lady asked me my date of birth, other medical details related to delivery. Finally she said,"I have to confirm all the details before I give the information to you, and drop the bombshell, yes you are on our short listed names of people who has had a procedure and delivery done by the health care worker who is infected. I am sorry to do this to you before the Christmas and Newyear. How do you feel about it". My world came to an end I couldn't breathe. I thought I am not only infected but I have also passed it on to my children and husband. I asked her why was I not contacted earlier. I was given the reason that someone did try to contact me but could not and the lady went on counseling. I broke down, I cried my heart out for my kids and my husband. She spoke to my husband too, who could hardly speak. She made and appointment for next day 8.00 AM at the hospital pathology for me to have the test first, and if it was positive then for the whole family.

It was the worst night in my whole life. We couldn't sleep. Next day I went for the test, got it done and had to wait until 3.30 in the afternoon for the results. It was the worst fifteen hours in my life. I did not go to work, I was afraid to feed my kids and sent them off to baby sitter. I asked the nurse why they thought I was at risk and what were the criteria for classifying me under high risk. She explained that it was because I had a surgical procedure done on me after the delivery by the health care worker who tested positive for those infections. At last, at 3.30 when I went for the results they told me "good news, negative for both tests so no infections, have a Merry Christmas". My husband and I cried in relief and thanked BABA for his mercy.

This experience has deepened my faith in Him and showed me that He listens to us in need and never leaves His children. May BABA give you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all

JANUARY 07, 1999

Anonymous Devotee

My husband and I own our own business and since we expanded it, we took on a lot of debt and have had all kinds of financial trouble. The worry has been terrific, as every material thing we own, our house, etc. is on the line. I pray to Baba allot, for help and just for relief from the depression and worry I feel from time to time. I am often overdrawn at the bank and have go to the post office at 9:30 AM to pick up any checks that have come in and deposit them before 11:00 to cover the overdraft. This is stressful, as you can imagine, because I never know what I will get or whether it will be enough. I am scared to bounce my employee's checks, for instance, because they depend on us. This Friday, I called up the bank to find out if I was overdrawn. I was $943.60. I prayed, "please help me on this one, Baba." The checks I got at the P.O. and a check I had forgotten in my briefcase came to $943.50. I went to the bank with that and a dime. I am a Christian by birth and my husband is a Muslim. "God is Great!" I said to him, and he agreed, though he is not at all religious. I have a little altar to Baba with a candle on my glass porch where all the plants overwinter. The average person around here has certainly not heard of Sai Baba. "Who is that?" they ask with curiosity. My husband tells them it is his grandfather!

Naba Mishra, Braintree, MA, USA

Following is my life’s experience on Sai Baba’s blessings on me and my family, which I want to share with others. Being fed up with the existing work environment, I tried a totally new career option. All through the transition period of my career development, I was getting the mental courage and guidance from Him. I still wonder, how I could have achieved this without His blessings. I had to change my visa sponsor once and after landing here in the USA got the job very fast. Also He saved me from two about to be serious car accidents. On one occasion, I was going to the temple on New Years’ day (1999) with my family. We all escaped unhurt from an almost certain car accident. Praise and glory to Him. Bow to Him.

Anonymous devotee


The first leela I will write about was one that actually happened a long time before I was born. It involves my father's father- i.e. my grandfather. He once was very sick and bed-ridden. He was half-asleep sitting alone in a room in their house when someone he did not know came in. He walked around the bed on the floor and said "do not worry sir, you will be all right soon." then he walked out. There were many other people in the house but no one went into his room at that time. Everyone was at a loss as to who came in and how he got in without anyone noticing. It was dismissed as a hallucination. Soon after the mystery man came in my grandfather's fever abated and he got well. One day, soon after he recovered, he saw in a shop a picture of the man who came in his room. He was much surprised and inquired the name of the person in the picture. He was told that it was a great saint who lived in Shirdi. He became a devotee from then on.

The second leela involves my mother. My mother was a staunch devotee of Swami Samartha Maharaj. Upon coming to America and seeing that pooja of Sai was being performed, she was unconvinced. She then, after some persuasion, she read Sai's Pothi. The first story she read was a story regarding that Sai was the same as her Akkalkot Maharaj. We have been worshipping Sai and Akkalkot Swami's pictures together ever since. Once, after I got the Pothi, I attended a dog show because our close friend's dog graduated from obedience school. ;-) There were "contests" which the newly trained dogs found challenging. Prizes were given out to the dogs that did the best. My friend's dog, god bless her! ;-), did absolutely horrible! She was, in the general opinion of the spectators, the worst dog there. I though that there was no way she will win any prize. I had to leave halfway through the contest. Suddenly remembering Sai, I decided to test him because I still was not convinced about his greatness. I made a mental bow to Sai and said that I would read three chapters of the Satcharita if the dog wins a prize. When I got home, I received a telephone call from my friend that her dog one third place out of 300+ dogs in spite of the fact that she failed half of the contests! I was astounded! I read the three chapters and was convinced of Sai's greatness.

JANUARY 21, 1999

Laxman Kacheswar jakadi alias Nanumama or nanu Bhatt Poojari

December, 9, 1936, Shirdi

I have been doing Baba’s pooja and arathi of Sai baba all these years. I began it even in Baba's life time as assistant to Bapu Saheb Jog. It was in 1914 I came here. My sister’s husband Bapaji was here. I had occasionally visited him first. One night while I was at Sangamner, Sai Baba appeared to me in my dream and said, "Boy, are you sleeping? Do not stop here. Come to Shirdi. There is plenty of fun at Shirdi". In the morning, Bapaji’s father had come to our village and he invited me to go over to Shirdi to assist him. I went over to Shirdi and for a short time, stayed with him. I worked for my bread by touring into villages round about Shirdi with my Bikshuki service, and helping Bapuji in Sai Baba’s worship at the Mandir. After some years (say 1 or 2) of free voluntary pooja of Baba I was appointed by the committee as the permanent poojari (at the Sai Sansthan).

Jayanti, USA

I would like to add this experience of mine in your newsletter. I came to US in July 1997. I developed a corn in my right foot in December '97