Tag: Shirdi Sai Baba

Sai Baba of Shirdi was an Indian guru and fakir, who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint. In his life and teachings he tried to embrace and reconcile both faiths: Sai Baba lived in a mosque, was buried in a Hindu temple, embraced Hindu and Muslim practices, and taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions.

Sai Baba was worshipped as a living God by His Hindu devotees and was praised as Sadguru, ParaBrahma and Yogiraj. He was considered as One with all Gods and Gurus (devotees of Sri Rama, for example, saw Sri Rama in Him).

Early years

Although Sai Baba's origins are unknown, some indications exist that suggest that he was born not far from Shirdi in a village called Pathri with the name Haribhau Bhusari.

Sai Baba was notorious for giving vague, misleading and contradictory replies to questions concerning his parentage and origins, brusquely stating the information was unimportant. He had reportedly stated to a close follower, Mhalsapati, that he has been born of Brahmin parents in the village of Pathri and had been entrusted into the care of a fakir in his infancy. On another occasion, Sai Baba reportedly said that the fakir's wife had left him in the care of a Hindu guru, Venkusa of Selu, and that he had stayed with Venkusa for twelve years as his disciple. This dichotomy has given rise to two major theories regarding Sai Baba's background, with the majority of writers supporting the Hindu background over the Islamic, while others combine both the theories (that Sai Baba was first brought up by a fakir and then by a guru).

First Period in Shirdi and Disappearance

Sai Baba reportedly arrived at the village of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India, when he was about sixteen years old. Although there is no agreement among biographers about the date of this event, it is generally accepted that he stayed in Shirdi for three years, disappeared for a year and returned permanently around 1858. He led an ascetic life, sitting motionless under a neem tree and meditating. The people of the village were wonder-struck to see such a young lad practicing hard penance, not minding heat or cold. By day he associated with no one, by night he was afraid of nobody. His presence attracted the curiosity of the villagers and the religiously-inclined such as Mhalsapati, Appa Jogle and Kashinatha regularly visited him, while others such as the village children considered him mad and threw stones at him. After some time he left the village, and it is unknown where he stayed at that time or what happened to him. However, there are some indications that he met with many saints and fakirs, and worked as a weaver; he claimed to have fought with the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

The Return to Shirdi

In 1858 Sai Baba returned to Shirdi with Chand Patil's wedding procession. After alighting near the Khandoba temple he was greeted with the words "Ya Sai" (welcome saint) by the temple priest Mhalsapati. The name Sai stuck to him and some time later he started being known as Sai Baba. It was around this time that Sai Baba adopted his famous style of dress, consisting of a knee-length one-piece robe (kafni) and a cloth cap. Ramgir Bua, a devotee, testified that Baba was dressed like an athlete and sported 'long hair flowing down to his buttocks' when he arrived in Shirdi, and that he never had his head shaved. It was only after Baba forfeited a wrestling match with one Mohdin Tamboli that he took up the kafni and cloth cap, articles of typically Sufi clothing. This attire contributed to Baba's identification as a Muslim fakir, and was a reason for initial indifference and hostility against him in a predominantly Hindu village. According to B V Narasimhaswami, a posthumous follower who was widely praised as Sai Baba's "apostle", this attitude was prevalent even among some of his devotees in Shirdi, even up to 1954.

For four to five years Baba lived under a neem tree, and often wandered for long periods in the jungle in and around Shirdi. His manner was said to be withdrawn and uncommunicative as he undertook long periods of meditation.

Moving to a Mosque and Receiving Visitors

He was eventually persuaded to take up residence in an old and dilapidated mosque and lived a solitary life there, surviving by begging for alms and receiving itinerant Hindu or Muslim visitors. In the mosque he maintained a sacred fire which is referred to as a dhuni, from which he had the custom of giving sacred ash ('Udhi') to his guests before they left and which was believed to have healing powers and protection from dangerous situations. At first he performed the function of a local hakim and treated the sick by application of Udhi. Baba also delivered spiritual teachings to his visitors, recommending the reading of sacred Hindu texts along with the Qur'an, especially insisting on the indispensability of the unbroken remembrance of God's name (dhikr, japa). He often expressed himself in a cryptic manner with the use of parables, symbols and allegories. He participated in religious festivals and was also in the habit of preparing food for his visitors, which he distributed to them as prasad. Sai Baba's entertainment was dancing and singing religious songs (he enjoyed the songs of Kabir most). His behaviour was sometimes uncouth and violent.

After 1910 Sai Baba's fame began to spread in Mumbai. Numerous people started visiting him, because they regarded him as a saint (or even an avatar) with the power of performing miracles. His followers built then his first ever temple at Bhivpuri, Karjat.

Mahasamadhi

Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on October 15, 1918 at 2.30pm. He died on the lap of one of his devotees with hardly any belongings, and was buried in the "Buty Wada" according to his wish. Later a mandir was built in this site known as the "Samadhi Mandir".

Notable disciples

Sai Baba left behind no spiritual heirs and appointed no disciples. In fact, he did not even provide formal initiation. Some disciples of Sai Baba achieved fame as spiritual figures like Upasni Maharaj of Sakori and Meher Baba of Ahmednagar. After Sai Baba passed away, his devotees offered the daily Aarti to Upasani Maharaj when he paid a visit to Shirdi, two times with an interval of 10 years.

Reported Miracles

Shirdi Sai Baba performed many supernatural acts, including bilocation, exorcisms, curing the incurably sick, and reading the minds of others.

Numerous inhabitants of Shirdi talked and wrote books about witnessing Sai Baba in unusual yogic power acts: levitation, entering a state of Samādhi at wish, removing his limbs and putting them back to his body (Khanda Yoga) and doing the same with his intestines.

According to his followers he appeared to them after his death, in dreams, visions and in bodily form, often gaving them advice.

Swami Purnanand Saraswati follows the teachings of Lord Dattatreya and Saibaba.

He lives in Narmada (Bharuch) district, Gujarath at Tapovan Ashram on the banks of the river Narmada(Uttar Vahini).

He has observed "Chaturmasa Deeksha" at all shrines of Shakti Peethas, shrines of Twelve Jyothirlingas and other important places of India. He has never observed "Chaturmasa Deeksha" twice at the same place except for the eighth shrine of Jyothirlingas, Aunda Naganath.

He stayed for a long time for his own tapasya at Rishikesh and in a hut in the farms of Shri Vasanth Bhai Patel in Gujrath before the Tapovan ashram was established for him.

He has not come out of that ashram for more than 12 years as part of what is called "Kshetra Sanyasa".

He gives darshans for devotees after 10 p.m. everyday and he blesses everyone in person except on Thursdays. On Thursdays, he comes out and participates in the Pallaki Seva of Shri Sai baba and holy Padukas of Shri Poondi Swamiji.

He gives holy bath of Narmada on every Guru Pournima to all devotees.

Baba Panduranga was born on 29th May 1965 (Vaikasi-Bharani) and was named as “Suresh” by his parents. As a child, he grew up as normal as everybody else. But, at the age of seven, due to the punyakarma of previous births and to the astonishment of everyone, this child was bestowed the Pratyaksha Dharshana (physical appearance) of Bhagwan Shirdi Sai Baba. Baba blessed the child with his divine glance. Baba willed to make this child his instrument and passed his divine hands over the child's head for some time. Then Baba disappeared saying “We will meet again”. Over the next few days, unknown to himself, this experience induced the child to lead into the spiritual line. On 26th May, 1985, in keeping with his assurance, Shirdi Sai Baba appeared before the child. Shirdi Sai Baba adopted Baba Panduranga as his son and initiated him formally. Shirdi Sai Baba bestowed spiritual powers on Baba Panduranga and this enabled him to step into the spiritual life, to serve the suffering mankind.

By the grace of Shirdi Sai Baba, Baba Panduranga had the dharshan of ancient Rishis and of Deities who live in lesser-known worlds. Also Shirdi Sai Baba appeared in his original form; “Lord Dattattreya” and gave him Yogic Initiation. Sai Baba promised to be in and with him. Then Sai Baba disappeared into him in the form of light. From then on, Baba Panduranga would be merged with Shri Sai for long hours in Samadhi and experience higher meditative states. Subsequently, many secrets in the path of Yoga and Gnana were revealed to him. This led to several changes in his life. Serving and living with his father and Guru, Shirdi Sai Baba for 20 years and on, Baba Panduranga gathered ample of spiritual experiences.

Spiritually, Baba Panduranga serves the mankind to alleviate their mental and physical sufferings. He also spreads the greatness and messages of the “Universal Master Bhagavan Shirdi Sai Baba” in a silent manner without much ado. Baba Panduranga carried out many yogic practices instructed by his guru. Baba Panduranga ever feels the presence of his guru. His Guru takes care even of his daily routines. He was trained and caretaken by most of the spiritual masters, who live even after casting off their mortal bodies. Baba Panduranga's Father-Guru introduced him into the system of Datta Yoga Sampradaya. Baba Panduranga was also initiated into Sanyasa. Shirdi Sai Baba named him “Sai Panduranga Datta Saraswathy” in the parampara of Avadhutha. Presently, Baba Panduranga serves as an instrument of Shirdi Sai Baba to alleviate the sufferings of mankind.

Now, these facts about Baba Panduranga are revealed so that they reach out to the world, thereby helping the people overcome the suffering encountered by them in their daily life and grace of Shirdi Sai Baba. This service is rendered to all irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Anyone who happens to meet Baba Panduranga can feel the greatness of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Born in a respectable family, Narasimhan studdied law and blossomed into an upright, honest and leading lawyer. Known in Salem as B.V.Narasimha Iyer He engaged Himself in all social activities of Salem, thus becoming Chairman of Salem Municipal Corporation. He was elected as Member to Madras Legislative Council. He was a fiery patriot having joined in Home Rule Movement.

A domestic tragedy promted Narasimha Iyer in 1921 to ronounce samsaric life and began search for Truth. After tapas at the feet of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi in Thiruvannamalai, pilgrimage to many places and contacts with many saints, He ultimately attained His goal at the Samadhi Mandir of Shri Shirdi Saibaba at Shirdi.

As commissioned by Baba, Narasimha undertook Sai Prachar and in two decades made Saibaba's name a household word. He wrote numerous books on Shri Saibaba which are published by All India Sai Samaj, He was the founder President from 1947-56.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was born in Poyyamani Village in Kulithalai Taluk of Trichy District of Tamil Nadu on 15th April 1906. He was the fifth child of Sri Pudukkudi D. Venkatarama Aiyer and Smt. Lakshmi Ammal. Even as a child, young Radhakrishna had developed Psychic power and divine influence. He was a nature lover and it accentuated and kindled his spiritual thirst and development. He began meeting Sadhus and Holy Persons and visited temples far and near besides reading books on religion and the great saints and seers of India.

Search for a Guru

The Kanchi Mutt and Kanchi Acharya had a great influence in moulding Radhakrishnan's personality. When one of his brothers was in Poona, young Radhakrishnan stayed with him and made extensive tours of religious places in and around Poona. He lived in one of the caves for 48 days and on the 46th day, Dattathreya appeared before him and asked him to remain in the world helping others.

Radhakrishnan came to Ooty in 1921 and he was there till 1942. He had abandoned his studies. He stayed with his elder brother. The two brothers used to go on long walks and had discussions on spiritual matters for hours together. He used to spend some time daily in the Shiva temple built by the family alongwith his family members. He used to identify himself with Radha and Krisha and Andal and taking their roles he would dance in ectasy during bhajans. He loved music and he used to sing Thyagaraja and Purandhara Dasa "Kirthans". He was a lover of Astrology. He widely read books on saints like Raghavendra, Sadashiva Brahmendra, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu etc.

He met Ramana Maharshi and Seshadri Swamigal at Thiruvannamalai. The latter gave Radhakrishnan three stones and asked him to cook and eat them. The former interpreted this that he should go beyond the realms of "Sattva", "Rajas" and "Tamas", to become a "Gunatheetha".

In 1927, he met Narayana Maharaj of Khedgaon at Ooty. He initiated him into "Datta Mantra". In 1942, he met Sri Narasimha Swamiji and his search for the "Guru" was over. He became a spiritual heir to Sri Narasimha Swamiji.

Marriage and Youthhood

In 1927, he married Parvathi-a relative from his mothers side. He was against marriage but submitted to parental pressure. He led a family life which was like a drop of water on the lotus leaf. When he took Sanyas many years later the shock was severe to his wife and the family but they accepted the inevitable. His wife who led a secluded life, never met him again and passed away in 1979.

There was a deep Psychological Crisis in his life during 1936-42. He had even contemplated suicide while travelling on a train from Trichy to Madras. As the train was crossing the Coleroon River near Chidambaram, he opened the door and was about to jump into the river when he felt somebody was pulling his back. He saw an old man with a headgear asking him not to do it as he had a mission in life. Later, he realised that it was Baba.

Meeting the Guru

In 1942, Radhakrishnan met Sri Narasimha Swamiji in dramatic circumstances. It is not known when exactly Radhakrishnan came to Madras after he accepted Sri Narasimha Swamiji as his Guru. It maybe in 1943 or 1944.

At Chennai

He was a voracious reader and his favourite haunt was the Theosophical Society at Adayar, Chennai. He used to practise meditation and a Sanskrit book "Mantra Mahodari" was his constant companion. He supervised the accounts of All India Sai Samaj and helped Sri Narasimha Swamiji in other ways in his pesonal and public work. He was a man who never pushed himself up. His surrender to Sri Narasimha Swamiji was total. "Whatever Narasimha Swamiji said was law to him".

In 1952, Sri Narasimha Swamiji deputed Radhakrishnan to Bangalore for Sai Prachar work in Karnataka. It was in 1953 Sri Narasimha Swamiji conferred the title "Saipadananda" on him. That was the Guru's accolade to his devoted disciple. The Guru attained "Nirvan" on 19.10.1956 and on that Poornima Day transferred all his "Spiritual" powers to Radhakrishnan. Sai Baba gave Self Realisation to Sri Narasimha Swamiji on 29.8.1936. That Sai treasure was given in toto to Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji on the day Sri Narasimha Swamiji cast off his mortal coil.

Swamiji at Bangalore

Sri Radhakrishnan Swamiji arrived in Bangalore in 1952. By 1956 Swamiji shifted his lodging to an upstairs room in a house near the N.R. Colony bus stop. This also became the home of Sai Spiritual Centre and here Swamiji lived for about seven years until a permanent building for the centre was contructed.

A retired official of the Mysore Government, Sri Domlur Krishna Murthy, had earmarked a plot of land of 1000 square yards in Thyagarajanagar for a building to propagate the teachings of Sai Baba. Sri V.S.Sastri, who held the site in trust, had collected some funds and had laid the foundation for the construction of the prayer hall with two rooms. Impressed by the activities of Sai Spiritual Centre under the guidance of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, he handed over the site to Swamiji in 1961. Funds for a building on the site came from devotees all over India. The building was formally opened on June 17, 1965. The centre was registered on May 6, 1970.

Swamiji's Mission

Swamiji lived a full and active life. He was constantly travelling and propagating Sri Sai Baba's Teachings. He was in tune with Sai Baba all the 24 hours and his actions were in response to its motivations. There is hardly a devotee of Sri Swamiji who has not experienced his grace either spiritually or in material benefit. The devotees continue to recieve it even after he left his body.

Swamiji was waiting for "Uttarayana' to leave his body. January 14, 1980 was the day he had fixed for merging with Sai Baba. He had joined devotees in chanting "Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namam" and, "Om Namo Narayanaya". Swamiji was conscious till the last and the final moment came at 10.40 p.m. as he drew his last breath with a farewell benediction. He was cremated the next day with full honours amidst chanting of Vedic Hymns.

Although he is not present in flesh and blood, his devotees have felt his spiritual presence and his guidance, in times of distress and want. Many have spoken of seeing him in their dreams, encouraging them and advising on their problems. His guiding hand and loving eyes hover over every home of his devotees reminding us of Baba's Words: "Why fear when I am here".

Sadhguru Sainadhayanamaha.In those days, with the divine blessings of
Sri Shirdi Sai,Hemadripanth and Dasagunu maharaj took upon the task
of spreading Shirdi Sai's philosophy, much earlier to Baba's attaining
Mahasamadhi.Later many devotes continued the tradition by adopting
three methods i.e. by writing about Baba's Leelas,by singing songs
praising Baba and by delivering discourses on His saintliness,
including the human touch practiced and preached by Baba to utmost
perfection.

Presently, one of His devotees, Sri Ravada Gopala Rao, well known by
many people and fondly addressed as SAI BANISA is devotedly engaged in
spreading Shirdi Sai's philosophy by delivering discourses about Sai Baba.

He was born in the year 1946 to Smt Ravada Venkata Ramanamma and
Ravada Venkata Rao.He took voluntary retirement from Government
Service at the age of 54 yrs and since then he is working for the
noble cause of spreading Shirdi Sai's philosophy. He started
delivering discourses in India and abroad in his mother tongue Telugu
as well as in English, Which were well received.

He delivered lectures on "Sai Tatva" in English at Chicago in the year
2000 and at Orlando in the year 2003 in United States of America .He
was invited there for delivering lectures on Shirdi Sai under the
auspices of "SAI UTSAV" organised by Vishwa Sai Bhakta Sammelan.

He is bestowed with the unique quality of taking references from the
great Epics and Mythology and the art of co-relating them with the
incidents drawn from Sri Sai Satcharita, authored by Hemadripanth,
with convincing examples. He is a widely read man with sufficient
insight into the inner depths 0f the life style of the great Saint of
our times –Shirdi Sai Baba.

Swami Kesavaiah Ji was born on Sravana Bahula Amavasya day of Hevalambi year, at the end of the nineteenth century. His father Sri Swami Balaiah was a ryot and a devout hindu. A peculiarly religious temper seems to have taken powerful hold of Swami Kesavaiah Ji's mind, and it continued as the ruling principle throughtout his life.

In his school days it is said that he stood first in the bible classes and had a vision of Jesus Christ. He learnt the Koran and had a vision of Prophet Mohammed.

He began his professional life as clerk in the registration department in the composite state of Madras.

At some point, Sai Baba accepter him as a devotee and on July 1st, 1939 he became a Kripa Siddha.

In 1948, he was responsible for constructing a temple for Sai Baba of Shirdi at Penukonda. Then he fell sick and came to Madras for treatment.

Since 1949, after his recovery, he conducted Thusday pujas at "Sai Nilayam", Shenoy Nagar.

In ordinary life, it is said that he was simple and unpretentious. He wore a milky white jubba, a white dhoti and an upper cloth. He spoke softly, affectionately and lovingly.

He died in 1981, survived by a son and two daughters. It was at about 6-10 p.m., the sun had set on 9th August 1981 Sunday, Sravana Suddha, Dasami. He asked for Udhi. Took it, applied to his forehead and swallowed, said "Allah Malik" and closed his eyes, sitting. After 10 minutes he ws made to rest on the bed. At about 6-28 p.m. the sage of Shenoy Nagar left his mortal coils.