Sai Baba Bhajan Directory
Lata Mangeshkar Sings Om Sai Ram
Lata Mangeshkar Sings Om Sai Ram
Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahatyam
Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahatyam
Sai naam ki lagan hai laagi. Lots of mp3 here
Jis Bhajan Me Sai Ka Naam.mp3
Gaale Bhajan Sai Bhajan .MP3
Sai bhajan kar le.mp3
Sai Tere Hazaron Naam Lots pf Bhajans
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Miracles of Sai Baba
Miracles of Sai Baba
The villagers of Shirdi and afar soon found out that this was no ordinary fakir but an avatar (incarnation) of a very high order. He
demonstrated through his miracles and utterances, the purpose and intention for which he had come. He would often say, "My Leela is
inscrutable". To each one he met, he imparted knowledge according to the capacity of the recipient to absorb it. Baba's Leela's
(miracles) were plenty and varied, and we recount just a few which occurred during and after his lifetime.
Baba's Leelas ( Miracles )
Lighting lamps with water
Long before Sai Baba's fame spread, he was fond of burning lights in his Masjid and other Temples. But for the oil needed in those little
earthenware lights that he lit, he depended on the generosity of the grocers of Shirdi. He had made it a rule to light earthenware lamps
in the masjid every evening and he would call on the grocers for small donations. But there came a time when the grocers got tired of
giving oil free to Sai Baba and one day they bluntly refused to oblige him, saying they had no fresh stocks. Without a word of protest
Sai Baba returned to the masjid. Into those earthenware lamps he poured water and lighted the wicks. The lamps continued to burn
deep into the midnight. The matter came to the notice of the grocers who now came to Sai Baba with profuse apologies. Wouldn't Sai
Baba kindly pardon them? Sai Baba pardoned them, but he warned them never to lie again. "You could have refused to give me the oil,
but did you have to say that you didn't have fresh stocks?" he admonished them. But he had made his point.
Premonition of burning fieldsOnce, harvesting in Shirdi had been completed and the foodgrains of the entire village had been stored in a yard. The summer was on.
The heat was intense as only those who have lived in Shirdi know. One afternoon Sai Baba summoned Kondaji Sutar and said to him:
"Go, your field is on flrel" Frightened, Kondaji ran to his field and. frantically looked around for any sign of fire. There wasn't any. He
returned to the masjid and informed Sai Baba that he had looked everywhere but had found no trace of fire and why did Baba have to
frighten him? Unfazed, Baba said : "You better turn back and look again." Baba was right after all. Kondaji noticed that a sheaf of corn
was indeed on fire and smoke was billowing from it. A strong wind was fanning the fire and word had gone round to the villagers who
now came running to the scene. "Sai Baba," the people shouted "help us, help us put the fire out!" Thereupon, Sai Baba walked
casually towards the yard, sprinkled some water on a stack of sheaves and said: " There now! The fire will die down!" And so it
happened.
Stopping the rain
There is the story of one Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Fradhan who had come to Shirdi to take Sai Baba's darshan along with his wife. As
the couple were about to leave, it began to rain heavily. Thunder and lightning rent the air. As the Pradhan couple looked round in
dismay, Sai Baba prayed. "Oh Allah!" he intoned, "let the rains cease. My children are going home. Let them go peacefully!" The
storm thereupon ceased, the downpour reduced to slight drizzle and the Pradhans were able to reach their destination safely.
Raising the water level in well
When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi it had of no basic facilities. There was a well put only in name. It had no natural spring water and if
ever there had been one, it must long ago have dried up. Water had to be fetched from a distance. When, therefore, Sai Baba gave his
permission to the villagers to celebrate the Ram Navami Fair, (Baba's Birthday) the big problem facing the organizers was one of water
supply. So What should they do but go to Sai Baba with their problem? "'Oh yes," said Sai Baba, 'so you want plenty of water, do you?
Here, take this and drop it in the well and wait and see." "'This," turned up to be a platter of flowers on which some prasad (blessed
food) had been placed along with the remnants of alms Baba had received earlier in the day. The villagers had no qualms about doing as
they were did. Their faith in Sai Baba was total. No sooner had that platter of leaves been dropped in the well, it is said, water rose from
the bottom as if by divine command and completely filled it. And great was the rejoicing of the people.
Saving a child from drowning
One report has it that word had spread that the 3-year old daughter of a poor man called Babu Kirwandikar had fallen into the well and
had been drowned. When the villagers rushed to the well they saw the child suspended in mid-air as if some invisible hand was holding
her up! She was quickly pulled out. Sai Baba was fond of that child who was often heard to say : I am Baba's sister!" After this incident,
the villagers took her at her word. "it is all Baba's Leela", the people would say philosophically. They could offer no other explanation.
Flow of Godavari (river) from Baba's feet
These were instances of things they had seen with their own eyes. It was not secondhand information they had gathered. Sai Baba was
to them as real as their homes and their fields and their cattle and the distant hills.Das Ganu once had an unforgettable experience. On
a festive occasion, he sought Baba's permission to go to a place called Singba on the banks of the Godavari to have a bath in the holy
waters. "No," Baba replied resolutely, "where is the need to go all the way when the Godavari is here right at my feet?" Das Ganu was
vexed. He was willing to concede that Ganga the holy river (Baba frequently referred to Godavari as Ganga) rose from the feet of Sri
Narayana (one among the Hindu trinity of Gods) himself, but his faith was not deep enough to believe that the waters of the Godavari
could spring form the feet of his master, Sri Sai. Baba who was reading Das Ganu's mind decided that this was the time to strengthen
Das Ganu's faith. He told his devotee: "come closer to me and hold the hollow of your palms at my feet!". As soon as he did so water
flowed freely out of the toes of the master's feet and filled the hollow of Das Ganu's palms in no time. His joy knew no limits. He
sprinkled the water on his head and his body and distributed some more among the assembled devotees as tirtha (holy water).
Other miracles
There was that other occasion when many thought that the masjid which housed Sai Baba itself would be consumed by fire from the
flames which leapt up from the dhuni. All that Baba did was to take some swipes at a wooden pillar in front of him. With every blow the
flames subsided and the fire died down. "Miraculous," said his devotees. Often they would notice him stirring some hot concotion over
the kitchen fire, not with a ladle but with his bare hands. There never was a time when his hand was scalded. What supernatural powers
did he have? On yet another occasion, Sai Baba was partaking of food with three of his devotees in the masjid when, without any cause
for provocation, he exclaimed- "Stop!" Then, as if nothing had happened, the four continued with their meal. Lunch over and the dishes
cleared, they stepped out of the masjid, when large chunks of the ceiling fell on the very spot where they had been seated only a few
minutes earlier. Did Sai Baba's powers extend even to inanimate matter, the devotees wondered. Instances have been quoted by his
devotees as to how Sai Baba commanded the rains to stop and the winds to cease.
Understanding Sai Baba
Baba always maintained the "Dhuni" or the perpetual fire. The realisation that all the phenomenons of the nature are perishable and
unworthy of our craving, is signified by "Udi" which Sal Baba distributed to all. Baba never left Shirdi. He talked to people who came to
see Him. Sal Baba would often speak in symbols and parables leaving his devotees to work out the answer - such as, "A man had a
beautiful horse, but no matter what he did, it would not run in harness. An expert suggested that it should be taken back to the place
from where it had come. This was done and it become tracable and useful". The explanation of this story is that the horse is the Ego. As
commander of the physical and mental powers of man, it is useful but self-willed and therefore cause endless trouble. Taking it back to
its source is re-absorbing it in the spirit source which it arises. It is the return to the source which purifies and enlightens. From there
the ego issues forth again, no longer an ego, but a conscious agent of the spirit. Baba would ask for Dakshina (money offered with
respect to the Guru) from some of those who came to see Him. This was not because he needed their money. This was one of Baba's
methods for testing out the devotee's attachment to worldly things and willingness to surrender his ego. Once one has surrendered
himself totally to Him, Baba takes care of all His spiritual and temporal needs. Baba regarded money like everything else, in a
symbolical manner. He once said, " I ask only from those who the fakir (God) points out and in exchange I give them ten times as
much". By the end of the day, all the money Baba had earned was distributed to the destitute, poor, sick and the needy. Baba used to
feed the fakirs and devotees and even cook for them. For those who were accustomed to meat, he cooked meat and for the others
vegetarian fare.
The Dwarakamayee of Sai Baba was open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Among those who came to see him and got his
darshan (establishing spiritual contact with the Guru) and blessings were ministers, government officials, business people and village
folk. He was the common man's God. He Stayed with them, hejoked with them, He slept and ate with them, he smoked a chillum (pipe)
with them, he sang and danced with them, having no pretensions of a God. But all of them Knew that He protected them. Even today,
though He has left his gross body, they feel his presence and realise his worth all the more. Baba would also refer to the sounding of the
drum of the beginning of eternity within the soul. This "anahat" sound emerged from Baba's heart from every limb, every bone and
pore of his body. It was permeated with divine essence and Baba claimed that though one day his physical body will not exist, his
remains will communicate with from the grave. Therefore, the most important place in Shirdi is Baba's temple - the Samadhi Mandir is
his grave, which literally millions have visited and still continues to draw many more.
Shirdi Sai Baba was one who had crossed the barriers of caste and creed, and spoke the
universal language of love. Baba spent most of his time in a Masjid ( mosque) and called it
Dwarkamai! (Mother Dwarka, the home of Lord Krishna) Mostly everyone who knows Baba, is
aware that Baba came to Shirdi, accompanying Chand Patil, whose sister was to be married to
a boy in Shirdi. What a lot of people may not know is that, Baba predicted accurately, where
Chand Patil's lost mare was. Chand Patil watched in amazement, as Baba hit the ground, and
out came a spurt of water. Sai thrust a pair of tongs into the ground, and drew out a burning
ember.
Various were the miracles that Baba performed, but they were not performed to impress. What
others would describe as miracles, came naturally to him. Baba lit lamps with the aid of water
instead of oil, much to the delight of the local children. Dropping some leaves with some
blessed food, into a dry well, Baba made the water in it, overflow, and the celebration of the
birth of Sri Rama during Ramnaomi, was not cancelled. Baba lit a fire, that until today burns
constantly, in Dwarkamai. The udi (ash), that comes out, is known to have cured many
ailments.
When Baba was asked, what power the 'udi' possessed, he answered: 'The power of faith!"
There are many miraculous and touching stories of the faith, of his devotees, in the 'udi' that
Baba gave them. Baba would often say that he was one with all living creatures. Thus, Baba
would continue, if one fed a beggar, dog, pig or even an insect, he (Baba) would receive the
nourishment.
Baba taught that God is everything. He is perfect infinite and eternal. He is the one who
creates, He is the One who protects and He is the One who destroys. He is all pervasive. He
just Is. One must seek Him within Oneself and in every form of Creation. One must only
develop the ability to recognize Him.
Baba said that One was not required to be very knowledgeable or highly intellectual to
recognize the Lord. In fact, He said: "The simpler the mind, the easier it is to find God. Entrust
your mind to the Guru. Let him be your guide on this journey. And you shall find God. All you
need is Patience (Saburi) and Faith (Shraddha). It's simple really."
The villagers of Shirdi and afar soon found out that this was no ordinary fakir but an avatar (incarnation) of a very high order. He
demonstrated through his miracles and utterances, the purpose and intention for which he had come. He would often say, "My Leela is
inscrutable". To each one he met, he imparted knowledge according to the capacity of the recipient to absorb it. Baba's Leela's
(miracles) were plenty and varied, and we recount just a few which occurred during and after his lifetime.
Baba's Leelas ( Miracles )
Lighting lamps with water
Long before Sai Baba's fame spread, he was fond of burning lights in his Masjid and other Temples. But for the oil needed in those little
earthenware lights that he lit, he depended on the generosity of the grocers of Shirdi. He had made it a rule to light earthenware lamps
in the masjid every evening and he would call on the grocers for small donations. But there came a time when the grocers got tired of
giving oil free to Sai Baba and one day they bluntly refused to oblige him, saying they had no fresh stocks. Without a word of protest
Sai Baba returned to the masjid. Into those earthenware lamps he poured water and lighted the wicks. The lamps continued to burn
deep into the midnight. The matter came to the notice of the grocers who now came to Sai Baba with profuse apologies. Wouldn't Sai
Baba kindly pardon them? Sai Baba pardoned them, but he warned them never to lie again. "You could have refused to give me the oil,
but did you have to say that you didn't have fresh stocks?" he admonished them. But he had made his point.
Premonition of burning fieldsOnce, harvesting in Shirdi had been completed and the foodgrains of the entire village had been stored in a yard. The summer was on.
The heat was intense as only those who have lived in Shirdi know. One afternoon Sai Baba summoned Kondaji Sutar and said to him:
"Go, your field is on flrel" Frightened, Kondaji ran to his field and. frantically looked around for any sign of fire. There wasn't any. He
returned to the masjid and informed Sai Baba that he had looked everywhere but had found no trace of fire and why did Baba have to
frighten him? Unfazed, Baba said : "You better turn back and look again." Baba was right after all. Kondaji noticed that a sheaf of corn
was indeed on fire and smoke was billowing from it. A strong wind was fanning the fire and word had gone round to the villagers who
now came running to the scene. "Sai Baba," the people shouted "help us, help us put the fire out!" Thereupon, Sai Baba walked
casually towards the yard, sprinkled some water on a stack of sheaves and said: " There now! The fire will die down!" And so it
happened.
Stopping the rain
There is the story of one Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Fradhan who had come to Shirdi to take Sai Baba's darshan along with his wife. As
the couple were about to leave, it began to rain heavily. Thunder and lightning rent the air. As the Pradhan couple looked round in
dismay, Sai Baba prayed. "Oh Allah!" he intoned, "let the rains cease. My children are going home. Let them go peacefully!" The
storm thereupon ceased, the downpour reduced to slight drizzle and the Pradhans were able to reach their destination safely.
Raising the water level in well
When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi it had of no basic facilities. There was a well put only in name. It had no natural spring water and if
ever there had been one, it must long ago have dried up. Water had to be fetched from a distance. When, therefore, Sai Baba gave his
permission to the villagers to celebrate the Ram Navami Fair, (Baba's Birthday) the big problem facing the organizers was one of water
supply. So What should they do but go to Sai Baba with their problem? "'Oh yes," said Sai Baba, 'so you want plenty of water, do you?
Here, take this and drop it in the well and wait and see." "'This," turned up to be a platter of flowers on which some prasad (blessed
food) had been placed along with the remnants of alms Baba had received earlier in the day. The villagers had no qualms about doing as
they were did. Their faith in Sai Baba was total. No sooner had that platter of leaves been dropped in the well, it is said, water rose from
the bottom as if by divine command and completely filled it. And great was the rejoicing of the people.
Saving a child from drowning
One report has it that word had spread that the 3-year old daughter of a poor man called Babu Kirwandikar had fallen into the well and
had been drowned. When the villagers rushed to the well they saw the child suspended in mid-air as if some invisible hand was holding
her up! She was quickly pulled out. Sai Baba was fond of that child who was often heard to say : I am Baba's sister!" After this incident,
the villagers took her at her word. "it is all Baba's Leela", the people would say philosophically. They could offer no other explanation.
Flow of Godavari (river) from Baba's feet
These were instances of things they had seen with their own eyes. It was not secondhand information they had gathered. Sai Baba was
to them as real as their homes and their fields and their cattle and the distant hills.Das Ganu once had an unforgettable experience. On
a festive occasion, he sought Baba's permission to go to a place called Singba on the banks of the Godavari to have a bath in the holy
waters. "No," Baba replied resolutely, "where is the need to go all the way when the Godavari is here right at my feet?" Das Ganu was
vexed. He was willing to concede that Ganga the holy river (Baba frequently referred to Godavari as Ganga) rose from the feet of Sri
Narayana (one among the Hindu trinity of Gods) himself, but his faith was not deep enough to believe that the waters of the Godavari
could spring form the feet of his master, Sri Sai. Baba who was reading Das Ganu's mind decided that this was the time to strengthen
Das Ganu's faith. He told his devotee: "come closer to me and hold the hollow of your palms at my feet!". As soon as he did so water
flowed freely out of the toes of the master's feet and filled the hollow of Das Ganu's palms in no time. His joy knew no limits. He
sprinkled the water on his head and his body and distributed some more among the assembled devotees as tirtha (holy water).
Other miracles
There was that other occasion when many thought that the masjid which housed Sai Baba itself would be consumed by fire from the
flames which leapt up from the dhuni. All that Baba did was to take some swipes at a wooden pillar in front of him. With every blow the
flames subsided and the fire died down. "Miraculous," said his devotees. Often they would notice him stirring some hot concotion over
the kitchen fire, not with a ladle but with his bare hands. There never was a time when his hand was scalded. What supernatural powers
did he have? On yet another occasion, Sai Baba was partaking of food with three of his devotees in the masjid when, without any cause
for provocation, he exclaimed- "Stop!" Then, as if nothing had happened, the four continued with their meal. Lunch over and the dishes
cleared, they stepped out of the masjid, when large chunks of the ceiling fell on the very spot where they had been seated only a few
minutes earlier. Did Sai Baba's powers extend even to inanimate matter, the devotees wondered. Instances have been quoted by his
devotees as to how Sai Baba commanded the rains to stop and the winds to cease.
Understanding Sai Baba
Baba always maintained the "Dhuni" or the perpetual fire. The realisation that all the phenomenons of the nature are perishable and
unworthy of our craving, is signified by "Udi" which Sal Baba distributed to all. Baba never left Shirdi. He talked to people who came to
see Him. Sal Baba would often speak in symbols and parables leaving his devotees to work out the answer - such as, "A man had a
beautiful horse, but no matter what he did, it would not run in harness. An expert suggested that it should be taken back to the place
from where it had come. This was done and it become tracable and useful". The explanation of this story is that the horse is the Ego. As
commander of the physical and mental powers of man, it is useful but self-willed and therefore cause endless trouble. Taking it back to
its source is re-absorbing it in the spirit source which it arises. It is the return to the source which purifies and enlightens. From there
the ego issues forth again, no longer an ego, but a conscious agent of the spirit. Baba would ask for Dakshina (money offered with
respect to the Guru) from some of those who came to see Him. This was not because he needed their money. This was one of Baba's
methods for testing out the devotee's attachment to worldly things and willingness to surrender his ego. Once one has surrendered
himself totally to Him, Baba takes care of all His spiritual and temporal needs. Baba regarded money like everything else, in a
symbolical manner. He once said, " I ask only from those who the fakir (God) points out and in exchange I give them ten times as
much". By the end of the day, all the money Baba had earned was distributed to the destitute, poor, sick and the needy. Baba used to
feed the fakirs and devotees and even cook for them. For those who were accustomed to meat, he cooked meat and for the others
vegetarian fare.
The Dwarakamayee of Sai Baba was open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Among those who came to see him and got his
darshan (establishing spiritual contact with the Guru) and blessings were ministers, government officials, business people and village
folk. He was the common man's God. He Stayed with them, hejoked with them, He slept and ate with them, he smoked a chillum (pipe)
with them, he sang and danced with them, having no pretensions of a God. But all of them Knew that He protected them. Even today,
though He has left his gross body, they feel his presence and realise his worth all the more. Baba would also refer to the sounding of the
drum of the beginning of eternity within the soul. This "anahat" sound emerged from Baba's heart from every limb, every bone and
pore of his body. It was permeated with divine essence and Baba claimed that though one day his physical body will not exist, his
remains will communicate with from the grave. Therefore, the most important place in Shirdi is Baba's temple - the Samadhi Mandir is
his grave, which literally millions have visited and still continues to draw many more.
Shirdi Sai Baba was one who had crossed the barriers of caste and creed, and spoke the
universal language of love. Baba spent most of his time in a Masjid ( mosque) and called it
Dwarkamai! (Mother Dwarka, the home of Lord Krishna) Mostly everyone who knows Baba, is
aware that Baba came to Shirdi, accompanying Chand Patil, whose sister was to be married to
a boy in Shirdi. What a lot of people may not know is that, Baba predicted accurately, where
Chand Patil's lost mare was. Chand Patil watched in amazement, as Baba hit the ground, and
out came a spurt of water. Sai thrust a pair of tongs into the ground, and drew out a burning
ember.
Various were the miracles that Baba performed, but they were not performed to impress. What
others would describe as miracles, came naturally to him. Baba lit lamps with the aid of water
instead of oil, much to the delight of the local children. Dropping some leaves with some
blessed food, into a dry well, Baba made the water in it, overflow, and the celebration of the
birth of Sri Rama during Ramnaomi, was not cancelled. Baba lit a fire, that until today burns
constantly, in Dwarkamai. The udi (ash), that comes out, is known to have cured many
ailments.
When Baba was asked, what power the 'udi' possessed, he answered: 'The power of faith!"
There are many miraculous and touching stories of the faith, of his devotees, in the 'udi' that
Baba gave them. Baba would often say that he was one with all living creatures. Thus, Baba
would continue, if one fed a beggar, dog, pig or even an insect, he (Baba) would receive the
nourishment.
Baba taught that God is everything. He is perfect infinite and eternal. He is the one who
creates, He is the One who protects and He is the One who destroys. He is all pervasive. He
just Is. One must seek Him within Oneself and in every form of Creation. One must only
develop the ability to recognize Him.
Baba said that One was not required to be very knowledgeable or highly intellectual to
recognize the Lord. In fact, He said: "The simpler the mind, the easier it is to find God. Entrust
your mind to the Guru. Let him be your guide on this journey. And you shall find God. All you
need is Patience (Saburi) and Faith (Shraddha). It's simple really."
Sai Baba
Sri SaiBaba of Shirdi
Sai Baba of Shirdi is the most revered Saint who lived a century ago in a small village called Shirdi in the west central Indian province of the Indian Sub-continent, presently known as the state of Maharashtra, India. The land that gave many seers and seekers, India has produced the unique Saint whose message is unanimously accepted as Universal both in the East and in the West. Sai Baba of Shirdi's message of Universal brotherhood, Religious tolerance, Love and compassion to the fellowmen embodies the eternal truth in simple terms.
Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan, the official organization of Shirdi remains the largest body that oversees the activities on Saibaba of Shirdi. Based in Shirdi, India, the organization is involved with spreading Sai message through their activities including maintenance of the temple of Shirdi Sai, local charitable organizations including schools and hospitals, various publications on Saibaba in different languages.
It is remarkable to note that Baba has not traveled anywhere outside the vicinity of Shirdi during his sixty years’ of stay there. It is said that during earlier days, he used to go to Rahata and Neemgoan two hamlets on opposite sides of Shirdi to meet a few friends. Baba also did not write anything, He did not have any signatures, and He did not even have a name!
Baba’s death came in the year 1918. He breathed his last on October 15, 1918, on an auspicious day in Hindu calendar. It was also celebrated as the birthday of Buddha, another great soul born in India. More than thirty years before his passing away, a remarkable incident took place. One day, Baba told Mahalsapathy that he was going into Samadhi, a state of trance, and asked him to protect his body. Baba asked Mahalsapthy to bury his body in case he would not return to senses in three days. Baba’s breathing had stopped and his pulse was not felt. Baba laid there listless for whole three days on Mahalsapthy’s lap. Everyone who witnessed this decided that Baba had indeed died and that his body should be buried. Mhalsapthy waited patiently and Baba returned to his body as promised. It is said that Baba did that to relieve himself from asthma he was suffering from. It is known that Saints who practice meditation and other techniques are capable of experiencing transcendental states such as the one Baba demonstrated. However, three full days of lifelessness is not an ordinary feat. Such was Baba’s control over the elements. As per Baba’s wish, his body was taken to the new building Booti was building for Lord Krishna. After initial arguments, it was decided to enshrine Baba’s body in the temple building meant for Lord Krishna. The present day temple called as “Samadhi Mandir” has the mortal remains of Saibaba entombed and an exquisite looking marble statue of Saibaba that attracts millions every year.
Baba spent his final days hearing to God’s stories. It is customary in Hindu faith to read out God’s stories and scriptures to those on the deathbed. The news of Baba’s illness spread fast among his followers and a state of gloom descended on Shirdi. Around the same time, Tatya Patil also fell sick and some felt that he was too ill to survive. However, as Baba’s final hours arrived, Tatya began to recover and became normal mysteriously. Baba passed away. As mentioned earlier, it is said that Baba gave his life to Tatya to keep up his word to Bayajabai, Tatya’s mother that he would protect her son.
The final moments of Baba’s life is remembered for his gesture to Laxmibhai. Baba gave her nine coins that were in his possession. The number nine has spiritual significance for it denotes nine forms of devotion. Baba stressed the importance of devotion in the realization of God. Devotion as a path leading to the realization of God is an important aspect of “advaita” or the concept of non-dual nature of God. The path of devotion is said to be the principle component of Sufism, an esoteric form of Islam. It should be noted that Christian faith is also based principally on devotion to Jesus Christ.
Soon after his death, Baba came into the dream of Laxman Mama Joshi, the village astrologer and a staunch believer of Baba. Baba asked Joshi not to think himself to be dead and perform the ritual worship of Baba as usual. The ritual worship of Baba known as “Arathi” began in 1909 where devotees sang praises of Baba composed by various people including Dasganu. Before the days of Arathi, it was Dasganu who was instrumental in spreading Baba’s name outside of Shirdi. Dasganu used to compose short verses on Baba. performed concerts and gave commentaries dispersed with wit and humor. More people began to know about Baba and the crowd visiting Shirdi increased. It should be said that Dasganu was the first apostle that spread the message of Baba.
Several incidents are reported in which Baba was seen in flesh and blood at distant places away from Shirdi after his passing away. In some cases, Baba appeared in people’s dreams and later in real life. This resulted in increased faith in Baba and knowledge about existence of Baba spread slowly. The re-appearance of Baba is similar to the resurrection of Jesus Christ believed by his worshippers.
In Shirdi, group of devotees continued the congregational worship of Sai Baba at Baba’s tomb in Booti’s building, known as Booti Wada. The confidence of those who believed in Baba rose as they began to feel his presence even after his demise. Baba told his followers that his bones would speak from the tomb meaning that he would always be available for those who seek him. The word about Baba and his healing powers spread slowly within the regions of western India. One has to remember that information traveled slow in those days. Das Ganu, Hari Sitaram Dixit, Nana Saheb Chandorkar, Mahalsapathy, Radhakrishna Mai, and other followers of Baba were instrumental in spreading the word about Baba and the prominence of Shirdi. For a few decades after Sai Baba’s demise, the spread of news about the unique saint of Shirdi at the best said to be slow. During that period, India saw the greatest of its political turmoils. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, India defied the British rule mostly by non-violent means and became an independent nation in 1947. The turmoil included a great divide between people of Hindu faith and Islam that ended with the formation of Pakistan as a Muslim state. Ironically, the message of Baba on the Oneness of God, and religious tolerance was deeply ignored during that time. The incident noteworthy during that phase was the completion of the first account of Sai Baba in the form of a book in Marathi language by Govindrao Dabholkar. Titled “Shri Sai Satcharithra”, the book is revered as the most authentic account of the life and
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