Lets explore Shirdi

[Guest guest]

BABA'S PADUKAS

These marble Padukas are placed on a pedestal. Two verses of Upasani's Sai

Mahima Stotra are engraved on it.

Bhai Alibagkar wished to install Padukas under the neem tree but could not

do so. He communicated this idea to Dr. Ram Rao Kothari who readily agreed

with it. In consultation with Upasani and other devotees, beautiful marble

Padukas were made at Bombay. They were installed on Shravana 15Ih day of

1912. On that day at 11.00 AM O.K. Dixit brought them on his head from

Khandoba's temple to Dwarakamai in procession. Baba touched the Padukas

saying "These are the feet of the Lord'1 and asked them to install 'the

Padukas' under the Neem tree. Four Brahmins representing four Vedas, came

from Kopergoan for performing the ceremony, and local devotees joyously

participated in the function. Baba contributed Rs.25/- for the function.

G.K. Dixit, then L.K. Jakhadi, did worship of the Padukas. Now the Sansthan

pujari does abhishek and alankar daily.

EVER BURNING LAMPS

The two ever burning lamps are placed on the wall protected by silver and

glass encasing.

Following the installation of the Padukas, Dr. Kothari sent Rs.2/- per month

for lighting the lamps. Then Shagun Meru did the service. Now the Sansthan

does this (Ref. ESS, Ch. V).

THE SACRED NEEM TREE

Just as the Audumbar and Aswatha trees are considered sacred, Baba held this

Neem tree to be sacred. This blessed tree was there already, waiting for

Baba to sit under her shade. In 'Sai Mahima Sthothra', Upasani refers to

this Neem tree as surpassing the 'Kalpa Vriksha' and showering Ambrosia of

Baba's grace. Because Baba constantly sat under this Neem tree when He first

came to Shirdi. The leaves are oozing nectar on account of the healing

properties. Many devotees are relieved of their ailments by eating the

leaves of this tree. Pradakshina of Gurusthan is done by many devotees early

in the morning, and at other times for destruction of their Karma, spiritual

enlightenment and fulfilment of their wishes.

 

 

 

 

(Adopted from Ambrosia In Shirdi by Dr.Vinny Chitluri, this book can be read

at www.saileelas.org and this book is a virtual guide on Shirdi with lots of

rare photos on Baba)