Guest guest Posted May 22, 2004 Report Share Posted May 22, 2004 Though Sai Baba of Shirdi lived a very ordinary life for about 60 years in a dilapidated masjid at Shirdi, which was a little known village in Kopergaon Taluk of Ahmednagar district of the state of Maharashtra, he has been able to attract innumerable souls not only during his life time but even after he left his mortal coil in 1918. Even after 80 years of his mahasamadhi more and more devotees are drawn to Shirdi to have the darshan of the tomb "which talks and moves". One may find Shirdi Sai temples almost in every corner of the country, even outside the country and the number of followers is always on the increase. Naturally a question arises in our minds "What is the mystery behind the greatness of this saint; who attracts more and more people towards Baba?"A unique feature about Baba was he never disclosed to anyone about his caste, creed, or parentage. To the hindus he was an orthodox brahmin who loved to burn lamps in Dwarkamayee. He was so fond of lighting diyas that even one day nobody gave him oil, he lighted the diyas by using water. He named the masjid in which he lived as "Dwarkamayee". He allowed the hindus to worship him in the hindu style. To the muslims, he was a pir (a sacred fakir) always uttering "Allah Maalik hai". To the parsis, he was the sacred fire worshipper. Even the christians also revered and worshipped him. Thus, Baba was a perfect epitome of harmony among all religions.Once a muslim devotee of Baba complained that Why baba was accepting the "Saguna Upasana" of the hindu devotees inside the masjid which he considered as a sacrilege. Baba immediately replied, "for me Ram and Rahim are one. Let everybody worship in their own way and realize their Ishta Deva. Jaisa desh aisa bhesh."Baba never imparted any textual knowledge to his devotees. But, at the same time, he struck a deep root in their hearts, by his divine experiences. Saibaba was ever aware of what transpired within and without his devotees everywhere. There are many true life stories which provide ample evidence to this fact.Once a Sadhak of yoga visited Shirdi to have Baba's grace. Although he had studied many works on yoga, he had very little practical experience. The problem he faced was, he was unable to concentrate and could not attain samadhi. So he wanted Baba to show him the way to attain samadhi. With this object in mind, he had come to Shirdi. When he visited the masjid he found Baba eating roti with onion. The sight disheartened him and he started doubting the prowess of Baba. Saibaba could know his mind. He said to Nana that he who has the power to digest onion should eat it and none else. Hearing this remark, the yogi was wonderstruck. He immediately fell at Baba's feet with complete surrender to him.Once while Ms.Khapharde was massaging Baba's feet, Baba slowly chanted near her ear, "Bolo Rajah Ram, Rajah Ram." These were the very words given by her Kulguru and she had not been practising due to negligence. By this, Baba also indicated that he knew what is the path for a devotee and that Japa or devotion to one's "Ishta Deva" will lead to salvation.Once Nana Saheb Chanderkar had gone to a fair held on Harish Chandra mountain, alongwith his colleagues in the summer season. By the time he climbed half the distance ti was noon. Nana's throat got parched by the scorching heat. He was fatigued due to the steep climb. His companions searched for water near about, but found none. Nana was panting at that time. He was drained of all his energy and felt that only some water could save him from his peril. He remembered Baba and his grace.At the same time Baba was sitting in his usual place at Shirdi surrounded by his devotees. Baba remarked to Madhav Rao Deshpande who was sitting next to Baba. "Nana is in trouble." In the mean time Nana spotted a Bhil and asked hime where he could find water. The Bhil replied, " Just below the rock where you are sitting." When Nana lifted the rock, clear water gushed out. Nana drank to his hearts content. He got renewed strength and proceeded onward as if nothing had happened.After some days when Nana went to Shirdi, Madhav Rao asked him, "Where you in trouble, some 10 or 15 days ?" Nana asked him, why he was asking this question. Madhavrao told Nana, what Baba had said. Then Nana recalled that he had gone to the fair at the Harish Chandra mountain, where he was dying of thirst. Immediately he realised that Baba had assumed the form of a Bhil and had come to his recue.A third feature is that most of the gurus and religious scriptures suggest that ought not to aspire for any material goal in your devotion to god. But never laid down any such rule. Many people visited Shirdi with the hope that Baba fulfill their material desires. Issueless couples came to seek Baba's blessings to beget a child. Some came to Shirdi so that Baba would bless them to get established in life. Others came to Baba to cure them of their physical and mental ailments. Very few came to Baba for spiritual guidance.Damodhar Sawal Ram Rasne, a close devotee of Baba, whom Baba fondly addressed as Dhamya, once asked Baba "Why are you meeting so many people, when most of them visit you with selfish desires?" Baba answered "Dhamya, Do not stop them. If it is not they who are coming to me. I call them from thousand miles away like a bird being drawn with a string tied to its feet. First I fulfill their material needs and slowly I draw them spiritually."When Baba was alive, he always took care of the needs and worries of his devotees. He has told them that "Even when I leave, my mortal body, I shall ever be guiding and helping my devotees from within my tomb." This is the most unique feature of Baba, even after 80 years of his Maha Samadhi, Baba has remained true to his words. Though we no longer behold his mortal body, but his spiritual presence is always felt by us, guiding us., caring for us, and helping us in every way. Shirdi Sai Baba - The Perfect MasterArticle by Smita Panda, BhubaneshwarSource : Sai Chetana, Ram Navami Issue March 1999 Arun Reddy Nukala +44 7946 595063 http://groups.msn.com/ Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download Messenger Now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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