Shirdi Sai Baba - The Perfect Master

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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

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