Questioning Shirdi Sai Baba’s status as a Hindu god, Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati said that Sai Baba was someone “who used to eat meat and worshipped Allah, (and) a man like that can never be a Hindu god.”
He also claimed that the devotees of Sai Baba use pictures of sanatan dharm gods and make money. “If they don’t use pictures of our god, who will give them anything,” he questioned.
While he admitted that people have the freedom to worship, he said that Sai Baba tries to position himself as god which is not acceptable to them. “We accept only 5 gods. Anyone who positions himself as an addition isn’t acceptable to us,” he said.
Shankaracharya also rubbished claims that he has raised objection over Sai Baba at the behest of Congress. “It is wrong to say that I am doing this at the behest of Congress. I am not a political person,” he said.
After Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati had said that Hindus should not worship Shirdi Sai Baba along with other Hindu gods, the Sai temple in Lucknow filed a petition in Allahabad High Court seeking an FIR against him. The court will hear the case on Friday. A case has also been filed against Shankaracharya Saraswati in Jaipur.
The Naga seers have also sided with Shankaracharya. The Nagas have said if Shankaracharay is insulted they will take to the streets in protest. The Naga sadhus have also called the issue a religious war. However, Shankaracharya has claimed that he hasn’t asked the nagas to fight with him. “I haven’t asked nagas to come to fight with me but if they want to then they should. This is a religious war (dharmayudh),” he said.
“We are okay with whatever idol they choose to worship. But if they place the idols of our Gods at the feet of Sai Baba, it is unacceptable to us,” said Shankaracharya supporter Swami Narendra Giri.
Shankaracharya: Sai Baba was a Muslim, should not be worshipped like a Hindu deity
Refusing to budge from his stand on Shirdi Sai Baba, Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand on Sunday described him as a Muslim ascetic who could not be worshipped like a Hindu deity and said his campaign to protect the Hindu religion will continue even if he is sent to jail.
“They may burn my effigy or even send me to jail, but my campaign to protect the sanctity of the Hindu religion will continue,” Shankaracharya said addressing a meeting of the central working committee of Bharat Sadhu Samaj at Kankhal on Sunday.
“Sai Baba was a Muslim ‘Fakir’ who cannot be compared to Hindu deities or worshipped like them,” he said.
Accusing certain forces of “corrupting” the Hindu religion by arbitrarily creating new gods and propagating them, the Jyotishpeethadhishwar Shankaracharya said the Hindu religion needs to be guarded against such forces.
He said his campaign to protect the Hindu religion was being opposed by those who had made religion a means of livelihood.
Union Minister of water resources Uma Bharti’s letter to Swami Swaroopanand explaining the rationale behind her statement on Saturday where she had said looking upon someone as a god was people’s personal opinion was also read out at the meeting.
Bharti’s explanation did not seem to satisfy the seer Shankaracharya who said she seemed not to have seen the pictures where Sai Baba has been depicted like Hindu Gods including Shiva and Vishnu.
“Statues of Sai Baba were being installed in homes. What if they were installed in our temples?” he asked.
He said when Uma Bharti became a minister at the Centre he thought a devotee of Rama had become a union minister and a Ram temple in Ayodhya would soon be a reality but he was mistaken as she turned out to be the “worshiper of a Muslim”.
Swami Premanand went so far as to even demand Bharti’s resignation over the issue.
If you really have some free time then help poor, spread love and not hate. Even if you think Sai Baba is not hindu what he did was helping poor and spreading love. Looks like on the other hand you are political swami. I’m sure Sai Baba will excuse your ignorance.
Help Ever Hurt Never – SatyaSai Baba.
It is painful to see the controversy which is building around the statement of Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand about the worship of Saibaba.
Almost 50 years ago my father first heard of Sai Baba from his friend Keki Moos, the famous artist of Chalisgaon and got a picture of Saibaba which is still with us. Saibaba at that time was known to a handful of devotees in Delhi, and many used to think that he was a Sindhi saint because of his Sai name.
I was a student of Class 5. I used to think that Baba was perhaps one of the elders who used to visit us sometimes, because ever since that picture had come to our house we often used to see a tall old man wearing a white kurta and a kafni going about in thehouse. And whenever that happened the house used to get filled with the aroma of fresh rose flowers. My mother had strictly warned me never to talk about it to outsiders.
I grew up seeing him go about in the house. I and my mother have been witness to numerous miraculous incidents related to him, but have never spoken about them; they have remained our treasured memories – sacred and purifying memories resting on innocent faith and surrender.
The phenomenon stopped when one of my aunt ran out of the house shouting that a thief had entered the house. My mother had to tell her the fact. That day it stopped.
I am a devout hindu. I have a shikha and wear yagyopavit. I perform Rudrabhishek and Devi Archana. I perform havan in my house. In my puja alter, alongwith other deities, is the picture of Saibaba which my father had got in 1965. On every important day like birthdays and marriage anniversaries we go to Sai Temple. Every new vehicle is first taken to Sai Temple. Every Thursday my wife offers sevian to Sai Baba. To us Baba is neither an avatar nor god – he is a family elder who guides and protects us.
Occasionally I also visit Nizamuddin Dargah, which I feel is one the most powerful spots of Delhi.
In his lifetime Sai Baba had criss-crossed the barriers of narrow religious myopia. He was neither a hindu nor a muslim. He lived like a faqir in a mosque which he called Dwarkamai, lit lamps and had a dhoona in the mosque. In his own lifetime a group of devotees had gathered around Baba. With time his popularity has grown and a sort of porous sect of Sai worship has evolved. To those who have accepted Sai Baba as their Guru, he is a manifestation of the Divine, because that is how a Guru is perceived in Hinduism. The inherent flexibility of Hinduism does not stop anyone from accepting or rejecting anybody as a Guru. Therefore one is free to accept Sai Baba as a Guru and worship him in whatever form one may like.
But a line has to be drawn. Worshipping Saibaba is a personal matter and should not be mixed with or made to influence the mainstream Hinduism, and this is exactly what Swami Swarupanandji has said. It is true that most of Sai’s followers are hindus and it is natural for them to adopt many of the rituals of mainstream Hinduism like Aarti, Abhishek and Bhajan Sandhyas for Baba’s worship; but this adoption does not mean that they can impose his worship on other Hindus by installing Saibaba’s statue in hindu temples, just as no muslim or christian would install his statue in a mosque or a church.
Nor can anybody’s personal conduct of faith be allowed to influence the mainstream Hinduism. I am not expected to wear a skull cap and enter a temple, just as I do not wear a tilak when I go to the Dargah. I cannot put a skull cap or a kafni on the head of Raja Ramchandra or Lord Krishna. On the same lines I cannot be allowed to install a statue of Saibaba in Dwarkadhish temple. So far Swami Swarupanandji is correct and I support his argument.
However, Swamiji’s remark that Sai devotees are distorting vedic mantras needs a second thought. In my opinion the sect of Sai devotees have adopted the hindu mantras and then made certain changes just as they have adopted the act of performing puja and archana for Saibaba. The apaurusheya Ved mantras are beyond defiling and desecrating, and most certainly their adoption by a sect cannot pose a challenge to mainstream Hinduism.
Therefore the entire controversy which is getting built around Swami Swarupanand is a huge hype. He is right when he says that Sai Baba is neither an avatar not God, because in his own lifetime the Faqir never claimed to be one. He is right when he says that Baba’s statue should not be installed in a Hindu Temple, because he is not from the pantheon of hindu gods. At the same time he cannot stop anyone from accepting Baba as a spiritual guru and worship him in whatever form one may choose to, because faith is a matter of personal choice, just as he can not stop anyone to bathe in Ganga.
The other side has been no less erroneous. They have not realized the importance of the seat of Shankaracharya. A Shankaracharya is dutybound to raise his voice if he feels that Hinduism is being distorted or being defiled. The words of any Shankaracharya or a Dharmacharya cannot be taken lightly. They are the pillars and the foundations of Indian culture and demand as much respect as Pope or any other religious head. To use shallow language against him, to ask him to wash his sins, to burn his effigy needs to be condemned in the strongest words.
It is we human who made different religions. Religion is not made by god. Do hindu tantric’s don’t eat meat and drink alcohol for attaining their sadhana. Do hindu epics not encourage “BALI” pratha of living beings. Why is is being praticed even now in the name of religion??? Sai baba has never claimed that he is god. He has always said “Ram aur Rahim Ek” and “Sabka Malik Ek”. He tried to spread humanity and on not religion.
It is indeed sad to learn that a Shankaracharya is discriminating instead of serving and spreading humanity.His consciousness is expected to be above all to merge with LORD.But sadly it is not as proved by this discriminating statement.
I am not ‘evolved’ enough to pass judgement on who a God is. But I can certainly see something in the two pictures…
One is a ‘Shankar Acharya’ who appears to be sitting (actually lying) in the lap of luxury ( actually a bed that would make even an Ambani admire) passing judgement on a person in rags who is seen sitting on rags thrown over some rock!
The images that I have in my mind of Lord Shankara are always in contrast to this ‘Acharya’… he’s known to be covered in ashes from the burnt corpses… with matted hair… with body that is minimally covered with what one would call clothes/robes… leave alone pearl & gold ornaments and soft cushions…
And while the Non-God Baba saw god in all… And his followers are willing to attempt to see God in all….The CA (‘Certified Acharya’) is unable to see God
in what his own scriptures are saying… what his shankara is saying!
I’m not sure if Sai Baba ate meat… makes little diffrence… even in Hindus, a large chunk are meat eaters… what to talk about the Aghors who are said eat human flesh from the burning ghats… not because its tasty or fashionable… but simply to strengthen their realization that after death the flesh of corps is not the person who occupied the body while it had life!
I am saddened to read the above article. It is beneath of Sankaracharya to make such a negative comment about Shirdi Sai Baba. Shirdi Sai Baba is another guru, whose teachings are very simple. He supports feeding the poor, healing the sick and do good deeds in life. If you read the Satcharita, Baba instructs to read Hanuman Chalisa, Vishnu Sahasranamam and the like. There is enormous amount to learn from His teachings. He even says, if you have a guru, seek His guidance.
It is sad that a Sankaracharya talks ill about another guru. Even the great Paramacharya has said, people seek different gurus and finally all of them lead to the same ocean.
I am saddened and disturbed.
thanks and regards
vijaya
Who are you to decide that SAI BABA is not GOD you are a fool , you publicity seeking so called swamy. First change your name.
I am not a follower of Sai Baba. Nor am I a Hindu. I do know that Rama is a Hindu God who ate meat and that close disciples of Lord Caitanya were born muslims. So I don’t think that the Swami is correct. It is amusing to me that someone will claim that God must follow certain rules. These Nags seem like trouble makers. Anyone can decide to start a war but God will determine how it ends.
everyone has the right to follow what they like, one may worship rahul gandhi as god if he wishes to do so. but some of us choose to follow the words of vedic shastras, i t is our right to protect its integrity from the onslaught of views that undermine vedic authority. god n avatars are supported by shastra, gods r not created by popular opinions or votes, thats our view.
There is no mention of shirdi sai baba in none of the vedas, puranas or ithihasas. It is wrong to worship sai baba. Lord Vishnu, Siva and their incarnations alone should be worshipped.
Mata Durga / Parvati in one of her incarnations drank blood to control it being spilled on earth so that the boon enriched Asur should not be able to propagate from them. Even live sacrifices are still made to Mother’s other forms till today. One day this modern baba will denounce the Mother as of some other religion.
There are temples in Chandigarh where Sai Baba shares the platform with other Hindu Gods and Godesses and is frequented by many worshipers and bhaktas.
Enough of Shankaracharya’s hate speeches. He should immediately step down from the position so that he no more spoils the pure and unbiased thoughts of the masses.
Vivek Mathur
Chandigarh
I would request all to maintain decorum of speech. You may or may not agree with Jagadguru Sankaracharya. When you write about Sai Baba it is always Sai Baba and when you mention the Jagadguru Sankaracharya you mention what ever you want. Please bring in Shraddha and Saburi and accept what you feel is correct. All the sects of Hindu religion where you have a Guru try to depict the Guru as powerful than the Trinity however please do not superimpose the photograph of Guru on the images of the Trinity. This is disrespect.
Let us not create or spread bad blood. Please.
Please desist from creating hatredness among the living beings.
Sankaracharya is right in asserting that Sai Baba is not God for Hindus.However people have got used to worship Sai Baba as a Guru. There can not be any bar on it. I am surprised to hear that the Hindu deities are kept under the feet of Sai Baba. If it is true the Hindus are right in feeling offended. There is a mention that the Hindu scriptures altered to suit Sai Baba worship.One of the respondents has justified it. I am not able to accept it.Such attempts, if allowed to continue, will create a lot of confusion.
I am also not able to accept the Acharya’s denial of his present campaign being done at the behest of the communal and corrupt Congress party. His action, as practiced now, has the potential of dividing the Hindus, which is what the party led by the Christian lady has been attempting to do.He is playing into the hands of that party by creating a piquant situation for the BJP.
Sankaracharya’s reservations about the BJP and Modi are well known..In such a background the type of issue being raised is bound to be understood only as a deliberate one to create problem for BJP ruled Govt.No one other than the communal and corrupt Congress will be happy at this. BJP will be forced to take action if peace is disturbed. That will be painted by its opponents as anti Hindu action.A gullible section may even believe it.
Hinduism is under threat. One force , an internal one, threatening the Hindu religion and the Hindus has been the communal & corrupt Congress with its policy of appeasement of minorities at the cost of the majority.After a great lot of struggle the party has been dislodged from the seat of power which they were using to hurt the Hindus.The Acharya should not act in a manner that helps that party to revive.
Dear readers,
Sri Sankaracharya however committed he is towards Sanathana dharma,
cannot call himself an apostle as long as he does not see GOD in every living being, as AADI SANKARA did and his words need not be taken seriously,
simple living and high thinking is a MUST for any who calls himself as Acharya,
like the Paramacharya of Kanchi, who did not say he was GOD incarnate,but
his devotees did.
Pujya Sankaracharya is not wrong in his statement that Sai Baba is not a God and as such should not be kept along with the other HIndu Gods. .Well, many devout Hindus consider Sai Baba as Guru and do pujas etc. They are not telling that only SAi Baba is God and other 5 names as given by Sankaracharaya are not. Therefore both are correct.
Our Hindu religion based on age old pillars of Vedas, Puranas , Upanishads etc etc never says anywhere that one has to perfom puja etc to one God. We have got complete freedom to choose a deity of our liking and follow the rituals etc as deemed fit and as given in the shastras. The age old Rishis of the past have reiterated that God is
everywhere and one can see God within the within the body. Whatever method you chose for realising God, ultimately it has to reach the final point. Just as the many rivers flow differently, having different names ultimately reach the ocean. The same is the case in the assumption of God. and given in our Sanadhana Sastras..
The controversy is the handi work of some vested interets who do not want India to be strong country. As such, all peace loving Indians avoid in getting trapped in this unnecessry propaganda.
Sankaracharys is correct in his views,The followers of Shirdi Sai Baba is also correct, The theories of both have to be read with a progreeive mindset.
THANEME SIVASANGALPAMASTHU!!
This elderly gentleman man represents the august lineage of Sri Adi Sankara. So I would like to say this with utmost respect. I am personally opposed to any form of killing and eating meat. But we have had instances of Rama hunting, how does he become divine then? Ganesha’s head is said to be out of killing a live elephant, we worship Ganesha too! Sai baba is a saint of the highest order. Sri Kanchi Paramacharya was on similar lines. They were both worshippable. God is an abstract concept, so any form of worship should be to an entity whose represents this abstract principle. Which is why we worship idols. A gnani is the best representation of this abstract principle, so a worship of the gnani is even better than worshipping an image. Acharya devo bhava is a vedic injunction. On a different note, this person on the office of the Dwarka peet slapped a news reporter getting angry with a question. I seriously don’t think he is the right guy for this office.
Sankaracharya should concentrate on the works of Adi Sankaracharya and spread humanity instead of involving in politics and publicity, ultimately causing unrest in our country.
We don’t want another Ram Janma bhoomi instead construct toilets in the schools so that more girls can go and study.
Namaskar! Shalom!
I am of Jewish/Hindu breed, remnant of the first deportation, almost 2000 years back, through Babylon, Persia, Andhra Pradesh and now in Mauritus.
Our first aim is to celebrate G’D, life, in love and with love.
There are so many mysteries in the universe… some disclosed, some uncovered, some found, many more still hidden to the human faculties and yet…. many animals like birds, ocean creatures and other species seem to possess abilities that mankind does not and perhaps cannot develop because of their own limiting or petty mind.
I think, honest to goodness, Shirdi Sai should be respected for what he stood and for what he did.
On the other hand, Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati is also right in safeguarding the ethos and arcanes of canon scriptures. Shri Shirdi Sai should not be equated with God Head figures.
The point is that Shirdi Sai was a human, had his individual experience with God Head and every human being goes along the same path more or less. THE DANGER LIES IN THE ATTEMPT TO TAKE ONE’S OWN EXPERIENCE AS A UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL.
This is how new religion is born and later relegates TRUTH IN ESSENCE to mythical literature.
Let us give G’D what is to G’d and let us keep man where he should stand.
My predicament is thus: Walk the extra mile with those who need it. Give to drink to the thirsty, to eat to the hungry, visit the widow and the orphan, lend a helping hand to the downtrodden. Celebrate G’D and teach others to celebrate G’D and do this in and out of season. But… be careful not to make the sacrifice of fools by allowing yourself to be abused and exploited by undeserving and ruthless, inhumane rulers and leaders who in reality are dealers in sinful initiatives. Shalom ve bracha. Peace and Love to you all!
FINALLY HINDUISM IS DETERIORATING BECAUSE OF ALL THIS
Its shame that a person of a status of Shankaracharya has unnecessarily started this very odious controversy about Sai Baba. This particular Shankaracharya is always involved in some kind or the other of controversy that has been detrimental to Hindu cause. He is a known arrogant, short tempered and jealous person that’s not befitting a Hindu monk, less a Hindu ordinary person. Hinduism preaches and practices, “Sarva Dharma Sambhaav”. Where is his this exemplary character shown by invoking and stoking such petty controversy. He is pointing out a finger to others being a monk but is ignoring three fingers that are pointing towards him. He can’t be Saint, forget a Saint. He must be removed from his post of Shankaracharya with immediate effect. He has created a severe division in Hindus and erected a China wall and his contribution to Hinduism must be written in black letters. This fellow hasn’t got any shame but we have and we are too ashamed to call him my monk of Hinduism. Shame, shame, shame……!!!!
Respected Shankaracharya ji. do you know that Lord Balaji married a muslim lady by name Bibinancharamma and HER statue is insteld in Balaji mandir in TIRUMALA and devotees of Sabarimala Ayyapa will worship Over swamy a muslim saint before entering Ayyappa (Son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu) SO can you tell all HINDUS not to go to Balaji tempel AND AYYAPPA TEMPLE-please answer
Avatar of Sai Baba is mentioned in Datta Charitra and he is purported to be Avatar of Hanuman who takes the form of Saibaba. He is a unifying factor for all the religions bringing people of all religions together in this age of Kali…the yuga of quarrel. This itself is a unique factor. Technically whether he was a muslim or used to read Quran or offer namaz are irrelevant because he stands out as a reachable embodiment of GOD…whereas these so called Acharyas are still driven by the barriers of caste, creed & religion than unifying all humans and help alleviate their pain & agony. GOD bless these Acharyas with wisdom so that they can work for removing the barriers that seperate one human from another rather than create nuisance and unnecessary ruckus about SAIBABA.
these so called spiritual leaders of now a days do anything to get exposure.
Unnecessary arguments
‘Gurur brahma, gurur vishnu , guruddevo maheshvara guru sakshat prabrahma,’
If it’s the truth, then Shankarachary has no right to insult the Manasa Guru of Lakhs devoties…!
Dear Shankaracharya has landed himself in a precarious position which can harm the Hindu religion. Hinduism has various sects … Shaivas, Viashnavas, Shaktas … etc. If hindus dont eat meat, then why so much bloodbath & sacrifices in the Hindu temples??? Even at Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva) Mahisa sacrifice is performed.
Our dear Shankaracharya must also understand that Buddhism was instituted against the tyrranical Hindu practices of those times and to which then Hindu priests had same protests as we are witnessing today. He must also get into the history to find out whether Lord Buddha was a vegetarian … there are documented facts regarding this (this was the major reason why Buddhism due to its middle path approach became the largest religion of the world its time)
Buddists dont consider themselves as Hindu, yet we claim Buddhas legacy NOW (Obviosuly Adi Shankaracharya was born after Lord Buddha).
We Hindus killed Scientist Aryabhatta when he found out that the earth moves around the Sun, yet we claim he is hindu when it comes to appropriating the discoveries including ‘0’ and decimal … what a hypocrisy
Hinduism is as old as mankind and its evolution … its the way of living that man adopted as per the environment it lived in … hence hindus of grassland worshipped their cattle because it gave them food … Hindus of coastal region had to live on seafood … A species has to be flexible in order to evolve … which does not looks so now
Not only Shankaracharya creating a hindu muslim rift, but harming the harmony between the various sects of Hindus, which will have deep repurcussions through generations
And suddenly … why is this coming from Dwarika (Gujarat) Shankaracharya ??? I have my doubts
Shanakacharya has a giant belly which shows you how much food he is able to consume and all wealth and luxuries he is enjoying. He’s not helping the poor or society he’s helping himself.
Forget about being a hindu or muslim. Look at his contribution to the society. It is an unnecessary controversy created with vested interests.
Swami swaroopanand has proved, with his lowly comments that he is not fit to be the shankaracharya…sai baba was a holy man..he helped the poor be it hindus muslims or christians..swaroopanand should have known that HINDU was coined by british..before that everyone followed the sanatan dharma…he should hang his head in shame…
some people are just jealous that Baba makes money, and they dont !!!
sad … very sad.
sir,
I have read above quotes not all, but maximum.!
Now, I feel that saibaba should not be compared with HINDU Gods.
My question is, then what about others Saints /Religious Preachers /Sadhus whom we hindus worship every day.
Sir,
Before criticing Sai Baba, one should review what has He done to the mankind. His doings to mankind are manifold.He showed us to live a simple and honest life.
He spread the truth that we should not crave for pleasures which are transcient,only Atma is permanent, try to merge it with GOD.
He treated the sick and needy.
He encouraged all the religions by staying in a dilapidated masjid, which he named it as Dwarakami,He never insulted any religion.He himself declared that He is not a GOD, but a slave sent by GOD.
About worshipping the statue of Sai Baba.
It is wrong to say that Baba’s statue should not be established in a temple with other God’s idols.When statues of our departed politicians are erected and worshipped with garlands, then why not the idol of Baba who cared for mankind,be worshipped.
He is a Guru.
It is said that if God gets angry with HIS disciple, the disciple can be protected by his Guru.But, if a Guru is annoyed with His disciple God will not interfere, because God has given absolute power to the Guru,who is sent as His representative to guide and protect the people from vices.
Guru is none other than Trinity,who is the incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, who is none other than Sri Dattatreya, the Adi guru.
God teaches us that when you find no difference between ME and you, i.e., when you become one with me, then you have reached me spiritually from this mundane world, that is paramartha.When all of us are aware of this teaching of GOD, then there is absolutely no necessity to demarcate Baba from God.
Facts between modern Acharya’s and Baba
Modern Acharya’a need a cushion to sit, while Baba used a rag to sit.
Modern Acharya’s wear silk dress, while Baba wore rags.
Modern Acharya’s eat and drink stregthing food, such as badam milk, dryfruits etc.,while Baba distributed food to the hungry and ate the begged food mixed in an earthen bowl and ate.
Modern Acarya’a transport is in luxurious cars, while Baba walked on foot.
Modern Acharya’s company consists of big guns,wealthy millionares of political background, Baba always was a friend of all, including the egoistic people.
These modern Acharya’a has unaccounted pooled gold biscuits, grabbed acres of land, loads of bundles of currency under the veil of sainthood.
Lastly, let us not impose or divert the minds of people ignore Sai Babaas He was a muslim, please leave it to the individual’s will and wish. Do not create such worthless statements and do not become cheap among people.
Instead, do a better job of preventing the conversion of Hindus to christianity or islam, really this highly lamentable the why Hindus act spineless, why do they not abstain from conversions to other religions, they should be possessive of one’s religion, this we should not be ashamed to learn from our muslim brothers, they protect and are very possessive of their religion.
So,let us stop mudslinging within our religion, learn the best from what God or Guru taught us and be possessive of our religion and prevent conversions, to save our religion.Let not other religions laugh at us, as already they criticize our religion and culture.
When Sai Baba has himself told His devotees that He is a servant of GOD, but not God, then talking against Him is really absurd, and shows our narrow-mindedness.
Hi Every one,
If Swami ji (Shankaracharya Swaroopananda Saraswati) says that 5 gods are acceptable for Hinduism, I think he is negating the Vedas which are the roots of Hinduism.
Vedas explain that the GOD is eternal and all other things you see / perceive are the manifestations of the supreme nature (GOD)
Hence the incarnations (what Swami accepts) are also the manifestations (incarnations) of God. So as you and me.
The only problem is that those incarnations realized that they are the manifestations and we have not yet.
Swamis in Hinduism are here to preach the Hindu Dharma and equip every follower of this Dharma to realize the ultimate reality and get them out of this vicious circle of Birth and death.
I think Swamis of this Land need to recall how Sri Adi Shankaracharya admitted his error when asked a chandala to get out of his way.
I do not think the present age swamis are above Sri Adishankara (in terms of knowledge and austerity)
Story of Sant Kabir should also be a lesson to be looked into before talking about the differentiation between God of Hindus and Muslims.
Ignorant people may fight on God and it is the duty of Swamis to explain them the root nature of God and to lead the people in the path of Dharma.
When comes to Sai Baba of Shiridi, we all know that he never claimed himself God.
It is his followers who see God in him with their Bhakti and by following his teachings.
If Padapujas and Aaratis are allowed to this living Swamis, why not for Sai Baba who lived for the sake of the people at his times.
By making this an issue and bringing Nagasadhus into picture and threatening to destroy the idols of Saibaba, I am sure the intent of Swamiji or his aides or his worshippers might to Demoralize and destroy the Hindu Society and allow faster conversions.
Still today so many swamis on this land are fighting silently and openly to prevent conversions
Swamiji has to realize that every attempt of himself and his followers to widen this issue is jeopardizing the efforts of those who are working their best in preventing conversions.
Being Hindus, it is every ones job to look into how majority of the temples are being organized today.
Many temples operate as if it is a government office.
They will not open before the sunrise and only rich and who can afford can have a close look at the idol in the sanctum sanctorum.
For the common man it is distant dream.
Why differentiation between rich and poor when you do not have it in any other religion.
If Income is the problem / criteria in the temples, make the Darshan equal for all. And Charge on the poojas only.
The Temple administrations are doing the same thing which was practiced many years ago, when the untouchables are not allowed into the temples.
How does a doctor become famous, when he do not listen to his patient?
The same way, people will not show interest in visiting the temples when they are not welcomed / received aptly.
I hope you all understand about what I am talking about.
Let us reform the temples and their administrations before it is too late.
Dear Devotees of Saibaba,
Where are Shradha and Saburi, preached by Sri Sai Baba.
I think you are mainly focusing on the idol worship of Sai Baba, but not on his teachings.
You should remember that those who made fun of him (in those days) have also touched his feet at later stages.
I think it is better to leave this at this stage, rather than both of you prepare for a showdown and destroy the remaining image of The great Hinduism which was the mother for Many religions being practiced these days.
who is shankarachArya guru we don’t know about him he is one of the third class fellow. how can believe his words.
Adi Shankara – proclaimed to the world that we are all “Chidananda roopa – Shivoham shivoham” – we are nothing but pure consciousness – not mind or intellect or this body – I’m surprised that coming from that lineage Swami Swaroopananda should make such comments about religious barriers and such superficial aspects that create rift between people instead of bringing them together with love which Sai Baba has done through his actions.
According to shastra shankaracharya is right… saibaba was a devotee & not GOD. human can BECOME DEVTA but not GOD.
As per saibaba god is ONE & that is KRISHNA. READ GITAJI… LORD
KRISHNA /RAM/VISHNU/NARAYAN ARE ONE TATVA IN DIFFERENT MOOD.
AS PER GITAJI 7.7 NO ONE IS ABOVE LORD KRISHNA.. RECONFIRMED BY MANY SCRIPTURES ALSO.
DO NOT TAKE POLITICAL OR SENTIMENTAL OR BECOME IGNORANCE.
TRUTH CAN NOT BE CHANGE BY MILLIONS SENTIMENTS…
FOR MORE DETAIL READ GITAJI 7.20 TO 7.25, & 9.20 TO 9.24. 7.7, 18.55 TILL END.
YOUR WELL WISHERS…
skdas
main problem in Hinduism is they are breaking out mainstream, because Hinduism is quite flexible, hindu do lot’s of stupidity. What ever and who ever makes them easy by doing few miracle they make him God, like some guru arise from no were, makes few disciples by his own philosophy borrowing from many scriptures, later disciple declare him as god, we should protect main stream, i am agree with Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati only his perception, his view as far we should consider about to preserve prosperity and chastity of Hinduism.
i think sai baba deserved to be recognized as a devata for all his contributions to mankind. he is not God, but he perfomed so many miracles… people should not fight for silly things. love each other, as Christ taught us.
It is really saddening to hear socalled Shankaracharya indulge in such trivials. His pronouncements have served to undermine the fundamental ethos of the sacred Upanishads that have always upheld the ‘universality of spirit’, instead of defining Hinduism in terms of dietary and sartorial restrictions. Religion always warrants that it be interpreted in tune with realities surrounding human beings and their existence. When it comes to talking about this pragmatic dynamism, Christianity has proved exemplary. How Pope Francis is openly dealing with and in some cases supporting and sympathizing major issues of the modern day world, including abortion, poverty, crass consumerism and same sex marriage, should have at least brought Shankaracharya to his senses. Despite being what great hindu monk Vivekananda called the mother of all religions, Hinduism is constantly undergoing erosion just because of such charlatan’s demagoguery, rapidity and inertia. It is time that Hindus should use their own discretion instead of following such hypocritical recluse, when it comes to broadening the base of their great religion. The necessity of globalizing the spirit of Hinduism- universality of spirit has never been so urgent. In doing so Hindus need to hear great saints like Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, not fanatical and bigoted elements.
Anyone who thinks demigods such as Brahma, Siva, Indra etc. to be on the same level of Vishnu is a Pasandi, or atheist, according to the Upanishads. Similarly, an incarnation of God, by the scriptures should prove Himself to be so. Krishna, when he was on the land 5,000 years ago, lifted Govardhan hill by His little finger. Any figure who professes to be God, must prove Himself to be able to do deeds of the same magnitude, or else admit himself not be at the same level of wonder.
One can act very wonderfully as a part-and-parcel of God, according to His instructions in the various literatures, which teach how to surrender to God, but unless one can act like God, as is in His pastimes in Vrindavan 5,000 years ago, one cannot claim to be God.
Akiland koti Brammanda nayaka Rajathi raja Yogi raja Sri Sachithananda Sath Guru Oum Sri Shirdi Sai Maharaj is not a GOD.
He Is Sathguru to all of us. In hinduism the priority is from Matha , pitha, guru and then god.
That is why, the Guru is kept front and God is behind in prayer room.
Baba had never declared himself as God at any time in his life.
In hinduism, we should not see NATHI MOOLAM, RISHI MOOLAM.
Sankaracharya! statement deepens the faith on Sri Sai.
Thanks for Sankaracharyaji.
Namastey to all. I will like to point out something to S Ramaswamy about what he/she has written on this subject about Sai Baba. NO ONE AND NEITHER Mr. Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati said that any idols were placed “under the feet” of Sai Baba.
This is what has been written; “We are okay with whatever idol they choose to worship. But if they place the idols of our Gods “at the feet” of Sai Baba, it is unacceptable to us,” said Shankaracharya supporter Swami Narendra Giri.
Please read well before responding to articles; thank you.
Namastey
Sorry to read all the above comments.. .. for and against ! We appear to have forgotten our scriptures– where it is said that…. Ekau Brahma, dwitiye na asti !
All Saints and sages say the same.
I visited Shirdi Sai’s at Shirdi out of respect. I’m not his follower but saw thousands of devotees milling together for his grace , morning to late night.
God is one but Devtas are millions. U may call them “Levtas”? Dene wala ek ,lene wale anek.
But I felt the Divine vibrations in meditation Hall. He was a devout soul devoid of body conciousess. He distributed what he got. It is WE who made him what he is today, Bhagvat Swarup, wrongly addressed as God.
Jesus was put on cross by Romans but followers call Him God ! Visit any church and see for urself. Jesus never claimed that He is God …rather ‘ Son of God’.
When a saint is beyond ‘ body conciousness’ , it becomes immaterial what is given to him to eat. Example… Bhagvan Buddh died by eating rotten pig meat. He didn’t know what He ate.
So, friends … pl don’t blame or counter blame each other .SAINT is ever concous in Divinity. I.E. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Don’t fight with each other !
—— Hiralal Acharya! God Bless !!!
Sai has been my guru, brother, friend, thatha, parent, gaurdian. he has always taken care of me like a mother. he has been doing the same to every devotee…its the devotees love which has now evovled as temples and stories wide spread. he never asked for any fame or worshiping. Sai never called him to be a GOD. infact he did not divide hinduism…he brought the hindus and muslims together…no one exactly new wether he is a hindu or a muslim…where as it is belived that he is a brahmin by birth and brought up as muslim.
On the other hand, it this sankaracharya..dividing the ppl with haste speech…if he is a real guru he should never accept his ppl heading or even expressing their plans for any violence on the streets.he calls it dharma yudh. how can he be a real guru…
A real guru need not ask for such luxury…if ppl ask him to lead a life by renouncing such luxury and lead a life like baba did atleast for a day. If his devotee asks to do it even for a day, this person will automatically close his mouth.
Am sure baba will be similing at his ignorance!!
Truely Indian —- Have you been to Shankaracharya Mutth go for yourself at Jyotir Muth and see how Shankara acharya lives and you can see in photos see the kind of clothes he is wearing an orange sheet — you git to be ashamed to speak like this of a great saint — who is head of two mutths —- Read Sai charaitra Manas —- he has never spoken Krishna, Rama or Shivaś name — only sab ka malik allah hai — then he spend most of his time at Dargah — in sai Charitra manas they say he distributed Meat and Fish as Prasad in chapter 10 — — chapter 7 — This is a muslim plot — they say there he was a Brahmin and adopted by muslims — if he was a realised soul and knew he was a Hindu Brahmin he would quit eating meat and not spend most his life in a Dargah — then they say he left his arms and legs at the Dargah — only a Devil would do that — to me he was not a real man either — he was a muslim Rakshas — He could a Sindhi Muslim — because his name is Sindhi Sai and then they do Chej
Hindus are just plain Gullible —- Also Truely Indian Shivaś story we all only know a little — Shiva sat at cremation grounds because Sati Burnt herself he was very sad and angry — I really do not know who Aghoris — they are a bunch of crap they are sadhus to me they are pischas only Pischas eat human meat and so are Hijras — (NOT REALLY Humans do that)
They are gross Rakshas
In Hindu only Devtas are prayed to not Sai Baba — He is not a God — before he was a reincarnation of Shiva then he became reincarnation Datattreya — after 100 years of his death???
Please note that jagadjuru Sankaracharya himself did not say any thing on Sai Baba but replied to a question as per the Sanatana Dharma principle , As per Hinduism there can not be any new gods. I do accept that Guru will be prayed as god but guru is not god.
When any guru did any thing against to the principles, the Shishya can oppose the same , need not follow and obey the orders against principles.
God will never do any wrong . Thus Guru is equated to the status of God only for the sake of humanity but Guru is not God.
The question is whether sai baba could be treated as GOD from the point of vadas, etc, from the point of the established principles of Hindu religion.
Please Verify the Judgments of various court in India where it is decided that Sai Temples are not Hindu temples.
I cote “1991(1) ALT at PAGE 164 of our Honourable High Court of A.P .
Put an end to the topic, we can worship in any form or person of our own choice. But the fact remains that, such a god can not be treated as “GOD” while deciding on the points and within the four corners of Hindu texts .
This is why you are incorrect Shankaracharya…Both Buddha and Shirdi Baba ate meat for the following reason…they were mendicants who knocked on doors for food. Sometimes Baba would go into a Muslim neighborhood and sometimes to a Hindu one. Often, Muslims would put a meat dish in his bowl…Now, if something is offered to you, you are supposed to eat it…This is not a matter of choice anymore. The fact that He ate meat is actually a trivial matter compared to the wonderful leelas He did, and the extent to which He has continued to bless His devotees to this day. Udhi and nectar appear on His pictures to this day when worshipped with devotion. Also, here is another important point about Baba: He more than once informed people that He was an Avatar of Dattatreya. Sometimes He would say Allah Malik but He also said Dattatreya Malik…Most people carry incomplete information in their heads regarding Sai Baba…Maybe that’s because of the paucity of materials about Him. He has appeared in various parts of the world…He has always taught noble principles…If that doesn’t make Him Divine, what will? Shankaracharya has revealed himself to be a creature of low understanding.
God is every where and is formless and caste less.About food and dress etc are created by individuals and others follow.So one selects what he likes and should not ‘force’ others. So follow what or whom u like and dont oppose what u dont like.
only problem i have with him is his humongous belly,he cannot even contol his own body with devotion and discipline,how ca he say anything to anybody?