Wheat flour and Cholera disease.

Once Baba was grinding wheat in the mortar. Many woman who came to know about this, rushed to the Masjid, removed Baba from there and they started the grinding themselves. As soon as it is finished, the four woman who grind ed the wheat started making four parts and removing each part for each. Till such time Baba was keeping quiet. But when they started taking the flour, he shouted at them. "Women! am I indebted to you. How you are coveting others properties? saying thus, he asked them to go to the village border and spread the flour there. Ashamed at Baba's criticism, all the four women went to the village border and spread ed the flour as directed by Baba. It was the remedy for the Cholera disease which was spreading in Shirdi and taking toll of the people. After this spreading of wheat flour, Cholera has not affected the people of Shirdi. Witnessing the great event, Shri Govinda Raghunath Dabolkar(Hemadpant) was much impressed at this great miracle. He started thinking, what is the connection of wheat flour and Cholera? Thinking thus, he has resolved to write about the many miracles of Baba.Sai Sath Charita is the beautiful book written by him by Baba's grace. Sairam.

In Buti Wada, Baba's mortal remains are interred.

When Baba came to Shirdi, he used to bring seeds of "Jendu and Jai' flowers and planted them in Lendi garden. Everyday, Vaman tatya used to give him two unbaked earthen pots. Sai used to carry the pots on his shoulders and water the plants. Thus by the great effort of Baba, a beautiful garden has grown in Lendi. In that garden, now stands Saibaba Samadhi Mandir, which was built by Sriman Buti, a multi millionaire from Nagpur. He was very much devoted to Baba. While staying in Shirdi, he got one novel idea, i.e., to construct a wada with a temple. When he was brooding over the idea, Shama who was sleeping nearby got a beautiful dream in which Baba appeared and directed to construct a Wada. Shri Buti also had a similar dream simultaneously. Hence a plan was drawn for construction of the building. When Baba's permission was sought, he gave his immediate approval. Thus the construction was commenced. Whenever Baba passes through the building site, he used to offer some suggestions. Thus the building was made nicely. It was decided to install a statue of "Murali Krishna" in the central place. When Baba was sought permission, he said OK. We will use the Wada, live and play there. But before executing the central portion, there was a sudden turn of events. Baba became ill . Buti was very much perplexed since he has spent lakhs of Rupees. If the building is not blessed with Baba's presence, his entire effort would become a waste. Before passing away, Baba has said, "Take Me to the Takadi wada, there i will become alright. Baba's mortal remains were finally interred in Buti's Wada.

Kaka Saheb Dikshit was blessed by Baba.

Kaka Saheb Dikshit was one of the prominent devotee of Saibaba. He came to know about Sayin Maharaj from his friend Nana Saheb Chandorkar. Kaka Saheb Dikshit, once was travelling in a train in London, and while getting down, he slipped and got his feet twisted and sustained injury. In spite of consulting many a Doctors and applying many medicines, he didn't get a cure. Hence, he wrote a letter to Nana Saheb mentioning his problems. Nana told him, that there is only one way, i.e., to seek the help of Saibaba. Hence Kaka saheb visited Shirdi and sought the blessings of Baba. The first Dharsan itself created a lasting faith on Baba. Hence, he continued to visit Shirdi often and finally he constructed a 'wada' or resting place there. Baba blessed Kaka in several ways and Baba assured him that he will take him in "Pushpaka Vimana". True to the above words, while Kaka was discussing about Baba during a train journey, he laid his head on the shoulder of his co-devotee and breathed his last. Such an end, Baba predicted earlier. He passed away with Sai's glory on his lips. No doubt, Baba ensured his salvation in this way without any problem. Sairam.

Baba's miracles started before coming to Shirdi

Before coming to Shirdi, Baba was roaming to several places. One day he was moving amongst a tree laid path. As he was feeling tired, he sat under the trunk of a tree. At that time, a man was moving around carrying the saddles of a horse. Baba invited him to the place where he sat and enquired about the saddles. The wayfarer narrated the sad story of his lost horse and his subsequent search. Baba told him to look in the nearby grove. Lo! his horse was grazing. Having found his pet horse, the man returned to the place where Baba was resting. baba invited him to smoke the chilm. However there was no water to drench the piece of cloth that is wound around the smoke chilm. Also there was no fire in the visibility. The man was wondering, how Baba is going to get water and fire. Baba hit the ground with his satka. Water oozed from the place. After drenching the cloth, he again thrust his satka on the ground. A glowing charcoal came to the surface.Thus the hooka was lit and they both smoked the hookah. Finding that the Fakir, possessing extra ordinary power, the wayfarer invited him to his house at Dhup. Baba accompanied the gentleman from Dhup and stayed in his house for few days. The gentleman was the head man of the Dhup village. His relative was engaged with a girl from Shirdi. Hence the "Barath" procession came in carts to Shirdi. Baba accompanied the marriage party to Shirdi. After the marriage, the entire party returned to Dhup but Baba stayed back in Shirdi. Sairam.

Both Hindus and Muslims worshipped Baba.

Sai's stories are never ending. But i restrict it to the period when Baba lived in Shirdi and interacted with his devotees. Many were fortunate to visit Shirdi and take Dharsan of Baba at Dwarakamai and Chavadi. Baba was most compassionate with all. When some Muslim devotees started taking sandal powder along with the streets of Shirdi, he has encouraged the idea. It was the tredition among Muslims to carry sandal powder in plates and go in procession in honour of Allah. They carried the sandal powder inside the Chavadi and Masudi. Baba encouraged people to recite the verses of koran in front of him. Mysteriously, the sandal powder procession coincided with Rama navami celebrations. Though no effort has been made to celeberate Ramanavami in the presence of Baba, subsequent developments heralded the commencement of Ramanavami celebrations in the mosque. Both the processions of Muslim devotees and decorated flag processions took place on the same day without any trouble. Saibaba came to unite both the communities. Today Baba is worshipped by all communities and everybody reap the benefits from Sai. Only when Baba left his mortal coil on 15 Oct 1918, there was some difference of opinion regarding the place of internment of his body. But finally every body agreed to intern Baba in Buti mandir. Sairam.

Baba and two gentleman who visited Shirdi.

One day two gentleman visited Shirdi to take Dharsan of Baba. Though they came together, Saibaba accepted Rs15/- from the first gentleman. The other man offered Rs.35/- but Baba didn't accept the same. During their Dharsan, Baba narrated a beautiful story. I was from a hill station. I was in search of a job. I prayed to Lord Dutta, that if i get a job, i will give first month salary to the Lord. I got a job and i have forgotten my vow. In course of time my salary was increased and i got Rs.600/- per month. One day i remembered about my vow and hence i came to Dwarakamai. Baba accepted just Rs.15/- being my first month salary and relieved me from the Debt. In the second story that was narrated by Baba goes as under. One Brahmin cook served me sincerely for 35 years. One day he looted a huge amount by breaking open a wall and took my entire saving. I was wailing day and night for 15 days, thinking about the loss. After 15 days, one fakir who was going that way enquired me why i am wailing like this.Then i told him my story and the loss of the huge amount. He consoled me saying, 'i will tell you the way to retreive the money. Pray to an Avalia, foregoing your pet food. I prayed to the Avalia and left eating rice till i get back my money. After my prayer, my brahmin cook came there and fell on my feet, requesting me to forgive him for his mind has turned him into theft. He gave me back the entire money and i was relieved from the suffering. My vow to the Avalia remained and i went to the sea shore to catch a ship for coming to Bombay and then to Shirdi. As the ship was full, the captain didn't allow me to get into the ship. But an unknown peon inter wined on behalf of me and got me a seat in the ship. Hence i could come to the Masudi mayi. When Baba narrated the stories, none could make out anything. Baba has not left Shirdi and hence they enquired the two people whether they have understood any thing?. To this both the people conceded that the stories narrated by Baba is really theirs. The first gentleman has forgotten to pay back the due after getting a job and hence Baba accepted the dues. The second gentleman has said, he lost the money and Baba has restored the entire money and hence Baba didn't receive my Dakshina though i have offered him. How he will receive when he himself got back my money. The devotees gathered there, got wonder struck by the beautiful episode and started remembering about Sai miracles. Sairam.

How Rattanji was blessed by Baba?

There was a rich land lord named Rattanji Saburji Wadia. He possessed landed properties, cattle and carts. He had all the things a man could possess. People thought that he was a happy man. But it is not so. It is the decree of god, that none should be affluent as well as happy. In spite of all the riches and luxuries, Rattanji was extremely unhappy since he was issueless. He consulted Das Ganu Maharaj, a famous upanyasa karta in that region. Das ganu said, there is only one way out. Pray sincerely to Saibaba. He will grant you progeny. Rattanji accepted the idea and proceeded to Shirdi straightaway. He went to the Masjid, garlanded Saibaba, offered him a basket full of sweet mangoes and pleaded with him, "Oh Sai baba, people come to you when they are troubles. Please assuage my troubles. I am childless for a long time. Please bless me. Saibaba immediately placed his palm over the head of Rattanji and blessed him thus, "your troubles will come to end soon. You will get children. Then baba asked him Rs.5/- as Dakshina. When he was offered Rs.5/-, he said, Babu, I have already taken Rs.3and 14 annas. Give me the remaining Rs.1 and 2 annas. Unable to understand the statement, Rattanji offered Rs.1 and 2 annas, prostrated before Sai and sought his blessings and permission. Thus he reached his native safely. He met Das Ganu Maharaj and explained that every thing went on well and he got the blessings of Sai. One thing is not clear. Baba told me that he had received Rs 3-14-0. I had not gone to Shirdi earlier, neither i have offered any money, he said. Das Ganu thought over the problem. It came to his notice, that one saint has visited the house of Rattanji, few days ago and he was offered food etc. The expenditure was exactly Rs.3-14-0. Both were wonder struck at the Omniscience of Baba. Sitting in the masjid, he was one with all and hence he said, he has already received Rs.3-14-0. After getting Baba's blessings, Rattanji was blessed with total 12 children and only four survived. Sairam.

Baba gives Dharsan in various forms.

Once a Doctor came to Shirdi along with his friend. The Doctor told him that he wont prostrate before Baba, since he is a devotee of 'Rama". However, he accompanied his friend to Dwarakamai where Baba stays. As soon as he came inside the mosque, he went first and prostrated in front of Baba. His friend enquired how he prostrated before Baba against his own wishes. The Doctor told him that he saw his own beloved "Rama" in the Masjid and hence he prostrated. Coming to the second episode, there was once a Doctor Pandit who was a disciple of "Kaka Puranik". He came to the Masjid along with one Dada pat Kelkar. This gentleman has brought "Puja materials to worship Baba. Dr.Pandit took sandal paste from the Puja materials and applied Thilak on the forehead of Baba. Every body were astonished. Baba usually prevented anybody from applying sandal paste except Mahlsapathy. When enquired, Baba told them that Dr.Pandit considered him as his Guru, Kaka Puranik and hence he has not prevented him from applying sandal paste. There was one Mule Sasthri, who was an expert in palmistry, who came to Shirdi to meet Shri Bhuti. He was staying in his room, performing the rituals etc. In the Masjid, Baba called Buti and asked him to fetch Dakshina from the Nasik Brahmin, Mule Sasthri. As soon as Mr.Buti conveyed the message to Sasthri, he was perturbed. Why i should bow before Sai and offer him dakshina, i am not his disciple. However since the millionaire Buti himself came there, he accompanied him to the Masjid. Prior to that Baba asked the devotees to bring "Jeru", a colouring material to colour the cloths so that he can wear the jeru coloured cloth. Meanwhile Mule sasthri, accompanied by Buti, came to the Masjid. As soon as he came inside, he prostrated before Baba. Every body was wondering, how the orthodox Sasthri prostrated before Baba. When enquired, he revealed that he saw his late Guru Kolab maharaj in the place of Baba and was wearing the Jeru colour cloth. These are all the miraculous ways by which Baba gives Dharsan to various people. Sairam.

The inadequacy of the writer and the grace of Baba.

To write about a great saint, one should become a saint first. Then only he can write. But drowned in worldliness, how we can attempt to write about Avatar Sai? Hemadpant, the author of Sai Sath Charita too had similar doubts. Hence, he fervently prayed to Baba to grant him wisdom and to hold his pen and write his story himself. Baba has told, 'he should remove his ego and place himself at my feet. I will myself write it through him. I too pray Baba to give me the courage and confidence to dwell on Him and narrate the incidents, i have read from books on Sayin Maharaj. I have to remember both B.V.Narasimhaswamy, the founder president of "All India Sai Samaj" as well as Hemadpant for his brilliant narration in Sai Sath Charita. But for these, i would be a fool to know and write about Sai. When Baba, as a boy was under the guidance of his guru Venkusa, many co students got jealous of Baba since he was treated as a special disciple by Shri Venkusa. The fact is, Venkusa realised the true love and faith of Baba as he could easily gauge any body at the first instance itself. Though other students studied under Venkusa, they could not gain much. Baba with his one pointed devotion and love absorbed the full wisdom of Wisdom of His Guru. When other disciples grew so much jealous, one day they wanted to punish Baba. When the Guru and Baba were alone, from a distance they hurled a brick bat aiming at Sai. But the Guru intertwined and got the hit on his head. Finding the bleeding, Baba was remorse. He tended the Guru, who bade him to go in the western direction. Thus Baba came to Shirdi in the course of his wanderings but has chosen to stay in Shirdi for the guidance of Sadhus and Sadhaka, and also the house holder devotees etc. All gained benefits from the Dharsan and contact with Baba and his "Udhi", the holy ash from the fire place which was burning perpetually. Sairam.

Nana saheb Chandorkar, was a high ranking officer in Revenue department. He got to know about Saibaba through one of his subordinate officer. Curious to take Dharsan of such great saint, Nana came to Shirdi and witnessed all that happens in the masjid. He was impressed in the Divine Sai. Whenever he gets time, he used to visit Shirdi. Once Nana went on a pilgrimage to a hill temple. It was very sultry. Nana was feelings very much thirsty. He thought, 'had Baba been here, he would have provided me with water. Instantaneously, a bill(tribes man who resides in the jungle) came near Nana and told him, that there is water below the stone where he was resting. When the stone was lifted, Nana could see water. It was just enough to quench his thirst. Actually when Nana was frantic for water, Baba sitting in the masjid started sounding in a very particular way keeping his closed hands near the mouth and blowing. Every body there were wondering what is the matter. Baba told them, Nana is dying for want of water. At the same time, in the hill, the bill was seen by Nana and he could get water mysteriously. Devotees may conclude that Baba was not restricted to three and half cubit of body. He was pervading far and wide and hence he could immediately assuage the thirst of Nana in the form of Bill. Sairam.

How Baba directed his devotees.

Every third day Baba used to go to a distant well for washing and bathing. At those times, he used to vomit his intestines out and washing them, used to dry it on the trees. Some times he used to separate all his limbs from the body and throw it in different directions. One European gentleman who wanted to see Baba, went to the Masjid. He was frightened by the scene there. . Baba's limbs were scattered in different directions. He thought that somebody has massacred Baba. Thinking like that he rushed back to his dwelling. In the evening he went to the Masjid again and found Baba hale and healthy. He thought that it was his illusion or he was dreaming the previous sequences. It can be seen Baba was an adept in Yoga Sastra. Many a time Baba used to give certain directions to his devotees. If they adhere to his words, they were safe. Those who didn't hear his words suffered many troubles. One day Tatya kote Patil went to Baba and sought his permission to go out. Baba told him not to go. You can go later he said. Without listening to Baba's warning, Tatya ascended the horse cart. One of the horse was new. When he was riding near 'Savalkeni", a cycle came in front. The horse got frightenedTatya fell down but escaped with minor bruises. One European gentleman wanted to take Dharsan tried to enter into the Masjid. Baba forbade him from doing so. Unhappy at the treatment, he wanted to return back to his place. Baba told him not to go on that day. The gentleman without heeding the advise of Baba, caught a cart. The horses were restless. As they approached Savalkeni, the horses got much frightened and ran fast. They tumbled along with the cart. The European fell down and dragged for some distance and hence he had to spend some time in Hospital at Kopergaon. Hence it was very clear, that those who listened to Baba were happy whereas those who disregarded his directions suffered miseries. Sairam.

Baba lights the lamps with Water.

Baba used to get oil for lighting the lamps in the mosque from the oil vendors. One day, the oil vendors planned a strategy and said that there is no oil stock with them. When all the vendors replied in the same vain, Baba returned to the Masjid, unperturbed. He drank a little bit of oil that is left in his tin, poured water in all the oil lamps and lit them. The shop keepers who wanted to see the plight of Baba in dark, were watching the proceedings secretly. When Baba struck the match stick, the wicks were started glowing in the light flame and continued to glow. All the traders were wonder struck at the astonishing happening. With mere water, Baba was able to light the lamps in the masjid. All the traders came to the presence of Baba and begged his forgiveness for not supplying him oil. Baba told them to be more truthful in future. Sairam.

Baba's Hundi(vessel for preparing food)

Saibaba used to feed the devotees. He will himself go for purchasing necessary wheat flour, sugar or jaggery, oil and other condiments, salt etc. He has got two 'hundies'. One is for preparing food for 100 people and the other one is for 50 people. He will prepare 'sweet puddings' or other tasty savory preparations. Some times he used to prepare non veg items to cater to the needs of those who are accustomed to the food. The pertinent point is, he never allows the people who eat vegetarian dishes to touch non-veg items. He will pour sufficient water in the containers and place it on the hearth. When the puddings are nearing boiling point, he will thrust his own hand in the hot food and role it from side to side. People who noticed this with astonishment found that Baba was always calm and he never exhibited any fear etc.After preparing the food, he will ask the moulvis to offer the food to god and start distributing or serving the food lovingly. He will himself serve the food to all those who gathered there and ensure that every body is fully satisfied. His love for the people is boundless. Those who got the food served by Baba were really 'lucky and fortunate". Sairam.

How we can attempt to write about the holy Sainath?

Many attempted write about the glory of Shirdi Sainath. They could achieve what they aimed due to the grace of Baba alone. When the author of Sai sat charita, Govinda Ragunath Dabolkar, attempted to write about Sai, he first sought the Divine Blessings from Saibaba. His friend intervened on behalf of him and requested Baba, "Hemadpant"(nick name of GR Dabolkar given by Sainath himself) wants to write about you and you should bless this venture. Do not say that you are an ordinary fakir". Only if you bless him, he can undertake this job. Baba blessing Hemadpant, placed his benign hand on the head of Hemadpant, said, "Let him keep notes of the happenings here" I will myself write the life story through him. Let him not try to convince his points alone. He should avoid the company of "atheists" and let his ego be completely subdued. Then i will enable him to write my story". Thus Sainath enabled Dabolkar to write the beautiful "Sai Sat Charita". Though i am not as worthy as Hemadpant, still i seek Sai's blessings in writing the grand story of Sainath as i have perceived through various sources. May Shri Baba illumine my intelligence as well as my fingers in typing. Sairam.

How Shirdi got prominence?

How Shirdi got into prominence world wide? Shirdi became holy due to Saibaba. The people of Shirdi were very lucky to have the Dharsan of Sai, day in and day out. They served Baba in many ways. Since Baba used to come out of Masjid and go around the village for various errands like taking alms, sleeping in "Chavadi", a two room abode very near to Dwaraka Mai or the Mosque where Baba usually resides. People cleaned the road daily for Baba to walk, they decorated the mosque and chavadi in a routine manner.Slowly many people of authority started coming to Shirdi hearing about the greatness of Baba. Shri Gopal Rao Gundu was a Circle Inspector. He had 3 wives with no issues. After visiting Shirdi, he got a child. To celebrate the occasion, he got made, one flag to be hoisted in the mosque. Hearing this many people who had no issue, started coming to Shirdi. Baba fulfilled their wishes by blessing them with progeny. Many got their ailments removed. There was a case of 'ecliptic boy' who was cured by the "Udhi"(ash retrieved from the Dhuni in the mosque which was burning perpetually).Thus Baba was compassionate for all those who came to the mosque to take his Dharsan). Sairam.

Baba's ways in the Masjid.

Baba was staying alone in the masjid in the initial days. Then he called Mahlsapathy and Tatya, son of Baija ma to stay with him in the masjid. They used to sleep with their head in different directions and feet in the centre. They used to chitchat upto midnight on many things. When any of them was found sleepy, Baba used to push him, and hit him so that the devotee remain awake. Baba used to ask Mahlsapathy to keep his palm on the chest of Baba and to hear 'namajapa'. But poor Mahlsapathy used to doze many a times. His palm will rest on Baba's chest like a heavy stone. He used to sway his head often, unable to control sleep. Many may wonder, why Baba compelled them to remain awake, while we all need rest. It may be due to the following fact. We must conquer sleep in order to progress in spirituality. But after midnight, they were allowed to doze off. Baba used to grind wheat in the mortar stone. Many wondered why Baba need the wheat flour when he gets food from begging. It has a purpose. He used to grind the sins of his devotees like that. He used to mutter, the names of some of his close devotees and rub the copper coins. This is also a way to remove the sins of his devotees. One thing is sure that his ways are inscrutable. Rest in next post.Sairam.

Baba collects food from few houses.

Few people were attracted initially to the young Saibaba. Noteworthy among them is Mahlsapathy, Baija Ma, Shama, the school teacher and Radhakrishna Mai. After hearing the leelas of Saibaba, people started flocking to Shirdi in large numbers. People who were issue less came to Baba, prayed him and astonishingly they got their wishes fulfilled. Thus Baba's fame spread far and wide. But he maintained his simplicity. His begging rounds were not even. Sometimes he used to beg in four to five houses and at other times he used to go many rounds up to 12 noon. He collected the solid items like roti, subji and rice in his 'choli' a cloth bundle and collected the liquid items like butter milk etc in a tin container. After returning to the Masjid, he will pour all the items thus collected and mix all of them and offer them to Allah. Then the food was partaken by Baba and others to their heart content. The remaining food in the vessel was eaten by dogs and cats. The servant maid who used to clean the masjid used to take 4 or 5 rotis for her family. Sai never drive away any animals or human being. Only when he gets angry, people fear to go near him. Sairam.

Baba came to Shirdi.

Shri Venkusa asked the boy, to go in the western direction. It seems that Saibaba first came to Shirdi when he was a lad of 16 years. But he never mingled with the public. He sat under a tree fully absorbed in his own self. He was very fair and beautiful. Many observed the boy but they could not dwell on his glory. None knew where from he came. After some time, the boy vanished from Shirdi and returned there with one Chandbai patil accompanying a marriage party. The girl was from Shirdi. When the marriage party returned to their native, Baba alone stayed back in Shirdi. When the marriage party first entered Shirdi, they were getting down from the cart near Kandhoba temple. On seeing the boy, Mahlsapathy, the priest of Kandhoba temple welcomed the boy as "Ya Sai". Thus the name struck the boy. He preferred to stay in a dilapidated mosque. He used to give medicine to the people who were ill. Many got cured from their health problems. Thus he was familiar with the villagers as a successful 'hakeem' who used to cure such diseases. Rest in next post.Sairam.

Saibaba's child hood days.

None of the devotees of Shirdi Sai could ascertain, Baba's childhood days or the village where he was born or about his parents. Sathya Sai Baba during one of his discourses on 28 Sep 1991(from my memory) has narrated the unknown period in Shirdi Baba's childhood days. Shri Ganga bava and Devagiriamma, lived in Pathri village of erstwhile Nizam state. They had no issues. They were devoted to Lord Parameshwar and mother Parvati. Ganga bava was earning his livelihood by transporting the people across the river through a boat. On one particular day when there is a heavy rain, he wanted to safeguard his boat and he took his food and left the house asking Devagiriamma to take care since he has to stay over night in the river bed ensuring the safety of his boat. Devagiriamma bolted the door inside and started resting. After some time, she heard some body tapping the door and calling, She opened the door and found a very old man who requested her a little shelter due to rain. She asked him to stay in the verandah. Again she heard some call and she opened the door. The old man was pleading, 'i need some food to satiate my hunger".Devagiriamma went inside and found curd and little rice cooked earlier. She mixed both and gave it to the old man outside and again retired for sleep. After some time, she heard the tapping sound. She opened the door. The old man was asking for somebody to press his feet since it is aching. Finding the situation intriguing, she went to her deity, mother Parvati and prayed to relieve her from this peculier situation. Suddenly she remembered that there are certain people in the villages who do such service for money. She bolted the door, went to a nearby place and enquired about any manual help. After some time, she heard the call from outside where a woman enquired whether she called for her help and since she was away, she could not come earlier. Then Devagiri amma requested the woman to serve the oldman and bolted the door inside. Again there was a call from outside. Since there is a woman outside, she fearlessly opened the door. Lo! There stands "Shiva and Parvati" with their benevolent smile. She immediately prostrated. They blessed her profusly and said they had come there in the form of a old man and woman. Finding her sincere devotion, Lord Shiva blessed her that she will give birth to a daughter. Shiva also told her that He will himself take birth as the third child. She was blessed thus, and the Divine couple vanished. Devagiri amma was unable to sleep for the rest of the night. She was anxiously waiting for the arrival of her husband from the river bed. As soon as he returned, she narrated the entire episode, Shiva Parvathi's Dharsan and the boons she received from the Lord. Gangabava did not relish the story. He said, you might have gone to sleep and dreamt like this. How is it possible that their hut is visited by the Lord of the Universe. But Devagiri amma did not bother about his argument. Devagiri amma conceived and gave birth to a daughter. Second time also she conceived. Finding that the boon of Shiva is actually materialising, Ganga bava became desolate, since he could not get the Dharsan. He was anxious to get release from this samsar. For the third time, Devagiri conceived. Her husband was adamant. He want to leave the house in quest of God's Dharsan. Devagiri amma though in an advanced stage of pregnancy followed her husband. After walking for a while, she had labour pain and rested near a tree and delivered a male baby. She too become detached from this mundane life. She covered the baby with the leaves of the tree and followed her husband in quest of God. A Muslim who wanted to ease himself came near the tree. Finding a new born baby, he became happy since he was childless. Immediately he took the baby boy to his house and handed over the boy to his wife. He was brought up there upto his fifth year. Meanwhile the Muslim husband passed away. Unable to take care of the boy all alone, she handed over the boy in the custody of one "Venkusa" who was a pious guru teaching many. He took the child under his care and thus the boy(saibaba) was under the care of his first Guru Venkusa for twelve years. Shirdi Baba was born on 28 Sep 1835. We will continue in the next post.

Avatar Sai and me.

There are plenty of web sites about "Sai", the mysterious Avatar of this age. There are plenty of blogs on Sai as well as discussion groups and lists. I would like to add my own views on Avatar Sai. I understand the predicament of several readers. First of all they don't believe in the concept of Avatars. Secondly they don't subscribe the view of Sai as Avatar. It is not within human competence to dwell on the Divine. However my attempts are restricted to pen a few lines about the great Avatar Sai as observed by me. The word Avatar as it pertains to the Hindu thought is simple. It is descendant of higher power into the realm of human. During 20Th century, there was a grand old bearded man living in a dilapidated mosque. Most of the time he was living alone, sometimes surrounded by his own devotees, some times muttering something within himself sitting in the mosque facing the fire, which was burning day and night. Who was this Sai? Where from he has descended? None had recorded coherently. But some devotees, bent upon keeping some sort of records made some sort of diary of events that took place in the remote hamlet that was in Maharashtra state, Ahamadnagar Dt, Kopergaon taluk. No train route was there upto shirdi. People have to either get down at Kopergaon or Manmad and take some conveyance to reach Shirdi. It was remote with few houses, a backward hamlet economically.People lived with meagre income got from small cultivable lands. Some tended cows. There was thick jungles alround. Saibaba, as he was called used to vanish mysteriously in those jungles for hours to gether. Only a loving devotee in the form of Baija ma, who searched the mad fakir in the thickness and wilderness of the jungle. She used to roam for hours together to search out Sai, spread the leaves, serve 'roti with subji, insist Sai to eat or force feed him. Her unconditional love yielded enormous return spiritually to the progeny of Baija Ma. Here we stop and proceed to the story of Sai's visit to Shirdi and his boyhood, childhood etc. Sairam.