How Baba blessed Deo for reading Gnaneswari?

Mr Deo was a devotee. He had a very peculiar problem. Whenever he wanted to study "Gnaneswari", a treatise on Gita, he could not proceed for even one stanza. Some obstructive thoughts prevented from studying the holy texts. Another devotee told him to take a copy of Gnaneswari to Baba and after his blessings, he can study it. But Deo was not in favour of this idea. He thought that Baba is aware of his problem. One day Deo went to the Masjid and asked another devotee, how he was blessed by Baba. That devotee told him that he will explain everything after Dharsan. Deo went to Baba and offered Baba Dakshina. Baba told him to sit quiet with peaceful mind. In the evening, Deo asked a devotee, how he was blessed by Baba and how he practiced meditation. When the devotee was about to reply, Baba called for Deo through one lepor devotee. Deo went to Baba. Baba asked him 20 rupees as Dakshina. Deo gave Rs.20/- to Baba. Again Baba asked him another 20 and this was given with joy. Baba started shouting at Deo and told him, "you have stolen my torn cloths. Deo denied. No. Baba insisted that you have taken my torn cloths and search for it. Even after search nothing was traced. Then Baba started a tirade of abuses for another hour on Deo. Deo thought that he will receive a slap from Baba. After some time Baba became quiet and asked Deo to come near. He then said, since there was a theft, he could not keep quiet. Baba asked Deo what he was reading? He said he is unable to read Gnaneswari and unless Baba bless him, he wont be able to understand and proceed. Baba asked him to read it loudly and explain what he has read to others. Thus Baba blessed him. After some time, Baba came in his dream and asked him how he was proceeding with the reading? Deo told him that he still finds it difficult to understand. Baba told him to study it. Thus the dream ended. Deo was happy to get the blessings of Baba in dream also. Thus he was blessed twice by Baba. Sairam.

Baba attends a function at a distant place incognito.

Saibaba never moved out of Shirdi except on few occasions when he used to visit 'Rahata" and other nearby places. Once B.V.Deo, a mamlatdar of Dahanu invited Saibaba for a lunch at Dahanu on the occasion of fulfillment of vows undertaken by his mother. Around 200 brahmins will be fed on that day. Hence Deo invited Baba through a letter. When it reached Shirdi, Babu saheb Jog, a devotee brought it to Baba. Before opening the letter, Baba told him, Tell him that you, me and one more man will participate in the lunch. On the particular day one Sanyasi who had come earlier to Dahanu for collecting some subscription for a noble cause(saving the cow) asked Deo to arrange collection. Deo told him that already some collections are being handled by him and hence he could come some months later. Hence when he saw the Sanyasi on the day of the lunch, he asked him whether he had come for collection. The sanyasi told Deo, that he had come for meals. Deo told him OK and where he should contact them when the meals are ready. The sanyasi told Deo, he had two more accompanies and he will himself come along with the appropriate time (12 noon). Accordingly all the three came and taken their food in Deo's house. Deo felt Baba had promised to come but he has not attended the function and hence he wrote a letter to Shirdi expressing his sadness. As soon as the letter was brought to Baba's presence, Baba told him, i have actually attended the function along with two others under the garb of a sanyasi. Why he called me and finds fault with me ? This was conveyed to Deo, who felt remorse of blaming Baba. Actually he failed to recognise Baba who came in the form of Sanyasi. Sairam.

Baba's Chavadi procession.

Every alternate days Baba used to go to "Chavadi" and sleep there. There will be a grand procession. Bajans will be sung by the devotees prior to Baba's procession. The horse "Shyamakarna" will lead with nice decorations. Lamps lit with oil will be carried by certain devotees during the procession. Carpets will be spread for Baba to walk. Baba will await for Tatya to call him at the masjid. When Tatya comes, Baba will get ready. He will take his 'Joli" and satka. He will carry his hukkah. He will remove the firewood from the fire and extinguish the lamp that is burning there. Tatya will help Baba, by lifting him by keeping his hand near the armpit and Baba will slowly get up. The procession will be very slow. Beldars will announce Baba's name. Shri Mahlsapathy and Tatya will hold the 'kafni' and thus Baba will slowly emerge and move in a very slow pace. As soon as he reach the junction, Baba will stand still but wave his hand up and down. Baba's face will be glittering. Sometimes "Mahlsapathy' will get into trance and he will move a few steps here and there as though possessed by a spirit. But Baba was unaffected by all these. As soon as Baba enters the Chavadi, arrangements are made to seat Baba comfortably and He will be anointed with perfumes, sandal paste etc. Some people would present beautiful headgear to Baba. As Baba's mood is unpredictable, people will be bothered whether Baba will remove the headgear etc. But Baba used to silently sit honouring the sentiments of the devotees. After "Arati song" Baba will give "Udhi" to all the devotees and bade them to go to their houses. When Tatya takes leave, Baba will say, 'look after me, come here when you can". After that Baba spreads 50 to 60 white towels and goes to rest. May we remember this every day before we go to sleep. Sairam.

Dada Kelkar and Baba's tests.

Sometimes Baba used to test his close devotees. Dada Kelkar was sincere in his devotion to Saibaba. He knew that implicit obedience to Guru is essential in spiritual progress. On one Ekadasi day, Baba asked Dada Kelkar to go to mutton stall and purchase meat. When he was ready, Baba cancelled his instruction and asked his servant "Pandu" to go there. Again Baba cancelled this also. When Baba was preparing 'pulav', a non vegetarian dish, he asked Dada Kelkar whether the salt is in correct proportion in the 'pulav'. Kelkar, as a matter of routine said, it is ok. Baba told him, you have neither seen it nor tasted it. How you can pronounce the result. Hence do not bother about your austerities and take a little from the pot and pour it into your food. But Baba never meant this actually. It was only to test the devotee, how he reacts to the Guru. Baba never allowed his orthodox devotees to touch meat preparations. There are three kind of devotees. 1. Those who anticipate Guru's commands and fulfills them is the first variety. 2. Those who do as per the bidding's of Guru, and these are the second type. 3. Those who postpone following Guru's words at every step. These are the worst variety. Dada Kelkar proved that he follows the words of Guru in Toto. Sairam.

Noolkar left his body in Shirdi.

Noolkar was a sub judge when Nana Saheb introduced him about Saibaba. But Noolkar was reluctant to go. He said he will go to Shirdi only if he get a brahmin cook and a basket of Nagpur oranges. Luckily both the conditions were fulfilled and he had to go to Shirdi as per his resolve. First Baba got angry with him and afterwards Noolkar developed good faith in Baba by watching the events that take place in the Masjid. People were worshipping Baba in different ways and Baba was also conferring his benevolent blessings on the devotees. In course of time, he started living in Shirdi and by Baba's grace he left his body in Shirdi itself. Before his death, holy scriptures were read in his presence. Thus Noolkar attained the feet of Saibaba. Sairam.

Baba and Kaka mahajani's master.

Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end. The wretched and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of my mosque. These are all the assurances of Baba to his devotees. Many have realised the truth of the above assurances. People who are afflicted by diseases and mental worries were cured of their melodies. The Dharsan itself confers mental peace. We can not go to Shirdi on our own accord. Baba calls his own people in a mysterious way.Kaka Mahajani was one such devotee who visits Shirdi whenever he finds an opportunity. His employer knew that Kaka often visits Shirdi. During the holy days of "Shimga", his master accompanied Kaka to Shirdi. Since he was not sure of Kaka's return, he took one more friend with him. In fact he wanted to test Baba's mystery. Kaka Mahajani brought 2 measures of 'dry grapes' to present to Baba. His master was not in favour of 'grapes' since his Doctor has told him not to eat them without washing. As soon as they reached the Masjid, Kaka gave the dry grapes to Baba. Baba asked some devotee to distribute the grapes to all those who assembled there. Kaka's master was also given some grapes. He could not decide what to do and hence he reluctantly put them in his mouth. To his consternation, there were seeds inside and he could not spit it inside the Masjid and hence he silently kept the seeds in his pocket. Again Baba asked the devotee to distribute 'grapes'. Now the master was very much perplexed. Again he had to put it in his mouth and miraculously those were 'seedless'. He was astonished and asked Kaka, what variety of grapes are now taken? Kaka told his master 'it is the one with Seeds". Kaka's master wanted to witness a miracle and accordingly he saw it with his own experience. Again he thought, "If Baba is really God, the grapes should be distributed starting from Kaka. Astonishingly Baba asked a devotee to distribute the grapes starting from Kaka. Now the master got his confirmation about Baba's Divinity. Shama introduced the master as Kaka's employer. Baba told Shama, No Kaka has a different Master. Everybody appreciated Baba's statement. Sairam.

Nana and Bagawat Gita.

Nana Chandorkar has studied "Bagawat Gita'. He thought that Saibaba is not conversant with Sanskrit language. One day he was massaging the feet of Baba uttering within himself some sloka. Baba asked him, 'what you are uttering? Nana told him, it is a sloka of Gita. Baba asked him to repeat it aloud. Nana chanted the whole sloka which goes like this: "Tad Viddhi Pranipatena Pariprasnena sevaya, Upadeshyanti te gnanam, Gnaninas Tatwadarsanaha". Baba told him, "Tell me the meaning of this sloka. Nana told Baba: "We have to surrender at the feet of jnanis and by doing service, we have to enquire from those jnanis about real wisdom, who will reveal us the essence of wisdom".Baba told him, "Nana! I dont want the jist, tell me the meaning of each word with reference to grammar and context! Nana started explaining the meaning of each word: Baba asked him, "What is the meaning of 'prasna'? Nana said it is 'questioning". Then, what is the meaning of "Pariprasna"?. Nana said, it conveys the same meaning Baba!. If both conveys same meaning, was "Vyasa off the mind to add the adjective "pari". Nana could not give any reply and thus he understood that Baba is well versed in Sanskrit as well as Gita. Then, Baba started to tell him the real meaning of the above stanza. You have to know that your body, mind and intelligence is not yours and it is meant for the service of Guru. Do not think that you have a choice to serve. Surrender to the Guru with all your body, mind and wealth. Then only, the Guru will educate you and illuminate you what is Jnana. Also why Shri Krishna ask Arjuna to seek the Jnanis? Is Krishna himself a Jnani? But Krishna wanted Arjuna to know the glory of Jnanis. All Jnanis are in fact Shri Krishna himself. Thus Nana was convinced about Baba's supreme knowledge. Sairam.

Baba and Amir sarkar.

Amir sarkar was from a butchers family. He developed severe arthritis in the joints and he came to Baba for cure. Baba asked him to stay in the Chavadi which is not suitable to an arthritis patient. However, Baba used to sleep in the Chavadi every alternate day. Thus Amir sarkar could get frequent contact with Baba and hence he was conversant with Baba's jestures. Once Baba started hitting his 'satka'(small bamboo stick) and said that devilish creature has entered.. Amir sarkar could guess that some poisonous thing has entered the bedrole. When examined, he could find a snake and it was killed. After staying for some time, he suddenly got disgusted with the place and sneaked out of Shirdi without intimating Baba. He reached Kopergaon where he found that an elderly fakir who was lying there was asking for water. As soon as water was given by Amir, the ailing man drank the water and died. Now Amir sarkar was perplexed. If he intimate the authorities about the death, they will hold him as responsible. Fearing the consequence of leaving Shirdi, he ran all the night uttering the name 'Sairam' and reached Shirdi. Thus he was saved from troubles.Sairam.

Meenatai was saved from death by Saibaba.

Once, Meenatai, daughter of Nana saheb was in labor for two days and her condition seems to develop into serious condition. After trying many remedies, Nana started praying Baba. Baba was in Shirdi in Masjid. He directed one devotee to alight in between and go to Jamner where Nana is staying. Baba gave 'Udhi"(holy ash) and a copy of "arati song" written by Madhav Atkar. However the devotee told Baba, 'i am having only two rupees. This is just enough to go upto "Jalgaon". How i can go to Jamner without money? Baba told him, "God will provide". With great trepidation the devotee reached Jalgaon in the early morning at 2.30 am. He was restless and he had to find out how he can reach Jamner. At that time, one neatly dressed peon appeared on the scene and enquired him whether he is Babugir bua from Shirdi. When the devotee confirmed the same, the peon took him in a beautiful tonga driven by two good horses. They travelled the entire night and they rested for some time to take breakfast. The peon looked like a Muslim and hence Babugir was reluctant to eat the breakfast. The peon told him, he is a kshatriya from Garwal and hence the devotee need not hesitate. They ate the food and proceeded further. Babugir got down when they reached the outskirts of Jamner to ease himself. When he returned, he didn't see either the tonga or the driver. Perplexed, he went to the nearby taluk office and enquired about the house of Nana saheb. Somebody guided him to Nana's house. At that time, the condition of Meenatai has become very bad. Babugir went into the house of Nana and handed over the "Udhi" and copy of Arati song. Finding that Baba sent the above, Nana got some courage and asked his wife to give water mixed with the Udhi to Meenatai and to recite the arati song.By the timely intervention of Baba's grace, she delivered a child immediately. Babugir thanked Nana for the tongo he has sent. Nana told him, he has not sent anything since he was not aware about anybody coming there from Shirdi. This was further cross verified by the authors of books and it was vouched by the devotees and Meena tai and other relatives of Nana saheb. Sairam.

Baba cares for the Devotees welfare.

Kaparde's son and his wife were at Shirdi. His son was affected by "Bubonic plague" and four eruptions and fever affected the child. His mother was eager to take back the child to her native for treatment. When she approached Baba seeking permission to return, Baba told her, 'the sky is overcast, the clouds will disperse and you need not worry. Saying thus, Baba lifted his 'kafni' and shown to Mrs kaparde. There were four fully developed boils. Baba said, "for the sake of my devotee, i have to undertake the sufferings. Thus Baba saved the devotee's child. We can never understand the heart of Saibaba since we are mortals and affected by attachments and fear. One Mr. Hade, a captain dreamt about Saibaba in his dream. Baba asked him," have you forgotten me". Hade held Baba's feet and said, how can the child forget her mother. The captain used to send flower garlands and fruits and money through some people who visit to Shirdi. Once captain Hade sent Baba some coins to be blessed by Baba's touch. Baba took the coin from the visitor and gave it back to him saying, 'ask the owner to keep the coin". Thus Baba knew the innermost thoughts of his devotees and blessed them.Sairam.

Baba and a sanyasi Vijayanand.

There was one Swami Vijayanand from Madras who visited Shirdi. Initially Baba got angry with him. However, the Swami sat there in a corner and watched the proceedings there. Baba was worshipped by many devotees in several ways. Some people worshipped his feet bathing with holy water and drank it. Some applied perfumes to his body. Some fanned him. Some were chanting slokas. Hence the Swami was attracted by Baba. After two days, the Swami received a letter from his native that his mother is seriously ill. The Swami wanted to be at the bedside of his mother. But he can not leave without permission from Saibaba. Hence he went near Baba, taking the letter with Him. The all knowing Baba told him, "If you are so much attached with your mother, how you can remain a recluse? For a Sanyasi, kith and kin are taboo. Go and sit in the Wada and read Bagawata Parayana. There are many thiefs here in the Wada. They will take away every thing and hence bolt the doors inside and do the study of Bagawata thrice. In fact Baba knew that the Sanyas's end is approaching. The Swamy adhered to Baba's instructions and started reading "Bagawata". He completed reading twice and he got weak and tired. On the third day he laid on "Bade Baba" and passed away. His body was kept for a good reason. The police had come and made enquiries and allowed the body to be buried. Thus he was fortunate to leave his body in Shirdi. Sairam.

Baba's anger is veiled blessings.

Saibaba's mood can not be predicted. He will be sitting silently in the Masjid. Suddenly, for no reason, he will flare up at the devotees present. At that time, most of the devotees flee from the place. After one or two hours, he will become calm and people used to visit him then. Baba used to tell "If the ocean refuses the rivers, if the mother refuses her child, whom they will turn to? I wont drive away my devotees. There is a sublime reason for Baba's anger. We are not aware what troubles will haunt us. To drive away such problems, Baba used to shout at those devotees. Without knowing the reason, people consider Baba gets angry. It is only veiled blessings and not anger. Once Shama was bitten by a small snake. He came hurriedly to the Masjid. On seeing him, Baba shouted at him. "Oh mean brahmin, do not climb, get down, get down". Shama, unable to understand the sudden anger was crestfallen. He thought that if Baba do not save him, who will save. Thinking like that he sat there quietly. After some time, Baba calmed down and Shama went near him. Baba told him to go back to his house and eat what he likes but not to sleep. Shama adhered to his instructions and was cured of the snake bite. Actually the uttering of Baba was aimed at the snake poison and not to Shama. Thus Baba saved Shama.Sairam.

Baba blesses Mrs.Kaparde.

Mrs Kaparde stayed in Shirdi for seven months. Every day she will first feed Baba before taking her food. On a particular day, she brought to the Masjid, varieties of food for Baba. Though several people brought their food on that day, Baba eagerly took the food brought by Mrs. Kaparde. Shama asked Baba. This is really a problem to us. When many people brought food, you have not cared to look at those dishes. But as soon as this devotee brought food, you consumed the entire thing. Kindly clarify the reasons for the same. Baba immediately told Shama, She was born as a fat cow in her previous birth and gave plenty of milk. Afterwards she was born in a bania family and then in a kshathriya family. Now she has come again and i did justice to her food. After food, Baba belched as a mark of satisfaction and Mrs Kaparde started holding the feet of Baba. In turn Baba massaged her hand and saying "From now on repeat "Rajarama,Rajarama". Then your wishes will be fulfilled and you will attain. Shama appreciated the mutual service of Guru and Chela. Baba touching the devotee has a deep significance. It is known as "Sakthi padh" in which Guru transfers his Shakti to the devotee. Sairam.

The lizard and Baba's prediction.

Once a lizard was making 'tik tik' sound in the Masjid. A devotee asked Baba, what the Lizard's sound indicates? Is it good or bad? Baba replied that it is exulting because its sister is coming from Aurangabad. The devotee was amused at Baba's instant reply. Meanwhile a businessman from Aurangabad was riding through Shirdi and he halted in front of the Masjid, since the horse was hungry and it was not moving. The businessman took a gunny bag to bring grains for the horse. To remove the dust, he beat the gunny on the ground. Immediately, a lizard came out of the gunny and ascended the wall of the Masjid. Baba asked the questioner to watch the lizard. It directly went near the lizard in the Masjid, kissed the lizard and played with it. It was a miracle how Baba could foresee the coming of the lizard from Aurangabad to the Masjid. It was really a wonder. Sairam.

Kakaji Vaidya and Baba's Dharsan.

One Kakaji vaidya was a devotee of Mata Sabdhasrunki Devi of Vani. He had many problems and as a result of which he lost his peace. One day he fervently prayed to Devi to give him peace. In the night, he had a dream in which the mother goddess came in his dream and asked him to go to Baba to get relief from his problems. He could not ascertain who was this Baba. Before that he has woken up. He thought over this matter and concluded that Baba must be Lord Trayambakeswar. Hence he went to Trayambakeswar and stayed there for ten days, reciting every days Sri Rudram, an hymn in praise of Shiva and he was also performing holy bath to the deity. In spite of that, he could not gain peace. Again he pleaded with the mother to give him peace. In the night, Saptasrungi Devi again came on his dream and said, I meant Shirdi Samartha as Baba. Why you went to Trayambakeswar instead?. Now Kakaji had only one aim. To visit Shirdi and to have Dharsan of Baba. When he was brooding like that Shama, a devotee from Shirdi came to Vani searching for the Pujari. How Shama happened to visit Vani at the very moment is a miracle. When Shama was a little boy, he was suffering from serious ailment. His mother vowed to Sabdasrungi Devi to cure him. Also the mother herself had suffered from some skin ailment. She vowed to offer silver breast cups to Devi once she is cured. During her last moments, she called Shama to her bedside and obtained his promise to complete those vows to mother Sabdasrungi Devi. Though Shama promised his mother to undertake the vows, he has forgotten them conveniently. A prominent astrologer visited Shirdi and Shama's brother Babaji consulted him. The astrologer told him about the 'unfulfilled vows' of his mother and hence Shama is undergoing problems. Finding that the situation warrants immediate action, Shama made two silver breasts for offering to mother Sabdasrungi Devi. He brought the silver icons to Masjid and offered it in Baba's feet, requesting Him to relieve him from the vows. But Baba asked him to go to Vani and offer the silver icons to Sabdasrungi Mata. Thus Shama came to Vani in search of Pujari and there he met Kakaji, who was eager to go to Shirdi. Thus Kakaji accompanied Shama to Shirdi, Once he went to the Masjid, mere Dharsan of Baba made him happy and peaceful. He understood the dream that came true. He has not asked any questions to Baba. Baba, simply by looking at him could relieve his distress and made him happy. Sairam.

How Baba blessed Damu Anna?

There was one devotee, Damodar Savalram Rasne who had no issues in spite of two wives. One day Baba received a basketful of ripe mangoes sent through Shama by a devotee. Baba distributed most of the mangoes and kept four mangoes in the "Kolumba" and said this is for Damu Anna which is meant for him and let him eat and die. Within another two hours "Damodar" alias Damu anna visited Masjid and took Dharsan of Baba. Baba gave him all the four mangoes and told him to give it to the younger wife. When Damu anna came to know Baba's prediction that it has to be eaten to 'die', he was much perplexed but Shama explained to him, what Baba meant by this is only death of the Ego and he need not worry about this. Baba told Damu anna that this 'Amra leela" will give him many children. Likewise when it was offered to his younger wife, she conceived and given birth. Like wise 12 children were born to Damu Anna out of which only four have survived. When Damu anna was about to invest in a grain business, Baba told him that you will purchase at four measures a rupee but will sell at seven measures a rupee. But the prices were raising and Damu thought that Baba's prediction will turn incorrect. Within few days there was heavy rain and there was lot of production of grains and the prices had come down as predicted by Baba. Thus Damu was saved from loss. Sairam.

How Mega bathed Baba with Holy water?

Once Mega wanted to bath Saibaba with holy water from Gomathi. It was a "Makara Sankaranti day. Mega knew that Shiva is pleased with holy bath. For Mega, Baba is verily Shiva. He has to go to and fro for around 15 miles. Baba was not willing to accede but Mega persisted and Baba had to agree. Mega brought holy water from the river and asked Baba to get ready. Baba told Mega, Oh Mega! Do atleast this. The head is very important part and pour the water on the head. Mega started pouring the water and he uttered "Hara Gange" and poured the water on Baba's head and body. Surprisingly Baba's head alone become wet but his body was dry. It is very clear from this episode that Baba cares for the inner feelings of his devotees. Sairam.

Mega, a humble devotee of Baba.

Mega was a humble devotee of Saibaba. He was employed as a cook with a devotee of saibaba. He used to always utter the "Panchakshara mantra "Namasivaya". He was sent to Shirdi with an introduction. Mega was against visiting Shirdi since he had heard that Saibaba was a Muslim. He pleaded with his master, not to send him to Shirdi. However he could not. He was sent there against his wish and he was brought in front of Saibaba. Immediately Baba shouted, "Drive away the fellow! He thinks he will be polluted thinking that Saibaba is Muslim". Mega was bewildered at the revelation by Baba. He found that Baba knows his innermost thoughts. However he stayed there for few days and he was praying in his own way. Since he was mentally immature, Baba sent him away. He went to "Triambakeswar" and stayed for one and half years. Subsequently he came back to Shirdi. This time due to the intercession of one more devotee, Mega was allowed to enter into the Masjid and he was praying Baba in his own way. He used to visit all the temples of shirdi and finally came to Baba, washed his feets, applied perfumeries and worshipped him. Baba has not blessed Mega openly. But invisibly he showered his grace on Mega. Mega used to worship daily with Bilwa leaves since Baba was his Shiva. One day while still in the bed but awake, Mega saw Baba in his dwelling who showered the rice grains on Mega's head and told him to draw Trisoolam" in the wall. When Mega went to Baba, he asked permission to draw Trisul". Baba told him that he has already asked to draw it in the morning. My words have definite meaning. Then Mega told him how he could enter in his dwelling when it was bolted inside. Baba told him, I have no form and I am everywhere. Hence nothing can prevent my manifestation. After serving Baba for many years, Mega reached the abode of Shiva. Baba went to the burial ghat, and passed his hand on the body of Mega and told, "This is my true Devotee. Baba showered flowers on the body of Mega and shed tears as if a relative. Baba fed many due to the passing away of Mega. Sairam.

Saibaba and Dakshina(money)

Baba used to ask Dakshina from some of the devotees. He will not ask Dakshina(money) from all the devotees. Some may offer him voluntarily but he will refuse the money then and there. If it is kept there, he will ask them to remove it quickly. When two people came together and Baba accepted money from one and refused to take any money from another. When Shama asked Baba about the discrimination, Baba replied, 'Oh Shama! you do not know. I take money only from those whom Allah points to. By giving Dakshina, they are relieved from some past debts. Also, the money thus taken has to be returned 10 folds in future. When one Potus, a Marathi film actor went to Shirdi, Baba asked him Dakshina again and again. Thus he emptied the entire money bag. But when he returned, he found that he has received a many fold of what Baba has taken and he could live the rest of his life happily hence forth. Many have ridiculed, "When Baba is such a realised soul, why should he demand money from some? Baba has already answered this query while replying Shama. Also we should develop the quality of sacrifice and contentment. Baba taught the people to practice giving and to remain content.Sairam.

Baba cures Pitale's son of eplipsy.

There was a devotee named Harischandra Pitale. He brought his son who was ailing from eplipsy for a long time to the presence of Saibaba. When Baba saw him, his son had a severe attack of eplipsy, profusely sweating and his mouth was frothing. The mother who witnessed the attack started crying pitiably as though a severe catastrophe as fallen on them. Baba asked her not to cry like that"."Take the boy to your residence and he will be alright within half an hour time. Thus, the boy was taken to their quarters and he became alright as told by Baba. The couple came to Masjid and offered their "Pranams" to Sai for his grace. "Baba asked them whether their doubts were cleared? Allah will save those who have patience and faith. When they were returning to their native, "Baba told Pitale, "Bau! take this coins and put it in your Puja room and pray. You will reap lot of benefits. I have already given two coins but keep these coins safely. Pitale returned to his house but he was perplexed at Baba's statement that Baba has already given him two coins". He narrated these events to his old mother. His mother thought over the words and suddenly she could remember one event. She told her son, "As you have taken your son to Baba now, your father also took you to Akkalkot Maharaja long ago. The Maharaj was merciful and he gave your father two coins to be placed in puja. Your father too worshiped those coins for a long time. After that, the coins were not found. Now you are lucky and you got coins from Baba. Weigh in your mind your fortune and do not neglect worship of these coins and safeguard them. Thus Pitale was made to realise the sanctity of the coins and he started worshipping them. Sairam.

Baba and V.H.Takur, a devotee.

Sai should write his own story. When i attempt to write, i am unable to write even a few sentences. But when Sai so blesses, the words flow like a torrent of river, never ending. This is how Baba blessed "Hemadpant" who was the author of Sai Sath Charita, to narrate the glory of Saibaba in lucid style. Many events in Sai's life pass through my mind but i am perplexed as to which event, i should narrate. Well, Sai will show the way. V.H Takur is one devotee. Once he went on a tour. He happened to attend a satsang of one "Appa", who was narrating, "Vichara Sagara, a great treatise of philosophy to the public. Tagore heard this. After the discourse, he went to Appa and prostrated before him. Appa told him, "Due to your good deeds, you will come across a great saint during your tours. He will show you a way. After this event, Takur returned to his office. He found that he was promoted and posted to "Kalyan". In the course of official duties, he happened to travel in a ghat on the back of a Buffalo, and this pained him much. He met "Nana Saheb", who directed him to Saibaba. When Takur came to Shirdi, and took Baba's Dharsan, Baba told him, that this place is not like the journey on the back of Buffalo! What Appa told you is true. You will have to strive your maximum in spiritual life. Takur was really astonished at the Omnipresence of Saibaba, who could know all the events and hear all the conversations that took place long ago. Thus Takur was convinced of Baba's Divinity and become attached to Saibaba's worship. Sairam.

Baba blesses a woman who was issueless.

Once a woman devotee came to Shirdi and stayed there for more than a month. She was issue less for several years. She prayed at the temples of mother god and she observed many vows to get an issue. Finally somebody told her to try Saibaba's grace. She came there along with her sisters son. Every day she used to go to the Masjid and she found that there was always some crowd around Saibaba. She could not approach Baba when He was alone. Hence she pleaded with Shama to intercede on behalf of her. Shama told her, 'mother! Baba's durbar is open. Any way wait in front of the Masjid and i will call you at the appropriate time. One day Baba finished his lunch and dried his hand with the upper cloath of Shama. He pinched Shama. Shama told Baba, "We don't want a god who pinches us. We want a god who gives us all good things and kisses. Baba told Shama, "Oh Shama! I am with you for the past 72 generations and you took offence to my pinching you. Shama signalled the lady to come forward. The lady came near Baba and offered a coconut. Baba accepted the coconut and asked Shama, "What the coconut tells?. Shama replied, Baba! this woman wants a child just like the coconut has water and gives the moving sound. Baba told Shama, "See! how foolish are the people? Will the coconut gives her child. Thus Baba was arguing and said "Break this coconut". Shama wanted the full coconut to be handed over to the woman with His blessings. Finally, Baba blessed her saying that she will get an issue in twelve months time and asked Shama to break the coconut. Then the coconut was broken and one half was consumed by Baba and Shama. The other half was given as 'prasad' to the lady. Shama told the lady, "If you do not deliver a child within twelve months as predicted by Baba, i will break a coconut over his head and drive him away from the Masjid". Such was the conviction of Shama. The lady delivered a baby within the 12 months period and brought the child to Baba's presence for thanksgiving. Sairam.

Baba fulfills the desire of a poor man.

There was a man who was employed as a temporary hand in some government office. He was very poor and unable to make both ends meet. Luckily he heard a 'upanyas' by Das Ganu, in Gowbeeneswara temple in Thana. Das ganu was an expert in Upanyas. Wherever he gives lectures, he used to keep a photo of Saibaba in front of the audience and he used to elaborate the glory of Saibaba to the audience. As this man heard the greatness of Sai, immediately he took a vow in his mind, that if he is able to come successful in the Departmental tests for confirmation, he would visit Shirdi and offer 'sugar candy' in the name of Baba. He was very poor and hence he has to forgo sugar in his tea in order to save a little money to go to Shirdi. By Baba's Divine grace, our man came out successful in the Department exam and he was keen to go to Shirdi to offer his pranams at the feet of Baba. He came to Shirdi and took Dharsan of Baba. While leaving the Masjid, Baba told Jog, who was the host to give the man tea with lot of sugar added in it. Thus Baba revealed to the man that he is aware of his vow. When Jog enquired the man whether he understood the purport of Baba's utterance, the man narrated his story and how he has forsaken sugar till he pass the exam and get Dharsan of Baba. Thus Baba helps all those who rely upon him in full faith.Sairam.

Baba forewarns the devotees.

When a devotee came to Baba's presence, Baba asked him, "Do you know the 'lamba bhava?. Saibaba was caricaturing with his hand and showing his palm like a snake. The devotee was unable to make out any thing. However Baba told him, "He is vicious but when Dwarakamai protects, what the snakes will do? Now the devotee understood that there is going to be a danger from snake soon. He sought Baba's permission to leave for a particular place. Baba told him, 'you take Shama with you". But the devotee thought that it would be inconvenient Shama. Again he thought over Baba's words and consented to take Shama. Shama took Baba's permission and departed along with the devotee. They reached the place and rested in a temple of Maruti. As the Officials whom the devotee want to meet has delayed, they were chitchatting and looking at the newspapers. As the devotee was reading a newspaper, he heard a rattling sound. He just looked behind him and to his consternation, he saw a snake resting in his upper cloth. Then every body shouted and a peon went to bring a stick. The snake silently moved from his upper cloth and thus he was saved. Then he remembered the warning from Baba.Sairam.

How Baba cured his devotees?

Shriman Buti, a rich devotee of Saibaba, was once suffering from severe stomach pain. He consumed many medicines and his cup board was full of medicinal bottles and tablets. In spite of medication, the disease has not abated. Then he consulted Baba. Baba prescribed him walnuts bista and dates boiled in milk with sugar. When Buti took the mixture, he was cured instantaneously. Likewise there was one Alandi Swami. He had severe ear pain for which he has already underwent surgery. Still the pain persisted. Shama requested Baba to do something for the ear pain of the Alandi swami. Baba touched him and said, "Allah Acha Karega". His pain subsided and he went to Bombay. As there was swelling, he consulted a Doctor who said that there is no need for surgery. In a few days time, the swelling subsided and he was cured of his pain. Kaka was once affected by dysentery and vomiting. All were attending the flooring works in the Mosque. Suddenly Baba shouted. Every body had fled the Mosque, When Kaka was also leaving, Baba caught hold of him and asked him to sit. Some body has left ground nut kernels in a bag. Baba took the groundnut removed the skin, and asked Kaka to eat them. Baba also ate some. Then he asked Kaka to drink water. Baba said, your dysentery has gone, now attend to your work. Thus Kaka was cured of his ailment. Though groundnut could aggravate the disease as per modern medicines, Baba's treatment is unique and cured the devotees. Sairam.