Baba cautions many devotees while leaving.

Those who followed Baba's instructions while leaving Shirdi were safe and secure. Those who have acted contrary to His instructions, suffered many troubles. One European gentleman came to Shirdi. He wanted to enter the Masjid to kiss the hands of Baba. But Baba has not allowed him to climb up. He was asked to take Dharsan sitting below. He was not happy to the treatment meted out to him. Hence, he wanted to go out from Shirdi. He sought the permission of Baba for leaving. Baba told him, 'not to go on that day and he can leave the next day. Without heeding Baba's words, the European left Shirdi in a tonga. Initially, the horses behaved normally. But near the "Sahulveer well", one of the horse was excited and started running erratically. The tonga fell upside down and the European gentleman was dragged along with the tonga to a small distance. He suffered many bruises and he had to undergo treatment in Kopergaon hospital. Tatya kote Patil too disregarded twice Baba's words of caution. He too met with some mishap but fortunately he escaped unhurt. Hence, we must abide Sai's words implicitly to escape troubles unknown. Sairam.

Baba's initial coming to Shirdi and Janakidas.

Before Baba came to Shirdi, a saintly person Janakidas lived there. He was desire less and a dispassionate soul. Baba liked his association and spent much time in his company. Saintly persons used to visit Shirdi and has expressed the grandeur and greatness of Baba. One such saint has said, "Shirdi has got a valuable gem". Baba, though looking like a unassumed fakir, He is really a Diamond and you people of Shirdi are not aware of His greatness. Baba came to Shirdi when he was 16 years of age. He never showed his greatness to any. He was always staying under a neem tree and never bothered about heat or cold. He never talked with any. Only when he is asked, he used to reply. Afterwards, he disappeared from Shirdi and came again along with a marriage party. From that time, he started staying there permanantly. Sairam.

Baba and a devout boy.

There was a boy who was firmly devoted to Saibaba and believed that Baba is verily God. One day he came to the presence of Baba and started massaging the feet of Baba. Baba wanted to tease the boy. Baba said, 'i am an ordinary fakir, why people come and pastor me? The boy said, Baba! you are our God. Baba said, "people have become crazy". While the conversation was on, a devotee came from a distant place and thanked Baba from saving their child from peril. Baba said, "Yes, I hold my children with four hands and save them from peril. Immediately the boy who was massaging retorted, Baba! just now you told us that you are an ordinary fakir. Now you assert that you have saved the child with four arms. You are verily God! Baba was happy with the faith and steadfastness of the boy and blessed him profusely. Sairam.

Important dates in Baba's life.

Some important dates in the life of Saibaba as told by Bagawan Sri Sathya sai Baba on 28 Sep'90. Saibaba was born in Badri in Nizam state on 28 Sep 1935. His mother is Devagiriamma, and father Ganga bavadia. He was the third child and born as the result of boon granted by Shiva to the mother Devagiriamma. Shiva said, he will himself take birth to her as the third son. Baba was born under a tree and the mother has left him there covering him with a saree piece and leaves. Shortly afterwards a sufi, who have no children found the baby and gave it to his wife for rearing. Baba was with the Sufi family from 1835 to 1839. After the sufi's passing away, unable to maintain Baba, he was handed over to one Saintly person "Venkusa". He stayed there for 12 years from 1839 to 1851. Afterwards he left for Shirdi and other places. Finally along with Chand bai patel, he came back to Shirdi along with a marriage party and stayed back in Shirdi from 1853 to 1918.Sairam.

Baba is aware of everything.

Shirdi Baba used to take bath once in a while. He used to sit over a stone and it will take more than an hour for him to take bath. One boy was intent to do some service to Baba. Baba called the boy and told him to do a small help for which the boy readily agreed. Baba told him that he will hand over the kafni he wore for wash, The boy should wash it and hold it for drying without touching the ground. Then Baba went inside. The boy was waiting for a long time outside. At last Baba handed him his Kafni and told him to wash it neatly and hold it for drying without touching the ground. The boy dutifully washed the kafni and rinsed in water and held it for drying in the sun without touching the ground. After some time, the kafni started weighing a lot. The boy bore the weight for some time after which he was unable to bear the weight. He started praying Maruti(Anjaneya) to give him strength to bear the kafni. Afterwards, it became weightless. Baba called the boy from inside and asked him"why you are praying to Anjaneya? Since Baba was Antaryami, he was aware of what is going on outside and what everybody thinks within. The boy was astonished at the query of Baba since he was praying silently. Sairam.

Balaram Durandare

Balaram Dhurandar was a simple and pious spiritual minded person. His brothers visited Shirdi and narrated the beautiful experience to Balaram. Impressed with their narration, Balaram along with his brothers started for Shirdi. In the Masjid, Baba was telling to the gathered devotees, many of my Durbar's people are coming to day. After a while, Dhurandar brothers reached Masjid. Baba told all, "these are my people who are with me for the past 60 generations". After hearing Baba's words and seeing him in person, Dhurandar got elevated feelings and he got goose bump and his eyes started shedding tears. Whenever he got chance, he used to visit Shirdi. On the day of visit, Baba was smoking "Chilm". After taking a puff or two, Baba gave it to Balaram, who with great difficulty took one or two puff from the hookah and gave it back reverentially to Baba. Immediately, he was cured of his Asthma which was troubling him for several years. After several years, when Baba took Mahasamadhi, Dhurandar got the attack again. Baba's ways are unique and known only to Him. Sairam.

Baba and a sanyasi Swami.

Kaka Saheb's brother "Bayaji" while on a pilgrimage met a Swami. Both of them noted the address of others in their diary. After 5 years, the Swami visited Bayaji's house and came to know about Saibaba. He went to Shirdi along with some others. From a distance, he saw flags flying. This made him to construe that Baba is after fame. He wanted to retrace his steps. But those who accompanied him forced him to go forward. They said, you are worried about the 'flags'. If you know that there are more paraphernalia, what will you think? The Swami decided to return since he was aware of many saintly persons who keep such external things. He thought that the pomp wont match well with real sanyasis. Then the other devotees told him to stop judging Baba in a similar manner. Baba really never cares for all these pomp. He maintains his simplicity and humbleness and you will be benefited by going to him. Thus he was forced to get into the Masjid to take Dharsan of Baba. Baba shouted at him "why you have come to see me who keeps the flags and other things. Is it an indication of Sanyasi? The Swami was bewildered to understand how Baba knew his innermost thoughts even before he saw me. Hence, he stayed with Baba and remained in Shirdi. Sairam.

Baba and two goats.

One day a flock of goats passed by where Baba was seated. Saibaba got interested in two of the sheep and purchased them for Rs.32/-. The devotees who gathered there, found fault with Baba for spending that much on two goats. Both the goats would have cost a maximum Rs.8/- they argued. Baba has purchased few measures of dhal for the goats. After feeding the goat thus, he sent the goats back to the owner of the flock. When questioned by the devotees, he narrated the following. Oh Shama! You feel, i am cheated in this transaction. No. They were brothers in previous birth. They were my friends. One of them was very active type. The other one was lazy. The active man earned a lot due to his labour. The lazy man thought of a plan to cheat his brother. He wanted to kill his brother by some means. He mixed poison in the food of his brother. His brother too conceived some plan to finish his brother who is after his hard earned money. Both of them perished due to evil designs and born as goats. As they passed by me, i recognized them and tended them. As you all are not in favour of my transaction, i returned the goats. Whatever Baba does has got an inner meaning and we mortals could not judge it. Sairam.

The story of Basappa and Veerabadrappa.

Saibaba started narrating the previous story of Basavappa and Veerabadrappa to the wayfarer. Near a place where Saibaba resided, there was an ancient temple of "Mahadev". The temple was in repair and needed immediate renovation. A rich man in the village was approached by the villagers for renovation of temple. The villagers collected donation for renovation and handed over to the rich man for carrying out necessary works. The rich man really a miser. He accepted the money but has not done anything worthwhile. The villagers again approached him and he was telling so many excuses for the slow progress. Again, the villagers collected some more money and handed over to him to request for early action. The rich man kept quiet. One day Lord Shiva came in the dream of his wife and said, whatever is possible from your side, you do it and you will get 100 times of what you have spent on the temple. The rich man's wife wanted to donate the jewels she wore for the temple. She gave it to her husband who undervalued it and gave her Rs.1000/- He also gave her a barren land, a poor woman had pledged with him as a security. Thus the transaction came to an end. One day, there was a thunder and lightening and it fell on the rich man's house. Both the man and his wife perished in the mishap. In the next birth, the wife of the rich man was born in the temple Pujari's house. The poor woman who pledged her land was working as a helper in the temple and his name was Basavappa. He was fond of Saibaba. The pujari was searching for a hand for his daughter. Baba told him, "Do not worry! A suitable boy will come on his own and you can give your daughter in marriage. Accordingly, a poor boy named "Veerabadrappa" was wandering from village to village and he came to the place where the Mahadeva temple stood. As advised by Baba, the Pujari gave his daughter to the boy Veerabadrappa. Initially he was attached to Saibaba since he was instrumental in arranging his marriage. However, in this birth also, he was after money and riches. There was a sudden change in fortune. The land where the temple stood gained value and it was sold for One lakh, 100 times the amount spent by the girl in her previous life. It was agreed to give her a part in cash and other part in equal instalments. Thus the transaction ended. The girl Gowri came to me and consulted me regarding the money. I (Saibaba) told her, "You are the owner of this property, your husband has no share in it. Give Basappa, a share from the instalments. Coming to know of my advise to his wife, Veerabadrappa became angry and said Baba want to covet the money. Gowri came to me and said, "Please do not bother about my husband's words. I am like your daughter. Veerabadrappa challanged Basappa and said, he will kill him. Basappa came to me and surrendered to my feet, seeking my protection. After some time, they both died and born as a snake and frog and you have seen their plight now" said Baba to the stranger. Thus Baba saved Basappa(Frog) from the anger of his enemy(snake) Veerabadrappa.Sairam.

Baba's knowledge about a snake and frog.

Baba used to narrate some stories to the devotees gathered in the Masjid. Mostly they will be in parables. One such story is given here. Baba said, "one day i was moving through a lonely path amidst trees. Pleasant wind was blowing. I wanted to rest under a tree and started preparing "hookah". A passerby came there and sat behind me. I offered the smoke to him. He pleaded with me to accompany to his house for food. Meanwhile there was a pitiable sound from a nearby bush. The stranger asked me what is the sound about. I told him a snake has caught a big frog and both are reaping their past karma. The stranger went there and found that a frog was caught by a snake and the snake will devour the frog in few minutes. I told him I am not here in vain. I will save the frog. After smoking the chilm, we went near the bush. Baba addressed the snake thus. Oh Veerabadrappa! are you not ashamed of your enmity towards Basavappa? Let him go and forget your enmity. After hearing Baba's words, the snake let loose the frog from its mouth and thus the frog was saved by Baba. The stranger was wondering at the Omniscient Baba. He asked Baba, "Who is this Veerabadrappa and Who is Basavappa? Baba started telling him about the story which will be continued in next blog.Sairam.

How Baba foretold His presence to Shama?

Kaka Saheb Dixit and Nana Saheb Chandorkar, both came to Baba to get his blessings for the ensuing marriage ceremony of their children in Nagpur and Gwalior. Baba told them to take Shama with them as a representative. Baba said, I will be ahead of both of them. Now note the words of Baba. It never fails to materialise. After attending the marriage ceremonies at both these places, Shama accompanied by Appa gode went to Kasi and Prayag. They were given sufficient money by both Nana Saheb and Kaka. After staying for 21 days in Kasi and 2 months in other place, Shama had heard that "Plague" has spread in one of the pilgrimage place. He was reluctant to move out. But the host who arranges accommodation etc asked them why they have not started? The host has accommodated them in a beautiful Choultry with a big hall. Shama saw a beautiful photo of Saibaba in the walls of the Choultry. Immediately he recalled Baba's words that He will be ahead of them. After taking Dharsan of Baba's photo, Shama started shedding tears of joy. The host thought that Shama is crying fearing 'plague'. Shama asked the host where from he got such a beautiful photo of Saibaba. The host said, he has many agents working for him in Manmad and Puntambe. After hearing about the glory of Baba, he went to Shirdi about 12 years ago and this photo is the same which was given by Shama at the instructions of Baba. After knowing that Shama is the original owner of the photo and it was gifted to him by Shama, the host started revering Shama and extended all princely treatments to him. Thus Baba's prophesy was always true. Sairam.

How Ananda Rao was blessed by Baba in a dream.

Kaka Saheb Dixit was explaining spiritual texts in Kaka Mahajani's house. Shama was also present during the time. The talks circled around several saintly persons of Rishaba family. King Janaka asked questions to each of those highly evolved persons. Each one explained about different topics like Maya, God, how devotees are guided, how the atheist is dealt with, the nature of Para Brahma etc. While listening to these narrations, a devotee Ananda Rao Pakade was pessimistic how we can develop such devotion and knowledge like the persons of Rishaba family. The devotee thought, that the Nadas of Rishaba family are very fortunate. How we can attain such stage? But other devotees who were listening to such narration encouraged him saying, We have got Saibaba in our minds and midst. Why should we worry about Nadas Bakthi. By simply having love and faith to Guru Sai, He will guide us through this miserable Samsar. On the next day, Anandarao Pakade came there and was chitchatting with the devotee. As it was considered disturbance to the narration, Kaka Saheb stopped his narration and asked the devotee about the sudden intrusion. The devotee said, Yester day i was raising doubts whether we can also develop such devotion like Nadas. But the dream i had yesterday was very vivid and clear. I was standing hiplevel in water. Saibaba was seated in a diamond studded seat. His legs were below water. Anandarao wanted to prostrate to Baba's feet. Hence Shama asked Baba, Oh Deva! Please remove your feet from water. Saibaba removed his feet from water. Anandarao could prostrate now. Baba told him. Have no fear, you will be saved. Now present a silk bordered Dhoti to Shama. However Shama was not willing to accept the Dhoti unless Baba permits. Kaka Saheb had a method to consult Baba whenever he was in doubt. He used to consult Baba by casting chit. In this case also they have made two chits in which it was written as 'to accept' in one chit and in another 'not to accept' in another chit. A child was asked to pick a chit. The child has picked "to accept". Hence, Shama was given a silk bordered Dhoti. Sairam.

Baba's regard for a "brick".

Baba mostly rested with a brick as his companion. This brick was a gift from His Guru. He treated the brick as his own guru. One day a servant, who was cleaning the masjid, inadvertently let loose from his grip and as a result of which the brick was broken into two. After coming to know of the incident, Baba lamented very much. "This is my companion, I was doing meditation resting on the brick. The brick is not broken. It is my own fate which was broken" Why should Baba lament for a brick is a subject for discussion. Avatars and Gnanis come into the world with specific tasks. As soon as the tasks are completed, they depart from this world. But while living in this world, they behave like ordinary beings, laughing and crying as though they are human beings. Inwardly, they are clear about their tasks. Hence, we should not construe that Baba is affected by human emotions. Sairam.

Baba's initial days in Shirdi.

Saibaba lived in an obscure village away from the glance of public for many years. He seems to be absorbed in his own Self, oblivious of his surroundings. He never cared for cold or heat. He never cared for food or clothing or shelter. He used to wander in the bushes and jungles around Shirdi. He was young and handsome when he first visited Shirdi. He has only few companions in that obscure village. One such is Janaki das. When people of Shirdi were affected by ailments, some of them used to come to Saibaba. Baba treated them with some local herbs etc. People were cured by his treatment. He never accepted anything from any people. He was an embodiment of 'detachment'. Subsequently he moved to a dilapidated mosque which was subsequently called "Dwaraka Mai'. Baba used to sleep and rest in the mosque for considerable time. He kept the fire burnt in the masjid. He used to feed the fire with firewood. After coming to the mosque Baba treated the patients with the ash from the fire place. This was known as Udhi. This holy ash cured both physical and mental ailments. Sairam.

Baba corrects the behaviour of devotees fault.

Saibaba's way of teachings are unique. A devotee was often in the habit of criticising others when they are not present. Saibaba knew the man's harmful habits. Hence when Baba met him near Lendi garden, Baba pointed to a pig which was eating filth with gusto and said, your behaviour resembles the pig. You are in the habit of abusing others in their absence. When you practice such habit, will shirdi help you in any way? One day a Sub judge from Pandaripura came to Shirdi. There was a devotee who was also a sub judge. He used to visit Shirdi often. In the bar room, the judges commented on the devotee judge. Whether his misfortunes will end by visiting Shirdi. The particular sub judge who came to Shirdi also participated in the criticism. Baba said, people come here and offer their salutes. But they criticize their colleagues in their absence. Shirdi is far distant from Pandharpur. How Saibaba listens to the conversations that took place in the bar room of Pandharpur which is 300 miles away? Thus the devotee understood that the arrow was aimed at him. Thus he realised his mistakes and made amends. Sairam.

Tiger passed away in Baba's presence.

Just few days before Baba passed away, a tiger which was kept in a cage was brought to Baba's presence. The owners of the tiger had approached Baba and told him that the tiger is ailing from a mysterious disease and it should be allowed to be brought in Baba's presence. When Baba gave his approval, the ailing tiger was made to come out of the cage and brought into the presence of Baba. As soon as the tiger saw Baba, its eyes met with Baba's eyes. Unable to bear the power, the tiger came near hung its head and with its tail hit the floor thrice and died. Though the owners have become very sad, they composed their mind thinking that Baba has granted the tiger an unique opportunity to pass in His presence. Thinking thus they left happily. It is really an unique opportunity that the tiger had breathed its last in the Masjid in Baba's presence. Sairam.

How the devotees celeberated Ramanavami in Shirdi.

How Ramanavami celebrations have started in the Masjid? Actually "Urus", a muslim festival was being celebrated in Shirdi and Baba has approved the same. But it so happened that the celebrations fell on "Ramanavami" day. When some devotees were ruminating over the celebrations, they thought that it would be good to celebrate "Ramanavami" in the Masjid. Hence, it was decided to get the permission from Baba. Before that Baba asked the devotees "what was the discussion that is going on? When the devotees pleaded for the permission to perform "Ramanavami" in the Masjid, Baba readily agreed for it. Now there was a problem. Who will perform the narration of Rama's story? However one devotee named "Beeshma" said he is ready to perform the narration. After that "Radhakrishna mai" will distribute 'ginger sugar mix as the prasad. Whenever any new event is started, Baba used to get terribly angry and shout. After the celebrations, Baba started shouting. Every body feared Baba would bring an end to the celebrations. When the devotees went to remove some contraption, Baba said, NO, the celebration is not yet over and permitted only after conclusion of the celebrations. Every year some body performed "Rama agyan". Finally Baba asked Dasganu to narrate the story permanently thereafter. Thus Ramanavami and Urus were celebrated simultaneously without any problem in Shirdi on the same day.Sairam.