Cast all your burdens on me and I shall surely bear it!

What is the relationship between devotee and Saibaba. Apparantly indifferent to the outer circumstances and events, Baba takes care of his devotees as the eye lid protect the eyes. Hence, once the devotee comes into the fold of Baba, he need not fear about anything. As mortals we are, we can not delve into the future and know what is in store for us. But He is aware of the dangers that lurk in the ways of his devotees and wards of the troubles in time. Hence Baba has proclaimed that "Whoever puts his feet in 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. My mortal remains would speak from the Tomb. Why Fear, when I am Here. Cast all your burdens on me and I am sure to bear it. The assurances are valid for ever. Sairam, Saisaran.

Baba teases Dada Kelkar.

Dada saheb Kelkar was an orthodox brahmin but he had deep faith in Saibaba. Once Baba baded him to go to Korala to purchase meat. When he started for the errand, Baba told him not to go but to send somebody else. Hence he sent his servant Pandu. But Baba cancelled that also. It is only to test Dada Saheb, Baba acted in this way. On another day when Dada Kelkar was present, Baba was preparing "Pulav", a meat preparation in the hundi. Baba asked Dada Kelkar, "Is the salt is enough in the Pulav"? Without seeing, Dada said it is OK. Baba told him, you have not seen the preparation nor you have tasted it. Without worrying about your orthodox ways, put your hand and take a drop or two and put it in your food". Here actually Baba was again testing his devotee. Actually saints and sadhus won't allow their devotees to taste forbidden food. Some others used to pinch the baby and when it cries, they will embrace it. Likewise Baba wanted to tease Dada outwardly but prevented him from acting upon his words. Saicharan, Sairam.

Baba's Chavadi Procession.

Saibaba slept one day in Masjid or Dwarakamai and on the next day he used to sleep in the "Chavadi", a two roomed place nearer to the Masjid. When the time for proceeding to the Chavadi begins, people gathered there in the Masjid, performed keertans and Bhajans, lights were lit and many accompaniments to the Bhajans were made ready like the Tal,Tashe and harmonium etc. When every thing is ready and in place, Tatya used to call Baba, he will lift Baba by the armpit. Baba used to extinguish the light and remove the firewood from the fire place. Then he will put his joli on his shoulder, take the hookah with him along with a small bamboo stick which he used to carry wherever he goes. Beldars standing on the enterance of Masjid, shout loudly "Saibaba ki Jai". On the route, colourful cloths were spread for Baba to walk. Mahlsapathi used to hold one hand and Tatya, the other hand of Baba. Baba used to move very slowly. As he reaches the junction point, he will make some unusual jestures with his hand by moving it up and down listening to the music and drums. Sometimes, Mahlsapathy used to get into a trance and move and dance in a peculiar manner. Baba is never affected by all these. He will stand facing the North. His body and face had a peculiar glow. Those who witnessed the Chavadi procession are very lucky. Those days are gone and will never come again. After entering the Chavadi, Baba was seated in his gadi, with cushion seatings etc. Then Jog performs the Arati with all pomp and parapernalia. Slowly all take Dharsan and take his permission to leave to their houses. Tatya gives Baba scents and perfumes. Baba used to be garlanded and decorated with colourful beads etc. He is unconcerned with all this. He used to tell Tatya, Come when you are free and enquire about my welfare. Take care of me. Then Tatya bows to Baba and departs to his home. Baba used to lay sixty of seventy white towels one over the other and after preparing his beddings thus, he used to lay. Let the devotees remember about the Chavadi procession and his resting in the Chavadi, before going to sleep. Sairam, Saisaran.

How Baba blessed Mrs Ambedkar who was issuless?

There was one Mrs. Aurangabadgar, who had no issues for 25 years. She prayed several forms of god and goddess but she could not get her wish satisfied. Ultimately she came to the presence of Saibaba alongwith her sister's son Viswanath. Daily they visited the Masjid, but however she could not get a private audience with Baba. She approached Shama for intervention on her behalf. Shama told her that Baba's Durbar is open but she has to bade her time. One day when Baba finished his supper, Shama dried the hands of Baba with a towel. Baba pinched the cheek of Shama. Shama used to often argue with Baba. This time he said, "Baba why you are pinching me? Baba told him, Oh Shama I am with you for the past 72 janmas. You are finding fault for simply pinching you. Shama told Baba, "Oh Deva we want you to give us kisses and blessings" Baba told him, I have come preciously for that purpose. While they were talking in this tone, Shama signalled Mrs. Aurangabadgar to come up. The lady came to Baba and presented coconut and agarbathis. Baba shaked the coconut and there was a moving sound. Baba said, Oh Shama! what this coconut tells? Shama said, Baba this lady wants that a child should develop in her womb likewise. Baba told Shama, "How people are mad. How a coconut will give her child?. Shama pleaded, Baba, i know the efficacy of your blessings. Give her the coconut with your blessings. This will give her a string of babies. Finally Baba blessed Mrs Aurangabadkar that within a year you will have a baby. The coconut was broken and one half was handed over to the lady and the other half was eaten by Baba and Shama. Shama told the lady, "Amma you mark the words of Baba, If it do not come true, i will break a coconut on Baba's head and drive him away from the Masjid, Otherwise i will not call my name as Shama!. Exactly within a year, the lady delivered a baby and the parents came to the presence of Baba and an amount of Rs.500/- was presented by the father which was utilised for constructing a stable for the horse, "Shyamakarna". Saisaran, Sairam.

How Baba's Udhi cured many diseases?

There were number of instances where the efficacy of Udhi has been highlighted in Sai Satcharitra. A old man was suffering from kidney stones and the Doctors advised him surgery. As he was very old and keeping indifferent health, he could not convince himself to undergo the surgery. However, the inamdar of the town who was always keeping stock of Saibaba's Udhi happened to come there. He gave Udhi to the son for administering with water to his father. Accordingly, the Udhi was given and within few moments the stone came out of Urine mysteriously. An Iranian gentleman's daughter was suffering from eplipsy. She used to get fits more often and hence her limbs become underdeveloped and she was weak. She was brought to Saibaba. Baba blessed the girl with Udhi. She used to get frequent fits. After Baba's blessings, she got fits once in 7 hours instead of every hour. In a few days, by applying the Udhi and taking it in, she was cured completely. Saisaran, Sairam.

How Minatai was saved by Baba.

The efficacy of Baba's Udhi is well illustrated in the episode of Nana Saheb Chandorkar's daughter Minatai's crucial delivery time. Nana saheb was in Jamner at that time. His daughter Minatai developed labor pains. For two days she was suffering from severe pain without any relief. Nana tried many remedies and at last he remembered Saibaba and prayed to him earnestly. At that time Baba was seated in Dwarakamai and he called one devotee who was about to depart to his native which is beyond Jalagam. Baba told him to go to Jamner and hand over the Udhi to Nanasaheb and a copy of Arati song was also given along with that. The man pleaded, "Baba i am having money for journey upto Jalgaom. How i can go to Jamner which is far away? Baba said, "Allah will provide". After taking the Udhi, Arati song and Baba's permission, the devotee left for Jalgam. He was hardly having any money for his further journey to Jamner. He was in a perplexed situation. Suddenly he heard a voice calling his name. He was astonished to find a Peon with turban, who told him that he is coming from Nanasaheb. He has sent the tonga for the journey. Gaining confidence, he ascended the tonga and they reached the outskirts of Jamner. The peon asked him to partake some food which was sent by Nana saheb. After eating they reached Jamner. The peon halted the cart to ease himself. The devotee also went out to ease himself. On return he found that there was no cart or peon. He grew anxious and went near a taluk office where some one guided him to the house of Nanasaheb. At that time, the condition of Minatai grew worse. The devotee handed over the Udhi from Baba to Nanasaheb with a copy of Arti. Nana become calm and asked his wife to give the udhi mixed with water to their daughter. Arati song was recited. Instantly a baby was born and everybody were happy. This is the nature of Saibaba. He anticipates the problems of his devotees and assuages them in time. Saisaran, Sairam.

Saibaba's instructions to Mrs.Gokale.

Saibaba never advocates vows like abstaining from food. There was one devotee named Mrs.Gokale. She came to Shirdi and went to the Masjid along with Dada Kelkar. Saibaba told the devotees that he won't allow people to remain hungry due to vows. He asked Mrs Gokale to go to Kelkar's house and prepare "Poorna Poli", a sweet preparation using bison, jaggery etc. Accordingly, she went to Kelkar's house. She found that Mrs Kelkar was out of doors and there was none to prepare food for the children and family. Hence, she started preparing "Poorna Polis" and served them to the children and Mrs Kelkar and she also partook the same. Everybody were astonished at the timely instruction of Saibaba in helping Kelkar's family. Saisaran, Sairam.

Noolkar and Baba.

Noolkar was a sub judge. Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Noolkar were best friends. Nana saheb narrated about Saibaba many times to Noolkar. As Noolkar was not interested in saints, he was reluctant to visit Shirdi. But Nana Saheb persisted with Noolkar. Atlast Noolkar budged with two conditions. He should get a Brahmin cook as well as good Nagpur Oranges for presenting to Baba. Mysteriously on the very next day, a brahmin cook approached Noolkar for employment. He also got a basketful of 100 Nagpur oranges from nowhere. As both the conditions were fulfilled, he had to go to Shirdi. At first Baba was very angry with him. Later Noolkar found that Baba was a Divine avatar. Hence he stayed in Shirdi. During his last moments, Vedas were read to him and Noolkar passed away peacefully after drinking the water that was used for washing the feet of Baba. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba and Shama's vow.

There was a priest of Devi Saptasrungi at Vani. He was perturbed by innumerable problems and lost his peace. Day and night he was praying to the mother Saptasrungi to alleviate his sufferings. Pleased with the devotion, the goddess came into his dream and asked the priest to go to "Baba". Before he could get further clarifications, he woke up from the sleep. He thought over the matter and resolved to go to Trayambakeshwar. He went there and recited "Sri Rudram" in praise of Lord Shiva and performed the customory rituals like bathing the Shiva Ling with water and other items. In spite of staying there for ten days, he could not get peace. Again he prayed to the goddess more pitiably and the Devi appeared in his dream and chided him for his confusion. The mother said, "I meant Samartha Sai of Shirdi" Go to him and you will gain peace. Accordingly the priest was anxious to go to Shirdi. Meanwhile Shama, a close devotee of Baba was advised to vitit Vani to offer his vows to the family deity, Mother Saptasrungi Devi. It seems that Shama's mother could not fulfill her two vows to visit Vani till her death. She obtained the assurance of his son Shama in her death bed to fulfill those two vows on her behalf. Shama forgot those vows and thirty years passed. An astroleger visited Shirdi and his predictions in respect of devotees like Buti and Kaka came true. Hence Shama's brother consulted the astrologer. The astrologer told him regarding the two unfulfilled vows of his mother and asked his brother Shama to fulfill those vows forthwith otherwise, the troubles they are undergoing for the past so many years will continue since it is God's wreath. Shama got freightened by the prediction and immediately asked a goldsmith to make two silver icons of breast for offering to Saptasrungi Devi. After getting the icons, he rushed to the Masjid and placed them at the feet of Baba asking him to relieve him from the vows. Baba asked him to go to Vani personally to offer the same at the feet of the mother. Hence Shama went to Vani and he was searching for the priest and at the same time the priest was anxious to go to Shirdi. What a coincidence? When the priest came to know that Shama came from Shirdi, he embraced him and accompanied him to Shirdi after Shama's vow is fulfilled. When they reached the Masjid, the very Dharsan of Saibaba gave immense peace to the priest as told by the Devi Saptasrungi in his dream. Saisaran, Sairam.

Tendulkar's medical exam and Baba's predictions.

The family of Tendulkar were devotees of Saibaba for a long time. The mother, Savitri Bai Tedulkar has composed around 800 bhajans on Saibaba. Her son was studying for the final year Medical examination. Some astrolegers told him that due to some malefic planets, it is not possible for him to succeed in the examination that year. He was much worried and upset. His mother visited Shirdi and narrated to Baba the condition of her son's predicament regarding the final exam. Baba told her, "Let him not worry about the predictions of astrolegers. Let him calmly study and write the examination. He is sure to come out successful this year. Savitribai told the events to her son and asked him not to get disheartened due to the prediction of astroleger but to have faith in the words of Baba. Accordingly, he sat for the final examination and wrote them. Still he was hesistant about the outcome. Hence he was not bothered about the practical examination. Meanwhile his professor has sent a student with the message, that Tendulkar has cleared all the written papers and he should attend the practical exam forthwith. He went to the practicals and passed them as predicted by Baba. Hence, we should keep our faith in Baba and do our duties without fail. Saisaran, Sairam.

How Lakshmichand from Santacruz was drawn to Baba?

One devotee Lala Lakshmichand at Santacruz dreamt one night about a grand old saint in the company of his devotees. He was not able to identify the saint. On the same night, one of his friend, Sankar Rao, came to him and asked him whether he is willing to accompany him to Shirdi. He accepted the proposal, went to his uncle and obtained a hand loan of Rs.15/- In the train, they were enquiring about the leelas of Baba with the co passengers and singing some Bhajans. He desired to present some fruits to Saibaba. As they were travelling in the tonga, Lakshmichand was absorbed in the nice surroundings and completly forgot about the fruits. Meanwhile a old lady was running behind the tonga with a basketful of fruits. The tonga was stopped, and some fruits were purchased from her. The old woman told him to present the remaining fruits also to Saibaba and went away. Then Lakshmichand thought that probably Baba may be related to her. When they were nearing the Masjid, they saluted the flags. They reached Baba's presence. On seeing him, Baba told, "Mischivous fellow! what is the need for obtaining hand loan. During the journey, what is the need for enquiring about Him. Now, are you satisfied? Lakshmichand was really happy, and found that Baba knew his innermost thoughts. Two more incidents proved Baba's Omniscence and he was blessed by Baba with Rs.3/-stating, "Babu!, i have already given you Rs.2/- Now keep this Rs.3/- with instructions to keep it in the Puja and worship it. Then Lakshmichand reached his native place and narrated everything to his mother but he was not able to understand Baba's words that he was given Rs.2/- earlier. His mother thought over the issue and finally she could recollect one incident. As Lakshmichand was visiting Shirdi, his father used to visit Akkalkot Maharaj. He was a great saint. He gave your father Rs.2/- for keeping in the Puja. Your father worshipped them with care. Afterwards the coins were lost and the worship was discontinued. Now think about Baba's instructions and worship the coins with care. It was really a great revealation to Lakshmichand and he become a staunch devotee of Saibaba. Saisaran, Sairam.

Saibaba and brinjal preparations.

Two brinjals were sent through a devotee to Shirdi with instruction to prepare different preparations including 'kascharya'. When the devotee reached Shirdi, she prepared the brinjal and brought it to the presence of Baba. Baba ate them with relish and asked for "kascharya". Radha krishna Ayi was informed about Baba's need. She was perplexed since it is not the season for brinjals. Hence, she enquired who brought preparation of brinjals to Baba. She came to know that the same devotee has been instructed by the sender to prepare "Kascharya". Baba instantly know the mind and thought of all the people and this is the evidence to this. Saicharan, Sairam.

Damu anna's cotton business and Baba's sane advise.

When Damodar Savalram Nasne(Damu anna) was contemplating on doing trading in cotton business, he wanted to consult Baba. Hence, he has sent a letter to Baba seeking his opinion. The letter was brought by Shama and kept at Baba's feet. Baba said, 'what is the letter'?. Shama told him that it is from Damu Anna. Baba quipped, "Why Damu is after gaining lakhs of rupees, Let him remain content with his wealth". Even before the letter was opened, Baba could know the content of the letter. Shama was astonished and drafted a suitable reply to Damu anna. When the letter reached Damu anna, he was perplexed and thought that he has done a mistake in consulting Baba. However Shama has written him that there is a difference in listening and seeing Baba. Hence Damu anna reached Shirdi and was messaging the feet of Baba. He was thinking in his mind, that it would be wise to share some profit with Baba". Even while he was thinking like this, Baba told him, "I do not want to get embroiled in such worldly affairs. This was enough for Damu anna and he returned. During the season, there was plenty of harvest of cotton and all those who hoarded cotton met with heavy loss. Fortunately Baba saved Damu anna by his timely advise. Sairam, Saisaran.

Shama was bitten by a snake! How Baba cured him?

Once Shama was bitten by a poisonous snake. His friends wanted to take Shama to Viroba temple as usual for snake bites. But Shama came to the mosque. As soon as Baba saw him, Baba was very angry and hurled many abuses at Shama. "Oh viscious Padturya!(wretched brahmin) do not climb the steps of my mosque, get down, get down from here". Shama was utterly confused at Baba's angry mood. He thought of seeking refuge at Baba's feet. But when Baba drove him like this, he becomes inconsolable. However, he sat in the open. After some time, Baba's anger came down. Shama climbed the mosque and sat near Baba. Baba told him, "do not worry the least, Allah will take care and you will become alright. Go to your house and eat as per your likes and be moving. Never lie down or sleep. Shama followed Baba's words and he was cured subsequently. The abuse hurled at Shama was in fact addressed to the poison not to climb up. It is the indirect blessings of Baba. Without using water or rice as is the wont of "mantriks", by his mere words, Baba drove out the poison from Shama's body. Saisaran, Sairam.

How Mirikar was saved by Baba from snake?

Saibaba used to warn the devotees whenever such occasions occur. When Bala Saheb Mirikar once came to Shirdi before going to a place called 'Sitali' on official tour, Baba told him, "Do you know the Lamba bav! He is very cruel. But who can harm those who climbed the mosque. Mirikar could not understand the words of Baba. Baba told him, "Take Shama with you". But Mirikar thought that it will be inconvenient for Shama. However when Shama told Baba about Mirikar's opinion, Baba told him that we have to tell good things. If they don't listen what we can do? What is destained is bound to happen. Then Mirikar thought about Baba's words and he agreed to Shama to accompay him. They reached Sitali around 9 PM. Since the Office people has not reached the place, they were sitting and chitchating and Mirikar was reading a newspaper. Suddenly it was seen that a snake ascended on the upper cloth of Mirikar near the waist. The peon shouted, "Snake, Snake". Mirikar removed the upper towel and moved away. The timely warning of the peon enabled the snake to be killed. None was harmed. Mirikar thought about Baba's forethought and warning and from that time, he remained attached to Saibaba's worship. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba and V.H.Takur, a devotee.

There was a devotee named V.H.Takur from Revenue Department. How he came in the presence of Baba is itself an interesting story. When Takur was on official tour, he came across a Kannada saint named Appa. He went to him and bowed to him. Actually the saint was explaining "Vichara Sagara", a spiritual treatise to the audience. At the end when Takur met Appa, the saint told him, that spiritual journey is like walking on a sharp razor. You have to make your fullest effort. When you go to the North as part of your Official journey, you will come across your Guru, who will show you the real path. Takur was posted to a remote place where there is no proper road and it was hilly terrain. Hence he had to travel over a buffallow which gave him much pain. Afterwards he got his promotion and he was directed to Shirdi by his superior officers. When Takur reached the Masjid, Baba welcomed him and said that the route for this is not as easy as narrated by Appa or the buffallow journey you had on your way. The spiritual life is very tough and you have to practically tread the journey as told by Appa. In fact, Takur was very much astonished at Baba's Omnipresence and Omnipotence. He repeated verbatim what transpired in the presence of the saint Appa. Thus Takur was convinced of Appa's words and became a strong devotee of Saibaba. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba and the Nasik Brahmin.

A Brahmin from Nasik came to Shirdi, probably under the invitation of Shri Buti. He was an expert palm reader and the predictions told by him in respect of shri Buti and others turned to be true. He wanted to see the palm of Saibaba but Baba had denied permission. Baba gave him some fruits instead. He went to his place, took bath and started performing his routine rituals. Meanwhile in the Masjid, Baba asked Shri Buti to go to the Nasik Brahmin and fetch Dakshina from him. Buti went there and conveyed the message to the Brahmin. But the Nasik man was perturbed at this call. He thought "Baba is not my Guru and why should i offer Dakshina to him? However he could not refuse the call since the millionaire Buti himself had come to fetch him. Hence he cut short his rituals, and accompanied Buti but resolved not to bow down before Baba nor offer any Dakshina. Before this incident, Baba asked some of his devotees, "Bring Geru(A colouring dye to colour the cloths) we will wear geru cloths. Meanwhile the Nasik Brahmin came to the Masjid alongwith Buti. Suddenly he prostrated before Baba. Everybody in the Masjid were astonished since they knew that the Nasik Brahmin is an orthodox man. When Buti asked him how he had bowed down before Baba against his own resolve, the man said, I have seen my own Guru in the place of Baba. Hence i bowed down to him. Again the Brahmin saw only Saibaba who was asking for Dakshina. The Brahmin willingly gave Dakshina. When the people gathered in the Masjid asked Baba how this Brahmin bowed before him, He said, he saw his late Guru Kolab Maharaj there. That is the reason for Baba's asking for 'geru' to colour the cloth. Saisaran, Sairam.