Worlds First First Shirdi Sai Baba temple

🌷OM💜SAI💜RAM🌷 

First Shirdi Sai Baba temple

World’s first Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located in Bhivpuri near Karjat ( Maharashtra). This temple was built in 1916 when Shirdi Sai Baba was still in his physical form. Not many know that this temple was built even before Shirdi Sai Baba temple. Since a lot of devotees are not aware of this temple, hence today’s post will take you all through the journey of how this temple was built.

The dome of the temple is clearly visible from the Bhivpuri road railway station. In the amidst of sprawling fields rests our Sai Baba in the premises of this temple. The history of this temple reveals how beautifully Sai Baba pulls an atheist to his lotus feet and turns him into a staunch devotee.

Bhivpuri Shirdi Sai Temple was built by Shri K R Pradhan. Mr. Pradhan worked as a debt collector for a Mumbai based gentleman. A very close friend of Mr. Pradhan was a great devotee of Sai Baba, he would often go to Shirdi to seek Sai Baba’s blessings. On one occasion Mr. Pradhan happened to visit his friend just as when he was about to leave for shirdi, he insisted Mr.Pradhan to accompany him to shirdi. Since K V Pradhan was an atheist he was not really willing to go but his friend’s constant pursuasion made him agree on one condition that he should not be forced to go to Dwarkamai to seek Sai Baba’s darshan.

Both reached Shirdi the next day. As the noon arti started Mr.Padhan’s friend left for Dwarkamai to attend the arti whereas Mr. Pradhan stayed back in the wada. The sounds of bells and gongs reached Pradhan’s ears and he couldn’t resist and subconsciously started walking towards Dwarkamai.  He never knew that this will not just take him to Dwarkamai but on a spiritual journey where Sai Baba is the destination. He reached Dwarkamai and quietly sat in one coner. Mr. Pradhan was in a state of complete trance. He was totally  immersed in Sai Baba’s love. Just then Sai Baba called him and asked him for dakshina, Prashan had rupee 2500 in his pocket he gave it all to Sai Baba. Later he realised that the money belonged to his employer as he had collected it from various debtors. Now Pradhan was a bit sad as how would he face his employer. Mr.Pradhan’s friend told him not to worry Sai Baba would take care of everything.

Pradhan left for Bhivpuri from Shirdi, as he reached kopergaon he realised he didn’t have enough money to pay for the horse-cart. Suddenly an unknown man arrived out of nowhere and paid for Pradhan’s horse-cart and also bought him a ticket for mumbai. Mr. Pradhan was astonished at these course of events. He then reached his home. Since he was guilty of facing his employer he sent a message for his employer that he was unwell and would resume his join once he recovered. His employer sent back a message approving his leave and also asking him that why had he sent double the amount of debt collected. Pradhan’s shock knew no bounds, he immediately realised it was all Sai Baba’s leela.

After this incident Mr. Pradhan became a staunch devotee of Sai Baba. He would visit Shirdi quite often to seek Sai Baba’s darshan. Whenever Pradhan visited Shirdi he would always ask Sai Baba to visit his home in Bhivpuri. Once in 1916 Sai Baba gave Mr. Pradhan his statue and asked him to built a Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Bhivpuri. Pradhan forgot about this once he returned, then on his next visit to Shirdi, Sai Baba asked him” why do you  come here, when I’am residing in your house. Go back and do as I had told you”. Mr. Pradhan returnrd to Bhivpuri and followed Sai Baba’s instructions and built Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Bhivpuri. Mr. Pradhan’s son-in-law, Shri VV Gupte had a major contribution towards the develpoment of this temple.

🌷SRI SATCHIDANANDA SADGURU SAINATH MAHARAJ KI JAI 🌷

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Daily Schedule

Daily Programs

Time	Programme
04:00 AM	Temple Open
04:15 AM	Bhupali
04:30 AM – 05:00 AM	Kakad Aarti (Morning)
05:00 AM	Bhajan in Sai Baba Mandir
05:05 AM	Holy Bath of Shri Sai Baba (Mangal Snaan) in Samadhi Mandir
05:35 AM	Aarti “Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur“
05:40 AM	Darshan begins in Samadhi Mandir
11:30 AM	Dhuni Pooja with Rice and Ghee in Dwarkamai
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM	Mid Day Aarti
04:00 PM	Pothi (Devotional Reading/Study) in Samadhi Mandir
At Sunset (20 Min.)	Dhoop Aarti
08:30 -10.00 PM	Devotional Songs in Samadhi Mandir & Cultural Programmes (if any)
09:00 PM	Chavadi and Gurusthan Closes
09:30 PM	In Dwarkamai water is offered to Baba, A mosquito net is hung & the hanging lamp is lit.
09:45 PM	Dwarkamai (the upper part) closes
10:30 – 10:50 PM	Shej (night) Aarti, After Aarti, A shawl is wrapped around the statue in the Samadhi Mandir, A Rudraksha mala is put around baba’s neck, Mosquito net is hung, and a glass of water kept there.
11:15 PM	Samadhi Mandir closes after night Arati

Abhishek Pooja Timings

First Batch	07:00 AM To 08:00 AM
Second Batch	09:00 AM To 10:00 AM
Third Batch*	11:00 AM To 12:00 AM

* Depends on Crowd

Note: Amount payable for Abhishek Pooja is Rs 101/- only

Satyananarayan Pooja Timings

First Batch	07:00 AM To 08:00 AM
Second Batch	09:00 AM To 10:00 AM
Third Batch	11:00 AM To 12:00 AM
Fourth Batch*	01:00 PM To 02:00 PM
Fifth Batch*	03:00 PM To 04:00 PM

*Depends on the crowd

Palanquin Program is arranged on Every Thursday at 09:15 PM

Darshan Line will be Closed During

After Noon Aarti	11:15 AM To 01:00 PM
After Shej Aarti	10:00 PM Onwards
Before Dhup Aarti	Half Hour Before Aarti

Shri SaiBaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi : Important Help Line Numbers

Department	Phone Number
Security Office	02423 258888
Saibaba Hospital	02423 258666
Sainath Hospital	02423 258555
Announcement Room	02423 258928
Ambulance	02423 258666
	02423 258555
Police Station, Shirdi	02423 255133
Nagar Panchayat,Shirdi	02423 255150
Fire Fighter,Shirdi	02423 255150
	02423 256844

10 miraculous lessons from Sai Satcharita

These 10 miraculous lessons from Sai Satcharita will transform your life

Who is Sai Baba?

A 16-year-old walked to Shirdi and then became a saint who lovingly fulfills all the wishes of his devotees. Guiding, protecting and acting through his devotees, he manifests 'Grace' and is an incarnation of the formless omnipresent Divine! He is Saibaba of Shirdi.

Miracles of Sai Baba

Commonly known as Sai Baba, he has a large number of devotees and is revered as an incarnation of God by his devotees. He lived and spent most of his life in Shirdi, a small village in Maharashtra, which now has become one of the most-visited pilgrimages in India.

Miracles of Sai Baba

His ways of bestowing grace are unknown, but his devotees experience his miracles all the time.

What is Sai Satcharita?

Sai satcharitra is the holy book that helps devotees to learn how baba lived his simple life before he attained mukthi in 1918. Reading about his life helped devotes to learn how he works in moulding people's character and life . It’s something to be felt by one’s own relationship and bond with baba who alone can understand how a true saint can act on him or her. Take a look at the lessons from Sai Satcharita that will change your vision of looking life...

Lesson 1

"Be wherever you like, do whatever you choose, remember this well that all what you do is known to Me. I am the Inner Ruler of all and seated in their hearts. I am the mother - origin of all beings - the Harmony of three Gunas, the propeller of all senses, the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. Nothing will harm him, who turns his attention towards Me, but Maya will lash or whip him who forgets Me. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world, is My Body or Form".

Lesson 2

"There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding food and clothes, in any devotees’ homes. It is my special characteristic, that I always look to, and provide, for the welfare of those devotees, who worship Me whole-heartedly with their minds ever fixed on Me. The form of the Deity should be firmly fixed in the mind. Let all the senses and mind be ever devoted to the worship of the Lord, let there be no attraction for any other thing; fix the mind in remembering Me always, so that it will not wander elsewhere, towards body, wealth and home. Then it will be calm, peaceful and care-free."

Lesson 3

"Those who are fortunate and whose demerits have vanished; take to my worship. If you always say 'Sai, Sai' I shall take you over the seven seas; believe in these words, and you will be certainly benefited. I do not need any paraphernalia of worship - either eight-fold or sixteen-fold. I rest there where there is full devotion".

Lesson 4

"Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. if any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them, with due respect. Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and your verandah (courtyard) to strangers for sitting and resting."

Lesson 5

"If you spread your palms with devotion before me, I am immediately with you, day and night. though, i am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the seven seas. go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you."

Lesson 6

"He, who attain the supreme goal of life, is immortal and happy; all others merely exist."

Lesson 7

"For seeing brahman (realizing the self) one has to give five things, (i.e. surrender five things) (1) five pranas (vital forces), (2) five senses (five of action and five of perception), (3) mind, (4) intellect and (5) ego. this path of brahma-jnana of self-realization is ‘as hard as to tread on the edge of a razor."

Lesson 8

"My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship me, who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows me thus."

Lesson 9

“God lives in all beings and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions. He is the great wirepuller of the world, and all beings, serpents, scorpions etc. obey his command. Unless he will it, nobody can do any harm to others. The world is all dependent on him, and no one is independent. So we should take pity and love all creatures, leave off adventurous fights and killings and be patient. The lord (god) is the protector of all."

Lesson 10

"To get the knowledge (realization) of the self,
dhyana (meditation) is necessary. If you practice it continuously, the vrittis (thoughts) will be pacified. Being quite desire less, you should meditate on the lord, who is in all the creatures, and when the mind is concentrated, the goal will be achieved."

Jai Sai Ram ....🙏

BABA HELPED SHRI NANASAHEB CHANDORKAR BY PERMITTING HIM BY HIS FATHER TO HAVE BABA AS HIS GURU

BABA HELPED SHRI NANASAHEB CHANDORKAR BY PERMITTING HIM BY HIS FATHER TO HAVE BABA AS HIS GURU

Sri Nanasaheb Chandorkar got into a fix in certain family matters. His father Govind Rao Chandorkar was also a Deputy Collector like his son and stayed in a house built by himself at Kalyan. Lately some unpleasantness had grown between him and the local musalmans and so he had ordered all the members of his family to desist from having any connection whatsoever with musalmans in general. 

When Nanasaheb happened to return home, he was informed of what had happened and his father's stand­ing order about having no musalman connections. Nana was puzzled. He was prepared to give up all connecti­ons with Musalmans, but he was not prepared to dis­associate himself from Baba. If his father took Baba to be a Musalman naturally he would expect Nana to give up Sai Baba. 

This embarrassed Nana So he spoke to his father about his connection with Sai Baba. In the meanwhile Baba had already given proper turn to his father's mind in the matter. So at once he said to Nana "My Guru is Sakharam Maharaj" but your Guru is not Sakharam Maharaj. So even if Shri Sai Baba may really be a Mohammadian.

He is your Guru and you may most willingly continue to Him without the least objec­tion from me". On hearing this Nana Saheb was over­joyed and heartily thanked Baba for the happy solution of the puzzle he had to face.

Surrender Shri Sai Completely !!. Stupendous Delectation and Deliverance be there !!

List of 108 Lord Shiva Temples to rectify all doshams or sins and attain bliss -- Parihara Sthalangal

Below is the List of 108 Sivan Temples which is also known as parihara sthalangal to rectify all doshams or sins and attain bliss.

1)      Thiru kudanthai                – to get rid of sins in previous births

2)      Thiru chirappali                 – to get rid of troubles

3)      Thiru nallaru                       – to get rid of all miseries and troubles

4)      Thiru vidai marudhur      – to get rid of mental problems

5)      Thiruvadudhurai               – to gain wisdom

6)      Thiru maraikadu               – to do better in studies

7)      Thiru thillai                          – to attain salvation

8)      Thiru navallur                     – to get rid of fear of death

9)      Thiruvaroor                        – to get rid of curse upon the family

10)   Thirunagai(Nagapatinam)- to get rid of sarpa dhosham

11)   Thirukanchi(kanchipuram)- to attain eternal salvation

12)   Thiruvannamalai               – to get all your desires come true

13)   Thirunellika                         – to get rid of sins in your previous births

14)   Thiruchenkodu                                 – to attain happiness  in married life

15)   Thiruvanchiam                  – to get rid of fear of Lord Yeman

16)   Thirukarukavur                 – to protect the foetus

17)   VaitheeswaranTemple  – cures all disease

18)   Thiru kodikarai                  – to get rid of Brahma dhosham

19)   Thiru Kalambur                 – to obtain fortune

20)   Thiru kudavayil                  – to pray for the soul rest in peace

21)   Thiru sikkal (Sikkal)          – to obtain courage and valor

22)   Thiru senggattankudi     – to obtain success in all court cases and legal issues

23)   Thiru kandeeswaram     – incurable wounds gets cured

24)   Thirukarukkudi(maruthanallur) – to get rid of family worries

25)   Thiru karuvaeli                  – to get rid of poverty, and also for child birth

26)   Thiru valunthoor              – to get rid of all your sins in all the births

27)   Thiru chatthi mutram     – to obtain married life

28)   Thiru paraithurai(trichy)                – to get happiness for those who lost life due to arrogance and pride

29)   Thiru nedunkalam(trichy)- to get rid of endless miseries

30)   Thiru verumbur(trichy)  -happiness for those who were suffering with authorities

31)   Thiru painjili (trichy)        – to get rid of fear of death

32)   Thiru vaiyyaru                    – to get rid of Agni dhosham

33)   Thiru vaikavur                    – to do archanai with “vilvam” leaf and get rid of sins

34)   Thiru kanchanur               – to get rid of marriage dhoshams

35)   Thiru mangalakudi(suryan temple) – to get child birth

36)   Thiru manancheri             – to get married without any trouble

37)   Thiru millai vayil                – to get rid of Chandra dhosham

38)   Thiru venkadu                   – to get of all dhoshams committed in previous births, to excel in studies

39)   Thirunelveli                        – to get rid of Brahmin sins

40)   Thiru kuttralam                 – to obtain salvation

41)   Thiru valavai (Madurai) – those who reside in southern direction and those with star dhoshams

42)   Thiru paramkundram     – for those who do not know how and where to live

43)   Thiru vadanai                     – to get rid of great sins

44)   Thiru muruganpoondi    – to get rid of dhoshams for mentally retarded people

45)   Thiru padhiri puli              – to get rid of dhosham where the child is separated from the mother

46)   Thiruvakkarai                     – to get rid of all dhoshams done by black magic

47)   Thiruverkaadu                   – to get rid of sins done in business

48)   Thiru mayillapur                – to get rid of dhoshams done by 3 generations

49)   Thiruarasili (olinthiyam patu)- to get rid of dhoshams done due to lust

50)   Thiru valankadu                – to get rid of dhosham committed due to unnecessary scandals

51)   Thiruvettipuram(seiyyaru) – to attain wisdom

52)   Thirupanamkadu              – to get rid of family bondage

53)   Thiruvooral (thakolam)  – to get rid of sins caused due to torturing animals or human

54)   Thiru pachoor                    – to get rid of family worries

55)   Thiru vennai nallur           – to get rid of ancestoral dhoshams

56)   Thiruvathigai                      – to get good wife

57)   Thiruvandaar kovil           – to attain salvation

58)   Thirumoodhu Kundram (viruthachalam) – to get rid of great sins committed

59)   Thirukaruvoor(karur)     -  to get rid of sins done by harming cow

60)   Thirupandi (Kodumudi) – to get rid of pithru(ancestor) dhosham  and curses of dead

61)   Thirukodunkundram(pran malai) – to get rid of next birth

62)   Thirupuhaloor                   – to get rid of sins caused by disrespecting elders

63)   Thirukokarnam (Karnataka) – to get rid of deva dhosham

64)   Thiruthonipuram (sirkazhi) – to get rid of curse on the family

65)   Thiruvaitheeswarankovil – to get rid of all diseases and also angarahan dhosham

66)   Thirukaruppariyaloor      – to get rid of sins committed done to ones guru

67)   Thirupananthal                                 – to get rid of sins caused by misbehaving with others wife

68)   Thirupurambayam           – to get rid of fear of death

69)   Thiru neithanam               – to attain heaven

70)   Thiruvanaika kovil            – to get rid of fate

71)   Thiru vedthikudi               – to get rid of dhoshams done by egoistic people

72)   Thiruvalanchuli                  – to get rid of poverty

73)   Thiru nageswaram           – to get rid of curse of the snake(sarpa sabam)

74)   Thiru naheswara swamy – to get rid of navagraha dhosham

75)   Thiru nallam                       – to get rid of dhosham caused by abusing the Vedas

76)   Thiruthelicheri                   – to get rid of surya (sun) dhosham

77)   Thiruchemberin palli       – those who belong to Veerabadhran lineage should worship here

78)   Thiruthalachankadu        – to get rid ofdhosham caused by the curse of the slaves

79)   Thiruvanniyur              – those who have lord Somaskandar as their family deity should worship

80)   Thiru nannalam                 – to get wisdom

81)   Thiruramanatheechuram (thiru kannapuram)-wife whose activities are suspected by their

husband should worship here

82)   Thirumarukal                     – husband and wife to live happily

83)   Thiruchikkal                        – to get rid of enmity of partners

84)   Thirucherai                         – to live a happy married life

85)   Thirukonali (thirukuvalai) – to get rid of navagraha dhoshams

86)   Thiru vaimoor                    – those who have Sevvai (chevvai) dhosham should worship here

87)   Thirunellika                         – to excel in studies

88)   Thiru vendurai(vandurai) – to get rid of poverty

89)   Thiru kadikulam                                – to get rid of all problems

90)   Thiru alangudi                    – to get rid of puthra dhosham

91)   Kottaram                             – to obtain peace of mind

92)   Thittai                                   – to get rid of Chandra dhosham

93)   Pasupathi kovil                  – those who have Raghu(Rahu) dhosham should worship here

94)   Kottaiyoor                           – to get rid of all the sins

95)   Omampuliyoor                  – to get rid of Sani dhosham

96)   Tharumapuram                 – to get rid of sins committed by disrespecting devotees of Lord Siva

97)   Mayiladudhurai                                – to get rid of all sins

98)   Uthirakosa Mangai          – to get rid of ill fate

99)   Rameswaram                    – to get rid of Pithru dhosham

100)Kalaiyar Kovil                     – to get the benefit of this birth

101)Pennadam                         – to get rid of dhosham of previous births

102) Rajendrappattinam       – to get rid of sins from previous births

103) Avinasiyappar                  – to get rid of sins caused by 7 generations

104) Kuranganil muttam        – to obtain success in all you do

105) Bavani                                 – to get rid of pithru dhosham

106) Aachanpuram                  – to get desired married life

107) Aadudhurai                       – to get rid of Dthrishti dhosham

108) Sankaran Kovil                 – to get rid of Sarpa dhosham

👆🏻As received.. 🙏🏻

How "Tuesday" become "Mangalvar"?

How "Tuesday" become "Mangalvar"?

In the Rama Katha Rasa Vahini, Swami explains how Mangalwar came into being. 

When Ravana is vanquished, Rama sends Hanuman to break the good news to Mother Sita. She is so happy, and says, “I don't know what gift to give you Hanuman. You have brought such wonderful news for me.”

Hanuman says, “Mother, you are so happy. What other happiness do I need in all the three worlds?”

Then Mother Sita says, “Hanuman, I don't know what I can give you but I grant you this boon: Since you have brought me such great news on this day, from this day onwards, let this day of the week be known as Mangalvar – the auspicious day.”

Jai sairam

Very Rare sitting posture of an Elephant!!!

Elephant " Akila "of Thiruvanaikaval temple, Tamil nadu. Sitting . Very very rare to see an elephant in this sitting posture.👇

www.shiridisaibaba.in

Bhau Rajaram Ambika’s Transfer

II  Sai Ram ll 

Leela 4

Bhau Rajaram Ambika’s Transfer

Bhau Rajaram Ambika resided in Vaduz (Satara District) and worked in the Primary Health Center, in the Department of Primary Health and Immunization. One day, he received an order stating that he was being transferred to Nasik District.Bhau was quite unhappy about it, because in those days, transportation was limited. He would have to ride on a horse and the distance to be traversed was long. The officers in charge were British and a request for a stay or change was futile as they would not pay any heed to it. Now Bhau was in turmoil and didn’t know what to do. Around that time he heard about Baba’s divinity and benevolence, so he decided to visit Shirdi.Bhau thought he would tell all his problems to Baba,give him two paise as dakshina, and return after Baba had solved his problem.

Upon reaching Shirdi, he entered the Dwarka Mai and saw Baba seated in a corner. There was an earthen pot (kolomba) in front of him, in which someone had kept a few bhakris (unleavened bread made from Sorghum or Millet). Baba and two mongrel dogs were contentedly having their meal from it. Bhau was aghast to see this and he thought, “People pronounce him to be a great saint and here he is eating food with those slobbering dogs. Now that I have come here, I should prostrate and leave.” 

Baba turned and looked at Bhau and said, “Give me my two paise immediately.” As Bhau was giving Baba the two paise he was thinking, “After all it seems Baba is really a great saint as he is omnipresent and knows that I had decided to give him two paise prior to leaving Vaduz.” Almost as if Bhau’s thoughts were spoken aloud Baba replied, “Whether I am a great saint, or I eat the scraps with slobbering dogs, how does it concern you? You came for darshan (pilgrimage to see a divine saint or a deity) and you had your darshan (auspicious viewing).Here, have a piece of bhakri and leave.” As Baba said this, he took a piece of bhakri from his kolomba and threw it at Bhau.Bhau asked Baba, “Baba when should I come again to have your darshan?” Baba replied, “Why would you want to come again? Whatever darshan you want, have it right now.” 

Bhau had no choice, so he left. On his way back, he kept wondering why Baba didn’t ask him to return. Upon joining his duty he found an order cancelling his transfer to Nasik, along with an order to return to Vaduz immediately.

Now he understood why Baba had asked, “Why would you want to return again?”, as Baba had already granted his wish.Unfortunately Bhau does not state in which year he went to Shirdi. 

Baba is omniscient, and knows what Bhau has come for. He is omnipresent and is even present in slobbering mongrels. Baba by his omnipotence, had cancelled Bhau’s transfer orders. 

“He is the fear, cause of fear, and the destroyer of fear.” Hence he is called “Bhutakrut Bhayanasana”. He knows all the “happenings” as he himself is the reason for it, and is the happening that is the action and the result.

Ref.: Prasad, Volume 33, No. 9, August 1979, narrated by Shashikant P. Ambika.

Source : Baba's Divine Manifestations by Vinny Chitluri

Value of Labour

II Sai Ram ll 

Leela 16

Value of Labour

It was the month of May in 1946, when Vasant Pradhan and his friend visited Shirdi. That evening there was a pleasant breeze and the heat of the day had tapered off. So both the friends walked through the village, hoping to find an aged villager who might have met Baba and could tell them some leela or interesting anecdote. They walked through the narrow alleys and soon found an aged Muslim gentleman. He was seated on a stone, smoking a bidi. Vasant said, “Baba, are you a resident 

of Shirdi?” The man nodded eagerly. Then Vasant requested him to tell them about Baba and any experience that he may have had. Unfortunately that elderly gentleman’s name is not mentioned.

 He said, “I used to sit near Baba and puff on his chillum. Every day I would go to his durbar and carefully listen to what he said. Baba had a strange way of talking whenever he had something to tell a particular devotee, he would look at someone else and give his message or advice. Hence the person that he looked at was perplexed, but the devotee that it was meant for listened to it carefully and with concentration.Then he would fall at Baba’s feet, and heed his advice. 

Every day Baba would distribute vast amounts of money. He gave 5, 10, 50 and even 100 rupees to the devotees seated there. However, he never ever gave me any money. I owned a small farm and eked a living from it. One day, I accosted Baba and said, “Baba you liberally distribute money to all your devotees. I am exceedingly poor and yet you never give me a single pie.” Where upon Baba said, “Arre! Why do you want money? Your farm has a pot of gold in it.” The next day I carefully ploughed my field, put adequate manure in it and planted the seeds. 

Every day I worked diligently with Baba’s words ringing in my ears. Time rolled on and I never did find the pot of gold; however by my hard labour, every time I had an abundant harvest. Soon I was able to buy three of the adjacent fields. Now I am quite affluent, and along the way I learned that by constantly remembering Baba and working diligently you are bound to be successful. Years later I told Baba that I still hadn’t found the pot of gold. He laughed and said, “Continue trying.” Thus Baba’s words came true as I am now affluent and happy. Baba taught me that my hard labour and his grace can together yield a bountiful harvest.” 

Vasant also learned a lesson from this story. In chapter 19 of Shri Sai Satcharita, Hemadpant writes: “You put forth your best effort and work hard; I am there with a cup of milk standing right behind you. And if you don’t work hard don’t expect me to be standing with a cup of milk.”

Baba taught the illiterate and the literate devotee spiritual wisdom in such a simplified manner, that Baba was present in everything and is omnipresent. 

Ref.: Sai Prasad Magazine, Deepavali issue, 1992.

Source: Baba's Divine Manifestations by Vinny

Kashibai Kanitker’s Visit to Shirdi

II Sai Ram ll 

Leela 17

Kashibai Kanitker’s Visit to Shirdi

 Kashibai was born in 1861, in a wealthy Brahmin family in the town of Ashte in Sangli district. At the age of 9 she was married to Govind Vasudev Kanitker who was 7 years older than her.She had no formal education, but on account of her husband’s encouragement she learned to read and write. Kashibai soon mastered Marathi, Sanskrit and English.Kashibai was a prolific writer and received many accolades for both her fiction and non-fiction novels. She wrote the biography of Dr. Anandibai Joshi, the first lady doctor in India who received her education in the United States. It is read even to this day by scholars and aspiring doctors. Kashibai’s talent was a gift from God, as no other member of her family had that kind of writing skill. 

 Kashibai was fortunate to visit Shirdi numerous times, and Baba loved and respected her a lot. In her autobiography, she has written about her frequent visits to Shirdi. In 1899 her daughter Krishnabai was unwell, as she had had a mishap.The bullock cart in which she was riding overturned and she sustained a head injury. The wound on her scalp failed to heal even after the best possible treatment was given. Following this, she had frequent bouts of headaches, dizziness and numerous other problems. In 1901 Krishnabai returned to Ahmednagar where her in-laws resided, and was treated there. Despite the treatment, her symptoms continued relentlessly. Then Krishnabai got treated in Mumbai, Pune and Alibaug, without any respite. So Kashibai and her family went to Ahmednagar to look after her. 

 One day Nana Sahib Chandorkar visited them. Nana said, “You have tried all kinds of doctors, taken her for treatment to renowned hospitals, but every modality of treatment has failed. 

Krishnabai has not improved a smidgen and is getting worse by the day. Now listen to what I have to say. Near Kopergaon there is a village named Shirdi where a wondrous saint called Sai Baba resides. I will give you a little Udi of his which is a ‘cure-all’. This should be applied to her forehead and taken internally. She will definitely be rid of her problems. Thereafter do go and pay your respects to Baba.” Chandorkar then gave a glowing account of Baba’s divinity. However, Krishnabai in-laws and Kashibai’s family didn’t believe in these things, thus they didn’t use the Udi and didn’t go to Shirdi. 

A short while later, Kashibai’s husband Govind got transferred to Dhule, where they stayed for a year. During this period they had quite forgotten Baba’s name. The Kanitkers then moved to Malegaon, and then to Yevola, where Kashibai heard about Baba from the advocates that came from Ahmednagar to meet her husband. They spoke about Baba’s compassion and divinity, and asked Govind to go and meet him. A few days later she found a picture of Baba lying on the table. No one had given them the picture, nor had anyone sent the picture by post to them. Nevertheless, the thought of going to Shirdi didn’t occur to them. 

Govind Kanitker then visited Kopergaon on his tour of  duty and at that time they all visited Shirdi. Immediately after Govind Kanitker finished his work in Kopergaon, he was transferred to Rahata. As Rahata was the neighbouring village, they frequently visited Shirdi. Kashibai says, “These days where they have the Chavadi procession (South-facing Chavadi), that Chavadi was converted into a kitchen and we cooked our meals there. The Marathi school (now the Sai complex) was where we slept at night.” 

Kashibai says, “In those days Baba would accept no more than two paise as dakshina. With that money he purchased wood for his Dhuni throughout the day. He always paid the vendor 6 paise for it. Whether the vendor sold him 5 sticks of wood or the trunk of a huge tree, he would be paid no more than 6 paise. No matter how many times the cart came bringing wood, Baba never failed to purchase it, and the wood would be stacked against the rear wall of the Sabha Mandap.”.        

    

In her autobiography, she writes about the incident of Baba returning the dakshina to her husband. “Prior to visiting Shirdi I had heard that Baba used the money given as dakshina to purchase fire-wood for his Dhuni. I liked the idea immensely as each devotee would receive a fistful of Udi from his Dhuni.So I had brought a large amount of change (coins) with me. 

Every day I gave everyone the same denomination of coins to offer to Baba. On the last day I ran out of change so I gave everyone a different denomination of coin to offer. My daughter Banutai came to receive her money and said, ‘Mother why are you giving everyone different coins? Give everyone a coin of the same value.’ I replied, ‘I have run out of coins of the same denomination, and now there is no time to go and get change as it’s getting late. Just give what you have in your hand, and go and sit in the cart. Besides, for the past 4 days didn’t we give the same amount to Baba? That is enough.’ Then my husband and his entourage went to meet Baba. First the sepoy, the bailiff, and other officers went and offered their respects and dakshina. Then my children and other relatives gave dakshina. 

Following them my husband prostrated at Baba’s feet and gave him dakshina. Then Baba put his hand under the sack that he sat on and took out the money and returned all the money that was offered by the family. Thus my husband got proof of Baba’s omnipresence, but I felt hurt and sad. So I said, ‘Baba don’t you want to buy wood for the Dhuni?’ Then Baba repeated the same words that I had said to my daughter, ‘Didn’t you give me money for the past 4 days? That is enough.’” Thus, Kashibai also got an experience of Baba’s omnipresence. 

On Kashibai’s first visit to Shirdi while they were travelling from Kopergaon, she thought, “How does one recognise a true saint? I am quite naive about this. And I don’t know anything about this.” Then she remembered when she was young, she along with her parents had gone to Akkalkot. There they met Swami Samarth and paid homage to him. So mentally she decided that if Baba was like Swami Samarth then she would have faith in him. Kashibai and her family then went to the Dwarkamai and prostrated at Baba’s feet. However her eldest son Madhavrao and her son-in-law Gangadhar Panth Dabholkar were late in coming. When they went to the Dwarkamai, Baba had just returned from his bhiksha rounds and was seated near the railing. Just as they ascended the steps of the Dwarkamai, both of them saw Swami Samartha seated there. A short while later they saw Baba seated there. Afterwards they narrated this wonderful experience to her. Thus Kashibai got the answer that she was looking for, though unfortunately she was unable to see this leela. 

Thereafter Kashibai became ardently devoted to Baba and she frequently visited Shirdi and had wonderful experiences.

Ref.: Shri Sai Sagar, Volume 12, No. 3, Deepavali issue 2012

Source : Baba's Divine Manifestations by Vinny Chitluri

Baba’s Divine Manifestations -- Kashibai Kanitker & Shirdi Sai Baba

Kashibai Kanitker

Once, when Govind V. Kanitker was working in Yevola, he took his family to Shirdi. Prior to their departure from Yevola, Govind had hired a tonga for the to and fro journey from Shirdi. On that visit, Shama and his children accompanied them to the Dwarkamai. As soon as Baba saw them, he turned to Govind and said, “Now where do you think you are going? You will go alone from here at 2 a.m.” Kashibai realised that they would have to stay that night there. So they stayed in the old Marathi shala. Around midnight an officer from Yevola came to meet Govind, and handed him a telegram. The telegram was from his brother Chintu saying, “Mother is seriously ill,” and asked him to come soon. As Govind had to leave, Kashibai packed his bags for him and he left at 2 a.m., exactly as Baba had said.

The next day, Kashibai packed her bags and got ready to leave. When they went to Baba to ask for permission to leave, he refused. So they sat in the Dwarkamai. Baba said, “Time and again he promised to go and meet her, but procrastinated every single time. Now the telegram has come. Someone is sick, but the symptoms are present in someone else.” Baba literally said, “Who has the ailment, and who has the symptoms.” No one could understand what Baba was saying or to whom. Kashibai returned to her room, and Baba sent a platter full of burfis so she could break her ekadashi fast with them.

When the Kanitkar's returned to the Dwarkamai, Baba was getting ready to prepare some shira. Baba said, “Would anyone like to eat shira?” Immediately, the thought cropped up in Kashibai’s mind, “How to eat the shira prepared by a Muslim?” Concurrently Baba put both his hands over his ears and said, “Arre! I am not trying to desecrate or defile anyone’s religious beliefs. It is good, and if anyone desires to eat the shira they may do so.” Then Baba got up and washed the plates, wiped them, and filled the plates with piping hot shira from his handi. Thereafter Kashibai’s sister and other family members, including her children, started eating the shira. After a while, Kashibai requested Baba for permission to leave, but he was silent. At that moment Dada Kelkar came to the Dwarkamai. Pointing to Kashibai, Baba said, “She is my mother, and has come here from far away. She has observed the fast for ekadashi, so she and her family are hungry. Can’t you prepare some bhakri and feed her and the children? Thus your soul will be satisfied.” Hearing this, Dada Kelkar requested them to join him for lunch.

That day Kashibai received a letter from her husband saying that his mother was alright. However, his sister Gangu had severe labour pains, and had delivered a baby girl that night. Then Kashibai understood why Baba had said, “Someone is sick, but the symptoms are present in someone else.”

In 1906, the Kanitkers visited Shirdi again. On that occasion Baba had wrapped his finger with a dirty, oily strip of cloth. Kashibai mentally wondered what had happened to Baba’s finger. Simultaneously Baba said, “My finger got burnt, so I bandaged it.” And he unwrapped the bandage and showed her his finger that had turned whitish in colour. Later she heard that Madhavnath Maharaj of Nasik had burnt his finger and Baba had taken the burns upon himself.

On that visit, the villagers claimed that there was a rabid dog in Shirdi, and they tried to kill it with steel rods and sticks. They chased it around the village, until finally the dog took refuge in the Dwarkamai and sat behind Baba. The villagers cautioned Baba saying, “Baba, don’t touch that dog; it is rabid and will bite you.” Baba angrily drove the villagers away. The dog rested behind Baba for a short while and went away. Thereafter, it freely roamed about without any symptoms of rabies; nor did it attack or bite anyone.

Ref.: Shri Sai Sagar, Volume 12, No. 3, Diwali issue, 2012.

Source : Baba’s Divine Manifestations by Vinny Chitluri

God comes to earth in form of Guru

Once Guru and God arrive at a devotee's home. He came out and fell in their feet. When he went to God's feet, God said wait, first you should bow down to Guru.

When devotee went to guru's feet, guru said I have brought God to your home go and bow down to God first. Devotee returned to God's feet, then God said, your Guru has brought God in your life, he has told you Path to me, so first go to guru's feet. Devotee went back to guru's feet, then Guru said. I only have told you the path to divinity. But God has made you. Isn't it?! So go and bow down to God first.

Then he went back to God's feet. God said wait. This is all right but i want to tell you about God's and Guru's principle. In God's principle, i have justice system. If you do good deeds you get good return, good karma will take you to heavens, will yield liberation, you will get good life but if you do bad karma it will yield only bad results. You get punished, you go to hell, you will be stuck and your soul will suffer.

But see Guru principle, Guru is very innocent. When you go to Guru. How so ever you are, in whatever state you are. Whatever your karma's are. Guru will embrace you. Guru will purify you and brings you to my feet. That's why Guru never pushes away anyone. Guru only polishes you and bring you to divinity.

*So I always come to earth in form of Guru.

True well-wisher is one who talks about your Weaknesses in front of you and Proudly talks about your Strengths in front of others..!

Why do we have brakes in a Car?

Why do we have brakes in a Car? 

The answer will blow your mind...

Someone asked, "Why do we have brakes in a car"?

Varied answers were received, like,

"To stop", 

"To reduce speed",

"To avoid collision" etc., 

but the best answer was, 

"To enable you to drive faster" 

Give it a thought. It's true but seldom such smart out of box thinking is done,  much less appreciated. 

It's because of brakes that we can dare to accelerate, dare to go fast and reach destinations we desire. 

At various points in life, we find our parents,teachers, mentors, friends and spouse etc. questioning your progress, direction or decision. We consider them as irritants or consider such inquiries as "brakes" to our ongoing work. 

But, remember, it's because of such questions (read periodical brakes) that you have managed to reach where you are today. Without brakes, you could have skid, lost direction or gone astray or met with an unfortunate accident  !!!.  

Learn to appreciate the 'brakes' in your life.

Use them wisely....

Lord Narasimha behind Chakrathalwar

Within the Sri Vaishnavite tradition, the belief is that all aspects of Lord Vishnu are expansions or emanations of the Lord himself. This belief is peculiar to SriVaishnavism, and not reflected within other Vaishnavite traditions, such as Madhva tattvavada, and so forth.

In any case, according to the Sri Vaishnavite philosophy, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Panchajanya, Garuda, Ananta Shesha, etc, are all expansions of Vishnu.

The Sudarshana Chakra is represented as a 16 handed form of Vishnu, and is the main implement of Vishnu's justice. The Sudarshana derives its energy from Yoga Narasimha, the form of Vishnu in anger. The other forms of Narasimha, such as Laxmi Narasimha or Narasimha with Prahlada, are understood to be calm and benevolent. This leaves Ugra Narasimha, which is thought to be too angry to worship.

Also according to Aagama Sastras - there is a need for Sudarshana Azhwar to be always backed up by some form of energy. Ideally it is supposed to be a "Simha Moorthy"- any simha moorthy for that matter - for the same purposes as mentioned that the Sudarshana derives his energy from Yoga Narasimha - although no mention has been made of the Avatar. It has been put into practice by our acharyas and guru's who decided to modify the aagama slightly that Narasimha would be the most apt moorthy behind the Sudarshana Azhwar.

சக்கரத்தாழ்வார் பின்னால் நரசிம்மர் இருப்பது ஏன்?

திருமாலின் கையிலுள்ள சக்கரத்தை சக்கரத்தாழ்வார் என்பர். பக்தர்களின் துன்பம் தீர்க்க  திருமாலால் ஏவப்படும்  ஆயுதம் இது. சக்கரத்தை வழிபட்டால் துன்பம் உடனடியாக நீங்கும் என்பது ஐதீகம். பக்தனான பிரகலாதனைக் காக்க திருமால் நரசிம்மராக அவதரித்தார். தாயின் கருவில் இருந்து வராததால், இந்த அவதாரத்தை அவசரத் திருக்கோலம் என்பர். நாளை என்பது நரசிம்மனுக்கு கிடையாது என்று  குறிப்பிடுவர். துன்பத்தில் இருந்து விடுபட்டு உடனடியாக நற்பலன் உண்டாக  சக்கரத்தையும், நரசிம்மரையும் ஒருசேர வழிபடுவது சிறப்பு.  இதன் அடிப்படையில் கோவில்களில் சக்கரத்தாழ்வாரையும், நரசிம்மரையும் முன்னும் பின்னுமாக வைத்து சன்னிதி எழுப்புவர்.