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Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter I Salutations — The Story of Grinding Wheat and Its Significance. According to the ancient and revered custom, Hemadpant the work, Sai Satcharitra, with various salutations. (1) First, he makes obeisance to the God Ganesha1 to obstacles and make the work a success and says that Shri Ganesha. (2) Then, to the Goddess Saraswati2 to inspire him to work and says that Shri Sai is one with this Goddess and Himself singing His own life. (3) Then, to the Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar – the Preserving and Destroying Deities respectively; and says is one with them and He as the great Teacher, will carry River of Wordly Existence. (4) Then, to his tutelary Deity Narayan Adinath who himself in Konkan – the land reclaimed by Parashurama3, Hindi version) from the sea; and to the Adi (Original) family. (5) Then, to the Bharadwaja Muni, into whose gotra (clan) was born and also to various Rishis, Yagyavalakya, Narad, Vedavyasa, Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatkumar, Shuka. Vishwamitra, Vasistha, Valmiki, Vamadeva, Jaimini, Nava Yogindra etc, and also modern Saints such as Sopan, Muktabai, Janardan, Ekanath, Namdev, Tukaram, Narahari etc. 1. God Ganesha, a son of Lord Shiva, bears the head of an of a human being. When starting anything. He is 2. Goddess of learning. 3. One of the Avtars of incarnations of God (before Lord 4. Man 2 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA (6) Then, to his grandfather Sadashiv, father Raghunath, who left him in his infancy, to his paternal aunt, who and to his loving elder brother. (7) Then, to the readers and prays them to give their undivided attention to his work. (8) And lastly, to his Guru Shri Sainath – an Incarnation Dattatreya, Who is his sole Refuge and Who will make him Brahman is the Reality and the world an illusion; and the Beings in whom the Lord God dwells. After describing in brief the various modes of devotion to Parashara, Vyasa and Shandilya etc., the author goes following story: “It was sometime after 1910 A.D. that I went, one fine to the Masjid in Shirdi for getting a darshan of Sai wonderstruck to see the following phenomenon. After mouth and face, Sai Baba began to make preparations for He spread a sack on the floor; and thereon set a some quantity of wheat in a winnowing fan, and then sleeves of His Kafni (robe); and taking hold of the peg started grinding the wheat by putting a few handfuls of upper opening of the mill and rotoated it. I thought- Baba had with the grinding of wheat, when He possessed stored nothing, and as He lived on alms!’Some people who there thought likewise, but none had the courage to ask was doing. Immediately, this news of Baba’s grinding the village, and at once men and women ran to the Masjid there to see Baba’s act. Four bold women, fro m the way up and pushing Baba aside, took forcibly the peg or their hands, and, singing Baba’s Leelas, started was enraged, but on seeing the women’s love and devotion, much pleased and began to smile. While they were to think that Baba had no house, no property, no look after, and He lived on alms, He did not require any making bread or roti, what will He do with this big Perhaps as Baba is very kind, He will distribute the Thinking in this way while singing, they finished the putting the hand-mill aside, they divided the flour into and began to remove them one per head. Baba, Who was 3 and quiet up till now, got wild and started abusing them are you gone mad? Whose father’s property are you looting Have I borrowed any wheat from you, so that you can flour? Now please do this. Take the flour and throw it on border limits.” On hearing this, the women felt abashed amongst themselves, went away to the outskirts of the the flour as directed by Baba. I asked the Shirdi people – “What was this that Baba replied that as the Cholera Epidemic was spreading in the this was Baba’s remedy against the same; it was not wheat ground but the Cholera itself was ground to pieces and village. From this time onward, the Cholera Epidemic people of the village were happy. I was much pleased to but at the same time my curiosity was also aroused. I – What earthly connection was there between wheat flour What was the casual relation between the two? and how to them? The incident seems to be inexplicable. I should on this and sing to my heart’s content Baba’s sweet in this way about this Leela, my heart was filled with thus inspired to write Baba’s Life – The Satcharita. And as we know, with Baba’s grace and blessing this work successfully accomplished. Philosophical Significance of Grinding Apart from the meaning which the people of Shirdi put on incident of grinding wheat, there is, we think, a too. Sai Baba lived in Shirdi for about sixty years and long period, He did the business of grinding almost every however, the wheat alone; but the sins, the mental and and the miseries of His innumerable devotees. The two mill consisted of Karma and Bhakti, the former being the latter the upper one. The handle with which Baba worked of Jnana. It was the firm conviction of Baba that Self-realization is not possible, unless there is the of all our impulses, desires, sins; and of the three Raja and Tama; and the Ahamkara, which is so subtle and difficult to be got rid of. This reminds us of a similar story of Kabir who seeing a CHAPTER I 4 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA grinding corn said to his Guru, Nipathiranjana, “I am
feel the agony of being crushed in this wheel of wordly the corn in the hand-mill.” Nipathiranjana replied, “Do hold fast to the handle of knowledge of this mill, as I wander far away from the same but turn inward to the are sure to be saved. Bow to Shri Sai — Peace be to all
Chapter II Object of Writing the Work – Incapacity and Boldness in – Hot Discussion – Conferring Significant and Prophetic of Hemadpant – Necessity of a Guru. In the last Chapter, the author mentioned in the original book that he would state the reason that led him to and the persons qualified to read the same and such other this chapter, he starts to tell the same. Object of Writing the Work In the first chapter, I described Sai Baba’s miracle of destroying the epidemic of Cholera by grinding wheat and flour, on the outskirts of the village. I heard other to my great delight, and this delight burst forth into also thought, that the description of these grand would be interesting, and instructive to His devotees; their sins, and so I began to write the sacred life and Baba. The life of the saint is neither logical nor the true and great path. Incapacity and Boldness in Undertaking the Work Hemadpant thought that he was not a fit person to the work. He said, “I do not know the life of my intimate do I know my own mind, then how can I write the life of a describe the nature of Incarnations, which even the Vedas to do? One must be a saint himself, before he could other saints, then how can I describe their glory? To of a saint is the most difficult, though one may as well depth of the water of the seven seas or enclose the sky I knew, that this was the most venturous undertaking, which might expose me to ridicule. I, therefore, invoked grace. The premier poet-saint of Maharashtra, Shri Jnaneshwar has stated that the Lord loves those who write the lives the saints also have a peculiar method of their own of service, which the devotees long for, successfully 6 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA saints inspire the work, the devotee becomes only an instrument to achieve the end. For instance, in 1700 poet Mahipati aspired to write the lives of saints. and got the work done; so also in 1800 Shaka year,2 Das was accepted. The former wrote 4 works-Bhakta Vijaya, Bhakta Leelamrit and Santa Kathamrit, while the latter “Bhakta Leelamrit and Santa Kathamrit”, in which the Saints were described. In chapters 31,32,33 of Bhakta chapter 57 of Santa Kathamrit, the sweet life and are very well depicted. These have been separately Magazine, Nos. 11 and 12, Vol. 17; the readers are chapters. So also Sai Baba’s wonderful Leelas are decent book named Shri Sainath Bhajana Mala by Mrs. Raghunath Tendulkar of Bandra. Das-Ganu Maharaj also has various sweet poems on Sai Baba. A devotee named Amidas Mehta, has also published some stories of Sri Baba in Nos. of Sainath Prabha, a magazine published by Dakshina Sanstha of Shirdi, are also published. Then the question comes in, that while so many works regarding Sai Baba are should this (Satcharita) be written? and where is its The answer is plain and simple. The life of Sai Baba is and deep as the infinite ocean; and all can dive deep take out precious gems (of knowledge and Bhakti), and to the aspiring public. The stories, parables, and are very wonderful. They will give peace and happiness to who are afflicted with sorrows and heavily loaded with this worldly existence, and also bestow knowledge and in the worldly and in spiritual domains. If these which are as interesting and instructive as the Vedic to and meditated upon, the devotees will get, what they union with Brahman, mastery in eight-fold Yoga, Bliss of etc. So I thought, that I should call these stories be my best Upasana. This collection would be most simple souls, whose eyes were not blessed with Sai Baba’s So, I set aboust collecting Sai Baba’s teachings and the outcome of His boundless and natural 1. 1700 SA + 78 = 1778 A.D. A.D.+ 57 = Vikrami year 2. 1878 A.D. 7 Sai Baba, who inspired me in this matter; in fact, I at His feet, and thought that my path was clear; and that me quite happy here, and in the next world. I could not myself ask Sai Baba to give me permission for work; so I requested Mr. Madhavrao Deshpande alias Shama, most intimate devotee, to speak to Him for me. He pleaded and said to Sai Baba, “This Annasaheb wishes to write don’t say that You are a poor begging Fakir, and there is write it, but if You agree and help him, he will write or (grace) will accomplish the work. Without Your consent nothing can be done successfully.” When Sai Baba heard He was moved and blessed me by giving me His Udi (sacred placing His boon-bestowing hand on my head said :- “Let collection of stories and experiences, keep notes and him. He is only an outward instrument. I should write and satisfy the wishes of My devotees. He should get rid his ego, place (or surrender) it at My feet. He who acts him I help the most. What of My life-stories? I serve him all possible ways. When his ego is completely annihilated left no trace of it, I Myself shall enter into him and My own life. Hearing my stories and teachings will create hearts and they will easily get self – realization and be no insistence on establishing one’s own view, no other’s opinions, no discussions of pros and cons of any The word ‘discussion’ put me in mind of my promise to story of my getting the title of Hemadpant and now I same. I was on close friendly terms with Kakasaheb Dixit Chandorkar. They pressed me to go to Shirdi and have and I promised them to do so. But something in the which prevented me from going to shirdi. The son of a Lonavala fell ill. My friend tried all possible means, but the fever would not abate. At length he got his Guru bed-side of his son, but this too was of no avail. ëwhat was the utility of the Guru, if he could not If the Guru can’t do anything for us, why should I go to Thinking in this way, I postponed my Shirdi-trip; but the happen and it happened in my case as follows : – Mr. Chandorkar, who was a Prant Officer, was going on tour to Thana he came to Dadar and was waiting for a train bound CHAPTER II 8 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA In the meanwhile, a Bandra Local turned up. He, sat in it Bandra; and sent for me and took me to task for putting trip. Nana’s argument for my Shirdi trip was convincing and so I decided to start for Shirdi, the same night. I luggage and started for Shirdi. I planned to go to Dadar catch the train for Manmad, and so I booked myself for the train. While the train was to start, a Mahomedan came compartment and seeing all my paraphernalia, asked me bound to. I told him my plan. He then suggested that I to Boribunder, and not get down at Dadar, for the Manmad get down at Dadar at all. If this little miracle or Leela I would not have reached Shirdi next day as settled, and would have assailed me. But that was not to be. As I reached Shirdi the next day before 9 or 10 A.M. Mr. Dixit was waiting for me there. This was in 1910 A.D., only one place, viz., Sathe’s Wada for lodging pilgrim alighting from the Tonga, I was anxious to have darshana, great devotee, Tatyasaheb Noolkar returned from the that Sai Baba was at the corner of the Wada, and that I the preliminary darshana and then, after bath, see Him at this I ran and prostrated before Baba and then my joy I found more than what Nana Chandorkar had told me. All were satisfied and I forgot thirst and hunger. The moment Baba’s feet, I began a new lease of life. I felt myself those who spurred and helped me to get the darshana; and them as my real relatives, and I cannot repay their debt. them and prostrate (mentally) before them. The Baba’s darshana, as I found it, is that by His darshana changed, the force of previous actions is abated and of dispassion towards worldly objects grows up. It is by merit of actions in many past births that such darshana you see Sai Baba, really all the world becomes or assumes Sai Baba. Hot Discussion On the first day of my arrival in Shirdi, there was a between me and Balasaheb Bhate regarding the necessity of I contended, “Why should we lose our freedom and submit When we have to do our duty, why a Guru is necessary? must try his best and save himself. What can the Guru do who does nothing but sleeps indolently?” Thus I pleaded 9 while Mr. Bhate took up the other side, viz., Destiny, is bound to happen must happen; even great men have proposes one way, but God disposes the other (contrary) aside your cleverness; pride or egoism won’t help you.” with all its pros and cons went on for an hour or so, and decision was arrived at. We had to stop the discussion were exhausted. The net result of this was that I lost my and found that unless there is strong body-consciousness there would be no discussion; in other words, it is discussion. Then when we went to the Masjid with others, Baba Kakasaheb Dixit the following:- “What was going on in the (Sathe’s) Wada? What was the about?” and staring at me, Baba further added, “What did Hemadpant say?” Hearing these words, I was much surprised. The Masjid was considerable distance from Sathe’s Wada where I was the discussion was going on. How could Baba know our He be omniscient and Inner Ruler of us all? Significant and Prophetic Title I began to think why Sai Baba should call me by the Hemadpant. This word is a corrupt form of Hemadripant. Hemadripant was a wellknown Minister of the kings Mahadev Ramadev of Devgiri of the Yadav dynasty. He was very and the author of good works, such as Chaturvarga (dealing with spiritual subjects) and Rajprashasti. He new methods of accounts and was the originator of the Shorthand) script. But I was quite the opposite, an dull, mediocre intellect. So I could not understand why was conferred upon me, but thinking seriously upon it, I title was a dart to destroy my ego, so that, I should and humble. It was also a compliment paid to me for the the discussion. Looking to the future history, we think that Baba’s word Mr. Dabholkar by the name Hemadpant) was significant prophetic, as we find that he looked after the management Sansthan very intelligently, kept nicely all the accounts the author of such a good work “Sai Satcharita”, which CHAPTER II 1 0 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA such important and spiritual subjects as Jnana, Bhakti self-surrender and self-realization. About the Necessity of a Guru Hemadpant has left no note, no memo about what Baba said this subject, but Kakasaheb Dixit has published his notes this matter. Next day after Hemadpant’s meeting with Sai Kakasaheb went to Baba and asked whether he should leave Said, “Yes”. Then someone asked – “Baba, where to go?” “High up.” Then the man said, “How is the way?” Baba many ways leading there; there is one way also from here way is difficult. There are tigers and wolves in the I (Kakasaheb) asked – “But Baba, what if we take a guide Baba answered, – “Then there is no difficulty. The guide straight to your destination, avoiding wolves, tigers and the way. If there be no guide, there is the danger of jungles or falling into ditches.” Mr. Dabholkar was and he thought that this was the answer Baba gave to the whether Guru was a necessity (Vide Sai Leela Vol. I, and he thereupon took the hint that no discussion of the man is free or bound, is of any use in spiritual matters, contrary real Paramartha is possible only as the result of the Guru, as is illustrated in this chapter of the instances of great Avatars like Rama and Krishna, who had themselves to their Gurus, Vasishtha and Sandipani getting self- realization and that the only virtues progress are faith and patience. (Vide Sai Satcharita, Bow to Shri Sai — Peace be to all
Chapter III Sai Baba’s Sanction and Promise – Assignment of Work to – Baba’s Stories as Beacon – Light – His Motherly Love – Story – His sweet and Nectar – like Words. Sai Baba’s Sanction and Promise As described in the previous chapter, Sai Baba gave His assent to the writing of the Sat-Charita and said, “I regarding the writing of Sat Charita. You do your duty, the least, steady your mind and have faith in My words. written, the Avidya (nescience) will vanish and if they and devoutly listened to, the consciousness of the abate, and strong waves of devotion, and love will rise dives deep into My Leelas, he would get precious jewels Hearing this, author was much pleased, and he at once fearless and confident, and thought that work was bound Then turning to Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) Sai Baba “If a man utters My name with love, I shall fulfill all increase his devotion. And if he sings earnestly My life him I shall beset in front and back and on all sides. are attached to Me, heart and soul, will naturally feel they hear these stories. Believe Me that if anybody sings will give him infinite joy and everlasting contentment. characteristic to free any person, who surrenders who does worship Me faithfully, and who remembers Me, and on Me constantly. How can they be conscious of worldly and sensations, who utter My name, who worship Me, who stories and My life and who thus always remember Me? I My devotees from the jaws of Death. If My stories are diseases will be got rid of. So, hear My stories with and meditate on them, assimilate them. This is the way of contentment. The pride and egoism of My devotees will of the hearers will be set at rest; and if it has faith, it will be one with Supreme Consciousness. The of My name as ‘Sai, Sai’ will do away with sins of speech hearing”. 1 2 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA Different Works Assigned to Devotees The Lord entrusts different works to different devotees. given the work of building temples and maths, or ghats on rivers; some are made to sing the glories of God; some pilgrimages; but to me was allotted the work of writing Being a jack of all trades but master of none, I was this job. Then why should I undertake such a difficult describe the true life of Sai Baba? Sai Baba’s grace to accomplish this difficult work. So, when I took up the hand, Sai Baba took away my egoism and wrote Himself His The credit of relating these stories, therefore, goes to me. Though Brahmin by birth, I lacked the two eyes. (i.e. vision) of Shruti and Smriti and therefore was not at all the Sat-Charita, but the grace of the Lord makes a dumb enables a lame man to cross a mountain. He alone knows getting things done as He likes. Neither the flute, nor knows how the sounds are produced. This is the concern of The oozing of Chandrakant jewel and the surging of the to the jewel and the sea but to the rise of the moon. Baba’s Stories as Beacon- Light Light houses are constructed at various places in the the boatmen to avoid rocks and dangers, and make them Baba’s stories serve a similar purpose in the ocean of They surpass nectar in sweetness, and make our worldly and easy to traverse. Blessed are the stories of the enter our hearts through the ears, the body – and the sense of duality vanish; and when they are stored doubts fly out to all sides, pride of the body will fall, stored in abundance. The description of Baba’s pure fame, of the same, with love, will destroy the sins of the therefore, this is the simple Sadhana for attaining for Krita Age was Shamadama (tranquillity of mind and Age, sacrifice, for Dwapara, worship, and for Kali singing of the name and glory of the Lord. This last all the people of the four varnas (Brahmins, etc.). The viz. Yoga, Yagya (sacrifice), Dhyana (meditation) and are very difficult to practice, but singing and hearing and the glory of the Lord (Sai Baba) is very easy. We 13 our attention towards them. The listening and singing of remove the attachment to the senses and their objects, devotees dispassionate, and will ultimately lead them to With this end in view, Sai Baba made me or helped me to stories, Sat-Charitamrita. The devotees may now easily these stories of Sai Baba and while doing so, meditate on and thus attain devotion to Guru and God (Sai Baba), get and self-realization. In the preparation and writing of Charitamrita, it is Sai Baba’s grace which has making use of me as a mere instrument. Motherly Love of Sai Baba Everybody knows how a cow loves her infant calf. Her always full and when the calf wants milk and dashes at comes the milk in an unceasing flow. Similarly a human the wants of her child and feeds it, at her breast in and adorning the child, the mother takes particular care this is well done. The child knows or cares nothing about mother’s joy knows no bounds, when she sees her child dressed and adorned. The love of mother is peculiar, disinterested, and has no parallel. Sadgurus feel this their disciples. Sai Baba had this same love towards me, give an instance of it below:- In 1916 A.D. I retired from Government Service. The was settled in my case was not sufficient to maintain my On Guru-Pournima (15th of Ashadha) day of that year, I Shirdi with other devotees. There, Mr. Anna Chinchanikar, accord, prayed to Baba for me as follows:- “Please look the pension he gets is quite insufficient, his family is some other appointment, remove his anxiety and make him replied – ” He will get some other job, but now he should be happy. His dishes will be ever full and never empty. all his attention towards Me and avoid the company of and wicked people. He should be meek and humble towards and worship Me heart and soul. If he does this, he will happiness”. The question Who is this HE, Whose worship is advocated, answered in a note on “Who is Sai Baba” in the prologue, beginning of this work. CHAPTER III 1 4 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA Rohilla’s Story The story of the Rohilla illustrates Sai Baba’s all One Rohilla, tall and well-built, strong as a bull, came a long Kafni (robe) and was enamoured of Sai who stayed Day and night he used to recite in a loud and harsh tone from Holy Koran) and shout “ALLAH HO AKBAR” (God is Most people of Shirdi, were working in their fields by they returned to their homes at night, they were welcomed Rohilla’s harsh cries and shouts. They could get no sleep trouble and inconvenience. They suffered in silence this some days, and when they could stand it no longer, they Baba, and requested Him to check the Rohilla and stop the Baba did not attend to their complaint. On the contrary, villagers to task, and asked them to mind their own Rohilla. He said to them that the Rohilla had got a very Zantippi, who tried to come in and trouble the Rohilla hearing the Rohilla’s prayers, she dare not enter and and happy. In fact, the Rohilla had no wife and by his DURBUDDHI, i.e. bad thoughts. As Baba liked prayers and better than anything else, He took the side of the villagers to wait and suffer the nuisance, which would Baba’s Sweet and Nectar-like Words One day at noon after the Arti, devotees were returning lodgings, when Baba gave the following beautiful “Be wherever you like, do whatever you choose, remember well that all what you do is known to Me. I am the Inner seated in their hearts. I envelope all the creatures, the world. I am the Controller – the wire-puller of the show Universe. I am the mother – origin of all beings – the Gunas, the propeller of all senses, the Creator, Nothing will harm him, who turns his attention towards will lash or whip him who forgets Me. All the insects, movable and immovable world, is My Body or Form”. Hearing these beautiful and precious words, I at once in my mind to serve no man henceforward, but my Guru the reply of Baba to Anna Chinchanikar’s query (which was mine) that I would get some job, began to revolve in my began to think whether it would come to happen. As future 15 showed, Baba’s words came true and I got a Government was of short duration. Then I became free and solely the service of my Guru-Sai Baba. Before concluding this Chapter, I request the readers to the various hindrances viz. indolence, sleep, wandering to senses, etc. and turn their whole and undivided these stories of Sai Baba. Let their love be natural, let secret of devotion; let them not exhaust themselves by let them stick to this one simple remedy, i.e. listening This will destroy their ignorance and will secure for A miser may stay at various places; but he always thinks buried treasure. So let Sai Baba be enthroned in the In the next chapter, I shall speak of Sai Baba’s advent Shirdi. Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all CHAPTER III
Chapter IV SAI BABA’S FIRST ADVENT IN SHIRDI Mission of the Saints – Shirdi a Holy Tirth – Personality Baba – Dictum of Goulibuva – Appearance of Vithal – – Das Ganu’s Bath in Prayag – Immaculate Conception of His First Advent in Shirdi – Three Wadas. In the last chapter, I described the circumstances which write Sai-Sat-Charita. Let me now describe the first in Shirdi. Mission of the Saints Lord Krishna says in Bhagvadgita (Chapter IV, 7-8) that there is a decay of Dharma (righteousness) and an unrighteousness, I manifest Myself; and for the the destruction of the vicious and for the establishment I manifest Myself in age after age”. This is the mission of Lord, and the Sages and Saints, representatives and Who appear here at proper times, help way to fulfil that mission. For instance, when the twice Brahmins, the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas neglect their the Shudras try to usurp the rights of the higher preceptors are not respected but humiliated, when nobody instructions, when every body thinks himself very people begin to partake of forbidden foods and under the cloak of religion, people indulge in belonging to different sects fight amongst themselves, fail to do Sandhya adoration, and the orthodox their when Yogis neglect their meditation, when people begin to that wealth, progeny, wife are their sole concern, and from the true path of salvation, then do Saints appear right by their words and action. They serve us as show us the right path, and the right way for us to many saints, viz. Nivritti, Jnanadev, Muktabai, Namdev, Ekanath, Tukaram, Narahari, Narsi Bhai, Sajan Kasai, and various others did appear at various times to show the people, and so presently came Shri Sai Baba of 17 Shirdi – A Holy Tirth The banks of the Godavari river, in the Ahmednagar very fortunate for they gave birth and refuge to many a amongst them being Jnaneshwar. Shirdi also falls in the of the Ahmednagar District. After crossing the Godavari Kopargaon, one gets the way to Shirdi. When you go three you come to Nimgaon, from whence, Shirdi is visible. and well-known as other holy places like Gangapur, Audumbar on the banks of Krishna river. As the devotee in and blessed Mangalvedha (near Pandharpur) as Samarth at Sajjangad, as Shri Narasimha Saraswati at flourished at Shirdi and blessed it. Personality of Sai Baba It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into us see what sort of a personage Sai Baba was. He (worldly existence), which is very difficult and hard to mental calm was His ornament, and He was the repository He was the home of Vaishnava devotees, most liberal (like amongst liberals, the quint-essence of all essences. He perishable things, and was always engrossed in was His sole concern. He felt no pleasure in the things of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as His speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people to Him. He did not know or care for honour or dishonour. Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all actings and dances of Nautchgirls and heard Gajjal songs. swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium). Allah was always on His lips. While the world awoke, He while the world slept, He was vigilant. His abdomen calm as the deep sea. His Ashram could not be determined, actions could be definitely determined, and though He sat place, He knew all the transactions of the world. His He told daily hundreds of stories, still He swerved not His vow of silence. He always leaned against the wall in walked morning, noon and evening towards Lendi (Nala) and still He at all times abided in the Self. Though a Sadhaka. He was meek, humble and egoless, and pleased Sai Baba, and as the soil of Shirdi was trodden by Sai attained extraordinary importance. As jnaneshwar elevated CHAPTER IV 1 8 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA Ekanath did to Paithan, so Sai Baba raised Shirdi. and stones of Shirdi, for they could easily kiss the Holy Sai Baba, and take their dust on their head. Shirdi another Pandharpur, Jagannath, Dwarka, Banaras (Kashi) Rameshwar, Badrikedar, Nasik, Tryambakeshwar, Ujjain, and Kaleshwar or Mahabaleshwar Gokarn. Contact of Sai Baba in was like our Veda and Tantra; it quieted our Samsara and rendered self-realization easy. The darshana of shri our Yoga-Sadhana, and talk with Him removed our sins. His Legs was our bath in Triveni Prayag, and drinking the His Feet destroyed our desires. To us, His commands were accepting (eating) His Udi (sacred ashes) and Prasad was He was our Shri Krishna and Shri Rama who gave us solace our Para Brahma (Absolute Reality). He was Himself beyond dwandwas (opposite), never dejected nor elated. He was in His Self as ëExistence, Knowledge and Bliss.’ but His field of action extended far wide, to Punjab, India, Gujarat, Dacca (Now in Bangladesh) and Konkan. of Sai Baba spread, far, and wide, and people from all His darshana and be blessed. By mere darshan, minds of pure or impure, would become at once quiet. They got here sort of unparalleled joy that devotees get at Pandharpur Rakhumai. This is not an exaggeration. Consider what a this respect. Dictum of Goulibuva An old devotee by name Goulibuva, aged about 95 years, Varkari of Pandhari. He stayed 8 months at Pandharpur and – Ashadha to Kartik (July – November) on the banks of the had an ass with him for carrying his luggage, and a Every year he made his Vari or trip to Pandharpur and Shirdi to see Sai Baba, Whom he loved most. He used to and say, “This is Pandharinath Vithal incarnate, the poor and helpless.” This Goulibuva was an old devotee of had made many a trip to Pandhari; and he testified that real Pandharinath. Vithal Himself Appeared Sai Baba was very fond of remembering and singing God’s He always uttered Allah Malik(God is Lord) ands in His others sing God’s name continuously, day and night, for 7 19 is called Namasaptaha. Once He asked Das Ganu Maharaj to Namasaptaha. He replied that he would do it, provided he that Vithal would appear at the end of the 7th day. Then His hand on his breast assured him that certainly Vithal but that the devotee must be ëearnest and devout’. (Takore) of Takurnath, the Pandhari of Vithal, the Dwarka (Krishna) is here (Shirdi). One need not go far out to Vithal come here from some outside place? He is here. devotee is bursting with love and devotion, Vithal will here (Shirdi).* After the Saptaha was over, Vithal did manifest Himself following manner. Kakasaheb Dixit was, as usual, sitting after the bath, and he saw Vithal in a vision. When he Baba’s darshana, Baba asked him point-blank – “Did Vithal Did you see Him? He is a very truant fellow, catch Him he will escape, if you be a little inattentive.” This morning and at noon there was another Vithal darshana. from outside, came there for selling 25 or 30 pictures of picture exactly tallied with the figure, that appeared in On seeing this and remembering Baba’s words, Kakasaheb was much surprised and delighted. He bought one picture and placed it in his shrine for worship. Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar’s Story How fond was Baba for Vithal worship was illustrated Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar’s story. The father of Bhagwantrao devotee of Vithoba, and used to make Varis (annual trips) Pandharpur. He also had an image of Vithoba at home, *Mr. B.V.Deo, Retired Mamlatdar of Thana has proved by comes in the limits of Pandharpur which was the therefore, Shirdi was Dwaraka itself. (Vide Sai Leela, across another definition of Dwarka, quoted from Permanent History of Bharatvarsha, Vol.2. Part 1. Page 90 îªûª’®Wg´’° ÅûÓ The place, where doors are open for all people, of the Vaishya and Shudra) classes, for accomplishing the four Karma and Moksha, is called Dwaraka by the wise was not only open to the four classes; but to the Bhagoji Shinde and, therefore, it is very appropriately CHAPTER IV 2 0 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA worshipped. After his death, the son stopped everything – worship and shraddha ceremony etc. When Bhagwantrao came Baba on remembering his father, at once said – “His so I dragged him (the son) here. He never offered food) and so he starved Vithal and Me. So I brought him remonstrate him now and set him to worship.” Das Ganu’s Bath in Prayag The Hindus think that a bath in the holy Tirth of the Ganga and Yamuna meet, is very meritorious and go there, at periodical times, to have the sacred bath Das Ganu thought that he should go to Prayag for a bath, Baba to get His permission for doing so. Baba replied to necessary to go so long. Our Prayag is here, believe me.” of wonders! When Das Ganu placed his head on Baba’s Feet, or flowed streams, of Ganga – Yamuna water, from both the Seeing this miracle, Das Ganu was overwhelmed with and adoration and was full of tears. Inwardly, he felt speech burst forth into a song in praise of Baba and His Immaculate Conception of Sai Baba and His First Advent in Shirdi Nobody knew the parents, birth or birth-place of Sai inquiries were made, many questions were put to Baba and these items, but no satisfactory answer or information been obtained. Practically we know nothing about these Namdev and Kabir were not born like ordinary mortals. found as infants in mother-of-pearls, Namdev being found Bhimrathi river by Gonayee, and Kabir on the bank by Tamal. Similar was the case with Sai Baba. He first Himself as a young lad of sixteen under a Neem tree in sake of Bhaktas. Even then He seemed to be full with the of Brahman. He had no desire for worldly objects even in kicked out Maya; and Mukti (deliverance) was serving at old woman of Shirdi, the mother of Nana Chopdar, This young lad, fair, smart and very handsome, was first the Neem tree, seated in an Asan. The people of the wonder-struck to see such a young lad practising hard 1. Allahabad in U.P. 21 minding heat and cold. By day he associated with none, by was afraid of nobody. People were wondering and asking, young chap had turned up. His form and features were so a mere look endeared Him to all. He went to nobody’s near the Neem tree. Outwardly he looked very young; but he was really a Great Soul. He was the embodiment of was an enigma to all. One day it so happened, that God the body of some devotee and people began to ask Him, (God), you please enquire what blessed father’s son is did He come”. God Khandoba asked them to bring a pick-axe a particular place. When it was dug, bricks were found stone. When the stone was removed, a corridor led to a cow-mouth-shaped structures, wooden boards, necklaces Khandoba said – “This lad practiced penance here for 12 the people began to question the lad about this. He put by telling them that it was His Guru’s place, His holy them to guard it well. The people then closed the before. As Ashwattha and Audumbar trees are held sacred, this Neem tree equally sacred and loved it most. Shirdi devotees regard this site as the resting place Baba’s Guru and prostrate before it. Three Wadas (1) The site with the Neem tree and surrounding space was by Mr. Hari Vinayak Sathe, and on this site a big Wada was erected. This Wada was the sole resting place who flocked there. A Par (platform) was built round the lofts with steps were constructed. Under the steps, there South and devotees sit on the Par (platform) facing that he who burns incense there, on Thursday and Friday will, by God’s grace, be happy. This Wada was old and and wanted repairs. The necessary repairs, additions and been made now by the Sansthan. (2) Then after some years Dixit’s Wada was constructed. Kakasaheb Dixit, Solicitor had gone to England. He had injured his leg by an injury could not be got rid of by any means. Nanasaheb advised him to try Sai Baba. So he saw Sai Baba in 1909 requested Him to cure rather the lameness of his mind leg. He was so much pleased with the darshana of Sai decided to reside in Shirdi. So he built a Wada for devotees. The foundation of this building was laid on CHAPTER IV 2 2 SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA On this day, two other important events took place. (1) Khaparde was given permission to return home, and (2) the Chavadi was commenced. The Wada was complete and was on the Rama-Navami day in 1911 A.D., with due rites and (3) Then another Wada or palatial mansion was put up by millionaire, Mr. Booty, of Nagpur. Lots of money were building, but all the amount was well utilized, as Sai resting in this Wada, which is now called the Samadhi of this Mandir had formerly a garden, which was watered after by Baba. Three Wadas thus sprang up, where there Of these, Sathe’s Wada was most useful to all, in the The story of the garden, attended to by Sai Baba with the Vaman Tatya, the temporary absence of Sai Baba from coming again to Shirdi with the marriage-party of Chand of Devidas, Jankidas and Gangagir, Baba’s wrestling match Mohdin Tamboli, residence in Masjid, love of Mr. Dengale devotees; and other incidents will be described in the Bow to Shri Sai — Peace be to all
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“The perfect
among the sages is identical with Me. There is absolutely no
difference between us”
Tripura
Rahasya,
Chap XX,
128-133
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