Guest guest Posted October 13, 2005 Report Share Posted October 13, 2005 THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI Third Year of Publication Published as Bi-Weekly Issue 21 / 2005 13-10-2005 Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org VIJAYADASIMI SPECIAL ISSUE --------- THIS ISSUE CONTAINS 1. VIJAYADASHAMI & BABA'S MAHASAMADHI 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE 3. FOOT STEPS OF HOLY FEET 4. SAI IN DREAMS 5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY 6. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA 7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO ….. 8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES 9. SAI WITH CHILDREN 10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES 11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES 12. TELUGU SECTION 13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS 14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD 15. EDITORIAL. ------- Saibandhu Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad VIJAYADASHAMI Vijayadashami is a festival celebrated across India. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashwayuja or Ashwina, and is the grand culmination of the 10-day annual festival of Dasara or Navaratri. The legend underlying the celebration, as also its mode of conduct, vary vastly by region; however, all festivities celebrate the victory of the forces of Good over Evil. In Southern India, Eastern India and Western India, the festival of Navaratri which culminates with Vijayadashami commemorates the legend in which the Goddess Durga, also known as Chamundeshwari or Mahishasura Mardhini, vanquishes the demon Mahishasura, an event that is said to have taken place in the vicinity of the present-day city of Mysore in Karnataka. In Northern India, the same 10-day festival commemorates the victory of Lord Sri Rama, prince of Ayodhya in present-day Uttar Pradesh, over King Ravana, the ruler of Lanka, who according to the Ramayana had abducted Sita Devi, the consort of the former, and held her captive in his realm. There is another and little-known legend associated with this festival, one associated with the Mahabharata. For reasons impossible to delineate here, the Pandavas underwent a period of exile, being 12 years of dwelling in the forest followed by a year of exile incognito. Disguise being indispensable during the latter period, the Pandavas found it necessary to lay aside, for the length of that year, the many divine and distinctive weapons that they possessed. These they secreted in a 'Shami' tree in the vicinity of their chosen place of incognito residence. At the end of a year, they returned to the spot, found their weaponry intact, and worshipped in thanksgiving both the Shami tree and the Goddess Durga, presiding deity of strength and victory. Meanwhile, the Kauravas had invaded that area, suspecting the residence of the Pandavas there. Upon finishing their devotions, the Pandavas made straight to battle, and won the contest comprehensively. The day that all these events occurred on has since been known as " Vijayadashami " , where " Vijaya " is the Sanskrit word for " Victory " . Interestingly, the legend associated with the Shami tree finds commemoration during the renowned Navaratri celebrations at Mysore, which otherwise strongly emphasizes the Durga legend described above, as may by expected in the city built at the very site of the events of the Durga legend. On Vijaydashami day, at the culmination of a colourful 10-day celebration, the Goddesses Chamundeshwari is worshipped and then borne in a Golden Ambari or elephant-mounted throne, in a grand procession, through the city of Mysore, from the historical Mysore Palace to the Banni Mantapa. Banni is the Kannada word for the Sanskrit Shami, and Mantapa means " Pavilion " . In Northern India, the festival commemorates the victory of Rama, prince of Ayodhya and avatara of Vishnu, over Ravana, the lord of Lanka who had abducted Rama's wife, Sita Devi. The festival is celebrated with much gusto. Crackers are burnt and huge melas or fetes are organised. The Ramlila - an abriged dramatization of the Ramayana - is enacted with much public fervour all over northern India during the period of the festivities. The burning of the effigies of Ravana on Vijayadashami, signifying the victory of good over evil, brings the festivities to a colourful close. Baba's Mahasamadhi It was Tuesday 15th October 1918, and the festival of Vijayadasami was being joyfully observed everywhere in Shirdi. At two in the afternoon, when according to the lunar calendar dasami had just finished and ekadasi had just started, Sai Baba chose to enter mahasamadhi. The news spread like wildfire to the four corners of the Shirdi. A volcano of anguish burst in the hearts of His devotees and eyes which had shed tears of joy seeing the divine form of Sai Baba when he was alive filled with tears of dismay and grief. On hearing the news that he was no more and that life had left that glorious body, their hearts filled with the glorious memories and they rued, " Never will we see those days again " . Despondent and dispirited they felt abandoned, their hearts became desolated and a dark cloud of insecurity seemed to envelop them. A dreary sadness reigned. Great crowds of people thronged for the last darshan of Sai Baba. The body was kept in a sitting position at the Dwarakamai so that all could see him and have His darshan. A veritable sea of humanity occupied the Dwarakamai and it was said that one had to wait five hours to have darshan of that glorious form of the one who had transcended all forms. Baba had said before he left his body, " I do not like it here. Take me to the Dagdi Wada (Buty Wada), great people will serve me there. " This was taken by many devotees as Baba's directions to put his body into Samadhi in Buty Wada. So they started to excavate the place earmarked for the Muralidhar statue in Buty Wada to bury his body. In the evening the Fauzdar (Police Sub Inspector) arrived from Rahata and an inquest was conducted in the presence of the Shirdi village police Patel, Santaji Patil Shelke. As Baba had left no heirs, they decided to hand over all his belongings to the Government. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Baba appeared in a vision to Shama's uncle, Lakshmanmama Joshi and said, " Get up quickly! Bapu Saheb Jog thinks that I am dead and will not come to give arati (congregational worship) to me. You must come and do kakad arati (morning arati) to me. " Jog, who had conducted arati every day to Baba, did not come on that day as Baba had foretold. So Lakshmanmama Joshi came, and gave kakad arati to Baba and left. Jog, on learning of this, came in the afternoon and continued the aratis to Sai Baba. It was Wednesday afternoon. Baba's body was bathed and placed in a seated position in a four-wheeled carriage covered with an arch, and this was taken out in a grand procession along with a palanquin and horse all around the village until it arrived in Buty Wada. There Bapusaheb Jog offered arati to Sai Baba and in the usual manner placed the dakshina (alms) in Baba's hand by opening his fingers and then enclosing it in Baba's fist. Although it was now twenty-one hours since Baba had entered Samadhi, his fingers were not affected at all by rigor mortis and opened and closed very easily. Baba's body bent in a natural manner as if he was merely asleep, and the devotees were easily able to remove his kafni (cloak). Before covering the Samadhi with a stone, Baba's satka (stick), chillum (pipe), a needle along with some reels of thread, flowers and aromatic incense were placed in it. Baba had a brick, about 12 by 9 by 3 inches in size which he used to place under his hand when he sat and used as a pillow while he slept. Some devotees said that the brick was given to Baba by his guru,. A few days before Baba entered Samadhi, a devotee called Madhav Fasle was cleaning the Dwarakamai when he dropped the brick and it broke into two pieces. Baba was not in the Dwarakamai at the time, and the devotees were apprehensive that when he found out that the brick had been broken he would fly into a towering rage. But contrary to their expectations, when Baba returned to the mosque he did not get angry when he saw the broken brick. He simply took the broken pieces in his hand, his eyes brimming with tears, and said, " It's over, it's finished. My relationship with this brick in this life has ended. I must go now. " " Buty, in seeing Baba's sorrow, offered to have the broken pieces of brick joined together again with silver or gold wire, but Baba would not allow it. But after his Samadhi the pieces of the brick were joined together with silver wire and it was placed under Baba's head in the Samadhi. ..The day after Baba entered Mahasamadhi, Baba appeared in dream to Das Ganu Maharaj at Pandaripur, early in the morning, and said, " The Dwarakamai has collapsed. The oil merchants have troubled me a great deal. That is why I am leaving. I have come here to tell you this. Come at once to Shirdi and cover my Samadhi with flowers. " The news that Baba had entered Mahasamadhi reached Das Ganu as dawn was breaking, and he rushed to Shirdi as quickly as he could, along with his followers, and placed flowers on Baba's Samadhi. He did nama sankeertana. The devotees who visited Shirdi between 1918 and 1922 were very few in number. Kakasaheb Dixit took the initiative and formed a trust to administer the Samadhi Mandir in the name of Sri Sai Baba Sansthan. The monthly expenditure of the Sansthan in those early days was only between 250 to 300 rupees; today it is a few million! From 1918 until 1954 there was only a simple photograph of Sai Baba on the Samadhi. Then on Thursday, October 7th, 1954, a beautiful marble statue of Sai Baba sculpted by Balaji Vasant Talim was consecrated in the Samadhi Mandir. ----- 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE: October 1, 1918: Baba asked a devotee by name Waze to read ' RamaVijay' (by Shridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days. October 8, 1918: A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated. October 15, Tuesday 1918: On Vijaya Dashmi, Saibaba left His mortal coil at about 2:30 p.m. Few minutes before, He gave Rs.9/- as charity to Laxmibai Shinde. October 16, Wednesday 1918: Early morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur in dream and said " The Dwarakamai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body copiously with flowers " . October 16, Wednesday 1918: Early morning Baba appeared to Laxman Mama in dream and said, " Get up quickly, Bapusaheb Jog thinks that I am dead and he won't come, so you do My worship and Kakada Arati " . ------ 3. FOOT STEPS OF THE HOLY FEET –14 From http://www.saidarbar.org EXPERIENCES OF SAI.BA.NI.SA WITH SHIRDI SAI SAI used to appear in the dreams of his rich devotees and use them as tools for accomplishing certain tasks in his mind for the benefit of the poor and society at large. one such glorious example is that of GOPAL MUKUND BOOTY who with his wealth got constructed the BOOTY WADA which is so dear to all of us. SAI appeared in the dreams of Anand pakhde (45th chapter of " Sai Satcharitra " ) and advised him to offer clothes to Madhav Rao Deshpande (Shyama). I too have undergone a similar experience during the year 1993 to be precise it was 02-01-1993 and SAI became instrumental in allowing me to perform a good deed. I was traveling by Bus from Hyderabad to Vijayawada another township in Andhra Pradesh to fulfill the tradition of respecting my newly wedded daughter and son-in law on the festive occasion of SANKRANTI. Since it was a night journey I was having a light nap and SAI appeared in the form a lady standing in the place of the Idol in BOOTY WADA and asking for two saris to be presented to her. My problem started with whom to be given? I have completed the due formalities at my daughter's in - law's place and commenced the return journey. I completed the parayana of 51 chapters of SAI SATCHARITRA ON 04-01-19993. I took out the bag containing the rice collected for the past 51 days to be distributed to the poor i.e., to donate in the ASHRAM - a Home for the aged, Located at Gandipet which is a suburb to Hyderabed. I could find only two lady inmates and handed over the rice grain to the Manager. I seeked the blessings from the two ladies and my mind instantaneously recalled the dream content of 2nd January 1993. I took out Rs. 202/- from my purse and offered to the two lady inmates for purchasing two saris. Their good wishes, physical gestures and sparkling eyes blushing with contentment gave me ample satisfaction as if SAI himself has come down to the Home for the aged to shower his blessings. BOW TO SAI - PEACE TO ALL To be Continued… -------------------------------- 4. SAI IN DREAMS: These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SAIBANISA From our beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this Feature will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS. Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY. 10-01-1994 Before going to bed, I prayed Lord SAI to grant me with spiritual power. HE presented me with the following advice. Let your mind be free from evil thoughts while serving destitute women and children. Practice celibacy and share their difficulties with compassion and extend selfless service. Look for God in all creatures and fellow human beings. Learn to face even an enemy with a smile. Have a crystal clear mind and look for the divine in all creatures. 11-01-1994 Today, I prayed Sai to show me the road to spiritualism. Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and said- " You need not have to renounce the World and go to forests for Tapasya (meditation). You can as well continue leading normal family life and abstain from criticizing anybody " . " All faiths lead us to the ultimate i.e. God, even though the paths chosen are different. Of all the festivities I like first feeding of the child the most " . A stable mind no matter where it is can practice spiritualism. 13-01-1994 I prayed Sai to tell me more on Sai power. An unknown person says- " Sai power - Is the one that can take you to the peak. - Grant power to talk bold - Can eradicate poverty, - Shape one's character - Save a life. - Protect from all the odds " . Sai is the supreme commander. 17-01-1994 I offered salutations to SAI and slept. I was traveling along with two of my close friends `Good and bad'. Obviously the former one was stronger and the later one was weaker. On the way, the bad one starts troubling the good one. I was unable to tolerate and overpower the bad one, and kill him. People around summon the police. I was thinking of surrender, but the good one in me advises me to run away to a far away sacred place in order to avoid the ensuing troubles. I run to a nearby Bus stop and there I find an elderly couple in waiting. My wife dropped out. An unknown person comes to me and presents me with a set of four torch lights. Suddenly, I got up from my sleep and started analyzing the dream contents. The good and bad are symbolic of the inner conflicting thoughts. Killing a bad friend is analogous to enhancing the good thoughts. Police are the chained bonds of life. Elderly couple was Sai devotees. My wife not coming with me infers that I should travel alone in the spiritual path. Unknown person was none other than SAI and the four torch lights were meant to ward off the darkness engulfed from the four sides. " Spiritual journey should be a lone one and a determined effort " . Removal of the darkness from the mind and looking inwards is the key to spiritualism. To be continued….. ---- 5. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY: (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao) " Shashi " : shashi_31 10. Uniqueness of Sri Sai Baba and his Teachings OMKARA is the name of Parabrahma. OM is the first sound. In this there are three primary syllables. They are AKARA, UKARA, MAKARA and ARDHA MATRA. The first syllable `Aa' is at the back of the tongue to neck. The second sound that emerges is `U'. This arises from the middle of the mouth, while uttering this sound, the lips are not closed. When we utter the third sound, the lips get merged in order to emanate OM. After closing lips and uttering `M' continues like the long pull of the bell at the end, tapering to silence. In fact the sound is present from the beginning of striking the bell, but we hear it clearly after the striking is stopped. The last prolonged `M' is called half-syllable i.e. ARDHA MATRA. In this way OM has got four sounds `A', `U', `Ma' and `M' (half-syllable). OM is the head of all mantras. All of us are having 3 bodies. They are 1. stula; 2. sukshma; 3. karana. When we utter OM, the first sound in the AUM KARA, `A' is the name of the Soul that is present in Stula Sareera. When we utter `U', this is the name of the soul that is present in Sukshma Serer. When we utter `Ma', this is the name of the soul that is in Karana Sareera. And the last `M' (Artha-Matra) is the name of PARAMATMA that is present in all three bodies. This is called PRATYAGATMA. While chanting AUM, we must assume the bodies getting merged in the next one. By repeated chanting of OM and thinking of merging of bodies into ATMA, we get the supreme idea that everything is illusion except PARAMATMA. This applies to all Religions. There is no barrier of nationality or religion for AUMKARA. To be continued….. -------------- 6. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA Saibanisa-Gopalarao Ravada—Saidarbar Hyderabad –India SRI MAHA BHAGAVATHAM—SRI SHIRDI SAI SATCHARITA 14) Bhaktha Ambarisha was an ardent devotee of Lord Srihari and he was subjected to torture by Saint Durvasamaharshi. Lord Srihari came to the rescue of his devotee and tells - Oh! Saint, I shall never fail to protect my devotees and I shall follow them like a calf behind the cow. I shall take on all their sufferings to me " . Baba told Cholkar that he will protect his devotees even if they are across the seven seas. Baba also took on to himself the sufferings of master Khaparde's disease plague and said that he will never allow his devotees to suffer and would rather prefer to undergo the sufferings himself. 15) The Ganges originates from the Lotus feet of Lord Srihari. Bagiratha brought down the Ganges to Earth Sri Sainath astonished Dasagunamaharaj by demonstrating the presence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna at his Lotus feet when Dasaguna expressed his desire to go over there in order to have dip in the holy rivers. 16) King Ranthidev was well known for his charities. He parted happily with what all he had. Finally, he was prepared even to part with last morsel of food with him to a hungry person. From 1908 till 1918, Baba collected Rs 500/- per day as dakshina and happily distributed all by the end of the day. Even the Biksha (food) collected from the five houses was shared with who so ever was around with Him including living creatures with out any bias. Baba has exhibited the same qualities as shown by King Ranthidev. ---------------------- SANATANA DHARMA—NEWS FROM ABROAD http://www.indoindians.com/festival/durga_jkt.htm " JAKARTA DURGA POOJA 2005 " Jakarta Durga Puja 2005(Jakarta Standard Time being 1.5 hours ahead of IST) 11th OCTOBERTUESDAY SAPTAMI 12th OCTOBER Wednesday ASHTAMI 12th-13th October 2005 NAVAM I13th-14th October 2005 DASHAMI (Immersion) ---------- http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-in-fiji.html Know Diwali-The Festival of lights -Diwali - in Fiji Guyana DiwaliDiwali in Fiji has traditionally been a time of good will and coming together. Diwali is an appropriate time to affirm the humanity of persons and the different cultural communities in the Fiji society. It gives us an opportunity to learn from one another and to widen understanding among the different communities living in Fiji. Amongst the 100 plus inhabited islands of Fiji's total of 322, there is a rich mixture of Melanesians, East Indians, Polynesians, Micronesians, Chinese and Europeans, each culturally distinct. The islands' Hindus celebrate the annual Festival of Lights, Diwali with elaborate light and candle decorations, creating a beautiful spectacle as the night draws in. This festival of lights is celebrated with much fanfare by Fijian Hindus, who make up 80 per cent of Indo-Fijians. Hindus residing in Fiji pray on Diwali, asking God for guidance, unity and courage to fight for evil forces. They dedicate the evening to prayers and moment of joy with families and friends. It reminds them about the enduring truths of love, forgiveness and tolerance common to all the world's great religious faiths. In Fiji, fire crackers do not hold much significance during Diwali. --------------- PASCHIM KAASHI " BENARES OF THE WEST " PORT-OF-SPAIN HINDU MANDIR http://www.geocities.com/posmandir/PASCHIM.HTML History of the Mandir The Port of Spain Hindu Mandir or Paschim Kaashi, the Benares of the West is appropriately located in the heart of St. James. In the 19th century St. James was a cane farming area peopled by indentured Indian immigrants. They brought with them names such as Baroda, Benares, Bengal, Calcutta, Cawnpore, Delhi, Ganges, Hyderabad, Kandahar, Lucknow, Luckput, Madras, Mathura, Nepaul, Nizam and Patna. The names are immortalized in street signs now. Hindus living in St. James worshipped mainly at home and in earthen-floored tapia structures called kootiahs. It was their dream to erect a structure of which they could be proud. This took place in 1963 when construction began of Port of Spain's first Hindu Mandir or temple. All the major Hindu families living in St. James in the early fifties became actively involved. Many prominent members of the Port of Spain Hindu community assisted in this construction effort. It was spearheaded by Jang Bahadoorsingh an astute businessman and Simbhoonath Capildeo an Attorney at Law. Capildeo was to continue to enlarge and expand Paschim Kaashi to what it is today. Ironically of all the Hindu named streets of St. James the Mandir was sited on a street named Ethel. Capildeo changed the name (which is still used) from the Port of Spain Hindu Mandir to Paschim Kaashi, the Kaashi or Benares or Varanasi of the West. Its garden was designed and developed for use by the devotees and the Mandir was among the first to include on its grounds more than twenty-five trees and shrubs sacred to Hindus which are used in rituals. Among the more exotic are the Asoka, Bael, Khadamb, Oudumbara, Neem, Paan, Tulsi, Dhatoor, Doob and the Banyan. In 1970 Capildeo supervised a major expansion extending the area of the sanctum sanctorum to include two more altars on either side of Sri Krishna and Radha. One was dedicated to Lord Siva and the other to the Goddess Durga. The pasted pictures were no more, replaced by marble Murtis of Siva and Durga .. Continuing in his expansionist mood Capildeo in his pursuit of making the Mandir a microcosm of Hinduism using Murtis utilized a concrete stage which was at the immediate rear of the Mandir to establish three shrines. At that time a local Hindu was trying to found a Buddhist tradition. Members of the Indian High Commission expressed a desire for a Jain centre of worship. Ram Kirpalani, the most successful entrepreneur of the time wanted to install a Siva Murti in classical Nataraj form. Capildeo accommodated all three desires and his effort can be seen today by visitors who marvel at the spectacle of three Murtis, side by side, Lord Buddha, Nataraj and Lord Mahavira. The room in which these three Murtis have been installed is known as the Meditation Room and individuals who so desire may spend time in splendid isolation there facing the Murtis with their thoughts. .. In addition to the main altars of Shivji, Sri Krishna and Radha and Durga Mata, Capildeo imported from India and installed the Dashavatars of Lord Vishnu. All ten being made of marble. So that a walk around the inside of the main Mandir would reveal Matsya Avatar, Kurma Avatar, Varaha Avatar, Narsingha Avatar, Vamaan Avatar, ParasuRama Avatar, Rama Avatar, Krishna Avatar, Buddha Avatar, and Kalki Avatar. A unique avataric coexistence in a single room. As one enters the Mandir Hanuman looks over you and you come face to face with Lord Ganesh and the Goddess Lakshmi. You will encounter in all sixteen marble Murtis of the pantheon of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Mandir was enlarged by extending the northern and southern sides. The entire ceiling was done over in teak. The roof, which now has sixteen domes, is supported by sixteen great cylindrical columns on the outside and twelve on the inside. Later in that same period the entire courtyard was tiled and two small Mandirs were erected between the cultural centre and the main Mandir dedicated to Lord Siva and Lord Rama. In 1988, two years before his passing, Capildeo supervised the erection of yet another small Mandir utilizing the space between the Rama Mandir and the cultural centre. A Hanuman Mandir was built with a magnificent marble Murti of a larger than life Hanuman in his classic kneeling pose installed. On the roof, designed by the celebrated artist Ken Morris, an upraised arm with a burnished mace (Mugdal) can be seen. In 1991 his wife Indradai Capildeo and his son Surendranath Capildeo completed the building of a Kali Mandir which Capildeo had conceived. This was built in the space between the Shiva Mandir and the cultural centre. It is another unique construction on the compound of the Mandir entirely Trinidadian in its creation. Paschim Kaashi has since its inception been the flagship Mandir of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha of Trinidad and Tobago Inc. At one time it was used as a temporary headquarters of the Maha Sabha. It is the home of branch no.24 of the SDMS. The President of the branch and the Mandir is Surendranath Capildeo. Compiled by SaiSevak SrinivasaRao Kasturi Saidarbar – Hyderabad. ------------------ 7. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO SAINT " Adi Shankara' Shankara was born in Kalady, a small village in Kerala, India, to a Nambuthiri brahmin couple, Shivaguru and Aryamba. The traditional source for accounts of his life is the Shankara Vijayams, which are essentially hagiographies. The most important among them are the MadhavIya Shankaravijaya, the AnandagirIya Shankaravijaya, cidvil AsIya Shankaravijaya, and keralIya Shankaravijaya. What follows is the standard story of Shankara's life; some of it is clearly mythical, but a substantial portion is historical, according to most scholars. Shankara's parents were childless for many years, and prayed at the Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur, Kerala, for the boon of a child. Legend has it that Shiva appeared to both husband and wife in their dreams, and offered them a choice: a mediocre son who would live a long life, or an extraordinary son who would not live long. Both Shivaguru and Aryamba chose the latter. The son was named Shankara, in honour of Shiva. Shivaguru died while Shankara was very young. The child showed remarkable scholarship, and is said to have mastered the four Vedas by the age of eight. Following the common practice of that era, Shankara lived and studied at the home of his teacher. It was customary for students and men of learning to receive Bhiksha or alms from the laity; on one occasion, while accepting Bhiksha, Shankara came upon a woman who had nothing to eat in her house except a single dried amlaka fruit. Rather than consume this last bit of food herself, the pious lady gave away the fruit to Sankara as Bhiksha. Moved by her piety, Shankara composed the Kanakadhara Stotram on the spot. Legend has it that on completion of the stotram, golden amlaka fruits were showered upon the woman by the goddess Lakshmi. From a young age, Shankara was attracted to asceticism and to the life of a renunciate. His mother Aryamba was however entirely against his becoming a Sannyasi, and consistently refused him her formal permission, which was required before he could take Sannyasam. Once when Shankara was bathing in the river, a crocodile gripped him by the leg and began rapidly to drag him into the water. His mother alone was nearby, and it proved impossible for her to get him away from the grip of the crocodile. Shankara then told his mother that he was on the verge of death; if she would give him her formal permission verbally, he would at this moment renounce the world and die a Sannyasi or ascetic. At the end of her wits, his mother agreed; Shankara immediately recited the words that made a renunciate of him, entered Sannyasa, and awaited death. But inexplicably, the crocodile released him from its very jaws and swam away. Shankara emerged unscathed from the river, now a Sannyasi. Seeing in this incident the hand of God, Aryamba put no further obstacles in the path of her son. Shankara then left Kerala and travelled throughout India. When he reached the banks of the river Narmada, he met Govinda Bhagavatpada, the disciple of the Advaitin Gaudapada. Shankara was initiated as his disciple. Shankara travelled extensively, while writing commentaries on the Upanishads, Vishnu sahasranama, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. He engaged in a series of debates with Buddhist scholars, and with scholars of the Purva Mimamsa School, which helped in cementing his spiritual ascendancy. One of the most famous of these debates was with the famed ritualist Mandana Mishra. His most famous encounter was however with an untouchable. On his way to the Vishwanath temple in Kashi, he came upon an untouchable and his dog. When asked to move aside by Shankara's disciples, the untouchable asked: " Do you wish that I move my soul, the atman and ever lasting, or this body made of clay? " Seeing the untouchable as none other than the Lord Shiva, Shankara prostrated before Ishwara, composing five shlokas (Manisha Panchakam). Once he was saved by Sri Narasimha from being sacrificed to goddess Kali by a Kapalika. He then composed the Laksmi-Nrsimha stotra. Another famous composition of Sri Adi Shankara is his Bhaja Govindam, in praise of Vishnu. It is a traditional belief that Adi Sankara installed at Srirangam a yantra called janakarshana to attract pilgrims to this sacred temple, just as at Tirupati he installed the dhanakarshana yantra. Indeed, Srirangam is the most visited Hindu temple in the world, and Tirupati is the richest. Shankara is believed to have attained the Sarvajnapitha in Kashmir. After a while, he withdrew to Kedarnath and attained Samadhi at the age of thirty-two. The Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram also has a Vrindavanam where he is believed to have attained siddhi. (A variant tradition expounded by keralIya Shankaravijaya places his place of death as Vadakkumnathan a temple in Thrissur, Kerala.) ----------------- 8. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES: sanya_sahya 9/03/2005 01:15:34 -0600 Jai Sai Ram Firstly I want to do sakshat pranam to our lord Sai Nath Maharaj, and then I want to thanks to the editor of " Glory of shirdi sai " , I was very happy to see that my experience is mentioned in the latest issue of " The glory of Shirdi Sai " in Devotees experience column, in which I have told you about the importance of Sai Satcharitra, and how Sai Baba called me to Shirdi a miracle happened to me just after completing Sai Satcharitra, now I want to share my experience further with you I have a book called " prashan apke uttar Sai Baba ke " in which there are 740 answers mentioned you can prayer Baba and ask your question the more you are devoted you will get accurate answer, I want to tell you all Sai bandhus that this book is real sayings of Baba I have experienced and even all my family members friends believe in this book, before going to Shirdi I was nervous because I was going alone with my sister and his small son of 4 years, this is my first trip to Shirdi somehow by the grace of Sai my family members permitted me to go alone from Delhi to Shirdi with my sister. Before leaving the house I asked baba from that book baba will I be able to take care of my sister n his son, I don't know anything about Shirdi then I opened book for the answer the answer I got was " baba ki udi mastak par laga ke jao, agle hi din se nishchinta hogi " I felt Baba is saying Iam calling you so don't worry for anything I will be taking care of my guests " I put Baba's udhi on my sister, his son and myself forehead, and we started the auto which we took from our house to railway station was having a very nice photograph of Sai as you read in satcharitra Baba photo means that he is present their, so we reached at railway station and then when we get into the compartment their were three more ladies in that, I was seeing that they were wearing Baba's pandents and ring one of them was reading Satcharitra so I asked them are you going to Shirdi ,they said yes I felt very happy one of the ladies is very regular to Shirdi she goes after every two months, she was having good links with the DSP of Shirdi, we talked about Baba leelas and we reached Shirdi I was not sure that will they be staying with us in small hotel but I want to be with them they agreed to company us in the same hotel in the evening they said we are going for darshan will you accompany us. There was a constable along with them so we get entry through VIP gate they have given us VIP passes for kakad arti, it was a wonderful experience to see Baba during kakad arti, I want to attend it once again, same day we have gone to mandir again with DSP and I was lucky to sit in Baba temple for 15 min it was so crowded, but Sai blessed me DSP had given us VIP passes again for kakad arti so baba fulfilled my wish, after having his divine darshan we came back from Shirdi, everything was so perfect Baba was their with us in each and every moment, thanks a lot Sai for giving me so much . I am sorry for such a long mail, but I feel like writing more and more about Baba, Sai is an ocean of mercy, love him and have complete faith he will give you everything, I love you Baba please be with me always, may Baba bless you all. Devote yourself fully to Baba and then leave all worries HE will be doing everything for you in His own way, I bow to Shree Sai. Sweta --------------------- 9. SAI WITH CHILDREN: http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad. Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with children and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar should be entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years I have told you about Lord Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell the stories what heard in my child hood. THE GOLDEN DEER: Once there was a rich merchant in the holy city of Banaras. He had a wife, and a son named Mahadhanaka. The son was an unworthy and wasteful person. When his parents died he spent all his father's hard-earned wealth in gambling and merry-making. A band of useless cronies gathered round him and helped him in his speedy downfall. A day soon came when he was deeply in debt. His creditors started pestering him. But there was no way to pay them back. The creditors now troubled him day and night. At last he thought of a plan. He called all his creditors at the bank of the Ganga the next morning. He told them that his father had hidden a treasure on the Ganga bank. The next morning they all met at the Ganga bank. The creditors were full of joy at the thought of getting their money back. But suddenly Mahadhanaka, instead of paying them their money, jumped into the deep waters of the Ganga. He knew that he could never pay them back. So he had decided to end his life thus. The current bore him swiftly away from their sight. Disappointed they all went back to their homes. A long distance away there was a bend in the river. Alongside the bend there was a beautiful and rich grove of trees. In this groove lived a splendid looking golden deer. Its skin shone like gold. As Mahadhanaka, carried by the storing current, neared the bend, the deer that was grazing the soft grass on the bank, saw him struggling in the water. His heart was moved by his plight. He jumped into the river and swimming strongly reached the drowning man. Then he put him on his back and brought him safely back to the bank. There he nursed him till he was alright. After that he led him out of the woods and showed him the way to Banaras. While parting, the deer asked mahadhanaka not to reveal about his existence or whereabouts to anyone. Otherwise, they might try to catch him. Now, here in Banaras, the Queen Khema had a dream about the Golden Deer with a human voice. She wanted to have the deer. She told of her desire to the King. The King loved the Queen dearly. He promised to get her the deer if such a deer existed. The King announced a big reward for anyone who would give him the news of the Golden deer. Hunters spread all over in search of the deer. Mahadhanaka, who was returning to Banaras, met some of these hunters. When he learnt from them that they were looking for the golden deer and that there was a reward for the person who would lead them to the deer, he told them that he knew about the deer. The King was informed. He accompanied by his soldiers, hunters and courtiers, started for the secluded forest grove. When they neared the place, Mahadhanaka pointed out the grove to the King. The King's men immediately surrounded it. The deer was resting under a tree. When he heard the noise of soldiers and hunters, he got up. He saw that he was surrounded by all sides. Some distance away, in front of him, stood the King with his companions. He had his bow and arrow ready to shoot him. The deer immediately decided to approach the King. Asking loudly not to release the arrow the deer ran up to him. At his human speech the astonished King lowered his bow. Approaching the King, surrounded by his courtiers, the deer requested him to tell him who had informed him about his existence. The King pointed his finger towards Mahadhanaka who was standing near him. The deer was turned to him reproachfully and said, " Pulling a log out of the river would have been better than rescuing such a person as you " . The King asked the deer what wrong the man had done to him. The deer replied, " My Lord, I saved this man's life when he was drowning. I nursed him and set him on the way to Banaras. My only request to him was not to inform anybody about me. See, how this ungrateful man has repaid me! " The king was furious at the man's treachery. He wanted to kill him. But the kind-hearted deer persuaded the King to spare his life and to send him away with the money offered as reward. The King turned to Mahadhanaka saying " You wretch, see this noble deer paying you back with mercy and kindness for your ungratefulness. Go away from here and never show your face in my kingdom. " Mahadhanaka took the reward and vanished into the forest. No one ever saw him again. The Golden deer was both noble and wise. He told the King, " My Lord, it is easy to understand the words of animals and birds. But a man's words can never be fully understood. He may appear your friend and still betray you. " The King was deeply impressed by the deer's nobility and wisdom. He told him ask for any favour from him. Thinking carefully, the deer said, " My Lord, grant me the boon that all animals in your kingdom will live freely without fear from the human beings. " The king readily promised, saying that he would issue a proclamation that from that time on wards no man would harm any animals in his kingdom. The King finally returned to Banaras. The Golden Deer accompanied the King. Queen Khema was overjoyed to see the splendid Golden Deer. When she heard the wise words of the deer spoken in a human voice, her joy was doubled. The deer passed many happy days in the company of the King and the Queen. At last, taking leave of them, he went back to his secluded peaceful grove by the side of the river and spent his life in quiet happiness. ------------------------ 10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES: " Sankaraiah Dubagunta " sainama IS SAIBABA LIVING AND HELPING NOW? (Baba attends Puja on 28-2-1944) Sai Baba declared that those who think that HE was at Shirdi did not understand Him. He further declared He did not require any conveyance to go anywhere. It is stated that in Chap 40 of SSC, when the devotees surrender themselves completely to Sadguru, He sees that the religious function in their houses are duly executed and comply with all the necessary formalities. Let us know from the narration given by Mrs.G.S.Devi in Sai Sudha of May 1944 that the above statements are true to the word and letter: HH BV Narasimha Swamiji, Founder President AISS visited Konakandla village in Ananthapur district of AP on 28-2-1944. He was taken in a procession, of course with Sainath's photo with full honours to the residence of the Host, Sri Venkoba Rao. The person resembling a fakir with a dirty and torn cloth, bundle of rags on his head and old papers bundle in his hands accompanied them in the procession. He even took Arathi with Pujya Narasimha Swamiji, three persons observed him but thinking he is a mad man they ignored. Pujya Swamiji distributed thirtha, prasad to the devotees present. This fakir went to some other house and had his food. He came to Swamiji again and remarked " Are you meeting me tomorrow at Vajrakarur Mister? " This he asked in English (We know that Baba used to speak all languages including English from the statement of Shama to HH BV NarasimhaSwamy). Venkoba Rao felt the fakir was disturbing Pujya Swamiji and asked him to leave the place. That night Mrs. G.S Devi had a dream in which she saw a 6 yr old known boy addressing her " Aunty, Aunty what is this sleep? Food without Ghee was served, I was driven out thinking I was a mad man by your brother, did you notice? " She was initially confused on hearing this but later caught hold of boy's feet and repented for what had happened. Sri Venkoba Rao was informed of this dream at the time of Thursday Puja. On hearing this he and his wife took a vow not to touch food till the fakir comes in the same fashion. On the second day evening at 8 pm " Baba " entered their house, Venkoba Rao without taking any chance fell on the fakir's feet. He offered hot milk and delicious food. Mrs. Devi expressed her desire of writing Sri Sai Charitra and sought His blessings. He advised her to go to Shirdi for a reply. He advised Mr. and Mrs. Rao to have food as they did not have anything for the past two days. Though He wanted to tell about some worldly problems they did not give any chance because again Maya would play her part. Later he took rest and left. Dear readers, what a fine message Baba has conveyed through the above incidence. Let us call Him from the bottom of our heart and enjoy His bliss. He declared " I rest where there is full devotion " . --------------------- 11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES hima_chandra 9/28/05 Namasthe. I have received Sri Sai Baba calendar picture you sent. It was so amazing; I feel I am looking at Sri Sai Baba live in Shirdi. I felt so happy looking at the picture. I am very happy and thank full for your service to Sai devotees around the globe. Jai Sai Ram -Hima Chandra ----- saiyeled284 10/02/2005 01:17:35 +0000 Sai Ram, thank you for inviting me to to " The Glory of Shirdi Sai " . I had set this message aside to reply to you and when you first e-mailed me, but unfortunately forgot. Now I was checking my saved messages, found it, and immediately d. Please, forgive me for this oversight. And thank you again for providing this beautiful opportunity for me to receive spiritual gems in my e-mail box through " The Glory of Shirdi Sai " . Thank you again for your kind invitation that I now, though belatedly, joyfully accepted. May the Most Compassionate and Loving Guru, Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, bless you always with his sweetest and choicest blessings. With Sai love, Gina 10/01/2005 01:40:59 -0600 goodfood1in Sairam Great site http://www.saidarbar.org for the ardent of devotees. Thank u for providing the rare photos of Sai. May Sai bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all. " Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu " Jayashree ------------------------ Satyamohan Chelluri: satya_chelluri 10/3/2005 19:02:28 -0700 Om Sai! Dear Sai Bandhu, This is one more Laurel of our beloved Sadguru Saibaba. Praying for Baba's blessings and Wishing " Vijaya " on this unique Dashami when the new Sai Darbaar opens at LAUREL, MD-USA. At the Feet of the Uniter Satyamohan Chelluri -------------------------------- Sairam Saisevak sathgurusai2002 On 10/4/2005, Om Sairam Shirdi Sai baba Lord Sainath is Ultimate Great to see wonderful activities of Baba in new Sai Darbaar at LAUREL, MD-USA. It is inspiration of Baba that keeps spreading across the oceans Initially when I came to US in 1999 first we started Saidarbar Orlando. Still we can't forget that was the first initial step for us on Babas movement in United States... Sairam Sri ------------------------- 12. TELUGU SECTION: Please visit: http://68.88.118.16/telugupages/Misc/ShiridiSai/shirdisai.htm -- FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT SIDE INDIA: Please contact: saidarbar & saidarbar --------------- 13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS: Murali Krishnamurthy " murali_krishnamurthy2003 Thu, 22 Sep 2005 07:32:29 -0700 (PDT)\ Invitation Inauguration of SAIDARBAR- LAUREL, MD-USA With Shirdi Baba's blessings and under guidance of Saibanisaji, We are very happy to inaugurate the 15th chapter here in Laurel, Maryland. We cordially invite you and family for the inauguration on Thursday, October 13, 2005 Vijayadasami day (Baba's Anniversary day) between 6:30 – 7:00pm. Venue: Residence of Murali Krishnamurthy For further details. Please email at: murali_krishnamurthy2003 ---- veeravalli sridhar : veerasai 10/2/2005 23:09:06 -0700 Saidarbar – Chennai – India. Pranams to Lord Sai, Congratulations! This is Excellent! One more ambassador for Sai! Saidarbar - Laurel, Maryland USA All the best for the chapter to flourish! Long Live Shirdi Sai! Long Live the Ancient And Supreme One! Chennai Saidarbar Team. " Ramesh and Anitha " kandra For activities of Saidarbar Canberra Please visit: http://angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra --- Shirdi Sai Baba " technical For activities of Saidarbar Wallingford Badri Narsimhan: wallingfordsai For Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA ---------------------------- " Shanthi Ramakrishnan " : shanthi Sai Darbar Portland OR USA For activities Sai Darbar Portland OR USA Please contact: shanthi ------------ A.S.Rao, - raoas For Activities of Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia Please contact: raoas -------------------- Anil Zutshi: zutshi_anil_k For activities of Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA Please contact: zutshi,zutshi ------------------- Satish Achanta: vskachanta For activities of Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA- Please contact: vskachanta ----------------- Ravi Subramanyam: sai_ravi For activities of Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA Please contact: sai_ravi ---------- Suresh Vaghela: suresh,suresh For activities of Saidarbar-London Please contact: suresh,suresh -------------------- Sudha Chandrasekhar " sudhaaz Thu, 22 Sep 2005 20:32:33 -0700 (PDT) ANNUAL SHIRDIBABA SAMADHI BHAJAN We cordially invite all Shirdi Baba Devotees in the Valley to participate in the annual Vijayadasami SHIRDIBABA Samadhi Bhajan which commemorates the passing away of Shirdi Baba. Vijayadasami also marks the third anniversary of the AZSHIRDISAI Bhajan group in the Valley, originally begun under the guidance of the late Shri Ramakrishna Madhavapeddi. DATE: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12 TIME: 7:00 pm TO 9:00 pm For details contact sudhaaz --------------------- " Atlanta Sai Temple News " webmaster Fri, 30 Sep 2005 12:07:03 -0700 NASSTA - Anniversary Celebrations & Other Upcoming Events Upcoming Events - October 2005 Please participate in the following upcoming events: Continuing our tradition of celebrating Sai Vrath on every second Saturday. Pooja will be performed from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Temple Anniversary/Sai Maha Samadhi Celebrations - Wed-Sun, October 12th-16th Open 7 days a week. MON-WED 5 PM to 9 PM, THU-SUN 12 Noon to 9 PM North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta 700 James Burgess Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 ------ " Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center " : sai For Further details Visit: Web Page: http://www.hamaresai.org/ Email: hamaresai -------------------------------- " Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW " shirdisaidallas Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:49:22 -0000 Dasami/Sai Punyathithi - Special Archana On Oct 12, 2005, we have arranged a priest to perform Baba Archana. Temple Executive Committee ---- " Om Sai Mandir " saisandesh Sai Sandesh September Issue can be read online at: http://www.omsaimandir.org/sai_sandesh_v2_issue10.pdf Back Issues are available at: http://www.omsaimandir.org/newsletter1.cfm ------------------- Saibandhu " saibandhu Thu, 22 Sep 2005 16:46:27 -0000 SHIRDI SAI MAHASAMADHI & DASSERA COMMEMORATIONS in the BAY AREA, CA We welcome all of you with family, to join us for SHIRDI SAIMAHASAMADHI & DASSERA COMMEMORATIONS in the Bay Area, CA on October16th (Sunday) in Sunnyvale between 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Venue: Presidential Ballroom Sunnyvale Community Center 550 E Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 --- " S Chopra " saileela99 Thu, 6 Oct 2005 09:08:43 -0400 (EDT) SHIRDI SAI MAHASAMADHI DIVAS CELEBRATIONS SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN OF CANADA SaiRam! The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada invites all devotees with their family and friends to participate and receive Baba's Blessings during Baba's Mahasamadhi & Vijaya Dashami Celebrations DATE: Sunday, October 23, 2005 TIME : 03:00PM to 6:00PM followed by Preeti Bhoj VENUE: Vishnu Mandir, 8640 Yonge St. Richmond Hill L4C 6Z4 For more information and to volunteer, please contact: The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada Shammi: saileela99 ------------- babamandir Om Sairam! Mandir Pathrika is now in its third Year of publication. We added more information on Mandir in this issue. We request all devotees to contribute articles to Mandir Pathrika. Articles can be any information on Saibaba, Jalaram bapa or devotee Experiences, suggestions etc. Please email your articles to babamandir You can view all previous issues by opening the following link. http://www.babamandir.org/mandir/OnlineResources.html Vijay ------------------- info 12 Sep 2005 15:02:32 -0000 Sai Baba Mahasamadhi Day & Dushera Celebrations SHIRDI SAI BABA MAHASAMADHI DAY & DUSHERA CELEBRATIONS ON THURSDAY, October13th, 2005 Satya Narayana Vritha Katha 4.00PM to 6.00PM Dhoop Arathi 6.00PM to 6.30PM Special Bhajans, Baba Maha Abhishek 6.30PM to 8.30PM Shej Arathi followed by flower offerings to Baba`s Padhuka by devotees. 8.30 PM to 9.00 PM Activities include: Bhajans, Abhishekam, Arathi and Satyanarayana Puja SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA TEMPLE, 46-16 ROBINSON ST, FLUSHING, NY 11355 ------------------------------- " Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center " hamaresai Tue, 20 Sep 2005 17:48:04 -0700 (PDT) Invitation: Maha Samadhi 2005 - Saturday, October 15th, 2005 – 5 PM to 9 PM Sri Sachchidaananda Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai! Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center, Inc. Twin Cities, Minnesota, invites you for the 87th Anniversary Celebrations of the Maha Samadhi of Sadguru Sainath Maharaj of Shirdi. The celebrations are scheduled on October 15th from 5:00pm at Geeta Ashram [10537 Noble Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 - Tel: 763 493 4229]. The program includes Abhisek to Baba, Ashtotra Nama Vali, Artis, Bhajans/Kirtans, Palki Seva and will conclude with Maha Prasad. Please join us in this celebration and invoke Sadguru Sainath's blessings. Web: http://www.hamaresai.org Email: hamaresai ------- " voora srinivas " voora Sun, 2 Oct 2005 08:06:52 -0700 (PDT) SHIRDI SAI FLORIDA CENTER INVERNESS, FL. NAVARATHRI CELEBRATIONS October 4, 2005 – October 13, 2005 October 4th through 12th at 6 PM, MahaKaali, Mahalakshmi, MahaSaraswathi Pooja. Lalitha Sahasranaama and Aarathi Sri Chandi Havan October 13th 10AM (Vijayadhashami) Sri Sai Baba Punya Thithi. November 1st, 6 PM Lakshmi Kubera Pooja, Deepavali December 17th 10 AM Duttha Jayanthi Celebrations --------------------- 14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD: Books in English: 1. The Divine Miracles of Shri Shirdi SaiBaba – A record of thrilling Experiences of (late) Dr. P.S.Ramaswami - Author – V.RamaSai – Price Rs.50/- Published by: V.Rama Sai, 722, MIGH – II, KPHB Colony, P.O: KuKatpally, Hyderabad – 500 072 (A.P.) 2. A Ambrosia in Shirdi -by Sri Saibhakta VINNY – Price Rs.75/- Published by: Bose C/o Shirdi SaiBaba Satsang RadhaKrishna Temple, KBRS Building, Kamaraj Road, Bangalore – 560 042. Please Note: Those desirous of using this facility (Sai's Book World) to spread the word about their books may send ONE new copy of the book to Saidarbar, for details contact: webmaster , saidarbar & saidarbar Acknowledgement of receipt of books will be done by E-mail only. Book(s) sent to Saidarbar will be retained by Saidarbar and cannot be returned. -------- E- Books from Saidarbar: 1. SAI A BEACON FOR HUMANITY: You can obtain your copy at http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/other_books.htm 2. SAI IN DREAMS You can obtain your copy at http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/ Contact for further details: Sai Sevak-Vijay Agarwal: vijishvanya - SAIDARBAR – HYDERABAD: http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500041.htm We congratulate members of SAIDARBAR- LAUREL, MD-USA for starting a chapter in the service of Lord Sainath and HIS devotees We will be happy to conduct Tele-Satsanghs to cities out side Hyderabad, India on prior intimation. For further details please contact saidarbar --------- 15. EDITORIAL. Saibanisaji & Saidarbar team wishes " A HAPPY VIJAYADASHAMI " to readers of " THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI " . Let us all come together in the Satsanghs and pledge to dedicate our lives in service of Lord Sainath and pledge to follow the principles of simple living as preached by Baba. Pray lord Sainath to shower HIS blessings on all the devotees and other family members and continue to guide suitably in every walk of life. OMKARA is the name of Parabrahma. OM is the first sound. In this there are three primary syllables. They are AKARA, UKARA, MAKARA and ARDHA MATRA. The first syllable `Aa' is at the back of the tongue to neck. The second sound that emerges is `U'. This arises from the middle of the mouth, while uttering this sound, the lips are not closed. When we utter the third sound, the lips get merged in order to emanate OM. After closing lips and uttering `M' continues like the long pull of the bell at the end, tapering to silence. In fact the sound is present from the beginning of striking the bell, but we hear it clearly after the striking is stopped. The last prolonged `M' is called half-syllable i.e. ARDHA MATRA. In this way OM has got four sounds `A', `U', `Ma' and `M' (half-syllable). OM is the head of all mantras. By repeated chanting of OM and thinking of merging of bodies into ATMA, we get the supreme idea that everything is illusion except PARAMATMA. Sai devotees may write about their Sai activities in their place, Essays, articles and poetry on Sai to " The Glory of Shirdi Sai " - they may be address their contributions to E-mail id: saidarbar with a copy marked to webmaster We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the Glory of Shiridi Sai- the bi-weekly E -Magazine. Unless the author of the articles instructs, not to publish his/her E-mail id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice. You can for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI for a friend /relative by Submitting e-mail ID in the main page of http://www.saidarbar.org Also read the old issues from: http://www.saidarbar.org/glory.htm Editor does not accept responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published. This e-magazine is intended for Private circulation only. Submitted by Sai Sevak: Srinivasa Rao Kasturi P.S. In case you do not like to receive " The Glory of Shiridi Sai " , Kindly reply UNSUBSCRIBE for our necessary action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.