Guest guest Posted August 18, 2005 Report Share Posted August 18, 2005 THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI Third Year of Publication Published as Bi-Weekly Issue 17 / 2005 18-08-2005 Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org --------- THIS ISSUE CONTAINS 1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE 3. FOOT STEPS OF HOLY FEET 4. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO ….. 5. SAI IN DREAMS 6. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY 7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES 8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA 9. SAI WITH CHILDREN 10.ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES 11.LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES 12.TELUGU SECTION 13.SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA 14.SANATANA DHARMA – NEWS FROM ABROAD 15.SAI'S BOOK WORLD 16.FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS 17.EDITORIAL. -- 1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE: Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad. From the Satsanghs of Saibanisaji http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm 61. You should know that the relationships with the relatives and friendship with friends are like passing clouds in the sky and like floating logs in the river. They some times meet and some times they disperse. A wise person will not bother for the good and bad happenings with friends and relatives. 62. You should know that a wise person will neither get excited for the praises nor depressed for the criticism and he maintains equilibrium. 63. If you are interested to enter the Spiritual life, give least importance for the money, fear not the death and lastly the attachment towards kith and kin. 64. The way the day and night follows one after one, similarly in human life sorrows and happiness will follow one after one. When you know this phenomenon, why do you entertain fear in the life? 65. The way you accept the medicines from the herbs available in the forest to cure your illness, sometimes you should also be prepared to accept the help from the persons who are unknown to you thinking that they are God sent one. 66. You should know that your wisdom is your money, your greediness is your enemy, your character is your beauty and your happiness is your health. 67. The food you offer to your guest will be digested with in no time but the food you have offered with affection and love will be in his memories for his life long. So always offer the food with love and affection. 68. You should know that half your life will go in the sleeping, remaining half will go in your child hood, youth and old age. Try to utilize your youth for constructive work in the life so that you will not repent in the life. To be Continued… ----- 2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE: Shravan 1912: Gurusthan Padukas were installed under the neem tree in Shirdi. Shravan 1914: H.H.Shri.Vasudevananda Saraswathi (Tembe Swami) left for His heavenly abode at Gardueshwar on the banks of river Narmada in Gujarat at the age of 80 years. Shravan 1941: Shri.Narayana Maharaj of Kedgaon left the mortal coils at the age of 56 years at Bangalore. ------ 3. FOOT STEPS OF THE HOLY FEET –10 From http://www.saidarbar.org EXPERIENCES OF SAI.BA.NI.SA WITH SHIRDI SAI Let me request and focus your attention to 40th chapter of Sai Sat charitra where in Sai during the year 1917 has promised to Hemadri panth in his dream that he would visit their house on ' HOLI ' the festival of colors for having lunch . This promise he fulfilled and arrived in the form a photograph just before their lunch time. Similar experience which I have undergone is narrated under this experience to show that Sai is continuing to extend his humble grace even now, as he was doing to his devotees in the past while alive. It was during the month of March 1996, on a Sunday morning hours, Sai appeared in the form of my establishment's Chief Executive and conveyed that he would come to my house for lunch. This message I have duly passed on to my wife as she has to prepare extra food for the guest to come. My wife although a Sai devotee was doubtful about the possibility of my chief's visit as we do not have family contacts with him. However from her side she went ahead with her preparations. My consciousness was firm that some one uninvited would definitely come by lunch time. It was past one' o clock and none turned up and my wife unable to withstand hunger commenced her lunch at two' o clock. By now I was turning a bit shaky, but my belief was still firm that he would come in some form or other. My mind was oscillating like a simple pendulum between her nagging on one side and my belief on the other side. In state of helplessness I too commenced my lunch mechanically without any appetite for eating. At the fag end of my lunch, our door bell gave a ring and my joy knew no bounds to find a lower cadre employee of our organization and a good acquaintance of mine stepped with words that he has come to say a hello to me. Normally nobody from my office have the habit of visiting me at my house. How come this could happen? It is only on initiation of Sai this could take place. The words uttered by him are more significant to the present context as he said that on completion of his shift duties he was on his way back home and felt strong desire to see me. As the Bus touched our corner street he got down to see me. Now I was in a fix whether I should offer him lunch or not, but my wife expressed her opinion that it is not our tradition to offer left over food items to a guest as it violates the principle of ' ATHIDHIDEVOBHAVA '. However she came forward with a suggestion to offer him freshly prepared snacks (a fast food item) .He was offered a plate full and without any hesitation he consumed all of it. Later he had a glass of water and stepped out with a soft smile. The gentle smile reminded me of Sai's promise that he would go to any extent to keep up his word. Of course one may have to undergo through trials and testing periods to be ultimately blessed by him. BOW TO SAI PEACE TO ALL To be Continued… -------------------------------- 4. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO " MUKTABAI " Muktabai: The soul of a saintly family Curtesy: BY MEERA S SASHITAL The story of Muktabai is chiefly bound up with that of Jnanadev, one of her brothers. The other two brothers being Nivritti and Sopan. They were the four children of Vitthalpant and Rukmabai Kulkarni of Apegaon, who lived on the banks of the river Godavari near Pai then in Alandi. Muktabai was the youngest child and has been regarded as the incarnation of Devi Saraswati or Adi-Shakti. Nivritti is regarded as the incarnation of Lord Shiva, Jnanadev as the incarnation of Sri Krishna, and Sopan as the incarnation of Brahma. Vitthalpant even from his tender age was very religious minded. He left his house for Varanasi and took up Sanyasa. Swami Ramananda initiated him into the order of anchorites and named him Chaitanyananda thinking he was unmarried. Rukmabai at Alandi spent her days praying to God for the return of her husband. Twelve years later,Ramananda was on his way Rameshwar when he happened to meet Rukmabai at Alandi, who told him that Chaitanyananda, was her husband. Ramanandareturned to Varanasi and send for Chaitanyananda. He orders him to return to Alandi immediately and lead his earlier householder's life. Vitthalpant obeys, returns to his wife and resumes the Grishasta's(householder) duty. In due course of time four children were born to them. As mentioned above they were Nivritti, Jnanadev, Sopan and Muktabai. Vitthalpant taught his children all that was necessary for a Brahmin to know and they become quite learned in scriptures. But the people of Alandi ostracized them saying that a monk could not become a householder again, and, as such the children could not be invested with the sacred thread. Extremely disheartened, Vitthalpant and his wife gave up their lives by throwing themselves into the Ganges at Prayag. The four children were left as orphans and had to live on alms. Muktabai was taken great care by her brothers. They tried to persuade the Brahmins to invest them with the sacred thread but were outrightly refused. Jnanadev challenged the Brahmins by making a buffalo recite the Vedas. He proved that true Brahmanism consisted in having a pure heart and conduct, and not in rituals and plain dogmas. Jnanadev became a great scholar and wrote his famous Jnaneshwari, an exposition of the Bhagavad Gita in the Marathi language. He held religious discourses and spend his time with Namdev and other great saints at Pandharpur during festivals. Muktabai too having undergone sufferings since childhood with her brothers was influenced by her brothers' endurance, knowledge and philosophy. Like her brothers, she was also revered and honoured. By now she had attained sainthood, and was even initiating others into spirituality. There are many legendary stories related to her supernatural powers and ability as a spiritual guide. One of these anecdotes tells us that once Jnanadev with his brothers and sister had gone to the Pandharpur temple. Saint Namdev, who always lived there, was also sitting near the image of the deity. He thought he was dearer to Lord Vithoba since he was always near Him. Jnanadev and his brothers prostrated before the deity as also Namdev. Muktabai, however, who could read the innermost thoughts of others, saluted the Lord but did not do so to Namdev saying ``Mere staying in the company of God does not make a man worthy of salute. Namdev does not deserve any since he has had no spiritual guide as yet''. A discussion took place and finally it was decided to go to Gora Kumbhar, the potter,the well known saint, to judge whether Namdev was a perfect saint or not. Namdev, accordingly, goes with Jnandev and others to Gora Kumbhar at the temple of Pandharpur, where other great saints like Changdev, Rohidas, Chokamela, Savta and many other saints had assembled for a kirtan. Muktabai wanted to put Namdev on the right path of knowledge and so asked the potter, Gor Kumbhar, to test all the saints assembled therewhether they were perfect. The potter's test was always to tap the pots in order to find out if they were well baked. Gora Kumbhar taps the heads of all, but when he came to Namdev and tapped his head he exclaimed ``This pot is not well baked.'' Namdev ran to Lord Krishna and narrated the whole thing. Sri Krishna told him that it was true and that he was kachcha (raw), ill-baked and had not attained the highest realization. Lord Krishna tells him to go to Kecharswami, a disciple of Jnanadev for initiation. Vinoba proves to Namdev that there was not a place devoid of God's presence in this world. It was, therefore, foolish on his part to consider himself superior to other saints who could not be at Pandharpur. After this enlightenment of Namdev, Gora, Muktabai acknowledged him a great saint and Muktabai made her obeisance to him. Another legend tells us about Muktabai being the spiritual guide of Changdev Vateshwar, a yogi living on the bank of the river Tapi. Once Muktabai and her brothers were sitting in the Ashram when Changdev happened to pass by. Muktabai was, of course fully clad, but she appeared to Changdev as unclad and at once turned away. Muktabai then told him that he was not perfect as he still had a complex of sex and shame and did not see God in every being. These words of Muktabai had great effect on him and he eradicated this weakness through intense sadhana. Changdev wished to make Jnanadev his Guru, but Jnanadev said that Muktabai was the right spiritual Guru instead of himself. Changdev has made many references to Muktabai in his Abhangs. Muktabai had the gift of composing verses. She tells us that she was awakened to spiritual consciousness by the grace of Nivritti. In her Abhang, she compares the grace of Nivritti to the bank of a river, across which she was able to reach by the grace of Nivritti. Many of her preachings toChangdev in the form of Abhangs became very famous. But her most popular Abhanga is the Tatiche Abhanga (The song of the Door). What inspired Muktabai to compose the Abhang Tatiche Abhanga was an incident related to Jnanadev, who was once annoyed with the people around him and locked himself u in his hut. When Muktabai heard this, she composed some Abhangs advising him that it does not befit a saint to be upset over follies of the world. In this Abhang she says ``An ascetic is pure in mind and forgives the offences of people. If the world is hot as fire owing to exasperation, a sage should with pleasure be cool as water. If people hurt them with weapons of words, saints should treat those remarks as pieces of advice. This universe is a single piece of cloth woven with the one thread of Brahman, so please open the door, O Jnaneshwar.'' Muktaba's life was brief but she enlightened thousands of people by her striking personality, which helped to enhance the greatness of her brothers too. She was struck by lightening and reached the abode of God when she was barely eighteen. Muktabai is honoured to this day and regarded as one of the pioneers of the Varakari cult. The couplet ``Nivritti, Jnanadev, Sopan, Muktabai, Eknath, Tukaram'' is still recited by the devotees of the Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur in their bhajans or devotional songs. -------- 5. 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. Dated: 25-10-1993. The dream message for the day was - Vegetables however costly they might be, need to be boiled before consumption for easy digestion. In the same way irrespective of the religion, one must practice (Sadhana) to understand and attain God. Spiritualism is the only path to reach God. Dated: 28-10-1993. I was finding it difficult in translating Arthur Osborne's Book on Sai and I prayed on him to see that I commit no mistakes and bless me in fulfilling that task. Sai visited my house in the form an Executive of a big Establishment. He was dressed in full white and came in a white car. He took my wife and me for a dinner in a star Hotel that we readily agreed to. I refused hot drinks on the ground that I left the habit long ago. My wife was ordered with some soft drinks and food to eat. For me he ordered a drink titled Brose. The waiter got me the drink that was very hot. In haste I burnt my lips and I got up from my sleep. My wife was comfortably sleeping by my side and no body around. I consulted my friends and no body could throw any light on what Brose is. I put a test and said to myself that if Sai's arrival in the form of the executive is correct, I should get the meaning of the word too. I opened up the Dictionary and found the meaning as " A simple and nutritious food made by pouring hot water or milk on Oatmeal " . In my mother tongue it meant Ganji – a poor man's food. I was happy for the blessings given. I went ahead the task with renewed vigour. Tasks undertaken for the betterment of the society are always encouraged. Dated: 11-11-1993. The day passed off peacefully and I prayed Sainath to show me the way to get rid of the habit of hatred. As usual the call was answered and I felt very happy. I was brushing my teeth in the morning. I was not spitting out the foam but was gulping it down. Teeth were cleaned but the wash to be discarded went in to my body. An unknown person cautions me on that and its ill effects. I got up from sleep and realized that Hatred is to be removed from our mind and body, otherwise it will percolate down and ruin us. The person further warned me adopt an easy path and not to fall prey to the unethical practices. Ego should be totally shed. No use in washing dirty linen unless the heart is pure. To be continued….. ---- 6. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY: (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao) " Shashi " : shashi_31 17. Religion Religion perfects our life and we live for mankind. Prophets of humanity sacrificed their lives to safe guard this truth of get and give, live and love, seek and serve. Saints in all religions loved humanity and truth and held us their guiding light to humanity. This is Religion. All religions teach us to live in truth and be the light to serve humans on the way to unite with the Eternal One. Religion is to realize our origin and goal. Gurus are many but the Truth is one. Religions are many but realization is one. Paths are many but the goal is one. Books are many but the look is one only. The goal of all religions is to realize the inner look and that is the sole outlook of all religions to realize the unique `I' and MINE. I am AUM; Aham Brahmasmi; Tat Twam Asi. The `I' in the heart's core is God. You are that. He is that and everything is that. Now in every religion, differences and divisions arise, but such differences are but natural and inevitable in the practice of various religions, principles and teachings and also among different sections. Due to passage of time, degeneration has crept in every religion in the application of its principles in actual practice. The Gita says at such times God Himself descends as an Avatar to restore Dharma laying stress on essentials of religious achievements. In Hindu dharma sastras, it is said for revitalizing practice of Dharma by the people, Holy men of Supreme intelligence and wisdom are born from time to time. Thus, the advent of Sri Sai Baba, Buddha etc, they are such renounced personalities born to help and destroy many meaningless practices that were in vogue till then and they tried to restore the correct principles and showed the way of putting them into practice by their teachings, reestablishing faith and devotion to God. To be continued….. -------------- 7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES: " Venkateswara Rao Uppala " venkateshuppala Tue, 2 Aug 2005 06:17:14 -0700 (PDT) Experience with BABA Second Experience: 2. Two weeks back I started doing Sai Satcharitra parayana, and during the second day, I remembered the above incident and felt a strong desire to visit this temple after completing parayana on the following Thursday. I also felt that I should go with my close friend, Sri VenkataRamana Garu who is also a staunch devotee of Shirdi SaiBaba. I called him and he readily agreed to come with me. We decided to go on Friday, 29th July 2005. We started at 6:20 in the morning, and it was a 210 miles drive and would have taken us 3 hours plus to reach. We had a wonderful travel and did not realize how the time passed. During the drive we were discussing so many spiritual topics and BABA's experiences. The topic came about chanting of Gayatri mantra and my friend told me that it need to be received by a GURU for effectiveness and the procedure to chant. I used to chant this mantra on my own few years back but discontinued it later. So I thought, when my Guruji visits USA this year, I shall receive this mantra from him. We visited Lord Venkateswara temple first, spent few hours there and later went to Shirdi Sai Baba's temple which is few miles from there. We reached around 11:30. When we entered the temple, we saw to our amazement, an american dressed in traditional yellow Pancha and top performing Kubera Yagna and his wife was assisting him with the help of Sri Panduranga Rao, who built this temple. We were standing and looking, when Sri Panduranga Rao requested us also to participate. Sri American (sorry, I do not remember his name) looked back, smiled and said KOORCHONDI (Sit down in Telugu). We were stunned to see him speak Telugu. His wife arranged for a mat and he insisted that we must sit on the mat. We performed yagna for about half an hour. Later the noon aarthi was performed by playing it on the temple's PA system. Being a working day there were just eight devotees plus Sri Panduranga Rao and the temple secretary. After the aarathi was over, the tape was stopped, prasadam was distributed and others left. We were discussing with the american couple as to how they became devotees of Shirdi SaiBaba. They informed us that they are from Hawaii and are planning to build Shridi Sai Baba temple there. Later, Sri Panduranga Rao left with the american couple. So we were the only two present in the temple. I requested Raman Garu that I would like to do meditation for five minutes and then we will start back. I started meditating and Ramana garu was sitting nearby. After few minutes into meditation, we heard GAYATRI mantra on the temple PA system. It was chanted Only once and stopped. I tried to continue my meditation and after five minutes, looked for Ramana Garu. He was in the adjoining room. When I saw him, he asked me excitedly if I too heard the Gayatri mantra. I said yes. He said when he sat with me, he thought and requested BABA to show his presence in some or the other way. After hearing this mantra, he went and looked to see if anybody else was present and playing any tape. He found nobody except us. The secretary also had left after locking the temple office. We were so much happy and felt that BABA obliged RamanaGaru's request and at the same time gave me the Gayatri mantra. I am delighted to receive this mantra from none other than our beloved SAIBABA. While driving back we did not know how the time passed. Obviously we were enjoying this wonderful experience. It was like you are floating on the water in a pond with eyes closed and feeling the gentle waves and the cool air breeze touching your body, and listening to the occasional chirping of birds! BABA bless US ALL, Venkateswara Rao ------------------------------ liai05 7/29/2005 03:09:13 -0600 SaiRam! I had a dream before the earthquake & tzunami (the greatest disaster) happened in Aceh & Meulaboh. It was 26 December 2004, about 03.00-04.00 am, I was dreaming. I saw Sai Baba with orange cloth was standing in front of the big building, He standing right in front of the entrance door, and it was the only door of the building. The door was open and Baba standing there to let some people to get inside the building. It seems like Baba is the owner of the building. I saw people get in a hurry and Baba let them in. At the moment I did not know what happened but people seems like to look for a shelter... then.i went to the building in a hurry with curious and shy. (Cause I afraid that Baba might not let me in). When I saw Baba. I pay homage with fold hand and said " Baba, please forgive my fault (mistake), forgive my wrong words to what I have done " and Baba rise his hand and let me in. I was so happy that Baba let me in. Then I woke up. In the morning about 08.15, while combing my hair after taken bath the earth quake happened and the worst damage was in Aceh & Meulaboh. At the moment I was in my brother's house in Pangkalan Brandan (about 600 km from Aceh) and we did felt the great moving but thanks GOD no damage happend to us. I believe Sai Baba had protected us and bless us. I feel grateful and more believe with Sai Baba. Even though I live so far away from Baba, but Baba is very kind to give me a dream. Yanti, Indonesia ------------------------------ 8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA Venkateswaraswamy Swarna " swamysv & swamymain Sai Ram. Let us continue with the wonderful teachings of Baba on the important topic of Brahma Jnan. Sai Ram. (2) Virakti or a feeling of disgust with the things of this world and the next. Unless a man feels disgusted with the things, emoluments and honors, which his action would bring in this world and the next, he has no right to enter into the spiritual realm. Sai Ram. It is known that once a little progress is made on the spiritual path and by God's and Guru's grace, the sense of suffocation from one's desires becomes a little less, the progress becomes slow and the sensual desires (the same Kama) return albeit in a subtle manner. So unless one develops a very strong sense of disgust to these desires and to the very subtle working of the ego, one cannot progress further on the spiritual path. Many times, the religious practices that one takes up as a part of one's sadhana become bonds. The rituals that one practises (the yagnas etc.) do offer potent rewards. Similarly, the japa, tapas etc. do give rewards in heaven. If the sadhaka is attracted by these rewards, the entry to the spiritual realms is barred. Attachments to anything are impediments to the spiritual path. Desires for honor, fame etc. are much more difficult to get rid of than say desire for food. (3) Antarmukhata (introversion). Our senses have been created by God with a tendency to move outward and so, man always looks outside himself and not inside. He who wants self-realization and immortal life, must turn his gaze inwards, and look to his inner Self. Sai Ram. The external world is supposed to reflect the inner world. Since it is difficult to introspect and see the working of Maya, in the beginning introspection is not easy. But with Guru's grace, the sadhaka soon develops the skill. One should watch one's reactions (one's ego's reactions) to external stimuli. The reactions come because the seeds of vasanas (attachments) that are deep rooted are not easily got rid of and start sprouting, long after a sadhaka thinks that he has overcome them. The inner Self (the ego) has several layers acquired over a number of births and one has to start peeling them with intense spiritual sadhana. A sense of superiority (that one has become holier) may arise and is certainly a trick of the ego, a test to the sadhaka. Thus Antarmukhatva is extremely important, especially since other people, however close they may be or however they may be wishing well, cannot tell the sadhaka his defects and sometimes, even if they tell him, his ego will not allow him to accept the external inputs. But however unwilling one may be to listen to others, sooner or later, one starts listening to the inner voice. This is the benefit of introspection. Sai Ram. We will continue with the teachings of Baba in the next issue. Sai Ram. Swamy To be Continued……. ---------------------- 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. Baba told before He took His Maha Samadhi that He is Muralidhar and would like to play in Booty Wada (Samadhi Mandir) with His devotees. So far you have enjoyed Krishna Leelas. Baba has also established his identity with Lord Sri Rama. Now I will take you through our epic Ramayan. Tell your parents to read the Glory of Shirdi Sai – Bi-weekly E-magazine and narrate Ramayan from this magazine. RAMA –RAVANA BATTLE: Ravana was filled with unbounded fury when he came to know of Meghanad's death and the deceitful manner in which he was killed. All the princes who had gone to the battle field were killed there. Now he had no alternative but to wake his sleeping brother. Kumbakarana, who slept for six months in a year. Accompanied by soldiers, a large number of drum beaters and enormous quantities of food and wine to quench his brother's hunger and thirst, Ravana reached the palace where Kumbhakarna was asleep. They heard the doors and windows rattling which was caused byKumbhakarna's snorings. By the beating of hundreds of drums any how the giant was wakened and given enormous food and wine to quench his hunger and thirst. Then Ravana told him of the calamity that had befallen them. " How could mere mortal human beings and monkeys create so much havoc and kill Meghanad? " Kumbhakarna wondered. Before going to the battle field Kumbhakarna promised to his brother, Ravana, that he would wipe out all his enemies single handed. With his mace in his hand Kumbhakarna marched alone to the battle field. Terror and panic ran across Rama's army as they saw the mountain like Kumbhakarna advancing towards them. He started to make mince meat of horde of monkeys, apes and bears. They started running in fear. He took hold of Sugreeva and ran towards Lanka. The jubilant demons at such a complete victory followed him. But the victory was short lived. Sugreeva freed himself any how and ran back to Rama. Kumbhakarna ran towards Rama shouting that he would wipe out the entire army of monkeys. But Rama did not let him cause any further harm. Rama used his divine weapons at him which cut him to pieces and he fell dead. Hundreds of monkeys were crushed under the pieces of his dead body. News of Kumbhakarna's fate reached Ravana. He was not dismayed, nor did he entertain any idea of surrendering, rather he decided to meet Rama in the battle field and fight to his last breath. With a huge army Ravana rode in his chariot with full royal splendour. Seeing the mighty demon king Ravana, the so called ten headed conqueror of the three worlds, every one was awe- struck. A fierce battle started. Both the armies clashed each other tooth and nail. It was no ordinary fight. Ravana,Rama and Lakshmana used all the divine weapons in their possession. When Lakshmana broke his chariot, Ravana got into another chariot. Now a war of divine weapons ensued between Rama and Ravana. The invincible Ravana was giving Rama a tough fight. Streams of blood flowed and there was unimaginable destruction on both sides. No one was likely to be defeated neither Rama nor Ravana. Both appreciated each other's bravery and warfare skills. Whenever Rama chopped off his head by his divine weapon, Ravana got a new head. Rama was losing his heart and he was unable to think a way to kill mighty Ravana. Until he killed Ravana, Rama could not redeem his pledge to Sita. " How? " was a big question to Rama. The question was answered by Vibhishana who came to Rama's rescue. Vibhishana told Rama of the secret of Ravana's death. He said, " You can kill Ravana only by Brahmastra. " Hearing this Rama fixed the Brahmastra, given to him by the sage Agastya, on is bow with chanting of mantras and cast the weapon at Ravana. Ravana knew that vibhishana had betrayed him. The infallible Brahmastra did the work it was shot for and then returned to Rama's quiver. Ravana fell on the ground. The mighty ten-headed demon king Ravana, the conqueror of the three worlds, breathed his last, in the dust. Loud cries of victory rented the air. Rama's camp started rejoicing the victory, while Lanka lamented the death of their glorious king. Rama ordered that Ravana be cremated with full royal honours. Vibhishana performed the last rites of his brother. Then, after the days of mourning were over, coronation of Vibhishana took place in Lanka with great pomp and show. To be Continued…… -------------- 10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES: " Sankaraiah Dubagunta " sainama An Atheist Builds Sai Mandir (Though this was published article in Shree Saileela 25 years ago now written from a different angle for the benifit of innumerable Sai devotees of the present day.Let us note the divine hand of Sri Sainath). Shri Keshav ramachandra pradhan, native of Bhivapuri road near Mumbai was a noted atheist from the beginning of his life. Sai Maharaja in his own mysterious way pulled him to Shirdi and turned into a staunch theist as narrated below. He was pulled to Shirdi through his friend who was a regular visitor to shirdi. Pradhan also used to go officially to Manmad,Kopergaon for collections. Once he had agreed to accompany his friend to Shirdi on condition he should not be forced to see Baba. They rented a room. Pradhan stayed back. At 12'0 clock noon Arati bells began to ring. This sound had magnetic effect on Pradhan by dragging him towards Dwarakamai. Pradhan went into trance after stepping into the place. After Arati all left except pradhan. Baba called him near and asked for dakshina. He had an amount of rupees two thousand and five hundred rupees including money collected on behalf of his Parsee employer. In that trance he gave entire amount. He was at a loss as to do what after coming to normalcy from trance ...He was short of cash for going to Bombay except a gold ring. He engaged a Tonga and gave gold ring for sale. A tall suited gentleman who observed this not only paid Tonga fare but also purchased ticket for Bombay.(Dear Readers who could be the gentleman ?) on his return to Bhivanipuri he sent a letter to his employer stating he was unwell the employer replied that he could attend the office later as he received double the amount. This news made the 'atheist' in pradhan to disappear the tiny seed of devotion sown at Shirdi has sprouted. Pradhan prayed " Oh! Baba I am a sinner. So far I remained away from you and did not acceed to the request of my friend to come to your lotus feet but you have now favoured me by your grace and I am sure all my sins must have now been wiped out. " In one of pradhan's visits to Shirdi in 1916 Baba handing over a replica of himself said " Go back to Bhivapuri erect a temple and place this replica there. Start all the functions there and do not come here. " (Beloved readers this reveals that Baba had approved construction of temple for him. His replica is as powerful as himself and celebration of all functions also was approved by Baba. I feel it was the first Sai Mandir built during Baba's physical presence at Shirdi-If not enlighten on this point reg. first Mandir with facts and figures) He did not comply with Baba's instructions and went to Shirdi. Baba questioned " when I have come to your house why have you come here? Bhivapuri is your Shirdi now? (Readers! Shirdi is the place wherever Baba rests. Baba rests where there is full devotion. It is confirmed Baba's dictum those who think Iam at Shirdi have not understood me). This remark of Babaji awakened Pradhan a temple amidst good natural surroundings was built. Not only Pradhan but also his guests felt the presence of Baba in the mandir. People heard opening of the doors at 12 midnight and closing of the doors at 3 am. Pradhan built a beautiful shrine room, a spacious hall, a wide verandah and a guest house. Sai-intoxicated soul in pradhan left this earth in 1939 leaving the responsibilities of upkeep of mandir to his sons, son-in-law. On account of heavy inflow of devotees it was planned for further expansion. The work was held up in the middle for want of funds. Sri narayana purohit resorted to the feet of Sai Baba through parayana of Sri Satcharita. After four days Saibaba appeared in the dream of pradhan and asked " Where is my dhuni? If there is no dhuni how can this be shirdi? How will the temple be completed? " As this dream was repeated Sri Purohit informed the trustees who had erected dhuni which was inagurated by the grand son of shri Dabholkar on 7-04-1949. Afterwards a devotee offerred to pay all the expenditure of the roof and other structure. (Now we learn that dhuni is a must for shirdi sai temple .Secondly Sri Sai satcharita parayana is a means to seek Sai's grace and instructions). Readers would like to further enlighten me on this. How Sainath tought us universal truth. OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!! D.Sankaraiah. -------------------------------- 11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES: " padma padma padma " padma_kr 4 Aug 2005 17:38:56 -0000 Sai Ram! Thank you for sending me " The Glory of Shirdi Sai " E-magazine. Padma ------------------- " Jaya katragadda " jvsjaya Thu, 4 Aug 2005 17:37:02 +0100 (BST) Om SAIRAM Thanks for the messages of SAI through The Glory of Shiridisai. They are Very informative & divine. Ohm Sai Sai ram -------------------------- Devotees speak about Sai in Dreams " Kiran Buddi " : kiranbuddi Thu, 26 May 2005 07:59:28 -0700 (PDT) This e-book helped me to interpret many of my dreams in the recent past. It is the grace of Baba in the form of dreams through Sri Saibanisa helping us grow spiritually. Kiran Buddi Minneapolis, MN-USA ------- " Leela Bommareddi " : leela_bommareddi Thu, 26 May 2005 13:30:41 -0500 Saibanisa unfolded the dream sequences magnificently to confirm other devotees how we can recognize the Inner Voice which is the Voice of GOD. Leela Bommareddi ------- " sairam saisevak " : sathgurusai2002 Sat, 28 May 2005 21:48:06 -0700 (PDT) From the diary, we can see Saibanisa has entirely dedicated and wanted to work towards Sai as HIS Mission, goal and Vision. Sridhar Rangaswamy --------- " Mili Soni " : milisoni Sun, 29 May 2005 19:25:14 -0400 It is Baba's blessings that I get to read this great E-book " Sai In Dreams. " It leads to the spiritual path. It takes away all the trouble from your life and leaves you with peace and happiness. Blessed is Saibanisa Ji and blessed are we who reads this. Mili Soni ---------------------- You can obtain " Sai in Dreams E-book " from Web: http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/ ------------------------- 12. TELUGU SECTION: Please visit: http://68.88.118.16/telugupages/Misc/ShiridiSai/shirdisai.htm -- 13. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA Saibanisa-Gopalarao Ravada—Saidarbar Hyderabad –India SRI MAHA BHAGAVATHAM—SRI SHIRDI SAI SATCHARITA 2) King Duryodhana with an ulterior motto of defaming the Pandavas Living in exile in the forests, planned to use the services of the Durvasa Mahamuni who is well known for his anger. The saint along with his Thousand disciples visited Pandava's hutment and asked for food to be served. Only a single grain of rice was remaining in the dish. Lord Sri Krishna saved them from a sure humiliation and helped Draupadhi and Pandavas in keeping up the tradition of 'ATHIDI DEVOBHAVA'. The Saint Durvasa and his followers walked left contented after having a good feast. Balaji Nevaskar's wife invited about a hundred and odd people for a luncheon, in connection with a ceremony at their house. How ever the turn out was more than expected. Mother-in-law advised the daughter-in-law to put a little Udhi in the food to be served and to pray Lord Sainath before serving food to the guests. To their utter surprise, food was still remaining even after every body numbering about three hundred and odd persons had their lunch. 3)The saint Suka mahamuni granted Sadhgathi to king Parikshat after reciting the holy Maha Bhagavatth continuously for seven days. Sri Sai in the year 1911 organized the parayan of Maha Bahagavath for a period of two weeks and gifted Vijayanand, a sage from Madras with Sadhgathi. Sai was instrumental in benefiting similarly yo other known ardent devotees: Megha Shyam, Thathyasaheb Noolkar and a Tiger too. 3) Bhaktha Prahladh, son of King Hiranya Kashyap costantly prayed to Lord Sri Hari from a very tender age. Similarly Dhruva, son of king Utthanapadha also was a devotee of Lord Srihari. During the year 1908, Bapurao, a young lad aged six was in the habit of offering flowers to the presiding deity Hanumaan in the Maruti temple. He then would proceed Daily to Dwarakamaayi to place a single flower on the Baba's head before going to School. In fact that's how the ritual of performing Baba's pooja made a beginning. 4) Brahmah, before donning the role of 'Srusti kartha' known as the Creator said to Lord Sri Hari - " I on your orders am going to begin The task assigned to me, how ever it is possible at times that I might develop an inner ego and feel myself to be the Creator " . Please bless me and see to it that such thoughts do not enter my mind at any point of time. Sri Annasaheb Dhabolkar, before commencing to write Sai Satcharitra approached Baba through Shyama for seeking blessings from Sainath. Sai advised Shyama to tell Annasaheb to place his (Annasahheb's) ahamkara (Ego) at my feet and then I shall enter him to write my own life's story. To be Continued…… ---------------------- debu7366 Tue, 9 Aug 2005 00:48:38 -0700 (PDT) Shravan Mas - The Holy Month of Festivals The month of Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calender beginning from Chaitra, and is the most auspicious month of the Chaturmas. On Purnima or full moon day, or during the course of the month the star 'Shravan' rules the sky, hence the month is called Shravan. This month is spread out with innumerably religious festivals and ceremonies and almost all the days of this month are auspicious. Shravan is considered the holiest month of the year. Each Monday of this month, known as Shravana Somvar, is a special day in Shiva temples where the dharanatra hangs over the linga or the idol to bathe it with holy water, day and night. Devotees pile the linga high with Belva leaves and flowers and fast till sunset. The nandadeep (24 hour lamp) burns steadily in the temples. Lord Shiva and Shravan Mas The legend says that when the churning of oceans - Samudra Manthan - took place in the month of Shravan, fourteen different types of rubies came out. Thirteen of these were distributed amongst the demons, except Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored it in his throat. Hence the name Neelkantha (meaning blue throat) is attributed to Shiva. To reduce the strong effect of poison, Lord Shiva wore the crescent moon on his head. All the Gods thereafter started offering the Ganges water to Lord Shiva to make lessen the effect of poison. Since, this happened in the month of Shravana, since then the Shiva devotees offer the Ganges water in this month. It is considered highly auspicious to wear a rudraksha in Shravan month. As, Mondays or Somvars of Shravan month are specially observed with austerity. All Mondays are devoted to the worship of Shiva as this day is sacred to Lord Shiva. No other Mondays of other months are so greatly honored. The belief is that in Shravan month, offering milk to Lord Shiva earns a lot of punya. Significance of Shravan Weekdays Each day in the month of Shravan has a special significance and has its own ritual. Monday: is the day of Lord Shiva worship. Tuesday: Gauri is worshipped in every home, by women for the good health of their family. Wednesday: are dedicated to Vithala, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. Thursday: are also days for worshipping Buddh and Guru. Friday: every home worships Lakshmi and Tulsi. Saturday: are for Saturn (Shani). It is also known as Shravan Saturdays, with the object of obtaining wealth. These days are known as Sampat Sanivara (wealth Saturdays). Sundays: are meant worshipping the Sun god. Sun worship was general in the Vedic period and even now it is so. Especially in Shravan, every Sunday the Sun is worshipped without fail. May the Merciful Sri Sai Baba always shower His grace on us and our families and remove our problems and anxieties by giving us all - strength , goodluck, success and happiness with peace of mind. Sai bhakt, Deepa H debu7366 ---------- Raksha Bandhan – 19th August, 2005. SrinivasaRao Kasturi Saidarbar – Hyderabad. RAKSHA BANDHAN (19th August, 2005) falls on the full moon day of the month of Sravan (August-September). It is an important Hindu festival. Hindus wear a new holy thread and offer libations of water to the ancient Rishis on this day. On this day, Sachi, the consort of Indra, tied a holy thread or amulet around the wrist of Indra, when he was defeated by the demons. Then Indra, the king of gods, gained victory over the demons by the power of this protection (Raksha means " protection " ). He then recovered the lost city of Amaravati. On this day, a Raksha or Rakhi, is tied round the wrist of brothers by the sisters as a protection from evil during the coming year. -------- 14. SANATANA DHARMA – NEWS FROM ABROAD Chicago Area Temple Plans Grand Opening www.hindutempleoflakecounty.org LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, USA, August 7, 2005: The Hindu Temple of Lake County is having its Pran Prathishta and Kumbhabhishekam on Oct 16, 2005. They are having 9-days of pujas and festivities from Oct 8 on the backdrop of Navarathri with Yagnas and Homams. Organizer Sundar Balasubramaniam requests, " Please make sure you attend in person or sponsor one of the many kalasas offered during the puja. " For further information, click " source " above. http://www.hinduismtoday.com NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY, USA, August 15, 2005: (Press Release from Dharma Summit 2005, prepared by Beth Kulkarni.) For the first time in North America, 400 participants representing more than 80 Hindu temples and religious organizations came together for a Dharma Summit on August 13-15, 2005. The most respected heads of various religious groups who addressed the summit held at Rutgers University over the weekend http://www.geocities.com/guruforum/angkor1.htm Angkor Wat The largest Hindu Temple in the world Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at Angkor, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre- first Hindu,then Buddhist- since its foundation. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors drawn by its architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and the numerous devatas adorning its walls. -------------------------- 15. SAI'S BOOK WORLD: From S.K. Kapoor, Honorary Secretary, Sri Sai Bhakta Samaj (Regd.) 17, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003. E-mail : ssbsnewdelhi Web : www.saimemorial.com Books in Hindi by Dr. Rabinder Nath Kakarya 1. SRI SAI SATCHARITRA - Price Rs.250/- 2. SRI SAI BABA KE ANANYA BHAKT – Price Rs.75/- 3. MUKTHI DATA SRI SAIBABA – Price Rs. 60/- 4. SAI KA SANDESH - Price Rs.90/- 5. SRI SAI BABA KE PARAM BHAKT- Price Rs.75/- Publisher: Sterling Publishers private limited, A-59, OKHLA INDUSTRIAL AREA, PHASE – II New Delhi - 110 020. Web : www.sterlingpublishers.com 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. -- 16. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS: Visit http://www.angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra/index.html for SAIDARBAR - Canberra - Australia activities. Visit http://www.viswasaidarbar.com for SAIDARBAR - London Activities. Visit http://www.saidarbarusa.org for SAIDARBAR - Walling ford Activities ------ swar_s 7/11/2005 03:55:44 -0600 Om Sri Sairam. As per Shirdi Guru's Divine desire and Vision, we have been inspired to build a temple for Him in Trichy District, Tamilnadu. This Temple will be an epitome of religious harmony, following the message of Shirdi's Prabhu. The Temple will be called the Shirdi Guru Temple of Peace. FORDETAILS contact swar_s S Swarnambika --- Saidarbar Chennai: saidarbarchennai Saidarbar Chennai Long Live The Ancient & Supreme One! At the feet of Lord Shirdi Sai, Chennai Saidarbar Team. " Ramesh and Anitha " kandra Tue, 12 Jul 2005 23:35:03 +1000 Saidarbar Canberra Sairam, For Shirdi Sai Bhajans in Canberra please visit: http://angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra -------------------------------- Shirdi Sai Baba technical 13 Aug 2005 22:36:28 -0000 Saidarbar Wallingford SaiRam. Our next Sai darbar and satsang will be held on Saturday the 20th August, 2005. 05:00pm - 05:30pm - Silent Assembly – Sai Nama japa 05:30pm - Satsang Prayer starts with 2 minutes Dhayna Please contact: technical ---- " Shanthi Ramakrishnan " :shanthi 8/16/2005 20:50:47 -0700 Sai Darbar activities of Portland OR USA for the month of July 2005 Sai Ram , We had a wonderful session of our monthly Sai Darbar on July 28th Thursday. We started the session with OM, Gayatri and Sai Gayatri followed by Sai Ashtothram and sang a Ganesh Bhajan. Then we read 45th and 46th chapters in Sai SatCharitra. Sai Darbar was concluded with Aarti & prasad. Thank you for your support. Sai Ram. -------------------- " Atlanta Sai Temple News " webmaster Tue, 12 Jul 2005 15:31:12 -0700 North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta For more details please contact the Temple 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 " USA: shirdisaidallas Baba Pada Puja & Abhishekam This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month. Event Location: 2109 W. Parker Road, Plano, Texas It will be followed by Vishnu Sahasranamam at 11:00am. Please email your questions, comments or suggestions about the web site to: admin http://www.shirdisaidallas.org ---- " Om Sai Mandir " saisandesh 8/1/2005 08:56:25 -0400 Sai Sandesh August Issue can be read online at: http://www.omsaimandir.org/sai_sandesh_v2_issue8.pdf Back Issues are available at: http://www.omsaimandir.org/newsletter1.cfm ---- saibandhu For Satsanghs and details please visit www.ShirdiSaiParivaar.org Or send email to saibandhu --- " S Chopra " saileela99 SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN OF CANADA Please contact: Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada www.shirdisaicanada.org (under construction) saileela99 Shammi Chopra ------------- babamandir Thu, 11 Aug 2005 10:13:03 -0500 Om Sairam! Mandir Pathrika Issue 47 With the Mandir Pathrika Issue 47, 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 -------------------------------- SAIDARBAR – HYDERABAD: http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500041.htm 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 We will be happy to conduct Tele-Satsanghs to cities out side Hyderabad and India on prior intimation. For further details please contact saidarbar --------- 17. EDITORIAL. Things impressed me from this Magazine: All religions teach us to live in truth and be the light to serve humans on the way to unite with the Eternal One. Religion is to realize our origin and goal. Gurus are many but the Truth is one. Religions are many but realization is one. Paths are many but the goal is one. Books are many but the look is one only. The goal of all religions is to realize the inner look and that is the sole outlook of all religions to realize the unique `I' and MINE. 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 from www.saidakshina.com and from http://www.saidarbarusa.org 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 For SAIDARBAR-HYDERABAD 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...
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