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LIFE HISTORY OF SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA PART 13 tO 15

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Om Sri Sai Ram

 

Om Sri Sai Ram

 

LIFE HISTORY OF SHIRDI SAI BABA

 

By Ammula Sambasiva Rao

 

English Translation by Thota Bhaskara Rao

 

 

Sai Baba sitting in Dwarakamayi - original photo

 

 

 

Chapter XIII

 

Mahalasapati

It was the year 1895. After experiencing Baba's supernatural powers

and his love, Mahalasapati was fully drawn to Baba and become

detached from worldly attachments. One night, Khandoba appeared in

his dream and asked, " If you do not do your traditional gold-smith

work, cannot you get food? " To this Mahalasapati replied, " If I have

your compassion, then there won't be anything wanting and I will

leave my work. " From that day, Mahalasapati left his traditional work

and became an ascetic, living only on alms.

 

Gradually, he developed a detachment from family. He went home only

for taking food. At all other times, he was serving Baba. He slept in

the mosque with Baba during nights. In the following year, one day

Baba said, " Bhagat, hear the words of this fakir. You are sleeping in

the nights in the mosque. Go and sleep in your house. You have three

children, all daughters. A son will be born. Go and sleep in your

house.

 

Mahalasapati had no desire for having a son. In fact, he had no

desires at all. So he did not follow Baba's orders. Baba forcibly

sent him home with his friend Kashiram Shimpe on Krishna Jayanti day.

On the same day, the following year exactly after a year, a son was

born to him. Baba's words had come true. The boy was named Marthand.

When this boy grew up to the school-going age, he refused to go to

school one day. When Mahalasapati tried to beat him, the boy ran to

Dwarakamayi and sat in the lap of Baba. Mahalasapati came there and

beating the boy, tried to send him to school. Then Baba told

Mahalasapati with compassion, " Mhalsa, do not worry about your son. I

will take good care of him. "

 

Marthand grew up and by the name of Marthand Maharaj used to sit by

the side of Mahalasapati Samadhi in Shirdi. When this author met him

in 1985, he narrated the above incident and said that Sai Baba had

kept his word feeding him in the form of his devotees. He also said

that Baba had told Mahalasapati about his own parents, their names

and birthplace. Because of the differences between Hindus and Muslims

in those days, these particulars were kept secret. He added that his

father had given him the details but taken an oath from him that he

would not reveal them. He expired in 1986.

 

Now let's see how Baba saved Mahalasapati and his family. One night

when Mahalasapati was going home to take his meal, Baba cautioned

him. " Bhagat, on your way, you will encounter two tall thieves. Be

careful. " Mahalasapati found two snakes, one in front and one by the

side of his house. Similarly on another occasion Baba cautioned

him, " Bring a lantern with you. On the way you will encounter a

thief. " When Mahalasapati came with the lantern, he found a snake

near the mosque and he cried out, " Snake! Snake! " On hearing his

cries, the villagers came running and killed the snake.

 

Sometime in the year 1908, all the family members of Mahalasapati

fell sick. A doctor, who had come to worship Baba, gave them

medicines. But Baba told him that these medicines were of no use and

that he would cure them of their illness. So saying, Baba took his

sataka made rounds around Dwarakamayi saying at the top of his

voice, " Come - I shall see how powerful you are! " Soon all the family

members of Mahalasapati recovered from their illness. Baba's action

might have been against the diseases in the house of Mahalasapati.

 

Once Mahalasapati's wife went to her parents' house. There she had an

attack of throat infection due to which suffered a lot. At Shirdi,

Baba told Mahalasapati, " Your wife is suffering a lot from throat

infection. Except me none can save her. " Then Mahalasapati told

Baba " It is true. Except you who else in this world can save us? "

Mahalasapati had complete faith in Baba, showing it in his words and

actions. Because of this Baba cured the ailment of Mahalasapati's

wife.

 

Even now Sai Baba saves his devotees who completely believe in him

and surrender to him, as Mahalasapati did. We appeal to the readers

to do the same. Sai Baba expects pure devotion and belief and not the

methods or mode of worship.

 

Mahalasapati used to go every year to a village called Jijuri, which

was 150 miles away from Shirdi, where a festival was held for

Khandoba. One year there was an epidemic of plague in that village

and Mahalasapati halted halfway from the village, very much

disappointed. Baba appeared before him for a moment. He fell down at

Baba's feet and when he got up Baba disappeared. He went to Jijuri

and returned without any difficulties. When he went to Baba on his

return, Baba questioned him, " Bhagat, Why were disappointed during

your pilgrimage. I came near your cart. Did you notice me? "

 

On another occasion, when Mahalasapati wanted to go to a village,

Doarhali, to attend a dinner at the house of his daughter's in-laws,

Baba did not give his consent. But Mahalasapati, thinking that the

relatives may misunderstand him, went to their house. But he returned

without eating after being put to some indignities. On his return, he

went to Baba and putting his head at his feet, started weeping. On

some other occasion, Mahalasapati wanted to go to the village

Ardhangonu. But Baba did not permit him to go, as there would be

clashes and disputes there. But Mahalasapati went. As Baba had

predicted there were quarrels among the village children which led to

the elders entering the fray and splitting the groups into two and

fighting with sticks. But Mahalasapati escaped without any injury and

returned safely.

 

The way Baba protected Mahalasapati at every stage shows how Sai Baba

loves his devotees. In this manner, a Guru who has the capability to

look after his devotees and give protection to them can only be

called Samartha Sadguru.

 

Chavadi

 

Sometimes, Baba used to go to Gurusthan, and closing his eyes, merge

his thoughts with those of his Guru Venkusa who resided inside the

underground structure in the form of a light (Jyothi). On hearing his

disciple, Venkusa would enter the head of Baba. The Guru and disciple

would silently converse. In the same manner, in Dwarakamayi during

nights, Baba would converse with his father Gurudhan (Ganga

Bhavajya). In front of the mosque, there was a big hall, where Sadhus

(mendicants) took rest and it was called Chavadi. The Sadhus and

Sanyasis who came to the village stayed there.

 

Nana Chandorkar and some others made all arrangements to tile the

floor in Dwarakamayi. They requested Baba to sleep in the Chavadi for

a night, so that they could attend to the laying of tiles in

Dwarakamayi overnight. Baba agreed and went to the Chavadi. He sat

alone there, as Tatya and Mahalasapati also were busy with tile-

laying work. No one else was with Baba in the Chavadi. In a

meditative mood he concentrated on Dwarakamayi, Gurudhan and Venkusa.

The three appeared before him in the form of Jyothis. They discussed

several matters. After sometime, Gurudhan and Dwarakamayi went back

to their places. Baba and Venkusa discussed things that would take

place in Shirdi in future and also for the next 500 years. In the

meantime twilight broke and Venkusa prepared to leave. But Baba

pleaded with Venkusa to remain in the Chavadi and that he would come

there on alternate days. Venkusa, out of love for Baba, agreed to

remain on the right side portion of the Chavadi saying that women

should not be allowed to enter that place. Baba agreed to this and

from that day onwards till today Venkusa is there in Chavadi in an

invisible form.

 

Baba, living in the lap of his mother (Dwarakamayi) and attracting

his father through whom he got this birth taught his disciples Jnana,

he gave salvation to those who approached him, and became the God of

this Kaliyug which had set in the Sai Yuga. Sai Baba bade goodbye to

orthodox ways of worship and other practices. In this connection Sai

Baba said, " Those who are lucky and those whose sins have been atoned

will worship me. I will help them to even cross the seven seas who

always think of my name. I am not interested in their ways of worship

and other practices. I will dwell in the hearts of those who have

sacred devotion towards me. " What he did to such devotees is

recounted below now.

 

Greatness of Baba's Words

 

In the year 1909 Bhimaji Patil was suffering from tuberculosis. On

the advise of Nana Saheb, he came to Shirdi and fell at the feet of

Baba. In the beginning, though Baba declined to save him, he yielded

to repeated requests from Bhimaji and taking pity on him said " Do not

fear. Your difficulties are over. Even persons with dangerous

ailments will get relief once they climb up the stairs of the mosque.

The fakir (meaning Baba) is very compassionate. He will save all with

love and compassion. " After Baba gave these assurances the disease of

Bhimaji got cured slowly and in a few days he fully recovered and

became healthy. After that Baba appeared to him in dreams twice. In

the first dream, it was a teacher beating him. In the second dream,

it was a big boulder put on his chest, and he suffered on account of

this. By beating and putting a heavy weight on the chest, Baba

removed his misdeeds and restored complete health. Noticing the

divine power of Sai Baba, Bhimaji Patil, after going back to his

village, started performing Sai Sathya Vrata on the lines of

Satyanarayana Vrata for the first time.

 

Datta Pant was a resident of Hardha. He was suffering from severe

stomach pain for the last fourteen years. He used several medicines

but did not get relief. Hearing Baba's greatness, he came to Shirdi,

fell at his feet and requested him to save him. Baba looked at him

with compassion, blessed him and put his hand (Abhaya Hastha) on his

head. Then he gave him udi as prasad. Datta Pant's stomach pain was

cured immediately and it never recurred.

 

Another devotee of Baba, Kaka Mahajani, though suffering from

diarrhea, was still serving Baba. He kept water in a small vessel in

the mosque, so that he could go out whenever necessary. Since Baba

knew everything, Kaka believed Baba himself would cure his diarrhea.

The work of putting stone in front of the mosque had started

suddenly. Baba opening his eyes wide yelled loudly. All those inside

the mosque ran out, out of fear. Kaka Mahajani was also trying to run

out. But Baba caught hold of his hand and made him sit down. He gave

him some groundnuts, left by someone, and asked him to eat them. Baba

also ate some. He asked Kaka to drink some water. After sometime, he

told him that his diarrhea was cured and he could attend to the work

of laying stones in front of the mosque. Kaka noticed that the

diarrhea had stopped. Only Baba could have cured Kaka's diarrhea and

none else.

 

On another occasion, Nana Saheb Chandorkar suffered from stomach

pain. Inspite of taking many medicines, he could not get relief. He

came to Shirdi and approached Baba. With Baba's hand raised in

blessing, the stomach pain subsided completely.

 

Another of Baba's devotees, Bala Ganapathi Shimpe, was suffering from

malaria. He tried several medicines, but did not get relief. So he

came to Shirdi and approached Baba. Baba asked him to go to Lakshmi

Mandir and offer curds and rice to the black dog in front of the

temple. As per Baba's advise he took the curd and rice to Lakshmi

Mandir. There he noticed a black dog wagging its tail and appeared as

if waiting for him. He gave the curd-rice to the black dog, which ate

it completely. The malarial fever subsided and he once again became

healthy.

 

Bapu Saheb Booty once suffered from vomiting and diarrhea. Being a

wealthy person, he tried several medicines, which gave no relief.

Having become very weak, he could not even go to see Baba. But Baba

himself sent for him and asked him to sit before him. Enlarging his

eyes in a serious manner, Baba looking into Booty's eyes and

cautioned " You should not vomit or pass stools " Immediately Booty got

relief and became healthy.

 

A sanyasi from Alandi came to see Baba. He was suffering from severe

pain in the ear. Having noticed this, Shama pleaded with Baba on

behalf of the sanyasi to cure his pain. Baba said, " Allah achcha

Karega " meaning God will do good. So saying, Baba raised his hand in

blessing and shifted his looks towards the sanyasi for a moment. The

sanyasi got immediate relief.

 

Only a few incidents out of thousands are given above. It can be seen

that Baba's words were more powerful than the medicines. His words

were the words of God. Only such a person can be called Sadguru. The

other gurus show more interest in the money brought by disciples and

also other material things they bring. But they can in no way be

useful to their disciples. Instead of going to such gurus and wasting

precious time, the readers are advised to believe in Sai Baba and

attain salvation.

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

Chapter XIV

 

It was the year 1906. The day was Vyasa Poornima in the month Ashada.

It was called Vyasa Poornima in recognition of Vyasa Maharshi, who

authorised the eighteen Puranas. On the morning of this day, Baba

called Kelkar, Sathe's father-in-law, and told him that this day was

Guru Poornima, when the Guru was to be worshipped. He asked him to

bring Shama and other devotees along with the Puja materials. Dada

Kelkar collected all the devotees and with the Puja materials,

brought them to the mosque. By then, Baba with his half-closed eyes

was concentrating on something. Noticing this no one had the courage

to talk to him for fear of disturbing his concentration. After a

while, Baba opened his eyes, looked at the devotees for a moment and

fell silent again.

 

Till then, everyone believed that Baba was the incarnation of God,

with divine and supernatural powers but no one had the thought to

worship Baba as their `Guru'. Hence, they did not know whom they

should worship as Guru and how to worship, and kept quiet. Knowing

their thoughts Sai Baba taught them as follows:

 

" You are all worshipping me as a fakir with divine and supernatural

powers. Some of you are believing that I am the incarnation of God.

Allah Malik hai. I am only his servant. I am like a father to you

all. You should benefit from me. I have come into this world to

divert your thoughts from materialism towards spiritualism, and

establish truth, righteousness, peace and love in you and through you

to the entire mankind, and bless them with peace and happiness. This

is the goal of Sai Avatar. If you worship me keeping me in a photo

frame like other gods, you will not benefit anything from me. But you

should consider me as your `Guru' and surrender completely to me and

put into practice what all I teach you. Your present actions only are

the foundations for your future lives and births. You should all

treat today's Vyasa Poornima as Guru Poornima and worship me as your

Guru and make your lives happy. "

 

Guru Poornima

 

From among all the devotees who had gathered in the mosque, Dada

Kelkar went to Baba, prostrated before him, washed his feet in a

plate, took a little of this water (Pada Tirth) inside and sprinkled

it on his head, distributing it to all those present. After this he

put sandal paste on Baba's forehead, put a dot with Kumkum and

worshipped him with flowers and Akshata (rice). Then he broke a

coconut and gave Aarti with camphor. While the Aarti was being given,

Baba's face became very tight as if a thousand lamps were lighted

with different colours. The surprised devotees wanted to touch Baba's

feet and prostrate before him. Noticing the thoughts of the devotees,

he slowly walked towards the big stone that he created in front of

Dwarakamayi, while the devotees spread flowers all the way and made

him walk on the flowers. As soon as he reached the stone he sat on it

putting his left hand on the toe of his right leg and putting the

right hand on the thigh of his right leg. Then he looked deeply into

the eyes of each devotee, by which the joy experienced by them was

beyond description. When they touched his feet, they felt an unknown

divine power entering their bodies and reach their hearts. These

things have to be personally experienced and cannot be explained. All

those who experienced this, started to celebrate Guru Poornima on

every Ashada Suddha Poornima day with pomp and gaiety. Even today

Guru Poornima is celebrated in Shirdi. This festival is very

important to Sai devotees as they worship their Guru according to

their might and get the blessings from him. Those who worship their

Guru with devotion and sincerity on this day will always have the

Guru with them. Sai Baba had personally told them that he was Sadguru

and they could not get another Guru in this world. We should

completely surrender ourselves to him and seek Jnana Marga. For those

who read this chapter with devotion, let their mind grow and get true

vision.

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

Chapter XV

 

In the tenth chapter we learnt how Baba saved Maina Tai from her

sufferings during delivery, by sending her udi. In this chapter we

will know some more incidents showing the greatness of udi. By giving

it as prasad to the devotees, what did Baba intend to

convey? " Everything in this world will end as ash. When life goes out

of our bodies, they are cremated and they turn into ash. For such a

short-lived body's sake, why do you indulge in greed, deceit, sins

and desires? " To make the devotees realise that everything in this

creation is transient including the body, which is finally reduced

into ash, Baba gave udi. Now let us see how this udi worked.

 

Greatness of Udi

 

One Narayana Rao was a native of Nasik and the proprietor of the

hotel Anand Ashram. Once a scorpion bit his friend. The pain was

unbearable. Narayana Rao searched for Baba's udi, but could not find

it. Immediately, he went to Baba's photo, prayed to him and took some

ash fallen from the incense sticks. He applied it on the place where

the scorpion had bitten his friend and they were surprised when the

pain subsided.

 

The daughter of one of Baba's devotees and the resident of Bandra

went to another village where she was struck by plague. The devotee

sent word to Nana Chandorkar to send him Baba's Udi. Word reached

Nana at the Thana railway station, as he was on his way with his wife

to Kalyan. He did not have Baba's udi with him. He did not know what

to do. He prayed to Sai, " Baba, I am not in a position to send your

udi to the devotee who asked for it in full belief. You are all

powerful. By repeating your sacred name, I will pick a little of this

earth and thinking that I am giving this to the girl in the village,

I will apply it on the forehead of my wife. Kindly save the girl from

plague fever. " The person who came to take udi from Nana watched all

that took place. When he went back to the village he was surprised to

find that the fever had subsided almost at the same time as when Nana

Chandorkar had put the earth on the forehead of his wife, invoking

the name of Baba. The nephew of a doctor who lived in

 

Malegaon suffered from an incurable disease, tubercular bone-abscess.

A number of medicines were used, without any result. So his parents

brought him to Shirdi. Baba asked them to put udi on the abscess and

it would get cured in a week's time, adding, " This is not a mosque.

It is Dwarakamayi. Whoever places his foot in it will have good

health and happiness. All their difficulties will be over. " So

saying, Baba slowly massaged the abscess with his hand. He glanced at

the boy with compassion. The pain began to subside after the

application of udi and the abscess was cured completely in due

course.

 

Once Shama's brother's wife had an attack of plague. She had two

bubos in her groins. Shama's brother requested him to seek the help

of Baba. Then it was nighttime. Shama went running to Baba and told

him about this. Baba told him, " Do not go at night time. You send udi

and there is nothing to fear. For all of us the father and head is

only that God - Sab ka Malik ek hai. You can go tomorrow morning and

return quickly. " The udi was sent through Shama's brother. When Shama

went to his brother's house, the next morning, he found his sister-in-

law completely recovered and personally preparing tea. He recollected

Baba's advice asking him to go the next morning and realised the

significance of Baba's words and was overjoyed.

 

Dr. Pillay was an intimate devotee of Baba. He often used to sit near

Baba and Baba who loved him used to discuss many matters with him.

The doctor was once suffering from guinea worms and the pain became

unbearable. He went to Kaka Dixit and told him that he could not

withstand the pain anymore and preferred death. He requested Kaka to

go to Baba and pleased on his behalf to reduce the pain and

distribute this suffering over ten births. Kaka Dixit went to Baba

and told him about the condition of Dr. Pillay and his request. Baba

was moved at this and with compassion told him, " Why should he suffer

for ten births. Let him not fear. I can destroy the sins committed by

him in the previous birth in ten days' time. I am sitting here in

Dwarakamayi to give happiness to my devotees in this world as well as

the other world. Then why should my devotee desire to die? Bring

Pillay here. I will remove his pain permanently. " Pillay was brought

to Dwarakamayi. Baba gave him his bolster and asked him to take rest.

He slowly messaged the abscess and blessed him with his raised hand.

He told Pillay that the real remedy was to suffer for the sins of the

previous birth and get salvation. " Our own actions are responsible

for our sorrows and pleasures. Have patience. Allah can only remove

the sorrows. If you meditate on God, he will look after you. You have

to give him your all-body, mind, wealth and surrender yourself

completely. Then God will definitely protect us. God is the head of

all of us. Allah Malik. Just now a crow will come and peck you on the

abscess and then you will get cured. "

 

In the meanwhile, a boy named Abdul came and started cleaning the

lights in the mosque. He leg accidentally touched the abscess and

seven guinea worms came out of the abscess. Afterwards, due to

applying udi on the abscess, there was complete cure in ten days

without using any medicines.

 

Baba's udi completely cured the fits of the daughter of an Iranian

devotee, cured the old man from Hardha of a stone in the kidney, and

corrected the obstruction at the time of delivery experienced each

time by a Bombay lady.

 

Whenever a gentleman of Bandra tried to sleep, his departed father

appeared in his dream and abused and scolded him severely with the

result that he could not sleep. He had been suffering from insomnia,

thus for a long time. His friend advised him to take a little of

Baba's udi inside and also put it on his forehead before going to

sleep every night. After doing this he could sleep peacefully. This

gentleman became a Sai devotee and putting up a photo of Sai in his

house started worshipping it.

 

Kaka Mahajani's friend was against idol worship. He went to Shirdi

once to witness the miracles and Leelas of Sai Baba. Before going to

Shirdi he told Kaka Mahajan that he would not give Dakshina to Baba

or prostrate before him. When they reached Shirdi, Baba welcomed Kaka

Mahajan;s friend with pleasing words. The voice with which Baba spoke

resembled that of his departed father. For just a moment, Baba

appeared to him as his father. His joy knew no bounds. He went up the

stairs of the mosque saying it was really his father and so saying

fell at the feet of Baba and wept. When he got up after in a few

minutes, he found Baba and not his father. Then Baba said to him " You

did not like to give Dakshina. So I did not ask you. Remove the

screen between us. Then we can see each other clearly, and be happy.

We are not different from each other. I am in you and you are in me.

At least in future, do not have that differentiation. " So saying Baba

ordered him to go back to his house early. Without any obstacles in

the way he reached home safely. He recollected Baba's words

frequently and derived a lot of happiness. As soon as he opened the

door, a sparrow flew out fast. He found two dead sparrows inside. He

might have locked the door while going to Shirdi without noticing the

three sparrows inside the house. Even though two sparrows died, to

save the third sparrow Baba might have ordered him to go home

immediately. Realising this he was surprised at Baba's love towards

all living things.

 

Some looked at Baba with a critical eye. So many divisions and sub-

divisions in Hindu religion made the common man think, wonder if

there was God at all. Besides, with the growth of materialism, God's

devotees were depicted as worthless in cinemas and modern literature.

This led to the youth mocking at God and His devotees. A high court

pleader named Thakkar, who had such modern thoughts, owned a company

in which Kaka Mahajani worked as a Manager. He considered modern

education and intelligence to be more important than devotion to God

and was also of the opinion that love towards mankind was more

important than an offering made to God. So with the motive of

criticizing that Baba was collecting money in the form of Dakshina

and also to find out the truth in his Leelas and miracles, Thakkar

came with Kaka Mahajani to Shirdi during the Holi festival holidays.

Kaka bought two seers of dried grapes for offering to Baba. When he

presented the grapes to Baba after Darshan, Baba ordered that the

grapes may be distributed to all the devotees present there. Thakkar,

not knowing how to dispose of the seeds in the grapes, for throwing

them in the mosque was not proper, put them in his pocket. He

considered putting the seeds removed from his mouth after chewing the

grapes in his pocket to be below his dignity and blamed Baba inside

his heart for creating such a situation.

 

Noticing the thoughts of Thakkar, Baba called him and gave him some

more grapes out of the earlier stock brought by Kaka and asked him to

eat them. As he did not like to eat them, he kept them in his hand.

But Baba again asked him to eat them. When Thakkar ate the grapes

this time, there were no seeds in them. He questioned others about

the grapes they had eaten and found out that there were no seeds in

the grapes. As he had wanted to see some miracles of Baba, he thought

Baba had shown him this miracle. Kaka Mahajani introduced Thakkar to

Baba as his master. Then Baba told that Thakkar may be the master of

Kaka, but there was another Master for Thakkar who was the Master for

all Allah Malik hai. So saying he blessed Thakkar, who then fell at

the feet of Baba, lost in complete bliss. While he thus prostrated

before Baba's feet he found them resembling those of Lord Vishnu. But

when he got up, he found Baba's feet only. After witnessing this,

Thakkar prostrated with more devotion at Baba's feet for second time

and Baba told him, " God is Omnipresent and Omnipotent; you cannot see

God so easily with your five senses and mind. Every person should try

to acquire that power to see God. Though service unto mankind is

service unto God, one should not forget God. "

 

Baba clarified his doubts regarding Dakshina saying, " I will take

Dakshina from only those who were indebted to the mother of the

mosque. I will take Dakshina from those pointed out by the mother

only. If I take a rupee as Dakshina, I have to repay ten times of it

to them. This is my principle. Those who give offering or charity now

are sowing seeds. This will give a good crop in future. If you give

to others in this birth, you will get back in your next birth.

Detachment will grow with the charities you make and with this,

devotion will increase and you will get Jnana. You give a charity of

one rupee now and get back ten rupees in future. "

 

Balaji Patil Navaskar was a resident of Shirdi and a great devotee of

Baba. He used to sweep all lanes through which Baba walked. Every

year he used to get his entire crop and offer it to Baba, taking home

only that much given to him by Baba for the maintenance of his

family. Because of the complete confidence reposed in Baba, his

family never faced any difficulties. Baba's words, " There won't be

any wanting in my devotees' house, " proved to be true in the case of

Balaji Patil Navaskar and the following was an example of this.

 

Once when Navaskar invited his relations for dinner, three times the

expected number arrived. The family members were worried that the

food prepared may not be sufficient for all. Praying to Sai, they

covered all the vessels containing the food items with a cloth and

put some Sai udi over it and without removing the cloth covers

completely, they started serving the dinner. After everyone had

dinner, there was still some food left over in the vessels. Thus

Baba's assurance proved to be true.

 

The devotees, who have read the chapters explaining the greatness of

udi, should consider the udi as a cure for all ailments and keep it

always with them. They should take a little of it every morning after

washing in the mouth, then sprinkle some on any new thing purchased

and then only use it. After taking bath, they may apply it on the

forehead.

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

To be continued…

 

By Ammula Sambasiva Rao

 

English Translation by Thota Bhaskara Rao

 

 

Sai Baba sitting in Dwarakamayi - original photo

 

 

 

Chapter XIII

 

Mahalasapati

It was the year 1895. After experiencing Baba's supernatural powers

and his love, Mahalasapati was fully drawn to Baba and become

detached from worldly attachments. One night, Khandoba appeared in

his dream and asked, " If you do not do your traditional gold-smith

work, cannot you get food? " To this Mahalasapati replied, " If I have

your compassion, then there won't be anything wanting and I will

leave my work. " From that day, Mahalasapati left his traditional work

and became an ascetic, living only on alms.

 

 

 

Gradually, he developed a detachment from family. He went home only

for taking food. At all other times, he was serving Baba. He slept in

the mosque with Baba during nights. In the following year, one day

Baba said, " Bhagat, hear the words of this fakir. You are sleeping in

the nights in the mosque. Go and sleep in your house. You have three

children, all daughters. A son will be born. Go and sleep in your

house.

 

 

 

Mahalasapati had no desire for having a son. In fact, he had no

desires at all. So he did not follow Baba's orders. Baba forcibly

sent him home with his friend Kashiram Shimpe on Krishna Jayanti day.

On the same day, the following year exactly after a year, a son was

born to him. Baba's words had come true. The boy was named Marthand.

When this boy grew up to the school-going age, he refused to go to

school one day. When Mahalasapati tried to beat him, the boy ran to

Dwarakamayi and sat in the lap of Baba. Mahalasapati came there and

beating the boy, tried to send him to school. Then Baba told

Mahalasapati with compassion, " Mhalsa, do not worry about your son. I

will take good care of him. "

 

 

 

Marthand grew up and by the name of Marthand Maharaj used to sit by

the side of Mahalasapati Samadhi in Shirdi. When this author met him

in 1985, he narrated the above incident and said that Sai Baba had

kept his word feeding him in the form of his devotees. He also said

that Baba had told Mahalasapati about his own parents, their names

and birthplace. Because of the differences between Hindus and Muslims

in those days, these particulars were kept secret. He added that his

father had given him the details but taken an oath from him that he

would not reveal them. He expired in 1986.

 

 

 

Now let's see how Baba saved Mahalasapati and his family. One night

when Mahalasapati was going home to take his meal, Baba cautioned

him. " Bhagat, on your way, you will encounter two tall thieves. Be

careful. " Mahalasapati found two snakes, one in front and one by the

side of his house. Similarly on another occasion Baba cautioned

him, " Bring a lantern with you. On the way you will encounter a

thief. " When Mahalasapati came with the lantern, he found a snake

near the mosque and he cried out, " Snake! Snake! " On hearing his

cries, the villagers came running and killed the snake.

 

 

 

Sometime in the year 1908, all the family members of Mahalasapati

fell sick. A doctor, who had come to worship Baba, gave them

medicines. But Baba told him that these medicines were of no use and

that he would cure them of their illness. So saying, Baba took his

sataka made rounds around Dwarakamayi saying at the top of his

voice, " Come - I shall see how powerful you are! " Soon all the family

members of Mahalasapati recovered from their illness. Baba's action

might have been against the diseases in the house of Mahalasapati.

 

 

 

Once Mahalasapati's wife went to her parents' house. There she had an

attack of throat infection due to which suffered a lot. At Shirdi,

Baba told Mahalasapati, " Your wife is suffering a lot from throat

infection. Except me none can save her. " Then Mahalasapati told

Baba " It is true. Except you who else in this world can save us? "

Mahalasapati had complete faith in Baba, showing it in his words and

actions. Because of this Baba cured the ailment of Mahalasapati's

wife.

 

 

 

Even now Sai Baba saves his devotees who completely believe in him

and surrender to him, as Mahalasapati did. We appeal to the readers

to do the same. Sai Baba expects pure devotion and belief and not the

methods or mode of worship.

 

 

 

Mahalasapati used to go every year to a village called Jijuri, which

was 150 miles away from Shirdi, where a festival was held for

Khandoba. One year there was an epidemic of plague in that village

and Mahalasapati halted halfway from the village, very much

disappointed. Baba appeared before him for a moment. He fell down at

Baba's feet and when he got up Baba disappeared. He went to Jijuri

and returned without any difficulties. When he went to Baba on his

return, Baba questioned him, " Bhagat, Why were disappointed during

your pilgrimage. I came near your cart. Did you notice me? "

 

On another occasion, when Mahalasapati wanted to go to a village,

Doarhali, to attend a dinner at the house of his daughter's in-laws,

Baba did not give his consent. But Mahalasapati, thinking that the

relatives may misunderstand him, went to their house. But he returned

without eating after being put to some indignities. On his return, he

went to Baba and putting his head at his feet, started weeping. On

some other occasion, Mahalasapati wanted to go to the village

Ardhangonu. But Baba did not permit him to go, as there would be

clashes and disputes there. But Mahalasapati went. As Baba had

predicted there were quarrels among the village children which led to

the elders entering the fray and splitting the groups into two and

fighting with sticks. But Mahalasapati escaped without any injury and

returned safely.

 

 

 

The way Baba protected Mahalasapati at every stage shows how Sai Baba

loves his devotees. In this manner, a Guru who has the capability to

look after his devotees and give protection to them can only be

called Samartha Sadguru.

 

 

 

Chavadi

 

Sometimes, Baba used to go to Gurusthan, and closing his eyes, merge

his thoughts with those of his Guru Venkusa who resided inside the

underground structure in the form of a light (Jyothi). On hearing his

disciple, Venkusa would enter the head of Baba. The Guru and disciple

would silently converse. In the same manner, in Dwarakamayi during

nights, Baba would converse with his father Gurudhan (Ganga

Bhavajya). In front of the mosque, there was a big hall, where Sadhus

(mendicants) took rest and it was called Chavadi. The Sadhus and

Sanyasis who came to the village stayed there.

 

Nana Chandorkar and some others made all arrangements to tile the

floor in Dwarakamayi. They requested Baba to sleep in the Chavadi for

a night, so that they could attend to the laying of tiles in

Dwarakamayi overnight. Baba agreed and went to the Chavadi. He sat

alone there, as Tatya and Mahalasapati also were busy with tile-

laying work. No one else was with Baba in the Chavadi. In a

meditative mood he concentrated on Dwarakamayi, Gurudhan and Venkusa.

The three appeared before him in the form of Jyothis. They discussed

several matters. After sometime, Gurudhan and Dwarakamayi went back

to their places. Baba and Venkusa discussed things that would take

place in Shirdi in future and also for the next 500 years. In the

meantime twilight broke and Venkusa prepared to leave. But Baba

pleaded with Venkusa to remain in the Chavadi and that he would come

there on alternate days. Venkusa, out of love for Baba, agreed to

remain on the right side portion of the Chavadi saying that women

should not be allowed to enter that place. Baba agreed to this and

from that day onwards till today Venkusa is there in Chavadi in an

invisible form.

 

 

 

Baba, living in the lap of his mother (Dwarakamayi) and attracting

his father through whom he got this birth taught his disciples Jnana,

he gave salvation to those who approached him, and became the God of

this Kaliyug which had set in the Sai Yuga. Sai Baba bade goodbye to

orthodox ways of worship and other practices. In this connection Sai

Baba said, " Those who are lucky and those whose sins have been atoned

will worship me. I will help them to even cross the seven seas who

always think of my name. I am not interested in their ways of worship

and other practices. I will dwell in the hearts of those who have

sacred devotion towards me. " What he did to such devotees is

recounted below now.

 

 

 

Greatness of Baba's Words

 

In the year 1909 Bhimaji Patil was suffering from tuberculosis. On

the advise of Nana Saheb, he came to Shirdi and fell at the feet of

Baba. In the beginning, though Baba declined to save him, he yielded

to repeated requests from Bhimaji and taking pity on him said " Do not

fear. Your difficulties are over. Even persons with dangerous

ailments will get relief once they climb up the stairs of the mosque.

The fakir (meaning Baba) is very compassionate. He will save all with

love and compassion. " After Baba gave these assurances the disease of

Bhimaji got cured slowly and in a few days he fully recovered and

became healthy. After that Baba appeared to him in dreams twice. In

the first dream, it was a teacher beating him. In the second dream,

it was a big boulder put on his chest, and he suffered on account of

this. By beating and putting a heavy weight on the chest, Baba

removed his misdeeds and restored complete health. Noticing the

divine power of Sai Baba, Bhimaji Patil, after going back to his

village, started performing Sai Sathya Vrata on the lines of

Satyanarayana Vrata for the first time.

 

 

 

Datta Pant was a resident of Hardha. He was suffering from severe

stomach pain for the last fourteen years. He used several medicines

but did not get relief. Hearing Baba's greatness, he came to Shirdi,

fell at his feet and requested him to save him. Baba looked at him

with compassion, blessed him and put his hand (Abhaya Hastha) on his

head. Then he gave him udi as prasad. Datta Pant's stomach pain was

cured immediately and it never recurred.

 

 

 

Another devotee of Baba, Kaka Mahajani, though suffering from

diarrhea, was still serving Baba. He kept water in a small vessel in

the mosque, so that he could go out whenever necessary. Since Baba

knew everything, Kaka believed Baba himself would cure his diarrhea.

The work of putting stone in front of the mosque had started

suddenly. Baba opening his eyes wide yelled loudly. All those inside

the mosque ran out, out of fear. Kaka Mahajani was also trying to run

out. But Baba caught hold of his hand and made him sit down. He gave

him some groundnuts, left by someone, and asked him to eat them. Baba

also ate some. He asked Kaka to drink some water. After sometime, he

told him that his diarrhea was cured and he could attend to the work

of laying stones in front of the mosque. Kaka noticed that the

diarrhea had stopped. Only Baba could have cured Kaka's diarrhea and

none else.

 

 

 

On another occasion, Nana Saheb Chandorkar suffered from stomach

pain. Inspite of taking many medicines, he could not get relief. He

came to Shirdi and approached Baba. With Baba's hand raised in

blessing, the stomach pain subsided completely.

 

Another of Baba's devotees, Bala Ganapathi Shimpe, was suffering from

malaria. He tried several medicines, but did not get relief. So he

came to Shirdi and approached Baba. Baba asked him to go to Lakshmi

Mandir and offer curds and rice to the black dog in front of the

temple. As per Baba's advise he took the curd and rice to Lakshmi

Mandir. There he noticed a black dog wagging its tail and appeared as

if waiting for him. He gave the curd-rice to the black dog, which ate

it completely. The malarial fever subsided and he once again became

healthy.

 

 

 

Bapu Saheb Booty once suffered from vomiting and diarrhea. Being a

wealthy person, he tried several medicines, which gave no relief.

Having become very weak, he could not even go to see Baba. But Baba

himself sent for him and asked him to sit before him. Enlarging his

eyes in a serious manner, Baba looking into Booty's eyes and

cautioned " You should not vomit or pass stools " Immediately Booty got

relief and became healthy.

 

 

 

A sanyasi from Alandi came to see Baba. He was suffering from severe

pain in the ear. Having noticed this, Shama pleaded with Baba on

behalf of the sanyasi to cure his pain. Baba said, " Allah achcha

Karega " meaning God will do good. So saying, Baba raised his hand in

blessing and shifted his looks towards the sanyasi for a moment. The

sanyasi got immediate relief.

 

 

 

Only a few incidents out of thousands are given above. It can be seen

that Baba's words were more powerful than the medicines. His words

were the words of God. Only such a person can be called Sadguru. The

other gurus show more interest in the money brought by disciples and

also other material things they bring. But they can in no way be

useful to their disciples. Instead of going to such gurus and wasting

precious time, the readers are advised to believe in Sai Baba and

attain salvation.

 

 

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

Chapter XIV

 

It was the year 1906. The day was Vyasa Poornima in the month Ashada.

It was called Vyasa Poornima in recognition of Vyasa Maharshi, who

authorised the eighteen Puranas. On the morning of this day, Baba

called Kelkar, Sathe's father-in-law, and told him that this day was

Guru Poornima, when the Guru was to be worshipped. He asked him to

bring Shama and other devotees along with the Puja materials. Dada

Kelkar collected all the devotees and with the Puja materials,

brought them to the mosque. By then, Baba with his half-closed eyes

was concentrating on something. Noticing this no one had the courage

to talk to him for fear of disturbing his concentration. After a

while, Baba opened his eyes, looked at the devotees for a moment and

fell silent again.

 

 

 

Till then, everyone believed that Baba was the incarnation of God,

with divine and supernatural powers but no one had the thought to

worship Baba as their `Guru'. Hence, they did not know whom they

should worship as Guru and how to worship, and kept quiet. Knowing

their thoughts Sai Baba taught them as follows:

 

 

 

" You are all worshipping me as a fakir with divine and supernatural

powers. Some of you are believing that I am the incarnation of God.

Allah Malik hai. I am only his servant. I am like a father to you

all. You should benefit from me. I have come into this world to

divert your thoughts from materialism towards spiritualism, and

establish truth, righteousness, peace and love in you and through you

to the entire mankind, and bless them with peace and happiness. This

is the goal of Sai Avatar. If you worship me keeping me in a photo

frame like other gods, you will not benefit anything from me. But you

should consider me as your `Guru' and surrender completely to me and

put into practice what all I teach you. Your present actions only are

the foundations for your future lives and births. You should all

treat today's Vyasa Poornima as Guru Poornima and worship me as your

Guru and make your lives happy. "

 

 

Guru Poornima

 

From among all the devotees who had gathered in the mosque, Dada

Kelkar went to Baba, prostrated before him, washed his feet in a

plate, took a little of this water (Pada Tirth) inside and sprinkled

it on his head, distributing it to all those present. After this he

put sandal paste on Baba's forehead, put a dot with Kumkum and

worshipped him with flowers and Akshata (rice). Then he broke a

coconut and gave Aarti with camphor. While the Aarti was being given,

Baba's face became very tight as if a thousand lamps were lighted

with different colours. The surprised devotees wanted to touch Baba's

feet and prostrate before him. Noticing the thoughts of the devotees,

he slowly walked towards the big stone that he created in front of

Dwarakamayi, while the devotees spread flowers all the way and made

him walk on the flowers. As soon as he reached the stone he sat on it

putting his left hand on the toe of his right leg and putting the

right hand on the thigh of his right leg. Then he looked deeply into

the eyes of each devotee, by which the joy experienced by them was

beyond description. When they touched his feet, they felt an unknown

divine power entering their bodies and reach their hearts. These

things have to be personally experienced and cannot be explained. All

those who experienced this, started to celebrate Guru Poornima on

every Ashada Suddha Poornima day with pomp and gaiety. Even today

Guru Poornima is celebrated in Shirdi. This festival is very

important to Sai devotees as they worship their Guru according to

their might and get the blessings from him. Those who worship their

Guru with devotion and sincerity on this day will always have the

Guru with them. Sai Baba had personally told them that he was Sadguru

and they could not get another Guru in this world. We should

completely surrender ourselves to him and seek Jnana Marga. For those

who read this chapter with devotion, let their mind grow and get true

vision.

 

 

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

Chapter XV

 

In the tenth chapter we learnt how Baba saved Maina Tai from her

sufferings during delivery, by sending her udi. In this chapter we

will know some more incidents showing the greatness of udi. By giving

it as prasad to the devotees, what did Baba intend to

convey? " Everything in this world will end as ash. When life goes out

of our bodies, they are cremated and they turn into ash. For such a

short-lived body's sake, why do you indulge in greed, deceit, sins

and desires? " To make the devotees realise that everything in this

creation is transient including the body, which is finally reduced

into ash, Baba gave udi. Now let us see how this udi worked.

 

 

 

Greatness of Udi

 

One Narayana Rao was a native of Nasik and the proprietor of the

hotel Anand Ashram. Once a scorpion bit his friend. The pain was

unbearable. Narayana Rao searched for Baba's udi, but could not find

it. Immediately, he went to Baba's photo, prayed to him and took some

ash fallen from the incense sticks. He applied it on the place where

the scorpion had bitten his friend and they were surprised when the

pain subsided.

 

 

 

The daughter of one of Baba's devotees and the resident of Bandra

went to another village where she was struck by plague. The devotee

sent word to Nana Chandorkar to send him Baba's Udi. Word reached

Nana at the Thana railway station, as he was on his way with his wife

to Kalyan. He did not have Baba's udi with him. He did not know what

to do. He prayed to Sai, " Baba, I am not in a position to send your

udi to the devotee who asked for it in full belief. You are all

powerful. By repeating your sacred name, I will pick a little of this

earth and thinking that I am giving this to the girl in the village,

I will apply it on the forehead of my wife. Kindly save the girl from

plague fever. " The person who came to take udi from Nana watched all

that took place. When he went back to the village he was surprised to

find that the fever had subsided almost at the same time as when Nana

Chandorkar had put the earth on the forehead of his wife, invoking

the name of Baba. The nephew of a doctor who lived in

 

Malegaon suffered from an incurable disease, tubercular bone-abscess.

A number of medicines were used, without any result. So his parents

brought him to Shirdi. Baba asked them to put udi on the abscess and

it would get cured in a week's time, adding, " This is not a mosque.

It is Dwarakamayi. Whoever places his foot in it will have good

health and happiness. All their difficulties will be over. " So

saying, Baba slowly massaged the abscess with his hand. He glanced at

the boy with compassion. The pain began to subside after the

application of udi and the abscess was cured completely in due

course.

 

 

 

Once Shama's brother's wife had an attack of plague. She had two

bubos in her groins. Shama's brother requested him to seek the help

of Baba. Then it was nighttime. Shama went running to Baba and told

him about this. Baba told him, " Do not go at night time. You send udi

and there is nothing to fear. For all of us the father and head is

only that God - Sab ka Malik ek hai. You can go tomorrow morning and

return quickly. " The udi was sent through Shama's brother. When Shama

went to his brother's house, the next morning, he found his sister-in-

law completely recovered and personally preparing tea. He recollected

Baba's advice asking him to go the next morning and realised the

significance of Baba's words and was overjoyed.

 

 

 

Dr. Pillay was an intimate devotee of Baba. He often used to sit near

Baba and Baba who loved him used to discuss many matters with him.

The doctor was once suffering from guinea worms and the pain became

unbearable. He went to Kaka Dixit and told him that he could not

withstand the pain anymore and preferred death. He requested Kaka to

go to Baba and pleased on his behalf to reduce the pain and

distribute this suffering over ten births. Kaka Dixit went to Baba

and told him about the condition of Dr. Pillay and his request. Baba

was moved at this and with compassion told him, " Why should he suffer

for ten births. Let him not fear. I can destroy the sins committed by

him in the previous birth in ten days' time. I am sitting here in

Dwarakamayi to give happiness to my devotees in this world as well as

the other world. Then why should my devotee desire to die? Bring

Pillay here. I will remove his pain permanently. " Pillay was brought

to Dwarakamayi. Baba gave him his bolster and asked him to take rest.

He slowly messaged the abscess and blessed him with his raised hand.

He told Pillay that the real remedy was to suffer for the sins of the

previous birth and get salvation. " Our own actions are responsible

for our sorrows and pleasures. Have patience. Allah can only remove

the sorrows. If you meditate on God, he will look after you. You have

to give him your all-body, mind, wealth and surrender yourself

completely. Then God will definitely protect us. God is the head of

all of us. Allah Malik. Just now a crow will come and peck you on the

abscess and then you will get cured. "

 

 

In the meanwhile, a boy named Abdul came and started cleaning the

lights in the mosque. He leg accidentally touched the abscess and

seven guinea worms came out of the abscess. Afterwards, due to

applying udi on the abscess, there was complete cure in ten days

without using any medicines.

 

 

 

Baba's udi completely cured the fits of the daughter of an Iranian

devotee, cured the old man from Hardha of a stone in the kidney, and

corrected the obstruction at the time of delivery experienced each

time by a Bombay lady.

 

 

 

Whenever a gentleman of Bandra tried to sleep, his departed father

appeared in his dream and abused and scolded him severely with the

result that he could not sleep. He had been suffering from insomnia,

thus for a long time. His friend advised him to take a little of

Baba's udi inside and also put it on his forehead before going to

sleep every night. After doing this he could sleep peacefully. This

gentleman became a Sai devotee and putting up a photo of Sai in his

house started worshipping it.

 

 

 

Kaka Mahajani's friend was against idol worship. He went to Shirdi

once to witness the miracles and Leelas of Sai Baba. Before going to

Shirdi he told Kaka Mahajan that he would not give Dakshina to Baba

or prostrate before him. When they reached Shirdi, Baba welcomed Kaka

Mahajan;s friend with pleasing words. The voice with which Baba spoke

resembled that of his departed father. For just a moment, Baba

appeared to him as his father. His joy knew no bounds. He went up the

stairs of the mosque saying it was really his father and so saying

fell at the feet of Baba and wept. When he got up after in a few

minutes, he found Baba and not his father. Then Baba said to him " You

did not like to give Dakshina. So I did not ask you. Remove the

screen between us. Then we can see each other clearly, and be happy.

We are not different from each other. I am in you and you are in me.

At least in future, do not have that differentiation. " So saying Baba

ordered him to go back to his house early. Without any obstacles in

the way he reached home safely. He recollected Baba's words

frequently and derived a lot of happiness. As soon as he opened the

door, a sparrow flew out fast. He found two dead sparrows inside. He

might have locked the door while going to Shirdi without noticing the

three sparrows inside the house. Even though two sparrows died, to

save the third sparrow Baba might have ordered him to go home

immediately. Realising this he was surprised at Baba's love towards

all living things.

 

 

 

Some looked at Baba with a critical eye. So many divisions and sub-

divisions in Hindu religion made the common man think, wonder if

there was God at all. Besides, with the growth of materialism, God's

devotees were depicted as worthless in cinemas and modern literature.

This led to the youth mocking at God and His devotees. A high court

pleader named Thakkar, who had such modern thoughts, owned a company

in which Kaka Mahajani worked as a Manager. He considered modern

education and intelligence to be more important than devotion to God

and was also of the opinion that love towards mankind was more

important than an offering made to God. So with the motive of

criticizing that Baba was collecting money in the form of Dakshina

and also to find out the truth in his Leelas and miracles, Thakkar

came with Kaka Mahajani to Shirdi during the Holi festival holidays.

Kaka bought two seers of dried grapes for offering to Baba. When he

presented the grapes to Baba after Darshan, Baba ordered that the

grapes may be distributed to all the devotees present there. Thakkar,

not knowing how to dispose of the seeds in the grapes, for throwing

them in the mosque was not proper, put them in his pocket. He

considered putting the seeds removed from his mouth after chewing the

grapes in his pocket to be below his dignity and blamed Baba inside

his heart for creating such a situation.

 

 

 

Noticing the thoughts of Thakkar, Baba called him and gave him some

more grapes out of the earlier stock brought by Kaka and asked him to

eat them. As he did not like to eat them, he kept them in his hand.

But Baba again asked him to eat them. When Thakkar ate the grapes

this time, there were no seeds in them. He questioned others about

the grapes they had eaten and found out that there were no seeds in

the grapes. As he had wanted to see some miracles of Baba, he thought

Baba had shown him this miracle. Kaka Mahajani introduced Thakkar to

Baba as his master. Then Baba told that Thakkar may be the master of

Kaka, but there was another Master for Thakkar who was the Master for

all Allah Malik hai. So saying he blessed Thakkar, who then fell at

the feet of Baba, lost in complete bliss. While he thus prostrated

before Baba's feet he found them resembling those of Lord Vishnu. But

when he got up, he found Baba's feet only. After witnessing this,

Thakkar prostrated with more devotion at Baba's feet for second time

and Baba told him, " God is Omnipresent and Omnipotent; you cannot see

God so easily with your five senses and mind. Every person should try

to acquire that power to see God. Though service unto mankind is

service unto God, one should not forget God. "

 

 

 

Baba clarified his doubts regarding Dakshina saying, " I will take

Dakshina from only those who were indebted to the mother of the

mosque. I will take Dakshina from those pointed out by the mother

only. If I take a rupee as Dakshina, I have to repay ten times of it

to them. This is my principle. Those who give offering or charity now

are sowing seeds. This will give a good crop in future. If you give

to others in this birth, you will get back in your next birth.

Detachment will grow with the charities you make and with this,

devotion will increase and you will get Jnana. You give a charity of

one rupee now and get back ten rupees in future. "

 

 

Balaji Patil Navaskar was a resident of Shirdi and a great devotee of

Baba. He used to sweep all lanes through which Baba walked. Every

year he used to get his entire crop and offer it to Baba, taking home

only that much given to him by Baba for the maintenance of his

family. Because of the complete confidence reposed in Baba, his

family never faced any difficulties. Baba's words, " There won't be

any wanting in my devotees' house, " proved to be true in the case of

Balaji Patil Navaskar and the following was an example of this.

 

 

 

Once when Navaskar invited his relations for dinner, three times the

expected number arrived. The family members were worried that the

food prepared may not be sufficient for all. Praying to Sai, they

covered all the vessels containing the food items with a cloth and

put some Sai udi over it and without removing the cloth covers

completely, they started serving the dinner. After everyone had

dinner, there was still some food left over in the vessels. Thus

Baba's assurance proved to be true.

 

 

 

The devotees, who have read the chapters explaining the greatness of

udi, should consider the udi as a cure for all ailments and keep it

always with them. They should take a little of it every morning after

washing in the mouth, then sprinkle some on any new thing purchased

and then only use it. After taking bath, they may apply it on the

forehead.

 

" Om Shanti! Shanti! Shantihi "

 

To be continued…

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