Lord Krishna in Gita says those devotees however, who knowing no one else constantly think of me and worship Me in a disinterested way to those ever united in thought with me, I bring full security and personally attend to their needs (G-IX-22).

Sai Baba said at His 7th saying out of Eleven sayings as I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.

Baba lived in the mosque Pujya Narasimha swamyji has said.

Baba first used it as his home. It underwent a marvellous transformation by the residence in it. He dug up a small cavity in its centre and deposited burning embers there and kept up the fire from day to day. That unbroken fire continues up-to-date and is known as "Dhuni Mayi" (Mother fire), that is how it is effectionately and reverentially termed by the bhaktas. Though, at first, Baba went about healing ailments with drugs, he soon gave up that habit and substituted the ever present ashas of that 'Dhuni' for the drugs. When any person with any trouble or grievance cameto him, he took up a bit of the ashes and presented it to the sufferer, saying "Allah Achaa Kaiegaa" which means 'God will bless and remedy'. And the villagers noted with joy and surprise the fulfilment of Baba's prophetic or blessed words in ever so many cases.

Saipadananda Sri. Radhakrishna Swamiji said on 27-3-71. "What is wanted is complete surrender to the Lord, when only he will come to our rescue, Remember how Droupadi was saved by Him when she felt that he was her only rescuer Similarly, was the case of Gajendra. The moment he felt that he was unable to save himself through his own self-effort, there was a complete seif-surrender to the Lord who came to save him forthwith".

Sri Hemadpant in chapter XXII of Sai Satcharta describes how a devotee of Baba was saved by Him from the Snake bite.

Balasaheb Mirkar :

Balasaheb Mirikar, son of Sirdar Kakasaheb Mirikar was Mamalatdar of Kopergaon. He was going on tour to Chitali. On the way he come to Shirdi to see Sai Baba, When he went to the Masjid and prostrated himself before Baba, the usual conversation regarding health and other matters commenced, when Baba sounded a note of warning as follows. "Do you know our Dwarakamai" ? As Balasaheb did not understand, he kept quiet, Baba continued, This is our Dwarakamai, where you are sitting. She wards off all dangers and anxieties of the children, who sit on her lap. This masjidmai (its presiding Deity) is very merciful, she is the mother of the simple devotees, whom she will save in calamities. Once a person sits on her lap, all his toubles are over. He who rests in her shade gets bliss. "Then Baba gave him Udi and placed His protecting hand on his head. When Balasaheb was about to depart. He again said

"Do you know the "Lamba Baba" (Long gentleman), biz. serpent" ? And then closing the left first He brought it near the right elbow and moving His left arm like tha hood of a serpentj He said, "He is so terrible, but what can he do to the children of Dwarakamai, When Dwarka-ma i(iis'presiding deity) protects, what can the serpent do" ?

All that were present, were curious to know the meaning of all this and its so reference to Mirikar, but none had the courage to ask Baba about this. Then Balasaheb saluted Baba and Left the Masjid with Shama. Baba called Shama back and asked him to accompany Balasaheb. and enjoy the chitali trip. Shama came to Balasaheb and told him that he would come with him, according to Baba's wish. Balasaheb replied that he need not come as it would be inconvenient. Shama returned to Baba and told Him what Balasaheb s-aid to him. Baba said "Alright, do not go. We should mean well and do well. Whatever is destined to happen, will happen".

In the meanwhile Balasaheb thought over again and calling Shama asked him to accompany him Then Shama, going again to Baba and taking His leave started with Balasaheb in a tanga. They reached Chitali at 9 p.m. and encamped in the Maruti temple. The office-people had not come so they sat quiet in the temple, talking and chitchatting. Balasaheb wassitting on a mat reading a newspaper. His uparane (upper dhotar) was spread across his waist, and on a part of it a snake was sitting unoberseved; It began to move with a rustling sound which was heard by the peon. He brought a lantern, saw the snake and raised an alarm, 'serpent serpent'. Balasaheb was frightened and began to quiver. Shama was also amazed. Then he and others moved noiselessly and took sticks and clubs in their hands. The snake got down slowly from the waist and it moved away from Balasaheb, it was immediately done to death. Thus this calamity which was prophesied by Baba was averted and Balasaheb's love for Baba was deeply confirmed.

Now, I describe, my own recent experience regarding Baba's Abhay Hastha.

On 9th Feb. 91 I got a vision of Sri. Ramachandra and on 10th the vision of an luminous bright light and well decorated horse Syam Karan On llth morning Baba prompted me to visit Sai Bandhu Sri Ashoka Bhambore. I went to his house at 9 a m. He gave me Sri Spilidis prasad and Baba's calander of 1991 in which Baba's figure is as Baba holding a japamula in his abhay hasta.

I returned home at 10 a.m. and took my food and was taking rest. I came to know that daughter's daughter Miss Meera of 22 years old was suffering from severe diarhorea from the morning. At 11 a.m. her younger sister Roopa came to our house from her typing class but returned immediately to house withought taking food though we offered it. She sounded a calling bell at her house but there was no response, either from her sister or her mother. She went to a side window and got her sleeping mother awakned she asked about her sister Meera. When they could not find her in the hall in kitchen. They searched and found Meera lying unconsious in the bath room. Roopa with the help of neibouring lady brought Meera in a auto to our house, and took her grand mother also in the auto to the nearest nursing home. There the doctors treated Meera as an emergency case and administered oxygen and gave injections.

As no body was in the house I stayed back and phoned to my two sons and my two sons and my daughter-in law who is also a doctor.

In a worried mood I prayed to Baba why are you testing me. I have surrendered to you fully. What can I do. If you make me to weap, I weap if you make me laugh, I laugh.

I am nothing

I know nothing

for me you are every thing

I know only chanting

your Holy name morning and evening.

I sent Shirdi's udi to the nursing home to apply it on Meeras fore head it was applied.

I began to chant Baba's name Om Sai Ram Om Sai Ram looking at the picture of Baba. By Baba's grace and blessings Meera regained her conciousness at 4 p.m. but could not speak. Doctors also pronounced that they could not give hope till 48 hours passed and she was kept by glucose drips. Her condition was precarious for 4 days on 15-2-91 evening her case became again serious. The doctors had a opinion that some food poison had entered into her stomach.

I got her forehead applied with Udi and prayed Sai Baba with chanting His holy name. The words of H.H, Swamy Kshavaiahjee resounded in my ears. The Bhakta is safe in the heaven of Guru-God A. sadguru takes great care of his disciplies as Sri Sai had assured". My eye is on those that Jove me, whatever they do and wherever they are. Bear in mind I am always with you whenever you think of me. If one meditates upon me I stay by his side always.-If one thinks of me and makes me his refuse. I am his doctor. If one tastes not food without first offering it to me, I am his slave, I am bhakta Paradhina. I will be with you, inside and outside you and all around you".

From the next day her condition was being improved and on 21-2-91 she was discharged. She is keeping normal and attending to her studies.

Our compassionate Baba saved Meera from the jaws of death.

O Baba the savoir of inflicted and sufferers I bow to your lotus, feet.

M. Rama Rao

Bangalore-560069.

Sai the only saviour

One of the eleven golden sayings of Sachidanand Bhagwan Shri Sai Nath Maharaj states that ''I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, whosoever surrenders to me and whosoever seeks refuge in me". I am a living example of the truth of the above doctrine.

This happened quite sometimes back when I had not even heard of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Being a Central Government officer, I was posted in a far off state to hold independent charge of a small unit headquartered in a modest town adjoining a district town. A governmenl jeep was placed at my disposal to enable me to perform my field duties conveniently. There were strict instructions for the use of the vehicle in public interest only and maintaining proper records and accounts. This facility of having a government transport was not available to any other local officer with the result that they had to approach me for a favour every now and then although, bound by the strict departmental instruction, I had normally to disappoint them especially when they wanted to have it for personal use. Naturally most of them were not happy with me.

Once, when I was indisposed and confined to bed and my head clerk was looking after the official work, a local officer with his connivance manged to get the vehicle and left for the pleasant trip to the district city alongwith his children. As the ill luck would have it, the jeep met with serious accident enroute damaging it badly. The driver was injured critically though all the passengers escaped with minor injuries. Based on the report made by my head clerk, all the blame on the alleged wrongfully allotment of the jeep to the local officer was thrown on me. The driver was admitted to the hospital. He was serious enough to give any statement for days together. Anticipating his eventual death, everybody joined hands with the headclerk to falsely imlicate me. I was sure to loose my job alongwith any other monetary punishment. Senior officers had already come for on the spot enquiry.

That was the worst time for me. Even my own friends and well wishers had betrayed me. One of my junior clerks who was a stanuch devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba, suggested to me to 'approach' Him for his blessings. Through him, I learnt about the Lord, the omni present Sai Baba of Shirdi Taking Baba's sacred photo and His Udi, I spent the whole night preying to him for the justice.

Next day was the crucial one. Senior officers from Delhi were recording the evidence which was all going against me. In the after noon, an urgent word was passed on the them that the driver of the ill-fated jeep was better and willing to give a statement. The enquiring officers decided to visit him in the hospital next day. Every body was thinking that even he night be tempted giving a wrong statement in order to implicate me but, no. Baba is great. He takes care of His devotees who completely surrender to Him. The driver repeatedly and unexpectedly explained that it was the Head clerk who had ordered him to take the jeep to the local officer and not myself The enquiring officers subjected him to as many counter questions as they could but finally came to the correct conclusion.

Soon, I was completely exhonerated of the grave charges Since then, Sai Baba has become everything in my life. His grace knows no bounds.

JANAK RAJ LAROIYA

NOIDA (U.P.)-201301

BLESSINGS OF SAI BABA-SHIRDI

The moment whosoever puts his feet on the Sacred Shirdi soil, all his sufferings would come to an end. The distressed and miserable would rise into plenty of joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of my Mandir. I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving my earthly body. My Samadhi shall bless and speak to the needs of all my devotees. I shall be active and vigorous even from my Samadhi. My mortal remains would speak from my Samadhi.-I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, surrender and take refuge in me. If you look at me, I look to you (your welfare). If you cast burden on me, I shall surely bear them for you. If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once. There shall be no wants in the house of my devotees. I give what my devotees want with the hope they begin to want what I want to give them I shall cross all the seven seas to reach to the rescue of my devotees. Simple rememberence of' Sai Sai' will do away all the sins of speech and hearing. If you spread your palms with devotion before me, I am readily with you day and night. If a devotee utters 'Sai Sai' with love and devotion, I shall fullfil all his wishes, increase his devotion and to him, I shall beset in front and back and on all sides. Leave off all cleverness and remember 'Sai Sai', all shackles around you will be removed at once. If you move one step towards me, I am ten steps near you. I am ever vigorous and vigilent to safeguard my devotees as a mother tortoise would remain ever alert to guard its children from dangers. I am there where there is devotion. Why fear when I am here. Believe me, you will benefit. All that I want from my devotees is only devotion with Faith and Patience.

Om Samartha Sadguru Satchidananda Sri Sainathaya Namaha

OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI

OM SRI SAI JAI SRI SAI

OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI HI.

From:— Saibhakth :

K. N. Narayanaswamy

P.O. Rajgangpur-770017

Distt. Sundargarh (Orissa)

SRI SAI KARUNA

Smt. Anitha even from her childhood is having hole in her right ear. She used to experience immense head ache and other such discomforts whenever any water entered the ear while taking oil bath or otherwise. As such she had given up taking oil bath completely. Many a Doctors examined the ear and prescribed various medicines which proved futile. After marriage, she has been examined by the local available doctor who suggested Operation by Experts. She came to her parents at Nandyal. Here the E.N'T. Specialist and the Doctor of eminence examined her ear in detail and conformingly pronounced that the only remedy opened for the relief of pains is nothing except operating the ear to close the hole in the ear. She is very much afraid of getting herself operated and she actually shivered at hearing the word 'Operation' to her. It is decided by her elders that she should be taken to Madras without any further delay for ear operation by specialised doctors of eminence in that field.

Smt. Anitha is a devotee of Sri Sai Baba even when she was in her parents house and she continued the same worship even in her mother-in-law's house without any body's discontent. On hearing the advise of the Doctors at Nandyal, she as a devotee of Baba approached me for suggestion to get relief without any operation. She does not do any Pooja to Sri Sai in any specific form with any 'Mantra' etc.. The only thing she knows is that she stands before Sai's photo and utter His name thrice both in the morning and evening. I advised her that she should have complete faith in Sai and Baba alone would definitely cure her ailment without undergoing any operation to the ear. The procedure that she should follow is that two small lights should be placed on either side of Baba's photo both in the morning and evening and that she must stand with a cup of water in hands before Baba's photo and utter Sri Sai's name thrice and place udhi in the water which should be taken insides in addition to the application of udhi to the affected ear externally. She should not pray for any relief but carry on the advised procedure with firm determined confidence and belief that Baba is quite aware of all her ailments. She should not loss faith, and give up the prescribed process, if her expected result is not achieved soon but continue her expected result is not achieved soon but continue to do so with much more faith & saburi & in complete surrender at the lotus feet of Sri Sai. She is suggested to see that her elder's decision to take her to Madras for such operation is got postponed on some pretext. Well satisfied, she went home and learned that her people postponed the proposed Madras trip due to some sudden unforeseen circumstances, which news gave utmost relief to her worried mind. Is this not the immediate providential kind grace of Sai to fecilitate Smt. Anitha to adopt and continue Sai worship without any hinderance and without going to Madras for operation ? Had not this happened the elders would have forced her to follow them to Madras for ear operation and her denial for such would have been the cause for wrath in the elders for her failure to comply with them for going to Madras.

She practised this simple worship for 48 days continuously with unabated faith and saburi in utter complete surrender. She felt that the hole in the ear has been closed as she never felt any pain or discomfort when water went in the ear at the time of taking oil bath etc., She explained her cured position to her elders who were immensely pleased and praised the kind grace of Sri Sai on His trusted devotee. She came to Nandyal from her place and got herself examined by the same E.N.T Specialist who previously advised her to undergo for an operation if she really wanted cure in the ear. He was pleased to examine the ear throughly and found to his astonishment that the hole in the ear is completely closed by the natural growth of the flesh. She exclaimed that in his long and considerable service as an E.N.T. Specialist, he never came across such a case where a hole in the ear has been closed by natural growth of flesh without any operation. He attributed this as a Divine miracle beyond human competency and possibility. She is now more deeply attached to Sai faith and wanted that her experience should be let known to many a Sai devotee for developing firm faith at the lotus feet of Sri Sai, in now a days when people are having wavering faith in divinities

My dear Sai devotees fiim faith in Sai alone without any prescribed pooja and exhibition would make the trusted achieve the goal to the astonshment of other common people. Hence my humble appeal is that every body should completely surrender at the lotus feet of Sai, when he would win the game of his achievement. If one simply utters 'Sai Sai' with heart overflowing without caring for any particular form of worship or procedure, Baba is there to rescue him from any catastrope irrespective of time and place and situation. Surrenderingly if the devotee calls Baba, Baba. He at once four rushes and answers 'Baboo, Baboo' and render him help with four outstretched hands.

D. L. Kanta Rao.

Retired Deputy Tahsildar,

NANDYAL R.S. 518502 (A.P.)

DWARAKAMAI SAI

Devotees of Sai are fortunate indeed for

We are drawn to Him due to rinanu bandhu

As a lad of sixteen, he entered Shirdi

Ready to bear our burdens on his shoulders

Amicably solving all our problems.

Kindness to animals and Love towards all

Are always immensely in him. Shirdi

Masjid was His permanent residence

And even to day, His presence is felt there

Yet in another sacred place He resides,

It is the heart of His staunch devotee who

Surrenders whole heartedly to His will

And adheres strictly to shraddha and Saburi.

Indeed blessed is he who steps his foot on Dwarakamayi

Saimani R. Jayamani

Madras-61,

LEELAS OF SAI

It is the devotion of a Bhaktaa, How, he looks upon his deity, It is the faith of a devotee which urges rather pressuries His Lord to accept his love for Him. The name by which, Baba is known in the universe, is given to Him by none other than the devotee of Lord Krishana, Mahaalaspathy, who became the ardent devottee of Baba.

See, the Leela of Baba, the devotee, who called Him, and greeted Him, "Aao Sai Aao" at the steps of Khandoba Temple, the same moment refused him to enter in the temple because of his Muslim look. Baba didn't utter a single word and went towards a discarded Masjid as shown by Mahaalsapathy.

As sun gives light to everybody in this universe and Diamond's shine never fades in darkness, Baba showered his love upon the people of Shirdi and whosoever went to him to seek his blessings. He gave the name of Dawarka Mayee to the same masjid Where he stayed. Dawa-rka, the place as well known as the Place Of Lord Krishana, Baba declared Dawarka Mayee is the mother of all, he, who will climb the steps of Dawarka Mayee, his sufferings will come to an end. Thus Baba gave motherly affection to all.

People started pouring in Shirdi from all the corner of the country. They wanted to get the blessings of Baba and wanted to see the miracles of Baba. Baba treated everyone equally as the child of God. He gave the message, have faith in your own religion but never forget that you are the children of God, so do not hate others.. God is one. He showered his love to all irrespective of the cast and creed. Baba assured his devotees that even after his death", I shall remain active and be with you and look after your welfare. Surrender to me, seek refuse in me. Cast your burden upon me, I shall surely bear it". His Eleven sayings are not only true but guides his devotees who has surrendered himself in the lotus feet of Baba.

Baba's Leela can be experienced even today, if you have faith in Him. Lord Krishana has said, I accept the love of my devotee, the way, he wants to worship me In the return, I make his devotion, his faith in me stronger and deeper by accepting his pooja. in the way he wants to worship me.

I have experienced Baba's love and His presence with me. I appeal to all the devotees of Baba. Have blind faith in Him, leave their worries and happiness in the feet of Baba to experience the leela's of Baba. We pray to Baba for His blessings and Love to all.

G. K. Bhardwaji

Madras-14.

Who gave birth to this divine son (SAI) ?

Although of two natures, SAI in reality only one, wholly saint and at the same time wholly man. Accordingly an unknown lady would indeed have given birth to this saint (god SAI) not just to the human SAI neither said he had no mother nor had mother

Many have tried to know who gave birth to this divine son. How can some or many or all will know ? when mystical knowledge of deep things (Miracles and leelas of BAB A) are unknown "The inner birth never revealed by SAI " yet is of great value to any sincere truth seeker.

To my little mind it appears that SAI BABA does not want dualism. He stroye form a Universal religion, fusing dements of all sects of religions to merge to secure much more of faith, aims, beliefs and brother hood. His intention is not revealing is not to curb our inquisitive nature, or keep us in suspense. But he wants that no sect should feel proud of being that he SAI belongs to theirs (religion).

Life-How did it get here ? By evolution or by creation ? If we enter in to debate, discussion, argument and logic on this issue. The result will be unconvincing to all. It is exactly the type of issue, wish to know the birth of Shirdi BABA I feel it is excellent' very well not to lean on an inclination and waste time (Any thing that we loose, we can recoup but not time). Instead let us immerse our energy and time in the service of Humanity. This is the only way one can overcome weakness and allow our mind not to be hanker on the unanswerable issue. Pledge to gain an accurate knowledge of SAI's words and following the leadings of his holy spirit. Above all it will give us the hope of endless life in problem free system of things, our subconscious mind never sleeps, it will be receptive to SAI's message even while we are asleep;

His (BABA's) body has been cast off the infinite remains to guide and help... Gods-Avataras are to end the evil doers—but saint SAI mend the evil doers. To me he is more than Avatar, since his aim is to destroy the sins. " A saint does not kill any body, however bad one may be. He removes the evil seated in him by his sweet love and preaches where as an Avatar kills the evil doer—Krishna killed—kansa and sishupala Rama killed—Ravana and Rakshasas. Have any heard or read in any mythological literature of a saint killing any body ? our SAI BABA is ever kind & merciful manuroent, and I deeply believe that lovers of SAI should value, what they have in common and work together in unity " work what is good towards all especially those who are stressed with poverty and problems which cause tension while our motive is not to impress others, such fine works after move observer (SAI) and will offer us his profound commendation, blessings, solace, bliss, which are eternal.

(N B Comments if any are solicited please.)

Y. SREENIVASA RAO

Secunderabad 500361

Personality & Divine Powers of Sad-Guru Shirdi Sai

Dear Bandhuao,

There is every probability, that because of our previous good KARMA, we have come across with ths spark of Shri Sai Baba's divinity in this karma or Janma. I consider myself fortunate that today, I got opportunity to put before you my feelings through the media of "Sai Mahima" published by the Sai Sudha Trust, Garkhal, Kasauli (H.P,) which is in your hands,

To write or speak about Shirdi Baba's immense miracles and huge divine powers, volumes need to be written, for which neither I have the capacity, nor the capability.

The personification of Shirdi Sai Baba's divine powers and protection for his ardent devotees and also miraculus shakti is wonderful

Today thousand of devotees not only in India but in countries abroad are experiencing His guidance and grace, through incidents, dreams, vision and other means. Thousands are visiting Shirdi Baba Samadhi, every day, irrespective of their religion, faith, caste, creed and financial possessions and prostrate on the Holi Lotus feet at Dwarkamai Masjid and also before the Samadhi, but why? because, before leaving human form, Baba had promised that ''who so ever will look to him with total faith, He will accept him to his kingdom of eternal bliss" not only this, who so ever will surrender and cast his burden on me. I will protect him; therefore, Bandhu consider, that Baba is more ALIVE today than while He was in human form. Consider SAMARTH SAD-GURU SAI NATH as our SAVIOUR Sai Baba's form of Fakir-Malang is nothing more than the personified grace and compassion of KING OF GURUS LORD DATTATREYA.

In the 'Skandpurana' SHIVA sung to PARVATI that only Guru Kirpa can liberate man from the worldly ailments, miseries and sufferings and only Guru can enkindle the Atman with His divine rays. Why should we not consider ourselves highly privileged that we have Guru like Shirdi Baba. What is required of us is to find out time out of our routine way of life and surrender faithfully with devotion, faith and Patients on Baba's holi feet. We are also lucky in a way that every faithful devotee has a direct approach to HIM, as there is no one else, between HIM and you. Baba had/has no disciple nor heir, neither He has exclaimed any body's Guru. Baba had given assurance before taking Maha Samadhi that He is ever Living, who so ever, will concentrate on my form, with devotion, who so ever will destroy and demolish the barriers of 'ego' and take refuge in ME, I will protect him with My divine rays irrespective of the geographical bounderies and distances.

Shirdi Baba's personality had been wonderful, and its, far beyond the reach of my pen and power. Therefore, in short I am offering before you with humble submission few words.

No one, as yet, could establish, with authencity, regarding Baba's birth place, parents, religion etc. From time to time, since 1838, many people have forwarded their views. Some people belive, that Baba came from Naurangabad, where He was with his maternal uncle, Sh. Nasatya and in the young age of eight years He went away with his Guru Sh. Venkusa and his religion was Kabir, as there had been a lot of similarity and uniformity in the way of living and cultural behavious of KABIR AND SAI BABA.

A group of 5 known saints, who were well known, in their time, have said, on the basis of their eternal/inner power and force that Baba belonged to "Nath Panchiyatan" i.e. to the Nath Panth (Guru Gorakh Nath and Guru Machender Nath). This group was consisted of, Serva Shree Samarth Ram Das, Jayaram Swami, Ranga Nath Swami, Keshwa Swami and Swami Ananda Murthi (they had worked together) They were unanimous in their views. The same was also supported, later on, by Shiri Suman Sunder.

Some people belive that Baba was born in the village PATHRI, which is situated at a distance of 24 miles from the Prabhani and almost 85 miles from the district head quarter of District Aurangabad and His parents were Yajurvedi Brahamins.

Recently in the month of June 1991, I had the opportunity, by the grace of Sai Nath, to see the old brittling (due to age) unpublished papers of Abdul Baba, written by Abdul Baba with his own hands in Urdu and Aarabic script. Abdul Baba served, Shri Sai Baba since 1879 till Baba's Maha-Samadhi in 1918. Baba used to call Abdul, as Crow (Kawa). The Village Pathri, has in line about 41 tombs of great Fakirs, Peers/Malangs of powerful statures of their time, like the tomb or Durgaha of Sayed Sadat (Amminuddin Rafaye) which, date back to about 700 years. From the age old papers, of Abdul, I am convinced in my personal capacity that Shiri Baba had a profound knowledge of Islamic religion, its civilization, including Sufism, Holi Kuran. Siva, Sunna, hadic, Fakha, Tarikat and so on. Was Shirdi Baba a Mohemmaden Malang ? Is the question that had often been raised, but none has the positive answer, which could be given in this regard.

During His stay at Shirdi-for about 60—70 years, Baba had been working for the good of huminity, He helped the distressed. He lived amongest the common man. He begged for alms (Dakshina) from five to six houses Through his super miraculus and great divine powers, He cured thousands with udhi, from His Agni Kund, in Dwarka Mai Masjid with His mere words "Allah Bhala Kare ga" and with his mere touch.

Baba was Trikal Darshi. He was a Hindu for Hindus, Muslim for Muslims and a Christian of Christians, Guru Nanak for Sikhs, Budha for Sudhist, Mahavir for Jains and so on. His mission was to achieve the basic tenets of world religion He saw divinity in every being and always dwelt in transquility.

To conclude, it is not possible for any one to say, as to which religion He belonged If it is said that He is a Muslim, his ears were pricked (Like Nath Panthees) If it be said that He is Hindu He dwelt in Dwarka Mai Masjid, He himself cooked four fowls, exactly 4 months before his Samadin and seni to a Fakir Malang at Daultabad, as Nazrana Baba used to repeat all the times "Allah Malik Hai, "Sabka Malik ek Hai".

We know one thing for certain that Baba is the mother of virtues, and for Him there is no barrier of religion, Sect. Sex, Race, Cast, Creed, language and Nation. He had the absolute knowledge of the Holi Books like Kuran, Vedas, Geeta, Mahabharata, Bible and so on.

My only submission to you, dear Bandhu's is that we must learn to renounce ourselves, unify, and surrender totally and whole-heartedly, in Baba's lotus feet, I am sure, than life will be immortal and full of joy and bliss. Baba will certainly protect us with His Super Natural Divine Shakti.

LET SHRI SAI BABA MAKE ALL SAI BANDHU'S SECURE IN LIFE

Sai Bandhu,

D. P. KATHURIA

Another Thursday hymn on Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

1. Chandra Bai Borker, what a name to conjure with of all devotees contemporaneous with Baba's incarnation sparkle does she with the glow of love immaculate A love bestowed she on her deity and blessed was

— — — she in return.

2. All in All was Baba of Sbirdi to Chandra Bai Borker

And fortunate was she to feast her eyes on the wondrous miracles of His;

If his lighting of the oil lamps of the Masjid with aqua was - miracle one

The act of His reposing on the famous swing was — miracle two.

3. Advised by Baba at Shirdi to join her husband at Pandharpur

And on her learning there of his leaving to a place called Dhond

Helped was she by Baba as a Fakir to travel by train to Dhond

And propelled was her husband by the same Fakir — to greet her on alighting.

4. The husband cared not for Shirdi or its presiding deity

But a man of religion and a man of faith was he

And so left he the wife the freedom of worship she choose

Ard Baba the large hearted showered His blessings — on both.

5. A tooth of Baba encased in a locket Chandra Bai bore on her body

A talisman was this locket to guard her like an armour;

Besides was the 'Udi' dispensed by Baba by His divine hands

Preserved with care by her to ward of — ailments of body and mind.

6. If Chandra Bai's faith in Baba scaled the peak of mount Everest

Her devotion to Him overflowed like a Ganga from her heart;

Even the sound of His holy name brought in her eyes a gush of joyful tears

For such was the mutual love between God — and His devotee.

7. For four and forty years and more did stretch the link divine

And unbroken it remained in both space and time

The reward vouchsafed by the deity was on offspring or a son

Which Baba the God alone could bestow in the —verge of her old age.

8. Chandra Bai Borker becoming a mother past the age of fiftyone

Was a marvel of marvels wrought alone by that god of sacred Shirdi;

A happy conjunction of the unfathomable faith of the devotee

And the power of the deity to set at nought the — laws nature has decreed.

9. Contentment and peace reigned in the evening of Chandra Bai's life

Though death overtook her beloved husband before her

Consoled was she by the 'sadgati' bestowed on him by her Baba

For pass away he did with 'Rama' on his lips and the sound of "Baba" from without.

10. Who will deny that Baba of shirdi is god incarnate ?

Who will deny that He is also love incarnate ?

Worshipping Him with faith and devotion both

Rewarded will be one with His benediction —• and love

SAI RAM SAI RAM SAI RAM SAI RAM

C.R. Narayanan,

Madras.

SAIMATH !!! Where art THOU ???

The destination of life is not in sight,

You fully know how toughly we give the fight,

Can you not set the wrong into right,

How can you bear to see our plight ?

The path of struggle is full of hindrances,

You only know what are their significances,

What are the reasons which fail your influences,

How can you put us into such inconveniences ?

The place of your shrine is in utter filthiness,

You already know how to drive unhealthiness,

Why art thou waiting for increasing uncleanliness,

How can you slumber peacefully in such messiness ?

The road to Shirdi leads to drastic chaosity,

You only visualise the end of calamity,

When are you going to see your devotees safety,

How can you tread the track with authority ?

The way the world is heading for Ultimate,

You can best assure the less fortunate,

When there is need for you to change our fate,

How can you sit enthroned so alienate ?

Ms. Neelam Sanglikar,

PUNE-411 038

About self

I am not a professional writer. I am not a learned Pandit (i.e.,) a person who has obtained proficiency in studying religious scriptures) nor a literator. I am expressing whatever feelings that I have voluntarily sprung from my heart. It is not the language but the feelings that are important here. I am not writing by coercion. I am putting in words exactly what I have seen and what I have experienced.

I had not spoken to anyone about my progress at any time and I was not myself aware that I would have to write the experiences of mine, I was not able to say anything definitely. I was a Sadhak serving at the holy feet of "Shri Sai Baba". I had placed only one foot in the spiritual boat, but the other was still lingering on material ground. I was hesitant to put the other foot in the boat. Thus I was in a precarious position with one leg on the ground and the other in the boat. I had written down now and then my diaries regarding my spiritual biography.

As a result of constantly practising meditation and concentration, whenever I looked at the photograph of "Shri Sai Baba", the outline would appear like my own. "Shri Sai Baba" had arranged an invisible, impregnable armour around me for my protection. He had taken complete care to see that I did not encounter any pit falls anywhere. He held my hand and let me right upto the submit. Thus I felt I was fortunate enough to reach it in just 11 years, sheerly through His grace. I had started sadhana of swadhyaya (path). With folded hands, I am reques-sting one and all to perform sadhana of swadhyaya at sunrise and sunset, so as to make one's life fruitful You will have experiences that will strengthen your belief. The disciples are blessed by the sadguru Saibaba in three different ways-dream, vision and sakshat darshan. Because the sadhak is in a hesitant state of mind, he fears that he is neither here nor there. A gradual transformation takes place in the sadhak. With every step, he is moving closer to his destination. Had it not been the case, I could have condensed my biography into just three phases. If only one person sees it, it could be an illusion. But, when two or more people can experience identical visions, then it is the truth One can reach the superlative state of mind merely by practicing swadhyaya. While I was working in Co-op., Department at Hyderabad, it had happened for me to meet Shri Ch. Samba Murthy, Sai bakta, in the year 1966 and since then I had been an ardent follower of Shri Sai baba and have my share of spiritual experiences. I had built an image in my mind that he had neared perfection both in spiritual and material matters. I had experienced his spiritual advancement and I was eagerly awaiting to see the revelations of the latter. I had been observing him for quite some time and I made an assessment from my own standard and perhaps with the long scientific training. I gained an impression that in day to day life, he was not much different from us and possessed the same defects as any one of us. This was in sharp contrast to the image of perfection, I had built of him. I was disappointed and felt sorry for his failings This also acted as a damper in my own spiritual search I felt that if after several years of rigorous penance and attaining near spiritual perfection, one still has the common defects, then how can a person like me ever get rid of these. I wavered, I did not dare to discuss my doubts with him. I feared his reaction. So I thought, he might establish a math to preach philosophy, so that the curtain would be lifted. I also thought more deeply about this aspect and enquired deeply within. The common man would note his failings, a critic may condemn him, and eventually may misunderstand our Sadguru Sai Baba. I was assailed by this fear of complex. In my anxiety, I consulted some others who confirmed that my fear was genuine.-I had no doubt about his spiritual efforts and achievements. My view was totally different.

It is with a sense of humility and humble that I narrate how I had been dragged to the feet of Shri Sai baba, elevated to the stage filled with self happiness and I also take this opportunity to make a frank confession. I wanted to apprise him also of what I thought were his shortcomings. My conscience was saying 'Shri Sai has commended you to follow the Path of Truth. If you are convinced that you are correct, then you need not fear. It would be cleared in course of time. I have nothing to say against his spiritual achievements. I have faith in his penance. My criticism is only on his material approach to life. I had high respect for him. The subsequent events purified my mind also.

On the otherside, when I used to practise my sadhana, or offer my adorations at Shri Sai baba image, I started having vision of Shri Sai baba. In the beginning I considered it to be a play of my mind. One day, during day time while I was wide awake, I had Shri Sai's darshan in full glory, in gorgeous golden colour. I became filled with some mysterious Joy and voiceless experience that generates my spirit of reverence toward Him. On 26-10-1974 I did prayers to Shri Sai Baba with all my heart, by doing 'Sai Nama Japam' silently with love and devotion for more than an hour and prostrated before Shri Sai Baba's photo in chopadi at Sakori near Shirdi. Wonder of wonders, the flower kept on the head of Upasani Maharaj's statue in chopadi had fallen on his feet. I took, it as blessings of Shri Sai Baba. Then peace was restored in my mind and I felt Sai bliss and Sai joy and concluded with prayer "Thou art the source of all strength, give us strength. Thou are He that bearth the burdens of the universe, help me bear the little burden of this life".

Again on 3-12-1974, while doing Prayer by closing eyes at Puja Mandir in my house, I suddenly had a vision of Shri Saibaba surrounded by great brilliance of white light, the intensity of which was beyond my power of expression. I trust that this brilliance cannot be described and explained by any person with exception of some great spiritual masters. In the midst of this white brilliance, divine and powerful light, I had seen 'Murthy of Shri Sai Baba' in pure white from head to foot with living eyes looking towards me. I could not withstand the divine vision as I did not have much experience on any previous occasion. I could have the darsan of Shri Sai Baba for which I was longing since a long time. And also on 10-7-1975 a lightening spark from Murthis on puja stand in my house had come out and moved on to me and entered into me through my forehead, which I was standing before them to commence my daily usual prayers and puja.

Thus I had been drawn to Him like a bird pulled with a string tied to its legs since then.

Y. V. SUBBAYYA,

Hyderabad-29. A. P. State;

IT'S DIFFERENT HERE

At home as true Sai Bhakta

You feel warm presence of Shri Sai,

But when you go to Shirdi

At once you feel a closer tie;

The very air you breathe here

Is charged with holy fragrance

That truly fully overpowers

The homely floral extravagance;

Under the Divine Dome of Sai Samadhi

Unique ecstacy surrounds you

As the aura of the holy place

Is spread spiritually around you;

Here the bhajans that are sung

Are the same as sung at home

But here their melody and harmony

Are divinely different in their tone;

At home the Pooja you perform

Truly does not lack devotion

Yet here the same Pooja

Gives a feel of rare emotion;

The food you eat at home

You offer devoutly to Him

But here in Shirdi what you eat

Is to you offered lovingly by Him;

Here with stubborn ailments some have gone

And have left them back and come,

These with Faith have earned this healing

It's a pity it has eluded some;

Let the eluded ones know for once

Have Faith in Him and be devout

And He forever will be yours

Without the shadow of a doubt;

K. M. Bhagvati

BOMBAY-49.

Another Dwarakamayee.

The 23rd may of 1940 marked an era in Sai worship when Uravakonda Sathya Narayan Raju of Puttaparthi declared himself to be the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai and come to be known as Sathya Sai Baba. He taught his devotees the first Bhajan—

"Manas Bhajare Guracharanam,

Dustar Bhava Sagar Taranam."

and asked them to perform puja on Thursdays, the day of Shirdi Sai. This happend while he was only 14 years of age.

Born in a remote village of Andhra Pradesh for away from Shirdi, the miraculous Child Sathyanarayana used to sing Bhajans and tell stories of Sai Baba of Shirdi, when he was even less than ten years of age and at that time nobody of that remote part of South India had known or even heard of Shirdi Sai. Thus Sathya Sai in his own singalar manner started spreading the message and devotion of Shirdi Sai all over the world. Many interesting stories of Shirdi Sai were related to his devotees and he recognised many devotees of previous birth and reminded their expriences too. Morever be related the unknown story of birth and childhood of Shirdi Sai which has been published in 'Sathyam Shivam Sundaram 'by prof. N. Kasturi and refered to in 'Shri Sai the Superman' of Sai Sharan Anand Swamy

'Prashanthi Nilayam', the Ashram of Sathya Sai Baba in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh can well be described as another Dwarakamayee. where a big size sliver idol of Shirdi Sai is being worshipped as the main deity of the temple. On every occasion when Sathya Sai addresses his devotees this idol is taken to the dias to bless the gathering. Oh every Vijaya Dashmi, the Samadhi day of Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai performs Vibhuti Abhishekam on this idol creating Vibhuti from an empty pot. This reminds us the play song of Shirdi Sai " Ramale Ram Ayoji, Udion Ki goniyan Layoji "

"On both sides of the said idol inside the temple there are two life-size portraits of Shirdi Sai and Sathya Sai. One peculiarity of the portrait of Shirdi Sai here is that the pagri is seen towards the right side unusual to the normal photographs where pagri is seen towards left. On both sides of the dias of the grand purnachandra Auditorium of prashanthi Nilayam the giant letters "SHIRDI SAI JAI" and "PARTHI SAI JAI' have also seen superscribed.

Millions of devotees of Sathya Sai all over the world worship Sathya Sai and Shirdi Sai as one and the same entity with their heartfelt devotion. In thousands of Sathya Sai Bhajan centres the picture of Shirdi Sai is also worshipped by even such devotees who known very little about Shirdi Sai In the 108 names of sathya Sai "Yashakaya Shirdivasine Namah," "Shirdi Sai Abhedshaklyavataraya Namah," "Shirdi Sai Murthaye Namah" and "Dwarakamayee Vasine Namah" have been included.

This is in brief the evolution of a new approach to Sai worship made at prashanthi Nilayam, the second Dwarakamayee.

Dr. Sudhansu K. Nayak.

Bhubaneswar-751002

Tolerance is the essence of all religions.

A ture Hindu is one who could see his Ram in the Mosque.

A ture Muslim is one who could see his Allah on the high towers of Tirupathi.

A ture Christian is one who could identify his Christ in Krishna.

A ture Buddhist is one/who could see his Buddha in Kedarnath.

A ture Jain is one who could see His Mahavira in Chamundeswari.

A true Sikh is one who could see Nanak and Kabir in Lord Nataraja.

A true Sai devotee is one who can see sai in all places of worship.

When we cannot identify or understand the various forms of God,

We live in illusion and create destruction.

What is a Religion ?

Religion is a code of conduct to establish harmony.

Religion is the essence of divinity in man.

Religion is to bind us with the bond of love and make us happy.

Religion is for national integration and mutual co-operation.

Religion is to serve all, help all, and protect all

Religion is a ladder to lift us above the trivialities.

Religion is a guide to aid us live a lofty life.

Religion is to develop our personality, culture, and literature.

Religion is for progress, prosperity, and peace.

REMEMBER :

Religion is not for disintegration.

Religion is not for communal conflicts.

Religion is not for destruction.

Religion is not for spreading chaos.

Religion is not for teasing and torturing others.

Religion is not for shattering peace into pieces.

Religion is not for spreading hatred and strife.

Religion is not for domination but for serving all with determination.

No doubt God lives with us.

If we see God in all places of worship then our heart becomes the Church, the Mosque, the Gurudwara, and the temple.

A pure heart which has understood God, is an undisputed site for constructing a temple.

A temple built in the heart is the permanent seat of God.

No emperor can destroy it. No man can ruin it.

No storm can devastate it. No flood can sink it. No bomb can weaken it.

No Satan can enter it. No man can corrupt it.

It is the abode of God, holiest of holies, spreading the fragrance of love and peace.

Are you searching for Sai (God) ?

He is seated inside the mosques.

He is on the tall towers of the temple.

He is on the spires of churches.

He is inside the Gurudwara.

He is in the Buddhist Monastery.

You can hear His voice in the chanting of Veda

You can hear his words in the recital of koran.

You can hear His music in the singing of psalms.

If you love all and crave for world peace,

Sai comes closer to you.

Dr. R. Rukmani,

Madras 600061

Miraculous Cure By Sai Arti Ash.

I was recently travelling alone from Vishakhapatnam to Delhi in a three tier compartment. The journey takes two nights and three days. On the first night while I was asleep on upper birth at midnight I started feeling very severe sudden pain in my right ear. The pain was so acute and horrible that I had to get up and I started feeling that it may take my life. At that while train was at its move and there was none around whom I could depend upon for effective help. I thought SRI SAI BABA Fortunately I was carrying a small packet SRI SAI BABA's Arti's Ash in my bag. I took a pinch of it in my mouth and left the whole affair up to Him and tried to sleep again. One would not just believe that by morning the whole pain was gone and there was not even a trace of it. Even by pressing with my fingers on the ear I could not feel any trace of it. One has to just experience of it, such miracles to believe in true sensei

JAI SRI SAI BABA

N. K. MAHESHWARI

JAMMU.

Sai Mahima & Miracles.

"Out of all the sage and the seer,

Shirdi Sai Baba is in the nearest near.

If you look to Him, He looks to you.

Whatever you want. He grants to you.

Devotion to Him in a straight-line belief.

Fills you with immense satisfaction & Relief-

Wrapped in mystery, strange are His ways,

with the innocent devotees He always stays-

Countless are Baba's benign bounty showers

That always and ever bestow full Divine Powers.

Devotees of Baba are always happy and gay.

Throughout their lives every night and day."

SURESH CHAND JAIN

DELHI-11 OOO7

CRAVINGS

Let me be born as a water bird, or a fish,

In the stream that runs in shirdi soil,

Let me be any kind of vessel'in Lord's sannidhi,

Let me be a flowering tree in that soil,

or a pillar in the mandir or a footstep at the Mandir,

entrance gate for the devotees to tread upon me,

or Let me be born as anything in the sacred soil of Shirdi.

Let me become a plant and grow silently.

Let me become a tree and give shade liberally,

Let me become a flower and smell sweetly,

Let me become a river and flow quietly,

Let me become an ant and work ceaselessly,

Let me become a child and smile in peace,

Let me become a candle to give light vividly;

Let me become a star and shine brightly,

Let me become a sage and Jove all creatures intensely.

"Vemsuyanand"

Hyderabad.

SAI THE SUPER MAN

Stands there a man with love for all

At the masjid door of Shirdi Village

In Ashirwad position, the divine incarnation.

Truth is His policy. He wants us to follow.

Honesty is His principle. He wishes us to possess-

Earnest ness in every act. He expects from His devotees-

Surrender whole hearted to His Will.

Universal brother hood and peace pleases Him most- The

Path of duty is the way He guides

Egoless thoughts, words and deeds and

Righteousness in all our acts,

Make us live a peaceful life

And lead us to His joyful abode,

Namo Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Saimani R. Jayamani

Sai, O My Sai

Sai, O My Sai, I searched for you, In fields and mountains.

I searched for you, In rivers and dams, I searched for you,

In temples and mosques, I searched for you, In churches and Gurdwaras,

But, My Sai, All in Vain All in Vain, I, so tired and exhausted shouted in strain,

Sai, O My Sai, help me to see and speak Thee, Sai, O My Sai, Let me only once meet Thee

Suddenly in my tears' stream, I felt my heart calm and clean.

And then, as my in-door opened, All worldly Moha, mamta vanished,

I saw my Sai Maharaj Shreeman, Rajadhiraja's Madhur murt Vidyaman

He sitting and blessing my soul, To-day I felt, I have found my goal. Sai, O My Sai

You were always with me, Still I could not find thee,

As I was searching outside me, When you, my Sai, was inside me

Sai, O, my Sai, I humbly pray Thee.

Forgive my sins and make me free. Give me shakti to do Nishkam Bhakti,

And give me Sai, Nirman Mukti, Sai, O my Sai.

By Mira Raheja

Faridabad

(Haryana)