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