Jai Sai Ram Dear Sai Readers,

Today's post is the last post of this blog. I mean last post for the year 2008. Tomorrow again there will be new sunrise, a new lease of life, new resolutions, new promises to fulfill, new duties to perform, new responsibilities, new hopes, new surprises, but one thing is for sure that our love and devotion towards our Beloved Sai Baba will not be new. No matter how many years come and go, it will be present in our hearts and slowly it will penetrate in our souls. The year ahead is 2009, 9 figure has great significance in relation to Sai Baba, He has adviced nine types of devotion to us. Moreover the year is starting with Thursday, "Baba's Day". So let us all pray Him to inculcate "Nav-vidha Bhakti" (nine types of devotion) in our hearts in this coming year ahead. Tomorrow being "A New Day of New Year" and "First Baba's Day of New Year" there is a surprise for all of you. Hope you all will visit this blog tomorrow for that surprise!!!

Coming to today's post, it is an experience of a lady devotee of Sai Baba taken from Sai Leela Magazine.

All of us in our family are staunch Sai Devotees. I was suffering from mental strain, depression and bodily ailments. Doctors diagonsed me as a patient with Diabetes and blood pressure and put me on a strict diet. This resulted in my dreading the disease and control over sugary substances. Inevitably I begged before God.

Some friends, who were devotees of Sai Baba advised me to go to Shirdi with Shraddha and Saburi.

Some how I procured Shri Sai Satcharitra in Kannada version and read one chapter daily. I longed to visit Shirdi; but as per the 11 sayings of Sai Baba, was called upon only in April 1994. No sooner did I get down from the bus in Shirdi, my hearted started thumping with pleasure and I got the first Mukha Darshan.



The next day after attending Kakad Arti and taking darshan of Samadhi and Dwarkamai with a humble request to Baba to restore my good health I met an old lady with a place full of Pedhas as Prasad (which was sugary). I was astonished to see my desire to eat sweets thus fulfilled by the gentle lady. I took one Pedha and turned to my husband for him to take one himself. But, I was surprised when he could nto see any old lady nearby. Sai had understood my sorrow and offered me Pedha throuogh the guise of an old lady.

Thereafter we have been visiting Shirdi annually and receive regular Udi and Prasad.

In 2003, there was a dark cloud over my house. My younger son, who is an engineer and had his own fabrication unit in Hubli, was facing heavy losses and consequently some court cases regarding loans.

Things were the worst till 2007, despite our regular worship and Thursday visits to the local Sai Baba temple.

I decided to observe Sai Baba Saptaha during October 2007 near Kartika Amavasya. The day after I finished the first Saptaha, a very young, handsome and charming Sadhu knocked at my door, saying Sai Ram. He spoke in Kannada and requested me to opent the front door, which is usually shut when I am alone. He again appealed to me to come out and offer him a coconut and eleven flowers. I hesitated to open the door and told him to accept the coconut and a rupee. He repeatedly requested me to accept this as God's blessing and to light a lamp of cow's Ghee at Shirdi, it being a Kartika day. He blessed me and my house with a bright future for my family and the end of all troubles past, present and future. He then vanished and was never seen again.

I narrated this entire episode to my husband, who immediately arranged to send half a kilo of cow's Ghee to Shirdi, the next day being the last day of Kartika and an Amavasya too. Two days later we were very happy to receive an Udi packet from Shirdi stating it was Baba's Prasad. It meant He had accepted me as a disciple. My husband is a Bhakta Mandal member and a contributor ot 'Shri Sai Leela' magazine in English-Hindi.


© Devotees Experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba

The following experience was received as a comment to an earlier post. It is very touching and so I have posted it here. The devotee has not mentioned his name in the comment and it is posted as it is.

Jai Sai ram,

My dear sai friends, I had very beautifull and cosmic experiance which I have nourished and shared with my near and dear. But I wanted to post it for the other netizens to feel the blessings of Sai Baba who lives in and out of every one.

During 1985 I had some problems related to my service and I was under going tension and worry. one day I had a letter by postcard advising me to visit Shirdi to end the misery which I was facing. I had discussion with my wife and she also readily agreed to my idea of going to Shirdi for Darshan. But, that day was eluding me and I forgot the letter and good advise from unknown devotee. But My wife had remind me about the Shirdi visit and prayers to be offered. I was postponed many times due to my rush of work and busy schedule.For 23 years I lost in the daily needs and filthy wants of humankind.

During the year 2007 one of the Insurence company has found that I was suffering from blood pressure and had high Colestrol and Triglyceroids level in blood. They asked me to go for test related to heart problem. I went through the tests and by the grace of God they could not find any major problem. But, the doubt of heart attack created by the Insurence company remaid in me and advised by the Doctor to take drugs regularly to avoid further problems.

As soon as I was releaved from the hospital my wife remind me the wow I made during 1985 and asked me atleast visit Shirdi with out wasting time. For which I agreed and asked my travel agent to arrange for the visit Shirdi.

We took flight from Bangalore to Poona and from there took car and reached Shirdy at about 6 o' clock evening. Then I made room in Woodlands Hotel just opposit to the Shirdi Sai temple. After taking bath we came out side the Hotel on to the road. one unkown person with white dress came to us and said"I am not agent or guide but, I think I can help you make Sai Darshan". and without wasting time he lead us towards temple and got purchased all that wanted for prayer and showed the way for the quicker Darshan. we took the way he had showed and made good Darshan of Baba and had his blessings. We thanked him atlast I was called for his blessings after 23 years. Then we went round the temple premises and sat for awhile and disscused how people from different Religious background come for his blessings and every ones prayers are answered here. Then we went back to Hotel room and after dinner My wife asked me to go for the "Kakada Arthi pooja" early in the morning. I said since we were tired if it is possible I will wake you up in the early morning so that we can visit. then I slept.

At around 5 A M I had this life time experience and blessings of Baba and changed my thinking of life.

It was a great dream. I was walking on the street of Shirdi. one boy with bright face, with his Khaki shorts, naked chest was standing in front of the road was looking at me and laughing at me. His smile was looking strange and I was thinking why this fellow was laughing. He pointed finger towards the temple and signed that your way is this way not otherside. o K . Without any thought I made turn and was walking towards the temple. But, this time the same boy was standing at the temple and people was sorrounding him he was laughing and was pouring hot water to these people. the people was streching their hand and he was pouring hot water , suddenly they were moaning in pain and were wituh drawing their hands. this was going on and I was one among the ceoud watching. then with his continous smile he looked at me and with his finger once again he asked me to come farward. I went towards him and streched my hand. but he poured hot water on my head. Suddenly I travelled into cosmic experience. There was a sound of "Omkara" like "Ooom" heard loudly to me. My body has become light and it was floating. No pain and no feelings, every thing was calm, peacefull, happy, good, cool. extraordinary experience which these words cannot explain. this is different and may be "Aloukik" that is out of this world. I heard this "Omkara" for thrice and stopped.It suggested that my body is good and I had no diseases and all my orgns are good. Then my senses awaked and I found the Shirdi temples bells and chanting was going on, the Kakad Arathi was going on. I sat on the bed and I was still in that stance of his blessings. I pulled my wife and said that I had dream, which is sweeter than any other experiences. For which she said your prayers have ben answered.This is the effect of the Shirdi "stana Mahima".

Then we came back to Bangalore by the same route and flight. As soon as I reached my house. I had a cover from my office delivered to me. with great reluctance I opend it. To my great astonishment and surprise my last 23 years problem was solved. All my salary arears and all my increments and order to draw the pay was given by the Accountant General a huge amount of 5 lakh rupees.It was Saibabas miracle. Because I was fighting for it for last 23 years and was visiting A G office for all these years. This is the Saibaba's blessings. After that I have changed my self and I am regularly visit him when ever he calls me there is no time, I go according to his blessings.

This may be coinsidence as others may think. But for me this is great blessings forever.He never lets down his devotees.

Jai Sai Ram.


© Devotees Experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba

The ways Shirdi Sai Baba pulls His devotees are never known. He is the Doer of everything and the end results also come out of His endless love and care for His devotees. We are first tested and then helped by Him. The following incident of a lady devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba throws more light on this. She herself has given title to her experience as 'Baba's Rakhi Gift to Me!!' but I havent posted the incident with same title just to avoid confusion. Still it will be used as a sub-title here.



Om Sai Ram

This is the first time that I am posting on this blog. This is about Baba's sweetest miracle in my life, an unexpected happening which I lost all hopes about.

It was in April 2007 that I started worshipping and believing Baba as one of my friends suggested me to do so, to get over all the troubles of life. And my biggest woe at that time was about my love life. This guy with whom I am madly in love since past three years, had refused to marry me right after 20 days he proposed to me. He showed his inability to convince his orthodox family to accept me and that his family doesn't want him to go for a love marriage. Shattered and completely broken, I held on to his love and decided to wait for him. We continued our relationship in the same manner as it should be, between two lovers. Our love for each other was growing day by day and my concern for this relationship was also growing with this. I could never leave him as I can't imagine living without him and he only wanted to continue this relation till he gets married to the girl of his parents' choice, though I refused to marry anybody else. Still he could never dare to even think about marrying me.

It was in April 2007 that a dear friend of mine, a Sai Devotee directed me towards Baba and told me to do the parayan of Sai Charit. Completely unfamiliar about Baba, I read Sai Charit and completed in a week. While reading it, I used to be in tears many times and believed that Baba is the only one who can help me and redefine my destiny. That was the first step I took towards Baba. As Baba has said, you take one step toward me and I will take ten towards you. Since then my patience and faith in Baba was growing and I could see him helping me at every stage of my life, even in small matters. I became an ardent devotee and started believing that no matter what, come what may, but Baba will certainly get me married to the guy I loved. I don't know how Baba will do this but he will….this was my belief…a blind faith.

Though with the advancement of every day, I couldn't even see the light at the end of the tunnel….no signs from his side of marrying me. In fact daily he used to make plans of how we will live without each other after he gets married to some other girl. Every day I used to listen to his talks and stayed calm and quite, without replying back to him or getting annoyed at him….but only believing in My Baba. I held on….only trusting completely in Baba..this was a blind faith in Baba that was propelling me.

In Feb, 2008 he said that he is going out for business trips to Mumbai and Chennai (I am from Delhi) for six months and will not be calling me or talking to me as he wanted to concentrate only on expanding his business…and it may extend to even a year or two years and he may not come back also. Completely in tears, I didn't know what to do…I started praying to Baba as usual and decided to read Sai Charit daily for six months, till he comes back. And asked Baba to please get me married to him after six months or atleast fix it up with him. I started reading Sai Charit daily since then and to my surprise, and by Baba's grace, he came back within a month!!....with all his love. His love grew for me with time all by Baba's grace.

In July this year he went with all his family to Shirdi and I just prayed to Baba that please Sainath…speak to him and his family regarding our marriage, as a father does for his daughter. And this incident happened almost 20 days after they returned from Shirdi.

It was this 15th August (2008). I was out with him. And as we were returning home his bhaiya called him that he must reach home early. So he dropped me half way and I traveled via metro to my place. I took a rickshaw from metro station to my home. It was around 9 pm and roads were deserted due to Independence Day. A bunch of boys followed me and tried to misbehave, one of them did try to attack me also. I was too scared to react. I immediately called him and he felt sorry for not being with me at that hour of night and not dropping me back home. The very same night his dad came upto him and told him to leave for Chennai on 18th and stay there for business purposes for atleast a year. I was already too scared because of this incident and when he told me that he will be going to Chennai for a year and will not be talking to mean in the meanwhile I was all the more tensed.

Next morning, it was Rakhi, and I was doing my pooja and reading Sai Charit as usual. Suddenly this thought striked my mind that I should tie Rakhi to Baba today. The moment I thought this, almost at the same moment my phone rang up….it was him….and he said what I wasn't expecting even in dreams….he said that he will talk to his dad about our marriage…and will try his level best to marry me after he returns from his Chennai trip. He was too scared after last night's incident and feared to loose me…it was a miracle..a true miracle of My Baba…what I have been asking for..for the past three years..Baba granted my wish… It was truly Baba's Rakhi gift to me….I was speechless and in tears, looking at Baba's picture in gratitude….I sincerely believe that faith and patience are the two means of getting close to Baba….this is the biggest miracle of Baba in my life. As prayed by me to Baba, this miracle happened right after six months…!!!! Thank u Baba, Thank u so much...u know I can never express my gratitude to you in words..You are my lifeline Baba…please be with me at every step and let me rest at you lotus feet for ever…

I know Baba has fixed our marriage and he will make it happen soon….defying all odds and difficulties. Please Baba make his family understand how much we love each other and can't survive without each other. I truly believe…please Sai Nath I just pray to you and wish to get me married to him soon….and remove all obstacles in between, we are trying our level best...but you are the only one do to anything and make us do anything…please help us Sai Nath….Om Sainathaya Namah.


© Devotees Experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba

Another wonderful and heart touching experience of Shirdi Sai Baba Devotee. What touched my heart, to a great extent, is that the love and affection that a sister has for her brother.

Jai Sai Ram Hetal Patil Ji,

I always wanted to share my experience about Sai Baba. However, some or other problem arose and because of that I dropped the idea of sharing…

1) Today is my Day, my family Day…

I am worshipping Baba since my childhood because SAI Mandir is just next to my house. I am regular visitor of Sai Mandir. However, in my childhood, I never heard of Baba Stories, about his birth to the earth, blessing ... Nothing.. Just worshiping Him as other Gods being in the temple. Slowly and gradually when I started understanding the purpose of GOD then I came to know about SAI BABA.

Usually my friends or relatives visit to Shirdi quite often and it never came to my mind that I also want to go to shirdi. One day I was talking to my colleague in office, she was planning to go to shirdi and somehow I don't know what strike to my mind but I felt jealous and said to baba in the evening " WHY YOU NOT CALLING ME – Kabhi mujhe bhi bula lo" – With in a week my parents close relative asked my mom is "Aarti want to go shirdi with us" . I am not very mixed-up with that family, and suddenly I said YES I want to go. So through this way, my first visit to Shirdi happened by SAI Grace, which was very uncertain, never expected.. He actually called me on my just one request… Thanks to Sai Baba

My trip to shirdi was awesome. Baba gave me khule Darshan and owes me lots of love… Thanks to Sai Baba…

2) Last year June 2007. My younger brother was going to USA for CPL training. We all were very worried being 5 years younger to me, it was hard for us to send him to an unknown country.

Everything was going smooth till Dec 30, 2007. He was enjoying there, suddenly Dec 31, 2007. He met with a major accident and his left hand got operated. Fracture in two bones.

His left hand was already operated when he was 13 years old and again on the same fracture in same bones. My parents were not aware of this, we haven't told them. My dad is very sensitive and cannot bear this. So I have decided not to disclose him. I prayed to Baba to take care of My brother and family. We were just helpless. Dont know what to do....was like completely lost control and then Baba helped us. His friends were the great support and one didi (she was resident of Arizona, USA). They took him to hospital, get him operated… Baba blessed him seriously and supported us .. Thanks to Sai Baba

3) Now, it was been two months, he was sitting ideal & doing nothing there, neither flying nor attending the college… Feb 2008... He was in complete depression and wanted to join and complete the training and come back to INDIA, HOME... But college faculties are not scheduling his flying at all because of so and so reasons.. their own issues.. again we all were very tensed.. My dad was asking him again and again, why you are not flying, what happened.. And we both say because of weather condition he is facing problems or other false reasons.. Dad is also smart enough, he was trying to find out through different ways and means to know whats happening, sometimes with mom, me and brother.. Since he was also worried & he is really attached to him too much…Here My mom was also a big support to my family… she was also praying to MATA RANI AND Baba and all the goddesses.. she was aware of the things…

We prayed to baba, please help us and solve the problems now.. difficult for us to bear now.. Please help and continuously went to Loadhi Sai mandir, decided to go their for 11 days continuously. One day my mom told that we will continuously go till my brother wont come back, He listened to my request and brother started flying… March 2008 ………Thanks to baba

4) Now, this was the time for second exam in the training. He was very scared because his instructor was not good and creating problems. I told my brother to just do your best and believe Babab. You will surely clear the exam on Thursday itself and baba solve the problem and helped us.. Thanks to baba … May 2008

5) June 2008 – The problems also occurred in this month as well, flying was not scheduling, instructor was changing again & again. Every thing was good with his friends and problems were there only for him.. he was very tensed.. As we have taken the loan of Rs 25K and the EMI's was started.. he was worried, how will my dad pay the money .. was worried because of my marriage as well.. Suddenly market is full of words saying NO jobs for pilot.. My family was tensed what will do if he didn't get the job. All problem related to his career coming to our minds…

He was supposed to come back before June 23, 2008 to India. His open flying ticket was valid only for one year. At that stage of time we were unable to buy the ticket because of financial constraints.

Now he was left for just 10 flying to complete the course and we were happy that he will be coming back on 31st July 2008. Everything was done.. everyone was so happy, and suddenly the aircraft stopped working and as per the college authorities, the aircraft is down for at least a month.. or even after repairing then also the chances of completing the course before June 31st was very low… We all were in totally messed situation .. and just shattered.. Showed horoscopes to many places, no one was in our favor.. saying that he will come without completing the course.. JUST LIFE SEEMS OVER..

But I didn't lost my trust – I prayed baba.. and He listened to us.. I was very sure that the craft will came back within a week ... and my brother will complete the course...

In between a miracle also taken place. My parents attend the Aarti of Mata Rani in the morning. One day we all were going to attend the same in the morning. A Black dog followed us till we reach home (he fought with many other dogs in between to enter to our building). My residence is almost 2 km away from mandir..he had milk at our place and left the place silently without harming anyone.

After that all the problems are sorted out and MY bro is back to home on Aug 26,2008.

In this whole, The 9 Thrusday Fasting is also proved to be true. On my 5th Sai Vart, I got a news that my bro is coming back.

He accepted my wish and completed .. today I, my family, my brother we all are together and enjoying life.. Baba helped, saved him from all the miseries… Thanks a million baba…..

I know, the rest of the problems related to job, loan, house, my marriage and all.. Hhe will guide us and solve everything.. Baba Thank you in advance..

Everything .. is here because of you and you only….Jai Sai Ram

Jai Sai Ram.
Jako rakhe saiya maar sake na koi.. Jai Sai Ram
Anant koti barahamand nayak raja dhiraj yogi raj param bharam sri sachidanand maharaj ki jai..

Baba please be with us always.. Thank you baba .. Thank you baba

Aarti Bhasin
Thanks a Million Baba

* You can share this with all sai Devotees


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

This experience of Sai Devotee C.Saibaba was totally unexpected to be posted.

My dear Hetal!

Sairam!

You are indeed doing a yeoman service to Sai devotees. Though my parents named me as Saibaba, I seldom visited Sai Temples in my life. My visits to Sai Temples all my life time were nothing but just casual. I am 54 now. I am working in Railways at Puri in Orissa as Head Quarters. Since 2004 I have been in severe distress both officially, personally and financially. This was because of my own sins and mistakes.
I was at my work place during one afternoon at Puri in May last. As it was lunch time, I was going to hotel to have a lunch. I couldn't notice a tall man in early 50s with white Punjabi dress crossed me till he called me 'Sai, would you please give me Rs. 20/'. I was little taken aback as I never saw this man and even surprised to note he called me with my name. My friends and close relations call me Sai. As I was not carrying my wallet, I asked the man to accompany to my office for giving him the amount and he followed me. I gave him Rs. 20, he kept it in the book that he was carrying and before taking leave from him I asked him how could he know my name. He replied that ' he was from Shirdi and for him everyone is Sai'. Little sarcastic about his reply, I was taking leave and to my surprise he gave me back that Rs. 20/ which I had given him with a Rudraksha saying 'Sai you are in distress now, I would take this money from you when you are ok and I would visit your home'. I asked him how he could he know my home. He said 'Sai is there and he will show the way'. He further advised me to buy ingredients with the amount for preparing Payasam and serve it to a Black Cow on three consecutive Thursdays of June 2007.

Though I dont have belief in it, I had discussed this with my family and my younger brother, who is staunch disciple of Satya Saibaba gave me 'Sai Satcharitra' Telugu Version saying that 'you read so many books, but read this and would you understand the ways of Saibaba'. I read it once and twice and so on. I prepared Payasam on 1st Thursday and keeping it in a Banana leaf I started searching for a Black Cow, but could not find for one or two hours and I was blaming myself for believing an unknown person. Lo. White Cow appeared at the entrance of my home. My daughter shouted and said 'dad its Black Cow that you are searching'. Immediately tears rolling down my eyes I served the Payasam to Black Cow and to my surprise the same Cow appeared three consecutive weeks at my house at the same time. In the meantime I continued reading Sai Satcharitra.

Now I was pulled to Saipath by Him only. He kept His words 'Be there at the other end of seven seas, I would pull them to my path anyway'.


Now He is my everything. My Guide, My Philosopher and My Life and My Light.


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

Another touching experience by Sai Devotee Simi

Jai Sai Ram,

Wanted to share one of my experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba, as below,

Koti Koti Pranam to Samarth Satguru Shri Sai Baba. Since quiet some time I was thinking of writing one of the wonderful experiences of Baba always being with us, Listening & Helping us with whatever is good for us. Last year mid May my best friend got engaged & marriage was fixed for June 23rd. Most of the preliminary preparations for marriage were over by first week of June, even though my friend was having a feeling that his heart is not saying yes for the alliance. He was meeting the girl regularly & after every meeting his thinking got strong that this marriage will only bring unhappiness. But as all arrangements including verbal invitations had been done, he was not able to say 'No' also. He was very disturbed but had faith on Shirdi Sai Baba. Due to some misunderstanding & ego clashes, girl’s mother broke the marriage around 10th June. Even though my friend was relieved but at the same time his reputation was at stake as most of his office colleagues, boss & other friends had booked their tickets for marriage on 23rd June & telling everyone that marriage is over was almost impossible. Getting married with someone else at such a short notice was almost a distant dream. He had a proposal of another girl also, which he had earlier rejected, now he & family were trying to convince that girl’s family to have marriage on 23rd but they were not agreeing to such a short notice marriage. That week on Thursday, we were passing through Sai Baba Temple Noida Sec 61, & discussing how to come out of this situation. We halted our car outside temple & I assured him see by next week your all problems were resolved by Baba. And seriously unbelievable happened, the other girls family agreed & he got married on 23rd June itself. This was nothing less than miracle. This year June 23rd was his first anniversary & past one year has been one of the happiest years of his life. His wife is a Gem of a person & far better than the girl he was engaged to. Thanks Sai for making them life partners & pray u to always bestow your grace on them and their child who is due in November.

Samarth Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Regards,
Sai Devotee


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

Here is yet another experience of Sai Devotee Meenaji. After reading her experience, I was reminded of following incidence from Sai Satcharitra. "See, to keep My words, I would sacrifice my life, I would never be untrue to My words. I require no conveyance, carriage, tonga, train or aeroplane. I manifest Myself to him, who lovingly call Me" this has been said by Baba when He was invited by Shri B.V.Dev, Mamlatdar of Dahanu for Udyapan ceremony of his mother of feeding 100 - 200 Brahmins. Baba did fulfill His promise and attended the ceremony, but it was Dev's misfortune that he was not able to recognise Baba in disguise. If Baba is invited with full faith and devotion then, we must not doubt Him. Baba rests there where there is full faith and trust. When the devotees surrender themselves completely to their Sadguru, He sees to it that, the religious functions in their houses are duly executed and complied with all the necessary formalities. Not even this all other wishes are fulfilled even without asking Him. Forwarding the mail from Sai Devotee Meenaji.

Dearest Hetal

Greetings.

Om Sai Ram.

I appreciate your great efforts managing this wonderful blog. You are very fortunate that babaji has chosen you for the same.

I want to share with you my experience with Bababji.

With babaji blessing, my marriage got fixed in January 1999. Me and my hubby went to babaji's temple to give the first wedding card. I said to him. "Baba you must come to my wedding. I am your daughter". On my wedding day, I was very nervous. I was holding babaji's small picture in my hand. Soon the guests started coming in. I was handing over the gifts and envelops being given by the guest to my cousin. After the Bidai, I reached my in laws house. After three four days, I was opening the gifts and envelops. To my utter surprise, I saw a white envelope with money inside. In the envelope it was written "From Ganga Sai ". I still have that envelope kept in Sai Satchritra book which always reminds me that babaji came to my wedding. Since I was so nervous that day, I could not recollect who gave me that envelope. But it was my baba only who came that day.

I have experienced baba's blessing in my life many times. In 2001, I was expecting my second child. I have a lovely daughter by baba's grace. A second daughter was always welcome, but I wished to have a son also. I prayed to babaji to bless me with a son.

Time passed away and I had faith in my heart that babaji will definitely listen to my prayers. On June 20, 2002 , I was admitted in hospital. But till evening the delivery of the child could not happen due to various complication aroused. It was Thursday that day. My husband went out of the nursing home. There was a bhandara of sai babaji going on. He was hungry since morning. He ate prasad there and prayed silently for me. A soon as he came back from there, I delivered a baby boy. I thanked my babaji for his blessings in form of my son. After 2 years I took my son to Shirdi for his mundan. I do not have words to describe what babaji means to me in my life. I feel his presence everywhere. He is everywhere for everyone.

With best regards.
Om Sai Ram.
Meena


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

There is always a deep urge to go to Shirdi in the heart of a true Sai Devotee. No matter what are the circumstances or which time of the year it may be, I always feel blessed if I am called to Shirdi. I am always waiting to go to Shirdi like a Chatak bird who waits for the rain to shower. In my opinion by visiting Shirdi we get the fruits of going on pilgrimage to four dhaams. Though Sai Baba is not seen in bodily form in Shirdi now, still His breath is present in the air of Shirdi. There is no end of longing for Darshan of Sai Baba in Shirdi. But only those go, who get Baba's call. Like last year, this year too I had a golden chance of celebrating Diwali in Shirdi with my parents, brother and cousin. I would now narrate a fuller account about my Shirdi Trip. It is very much for sure that Baba had planned every second of our trip and gradually I realised that all the links were connected. Why I sat to write about the trip after one and half month, I am unable to understand or explain. It was Baba's direct order to me.
Series of situations follow before and on going to Shirdi. Outwardly they seem to be normal happenings, but they are real miracles if thought deeply. Such situations followed us too before leaving for Shirdi. Baba took very much care from booking tickets to reaching Shirdi. We reached Shirdi on Diwali day i.e. October 28, 2008 at about 10:00 am. After refreshing ourselves we left for Samadhi Mandir at 11:30 am. Since it was time for Noon Arti and there was a long queue, we decided to first have lunch and then have darshan at leisure. I was reminded what Hemadpant had said in Sai Satcharitra "God is not attained with empty stomach" at that time.

Shirdi Sansthan has made very good arrangement for participating in Laxmi Pooja on Diwali day. Devotees who wish to participate in Laxmi Pooja have to submit a sealed envelope with his/her name, address and contact number in the hall adjacent to Mukh Darshan. So my father went to submit the envelope and there was a long queue. We four of us were waiting outside the exactly in front of the main exit gate of Samadhi Mandir. My brother was thirsty so he asked me accompany him near water tap. While he was going to drink the water, a security guard came and told us to go near Lendi Baug since the water was not cool and we may not like it. So went towards Lendi Baug and drank water. We also took Udi packets and started for the place where my mother and cousin were seated. We had to pass near Mukh Darshan and I stopped and got preliminary darshan of Baba. I was really surprised (rather happy) to see my Baba dressed in pink shawl. I request the readers to read another write up related to significance of pink colour and Baba's gift to me from here and to my surprise I was in the same pink dress!!! I was at once confirmed by Baba that it was None Other than Baba who had sent me that gift. This made me eager to go and meet Baba.

After repeated requests, my mother allowed me and my cousin to go in Samadhi Mandir alone. We just ran towards darshan gate and I wanted to buy four bouquet of roses for offering on behalf of four special persons. The vendor was willing to give me three bouquets for Rs. 10 but I said that I wanted four and he gave me readily without any arguement. I just rushed inside not minding my cousin left far behind me for paying money for bouquets. Though Baba was few metres away from me, it seemed to be large distance. So I tried to run as fast as I could and finally reached the main hall. Ah! Such a giant look of Baba I had! I looked at Him and felt as if He was smiling slightly and welcoming me. While standing in the queue I was in tears. I was thinking that Baba called me after one long year but gave me such a blissful darshan. I was speechless and was just gazing at Baba continously. There was pause in the moments of my legs but the flow of emotions was going on. I forgot the world outside and wished to climb the steps of Samadhi and sit in Baba's Charan Kamal. When my turn came I stood in front of Samadhi in a corner near Hundi and passed on few prayers which my Sai Brother and Sisters said me orally. I could remember nothing other than this!!! The security guard did not even asked me to finish off quickly, instead he requested to stand in a corner and make room for others to go. My cousin was behind me and we both stood there without uttering single word. Ten minutes passed by thus and we decided to leave. I did not want to loose a single second's sight of Baba so I started walking backwards. My cousin said me that my parents and brother were seen in the queue. I quickly joined them by crossing the rods. The same was done by my cousin hesitatingly. Again we had a wonderful darshan and left Samadhi Mandir highly satisfied. We then went to book stall of Sansthan to purchase Sai Satcharitra. We were proceeding towards Nand Deep and we saw our family friends coming towards us. The lady and her mother in law were going for Darshan and we all accompanied them on their recommendation. Once again we got a chance of Darshan. Thus for two hours we were in Samadhi Mandir in front of Baba. Today while so many devotees are turning up to Shirdi, they is no possibility of having Baba's darshan so easily, but Baba made it possible for us and this shows His grace and care. We did not even stand for half an hour in queue to have darshan. Baba drove us straight way and it seemed as if He had made VIP arrangements for us.

In the evening my family members and family friends were drawing rangoli and lighting lamps near Nand Deep as per the tradition. The crackers were bursting continously at their fullest capacity. The sight of colourful rockets made the sky shine brightly and also Shirdi was shinning with lamps and lighting all over. There seemed no difference between the sky and earth. Oh what a heavenly sight it was!!! Soon after that there was again flow of emotions and fulfillment of one more wish of mine. This has been posted as soon as I returned from Shirdi. I request readers to read it from here, to avoid this write up becoming too lengthy.

When I returned back my mother with our family friends were waiting. We all wished to go for Darshan but were not sure about the crowd. It was about 8:30 pm and since kids of our family friend are young, we were discussing whether to go inside or not. We did not notice any security guard listening us. He heard us speaking in Marathi and so he said us in Marathi that Mandir was vacant and we should go in. The glass cases around Samadhi were removed at that time and we had the fortune of touching Samadhi which passed wave of happiness in the hearts of all of us.
The next day we had no plan to go to attend Kakad Arti since we had pleasant darshan on Diwali day. I was awakened just few minutes before the Kakad Arti started, the reason being I had stomach ache. I could bear it, so I did not bother to wake my mother and just then Kakad Arti started. I heard whole Kakad Arti and at about 6 am when everything was silent as before I fell asleep. After one hour my mother woke me up and to my surprise the stomach ache had disappeared!!! In afternoon while we were searching where to submit Vastra for Baba, we came near Samadhi Mandir and asked a security guard. He directed us the way and also told that it was lunch time and the concerned official will return till 4 pm. So we thought to go to Samadhi Mandir and again we were informed by security guard that Mandir was vacant and we should go without wasting a single minute. Thus we got pleasant darshan once again without any push or pull. Drawing rangoli during Diwali in front of our houses is considered as an important ritual during Diwali as per Maharashtrain tradition, we were at Baba's home so we thought why not here also we draw rangoli outside the hotel, since it was our home and Holy Land of Shirdi. In the evening after taking permission from hotel authorities, we wrote 'Sai Teri Leela' with rangoli and arranged various lamps in the shape of a lamp as only Sai's Leelas were seen since we reached Shirdi and it is one of my favourite bhajans. I am attaching the snaps of the rangoli and lamps. Next day being Thursday and festive season devotees flocked like ants and every where devotees were seen. It is our practice that we offer everything we eat to Baba right from morning tea. As we were in Shirdi since two days, we decided to offer tea to Baba in Dwarkamai. Due to crowd we had to stand in queue for two long hours and by the time we reached in Dwarkamai hot tea became cold. Still the security guard allowed us to come forward not minding others and asked us to offer tea to Baba. Baba who is Loving God cares only for our feelings towards Him and longs for our love. We know very well that the cold tea was accepted by Him readily. We had pleasant darshan for two long days so we decided to leave Shirdi the same evening. Before ending let me list down few situations which are worth thinking and proves Leela of Baba.

1. Had my brother felt thirsty and had not the security guard asked us to go near Lendibaug, I could not get darshan of Baba through Mukh darshan and my heart would not felt urge to go quickly for darshan.

2. Had not that security guard advised us to go inside Samadhi Mandir, we wont be able to touch Samadhi of Baba.

3. Had not again the security guard advised us the next day, we could not get such a peaceful darshan.

4. If my stomach not have ached, I would not be able to listen Kakad Arti. Seeing all this, I really felt that Baba had planned each second and my heart spoke up Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai Ho!!!


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

After a long gap, I got a chance to do parayan of Sai Satcharitra and today I will be completing it with Baba's grace and will. The moments spent with this sacred book makes one feel Divine Presence of Sai Baba. Even after completing so many parayans, there is always something new which I learn each time I read it. The spiritual knowledge stored in it is so vast that we overlook many things in one time reading. Its something like Baba wants us to read it as many times as possible, so He always reserves some special teachings for next parayan. Not only this, we get to know such answers which can be called as unanswered questions settled in our minds, which we may not be even aware of. The things which strike at the time of reading Sai Satcharitra directs a practical solution to our problems. In our day to day life we are facing some or other difficulty which makes us feel morose, but Sai Satcharitra has these solutions stored if we try to go deep into it. This sacred book has fulfilled our desire to see Baba in living form as He is present in it. Now let me come to the main story of this post now. It describes how a poor man desirous of having darshan Baba gets opportunity to visit Shirdi when Baba was in flesh and what Leela did He played to call him to Shirdi.

There lived a young man named Gopal Ganesh Mahajan in Thana District near Mumbai. He worked as a helper in Khatau Mill. He used to get Rs. 15 as monthly salary. Many a times his health would deteriorate and this was the main cause of his worry.

It was Gopal Ganesh's mother wish that if Sai Baba puts His Kripa Drishti just once on his son, then his sufferings will come to an end. But this seemed almost impossible as Gopal used to get a very nominal salary which was just sufficient to meet both the ends.

In those days, the total expense for Mumbai-Shirdi trip was about Rs. 8 - Rs. 10. There were two wadas viz. Dixit Wada and Sathe Wada for free lodging. Shri Kakasaheb Dixit arranged for food which was again provided free of cost. Moreover crop from Shri Dada Kelkar's farm which Sai Baba had gifted him was used for making arrangements for providing food free of cost. Over and above this Dada Kelkar gave Rs. 5 from his own pocket for daily expenses for this purpose. There was even a hotel where one could get food by paying a nominal amount of 8 annas along with servings of pure ghee.

Our beloved Sai Baba used to play Leelas while sitting in Shirdi each day. Here is another one. In the year 1911, during Ramnavmi festival the problem of scarcity of water occured. With the divine powers, Baba solved the matter for the time being. To prevent the same problem occuring again, Baba entrusted the responsibility of setting up a water pump near well of Shirdi to Shri Ramchandra Tarkhad.

In the year 1913, before Ramnavmi festival, Holi holidays were going on. Ramchandra Tarkhad decided to take two helpers of the mill for the work of fitting water pump during these holidays for preparations of Ramnavmi festival well in advance. Tarabai Tarkhad (wife of Ramchandra Tarkhad and intimate devotee of Baba) decided to accompany her husband as she wished to celebrate every festival in Shirdi.

On the other hand, Ganesh Gopal thought in mind that even if I am not able to go to Shirdi, I can send flower garland and prasad for Baba through Ramchandra Tarkhad. In this way I will get blessings of Baba automatically.

In those days, to reach Kopergaon, trains from Boribandar haulted at Dadar station. Gopal Ganesh went to Dadar station with garland and prasad to give to Ramchandra Tarkhad for offering to Baba on his behalf.

Ramchandra Tarkhad said to Gopal Ganesh, "O Son, do you wish to come to Shirdi? If you desire so come and sit with us. I have this one ticket extra, you dont worry about money. I'll send message for your mother now itself. Dont worry about anything. All will be well by Baba's grace". In this way Gopal Ganesh unexpectedly got a chance to visit Shirdi for which he was longing since many days. Baba pulled the wires from every direction that it left great sense of devotion in Gopal Ganesh's heart and he remained a staunch devotee of Baba till his death. When the grace of Baba is with someone, nothing seems to be impossible.

How the trip of Shirdi faired Ramchandra Tarkhad and what deep message did Baba impart him is reserved for next post.


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

Today I am again forwarding an experience sent by Bhushanji. Earlier we had read few of his experiences which made us miss one of our heart beats. Really he is blessed child of Sai Baba, this is what I feel. Many of us are aware that Baba took care of His devotees enroute to Shirdi and also after leaving Shirdi till they reach their respective destination. Even today we have ourselves witnessed this when we go to Shirdi. Sai Baba has said, "Be wherever you like, do whatever you like, but remember that I am always with you, even if you are far across seven seas". Baba has proved the truthfulness of these words in the following incident.

True Sai devotees are such that they see Him in every God. This is my personal experience that no matter which temple I go or I am standing in front of which God, only one voice comes from my heart "Jai Sai Nath". To put in nutshell, Baba is present everywhere and due to this fact, our hearts feels His presence every now and then. Many a times we all are filled with anxiety and discomfort, which somehow makes us feel that Baba is not with us. This is our thinking, but Baba's thinking is far beyond this. He is taking care of us in all times. There is no need of any special occasion or say any difficult situation, where His need must be felt. If we remember Him in our happy moments, He is present to take 'silent care' of us. Baba does not want anything from us in turn, just constant remembrance of His name with love is enough. I dont think there is any other simpler method of devotion other than this!!! To achieve Baba's love and care, only one step forward is to be taken and He is there to take us high up. If we start believing that whatever happens in our lives is Baba's wish and everything is done by Baba, then there is no room for anxiety, fear, worry or tension. There is no end to Baba's grace and Leelas, but now I stop here and proceed with the incident.

The following incident does not describe any calamity or any tough time which Bhushanji had to go through, instead it was message of Baba to him (and of course all of us) that why fear when I am with you...

***************************************************

Hetalji,
SaiRam...
After Long time, I'm coming to you again with one more experience. Plz give your views & feedback... SAI Bless U..

Jay SaiRam to All Sai Devotees.

Earlier I had sent 2-3 experiences thru’ Blog of Hetalji. Today I’m sending you very latest incidence. It was a period of great Tension & Pressure for me. I had called Baba for help from tremendous situation of dilemma & confusions. He helped me like anything...!!!!!!

It was due for LTC this year from my company. I was very anxious to go some where with my whole family in this Diwali vacation. I was mainly interested to take my parent with me. I’m never going out without them for a long period of time, as they are patient of Heart, BP & Diabetes. And they always need me. So, I had planned to take them for some refreshment & change.

One fine evening, I went to travel agency, which is well known in Baroda, to book the tickets. By taking name of SaiNath, I had completed all formalities including payment and booked the tickets for Kullu-Manali-Simla-Delhi-Jaipur-Shreenathji (a Package tour). But somehow, after that booking mind was disturbed and bad thoughts of different problems were coming. I could not judge why it is so….? I could not sleep up to late night. Very next day, I had decided not to go on this route and I went to that travel office and cancelled the tickets.

SaiBaba is always protecting their kids. Method or ways may be different….

After few days, again I had a thought “Why I’m fearing & worrying, while Baba is always with me?????” My LTC time period (2years) was also going to complete in this December. So it was on the edge of Lefts. I must go out for my parent. On other side, the Health of parent was the most considerable criteria for me.

Again one fine evening, I went to same traveler office and asked for some another tour, which must be suitable for parent. He had suggested me 2-3 routes of tour Programme. I had finalized the tour for Uttar-Bharat which includes –

Shreenathji – Shri Krishna Bhagwan Darshan
Delhi – Akshardham – Shri. Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Darshan
Haridwar + Rushikesh – Gangaji Aarti Darshan – Ganga Snan
Ayodhya – Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Darshan
Varanasi (Kashi) – Shri. Kashi Vishwanath Mahadevji Darshan
Allahabad - Triveni Sangam-Prayagraj Darshan
Agra – World Famous TajMahal & Shri. Radha-Swami Temple Darshan
Gokul-Mathura-Vrindawan – Shri Krishna Janma+Leela Bhaoomi Darshan
Pushakar – Shri Brahmaji’s Temple Darshan
&
Return to Baroda (12 days Programme)

Perhaps He was calling us on their Places…. Aneko Ruup hai Unke !!!

I passed this information to my all relatives, friends & colleagues. I had completed all the formalities in my company, regarding my LTC tour. Thus the matter was finalized and we all were happy. We had started our planning for everything.

My father is Heart patient and already got heart 2 attacks. We have to go for routine check-up and being in touch with doctor. Few day back, we had a talk with doctor that we are interested in tour for couple of week and we are going to plan for that. Perhaps at that time, he took lightly and told us “Yes, you can do so, but take care…”

On that basis I was proceed further.

Again it was a time for periodic checking just front day of our journey 6th Nov, 2008. We had a visit and routine check up there. As usual checking and tests were carried out. And heath was satisfactory. After payment and all formalities, I told Doctor about our next day onwards tour Programme. He listed everything and told “It seems VERY difficult for him. I don’t think further strain is advisable for him !!! It may TOTALLY deteriorate his health!!!!!! ” Then I told him “what to do sir?” He replied “Ideally he should not go!!!”

Now see condition is critical for me,

Booking, Luggage & Mood, everything was ready, and just few hours’ back the situation just became uncertain!!!

I’ll not take them then if anything unfortunate may happen in future, then it will become a great pinching & sorrowful for me, life long, that I cannot take them on their wishes….
&
If I’ll take them, then advice of doctor & doubt of further deterioration was blasting my mind!! If anything happened on way then it’ll become a great difficulty for us.

Moreover, People of whole society may get chance to say that “It is his foolishness, There is no need to take them. Is it a way???” Duniya kya kahegi? Log kya sochenge??

No one will try to understand my feelings towards my parent.

Now What to do ? What to do ?? What to do ??? What to do ???? What to do ?????

It was really a heart falling & mind blowing condition for me.

I WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE DECISION….

I need to feel your presence around me every second of my life BABA...BABA please show me the right path to attain this...

And at last I cried with call to my Beloved Shri. SAINATH.

Jab Koe Nahi Aata, Mere Sai Aate Hai...Mere Dukh ke Dino me Bade Kaam Aate hai...Jaye to kuchh bura hona ka pura chance...!!!!

Aur

Nahi jaye to jeevan bhar ka afsos rahene ka chance...!!!!

Jaye to Jaye Kahan!!!!???!!!

Kuchh to karna hi padega na ???

Just imagine, If your one side is well & on other side it is valley!!!! What will you do ??

I had taken the decision. And I had done the same after long thinking & discussion with family members.

LEAVING EVERYTHING ON BABA, I HAD DECIDED TO GO FURTHER….

Mind was peaceful & released….

But
Again It was temporary.

When we went for journey at around 8:45am on 7th Nov, 2008, the new difficulties raised. After reaching there we came to know that 2x2 sitter deluxe bus is cancelled and instead of that 3x2 sitter will go !!! “Ooh God !!! Further testing conditions??!!!”

But there was no way out for us except taking Baba’s Name for protection & safety.

( 2x2 bus is most preferable in long journey rather than 3x2 for comfort & relaxation )

With prayer of Baba in Heart & Mind,
Ultimately
WE HAD STARTED JOURNEY ON 7th NOV, 2008 WITH CONTINOUS NAME OF BABA IN EVERYBODY’S HEART…

I was feeling every time that Baba was with me !!! Everything was maintained very smoothly and nicely…

We had visited all places nicely, done Darshan & prayers, enjoyed everything…..!!!

After 12 Days…..

I’m very glad to tell you all that we returned successfully. Except some tiring conditions due to journey, there was nothing to worry!!!

We came back to Baroda (18th late night) with Tears in eyes and thoughts in mind… that Why we were worrying?? When Baba is Hearing!!!!

Hum ye kyu bhul gaye ki –
Unke hi to darshan Kiye the hamne har jagah, phir kaise koe mushibat aa sakti hai????

Kashi-Mathura-Kaba Tujme
Sab kuchh SAIBABA Tujme…

Saiji ne Meri Laaj Rakhli!!!
Koti Koti Pranam Mere Maalik!!!

Sai tera haath sada mere sar pe rahe
Baki jeevan me kuchh saath rahe na rahe !!!

After reading this whole matter, you may think that what is in that? It’s not a big thing!! But for me, it was a Miracle…. It was a great Deal done by Saiji Maharaj. B’coz I knew the high degree of risk and chances of abnormalities.

May the Merciful Sri Sai Baba always shower His grace on us and our families and remove our problems and anxieties by giving us all - strength , goodluck, success and happiness with peace of mind.

May SAINATH Bless all.
SAB ka MANGAL Ho…JAY SAINATH

Bow To Shri Sai........
Peace Be To All
Bhushan Dholakia
OmSaiRam


© Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories