Sri.Annasuyamata of Paradsinga

All the mystics of the world and all saints have declared that the immediate presence of a realized sage is one of the most potent forces in the spiritual advancement of a seeker (sadhak). Contact with them induces in us inner calm and purity, restores our sense of values, wipes out illusory allurements of the senses and turns us spiritwards with renewed vigour. Besides, when approached in the proper manner, they can enable us to realize that all saints are one in essence. That is why it is necessary for a true seeker after realization to contact several realized souls; ‘The Gurugita’ thus says, “Just as the honey-fascinated bee goes from flower to flower, so should the wisdom-fascinated person go from guru to guru”.



This is the spirit of Baba’s leela of demonstrating that he is one with all saints. That Baba approves of such an attitude is shown by the fact that whenever his devotee ardently prays for true enlightenement alone and has transcended the erroneous view that seeking the blessings of other saints is contrary to reposing faith in him, he brings him in contact with several great saints and shows that he is one with them.

Sri.Annasuyamata of Paradsinga LEELA's

R. Sarath Babu (24), P.Vijayakumar (25) and T.D.K. Murthy (27) were old students of our college and they had been regularly attending Thursday bhajans and daily satsang at my house. The three wanted to witness the Kumbha Mela in 1976 in Allahabad. On the way they wished to take darshan of the Samadhi of Hazrat Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur and see Videha Sri.Annasuyamata of Paradsinga (20 miles from Nagpur).

All the members of our group look upon all saints as forms of Baba and, before visiting any of them, pray to him to grace them with the special attention and blessings of the saint so that our faith that he is one with them might be strengthened. Accordingly, the three worshipped Baba and started for Nagpur. I wished them godspeed and assured them that Baba would go ahead of them and make all the arrangements necessary. Indeed, their experiences on the trip did bear out the truth more strikingly than we could imagine.

They first went to Dr.Anil of Nagpur, a devotee of Sai Baba who had sent them with a letter of introduction to Sri V.D. Dholey, President of the Samsthan at Paradsinga. What happened subsequently was communicated to me in a letter dt. 31-1-1977 by Dr. Anil. I quote the relevant sentences from it:

“They reached there safely and enjoyed the meals offered by Sri. V. D. Dholey. Thereafter Sri. Dholey took them along for having the holy darshan of Sati Mata (i.e. Anasuyadevi); they stayed there for about 24 hours. Shri Mata allowed them to sleep in her room in the night. On 29-1-1977 the below mentioned message had been conveyed to me from Samsthan of Paradsinga (in Marathi language) and I have been asked to convey the same to you in English.

1) Just at the very moment when they got down at Paradsinga bus stand, the elder sister of Shri Dholey saw, a circle of wide circumference, highly shining and celestial, dazzling light in the form of a globe, momentarily and that was witnessed by a few other family members too.

2) And within fifteen minutes after its disappearance these three of your disciples entered the residence of Mr. Dholey. All members of that family were aware beforehand that ‘something new’ was going to happen during the forthcoming moments. Because hitherto none of them had ever witnessed the above sort of scene or occurrence.

3) When these three were taken to the temple of Mata she was sitting on the decorated bed encircled by a group of devotees. No sooner than these three entered Shri Sati Mata murmured rather in a whimsical way, “Karate mi Ram Ram” by way of greeting.

4) Then she suddenly asked then ‘Kon desh Kay Nao?’ i.e. “Where from have you come?”

5) As these three were unable to understand Marathi language, she by herself answered, ‘Dakshinatele Lok Dev Pahayala Alet’ i.e. ‘You have been supported by Godly power; hence God has called upon and bestowed upon you this opportunity to visit (me)… These three requested her to help them in completion of their sadhana. She replied, “Bhajan Kari, Bhajan kari, Chandra Kahi Halena, Kahi Dolena” i.e., ‘You are singing bhajans; yet you are not successful i.e. your cry to reach the destination could not shake His heart’… They asked her through Shri Dholey what should be done in order to reach the destination. Shri Mata replied, ‘Hat Dharun Chalav’ i.e., ‘Walk hand in hand or strictly follow the words of guru. Then these Trimurthi ventured to ask the originality of Mata (i.e. who she is). Shri Mata replied, ‘Anasuya… Anasuya he sarva Jagat Prasiddha Ahe’; ‘Ti Anasuya Satya yugtil Anasuya Ahe’ i.e. Anasuya… Anasuya is famous all over the world. The same Anasuya of Satyayug is here’. Then she murmured that these three name their guru as ‘Master… Master… Master is God’ and with these words, with the help of her fingers she applied the saliva of her tongue on her forehead, (i.e. between her eyebrows)… Lastly these three disciples of yours had placed the photograph of Shri Sai Baba and you before her on the bed. She lifted up the same with her hands and touched mainly your photograph twice or thrice with her tongue. The same photograph was kept by her covered under the sari for the whole of the night. When she touched your photograph with tongue she pronounced ‘Rishi, Rishi……Two Rishis. One on horse’ (perhaps this refers to Shirdi Sai Baba and his horse Shyam Karna)….. She looked at both the photographs for a good length of time.

Shri VasudevanandSaraswati (Tembe) Swami Maharaja

He was born in the village of Managaon near Savantwadi, then a princely state in southern Maharashtra, in a traditional, religious Brahmin family, devoted to Lord Dattatreya. His grandfather Haribhataji used to recite Shri Gurucharitra regularly. He also used to make manuscripts of the holy book to supplement his meager income. His father Shri Ganesh Bhataji Tembe was a devotee of Dattatreya, spending long periods, sometimes years together, in the remote Ganagapur temple of the Lord in Karnataka. His mother Ramabai also used to spend her time in religious pursuits like jap (recitation of mantras), pradakshina, path(reading holy books), atithisatkar (hospitality) etc. After a particularly long stay in Ganagapur, Lord Dattatreya appeared in a dream and instructed Shri Ganesh Bhataji to return to Managaon and attend to the duties of a householder (grihastha), promising to incarnate as their son. It was after his return from Ganagapur that his eldest son Vasudeo was born on the 5th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Shravana of A.D.1854. Tembe family was endowed with spiritual riches (daivi sampat) but had little temporal wealth. Their priestly duties were not adequate for the livelihood and Vasudeo’s grandfather took to agriculture as a side business.

EDUCATION
He woke up daily before sunrise and took his bath and insulated himself from all impurities and contamination during the religious practices. He only took fresh pure ( and vegetarian food prepared by himself or by his mother and never ate outside his home. The food thus prepared, he used to offer to sacrificial fire (Vaishvadev), the cow (Gogra), to the crow (Kaakbali) and finally to the Lord Datta, before partaking it in the manner ordained by scriptures. During the meal any impurity in the environment led him to leave his food and fast for the day. He used to observe the fasts on the 11th days (Ekadashi) of each fortnight, without even drinking water and abjuring sleep during day or night.

Vasudeo, with his sincerity, sharp intellect and phenomenal memory, soon completed his study of the Vedas and became proficient in the priestly duties. As a result he became a respected and beloved figure in the Managaon and neighboring villages and started contributing to the family livelihood.

Mantrasiddhi

Vasudeo’s austerities, dedicated practices and devotion soon led to his acquiring Mantrasiddhi i.e., supernatural powers manifested through Vedic mantras.

Once at his sister’s place, Vasudeo displayed his mantric prowess by turning her intractable cow docile. He also helped local police by providing an accurate description and modus operandi of a particularly evasive gang of robbers. Another time, he correctly predicted the capture of the accused by the police of another state. He also helped people in distress by relieving them of their chronic ailments. This augmented his reputation in Managaon and the surrounding area. He was now respectfully addressed as Shri Vasudeo Shastriji.

However, it must be emphasized here that Shri Vasudeo Shastriji never employed his powers for either monetary gain or to impress others in any way. He only used his powers to help the needy and to relieve suffering. We shall see that this compassion for his fellow beings continued to be a major motivation in his entire life.

WIFE'S DEATH

At Gangakhed, his wife died of cholera on the 14th dark day of Vaishakh, 1891 AD. Buwa looked after her in her last illness and performed the last rites. Thus he was now completely free of all family bonds. Even as he was looking forward to be initiated to the monastic life, he had a premonition of his own death by cholera. He was so frustrated and angered that he started abusing the Lord. He blamed the Lord for not permitting him to take sanyas and now confronting him with an unclean death. By the Lord’s Grace, the death was averted and on 14th day after his wife’s death Buwa took the vows of asceticism.

The Message

Meticulous observance of religious conducts viz.

1. Snaan (bath),

2. Sandhya (prayer),

3. Dev Puja (worship),

4. five major Yadnyas (sacrifices),

5. Atithti Satkar (honor to the guest),

6. service to Gomata,

7. Sincere attendance of Katha, Keertan, Bhajans, Puran etc.,

8. Soft and kind speech,

9. Refraining from harming anyone in any way,

10. Service and obedience to parents (for men)

11. and to husband, in-laws (for women) and other elders.

One may pursue any means for livelihood viz. commerce, agriculture or service. However, one should never abandon the conduct ordained by Vedas and obedience to the Guru. Observance of one’s religious duties only purifies mind. Only purified mind gets established in Upasana (progress towards God), which in turn is the only source of Peace of mind. Only a peaceful mind is capable of self-knowledge which is the sole means of Liberation.” Shri Maharaj further exemplified the seven grounds (levels) of Knowledge and concluded that, “ This is a brief summary. One who follows this advice will finally attain complete
happiness.

The Eternal Physician

When the devotees started pressing Shri Maharaj to take some medicines, he replied, “ I am soon quitting this body; as such no medicines are necessary. Shankaracharya lived only 32 years. This frame has endured much longer. This was afflicted twice by snakebite, thrice by cholera, once by Sannipat, once by plague, twice by leprosy and twice by leukoderma. Dysentery is almost constant. Who gave medicine then? The physician engaged (Shri Datta Prabhu) at birth is still there!”

• The Exit
  Shri Maharaj was originally scheduled to depart on the dark 8th of Jyeshtha month; however he did not prefer to go that day. Hence, noting the exact timing of the Tithi, Shri Maharaj made someone sit him up and went into Samadhi for three hours. On waking up from Samadhi he said, “today’s scheduled departure has been avoided.” By the dark moon (Amavasya) of Jyeshtha, he was very weak in acute pain. He called Shri Appa Shastri Jere from Wadi and whispered in his ears, “I have been a subject of black magic in my householder days; however I have no desire to retaliate.” Even on that last day he tried perform Nityakarma; but he could not even hold water in his hand and gave the effort saying, “God’s will”. “Once today’s Amavasya is past, this body has to be quit” he said. Accordingly, as soon as the Amavasya gave way to bright Pratipada of Ashadh, Shri Maharaj sat up facing the Lord to the west, performed Tratak (steady gaze), controlled breath and quit the body with a loud chant of “Om”. The day was Tuesday, Nakshatra Ardra, Ayan Uttara.

MEETING WITH SHIRDI SAIBABA..

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi A major disciple of Shri Sai Baba and a saint-poet in his own right, Shri Dasaganu Maharaj, met Shri Swami Maharaj during his stay at Rajamahendri in Andhra Pradesh. After offering a Kirtan service in the presence of Shri Swami Maharaj, the latter enquired Dasaganu Maharaj about his plans. Dasaganuji told Maharaj, he was on his way to Shirdi to see his Master Shri Sai Baba. Shri Swami Maharaj gave a coconut to Dasaganu saying, “Please give to my brother”. Dasaganu accepted the coconut and left for Shirdi, with his party. On the way, one morning, the party halted at Kopargaon station, where Gasaganu Maharaj went away to perform the daily religious services. His companions, feeling hungry, proceeded to eat some snacks they had packed. It turned out the snacks were rather too spicy and hot. Everyone was thirsting for water, which, on that hot summer day was not readily available. Some resourceful members decided to break the coconuts in the baggage to satiate their thirst. Among these coconuts, the one from Shri Swami maharaj was also broken and consumed. The snacks and the coconut were offered to Shri Dasaganuji too on his return. When they reached Shirdi, Dasaganu was dismayed by the cold reception he got from Shri Sai Baba, who turned his back on the party and shouted abuses at them, “thieves and scoundrels!” This was markedly in contrast to the loving reception Dasaganu almost always got from Baba. He was stricken with remorse and threw himself at the feet of Baba begging forgiveness. Baba shouted at him, “Where is the coconut my brother gave me? Get me my coconut first!” Dasaganu, unaware of its disposal, asked his companions for it. It was only when they confessed to having eaten it that he came to know of the sacrilege. Having impressed upon Dasaganu and others of the esteem he had for his “brother’s” coconut, Sai Baba gave up his feigned anger and rebuked them for the sacrilege.

Thus, though the two saints never met each other in person, they have, through this episode, made evident, their innate spiritual unity. Outwardly Swami Maharaj was a highly orthodox Brahmanical monk and Shri Sai Baba was a most unorthodox mendicant refusing to conform to any religious tradition. But for this incidence, most observers would feel that they represented to two opposing doctrines. However a close examination of their life and teachings would reveal that their differences were more in form than in essence. Both these saints were motivated by an intense desire to mitigate the sufferings of all persons coming into their contact, irrespective of his caste, creed or persuasion.

Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot

Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot

Believed to be an incarnation of Shri Dattatreya the name of this spiritual master, popularly called Swami Samarth, is a household word in Maharashtra and the region around. As this Perfect Master chose to reside at a place called Akkalkot for 22 years where he took Mahasamadhi (left his mortal body) in 1878, he is also known as the Maharaj of Akkalkot, Akkalkot is situated in district Solapur of Maharashtra state of India.

For the devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, it would be inspiring to learn about the life and deeds of 'Swami Samarth'. A comparative picturisation of the lives of these two great Saints, i.e. Swami Samarth and Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi would establish a surprising amount of commonness in their lives and deeds which includes their methods of teaching, the universality of their approach and the miracles they performed. Even a critical approach by a non-conformist would ultimately lead to the assertion that the over-all role of these two spiritual masters during the second half of the nineteenth century was similar, if not same. One, who is capable of making finer spiritual analysis, would be faced with a bewildering reality. The reality is that Swami Samarth and Shri Shirdi Sai Baba were the manifestations of the same Divine Spirit in two gross bodies

Many published writings on both these Saints by different writers authenticate about the interaction between these two Sadgurus both in the gross, and the subtle planes. Just before Mahasamadhi, Swami Samrath advised one of his disciples to worship Shri Sai at Shirdi saying that he (the Swami Samarth) would stay at Shirdi in future.

The early life of Swami Samarth like that of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba is shrouded with mystery. For that matter, even Shri Shirdi Sai Baba's advent and early life has not been established. Yet it does not really matter for those who have faith in Him and continue to experience his benevolence in different ways. How does it matter if Christ was born of a virgin mother! He took the pain of the suffering humanity and led them in the path of spirituality. That is what the world needs.

Shri Narasimha Saraswati, about three centuries before the advent of Swami Samarth is believed to be the earlier incarnation of Shri Dattatreya. The 'Guru Charitra' one of the most famous books gives lot of information about Him. As per the most popular belief, Shri Narasimha Swami, after helping and spiritually uplifting a large number of people over a few decades, went away to the Himalayas for penance and went into Samadhi. In the Samadhi state He remained for about three hundred years. With the passage of time a huge anthill grew over him and he was lost to the outside world. One day accidentally a woodcutter’s axe fell on the bushes grown around the ant hill. He was shocked to find blood stains on the blade of the axe. He cleared the anthill and Lo, he found a Yogi in meditation. The Yogi slowly opened his eyes and consoled the dumbfounded woodcutter saying that it was the Divine Will for Him to re-appear in the world to resume His mission. This Yogi, in his new role came to be known as Swami Samarth.

Prior to his settlement at Akkalkot, Swami Samarth visited far and wide. While moving in the Himalayan region he visited China. Thereafter, he visited places like Puri, Benaras, Hardwar, Girnar, Kathiawad and Rameswaram in the South. He also stayed at Mangalvedha, a town near Pandharpur in Solapur district Maharashtra, which had been inhabited earlier by famous saints like Domojipant and Chokhamela. He came to Akkalkot in 1856 where he continued his physical existence for 22 years.He came to Akkalkot on the invitation of one Chintopant Tol and stayed at a place on the outskirts of the town.

He treated Muslims, Christians and Parsees all alike. His Kindness was always bestowed on the poor, needy and the people at the lowest rung of the society. Both Hindus and Muslim festivals like Dusshehra and Moharram etc. used to be celebrated by Him. As in Shirdi, Thursday became a special day of celebration at Akkalkot. Like Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Samarth of Akkalkot was fond of mass feeding.

After serving the poor, curing the sick and helping the spiritual seekers over a few decades, Swami Samarth one day suddenly announced that the time had come for him to go out of his physical existence. By Hindu calendar It was Chaitra Sudha trayodasi, Shaka 1800 i.e. the year 1878 AD Tuesday at 4 PM. At this time he seated himself in Padmasana (Lotus Posture) and uttered his last words - "no one should weep I shall always be present at all places and I shall respond to every call of the devotees"". Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi had also said exactly the same thing before his Mahasamadhi.

Just before he had left his gross body, one devotee named Keshav Nayak who was emotionally charged, asked "Maharaj, since you are going, who will give us protection?". Swami Samarth gave him a pair of his sandals to worship. He told him "in future I will be staying at Shirdi in district Ahmednagar". Another devotee, Krishna Ali Bagkar decided to go to Akkalkot and worship the padukas of Swami Samarth. Thereafter he got a dream appearance of Swami Samarth who told him "now I am staying at Shirdi, go there and worship me". Bagkar went to Shirdi where he stayed for six months. Later, when he wanted to take leave of Shri Sai and go to Akkalkot again Shri Sai told him "what is there in Akkalkot, Maharaj of Akkalkot is staying here". Bagkar realised that there is no difference between Swami Samarth and Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi as he recalled his earlier dream.

SRI VENKAIAH SWAMY

Bhagavaan Sri Venkaiah Swamy of Golagamudi Is one such foremost saint and Sadguru of modern India, who lived up to 24th August 1982. Devotees' experiences confirm the truth that he is Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent.

Even though we have not seen Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sai Baba of Shirdi, we are fortunate enough to see Swamyji who lived up to 1982. Very tactfully he concealed his spiritual powers till the day of his Maha samadhi. He shunned the unnecessary publicity. Only after his Maha samadhi, devotees ventured to reveal their experience with one another and enjoy the thrill of it.

Devotee Experience.

I n 1975 fortunately by the grace of God I had contacted Parama Pujya Sri Acharya Bharadwaja Masterji. I used to take his darshan regularly once in a week spending twenty rupees for each trip. In spite of his persuasion for one year, I did not approach Swamiji who was available in our village, Kalichedu, thinking that he was not worth visiting. After one year Sri Bharadwaja Master forced me to test the spiritual power of Swamiji, the God on earth and be devoted to him. He also gave me certain hints for finding out the spiritual powers of Swamiji. Sri Swamy never allowed any body to touch him except the three specific servants among the twelve servants who usually serve him. He would not receive with his own hands any thing from any one.

If the servants placed tobacco on the mat he would take it. So when I went to the Swamy, I prayed to Sai baba ”You have demonstrated that you are in all saints. If Sri Venkaiah Swamy is a perfect saint like you, with in ten minutes, he should ask me to massage oil to his feet and take this little jaggary and pulses (fried Bengalgram) and eat without my asking. Two of his servants wouldalways attend on Swamy lest the visitors would touch Swamis feet. Within a few seconds both the servants went out to attend the nature call, leaving the Swamy alone. Merciful Swamy at once stretched his hand asking me ”Ayyaa! Will you give me something to eat?” My joy knew no bounds. I made a powder of the pulses and jaggary and Swamy took it from my hands and ate it. He also asked me to massage his legs with oil. I massaged not only the feet but also all his body and gave him an oil bath also.

From that day on wards I used to visit Swamiji frequently and spend all my leisure time in his august presence. In his blessed presence he used to answer my every unuttered thought and helped my budding faith in him to blossom rapidly. Whenever I requested Swamy to grace my house, Swamiji used to say, ”Not now, we shall see later”. In 1977 I have completed the thirteenth parayana of Sri Saileelamrutam on the holy Gurupurnima day. On that day, we were conducting Sri Sai Japa Yagna for twelve hours. We prayed Sainath to grace the function in the form of Sri Venkaiah Swamy. Quite surprisingly he complied with our prayers and came to my house on the Gurupurnima day. He graced my house with his sacred fire and also the house of Sri T.V. Seshagiri Rao where the Japa Yagna was being conducted. Thus Swamiji demonstrated that he was none other than Sri Sainath of Shirdi.

SAYINGS OF SRI SWAMY
1. Feed the hungry (but) not the belching.
2. Whatever you desire will be fulfilled if you come here with full faith.
3. You take it for granted that Venkaiah is in all creatures.
4. Even if you leave me I will not leave you.
5. What is it that you gain from having a Darshan of the Maharaja of Mysore? You reap what you sow.
6. I will be responding as per one’s faith.
7. I will pick up my lamb even though it is in a herd of thousand.
8. Equal love for all will enable you to realize God.
9. I am responsible for the welfare of all the people who give and bring a morsel of food in my name.
10. When a devotee asked for a mantra, Swamy said, ”There is no mantra or tantra. Go ahead with Vichara” (discrimination).
11. It is nothing great if a monk sticks on to dharma. It is great if a householder sticks on to dharma.
12. We must stick on to dharma even while lending money for interest.

FIND MORE ON HIS BOOK AVADHUTA LEELA Author: P.Subbaramaiah

Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952)

Paramahansa Yogananda is recognized as one of the greatest emissaries to the West of India's ancient wisdom. His life and teachings continue to be a source of light and inspiration to people of all races, cultures and creeds.

Birth & Childhood: He was born Mukunda Lal Ghosh on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, into a devout and well-to-do Bengali family. From his earliest years, he developed a depth of awareness and experience in the spiritual. In his youth he sought out many of India's sages and saints, hoping to find an illumined teacher to guide him in his spiritual quest.

Spritual Search : It was in 1910, at the age of 17, that he met and became a disciple of the revered Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. In the hermitage of this great master of Yoga he spent the better part of the next ten years, receiving Sri Yukteswar's strict but loving spiritual discipline. After he graduated from Calcutta University in 1915, he took formal vows as a monk of India's venerable monastic Swami Order, at which time he received the name Yogananda (signifying bliss, ananda, through divine union, yoga).

Beginning of World Mission: Yogananda began his life's work with the founding, in 1917, of a "how-to-live" school for boys, where modern educational methods were combined with yoga and spirituality. In 1920, he was invited to serve as India's delegate to an international congress of religious leaders convening in Boston where he presented his discourse "The Science of Religion." For the next several years, he lectured and taught on the East coast and in 1924 embarked on a cross-continental speaking tour.

Pioneer of Yoga: Over the next decade, Yogananda traveled and lectured widely, speaking to capacity audiences in many of the largest auditoriums in the US - from New York's Carnegie Hall to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He emphasized the underlying unity of the religions, and taught universally applicable methods for attaining personal experience of God. To serious students of his teachings he introduced the soul-awakening techniques of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.

Among those who became his students were many prominent figures in science, business, and the arts, including horticulturist Luther Burbank, operatic soprano Amelita Galli-Curci, George Eastman (inventor of the Kodak camera), poet Edwin Markham, and symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski. In 1927, he was officially received at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge, who had become interested in the newspaper reports of his activities.

Return to India: In 1935, Yogananda began an 18-month tour of Europe and India. During his yearlong sojourn in his native land, he spoke in cities throughout the subcontinent and enjoyed meetings with Gandhi, C. V. Raman, Ramana Maharshi and Anandamoyi Ma, among others. In this year his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, bestowed on him the title of “paramahansa” (supreme swan - a symbol of spiritual discrimination), that signifies one who manifests the supreme state of unbroken communion with God.

Books and Literature: During the 1930s, Yogananda began to withdraw somewhat from his nationwide public lecturing so as to devote himself to the writings that would carry his message to future generations. Yogananda's life story, "Autobiography of a Yogi", was published in 1946 and expanded by him in subsequent editions. A perennial best seller, the book has been in continuous publication since it first appeared and has been translated into 18 languages. It is widely regarded as a modern spiritual classic.

Final Years: On March 7, 1952, Yogananda entered mahasamadhi, a God-illumined master's conscious exit from the body at the time of physical death. His passing was marked by an extraordinary phenomenon. A notarized statement signed by the Director of Forest Lawn Memorial-Park testified: "No physical disintegration was visible in his body even 20 days after death.... This state of perfect preservation of a body is… an unparalleled one.... Yogananda's body was apparently in a phenomenal state of immutability."

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda's passing, India issued a special commemorative stamp was issued in his honor, together with a tribute that read, in part: "The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda....Though the major part of his life was spent outside India, still he takes his place among our great saints."

Based on Yogananda’s biography at yogananda.com

Sri Ramana Maharishi

Sri Ramana Maharishi (1879 - 1950)

Birth & Early Life: Ramana Maharshi was born on December 30, 1879 in Madurai, India. Originally called Venkataraman, his was a pious middle class Brahmin family. However, he went to a missionary school and learnt English.

Flight From Home: In 1896, Venkataraman, left his home in search of his Father, Lord Arunachala. From that day till the end of his earthly sojourn, Venkataraman made Arunachala (Tiruvannamalai) his home.

The Great Enlightenment: "It was about six weeks before I left Madurai for good, in the middle of the year 1896, that the great change in my life took place" said Sri Ramana Maharshi, when asked by devotees as to how he was transformed, “…All this was not a feat of intellectual gymnastics, but came as a flash before me vividly as living Truth, which I perceived immediately, without any argument almost".

Meditation & Penance: Ramana practised Tapas or deep meditation in shrines, cave and hills in and around Tiruvannamalai, where he was known as Brahmana Swami. From 1909 to 1916 he lived in the Virupakshi Cave. During his days of Tapas, mischievous boys pelted him with stones, but Ramana was ever peaceful and calm through the strength of meditation and penance. His life was one continued meditation, ‘Ananda Anubhavam’. He established peace within, and encouraged others to do the same.

His Teachings: Maharshi seldom talked. Kavya Kanta Ganapathy Sastri, the great Sanskrit scholar, came to Ramana’s Ashram in 1908 and stayed with Maharshi and wrote the 'Ramana Gita'. Ramana was a living example of the teaching of the Upanishads. His life was at once the message and the philosophy of his teachings. He spoke to the hearts of people.

His Message: He gave to the world the grand but simple message of his great life, "Know Thyself". "Enquire, ‘Who am I?’ Make the mind calm. Free yourself from all thoughts other than the simple thought of the Self or Atma. Dive deep into the chambers of your heart. Find out the real, infinite ‘I’. Rest there peacefully for ever and become identical with the Supreme Self."
Happiness Unlimited: Sri Ramana said, "The world is so unhappy because it is ignorant of the true Self. Man’s real nature is happiness. Happiness is inborn in the true Self. Man’s search for happiness is an unconscious search for his true Self. The true Self is imperishable; therefore, when a man finds it, he finds a happiness, which does not come to an end.

Last Days: The Maharshi was operated four times after he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his upper left arm above the elbow. A meteor hit the sky at 8-47 p.m. on the 14th of April 1950, when Sri Ramana Maharshi left his mortal coil and entered Mahasamadhi. In the heart of humanity the saint shall live forever, guiding, encouraging, goading and inspiring, so that millions and millions might seek and find the Great Truth that Ramana realised.
Sri Ramana expounded the Vedanta philosophy not through bookish knowledge but through practical experience. His teachings imparted through all-absorbing ‘Silence’ embodied the highest ideals and the ultimate reaches in divine realization.

Based on Maharishi's biography written by Swami Sivananda

Avatar Meher Baba

Avatar Meher Baba

Birth : February 25, 1894 (Pune, India) Death : January 31, 1969 (aged 74) (Meherazad, India)

Merwan Sheriar Irani was born February 25, 1894, in Poona, India, into a Zoroastrian family. His father, a genuine seeker for God, was informed by the Spiritual Hierarchy that God Realization would come to him through his son. He came out of his desert retreat, married and established a family. Merwan, his second son, was an exceptionally fair and loving boy in all respects, and everyone recognized his high destiny. He attended the Christian High School and Deccan College.

Meher Baba, as he came to be called by his disciples, took up his avataric duties early in 1922 after seven years of intense work with the five Perfect Masters of the time. Hazrat Babajan, the aged woman master of Poona, initiated his spiritual awakening in January, 1914, by kissing him on the forehead. Almost immediately he entered into a transcendental state of mind out of touch with normal gross consciousness. He scarcely ate or slept for nine months.

Dazed and apparently insane, he made his way during the next year to Shirdi Sai Baba, the chief of the five Perfect Masters, who acknowledged him publically as the Sustainer of the Universe, and sent him to Upasni Maharaj. As soon as that master saw the young man approaching, he picked up a stone and threw it with great force. It struck him on the forehead exactly where the old woman had kissed him. Thus began a painful five-year process of regaining normal consciousness while retaining his divine state.

During the 1920's he gathered and rigorously trained his inner circles of disciples while founding an active spiritual community in Ahmednagar, India, with schools, hospitals and other public service projects. In the middle of the decade he became silent and never again uttered a word. For 44 years he communicated by spelling words on an alphabet board and through hand gestures, including two important books, God Speaks and Discourses.

In 1931 he came to the West for the first time, traveling on the same ship that took Mahatma Gandhi to the Round Table Conference in London. During that voyage, he became Gandhi's spiritual adviser. In England and America he gathered a select group of western disciples, some of whom joined him in India later on. He visited his disciples in the West a half dozen times before the Second World War.

During the 1940's he traveled all over India in his work with the poor, with lepers, with the insane and with masts, a category of mentally disturbed people seldom found in the West whose afflictions come from unwise use of powerful spiritual practices, overwhelming and unbalanced love for God, or enthrallment by a sudden vision of Divinity. He set up temporary mad and mast ashrams in every part of the country where he contacted and served them in his own silent way.
He established two places of pilgrimage outside of India during the 1950's, Meher Spiritual Center, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, U.S.A., and Avatar's Abode, near Brisbane, Australia. It was necessary to spill his blood in America, he said, and while there to dedicate his center, major bones were broken and his face severely smashed in an car accident. A few years later he suffered a similar fate in India.

He became well known in the West during the 1960's by opposing the use of LSD and other drugs in the quest for spiritual experiences. In the last years he largely withdrew from public life and intensified his work in seclusion, announcing in the fall of 1968 that his work was completed 100% to his satisfaction. On January 31, 1969, one month before his 76th birthday, he left his body, which now lies in the tomb near Ahmednagar, a place of pilgrimage for those who love him.
He said that his tomb, called his samadhi, takes the place of his physical body. For a period of 100 years, entering his samadhi is equal to coming into his physical presence. Many pilgrims take advantage of this opportunity to keep his company. After 70 years, he said, his samadhi will be the most frequented place of pilgrimage in the world.

Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon

Gajanan - The Phenomenon! (Birth : 23rd Feb. 1878- Death : September 8, 1910)
A Banyan tree in old Shegaon. Two youngsters noticed a peculiar personality strongly built. Fair in complexion. Young in age. Peculiar calmness and satisfaction on face. Searching rice particles on the patrawalies. And chanting Gan Gan Ganat Bote. No effect on face of scorching heat of summer noon time. That was the first appearance of Gajanan Maharaj in tiny Shegaon Town. The personality was so impressive that the tow youngsters, Bankatlal and Damodar were attracted to the charm, And then began the legendary life; his legendary charisma!

It is said that he was the Awatara of Samarth Ramdasa of Sajjangarh. Devotees used to offer him rich food, clothes, ornaments etc. But he used throw away all there. He used to lie anywhere, eat anything, wear any piece of cloth or nothing at all.He used to keep away from the worldly things. But though he tried to the people that he is in same, he has no literary knowledge, and so on. it is amply proved that - he was Bedshastree Sampnna, he was perfect in Yogashastra and that he had done Tapascharya, and he even knew the language (or psychology) of animals and birds. That's why Mahan Yogies, learned people and famous personalities used to come to see him. It is not denying the fact that he was with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Shivjayanti meeting at Akola, and that also on dias, alongwith Annasaheb Patwardhan, Dadasaheb Khaparde, Damble, Kolhatkar, Bhave, Desai etc.
He with Lokmanya Tilak and Dadasaheb Khaprde of Amravati went to have the Darshana of Prabhu Ramchandra at famous Ram Mandir of Akola. Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati also visited Shegaon to meet Gajanan Maharaj. So many people of education and status used to visit Shegaon. Gajanan Mahraj was Siddhayogi He has done so many unusual things which were called chamatkaras. He has famed odd behaving animals. He had ordered birds like crows to behave properly. He had brought water to waterless well; cured the sick, helped the helpless, showed right path to those who wanted and what not? He had gives people advice to his devotees. He could read the mind of his Bhakta. Those who came to see him with some purpose in mind, always went home satisfied. It is sad (and said rightly) that there was always peace and satisfaction around his stature. His eyes could give proper direction to the erring. He was thoroughly a 'faith heater' a psychiatric in today's language. That's why he is worshipped in every house in Vidarbha, Maharashtra and nearly states. In Vidarbha without showing (giving) him Naivedhya nobody take one's meal. Because of the immense good done to the devotees. He had become a legendary phenomenon. There are hundreds & Thousand of Temples in all the parts of Maharashtra as well as outside Maharashtra of his name. That's why Shegaon of Shri Gajanan Maharaj is called "Bhu-Vaikenth", "The Abode of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu on earth". In short he was a Rishi guiding the disciples, he was a yogi taking care of disciples, he was a Siddha doing good of the disciples, he was Vedandti correcting the Pandits & Kirtankaras, and he was Guru-Acharya showing the real path to the disciples. And yet he tied to keep alert of all of this, all through his life. So he has become the Daivat of Vidarbha, and Shegaon has become the Pandharpur of Vidarbha.
He himself advised his disciples to make a Trust. And a Trust, "Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan" was established in 1908. After so many things for the betterment of his devotees. Gajanan Maharaj on his own decided to take the leave from this world. He took this decision in front of Shri Vitthala at Pandharpur at the time of Ashadhi Ekadashi in 1910. He told so to his Bhaktas. They became shocked, They cried wept, They opposed, tried to pursue - But He was firm; firm as a rock of course he advised all of them, pursuedd to be calm, have confidence and give him permission. He even told them the date of his Maha Nirvana and the place for his Samadhi. (Nearly One Month Before). And the day was Bhadrapada Shuddha Panchami i.e. Rishi Panchami Shake 1832 (Guruwar) i.e. 8th Sept. 1910 (Thursday). It was the darkest morning in Shegaon and its vicinity! It was allover. Thousands of Bhaktas, male-female, old and young gathered. No words to describe their grief. All men-women -children-animals-birds all were weeping-crying-in their hears. And Their Beloved? He was calm and the usual smile on his face ! All his innumerable disciples or devotees suppose that their Daivat Sadguru Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj is still alive and guides and helps them. They tell their experiences of his helps and blessings. That's why the flow of thousands of devotees to Shegaon!.

Sai Baba of Shirdi and Gajanan Maharaj- their spiritual relationship

Saibaba of Shirdi is a very much revered saint. His fame has crossed international boundaries . Anyone who would look at him would know for certain that Saibaba's attitude was that of an equanimity. Saibaba and Shri Gajanan Maharaj knew each other. It is said that Saibaba was in a mourning on the day Gajanan Maharaj had left his body. Late Shri Dadasaheb Khaparde had told that Saibaba wept profusely on the day Gajanan Maharaj breathed his last. "My life-breath is leaving me--- a great part of my soul is giving up my body." These were the words of sorrow uttered by Saibaba. It is said that the work of Gajanan Maharaj devolved on Saibaba and the latter had taken responsibility of looking after all those who were near Maharaj. Sai Baba is supposed to have shaved off his head in mourning on the day Maharaj attained Mahasamadhi on 8-9-1910.

Shri. C.B. Satpathy Ji ( Guru Ji )

Shri Satpathy ji is very religious since his childhood.His inborn divine qualities nourished and blossomed under very pious and caring eyes of his father. As if Shri Sai himself as a father took care of him. Satpathyji found a friend a guide and a divine teacher in his father.

At first it is difficult to belive that Shri Satpathy Ji has been a police officer all his life and was a recipient of of the President's gold medal for bravery. But to the hundreds who flock to his house, his official rank is immaterial. To them, he is simply the man with the healing touch, they earnestly believe that he can look into the future and solve their problems. This is what brings them every Saturday to the Chatterpur temple of Baba. Satpathyji's asset is no professional astrologer, it's his instinct in him which prompts his predictions.

The number of people, who have come in contact with 'Guru Ji' to find solutions to their Materialistic, Psychological, Commercial & Health problems or for their Spiritual upliftment runs not in Thousands but in Millions.

To some Shri Satpathyji is like a BROTHER. Some look towards him as a FATHER figure and very many see him as a Guide who helps them spiritually to understand and feel Shri Sai Baba - Thus they call him very aptly Guru ji. Guru ji treats everyone like a dear and beloved child of Shri Sai and addresses every lady very affectionately as 'Maa' (Mother).

Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy has many incredible predictions to his credit. He had foreseen Sanjay Gandhi's death and when his prediction came true, the intelligence agencies were after him for a long time. Having thus burnt his fingers, he no longer predicts events in the lives of political personalities. In 1990 he predicted the downfall of dictatorial regimes, whether headed by individuals or military juntas. He was the only astrologer to correctly predict the return of Mikhail Gorbachev. His other prediction about the USSR have also been proved true. But SatpathyJi is not merely an astrologer. "My aim is to help people", he says. An IPS officer, he has finished his tenure with the ministry of Civil Aviation and is now posted as Director Vigilance. His help comes in various ways. Known as Guruji, he is the last resort and very often the saviour of those who have nowhere else to turn.

To some he suggests simple remedies like charcoal into a river to propitiate the wrath of "Rahu", the usual advice of any other astrologer, but for some he cures chronic asthma, hypertension and insomnia. This is precisely what makes Satpathyji so special ; he has psychic reach that goes beyond mere astrology.

Shri Satpathyji not only helps the needy one's with Shri Sai's blessed powers but also by living as a family man, sets an example in front of Sai devotees and other people at large that ONE CAN LIVE IN THIS MATERIALISTIC WORLD OF MONEY, RELATIONS & LINKED DUTIES AND STILL BE PIOUS AND BE A DETACHED 'SAINT' AT HEART. No wonder, Guru ji always guides Sai devotees to look towards Shri Sai Baba as their 'FATHER, BROTHER AND LOVED ONE'. Then only we would be able to REALISE SAI AND UNDERSTAND SAI AS GOD, with great ease. Guru ji teaches a lot by a mere look than verbal doctrines. His eyes'Emit'power of LOVE AND AFFECTION that's why, we say he is blessed by Shri Sai. Shri Sai also used to cure many people just by his glance.

Today with Guru ji's blessings, Shri Sai movement is spreading at a great pace throughout the country and even abroad. Because RELIGION OF LOVE is Shri Sai and it knows no boundaries. Guru ji preaches that a single drop of tear from the eyes of a pious person can move - be it Shri Sai or Christ, in a fraction of a second. Thus Guru ji does not recommend the path of running away from the world in search of God but encourages and lends spiritual support to seekers, to become pious and find Shri Sai within us while fighting the materialistic battle.

Guruji's message

The easiest way to spiritual evolution is to:

1. Believe that the Sadguru is the Divine incarnation to lead people towards temporal and spiritual development.


2. To follow the path laid down by Him as reflected in His earthly conduct and preachings.


3. To understand that no man how much ever he strives, can evolve in the spiritual field beyond a certain limit without the help and kindness of a Sadguru. Even incarnations like Shri Krishna and Shri Rama, in the process of experiencing the God state in Them, had to be helped by Sandeepani and Vasishta, the Sadgurus of the time.


4. To focus the entire spiritual conciousiiess on the Sadgurus, both in Sakara (formed) or Nirakar (formless) and worship them.


5. To believe that the Guru is the repositor of all Divine powers -and therefore, He alone should be made the mainstay of one's life. All needs, worries and questions should be projected to him

Experience has shown that people devoted to Sadgurus, evolve faster in the spiritual field than those following other methods because such devotees believe in surrender to divinity which is the ultimate requirement for spiritual evolution. Every devotee of Shirdi Sai, therefore, on this New Year, should decide whether he wants to hold Baba as his 'Ishta' - the only one to be prayed, worshipped and called in time of need. Personally, for me Shri Sai is the only and ultimate. I don't seek anything from elsewhere.

Kashinath Govind Upasani Shastri (Upasani Baba)

As there was no other way out to remove his bodily ailment, Kashinath came to Shirdi on 27 June 1911. As soon as he entered Dwarakamai, Baba told him, "Son I know you for the past seven births. If you stay at Shirdi, you will achieve your goal in life. Because of your good deeds in your previous birth, you achieved spiritual progress. If you stay here for some time with a stable mind you will reach a higher state." So saying Baba blessed him. When Kashinath approached Baba on the third day for permission to leave Shirdi, Baba declined to permit him and asked him to stay at Shirdi. "In case you want to go, come back in a week’s time."

Kashinath left Shirdi and several strange things happened even before he reached home. He returned to Shirdi on the seventh day, as advised by Baba. Before he reached Shirdi, Baba appeared to him in several forms and gave him some indications. Baba made him recollect these things and ordered him to stay for 4 years at Khandoba temple meditating.

During the period Baba taught Upasini several matters and showed several leelas and experiences. These methods or teaching were very strange and beyond our imagination. We cannot find similar things anywhere in the sacred books. The divine powers in Kashinath went on increasing with the increased period of his meditation. The testing by Baba increased along with the increase in Uapasini’s divine powers. Seeing the powers of Upasini, some Sai devotees approached him and invited him to their places. But he should not go out during the period of diksha. On the other hand he could not withstand to the tests put by Baba. At last without completing the four years period prescribed by Baba, he left Shirdi secretly in the night without informing Baba on 25 July 1914, a few months earlier. We also may sometimes be unable to withstand the Maya and be distanced from Baba. Let all the Sai devotees have complete faith in Baba and treat his word as the word of God. Let their thoughts be on Sai only and none else.H

ACHARYA EKKIRALA BHARADWAJA..

Acharya Ekkirala Bharadwaja, lovingly called by his disciples and followers as "Sai Master", is one of the greatest scholars and philosophers of the modern times. He researched the Spiritual science as well as the Physical science of the modern age in the quest for the purpose of all life in the world. Surprisingly, he understood that both of them are not exclusive of each other, rather they guide towards the same goal----the existence of 'Viswa Chaitanya' or the "Universal Consciousness", the oneness in all duality, i.e., The 'God ', in spiritual terms.

Shirdi Sai Baba, is the guru of Bharadwaja. As such Baba never spoke of Vedanta, Maya, Brahma etc. They are useless for common man. All his way is to live and show how to live a better, enlightened life. Master E.B. is a perfect reflection of Sai Baba's teachings, way and indeed Baba himself.

ABOUT BHARADWAJA GARU

Acharya E.Bharadwaja was born on 30th October 1938 and was a post-graduate in English literature. After a decade of intellectual quest for Truth, he was converted by a profound spiritual experience at the Samadhi Mandir of Sri Saibaba of Shirdi. Thereby he left Indian Administrative Service(IAS), which is a highly respected position in the society and took a poistion as Lecturer of English literature for the ease of spreading his master's teachings. Thereafter he devoted himself to a lifetime of intensive research into the lives and teachings of several saints, travelling extensively and personally contacting many of them. Like many other great men he also insisted on the necessity of a Sadguru to direct one smoothly in the spiritual path. The culmination of all this is a series of books on Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and many more great saints. He says, Sai Baba of Shirdi is the matchless saint, is a blend of all religions and is the answer to all the questions of present day and spirituality. Other books that explain and prove existence of God in a scientific manner and the necessity of resorting to a Sadguru are also invaluable. His writings are getting translated into several other languages of the world.

He made those who contacted him to start spiritual disciplines easily and live a richer, purposeful,righteous and peaceful life. Towards this end in view he founded the Shirdi Sai Cultural Mission at Vidyanagar and Sai Baba Mission in Ongole. He also founded a Telugu fortnightly(now monthly), SaiBaba, which continues to spread his messages, and was the main source of inspiration in the construction of several Sai Baba temples. After a life of incessant activity spreading the teachings of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, he attained Maha Samadhi on 12th April 1989. Though he has left his mortal frame, even now He responds to the call of his devotees. Presently, his work is being carried by the Sri Master Universal Sai Trust & Acharya Bharadwaja Peace Foundation, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh.

SAMARTHA SADGURU SRI KASINAYANA

SAMARTHA SADHGURU SRI KASINAYANA is a great Sadhguru of modern India He was born in Bedusupally Village, Seetharamapuram mandal, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh to Smt. Kasimma and Sri. Subba Reddy. In childhood he was inspired by the Guru Athiracha Guruvaiah Swamy and travelled Kasi to Kanyakumari. He was renovated to many ancient temples and Samadies of spiritual sould of Andhra Prades. He was introduced NIRATAANNADANAM to irrespective of Caste, Colour and Religion.
Samartha Sadhguru Sri Kasinayana life is a series of miracles. Nayana gave on indication of his devotees at Jyothi and attend Samadhi on 6th December 1995, Dattajayanthi at Jyothi Kshetram, Kadapa District.
There are hundreds of Kasi Nayana temples and Asharams all over Andhra Pradesh as well as numerous books about him. Among them is the famous biography in Telugu called `Samartha Sadhguru Sri Kasi Nayana Anugraha Jeevanam' by Sri Kasinayana Padarenuvulu.
Every year in the month of December Sri. Kasinayana devotees celebrated the Nayana Ardhana on Dattajayanthi at Jyothi Kshetram, Sri Kasinayana Mandal, Kadapa District.

Sivanesan Swami

Sivanesan Swami is well known to all Sai devotees visiting Shirdi.He stayed in shirdi for more than 50 years serving Saibaba.On 12/02/1996 he merged into sai baba.Swamijis samadhi has been built in Shirdi,off pimplewadi road,two and half kms away from shirdi.
Parma Pujya Sree Sivanesan Swamiji was born as the third and last child of Smt. Alamelu and Shri. Muthaiah on 12^th April 1927. It was the holy day of Sree Ramnavami. It is said that the babe already had two front teeth and a ‘jata’ (small tuft of hair at the back of the head) when he was born. Astrologers foretold that he would not lead the life of householder but would become an ascetic or sanyasi.

During his childhood, he showed early signs of withdrawing from mundane world. He was aloof, quiet, calm and meditative, retreating into solitary places – often forgetting about his food, which he ate alone, as he often not present at mealtimes, to join the family. He had very fond memories of his maternal grandmother at whose home he spent some happy times; and also of his paternal uncle who had a good collection of books, which greatly interested young Sivanesan.

After the death of his mother, he left his home never to return due to his spiritual leaning. He reached Bombay.

Bombay was not to be Sivanesan Swamiji’s home for a long time. Again he wandered, spending some time in the ‘math’ of Sree Nityanand Swamiji at Vajreshwari. He deeply venerated Nityanand Swamiji and had the good fortune of being in His Divine Presence, drinking deeply of the Knowledge he imparted.

The desire to find and meet the Divinity he saw in his meditation again uprooted him. There was a Divine Call, which he could not deny. So, he moved on Tryambakeshwar, in Nasik District, became his next halting place. He grew very close to Mauni Baba there, who was not observing ‘moun’ or silence, then. After a very congenial stay, he left for Shirdi, with a great wrench for both of them. He put his feet on the sacred soil of Shirdi in 1953, around Sree Ramnavami time, to be with the Jagathguru Sainath Maharaj, the Divinity since his early years and his Master.

After reaching Shirdi, he never crossed the borders of Shirdi, except on some special occasions. In fact, in his latter years, he did not even leave the temple complex. He was hospitalized once a private clinic; and on one occasion he crossed the main road to go to the Sainath Hospital to meet a patient. There was a panic among those who beheld that scene, as they feared that he was leaving Shirdi. In the early years, his Guru came to Shirdi to tend him through a severe illness. And in his last days, he refused to be treated at Bombay for cancer, as he could not think of leaving Shirdi.

In Shirdi, at the outset, there was no place for him to lay his head, not any sustenance for him. He learnt to live with nature, eating a variety of ‘Jaswanti flowers and living on the rare cup of tea that was offered to him. His Guru had impose a rule on him, never to beg. So, he starved, rather than breaks the rule

At last, a certain Chandbhai gave him refuge in the Kanifnath Mandir near Post Office. Also, Sai Baba responded his prayer to somehow provide him with the wherewithal for one square meal daily. The few books that he had brought with him were his most precious belongings, and he keenly felt their loss if they were stolen or borrowed and not returned. He always treasured books and reading.

Once he was in Shirdi, the abode of the Divinity appearing in his meditation from an early age, he abided at His Feet. He spent his time in ‘seva’ or selfless service, wherever or whenever he could be it in the Kanifnath Mandir, or the Maruti Mandir, the Ganapati – Shani – Shankar temples, the Ashta Mahalaxmi Temple, or at the Dwarakamayi, Chavadi and Lendi Baugh. The rest of his time he spent in long and austere meditation, from which it was difficult to arouse him, even by mischievous children’s pranks. He had visions; but it was very difficult to make him speak about them. It is however known that he once saw Sai Baba and Nityanand Swamiji together at Lendi Baugh.

Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan was under the control of the Court Receiver for some years. When the incumbent Court receiver observed the sincere and selfless services of Swamiji for some time, he entrusted some duties to him, such as lighting the evening lamps in various places. Swamiji recalled that there were thirteen in all. More particularly, Swamiji as asked to look after the Chavadi on Thursdays. (In those days the Chavadi was kept open for devotees, only on Thursdays) Of course, Dwarakamayee was also a scene of his activity and he tended the Dhuni with great love. His clothes became full of soot, but he did not care for his appearance.

It was second nature to him to serve Baba, through His devotee. As the surge of devotees increased, Swamiji fulfilled their needs and guided them so that they could take full spiritual advantage of their visit to Shirdi. He bought books in different languages and presented them to the devotees.By setting an example himself, he taught the importance of ‘seva’ to all – especially to the sick, the lepers and the needy. He encouraged devotees to set up Sai Baba temples in their own towns and villages in India and abroad. A sine qua of Sai Baba Temples had to be ‘Akhand Deep’ and ‘Akhand Dhuni’ – perpetual light and fire.

When devotees left Shirdi, Swamiji invariably presented them with some spiritual book, or book of bhajans or photos of Baba. There were no empty hands and no empty hearts. Just a sense of fulfillment and ecstasy!

The practice of doing Akand Nama Japa of Tarak Mantra “Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai”, by groups of devotees started with his benediction.

Pradakshina’ was favourite activity of his – round the Gurusthan, and round the Nanda Deep and the Dutta Mandir in the Lendi Baugh. The speed with which he did the ‘Pradakshina’ (circumambulation) was phenomenal and dizzying. He urged many devotees to follow suit, with many beneficial efforts, especially vis-a-vis their health.

He believed in Dhuni Puja, participation in Satyanarayana Puja and skillfully advised devotees about them. His teaching method was simple, through allegoric stories and parables. He strongly advocated ‘Anna-dana’ (food distribution)as a good charitable deed. He jokingly said that he was only a kindergarten teacher. Even a question posed by him was, in fact, a lesson in discrimination.

However, Swamiji never discriminated between the devotees – the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, men and women, young and old were part of his fold. Nor did he think about the caste, creed or religion of the devotees. He was very humane and guided the devotees in their worldly and spiritual matters. Though those who had the privilege of being taught by him considered him as their Guru, and he was fondly and reverentially addressed as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Swamiji’ or even ‘Baba’, he always said that he was a Sai Sevak and never thought of himself as Guru. He did not generally permit his devotees to worship him or do ‘puja’ to him. Even if he allowed it for sometime, so as not to hurt the sentiments of the devotees, he put a gentle stop and advised the devotee to do whatever he/she desired, in the privacy of the home. His birthday also was not allowed to be observed – there was one exception in the year 1993, due to exceptional circumstances, when forty years of his stay in Shirdi were commemorated.

His life was simple. His clothes consisted of cotton towel wrapped round his waist (like mundu); a ‘kopri’ or Maharashrian vest, with a pocket and half sleeves; and an uparna or smaller towel wrapped round his head to cover his long hair, in an unique turban. In the cold weather, an old, grey, v-neck sweater was added, as he was always susceptible to chills and wracking coughs. All items of clothing presented to him, including expensive shawls and sweaters, dothis etc. Were distributed by him to the poor and needy. Even three days before he took Mahasamadhi, he ordered such distribution of extra blankets and bed clothes that had been brought during his short period of illness, which restricted him to his pallet. He always slept on the floor, spreading a blanket and thick bedspread on the floor; his ‘asan’ was a gunnysack, with a paper stuffed pillowcase as a bolster.

During the four and a half decades, approximately, that Swamiji spent in Shirdi, he became the best apostle of Sai Baba. His ‘seva’ to Baba and Baba’s devotees was sincere, whole-hearted and selfless. He served ‘Baba Malik’ and his life was an example to all.
He breathed his last at 0.10 hrs on Monday, 12^th February 1996, at Shirdi and merged in to the Divine Light of Sai Baba. Sivanesan, the Jnanadeepam of Shirdi, was no more in body. Many believe that the swinging of the ‘kandil’ in Dwarakamayi portended this event. Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi has been built in Shirdi, off Pimpalwadi Road, two and a half kilometers away from the Sansthan’s Prasadalaya, by his devotees on the land of Meher Dhun Endowment.