Satsang THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI- Issue 7/ 2006

THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-WeeklyIssue 7/ 2006 30-03-2006
UGADI & SREE RAM NAVAMI SPECIAL
Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org/

------------------------------------

GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH; GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA;

GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA; THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA:

http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm
-----------------------------------------------

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY UGADI & GUDI PADWA.-30-3-2006

Ugadi (literally - the start of an era) is the New Year’s Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. While the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka use the term Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa.

The festival marks the New Year day for people who follow the southern Indian lunar calendar, pervasively adhered to in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. This calendar reckons dates based on the Salivahana era (Salivahana Saka), which begins its count from the supposed date of the founding of the Empire by the legendary hero Salivahana. This Empire is generally accepted as being that of the "Andhra Dynasty". The Salivahana era begins its count of years from the year corresponding to 78 AD of the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the year 2000 AD corresponds to the year 1922 of the Salivahana Era.

In the terminology used by this lunar calendar, Ugadi falls on Chaitra Sudhdha Paadyami or the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chaitra. This generally falls in the months of March or April of the Gregorian calendar.

Observance in Andhra and Karnataka

The Telugu and Kannada people celebrate the festival with great fanfare; gatherings of the extended family and a sumptuous feast are de rigueur. The day, however, begins with ritual showers followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture called "Ugadi Pachhadi" in Telugu and "Bevu-Bella" in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious almanac (Panchangam) of the coming year, and to the general forecast of the year to come.

Observance in Maharashtra

The festival is called "Gudi Padwa" in Maharashtra; it heralds the advent of New Year and is one of the most auspicious days for Maharashtrians.

It is customary to erect ‘Gudis’ on the first day (Padwa) of the Marathi New Year. 'Gudi' is a bamboo staff with a colored silk cloth and a garlanded goblet atop it, which symbolizes victory or achievement. Hence, this day is known as “Gudipadwa” in Maharashtra. The New Year is ushered in with the worship of the "Gudi" and the distribution of a specific "Prasadam" comprising tender neem leaves, gram-pulse and jaggery.
--------------------------------------------
Sree Ram Navami 07-3-2006
The birthday of Rama Chandra is observed on the 9th of the light half of the month Chaitra (March-April) and is kept by some as a strict fast. It was on this day that Vishnu incarnated as Rama through Dasharat's wife Kaushalya. This day is also important because the celebrated Sanskrit poet Tuli Dasa started composing his classic Ram Charit Manas. The devotees take a bath in Saryu River on this day. The fast on this day reminds us about the righteousness of Rama, his devotion to his teacher, removal of casteism, shelter to the refugee, brotherhood, devotion to parents, monogamy, devotion to the master by Hanuman and Angad, dutiful devotion of huge bird Garud. The temples of Rama are illuminated and his image adorned with costly ornaments. The Ramayana is read in the temples and Naches (nautches) are kept up during the night of the 9th. The celebration concludes on the 10th.


SREERAMA-NAVAMI FESTIVAL from Sai Satcharita-Chapter VI

This day was very dear and sacred to the devotees of Sai Baba. Most of them turned out on the occasion, and took a leading part in the management of the fair. Tatya Kote Patil looked to all outward affairs, while the internal management was entirely left to one Radha Krishna Mai, a female devotee of Baba. Her residence was full of guests on the occasion, and she had to look to their needs, and also to arrange for all the paraphernalia of the fair. Another work, which she willingly did, was to wash out and clean and white-wash the entire Dwarakamai, its walls and floor, which were blackened and were full of soot on account of the ever-burning Dhuni (sacred fire) of Sai Baba. This work, she did during the night, when Sai Baba went to sleep every alternate day in the Chavadi. She had to take out all the things, including even the Dhuni, and after thorough cleaning and whitewashing replace them, as they were before. Feeding the poor, which was so dear to Sai Baba, was also a great item in this fair. For this purpose, cooking, on a grand scale and preparing various sweet dishes, was done in Radha-Krishna Mai’s lodging, and, various rich and wealthy devotees took a leading part in this affair.
-----------------------------------
THIS ISSUE CONTAINS
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE
3. SAI IN DREAMS
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY
5. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES
11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES
12. TELUGU SECTION
13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS
14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD
15. EDITORIAL
-------------------------------
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE: From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar – Hyderabad.210. Anger is like a fire which will hurt others the way the fire burns the wood obtained from the trees or the coal excavated from the earth.

211. A person who was unnecessarily abused by others may feel the pain momentarily, but the person who abused him feels the guilt life long
212. The life is equally dearer for one and all.
213. One should not be carried away by other’s words and should always think twice before putting them into action.
214. You should know that your neighbor only will come to your rescue when you are in trouble but not a highly elevated person who is away from you. In the same way thirst can only be quenched by water drawn from a nearby small well but not by huge ocean.
215. You can see, once in fifteen days, the moon will reduce its size and after fifteen days, it will grow to its full size and if you cut the branches of a tree again it will grow. In a similar way, when you are encountering the bad days, you should not lose heart, as good days will definitely follow.
216. The tree full of fruits will always bend towards the ground and the plants without fruits will always shoot up skywards. Similarly, a good person will observe obedience towards all others as a bad person will behave head strong.
217. Normally every one will try to point out mistakes in a good person the way we talk about the black spots in the moon showering the cool and pleasant light in the darkness.
218. No doubt performing charities is great, but still greater is giving an assurance of protection.
219. A bad person with money will behave like an Iron, but when he is in trouble, he is like Iron in a molten condition.

To be continued…
--------------------------------------
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:

March 1917- (Holi). Baba appeared to Hemadripanth in dream and said that he would come for meals that day and finally he arrived in the form of a picture.

March 1988- Swami Ram Baba a noted devotee associated with Baba left his mortal coil at Bombay.

-------------------------------
3. SAI IN DREAMS: These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SaiBaNiSa Ji From our beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that this feature will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS. Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.

30-04-1994

Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and narrated a story-

A Brahmin is walking past aimless in a desert on a mid summer day. He comes across two bags kept on a small rock: one containing food and the other one having footwear. A note is kept nearby with inscription-

I know for you, being a wonderer is in dire need of both the bags, but do restrict to choosing any one of them. The one containing food will satiate your physical body whereas the one with slippers will take you along to the destination untiring. The Brahmin was quite undecided and Baba questioned me – ‘which one will you opt for, Gopala Rao?’ My sleep was interrupted without my having come to any conclusion.

Certain choices are difficult ones to make.

MAY-1994:

01-05-1994

I was mentally disturbed, as my presence has gone unnoticed in an official meeting. The craze for recognition has not ceased even after my turning Saibanisa. I prayed Lord Sainath to help me in getting rid of this longing.
Sai appeared in the form of an unknown person and said –

A Tribal to earn his livelihood will start foretelling future events of others. As witnesses and with an eye for future, he takes few photographs with VIPS and uses them in exhibiting his marketing talents to others. This he does with a fond hope of earning more recognition and publicity in his profession. Always remember that only those who feel their security is at stake seek recognition. There is no dearth or want in the house of MY devotees. Where does the need arise for recognition?

Recognition will come searching when something good is done for the benefit of society at large.

05-05-1994

Sainath, please throw some light on Sai Thathva. Sai presented me with the following visuals –

The grace of Sai ultimately reaches the devotee in spite of innumerable number of obstacles on the way.

Sai is present in all the living beings. Look for SAI Ganesh in a mighty elephant and mother Sai in a cow giving us the milk.

Sai is beyond the barriers of space and time.

To be continued…..
-------------------------------------
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY: (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)"Shashi": shashi_31@yahoo.com

22. Atma – Jnana

Constantly think of Atma. Atma is indivisible. Cause and effect are not concerned with Atma. Atma is not bound by God or bad results of action. When the mind gets purification by doing duty bound actions, then one can attain 'Jnana'. Then only one can realize the pure Paramatma, residing in all animate and inanimate objects. When we are performing actions which are ordained to us, as our duties in a selfless manner, we will get purity of mind. If we do not do this, we will be wasting our time in pleasures of life.

We must first of all know 'What is Atma'. The 'Atma' that is present everywhere is God. There is nothing except God, we must know this clearly. If we are in constant meditation, we can visualize Atma and that the entire Universe is seen in Self-Effulgent Atma. The whole world is a mirage. It is a projection of Maya. As we are not having real knowledge of Atma-Swaroopa, we will see the tricks of Maya as real. When we attain real knowledge, the Maya gets dissolved.

Atma and its power are eternal. It is pure knowledge independent of any attachments. It will never get tied up with any action. So, the truth is that man is a permanent embodiment of Atma. Atma is not a thing to be cultivated. Its always present. This is a supreme truth. All worldly activities in due course of time get destroyed and merged in Atma. That is why, Atma is said to be Ekam and is without a second. Atma is permanent and does not change, but the world is impermanent and will always be changing. We must know that the basis of the Universe is Atma only.

If one tries to know his true-self, that is Atma and then he will get rid of worldly attachments. He, who is enjoying the Atmananda, will get detached from dualities of the world, from birth and death cycle and gets salvation. If we attain such state, there will not be worldly disturbances in us.

To be continued…..-----------------------------5. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA

AKHILANDAKOTI , BRAHMANDA NAAYAKA, RAAJAADHI RAAJA, YOGIRAJA, PARABRAHMA SREE SATCHITANANDA ,SAMARDHASADGURU, SAINATH MAHARAAJ KI JAI”
From the Satsanghs of Saibanisa ji

Sai through Reincarnations
By: Sai Sevak Raghuraman Satulury
From a Magazine:

In order to clear the debts of a friend - as appeared in the
magazine -The Asian Age dated: 22-06-1997.

A tailor was living in a village and in order to perform the marriage of his daughter, took loan from a landlord. The tailor could not clear the debt as he died prematurely due to illness. The tailor, one day appeared in the dream of the landlord and told him that, he would be reborn as a He-buffalo in another friend’s house and that he should purchase it from him. “I shall then grow up, work in your fields and thus clear my debts”. Initially, the landlord hesitated but then on seeing the birth of a he-buffalo in his friend’s house, purchased it as advised. As said it grew up strong enough to work in the fields. He – buffalo then worked with the landlord for four years and one day, the tailor again appeared in the dream of the land lord and said to him “my debt now stands cleared, so please relieve me from the bonds of service”. The landlord then stopped extracting work from the he – buffalo, simply kept it tied to a tree. It was patiently waiting for it’s death and one day it took a bucket full of water and died.

Soul is eternal where as the physical body decays.
Jai Sai Ram
--------------------------

SANATANA DHARMA –NEWS FROM ABROAD:
Penang Hindus Celebrate With Lanterns

thestar.com.my

PENANG, MALAYSIA, March 16, 2006: The Sea off Teluk Bahang in Penang was awash with lights as devotees of Sri Singamuga Kaliamman temple there released thousands of styrofoam lanterns into the water. The devotees made wishes before setting the lanterns afloat during the temple's annual floating chariot festival on Monday night. Celebrated during the Masimagan month of the Indian Calendar, the festival was held in honor of Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman. "This is the 109th year we are celebrating the festival. This is the only temple in Malaysia to have a chariot in the sea," temple secretary N. Ganesan said. He said the crowd grew bigger every year as an increasing number of people were coming from all over the country and Singapore to witness the unique chariot in the open sea. "We really hope that this annual celebration will become a tourist attraction in Penang," he added. The devotees, numbering more than 20,000, began filling up the beach in front of the temple in the afternoon although the festival only started at 7.30pm. Many stalls selling various items including food, accessories and Indian costumes were set up along the small road leading to the temple. A beautifully decorated float, affixed with decorative bulbs, carried the statue of Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman and some of the temple's committee members for a ride into the sea to mark the start of the celebration. At about the same time, devotees waded into the water with their lanterns of various shapes, made their wishes and released the lanterns into the sea. Nithiya Yogarajan, 16, from Kulim, said this was the first time she came for the celebration and she found it very enjoyable. "I am making a wish to excel in my studies and I really hope Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman will grant it," she said while releasing her lily-shaped lantern into the water.
----------------------------------------------

Ancient Thailand Siva Temple to Experience Rare Alignment with Sun

www.etravelblackboard.com

CHALERMPHRAKIAT DISTRICT, BURI RAM PROVINCE, THAILAND, March 20, 2006: In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, mountains are believed to be homes to the Gods. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, a magnificent temple sanctuary set on the summit of Phanom Rung Hill, was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. According to the stone inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer found at the site, the original name of the temple complex is Phanom Rung, Khmer words meaning "big mountain." A religious sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu God, Siva, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung symbolizes Mount Kailasa, the heavenly abode of Siva. Phanom Rung Hill rises 350 metres above the surrounding plain. Astrologers have predicted that an extraordinary astro-archaeological phenomenon will occur at sunrise during the April 3-5 period this year. The doors of the temple sanctuary are so perfectly aligned that during this period, at sunrise on a cloudless day with clear blue skies, the sun's rays will shin e through all fifteen doorways of the sanctuary in a single shaft of light.
Texas Hindus Open New Temple

www.courier-gazette.com

PLANO, TEXAS, March 12, 2006: Just months after a prayer meeting got the ball rolling early last summer, a new Hindu temple will be established in Plano this week. The final steps in the installation of the deity will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Sri Ganesha Temple at 910 W. Plano Parkway. "The discussion centered around how nice the group prayer was and how wonderful it would be if there was a local place of worship," said Giridhara Gopal, a member of the working committee for the temple. After some research, it was discovered that the Hindu population is near 10,000 in Collin County. "The need was there. There was a common goal, preserve and promote the values, ideals, culture and philosophy of Hinduism," Gopal said. "The decision was easy. It was decided to build a Hindu place of worship."

------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO “LORD SIVA”
From Sai Satcharita -chapter 28

Megha began to look upon Sai Baba as an incarnation of Shiva In order to worship Shiva, bela leaves are required and Megha used to go miles and miles every day to bring them and worship his Shiva (Baba).

Megha returned to the Wada, and drew a red Trident on the wall near Baba's picture. Next day a Ramadasi Bhakta came from Poona, saluted Baba and offered Him Pindi (an image of Shiva). At this time Megha also turned up there. Baba said to him - "See, Shankar has come, protect (i.e., worship) Him now." Megha was surprised to see Pindi following Trident immediately.

http://www.saidarbar.org/sarwam/shiva.jpg

Information about JyotirLingas:

4. SRI OMKARA MAMALESHWARAM

Omkareshwar is a beautiful self manifest (swayambhu) linga. From the Vindhyanchal mountain range in Madhya Pradesh, river Narmada, turns westward and meanders in that direction. The deep wide river looks like it has assimilated into itself all the sins and sorrows of the humans and releasing them from these. This river Narmada, which flows rippling from the mountains, is also known as “Reva”. The smooth, round pebbles found in this river are called “BanaLingas”.

“
On the banks of river Narmada, there is a huge island on which the fourth of the JyotirLinga “Omkaram Amaleshwar” is situated. This island and the river are shaped like “OM” and that is how it derives its name. It is a natural phenomenon. The devotees who go round the temple consider themselves blessed because they are doing a Parikrama or Circumambulation of Omkara itself and Darshan of the holy JyotirLinga. The Narmada banks and the island are extremely beautiful. The beauty of Nature here is seen to be believed. The houses perched on the terraced green, strong mountains, the temple, KotiTeerth located in the waterfalls and valleys like Chakrateerts are some of the places to be seen. One can see very big fish and also crocodiles in these waters. There are many trees with beautiful creepers all over them. Groups of monkeys live on these trees. There are a variety of birds. The temple towers look bright and shiny in between. The whole atmosphere echoes with the sound of “Om Namah Shivaya”. It is here that Lord Sankara has taken the forms of “Omkareshwara” and “Amaleshwara”, as JyotirLinga.
Sthala puranaa of Omkareshvar

In the ancient times the Demons defeated the gods or divines. Indra was worried. The Danavas or Demons have wrecked havoc in all the three worlds, i.e., Trilokas. In order to empower the Devas once again, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirmaya Omkararoop. He came out of the nether world or Patala. Lord Shankar came out in the form of Linga on the banks of river Narmada. The gods or Devas have worshipped the Linga which made them powerful once again. This time they were able to destroy the demons and re-acquired their empire in Heavens.

Brahma and Vishnu also lived in the same place as Omkar Amaleshwar. That is why on the banks of Narmada Brahmapuri, Vishnupuri and Rudrapuri are built which are known as Tripuri Kshetra. The Amareshwar JyotiraLinga is situated in Rudrapuri.

Later on, in the mythological era or Purana Kala, Yavanaswa Putra Mandhata came into power here with the blessings of Indra. He served Lord Shankara with great devotion. Lord Shankara was pleased with him. The waters of Narmada emanated from the Arghya (holy water) or Jalahari of the Omkar JyotirLinga and flown through the mountains, downward and later on flow unseen. Narmada joins the deep-water spring located near the Linga idol of Omkareshwar. It flows there eternally. When some bubbles appear at the bottom of this spring, it is said, that Lord Shankar is pleased.

King Mandhata made this holy place his capital. Therefore, this place is also known as Omkar Mandhata. The descendents of Mandhata live here even today. The Vindhya Mountain also performed a severe penance and pleased Omkar-Amareshwar. As a result of which, the whole place turned beautiful. Many hermits like Agastya have performed severe penances and japas at Omkar-Amaleshwaram JyotirLingam. They had built their hermitages.

This place of pilgrimage became famous in the historical times too. In 1063 AD, Paramarking Udayaditya installed four stone inscriptions with four Sanskrit Stotras and dedicated them to the Amaleshwar Temple. Pushpadanta’s “Shiva Mahima Stotra” can also be seen as a stone inscription.

To be continued
--------------------------------------
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
From the files of Saidarbar 1998:

Baba appeared to a non-devotee

Peace be with you all.
I would like to share this experience with all Sai Devotees. I am a devotee of Sai Baba since child hood. I often conduct prayer meetings at my home. One of the attendees, a woman asked me who is that Baba with a crown. I have Sai's picture with the saffron cloth, tied to his head so I could not understand at that time what she was talking about.

After 2 weeks, I received a picture of Baba with a crown (from Shridi). I left it on my altar. That same woman came visiting me again, saw the picture of Baba and said "This is the same crown I saw in my vision" I knew for a fact that Baba had visited her, here in Kuwait. Amazing isn't it.
Sunita, Kuwait

------------------------------------------------------
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA Sat, 25 Mar 2006 21:03:19 -0800 (PST)
swamymain@yahoo.com
Sai Ram. Sai is the Samartha Sadguru and He uses all possible methods to teach the right path to His devotees.

"To a devotee, who was practicing Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should leave off Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi)." Sai Ram. Apart from Sraddha, Sai was always stressing on Saburi. Saburi is patience for the results after doing karma. Impatience leads the ego to run here and there and get into all sorts of troubles. It is like digging here a little, a little there and then some more at another place and so on. It is like praying to one God today, another God tomorrow and yet another the day after and so on. It is the foolish ego which, with its limited perception differentiates between this God and that God, between this Guru and that Guru. Once the ego is ripe, it realizes that it is THE GURU who takes different forms of Gods and Gurus. Saburi is a good form of Tapas. Sai Ram.

"It is impossible to describe all His ways and methods." There are as many solutions as problems, since both are created by the same Creator. Problems are actually stimulants to action. If we act with Faith in Guru (Sai in our case), He shows us the further course of action. "In ordinary worldly dealings, He set examples by His actions, one of which is given below.”

Remuneration for Labour

"One day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said - "Bring Me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house, passed the roof of Radha Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the other corner. What object Baba had, none could know." Sai Ram. And when Baba did not will it, none of His disciples or devotees including Shama, Tatya Kote Patil etc., could think of asking Him.

"Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba paid Rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally." Sai Ram. It is always better to pay liberally. The recipient feels obliged and will come gladly the next time the giver requests. Also, Baba was indicating that karmic debts should be settled as fast as possible.

Sai Ram. We have come to the end of a wonderfully rich chapter. In the next issue, we will take up another great chapter, where Baba explains to Sri Dasa Ganu Maharaj, the essence of Isa Upnishat. Sai Ram.

S.V.Swamy
Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer
www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews

To be continued…..
-------------------------------
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN: Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad.Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with children and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting Saidarbar should be entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years I have told you about Lord Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I want to tell the stories what heard in my child hood.

The Heron, Serpent and the Mongoose

Once upon a time there lived a group of herons on a banyan tree. In the hollow trunk of the tree dwelt a black serpent who ate the young herons before they grew. Out of sorrow the heron, approached the crab.
.
The crab heard of the serpent and then thought to itself, “The heron is also the natural enemy of our race. So I need a scheme to get rid of all of them". So he advised the heron to throw fish bits all the way from the house of the mongoose to the tree where it lived.
.
The heron did as told and the mongoose following the trail of the fish came and ate the serpent and at the same time crept up the tree and ate all the herons too.

MORAL: Don't listen to the advice of your natural enemy.
-----------------------------------------------
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
"Sankaraiah Dubagunta" sainama@yahoo.com
Origin of Rama Mantra

OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM

Samarth Ramdas of Sajjanghad had propagated the above Nama for Rama Sakshatkar. He did 13 crore times and had Rama Darshan.Sri RamDas who is dearly called 'Beloved Papa' of Khananghad, Anandashram by prefixing "OM" assured that one would have Rama Darshan if he repeats 9 crores of times. This Ashram has a target of 15,500 crores for world Peace and Prosperity. They have been doing for over seven decades. The Shirdi Sai Sharan group of Florida, US has fixed a target of 100 crore of "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI" Nama japa for World Peace and Prosperity. Some of you may like to know how the 'Rama Mantra' was originated.

Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj narrated in 1944 October issue of Sai Sudha as follows:

Once upon a time, Sri Rama after His return from Lanka was sitting in His Darbar with Sage Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishta and host of other people. Suddenly Sage Narada posed a question “Whether Naam (Lord's name) or Nami (Lord HImself) is superior?" As they could not arrive at a conclusion, Sage Narada Himself gave the verdict "Certainly Naam is superior to Nami." He wanted to prove his verdict and played a small drama. He told Hanumanji not to salute Viswamitra, a Rajarshi. Sri Hanuman obeyed this and incurred Viswamitraa's displeasure. Narada approached Viswamitraa “O Great Rishi!!! Hanuman didn’t respect you. Please punish him." Enraged Viswaamitra went to Rama and explained how he was insulted by Hanuman and also suggested to award death sentence.

Hanuman was very much agitated and told Narada he did as per the latter's suggestion only. Sage Narada assured nothing would happen "Repeat Maha Mantra 'SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM', it would protect you." Next day Hanumanji had a bath in Sarayu River, with folded hands repeated the Mantra. Though Lord Rama rained the arrows on Hanuman, even Brahmastra would not touch Hanuman. On seeing Rama's helpless condition Narada approached Viswamitra and told Rama should be given rest as He was tired. He further added “You have understood the Glory of Sri Rama's Name." Then Hanumanji prostrated to Rama and also Viswamitra.

Sri Ram ----- 'Sambhodhana' or the locative addressing Rama

Jay Ram ----- Is His praise

Jay Jay Ram ---- Total Surrender to Him

While repeating this Mantra, have this in mind "O Rama!! I Salute Thee, I Surrender to Thee"

OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
D.Sankaraiah.
--------------------------------------
11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
"aradhana jha”: ajha12@rediffmail.com
21 Mar 2006 13:58:51 -0000
SaiRam!First let me thank you for the great work you have done for all Saidevotees. I am a member and really enjoy going through the E-magazine-”The Glory of Shirdi Sai”.I am a devotee of Shirdi Sai and love reading about HIM. I have not as such experienced his miracles, but pray that Baba will show it one day. Many times I get angry and then as soon as I remember Baba it subsides. Jai Sai Ram, Aradhana
---------------------------------------
"Shanthi Ramakrishnan" : shanthi@sigmacgi.com
3/16/2006 20:56:35 -0800
Sai Ram!
We had wonderful sessions of our monthly Sai Darbar on December 24th,
January 12th & 21st and February 18th.

We started the sessions with OM, Gayatri and Sai Gayatri followed by Sai Ashtothram and sang a Ganesh Bhajan. Then we read 5th & 6th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on December 24th, 7th chapter in Sai SatCharitra on January 12th and 8th & 9th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on Januarry 21st, 10th & 11th chapters in Sai SatCharitra on February 18th.
Shanthi
-----------------
saileela99@yhoo.com
Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:14:00 -0500 (EST)
Om Sai Ram
Devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan of Canada welcome all to join in for Ram Navami Celebrations on Saturday, April 8th at 03:00pm followed by preeti bhoj
Location: The Gur Mandir
207 Queens Plate Drive
Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Z7, Canada
--------------------------

Please visit for Sai Aartis in Telugu:
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/PDFS/pdfs.htm

-------------------------------
FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT SIDE INDIA:Please contact: saidarbar@saidarbar.org &saidarbar@gmail.com
------------------------------------------------
13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS:
Due to space constraints of E-magazine, we are not able to give the full report on activities of Sai organizations. However, we are providing their contact e-mail ID’s and web site address for interested readers.
------------------------------------------------------

The Following Saidarbar chapters are functioning around the Globe; devotees may be contacted for necessary information about their activities to the following E-maid ids:

Saidarbar Orlando, Florida USA: sathgurusai2002@yahoo.com

Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA: murali_krishnamurthy2003@yahoo.com

Saidarbar Chennai-India: saidarbarchennai@yahoo.co.in
Saidarbar-Canberra -AU: kandra@iprimus.com.au

Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA: technical@saidarbarusa.org
Sai Darbar Portland OR USA: shanthi@sigmacgi.com

Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia : raoas@zamnet.zm
Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA: zutshi_anil_k@sbcglobal.net
Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA: vskachanta@hotmail.com
Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA happythursday999@yahoo.com

Saidarbar-London UK : suresh@vaghela.net, suresh@somtek.com

Saidarbar – Hyderabad -INDIA: saidarbar@saidarbar.org
For Further details visit: http://www.saidarbar.org/
-----------------------
Sai Activities in NJ Visit: http://www.shirdisaidham.org/ or email at shirdisaidham@hotmail.com
--------------------------------------
Sai Sansthan, Singapore: http://www.saisansthana.com/
-------------------------------------------------
"The Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto": visit http://www.theshirdisaimandir.com/
Or send an email to info@theshirdisaimandir.com
-------------------------
"Atlanta Sai Temple News": Visit: www.templeofpeace.org
Or send an email to webmaster@templeofpeace.org
---------------------------------------
"Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center":
All the issues are now available online. Please visit the
website www.hamaresai.org or click on URL
http://www.hamaresai.org/saisandesh/saisandesh.htm
Email: hamaresai@yahoo.com
--------------------------------
"Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW" USA: E-mail: admin@shirdisaidallas.org
-------------------------------------
"Om Sai Mandir" For a detailed flyer, please visit:
http://www.omsaimandir.org/mahashivaratri_flyer_2006.pdf
E-mail: saisandesh@omsaimandir.org
--------------------------
SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA: saileela99@yahoo.com
----------------------------------------------
Sai Mandir-Houston-TX-USA: E-mail: babamandir@babamandir.org
---------------------------------------
SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA TEMPLE, 46-16 ROBINSON ST, FLUSHING, NY
info@dwarakamaishirdi.org
-------------------------------------------------
Sri Shirdi Sai Florida Center: E-mail:voora@yahoo.com
-----------------------------
14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD: Books in English:
1. SHRI SAI SATCHARITA
The Life and Teachings of Shirdi SaiBaba
Govind R.Dabholkar (Hemadpant)
Translated in English by:
INDIRA KHER
Published by: Sterling Publishers Private Limited.
L-10, Green Park Extension, New Delhi -110016
E-mail: ghai@nde.vsnl.net.in
Web site: http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/
Price: Rs.300/-
Books in Telugu:

1. SHRI SAI SATCHARITA - Govind R.Dabholkar (Hemadpant)
Translated in Telugu by: Sri Swami Achalanand Saraswati
Published by: Dr.V.A.Sanvikar
“Sri Sai Meenakshi Bhavan”
81/ A, Sri SaiBaba Officer’s Colony,
Sainikpuri, Secunderabad – 500 094
Price: Rs.151/-
-------------------------------
Please Note: Those desirous of using this facility (Sai's BookWorld) to spread the word about their books may send ONE new copy of the book to Saidarbar, for details contact: webmaster@saidarbar.org , saidarbar@saidarbar.org & saidarbar@hotmail.com
Acknowledgement of receipt of books will be done byE-mail only. Book(s) sent to Saidarbar will be retained bySaidarbar and cannot be returned.
-----------------------------------------
please contact saidarbar@gmail.com
-------------------------------
15. EDITORIAL.
Things impressed me from this Magazine:

One should not be carried away by other’s words and should always think twice before putting them into action.

The life is equally dearer for one and all.

The tree full of fruits will always bend towards the ground and the plants without fruits will always shoot up skywards. Similarly, a good person will observe obedience towards all others whereas a bad person will behave head strong.

Normally every one will try to point out mistakes in a good person the way we talk about the black spots in the moon showering the cool and pleasant light in the darkness.


Sai devotees may write about their Sai activities in their place, essays, articles and poetry on Sai to "The Glory of Shirdi Sai" – We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the Glory of Shiridi Sai- the bi-weekly E -Magazine. Unless the author of the articles instructs, not to publish his/her E-mail id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice.You can subscribe for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI for a friend /relative bysubmitting e-mail ID in the main page of http://www.saidarbar.org


If you are subscribing this E-magazine for your friend or a relative, we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving the same.Editor does not accept responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published.This e-magazine is intended for Private circulation only. Submitted by Sai Sevak: Srinivasa Rao Kasturi—Saidarbar—HYDERABAD--INDIA