Satsang TARKHAD FAMILY by Lt.Col.M.B.Nimbalkar

We all know how Das Ganu used to compose and perform
kirtans (celebrating praises of God and saints with music and
singing) without accepting any money. Once he was invited to
do so in a small out-of-the-way village near Shirdi. When Das
Ganu went to Baba to ask for permission, Baba said.
"'take Aye and bhau with you." So Das Ganu went to the village
with Mrs. Tarkhad and Jyotindra. In the evening when the kirtan
was going on, some aboriginals happened to pass thereby with
a dead body. Seeing the kirtan going on they hailed, placing the
bier (bamboo frame for burning the corpse in the burning ghat) on
the ground in front. Then suddenly their leader perhaps had a
brainwave and he said to Das Ganu, "You are extolling the powers
of saints. Let us see if your saints can re-live this dead man of
ours. Only then we will believe your words." Das Ganu almost
trembled with fear and was nonplussed. Looking at Jyotindra
questioningly he said. "Raosaheb! What should we do now?"
Then both of them decided to continue the kirtan and Sai Baba's
nam-gajar (non-stop recitation of Sai-nam), in between. Slowly
the kirtan developed a great form and even the aboriginals started
singing. Then suddenly a miracle occurred. The dead body started
moving. The man on the bier broke open the rope and got up.
Smiling on the bier, he started clappin his hands in tune with the
bhajan going on. Everybody was highly pleased in wonder and
they shouted "Victory to Shri Sai Baba."

Thus not only Das Ganu's prestige was saved but the danger to
his life and to that of those accompanying him was also averted
due to the grace of Shri Sai Baba. Who knows if Das Ganu had
not succeeded, the aboriginals might have beaten up or even
killed Das Ganu and company.
Once Sai Baba took Jyotindra to a lonely place and there
removing some earth made a small ditch and asked Jyotindra to
look into it. Jyotindra saw there-in bright shining gold and told
Baba accordingly. Baba said, "Take it. It is all yours." Jyotindra
replied. "I don't want it." Baba said, "I am giving it to you."
Jyotindra said, "But I don't want it. I do not come to Shirdi for
this. It is poison." Then Baba said. "One should not disrespect
Laxmi the Goddess of wealth, when she comes on her own. She
gets angry and never comes again." Still Jtotindra did not change
his mind and replied, "Does not matter. I do not want this poison."
Thereupon Baba filled up the ditch and retumed to Masjid with
Jyotindra.

(to be contd...)
by
Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune.
(Source :http://saileelas.org/articles/nimbalkar/tarkhad.htm
(Shri Sai Leela September October 1991)

Satsang Sri Sai Amrit Vani

Sri Sai Amrit Vani
29th June 2006

Jai Sai Ram
On Thursdays Mrs. Gupta prays for all,
during the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani, when the
presence of Baba is very strongly felt, and for
prayers, devotees need not send their names. I give
the names of only those devotees who recite or read or
listen to Sri Sai Amrit Vani on Thursday along with us
and they themselves prays to Baba for their beloved
ones. More the people are in the group prayer the more
powerful the prayer will be. So recite Sri Sai Amrit
Vani in groups and feel the presence of Baba and then
pray to HIM.

This Thursday a strange thing happened.
At about 9 AM I went to the market nearby to get the
Vicks tablets and Mrs Gupta was in the pooja room.
Suddenly there was a telephone call, which Mrs Gupta
had to attend. In one and two sentences the call was
finished but this disturbed her pooja and she was
disturbed and was in a angry mood. As she was going
back to Pooja room she had pats on her back and was
pushed to the pooja room. She asked the maid servant
as to why she is pushing her. The maid got surprised
and told that how and why she would push her and told
Mrs Gupta that there are two impressions of full hands
with Udi on her back. With the sweat the Udi got stuck
to the cloth. A clear indication from Baba not to get
angry and continue with your Pooja. The indication
could not be more clear than this.

Again this Thursday the 29th June, the
word RAM also appeared along with OM on the photo on
which Swastic, Onkar, and other figures appeared
earlier. About 80 devotees participated in the Sri
Sai Amrit Vani in person this Thursday. Many devotees
left after the distribution of Prasad and Udi. About
15 had the lunch and talked about Baba till 3:30. The
last batch left the house at about 5 PM. Some devotees
came again in the evening and some new ones also came.
Mrs Gupta remain busy with the devotees till late in
the evening.

We were able to see the following
Leelas of Baba on Thursday the 29th June 2006.

1. Udi started appearing and oozing from the photos on
the walls from Tuesday morning and in the mandir from
Wednesday morning after Mrs Gupta performed her
pooja. As usual the words formed with Udi were again
'RAM' and 'SHAM' 'OM' and Trishool.
2. OM was formed along with the word RAM with Udi
this week on the photo were swastic and onkar and OM
used to form .
3. Bhiksha Patra in one photo contained one OM formed
with Udi.
4. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week
also. This water was collected in the plate. The
taste of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara.
After Sai Amrit Vani, this water was given to the
needy devotees and again the plate was filled with
water. This water was taken out of plate 3-4 time
throughout the day and was given to devotees till
evening.
5. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was
duly accepted by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit
Vani we noticed that the box, which was placed
before HIM was half empty with partly eaten and partly
remained pieces of items in the box, Only small
pieces of items were left in the box. Part of Bhog was
on the lips of many photos and statue of Baba. These
parts of the remains in the box were given to the
devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba.
6. All the mangoes in the basket were blessed with Udi
and the mango placed near Baba was squeezed and juice
was falling from it.
7. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table
were blessed with Udi,
8. Besides Mrs. Gupta many devotees also had Udi in
their Laps and books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
9. Many devotees felt the presence of Baba during the
recitation of Sai Amrit Vani in different ways.
10. The Charnamrit, the water in which Baba took the
bath in the morning was also sweet as if some honey
has been mixed into it.

Jai Sai Ram

Mrs Gupta wants to Start the Noon Aartee at
exact 12 noon so Sri Sai Amrit Vani is started
exactly at 11:04 AM and Noon Aarti exactly at 12:00
Hrs. followed by brief Meditation and the prayer,
Prayan from Sai Satcharitra and finally distribution
of Prasad. Prayers and thanks were offered by Mrs.
Gupta to Baba.

Next Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 6th July, again
will be held in Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi.
Devotees interested in attending it in person may
contact on phone nos 26346942, 9810714688 or
9312494767 only after 11 AM (IST) on all days except
Thursdays and no calls on Thursdays PLEASE.. They
should NOT bring any bhog with them and be in time.
Kids are also not allowed in the hall. No disturbance
is tolerated during the Sri Sai Amrit Vani .

Besides the devotees who had made the direct
request to Mrs. Gupta on phone and On their request
and the assurance given of reciting/reading/listening
Sai Amrit Vani on Thursday, received till Wednesday
night, following Sai devotees were included and they
participated ( in Absencia) in the recitation of Sri
Sai Amrit Vani. The names had been sorted out,
according to their email ids, to avoid any
duplication. Devotees are requested to P L E A S E,
give the names along with place, for inclusion in the
Sri Sai Amrit Vani in absencia only of those devotees,
---------------- WHO WILL RECITE/READ OR AT LEAST
LISTEN TO SRI SAI AMRIT VANI AT THEIR PLACES ON
THURSDAY AT ANY TIME-----------. However all Sai
devotees are prayed for by Mrs Gupta during Sai Amrit
Vani, when the feeling of presence of Baba is very
strong.

Devotees participating in Sri Sai Amrit Vani
on Thursdays, in absencia are requested to pray for
themselves also and recite/read or listen Sri Sai
Amrit Vani at their place, Links of Audio MP3 files
are given in the link section of the home page of '
mysaibaba20' yahoogroup. Hindi, English and Telugu
Script of Sri Sai Amrit Vani are also there in the
file section of the home page. To go to home page of
yahoogroup key in or click
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20 . This
activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be in addition to
any other pooja or sewa or prayer that you are doing.

Meaning of Sri Sai Amrit Vani in
English along with Telugu and Romanised English Script
of Hindi is also available for those who do not
understand Hindi.

Jai Sai Ram.

Ashok Gupta

Satsang Sri Sai Amrit Vani

Sri Sai Amrit Vani
6th July 2006

Jai Sai Ram

Every week I receive hundreds of mails
(i) for prayers and (ii) for the inclusion of their
names in the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani. Mrs.
Gupta prays for all the devotees and specially for all
those who are participating in the recitation of Sri
Sai Amrit Vani by reciting or reading it with us in
person or in absencia. I include all those devotees
only in the list, with this letter who recite Sri Sai
Amrit Vani. The names of the devotees for prayer, are
prayed for but not included in the list. Kindly
mention clearly, against each devotee's name that
he/she will recite or read or listen to Sri Sai Amrit
Van, along with the name of the place.

Last Thursday I mentioned about the
impression of hands with Udi on the gown on the back.
The gown was given to the maid, on her asking. On
earlier occasions also, Mrs. Gupta had given many
sarees, which she was wearing, to her close fellow
devotees, on which Udi had fallen on Thursdays while
doing Sri Sai Amrit Van.

Again this Thursday the 6th July , it
was the same phenomina as that of last Thursday. The
word RAM also appeared along with OM on the photo on
which Swastic, Onkar, and other figures appeared
earlier. About 70 devotees participated in the Sri
Sai Amrit Vani in person this Thursday. Devotees from
Bombay and from Dubai also participated in person.
Many devotees left after the distribution of Prasad
and Udi. About 15 had the lunch and talked about Baba
till 3 PM. Some devotees came again in the evening
and some new ones also came. Mrs Gupta remain busy
with the devotees till evening.

We were able to see the following
Leelas. of Baba on Thursday the 6th July 2006.

1. Udi started appearing and oozing from the photos on
the walls from Tuesday morning and in the mandir from
Wednesday morning after Mrs. Gupta performed her
pooja. As usual the words formed with Udi were again
'RAM' and 'SHAM' 'OM' and Trishool.
2. OM was formed along with the word RAM with Udi
this week on the photo were swastic and onkar and OM
used to form .
3. Bhiksha Patra in one photo contained one OM formed
with Udi.
4. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week
also. This water was collected in the plate. The
taste of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara.
After Sai Amrit Vani, this water was given to the
needy devotees and again the plate was filled with
water. This water was taken out of plate 3-4 time
throughout the day and was given to devotees till
evening.
5. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered, it was
duly accepted by Baba and after the Sri Sai Amrit
Vani we noticed that the box, which was placed
before HIM was half empty with partly eaten and partly
remained pieces of items in the box, Only small
pieces of items were left in the box. Part of Bhog was
on the lips of many photos and statue of Baba. These
parts of the remains in the box were given to the
devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba.
6. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table
were blessed with Udi,
7. Besides Mrs. Gupta many devotees also had Udi in
their Laps and books of Sri Sai Amrit Vani.
8. Many devotees felt the presence of Baba during the
recitation of Sai Amrit Vani in different ways.
9. The Charnamrit, the water in which Baba took the
bath in the morning was also sweet as if some honey
has been mixed into it.
10. Photos, Statue and the important papers of
devotees, which were place before Baba by Mrs. Gupta
were blessed with Udi within no time. I append hereby
the Photo of the Statue blessed this Thursday.

Jai Sai Ram

Mrs. Gupta wants to Start the Noon Aartee at
exact 12 noon so Sri Sai Amrit Vani is started
exactly at 11:04 AM and Noon Aartee exactly at 12:00
Hrs. followed by brief Meditation and the prayer,
Prayan from Sai Satcharitra and finally distribution
of Prasad. Prayers and thanks were offered by Mrs.
Gupta to Baba.

Next Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 13th July, again
will be held in Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi.
Devotees interested in attending it in person may
contact on phone nos. 26346942, 9810714688 or
9312494767 only after 11 AM (IST) on all days except
Thursdays and no calls on Thursdays PLEASE. They
should NOT bring any bhog with them and be in time.
Kids are also not allowed in the hall. No disturbance
is tolerated during the Sri Sai Amrit Vani .

No public function is being held here on
11th July, on Guru Poornima as Mrs. Gupta want to
remain all alone on that day.

Following listed devotees participated in
the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani ( in absentia)
and recited Sri Sai Amrit Vani at their places.

Links of Audio MP3 files are given in the
link section of the home page of ' mysaibaba20'
yahoogroup. Hindi, English and Telugu Script of Sri
Sai Amrit Vani are also there in the file section of
the home page. To go to home page of yahoogroup key in
or click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20 .
This activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be in
addition to any other pooja or sewa or prayer that
you are doing.

Meaning of Sri Sai Amrit Vani in
English along with Telugu and Romanised English Script
of Hindi is also available for those who do not
understand Hindi.

Jai Sai Ram.

Ashok Gupta
akg_vg@bol.net.in

Satsang TARKHAD FAMILY by Lt.Col.M.B.Nimbalkar

Mrs. Tarkhad had a great desire to visit Pandharpur and take
darshan of Vithoba there. In Maharashtra people believe that
they must go to Pandharpur and bow down at the feet of Vithal
Raj least once in lifetime. Mrs. Tarkhad therefore asked Baba
for permission and also said, "Baba! I shall go only if you permit
me. Otherwise my Pandharpur will be at Your feet only." But Baba
said, "Aye! Go! you will have a satisfying darshan and pooja of
Vithal."
Mrs. Tarkhad then went to Pandharpur with her son Jyotindra. At
the temple she took darshan of Vithoba and started her pooja.
Mrs. Tarkhad had the habit of not taking anybody's assistance
while performing pooja of idols at home. In spite of great
inconvenience and fatigue, she did everything herself. Now here
problem arose while garlanding Vithoba's idol. Mrs. Tarkhad was
very short and could not reach the head of the idol. The Badava
(Brahmin official at the temple) standing by said, "Give the
garland to me. I shall place it on the idol." But Mrs. Tarkhad would
not give it to him. The Badava also would not allow her to step on
the platform and garland the idol. Mrs. Tarkhad was worried and
looking at her son said, "What shall we do now? Baba had
promised a satisfying darshan and pooja. How then this problem?"
Jyotindra, thereupon, said. "This is your earnest desire. So you
only pray to Vithoba. If He wishes to accept your pooja, He will
find some solution." Mrs. Tarkhad therefore started praying with
great devotion and tears in her eyes and lo! What a great wonder!
The idol of Vithal moved and slowly lowered down. Mrs. Tarkhad
then in great joy applied the sandal-paste to Vithoba's forehead
and lovingly placed the garland around the neck. Then both mother
and son bowed down on the ground in front of the idol.

On seeing the idol moving, the Badava's eyes rolled in wonder
and he fell unconscious on the ground. Afterwards when he arose,
he bowed down to the mother and son and said, "We have been
worshipping here for years and we considered this idol only of
stone. Today I realise the truth. Indeed you are Vithal and
Rakhumai (consort of Vithal) for us. Please stay on now with us
here " Mrs, Tarkhad and Jyotindra however explained lo him that
they were no other than ordinary pilgrims and only their earnest
devotion must have created this miracle. They then returned to
Bombay. Next time when they went to Shirdi. Baba asked Mrs.
Tarkhad, "Aye! have you a satisfying darshan and pooja at
Pandharpur?" Mrs. Tarkhad replied, "Baba! With Your blessings
why should it not happen. I was fully satisfied. Hence-onwards,
You are in Vithoba and Shirdi is my Pandharpur,"

(to be contd...)
by
Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune.
(Source :http://saileelas.org/articles/nimbalkar/tarkhad.htm
(Shri Sai Leela September October 1991)

Satsang TARKHAD FAMILY

On hearing this, the lady and her son decided to go to Shirdi
and soon reached Shirdi. When they went to the Masjid to
take Sai Baba's darshan, He said, "Aye (mother)! Have you
come? Now stay here" and then looking at Jyotindra He
further said, "Aye! you are My mother, so this your son is My
bhau (brother)." Afterwards when the lady placed her head on
Baba's feet in obeisance, He took some udi from the pot
nearly and rubbing it onto head, said, "Aye! your head is
aching very much isn't it? Henceforth it will not ache any more"
And really from that moment, the lady's headache disappeared
for ever. On experiencing this miracle, the lady naturally
became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba but in the case of
her youngest son, his very life was changed. His interest in
Sai Baba's devotion and spiritual activities became the be all
and end all -of his future life.
Further on in Shri Sai Satcharita we have read how Sai Baba
was pleased when once Mrs. Tarkhad fed a hungry dog and
how He revealed to her that the said dog was one with Him
and so also other creatures such as cats, pigs, flies, cows
etc., and how the same lady sent to Baba 'bharita' (roasted
brinjal mixed with curds and spices) and 'kacharya' (circular
pieces of brinjal fried in ghee) through Mrs. Purandare and
one pedha (sweetmeet ball) through late Mankar's son and
how Baba by accepting these with great relish and eagerness
(especially the pedha which was stale and already offered in
naivedya and sent with a person in mourning) confirmed Lord
Krishna's words in Geeta :

"Whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, water,
that I accept offered by the pure-minded, with devotion.
(Ch. IX'- 26)"

Similarly, we have also read how by revealing to Mrs. Tarkhad
and her son Jyotindra at Shirdi that on that morning Babasaheb
had forgotten to offer Him naivedya of sugar-candy at Bandra,
Baba not only proved His omniscience and omnipresence but
also assured His devotees that He is present even in His
pictures, if the devotee believes so.

But Mrs. Tarkhad and her son Jyotindra especially, had many
more experiences later which are not found in Shri Sai
Satcharita. One of the other member of Tarkhad family (Mrs.
Tarabai Tarkhad, Babasaheb's brother's wife) has narrated some
of her experiences to H. H. Narasimha Swamiji in Part I of his
'Devotees' Experiences' under an assumed name of Mrs. Manager.
But somehow Swamiji has not been able to get Jyotindra's
statement who was also living then. Perhaps Jyotindra himself
was averse in narrating his spiritual experiences to public then.
Fortunately recently I have had an opportunity of meeting
Jyotindra's son Virendra who very kindly narrated to me some of
his father's and grand-mother's experiences, heard from his father
himself. Hoping that they would be interesting and useful to the
readers, I am giving them below.

by
Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune.
(Source :http://saileelas.org/articles/nimbalkar/tarkhad.htm
(Shri Sai Leela September October 1991)

Satsang SRI SAI SAHASRANAMA ARCHANA. by Pujya Sri Narasimha Swami ji

46. Om Anavaratha samadhisthaya Namaha
who is ever plunged in Samadhi.

47. Om Anatha parirakshakaya Namaha
who protects the unprotected.

48. Om Ananyapremasamhrsta gurupadha vilinahrdhe Namaha
whose heart is merged in the feet of the Guru who is delighted
at the undiverted love (of the disciple)

49. Om Anadhruthasta siddhaye Namaha
who regarded not even the 8 siddhies.

50. Om Anamaya padhapradhaya Namaha
who grants one the abode of unalloyed Bliss.

51. Om Anadhimath parabrahmane Namaha
who is the Para Brahman without origin.

52. Om Anahatha dhivakaraya Namaha
who is the Sun of the Anahata Chakra (or the uneclipsed Sun)

53. Om Anirdesyavapuse Namaha
whose body eludes understanding.

54. Om Animese kshith aprajaya Namaha
who sleeplessly watches over his subjects or children
(the devotees).

55. Om Anugrahartha murthaye Namaha
who has incarnated (only) to bestow blessings.

56. Om Anuvarthitha venkusava Namaha
who is the disciple of Venkusa (=Venkatesa).

57. Om Aneka dhivyamurthaye Namaha
who has many divine forms.

58. Om Anekadhbhutha dharsanaya Namaha
who appears in many wonderful forms.

59. Om Anekajanmajam papam smruthimathrena
harakaya Namaha
who by his bare thought wipes off sins accumulated
in many births.

60. Om Anekajanma vruththantham savistharamudhirayathe
Namaha
who narrated with full detail the events that happened in
many previous births.

Source
http://www.saileelas.org/books/sahasra.htm

Satsang TARKHAD FAMILY

TARKHAD FAMILY
(SHRI SAI LEELA SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1991)
In Chapter IX of Shri Sai Satcharita, mention is made of Tarkhad
Family (father, son and mother).
Babasaheb (Ramachandra Atmaram) himself was a follower of
Prarthana Samaj (an off-shoot of Brahma Samaj founded by Raja
Ramamohan Roy in Bengal those days) and did not believe in
idol-worship, going on pilgrimages and visiting saints and sages.
Tarkhads were a great historic and wealthy family. During the
capture of Vasai Fort (District Thane, about 50 kms. north of
Bombay) by Peshwas, Tarkhads lost 21 members of their family
and were awarded 'jagir' of village Tarkhad nearly. At the end of 19th
century, Babasaheb's father Atmaram and uncle Raghoba shifted to
Bombay city and settled down there permanently. Those days
Tarkhads had each two big (studebaker) motor cars and they used
to move in the highest society of British Governors. Babasaheb
himself was the secretary of the famous Khatau Mills Group and
his monthly income was nearly four thousand rupees those days.
Naturally Babasaheb spumed at the orthodox Hindu rituals of
idol-worship, going on pilgrimages and visiting saints and sages.
But later the same Babasaheb not only became a staunch devotee
of Shri Sai Baba, but after Sai Baba's samadhi, took an active part
in establishing Shri Sai Baba Sansthan on a firm footing. This
transformation in his life and views was due to his devotional wife
and youngest son Jyotindra.

Mrs. Tarkhad was suffering from severe headache since many years.
In Tarkhad family there were many doctors, but their treatment could
not cure her headache. Then somebody advised her to go to Pir
Moulana, a very famous Muslim saint of those days at Bandra (now
a suburb of Bombay city). (The same saint is mentioned by Hemadpant
himself in Chapter XXI of Shri Sai Satcharita). One day Mrs. Tarkhad
accompanied by her youngest son Jyotindra went to the saint and
conveyed to him the details of her disease. The saint however replied,
"Dear lady! I have no cure for this disease of yours. But I have a brother
staying at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district, who will cure your disease.
So go to Him."

by
Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune.
(Source :http://saileelas.org/articles/nimbalkar/tarkhad.htm
(Shri Sai Leela September October 1991)

Satsang HYMN SINGING THE GLORY OF SHRI SAI NATH by Lt.Col.Nimbalk ar

8) I bow to Sadguru Sainath, the God incarnate, who is without
birth, who is the foremost and the unique who is the Supreme
Spirit incarnate who has sprung up on His own and who is Rama
Himself descended (on the earth). Oh Lord Sainathl I am really
purified by Your sight.
(9) Oh! The ocean of compassion Shri Sainathl Fulfill all desires
of all devotees. The Brahma (the creator), also is unable to describe
the matchless power of the dust of Your Lotus feet. Oh Mighty one!
I have come to You, surrendering with folded hands and great
devotion. Apart from the lotus feet of Shri Sainath, the God of Gods.
I have no other refuge (place of surrender),
10) To purify my mind polluted by Unreality [Maya] I joyfully meditate
day and night upon Sri Rama, the best amongst the Raghu dynasty
and who has taken the form of Sri Sainath and who is the Almighty
and the Tree of desire [of heaven] fulfilling the wishes of the devotees.
11) Oh Shri Sainath! May Your umbrella of compassion shining like
the autumn moon, remove with its shadow the heat [affliction] of those
surrendered at Your lotus feet
12) Oh Shri Sainath! Diety of my worship! I, Upasani worship You with
hymns of praises. Let my mind rejoice at Your feet as the black bee
desirous of the juice rejoices at the lotus flower.
13) Oh Lord and Preceptor Shri Sainath ! [Let] my sins of many births
be destroyed at the sight of your lotus feet. Forgive all accumulations
of [my] sins. Oh Ocean of Compassion! Be kindly disposed to me.
14) Those whose minds are purified by the water with which Shri
Sainath's feet have been washed and who are always engrossed with
devotion in the service of His feet [though] sunk in the flood of sins
produced out of worldly life, acquire the final emancipation.
15) Any person who always recites this Hymn of praise with attention
and devotion, will certainly become the object of Shri Sainath's favour.

Translation by Courtesy : Saibandhu Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune. w
Sai Compliments Saibhakth :> K N. Narayanaswamy 7/11, OCL Colony.
Rajgangpur-770017 Orissa

Satsang SRI SAI SAHASRANAMA ARCHANA. by Pujya Sri Narasimha Swami ji

16. Om Ajathasthrave Namaha
who has no enemies,
17. Om Ajnana thimirandhanarh chakshurunmilanakshamaya Namaha
who can give sight to those blinded by the darkness of ignorance.
18. Om Ajanma sthithi nasaya Namaha
who has no birth, life and death
19. Om Animadhivibhushithaya Namaha
who has the 8 siddhies, Anima etc.
20. Om Athyunnatha dhunijvalamajnayaiva nivarthakaya Namaha
who beats down the high flame of the faggots in his fire by force of his
order alone.
21. Om Athulbana mahasarpadhapi bhakthasurakshithre Namaha
who saves his devotees even from highly venomous serpents.
22. Om Athithivra thapasthapthaya Namaha
who performed austerest penances.
23. Om Athinamra svabhavakaya Namaha
who was very humble
24. Om Annadhanasadhanistaya Namaha
who was always feeding others.
25. Om Athithi bhuktha sesabhuje Namaha
who first fed Atities (strangers) and then took his food.
26. Om Adhrsyaloka sancharine Namaha
who traversed and moved in worlds unseen.
27. Om Adhrustapurvadharsithre Namaha
who showed wonders unseen before.
28. Om Adhvaithavasthuthathvajnaya Namaha
who knew the One Real.
29. Om Adhvaithanandha varsakaya Namaha
who showered the bliss of the one.
30. Om Adhvaithananthaskthaye Namaha
who had wonderful and numerous powers.

Source
http://www.saileelas.org/books/sahasra.htm

Satsang HYMN SINGING THE GLORY OF SHRI SAI NATH by Lt.Col.Nimbalk ar

HYMN SINGING THE GLORY OF SHRI SAI NATH

Like Shiva Mahima Stotra, this stotra ia also an effective way
of getting Sai Babas favour. This is reiterated by Shri Upsani
Maharaj in Shloka at end of the Stotra.
1) I Bow to Sadguru Sainath, the God incarnate, who is always
in His true from that is the Reality, who is the source of
knowledge and joy, who is the cause of existence, continuance
and destruction of the world and who for the sake of His devotees
wishes has manifested Himself as a human being.
2) I bow to Sadguru Shri Sainath, the God incarnate, who is the
Sun, destroying the darkness of this world, who is praiseworthy,
who is beyond mind and speech, who is comprehensible to sages
through meditation' who pervades the world who is free from
impurities and who is without any qualities.
3) I bow to Sadguru Shri Saimth, the God incarnate, who has
manifested Himself in this Kali Yuga for the complete resurrection
of those who have become distressed having sunk in the ocean of
this worldly life and who (now) have taken shelter under His feet
and are fond of His devotion.
4) I bow to Sadguru Shri Sainath, the God incarnate, who having
always lived under the Neem (margosa) tree, has caused it,
although bitter and disagreeable, to exude nectar (the beverage of
Gods) and thus made it superior to the Kalpa Vriksha (the Tree of
Desire in the Heaven).
5) I bow to Sadguru Shri Sainith, the God incarnate, who under
that Kalpa Vriksha (the Tree of desire mentioned in shloka 4 above
i. e. the Neem tree) perpetually bestows enjoyments and liberation
to those individuals who serve Him with devotion and intellect.
6) I bow to Sadguru Sainath, the God incarnate, who having
performed many unheard of and unthought of miracles, displays
bright splendour of Lord Shiva and who is without vanity and who
has pleasing temperament.
7) I bow to Sadguru Sainath the God incarnate who is like a beautiful
garden for relaxation of the sages who is praised constantly by the
virtues and prosperity to the devotees.

Translation by Courtesy ;* Saibandhu Lt. Col. M. B, Nimbalkar, Pune
. w Sai Compliments Saibhakth :> K N. Narayanaswamy 7/11, OCL Colony.
Rajgangpur-770017 Orissa

Satsang SRI SAI SAHASRANAMA ARCHANA. by Pujya Sri Narasimha Swami ji

SRI SAI SAHASRANAMA ARCHANA.
WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION AND TRANSLITERATION
(AUTHOR : POOJYA SRI NARASIMHA SWAMIJI)

1. Om Akhandasachchidanandhaya Namaha
Om I bow to him-who is perfect Sat Chit Anandi
2. Om Akhilajivavathsalaya Namaha
who loves all creatures.
3. Om Akhua vasthu vistharaya Namaha
who pervades all things.
4. Om Akbharajna Abhivandhithaya Namaha
who was revered by the Emperor Akbar.
5. Om Akhila chethana vistaya Namaha
who is immanent in all sentient beings.
6. Om Akhila veda sapradaya Namaha
whogives away all his wealth.
7. Om Akhilandesarupdpi pinde pinde prathistithaya Namaha
who is established in each body though he is also the
Lord of the Universe.
8. Om Agranyai Namaha
who is the foremost.
9. Om Agrya bhumne Namaha
whose perfection is highest.
10. Om Aganitha gunaya Namaha
who has innumerable good qualities.
11. Om Agauga sannivarthine Namaha
who removes masses of sin.
12. Om Achinthyamahimne Namaha
whose greatness is inconceivable.
13. Om Achalaya Namaha
who is fixed.
14. Om Achyuthaya Namaha
who fails not.
15. Om Ajaya Namaha
who is unborn.
Source
http://www.saileelas.org/books/sahasra.htm

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

I know nothing about her condition which resulted in her death.
In fact myself and my wife - now no more - were with her for some
days, two months prior to her end and did not notice signs of her
pregnancy. May be because we looked up to her and not to her
condition. Perhaps because I did not meet villagers or outsiders - I
heard no scandal too. The first intimation I heard was in a letter I got
from Narvekar intimating that mother had passed away in childbed.

In my last letter I recollect having mentioned the incident of Baba
coming from the Lendi when, after washing the floor of the Masjid,
the mother was in a trance, and Baba stroked her on her back and
asked her not to worry.

Two months after mother passed away, I went to Shirdi and not
knowing where I should stay, went straight to the Masjid. Baba told
me to go to Dixit Wada. Sri Madhavrao Deshpande and many others
came and offered a sort of condolence. 'This should not have happened
in Shirdi', they said. I replied that I did not desire to discuss the matter.
She was my mother and I said, even if she be in the wrong, I would
remain quiet comforted by Lord Sri Krishna's view in the Bhagavad Gita -

Api chet Suduracharo Bhajate mam Anany Bhak
Sadhu reva sa mantavyah samyag Vyavassito hi Sah. (Chapter 9-30).

(This means, "Even the most wicked, if he concentrates on or worship
Me the Lord, then he must be deemed a sadhu or a good person".)

While this talk was going on, a message came from the Masjid asking
all sitting with me in the wada to come over. We went and Baba asked
Sri Deshpande what they were talking about. Baba further asked what I
had said, and when the information was given, the merciful Master said,
'What do these fools know? She was your mother and mine. She wanted
to be freed from her karma and you know I gave her my assurance. One
night she came saying she would not wait and, lifting up my kupni, got in
here (pointing to His Heart). You will see her here when you desire'. My
Divine mother is now merged in the Master. Let people in their own way
imagine what they will. I cannot forget what I owe to Her.

I have tried to give you my first hand impressions of her. Of the devotees,
Sri Mahlsapathi, Sri H.S. Dixit had great reverence for her, and I feel I am
in good company. I trust you will have a fair idea of the greatness of my
mother. I leave it to you to take out of my statement the parts you consider
useful for your Ananda Vikatan.

I have written the above in installments. The cramps in my fingers make it
difficult to clearly decipher the writing, but I would rather send this than
a typed copy.

With kindest regards and best wishes,

I am, Ever yours,
At the feet of the Master,
M.B. Rege.

(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India Sai
Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang Thought for the day

If someone asked how can we define failure, we can simply say
that.....
Failure is an important part of your success, as much so, as not
repeating your mistakes. :)

1. "Failing to act on the dreams and visions you have for yourself"

2. "Not picking yourself up after you mess up"

3. "Hurting others for personal gain, whether on purpose or accident"

4. "Failing to understand WHY you are on this planet in the first place"

5. "Failing to understand that you are here to serve others, and in
exchange your needs will be taken care of"

6. "Failing to continually raise your standards each day"

7. "Accepting complacency"

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

Mother Radhakrishna hated publicity. A gentleman from Mumbai
took some snap shots of her without her knowledge; but some one
spoke of it as the gentleman was leaving Shirdi in a tonga. She ran
after the tonga for about a mile, wrested the camera and smashed
it. Tatya Koti Patil, an intimate devotee of Baba, told me of this in
her presence.

In December 1914, the late Sri P.R. Avasthi went with me to Shirdi.
He had taken 'Guru Mantra' from a woman saint in his young days
and did not know whether she was living or dead. Sri H.S. Dixit was
his friend and wanted him to go for darshan of Baba; but Sri Avasthi
thought that it would be 'Guru droha' (faithlessness towards his Guru).
When he came to know of my association with the Master, he spoke
of his state of mind. He was then the District Judge, Indore, and I was
Civil Judge under him. I told him that Baba was a Superb Guru - one
with God - and he agreed to accompany me provided I took on the
responsibility. We went and Baba asked me who was this 'Pissat'
(crazy man) with me. Sri Avasthi was excited. Next day the mother
tied four mogra flowers together and handing them to me said, 'Take
this to the Master and ask Him to unravel it.' Baba smelt the flowers
and returned them with a message for mother Radhakrishna that she
should do it. In the mean while Sri Avasthi had a brain wave. He made
a small ball (pindam) of rice out of the Naivedya offering unknown to us
and decided that if Baba accepted the Pindam, he would conclude that
his Guru was no more and taking Baba as Guru would not be Guru
droha. I was with him when he went to the Masjid with Naivedyam and
the Pinda in his hand under the plate. Baba said 'Give it to me'. He
took the pindam, smelt it and said 'It has reached its place'. We
returned to mother's house and from the door, Sri Avasthi rushed to
her and fell at her feet singing spontaneous verses for about half an
hour unconscious of things around him. The mother was also in a
trance. Later Sri Avasthi told me that in place of mother Radhakrishna
he had seen his first Guru.

In 1914, I was doubtful about my ability to attend the Guru Poornima.
The food was used to be cooked in mother's house, but she said that
if I was not there, it had better be cooked elsewhere. On the Guru
Poornma day, she got an extra quota from Baba's 'Bhiksha'. She then
announced that I was coming and the cooking started. I reached at
about 9 a.m. They wanted a stone to pound the spices (masala). The
step leading to the house was considered good and mother and I moved
it with some difficulty. Just as it was in the door frame, a devotee Sri
Purandare came up and wanted to help. The stone turned and it might
have crushed my hand but the mother pulled it towards herself and the
index finger of her right hand was crushed into two. You can imagine
her agony; but as if nothing had happened, she soaked a rag in oil and
wrapping the bleeding finger, went on to help in cooking. Only after all
was over, she called me and said she was feeling the pain and would
like to go to the jungle and cry. We went and for half an hour she did
cry. Then we came back for our normal work. What control over the
body and indifference to pleasure and pain in the service of the Master!

(to be contd...)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India
Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

Sri Dasganu was a great devotee; and we find in his 'Kirtanas',
references to the love of Gopies; but he probably thought that what
was proper for Lord Sri Krishna was not so for a fakir. Being confined
to the residence and company of the mother, I was a persona
non-grata and was far from Dasganu Maharaj until after the Master's
Mahasamadhi. He then came to Indore and stayed with me. Then
with tears in his eyes he said,'Baba saheb, you were very fortunate
in living with a devotee of the highest order in Madhura Bhakti. I do
kirtans of Mirabai, Janabai, Kanhopatra, and gopis, and tears flow
from my eyes but I could not appreciate the Madhura Bhakti of
Radhakrishna Ayee in real life', and referring to mother's sad end,
he said there were instance in the Puranas of birth without sexual
relations.

In 1911, I thought of practicing Yoga. I invoked my Master and wanted
no other Guru. Relying on the story of Ekalavya who got Shastra and
Astra Vidya from a mud image of Dronacharya, I began Asana and
Pranayama, sitting before the picture of my Master. I could control my
breath and stop five or six beats of my heart in about a year's time.
Once in 1912, talking of Yoga and control and functions of the body,
the mother told me that she had succeeded by Rajayoga in stopping
her monthly periods!

Mother Radhakrishna was of ordinary build, about 5 feet high, but had
an iron will and the strength of a giant. She used to fetch water from a
well about a furlong away in large pots, which she picked alone with
her hands, when a strong man would need the help of another for the
purpose. She once gave me a blow on my chest and said, "You are a
'samsari'. Is this hollow", she then asserted that she was much
stronger than me. I replied that I was only a child. She then suggested
a trial of strength, and insisted on it in spite of me. The road leading to
Rahata used to be deserted in the afternoon and she said we should
run with the other on the back. I told her to get on my back and I
would run first. I ran about two furlongs and the mother said she was
satisfied and I may stop. She then made me get on her back and ran
much more than two furlongs, and asked whether she was not stronger,
and when I said it was doubtless so, she asked me to get off her back.
I said I was happy on the back of my mother and would not leave it. She
threatened to throw me off and I replied that the world would stare if a
fond mother did so. Eventually I got a promise from her that she would
carry me on Her back on the spiritual path. It appears to me that this
was pre-ordained by the Master, as, when we return to mother's
residence, I was called by Baba and asked what we were doing. When
I told him about our race and mother's promise, the Master said 'She
will take you on her back and so will I'. But then he directed me to give
up the practice of Yoga. 'Do Bhakti', He said, 'nothing is more
necessary. Only let your Heart, Head, and hand be in tune'. (He
pointed to the head, heart, and hand, said, 'let these be one')

(to be contd...)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India
Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

To my knowledge she did not go in front of Baba nor sing bhajan in
front of him. Whenever I visited Shirdi she and I with occasionally
one or two others used to wash the floor of the Masjid when Baba
went to the Lendi and just, two months before she passed away in
1917, she came out after washing the Masjid, put her head on the
open verandah where Baba used to wash himself in mornings and
apparently went into a trance. Baba returned from the Lendi and
patting her on the back said, "Ramkrishni, why are you worry when
I am there". She started and ran away to her house. That was the
only occasion when I saw Baba saying anything to her personally
but on a number of occasions I found Baba having a sort of telepathic
communication with her.

Radhakrishna Ayee gave birth to a child and I was informed that the
child died immediately after and so did she.

Before Maha Samadhi, people gathered on Ramnavami day and the
Guru Poornima, when there was mass worship and offerings to Baba
of clothes and sweets etc., The sweets were distributed and the
clothes normally returned to the devotees. Baba did not worship any
idol and his worship that I saw was that done by a siddha.

The Ratha was presented by me and Shri Avasthi but people did not
know this. It was brought over in the night and put up there. Shri
Dasganu came for Darshan in the morning and Baba in his usual way
said to him, "See what people do, look that turbat (Tazia), is this
devotion?" Dasganu blamed Baba for allowing these things to be done
and started violently swearing at such devotees. after 10 minutes Baba
started smiling and said, "Ganu, are you blind and have you lost your
head? It is not a turbat. It is my Ratha, and I shall move in it the world
over." Physically He never used it.

I saw Baba in a violent temper sometimes. I was told that in the past
he used even strike people with his satka. When He was in a temper,
few people dared to go near him but he cooled down and was his own
loving self in no time.

I cannot say that I saw him engaged in dhyana or prayers but the
shastras says and I believe a Siddha is in eternal dhyana and that
every moment of his life is spent in the service of God.

I trust I have made myself clear. If there is any further explanation
wanted, I shall be very happy as I am in duty bound to furnish it to you.

I have been invited for the Maha Samadhi celebrations to Madras,
Coimbatore and other places. It is difficult for me to say in my present
condition of health whether I would be able to undertake the journey. If
I get well enough during the month that intervenes I shall come to Madras
and have the pleasure of meeting you there.

With love and kind regards.

Ever yours,
At the feet of the Master
(Sd.) M. B. REGE
(to be contd....)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India Sai Samaj
(Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

SHRI M.B. REGE'S RARE LETTER ON RADHAKRISHNA AYEE

Sri Gurudev

28, South Tukoganj,
Indore,
3rd September 1968

Dear Brother Sridhar,

Your letter of the 30th th reached me yesterday afternoon. I have
wired you this morning, as this letter will not reach you on 4th inst.,
as desired by you.

Now regarding my Divine mother Radhakrishna Ayee. I shall relate
some incidents which will show her worth and what the master
thought of her.

You are aware that I went to Shirdi for the first time in December
1910 consequent on a vision in which I saw my Kula Devi Shanta
Durga of Kareta (Goa) with Shri Maha Vishnu and my Master, and
Shri Maha Vishnu said that the three were in fact one, and that
Shri Sai Baba would be my saviour. You may find some more
details in Sri Narasimha Swamiji's "Life of Sai Baba, Vol.III"
(Ankita Devotees).

In my first visit, the master asked me to go to mother Radhakrishna
whom He described as His mother and mine. My association with
her and I owe my spiritual life to her - left no doubt in my mind that
she was the Yoga Maya like the Yogini, who gave Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa his training in 'Tantra' Mother Ramakrishna, whom
the master always referred to as Ramakrishni, was to me an ideal
of the Madhura Bhakti of the Gopis. All her belongings in the world
were a durrie (cotton mat) a blanket, a pair of dhotis, Eknath
Maharaja's Bhagwat, abhangas of Sri Thukaram and a lota. She
had an idol of Lord Krishna - she called it 'Chahabi' and occasional
singing of Bhajans in which she would get unconscious in a deep
trance.

The devotee I met at Shirdi had views of their own regarding Bhakti
and each one or a group thought that His or its own way was the
right one; and very often there was intolerance of other views. Mother
Radhakrishna's view was that the master should, like the idols at
Thirupati, Mathura or Dwaraka and Pandarpur, have good clothes,
ornaments, Palki Rath, etc. Other devotees of note like Sri Dasganu
Maharaj, Sri Dabolkar thought that Baba was a Fakir and ostentation
was against His creed. Indeed when once velvet chhava (overcoat)
was being put on Baba, one of such devotees, when Baba in his own
way refused to have it put on, said 'Fix some nails to fix it'. The last
scandal completely alienated such persons and since the sketches
of Baba were mostly written by them, a reference to the mother in
them, cannot be expected.

BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India
Sai Samaj (Regd), Chennai-600004, India)

Satsang Chapter 30 :Sri_Sai_Sat_Charitra_Concise(Version)

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah
Om Sai Ram

Kakaji Vaidya
We do not know what is devotion but we know for sure that
Sai Baba will not forsake us to any cost. Vaidya: Kakaji Vaidya,
who was the priest in the Sapta Shringi temple in Vani in Nasik
Taluka, was tormented by miseries. He prayed to Devi who came
in dream and asked him to 'to go Baba.' He went to
Tryambakeshwar and stayed for a fortnight worshipping Shiva with
Vedic rituals. But there was no abatement of troubles. Again Devi
came in his dream and said that 'she meant Shirdi Sai Baba and
not Trymabakeshwar Baba'. Now Vaidya's worry was how to go to
Shirdi.
Meantime, at Shirdi, Baba told Shama that He couldn't accept the
many unfulfilled vows of his mother to Sapta Shringi and hence Shama
should go personally to Vani and complete those vows. Shama came
to Vaidya of Vani. Should one explain the joy of Vaidya? After fulfilling
vows for which Shama came, both reached Shirdi. Vaidya had blissful
days at Shirdi and his troubles came to an end.

Kushal Chand: One day Baba directed kaka Dhikxit to go in a horse
drawn carriage to Rahatha and bring Kushal to Shirdi. There at Rahata
Kushal had a dream in which Baba was calling him to Shirdi. What a
wonder!

Ram Lal: In Bombay, one Ram Lal had a dream in which a saint
beckoned him for His darshan. He was not knowing who that saint
was. That evening when he was strolling on the road, on the way he
saw the portrait of Sai in a shop and came to know that the Saint who
beckoned him in his dream was Sai Baba of Shirdi. He came to
Shirdi and had the bliss of darshan of Baba.

Thus Baba pulled a lot of devotees to Shirdi..
By A. Govindakrishnan

39 Original Rare photos of Baba

39 Original Rare photos of Baba

Request : PLEASE PASS ON THIS LETTER TO
YOUR FRIENDS AND OTHER SAI DEVOTEES,

Jai Sai Ram
I have received many requests from the devotees
who have not been able to access the "39 Original Rare
photos" of Baba hoasted by me, and to send the photos
by separate email. I find that sending the 39 photos
to individuals, will be a heavy task. Let us make
another try and I try to give below the steps to be
taken to view these 39 Rare Original Photos as well
many - many other photos of Baba.
1. Key-in at the address bar or click
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20 ,
2. Home page of the yahoogroup 'mysaibaba20' will be
displayed. Here you can go to messages only and not to
any section like photo, file or link sections,
displayed on your left side. Only members can go to
these sections. On the top right side there is a
button saying 'join this group'. I would request the
devotees to click it, to join the group.
3. Your Yahoo id would be asked and then some options
will be asked from you, along with verification of
word and at the end there will be 'join' button. Clik
it to join the group.
4. Your membership will be confirmed and on the left
you can go to photos etc or go to home page and then
go to photo.
5. There are 8 Albums in the photo section. 3rd one is
the 'Original Rare photos'.
6. You can also enjoy the photos in the other Albums
which are as under at present.
6.1. Articles used by Baba 22 photos
6.2. Miscellaneous Photos 189 photos
6.3. Original Rare Photos 39 photos
6.4. Sai Devotees of Baba's time 58 photos
6.5. Shirdi and aroud 17 photos
6.6 Shirdi and around - Chawadi 5 photos
6.7. Shirdi and around - Dwarkamai 21 photos
6.8. Shirdi and around - Gurusthan 8 photos
Enjoy the picture.

Members of the yahoogroup 'mysaibaba20' can go
directly to the yahoogroup home page. Just key in into
your yahoo mail with the id, which is the member of
yahoogroup. You have already done it, when you are
reading this email. Now simply key in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20 and you
will be in the home page and then go to photo section
on the left.
Jai Sai Ram
Ashok Gupta
akg_vg@bol.net.in

THANKS FOR FORWARDING THIS EMAIL
Ashok Gupta

Satsang MEETING WITH SRI M.B. REGE

4) I never saw him taking non-vegetarian food. Until 1911 to 1912
when people prepared several dishes of food and sent the same
as Naivedhya (kanniku), He used to take only the things he got
as Bhiksha. Even when he got the Naivedhya he did not abandon
his Bhiksha. I cannot vouch for the correctness of the statement
in the Sat-charitra. He did not take anything by way of breakfast
or dinner at night so far as I am aware. His meal was only the
afternoon lunch, after Arati, which was conducted in the same
manner as is done now at Shirdi.

I never saw Him suggesting medicine for his devotees. I have only
heard that he cured a blind person by putting a little chilli powder
in the eyes and once or twice prescribed the powder of some roots.
he usually gave udhi which almost always put on the forehead of
the devotees.

It is difficult to give the correct age of Baba, but it is said that He
was about 18 years when he came to Shirdi in about 1872 and on
that estimate He would be a little over 60 at his Maha Samadhi but
he looked older - about 80.

My information about the criminal case in which Baba gave evidence
is that a person from Shirdi committed theft of gold ornaments. He
was put up for trial and his defense was that Baba had given him
the ornaments. A summon was issued to Baba and later a warrant
was also ordered. On a petition by some devotees and others, the
magistrate agreed to His examination on commission. Baba said
people called him Sai, His father was Allah, and his residence
everywhere and asked about the ornaments, it is said that He
replied, "who else gives things". The magistrate accepted his
statement as of a person who was one with God but held that the
accused was guilty and sentenced him to imprisonment. When the
people told Baba about the sentence, He said, "Who gave the
sentence, He who gave the ornaments also gave the sentence".

Shri Radhakrishna Ayee once told me that she was three years
senior to me. I met her in 1910, when I was 22. She came from
Ahmednagar to Shirdi according to her statement in 1907. She
did not cook food for Baba until about 1911 when devotees
celebrated some occasion like Guru Poornima when her room was
used for her and the devotees cooking food. Otherwise as far as
I know she did not cook even for herself because she used to get
her food out of Baba's Bhiksha. After 1912 a part of the Bhiksha
was sent to her and for me when I was there since I was also
asked not to take food elsewhere.

(to be contd....)
BHARANIDHARAN
(SRIDHAR)
Chennai-600 017.
(Courtesy: Sai Sudha, Golden Jubilee Issue - June 1990, All India Sai Samaj
(Regd), Chennai-600004, India)