Category Archives: Devotees Experiences

Baba Appears At Tirupathi

The Archakas of Tirupati have the habit of looking at the feet of Balaji Bhagwan and taking Padanamaskar before Suprabhatam (where God is woken up). They open their eyes only after this procedure.

One of the senior most archakas suddenly had a feeling one day that even after having served the Lord for 40 years, he was not fortunate enough to have his darshan. He prayed emotionally that if he had been sincere in his duty towards the lord, then the Lord must some day grant His darshan.

The next day, as usual when the archakas went into the sanctum sanctorum for padanamaskar, the senior most archaka went in first. As he reached for the feet of the idol, his hands could feel the moist feet of a human body. As he reached for the feet again and again, the same thing happened. He called out to the other Archakas and told them his experience. The other archakas too experienced the same warmth. For a moment the archakas got agitated and felt that some miscreant would be standing there but who could be so insolent to stand on the lord’s idol and that too when the sanctorum was thoroughly checked before being locked. Who could it be? Was it an illusion?.. Just that moment the archaka remembered the prayer that came out of him the day before. A thought flashed through his mind…..Was it the Lord himself?

He hurriedly removed the covering and opened his eyes. What he saw shocked him. He gave out a shriek, hearing which the other archakas also removed their coverings and opened their eyes. A sense of disbelief went through them on what they saw. The idol was gone and Sri Satya Sai Baba was standing in its place. Baba was standing in Chatur Bhuja form (with four arms). Baba was smiling. He looked at the senior most archaka and said–”You wanted to see me. I am here. What do you want?” The archaka was stunned and asked –”When did I ask to see you? In fact, I asked for darshan of my Lord Sri Balaji.” Baba replied –”I am your Lord Sri Balaji.” Taken aback by this reply the archakas asked again–”How can you be Lord Balaji? You have always said You are Shiva-Shakti Swarupa. How then can you say you are Vaikunthathi-pathi Balaji?” Baba softly replied–”All are one, my dear children. God is one. He manifests in different forms and man worships the form to which he is most attached. All faiths are paths leading to the same goal. Why then do you see the difference?” Baba spoke again–”I have come not to disturb any faith but to confirm everyone in his own faith. I respond to everyone with whatever name you call me. You wanted to see the Lord in form of Balaji and so here I am to fulfill your wish.” So saying Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba dissappeared and the idol of Bhagwan Balaji was back in its place. Silence prevailed for some time. Later the archakas handed over the administration of the temple temporarily to their juniors and rushed to Puttaparthy.

The next day the they were made to sit in front and as Bhagwan Baba came out for darshan, they sat with eyes glued at Him. As Baba came nearer, their hearts leapt in excitement. Baba maintained a little distance from them, looked sharply in their eyes, and asked –”Today how have you broken the tradition. Every day morning, you look first at my feet and then at my physical frame. Today you are looking at my face first without even taking padnamaskar.” As the archakas heard this, they fell at Baba’s feet. Baba took them to the interview room and spoke for a long time.

Millions Bathe In Ganga To Wash Their Sins, But She Washes Baba’s Feet

The origins of Ganga are divine. When Lord Vishnu assumed the Vamana Avatar (a short Brahmin child-like incarnation), he visited Emperor Bali and asked for land that he could occupy with just three steps. The emperor was very proud of his accomplishments and mocked the folly of the Brahmin for requesting such a trifle. Little did He know that the person asking for the gift was none other than God. Bali consented and, lo, the Brahmin child started growing to gigantic proportions. Within just a few seconds, He occupied all the three worlds. With His gigantic form, the Lord placed one foot on earth and the second in the heavens. With just two steps He reclaimed all that belonged to the Emperor.

When the Lord asked Bali to live up to his promise of giving land equivalent to three steps, Bali placed his head in obeisance and asked the Lord to bless him.

When the Lord’s feet were in the heavens, Lord Brahma (creator) rushed to the place and bathed Vishnu’s feet with water. It is said that this holy, sanctified water assumed the form of Ganga and now runs through earth to purify countless individuals every single day.

While she has the ability to sanctify millions of sinners, she herself washes Baba’s feet. In both Shirdi and Parthi Sai avatars, Baba demonstrated this truth.

Why visit Prayag? Everything is at my feet

Once, Das Ganu, a follower of Baba, wanted to visit Prayag to bathe in the holy river. As he requested Baba’s permission, the latter said, “Our Prayag is here, believe me.” As soon as Ganu placed his head at Baba’s feet, streams of Ganga and Yamuna miraculously started flowing from Baba’s feet.

Ocean welcomed Baba with a garland

When Swami was on a tour to Kanyakumari, Baba was at the shore with a band of followers. As Baba stood there looking glorious like a million suns, He stood facing the waters and made an emphatic declaration: “See, the ocean is welcoming me with a garland.”

Almost immediately, a wave moved swiftly toward the shore, touched Baba’s feet humbly, and receded as soon as it had performed its worship. When everyone looked at Baba’s feet, an exquisite and extremely beautiful pearl necklace was encircling Baba’s holy feet.

Baba Appeared In The Middle Of The Sea To Save A Sinking Ship

The book Sri Sai The Superman narrates a wonderful story about how Baba rescued a devotee in dire distress. It so happened that during the Russo-Japanese war, a devotee of Baba was commissioned as the captain of a ship. When the war reached its peak, all his steamers (baring a few) were sunk by the enemy lines and the opposing forces were keen on sinking his ship as well.

Just when his ship was about to sink, he took out a picture of Baba and with tear-filled eyes pleaded to Baba to come and save him. No sooner did he complete his prayers, Baba appeared on the scene and pulled the ships away to safety. The devotee was so grateful for this act of grace.

What’s more? Baba corroborated this miracle for devotees who were seated in His presence. Just when this incidence happened, Baba muttered an incorrigible “Oh!” out of the blue. Immediately, His entire dress was soaked with water and the space around Him (in Dwarakamai) was filled with a small pool of water. Devotees around Baba were confused by this incidence but knew there must be some explanation for the sudden manifestation of water.

After three days, a telegram arrived in Shirdi from Jahangiri Framji Daruwala, who wrote in to express his gratitude for Baba’s grace. It was then that all the devotees understood the meaning of the marvelous deed that Baba had performed.

Can a human appear in the middle of the ocean and pull giant ships to safety?

Through this incidence, Baba has given us an assurance that whenever we feel the ship of our life sinking in the ocean of samsara (worldliness), we can boldly call out to Him. He will surely come and rescue us. Sai is always with us.

Invisible Baba: How An Inanimate Camera Obeyed Baba’s Supreme Command

Baba Can Change Destiny Itself

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The warmth of sincere devotion can melt God’s butter-soft heart in an instant, and in response to a devotee’s plea the Lord becomes like a servitor, willing to extend any service possible.

When the call is sincere, He will alter even destiny and rescue devotees from sorrow. This has been the experience of innumerable devotees.

Once, a mother-in-law was fortunate enough to experience this grace. She was a pious lady who had a big family with many sons and daughter-in-laws. Despite experiencing all forms of happiness, she was not at peace, for none of her children were able to become parents. She visited Puttaparthi with utmost reverence and placed her sorrow at the feet of the Lord of Parthi. He heard her request with compassion but explained that none of her family members were destined to become parents–that was their fate.

She was disheartened but she firmly held Sai’s feet and with tear-filled eyes begged Him to intercede. Swami was moved and asked if she believed in Him. She calmly said that His will was supreme and that He could alter destiny itself, if He so willed. Swami was touched by her faith and blessed her. The following year, she came with beautiful grand children.

Obedience to God’s teachings is a sure way to draw His response and when a devotee adapts his lifestyle to match Baba’s teachings, Baba is sure to save such a devotee from even the most unalterable writ of destiny.

In the Sai Satcharita, there are numerous instances where a devotee was to meet death or a terrible accident, but Baba intervened and saved the devotee.

Once a devotee was intent on visiting Chitali on business purpose. Just before the visit, Baba warned the devotee of upcoming danger. Shirdi Baba posed his hand in the form of a snake and said: “The lamba buva (snake) is dangerous but what can he do to the children of Dwarakamai. The presiding deity (Baba) is merciful; He will always protect.”

In compliance with Baba’s warning and instructions, the devotee took Shama on the trip. True to his word, just when the devotee was reading a newspaper a snake was found unnoticed, but Shama noticed the snake and quickly called for help. Needless to say, the devotee’s life was saved. There are many such instances where Baba saved devotees from accidents and even predictions of sure death.

God is so merciful, He cannot but run for His devotees. He is like the hard-working mother who is always busy performing routine household chores–in His case, cosmic-duties. Despite her burdens, the mother always provides for the children’s needs and keeps a watchful eye on them. The children may not know or realize this.

When they are safe or at play, she continues performing her chores, but if a child starts crying inconsolably, she will leave everything and run to console her darling. Similarly, God, who bears the love of a thousand mothers, rushes to respond to His children’s calls. His simple words will allay all fears and fulfill devotees’ wishes.

Characteristic Of A Devotee

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A Sai devotee was once speaking to a friend when the latter randomly popped a question: “Since you have been His devotee for so long, I am sure your life must be very smooth, right?” The devotee was taken aback by the question because he had never visualized his relationship with Baba from a business perspective. He always enjoyed the love he felt for Baba and the love he received in return. There was never any bargain or requests. The friend’s question, however, prompted the devotee to introspect.

In fact, the devotee’s life was a hodge-podge of turbulent circumstances. There was a constant barrage of challenges and difficulties that left him with little room to live peacefully. From financial challenges to health issues and family hostilities, he had experienced all of that. He finally asked Baba, “Why so many difficulties when I pray to you?”

The compassionate Lord assured him as follows:

“My Beloved, can you ever measure the depth of the ocean with a small measuring container? The worldly perspective that your friend offered was like a small cup, whereas my grace is like the ocean. How can you measure one with the other? The hallmark of true devotion is not measured by the number (or absence) of worldly difficulties. For a true Sai devotee, the entire world is filled with Sai. Where does the question of difficulty ever arise? One’s devotion is tested on the basis of equanimity, fortitude, faith, love, and an attitude of selfless service and sacrifice. Problems are not the touchstone for measuring devotion.”

Didn’t Jesus, Mira, Buddha Hanuman face difficulties? Yet, despite the plethora of challenges they always smiled and resorted to God’s name, without ever swerving from the path leading to God. Despite the difficulties, they marched on knowing fully-well that all the “so called challenges” would foster their latent dispassion and devotion even further.

In ancient days, a guru called upon his disciple and asked him to plough a barren field. The disciple was so humble, he eagerly undertook the task without ever questioning the wisdom of working on a dry field. Even though the land was useless, the lad had utmost faith that due to his guru’s grace it will soon be transformed into a fertile, crop-ladden field. Day and night, the young boy toiled on the land, at times putting up with the ridicule of lazy onlookers.

For many years there was no result. In fact, his efforts appeared to be wasted. This did not deter him, though, and he continued his efforts with utmost faith. This went on for many, many years and one day the boy felt exhausted. Just as he was about the give up, the guru appeared on the scene miraculously and asked the boy what had transpired during the course of several years.

As the boy recounted the story of his failed effort, the guru smiled with a beaming light and asked the lad to look at himself. The young boy who was initially a weak creature had transformed into a young man with a rugged, muscular form and an unconquerable degree of strength. Not only that, he also breathed an aura of satisfaction, wisdom, and experience that could never be matched. Due to his implicit obedience, he had grown spiritually as well.

Indeed, the transformation was remarkable. Now, the guru asked him to look at the field. What did he find? Thousands of precious stones lay all over the field. These were hidden gems that only the guru knew about. Apparently, the guru wanted to bring these out through the boy’s tireless efforts.

God is like that too. He commands us to dig deep into our hearts and even though on the surface it may appear barren, underneath the dry appearance are pearls of wisdom, compassion, devotion, and love. Our initial efforts may appear wasted but if we persevere, one day God Himself will bring out all the treasures for us.

The truth is that suffering forms the basis of future success and through every painful experience we manage to acquire precious pearls of wisdom and become worthy recipients of the Lord’s grace.

Baba Commanded And, Lo, Dead Seeds Blossomed Into A Huge Tree

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Scriptures have proclaimed that the thought of a pure yogi is like a river that reaches its destination, often making its way by cutting through rocks and stones. Nothing can stop the flow of a river. As a mere child, Hanuman gulped down the entire sun as if it were a mere fruit. If a pure devotee can hold that much power, imagine how much more powerful Lord Sainath would be?

Some of us innocently assume Baba’s divine words to be ordinary discourses. The truth, however, is that every syllable uttered by Baba has a profound impact. If Baba were to ever command the sun not to rise, it surely will not. Such is the power of Baba’s will.

During His avataric career as both Shirdi Sai and Parthi Sai, Baba often demonstrated this truth. On one occasion, there was an intense storm in Shirdi. The fury of nature was such that it threatened to submerge the entire village into oblivion. Seeing his devotees in despair, Baba roared at the storm: “Stop your fury!” No sooner did Baba command the clouds, the rain subsided immediately.

On another occasion, a devotee wanted to plant a certain tree near Dwarkamai, Shirdi. He lovingly bought the seeds and came rushing to Baba. In his eagerness, he explained to Baba that he wanted to plant the tree and that Baba should give him permission. For some reason, Baba was reluctant to accede to the request and said “No!” This refusal was enough to cast a gloom and the devotee returned to his home. In fact, he was so disappointed he refused food and water. Internally, the devotee was truly hurting for not being allowed to plant the tree.

After a few days, the seeds dried and reached a “dead state” where they could not germinate any further. The devotee was still hurting, though. Seeing his child-like faith, Baba’s heart melted and he called the devotee and chastised him for refusing food and water. When he burst into tears, Baba’s mother-like heart could not see it any more. Baba immediately pronounced a benediction: “Go and plant the dead seeds. Even though they have become useless, due to My will they will germinate into a fine tree.” Baba’s will is supreme. Indeed the dead seeds germinated into a tree.

The Guru Charitra recounts the story of Narhari Sharma, who was afflicted with leprosy. After several failed medical treatments, he lost hope and visited Lord Dattatreya. His honest prayers melted the Lord’s butter-like heart instantly. On seeing him the Divine Lord said: “Even though the disease is a consequence of your wicked deeds in a past life, it will be wiped out. If you have faith in my word, plant the dead branch of a Fig tree at the Sangama and go on watering it every day. You will be healed on the day the stumps put forth leaves!”

The devotee took this advice very seriously and started watering the dead branch every single day. Those around him mocked this act and tried to dissuade him. They could not believe that a dead branch could ever produce leaves. Narhari was determined, though, and decided to pursue his faith with ever-increasing zeal. Indeed, one day the dead branch produced leaves and at that very instant his disease vanished miraculously.

This universe was created by God. His will is supreme. If we pray to Him with faith, He can make the impossible, possible.

There Is No Physician Abler Than Me

I Came But You Did Not Recognize

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In 2006, Swami had conducted Athi Maha Rudram on an epic scale. Tens of thousands of devotees from all corners of the world had arrived in Parthi to witness the Lord performing the grandest of all yagnas. At His calling, I had visited Parthi as well. It was the most exciting time of life. Twenty-one days of sheer bliss and hundreds of surprises and miracles, every single day.

As I would be seated in the rows, I would request Baba to grant me an interview or at least speak with me during the darshan itself. My prayers were answered on several occasions, often through naughty smiles, exchange of letters, a visit to the inner area of Swami’s temple and other similar experiences. I was not satisfied, though. I wanted to speak with Swami physically, one-on-one.

Swami always grants His children’s prayers but often displays His naughtiness in the act and also inculcates a few lessons for the long-term benefit of the devotee. I had visited Parthi on earlier occasions but had forgotten my way to the Kalpavriksha, the celestial tree in Parthi where Swami had performed numerous miracles as a child. I tried to find my way there but ended up at the meditation tree instead. As I stood there confused about the direction to take, a strange-looking man came to me. He was around five feet and a few extra inches. Dressed in a regular attire, he did not appear anything but ordinary. Sigh, how we look only on the outside.

Without my prompting, he asked me pointblank: “Are you looking for the way to go to the Kalpavriksha tree.” I said, “yes!” Due to Swami’s veil of maya (illusion), I could not think logically and at that point it never struck me as to how he knew about my desire to find the tree. The conversation went on. He gave me directions to the tree and also offered me a picture of Swami. It was one of the popular pictures of Swami with two hands raised in blessing. At first, I was reluctant to take the picture from a stranger and refused. He said, “Two rupees only.” [Devotees acquainted with the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba may have guessed it. Baba used to often ask for two rupees as a symbol of Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience).]

Something in me said “take the picture” and so I offered him the sum and took the picture. No sooner did I accept the picture he explained to me that he was a heart patient (translation: eager to seek devotees’ love) and that he sold pictures (translation: blessings) for a living.

I thanked him and walked toward the Kalpavriksha. As I was walking toward the tree, I flipped the picture on the other side and, lo, there was a pencil sketch of the statues that were to arrive at Om Sai Mandir in the future. In 2006, we had initiated the process of getting the statues done but everything was in its preliminary stages. The pencil sketch was indeed symbolic of two statues of Baba that were soon to adorn the mandir’s altar.

Until then I did not think of anything but a thunderbolt struck me that night when I was speaking to a saintly devotee of Baba. Before I could utter a single word, I was asked “Did Baba come to you today?” I said “no”. I am praying to Him but He is not responding. Again, the same question came: “Did not Baba come to you today?” My answer was “no” again. At this, I was given one more hint: “Did not Baba come and give you something today?” Now, everything sunk in. “Yes,” I said. He did come but I did not recognize Him in the form He had adorned. Then the saintly devotee went on to narrate snippets of my meeting with Baba, despite the fact that I was alone during the meeting.

Swami had indeed granted me darshan (vision), sparsham (touch), and sambhasham (conversation). He came but I did not recognize Him. Baba visits so many of us in so many different forms. We need to start seeing the inner Swami in everyone to avoid missing these surprise darshans.