Sai Baba and other Saints

Continuing with yesterdays post, today let us see how Sai Baba identified himself with other saints. Baba was universal soul. He respected all religions, He received devotees from all religions. We can read umpteen number of Stories in Sai Satcharitra about Babas Muslim, Hindu, Parsi and Christian devotees.

Baba never disrespected any religion or religious practices. He always encouraged His devotees to practice their age old traditions but at the same time he was against ritualism. Baba also identified himself Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon, Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur and a host of other saints.

His proof of identify with Gajanan Maharaj was when Gajanan Maharaj passed away at Shegaon, Baba said at Shirdi: My Gajanan is gone.

And when the devotees made enquiries, it was found that Gajanan Maharaj passed away on the same day when Baba made this remark.

We also read in the Sai Satcharitra how saints respect other saints, Here we can take the example of Vasudevanand Saraswathi (Chapter 51 of Shri Sai Satcharitra).

Let us see this leela of Baba, where Baba identified himself with Akkalkot Maharaj

When Akkalkot Maharaj was passing away (about 1878) Keshav Naik of Tardev, thus addressed him: Maharaj, if you go away, what support have we?

Akkalkote Maharaj (giving his shoes to be worshipped) My Avatar (spirit) will be at Shirdi in Ahmadnagar District. Go there always. Be devoted there. If you do so, you will not remember me. And you will be happy

Keshav Naik and his son Ramachandra Naik, accompanied by two orthodox Brahmins went to Sai Baba at Shirdi. On the way the Brahmins referred to Baba as a mad moslem fakir to whom no Brahmins could bow. When all four reached Baba. Baba said to Keshav Naik You and your son may come and visit me, if you like and pointing to the other two said they are These are Karmata Brahmins.

Baba then asked Ramachandra Naik to fetch Margosa leaves. Ramachandra Naik brought some leaves and gave to Baba and Baba distributed the leaves to the four. Baba asked all the four to eat the leaves and asked them How do they taste? The Brahmins replied that the leaves were very bitter, and the Naiks replied that the leaves were sweet. Thus Baba parted his sheep from the goats, and confirmed the statement of Akkalkote Maharaj.

We might have read the story of Ratanji Shapurji Wadia of Nanded, in Chapter 14 of Sai Satcharitra, let us recall the store, Ratanji had no son and he great regard for Das Ganu Maharaj and so he sought the advice of Das Ganu Maharaj. Das Ganu Maharaj advised him to go to Shirdi and meet the God who walked on earth, Sri Sai Baba. So Ratanji went to Shirdi, had a darshan of Baba and prayed to Baba saying "Many persons who find themselves in difficult situations come to You, and You relieve them immediately. Hearting this, I have sought anxiously Your Feet; please, therefore, do not disappoint me." Sai Baba then asked him for Dakshina of Rs. five which Ruttonji intended to give, but added, that He has already received Rs. 3-14-0 from him, and that he should pay the balance only. He went back to Nanded and met Das Ganu Maharaj and told him all that has happened in Shirdi and he was not able to understand how Baba already received Rs.3-14-0 from him. It was a surprise for Das Ganu also and they raked their brain, and after deep thinking they recollected that Ratanji has honoured a saint of Nanded, Mahomedan Saint, by name Moulisaheb.

Two more story of how Baba recalled the story when the devotees visited Baba.

S. B. Nachne’s brother and family were anxious about a very serious operation, which was just being performed at Bombay on his brother. Then a Sadhu appeared at Dahanu and was given food by Nachne’s sister-in-law. They kept aside Bendi Baji (lady’s fingers’ dish) as not fit for presentation; but the Sadhu himself called for it and it was then served. The Sadhu then went away blessing them and telling them that the operation at Bombay was safe and successful. They quite forgot this incident and three years later, Nachne went to Baba. then, Baba then pointing to S.B. Nachne “I had been to this man’s house for a meal. He did not give me Bendi Baji” . Thus from this story we also learn that Baba always protects His devotees and cares for their welfare. He can take any form and visit the devotees and bless them.

When Chandrabai R. Borkar was at Kopergaon during sravana or chaturmasya of 1908, an unknown fakir appeared before her and wanted Garlic chatni and bread. She said that she did not take garlic in chaturmasya and the fakir disappeared. Having heard of Sai Baba and his taking onion everyday, she thought that fakir might be Sai Baba. So she went to Shirdi for the first time and bowed before Sai Baba. Baba told her, “You have not given garlic chatni and bread! Any why have you come here?” This confirmed her idea that the fakir who come to her was Baba and she answered “Yes, I have come to give garlic chatni and bread”. Baba then said that she was his sister for seven generations and had always sought him out

Thus we can conclude that all Saints work together. For the saints the welfare of the devotees are paramount. The saints take care of their devotees life after life. They take any form to protect their devotees. As Baba has clearly said He takes care of His devotees life after life. So Dear devotees we are lucky to have come under the influence of Baba and let us follow His teachings and try to lead a life as ordained by Baba.

Bow to Sri Sai Peace be to all.

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