Divine Leelas – Guide to video-kn
Sri Sathya Sai Ashtottara Shata Namavali [55-108]
55. Om Sri Sai Anantanuta Kartrine Namaha
Ananta – Countless; Nuta– Verses; Kartrine – writer.
Bala Sai composed hymns on Lord Panduranga and taught those songs to the children. They used to be called ‘Pandari Bhajans’. The glory of Panduranga, about Rukmayi, the consort of Panduranga, the Chandrabagha river that flows in Pandarpur and many such things were vividly described in those hymns. Even in those early ages, He had realistically picturised the emotional joy and thrill of devotees at the very sight of the temple and the exhilaration as they enter the shrine of Panduranga. They were indeed divine hymns sung by the Lord Himself in His own praise. These bhajans are sung even now by many devotees. On the 13th June 1965, Baba visited the Panduranga temple in Pandarpur, situated in Maharashtra. At the sanctum sanctorum, He materialized the sacred thread of Rukmayi and put it around the idol of Rukmayi.
Sai! Composer of a number of hymns, to you I offer my salutations.
56. Om Sri Sai Adi Purushaya Namaha
Adi – the primordial; Purusha – Atma
God is the primordial atma; Paramatma. He is Sathya, without any change. Whenever there is a decline of dharma, the Lord incarnates in human form. Arjuna told Lord Krishna, “Rishis and Munis have described that you are the primordial force, without birth and death, that you are omniscient and omnipresent. To-day you have confirmed my faith by your own declaration”. Much in the same way, in addition to the description of devotees and the learned that Bhagawan Baba is divine incarnate, Baba Himself has proclaimed this in unmistakable terms.
“I am the divine incarnate with the purpose of establishing righteousness in society”. In 1958, one of the visitors asked a few questions to Baba.
Q: What is your name?
A: I reply to any call by any name.
Q: Your place?
A: Omnipresent.
Q: Place of residence?
A: I am not committed to any particular place; I live everywhere.
The profound answers from Baba made the questioner understand that one could realize Swami only through spiritual wisdom. Only two incarnations have declared that they are divine. One was Lord Krishna and the next Bhagawan Baba.
Sai! The primordial Atma, to you I offer my salutations.
57. Om Sri Sai Adi Sakthaye Namaha
Sakthaye – powerful
God is Omnipotent – He can do anything at His will; He is the beginning and the end.
On the 20th October 1969 during the Dassarah festival at Prashanthi Nilayam, the function was arranged at Poornachandra auditorium. The silver icon of Shirdi Baba was kept on the dais. Baba came on to the dais to perform Viboothi abishekam for the idol. As He came near the idol, by the wave of His hand, He created a golden ornament with eight stars and stuck it instantly to the forehead of the idol. Seated in the front among others were a scientist and a foreigner. They were wondering as to how a golden ornament can be stuck to a silver surface without any paste or adhesive.
Baba is omniscient. He knew the doubt that had been lingering in their thoughts. Subsequent to the Viboothi abishekam, Baba started delivering His discourse. During the course of His talk, He said, “Is it a difficult task for Me to stick gold to silver, when I am able to create the golden ornament.” The omnipotent has come down to earth in the form of Baba; what is impossible for Him to achieve?
Sai! The omnipotent, to you I offer my saluatations.
58. Om Sri Sai Aparoopa Shakthine Namaha
Aparoopa – invisible to the eyes.
Shakthine – one who possesses power
In Bhagavad Gita, it is said, “I am subservient to that Lord whose grace makes the dumb speak and the lame walk.”
Once, there was a discourse by Baba at Trichy in Tamil Nadu. A large number of devotees had congregated to listen to Baba. Amongst them was an atheist, who disbelieved Baba. Baba wanted to dispel his wrong notions for his own good. By the side of this atheist, there was a dumb boy, who was known to the people of that place. He could not speak for years. Baba’s grace descended on this boy and this resulted in yet another miracle.
Baba called the dumb boy to come on to the stage. He asked the boy to stand infront of the mike. Then Swami asked the boy, “what is your name?” The boy replied in a clear voice almost instantaneously, “Venkatanarayanan”. The audience was stunned by the reply of the boy. A well known boy, deaf and dumb since birth, could hear and reply the question posed by Baba. This incident made the atheist to feel ashamed of his doubts and criticism. But the one act of Baba, brings a solution to each one. Who else can cure the deaf and the dumb other than the omnipotent Baba.
Sai! Who possesses the invisible power, to you I offer my saluations.
59. Om Sri Sai Avyaktha Roopine Namaha
Avyaktha – that which could not be visualized by the senses.
The divine grace cannot be felt or realized by mere senses without the spiritual wisdom. Baba was fifteen years of age at that time. Indra, the Lord of the devas, threatened the whole village of Puttaparthi, the men and the cattle, with thick dark clouds. The whole village became dark and the rain was to strike at any moment. Men and even the cattle were running in search of a shelter to save themselves from the impending onslaught of the rain.
Baba’s sister had prepared raw bricks for the construction of her house. As the bricks were wet, she could not fire it in the kiln. She was afraid that the whole lot of bricks were going to be washed away in the rains. Someone had suggested to spread sugar cane waste on the bricks to prevent them from being destroyed. She had gathered some men to execute the above plan and was rushing towards the banks of Chitravathi river, where the bricks were lying. Baba also followed them. Even as they reached half the distance, there were signs of rain starting.
Baba lifted His hands with His palm upward towards the sky and cried out to His sister, “Venkamma! The rain won’t come”. It was a wonder to witness the clouds moving away and the sky got clear in a very short time. In minutes there was no such sign of rain. Thus Baba, with His Omnipotenece, the power that can not be realized by senses, averted the onslaught of rains.
Sai! Who cannot be visualized by the senses, to you I offer my saluatations.
60. Om Sri Sai Kama Krodha Dwamsinae Namaha
Kama – desire; Krodha – Anger; Dwamsinae – destroyer
The school mates of Bala Sai, regarded Him as their guru. He had always advised them to follow the righteous path, to avoid smoking and gambling. He insisted that they should respect elders. Hence, His friends and others used to call Him ‘Brahma Gnani’ (The man of spiritual wisdom).
A summer course was conducted for students at Bangalore, in the year 1973. Baba had advised and warned the participants to avoid and summarily discontinue the habit of smoking and addiction to liquor. All the students pledged to abide by Swami’s advice. There was a chain smoker in that group. He could not control his habit. Baba separately warned him to get rid of the habit. He promised to do so. Inspite of his commitment to discipline himself, he was overpowered by his desire and smoked a cigratte to his hearts content at the backyard of Brindavan, where there was no one. His long drawn habit and desire made him override his promise. He wasn’t aware that Baba’s omniscient eyes watch everything at every place. He attended the subsequent classes. That day, Baba came near this boy and chided him infront of the others for smoking and thus breaking the promise. The boy was enraged that he was insulted infront of others. He mustered the courage to lie to Baba that he did not smoke at all. Baba laughed at him. He said to the boy, “Yes, I too desire that you should stop smoking”. He soon materialized something by the wave of His hand and handed it over to the boy. Thinking that Baba was giving him a gift, he took it. He was shocked to see the gift given by Baba. It was a photograph of his own, seen smoking alone in the backyard of Brindavan. He was ashamed. He fell at Baba’s feet, pleaded guilty and prayed for his forgiveness. Thus his desire and anger were subdued by Bhagawan.
Sai! Who destroys the evils of desire and anger, to you I offer my salutations.
61. Om Sri Sai Kanakambara Dharine Namaha
Kanaka – Golden; Ambara – Dress; Dharine – who wears
Kankambaradhari! One who is dressed in a golden colour robe. Wherever Baba goes, there will be a large gathering of devotees to catch a glimpse of His dharshan. The moment they see a speck of His golden robe (orange robe mostly now), they say “Sairam” in reverence. Yes! They know that Baba has come to obviate their fear and disease and to guide them in the spiritual path.
Knowing fully well that Baba was not going to relent to her request to stay in the old Mandir, Easwaramma asked her eldest son Seshamaraju to persuade Baba. Seshamaraju wrote an elaborate letter to Baba. Baba replied to the letter as follows, “I am not going to the New Mandir at the behest of anyone. The decision is Mine I have incarnated for the welfare of the entire humanity, the good and the bad equally. Devotees in crores will gather around this place from all the four corners of the globe. At that time I will be seen only as a golden speck from a distance from the colour of My dress”.
“Where will such a large gathering congregate and stay”, wondered Easwaramma. Baba lovingly explained to her that it was for the convenience of devotees that He was moving to the New Mandir. Amidst large gatherings these days Baba is spotted by the appearance of the orange robe. The orange robe enables people to locate the place where Baba is, even though they are far away from the dais.
Sai! Who wears a golden yellow robe, to you I offer my salutations.
62. Om Sri Sai Adbuta Charyaya Namaha
Adbuta – wonderful; Charyaya – activities
Adbuta – wonderful; Charyaya – activities
One evening, Swami Sadananda was seated with Bhagawan Baba at the bungalow in Kodaikanal. Leaning on His bed, Baba was in conversation with Sadananda. All of a sudden He stood up and shouted, “Don’t shoot” and then He fell down unconscious. Baba’s body became chill and stiff. He left His mortal body and wandered somewhere. After He woke up, Baba instructed a telegram to be sent to Bhopal. It read, ‘Don’t worry! the instrument is with Me’. In response to this, on the fourth day there was a reply telegram from Bhopal; it was from a high officer in the armed services.
Subsequent to the partition of the states of the country, the sub-ordinates of this officer were promoted to a higher rank leaving him behind. Frustrated at this and humiliated, the officer had decided to commit suicide. His wife and children were sent away to his in-laws place. He decided to shoot himself. He had a trial check of his revolver and finally decided to eliminate himself. It was exactly at this juncture, Baba at Kodaikanal had shouted, ‘Don’t shoot’.
At Bhopal, when the officer was about to shoot himself, he heard someone knocking the door. Hurriedly he hid the revolver under his bed and went to the door. On opening, he found to his surprise that his friend with his family, bed and his baggage had come to stay with him. He took them in to the house. They were talking together for a long time. After knowing that the wife of the officer was away, not wanting to trouble him, the friend said that they would stay in another friend’s house and departed.
The officer then bolted the door from within and tried to reach out for the revolver. To his dismay, it was not found at the place where he kept it. His search of the entire house proved to be in vain. He could not locate the revolver. He ran up to the house of the common friend to whose house his guest had gone. To his total surprise, he came to learn that his guest had not come there. Utterly disgusted and dismayed he returned to the house.
He heard a knock again on the door. There was the postman, waiting to deliver a telegram from Baba, containing the message, “Don’t worry! the instrument is with Me”. Only then could he realize that it was Baba who had taken the form of his friend, wife and servant to dissuade him from the suicidal attempt. Who else could have enacted such a drama to save a devotee.
Sai! Who engages oneself in indescribable activities, to you, I offer my salutations.
63. Om Sri Sai Apad Bandhavaya Namaha
Apad – Danger; Bandhavaya – Saviour
20th of June 1959, Baba’s body temperature, suddenly rose upto104.5 C and came down to normal only after five minutes. Only then the devotees heaved a sigh of relief, but no one knew the reason for the sudden rise in temperature.
In the night, when Baba was at dinner on the first floor in the moon light, He told a young man from Madras, “Ask your mother to be careful with fire. Give her the assurance that I will be always with her. Tell her that she will have no harm at any time”. Those around Baba could not control their anxiety to know more about the incident. Baba explained, “His mother had lit a number of lamps in the pooja room. When she got up the saree caught fire. I went there to put out the fire”.
Out of shock, the youngman telephoned to his mother at Madras to enquire about the incident. She confirmed to her son that her saree had indeed caught fire during pooja and that she was saved miraculously without any injury. She was afraid if Baba had any burns in the hand.
Baba had told the youngman, “No, how can fire harm Me? There was merely an increase in temperature”. Yes! Sai is the savior of those in danger.
Sai! Who saves those in danger, to you, I offer my salutations.
64. Om Sri Sai Prematmane Namaha
Prema – love without any expectation of reward
Atmane – incarnation of God
There was a commanding officer in charge of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. As he was also incharge of the school in the cantonment, he had asked for an explanation from a teacher of the school for her absence without prior leave application. She replied that she had gone to Chandigarh to consult a doctor and that she had been told that she was suffering from cancer; she added that she had to undergo surgery immediately. The officer had just then read a book on Baba, ‘Baba, The man of miracles’. He wanted to test the truth of the claim in the book. With his intention, he advised the teacher to visit Puttaparthi; he assured her that she would get a solution.
Comforted by the guidance and with the prayers for her recovery, she set ahead for Puttaparthi along with her sister from Bombay. When they reached Puttaparthi they came to know that Baba had gone to Madras. They followed Baba to Madras. When they reached the place of Baba’s stay at Madras, she learnt that He has gone to the Sindhi hall. By the time they reached the place, there was an overwhelming crowd, flowing out on the roads. There was no place even to stand. They were utterly disheartened; they stood near the gates, hoping to have a conversation with Baba.
As they were new, they did not know anything. They were fervently praying to Baba to come near them; she was cursing the officer and Baba for their plight of not being able to talk to Baba. Her mind could not accept the claim of the author of the book the man of miracles that Baba cures all illness.
Still, she prayed to Baba, “Hey Sai! You claim to remove the sufferings and cure illness; I have come from a faraway place to Madras, travelling thousands of miles. Don’t you realize my suffering? Can’t you shower your grace on me?”
At that time, they saw a sevadal volunteer coming towards the gate enquiring “Chandigarh?” On seeing the sisters, he came to them and enquired if they were from Chandigarh. On ascertaining the fact, he handed over a few packets of Viboothi to them and said, “Baba has ordered me to give these you. He has asked you to report for duty”. Giving another packet of viboothi, he said, “Swami has asked you to give this to Shivaji. He has also asked you to eat the viboothi as per his instructions”. Overcome with joy and relief, the sisters left Madras.
The teacher reported back to the school. She used the viboothi with all reverence; to her surprise, the doctors who examined her confirmed that there was no trace of cancer. But the teacher was unable to locate that Shivaji whom Baba had asked her to meet. When she told about this to the Commander, he was pleasantly surprised and replied that he was Shivaji himself and that ‘S’ in the initials stood for his first name Shivaji. Thus it was indeed an indirect confirmation to the officer, that Baba was omniscient. By His single act, Baba had showered His love and grace on the teacher, saved her from cancer and also blessed the commander.
Sai! Who showers your love on everyone equally, to you, I offer my salutations.
65. Om Sri Sai Prema Moortaye Namaha
Prema – Love; Moortaye – Embodiment
Young Sathya, once visited a bungalow in Bangalore. There was a cobbler mending chappals, right infront of that bungalow, on the road. A large number of people were coming by cars and vehicles to that house, bringing fruits, flowers and many other things; he also saw them returning joyously. They were talking to themselves that Baba was a reincarnation of Krishna, Shirdi Baba etc., This made him eager to have a dharshan of Baba. He took the courage to walk into the bungalow. Baba was seated in a chair. The cobbler looked at Baba and Baba also looked at him. Baba then rose up from His chair, came towards the door slowly, accepted the partially dried up garland from the hands of the cobbler, acknowledging his love. He then asked him, ‘ What do you want?’ Instantly without any hesitation, he invited, ‘You should visit my hut and accept our humble offerings’. Baba said, “Yes! I will come” and patted him on his back. He then moved back and sat in the chair. The cobbler wanted to inform Baba about his address and to enquire when He would come, but he was slowly pushed to the back by the surge of visitors. He then requested some of the devotees to enquire from Baba about the visit to his house. He subjected himself to the ridicule of others by asking this. He returned home disappointed. A few days later, he saw a big car stopping infront of him. Baba was inside; He took the cobbler with Him in the car, then proceeded to the house of the cobbler. The car drove upto the point where the road was wide, then Baba got down and walked through the bylanes to the house of the cobbler. He materialised some sweets and toffees and gave them to the family. Sitting on a small wooden plank, He leaned on the wall. He graciously accepted the fruits offered by them and blessed the family. Swami’s love is indescribable.
Sai! The embodiment of Prema, to you, I offer my salutations.
66. Om Sri Sai Prema Pradaya Namaha
Prema – Love; Pradaya – Giver, bestower
Baba was very affectionate to the sister of Pedda Venkamaraju. She was a soft hearted lady. She was sincerely desirous of seeing God; she was living amongst many odds in life. In accordance with her desire to see the vision of God, Baba told her one day, ”In the evening, I will give you the dharshan of My earlier birth.” She was beaming with joy at this assurance. Her happiness knew no bounds. She was eagerly waiting for the evening hours to come. At last, it was evening; Baba called her, closed her eyes with His hands, asked her to look into the room. She saw Shirdi Baba with viboothi on His forehead and sitting on the ground. Incense sticks were seen burning infront of Him. The whole body was glowing brightly. What a great affection to that devotee Baba had?
Sai! The bestower of love, to you, I offer my salutations.
67. Om Sri Sai Priyaya Namaha
Priyaya – loved by every one
Baba is loved and regarded with respect by everyone. Once a mother and her daughter had come to Bangalore. On their way to Bombay, they wanted to visit Shirdi. At Bangalore they heard about Sathya Sai Baba as the reincarnation of Baba of Shirdi . They then decided to have dharshan of Baba and therefore came to Prashanthi Nilayam. Though they stayed there for a few days, they could not get interview from Baba. However, the day had come for them to leave. Before leaving, they wanted to offer their prayers at the Mandir. At that time Baba was climbing the staircase. Standing below, they mentally prayed to Baba to give them permission to leave.
In His room Baba called Kasturi, gave a few packets of viboothi and sid, “A mother and her daughter are standing downstairs. Give this to them. Also, they have brought a small piece of cloth to be given to Me. Ask them to keep it with them as a gift of Mine”. When Kasturi handed over the viboothi and conveyed the message, the mother and daughter were spellbound with amazement.
Devotees visiting Shirdi take a new piece of cloth to be placed on the Samadhi of Shirdthi Baba. These people had kept one new cloth to offer on the Samadhi at Shirdi. When Baba had accepted the cloth and blessed it as Prasad, they found little reason to go to Shirdi. They considered Baba’s gift as a great honour and were extremely happy. Thus their faith was confirmed and their love to Sai knew no bounds.
Sai! Who is loved by everyone, to you, I offer my salutations.
68. Om Sri Sai Bhaktha Priyaya Namaha
Bhaktha – Devotees; Priyaya – Loved by
Two youngsters from ‘Kothanagutta’ village in Mysore district heart about Baba. Compelled by their desire to have dharshan of Baba, they borrowed money and came to Puttaparthi. Baba spoke to them affectionately and made them feel happy. He told them, “Why should you borrower money to come and see Me? You can have My dharshan in your own place from now onwards”. The youngsters learnt many bhajan songs sung at Prashanthi Nilayam and returned home with the determination to conduct regular bhajans at the Shiva temple in their village.
They performed bhajan everyday in the temple. The idol of Shiva in that temple was made of marble. In a few days, some strange lines and shades were formed on the twelve inch high Linga. In a week’s time, clear forms were visible on the Lingam. On one side the form was that of Sathya Sai Baba with garland around His neck and the other side, it was that of Shirdi Baba, seen clearly. What a great miracle! He who is loved by devotees, had enshrined Himself in their own village in response to their prayers.
Sai! Who is loved by devotees,
to you, I offer my salutations.
69. Om Sri Sai Baktha Mandaraya Namaha
Bhaktha – To the Devotees
Mandaraya– who is like the wish fulfilling Kalpa tree.
Ladies in Prashanthi Nilayam used to discuss about Shirdi Baba and His leelas. Easwaramma enjoyed listening to these incidents. She used to like the way Baba had stayed at Shirdi, since the time He entered that village. She wanted to ask Baba a question and waited for the most appropriate moment.
Once she pleaded to Baba, “If you are the reincarnation of Shirdi Baba, you should not move out of Puttaparthi. Shirdi Baba had never moved out of Shirdi since He entered that place”. On hearing this plea of Easwaramma, Baba smilingly replied, “How can I remain at Puttaparthi itself without moving out. In this birth, I have to go and meet devotees wherever they are and by whichever name they call Me. It is My duty to go and bless them. It is for that very reason I have reincarnated.”
Baba used to take His friends to the Chitharavathi river. On the top of the hill, by the side of the river there is a tree called, ‘Kalpa Vriksha’. Young Sathya used to take out various items of gifts like oranges, grapes, laddu, jilebi etc. from the tamarind tree. That was why the tree was named Kalpa Vriksha, the wish fulfilling tree. The tree which gave all that Baba wished for. Bhagawan also bestows whatever the devotees ask for, like the Kalpataru.
Sai! Who is like the wish fulfilling tree for the devotees, to you, I offer my salutations.
70. Om Sri Sai Baktha Jana Hrudaya Viharaya Namaha
Baktha Jana – Devotees; Viharaya – Resident
On the 25th of February 1965, a foreigner was sitting in front of the Samadhi of Shirdi Baba. At that time someone came to him and enquired if he had seen Sathya Sai Baba before. He also added that if god exists on earth, it is Sathya Sai Baba and that He was coming to Bombay on the 14th of March 1965. He then gave a photograph of Baba and a packet of viboothi saying that it was given by Baba himself. He also urged the foreigner to go and meet Baba without fail. No one ever knew at that time that Baba would come to Bombay in the month of March, except Baba himself. It was yet another miracle of Baba to draw the devotee to Himself.
Baba visited Bombay on the 14th of March 1965 and was staying at the Gwalior Palace. The foreigner wrote a letter to Baba and went to the place of stay of Baba. There was a very big crowd at the gates. As he was standing at the gates a volunteer came running from inside, came to him and asked, “Are you the person from abroad, waiting to give a letter to Baba? Baba has instructed that the letter be brought to Him”, and took the letter.
Sai! Who resides in the heart of devotees and plays, to you, I offer my salutations.
71. Om Sri Sai Bhakta Jana Hrudayalayaya Namaha
Hrudaya – heart; Aalayaya– enshrined in
Thammi Raju and Manchi Raju were teachers in the Uravakonda High School. Sathya studied in this school. These teachers were aware of the divinity of Baba. Thammiraju used to visit often the house of the Telugu Pandit, Seshamma Raju, (the brother of Sathya) along with his wife to have dharshan of Baba. Once when Thammi Raju’s wife took padanamaskar, Baba blessed her saying, “You need not worry about anything. I will bear all your burdens”. He materialized saffron rice and blessed her. He asked her to tie up the rice in a small cloth and keep it in the Pooja. One day, when this lady went to fetch drinking water from a distant source, she was hesitant to leave her five year old son alone in the house. Hence, she invited the children from the neighbourhood, gave some sugar and told them to conduct Sai Bhajan in the house and to take the sugar as Prasad. The children sang bhajan. To their surprise they saw Shirdi Baba sitting infront of them and were extremely happy. Baba accepted the offering of sugar and gave it to all the children. The son was keen to bring back his mother home to have dharshan of Baba. He ran upto the river, but by the time they returned, Baba had disappeared. When she asked the children about Baba, they said that Baba had merged into the picture. After a few days when they went to Puttaparthi, Baba asked, “Are you sad that I was not at home when you returned? I am always there; I am Omnipresent” and said “Both forms are Mine”. The devotion of the children made Him appear in physical form.
Sai! The indweller of every heart, to you, I offer my salutations.
72. Om Sri Sai Baktha Paradheenaya Namaha
Baktha – devotees;
Paradheenaya– one bound by bakthi of devotees
God resides in the heart and rules over the soul. He appears whenever He is called with devotion. During the Shirdi avathar, devotees from far off places like Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Gujarat could get the help of Baba by their calls in times of emergency. In Sathya Sai avatar, devotees from far off countries have experienced Swami’s physical presence at times of crisis to reassure their faith. Devotees from countries like England, Canada, Paris, Japan and Germany have experienced the supernatural phenomenon of Baba appearing in physical form in their own places.
Once, a devotee from Madras went on a European tour with his wife. They wanted to witness the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth – II. When they were shopping at Paris, they were shocked to notice that their travellers’ cheques were lost. Their search of all the baggage and places was futile. They were sore about their plight in an unknown country and feared the humiliation they may have to face. They fervently prayed to Baba to save them from humiliation. Baba heard their call for help inspite of being thousands of miles away physically. What a great wonder! The next day when they opened their purse, they saw to their surprise all the travellers cheques in a bundle, right infront. How could such a thick bunch of papers be missed when they turned over all the contents of the purse and baggage? They offered their gratitude to Baba by their prayers.
Sai! Who reigns the heart of the devotees, to you, I offer my salutations.
73. Om Sri Sai Bakthi Gnana Pradeepaya Namaha
Bakthi Gnana Pradeepaya – Bestower of Wisdom.
Shirdi Baba used to advise His devotees. “Stay wherever you want to stay; do whatever you want to do; but remember one thing. I know all that you do, because I am the indweller of your heart, and your Master. Even though I am here in this body, I am aware of things that happen beyond the seven seas.” He also used to encourage them by saying. “I am always with you, wherever you are” and thus lessened their fear.
Bhagawan Baba has often illustrated this fact of His omnipresence and omniscience, in many ways. An Inspector General of Police, told his devotee friend, “I have a closely guarded secret in my life, known only to me. If Baba can spell out that secret, I can believe that He is God and I will surrender to Him.” He said this merely as a challenge and not with any real intention.
When he visited Puttaparthi along with his friend, he was surprised to be called for a personal interview. He went in with no great expectations. However, when he came out the interview room, he was beaming with joy and was smiling with contentment. He wondered how Baba knew all about him and his secrets. He then said that Baba was God and that he would seek refuge in Him.
Sai! The bestower of the wisdom and Bhakthi, to you, I offer my salutations.
74. Om Sri Sai Bakthi Gnana Pradaya Namaha
Bakthi – devotion; Gnana – Wisdom; Pradaya – Bestower.
Baba asked a devotee from Shimoga, whether he was performing ‘Sandhya Vandanam’ (Oblations) regularly. The devotee felt ashamed and admitted that he did not perform his duties properly. Though he was initiated during his early years into this practice, he did not observe the regular oblations. He pleaded guilty of his negligence. Baba comforted him and said, “Even now it is not late; start observing Sandhyavandan from now on without any break”.
The devotee accepted the command of Baba and from that day performed oblations with reverence and sincerity, thrice a day. He then searched for the Linga which was worshipped traditionally by his ancestors from the junk into which it was dumped. He performed Pooja to that linga everyday, with the offering of flowers and fruits. Baba wanted to acknowledge his sincerity and faith. Th colourless linga turned into a golden coloured one and Baba manifested His own form in the Linga. Thus Baba bestows devotion and wisdom to the devotees who worship Him with sincerity and steadfastness.
Sai! The bestower of devotion with wisdom, to you, I offer my salutations.
75. Om Sri Sai Sugnana Marga Darsakaya Namaha
Su – auspicious; Gnana–Wisdom; Marga – direction
Darsakaya – who shows direction
In the year 1941 a very aged Sanyasi called Dhigambaraswamy came to Puttaparthi. Both his lower limbs were paralysed. He never used to wear any clothing. He observed silence all through. Hence, he was regarded as a great soul by one and all. He went to the house of the village head at Bukkapatnam, where Baba was staying at that time. Baba welcomed the saint lovingly. Everyone was eager to know what Baba was going to talk to the Sanyasi.
Baba told the Sanyasi, “If you have renounced the world, you should stay away from society, and seek refuge in the calmness of some cave or hermitage in forests and do penance, you should withdraw from society. If you aspire for fame and patronage of disciples, why do you want to have this show of dresslessness, proclaiming to have renounced everything?” All those around were stunned at this bold remark of Baba to a very aged Sanyasi. Baba then patted on the back of the Sanyasi and said, “I know your genuine fear that you may not be able to get food and a place to stay. If you live in the contemplation of the name of the Lord, I will guarantee your food and shelter, whether you are in Himalayas or in Dhandakaranya. If you are not confident, stay here and meditate”. What a noble assurance! None but God alone can give such a profound assurance.
Sai! Who shows the right direction and illumines the wisdom, to you, I offer my salutations.
76. Om Sri Sai Gnana Swaroopaya Namaha
Swaroopaya – personification; Gnana–Wisdom.
Baba showered His grace, on one occasion on Brahmacharis (young children who are to be initiated into rituals like Sandyavandan). In the year 1965, Baba decided to perform ‘Upanayanam’ (initiation with Gayathri Mantra) for a number of youngsters. More than four hundred and fifty people lined up to have this unique blessing of Baba.
Baba personally gave every one, the ceremonial dresses and the utensils for performing the ceremony and some books. When each one stood infront of Baba identifying themselves with their lineage by uttering the name of the rishi to whose gothra they belonged and asked for the ceremonial biksha (alm), Baba blessed their plates with rice. He called each one individually to Him, initiated them by imparting the sacred mantra in their ears. He reiterated the importance of Sandhya Vandanam and advised every one to perform the oblations without any break. He made the boys prostrate at their parents’ feet. He explained the Vedic Mahavakyas, “Mathru Devo Bhava; Pithru Devo Bhava.” The children were indeed blessed to get initiated by God, the embodiment of wisdom.
Sai! The embodiment of wisdom, to you, I offer my salutations.
77. Om Sri Sai Gita Bodhakaya Namaha
Gita Bodhakaya – he who teaches Bhagavad Gita.
Lord Krishna told Arjuna, “Whenever there is a decline of righteousness and unrighteousness takes an upper hand, I reincarnate to protect the good and destroy the evil”. When Baba explains the subtle meaning of Bhagavat Gita, He says, “There is nothing binding to Me or any one to force Me to engage in activity. There is nothing that I have to gain by doing anything. It is to educate, to set right and bring back to the righteous path those who have trodden the wrong directions that I am engaged in incessant activity. If I am inactive, how will the world whirl around. The happiness of every being is My true food”.
He also dispels misinterpretation of Gita, “Gita does not direct you to eschew activity (Karma) and righteousness (Dharma); it merely directs you not to aspire for the fruits of action”. “In another context, He explains that all activities, performed with the feeling that everything is done by God, renouncing the feeling of the doership and desire for the fruits, result in dharma, the right conduct”. He further explains, “Gita does not allow you to be lazy and inactive, to indulge in unrighteousness but in beholds you to surrender your ego unto the Lord and engage in activity as an instrument in the hands of God.” Thus Baba has rendered Gita in the context of this materialistic world, for the assimilation of the devotees.
Sai! Who explains the subtle meaning of Gita in a simple way, to you, I offer my salutations.
78. Om Sri Sai Gnana Siddhidaya Namaha
Siddhi – attainment; Daya–giver.
Baba has reincarnated to remove the darkness of ignorance and to illumine the heart with wisdom. Even from His boyhood. He started on this activity. His grand father himself loved to address Baba as ‘Chinna Guru’, (young Master). He was enthralled by the discources of young Sathya. Sathya used to advise His friends to eschew food that promotes thamo and rajo gunas. He warned them to stay away from smoking and going to cinemas. He encouraged them to follow clean and good habits, to adorn vibhoothi on their forehead.
He taught them to sing small bhajan songs in praise of God. He used to compose poems on the evils of drinking, the shortcomings of illiteracy. He sang about the plight of untouchables in society and the ways of their rehabilitation, even as a boy studying in Kamalapuram school. He wrote and enacted dramas, which explained the various stages of life illustrating various morals for people of every age. Thus, Baba had illumined the hearts with wisdom in a very simple way that even a common man could understand.
Sai! Who cleanses the hearts and illuminates it with wisdom, to you, I offer my salutations.
79. Om Sri Sai Sundara Roopaya Namaha
Sundara – Enchanting; Roopa–form.
Nagarathinamma was disciple of Saint Thyagaraja and she used to organise Thyagabrahma celebrations at Thiruvaiyaru, the birth place of saint Thyagaraja. She was living in Bangalore. She once had a call to see Baba, in her dream. Saint Thyagaraja appeared in her dream and directed her, “God has reincarnated in human form on earth. On His journey, He is visiting Venkatagiri. You go there and have His blessings”. She could hardly believe the dream. She wrote a letter to Venkata Giri Raja (the heir of the dynasty of Venkata Giri) about the dream and enquired, “ “Is it true that God in human form is visiting your palace? If so, kindly give me information and the opportunity to meet Him and get blessed by His darshan.” In a few days, she received a reply from Venkatagiri Raja confirming the visit of Baba.
It was the day of Gokulashtami. Baba was visiting Venkatagiri for the first time. Nagarathinamma came to Venkatagiri and she got the unique opportunity to sing the compositions of Thyagaraja in Baba’s august presence. She was given a personal audience by Baba. She could have the darshan of her favourite Rama in Baba. She prayed to Baba for a blessing, to die in the constant contemplation of God and an easy departure from this world. Baba also bestowed her with the boon she asked for. Thus, this devotee could have the beautiful dharshan of her beloved Rama in Baba, through the motivation of Saint Thayagaraja in her dream.
Sai! Who possesses an enchanting countenance, to you, I offer my salutations.
80. Om Sri Sai Punya Purushaya Namaha
Punya – noble; Purusha – embodied atma
God has incarnated in human form on earth. He moves around us, talks to us, laughs and behaves like any human being. But, we should observe him keenly. Baba often says, “My Life Is My Message”. He always advocates that to conduct oneself in a way not to displease the parents is a primary duty of every individual. He has himself lived an example of this precept.
During the early years, Mother Easwaramma could not realise the divinity of Sathya, even though sathya had announced Himself that He is the incarnation of God. She was deluded by her maternal affection. Wherever Baba went, He used to take His parents with Him. He took them to all the places of pilgrimage along with the devotees and gave them the opportunity to enjoy His divine leelas.
In 1972, there was a summer course for students at Brindavan. Easwaramma had come to Brindavan. She called ‘Peddabottu’, an 80 year old lady to her side one day and said, “I will tell you a very important experience of mine; you should not tell this to anybody”. She then said, “You know! Baba is God in human form”. The lady laughed at Easwaramma. Explaining the reason for the laughter, she told Easwaramma, “You have at last understood that Baba is God. That is why I laughed”.
Easwaramma then narrated her experience. You know, I was suffering from fever for the past few days. Yesterday Baba came to me and enquired about my health. I was complaining of pain all over the body and looked up at Him, there I did not see our Baba, but I saw Lord Ramachandra with the crown and the bow and arrows. I sat up from bed with folded hands and was completely engrossed in the beauty of Sri Rama. Even as I was observing, the form changed back to that of our Baba. He materialized viboothi, gave it to me and said, “The fever will subside”.
Thus, even though He was God Himself, He did all the duties that would please the parents, as an example for others, thus justifying his words, “My Life Is My Message”.
Sai! The noblest of all, to you, I offer my salutations.
81. Om Sri Sai Punya Phala Pradaya Namaha
Punya – noble acts; Phala – fruits; Pradaya – giver
Baba wanted to buy sarees for presenting to the woman workers, engaged in the construction of women’s college at Anantapur. When Baba was in Bombay, a hundred sarees were brought to Him. Baba selected 96 from them and kept aside 4 sarees for return. When Baba came that side again there were some signs of tears near the 4 sarees that were kept away. Baba showed to the devotees around and said, “They are weeping because I have rejected them. Now I have decided to take them also with me to Anantapur”. Some days later, during one of the discourses Baba mentioned about this when He was relating the stories of Govardhana Giri, the hill which Krishna held on His hand.
The battalion of monkeys uprooted mountains and carried them on to form the bridge which Sri Rama wanted to build on the sea. The huge boulders were passed from hand to hand, until they were finally thrown into the sea. The moment the news came about the completion of the bridge, the monkeys dropped the mountains wherever they were and ran towards the bridge. One of the mountains thus dislodged and discarded in the process, started shedding tears. Sri Rama consoled the mountain and assured that He will utilise it in His next birth as Krishna and lift it as an umbrella to save Yadavas from the rains unleashed by Indra’s wrath. Baba explained Govardhana hill was a very sensitive one. Thus Baba gives opportunity even to inanimate things to serve the society. God responds not only to the prayer of men but also to the prayers of material things. There is certainly reward for prayer.
Sai! Who bestows the fruits of one’s good acts to you, I offer my salutations.
82. Om Sri Sai Purushothamaya Namaha
Purushothama- Noblest among men
God is the noblest among men. It is because; God alone exhibits the integration of thought, word and action. His thoughts are expressed as words and get executed in seconds by His will.
The venue of the new Mandir was fixed up, three fourths of a mile from the old Mandir. Easwaramma was against the construction if the new Mandir. Easwaramma asked Baba, “Is it true that you are going to construct a new Mandir on the hills, far away from the village. How can you go so far from the village, where snakes and scorpions are rested in scores? How will the old and sick come there to get your darshan? You always run from place to place as though on wheels, not staying at one place. For whose sake is that new construction? Should you not consult an astrologer before doing these kinds of things? Listen to me. A small place full of people is better than a big place half-empty”. She poured her emotions at a stretch, gasping all through.
Baba listened smilingly to all the things the mother had said. He then consoled Easwaramma, “Why do you hear the stories of others. Once I go to that place, there will no be more forest, nor there snakes and scorpions. Thousands of pilgrims would keep coming every day, that place is going to become a pilgrimage centre like Thirupathi, Kasi or Shirdi,” Baba said. We see the result of that statement today with our own eyes, in the form of Prashanthi Nilayam, the abode of Bhagawan Baba.
Sai! The noblest of men, to you, I offer my salutations.
83. Om Sri Sai Purana Purushaya Namaha
Purana- primordial; Purushaya- atma
Baba visited Badrinath in the year 1961, along with some devotees. He took his parents Pedda Venkama Raju and Easwaramma also. The entourage started from Madras by bus. The route was long with ups and downs and serpentine bends. The bus journey was bumpy and tedious. Wherever the bus negotiated a curve, Venkama Raju developed nausea.
While at Srinagar during the halt, Venkama Raju ran very high temperature. The next day everyone was ready to leave by bus. A doctor came and informed them that Peda Venkama Raju was acutely ill. However, Easwaramma was confident and said , “Did you not hear Swami saying at Haridwar that we are going to see the real Narayana with the image of Narayan. The moment Baba comes here, he will be alright and the tour will go on”. When the news of Pedda Venkama Raju’s illness reached Baba, He went to Venkama Raju. He felt the pulses and then said, “There is no need for any anxiety; you are unnecessarily worried. You all board the bus”. Pedda Venkama Raju also boarded the bus and the journey started. Venkama Raju had no trouble there upon and was healthy throughout the journey.
Sai! The primordial atma, Naraya, to you, I offer my salutations.
84. Om Sri Sai Ateetaya Namaha
Ateeta- transcending everything
Lingothbavam (emergence of Linga from the body of Baba) is one of the miracles that devotees have witnessed. One Shivarathri day, devotees had assembled in a very large number at Shanti Vedika. Bhajan was on in full voice echoing throughout the ashram. Baba came on to the dais. He started the discourse. There was a small disturbance to His speech by the coughing of the throat. That was the sign of emergence of the Linga. Baba signaled to the bhajan singers to start the bhajan and sat on the chair. He appeared restless, leaning back and forth and drinking little water now and then. This is but an enactment of the Lord. In a short while, a bluish ellipsoidal Linga emerged from his mouth and fell on the white kerchief which he was holding in the hand. Baba showed it to all the people.
It was usual practice for Baba to go back to the Mandir after Lingothbavam. But that day Baba was still seated on the chair. Devotees wondered if there would be another Lingam emerging. There was no movement. Baba’s body had become rigid. The right hand was on the table and the left one was supported on the table with the fingers wide open and close to His eyes. The condition remained the same for nearly an hour. Then slowly, there was some movement, and Baba opened His eyes. There was a smile on His face. Devotees cheered up, Baba then got up from the chair and walked down to the Mandir. Baba then told, that he had gone around on a celestial tour. Who else could exhibit such a phenomenon, beyond scientific explanations?
Sai! Who transcends all laws of nature, to you, I offer my salutations.
85. Om Sri Sai Kalateetaya Namah
Kala- time: Ateetaya- transcends
There is no limitation of time and space for the divine incarnate. God transcends all these limitations. There was a family in Hospet, which knew Baba from childhood. The eldest sister of that family was working as a teacher in a school. Her brothers were schoolmates of Baba. They were aware of the divinity of Baba.
In 1941, one day they saw Baba getting down from a bullock cart in front of their house. There were no bounds to their joy to see their divine friend. They were talking to each other till late in the night. Baba was lying down between His two friends, talking jovially until they all slept. The lady of the hose prepared for oil bath and lunch the next morning. When she woke up and saw, Sathya was not there. He had disappeared. They were extremely disappointed. On enquiry, they were surprised to know that Baba had never left Puttaparthi. To be at two places at the same time is possible only for the divine who transcends time and space.
Sai! Who transcends time, to you, I offer my salutations.
86. Om Sri Sai Siddhi Roopaya Namaha
Siddhi Roopaya- Embodiment of Purity
God is an embodiment of purity. There could be no trace of blemish to the name and fame of God. Baba has declared “I will not be affected or changed by comments and criticism from whichever quarter it comes. Even if all the fourteen worlds turn against Me, my mission will not be hindered. Even if the heaven and earth were to oppose me, my truth cannot be challenged”. The words of God, who is purity himself, will protect and nourish the entire universe. Who can stand against His activities?
Baba was once narrating the story of Basmasura. The later sought a boon from Lord Shiva that all those whom he touched on their head should get annihilated by fire. He succeeded in getting the boon. To test the veracity of the boon, he wanted to try it on Lord Shiva himself, who had bestowed him the boon. But God devised such a plan by which the wicked Basmasura kept his hand on his own head and was annihilated. He was destroyed by himself, by his own power got after a long penance.
A yogi wanted to defame Baba and challenged him to perform siddhi which he was enacting. He also gave wide publicity in the press of his challenge and the feat he was going to perform. What happened was exactly the opposite; he became the victim of insult and was mocked at in front of a large gathering for his failure to perform the said feat. Can God be challenged? Those who supported him were put to shame.
Sai! Who is the embodiment of purity, to you, I offer my salutations.
87. Om Sri Sai Siddha Sankalpaya Namaha
Siddha – unchangeable; Sankalpa – determination
Bhagawan’s Sankalpa gets executed by mere thought alone. Even though Sathya was living in a very poor family that had many problems, He never used to complain about it to anyone. He was staying in His brother’s house during His student days. One evening, He was sitting on the chair in His brother’s house, rocking playfully.
His sister-in-law’s brother who came there at that time shouted at Baba, “With whose permission are you sitting on this chair and rocking like a king? Get away from here”. Baba politely replied to him, “The day will come, when I sit on a silver throne as a king and you are going to witness that”.
Seven years later, the Rani of Chincholi, who could not tolerate Baba sitting on a wooden chair, brought a silver throne for Baba. Sivarathri and Dasara festivals passed by, but Baba did not permit them to open the parcel. The birthday festival came. This brother of his sister-in-law had come to Puttaparthi for the festival. Baba made this guest open the parcel and sat on that silver throne placed on the dais in the Mandir. Seeing the master of the Universe sitting on the silver throne majestically, the man was moved by tears of sincere repentance; thus Bhagawan’s sankalpa gets executed without any change.
Sai! Who has the steadfast sankalpa, to you, I offer my salutations.
88. Om Sri Sai Arogya Pradaya Namaha
Arogya- good health; Pradaya- giver
Once, a young lady who had infected eyes came to Puttaparthi. She used to get headache and her eyes would start watering on coming out in sunlight. Even within the house she used to walk, always by the side of the wall feeling it for guidance. Hence throughout the day she used to be kept inside the dark room. They had consulted specialists in big cities like Bombay and Madras. There was no use. All efforts were given up.
She came to Puttaparthi and spent her time in prayer. One day Baba told her, “You can go home now. Your eye sight will become alright henceforth.” He also materialized a small bottle of some liquid, gave it to her and asked her to apply it in the eyes in the event of any problem. When she reached her house, her eyesight had become completely normal. By the blessings of Baba, her eyes were cured.
Sai! Who cures the disease and bestows health, to you, I offer my salutations
89. Om Sri Anna Vastra Daya Namaha
Anna – food; Vastra – clothing; Daya- giver
Once, Baba visited a Sainik school. The principal of the school asked Baba to give a gift for the school. Without any hesitation, Baba took a handful of sand and made it flow through the gaps in the finger. There remained a five inches high silver idol of Goddess Annapoorni in His hands. Annapoorni gives food to the Universe. Baba gave that idol to the principal and said, “Keep this idol in the dining hall; children will relish the food they eat. You can see a remarkable development in them. She will bless them not only with food, but She will bestow them with all the energies that are developed through the senses, nerves and brain. She will give energy for the body, mind and intellect for the teachers and children of your school.”
Even now on festival days, Sai Mata gives food to all the people without any distinction of status.
Sai! The giver of food and clothing, to you, I offer my salutations.
90. Om Sri Sai Samsara Dhukha Kshayakaraya Namaha
Samsara – ever changing; Dhukha – sorrow; Kshayam – destruction; Haraya – doer.
There was a devotee of Shirdi Baba, who had worked in the kingdom of Nizam. He performed his daughter’s marriage even when she was seven years of age. Her family life was not good. All the four children born to the couple, died one after the other. She went to Shirdi Baba, caught hold of Baba’s feet and pleaded, “I will stay here itself with you. Intimate me into sanyasa and save me”. Baba told her kindly, “Do not stay here now. I will reincarnate in Andhra Pradesh again. You come and see Me there. At that time you can stay with Me.” He thus encouraged her to go back. She returned to Nizamabad. She earned her livelihood by giving performances on the leela of God. She could establish an organization called Seva Sadan for the welfare of the destitute. It was at that time she heard of a young boy belonging to a Raju family declaring Himself to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Baba.
She hurried to Uravakonda where Baba was staying at that time. As she came near Baba, He received her saying, “You have come my child! Do you remember you owe Me sisteen rupees. You had kept aside forty rupees to be sent to Shirdi for Dassarah Festival. You gave it to one Balram for help. He returned only twenty four rupees. The balance sixteen rupees he has not returned”. Baba then added, “Let it go. Only to reassure you that I am the same Baba of Shirdi, I reminded you of that incident”. He then gave her Padanamaskar and permitted her to stay in Prashanthi Nilayam itself.
Sai! Who saves people from the whirlpool of sorrow, to you, I offer my salutations.
91. Om Sri Sai Sarvabeeshta Pradaya Namaha
Sarva – All; Abeeshta – desire; Daya – fulfills
Baba fulfills all the genuine desires of His devotees. One devotee was of the habit of reciting Ashtothram daily and Sahasranama archana every Thursday. After the pooja, he used to prostrate with his whole body touching the ground in front of Baba’s photograph. He used to visualize Baba standing infront of him and that he was holding Swami’s feet with both his hands. He used to derive extreme happiness by this practice and tears of joy would trickle down the cheeks.
Once when visited Puttaparthi. Baba came near him and said, “ You see me standing infront of you; see my feet now. See how much of gap is required between the feet, for Me to stand comfortably. You keep your hands during prayers so close that every time when you offer your namaskar, I have to keep My feet closely together and stand uncomfortably. Keep a little more distance between your hands when you do namaskar”. Thus He has given ample evidence for us to realize that He listens to every word of our prayer. He does not reject any of our genuine prayers, but grants the result of our prayers.
Sai! Who fulfills all our desires, to you, I offer my salutations.
92. Om Sri Sai Kalyana Gunaya Namaha
Kalyana – auspicious; Gunaya – person with attributes.
17th of May 1968 is a very important day of this century. It was the day on which Baba had charged the Somnath Temple with His divine energy, thus fulfilling the prayers of the late Raja of Nava Nagar. Somnath temple was once the richest of temples in India. Therefore, it attracted the attention of the Muslim invaders who looted this temple.
The Raja of Nava Nagar was engaged in the rebuilding of the temple, which was destroyed by the invaders. Even after his demise, the Rajmata had succeeded in persuading Bhagawan to sanctify the temple by His visit and to open it. On the day of reopening of the temple, Baba announced that He was going to bring out the real Somnath Lingam. Baba was ceremonially welcomed to the pandal. The trustees of the temple, Government officers and dignitaries had assembled to receive Baba to the temple.
Baba opened the ‘Digvijay door’ engraved with silver plates using a silver key. Baba was taken to the sanctum sanctorum by the trustees. He asked them to bring a plate. He kept His hands with the fingers wide open on the plate and closed it with palms. One hundred and eight golden leaves of holy Bilva and, hundred and eight golden flowers fell on the plate with a jingle. He then showered these leaves and flowers on the Linga installed there.
Baba again waved His hands in the air. There was a sparkle brighter than lightning; there was the Jyothir Linga in His hands. Baba had unearthed the Someswara Linga that was buried underground to avert any sabotage by the invaders. The priest of the temple justified the fact that the Lingam was hidden earlier. Baba also materialized a silver pedestal to mount the Lingam and told the trustees to keep the Linga there itself for the devotees to offer prayers. He said that there was no need to keep it underground anymore. Baba added that He has reincarnated on earth only to dispel such fears.
Sai! Who has brought out all the six auspicious qualities, to you, I offer my salutations.
93. Om Sri Sai Karma Dhvamsine Namaha
Karma – ill effect of one’s Karma; Dhvamsine – destroyer
God destroys the effect of our Karma. God alone has the power to do it.
A foreigner came to India to have dharshan of Baba. He reached Puttaparthi, three days before Dhasara festival. The festival was celebrated with grandeur. Subsequent to the festival, this foreigner contracted a cold. The condition worsened further and turned into high temperature; he was critical. He couldn’t even walk a few steps. A doctor residing in the ashram attended on him and prayed to Baba. “You only should save him”. The patient was frightened at these remarks and fervently prayed to Baba. “I still have lot of duties to be completed in Europe. I don’t want to die now; kindly save me.” At night, Baba appeared before him. (There was a king with Om inscribed around Baba). When he woke up the next morning his condition had improved considerably.
Another foreigner known to him had come to visit him in the morning. “Baba was talking about you in the interview today” the visitor said. “Baba recalled your name and said “the man who would be gently swinging during the Bhajans, had severe heart attack yesterday night. I was with him all through the night. He has crossed the critical condition and there was no need to worry now. Tell him this news” the visitor added. In spite of his condition being critical, his prayers made Baba bring him back from death bed.
Sai! Who destroys the ill effect of one’s Karma, to you, I offer my salutations.
94. Om Sri Sai Sadhu Manasa Sobhitaya Namaha.
Manasa – In the Minds; Sobhitaya – one who illuminates
Amruthananda, the disciple of Ramana Maharishi once went to Puttaparthi, to have dharshan of Baba. Baba addressed him affectionately as ‘Amirdham’, as though he had known him since long.
Amruthananda was astonished and remarked, “Ramana Maharishi was the only person who used to call me like this. Baba’s voice and the way he addressed resemble that of my guru.”
One day Baba recalled to Amruthananda, the Ganapathi yagna which the latter performed at the age of seven. He also recited the mantras for it. “What are the benefits of doing the yagna according to scriptures?” Baba asked Amirthanananda . the latter answered, “If done according to the scriptures, Lord Ganesha will rise up from the fire of the yagna with His golden form with trunk and accord the boon of immortality.”
Baba enquired Amruthananda if he had got that dharshan. “It is not possible for a seven year old to have that dharshan” said the saint. To this reply, Baba said, “It is the good fortune of that yagna, you have got my dharshan atleast after seventy eight years” and asked Amruthananda to look into Him carefully. The very purpose of performing the yagna was fulfilled when he saw in Baba, the form of Lord Ganesha.
Sai! Who resides in the heart of the Sadhus, to you, I offer my salutations.
95. Om Sri Sai Sarva Mata Sammataya Namaha
Sarva – all; Mata – religious; Sammataya – person accepted by
Muslims from the villages in and around Puttaparthi came to Prashanthi Nilayam to get one of their important aims fulfilled. They used to perform the ‘pir’, fasting, in the month of Muharam traditionally. Commemorating the noble qualities like courage, love and sacrifice exhibited by the great devotees Hassain and Hussain, they would take out in procession the ‘Pirs’ (the form of a hand with the five fingers spread out) made of brass plates and immerse it in water.
Baba told the group of people who visited Him that the festival was celebrated for many years and that it had stopped now for some reasons. He them indicated a place in the village and said, “If you dig down here, you will get the ‘Pirs’ which your ancestors worshipped.” When the place was dug, the pirs were found. But none of them had the courage to take out the pirs and they hesitated. Then Baba Himself got down the pit and brought out the pirs. He then advised the visitors that worshipping the pirs would do good to the society. They were very happy at this and accepted the pirs.
Sai! Who accepted by people of all religions, to you, I offer my salutations.
96. Om Sri Sai Sadhu Manasa Parisodhakaya Namaha
Sadhu – Sadhu’s ; Manasa – mind; Parisodhakaya – person who tests
On the 1st of October 1955. Baba gave a personal interview to Swami Amruthananda. The happiness and joy of the latter as he came out of the interview cannot be really explained in words. He came out saying, “Today, Baba has offloaded a heavy burden of mine; this problem had been worrying me since years. Baba has fulfilled my desire now.” The curiosity of the devotees made him explain further.
“According to the advice of Sri Ramana Maharishi, I was keen on establishing a veda patashala from the resources available with me. I had discussions with great men like Bhagawandas and Balagangadhara Thilak, to establish the school either at Pune or Kasi, but my desire could not take shape. My worries could not be relieved.” Amruthananda added. “This morning Baba told me, “ A particular desire is in your heart and causing you considerable worry. Stop worrying, I will fulfill your desire. Consider that your work is accomplished.” Now my mind is considerably relieved and I can depart from this world without worries” said Swami Amruthananda.
Sai! Who tests the mind of even the Sadhus, to you, I offer my salutations.
97. Om Sri Sai Sadhakanugraha Vata Vruksha Pratishthapakaya Namaha
Sadhaka – aspirants; Anugraha – to bless with Vata Vruksha Pratishthapakaya Namaha
The Peepul tree is exemplified as ‘Vata Vruksha’ and ‘Niyakrom’ in history and scriptures; the tree spreads its branches in all four directions and aerial shoots come down to the ground to provide further support; this tree is symbolic of Sanathana Dharma.
In the month of April, 1959, one day Baba was conversing with the devotees on the banks of Chithravathi river. During His conversation He mentioned about the life of Buddha and the Bodhi tree under which He chanted self realization; He also added that it is the practice of spiritual aspirants to resort to certain specific places. So saying, He plunged His hands into the sands and brought out a fifteen inch by ten inch copper plate containing inscriptions which once could not fully comprehend. Baba said that such plates called ‘Yantras’ would supplement the efforts of the aspirants to subdue their senses, conquer them and unify the mind towards the divine goal.
Baba also told that He would establish a pepul tree in the thapovan and put the yantra under the tree. Accordingly the yantra was put under the pepul tree planted in the Ashram to the accompaniment of sacred instrumental music.
Sai! Who has established the pepul tree for the welfare of the spiritual aspirants, to you, I offer my salutations.
98. Om Sri Sai Sakala Samsaya Haraya Namaha
Sakal- all; Samsaya- doubts; Haraya- dispel
One evening, when Baba was discussing about the relationship of the animals with mankind, He said that, man has a closer link with the tailless monkeys living on the trees than to the tailed monkeys living on the ground. Baba was describing a monkey without a tail and hair. Kasturi, who was studying the qualities of mankind, could not comprehend the shape of the animal mentioned by Baba. Baba then waved his hands in the air. Instantly, there appeared a small three dimensional image of a monkey described by Him in His hands. Looking at that marvel, an artistically carved and scientifically scintillating model, Kasturi’s doubts were cleared up.
Sai ! Who dispels all the doubts, to you, I offer my salutations.
99. Om Sri Sai Sakala Tatva Bodhakaya Namaha
Sakala- all; Tatva- philosophy; Bodhakaya- person who advocates.
Baba has reincarnated for the restoration of dharma. All the miracles and manifestations are expressions of His divinity and not an act of exhibition.
Baba gave a discourse at Venkatagiri in the year 1964. He said,”The miracles I perform are for the reestablishment of Sanathana Dharma alone and not for any other reason. Some people argue that the siddhis gained through yogic practices will get diminished by performing miracles and that it would hinder spiritual progress, quoting Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. They also propagate that one desirous of spiritual upliftment should stop performing miracles. This advice is fit for spiritual aspirants and sadhakas. By non-observance of this, their ego will increase. However applying this to me is foolishness. I am not a Sadhaka. I am the bestower of the end which every sadhaka aspires to reach. I am the Paramatma.” said Baba.
Sai! Who proclaims the greatest of Truths, to you, I offer my salutations.
100. Om Sri Sai Yogeeswaraya Namaha
Yogi – to yogis ; Easwaraya – the Master
Yogeeswara! The master of yogis, the Shiva! The sacred ash which is applied by Lord Shiva on his entire body is called Kailasa Vibhoothi.
One day, a devotee asked Baba the meaning of Kailasa Vibhoothi. “Shiva applied the ash obtained from burning the body of noble persons with devotion, wisdom and spiritual qualities. Even now there is such a body burning on the banks of the Ganges.” said Baba. “Shall I give you a little ash from that?” asked Baba and waved His hands. Sufficient quantity of white colour ash appeared in His hands. He then poured it in the hands of the devotee. Little did the devotee expect that the vibhoothi would be burning hot. His hands were nearly getting scorched holding the vibhoothi.”This is what is called Kailasa Vibhoothi”, Baba explained.
Sai! The master of all the yogis, to you, I offer my salutations.
101. Om Sri Sai Yogeendra Vanditaya Namaha
Yogeendra – The greatest of the yogis
Vanditaya- The person being worshipped
Baba once visited the Shivananda Ashram at Rishikesh. Baba was welcomed at Haridwar itself, by the disciples of Shivananda and taken to Rishikesh. Shivananda was ill at that time. However Shivananda welcomed Baba at the entrance with his hands joined together. Baba blessed him on arrival. He also materialized a chain containing 108 ornamental Rudhraksha beads with a central king bead containing five faces. Baba presented this chain to Shivananda. He materialized plenty of vibhoothi and applied it on the latter’s forehead.
Baba spent at least one hour with Shivananda everyday during his stay there. He materialized vibhoothi and fruits and made Shivananda eat the same for his recovery. Shivananda’s health was improving day by day. One day as Baba took water from the Ganges, it turned into sweet nectar. He gave it to the Sadhu to be taken as medicine. When Baba came to the ashram Shivananda, was on the wheel chair. By the time he was about to leave, Shivananda could walk around on his own inside the ashram. Shivananda says that the medicine of Vairagya (discrimination) should be taken along with the food namasmarana (recitation of the name of God).
Sai! Who is worshipped by greatest of Yogis, to you, I offer my salutations.
102. Om Sri Sai Sarva Mangala Karaya Namaha
Sarva – All, Mangala – auspicious, Karaya- Doer
God removes ignorance and bestows ananda or bliss. In the year 1950, Dasara was celebrated at Bangalore. A flower bedecked palanquin was being readied for Baba to be taken in procession. Chains of thick garlands of roses and jasmines were hanging around the palanquin. The top was covered with a silk cloth. Cushions stitched with velvet covers were placed inside for Baba to sit on. Baba sat on the palanquin and the procession started. The clarinet and the band troupe preceded the palanquin. Devotees were moving on all sides of the palanquin, singing bhajans with devotion.
All the eyes were fixed on Baba, sitting with an enchanting smile. Sometime later Bhagawan was plucking the petals of roses in his hands. His hands were full of loose petals. He then threw the petals on the devotees. What a wonder! As the petals fell down they turned into various auspicious items like silver medallions, with images of Baba on one side and Shirdi Baba on the other, rings, chocolates, almonds and grapes. What a great blessing indeed!
Devotion is like the head, Duty is the trunk and Discipline is the foot. Let Devotion be linked with Duty and led by Discipline. The success is certain.
Sai! Who does auspicious things, to you I offer my salutations.
103. Om Sri Sai Sarva Siddhi Pradhaya Namaha
Sarva- all; Siddhi – Serenity, achievement, success; Pradhaya- Giver
The biggest achievement in life is to be conscious of the divine and to reach him. Possession of all other types of wealth is certainly not the measure of your success. Once, the editor of a magazine called ‘Navakal’ asked Baba, “Swami! Is the power of materialization that you possess infinite?” To that question Baba replied, “Yes! It is infinite; it is endless as the ocean.”
One of the devotees then asked Baba, “Swami! Can this power not be used for the eradication of poverty?” Baba laughed at this question. “Do you attribute poverty and suffering to the lack of materials alone? If that was the case then did the kings possessing all riches live with contentment and happiness? To bestow equanimity of mind is my intention. It is in order to foster faith and devotion I materialize various objects and give them. It is not done with the intention of making them rich.” Baba explained. Thus, Baba promotes self-confidence, faith and devotion.
Sai! Bestower of the real success in life, to you I offer my salutations.
104. Om Sri Sai Apan Nivarine Namaha
Apat- danger; Nivarine- avert
Baba visited South Africa in 1960. Baba went to the Michigan waterfalls. Some of the devotees also went with Swami; many cars were following Swami’s car. The driver of the car in which Kasturi was travelling was racing his car overtaking many other vehicles. At one of the sharp turns, the tyre of the vehicle gave way and the car rolled down. All the four persons who travelled in the car rolled up and down and were injured. They cried out to Baba for help. The car driver was thrown out of the vehicle.
Kasturi had a bruise when his spectacles that broke on hitting somewhere tore the flesh. Those who came by the cars that followed carefully pulled out these people. Fortunately there was a nursing home close by and they were given first aid. Kasturi was the one with more injuries. Though he had a cut in the forehead and a swelling in the right leg, he managed to walk down to the nursing home. They were administered some injections and the open wounds were dressed up.
By the time Baba’s car had already reached a place called ‘Maindi’ thirty miles from that place. Baba told those accompanying him that a car coming behind met with an accident and suggested that they be advised to continue their journey in a taxi. They then travelled by a taxi and reached the place where Baba was staying.
Baba came out as soon as they arrived. He materialized vibhoothi and smeared it on the wounds. He also materialized some tablets and ointments and gave it to them. He also consoled and encouraged them and relieved them of their fear.
Sai! Who averts catastrophes and saves the lives of devotees, to you, I offer my salutations.
105. Om Sri Sai Aarti Haraya Namaha
Aarthi – Suffering ; Haraya – Destroyer
There was a newly married couple. The husband was always suspicious of whatever his wife did. The wife was an ardent devotee of Baba and was very humble by nature. The suspicion of the husband resulted in misunderstandings and family life was miserable. He designed a wicked plan to divorce the wife. She pleaded with him to take her once to Puttaparthi and said, “If Baba accepts that I am true to you, keep me with you; or else, I would put an end to my life.”
On this agreement, both of them came to Puttaparthi accompanied by the girl’s father. Swami called them for an interview. Baba praised the qualities of the girl and compared her to Sita. Inspite of hearing this, the man could not be convinced. He started shouting in the interview room itself in the presence of Baba. Baba sent him out of the interview room diplomatically and told her father, “He is a good boy; don’t worry. They will live together happily.”
They all reached the railway station to return home. He made his wife and his father to get into the second class and he travelled by the first class compartment with the permission of the guards. Because he was working in the railways, he took the extra privilege. He spread his bedding and slept comfortably. After about one and half hour of journey when the train stopped at one of the stations, the man jumped out of the train shouting for help, holding his cheeks with one hand.
The guard enquired the reason for his plight and asked, “Who beat you? Is there anyone else in the compartment?” To this the man replied, “Ten minutes before the train reached the station, the lights switched on by itself. The whole room was filled with Baba wearing an orange robe. Baba came upon me from all sides, as though many people were attacking.” “Then Baba spoke, ‘I told you that she is innocent and good, but you never believed me. She is my child.’ and soon He disappeared.” gasped the poor man. That experience made him believe his wife and also Baba. Thus, their family life turned into a happy union.
Sai! Who destroys the sufferings of people; to you I offer my salutations.
106. Om Sri Sai Shantha Moortaye Namaha
Shantha- serene and calm ; Moortaye – personified
On one festival day at Puttaparthi, Baba took two devotees along with him and visited some of the houses around the village. The people who were visited were very happy to receive Baba and offered sweets etc to Baba. Swami accepted the offerings and blessed them. He visited one house at the end. Strangely enough, Baba ate all the eats offered by that household without leaving anything for the devotees who accompanied him.
On reaching the Mandir, He said that the host of the last house He had visited had extended a special invitation to him. He then added, “Poisonous food can never harm me” and in a little while, He vomited all the food He had eaten. By that time, the culprits had reached the Mandir. Having come to know that Baba was aware of their evil plot, they fell at Swami’s feet and pleaded guilty. Swami was the embodiment of Shanthi. He was it at all angry with them. “They wanted to examine My Divinity and that is why they offered poisonous food to me, but not to kill Me”, said Baba smilingly. Who else other than God can have such infinite compassion and forbearance?
Sai! The embodiment of Shanthi, to you, I offer my salutations.
107. Om Sri Sai Sulabha Prasannaya Namaha
Sulabha- easily ; Prasannaya- appears
The wife of Mr. John Hislop, from Australia had her experience of Baba during her childhood itself. Baba gave his darshan to her at ‘Havana’ in Cuba, when she was of a very tender age. It was in the form of Shirdi Baba. He appeared before her, at that age when she was just beginning to walk. As soon as she saw Swami, she walked towards him calling him ‘Dada’. Her father was standing at the door at that time and the child stopped there, admiring the visitor.
Thirty years later, when she visited Puttaparthi along with her husband, they were dumbfounded at the revelations of Baba. Baba recalled their memories of past events. Baba described the place where He was standing in her house in Cuba thirty years ago and the attire He was wearing then. John Hislop narrated this experience of his family with Baba in ecstasy. Thus Baba gives his loving dharshan to devotees so easily irrespective of the place and country.
Sai! Who appears easily in front of sincere devotees, to you, I offer my salutations.
108. Om Sri Bhagawan Sathya Sai Babaya Namaha
Sathya – truth; Sai- mother; Baba- father.
Baba once visited Kanyakumari. Baba went to the sea shore surrounded by devotees. He walked along the shoreline. As Baba took each step, a pearl dropped on to the sand from his Lotus feet. One of the devotees collected all the pearls thus dropped, kept them in a small sandalwood bowl and kept it before Swami. He told Swami that there were eighty four pearls in the bowl. “Aren’t they one hundred and eight in number”, asked Baba. When the pearls were recounted, to their astonishment, they found exactly one hundred and eight pearls. Baba has reincarnated to bestow upon us the invaluable wealth of spiritual wisdom.
Sai! Who is exemplified by the 108 priceless pearls, to you, I offer my humble salutations.
[Source: Pearls of Devotion: compiled by Smt. S. Subbulakshmi / Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Maharashtra]