Divine Leelas – GUIDE TO VIDEO-mr2

Sri Sathya Sai Ashtottara Shata Namavali

28. Om Sri Sai Ratnakara Vamsodhbhavaya Namaha

Ratnakara Vamsa – in the Ratnakar family; Udhbhavaya – born

An ocean of pearls and corals is called Ratnakaram. The grandfather of Sathya is born of Ratnakaram family. Ratnakaram Kondamaraju once narrating his experiences said, “The ocean of Ratnakaram has given birth to a priceless gem”, with tears of joy trickling down his cheeks. Kondamaraju’s family was well known for its devotion, since the time of the saint Venkavadhoota. They had built the Gopalswamy temple and established charities for its maintenance.

Once, Sathyabama, the consort of Krishna appeared in the dream of Kondamaraju and said, “Krishna has gone to fetch the Parijatha flowers; time has rolled from minutes to hours and hours into days and months. There is no sign of Krishna returning. Rain is heavy with thunder. Can you build a place for me to stay? Hence, Kondamaraju built a temple for Sathyabama.

Devout Kondamaraju spent all his 100 years of life in incessant remembrance of the name of God and prayer. It is in such a pious family, that of Ratnakaram Kondamaraju, Baba took birth.

Sai! Born as a jewel (Ratna) in a most devout family, to you I offer my salutations.

29. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Abheda Saktyavataraya Namaha

Abheda – Undiffering; Shakthi Avathara – incarnation of Shakthi

When Baba declared, “I am Sai Baba of Shirdi, born in Bharadwaja Gothra with the Aapasthamba Soothra,” His family members and others demanded that He has to show something as concrete proof to justify that He was the Baba of Shirdi. To pacify them, Swami asked them to bring some jasmine flowers. The flowers were brought; Sathya took a handful of flowers and threw them on the ground. It was a miracle that happened then; the flowers arranged themselves in the form of ‘Sai Baba’, in Telugu script, with all its bends and forms, as though written by the best of artists. When He was asked to explain the significance of His statement, He said, “I announced the name of my previous incarnation. He who was born as Shirdi Sai Baba is now born as Sathya Sai Baba. Subsequent to this avatar, I will be born as Prema Sai in Karnataka State”. Brother Seshamma Raju was stunned at the way Baba had revealed his identity.

Sai! Who is none other than the Sai Baba of Shirdi, to you I offer my salutations.

30. Om Sri Sai Sankaraya Namaha

Sankara – he who gives happiness to everyone

Baba says, ‘Sam Karothi lthi Sankaraha’, which means, he who does auspicious things and makes others happy is ‘Sankara’.

Bhagawan had visited the Thippae Kondanahalli storage lake that supplies drinking water to the city of Bangalore, along with a few devotees. The executive engineer of the project was describing to Baba about the rivers that merge at that place and about the beautiful temple of lord Sangameswara, the gopuram which was now appearing above the water and how the temple was submerged in the flood waters due to a breach in the dam. Baba, who was standing in the water and listening to the explanation, bent down, took some water in His hands and stretched it towards a devotee who is an ardent worshipper of Shiva. There in the hands of Baba, one could see the glittering Shivalinga, a crystalline Lingam with the paste of haldi and the leaves of vilva tree. All were surprised at this miracle. Baba told the saivite devotee, “Take this to your house and offer puja. Aren’t you worshipping Sangameswara, the Shiva at the confluence of holy rivers?”

Sai! Who gives happiness to one and all, to you I offer my salutations.

31. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Moortaye Namaha

Moortaye – of the form of

Once, Baba appeared in subtle form at the bedside of Sri Loganatha Mudaliar of Madras, who was insane due to the evil doings of a tantrik. Baba was very young at that time. The mental condition of Mudaliar was regained by the corrective measures advocated by Baba. After returning to normalcy and fully convinced that Baba was God, he decided to build a temple for Baba in his lands at Guindy, on the outskirts of Madras city. He had a premonition to install the idol of Shirdi Baba in that temple. Later, Baba confirmed his thought through a letter. The construction neared completion. In the year 1948, Baba himself installed the idol of Shirdi Baba in that temple.

On the day of installation the family members of Mudaliar got the good fortune of performing pooja to the lotus feet of Bhagawan by offering flowers. They pleaded with Bhagawan to imprint His lotus feet in a cloth, dipped in sandal paste. Baba intercepted and said, “Why do you want My foot prints. To-day I have installed Shirdi Baba in the temple. I will give you the footprints of Shirdi Baba”. He then kept His feet on a white silk cloth. What a great wonder, instead of the small tender feet of young Sathya, they saw on the cloth the long and wide foot prints of Shirdi Baba, who walked through the streets of Shirdi.

Sai! Who is the reincarnation of Baba of Shirdi, to you I offer my salutations.

32. Om Sri Sai Dwarakamayi Vasine Namaha

Dwarakamayi – a place in Shirdi; Vasine – living in

Baba encourages some of the devotees to visit Shirdi. He used to vividly describe the route to Shirdi, the method of irrigation from wells and the agricultural methods around Shirdi, the Samadhi Mandir, the photographs hung on the walls there and many other things as though He had lived there for many years.

Once, to a group of devotees proceeding to a pilgrimage of Shirdi, He told, “Sleep in Dwarakamayi. I will give darshan in your dreams”. They went to Shirdi and slept at Dwarakamayi in the night. Baba appeared in their dreams, spoke to them and made them feel happy, thus fulfilling His promise.

Sai! Who lives in Dwarakamayi, to you I offer my salutations.

33. Om Sri Sai Chitravati tata Puttaparthi Viharine Namaha

Tata – banks; Viharine – amuses plays

Every holy place has its own history. There will be a river and a tree often associated with the sacred places. At Puttaparthi such a river is ‘Chitravati’ and the tree is ‘Kalpa Vriksha’, a tamarind tree on a hillock, on the banks of Chitravati.

During His early days, everyday Baba used to take His devotees to the banks of river Chitravati in the evenings. He would conduct bhajans and teach bhajans composed by Him to enlighten the importance of spiritual progress. In the year 1949, there was a talk that Swami would be going down to the river banks. Around 5.30 p.m. Baba came out of the Mandir, proceeded towards the river, surrounded by devotees. On His way He was making warm enquiries at some, joking with some other and walked along talking lovingly with everyone. He crossed over the narrowly flowing river and went to the opposite bank. He waited there until all the elderly people reached and sat down on the sand. He taught some bhajans. Some devotees raised some questions about Shirdi Baba. While answering those questions, Baba said that He was Himself the reincarnation of Shirdi Baba. He added that the pictures that are available do not truly reflect the statue of Shirdi Baba and elaborated on the defects in the pictures available. Saying so, He dug His fingers in the sand and pulled out a photograph of Baba of Shirdi and said that the image in that picture was depicting the true form of Baba. Apart from this, there used to be number of playful miracles that he had performed on the banks of Chitravati and the Kalpavriksha.

Sai! Who plays on the banks of Chitravati and amuses his devotees, to you I offer my salutations.

34. Om Sri Sai Shakti Pradaya Namaha

Shakti – Energy; pradaya – Giver

Seshagiri Rao was the person who looked after all the works relating to Pooja and other works ever since Baba was in the old mandir. Even after coming to Prashanthi Nilayam, for about fourteen years, he continued to perform these duties regularly. One day due to a fall he lost his health and energy to walk. Slowly his health was deteriorating and was almost in a critical stage. Doctors opined that he might die at any moment. At such a condition, Baba went to his bed side and chided, “How did you decide to start your journey without telling Me? Can you depart without getting ticket from Me? Who will do all the work? Come to the prayer hall and perform Aarathi; this is My order”. Seshagiri Rao had to obey Baba’s order. He got up and walked towards the Mandir. There was a divine energy flowing into him and death ran away. He started performing the duties ordained to him by Bhagawan, enthusiastically as before.

Sai! The bestower of divine energy, to you I offer my salutations.

35. Om Sri Sai Saranagata Tranaya Namaha

Saran – Surrender; Aagata – those who have come; Tranaya – Protector

A devotee was performing Bhajans regularly in his house. One day he received a threatening letter. It read thus; “You cheat people by telling lies; you have to stop the bhajan within seven days of receiving this letter. Otherwise your head will be sheared”. The devotee did not get perturbed even in the least. He continued the bhajan without any change. He knew very well that the name of Sai is the best shield against all such threats. Seven days had lapsed. The naxalite who wrote the letter was infuriated with anger and decided on a plot to execute his threat the next morning. He entered the house of the devotee very early in the morning stealthily. This devotee had gone into the bathroom to have his bath and to get ready for the morning prayers. The naxalite blinded by his anger, aimed a knife at this devotee and delivered the knife. What happened? A whirlwind with an orange hue appeared in front of the devotee. A soft hand pushed him to a corner of the room. The knife missed the target and fell down with a loud noise. On hearing the sound of the knife falling and the running of a man, the devotee’s wife and others came running. There was a fragrance of viboothi filling the space. They could see viboothi all over the body of the devotee. He was dazed. Yes! Baba had come to save the devotee. They realized that Baba had come to save His devotee in time.

Sai! Who protects those who surrender to you I offer my salutations.

36. Om Sri Sai Anandaya Namaha

Anandaya – Blissful

God is Vedapurusha and Anandaswaroopa. He is the embodiment of Bliss. In the year 1960, a French scholar came to Puttaparthi. He was translating the expositions of Veda into French. He was a very learned person. He came to Puttaparthi to see Baba. Bhagawan gave him personal interview for three days. One day Baba gave a fitting explanation for a verse in ‘Veda’. Valestine, the French scholar was overwhelmed with joy at the apt meaning for the verse given by Baba and wept with tears of joy. He told Baba, “To understand the exposition of Vedas, I travelled the length and breadth of this country. I did not get what I wanted. The awareness of Veda is at a low ebb. You have to restore the glory of Veda for the well being of the world”. Baba smilingly replied, “The very purpose of my birth is the restoration of Vedic dharma; wherever you are you will hear about that good news”.

By the will of Bhagawan, devotees from Godavari district wanted to perform a Yagna and prayed Bhagawan to be the presiding deity and bless all the people. Baba decided to perform the Yagna in Prashanthi Nilayam itself in a grand manner. In the year 1962, Veda Purusha Gnana Yagnam was performed with fervour and festivity. Many vedic scholars and pandits from Kasi to Kanyakumari had participated in the festival. Baba said, “I am not the person performing the yagna, but the person who is the presiding deity and the one to receive the prayers”. During the Poornahuthi, Swami received the prayers and stood as Anandha Swaroopa.

Sai! Embodiment of bliss, to you I offer my Salutations.

37. Om Sri Sai Ananda Daya Namaha

Ananda – Bliss; Daya – bestower

M.S. Dikshit is the nephew of Kaka Saheb. The latter had lived with Baba of Shirdi. Dikshit had just crossed his teenage that time. Once, Baba beat him on his head hard. Dikshit complained to Kaka Saheb and said, “I will never go to Baba again, for He beat me on my head”. Kaka Saheb told his nephew, “It was because of that strike your migraine is cured now. Realise that”. Since then, Dikshit did not have the recurrence of migraine even at the age of seventy.

Once in Mangalore, he aspired to study, ‘Guru Charitha’, According to ‘Sapthaha’ (reading in seven days) practice and completed it. The same night he experienced an extraordinary vision: “A broad avenue, lined with trees on either side, a magnificent bungalow; someone calling out to him softly, by name twice. He turns and looks back, to see a long robed person with benign beauty with a crown of hair halo around his glowing face beckoning Him to His side”. His dream ceased with this.

Subsequently, one day Dikshit visited a doctor friend. He saw in the drawing room of his friend, “A portrait which was that of the same Person who appeared in his dream”. On enquiry he learnt that the picture was that of Sathya Sai Baba, reincarnation of Baba of Shirdi. This kindled the curiosity of Dikshit to meet Him in Person. He came to Prashanthi Nilayam with his doctor friend and a few others. He was awed to see the same avenue lined with trees and the palatial bungalow in front of him which he saw in his dreams. He was enthralled at the sight of Baba, the very same person who called out to him in the dream.

Baba took him inside for a personal interview. Dikshit used to keep a photograph of his uncle Kaka saheb in his pocket. “I know your uncle. It is to him I had revealed that I would be born again after eight years”, Baba told Dikshit. Looking at the striking semblance of Sathya Sai Baba with the Baba of Shirdi whom he worshipped for decades, Dikshit became ecstatic.

Sai! The bestower of supreme bliss, to you I offer my salutations.

38. Om Sri Sai Artatrana Parayanaya Namaha

Arta – people who are suffering; Trana – in protecting; Parayanaya – Person engaged in

A young man from Badravathi near Mysore, visited Prashanthi Nilayam along with his mother, carrying his disabled sister. The legs of the girl were crippled and she could not walk for the last five years. They were distressed at the plight of the girl. Baba graciously summoned the brother to bring the girl to the interview room. He went into the room carrying his sister. After a little while, the girl was seen coming out of Baba’s room walking, with the support of her brother. Baba had ordained the girl to go around Prashanthi Nilayam three times. Supported on both side by mother and her brother, she completed three rounds around the Mandir. The next day it was really a relieving sight for those who were assembled, to see the young girl walking around the Mandir without any support. Thus, Baba had cured the incurable, as per the proclamation of Gita. “Pangum langayathae Girim”, meaning “My will would make a lame climb over the mountain,” and relieved the suffering of the family.

Sai! Who is ever engaged in protecting those who are suffering, to you I offer my salutations.

39. Om Sri Sai Anatha Nathaya Namaha

Anatha – One without Succour; Natha – Head

Swami Karunyananda who lives with Baba has instituted a charitable trust in Rajamundry which runs a home for the disabled and destitute. He saw one day, in front of the orphanage an aggrieved woman with a girl of two years in her hands. The lady was in an advanced stage of pregnancy and was ill. Hence Karunyananda directed the authorities to admit the lady in a nursing home and to keep the child in the orphanage. Doctors felt that she may deliver in a week’s time. There was a portrait of Baba hung on the wall, taken during the early years. In that portrait Baba was standing with His hands holding the leaves of a coconut tree. This was called ‘Sadhuvamma’ picture.

One evening the attendants of the nursing home had gone to a movie; when they returned they were welcomed by a great surprise. They saw that the lady had delivered a boy, Moreover, to their astonishment, the child was bathed and wrapped neatly in a white towel and laid by the side of the mother; even the mother had been fully attended on. They wondered as to who could have attended to the mother and the child at that critical juncture. The lady pointed to the picture of Baba in the portrait and said, “She was the doctor who attended on me and the child. May be she has gone to attend to other patients” she added. What a great benevolence Baba had showered on the lady, who was helpless.

Sai! Who is benevolent to those who are helpless and abandoned, to you I offer my salutations.

40. Om Sri Sai Asahaya Sahayaya Namaha

Asahaya – Helpless; Sahayaya – he who helps

A criminal named Kalpagiri who indulged in gruesome murder, stealthily ran to the Himalayas to escape the clutches of law. He donned the robes of an ascetic. In his wanderings, he came across saints and sadhus, studied from them many sacred scriptures and was equipped well to talk on Karma and Gnana paths and how man can get relieved from the shackles of birth and death. He could deliver lectures on advaitha. After decades, he toured all sacred places of worship and finally reached Bangalore. On information that Baba of Shirdi had reincarnated as Sathya Sai Baba, he came to Prashanthi Nilayam.

Baba summoned him to His room. What can be hidden from His omniscient eyes? He chided Kalpagiri saying, “To run away from punishment for the crime committed is wrong. Why postpone your punishment to later births. To undergo punishment for the crime done is imperative. Orange robe is not fit for you who has run away from the fruits of his crime’. He convinced him and made him wear the white robe. He directed him to surrender to the police and undergo the ordeal as destined by law. However, Baba assured Kalpagiri, that he will not face execution. “When you come back from imprisonment, I will adorn with Japamala your neck which otherwise has to meet the rope of execution”, Baba vouchsafed. Keeping faith in Baba’s direction, Kalpagiri surrendered to the police and pleaded guilty. The court accorded death sentence on him. He presented a mercy petition. The punishment was reduced to life imprisonment, by the President of India. By the grace of Baba and his good conduct, he was released. He was adorned with Japamala as promised by Baba, on his return to Prashanthi Nilayam. Who else could have helped such a criminal to transform himself truly than the loving God?

Sai! Who helps the helpless to transform, to you I offer my salutations.

41. Om Sri Sai Loka Bandhavaya Namaha

Loka – World; Bandhavaya – Relative

“I have come for the cause of humanity; AII are related to Me; there is none who does not belong to Me. They may worship Me by this name or any other name; still all are mine”, says Baba. Baba proclaimed this while He was installing the idol of Shirdi Baba in Nagasai Mandir at Coimbatore. It was twenty seven years before this sacred installation, Shirdi Baba appeared in the form of a Cobra, lay circled in the floral offering when thousands had congregated in a bhajan and listening to the bhajans. He allowed Himself to be photographed in that form. Hence, this temple is known as Nagasai Mandir. On the occasion of the installation of the idol, Baba said, “I shall install My own form. This day is to be sculptured in gold in history. Just as many incarnations have established their forms as idols, I am installing this idol Myself”.

Sai! Who has proclaimed that all beings belong to him, to you I offer my salutations.

42. Om Sri Sai Lokaraksha Parayanaya Namaha

Loka – World; Raksha – Protection; Parayanaya – person engaged in

God is the protector of every being in this Universe. One day, the subdivisional officer of Anantapur district was returning via Puttaparthi after hunting. His jeep stopped near Puttaparthi village. All the efforts of the driver to start the engine were in vain. The driver told the officer, “There is a boy in this village who materialises viboothi; it is very powerful. I will seek his help and come” and proceeded towards the village.

On hearing the appeal of the driver, young Sathya, in His teens, Himself came to the jeep. He saw the carcass of a tigress shot just two hours ago. He told the officer that it was He who made the jeep stop there. He further advised, “This tiger is the mother of three young ones; they will be at the loss of their mother. Return back; take the cubs with you and hand them over to the care of a zoo and arrangements for their well being. Never again hunt animals that do not harm you”. The officer realized his mistake and promised to follow Baba’s advice. Miraculously, with no repairs, the jeep started naturally.

The officer kept up his word by locating and handing over cubs to a zoo. He took pains for their upkeep. He then tanned the leather of the tigress he hunted and offered it at the lotus feet of Baba. You see this tiger skin under the foot stool of Baba’s seat in Prashanthi Nilayam.

Sai! The protector of all beings, to you I offer my salutations.

43. 0m Sri Sai Loka Nathaya Namaha

Loka – Universe; Nathaya – Lord;

Who can declare, “The Universe is my Abode”? It’s possible only by the Lord of the Universe. On a Gurupoornima day, Baba was on a visit to Bombay. It was a gathering of around thirty thousand people, listening to Bhagawan’s discourse with rapt attention. During His discourse, Baba mentioned, “I am found in all places; every place is Mine; Prapancha is My house”. Kasturi who was translating Baba’s Telugu discourse into English, translated the last sentence to the above quotation as, ‘The world is My mansion’. Swami then closed the microphone with His hands and pointing to Kasturi said, “No, No!” Kasturi became nervous that his translation was wrong, came towards Baba to know what He was telling. Baba corrected Kasturi and said, “Prapanchamu means universe”. Kasturi realised his mistake and bowed before swami. Yes! Baba, the God incarnate alone can say, “The Universe is My mansion”.

Sai! The Lord of the Universe, to you I offer my salutations.

44. 0m Sri Sai Dheena Jana Poshanaya Namaha

Dheena Jana – helpless men; Poshanaya – who provides sustenance

Baba once told a foreigner who had come to Him, “Stop using medicines henceforth. I am your physician from now”. Once at Bangalore, when Baba was in Brindavan, this man had a minor fracture by stepping into a narrow ditch in darkness at night. The pain was unbearable. He was helped by some people to his room and was advised to take some painkiller and to consult a doctor immediately. There was total numbness in that portion of the leg and it became chill. However, he wanted to obey Baba’s counsel and decided to stay away from doctor and medicines. He smeared the viboothi given by Bhagawan at the place of injury and put some in his mouth. He spent the night repeating the name of Baba, all alone.

The next day he was brought down to the darshan grounds on a wheel chair. He enjoyed darshan of Baba. Soon after, he felt that his leg which was numb till then was warming up. He tried to stand on the injured leg. To his surprise, it had become normal and there was no pain. In His infinite mercy, Baba kept up His promise to be the physician of that foreigner and thus cured him of his injury by mere darshan.

Sai! Who saves all those who are helpless; to you I offer my salutations.

45. Om Sri Sai Moorti Traya Swaroopaya Namaha

Traya – Three; Moorti – form;

A professor of philosophy learnt many works of epics from a guru who was known as ‘Gonthavali Brahma Chaithanya Maharaj’. This guru was also an ardent devotee of lord Dattatreya. He once told the professor, “Dattatreya has reincarnated in Puttaparthi in human form” and urged him to go to Puttaparthi and get the blessings of the Lord. He also added that he was unable to travel that far due to his old age and expressed his desire that at least the professor visits Baba. Obliging the words of his guru, the professor came to Puttaparthi. He was blessed with a personal interview of Baba. Even as he entered, Baba told him, “Take Padanamaskar. This is the very seat of Lord Dattatreya”. The immense joy experienced by the professor could not be explained by mere words.

Sai! The embodiment of Dattatreya, the confederation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, to you I offer my salutations.

46. Om Sri Sai Mukti Pradaya Namaha

Mukti – Liberation; Pradaya – Giver

Subbamma was a devout lady with unshakable faith in Baba. She used to take meticulous care of devotees who came to visit Baba and had a motherly affection for Baba. She used to often prepare food for the devotees. Baba had once promised Subbamma to fulfil one of her earnest prayers. It was that of giving darshan at the end of her life.

Once when Baba was away from Puttaparthi, Subbamma took ill. She was taken to Bukkapatnam. Due to the severity of the illness she lost her mobility. Even in that state, Subbamma used to rejoice talking and hearing about Swami. Baba was in Bangalore at that time. Her relatives not cognisant of her faith ridiculed her and said, “Baba is miles away and there is no use of calling Him”. However, Subbamma did not lose hope and relentlessly meditated upon Him.

As days rolled by, Subbamma’s condition became critical. At a particular stage, those around her bedside decided that she had passed away. However, as the face was appearing normal with a mysterious glow, they were hesitant to remove the body for burial. Baba was at Thirupathi at that time. He rushed to Bukkapatnam by car. He came to the side of Subbamma who was laid to rest on the ground. He went near and called out twice, “Subbamma!”. No sooner had He called, Subbamma opened her eyes. Looking at Bhagawan, with tears flowing from her eyes, she held Bhagawan’s hands in hers. Baba took His hands close to the mouth of Subbamma. To the surprise of all around, the water from Ganges flowed through Bhagawan’s hands into the open mouth of Subbamma. Instantly the soul of that devout lady merged in Baba.

Sai! Who leads one to Moksha; to you I offer my salutations.

47. Om Sri Sai Kalusha Vidooraya Namaha

Kalusha – Blemish; Vidooraya – be distant from

It is difficult to see a person without any blemish; it is God alone who can have that attribute.

When Sathya was studying at Uruvakonda, He Lived with His elder brother Seshamma Raju. There was only one well for potable water in and around that place. Even that was around a kilometre away from His house. Sathya carried water on a balance rod with the filled vessels hung on either side of the rod, at least six times a day; this was for the use of His brother’s family and also to help two other families on their request.

Once when Sathya was at Puttaparthi, Easwaramma was giving oil bath to Him and she was shocked to see two thick and dark black patches on His shoulders and enquired about it. Sathya was calm and simply smiled. Sathya had not even complained of pain and hence Easwaramma insisted on knowing the cause of that wound. Sathya simply replied that because of carrying water, the shoulders would have been inflamed. Easwaramma lamented, why Sathya was used for bringing water and told Sathya to come away from Bukkapatnam.

Sathya intercepted and said, “I took that work as My duty; how can people drink the polluted water nearby. My fetching water is equivalent to giving them life. I am happy doing work and it is to do such service, I have come”. It is none but by God that such a profound statement could be made.

Sai! Who is above all blemishes, to you I offer my salutations.

48. Om Sri Sai Karunakaraya Namaha

Karuna-Grace; Akaram-Abode

Horsley Hills is a holiday resort near Madanapalli. Baba stayed here for a few days along with some of the devotees. The devotees enjoyed the good fortune and the calm atmosphere. The day had come for the entourage to leave. Baba had said that he would also walk down the hills along with the others and said, ”Let us see who reaches first”. At the time of departure, He asked others to wait for a while and went towards the garden. Few of the devotees went behind Bhagawan to see what He was going to do.

They saw Baba standing near a buffalo under a tree and bidding farewell to it. He patted on its back affectionately and uttered, ”You have served Me so well, Bangaroo!” The buffalo attracted the abundant grace of Bhagawan for its silent work. As they lived in a high mountain surrounded by hillocks, no other vehicles except a jeep could go up to that place. Even food and drinking water had to be brought up from the foothills by carrying. This buffalo did the service of bringing water for Bhagawan and the devotees, carrying leather bags filled with water, number of times from foothills. As a result of its service, it attracted the kind attention of Baba and earned His grace.

Sai! The embodiment of grace, to you I offer my salutations.

49. Om Sri Sai Sarvadharaya Namaha

Sarva – All; Aadharaya – basis

A foreign lady was an ardent devotee of Baba; but her husband had no faith in Baba. Once when she was visiting Baba at Puttaparthi, he decided to accompany her, to have a firsthand experience and examine Baba. When his friends ridiculed him and enquired the purpose of his visit; they asked him, “What are you going to demand from Baba?” He then said, “I am going to ask Baba to materialise a rainbow, which no magician can ever bring out from his sleeves”.

They reached Puttaparthi at the end of a long journey. The next day, he was sitting on a rock on the top of the hill, behind Prashanthi Nilayam, looking at the scenic beauty of the surroundings. He was astounded by a strange and unnatural phenomenon that appeared before his eyes all of a sudden. He saw a rainbow, contrary to its usual shape, rising vertically from the horizon and reaching the great heights. It also disappeared sooner as it appeared. He was really stupefied at that vision.

The next day, he was called for a personal interview by Bhagawan! Baba asked this man, “What next? How was the rainbow?” It was none but Bhagawan who could create a rainbow by His will.

Sai! Who is the basis of all existence; to you I offer my salutations.

50. Om Sri Sai Sarva Hrudvasine Namaha

Sarva – In all; Hrud – hearts; Vasine – residing

A devout pundit, belonging to west Godavari district was anguished over his financial condition. He did not quite agree with the suggestions of his wife to write to Baba about their problems. Two days after this conversation, the Pundit was surprised to receive a letter from Prashanthi Nilayam, addressed by Baba Himself. In the letter He had written, “Why did you decline the suggestions of your wife to write to Me. However, it is not through letter I need be informed; am I not the indweller of every heart? I know all your problems. You went to Ramachandrapuram to earn money by way of discourses on Gita and Bhagavatha; but in vain, you returned home spending all the money. You are disheartened that all the scholarship and experiences is of no avail. Am I not aware of all these? When I protect this whole universe will I leave you and your family unprotected? It is verily to teach you a moral; I made you undergo this agony. When man is in prosperity he attributes it to himself and forgets the divinity. When he faces defeat and is afflicted by sorrow, he laments in disbelief. You should realize this”. Baba had concluded thus.

Sai! The indweller of the heart, to you I offer my salutations.

51. Om Sri Sai Sarva Punya Phala Pradaya Namaha

Punya – Good deeds; Phala – Fruits; Daya – Giver

In the year 1972, the summer course was on at Brindavan. Swami was seated in His chair in the first floor, after giving darshan at the end of Nagarasankeertan. Baba heard the faint call of Easwaramma, calling out, ‘Swami’ three times; she was in the ground floor. Baba also replied immediately, “I am coming, I am coming”. At that very moment, Easwaramma’s soul departed from her body, to merge in Bhagawan.

During those last moments no one did anything for her. Her thoughts were concentrated on Swami only during those last moments. Even though her daughters and grandchildren were by her side, she only called out for Swami. No sooner had she cried out for Baba, than he responded saying ‘I am coming’, “Like Maha Vishnu responding to the prayer of Gajendra, Iike an event occurring as immediately as the wires are connected by a switch, the call was instantaneously responded” said Baba. What greater boon can one get than that of having Baba as her own son; twice blessed is she to dwell on thoughts of Baba during her last moments and to merge in Him. She was blessed with the reward of her good deeds.

Sai! Who bestows the fruits of one’s good deeds, to you, I offer my salutations.

52. Om Sri Sai Sarva Papa Kshayakaraya Namaha

Papa – bad deeds; Kshayakaraya – destroyer

Baba once gave a discourse at Nellore. He narrated the story of a young boy named Ramu, who was asking for alms in charity from door to door for the treatment of his ailing mother. At one of the houses, the owner, enraged at Ramu, hit him hard on his head. “Amma! Who is going to take care of you henceforth?” so saying, he succumbed to the injury. Baba narrated this anecdote. He also advised, “One should be grateful to one’s parents who have given birth and should look after their welfare”. He added that to be ungrateful to parents is the worst sin on earth.

The next day, when Baba was with the devotees in His room, a middle aged man ran into Baba’s room. He fell at Baba’s feet and started crying. Baba said, “This is the same as Ramu’s Story” and asked the others to go out. This man had picked up a quarrel with his mother and had deserted her. He regretted his wrong deeds and pleaded guilty. He assured Baba that he would correct himself and prayed for His mercy and grace. Baba forgave him and patted on his back, saying, “To repent for one’s wrong is the best way to get over it, I will come to your town and bless you and your mother together”. He then advised him to bring his mother from the village and to take care of her.

Sai! Who forgives and destroys the evil results of the sin, to you I offer my salutations.

53. Om Sri Sai Sarva Roga Nivarine Namaha

Roga – disease; Nivarine – the one who cures

There was a lady devotee from United States, who had lost her mobility due to polio and for years she could not walk. She used to spend most of her time on a wheel chair only and used to go around with the help of her husband. Once on her visit to Puttaparthi, she was admitted to the hospital at Prashanthi Nilayam. On the occasion of Swami’s birth day, she was brought to the auditorium and made to sit on the wheel chair in a corner of the dais. Apart from Swami’s parents, a few chosen devotees used to get the opportunity of anointing oil on Swami’s head on His birthday. When some of the devotees were lined up to get their turn, Swami rose up from His chair and went straight to the corner of the dais where this lady was seated. He bent His head in front of her and the lady applied oil on Swami’s head three times with extreme joy. Then Baba held her hand and said in English, “Get up”. She could not understand what Baba was telling her. But it was the command of Baba. She got up slowly, not believing herself. The gathering was stunned at this event. Baba then told her, “Follow me” and walked back to His seat. She also followed Baba by walk, without any support. The whole congregation cheered in amazement at the miracle. His grace had made a person walk, who had lost mobility for years.

Sai! Who cures all illness; to you I offer my salutations.

54. Om Sri Sai Sarva Badha Haraya Namaha

Sarva – All; Badha – Suffering; Haraya – Destroyer

Swami Amruthananda was suffering from asthma. But Baba told him that his ailment was only due to the wrong practice of Hata yoga and not due to asthma. The first two days, He materialized Viboothi and gave him. The third day He materialized a golden powder and smeared it on his chest and back. The next day, He brought out by the wave of His hand some fine root like substance and made Amruthananda eat the same. He materialized some herbs and asked him to take the juice of those leaves.

After a few days, He materialized some more herbs saying that they were from the Himalayas. He kept one portion in His hand and gave the other portion to Amruthananda asking him to eat the same. The bitterness of the leaves cannot be matched with that of any known substance. Then Baba gave the second portion to Amruthananda. Though Amruthananda hesitated, Baba compelled him to eat them. What a wonder! The leaves had lost their bitterness. Baba’s touch had completely changed even the taste. His health also became alright, eventually. Thus Baba relieved the pain resulting from the wrong practice of Hata yoga.

Sai! Who is the destroyer of all suffering; to you I offer my salutations.

[Source: Pearls of Devotion: compiled by Smt. S. Subbulakshmi / Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Maharashtra]