The Glory of Shirdi Sai -Issue 4- 2006
thegloryo...@gmail.com
Fourth Year of Publication
Published as Bi-Weekly
Issue 4 / 2006
16-02-2006
Maha Shivarathri Special
Please visit our Web site: http://www.saidarbar.org
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GURUR-BRAHMA, GURUR-VISHNUH; GURU-DEVO MAHESWARAHA;
GURUR-SAKSHATH PARAM BRAHMA; THASMAI SREE GURAVE NAMAHA:
http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm
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Maha Shivarathri day- 26th February 2006
http://www.saidarbar.org/sarwam/shiva.jpg
Shivarathri is a very auspicious day for all. It is the fourteenth day
of the lunar fortnight when the moon is waning and the sun is in the
sign of Aquarius. The festival is, however, related to the moon rather
than the sun. That is the reason why it is called Shivarathri, the
night of Shiva. Unlike other nights, this particular night is the night
of consecration, of dedication, of illumination.
On this night there is just a minute part more to be conquered and that
can be done by keeping vigil and dwelling on the glory of God. The
vigil that is prescribed is symbolic of the eternal vigil one has to
observe, while the rite of fasting is symbolic of divesting the senses
of the pleasures for which they crave. The nightlong devotional singing
is significant of the life-long consciousness of the Divine Presence
that every one should cultivate.
You must realize that devotional singing, reflection on the name of
God, and offerings at the lotus feet are not for pleasing or
propitiating God, but for our own spiritual progress. God does not
shower grace on people because they sing His praises. Nor does He come
down upon them because they do not deify Him. Recitation of the Divine
attributes only enables us to dwell on elevating ideals and approximate
ourselves more and more to the Divinity that is our nature. We become
what we contemplate. When we fix our thoughts on the evil that others
do, the evil pollutes our mind. When, on the contrary, we fix our mind
on the virtues or well being of others, our mind is cleansed of wrong
and entertains only good thoughts. No evil thought can penetrate the
mind of a person wholly given to love and compassion. It is said "He
who knows Brahman (God) becomes Brahman." The only way to become
Brahman is to be ever immersed in contemplation of Brahman. With a lump
of candy on the tongue, how can the taste of salt and savory be known?
Immerse your mind in good thoughts and the world will be good; soak it
in bad thoughts and the world will be bad for you. So, recollect only
good; do, think, and plan only good; speak and act only good. Then as a
result you will approximate God, the source of all good. This is the
message for the coming Shivarathri.
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THIS ISSUE CONTAINS
1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
2. SAI'S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE
3. SAI IN DREAMS
4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY
5. SANATANA DHARMA& SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO LORD SHIVA.....
7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES
11. LETTERS FROM SAI DEVOTEES
12. TELUGU SECTION
13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS
14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD
15. EDITORIAL.
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1. FOUNDATION STONES FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE:
>From the Satsanghs of Saibanisaji
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500055.htm
Sai Sevak Smt. Rajeswari Kasturi, Saidarbar - Hyderabad.
180. You may feel bad for the well wisher's bitter words, the way a
Doctor prescribes bitter medicine for your good health.
181. If you nourish the bitter fruit plants with sweet water, it gives
only bitter fruits. similarly telling good words to crooks is of no
use.
182. In this modern age, the persons with bad characters are projected
as heroes of society where as the good persons with simple living are
ignored. So it is the duty of the society to recognize the good and
bad.
183. The bad person will flourish with the sweet words. Where as the
good person will flourish with the healthy criticism.
184. Following the path shown by Mahatmas (Good persons) may give
hardship during the journey but after reaching the destination, you
will realize the importance of hardships.
185. You are advised to take shelter under the shade of a tree which is
having fruits. Due to unforeseen reasons, if you have not enjoyed its
fruits, do not feel bad as you enjoyed its shade.
186. The minerals under the earth, the trees above the earth are
utilized by the mankind but not by the mother earth. In the similar
way, the Saints knowledge will be useful to the society at large.
187. The head of the state should prepare to punish the bad, encourage
the good, spend the money in a proper way, avoid partiality among his
followers and dedicate his total life for the protection of the state.
188. With dedication, if you rub the logs, you can generate fire. If
you dig the earth, you will get water. In the similar way, a bold
person with dedication proceeding towards his goal will certainly meet
success.
189. A wise man will not drink the salt water from well dug by his kith
and kin. He prefers to drink sweet water from the well dug by
outsiders. In the similar way, do not keep any attachments to
sentiments and live above sentiments.
To be continued...
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2. SAI'S NEWS FROM THE TIME MACHINE:
February 22, 1914: A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and
seeing Baba eating Roti with onion got suspicious and disappointed.
However Baba proved His power of Omniscience by reading his mind and
the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed
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3. SAI IN DREAMS:
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/
These are the dream sequences and messages as received by SAIBANISA
>From our beloved GURU LORD SAINATH OF SHIRIDI. In Anticipation that
this feature will help in one's spiritual growth are hereby compiled
from his personal Diary and presented to SAIBANDHUS.
Translated and presented by RAGHU RAMAN SATULURY.
08-04-1994
Yesterday was Thursday. I asked Baba to enlighten me on how the life
was in Shiridi, when HE was alive. Sai said -
During those days people came with lot of faith and devotion. In the
return trip, they left Shiridi with good results to their homes.
People now are visiting Shiridi without any faith and more often to
probe and test whether anything good happens to them or not besides
looking for a change from the monotonous daily scores of life. Often
their inner intentions are to verify the veracity of the statements
made by others. That's precisely the reason why everybody coming to
Shiridi is not able to reap the fruits of the visit undertaken.
Do not undertake any pilgrimage for the sake of pleasure seeking.
09-04-1994
Sai in the form of an unknown person said-
When elders commit mistakes, naturally children have to bear the
results of the misadventures. It is left for elders to ponder over and
decide as to why indulge in such activities when the results are
certainly known to be bad.
A good deed begets good results sooner or later.
12-04-1994
Yesterday, I incurred lot of displeasure due to my family members. I
Prayed Baba to grant me peace. Baba said-
Life is like a marathon walk. We come across many and engage in playing
games with few of them. Obviously one has to win or loose. There is no
use in grieving over the end result. One should cultivate the habit of
not paying much attention either to praises or abuses.
Life has to be lived with a sportive spirit.
13-04-1994
My thoughts were totally pre-occupied with family affairs. I asked Baba
to throw some light on my responsibility in the process of upbringing
children. Baba in the form of an unknown person said
-Take full responsibility of the girl child till she is married off and
that of son till he is in a position to live by himself. This is the
only way to set one's self-free from the family ties.
As a head, family obligations are commitments to be honored.
To be continued.....
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4. QUINTESSENCE OF SRI SAIBABA'S PHILOSOPHY:
(By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao)
"Shashi": shas...@yahoo.com
22. Atma - Jnana
Atma-Jnana is the only benefactor of a man. If man is devoid of
Atma-Jnana, he will not have happiness or peace, inspite of his several
possessions and enjoyment of pleasures.
Atman does not die. It is not that which did not exist earlier is born
now. It is birth less, eternal and ever - existing. It does not die.
It is not that which did not exist earlier and is born now. It is birth
less, eternal and ever - existing. It does not die. Immortality will
be attained from the knowledge of Atma and it will not be obtained by
rhetoric. Only when a Guru imparts the sacred knowledge, it is easily
known that Atman is birthless and deathless. It is not the product of
any process. It is not bound by the cycle of births. It is ever
existing, eternal. Atman will not kill nor it is killed.
The seeker, who is also the sought will clearly understand the nature
of Atman. The wicked, who lack peace and single mindedness cannot see
the Atman. Intellect is higher than the mind and Atman is greater than
the intellect. Atman has no duty to perform "Kartavyam". It begets
no fruition of Papa or Punya. It is Nirmalam and taintless. Atman has
no Bandham or Liberation.
Atman has no difference of Akara or Nirakara. Atman is of an auspicious
nature, (Mangalaswaroopam). Baba always tells: "You should always
look at Atman every moment and do Manana. Those who had Atma -
Sakshatkara shall be merged with Paratatwam irrespective of the place
of death. The one who realizes Atman as oneself will realize cosmic
power. Chitshakti generates Pran - Sakti and flows into your body and
flows through your nerves causing their movement.
Baba Says: "First know what is Atman. He becomes 'I' and 'I'
becomes 'He'. That is Atman".
Visualize Atma. Know it, recapitulate it and meditate upon it. Then
only it can be perceived. After attaining that state, we can get
salvation wherever we die and what ever may be its circumstances. Know
Atman as Atman only. Do not take all our people for granted, as our
Atmeyulu. Only Self- seekers are our people. Then only the radiance of
Atman can manifest. This is the quintessence of Philosophy of Atman.
To be continued.....
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5. SANATANA DHARMA & SRI SHIRDI SAIBABA
AKHILANDAKOTI , BRAHMANDA NAAYAKA, RAAJAADHI RAAJA, YOGIRAJA,
PARABRAHMA SREE SATCHITANANDA ,SAMARDHASADGURU, SAINATH MAHARAAJ KI
JAI"
Sai In Ramayan: By Sri SAIBANISA Gopal Rao Ravada
Lord's Paadukas
In Ramayana, Bharatha went to the forest to request Ram to return and
rule Ayodhya. But Ram refused to return. So Baratha asked for Ram's
Padukas. Baratha kept these padukas in the throne and paid reverent
homage to the Padukas. He worshipped these Padukas with great respect.
In the 5th chapter of Sai Sat Charita there is a similar incident. Bai
Krishnaji thought that there must be some memorial of the fact of Sai
Baba's coming to Shirdi and sitting under the neem tree. So he
consulted with Upasani Maharaj and others and made the Padukas. Baba
touched the Padukas and asked them to install on Sravana poornima day
at the Gurusthan. But after installation, Baba said that the padukas
were not His, but were the feet of the Lord and asked the people to
worship it as Lord's Padukas.
Om Tat Sat
After fulfilling the duty of His avatar of killing Ravana, Ram felt it
was time for him now to leave the sorrow of earthly life and resume his
celestial identity as Vishnu. As He set forth on his final journey, the
people of Ayodhya and the vanaras followed him. They followed him as He
walked out of the capital and straight to the banks of the Sarayu
River. He paused for a moment on the shore. He shone like the sun in
all its radiance. A serene smile lit his face. He descended into the
water of river Sarayu, submerged himself under the surface and
instantly rose again and transformed into His eternal form as Vishnu.
Effulgent on the coils of his serpent seat, that Lord revealed himself
briefly to those left behind, then ascended to His Celestial abode.
Sai also left his mortal coil happily. In fact two years before leaving
this world, Baba gave an indication that He would attain Mahasamadhi on
Vijayadasami. On the day of His Mahasamadhi, He gave nine coins to
Laxmibai Shinde as a token of her bhakthi. In order that He should not
be entangled with love and affection, He ordered all His devotees to go
and have their noon meals. He never told anyone the exact time of His
departure to heaven. After accomplishing His mission of
Lokasamrakshana, Baba left His mortal coil on a Vijayadasami day
peacefully.
Jai Sai Ram
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SANATANA DHARMA -NEWS FROM ABROAD:
Thai Pusam Festival in Penang Expected to Draw 500,000
PENANG, MALAYSIA, February 8, 2006: More than 500,000 people, including
foreign tourists, are expected to throng the Arulmigu
Balathandayuthabani Temple near the Botanical Gardens here on Saturday
in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration. Temple Chairman Chandra
Kanthan said Wednesday the large number of people was anticipated
because the festival falls on the weekend. Hindu devotees would carry
various kinds of kavadi and climb the 248 steps up to the Arulmigu
Balathandayuthabani Temple located atop a hill. Hindus carry the kavadi
and undergo penance by piercing their face and body with metal spikes
in fulfilment of vows made to Lord Murugan for having granted their
wish for good health, education and such. Some devotees fulfil their
vows by carrying pots of milk (paal kodum). Thaipusam is celebrated by
Hindus nationwide and elsewhere in the world on the full moon day in
the month of Thai in the Tamil calendar, which usually falls in January
or February. More than one million devotees will be expected at Batu
Caves Murugan Temple outside Kuala Lumpur.
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Archaeological Society of India to Renovate Cambodian Temple
www.deccanherald.com
NEW DELHI, INDIA, February 1, 2006: The ancient Tra Prohm temple in
Cambodia will be restored to its pristine glory, thanks to a new
proposal envisaged by the Cambodian government involving Indian
agencies. For the restoration work at the Tra Prohm, which is dedicated
to Hindu gods and goddesses, the Cambodian government has roped in the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Forest Research Institute
(FRI), Dehra Dun. While the restoration work on various Deities would
be undertaken by the ASI, the preservation of scores of ancient trees
in the vicinity of the temple complex would be done by the FRI. The
FRI, which is one of the world's largest institutes of its kind, will
undertake a foreign assignment for the first time. "We have been asked
to conserve the trees inside the temple complex," Dr. S. S. Negi,
Director of the FRI said. There are an estimated 250 ancient trees in
the temple complex here, Dr Negi added. The Tra Prohm temple -- which
was constructed in 1139 -- is situated in the Siemreap city of
Cambodia. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma among other Gods. The
FRI has developed its expertise in silviculture and documented nearly
550 tree species in Asia. A team of experts from the Forest Research
Institute would be travelling to Cambodia next week, Dr. Negi said.
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First Sanskrit-Catalan Dictionary Published
www.europapress.es
BARCELONA, SPAIN, January 26, 2006: HPI note: Catalan is Spain's second
most widely spoken language. It is spoken or understood by as many as
12 million people who live in North-Eastern Spain and the Balearic
Islands, in Andorra and also in parts of France and Italy. translated
from Spanish. Enciclopedia Catalan publishing house of Barcelona (in
collaboration with the provincial government) has just released the
first Sanskrit-Catalan dictionary that translates and explains more
than 50,000 words of this sacred language making it the most modern of
all the European volumes according to the translator, Oscar Pujol.
The Dictionary Sanscrit-Catala includes a comprehensive range of themes
from mythology to yoga, offers encyclopedic explanations on Hinduism
and Indian culture and includes for the first time a double etymology,
traditional grammatical Sanskrit and a comparative western one. It
utilizes an alphabetical index of all its romanicised entrances which
allows the consultation of words without the need of knowing
Devanagari, the Sanskrit alphabet. This volume is the first dictionary
of such size between Sanskrit and any Romanic language.
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Indiana State Gets Its Second Hindu Temple
www.indystar.com
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, USA, February 6, 2006: With the symbols of their
God in place, Hindus who joyously celebrated the statues' arrival
Sunday can today begin regular worship in the new Hindu Temple of
Central Indiana. "This is the second temple in the whole state of
Indiana," said board chairman Girdhar Ahuja, one of hundreds who helped
sanctify the new building and honor the deities in weekend initiation
ceremonies. The Far-Eastside temple -- in reality a wing of a much
grander facility being built in phases -- opens today at 3350 N. German
Church Road. On Sunday, following a day during which the temple and its
congregants were sprinkled with purifying holy water as part of the
prayer and preparation for its opening, Hindus applauded as the deities
were introduced. "There's a misconception that Hindus believe in many
gods," said Indu Vasudevan. "We believe in just one God that takes many
forms," she said. "It's not simply the forms, but the grace of God that
we are welcoming in this place now."
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South African Indians Celebrate
news.webindia123.com
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, February 8, 2006: There may be no crops to
harvest in Johannesburg but that did not deter South Africa's Telugu
community from hosting their annual Ram Bhajan thanksgiving function
for the 10th consecutive year. The event was organized by the Transvaal
Andhra Sabha, the representative body for Telugu-speaking people, in
the sprawling mainly Indian area of Lenasia, south of here. Sam Naidoo,
president of the Sabha, said the event was essentially a thanksgiving
prayer on the lines of the one held in Andhra Pradesh at harvest time.
In India, the crop harvest is marked in all states with special prayers
to God, the sun, the earth and cattle. "Although the seasons are
exactly the opposite between India and South Africa, and we do not have
harvesting here, the tradition of giving thanks to Lord Ram for
everything in our lives has continued here."It's essentially about
identity - ensuring that we continue to observe the universal tradition
of thanksgiving no matter where you are in the world or what your
religious affiliation is, which is why we get people from all walks of
life attending," Naidoo added. "We have a lot of people who have moved
to this region from Durban, which is why we have attendance by so many
people not just from the Telugu community but many other communities as
well," said Naidoo. The Andhra community is a minority here, with most
of them settled around Durban, where the first Indians arrived in 1860
as indentured sugarcane laborers. "Since we started it on a small scale
a decade ago, it has become a much-awaited event in the Hindu
community," Naidoo added. The members of the Transvaal Andhra Sabha
Bhajan Group, mostly young men, led the proceedings with non-stop
religious recitals until midnight. A sumptuous dinner followed.
Compiled by Sai Sevak Srinivasa Rao Kasturi
Saidarbar- Hyderabad.
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6. SAIBANISA OFFERS PRANAMS TO "LORD SIVA"
>From Sai Satcharita -chapter 28
Megha began to look upon Sai Baba as an incarnation of Shiva In order
to worship Shiva, bela leaves are required and Megha used to go miles
and miles every day to bring them and worship his Shiva (Baba).
Megha worshipped Baba in two places; in the Dwarakamai he worshipped
Baba in person and in the Wada, Baba's big picture, given by Nanasaheb
Chandorkar. This he did for 12 months. Then in order to appreciate his
devotion and confirm his faith, Baba gave him a vision. Early one
morning when Megha was still lying down on his bed with eyes closed but
internally awake, he saw clearly Baba's Form. Baba knowing him to be
awake threw Akshata (rice-grains marked red with Kumkum) and said,
"Megha, draw a Trident" and disappeared. Hearing Baba's words, he
eagerly opened his eyes but did not see Baba, but saw only rice grains
spread here and there. He then went to Baba, told Him about the vision
and asked permission to draw Trident. Baba said - "Did you not hear My
words asking you to draw Trident? It was no vision but direct order and
My words are always pregnant with meaning and never hollow.
Megha returned to the Wada, and drew a red Trident on the wall near
Baba's picture. Next day a Ramadasi Bhakta came from Poona, saluted
Baba and offered Him Pindi (an image of Shiva). At this time Megha also
turned up there. Baba said to him - "See, Shankar has come, protect
(i.e., worship) Him now." Megha was surprised to see Pindi following
Trident immediately.
Maha Shivaratthri-Sunday 26 February--2006
http://www.saidarbar.org/sarwam/shiva.jpg
Information about JyotirLingas:
1. SOMANATH in Saurashtra
Somnath, the first in the twelve jyothirlingas, is located at the
Viraval port - Prabhas Pattan in Saurashtra - Gujarat.
Anceint Glory
Known as prabhasa kshetra, Somnath occupied a much esteemed place in
the Hindu holy places. It finds many references in the puranas &
itihasas.
The inner temple of the Garbhashay was supported to be aglow with the
luster of these gemstones. The Nanda Deep was always kept lighted with
Kannauji attar. The treasure of the temple was forever full of vast
wealth and was kept safe.
For worship of the Lord-and Abhishek (worship with holy water)
sandalwood scented water was brought from Haridwar, Prayag Kashi every
day. However flowers for special festivities were imported from
Kashmir. For the routine daily worship, one thousand Brahmins were
appointed. About three hundred and fifty dancing girls were appointed
for the regular music and dance concerts that took place in the Temple
courts.
This religious place of worship was earning the produce of ten thousand
villages. Among the twelve JyotirLingas (Lingas of light) Somanath is
considered as the primary one. Because this deity is supposed to be
Swayambhu (self-born) and is always awake, lakhs of devotees visited
this temple and considered themselves blessed and to have achieved
piety. Offerings made by crores of devotees amounted to crores of
rupees which kept the Temple always rich and abundant.
Chandra, (moon) was the first one to receive the benefic boon of Shri
Somanath of Saurashtra, the Shiva pilgrimage, Agni Teerth and Surya
Teerth. Then Chandra built a beautiful golden temple and put a glorious
JyotirLinga in it, the first of its kind in India.
According to Prabhaskhand of Skanda Purana, the legend goes like this:
Chandra married the twenty seven daughters (stars) of Daksha, but was
very partial and showed lot more love and affection to Rohini. The
remaining twenty six wives not only felt neglected but also insulted.
They were disappointed with their husband and complained to their
father. Daksha was upset to see his daughters suffer thus, and tried
twice to convince his son-in-law to change himself, but in vain. He put
a curse on him that Chandra would be "decreasing" in size.
The Devas (Celestial gods) were very sad at Chandra's plight and went
to Brahma. The Creator, in order to find out a remedy for this
condition of Chandra and get a solution for redressing the curse.
Brahma told them that the only way out was to worship Vrishabhdhwaj
Shankar at Prabhas Kshetra Mahamrityunjay. Chandra went on a penance
for six months and prayed to Lord Shiva, at the end of which Shankara
appeared before him. He gave Chandra the boon that in a month, he would
grow for fifteen days in one half and in the other half he would keep
loosing one Kala (shade) per day and decrease in size. He was pleased
with the Devas and in order to increase the prestige of the place, Lord
Shiva Himself came to be known as Someshwar, meaning famous moon
(Soma). The Devas established a Someshwar Kund there. By taking a holy
dip in this pond or Kund, it is believed that one would obtain release
from all the sins.
Chandra or moon is also called Som. That is why this JyotirLinga has
become famous as Somanath. Chandra or moon looks very bright here.
Therefore, this place is also known as "Prabhasapattana".
Later, Shri Somnath Mandir was built by Ravana fro Rupa in the tretha
yuga and Lord Krishna fro Chandran in. Emperor vikramadhitya built the
temple in the kali yug.
Troubled times and Hindu Resilience
In 1783 AD Sadhvi Alalya devi Holkar, a great devotee of Siva, built a
new temple for Somanath after India become independent, the lion of
Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhai Patel renovated the Somanath Temple on the
advice of Kakashaheb Gadgil of Maharashtra with its revived Indian
architectural beauty for which it became an unique example. It drew the
attention of the world.
The Somanath JyotirLinga statue was reinstated (Pran Pratishta) on
Friday the 11th May 1951 at 9.46 A.M. It was done by the then President
of India, Honourable Dr. Rajendra Prasad, to the tune of the Veda
chanting of Vedamurti Tarka Teertha Lakshman Shastri Joshi, in a grand
manner.
The temples 15th memorial and the ancient monument located on the sea
side of Kahiavad near Prabhaspattan. There are many famous mythological
stories attached to them. The sun temple is the most ancient of all.
There is no presiding deity in it, but the architecture of temple is so
exquisite, that even by seeing the ruins one can imagine.
Saint Agastya, is supposed to have drunk the entire sea near
Prabhasapattan. Mythological heroes like Janamejaya, Pandavas, Ravana
are supposed to have visited Prabhasapattan Teerth. In the month of
Magha (sometime in February) on the day of Shivaratri, Somanath
JyotirLinga festival is celebrated with great aplomb.
To be continued-------
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7. DEVOTEES EXPERIENCES:
"Sridhar Ramaswamy" sridh...@hotmail.com
Sat, 04 Feb 2006 22:22:20 -0600
Sairam:
I would like to share how Sai saved and protected us today from a
catastrophe. After we have moved into our new house, we have fixed a
large photo of Shirdi Sai from the Samadhi Mandir facing the main
entrance door, so that Baba sits there Blessing and protecting the
house and everyone who visits us.
Today morning my family decided to go to Balaji temple in Aurora and do
prayers. While leaving at 10.30am, I prayed at the entrance looking at
Baba as usual, to protect the house and family. We went out by van by
exiting through the garage door. While in the temple, I was praying to
Balaji to show His presence in that big idol, which was nicely
decorated. I prayed to Balaji to help me remember Sai always in my
thoughts and action. I was eagerly waiting for an assurance from Him,
in the form of at least one petal falling from the Balaji Moola
Vigraha. Nothing noticeable happened, while I stood there for long. The
time to leave the sanctum sanctorum came, I half heartedly took leave,
just then not from Moola vigraha, but the small idol of Rama which was
kept below the feet of Balaji, from that a petal fell down. I was
thrilled and got happy with the assurance Balaji gave. I prostrated a
few times conveying my gratitude to Sai.
With the resolution of remembering Sai's name, we drove back home
around 4pm. It was very windy, cold and snow flurries have been falling
continuously from the time we left the house. When we reached home, as
usual we parked the van in the garage. We entered the house through the
garage door. From the road we drove and entered, we cannot see our main
entrance door. Everything looked normal as I came into the house, but
my wife who had gone inside before me, shouted loud and called me to
come and see the main entrance. Without removing the shoes, I ran
inside thinking something had gone wrong. We both noticed that our
front door was widely open, with snow fallen inside the house, it
looked as if someone had entered through that door left it open. It was
freezing inside the house, in that floor. I immediately ran upstairs
and checked every room and the valuables. All were intact, nothing was
stolen, though the door was kept open, there is no evidence of anyone
entered the house. In the second floor, it was very hot, due to the
heating going on continuously. We were shocked how the door was opened.
It then came to our thinking, that the door was not locked fully when
we went out, due to heavy wind it would have got opened.
Even though many people would have passed by seeing the open door, we
were thankful that no theft has taken place. There was no fire hazard
too, due to the increased heating because of low temperature in the
first floor, which had heated up heavily the second floor rooms. We
both stood prayerfully staring at the Shirdi Sai's photo decorating the
entrance. We are thankful to Baba for protecting us and the house, as
He only saved us from great mishap, by constantly watching and taking
care of the house. This miracle further assured me of Sai's presence
and my resolution of constantly remembering Him.
Sridhar.
------------------------------------------------------
8. SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SAI SATCHARITRA
swam...@yahoo.com
2/14/2006 22:09:24 -0800
Sai Ram. We will continue with the spiritual gems from this chapter.
Baba's Advice Regarding our Behaviour
The following words of Baba are general and invaluable. If they are
kept in mind and acted upon, they will always do you good. "Unless
there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any
men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away,
but receive them well and treat them, with due respect. Shri Hari (God)
will be certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to
the hungry, clothes to the naked, and your verandah to strangers for
sitting and resting. If anybody wants any money from you, and you are
not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him, like a dog."
Sai Ram. Baba gave a similar advice in another form to His favorite
disciple Shri Nanasaheb Chandorkar. When the other person persists in
demanding money or some thing which we are not prepared to give, it is
the normal tendency of our ego to get angry and start shouting or even
to use force against the other person. Baba advised us to overcome
these egoistic
tendencies which arise out of Rajasic and thamasic characteristics of
the ego. Sai Ram.
"Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by
giving any bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will
certainly be happy." Sai Ram. Here again, Baba is advising us to
overcome the tendency of our ego to react than to act.
"Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are. Standing or
staying in your own place, look on calmly at the show of all things
passing before you." Sai Ram. Shifting the consciousness to a witness
mode is an effective method of controlling one's lower tendencies.
"Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then
the road for our meeting will be clear and open. The sense of
differentiation, as I and thou, is the barrier that keeps away the
disciple from his Master, and unless that is destroyed the state of
union or atonement is not possible." Sai Ram. The sense of separation
is the product of our ego, which limits our awareness. Baba is advising
us to dissolve the ego and thus merge our consciousness into His
universal consciousness. Sai Ram.
God is the sole Proprietor, nobody else is our Protector. His method
of work is extra-ordinary, invaluable, and inscrutable. His will shall
be done and He will show us the way, and satisfy our heart's desires.
It is on account of Rinaubandh (former relationship) that we have come
together, let us love and serve each other and be happy. He, who
attains the supreme goal of life, is immortal and happy; all others
merely exist, i.e., live so long as they breathe". Sai Ram. This advice
of Baba is really invaluable.
Encouraging Good Thoughts of Fruition
"It is interesting to note how Sai Baba encouraged good thoughts. You
have to surrender yourself completely to Him with love, and devotion,
and then you will see how, He helps you, off and on, in so many
things." Sai Ram. Once our ego is surrendered to Him, we keep getting
good thoughts only and He ensures that these thoughts are fulfilled. I
am leaving most of the balance part of this story since most of the
readers are familiar with Sai Satcharita.
The song was "Guru - kripanjan payo mere bhai" etc. by Ekanath, in
which he says that he got collyrium in the form of Guru's grace which
opened his vision and made him see Rama, in and out, in sleep, dream,
and waking state and everywhere.
"All Saints agree on and lay stress upon the efficacy of uttering
Rama's (God's) name, in fulfilling the ambitions of the Bhaktas and in
protecting and saving them from all calamities. " Sai Ram. Gods grace
and Guru's grace follow each other. Each beget's the other and help the
sadhaka progress further on the path till the goal is reached, viz.,
merger with the Unity. Sai Ram.
We will continue with the chapter in the next issue. Sai Ram.
Swamy
Author, Editor, Proof-Reader and Book Reviewer
www.freewebs.com/swamyreviews
To be continued.....
-------------------------------
9. SAI WITH CHILDREN:
http://www.saidarbar.org/HTML/portraits/7.jpg
Smt. Madhu Gopal Ravada, Saidarbar, Hyderabad.
Hello Children! I am Madhu aunty. Do you know Baba use to play with
children and used to tell stories to them? I felt children visiting
Saidarbar should be entertained with good stories. For the last 2 years
I have told you about Lord Krishna's Leelas and Lord Rama Story. Now I
want to tell the stories what heard in my child hood.
Let's See On Which Side The Camel Sits
Once a greengrocer and a potter jointly hired a camel and each filled
one side of the pannier with his goods. The camel as he went along the
road took a mouthful every now and then, as he had a chance, from the
greengrocer's bag of vegetables. This provoked a laugh from the potter,
who thought he had the best of the bargain.
But the time came for the camel to sit, and he naturally sat on the
heavier side, bearing down on the pots, and also to have his mouth free
to operate on the bag of greens. This caused the pots to break in the
bag, and then the green grocer had all the laugh to himself.
-----------------------------------------------
10. ARTICLES FROM SAI DEVOTEES:
"Sankaraiah Dubagunta" sai...@yahoo.com
NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAI AND HIS PHOTO
One day Baba Saheb Tarkhad and his son Jyotindra had a dream in which
they saw a beautiful carved mandir with Baba seated on it. Accordingly
they got a beautiful Sandal wood mandir carved by special carpenter.
They needed Baba's portrait.
Let us see the wonderful way how Baba arranged His photo. On one Friday
evening, both the father and son went to chor bazar in Bombay. A
shopkeeper ran to them and asked to collect parcel meant for them. As
the shopkeeper was new to them, they asked him how did he know a parcel
was meant for them. The shopkeeper narrated that one saintly, elderly
person came to his shop and handed over the parcel and also paid Rs
50/- towards service charges. The elderly person wanted it to be given
to a father wearing an English hat and son wearing a black Gandhi cap.
Tarkhad and son were exactly wearing hat and cap as told.
When they asked him to open the parcel it contained a framed photo of
Lord Sainath suitable to be kept in the Sandalwood mandir.
Later Tarkhad family went to Shirdi and had Baba's darshan in
Dwarakamai. At the sametime Baba told a devotee who was trying to take
Baba's photo "Please go to my Bhau's place where you will find me alive
in the photograph in the mandir" Tarkdad's were very happy to hear this
news and shed tears of joy.
Dear readers, Let us recapitulate Baba's declaration that there is no
difference between Him and His photo. Did not Baba attend in the form
of His photo Hemandpant's shimaga dinner? When Shama sought Baba's
permission to go to Kaashi and Prayaga did not Baba say "WE would be
ahead of Shama", actually Baba's photo was hung in Pujari's house in
Prayag?
BOW TO SAI PEACE BE TO ALL
D.Sankaraiah.
--------------------------------------
11. LETTERS FROM SAIDEVOTEES:
erramilli...@yahoo.com
2/06/2006 04:07:54 -0700
SaiRam!
The web site http://www.saidarbar.org contains very useful information
about Sri Sai Baba.
Ram Mohan.
------------------
shas...@yahoo.com
2/08/2006 09:14:00 -0700
SaiRam! Recently taken by SAI wave. Now mind is calm .Your site
http://www.saidarbar.org nourished me a lot about Sai... Thank U
Shantha.
-----------------------
amkbh...@yahoo.com
2/13/06: 04:07:54 -0700
SaiRam,
I am delighted with you all & hope we'll be able to perform as Baba is
willing from us.
Sincere Sai Pranama.
Jai SaiNatha.
--------------------------
bra...@rediffmail.com
30 Jan 2006 05:35:19 -0000
Dear Saibandhu,
Sairam! Than Q. I will be waiting for your bi weekly E-magazine "The
Glory of Shirdi Sai".
Regards,
Ravindranath
-------------------------------------------
12. TELUGU SECTION:
Please visit:
http://68.88.118.16/telugupages/Misc/ShiridiSai/shirdisai.htm
Please visit for Sai Aartis in Telugu:
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/PDFS/pdfs.htm
Please visit for Sai Aaratis Audio:
http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org/main_English/saibaba/saibaba_aarti.asp
-------------------------------
FOR STARTING A SAIDARBAR CHAPTER OUT SIDE INDIA:
Please contact: said...@saidarbar.org & said...@gmail.com
------------------------------------------------
13. FROM SAI ORGANISATIONS:
Due to space constraints of E-magazine, we are not able to give the
full report on activities of Sai organizations. However, we are
providing their contact e-mail ID's and web site address for
interested readers.
------------------------------------------------------
The Following Saidarbar chapters are functioning around the Globe;
devotees may be contacted for necessary information about their
activities to the following E-maid ids:
Saidarbar Orlando, Florida USA: sathgur...@yahoo.com
Saidarbar Laurel, MD USA: murali_krish...@yahoo.com
Saidarbar Chennai-India: saidarba...@yahoo.co.in
Saidarbar-Canberra -AU: kan...@iprimus.com.au
For Further details visit: http://angelfire.com/sd/SaidarbarCanberra
Saidarbar Wallingford-PA- USA: tech...@saidarbarusa.org
For further details please visit: www.saidarbarusa.org
Sai Darbar Portland OR USA: sha...@sigmacgi.com
Sai Darbar Kitwe, Zambia : ra...@zamnet.zm
Saidarbar Danbaru-Canitcut-USA: zutshi...@sbcglobal.net
Saidarbar Woodland Hills-CA-USA: vskac...@hotmail.com
Saidarbar Livermore-CA-USA: sai_...@hotmail.com
Saidarbar-London UK : sur...@vaghela.net,sur...@somtek.com
Saidarbar - Hyderabad -INDIA: said...@saidarbar.org
For Further details visit: http://www.saidarbar.org
--------------------------------------
Sai Activities in NJ Visit: www.shirdisaidham.org or email at
shirdi...@hotmail.com
--------------------------------------
Sai Sansthan, Singapore: www.saisansthana.com
-------------------------------------------------
"The Shirdi Sai Mandir, Toronto": visit www.theshirdisaimandir.com
Or send an email to in...@theshirdisaimandir.com
-------------------------
"Atlanta Sai Temple News": Visit: www.templeofpeace.org
Or send an email to webm...@templeofpeace.org
---------------------------------------
"Shirdi Saibaba Prayer Center": Visit: http://www.hamaresai.org/
Email: hama...@yahoo.com
--------------------------------
"Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of DFW" USA: Visit:
http://www.shirdisaidallas.org
E-mail: ad...@shirdisaidallas.org
-------------------------------------
"Om Sai Mandir" Visit: http://www.omsaimandir.org/newsletter1.cfm
E-mail: saisa...@omsaimandir.org
--------------------------
SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA: saile...@yahoo.com
----------------------------------------------
SaiMandir-Houston-TX-USA: Visit
http://www.babamandir.org/mandir/OnlineResources.html
E-mail: babam...@babamandir.org
---------------------------------------
SHRI SHIRDI SAIBABA TEMPLE, 46-16 ROBINSON ST, FLUSHING, NY
in...@dwarakamaishirdi.org
-------------------------------------------------
Sri Shirdi Sai Florida Center: E-mail:vo...@yahoo.com
-----------------------------
14. SAI'S BOOK WORLD:
Books in English:
1. HOW I FOUND GOD
(Roles played by Shirdi Sai Baba as God and the Spirit Masters in my
Spiritual training resulting in God - realization)
Author: YOGI M.K.SPENCER
Published by: S.K.GARG
Indian Publishers Distributors
156 -D, Kamla Nagar, Delhi - 110007
Price: Rs. 400/-
Books in Telugu:
Sri SaiBaba Jeevitha Charitram
Author : Sri Pathi Narayana Rao
Price : Free
Published by: Dr. Kumar Annavarapu
Plot No: 4,
Behind HUDA Truck Park,
SaiBaba Nagar Colony,
Kukatpally,
Hyderabad - 500 072.
E-mail id: annav...@vidyamagazine.com
-------------------------------
Please Note:
Those desirous of using this facility (Sai's Book
World) to spread the word about their books may send
ONE new copy of the book to Saidarbar, for details
contact:
webm...@saidarbar.org , said...@saidarbar.org &
said...@hotmail.com
Acknowledgement of receipt of books will be done by
E-mail only.
Book(s) sent to Saidarbar will be retained by
Saidarbar and cannot be returned.
-----------------------------------------
E- Books from Saidarbar:
1. SAI A BEACON FOR HUMANITY:
You can obtain your copy at
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/other_books.htm
2. SAI IN DREAMS
You can obtain your copy at
http://www.ebeacon.indiainabook.com/
Contact for further details: Sai Sevak-Vijay Agarwal:
vijis...@gmail.com or vijis...@yahoo.com
----------------------------------
SAIDARBAR - HYDERABAD:
http://www.angelfire.com/celeb2/saidarbar/pages/S3500041.htm
We will be happy to conduct Tele-Satsanghs to cities out side
Hyderabad, India on prior intimation. For further details please
contact said...@gmail.com
-------------------------------
15. EDITORIAL.
Things impressed me from this Magazine:
When we fix our mind on the virtues or well being of others, our mind
is cleansed of wrong and entertains only good thoughts
The minerals under the earth, the trees above the earth are utilized by
the mankind but not by the mother earth. In the similar way, the Saints
knowledge will be useful to the society at large.
Intellect is higher than the mind and Atman is greater than the
intellect.
Sai devotees may write about their Sai activities in their place,
essays, articles and poetry on Sai to "The Glory of Shirdi Sai" -
they may be address their contributions to E-mail id:
said...@saidarbar.org with a copy marked to webm...@saidarbar.org
We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the Glory of
Shiridi Sai- the bi-weekly E -Magazine. Unless the author of the
articles instructs, not to publish his/her E-mail id, we will publish
them as a matter of routine practice.
You can subscribe for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI for a friend /relative by
submitting e-mail ID in the main page of http://www.saidarbar.org
Also read the old issues from:
http://www.saidarbar.org/glory.htm
If you are subscribing this E-magazine for your friend or a relative,
we request that the person concerned may be notified about receiving
the same.
Editor does not accept responsibility for the views expressed in the
articles published.
This e-magazine is intended for Private circulation only.
Submitted by Sai Sevak: Srinivasa Rao Kasturi
P.S. In case you do not like to receive "The Glory of Shirdi Sai ",
Kindly reply UNSUBSCRIBE for our necessary action.
----------------------------------------------------