Sri Saisatcharita Chapter - 28

Sai is not confined to one place. Sai dwells in all creation from Brahma to small creatures like ants and flies. He pervades all and is everywhere. Sai was well-versed in the Vedas; and had all the attributes of the Absolute Brahman. As he was proficient in both, he was well-fitted to be the Sadguru. Some people can teach about Self-Realization but they should be able to make you experience this then only they can be called a Sadguru.

This chapter talks about how Baba gave visions to different devotees and appeared in their dreams. One such story is about Lala Laxmichand. He first worked in Railways and then in a press. Later he worked for the Ralli Brothers who were Greek merchants, and they bought things from all over India and had their business establishments in different cities out of which Bombay was one. At that time, Laxmichand worked under one of the officers there as a clerk. He was very honest and obedient. Once he had a dream in which he saw a bearded old sadhu surrounded by devotees. This mahatma was standing thus, to whom he paid his loving reverence. Later he realized that this bearded man is Sai when he was listening to Dasganu Maharaj. He then decided to visit Shirdi. Baba always says “My man can be in any place – even thousands of miles away. I will draw him to me with a string tied to his feet, like a sparrow fledgling”. Baba said these words often. People not only heard them frequently but also experienced that. When one of his friends wanted him to go to Shirdi, he borrowed rupees 15 from his cousin and they take train. He saw 4 Muslims in that train and enquires about Baba as they are from that area.

On the way he thought about offering guavas to Baba but forgets to buy them in Kopergoan. Then at the outskirts of Shirdi, an old lady was seen selling the guavas. He tries to buy some but that lady gives away the whole basket to be offered to Baba. They reach Shirdi and worship Baba with lots of devotion. Then Baba says “The rascal sang bhajans on the way and made inquiries of others. Why ask others? See everything with your eyes. Why ask anyone else? Is the dream true or not? Come to your own decision. What was the necessity of coming for darshan after borrowing money from a Marwadi? Is your heart’s desire fulfilled now?”

Laxmichand felt greatly surprised that Baba should have the knowledge of his inquiries that he had made on the way. Baba showed him that he knew everything that Laxmichand was thinking about. Once he was so hungry and someone brought wheat pudding (Sanza) and he loved it. Next day also he was hoping that someone will bring this. When someone asked Baba what kind of food he would like to have, Baba immediately wanted Sanza. Once Baba had severe cough and Laxmichand felt that Baba probably had some evil eye on him that’s why he was coughing. Then Baba tells Shyama that his cough is because of some evil eye. Then Laxmichand came to understand Baba’s power and became a staunch devotee.

There was lady from Burhanpur and her husband works for the postal department. She had never seen Baba in person; but still she had a dream that Baba has come and is standing at her door, asking for a meal of ‘khichadi’. She woke up immediately but found no one at that place. She told about her dream to everyone promptly. Then the couple decided to go to Shirdi to have darshan of Baba. They stayed there for 2 months. But for 14 days she could not offer her Kichidi to Baba. Then on the 15^th day when she goes to Dwarakamai curtains are closed and she did not want to wait anymore. So opens the curtains and goes inside. Usually no one is allowed inside during that time. But Baba asks for Kichidi and eats all of it. Like this Baba blessed his devotees not only by appearing in their dreams but also dragging them to Shirdi to be blessed.

Next story is also such a miraculous journey and Baba blesses Megha with Moksha. He was a very orthodox Gujarathi Brahmin and came to Shirdi because of his boss Hari Vinayak Sathe. He was first reluctant to serve Baba as he thought he is Muslim. Then Baba do not let him into Dwarakamai and surprises him by saying “Beware, if you put your feet on the steps! This place is inhabited by a Muslim. You are a high caste Brahmin and I the lowest of the low, a Muslim! You will be defiled! Go back! ” Later he returned home where he fell sick and was confined to bed. There he began to contemplate upon Baba and came back to Shirdi. At that time when he came, he continued to stay there. He became devoted to Sai. There was no deity for him other than Sai. Sai was his Shankar. He used to chant “Sai-Shankar” day and night, and his inner self was merged in this form. His mind was pure and free of sin.

Megha used to go long distances to get Bel leaves to worship Baba. One day he felt like getting water from Godavari River and give bath to Sai. He asks Sai’s permission for this and Baba reluctantly agrees to this bath. But Sai tells him to put little water only on his head but not the whole body. Once he gets water, he becomes overwhelmed with love and pour all over Sai’s body. But everyone’s surprise only Sai’s head was wet and the whole body was dry. This was a miracle and Megha and everyone around there were amazed. Another time Baba appears in Megha’s dream and asks him to draw a Trident. Later on he gives him Shivalinga and this same Shivalinga appears in Dixit’s vision also. Later, after the drawing of the trident was complete, Sai got Megha to establish the Shiva lingam near the picture. Since Megha liked to worship Shankar, by presenting him with the Shankar ‘lingam’, Sai strengthened his devotion. Such are the marvelous narrations about Sai!

OM SRISAINATHARPANAMASTHU!