Shirdi Sai Baba (1835 – October 15, 1918) was an Indian religious leader, yogi and fakir. Fans from both Hindu and Muslim communities called him a saint. Hindu devotees considered him the incarnation of Dattatreya. According to many devotees, he was Sadguru, Sufi Pir or Qutb. Although his fame spread to different parts of the world, he gained the most respect in India.

Sai Baba’s real name is not known. Upon his arrival in Shirdi, he was given the name “Sai”. No information about his birth or place of birth is known. Sai Baba did not tell about his Purbashram. The word ‘Sai’ is derived from Sanskrit. The word means “God” or “divine”. In Indian languages, the word “Baba” means “father”, “grandfather”, “old man” or “gentleman”. That is, the name Sai Baba means “Divine Father” or “Fatherly Saint”.

Sai Baba was not interested in worldly objects. His only thought was self-realization. He became very popular as a saint. People in different parts of the world worship him. He taught love, forgiveness, mutual help, charity, contentment, sincere peace and devotion to God and Guru. The teachings of Sai Baba were collected from both Hinduism and Islam. He also gave a Hindu name to the mosque in which he lived. This name is “Dwarkamayi”. He performed rituals in both Hindu and Muslim religions. He used to give advice with examples of language and personalities of both the communities. He was buried in a Hindu temple in Shirdi. His famous saying is “Savka Malik Ek” (“One God rules all”). The word is related to Islam and Sufism. He always used to say “Allah Malik” (“God is Almighty”).

Many Hindu and Sufi religious leaders respected Sai Baba. Some of his disciples also became prominent religious leaders. Notable among them are Upasani Maharaj, Sant Bidkar Maharaj, Sant Gangagir, Sant Janakidas Maharaj and Sati Godavari Mataji.

Shirdi Sai and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, one of the prominent spiritual Gurus of Bengal, were contemporaries, but in two states of the country. One in Bengal, the other in distant Maharashtra. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born in February 1836. Sai, on the other hand, is skeptical of his father’s date of birth, but many believe he was born in September 1835. Although Thakur Ramakrishna himself was a devotee of Goddess Kali, all religions were equal to him. In the same way, Sai Baba also gave the message of interfaith harmony. One has to be surprised to know that there was a strange connection between the deaths of Thakur and Sai Baba. Although not recorded anywhere, it is said that by the month of August 18, Sai Baba was buried for three days. It is known that at the same time, Thakur was on his deathbed in Bengal. And when Sai Baba returned to his body three days later, Thakur left the mortal body. It is said that Sai Baba came back and said that he wanted to go to Allah forever. But, you can go there and find out that his friend Sri Ramakrishna also wants to go to God. So he came back to the material world . Incidentally, it is also heard that Thakur used to say about Ramakrishna or Sai Baba that such a fakir came to the world, whom Hindus worship as God and Muslims worship as Pir.

Sai Baba used to tell his fans only one thing. “No mantra, no worship. Just chant my name in your mind. And say silently what you want ! I will fulfill your wish.” That is why today millions of people come to Sirdi every year and bow before their Sai Baba. Do you know the benefits of chanting Jay Sai Ram in your mind throughout the day? The seven benefits of chanting the name of Sai Baba are given below.

1.Get whatever you want

Sri Hemadripantha, the author of Sri Sai Satcharitra, wrote in his book that Sai Baba had promised before his death that he would give whatever his devotees wanted from him. Not only that, it will not take long for those desires to be fulfilled. However, it is not necessary to worship regularly to fulfill the desires of the mind, but to name his name sincerely. You will see that life will change in an instant.

2.There will be peace in the family

Tell me who does not want to live in happiness and peace! But how many find happiness in this material world! But you can find happiness if you want. Surely you are wondering how this is possible? No need to do any puja, just take a bath every morning and feel pure, chant the name of Sri Sai Ram carefully. Then you will see that life will be filled with happiness and prosperity. At the same time, it will not take long for any kind of family quarrel to subside. Peace will abide in your household forever.

3.Very easy way

“No hard mantra, no worship, no fasting. Just look at me. I will look at you too”, this was Sai Baba’s last speech. So look at the picture of Baba with devotion and let go of your troubles. Baba will listen to you. And when Sai Baba looks back at his fans, it doesn’t take long for life to change. So if you ever face any trouble in life, look at the picture of Sai Baba and chant his name sincerely. You will see that the suffering will not take time to subside. Not only that, good luck will be your eternal companion.

4.See the Miracle

The story of many incidents that you will hear when you go to Sirdi, which is actually equal to Miracle. It is true that Sai Baba has kept the body for many years. But even today he exists in every corner of this world in three subtle bodies. So do not delay to immerse yourself in such a source of energy. You will see that one magic after another will start happening in your life. Maybe you can’t believe it, is that so? No problem. Once you tell Baba about a difficult wish in your mind, see what happens. I can swear that the desire of your mind will be fulfilled.

5.Only water

You will be surprised to hear that there is no need for flowers, garlands or expensive prasadam while worshipping Sai Baba. Chant Baba’s name, and offer a glass of water. You will see that Baba will be happy with that. And if Baba stays in your household with a happy mind, any wish of your mind will be fulfilled, and the risk of any kind of danger will also decrease.

6.Change your life

Life has become miserable due to various troubles nowadays. Then start chanting Sai Baba’s name regularly. You will see that life will change soon. In fact, your life will be filled with happiness and joy.

7.Change your conjugal life

It is believed that if you chant this mantra “Om Shri Sai Prema Pradhya Namah” 108 times regularly, you will see that even in the midst of thousands of troubles, marital life will begin to be spent happily and peacefully. At the same time, the relationship between husband and wife will surely improve.

[Source: Wikipedia & Bengali Boldsky]

Talker: Krishna Das