Sai Baba of Shirdi or Shirdi Sai Baba was born in 1838 & died on October 18, 1918, as per Hindu spiritual books. This spiritual saint of India was dear to both Muslim and Hindu devotees.
He is worshiped as Sai Baba of Shirdi in religions like Christians, Zoroastrians as a symbol of self-realization & accomplishment. He opposed the orthodox beliefs of various religions and drove to give them fresh perspectives.
Origin and History
The word Sai Baba is derived from 2 words “Sai” and “Baba” which means the following;
Sai –> A Persian Word –> Muslim Origin –> Holy Person
Baba –> A Hindi Word –> Indian Origin –> Father
Shirdi Sai Baba worked for the arousal of humans by giving the messages of love and morality into our lives.
The early life of Sai Baba is a complete mystery although few believe that he was born in a Hindu Brahman family who later turned out to be a Sufi fakir or a beggar.
Finally, he turned to become a Hindu Saint.
Although the birth details of Sai Baba are not known yet many believe that he was born in central India during 1838 or 1842 CE.
However, there exists no such evidence about his birth location and other childhood details.
Sai Baba arrived Shirdi at the age of 16 years where he practiced a lifestyle that later became the symbol of;
- Soberness
- Self-punishment
- Discipline
At the Shirdi village, the baba stayed at the outskirts, meditating under a very old Neem tree for many long hours.
Although many considered him to be mad while still others started gets influenced by his teachings and wisdom.
As per the history, he is believed to have left the Village of Pathri for almost 1 year and later returned to spend his life on meditation and learning.
Later he decided to live in a mosque named Dvarakamai, where he spent his last days.
The mosque referred to as Dvarakamai had no restriction anyone based on caste, colour or creed.
He received travelers of both Hindu and Islamic influence. Sai Baba would go out for offerings every morning and shared what he got with his followers who pursued his help.
Folklore of Shirdi Sai Baba
Shirdi is a village in the Maharashtra state i.e. the western part of India. Baba arrived at Shirdi in the year 1858 and died in the year 1918. The villagers first judged him to be just a normal fakir or beggar.
Later his work towards the people of Shirdi developed a huge following base among the Hindus and Muslims as his teachings & miracles were mesmerizing.
He would fulfill the wishes of needy and treat the sick which made him popular in the village.
His appearance was one of the highlights that everyone remembered such a wearing a Muslim cap and living in a reckless mosque in Shirdi.
As per the significance and teaching of Sufi order, he kept the fire burning in the mosque.
The mosque was given a Hindu name i.e. Dvarakamai that was completely against the orthodox beliefs of people.
Dvarakamai –> Named after the abode of Krishna, Dwarka.
Shirdi Sai Baba is believed to have extensive awareness about various Hindu books like the Bhagavadgita and the Puranas.
Shirdi Sai Baba’s pearls of wisdom often took the form of impossible legends and displayed both his derision for the inflexible formalism against the beliefs of various religions that could easily fall prey to others.
His wordings were as below;
One of his well-known sayings, “Sabka Malik Ek” which means that there is only One God that governs all.
He always uttered, “Allah Malik” which means that God is the true King.
He showed the people the ultimate path of wisdom is by treating others with empath and to help others in need.
He also believed in treating the sick for better future of humanity.
Shirdi Sai Baba’s Miracles and Spirituality
Shirdi Sai Baba has performed many miracles throughout his lifetime and even after that which has led to his following throughout the world.
Some of the miracles by Sai Baba of Shirdi are;
- Floating in the air.
- Bilocation.
- Reading the mind of people.
- Manifestation.
- Removal of pain from the body.
- Entering the tomb without any permissions.
- Fixing bone and other injuries.
It is believed by his devotees that Sai Baba took rebirth after 3 days and helped people cure their diseases and protect people from the falling mosque.
If you or your family is facing some family issues, then you must read Sai Satcharitra at least once.
The faith of people has increased significantly after his birth until now due to the list of miracle stories is that being published even now in various public forums.
Shirdi Sai Baba is believed to have given darshan to the devotes in the form of;
- Lord Rama.
- Lord Krishna.
- Lord Vishnu.
There are stories where Sai Baba came to peoples dreams and showed them the true path of wisdom to solve their life problems easily.
The Sacred Ash or Vibhuti that is given at Shirdi Sai Baba is believed to cure illness quickly.
Sai Baba had all the information and knowledge of both the Hindu and the Muslim cultures, books and beliefs.
He lived a very simple life just like any other common man and always dressed like “Fakirs”.
Sai Baba’s divine powers, effortlessness, and sympathy formed an aura of worship in the villagers of Shirdi.
He orated morality while living in modest standings:
“Even the learned are confused. Then what of us? Listen and be silent.”
Sai Baba always discourages his devotes not to worship him but his wisdom and teachings made him popular even in the far widespread parts of India.
People started worshiping him in the year 1909 and within 1 year his followers multi-fold.
With the construction of Dikshitwada temple in Shirdi, Sai Baba began the tradition of night worship or ‘Shej Aarti’ in the year 1910.
The devotes came together from various parts of the world and worshipped all together regardless of any discrimination or bias.
Sai Baba’s Belief on Charity and Help
Shirdi Sai Baba encouraged its devotees towards charity and help as it gives happiness to others. He believed that we should treat everyone with equal respect and treat all the humans the same.
Helping others by offering them food, water or anything that would fulfill their necessities would give you ultimate relief, peace and comfort.
Also, if you cannot help anyone then reply politely but never shout any others.
Shirdi Sai Baba was completely against discrimination of any kind and spread the message of faith and loyalty among the people.
He advised people to have trust in God and therefore, they should always focus on the Karma.
The Sai Baba of Shirdi had such grace that the followers gained persuasion & faith that if they follow their dreams and aspirations, they would gain success.
He would go from door to door in Shirdi asking people for money which he then used to prepare a meal and help the poor.
Thereby, giving the important message of Karma and selflessness.
Thus, we believe that Shirdi Sai Baba is there to help us all and guide us with his wisdom and blessings.
Sai Baba’s Last Words
On 15th October 1918, it is said that Sai Baba attained conscious departure from his living body also known as “Mahasamadhi”.
Before his death his final words where that “Do not think I am dead and gone. You will hear me from my Samadhi, and I shall guide you.”
In the 21st century, millions of devotees bring Sai Baba images to their homes and go to Shirdi every year, which is a witness of his enormity and current fame for Shirdi Sai Baba.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
When was Shirdi Sai Baba born?
The Sai Baba of Shirdi is believed to be born on 28 September 1838. However, no such evidence has yet been discovered about his true birth date.
Where was Shirdi Sai Baba born?
The birth details of Sai Baba are not known yet many believe that he was born in central India during 1838 or 1842 CE, however, there exists no such evidence about his birth location and other childhood details.
When did Sai Baba die and how?
On 15th October 1918, it is said that Sai Baba attained conscious departure from his living body also known as “Mahasamadhi”.