Sai Baba: Guru or God?

Sai Baba: Guru or God?

For someone who walked in Shirdi in 1830s like a fakir (mendicant) today he is revered like a God. What charisma does this man wield on people even after 100 years have passed after he transitioned? Some believe that he is a Guru, some revere him as God.

Let us look at what possibly can be the reason for this popularity. When Baba walked into Shirdi many saints and enlightened souls recognized Baba’s divinity.

Gangagir, of Vaishnava sect visited Shirdi very frequently. When he first saw Baba carrying pitchers of water in both hands, he said, “Blessed is this Shirdi to have got this jewel. This man carrying water today is no ordinary soul. As Shirdi has accumulated merits, it has secured this jewel.”

A well-known saint, Anandnath of Yeola Math, a disciple of Akkalkot Maharaj, when he saw Baba, exclaimed, “He is a precious diamond; you will realize this in the near future.” The prophecies were made when Baba was young. And in due course of time they were proved right.

Gaulibuva, 95-year old Warkari (pilgrim on foot), who regularly visited Padharpur, also was devoted to Sai Baba and visited Shirdi every year. He would say, “This is the merciful Pandharinath Incarnate.”

There are unparalleled events that were noted by devotees, which is not possible for a mere human being to perform. A few examples cited below will elaborate this point- it is believed that a bath in the holy waters of Prayag, the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna is sacred. Once, Das Ganu wished to go to Prayag for a bath, and sought Baba's permission for doing so. Baba replied, “It is not necessary to travel so far. Shirdi itself is Prayag. Let there be firm faith in your mind”. Then wonder of wonders happened! When Das Ganu placed his head on Baba's feet, out came a stream of Ganga and Yamuna from both his toes.

On one Makar Sankranti day, Megha wanted to apply sandalwood paste and bathe Baba with water from the Godavari River. He considered Baba as Lord Shiva, and knew abhishek (sacred bath) on that auspicious day, would please Shiva. Baba tried dissuading Megha, but gave in when He was persistent. So, before sunrise Megha set out to traverse 16 miles (both ways), without an umbrella or any other protection.

He brought the holy water and made preparations for the bath at noon. Baba again urged Megha to spare Him from this bath saying what a fakir like him has to do with Ganga water. But Megha was persistent, so Baba came and sat on the wooden board and said, “The head is the important part, so pour a little water on it, which is as good as a whole bath.” Megha acquiesced. He lifted the pot and got carried away with his devotion and gave a loud cry of 'Har Har Gange' and poured the entire pot of water on Baba's head. But he was astonished to see only Baba's head was wet, not a drop had drenched Baba’s clothes or body. This was Baba's leela of indulging a devotee's wish and reaffirming his faith.

Baba had perfect control over the nature. He could at mere glance enhance or lighten the fire, or clear the overcast skies.

One evening, a terrible storm started blowing in Shirdi. Wild winds, heavy rain and lightning struck out with ferocity. Bird, beasts and man took shelter and grew frightened with every passing moment. Shirdi residents prayed to Sai Baba. Hearing their heartfelt prayers, Baba came to the edge of the Mosque and shouted loudly. Immediately the rain and wind abated and after a while stopped.

Once in the afternoon, the flames from the Dhuni (fire) started flaring up. In no time it started reaching the wooden planks of the ceiling in the Mosque. Everyone present was watching the growing fire with dismay, as it could burn down the Mosque. But none dared to do anything to quell it or rouse Baba from his trance. In some time Baba realized what was happening  and started striking His baton against the column and looking at the Dhuni said 'Calm Down' and with every stroke, the flames started subsiding.

As Baba’s fame kept spreading, more and more people started thronging to Shirdi. The devotees, who came to Baba, placed flowers at his feet and prostrated in reverence. Baba tried dissuading them and suggested they pray to the God in their temples. But the devotees said that they had accepted him as their living God. Over a period of time, Baba relented. And gradually a ritualistic worship started.

The first man to offer arati pooja to Baba was Tatyasaheb Nulkar. One day he lit two lamps and waved it before Baba; thence, he did it regularly. After his demise, it was conducted by Megha; and after Megha’s death Bapusaheb Jog performed the pooja.

From 1908 the individual worship turned into a congregational worship. There were no fixed rituals for the pooja or songs for the arati, till Krishnarao Bhishma wrote the songs for the arati. Later, some songs of Das Ganu and Upasani Baba were also added. From 1904, Dada Kelkar started performing Guru pooja on Guru Poornima day, which continues till today.

Though the faith of Baba’s devotees’ kept on strengthening day by day that he was none other than God, Baba himself never claimed or accepted it. He always said, “Yade Haq”, which means ‘I remember God’ and never said, “Anhal Haq”, which means ‘I am God’. Baba was a Siddha (possessing extraordinary powers) but behaved like a Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant).

His simplicity, his unstinted love and compassion endeared him to the devotees. People’s miseries were alleviated. He healed people and was also known as a hakim (local doctor).

100 years have passed after his Mahasamadhi and he still answers prayers and he still heals and provides succor to those in distress.

Sai Baba is a Guru or a God is one’s personal experience and belief.