Hanuman Chalisa

Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj		After cleansing the mirror of my mind with the pollen
Nij mane mukure sudhar		dust of holy Guru's Lotus feet. I Profess the pure,
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu		untainted glory of Shri Raghuvar which bestows the four-
Jo dayaku phal char		fold fruits of life.(Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike		Fully aware of the deficiency of my intelligence, I
Sumirau Pavan Kumar		concentrate my attention on Pavan Kumar and humbly
Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe		ask for strength, intelligence and true knowledge to
Harahu Kalesa Vikar		relieve me of all blemishes, causing pain.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar		Victory to thee, O'Hanuman! Ocean of Wisdom-All
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar		hail to you O'Kapisa! (fountain-head of power,wisdom
		and Shiva-Shakti) You illuminate all the three worlds
		(Entire cosmos) with your glory.
Ram doot atulit bal dhama		You are the divine messenger of Shri Ram. The
Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama		repository of immeasurable strength, though known
		only as Son of Pavan (Wind), born of Anjani.
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi		With Limbs as sturdy as Vajra (The mace of God Indra)
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi		you are valiant and brave. On you attends good Sense
		and Wisdom. You dispel the darkness of evil thoughts.
Kanchan varan viraj subesa		Your physique is beautiful golden coloured and your dress
Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa		is pretty. You wear ear rings and have long curly hair.
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje		You carry in your hand a lightening bolt along with a victory
Kandhe moonj janehu sajai		(kesari) flag and wear the sacred thread on your shoulder.
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan		As a descendant of Lord Sankar, you are a comfort and pride
Tej pratap maha jag vandan		of Shri Kesari. With the lustre of your Vast Sway, you are
		propitiated all over the universe.
Vidyavan guni ati chatur		You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accom-
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur		plished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya		You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya		narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with
		what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the
		hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava		You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to
Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava		her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck
		terror by setting Lanka on fire.
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare		With over-whelming might you destroyed the Asuras
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare		(demons) and performed all tasks assigned to you by Shri Ram
		with great skill.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye		You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye		Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully
		embraced you with his heart full of joy.
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai		Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) lustily extolled your excellence and
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai		said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave		Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories;
Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave		saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa		When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma,
Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa		the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha
		(one of immeasurable dimensions).
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te		Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te		Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe)
		have been vying with one another in offering homage to your
		glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression
		of your super excellence.
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha		You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with
Ram milaye rajpad deenha		Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana		your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana		all over the Universe.
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu		On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu		distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet
		luscious fruit.
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee		Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there is
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee		hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean.
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete		The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete		with your kind grace.
Ram dware tum rakhvare,		You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode.
Hoat na agya binu paisare		No one can enter it without your permission,
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna		All comforts of the world lie at your feet. The devotees enjoy all
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na		divine pleasures and feel fearless under your benign Protection.
Aapan tej samharo aapai		You alone are befitted to carry your own splendid valour. All the
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai		three worlds (entire universe) tremor at your thunderous call.
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai		All the ghosts, demons and evil forces keep away, with the
Mahavir jab naam sunavai		sheer mention of your great name, O'Mahaveer!!
Nase rog harai sab peera		All diseases, pain and suffering disappear on reciting regularly
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera		Shri Hanuman's holy name.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai		Those who remember Shri Hanuman in thought, words and deeds
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai		with Sincerity and Faith, are rescued from all crises in life.
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja		All who hail, worship and have faith in Shri Ram as the Supreme
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja		Lord and the king of penance. You make all their difficult tasks
		very easy.
Aur manorath jo koi lavai		Whosoever comes to you for fulfillment of any desire with faith
Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai		and sincerity, Will he alone secure the imperishable fruit of
		human life.
Charon Yug partap tumhara		All through the four ages your magnificent glory is acclaimed far
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara		and wide. Your fame is Radiantly acclaimed all over the Cosmos.
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware		You are Saviour and the guardian angel of Saints and Sages and
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare		destroy all Demons. You are the angelic darling of Shri Ram.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata		You can grant to any one, any yogic power of Eight Siddhis
Us var deen Janki mata		(power to become light and heavy at will) and Nine Nidhis
		(Riches,comfort, power,prestige, fame,sweet relationship etc.)
		This boon has been conferred upon you by Mother Janki.
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa		You possess the power of devotion to Shri Ram. In all rebirths
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa		you will always remain Shri Raghupati's most dedicated disciple.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai		Through hymns sung in devotion to you, one can find Shri Ram
Janam janam ke dukh bisravai		and become free from sufferings of several births.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee		If at the time of death one enters the Divine Abode of Shri Ram,
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee		thereafter in all future births he is born as the Lord's devotee.
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi		One need not entertain any other deity for Propitiation, as
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi		devotion of Shri Hanuman alone can give all happiness.
Sankat kate mite sab peera		One is freed from all the sufferings and ill fated contingencies of
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera		rebirths in the world. One who adores and remembers Shri Hanuman.
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin		Hail, Hail, Hail, Shri Hanuman, Lord of senses. Let your victory
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin		over the evil be firm and final. Bless me in the capacity as my
		supreme guru (teacher).
Jo sat bar path kare kohi		One who recites Chalisa one hundred times, becomes free from the
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi		bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa		All those who recite Hanuman Chalisa (The forty Chaupais)
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa		regularly are sure to be benedicted. Such is the evidence of no less a
		witness as Bhagwan Sankar.
Tulsidas sada hari chera		Tulsidas as a bonded slave of the Divine Master, stays perpetually at
Keejai Naath Hrdaye mein dera		his feet, he prays "Oh Lord! You enshrine within my heart & soul."
Pavantnai sankat haran,		Oh! conqueror of the Wind, Destroyer of all miseries, you are a
Mangal murti roop.		symbol of Auspiciousness.
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit,		Along with Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita, reside in my heart.
Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.		Oh! King of Gods.

Kashmiri Pandit Surnames

A
Adalti
Adkaloo
Agha
Akhoon
Alaroo
Ambardar
Amin
Arzbaigi
AtalB
Babu
Bachloo
Badam
Badgami
Badhwan
Badyari
Bagh
Bakaya
Bakshi
Bali
Baliya
Balu
Bambroo
Bamtsunt
Bamzai
Bandar
Bangi
Bangroo
Barbooj
Bataphalu
Battiv
Bazari
Bazaz
Beera
Bhan
Bhandari
Bharadwaj
Bhat
Bhujoo
Bindroo
Bishta
Bradi
Bradoo
Braru
Breth
Buni / BoniC
Chacha
Chaghat
Chaka
Chaku
Challu
Chandra / Chandru
Channa
Charibacha
Chata
Chillum
Chiraagi
Chokan
Choku
Chotai
Chottu
Choungu
Chrangu
Chroungu
ChowdharyD
Daftary
Dandar
Dangar
Dangi
Darabi
Darbari
Dass
Dassi
Dembi
Deva
Dewani
Dhar
Dharmarthi
Dhobi / Daub
Dont
Dout
Drabi
Draboo
Dral
Duda
Dullu
Durrani
Duru
DusajE
No SurnameF
Fehrist
FotedarG
Gadoo
Gadar
Gadroo
Gagroo
Galikrapa
Galvan
Ganhar
Ganjoo
Garyali /Gadyali
Geru /Giru
Gharoo
Ghasi
Gigoo
Goja
Gosain
Gurkha / Gorkha
Gurtoo
GuruH
Haash
Haashiya
Hak
Hakachar
Hakeem
Hakhoo / Hukhoo / Hukku
Haksar
Halli
Handoo
Hangal
Hangloo
Hanjura
Hapa
Harkar
Hashiwali
Hastiwal
Hastu
HazariI
IndrabiJ
Jad
Jailkhani
Jalali
Jalla
Jan
Jatoo
Jawansher
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Jogi
Jota
JyotsiK
Kabadi
Kabu
Kabuli
Kachawa
Kachroo
Kadalbujoo
Kak
Kakroo
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Kallu
Kalpush
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Kantroo
Kanoongo
Karawani
Karihaloo
Karnel
Karvayoo
Kasab
Kashkari
Kasid
Kath
Kathju
Kaul / Koul
Kaula
Kaw
Kemdal
Kemmu
Keni
Kenoo
Khaibri
Khanakatu
Khar / Kher
Khardoori
Kharoo
Khaumush
Khazanchi
Khoda
Khoru
Khosa
Khudbali
Khushu
Khuyihama
Kichloo
Kichru
Kilam
Kissu
Kitroo
Kochak
Kokhu
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Kotru
Kotwal
Krakroo
Krandoo
Kranzu
Kral'
Kuchru
Kukil
Kukroo
Kunzru
Kurdi
Kyani

L
Labroo
Ladakhi
Lala
Lahori
Langar
Langoo/ Lange
Lanker
Lattu
LidhooM
Machama
Madan
Mahaldar
Malla
Mam
Mandal
Manduloo
Malik
Manslal
Mantapuri
Mantu
Manwati
Mattoo
Mattas
Mazari
Mekhzin
Meva
Mich
Mirakhur
Mirza
Miskeen
Misri
Miya
Mogal
Mohnuri
Monga
Mota
Moti
Moza
Muhtasib
Mujoo
Mukhi
Mukka
Mukku
Mukru
Munshi
Mushraan
MuthuN
Nagari
Nakashi
Nakhasi
Naqib
Naar
Naaz
Nazuk
NekaO
OonthP
Padar
Padi
Padora
Pahalwan
Pajnu
Pampuri
Pandit
Pandita
Panzu
Parikala
Parimoo
Partazi
Pat
Patar
Patto
Patwari
Peer
Peshin
Piala
Poot
Prothi
Punjabi
PurbiQ
Qazi
QandhariR
Rafiz
Raina
Rambal
Rangateng
Rangroo
Rayou
Razdan
Ratiz
Rawal
Renzoo
Revoo
RishiS
Sadana
Sadhu
Safaya
Sahib / Sahibi
Said
Salman
Saproo
Saraf
Sas
Sathoo
Sav
Sazwal
Shaal
Shah
Shakdhar
Shali
Sharabi
Sharga
Sharma
Shastri
Shayar
Sher
Shingari
Shiroo
Shishoo
Shivpuri
Shoga
Shongu
Shora
Shungloo
Sikh
Sibbu
Sidha
Sipahi
Sopori
Sultan
Sulu
Sum
Sumbli
Suni
SuriT
Tailang
Tabardar
Tak
Talib
Talif
Tamini
Taimiri
Tanganoo
Tankha
Tanku
Taploo
Tar
Tariwali
Tava
Teli
Teng
Thakur
Thaltsur
Thaploo
Thela
Thogan
Thas
Thussu
Tiku
Tilwan
Topa
Toshkhani
Tota
Trakroo
Trisal
Tritsha
Tsul
Tshut
Tufchi
Tuli
Tulsi
Tur
Turi
Turki
TutuU
Ugra
UthuV
Vaishnavi
Vakil
Vangar
Vantu
Vass
Vesh
Veshan
Vichari
Vishnu
Voonth
W
Wadhawan
Waguzari
Wakhloo
Wali
Wanchoo
Wangoo
Wangnoo
Wanikhan
Warikoo
Wat
Watal
Waza
Wazir
Wufa
WuthuX
No SurnameY
YachaZ
Zadoo
Zahaldar
Zaharbad
Zahi
Zalpuri
Zamindar
Zarabi
Zari
Zaroo
Zijoo
Zithu
Zotan
Zutshi

OM JAI JAGDISH HARE Om jai Jagdish hare Swami jai Jagdish hare Bhakt jano ke sankat Das jano ke sankat shan men door kare Om jai Jagdish hare Jo dhyave phal pave Dukh bin se man ka Swami dukh bin se man ka Sukh sampati ghar ave Sukh sampati ghar ave Kasht mite tan ka Om jai Jagdish hare Mat pita tum mere Sharan Paoon main kiski Swami sharan paoon main kiski Tum bin aur na dooja Prabhu bin aur na dooja As karoon main jiski Om jai Jagdish hare Tum pooran Paramatam Tum Antaryami Swami tum Antaryãmi Pãr Brahm Parameshwar Pãr Brahm Parameshwar Tum sabke swãmi Om jai Jagdish hare Tum karuñã ke sãgar Tum pãlan kartã Swãmi tum pãlan kartã Main moorakh khalakhãmi Main sevak tum swãmi Kripã karo Bhartã Om jai Jagdish hare Tum ho ek agochar Sab ke prãñ pati Swãmi sab ke prãñ pati Kis vidhi miloon Gosãi Kis vidhi miloon Dayãlu Tum ko main kumati Om jai Jagdish hare Deen bandhu dukh harta Thãkur tum mere Swãmi Thãkur tum mere Apne hãth uthao Apni sharañi lagão Dwãr paðã hoon tere Om jai Jagdish hare Vishay vikãr mitãvo Pãp haro Devã Swãmi pãp haro Devã Shradhã bhakti baðhão Shradhã bhakti baðhão Santan ki sevã Om jai Jagdish hare Om jai Jagdish hare Swãmi jai Jagdish hare Bhakt jano ke sankat Dãs jano ke sankat Shañ men door kare Om jai Jagdish hare

Translation Oh Lord of the whole Universe Mighty Lord of the whole Universe All Thy devotees' agonies All Thy devotees' sorrows Instantly Thou banisheth Oh Lord of the whole Universe He who's immersed in devotion He reaps the fruits of Thy love Lord, he reaps the fruits of Thy love Floating in a cloud of comforts Floating in a cloud of comforts Free from all the worldly problems Oh Lord of the whole Universe Thou art Mother and Father At Thy feet I seek eternal truth Lord, at Thy feet I seek eternal truth There's none other than Thee, Lord There's none other than Thee, Lord Guardian of all our hopes Oh Lord of the whole Universe Thou art Godly perfection Omnipotent Master of all Lord, omnipotent Master of all My destiny's in Thy Hand My destiny's in Thy Hand Supreme Soul of all Creation Oh Lord of the whole Universe Thou art an ocean of mercy Gracious protector of all Lord, gracious protector of all I'm Thy humble devotee I'm Thy humble devotee Grant me Thy divine grace Oh Lord of the whole Universe Thou art beyond all perception Formless and yet multiform Lord, formless and yet multiform Grant me a glimpse of Thyself Grant me a glimpse of Thyself Guide me along the path to Thee Oh Lord of the whole Universe Friend of the helpless and feeble Benevolent saviour of all Lord, benevolent saviour of all Offer me Thy hand of compassion Offer me Thy hand of compassion I seek refuge at Thy feet Oh Lord of the whole Universe Surmounting the earthly desires Free from the sins of this life Lord, free from the sins of this life Undivided faith and devotion Undivided faith and devotion In eternal service unto Thee Oh Lord of the whole Universe Oh Lord of the whole Universe Mighty Lord of the whole Universe All Thy devotees' agonies All Thy devotees' sorrows Instantly Thou banisheth Oh Lord of the whole Universe

Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as a saint, a fakir, a satguru and an incarnation (avatar) of Lord Shiva and Dattatreya. He is revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees during, as well as after his lifetime.

Saibaba is now revered as incarnation of Sri Dattatreya and considered as Saguna Brahma. He is attributed to be the creator, sustainer and destroyer of this universe by his devotees. He is decorated with jewels and all forms of Hindu vedic deities as he is believed by his followers to be the supreme God.

According to accounts from his life, he preached the importance of realization of the self and criticized love towards perishable things. His teachings concentrate on a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace and devotion to the God and guru. He stressed the importance of surrender to the true Satguru, who, having trod the path to divine consciousness, will lead the disciple through the jungle of spiritual training.

Sai Baba also condemned distinction based on religion or caste. It remains unclear if he was a Muslim or a Hindu. This, however, was of no consequence to Sai Baba. His teaching combined elements of Hinduism and Islam: he gave the Hindu name Dwarakamayi to the mosque in which he lived, practised both Hindu and Muslim rituals, taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions and took samadhi in Shirdi. One of his well-known epigrams, Allah Malik (God is King) and Sabka Malik Ek (Everyone's Master is One), is associated with both Hinduism and Islam. He is also known to have said Look to me, and I shall look to you.

Sai Baba's date of birth including his birthplace remains unknown and is debatable due to lack of evidence and no definitive information exists to prove it. Most definitive information about Shirdi Sai Baba tends to be derived from a book called Shri Sai Satcharitra written by a disciple called Hemadpant (also known as Annasaheb Dabholkar / Govind Raghunath) in 1922 in Marathi. The book itself is a compilation based on accounts by his various disciples and Hemadpant's personal observations observing Sai Baba from 1910 onwards.

Sai Baba's real name remains unknown. The name Sai was given to him by Mhalsapati when he arrived at Shirdi, a town now in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. The word Sairefers to a religious mendicant but can also mean God. In several Indian and Middle Eastern languages the term Baba is an honorific signifying grandfather, father, old man or sir. Thus Sai Baba denotes holy father, saintly father or (venerable) poor old man.

Some of Sai Baba's disciples became famous as spiritual figures and saints, such as Mhalsapati, a priest of the Khandoba temple in Shirdi and Upasni Maharaj. He was revered by other saints as well, such as Saint Bidkar Maharaj, Saint Gagangiri Maharaj, Saint Janakidas Maharaj and Sati Godavari Mataji. Sai Baba referred to several saints as 'my brothers', especially the disciples of Swami Samartha of Akkalkot.

Although Sai Baba's origins are unknown, some indications exist that suggest that he was born not far from Shirdi. Historical researches into genealogies in Shirdi give support to the theory that Baba could have been born with the name Haribhau Bhusari. Baba was notorious for giving vague, misleading and contradictory replies to questions concerning his parentage and origins, brusquely stating the information was unimportant. He had reportedly stated to a close follower, MAhalsapati, that he has been born of Brahmin parents in the village of Pathri and had been entrusted into the care of a fakir in his infancy. On another occasion, Baba reportedly said that the fakir's wife had left him in the care of a Hindu guru, Venkusa of Selu and that he had stayed with Venkusa for 12 years as his disciple. This dichotomy has given rise to two major theories regarding Baba's background, with the majority of writers supporting the Hindu background over the Islamic, while others combine both the theories (that Sai Baba was first brought up by a fakir and then by a guru).

Baba reportedly arrived at the village of Shirdi in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, India, when he was about sixteen years old. Although there is no agreement among biographers about the date of this event, it is generally accepted that Baba stayed in Shirdi for three years, disappeared for a year and returned permanently around 1858, just after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This which posits a possible birth year of 1838. He led an ascetic life, sitting motionless under a neem tree and meditating while sitting in an asana. The Sai Satcharita recounts the reaction of the villagers

The people of the village were wonder-struck to see such a young lad practicing hard penance, not minding heat or cold. By day he associated with no one, by night he was afraid of nobody.

His presence attracted the curiosity of the villagers and the religiously-inclined such as Mhalsapati, Appa Jogle and Kashinatha regularly visited him, while others such as the village children considered him mad and threw stones at him. After some time he left the village and it is unknown where he stayed at that time or what happened to him. However, there are some indications that he met with many saints and fakirs and worked as a weaver; he claimed to have fought with the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in 1858. He appeared at the Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi. The temple priest, Mahalsapati, upon seeing him for the very first time, welcomed him by saying 'Aao, Sai!' ('Come Sai'). From then on, He was known by the name (Sai Baba).

Around this time he adopted his famous style of dressing, consisting of a knee-length one-piece Kafni robe and a cloth cap. Ramgir Bua, a devotee, testified that Sai Baba was dressed like an athlete and sported 'long hair flowing down to the end of his spine' when he arrived in Shirdi, and that he never had his head shaved. It was only after Baba forfeited a wrestling match with one Mohiddin Tamboli that he took up the kafni and cloth cap, articles of typical Sufi clothing. This attire contributed to Baba's identification as a Muslim fakir and was a reason for initial indifference and hostility against him in a predominantly Hindu village.

For four to five years, Baba lived under a neem tree and often wandered for long periods in the jungle around Shirdi. His manner was said to be withdrawn and uncommunicative as he undertook long periods of meditation. He was eventually persuaded to take up residence in an old and dilapidated mosque and lived a solitary life there, surviving by begging for alms and receiving itinerant Hindu or Muslim visitors. In the mosque, he maintained a sacred fire which is referred to as a dhuni, from which he gave sacred ash ('Udi') to his guests before they left. The ash was believed to have healing and apotropaic powers. He performed the function of a local hakim and treated the sick by application of ashes. Sai Baba also delivered spiritual teachings to his visitors, recommending the reading of the Ramayan and Bhagavat Gita for Hindus and Qur'an for Muslims. He insisted on the indispensability of the unbroken remembrance of God's name (dhikr, and often expressed himself in a cryptic manner with the use of parables, symbols and allegories).

Baba is believed to have grown and cultivated a garden called Lendi Baug, named after a riverlet called Lendi which flowed nearby. The garden continues to be a place visited by pilgrims, and has temples, samadhis of people and animals associated with Shirdi Sai Baba's life and temples.

In 1910, Sai Baba's fame began to spread in Mumbai. Numerous people started visiting him, because they regarded him as a saint with the power of performing miracles or even as an avatar. They built his first temple at Bhivpuri, Karjat.

In August 1918, Shirdi Sai Baba told some of his devotees that he would soon be "leaving his mortal body" (dying). Towards the end of September, he had high fever and stopped eating. As his condition deteriorated, he asked his disciples to recite holy texts to him and continued to meet visitors. On 15th October 1918, he breathed his last. The day coincided with the Hindu calendar date that year for Vijayadashami. As is the case with Hindu saints, his followers believed that Sai Baba had accepted the state of samadhi and attained nirvana. His remains were buried at Buti Wada in Shirdi, and it became a became a place of worship, today known as Shree Samadhi Mandir or Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Teachings & Practices

Sai Baba opposed all persecution based on religion or caste. He was an opponent of religious orthodoxy — Christian, Hindu and Muslim.

Sai Baba encouraged his devotees to pray, chant God's name, and read holy scriptures. He told Muslims to study the Qur'an and Hindus to study texts such as the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Vasistha. He was impressed by the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita and encouraged people to follow it in their own lives. He advised his devotees and followers to lead a moral life, help others, love every living being without any discrimination, and develop two important features of character: devotion (Shraddha) and patience (Saburi). He criticised atheism.

In his teachings, Sai Baba emphasised the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to earthly matters and of being content regardless of the situation. In his personal practice, Sai Baba observed worship procedures belonging to Islam; he shunned any kind of regular rituals but allowed the practice of Salah, chanting of Al-Fatiha, and Qur'an readings at Muslim festival times. Occasionally reciting the Al-Fatiha, Baba enjoyed listening to mawlid and qawwali accompanied with the tabla and sarangi twice daily.

Sai Baba interpreted the religious texts of both Islam and Hinduism. He explained the meaning of the Hindu scriptures in the spirit of Advaita Vedanta. His philosophy also had numerous elements of bhakti. The three main Hindu spiritual paths — Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga — influenced his teachings.

Sai Baba encouraged charity and stressed the importance of sharing. He said

‘‘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. Sri Hari (God) will certainly be 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."

Worship & Devotees

The Shirdi Sai Baba movement began in the 19th century, while he was living in Shirdi. A local Khandoba priest, Mhalsapati Nagre, is believed to have been his first devotee. In the 19th century, Sai Baba's followers were only a small group of inhabitants of Shirdi and a few people from other parts of India.

Because of Sai Baba, Shirdi has become a place of importance and is counted among the major Hindu places of pilgrimage. The first Sai Baba temple is situated at Kudal, Sindhudurg. This temple was built in 1922. It is believed that Sai Baba gave one rupee to Dada Madye ji with which he built the temple in Kudal.

Today, the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi is visited by an average of 25,000 pilgrims a day and during religious festivals, this number can reach up to 100,000. The Sai Baba temple in Shirdi is managed by the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust. Inside the temple, the statue of Sai Baba and the Samadhi are carved out of Italian marble and is seen draped with royal cloth, wearing a gold crown and adorned with fresh flower garlands. The interior is made of old stone bricks. The interior, as well as the exterior (cone) of the temple, is covered with gold. As per rituals and traditions dating back to when Baba was still alive, four Aarti's are held daily (corresponding to the time of the day) inside the Samadhi Mandir.

·         Kakad Aarti (The Morning Aarti) at 4:30 (am)

·         Madhyan Aarti (The Afternoon Aarti) at 12:00 (pm)

·         Dhup Aarti (The Evening Aarti) 6:30 (pm)

·         Shej Aarti (The Night Aarti) at 10:30 (pm)

The Palanquin procession of Sai Baba takes place every Thursday from the Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamayi, onward to Chavdi and back to the Sai Baba Mandir. Devotees belonging to all faiths are welcome to take Darshan in the Samadhi Mandir and have free meals in the Prasadalaya, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion as these were one of the ideal principles of Sai Baba.

Websites:

Shri Sai baba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi

Shirdi Home Page

Shirdi Sai baba Live Darshan