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Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi Day 2021 Date and Significance

Submitted by astroved on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 02:53

Sai Baba’s Story

India is known to be a land that has holy men in abundance. But not many achieved the kind of renown that Shirdi Sai Baba did. It has been many years since he left his physical body, but he continues to protect his devotees and followers by coming to their help whenever they call on him. Some say he was born to brahmin parents who handed him over to a fakir when he was a child. At the age of 16, he arrived in the village of Shirdi and took up residence under a neem tree. He would meditate for many hours without speaking a word, often going without food or water. 

The locals were piqued by this strange youth and his spiritual ways. Most people left him to his devices, but some would throw stones at him. After a while, the wife of the village chief began to bring him food, and he began to regard her as his mother. But he never mingled with anyone else. Then after living there for 3 years, he vanished from the village. It is believed that he wandered far and wide and met many holy men from whom he learned many things. He was also working as a weaver for a while. One year later, as suddenly as he had vanished, he returned to Shirdi. It was 1858, and this time, he stayed put. 
 
Baba’s Fame Spreads

For five years, Baba continued to live under the neem tree. He often wandered in the jungle near Shirdi. He spent most of his time deep in meditation. Later he took up residence in a nearby mosque. Soon, many people of all faiths began to visit him at the mosque. He maintained a sacred fire, dhuni, and would offer holy ash to visitors. Supposedly, it had the power to cure diseases.

Baba would also cook food and give it to the visitors as Prasad. He would take money as Dakshina from visitors and give it to the needy. This was to improve the karma of the giver.
 
Singing (religious songs) and dancing were some of his favorite activities. Soon, his fame spread, and more people came to see him. Baba was against orthodoxy, be it Hindu, Christian, or Muslim, and he had followers of all faiths. 

Baba’s Samadhi Day

Baba is regarded by many as a manifestation of Lord Dattatreya. He took Samadhi on October 15, 1918, and it is observed annually as
Shirdi Sai Baba Mahasamadhi Day. On this day, devotees visit the Shirdi temple and worship him. Many cultural programs are usually held, but due to the pandemic, there may be fewer crowds and celebrations.

Baba’s Message

Sai Baba taught people about the importance of doing charity, forgiveness, and helping others. He spoke of the value of attaining inner peace and what comprised true devotion. He did not discriminate against people on the basis of caste and religion. His teachings were a mixture of Hinduism and Islam, and he often used to say, "Sabka Maalik Ek" (Everyone has One Master). His simple living and virtues won over everyone. Supposedly, Baba took samadhi voluntarily. But his soul is still present among us, guiding and helping us.

Baba’s Last Days

During his final days, he would listen to religious stories. His body was becoming weaker day by day, but no devotees were allowed to approach him. His disciples kept watch over his body for three days. His samadhi day was October 15, 1918. He had predicted he would expire soon. He was tired of the recurring debates about his actual religion and disappointed that most people worshipped him for material rather than spiritual gains. On the day of Dusshera, he decided to renounce his physical existence. He even predicted the day his physical body would cease to exist. But he assured his devotees that he would continue to watch over them and help them when needed. After he passed away, his body was buried at "Booti Wada" in Shirdi. It is here that the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple has been built. Large numbers of people visit the temple on this day and worship Sai Baba, asking for his intercession to solve their problems.