SIGNIFICANCE:
Shri Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest saints ever seen in India, endowed with unprecedented powers, and is worshipped as a God incarnate. (SAI meaning Sakshaat Ishwar) – GOD THE ABSOLUTE. He never asked his followers to abandon their religion. His life exemplified Love, Forgiveness, Charity, Contentment and, Devotion to Guru and God.
Baba stated that his mission is to “Give Blessings” without discrimination to all. He proves it in myriad ways by healing the sick, saving lives, protecting the vulnerable, averting accidents, granting offspring, facilitating financial gain, bringing people into harmony within themselves and with each other. Most importantly worked on the spiritual evolution and transformation of those who came to him as the last resort.
Sri Siddheswari Peetham is the only Sankara Peetham with Shirdi Sai in temple. Mounaswamy (founder of Sri Siddheswari Peetham) and Sai Baba were beloved friends and exchanged their yoga saadhanas like Khanda yoga. Hence, Shirdi Sai baba is worshipped in Siddheswari Peetham.
ORIGIN
Although Shirdi Sai Baba’s early years are a mystery, there are some indications that he was born not far from Shirdi, in a town now in the Indian state of Maharashtra. According to some sources, he was born in the small village of Pathri in Maharashtra, to a boatman called Ganga Bhavadia and his wife Devagiriamma. Sai Baba is also claimed to have been born in Tamil Nadu. According to this version, his mother’s name was Vaishnavdevi and his father’s name was Abdul Sattar. Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, at about 1858 AD and remained there until attaining Mahasamadhi on the Vijayadasami festival day of 15 October 1918.
SPECIAL DAYS FOR POOJA:
Rama Navami (Chaitra month – Mar to Apr) is the festival celebrated with grandeur at Saibaba temples.
Gurupurnima or Full Moon (Ashada month – Jul to Aug) It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing.
Vijayadashmi (Ashvin month – Sep to Oct) Is a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode.
BENEFITS OF WORSHIPPING SAI BABA:
Sai Baba always preached for the self-realization. He taught his devotees to walk on the path of honesty, peace, and forgiveness. Thus, one can worship him to obtain the peace of mind. It is believed that people who can worship him regularly, can obtain prosperity and other virtues in life.
SLOKA:
“Pradhamam Sai Nathaya, Dwithiyam Dwarakamayine
Thruthiyam Thiirtha Rajaya, Chadurdham Bhaktha Vatsalay
Panchamam Paramathmaya, Shastancha Shiridi Vasiney
Sapthamam Sadguru Nathaya, Ashtamam Anadha Nadhane
Navamam Niradambaraya, Dasamam Dattaavatarane, Yethani dasa namani thrisandyalaye,
Patennaraha, Sarwa Kasta Bhayanmuktom, Sri Sai Nadha Guru Krupa”
Following rituals and traditions dating back to when Baba was still alive, four Aartis are held daily (corresponding to the time of the day) inside the Samadhi Mandir.
Kakad Aarti (The Morning Aarti)
Madhyan Aarti (The Afternoon Aarti)
Dhup Aarti (The Evening Aarti)
Shej Aarti (The Night Aarti)