It was a glorious morning on 9th June 2001 with sun shinning and perfect weather for a beautiful relaxing holiday for long weekend that so many were looking forward to, a perfect day to begin a holiday. In Sydney there was a fever of anticipation and people were excited and looking forward to this weekend for altogether a different reason. It was the first day of Sai UTSAV 2001- spanned over a three-day period and all the members of the Sai Family were looking forward to this event with frenzy. We were lucky to be able to participate as attendees at this function. What caught me most was the selfless work, personal time and devotion of people comprising - committee members, volunteers, devotees, all coming forward with a single aim of spreading Sai philosophy to all the people in Australia. The credit also goes to the family members of the organizers and volunteers for supporting them in this endeavor from the beginning; with out which this function would not have taken place. Their only aim was to spread the Saitatva - as they described it as "a festival of Sai consciousness, philosophy and spirituality" - which were met at this festival.

I had an intense desire to visit Shirdi for the last 5 months, but now I can say that, my desire has been fulfilled and I got more than I asked for. There were hundreds of devotees registered and attended the festival all eagerly waiting to see and listen to the spiritual discourses by Sri Chandrabanu Satpathyji, some of us from south India had not heard of him, but the journey sure was rewarding. I would listen to Satpathyji anytime and any day. He is a great analyst who has analyzed the mystery of this universe its cause and effect. The beauty of his discourse was, he was able to reach all people in simple language that found its mark in the heart and mind. As the shrine was full, the organizers had put up a tent with television so the people can sit and relax while watching the proceedings in the temple live. The three day event included four traditional aarthis as held in Shirdi, Sai pravachans, Bhajans, Sai naam jap, and children's activities and a night of beautiful bhajans with Sri Manhar Udhas and local talent Sri Avijeet Sarkar.

This Sai Utsav brings to my mind Rama navami festival held in Shirdi during Baba's time, as described in 6th Chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitha where each devotee was allocated certain work, which they did with complete devotion and faith. Annadanam was carried on a large scale, as was done by Radhakrishamai as described in Sai Satcharita, during Baba's time, so also those who had come to attend the festival in Sydney were fed to their hearts content with the most nutritious and delicious food, all prepared by the volunteers. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner was prepared by the devotees and distributed by volunteers. I read Sai Satcharitha everyday. I have been doing it since last four months, and hope that BABA blesses me to do it regularly. At Sydney Sai Utsav, I got the practical demonstration of what I have been reading so far, just as Sri Das Ganu got the experience from Kaka's maid in Bombay as described in 20th Chapter, about the practical significance of Isha Upanishad. Here from Sai UTSAV I got the demonstration of selfless Love, Faith, commitment, and compassion to the Lord and community or society.

I was wondering why would a group of devotees who performed bhajans every week taking turn at homes think of forming a society to build a Shirdi Sai temple in Sydney. Would they have been better off satisfying their own spiritual needs without having to go to the trouble of trying to build a temple?

Then, it struck to me that if everybody had thought the same way as I did, then I would not have known Sai BABA whom I love most. Had Babu Saheb Buti not spent his money to construct the Samadhi Mandir, perhaps Shirdi would not have gained importance as one of the holy pilgrim places. Baba's name would not be known to us, and BABA would have been forgotten as being one among the many of the Witch Doctors, or quacks. It is the selfless love and faith exhibited then and now that made people come forward so confidently in organizing this Utsav. Or rather should I say, it is BABA in their hearts who has skillfully organized things as usual and made the event a success just as he had done with Ramanavami festival in Shirdi and Construction of Samadhi mandir or writing of Sai Satcharitha. I bow to BABA who resides in the heart of these people and so skillfully carried out the work and provided us all Sai Devotees in Australia to experience the spiritual ecstasy lasting over the span of three days.

On June 9 evening, bhajans by Sri Manhar Udhas at Townhall, brought a new light to my concept of bhajans. Manhar ji was singing "Raham Nazar Karo" accompanied by Guru Sri Satpathy Ji, when Manharji broke down. Manharji could not sing the last stanza, he was so emotionally shaken, there were tears in his eyes, just as the Sattwic emotions moved the Durendher Brothers as described in Chapter 50 of Sai Satcharitha, so was Manhar Udhas effected. It was then, the significance of doing bhajans or prayers has dawned on me. It struck me that one should sing with emotion and full focus and mean every word that is sung, only then the prayers would be effective we find peace and contentment. This was a remarkable experience for me after I attended the bhajans.

The day of murthi sthapana, the Idol installation ceremony, was a memorable day. A group abhishekam was performed, Lord Sainath has come to Australia to bless us, His children. As the ceremony got underway, the air was thick with incense smoke and charged with devotional ecstasy and excitement, the devotees were moved and there were, bliss, happiness, love for Baba and tears of joy for BABA running down their cheeks.

It appears that the MASTER has a great plan for Sai Devotees here in Australia and this is just a stepping stone to it. I can not wait to see the mystery of Baba's Leela or miracle unravel in Sydney, to make Shree Shirdi Sai Sansthan Sydney a full-fledged functional and spiritual organization. I will remain ever grateful to BABA, for providing me with this opportunity to attend Sai UTSAV. I would also take this opportunity to thank those organizers, without them I would not have had his opportunity to witness such a marvelous function. They have carried on fantastic work assigned to them by BABA, how lucky they are to be chosen as HIS instruments for His work, it sure has made me a new person, with new positive outlook towards one and all. It is a start; a new beginning and I pray BABA to keep up the momentum of this change so that I too would be used as HIS instrument in serving HIM by serving HIS devotees.
(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)
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Contributed Article: None

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Experiences of Devotees

Chowdappa Ramakrishnan
I felt that Baba would permit me for the sake of all of His devotees to share one incredible experience I encountered at Shirdi during my maiden visit sometime way back in 1981 May. I was working for Indian Space Research Organization as a young Electrical Executive Engineer at that time and used to hear about Shirdi Baba from my neighborhood friend in Bangalore. I happened to go through Baba's biography once in 1981 and got very much impressed by His leelas.

I went to Hyderabad in May 1981 to attend the marriage of one of our relatives. I got a telegram from Bangalore that some consultant was looking for meeting up with me urgently for an interview. That call sounded important to me because of the possibility of going abroad for a well paid job. Hence, I prepared to return to Bangalore at once by any Road Transport available at that time. I came to Bus stand around 3pm and looking around to catch a bus. I sighted a board hanging there displaying "Shirdi" I changed my mind of going to Bangalore and bought a ticket to Shirdi with lot of excitement to go over there and identify the places of importance about Baba.

I reached Shirdi next day morning and eagerly got down from the bus heading towards a hut where I was helped for my ablutions. Without losing any further time, I started going around for Sai Darshan. At first, I went to Hanuman temple and on my way, I met some people pestering me to buy milk and feed dogs. Some asked me for alms. I obliged and went ahead to Hanumanji and kept staring at the statue. He was smeared with some red color oily mixture. I kept wondering about Him who symbolized steadfastness in his devotion to Rama. At that time my roving eyes chanced to look at a young man, tall, thin and fair attired in some kind of saffron robe and going around Hanumanji and he was unsteady in his gait, but wearing a smile. He started staring at me and thoughts were streaming across my mind to avoid him lest he was going to approach me for money. Therefore, I started moving away in a bid to avoid him.

I came to Chavadi and got inside the room where Baba's throne was kept. I saw few old persons sitting in the adjoining room and another person was circumambulating the throne. I too joined him and then placed my head on the footrest lying in front of the throne. Suddenly I felt a divine current descending down into my head and peace in great silence enveloped the whole of my being. Now I felt that I should make way for others Hence I moved away from the throne but I did not leave that room. I sat in great awe in front of the throne my eyes closed. I was in a state of inexplicable peace, which I wanted to linger on and so I continued to sit there. I realized that time was running out and I had to visit Dwarakamai. Hence I got up and started moving out as I kept wondering at the same time at what was happening.

I reached the Masjid, which was not far any way from chavadi. I stepped inside and kept moving around. I saw the much-talked about Dhuni, which kindled in me more curiosity. I stood there staring at the fire for quite sometime and spotted some coconut shells presumably offered by someone a little while ago. I too wanted to offer the coconut to this sacred fire, which was roaring high to the roof almost. I swiftly moved out and bought the coconut etc and returned to the Dhuni .I threw the coconut into the fire through the iron window grill. Lo! The huge fire suddenly came down with a thud sound stunning me with this erratic behavior. At the very same moment a person was addressing me in Hindi dialect and took away from my hand the remaining things such as betel leaves etc and went to the Dhuni and offered the same by himself. Then he gave to me some Udi and spoke thus in the most inscrutable manner in Hindi.

He spoke thus, "Daro math! Muje kyo nahi bathaya."

He moved out of that place leaving me to guess what his dialog meant to me. I realized that he was the same young man in saffron Kafni robes who I thought consciously following me where ever I went. But this time eagerness and intuition started flashing about this mystery man. I read in the book that Baba could come in disguise in any form. It would have been easier for someone to recognize Him if he appeared as an old man. I could not find comparable semblance on this young man's countenance. However, I got alert this time to catch this young man who I suspected to be Baba Himself. Now I was thrilled to meet him face to face in the midst of a thin crowd inside the Masjid. He was standing near a photo of Baba and I was standing at a distance but facing His back. I was getting prepared to accost my Baba and he too turned to my side and started coming up to me. I ran to Him and deeply looked into His eyes. I communicated with Him in silence and prostrated at His feet. When I stood up he showed His Abhaya Mudra and shook His head three times sidewise. I realized in the depth of silent speech that it was time now to leave at once from the Masjid and get back to my place. So I shot out like an arrow and came out of Masjid with immense and profound satisfaction that I met my Baba in the midst of people who did not take notice of Him.

Some stranger came to me and asked if I were the bus passenger going to Bombay. I nodded my head negative and proceeded to Hyderabad by bus .The next day I touched down Hyderabad where surprise telegram one more was waiting for me. It said that I need not come to Bangalore since the Consultants themselves coming to Hyderabad to take my interview. Of course I was selected and I went to Bombay to board my plane to Saudi Arabia where I spent 17 years of my life working for General Elec Corp as an Elec. Engineer. During my next visit after 6 months to Shird in 1982, I went about enquiring for this young man But all people whom I met in Shirdi said there was no such person of that kind of identity moving around in this place.

Baba, we pray that this experience notified here do not bloat our pride and ego in any way. Instead let such narration of experience bolster our Love and Faith in You Salutations unto thee again and again Oh Sadguru Baba.
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Devotees say...

Ashok Kumar Gupta, New Delhi, India
In response to the write-up of Mrs. Veena Gupta, we have received more than 200 letters until Tuesday, requesting for the photo of Baba, showing Udi coming out of His hand. It is rather difficult for Mrs. Veena Gupta or me to send the photo individually. We would request `Sai Vichaar` if it is possible to post these photos at their web site, so that all the Sai devotees interested in the photo may down load the same. Otherwise Sai devotee will have to have patience and photo will be sent in due course of time. Mrs. Veena Gupta has a busy schedule with her Baba, Meditation, Reading different Poorans, Ramayana, and discussing Baba with other Sai devotees. She has little time for the Internet. However, she will pray Baba on this coming Thursday for all those who have requested. All those who desire to come to attend the Sai Amrit Vani, which is being held in Lodhi Colony, New Delhi should send their address and telephone numbers, so that we can invite them. vg20@id.eth.net veena_gupta_2000@yahoo.com ashok@dgsd.delhi.nic.in

Grama Praveen, NY, USA
I asked Geethamma to write about her vision of Patri. The following is what she writes.

From Geethamma:

"About two years back one day as I was sitting in my small pooja room. Baba asked me to pack up my luggage to go to Pathri and other places so I started with two Sai children (and my children also) (Rekha Ramanand &Amith), started to Aurangabad after two days journey we reached Aurangabad, hired a car to go to different places connected with Baba (the money for the hire of car was given to us by one Mr. Bhaskar, who is great Sai devotee and Sai bandhu). We reached Baba's Janma sthan (Selu), Adbuth sthan (where he met Chand Patil who was searching for his lost horse) and Samadhi stan (where Baba's physical body rests).

This was the program we started. As we were heading towards Pathri, about half an hour had passed, I had a vision. I am going through a open court yard then passed through a series of lowly doors the doors being bent 'U' shaped, I pass through 3 to 4 doors and then I stand in low ceiling room which is supposed to be kitchen of Baba's house. I stand there on the left-hand side. I see a small engraved shelf inside the wall; there I see a face of the lord Narasimha or may be Maruthi's face. It is cloudy but definitely see a face then I say to my self yes everything is as it was, I return to go as I came. Ah! The roof is made of tiles (used in villages in olden days) which is also bent outside like a half circle, then "vasapudi", (the door step) which is about 1 ft in height, I lift my leg to go outside, my right leg is out and the other leg is inside then I hear a voice in the language "Kannada" behind me "Amma! Evagae Neene nanna bettu hogiddu" (Mother! this is how you had abandoned me!). I suddenly turn back and I see a small Baba about 10 to 11 months old baby crawling and coming near me in green jabala and green head gear pulling my sari from behind.

I opened my eyes Oh! God it was so real. I saw my divine child never in my wildest dream, I thought I would see child Sai like this. I immediately told my daughter Rekha and Amith, they were very happy. Then we went o Mr. Dinakar Desai's house who is the president of Sai mandir. He took us around the temple and we went underground there it is! The excavated house of Baba same way I saw in my vision. I told him (Mr.Dinakar) the front door was not this side but it was the other side. He was astonished, he told yes in my child hood days the front door was as you told now. It has been changed for the conveniences of the devotees. I explained to him about my vision he was filled with joy . One thing here I would like to tell these simple people of Pathri are so humble, so courteous and what hospitality they have for their guests, yes that's the reason why the supreme lord like Baba chose this simple village for this janmasthanam. But I was not convinced later after two years Baba proved that he was my child in my previous birth by sending me a cassette, which clearly tells that I was his mother"
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Prayer Club

Sai Utsav - UK
Shirdi Sai Utsav will be celebrated in United Kingdom on August 27 and August 28th. Lord these events are inspired by your will and grace! We join in prayer for the successful and peaceful conclusion of the event.
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Quotation of the Week

"You need not go far in search of Me. Barring your name and form, there exists in you, as well as in all beings, a sense of Being or Consciousness of Existence. That is Myself. Knowing this, you see Me inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practice this, you will realize all-pervasiveness, and thus attain oneness with Me" - Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Question of the Week

Baba has not expressly pronounced any Upadesh to His followers. As a matter of fact, he dissuaded those who came to him asking for Upadesh. In Sai following, it is a practice of some devotees not to share their experiences with Sadguru. This practice perhaps stems from the Guru tradition where it is often said that one should not divulge Guru's Upadesh to others.

Why should not one divulge Guru's Upadesh to others?
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Sai Activities

Gurupoornima around the World
The Poornima (Full Moon) Day in the month of Ashadha (July-August) is known as Guru Poornima or Vyasa Poornima. This is a very sacred day on which special worship is performed to the Acharyas (Gurus), who, through their infinite Compassion and Supreme Grace, have imparted the Knowledge of the Absolute through a long and continuous line of Acharyas (Guru Parampara) to all the Seekers of the Self. Guru Poornima this year is celebrated on July 5, on an auspicious Thursday.

SAIDARBAR - HYDERABAD - INDIA GURUPOORNIMA CELEBRATIONS ON 5th July 2001 (THURSDAY)
10:00 Hrs : Sree Ganesh Pooja
10:30 Hrs: Vedha Parayana by Brahmasri.Sankaramanchi Ramakrishna Sastry And his students.
11:00 Hrs: " Saidarbar" - presiding over by Daivagna Siromani. Srimahakali.Venkatarao.
11:30 Hrs: Introduction to Saidarbar by Saibanisa Gopala Rao Ravada.
11:45 Hrs: Felicitations to Dr.G.V.Subrahmanyam, Retd.Professor (Telugu) Central University, Hyderabad.
12:30 Hrs: Aaarathi to Sree Shiridi Saibaba
13:00 Hrs: Annadhaanam to the poor - at Shiridi Saibaba Mandhir, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad. (Sponsored by Smt and Sri.Jagan Mohan Reddy from Canada )
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