Not many might know that film actor Raj Kapoor and his family had a close association with Shirdi. The Kapoor family as well as the Nanda family, into which the late actor's daughter is married, also hold in high esteem the legend of the nine coins, which finds pride of place in the Shri Sai Satcharitra. Just what is this legend of the nine coins? There was a woman devotee by the name of Laxmibai Shinde who used to feed the Sai Baba daily. As his last prasad, the sage of Shirdi gave nine coins to her in two installments of five and four each in quick succession on October 15, 1918 -- all belonging to the period of King George V -- just minutes before he attained Samadhi. Nearly 83 years have passed but the legend lives on. The coins are now in the possession of Shailajamma Patil, grand-daughter of Laxmibai Shinde. ``The nine coins were with my grand-mother till 1963 and she then passed it on to her daughter-in- law. And since 1984, I have been doing daily puja for the nine coins both in the morning and in the evening,'' says Shailajamma. Here in the Capital recently en route to Hardwar, where she took these coins for puja coinciding with the construction of a temple there, Shailajamma says the coins were given by Shirdi Sai Baba to her grand-mother immediately after Navrathri and even the Sri Sai Satcharitra recognises it as signifying the nine-fold path of Bhakti. While these coins are under the safe custody of Shailajamma, those who come to know of the sanctity visit her residence to have their darshan. Interestingly, devotees had to go to Kopargaon, a village 9 k.m. from Shirdi to have a darshan of these coins till 1997.
Earlier these coins were preserved in a metallic frame but Ritu Nanda helped in the making of a silver frame,'' informs Shailajamma . The presentation of the nine silver coins to Laxmibhai Shinde is still recounted in Shirdi by ardent devotees. ``The Baba was very happy with the devotion of my grandmother and he told her that he will make her name known across the seven seas,'' Shailajamma says. There is a firm belief that anything that had Baba's divine touch is a sacred relic and is at par with Baba's potential blessings, hence the veneration for the nine coins. ``While most of the time, these nine coins are kept for public display in my home, they are taken to houses of devotees for conducting a puja whenever required. For example, I have been bringing these coins regularly to the house of the Nandas in New Friends Colony where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated each year with religious fervour,'' Shailajamma says, adding that anyone who wants to perform a special puja for the nine coins could contact her at goodhari@yahoo. com . Shailajamma now wants to set up an old age home at Shirdi and consecrate the nine coins in a specially built temple inside its premises. ``There is persistent request by devotees who are aware of the legend to have a darshan of the coins. That is why I propose to construct a temple where it can be permanently on public view,'' she says.
You must endeavor to understand the principle of Divinity. Nobody in this world can help you in the ways God rushes to your help. Hence surrender yourself to God, and pray for His help. Also devotion to God safeguards your ancient culture. People get haunted by misery and grief when they forget God. Control your emotions. Do not entertain evil thoughts. Develop Love. Love all and all will love you. Sing the glory of God. In doing so, you would have rendered a great help to the whole world. Chant God's Name and make your heart sacred. om sai ram
If travelling by train to Shirdi, you don't have to travel far for accommodation since Railway is building a 200 Room Accommodation Hotel at Sainagar railway station.
This has been declared by the Central Railway Minister K H Muniyappa. The Minister himself is a devotee of Sai Baba and he and his family are regular visitors in the Sai Temple at Shirdi.
Being a Road & Transport / Highways Development Union Minister in the previous government, on the request of AshokRao Kale, he had approved the project for building Four Bridges over Godavari River Near Kopergaon allocating a budget of Rs 30 Crore.
After being elected as the Railway Minister, K H Muniyappa immediately came to Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings.
During this visit, he visited the Shirdi Railway Station and while addressing the media guys there he said that since the station is important for devotees of Saibaba and a large number of devotees visit Shirdi throughout the year he would improve the frequency of trains as well as facilities in the station. Devotees face a lot of issues for accommodation and taking this into consideration Muniyappa declared that the railways would build a 200 room Accommodation campus along with the help of the Shirdi Sai Temple Committee.
A New Train service along this route Loni-Sangamner-Akola-Bhandardar a Dam was requested by the devotees for which the railways commented that they will check its feasibility and then decide on it.
MCCIA suggests introduction of Superfast Trains from Shirdi to Tirupati 29 Jun 2009, 0401 hrs IST, TNN
PUNE: Suggesting the introduction of new trains from Pune to important destinations across the country, the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) has also urged the railway ministry to take up new facilities for cargo movement and passenger amenities.
In a memorandum forwarded to railway minister Mamata Banerjee, the MCCIA has pointed out that the city, a major IT and BT hub and industrial centre, requires additional railway networking and services. Chairman of the railway, road traffic management committee of the MCCIA, Chandmal Parmar, said the suggestions are based on feedback received from citizens and commuters.
Besides suggesting improvement of connectivity between Pune and Mumbai, the MCCIA has pointed out the need for improving connectivity between Pune and Lonavla, and introducing shuttle services between Pune-Daund and Pune to Jejuri, Nira and Satara.
The memorandum has requested creation of separate terminals for suburban trains, and new terminals for fast trains between Pune-Lonavla and between Pune-Daund. It has also stated the need for rail connectivity to Rajgurunagar, where the proposed international airport is to be developed.
The MCCIA has asked for the introducing of a superfast Rajdhani train between Pune and New Delhi, besides introducing superfast trains to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Kanyakumari, and Rameshwaram via Coimbatore and Madurai. It has also suggested introduction of intercity express to Kolhapur, Shatabdi express to Solapur and Surat, and superfast train between Shirdi and Tirupati. Similarly, it has urged for trains to Jaipur (via Ahmedabad), Jammu Tawi, and Faizabad, besides increasing frequency of the Ahimsa express, Pune-Nagpur Garib Rath, and Poorna express to Ernakulam.
Where Real or Sadguru is the helmsman, he is sure to carry us safely and easily beyond the worldly ocean. The word Sadguru brings to mind Sai Baba. He appears to me, as if standing before me, and applying Udi (scared ashes) to my forehead and placing his hand of blessing on my head. Then joy fills my heart and love overflows through my eyes. Wonderful is the power of the touch of Guru’s hand. The subtle-body (consisting of thoughts and desires), which cannot be burnt by the world dissolving fire, is destroyed by the mere touch of the Guru’s hand, and the sins of many past births are cleaned and washed away. Even the speech of those, whose heads feel annoyed when they hear religious and Godly talks, attains calmness. The seeing of Sai Baba’s handsome form, chokes our throat with joy, makes the eyes overflowing with tears, and overwhelms the heart with emotions. It awakens in us ‘I am He (Brahman)’ consciousness, manifests the joy of self-realization, and dissolving the distinction of Thou, and I then and there, makes us one with the Supreme (One Reality). When I begin to read scriptures, at every step I am reminded of my Sadguru, and Sai Baba, assumes the form of Rama or Krishna and makes me listen to his Life. For instance when I sit to listen to Bhagwat, Sai becomes Krishna from top to toe, and I think he sings the Bhagwat or Uddhava Gita (song of teachings by Lord Shri Krishna to His disciple, Uddhava) for the welfare of the devotees. When I begin to chitchat, I am at once put in mind of Sai’s stories for enabling me to give suitable illustrations. When I myself start to write anything, I cannot compose a few words or sentences, but when He of his own accord makes me write, I go on writing and writing and there is no end to it. When the disciple’s egoism props up, He presses it down with His hand, and giving him His own power, makes him gain His object, and thus satisfies and blesses him. If any one prostrates before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him, then unsolicited, all the chief objects of life viz. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (Desire) and Moksha (Deliverance), are easily and unsolicitedly attained. Four paths, viz., of Karma, Jnana, Yoga and Bhakti lead us separately to God. Of these, the path of Bhakti is thorny and full of pits and ditches, and thus difficult to traverse, but if you, relying on your Sadguru, avoid the pits and thorns and walk straight, it will take you to the destination (God). So says definitely, Sai Baba.
After philosophising about the Self-Existent Brahman, His Power (Maya) to create this world and the world created, and stating that all these three are ultimately one and the same, the author quotes Sai Baba’s words guaranteeing the welfare of the Bhaktas: -
"There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding food and clothes, in any devotees’ homes. It is my special characteristic, that I always look to, and provide, for the welfare of those devotees, who worship Me whole-heartedly with their minds ever fixed on Me. Lord Krishna has also said the same in the Gita. Therefore, strive not much for food and clothes. If you want anything, beg of the Lord, leave worldly honours, try to get Lord’s grace and blessings, and be honored in His Court. Do not be deluded by worldly honor. The form of the Deity should be firmly fixed in the mind. Let all the senses and mind be ever devoted to the worship of the Lord, let there be no attraction for any other thing; fix the mind in remembering Me always, so that it will not wander elsewhere, towards body, wealth and home. Then it will be calm, peaceful and carefree. This is the sign of the mind, being well engaged in good company. If the mind is vagrant, it cannot be called well-merged."
After quoting these words, the author goes on to relate the story of Rama Navami festival in Shirdi. As Rama-Navami is the greatest festival celebrated at Shirdi, another fuller account, as published in Sai Leela Magazine of 1925, page 197, is also referred to and a summary of the festival, as related in both these accounts is attempted here.
Origin
One, Mr. Gopalrao Gund, was a Circle Inspector at Kopergaon. He was a great devotee of Baba. He had three wives, but had no issue. With Sai Baba’s blessings, a son was born to him. In the joy that he felt regarding the event, an idea of celebrating a fair or ‘Urus’ occurred to him in the year 1897, and he placed it for consideration before other Shirdi devotees, viz. Tatya Patil, Dada Kote Patil and Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama). They all approved of the idea, and got Sai Baba’s permission and blessings. Then an application for getting the Collector’s sanction for celebrating the urus was made, but as the village Kulkarni reported against holding the fair, the sanction was refused. But as Sai Baba had blessed it, they tried again, and ultimately succeeded in getting the Collector’s sanction. The day for the Urus was fixed on the Rama-Navami day, after having consultation with Sai Baba. It seems, He had some end in view, in this, viz., the Unification of the two fairs of festivals, the Urus and the Rama-Navami and the unification of the two communities - the Hindus and the Mahomedans. As future events showed, this end or object was achieved.
Though the permission was obtained, but other difficulties cropped up. Shirdi was a village, and there was scarcity of water. There were two wells in the village, the one in use, dried up soon, and the water from the second was brackish. This brackish water was turned into sweet one by Sai Baba, by throwing flowers into it. The water of this well was insufficient, so Tatya Patil had to arrange to get water, from a well by fixing Moats (leather sacks) thereon, at a considerable distance. Then temporary shops had to be constructed, and wrestling bouts arranged. Gopalrao Gund had a friend, by name Damu Anna Kasar, of Ahmednagar. He also was similarly unhappy in the matter of progeny, though he married two wives. Sai Baba too blessed him with sons, and Mr. Gund prevailed upon his friend to prepare and supply one simple flag for the procession of the fair; he also succeeded in inducing Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar to supply another embroidered flag. Both these flags were taken in procession through the village, and finally fixed at the two ends or corners of the Masjid, which is called by Sai Baba as Dwarkamai. This is being done even now.
The ‘Sandal’ Procession
There was another procession, which was started in this fair. This idea of ‘Sandal’ procession originated with one Mr. Amir Shakkar Dalal, a Mahomedan Bhakta from Korhla. This procession is held in honour of great Muslim Saints. Sandal i.e. Chandan paste and scrappings are put in the THALI (flat dishes), and these are carried with incense burning before them in procession to the accompaniment of band and music through the village and then after returning to the Masjid, the contents of the dishes are thrown on the ‘Nimbar’ (nitche) and walls of the Masjid with hands. This work was managed by Mr. Amir Shakkar for the first three years, and then afterwards by his wife. So on one day, the two processions, the ‘Flags’ by the Hindus and that of ‘Sandal’ by the Muslims, went on side by side, and are still going on without any hitch.
Arrangement
This day was very dear and sacred to the devotees of Sai Baba. Most of them turned out on the occasion, and took a leading part in the management of the fair. Tatya Kote Patil looked to all outward affairs, while the internal management was entirely left to one Radha Krishna Mai, a female devotee of Baba. Her residence was full of guests on the occasion, and she had to look to their needs, and also to arrange for all the paraphernalia of the fair. Another work, which she willingly did, was to wash out and clean and white-wash the entire Masjid, its walls and floor, which were blackened and were full of soot on account of the ever-burning Dhuni (sacred fire) of Sai Baba. This work, she did during the night, when Sai Baba went to sleep every alternate day in the Chavadi. She had to take out all the things, including even the Dhuni, and after thorough cleaning and whitewashing replace them, as they were before. Feeding the poor, which was so dear to Sai Baba, was also a great item in this fair. For this purpose, cooking, on a grand scale and preparing various sweet dishes, was done in Radha-Krishna Mai’s lodging, and, various rich and wealthy devotees took a leading part in this affair.
Transformation of Urus into Rama-Navami Festival
Things were going on in this way and the fair was gradually increasing in importance till 1912 A.D., when a change took place; That year one devotee, Mr. Krishnarao Jageshwar Bhisma (the author of the pamphlet ‘Sai Sagunopasana’), came for the fair with Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti, and was staying on the previous day in the Dixit Wada. While he was lying on the verandah, and while Mr. Laxmanrao alias Kaka Mahajani, was going down with Puja materials to the Masjid, a new thought arose in his mind and he accosted the latter thus - There is some providential arrangement in the fact that the Urus or fair is celebrated in Shirdi on the Rama-Navami day; this day is very dear to all the Hindus; then why not begin the Rama-Navami Festival - the celebration of the birth of Shri Rama here on this day? Kaka Mahajani liked the idea, and it was arranged to get Baba’s permission in this matter. The main difficulty was how to secure a Haridas, who would perform ‘Kirtan’ and sing the glories of the Lord on the occasion. But Bhishma solved the difficulty, by saying that his ‘Rama Akhyan’ (composition on Rama’s birth) was ready, and he would do the ‘Kirtan’ himself, while Kaka Mahajani should play on the harmonium. It was also arranged to get the ‘Sunthavada’ (ginger-powder mixed with sugar) as Prasad prepared by Radha-Krishna Mai. So they immediately went to the Masjid to get Baba’s permission. Baba, who knew all things and what was passing there, asked Mahajani, as to what was going on in the Wada. Being rather perturbed, Mahajani could not catch the purport of the question and remained silent. Then Baba asked Bhishma, what he had to say. He explained the idea of celebrating Rama-Navami festival, and asked for Baba’s permission and Baba gladly gave it. All rejoiced and made preparations for the Jayanti-festival. Next day, the Masjid was decorated with buntings etc., a cradle was supplied by Radha-Krishna Mai, and placed in front of Baba’s seat and the proceedings started. Bhishma stood up for Kirtan and Mahajani played on the harmonium. Sai Baba sent a man to call Mahajani. He was hesitating to go, doubting whether Baba would allow the festival to go on; but when he went to Baba, the latter asked him as to what was going on and why the cradle was placed there. He answered that the Rama-Navami festival had commenced, and the cradle was put on for that purpose. Then Baba took a garland from the ‘Nimbar’ (nitche), and placed it round his neck and sent another garland for Bhishma. Then commenced the Kirtan. When it came to a close, pound sounds of "Victory to Rama" went up; and Gulal (red - powder) was thrown up all round, amidst band and music. Everybody was overjoyed, when suddenly roaring was heard. The red-powder thrown promiscuously all round, went up, somehow entered Baba’s eyes. Baba got wild and began to scold and abuse loudly. People got frightened by this scene and took to their heels. Those intimate devotees, who knew Baba well, took these scoldings and outpourings of Baba, as blessings in disguise. They thought that when Rama was born, it was proper for Baba to get wild and enraged to kill Ravana; and his demons, in the form of egoism and wicked thoughts etc. Besides they knew, that whenever a new thing was undertaken at Shirdi, it was usual with Baba to get wild and angry, and so they kept quiet. Radha-Krishna Mai was rather afraid; and thought that Baba might break her cradle, and she asked Mahajani to get the cradle back. When he went to loosen and unfasten the cradle, Baba went to him, and asked him not to remove it. Then after some time, Baba became calm, and that day’s programme, including Mahapuja and Arati was finished. Later on, Mr. Mahajani asked Baba, for permission to remove the cradle, Baba refused the same saying, that the festival was not yet finished. Next day, another ‘Kirtan’ and Gopal-Kala ceremony (an earthern pot containing parched rice mixed with curds is hung, only to be broken after the ‘Kirtan’, and the contents distributed to all, as was done by Lord Krishna amongst His cow-herd (friends), were performed, and then Baba allowed the cradle to be removed. While the Rama-Navami festival was thus going on, the procession, of the two flags by day and that of the ‘Sandal’ by night, went off with the usual pomp and show. From this time onwards, the ‘Urus of Baba’ was transformed into the Rama-Navami festival.
From next year (1913), the items in the programme of Rama-Navami began to increase. Radha-Krishna Mai started a ‘Nama-Saptah’ (singing the glory of God’s name continuously day and night for seven days), from 1st of Chaitra, For this, all devotees took part by turns, and she also joined it, sometimes early in the morning. As Rama-Navami Festival is celebrated in many places all over the country, the difficulty of getting a Haridas was felt again. But 5 or 6 days before the festival, Mahajani met accidentally Balabuva Mali, who was known as modern Tukaram, and got him to do the ‘Kirtan’ that year. The next year (1914), another Balabuva Satarkar of Brihadsiddha Kavate, District Satara, could not act as a Haridas in his own town, as plague was prevailing in his town, and so he came to Shirdi; With Baba’s permission, which was secured through Kakasaheb Dixit, he did the Kirtan; and was sufficiently recompensed for his labour. The difficulty of getting a new Haridas every year was finally solved from 1914 by Sai Baba, as He entrusted this function to Das Ganu Maharaj permanently, and since that time, he has been successfully and creditably conducting that function uptill now.
Since 1912, this festival began to grow gradually year-by-year. From the 8th to 12th of Chaitra, Shirdi looked like a beehive of men. Shops began to increase. Celebrated wrestlers took part in wrestling bouts. Feeding of the poor was done on a grander scale. Hard work and sincere efforts of Radha-Krishna Mai turned Shirdi into a Sansthan (State). Paraphernalia increased. A beautiful horse, a palanquin, chariot and many silver things, pots, buckets, pictures, mirrors etc. were presented. Elephants were also sent for the procession. Though all this paraphernalia increased enormously, Sai Baba ignored all these things, and maintained His simplicity as before. It is to be noted that both the Hindus and Mahomedans have been working in unison in both the processions, and during the entire festival, there has been no hitch or quarrel between them at all so far. First about 5000-7000 people used to collect, but that figure went up to 75000 in some years; still there was no outbreak of any epidemic or any riots worth the name during so many past years.
The Saibaba temple is situated in the heart of Shirdi village spreading in approximately 200sqmts, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the world. The temple premises has several of important sites connected to Saibaba of Shirdi that are venerated by all the devotees. Here we are discussing the important sites inside the complex of Shirdi Saibaba temple.
KhandobaTemple
Khandoba temple holds a special place in Shirdi, since this was the site which saw the coming of Saibaba in his tender years dressed in kafni. It is believed that when this young man, with flowing beards and sparkling eyes, approached the temple premises as one of the guest of a wedding party, the temple priest Mhalsapati greeted him as 'Ya Sai'. This name led to the appellation and evolution of one of the most admired spiritual gurus of India.
Earlier the temple lay on the periphery of the village and Khandoba was the tutelary deity of the Mhalsapati family. Peaceful and secluded ambience of the temple impressed Saibaba. At the entrance to the temple is a large banyan tree which is mentioned in the 'Shri Sai Satcharitra' as the place where the bullock cart halted. It is now commemorated with a small shrine and 'padukas' or footwear of Saibaba lay at its base.
Gurusthan
Gurusthan means the place of the Guru. It is significant because here Saibaba spent most of his time here, when he first came to Shirdi. It is also the same place where, according to Saibaba, the tomb of his own guru was located by the Neem tree. The neem tree is still extant in the Gurusthan and there is also a pair of marble padukas on a pedestal, a 'Shivalinga' and a statue of Baba. A small dhuni on a stand is kept in front of the shrine, which is lit on Thursday and Friday. Gurusthan is a wonderful place sit and meditate in peace that generates an inner peace leading to unison with Sai Baba.
Samadhi Mandir
Samadhi Mandir houses Saibaba's tomb and was originally constructed as a wada (large private house) during Saibaba's last years. The Samadhi Mandir has the statue of Saibaba all in white marble sitting in relaxed, natural and majestic demeanor gazing at the millions of devotees who throng the temple for his blessings.
The daily routine of the temple resumes at 5 in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 in the night after the Shej aarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight i.e. on Gurupurnima, Dassera, and Ramnavmi. Every Thursday and on each festival, a Palakhi with Baba's photo is taken out from the temple.
Dwarkamai
Dwarkamai in one of the cherished treasure troves of Shirdi associated with Saibaba. When Shri Sai Baba came to Shridhi with a marriage procession, he stayed at Dwarkamai and remained there till the very end of his life. It is situated on the right of the entrance of Samadhi Mandir. Here Saibaba used to heal the sufferers and the sick.
Dwarkamai used to be an old mosque in a very bad shape. Saibaba restored its sanctity turning it into Dwarkamai. It has a portrait of Saibaba and a big stone where he used to sit. Dwarkamai has the Kolamba, water pot and the grinding stone associated with Saibaba. It also has a chariot and a palkhi.
Chavadi
Chavadi literally means village office. In Shirdi Sai temple Chavadi is located on the right side of Dwarkamai. Saibaba used to alternatively sleep in Chavadi, during the last decades of his life. Chavadi is open to devotees from 5am to 9pm. Inside the Chavadi there is large portrait of Saibaba. It also has a wooden bed on which Saibaba was given his last bath before passed away in Dwarkamai. The building also has the framed photo of the cross-legged Saibaba which is taken out on procession on festivals and each Sunday.
LendiGardens
Lendi is an important place where Saibaba used to spend his time everyday. It has some tombs, a shrine and a perpetually burning lamp lit by Saibaba and placed between the two trees he planted.
Earlier these coins were preserved in a metallic frame but Ritu Nanda helped in the making of a silver frame,'' informs Shailajamma .
``While most of the time, these nine coins are kept for public display in my home, they are taken to houses of devotees for conducting a puja whenever required. For example, I have been bringing these coins regularly to the house of the Nandas in New Friends Colony where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated each year with religious fervour,'' Shailajamma says, adding that anyone who wants to perform a special puja for the nine coins could contact her at goodhari@yahoo. com . Shailajamma now wants to set up an old age home at Shirdi and consecrate the nine coins in a specially built temple inside its premises. ``There is persistent request by devotees who are aware of the legend to have a darshan of the coins. That is why I propose to construct a temple where it can be permanently on public view,'' she says. 
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