Shri Sai Baba (The Saviour)

Dr. Rabinder Nath Kakarya (b. 19th March 1967) is a multifaceted personality. He did his Ph. D. in physics from the University of Delhi and took teaching as profession.

With Sai baba’s blessings and the traditional values imbibed from his parents his attention was directed towards, religion and philosophy. Apart from teaching physics, he is relentlessly collecting, compiling and translating writings on the Life and miracles of Shirdi Sai Baba.

He has translated and compiled fifteen books on Shirdi Sai Baba. He has also sung Sai Bhajans which have been released as Audio Cassettes and CDs. At present he is engaged in spreading the name and message of Shirdi Sai Baba through literary works and bhajans.

This book gives an information about great Saints and incarnations of God. The author of this book Shri Vaman Rangnath Gokhale has been living in Shirdi for the last ten years and has been leading a life of a true Sanyasi. He has not donned saffron coloured clothes like other Sanyasis but he is totally detached. Very often he sleeps at the steps of Dwarkamai. Baba takes care of his needs. His simple and recluse lifestyle is a clear evidence that information about Baba given in this book is true. Needless to say, reading this small book by clear hearted Sai devotees will increase their love for Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi and enhance Guru Bhakti.

This small book is a collection of historical facts and incidents which took place from the time of arrival of Sal Nath in Shirdi till his Mahasamadhi. Miracles and incidents which actually happened when Baba was in human form have been compiled here. While reading this is book one will feel as if one is actually watching those scenes. Incidents before and after Samadhi as collected from devotees have been described here. But instead of belief or disbelief towards the incidents it would be better if the devotees with true faith do Bhakti and should try to have experiences themselves.

According to Eknath Maharaj, in Shirdi all are Vaishnav devotees. Amongst them was one Gangagir Maharaj who in his first meeting with Sai recognised him because he belonged to the same sect. He also recognised Dasganu who used to say,’ Shirdi is my Pandharpur’. It is strange even after all this other Sai devotees were unable to recognise this sect!

Some of the old devotees and associates of Sal Baba died during his lifetime. Due to this reason it was difficult to get true information. To get correct information, writing of this book was started. While reading the truth, some bitterness and harshness may be felt by the readers. But the fruit received after understanding the whole situation will definitely be sweet. There is no doubt about it.

We are thankful to the devotees who gave us true information. Shri Sal Nath spent his whole life sitting in front of the sacred fire in Dwarkamai. He was a kind but straightforward speaker. Be humble and modest, pray to him sincerely, you will achieve your object. But if you try to show cleverness, craftiness (deceit) then be sure that you will get punished. Always remember this and be careful.

Sai Baba takes care of those who meditate on him with a pious heart, who do not crave for other people’s wealth and wife. Here it is not important to say that ‘I am a Sai devotee’. It is important if Sai Baba says that ‘He/she is my devotee’. Otherwise is it of any use?

For example, Shri Gyaneshwar Maharaj says “If Sadguru guru is behind me, then why should I worry about others (i.e. why should I try to get any benefit from others)? What is the need for him to ask for anything who is sitting under the K4atitiksha (wish fulfilling tree)? This wordly ocean can be crossed only with the blessings of Sadguru.”

Shri Gyaneshwar Maharaj has said in ‘Gjaneshwarz’ that the person who receives the blessings of the Guru is really very lucky If he has patience then he becomes capable of knowing himself.

In the third edition some portion from the second edition has been deleted and some extra information has been added. This has not been done under the influence or pressure from anyone. Every word of the second edition is true and I have proofs related to the matter. Would Sai Baba ever like the spreading of untrue information to the masses? ‘Nirvanitha Sakhd has been written after examining every detail minutely.

I am indebted to those who have helped me in getting the first and second edition printed. The auspicious moment for the printing of the third edition has come. This is all due to the blessings of Sai Nath.

At the Lotus feet of Sai Baba of Shirdi

Dear readers, as you open this text, let me congratulate you on being fortunate enough to undertake a journey which lets you glimpse firsthand, the life and travails of our true soulmate, the Omnipresent Shri Sal Baba. This book is the fifteenth offering of my young friend Dr. Rabinder Nath Kakarya, to our Saviour, Shri Sai Baba. I met the author, a devout Sai Bhakta, after coming across his fifth book, Shri Sai Satcharitra (Hindi translation). My interest was kindled in his other works which include books, CDs and cassettes of devotional songs (bbajans) dedicated to our mentor His Grace, Shri Sal Baba. As my interaction with Rabinder became more frequent, I gained an insight into his character that filled me with admiration. I responded to his dedicated intent and unwavering commitment to various projects related to Baba. His enthusiasm and zeal in spreading Baba’s message is infectious.

I eagerly awaited his next venture on Shri Sal Baba and this latest offering Shri Sai Baba The Saviour has pulled at my heart strings like nothing before. The book is a rare amalgamation of an astonishing 196 pictures, facts, interviews and analysis on the phenomena of Shri Sai Baba and all those who were touched by his magical aura. The book presents a rare insight into how those elusive sepia pictures of the shy and reticent Baba were taken. For the first time pictures are shown of the five houses which were visited daily by Baba for his bbiksha. The old Shirdi of Baba’s time and immediately after he took Samadhi, leaps out of the pages. The route of the old procession, his daily routine, old landmarks like the Chavadi, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Nandadeep, Gurusthan, to name a few, are all presented alongside with their new twenty first century avatar. The photographs of every relic present in the museum, be it the handis, the chanvar, Baba’s bench, chair and other artifacts take one back in time.

Recorded interviews of personal experiences of people have been added and these anecdotes remind one of the numerous times when the Omnipotent Baba has made his presence in our lives, known to us. These encounters comfort us that in these trying times, our Saviour is still with us and his divine presence graces our lives at every step.

I would like to make a special mention of Shri Mohit Suneja, a brilliant artistic talent, whose 23 sketches of Baba’s various activities actually transport us into Baba’s life. I am particularly enthralled by his life-like sketch of Mahalsapati massaging Baba’s feet. Other sketches like those of Baijamai leave me misty eyed and immensely grateful for the heart stirring visuals.

I pray to Satguru Shri Sat Baba of Shirdi to bless Dr. Rabinder Nath Kakarya for putting together this enriching composition and rejoice in his being the chosen one to initiate the world into new aspects of our beloved Baba’s life and teachings.