I have been writing about Shirdi Sai Baba for the past 20 years on StarSai.com. I relaunched this website to ensure Sai devotees have a space to express their devotion to Sai Baba without any clutter.
Om Sai Ram Friends,
I have been in love with Saint Shirdi Sai Baba for the past few years. It all started when I had this habit of lighting candles in the Saibaba temple in Coimbatore, praying that I would pass my exams at the school. Later, life took lots of twists and turns. I created StarSai.com over two decades ago and have been writing about my experiences with Sai Baba. Devotees from across the world used to email me their problems, and I used to reply to them with some healing words.
Words have the power to heal
I believe words have the power to heal, and hence all I could do for devotees in pain was to write back with some good words. The world has changed a lot now. Nowadays, devotees want instant answers and instant blessings. Blessings take time to reach a few people. It doesn’t work like instant coffee. That’s why Sai Baba insists on his twin mantra, “Shradha and Saburi,” which means “Faith and Patience.” Believe me, you cannot understand the intense patience Sai Baba expects from me. Only a few devotees who have gone through immense suffering could really understand what Sai means by “Saburi.” It is a level of patience that transcends ordinary understanding.
Life changed when a father passed away. So, I started spreading realistic devotion.
What is realistic devotion?
After my dear Father Shri. Chandrashekaran passed away in May 2021, my perception of Sai has changed a lot. To be honest, I do not believe only in the power of instant blessings anymore. We have to put our work, dedication, and effort into achieving our goals. You could ask Saibaba to bless you with a good education, a big job, a super cool career, or a decent income from your business. First comes your work, and only then comes the concept of devotion. Devotion alone is not enough. Sai himself was doing some work or other during his life in Shirdi. He was planting Tulsi, watering them, grinding the wheat, etc., and never sat idle.
Sai is a living example of “Karma Marga”—the” path of work. So, this is what I mean by “realistic devotion.” You have to work toward your goals and also show devotion. Then, your devotion is realistic because you are not expecting Sai alone to do miracles in your life; you are also doing your work to help Sai Baba do miracles. I hope you understand why I wish to spread this concept of realistic devotion. It’s about understanding that miracles happen not just through Sai Baba but also through our own efforts and actions.
Each devotee chooses different ways to express their devotion to Sai Baba.
Now, after your work, efforts, and actions, comes pure devotion. This is when we surrender ourselves completely to Sai Baba, trusting in his divine guidance and surrendering our egos to experience true devotion.
There are a few ways you can express your devotion to Sai Baba.
1. Chanting the holy name of Sai
I usually chant “Sai, Sai, Sai” or “Om Sai Ram” in mind.
2. Lighting lamps at home and near the temple
I was so crazy about lighting lamps that I have encouraged several Sai devotees to do 108 lamps, but even if you light two lamps with love, it’s a blessing.
3. Shri Sai Satcharitra
Shri Sai Satcharitra is a beautiful gift Hamadpant gave us to experience the miracles and life of Sai Baba. Why read Sai stories? Because reading and digesting saints’ stories will bless us with good health, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom. It will wash away our karmic bond and past sins and free us from attachment.
4.Sing aarti or bhajans of Sai Baba
Sai loves when you remember him, aarti, or when you sing in praise of him or any god or goddess.
5. Going on a pilgrimage or visiting a nearby temple
I rarely go to Shirdi as I live in Coimbatore, but I love visiting a few temples. I regularly go to Sai Baba Temple in Coimbatore, and Sai Baba has blessed me immensely for the time I spent doing small work in the temple.
6. Other ways of devotion
There are various other ways to show devotion to Sai. Some people like to write “Om Sai Ram” in a note book. Some like to offer flowers or coconuts to Sai. Some love to deeply meditate on Sai. So, there’s no restriction on how you could express your love to Sai Baba.
Freedom to express your devotion in your own way
I wanted to make StarSai.net focus only on the ways you could choose to show your devotion to Sai Baba without any restriction.
Example
It starts with reading the Sai Satcharitra in your own terms, at your own convenience, and with your own way of understanding and interpreting the teachings. There’s no restriction on participating in a WhatsApp group or even emailing or contacting us. I believe in the privacy of devotees. So, your contacts should never be shared in a public group, is my personal opinion.
Hence, I will be listing Shri Sai Satcharitra chapters in StarSai.net so that you can come here to read with love on Sai whenever time permits. As of now, let me end with a “Sai Ram” to you.
Love,
Venkat
You could message me at
(91) – 9787618752
This is not a WhatsApp group. I am also an ordinary devotee like you. So, people message me or email me, sharing their experiences with Sai Baba.