SHRI  DATTA AVADHOOT

SWAMI SAMARTHA AND SAI BABA

In the grace heritage of Dattatreya Parampara, many noble Satpurushas have appeared, may not all be the incarnations of Dattatreya Mahaprabhu; but evidently they are all of the divine grace and belong to the serene Datta Sampradaya Sadgurus, Spiritual Masters.

From the highest spiritual potential, all these Satpurushas have come on the earth only with one fundamental aim and goal, the pure and pious deed, to uplift humanity, society.

Grant salvation to the beings, rescue them, favour boons, help them all with one intention to move them all towards Divinity, the Supreme by righteous way.

Amongst these very noble ones Shirdi Sai Baba too has the same honour, high respect and considered, the blessed ones of Shri Datta Mahaprabhu incarnation as such.

In His life story, the various worthy incidents pinpoint and direct towards a potent attribution that Baba is a divine Satpurush, can  overwhemingly grace Him as the one who followed and propagated Datta Mahaprabhu  Parampara, can quote as Datta Avatar too, as Baba really is at that level of spiritual height.

In the life story of Baba, very prominent salient incidents corelate Him to Datta Mahaprabhu showing apparently the oneness with Avatar.

In Sai Baba’s Samadhi Mandir, in the early morning (Kakad Aarati)

Jaydev Jaydev Datta Avadhoota ! Sai Avadhoota !! is recited, sung in adoration.

And Aisa Yei Ba Sai Digambara ! Akshayroopa Avatara !! Sarvahee Vyapak Tu !!!

Shrutisara ! Anasuya Atri Kumara !! Aarati praying appraisal Sai, You are Digambara ! Eternal Avatar !! Pervading entire cosmos !!! Essence of Shruti all !!!!

Anasuya - Atri’s graceful son You Sai, Sai Avadhoota, Datta Avadhoota. The very noble worship recitation Na Datta Guru Sai Ma ! Majavari Kadhihi Ruso !!

You Sai, Datta Guru, Sai, You Mata, Never get angry on me, Guru.

Sai Baba always asserted Jaya Mani Jaisa Bhava, Taya Taisa Anubhav.

The feeling as such in mind, same the experience of that kind. The installation of Padukas in Shirdi is a vivid example of indicating Sai Baba the very incarnation of Datta Mahaprabhu.

In 1834 shaka, year 1912, Dr. Ramrao Kothare came to Shirdi along with his compounder and friend Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar. They, after taking Darshan of Sai Baba, stayed for days there. They became intimate with Sagun Meru Naik and G. K. Dixit, devotees had the same feeling and concern and were very much interested in one thing, that to install Sai Baba’s Padukas in Shirdi as a memory of Baba’s coming to Shirdi. When informed, Dr. Kothare came to Shirdi, drew a sketch of Padukas. Upasani Maharaj decored the design with addition of lotuses and flowers, a counch symbol of good omen, disc showing the excellence of Vishnu, all in all the very grace of Padukas to be felt and adored. A shloka in Sanskrit depicting the Yogic powers of Baba was inscribed. The glorious verse is.....

Sada Nimbavrikshasya Mooladhivasat

Sudhasravinum Tiktamapyapriyam Tam

Tarum Kalpavrikshadhikam Sadhayantam

Namamishwaram Sadgurum Sainatham

Sainath, every potent under the sacred Neem tree, Sai, we bow to You in devotion at Your Feet free the Neem, the Amrit, the nectar, the Kalpavriksha, the esteem, the aspirant, Bhakta’s Suraksha.

Here a comparison of similarity and oneness of Shri Swami Samartha and Sai Baba can be visualised. Swami Samartha declared Datta Nagar Mool Purush, Vadache Zad Vishesh ! Satya Tethe Amucha Vas ! Mani Sanshayas Na Aanave. Sai too graced and appraised glory of Neem tree to be the blessed place for installation of Lord’s Padukas.

The Padukas made in Mumbai were brought by the compounder to Shirdi. Permission and blessing of Sai Baba was sought. Baba agreed and instructed, the Padukas to be installed under the Neem tree. On the Pournima day, G. K. Dixit holding Padukas on his head taken from Khandoba temple to the Neem tree in a grand procession. Baba touched the Padukas saying - ‘‘Padukas are the grace of Lord.’’

The expenditure for the installation of Padukas was done by the money sent by one Parsi devotee Pasta Shet of Mumbai. Dr. Kothare sent money every month for lighting the lamp and making railing around the Padukas.

The daily Pooja was performed by G. K. Dixit for first five years, then Laxman Kasheshwar Jakhadi, Nana Pujari continued. Sagun Meru Naik offered Naivedya and looked after the up keeping of Padukas.

The devotee of Akkalkot Maharaj Swami Samartha thought of going to Akkalkot to have Darshan of Swamiji’s Padukas. In the dream Swamiji appeared instructing him - ‘‘You need not go to Akkalkot; now I am in Shirdi.’’ So, Bhai Krishnaji reached Shirdi and had Darshan of his mentor, his perceptor Swami Samartha, the great Sai Baba. He discussed and with consent of Dixit, Upasani Maharaj and the permission from Baba, the installation of Padukas was thought off first. He was the promotor for installing Padukas.

Bhai expressed his desire to go to Akkalkot after Padukas were installed, Baba asked him, ‘‘Why you want to go there; the incumbent Maharaj of Akkalkot Swami Samartha is here !’’ This shows the very truth of Datta Avatar, glory of adoration of Padukas, the adherence and honour of Paduka Pooja in Datta Sampradaya. Sai, the very incarnation, agreed for the installation of Padukas and even told them all, the Padukas are the grace of the Lord Sai Baba followed Datta Sampradaya and flourished it through His teachings and making the people aware of the potentiality of Sampradaya. When He declared, Swami Samartha is very much potent in Shirdi, indicating, Baba the incarnation of Datta Mahaprabhu. The direction of Swami Samartha to Bhai Krishnaji for Him to worship Him in Shirdi, the Swami Samartha Avatar of Shri Narasimha Saraswati as such conveying the divine entity of Sai Baba in par of Shri Dattatreya Mahaprabhu.

A very close similarities can be seen and realised between Shri Swami Samartha and Sai Baba. Swami Samartha blessed to Janabai, a harijan aspirant, the darshan of God Vitthal. Janabai, a regular Varkari of Pandharpur, could not go to Pandhari from Mangalvedha. It started raining very heavily blocking the way and made difficult to proceed. Janabai with utter devotion chanting the name of Vitthal, Vitthal as such struggled to proceed.

She afraid of not making her trip to Pandhari was in great distress. She saw Swamiji sitting under the tree in peace and calm. The rain had momentarily stopped. Janabai rushed to Swamiji and prostrated in front of Swamiji. Swamiji said to her ‘‘Jani, open your eyes and see now !’’ Jani opened her eyes and she saw the wonderful Vithuraya. Standing in front of her, Oh ! she was so happy and cried in joy. She could make her trip to have Darshan of God Vitthal, all the mercy of Swami Samartha.

In the same token of grace Sai too blessed, Goulibua, a Varkari of Pandhari. Every year he did Vari, trip to Pandharpur and came to Shirdi to have Darshan of Sai Baba, all the way singing the glory of Sai. Goulibua always used to exclaim Sai is Pandharinath Vitthal, the Lord of poor and all. Sai Baba always said, ‘‘Allah Malik’’. And many a times made continuous chanting and singing of Lord’s name for seven days Namasaptaha. Sai Baba once told Dasganu Maharaj to perform Namasaptaha of Vitthal. Dasganu Maharaj said, ‘‘Yes Baba, I will do Namsaptaha, provided Baba, You assure, Lord Vitthal should appear at the 7th end day of Namasaptaha.

Sai Baba said to Dasganu Maharaj, ‘‘Ganu, the devotee must be devout and earnest, Vithuraya will manifest.’’ Sai Baba placed His hand on his head and blessed Dasganu, could have the divine vision of Pandurang Vitthal. Kakasaheb Dixit had a vision of Vitthal, when he prayed that day and Sai asked him at noon time, ‘‘Did Vitthal Patil come ? Follow Him; otherwise you won’t get Him.’’ Dixit saw a picture of Vitthal in the afternoon and the picture of Vitthal and what he had seen in the vision was similar. Bhagvantrao Kshirsagar, a Varkari of Pandhari, when came to Shirdi, Sai reminded him of his father’s devotion and worship and how he has forgotten to offer Naivedya. Bhagvantrao realised his mistake and offer his pure devotion to Baba.

Dasganu Maharaj thought of going to Prayag for holy dip in the Sangam of Ganga and Yamuna. When he asked permission of Baba, Baba said, ‘‘Why you want to go there; Here, here is your Prayag !’’ Dasganu placed his head at the Feet of Baba; he could feel and experience that bliss of Ganga and Yamuna overflowing from the toes of Sai Baba. Dasganu burst out in adoration and sang in priase of Baba. This is how Baba by His divinity blessed Dasganu, Bhagavantrao and Kakasaheb Dixit as Swami Samartha only indicating the similarity and also both are one and one only.

The incident of smoking Chillum is also  similar with reference to Sai Baba. In the year 1779, Ashvin Shukla, Wednesday, Swami Samartha in Khandoba temple, sat in meditation without any food as such fasting for three days. Ahmad Ali Khan, the Risaldar (Shirastedar) of the area, when came to see Him, he there, for fun sake, asked Swami to smoke the empty Chillum. Swami took the empty Chillum and started smoking, the smoke coming out of the empty Chillum shocked the Risaldar and he spread the event gracefully appraising Swami Samartha.

When Chand Patil was searching for his mare, he saw the Fakir sitting nearby. The Fakir heard to him and told him to search for his horse in the Nala sideby. Then, striking the floor with his Satka, Fakir could light up the Chillum. Fakir offered Chillum to Chand Patil. Sai, doing this, is as such so similar to Swami Samartha. Evidential show to all in a way dictating the people to follow the direction of divinity. Chand Patil saw the Fakir striking the prong on the floor, and could get a live coal and another hit water oozed out, so the pipe was lit and to wet to Chappi, water was provided. The queer Fakir invited Chand Patil to have a smoke. Chand Patil, accepting the invitation joined the Fakir. Chand Patil now realized the Fakir is not an ordinary person; but a saint and an Aauliya. The incidents are so similar showing the divinity of both the great ones. What Swami Samartha had declared, I will be in Shirdi now on wards, is so authentic and true. The parallel similarities between these two glorious Avatar Purushas  are very graceful indicating they are the very incarnations of Datta Mahaprabhu.

Swami Samartha once directed Cholappa to tread on the bed of the cactus tree. He, a true devotee, at once walked with no hesitation. He felt as if he was walking on the soft grass patch. The true devotion and firm faith of him as such set him alright.

Sai Baba once told Madhavrao Deshpande to bring the axe to slain the goat. Shama went in search of it and did not come for a while. Sai then called Kakasaheb Dixit and ordered him to strike the goat with the axe. Kaka took the axe (big knife) and was ready to strike. Baba then asked, Are ! Chi Chi, You, a brahmin, you are ready to kill the goat ?’’ Kaka said, ‘‘You are our Deva, God. Whatever You say it is Agnya for us all, Baba ! We will do anything, when You order, Baba !’’

In the above incidents too, the direction and the feeling of both the Satprushas is only to test the will and faith of the devotees as such to guide them further to divinity.

We read the story of Mr. Gopal Narayan Ambadekar in the Shri Sai Satcharita. He got frustrated in not getting the job, suffered a lot and did come to Shirdi every year for seven years, he put his grievance to Baba and in 1916 finally decided to commit suicide in Shirdi.

He came with his wife to Shirdi and stayed for months. One night he decided, the time has come, I should commit suicide; so he choose to jump in the well close by. The hotel owner Mr. Sagun assorted him other way and Mr. Sagun gave him a Akkalkot Maharaj’s life story book to read.

Gopal started reading the book and in that book the narration of a devotee who underwent the same tyranny as of him, who also decided to commit suicide. At that time Swami Samartha rescued him, when he fell in the well, telling him, you have to answer and pay for your past deeds, Prarabdha; suicide does not help; you won’t be free from this suffering at all; suicide is not the liberation. You have to face and complete your obligation; then only one will be free from the past deeds. If you end your life now, you may have to take another birth and suffer again to finish the sin of the past deeds. Gopalrao now realized, what Sai Baba really meant and why He was not bothered to consider his grievances.

Gopalrao’s father was the ardent devotee of Akkalkot’s Maharaj and Sai Baba wanted him to follow his father.

Sai Baba thus guided him rightly and then he studied astrology; he became proficient and lived comfortably all his remaining life.

In this evidential incident too, the greatness of both Swami Samartha and Sai Baba is well illustrated indicating the divinity of them as the incarnation of Lord Datta Mahaprabhu.

Swami Samartha by His divine power made the gentleman alright by just moving His hand on his stomach.

Sai Baba too by His Udi made many alright. The similarity between two of them is so evident that the compassionate flow from these Satpurushas is really the blessing to materialistic world.

Swami Samartha blessed the European Engineer of Solapur who had come to Swami Samartha for getting hopefully a son. Swami just gazed at him and said, ‘‘You will have a son within a year.’’ He became the proud father of a lovely son.

Sai Baba blessed a devotee like this. A lady from Solapur Mrs. Aurangabadkar had no issue for 27 years. She came to Shirdi to get blessed by Baba. She requested Shama to intercede with Baba. Shama suggested her to sit with a coconut and joss sticks and wait, Shama would call her after Baba’s meals she should come up.

Baba, after dinner, sat and Shama was massaging Baba’s hands and legs, gazing at Baba intently. Baba knowing well, pinched Shama’s cheeks and asked, what is in his mind ? Shama beckoned Mrs. Aurangabadkar to come and bow to Baba. She offered coconut, and waited. Baba shook the coconut and the kernel inside the coconut rolled with noise. Baba asked Shama, ‘‘This is rolling. What it says, Shama ?’’ Shama said, ‘‘Deva, she prays that she should be blessed with the issue.’’

Baba asked ‘‘Will the coconut give an issue ?’’ Shama said, ‘‘Deva, with Your blessing she will definitely.’’ Baba smiled and said, ‘‘Ok, she will have an issue within a year.’’ She did deliver a son within that year and Aurangabadkar family donated Rs. 500/- for constructing Shyamkarna’s stable.

Both the Satpurushas blessed the devotees almost in the same way and gave the candid proof of similarity of these two different just in physical forms, one in the  Atma Swaroop, one in the graceful Paramatma Swaroop, Dattatreya Mahaprabhu. Swami Samartha making the jewish eye doctor to realize the sanctity of noble medical profession to be void of ego, pride and self appraisal. A Doctor friend devotee of Shri Rama and was unwilling to bow to Baba. The Mamlatdar brought his friend to Baba who had told that he won’t bow to a Mohamadian. When they reached, the doctor prostrated in front of Baba saying, He cannot be a Mohamadian. He is great Satpurush, Shri Ramavatar only. The doctor fasted for days with intention of to be called by Baba. Then he went to Masjid with his friend from Khandesh, when Baba asked if any one called him to come to Masjid. He realized the omnipresence of Baba and after getting blessed returned to his native place. The incidents are similar, the teaching from the Masters not to be proud of self, do not have ego and Ahankar. Have firm faith in Guru, the life will be sublime.

(Contd.)

– Naresh Dharvadkar nareshdharwad@yahoo.com

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