SRI SATHYA SAI ASHTOTTARA SHATA NAMAVALI 1. … Baba was born, in response to the prayers of mother Easwaramma, on Monday the 23rd November ... Dharma - upholding dharma; Parayana

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SRI SATHYA SAI ASHTOTTARA SHATA NAMAVALI

1. Om Sri Bhagawan Sathya Sai Babaya Namaha

Sathya Sai - One who reclines on the Plank of Truth

Aai - Mother; Baba - Father

Baba says that truth is the first and foremost prerequisite for spiritual development. To lead a noble life, we

should follow the path of truth. If such a principle, the Truth, takes a human form, how glorious it would be; such

a personification of Truth is Sathya Sai Baba. He is the one who reclines on the bed of Truth.

Bhagawan Baba was born, in response to the prayers of mother Easwaramma, on Monday the 23rd November

1926, with the birth star of Thiruvadhirai, in the month of Karthigai. Mother Easwaramma worshipped Lord

Satyanarayana for the blessing of a male child, and Baba was christened, Satyanarayana at birth.

The cloth on which the new born Satyanarayana was laid was moving up and down in a very strange manner.

When the amazed women folk lifted the child to see the cause of the movement, to their surprise, they found a

cobra circled under the cloth. Undoubtedly, this signified the announcement of birth of Lord Narayana to whom

serpent Adisesha is the bed.

Sai! Who reclines on the bed of truth, to you I offer my salutations.

2. Om Sri Sai Sathya Swaroopaya Namaha

Sathya - Truth; Swaroopa - personified

'Truth is His Form'. Sai is personification of truth; He is omnipresent.

One day, at Puttaparthi, Baba was talking to devotees seated around Him, making jokes and laughing. A devotee

from Madras was struck with a novel idea. He wanted to take a photograph of Bhagawan sitting in the chair with

a smiling face. He took out the camera from his bag. Baba rose up from His chair and asked for the camera. Taking

the camera in His hand, Baba called the devotee to stand behind Swami's seat; He also said that He would click

the camera Himself. Two devotees who had come from Telengana did not like this idea, because they did not want

to have a photo without Swami in it. Sri Kasturi (Formerly Editor, Sanathana Sarathi) who was in that group

assured them that when Baba takes a photograph, His seat will not be empty. Baba also acknowledged this

statement. Before the camera was clicked, Kasturi kept both his hands on the foot stool under Swami's seat,

confidently expecting that his hands will be either above or below Swami's feet in the photograph. But Baba asked

Kasturi to remove his hands from the foot stool. Kasturi conceded to Baba’s command. While handing over the

camera back after clicking, Baba told, "Be careful, I am in that picture". What a wonder that when the prints

reached Kasturi after ten days, he saw in it Baba seated centrally, himself by the side, with devotees surrounding

Baba.

Sai, the personification of truth and omnipresent, to you I offer my salutations.

3. Om Sri Sai Sathya Dharma Parayanaya Namaha


Dharma - upholding dharma; Parayana - engaged in

While everyone talks about the value of the four cardinal principles Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness),

Shanthi (peace) and Prema (Love), Baba alone strictly lives up to these principles.

At that time, Kasturi was living in Bangalore with his wife and mother. He pleaded with Baba to visit his house.

“Oh! It is your house is it?”, Baba asked smilingly. Kasturi replied, "No Swami, It is your house; it should be blessed

by your lotus feet". In reply, Baba asked, “Who are you to invite Me to My house? I can be in and out of My house

as I like”. Later, Baba agreed to come to his house on Ganesha Chathurthi day. But Kasturi came to know that

Baba had assured few other devotees also that He would visit them on that day. Around a dozen devotees, who

were thus assured, kept their doors and hearts, wide open, eagerly expecting the arrival of Baba until late

afternoon.

Disheartened with disappointment, all these devotees came to Baba in the evening, stood around Him in dismay.

Baba seemed to enjoy the scene. He told them, “I came to the house of each one of you. I never break My word. I

had given the indications to you. Tell Me now, did not the garland on My portrait snap and fall into two pieces”.

Indeed, each of the devotees had witnessed this phenomenon in their houses. On hearing this, their faces

brightened up. They all prostrated in reverence at the lotus feet. Bhagawan Baba thus fulfilled the assurances He

gave to the devotees.

Sai, who is engaged in living to the principles of Sathya and Dharma, to you I offer my salutations.

4. Om Sri Sai Varadaya Namaha

Vara - boon; daya - bestower

Easwaramma is the mother of Baba. A mother of two daughters and a son, she was desirous of having another

son. She prayed to Lord Satyanarayana and observed fast. The Lord bestowed her with the boon she asked for.

Once Baba was seated in His chair surrounded by devotees. A pundit in that gathering expressed his desire to

know about the birth of God, Bhagawan Baba on earth in human form. Mother Easwaramma was also seated in

the group. Baba turned towards Easwaramma and said, "Narrate the experience you had that day near the well,

subsequent to the caution you received from your mother-in-law".

Easwaramma narrated "My mother-in-law told me that Lord Satyanarayana appeared in her dreams. She advised

me not to be shocked if any miraculous things were to happen to me by the grace of god. That particular day, I

was drawing water from the well. I observed a bluish glow, the size of a big ball rolling towards me. Looking at

this strange incident I fainted. I could feel that the glow permeated into me". Thus the divine soul entered Mother

Easwaramma to be born as Bhagawan Baba. Thus He fulfilled the prayers of Easwaramma, by granting the boon

she prayed for.

Sai, the bestower of the boons, to you I offer my salutations.

5. Om Sri Sai Sath Purushaya Namaha


Sath - Immortal; Purusha - Athma

God alone is immortal. God has reincarnated in human form and hence he is called Satpurusha. Venkamma Raju,

the father of Baba, had admitted his eighteen year old youngest son into the hospital, at Madanapalli for treatment

of tuberculosis. He was operated in the right lung and the operation was a success. Venkamma Raju had written

a post card about this information to Baba. The letter had come in that day’s mail. Baba as usual kept all the letters

on his lap, sifting them one after the other. He picked up the letter from Venkamma Raju, looked at it for a second

and flung it towards Sri Kasturi who was seated there. Kasturi took the letter in his hands. Baba commanded

Kasturi to read the letter. It was a letter written in Telugu. Kasturi started reading two lines from the letter; by

that time Swami asked him to stop reading the letter and asked him, “From whom has the letter come?" Kasturi

replied that the letter had come from Pedda Venkamma Raju. Swami nodded and said, "Yes, the Father of this

body. You were very eager to know how he addresses Swami, weren’t you.” What was written in that letter?

Pedda Venkamma Raju had written, “My humble salutations to Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba”. This is how the father

had addressed his divine child in the letter. Pedda Venkamma Raju had realized well, that it was God who has

descended in human form.

Sai! The immortal Atman who is embodied in human form, to you I offer my salutations.

6. Om Sri Sai Sathya Gunatmane Namaha

Sathya - Permanent at all times; Guna - attributes

Baba has declared that God, who has transcended duties and attributes, has come in human form with a specific

duty to perform. That which does not change with time is truth. Truth is God. That truth has taken the human

form and come to earth. His thought, word and deed, all are Truth.

Seshammaraju, who was the elder brother of Baba, a Telugu teacher, could not realise the divinity of Baba. At that

time Baba was a youth of twenty years. Seshammaraju was perplexed at the large crowds coming from big cities

and far off places, waiting to see Sathya living in a small and remote village and often taking him in cars. He

watched these happenings with fear and doubt. Out of the brotherly affection for Sathya, he wanted to forewarn

Sathya. He wrote a lengthy letter describing the society, its shortcomings, fame and its consequences and advised

Baba to be cautious. Swami wrote a reply to his letter. After replying to all the points in the letter in a convincing

manner, he added further, "I have come to redirect and protect those who have trodden the wrong path in life. I

will alleviate the sufferings of those burdened with grief, make them happy by bestowing the boon they ask for.

Those who worship Me with faith, I will save at all times and give them realisation. If one looks beyond the dual

attributes of rise and fall, praise and abuse, with faith and determination they can see Me as one without

attachment and not affected by them. What I utter is truth; truth will triumph".

Sai! Who has the attributes that does not change with time, to you I offer my salutations.

7. Om Sri Sai Sadhu Vardhanaya Namaha

Sadhu - Ascetic; Vardhanaya - to the protector

On His sojourn to Himalayas, as He was returning from Vashista caves, Baba left His human body for some time

and went somewhere. After His coming back to the mortal frame, He said that He had gone to save an old yogi


from being drowned. Those around were eager to know what had happened. Baba summoned a devotee standing

nearby and asked him to explain what he saw on his way. He said, "I saw the dead body of an aged yogi being

carried away by the current of the Ganges. I did not want to tell anyone about it as it was inauspicious". Baba

smiled and said, "The body was that of a yogi. He was sitting in meditation on a rock standing in the middle of the

river. Floods removed the sand from underneath and the rock fell down. Floods swept him away and he did not

realise it as he was in trance. Because he was in meditation he was floating without being drowned. When he

woke up from meditation, he realised that his life was in danger and prayed to God to save him. Baba heard that

prayer. I lifted the body from the floods, carried it and deposited him on the shore near a hut a few miles away

from Sivananda Nagar”.

Sai, Who is the protector of sadhus and ascetics, to you I offer my salutations.

8. Om Sri Sai Sadhu Jana Poshanaya Namaha

Sadhujana - Ascetic; Poshanaya - Nourisher

"I have reincarnated in human form in response to the prayers of sadhus and rishis". Baba has said, “I shatter and

remove all obstacles like poverty and illness that come in the way of your spiritual development by coming closer

to you”, says Baba.

On His tour to the Himalayas, Baba visited the Vasishta caves, where Purushothamananda was residing with his

disciples. Purushothamananda always enjoyed meditating on the form of Lord Padmanabha, who is enshrined

in the southern end of India in Trivandrum. While in Vashista cave, Baba once asked the people to go outside the

cave and asked them to close the opening. Then He reclined on the lap of the seventy year old

Purushothamananda. What a great sight! The physical frame of Baba grew in size filling up the entire cave and a

bright glow had emanated from all over His body illuminating the entire cave. The sadhu and his disciples were

wonderstruck at the sight of this divine miracle. Baba told later that He had blessed the sadhu with the vision of

Padmanabha who was in his heart. Further, He recollected the incidents during the initial days of their coming to

the cave and how they struggled to light a fire. They were surprised to find a pack of matches in a corner of the

cave. Baba revealed that He was the one who kept the matches. Baba also reminded them of the various troubles

and trials they underwent when they first came to the caves. He also reminded them that He had been with them

all the time and saved them from wild animals and poisonous snakes. Thus, Baba always clears all obstacles and

nourishes the sadhus and rishis.

Sai! The protector of sadhus and rishis, to you I offer my salutations.

9. Om Sri Sai Sarvagnaya Namaha

Sarva - everything; Gna - to be aware of

Sai is omniscient, omnipresent and the indweller of every being. He knows the origin of every thought. Once the

secretary of the Hindi Prachara Sabha in Bangalore, went to see his friend at his house. Only after reaching there,

he came to know that Sri Sathya Sai Baba had come to that house. A large number of devotees were gathered

there. AII the devotees fell at Baba’s Feet and took His blessings. The secretary of the sabha was reluctant to do

so. He thought that when everyone was paying respects, and he alone were to stand aside, others might think of

him as an egoist. Induced by that thought he also knelt down and touched Baba's Feet. As he was a follower of a

Guru at a place called Mathoor, while prostrating at Baba's Feet, he mentally prayed that this namaskar should

reach his guru at Mathoor. As he was rising up after prostration, Baba patted on his back and said, "Your namaskar


has reached your guru at Mathoor", in a melodious voice, looking at him smilingly. There is nothing that God is

not aware of. Baba says, "I know of your past and future births also. Hence I know the cause for your grief and

also the way for liberating you from these trials".

Sai! The omniscient! To you I offer my salutations.

10. Om Sri Sai Sarva Jana Priyaya Namaha

Sarva Jana - all people; Priyaya - Ioving

Baba is loved by one and all. He knows the illness of the poor. His abode is the place where everyone is welcomed

without any differentiation. He is loved by everyone alike, the rich and poor, the elite and common, the young

and the old and people from all the countries. He relieves the suffering of mankind and cures the illness of both

the body and the mind. He assumes the role of a mother, father, friend, guru, protector and god, the way each one

looks at Him and that is the basic reason why everyone loves Him.

In the year 1957, the ninth convention of the Divine Society took place. Bhagawan Himself was to preside over

the conference and hence a large number of sanyasis had assembled from places like Kalahasti, Rishikesh,

Rajamahendram and Madras. The Raja of Venkatagiri had arranged a flower decked palanquin to take Baba in a

procession to the venue of the convention. Baba came out of the palace. Inspite of repeated requests from the

Raja of Venkatagiri, Bhagawan politely declined to come in the palanquin. He said, “So many sanyasis have

assembled here. I like to walk down along them". Thus He walked in the procession along with the sanyasis. Baba

was glittering like a diamond amidst the sanyasis.

Sai! Who is loved by all alike, to you I offer my salutations.

11. Om Sri Sai Sarva Sakthi Moortaye Namaha

Sarva - All Sakthi - ability; Moorthi - form

Baba had visited Jamnagar in Gujarat in response to the prayers of the devotees. With the entourage of devotees,

He went to Dwaraka. A large number of the local population and Sai devotees had gathered well ahead of Swami's

visit at the Krishna temple. While the entourage had gone to have darshan of Dwaraka Krishna, the people of

Dwaraka surrounded Sai Krishna eagerly. Due to the large crowd the devotees who accompanied Swami could

not see Krishna properly. Baba took pity on them.

On His way back, Baba stopped the car at a place called ‘Goranka' a sea side village and got down. He gently

walked amidst the waves of the sea. After a while, He sat on the sands and started forming a big heap of sand in

front of Him. The devotees got ready eagerly to witness a miracle. Baba flattened the top of the heap, and then He

drew three inclined lines on it. He drew a circle on top of it; also, He made a cross line on the circle, Then He said,

"Everything is ready'' and He pulled out with His divine hands a golden idol of Lord Krishna about 15 inches tall.

None of those around could visualise that the circle He drew was transformed into the head of Krishna, the

triangle into a peacock feather and the cross line as the flute. He then said, “You didn't see lord Krishna in the

temple properly; didn't you! Now see Lord Krishna well" and showed the idol to all the people. God alone can do

anything. He is omnipotent.

Sai! who is omnipotent, to you I offer my salutations.


12. Om Sri Sai Sarvesaya Namaha

Sarva - for all; Esaya - Lord

Baba has said that He assumes appropriate forms in pIaces of worship and He accepts all the prayers and offerings

made during yagnas. He has given the vision of Brindavan Krishna and Lord Narasimha to some of the devotees.

He has also shown the vision of Dasavathar to His mother. Once He told those around Him, “Look! there is Shirdi

Baba". Mother Easwaramma could hear the sound of the wooden chappal worn by Shirdi Baba. As the first sound

of steps was heard Easwaramma spontaneously questioned, "who is that walking inside with chappal". Such are

the experiences of devotees.

An advocate, by name Krishnamachari, who was practising at Penukonda blamed Venkamma Raju that he was a

fraud and that he was cheating laymen with his son. Father Venkamma Raju pleaded with Baba to reveal His

divinity, in order to silence the adverse comments from people. Baba was calm; He called the devotees around.

He asked Subbamma, "Do you want to see Shirdi?” She said, “Yes Swami!". He took them all into a room and asked

them to see. What a great sight! They saw the shrine of Shirdi with the incense sticks spreading perfume around,

a priest sitting at a corner chanting mantras and Shirdi Samadi in front". Krishnamachari was wonderstruck with

the vision and stood in ecstasy. He then apologised to Venkamma Raju for his false allegation.

Sai! the Lord of all gods, to you I offer my salutations.

13. Om Sri Sai Sarva Sanga Parityagine Namaha.

Sanga - attachments binding; Parityagine - one who has sacrificed

Seshammaraju was keen on educating Sathya up to the school final to make Him eligible for government job.

Hence, he admitted Him in the high school at Uravakonda. On the 20th of October 1940, Sathya went to school as

usual. However, in a short time He returned home and said, "I am no more your Sathya. My devotees are calling

Me. I am going". He then proceeded to the bungalow of the excise inspector and sat in the garden. AII the efforts

by His sister-in-law to recall Him back to the house were in vain. Seshamma Raiu was non-plussed. He summoned

his parents.

Mother's love is supreme. There cannot be any one not bound by mother's love and affection. However, even as

mother Easwaramma was approaching, Swami said, “Maya has come”. The repeated requests of the mother and

her tears could not shake the determination of Sathya. Baba Sai negated, "Who is related to whom?" He then

asked Easwaramma to bring food. He mixed all the items of food together, took three balls of it from the mother

and then said, "Now the veil of illusion has cleared. This is truth; there is no reason for worry henceforth", and

engaged HimseIf in bhajan.

Sai! who has discarded the shackles of attachment, to you I offer my salutations.

14. Om Sri Sai Sarvantharyamine Namaha.


Sarva - everything; Anthar - from within; Yamine - activate

In the year 1972, a group of devotees from Assam had come to participate in the birthday function. Swamy gave

exclusive darshan and prasad to these devotees inside the Mandir. After giving prasad to a lady, He moved on; He

again moved back to the lady, gave two more packets of vibhuti to her and added, "These are for the cat". For a

moment the lady could not understand the meaning of Swami's words. Little later, she could recall an incident

that happened months ago and she could realise the significance of Swami's message. She was overwhelmed with

joy and shed tears.

Eight months ago, at Gauhati, she had arranged for a dinner at her house. All items were kept ready on the table.

At that time, her pet cat jumped on the table, ate something and spilled the rest. Out of anger, the lady took a stick

and beat the cat heavily. In a few moments, there were a few explosive sounds akin to that of an earthquake quite

natural to Assam. When she looked around, she found that all the photographs of Baba hung in the hall had fallen

down one after the other. And to her surprise, she found that there was a shower of vibhuti on the pussy cat. It

had the same scent as the vibhuti materialised by Bhagawan. The wound of the cat was thus healed. She then

realised her mistake, that her anger was wrong. It was for that cat Swami had given vibhuti.

Sai! who is the indweller and activator of all, to you I offer my salutations.

15. Om Sri Sai Mahimatmane Namaha

Mahima - glory; Atmane - to that atma

It was the day of Krishna Jayanthi. Baba was on a visit to Madras. Devotees had made all arrangements to

celebrate the festival in a grand manner. The hall in the bungalow where Baba was staying was decorated

tastefully. All the devotees were invited personally. Bhajan was on and Baba went up to the dais and sat on His

seat. A little before Mangala Aarathi Baba stood up with both His hands stretched above His head. Those in the

hall watched Bhagawan without a wink. Never before had they seen Swami like that. In a split second, they saw

Baba holding a glass bowl, descended from somewhere. The bowl was glittering in the light and was decorated

with the sculpture of a bird flying, one at each end. Baba told the devotees, “here are the sweets from Brindavan".

There were around forty three different varieties of sweets in that bowl. They all had an exclusive taste, totally

new to the people of the south.

Sai! who reveals his glory through simple acts of play to you I offer my salutations.

16. Om Sri Sai Maheswara Swaroopaya Namaha

Maheswara - Divine; Swaroopa - form

Even after the declaration of Sathya, that He was the same Sai Baba of Shirdi, brother Seshamma Raju had no

mind to accept it. He thought that an excursion to a tourist spot might be a panacea to His illness and he took Him

to Hampi, the capital of the Kingdom of Vijayanagaram.

They went around the palace of the princes, the Vijayadasami festival courtyard, the elephant carvings, the stone

chariot and the Narasimha idol carved out of a single stone. They went to the temple of Viroopaksha, the family

deity of the dynasty. Sathya was going around the monuments, the whole day disinterestedly. When the party

went into the inner courtyard of the temple, Sathya also went in. But He did not go into the sanctum sanctorum.

Others did not want to compel Sathya and hence they went inside leaving Sathya there. When the camphor was


waved at the idol, the priest asked them to have darshan of Viroopaksha; to their astonishment, they saw Sathya

in place of the Linga inside the shrine. Seshamma Raju could not believe his eyes. He wondered how Sathya could

have come in without being noticed. His ways, he thought, were mysterious. However, to get his doubt cleared,

he quickly came out. He saw to his surprise, Sathya standing outside, leaning on the wall and gazing at the sky.

The news of Baba appearing as viroopaksha spread around and thus the belief that Baba was an embodiment of

God was further strengthened.

Sai! who is Maheswara, to you I offer my salutations.

17. Om Sri Sai Parthi Gramodbhavaya Namaha

Parthi Grama - parthi viltage; Udhbhavaya - One who has taken avathar

God preselects His place of birth even while He selects His parents. Baba had predetermined that He will

reincarnate at Puttaparthi, which will be famous at all times. Young Sathya told His grandfather Kondamma Raju,

“I incarnated in your family in response to the prayers of Venkavadhuta, your guru”. Venkamma Raju was

surprised at this statement. However at the utterance of the name of Venkavadhuta by young Sathya, Kondamma

Raju was overjoyed and thrilled.

Once Kondamma Raju holding Kasturi by his hands narrated, "One afternoon, I was sitting by the side of

Venkavadhuta under the peepal tree. Then Venkavadhuta told me, "Devi is worried. Hence, Lord Narayana is

going to reincarnate. You can see Him. He will be very kind to you. He repeated these lines again and again into

my ears. He also took a promise from me that I believed his words". Kondammaraju added further, "I never even

dreamt that I would hold Lord Narayana on my laps in my own house in human form".

Sai! who has reincarnated in the village of Parthi, to you I offer my salutations.

18. Om Sri Sai Parthi Kshetra Nivasine Namaha

Parthi kshetsra - At Parthi Kshethra; Nivasine - the dweller

Mother Easwaramma had clearly known that Sathya who said, "I am not yours. I have come for My devotees", will

not stay with her anymore. The first song that Swami sang that day after leaving the house was, “Manasa, Bhajare

Guru Charanam”. Devotees were seated with Him in the garden throughout the night. Easwaramma also was

seated all through the night. The affection of mother did not allow her to leave Sathya alone in the cold weather.

Easwaramma pleaded with Baba, "Sathya! We know that we are none other than illusion and that you have

transcended the illusion. We wiII not engage ourselves in argument, nor interfere in your activity. You may be

anyone but do not leave us alone and go to the far off Himalayas caves or hills. You have to take a pledge that you

will live here in Puttaparthi only". Swami responding to her request said, "I give you this promise not because of

your request; but because, I have chosen Puttaparthi as the centre of My mission for the welfare of the world."

Sai! who has chosen Parthi as His abode, to you I offer my salutations.


19. Om Sri Sai Yasahkaya Shirdi Vasine Namaha

Yasa - fame; kaya – body; Shirdi Vasine - Iiving in Shirdi

Whenever Baba mentions about Shirdi Baba, He used to refer to Him as His earlier incarnation. He used to narrate

the various questions the devotees asked Shirdi Baba and the detailed explanations given by Him. He used to

elaborate on the answers He provided for the doubts raised by Mahalaspathi and Dasganu.

In the state of Nizam, Raja of Chincholi was an ardent devotee of Shirdi Baba. Every year, he used to spend a few

months with Baba at Shirdi. Subsequent to the demise of the Raja, the queen was pleased to know that Sathya Sai

Baba is the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, Her eagerness to have His darshan doubled; Baba was at that time a

young lad of fifteen. She visited Puttaparthi and extended an invitation to Sathya to visit Chincholi.

Young Sathya visited Chincholi, honouring the invitation. He enquired the queen about an age old neem tree that

was no longer existing now, about a well that has been levelled up now and the shops that have sprung up in their

places and thus surprised the queen. He also made enquiries about an idol of Hanuman which was given by Him

in his earlier incarnation, to the Raja. The queen knew nothing about it. Baba Himself took out the idol from the

store and confirmed the faith in them that He was the reincarnation of Shirdi Baba.

Sai! who lives by your name and fame at Shirdi, to you I offer my salutations.

20. Om Sri Sai Jodi Adipalli Somappaya Namaha.

Jodi Adipalli Somappa - One of the names

In the year 1958, November 26, a devotee was returning with his family to Bangalore after participating in the

birthday festival at Parthi. As they were approaching Bagepalli, their two year old daughter had a stroke of fits.

Unable to bear the pain the child fainted. An old man in the typical attire of village folk came by that way along

with two other men. He noticed the helplessness of the parents. He came near them and summoned the parents

to place the child in his arms. The accompanying villagers also said, "Give the child to him. He has cured incurable

diseases of many. He will definitely cure your child". Helpless as they were, they hesitantly placed the child in the

hands of the old man. The old man said, “Last three days I had lot of work and only now l am a little free. I came

to know that there was a child seriously ill on the road and hence I immediately rushed to this place". So saying,

he took the child and placed it on his lap. Even as he touched the child, it opened its eyes fully recovered from the

stroke. He then handed over the child back to her parents.

Greatly relieved from their agony, the parents gave a rupee coin to the old man which he refused to accept.

Then they took out a fruit which was given by Baba and gave it to him. When his name was asked, he replied,

“]odi Adipalli Somappa', and soon he disappeared from the scene. On a subsequent visit to Puttaparthi, Baba

made a mention of the incident to the devotee; the devotee was dumb founded with gratitude. It was Baba himself

who appeared in the guise of a village old man in multiple form. When the devotee asked for the explanation of

the name, 'Jodi Adipalli Somappa’, Baba smilingly explained, “Jodi, Somappa means Shivashakthi, Siva and

Shakthi, Adipalli is the abode of Shiva, the Kailash".

Sai! the Shiva Shakthi Swaroopa, to you I offer my salutations.

21. Om Sri Sai Bharadwaja Rishi Gotraya Namaha


Bharadwaja - A rishi associated with Rama; Gotra - lineage

On the 28th June 1963, Swami informed that there will be no personal interviews for a week. In the evening

around 6:30, He fell down and fainted. The left leg and fingers became stiff and paralysed; the fingers of the left

hand clenched itself, face turned black and the mouth had strained to the left. The eyesight in the left appeared

to have been impaired. The pulse had risen from 84 to 100, the teeth were locked together and He lay

unconscious. Helpless as they were, devotees were praying in anguish that Swami should cure himself soon, as

they were confident that Baba had taken upon Himself the stroke of some devotees. A doctor was summoned by

one of the devotees. Though Baba was in a state of 'Coma' His hands pushed aside the injection when the doctor

attempted it. Three days lapsed in this condition. On the fourth day, there were signs of recovery. Baba spoke

through gestures. He conveyed that the stroke will remain for five more days. He disclosed that He had had three

heart attacks. He said that He needed no medical treatment and that doctors can come for His darshan only. He

said that none else could have withstood this stroke.

It was Thursday, the 6th day of the attack, the day of Gurupoornima, Baba told that devotees be informed about

His darshan in the prayer hall. Devotees had assembled at the prayer hall eagerly and anxiously. Baba was

brought to the hall, seated in a chair and lifted by three persons. Even the strong willed of the devotees, shed

tears at the physical condition of Baba, after the stroke. Baba signalled for water. The water in the silver jar was

brought. Baba dipped the fingers of the right hand into the water and sprinkled the water on the left hand and

the leg. He stroked His left hand with the right hand; then the left leg with both the hands. He then rose up from

the chair majestically. He started His discourse in His usual divine voice.

He started, "Premaswaroopalara! Bharadwaja Rishi came to Kailash, the heavenly abode of Shiva to invite Shakthi

to preside over a yagna. But Shakthi was indifferent to the rishi and did not see him for eight days. Because of

this, Bharadwaja rishi fell unconscious and one side of his body was paralysed. Shiva cured him by sprinkling

water on him. Due to her indifference Shakthi earned the displeasure of Shiva. Now, today Shakthi, the left side

of Baba had to suffer that pain of Bharadwaja and she was cured by Siva the right side. The promise given to

Bharadwaja and the suffering undergone by Shakthi is the indirect reason. That a devotee was saved from the

stroke was the direct reason”. Thus Baba declared, "I have not disclosed a secret of Mine till date, the time has

come to reveal it. Today is an auspicious day and I am Shiva Shakthi Swaroopa”.

Sai! who belongs to the lineage of Bhardwaja Rishi, to you I offer my salutations.

22. Om Sri Sai Bhakta Vatsalaya Namaha

Vatsa -affection

The entourage of Bhagawan departed for Badrinath. They reached Sri Nagar via Haridwar and Rishikesh. From

Srinagar they reached Joshi Matt by vehicles. The road from there to Badrinath was to be covered on foot. Baba

talked to everyone of the team and encouraged them as the route was a difficult one. It was full of ups and downs,

rocks jutting out at random, bends, slopes, warning boards, peaks covered with snow and breath taking climbs.

Bhagawan was so merciful that He made some people to ride on the horses, a few on thandis carried by men; He

used to give water to the thirsty, materialise viboothi for some and thus maintained the tempo.

A few kilometres away from a place called Lambazzar, Swami sat on a rock and was narrating stories from epics.

This was to give them the boost to cross-over a steep climb through a rocky face. A group was returning from

Badrinath at that time. A lady from that group could recognise Baba, came to Him and prostrated at His feet.


Knowing that Baba was on His way to Badrinath, she requested Baba to permit her join the group, to go to

Badrinath again. Baba replied, "It is to give darshan to you I was sitting here. What are you going to get at

Badrinath superior to this? Take prasad and return with your team satisfied”.

Sai! who loves His devotees, to you I offer my salutations.

23. Om Sri Sai Apantaratmane Namaha

Apam - Water; Tara – transcended; Atmane - to the Paramatma

One evening Bhagawan took Swamy Sadananda and some other devotees to a natural spring on the hills just

behind Prashanthi Nilayam. Sitting by the side of the spring, Bhagawan explained the principle of divinity hidden

behind all the mortal manifestations like the men, animals, vegetation and the rocks. Sadananda narrated a few

slokas from Upanishads and said that these concepts were known even from the good old days.

To that Bhagawan replied firmly, "You may say these are old. But for Me, there is neither past nor present. I

transcend the time also".

Sai! who has transcended the laws of birth and death, to you I offer my salutations.

24. Om Sri Sai Avatara Moortaye Namaha

Avatara - one who has descended; Moorti - God

The descent of the divine in human form on earth in response to the prayers of the pious men for the

Establishment of Sanathana Dharma is called Avatar.

'Venkavadhootha' was regarded as Guru by all in Puttaparthi and in the villages around. He was a great Pundit

and a person of noble discrimination. He was a great Yogi. Once, Seshammaraju asked Baba to explain the

meaning of claiming Himself as Sai Baba. Baba was a young lad and had not known 'Venkavadhootha' who lived

years ago. Baba replied to His brother, "I have come in response to the prayers of Venkavadhoota that I must be

born in your family". What Sai does not know! He is omniscient.

Sai! who is the omnipresent avatar, to you I offer my salutations.

25. Om Sri Sai Sarva Bhaya Nivarine Namaha

Bhaya - fear; Nivarine - dispel

Baba always used to talk about the philosophy of destiny. If someone were to receive His grace He used to

attribute it to his good fortune. He used to advice, "If you do selfless service with a disciplined life, you can receive

My grace".


Bhimayya was a ryot; subsequent to the differences he had with his brother in sharing the produce, he left the

village and came to Puttaparthi. He used to take help from the pilgrims and spend some days there. Swami called

him once and advised, "lf only you had exercised a little restraint and patience, you could have lived peacefully

and amicably with your brother in the village. To live on the kindness of people instead, is not the right thing.

Hence go back to your village". Bhimayya thought that Baba did not want him to stay at Parthi anymore and hence

He was asking him to go away to the village. Overwhelmed by grief and disappointment he decided to commit

suicide and fell across the rails in front of a train. But he had the grace of Baba. Baba appeared in His subtle form,

pulled him out of the rails and rolled him down the slope of the embankment. At Parthi, Baba was seen making a

gesture as though He was pushing a heavy object and soon went into a trance. A little later Baba rose up from

trance, scolding Bhimayya for his foolish act.

On a subsequent visit to Puttaparthi, Bhimayya was overwhelmed with gratitude and with tears in his eyes,

shared with all the devotees how Baba saved him from the suicidal attempt and corrected him.

Sai! who dispels ignorance and removes the fear, to you I offer my salutations.

26. Om Sri Sai Apastamba Sootraya Namaha

Apastamba - Name of a rishi

It was on the 28th of May 1940, young Sathya woke up from bed as usual. A little later, He called all those in the

house to come near Him. He materialised by His divine power, sugar candy and flowers and gave them to all. On

seeing this, people living nearby also gathered around. To them also He gave the sweets and flowers. Someone

sent word to Sathya's father Venkammaraju. He came there soon.

Thinking that Sathya had hidden these articles somewhere and bringing them out by tricks, Venkammaraju

decided to put an end to these pranks on that day. He took a stick and commanded, “Who are you? A mad cap or

God! Tell me now. You have to stop all your magic henceforth, if not, I will beat you with this stick".

Sathya then decided to reveal His identity. He said, “I am Sai Baba! I belong to Apastamba Sootra”. Venkammaraju

became speechless. The stick which he was holding in his hands slipped down automatically.

Sai! Who is born in Aapastamba Sootra to you I offer my salutations.

27. Om Sri Sai Abhaya Pradaya Namaha

Abhaya - Fearlessness, courage; Pradaya - Giver

Baba has said, "Wherever I may be, in whichever activity I may be engaged, when My devotees raise their voice

for help, I will have to go to their rescue."

On the 24th of November 1958, subsequent to the birthday festival, Baba had consented to the request of

devotees for the jula programme. Baba came and sat on the jula. Bhajans were on in full tempo. Probably Swami

heard the cry for help from some devotee. He leaned on the side pillow and became unconscious. After a few

minutes, having regained consciousness, He woke up and enjoyed the Bhajans. Subsequently Swami while


mentioning about the incident, said, 'A devotee from Hyderabad, who was suffering from chronic diabetes had a

sudden heart attack. He cried out for Me. He was taken to the hospital by car. I went there, gave darshan to him,

gave viboothi and came".

Sai! who blesses all with fearlessness, to you I offer my salutations.

28. Om Sri Sai Ratnakara Vamsodhbhavaya Namaha

Ratnakara Vamsa - in the Ratnakar family; Udhbhavaya - born

An ocean of pearls and corals is called Ratnakaram. The grandfather of Sathya is born of Ratnakaram family.

Ratnakaram Kondamaraju once narrating his experiences said, “The ocean of Ratnakaram has given birth to a

priceless gem", with tears of joy trickling down his cheeks. Kondamaraju's family was well known for its devotion,

since the time of the saint Venkavadhoota. They had built the Gopalswamy temple and established charities for

its maintenance.

Once, Sathyabama, the consort of Krishna appeared in the dream of Kondamaraju and said, "Krishna has gone to

fetch the Parijatha flowers; time has rolled from minutes to hours and hours into days and months. There is no

sign of Krishna returning. Rain is heavy with thunder. Can you build a place for me to stay? Hence, Kondamaraju

built a temple for Sathyabama.

Devout Kondamaraju spent all his 100 years of life in incessant remembrance of the name of God and prayer. It

is in such a pious family, that of Ratnakaram Kondamaraju, Baba took birth.

Sai! Born as a jewel (Ratna) in a most devout family, to you I offer my salutations.

29. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Abheda Saktyavataraya Namaha

Abheda - Undiffering; Shakthi Avathara - incarnation of Shakthi

When Baba declared, "I am Sai Baba of Shirdi, born in Bharadwaja Gothra with the Aapasthamba Soothra," His

family members and others demanded that He has to show something as concrete proof to justify that He was

the Baba of Shirdi. To pacify them, Swami asked them to bring some jasmine flowers. The flowers were brought;

Sathya took a handful of flowers and threw them on the ground. It was a miracle that happened then; the flowers

arranged themselves in the form of 'Sai Baba', in Telugu script, with all its bends and forms, as though written by

the best of artists. When He was asked to explain the significance of His statement, He said, "I announced the

name of my previous incarnation. He who was born as Shirdi Sai Baba is now born as Sathya Sai Baba. Subsequent

to this avatar, I will be born as Prema Sai in Karnataka State”. Brother Seshamma Raju was stunned at the way

Baba had revealed his identity.

Sai! Who is none other than the Sai Baba of Shirdi, to you I offer my salutations.

30. Om Sri Sai Sankaraya Namaha


Sankara - he who gives happiness to everyone

Baba says, 'Sam Karothi lthi Sankaraha', which means, he who does auspicious things and makes others happy is

‘Sankara'.

Bhagawan had visited the Thippae Kondanahalli storage lake that supplies drinking water to the city of

Bangalore, along with a few devotees. The executive engineer of the project was describing to Baba about the

rivers that merge at that place and about the beautiful temple of lord Sangameswara, the gopuram which was

now appearing above the water and how the temple was submerged in the flood waters due to a breach in the

dam. Baba, who was standing in the water and listening to the explanation, bent down, took some water in His

hands and stretched it towards a devotee who is an ardent worshipper of Shiva. There in the hands of Baba, one

could see the glittering Shivalinga, a crystalline Lingam with the paste of haldi and the leaves of vilva tree. All

were surprised at this miracle. Baba told the saivite devotee, "Take this to your house and offer puja. Aren't you

worshipping Sangameswara, the Shiva at the confluence of holy rivers?"

Sai! Who gives happiness to one and all, to you I offer my salutations.

31. Om Sri Sai Shirdi Sai Moortaye Namaha

Moortaye - of the form of

Once, Baba appeared in subtle form at the bed side of Sri Loganatha Mudaliar of Madras, who was insane due to

the evil doings of a tantrik. Baba was very young at that time. The mental condition of Mudaliar was regained by

the corrective measures advocated by Baba. After returning to normalcy and fully convinced that Baba was God,

he decided to build a temple for Baba in his lands at Guindy, on the outskirts of Madras city. He had a premonition

to install the idol of Shirdi Baba in that temple. Later, Baba confirmed his thought through a letter. The

construction neared completion. In the year 1948, Baba himself installed the idol of Shirdi Baba in that temple.

On the day of installation the family members of Mudaliar got the good fortune of performing pooja to the lotus

feet of Bhagawan by offering flowers. They pleaded with Bhagawan to imprint His lotus feet in a cloth, dipped in

sandal paste. Baba intercepted and said, "Why do you want My foot prints. To-day I have installed Shirdi Baba in

the temple. I will give you the foot prints of Shirdi Baba". He then kept His feet on a white silk cloth. What a great

wonder, instead of the small tender feet of young Sathya, they saw on the cloth the long and wide foot prints of

Shirdi Baba, who walked through the streets of Shirdi.

Sai! Who is the reincarnation of Baba of Shirdi, to you I offer my salutations.

32. Om Sri Sai Dwarakamayi Vasine Namaha

Dwarakamayi - a place in Shirdi; Vasine - living in

Baba encourages some of the devotees to visit Shirdi. He used to vividly describe the route to Shirdi, the method

of irrigation from wells and the agricultural methods around Shirdi, the Samadhi Mandir, the photographs hung

on the walls there and many other things as though He had lived there for many years.


Once, to a group of devotees proceeding to a pilgrimage of Shirdi, He told, "Sleep in Dwarakamayi. I will give

darshan in your dreams". They went to Shirdi and slept at Dwarakamayi in the night. Baba appeared in their

dreams, spoke to them and made them feel happy, thus fulfilling His promise.

Sai! Who lives in Dwarakamayi, to you I offer my salutations.

33. Om Sri Sai Chitravati tata Puttaparthi Viharine Namaha

Tata - banks; Viharine - amuses plays

Every holy place has its own history. There will be a river and a tree often associated with the sacred places. At

Puttaparthi such a river is 'Chitravati' and the tree is 'KaIpa Vriksha', a tamarind tree on a hillock, on the banks

of Chitravati.

During His early days, everyday Baba used to take His devotees to the banks of river Chitravati in the evenings.

He would conduct bhajans and teach bhajans composed by Him to enlighten the importance of spiritual progress.

In the year 1949, there was a talk that Swami would be going down to the river banks. Around 5.30 p.m. Baba

came out of the Mandir, proceeded towards the river, surrounded by devotees. On His way He was making warm

enquiries at some, joking with some other and walked along talking lovingly with everyone. He crossed over the

narrowly flowing river and went to the opposite bank. He waited there until all the elderly people reached and

sat down on the sand. He taught some bhajans. Some devotees raised some questions about Shirdi Baba. While

answering those questions, Baba said that He was Himself the reincarnation of Shirdi Baba. He added that the

pictures that are available do not truly reflect the statue of Shirdi Baba and elaborated on the defects in the

pictures available. Saying so, He dug His fingers in the sand and pulled out a photograph of Baba of Shirdi and

said that the image in that picture was depicting the true form of Baba. Apart from this, there used to be number

of playful miracles that he had performed on the banks of Chitravati and the Kalpavriksha.

Sai! Who plays on the banks of Chitravati and amuses his devotees, to you I offer my salutations.

34. Om Sri Sai Shakti Pradaya Namaha

Shakti - Energy; pradaya - Giver

Seshagiri Rao was the person who looked after all the works relating to Pooja and other works ever since Baba

was in the old mandir. Even after coming to Prashanthi Nilayam, for about fourteen years, he continued to

perform these duties regularly. One day due to a fall he lost his health and energy to walk. Slowly his health was

deteriorating and was almost in a critical stage. Doctors opined that he might die at any moment. At such a

condition, Baba went to his bed side and chided, "How did you decide to start your journey without telling Me?

Can you depart without getting ticket from Me? Who will do all the work? Come to the prayer hall and perform

Aarathi; this is My order". Seshagiri Rao had to obey Baba's order. He got up and walked towards the Mandir.

There was a divine energy flowing into him and death ran away. He started performing the duties ordained to

him by Bhagawan, enthusiastically as before.

Sai! The bestower of divine energy, to you I offer my salutations.


35. Om Sri Sai Saranagata Tranaya Namaha

Saran - Surrender; Aagata - those who have come; Tranaya - Protector

A devotee was performing Bhajans regularly in his house. One day he received a threatening letter. It read thus;

"You cheat people by telling lies; you have to stop the bhajan within seven days of receiving this letter. Otherwise

your head will be sheared”. The devotee did not get perturbed even in the least. He continued the bhajan without

any change. He knew very well that the name of Sai is the best shield against all such threats. Seven days had

lapsed. The naxalite who wrote the letter was infuriated with anger and decided on a plot to execute his threat

the next morning. He entered the house of the devotee very early in the morning stealthily. This devotee had gone

into the bathroom to have his bath and to get ready for the morning prayers. The naxalite blinded by his anger,

aimed a knife at this devotee and delivered the knife. What happened? A whirl wind with an orange hue appeared

in front of the devotee. A soft hand pushed him to a corner of the room. The knife missed the target and fell down

with a loud noise. On hearing the sound of the knife falling and the running of a man, the devotee's wife and others

came running. There was a fragrance of viboothi filling the space. They could see viboothi all over the body of the

devotee. He was dazed. Yes! Baba had come to save the devotee. They realized that Baba had come to save His

devotee in time.

Sai! Who protects those who surrender to you I offer my salutations.

36. Om Sri Sai Anandaya Namaha

Anandaya - Blissful

God is Vedapurusha and Anandaswaroopa. He is the embodiment of Bliss. In the year 1960, a French scholar came

to Puttaparthi. He was translating the expositions of Veda into French. He was a very learned person. He came to

Puttaparthi to see Baba. Bhagawan gave him personal interview for three days. One day Baba gave a fitting

explanation for a verse in 'Veda'. Valestine, the French scholar was overwhelmed with joy at the apt meaning for

the verse given by Baba and wept with tears of joy. He told Baba, "To understand the exposition of Vedas, I

travelled the length and breadth of this country. I did not get what I wanted. The awareness of Veda is at a low

ebb. You have to restore the glory of Veda for the well being of the world". Baba smilingly replied, “The very

purpose of my birth is the restoration of Vedic dharma; wherever you are you will hear about that good news".

By the will of Bhagawan, devotees from Godavari district wanted to perform a Yagna and prayed Bhagawan to be

the presiding deity and bless all the people. Baba decided to perform the Yagna in Prashanthi Nilayam itself in a

grand manner. In the year 1962, Veda Purusha Gnana Yagnam was performed with fervour and festivity. Many

vedic scholars and pandits from Kasi to Kanyakumari had participated in the festival. Baba said, "I am not the

person performing the yagna, but the person who is the presiding deity and the one to receive the prayers".

During the Poornahuthi, Swami received the prayers and stood as Anandha Swaroopa.

Sai! Embodiment of bliss, to you I offer my Salutations.


37. Om Sri Sai Ananda Daya Namaha

Ananda - Bliss; Daya - bestower

M.S. Dikshit is the nephew of Kaka Saheb. The latter had lived with Baba of Shirdi. Dikshit had just crossed his

teenage that time. Once, Baba beat him on his head hard. Dikshit complained to Kaka Saheb and said, "I will never

go to Baba again, for He beat me on my head". Kaka Saheb told his nephew, "It was because of that strike your

migraine is cured now. Realise that". Since then, Dikshit did not have the recurrence of migraine even at the age

of seventy.

Once in Mangalore, he aspired to study, 'Guru Charitha', According to 'Sapthaha' (reading in seven days) practice

and completed it. The same night he experienced an extraordinary vision: "A broad avenue, lined with trees on

either side, a magnificent bungalow; someone calling out to him softly, by name twice. He turns and looks back,

to see a long robed person with benign beauty with a crown of hair halo around his glowing face beckoning Him

to His side". His dream ceased with this.

Subsequently, one day Dikshit visited a doctor friend. He saw in the drawing room of his friend, "A portrait which

was that of the same Person who appeared in his dream". On enquiry he learnt that the picture was that of Sathya

Sai Baba, reincarnation of Baba of Shirdi. This kindled the curiosity of Dikshit to meet Him in Person. He came to

Prashanthi Nilayam with his doctor friend and a few others. He was awed to see the same avenue lined with trees

and the palatial bungalow in front of him which he saw in his dreams. He was enthralled at the sight of Baba, the

very same person who called out to him in the dream.

Baba took him inside for a personal interview. Dikshit used to keep a photograph of his uncle Kaka Saheb in his

packet. "I know your uncle. It is to him I had revealed that I would be born again after eight years", Baba told

Dikshit. Looking at the striking semblance of Sathya Sai Baba with the Baba of Shirdi whom he worshipped for

decades, Dikshit became ecstatic.

Sai! The bestower of supreme bliss, to you I offer my salutations.

38. Om Sri Sai Artatrana Parayanaya Namaha

Arta - people who are suffering; Trana - in protecting; Parayanaya - Person engaged in

A young man from Badravathi near Mysore, visited Prashanthi Nilayam along with his mother, carrying his

disabled sister. The legs of the girl were crippled and she could not walk for the last five years. They were

distressed at the plight of the girl. Baba graciously summoned the brother to bring the girl to the interview room.

He went into the room carrying his sister. After a little while, the girl was seen coming out of Baba's room walking,

with the support of her brother. Baba had ordained the girl to go around Prashanthi Nilayam three times.

Supported on both side by mother and her brother, she completed three rounds around the Mandir. The next day

it was really a relieving sight for those who were assembled, to see the young girl walking around the Mandir

without any support. Thus, Baba had cured the incurable, as per the proclamation of Gita. "Pangum langayathae

Girim", meaning "My will would make a lame climb over the mountain," and relieved the suffering of the family.

Sai! Who is ever engaged in protecting those who are suffering, to you I offer my salutations.


39. Om Sri Sai Anatha Nathaya Namaha

Anatha - One without Succour; Natha - Head

Swami Karunyananda who lives with Baba has instituted a charitable trust in Rajamundry which runs a home for

the disabled and destitute. He saw one day, in front of the orphanage an aggrieved woman with a girl of two years

in her hands. The lady was in an advanced stage of pregnancy and was ill. Hence Karunyananda directed the

authorities to admit the lady in a nursing home and to keep the child in the orphanage. Doctors felt that she may

deliver in a week’s time. There was a portrait of Baba hung on the wall, taken during the early years. In that

portrait Baba was standing with His hands holding the leaves of a coconut tree. This was called 'Sadhuvamma'

picture.

One evening the attendants of the nursing home had gone to a movie; when they returned they were welcomed

by a great surprise. They saw that the lady had delivered a boy, Moreover, to their astonishment, the child was

bathed and wrapped neatly in a white towel and laid by the side of the mother; even the mother had been fully

attended on. They wondered as to who could have attended to the mother and the child at that critical juncture.

The lady pointed to the picture of Baba in the portrait and said, "She was the doctor who attended on me and the

child. May be she has gone to attend to other patients" she added. What a great benevolence Baba had showered

on the lady, who was helpless.

Sai! Who is benevolent to those who are helpless and abandoned, to you I offer my salutations.

40. Om Sri Sai Asahaya Sahayaya Namaha

Asahaya - Helpless; Sahayaya - he who helps

A criminal named Kalpagiri who indulged in gruesome murder, stealthily ran to the Himalayas to escape the

clutches of law. He donned the robes of an ascetic. In his wanderings, he came across saints and sadhus, studied

from them many sacred scriptures and was equipped well to talk on Karma and Gnana paths and how man can

get relieved from the shackles of birth and death. He could deliver lectures on advaitha. After decades, he toured

all sacred places of worship and finally reached Bangalore. On information that Baba of Shirdi had reincarnated

as Sathya Sai Baba, he came to Prashanthi Nilayam.

Baba summoned him to His room. What can be hidden from His omniscient eyes? He chided Kalpagiri saying, "To

run away from punishment for the crime committed is wrong. Why postpone your punishment to later births. To

undergo punishment for the crime done is imperative. Orange robe is not fit for you who has run away from the

fruits of his crime'. He convinced him and made him wear the white robe. He directed him to surrender to the

police and undergo the ordeal as destined by law. However, Baba assured Kalpagiri, that he will not face

execution. "When you come back from imprisonment, I will adorn with Japamala your neck which otherwise has

to meet the rope of execution", Baba vouchsafed. Keeping faith in Baba's direction, Kalpagiri surrendered to the

police and pleaded guilty. The court accorded death sentence on him. He presented a mercy petition. The

punishment was reduced to life imprisonment, by the President of India. By the grace of Baba and his good


conduct, he was released. He was adorned with Japamala as promised by Baba, on his return to Prashanthi

Nilayam. Who else could have helped such a criminal to transform himself truly than the loving God?

Sai! Who helps the helpless to transform, to you I offer my salutations.

41. Om Sri Sai Loka Bandhavaya Namaha

Loka - World; Bandhavaya - Relative

“I have come for the cause of humanity; AII are related to Me; there is none who does not belong to Me. They may

worship Me by this name or any other name; still all are mine”, says Baba. Baba proclaimed this while He was

installing the idol of Shirdi Baba in Nagasai Mandir at Coimbatore. It was twenty seven years before this sacred

installation, Shirdi Baba appeared in the form of a Cobra, lay circled in the floral offering when thousands had

congregated in a bhajan and listening to the bhajans. He allowed Himself to be photographed in that form. Hence,

this temple is known as Nagasai Mandir. On the occasion of the installation of the idol, Baba said, “I shall install

My own form. This day is to be sculptured in gold in history. Just as many incarnations have established their

forms as idols, I am installing this idol Myself".

Sai! Who has proclaimed that all beings belong to him, to you I offer my salutations.

42. Om Sri Sai Lokaraksha Parayanaya Namaha

Loka - World; Raksha – Protection; Parayanaya - person engaged in

God is the protector of every being in this Universe. One day, the subdivisional officer of Anantapur district was

returning via Puttaparthi after hunting. His jeep stopped near Puttaparthi village. All the efforts of the driver to

start the engine were in vain. The driver told the officer, "There is a boy in this village who materialises viboothi;

it is very powerful. I will seek his help and come" and proceeded towards the village.

On hearing the appeal of the driver, young Sathya, in His teens, Himself came to the jeep. He saw the carcass of a

tigress shot just two hours ago. He told the officer that it was He who made the jeep stop there. He further advised,

“This tiger is the mother of three young ones; they will be at the loss of their mother. Return back; take the cubs

with you and hand them over to the care of a zoo and arrangements for their well being. Never again hunt animals

that do not harm you". The officer realized his mistake and promised to follow Baba's advice. Miraculously, with

no repairs, the jeep started naturally.

The officer kept up his word by locating and handing over cubs to a zoo. He took pains for their upkeep. He then

tanned the leather of the tigress he hunted and offered it at the lotus feet of Baba. You see this tiger skin under

the foot stool of Baba's seat in Prashanthi Nilayam.

Sai! The protector of all beings, to you I offer my salutations.


43. 0m Sri Sai Loka Nathaya Namaha

Loka - Universe; Nathaya – Lord;

Who can declare, “The Universe is my Abode”? It’s possible only by the Lord of the Universe. On a Gurupoornima

day, Baba was on a visit to Bombay. It was a gathering of around thirty thousand people, listening to Bhagawan’s

discourse with rapt attention. During His discourse, Baba mentioned, "I am found in all places; every place is

Mine; Prapancha is My house". Kasturi who was translating Baba's Telugu discourse into English, translated the

last sentence to the above quotation as, ‘The world is My mansion'. Swami then closed the microphone with His

hands and pointing to Kasturi said, "No, No!" Kasturi became nervous that his translation was wrong, came

towards Baba to know what He was telling. Baba corrected Kasturi and said, "Prapanchamu means universe".

Kasturi realised his mistake and bowed before swami. Yes! Baba, the God incarnate alone can say, "The Universe

is My mansion”

Sai! The Lord of the Universe, to you I offer my salutations.

44. 0m Sri Sai Dheena Jana Poshanaya Namaha

Dheena Jana - helpless men; Poshanaya - who provides sustenance

Baba once told a foreigner who had come to Him, "Stop using medicines henceforth. I am your physician from

now”. Once at Bangalore, when Baba was in Brindavan, this man had a minor fracture by stepping into a narrow

ditch in darkness at night. The pain was unbearable. He was helped by some people to his room and was advised

to take some painkiller and to consult a doctor immediately. There was total numbness in that portion of the leg

and it became chill. However, he wanted to obey Baba's counsel and decided to stay away from doctor and

medicines. He smeared the viboothi given by Bhagawan at the place of injury and put some in his mouth. He spent

the night repeating the name of Baba, all alone.

The next day he was brought down to the darshan grounds on a wheel chair. He enjoyed darshan of Baba. Soon

after, he felt that his leg which was numb till then was warming up. He tried to stand on the injured leg. To his

surprise, it had become normal and there was no pain. In His infinite mercy, Baba kept up His promise to be the

physician of that foreigner and thus cured him of his injury by mere darshan.

Sai! Who saves all those who are helpless; to you I offer my salutations.

45. Om Sri Sai Moorti Traya Swaroopaya Namaha

Traya - Three; Moorti - form;

A professor of philosophy learnt many works of epics from a guru who was known as 'Gonthavali Brahma

Chaithanya Maharaj'. This guru was also an ardent devotee of lord Dattatreya. He once told the professor,

“Dattatreya has reincarnated in Puttaparthi in human form” and urged him to go to Puttaparthi and get the


blessings of the Lord. He also added that he was unable to travel that far due to his old age and expressed his

desire that at least the professor visits Baba. Obliging the words of his guru, the professor came to Puttaparthi.

He was blessed with a personal interview of Baba. Even as he entered, Baba told him, “Take Padanamaskar. This

is the very seat of Lord Dattatreya”. The immense joy experienced by the professor could not be explained by

mere words.

Sai! The embodiment of Dattatreya, the confederation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, to you I offer my

salutations.

46. Om Sri Sai Mukti Pradaya Namaha

Mukti - Liberation; Pradaya - Giver

Subbamma was a devout lady with unshakable faith in Baba. She used to take meticulous care of devotees who

came to visit Baba and had a motherly affection for Baba. She used to often prepare food for the devotees. Baba

had once promised Subbamma to fulfil one of her earnest prayers. It was that of giving darshan at the end of her

life.

Once when Baba was away from Puttaparthi, Subbamma took ill. She was taken to Bukkapatnam. Due to the

severity of the illness she lost her mobility. Even in that state, Subbamma used to rejoice talking and hearing

about Swami. Baba was in Bangalore at that time. Her relatives not cognisant of her faith ridiculed her and said,

"Baba is miles away and there is no use of calling Him". However, Subbamma did not lose hope and relentlessly

meditated upon Him.

As days rolled by, Subbamma's condition became critical. At a particular stage, those around her bedside decided

that she had passed away. However, as the face was appearing normal with a mysterious glow, they were hesitant

to remove the body for burial. Baba was at Thirupathi at that time. He rushed to Bukkapatnam by car. He came

to the side of Subbamma who was laid to rest on the ground. He went near and called out twice, "Subbamma!”.

No sooner had He called, Subbamma opened her eyes. Looking at Bhagawan, with tears flowing from her eyes,

she held Bhagawan's hands in hers. Baba took His hands close to the mouth of Subbamma. To the surprise of all

around, the water from Ganges flowed through Bhagawan's hands into the open mouth of Subbamma. Instantly

the soul of that devout lady merged in Baba.

Sai! Who leads one to Moksha; to you I offer my salutations.

47. Om Sri Sai Kalusha Vidooraya Namaha

Kalusha - Blemish; Vidooraya - be distant from

It is difficult to see a person without any blemish; it is God alone who can have that attribute.

When Sathya was studying at Uruvakonda, He Lived with His elder brother Seshamma Raju. There was only one

well for potable water in and around that place. Even that was around a kilometre away from His house. Sathya

carried water on a balance rod with the filled vessels hung on either side of the rod, at least six times a day; this

was for the use of His brother's family and also to help two other families on their request.

Once when Sathya was at Puttaparthi, Easwaramma was giving oil bath to Him and she was shocked to see two

thick and dark black patches on His shoulders and enquired about it. Sathya was calm and simply smiled. Sathya

had not even complained of pain and hence Easwaramma insisted on knowing the cause of that wound. Sathya


simply replied that because of carrying water, the shoulders would have been inflamed. Easwaramma lamented,

why Sathya was used for bringing water and told Sathya to come away from Bukkapatnam.

Sathya intercepted and said, "I took that work as My duty; how can people drink the polluted water nearby. My

fetching water is equivalent to giving them life. I am happy doing work and it is to do such service, I have come”.

It is none but by God that such a profound statement could be made.

Sai! Who is above all blemishes, to you I offer my salutations.

48. Om Sri Sai Karunakaraya Namaha

Karuna-Grace; Akaram-Abode

Horsley Hills is a holiday resort near Madanapalli. Baba stayed here for a few days along with some of the

devotees. The devotees enjoyed the good fortune and the calm atmosphere. The day had come for the entourage

to leave. Baba had said that he would also walk down the hills along with the others and said, ''Let us see who

reaches first". At the time of departure, He asked others to wait for a while and went towards the garden. Few of

the devotees went behind Bhagawan to see what He was going to do.

They saw Baba standing near a buffalo under a tree and bidding farewell to it. He patted on its back affectionately

and uttered, ''You have served Me so well, Bangaroo!" The buffalo attracted the abundant grace of Bhagawan for

its silent work. As they lived in a high mountain surrounded by hillocks, no other vehicles except a jeep could go

up to that place. Even food and drinking water had to be brought up from the foothills by carrying. This buffalo

did the service of bringing water for Bhagawan and the devotees, carrying leather bags filled with water, number

of times from foothills. As a result of its service, it attracted the kind attention of Baba and earned His grace.

Sai! The embodiment of grace, to you I offer my salutations.

49. Om Sri Sai Sarvadharaya Namaha

Sarva – All; Aadharaya - basis

A foreign lady was an ardent devotee of Baba; but her husband had no faith in Baba. Once when she was visiting

Baba at Puttaparthi, he decided to accompany her, to have a firsthand experience and examine Baba. When his

friends ridiculed him and enquired the purpose of his visit; they asked him, "What are you going to demand from

Baba?" He then said, "I am going to ask Baba to materialise a rainbow, which no magician can ever bring out from

his sleeves".

They reached Puttaparthi at the end of a long journey. The next day, he was sitting on a rock on the top of the hill,

behind Prashanthi Nilayam, looking at the scenic beauty of the surroundings. He was astounded by a strange and

unnatural phenomenon that appeared before his eyes all of a sudden. He saw a rainbow, contrary to its usual

shape, rising vertically from the horizon and reaching the great heights. It also disappeared sooner as it appeared.

He was really stupefied at that vision.

The next day, he was called for a personal interview by Bhagawan! Baba asked this man, "What next? How was

the rainbow?" It was none but Bhagawan who could create a rainbow by His will.

Sai! Who is the basis of all existence; to you I offer my salutations.


50. Om Sri Sai Sarva Hrudvasine Namaha

Sarva - In all; Hrud - hearts; Vasine - residing

A devout pundit, belonging to west Godavari district was anguished over his financial condition. He did

not quite agree with the suggestions of his wife to write to Baba about their problems. Two days after this

conversation, the Pundit was surprised to receive a letter from Prashanthi Nilayam, addressed by Baba Himself.

In the letter He had written, "Why did you decline the suggestions of your wife to write to Me. However, it is not

through letter I need be informed; am I not the indweller of every heart? I know all your problems. You went to

Ramachandrapuram to earn money by way of discourses on Gita and Bhagavatha; but in vain, you returned home

spending all the money. You are disheartened that all the scholarship and experiences is of no avail. Am I not

aware of all these? When I protect this whole universe will I leave you and your family unprotected? It is verily

to teach you a moral; I made you undergo this agony. When man is in prosperity he attributes it to himself and

forgets the divinity. When he faces defeat and is afflicted by sorrow, he laments in disbelief. You should realize

this”. Baba had concluded thus.

Sai! The indweller of the heart, to you I offer my salutations.

51. Om Sri Sai Sarva Punya Phala Pradaya Namaha

Punya - Good deeds; Phala - Fruits; Daya - Giver

In the year 1972, the summer course was on at Brindavan. Swami was seated in His chair in the first floor, after

giving darshan at the end of Nagarasankeertan. Baba heard the faint call of Easwaramma, calling out, 'Swami'

three times; she was in the ground floor. Baba also replied immediately, “I am coming, I am coming". At that very

moment, Easwaramma's soul departed from her body, to merge in Bhagawan.

During those last moments no one did anything for her. Her thoughts were concentrated on Swami only during

those last moments. Even though her daughters and grand children were by her side, she only called out for

Swami. No sooner had she cried out for Baba, than he responded saying 'I am coming', “Like Maha Vishnu

responding to the prayer of Gajendra, Iike an event occurring as immediately as the wires are connected by a

switch, the call was instantaneously responded" said Baba. What greater boon can one get than that of having

Baba as her own son; twice blessed is she to dwell on thoughts of Baba during her last moments and to merge in

Him. She was blessed with the reward of her good deeds.

Sai! Who bestows the fruits of one’s good deeds, to you, I offer my salutations.

52. Om Sri Sai Sarva Papa Kshayakaraya Namaha


Papa - bad deeds; Kshayakaraya - destroyer

Baba once gave a discourse at Nellore. He narrated the story of a young boy named Ramu, who was asking for

alms in charity from door to door for the treatment of his ailing mother. At one of the houses, the owner, enraged

at Ramu, hit him hard on his head. "Amma! Who is going to take care of you henceforth?” so saying, he succumbed

to the injury. Baba narrated this anecdote. He also advised, "One should be grateful to one's parents who have

given birth and should look after their welfare". He added that to be ungrateful to parents is the worst sin on

earth.

The next day, when Baba was with the devotees in His room, a middle aged man ran into Baba's room. He fell at

Baba's feet and started crying. Baba said, “This is the same as Ramu's Story” and asked the others to go out. This

man had picked up a quarrel with his mother and had deserted her. He regretted his wrong deeds and pleaded

guilty. He assured Baba that he would correct himself and prayed for His mercy and grace. Baba forgave him and

patted on his back, saying, "To repent for one's wrong is the best way to get over it, I will come to your town and

bless you and your mother together". He then advised him to bring his mother from the village and to take care

of her.

Sai! Who forgives and destroys the evil results of the sin, to you I offer my salutations.

53. Om Sri Sai Sarva Roga Nivarine Namaha.

Roga – disease; Nivarine - the one who cures

There was a lady devotee from United States, who had lost her mobility due to polio and for years she could not

walk. She used to spend most of her time on a wheel chair only and used to go around with the help of her

husband. Once on her visit to Puttaparthi, she was admitted to the hospital at Prashanthi Nilayam. On the occasion

of Swami's birth day, she was brought to the auditorium and made to sit on the wheel chair in a corner of the

dais. Apart from Swami's parents, a few chosen devotees used to get the opportunity of anointing oil on Swami's

head on His birthday. When some of the devotees were lined up to get their turn, Swami rose up from His chair

and went straight to the corner of the dais where this lady was seated. He bent His head in front of her and the

lady applied oil on Swami's head three times with extreme joy. Then Baba held her hand and said in English, "Get

up". She could not understand what Baba was telling her. But it was the command of Baba. She got up slowly, not

believing herself. The gathering was stunned at this event. Baba then told her, "Follow me" and walked back to

His seat. She also followed Baba by walk, without any support. The whole congregation cheered in amazement at

the miracle. His grace had made a person walk, who had lost mobility for years.

Sai! Who cures all illness; to you I offer my salutations.

54. Om Sri Sai Sarva Badha Haraya Namaha


Sarva - All; Badha - Suffering; Haraya - Destroyer

Swami Amruthananda was suffering from asthma. But Baba told him that his ailment was only due to the wrong

practice of Hata yoga and not due to asthma. The first two days, He materialized Viboothi and gave him. The third

day He materialized a golden powder and smeared it on his chest and back. The next day, He brought out by the

wave of His hand some fine root like substance and made Amruthananda eat the same. He materialized some

herbs and asked him to take the juice of those leaves.

After a few days, He materialized some more herbs saying that they were from the Himalayas. He kept one portion

in His hand and gave the other portion to Amruthananda asking him to eat the same. The bitterness of the leaves

cannot be matched with that of any known substance. Then Baba gave the second portion to Amruthananda.

Though Amruthananda hesitated, Baba compelled him to eat them. What a wonder! The leaves had lost their

bitterness. Baba’s touch had completely changed even the taste. His health also became alright, eventually. Thus

Baba relieved the pain resulting from the wrong practice of Hata yoga.

Sai! Who is the destroyer of all suffering; to you I offer my salutations.

[Source: Pearls of Devotion: compiled by Smt. S. Subbulakshmi / Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Maharashtra]

SRI SATHYA SAI ASHTOTTARA SHATA NAMAVALI 1. … Baba was born, in response to the prayers of mother Easwaramma, on Monday the 23rd November ... Dharma - upholding dharma; Parayana

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