The decision to close the Shirdi temple at night has been taken with respect to the new Covid guidelines released by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government. Thousands of devotees visit Shirdi daily, where the once tiny village has expanded into a major place of pilgrimage.Mumbai: In view of the looming danger of Covid-19's new 'Omicron' variant, the Maharashtra government has decided to keep Shirdi Sai Baba temple closed during the night.Īccording to reports, the temple will remain closed from 9 pm to 6 am for devotees and will only open during day time from 6 am to 9 pm. They are still attracted by his compassion, love, and message of tolerance. Sai Baba left his body one hundred years ago, but devotees continue to increase in number. Whether it is an insect, an ant, a fish or a bird,ĭo not regard yourself as separate from me
Whether at your home, doorstep or on the way. Know that I also dwell in the hearts of all creatures. Whatever you do there, I come to know at once. “Though I am here, and you are beyond the seven seas, He offered them comfort in the present and future. He often reminded devotees of his presence in their own hearts. Let the inner light of Consciousness guide all your actions.” Sai Baba’s Influence Continues TodayĪnd, as a true Guru, Sai Baba emphasized the identity of God, Guru, and one’s own inner Self. Not a blade of grass moves without His will. Surrender voluntarily and totally to His will. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer. He is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. “God is, and there is nothing higher than Him. Unity, blessedness, and respect for all life was a central theme in Sai Baba’s teachings.Īs a true saint, Sai Baba had realized his own identity with the Divine. He taught patience and tolerance by his own example. Sai Baba said, “I give people what they want, in the hope that they will begin to want what I want to give them.” He knew that worldly desires are very enticing.Įveryone received blessings from Sai Baba. Those who approach a saint with a pure mind and seek spiritual enlightenment receive the most. Others are enthralled by the miracles that seem to surround them. Some people are drawn to saints hoping for material gain. If anybody wants any money from you and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him like a dog.” The Central Teaching of Sai Baba (God) will be certainly pleased if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked and your verandah to strangers for sitting and resting. “If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect. Sai Baba instructed his followers to help others willingly and generously. When people came to him for advice, he encouraged them to love everyone equally. And he insisted that people remain devoted to their own religions. Sai Baba easily interpreted and explained scriptures from both faiths.
He endorsed the teachings of all religions, especially Hinduism and Islam, the prevailing beliefs of the area. Sai Baba didn’t initiate a new sect, nor did he author any texts. But Sai Baba refused to be identified with anything but the doctrine of the unity of all creation. He was, after all, well versed in each of their scriptures and traditions. Claimed by Hindus and Muslimsīoth Hindus and Muslims wished to claim Sai Baba as their own. He wore the distinct Sufi garb of a cap and long robe which further confused people about his heritage. When questioned by villagers and followers about his past, Sai Baba insisted that it was of no account.
But Sai Baba made no claim to a religious background. Maharashtran saints who preceded Sai Baba, like Jñāneshvar and Nāmdev were born into the Hindu religion. Sai Baba, a name conferred by one of his earliest followers, denotes extreme respect for an older, wiser man. Even the name given to him by his parents is unknown. His childhood and education are a mystery. There’s no conclusive record of Sai Baba’s birth place or year. But he was unlike any of those who came before him. He was native to the Indian state of Maharashtra, an area that produced many saints. Most saints are unusual or unique in some way.