sri sathya sai ashtottara shata namavali 1. … baba was born, in response to the prayers of mother...
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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".
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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]