Literature is the reflection of the time in which it is written. Good literature truly manifests the happenings and thoughts of its time. It works as a link between yesterday and today. Of all the literature that exists, that pertaining to different religious, spiritual movements on this earth is the most valued and permanent in nature. This is because the spiritual and religious movements are spread over millenniums when compared to the other movements i.e. social, economic, political, etc.

As history has shown, Agrarian economy has changed to Industrial economy; Autocratic systems of Government have changed to Democratic systems of Governance; Monarchies have changed to Republics; and a closed society has given rise to an open society. Notwithstanding all such social changes through thousands of years, Shri Krishna remains Shri Krishna and Jesus Christ remains Jesus Christ. They or for that matter such spiritual revolutionaries would always remain as the guiding force of human civilization.

Given this backdrop, let us consider the vast amount of literature written on Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi for over a century now. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba left His human embodiment in October 1918, after which most of such literature has been produced. However, some literature in the proper sense of the term and some documents relating to Shri Sai which later became part of literature were available even before 1918.

These are:
• Bhakta Leeleamrit and Sant Kathamrit, the writings of Das Ganu Maharaj in Marathi Ovi poetic metre.
• Personal diaries of daily happenings at Shirdi maintained by H. S. Dixit, G.S. Khaparde and others.
• Correspondence between different devotees on Baba and Shirdi related issues – It is written in Sai Satcharitra that many devotees used to write letters to Shama to be presented to Baba and would get replies thereof.
• Sainath Prabha, a bilingual magazine in English and Marathi which used to be printed in Poona was being published from Shridi by Hari Vinayak Sathe and
• Literature by individual devotees like Bhim, Savitri Tendulkar, Upasani Maharaj, Vaman Rao Patel (Sai Sharan Anand), etc in the form of prayers, bhajans, artis, etc.

In 1923, Shri Sai Leela magazine was published for the first time in Marathi by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan. In 1929, Govind Raghunath Dabholkar (Hemadpant) brought out a compilation of his notes and other devotees experiences in the form of Shri Sai Satcharitra in Ovi poetic metre in Marathi language that has become a classic text on the life and teachings of Shri Sainath Maharaj.

In 1935, B.V. Narasimha Swami interviewed the then surviving devotees of Shri Sai Baba and published Devotees Experiences under the auspices of All India Sai Samaj from Madras in Tamil which was later translated into English and other languages. Over a period of time, Shri Sai Satcharita also got translated into all the major languages in India.

During the last few decades a host of Indian and Foreign writers have written on Shri Shirdi Sai Baba. Some of them, like Antonio Rigopolous (Italy), Kevin Sheperd (United Kingdom), Mariane Warren (Canada), etc have done research for their writings as part of academic curriculum. However, original research on Baba was at first undertaken by Das Ganu Maharaj followed by Govind Raghunath Dabholkar and later by B.V. Narasimha Swami.

Yet there is lot of scope for further research not only at the personal level but also at institutional level by using available research methods in various languages. Such research can be carried on by creating Chairs in the universities, creating research institutes, academic research by Scholars, publication of research papers in various languages, etc. Sai Devotees would do well to encourage and contribute towards research on Sai literature.

Shri C.B.Satpathy,
New Delhi

Expounding  the etymology of the word “sahitya”, Shree Gurujee said that literature / works penned for enrichment / benefiting the upliftment /goodness of maximum number of persons of society to  maximum possible extent  as reflected in the maxim “ sarvjan sukhay sarvjan hitay”  encompassing the society`s holistic growth in its embrace , is “ sahitya” (i.e for everybody`s benefit ) which is in essence the language of Self(development ) arising from the mind . The literature includes both visual (like theatre, arts  etc) and audio , which is further  again divisible into prose and poem – poem has metre, lyrics, rhythm, fluidity in its syllables all contributing in creation of a work which not only creates but also sustains and maintains/ nurtures the growth  of life (work)  across centuries. Its this essence of  life  captured in literature that  imparts continuity  of  relevance to literary treatises  /works  as reflected in Bhagvat of Shri Jagannath which is part of  Odisha`s rich cultural-literature  heritage. Shree Gurujee said that attainment of   the zenith of sublime (essence)  lies in  the progress of  language.  Other works  which do-not enunciate the permanence of this holistic  principle   are soon  forgotten  .  We also have literature that dwell on particular skill development like computer applications  and other deliverables which are a source of knowledge to gain livelihood  which belongs to different  genre per se . Still other works –books provide certain specialized theoretical knowledge that pertain to  mundane realm  . Shree Gurujee appreciated the efforts put in by organizers to bring all the factors involved with  book publishing – publishers, authors, printers , distributors, proofreaders  etc –  in Bhubaneshwar Book Fair-2012 as each of these factors  provide  its unique complementary inputs in delivering the ultimate product (book) to its readers  . Literature reflects the social conscience . Shree Gurujee stated that  He always has witnessed a continuous stream of  holding of literary events, book-seminars, festivals, literary gatherings in practically  all parts of the State which reflects the   innate strength of literature and this would continue to so  flourish .Shree Gurujee said that  corporate sector  too have social responsibility to perform ; a part of the(ir) earning  be especially  marked towards Corporate Social Responsibility efforts  which would be in order   . Similarly , the younger generation too   can also   donate a small part of sum that they spend on personal beautification (products)  for the good  of  society , thereby   immensely  developing  good (values).  Shree Gurujee further advised the organizers of Bubhneshwar Book Fair-2012 to acquaint  the present generation with rich repository of publications of Odia literature,  publications/ book of earlier centuries .  Shree Gurujee offered to make available His personal collection of original Odia  books , publications  of bygone centuries for display purposes  to kindle interest amongst readers to learn more about the rich Odia literary  heritage . Shree Gurujee hoped that the publishers , distributors would take steps to bring forth  and publish titles of famous Odia authors of bygone eras  in book fairs   thereby  providing much needed fillip/stimulus  to the(se) authors ( who)  in their advanced  age are burdened with onerous responsibility of  preservation (continuity) of (their)  books  /titles  . This would also enable the young generation to  learn about  the  works of these authors  .Shree Gurujee said that Shree Guru Bhagwat  reflects the same essence of life that runs in Odisha’s ( Shree Jagannath) culture and infact people outside Odisha are learning Odia to read Shree Guru Bhagwat . Shree Gurujee thanked the organizers of the event, writers, publishers, gathering  for their contribution and blessed the  devotees .

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The Basant Utsav –annual day of Sai Ka Angan –programme ceremony commenced with offering respects at the Holy feet of Shri Shirdi Sai & traditional lamp lighting ceremony by Revered Shri Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji.  Shri Gurujee  was  thence accorded  traditional reverential devotional welcome respects with  sacred offerings of   “Xorai” ( Tamulpan -the areca nut and betel leaves)   and “Gamucha”  by Sh T.Y.Das and Sh Rajeev Joshi , trustees of Shirdi Sai temple, Assam & devotees of Assam  region to the delight of all devotees .  Shree Gurujee was thence  presented and honoured with traditional headgear  worn by Spiritual Masters heading Spiritual Empire  (like Shri Shankar Dev ,Vaishnav Saint of Assam, born in 1449A.D.) to the thunderous applause and delight of all the devotees present in jam packed venue of the function .

Addressing the gathering, Revered Gurujee  Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji stated that culture embodied in music, arts, literature, dance et al of any region / country is universal in its appeal as it reflects  the  sublime aspect of life which continues to be constant ever since the beginning of the earth. Shri Gurujee stated that appreciation of culture , diversity of other regions lies in  imbibing the beautiful values enshrined in  the  cultural heritage that  help in evolution of the being and expansion of consciousness as the path of  spiritual refinement  rests in integration, harmony and evolution in all aspects to bloom into Universal Consciousness. Shri Gurujee said that beautiful Bihu dance (wrist movements ) potray harmony of lyrics, music, art, feelings and the elements of universal consciousness. Its this expansion of individual  Self into Universal Consciousness that was illustrated by Shirdi Sai in His patronization of all art forms—be it music, art, dance,  et al which led to around 92 odd troupes/ artists    visiting Shirdi during His presence .Organization of “Basant Utsav” at Sai Ka Angan reflects  the strength of arts and music in its myriad forms  to reach the divinity , presenting the multitude a window  to imbibe the sublime finer aspects  of life as depicted in varied art forms . In the past, Shri Gurujee informed the audience, famous personalities like Birju Maharaj, S.Narayanan and many others have  performed at Sai Ka Angan .   Shri Gurujee said that mushroom growth of Shirdi Sai temple in India and abroad reflects the  divinity of the Perfect Master  who during His lifetime left behind no heir apparent or organization  etc and yet the simple , true, universal  teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai  today continues to connect millions across the globe , belonging to intelligentsia ,intellectuals, engineers, doctors ,  layman, scientists  et al  of society of all castes, creed , religion,   from Cuba to New Zealand; no less than around 1000 temples of Shirdi Sai exist in AP and every corner of the country today is  pulsating with Sai devotees. Shri Gurujee narrated His experience with a Cuban devotee , Ms. Maria Antonio  Paulo who though unaware of Shri Sai `s life history was a devotee of  Shirdi Sai  since 1960`s and could foresee, a near impossible event transcending rational science of human probabilities. Its this power of divinity of the Perfect Master that continues to inspire the multitude to seek Him; self motivated group coming together to build temple on a simple edifice of Sai devotion   shorn of all modern day entrepreneurial capital funding management  concepts . Shri Shirdi Sai  taught the path of simple , pure living in all aspects of life which appeals to all the paths and is  universal and thus continues  . Shri Gurujee also released a book “Sai Sandesh” in Odia authored by Sh Suresh Panda which informs its  readers about the teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai as illustrated by  various incidents to guide devotees ; Shirdi Sai often gave experiences to devotees in subtle manner , directly or indirectly and in-fact much of  the literature on Shri Shirdi Sai primarily draws teachings  there from .

The programme   meandered  to the lush green valley, blue hills of Brahmaputra , Assam by treating the audience to a traditional Assamese  drum-flute-peppa performance by celebrated  dhol artist Shri Somnath Bora Ojha  .The dhol-peppa –song   commenced with offerings at the holy feet of Shri Guru in traditional Assamese  song Guru Vandana  and then moved on to create a perfect  imagery of whispering  breeze  in the valleys , slow tempo of rain fall  followed by thunderstorm and cascading sheets of rain to the tune of traditional Assamese song praising the elements of nature—the five tattavas –air, earth ,water ,fire and ether –signifying the perfect unity of the whole . The recreation of locomotive engine sounds of the  yore brought back memories of the era of the Raj.

Thereafter , the audience were presented with a glimpse of the times of Shri Shirdi Sai and his daily routine in Shirdi (during His presence) of seeking alms in a beautiful choreographed dance sequence set to the tune of lovely song (in voice of Smt Mangla)  by devotees of Sai Ka Angan.

Once again the rich traditional  music-dance-culture of Assam  depicting life and love at its best took centre stage marking the arrival of spring and Bihu performance  by artistes of Asaam under able guidance of Shri Somnath Bora Ojha-its choreographer- unleashed its magic in this grand function . The  mesmerizingly graceful  rhythmic dance movements , sublime  fluidity of  hand /wrist movements of dancers in every step (and shake) charmingly evoked  serenity and intensity of love and joy in the hearts of delighted audience  ably backed by melodious echoing flute reflecting the longings and sensitivity captured in simple lyrics of Assamese song (about lass Hiramayi ) , assertive beats of  dhol, taal admirably revved up by  peppa music  made the spirit dance/soar  in anticipation of beautiful  love. The Bihu dance was  simply  lovely  stirring absolute delight and warmth all the way! The dance performance by the troupe of 20 artists & their teacher Shri Somnath Bora Ojha was bestowed with lavish appreciation and blessings by Revered Shri Gurujee Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji .

The  function was ably anchored by Smt Jyotsna and relayed live on the net for the Sai devotees across the globe. The programme concluded with prasad distribution ceremony.

Shree Gurujee said that in India one can see the influence of five  groups of Sadgurus who manifested in different parts of land at varied moments in time-scape of history moulding the spiritual  -cultural lineage : Firstly in ancient  India in the north , the Seers made their appearance .Saints like Shri Guru Nanak were so strong and powerful that they established new religions(paths) .One can also witness the manifestation of Nath Gurus like Guru Gorakhnath, Gura Machindernath et al (Nath Yogis who travelled all around propounding nirgun ) . Another  group comprising of Sadgurus like Paramhans Shri Ramkrishna Thakur, Shri Ram Thakur, Bama Khepa, Shri Loknath Brahmachari ,Shri Nigamanad,  Gurus of Panch Sakha Yuga of Odhisha  (Saint AyuchatanadDas, Shri Yeshwant Das, Sh Balram Das, Shri Jaggannath Das, Shri Anant das—all great Seers and mystics ) , Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , Swami Vivekanand et al  manifested in Assam-Odhisha-Bengal segment of the country. Third group of Sadgurus who influenced the masses  made their appearance in Maharashtra belt like Shri Akkalkolt Maharaj, Shri Gajanan Maharaj, Shri Babajan, Shri Hazrat Tajudin, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Gyaneshwar, Saint Nivritinath, Saint Muktabai  et al  who with their absolutely simplistic keertan style ( of devotional songs & tradition )helped plant the seeds of devotion in  the heart of common folks .Fourth group of Sadgurus like Saint Hathras, Saint Kabir, Saint Raidas, Saint Tulsidas,  et al  who manifested in central India-UP –Delhi belt and their poems/ devotional  literature  disseminated the bhakti movement in India. Sufi Saints  too appeared on the scene during this time .  The fifth group of (Sad)Gurus manifested in South reflecting the advent of Madhvacharya cult, Vaishnavism, Shri Shankaracharya who propounded the path .

Shree Gurujee said all these Sadgurus reflected a simple lifestyle shorn of any regalia and depicted lack of ego in a state of  absolute surrender .(Shree Gurujee stated that He was using Guru as synonym for Sadgurus).Shri RamKrishna Paramhans did not have a trace of ego  ;he did not even experience the presence of His gross body .Similar was the case of Shri Gajanan Maharaj who partook food sitting near a dirty stream in the company of animals , birds etal oblivious of his surroundings   . Of what use is the paraphernalia of show, embellishments for these Sadgurus then,  who are beyond the gross ? This is the most important indicator of their being  Sadgurus .None of them amassed name, fame, wealth. So much so, they refused to be photographed and rarely acceeded to the request of being photographed despite repeated entreaties from their devotees—Of what use are imageries for the Master who have transcended the realm of time & space constraints ! Shree Gurujee informed the gathering that the English translation of the book “Shree Guru Bhagwat-Volume  I contain the photographs of these Sadgurus. He stated that, perhaps, Shri Devraha Baba & Ma Anandmayi Ma   were the last of the Sadgurus that present generation in India had good  fortune of  being blessed by..! (their photos are also in the book).

Shree Gurujee on this auspicious occasion also released two audio CDs in Oriya   featuring the first 4000 melodious lines (stanzas set  in nine syllable metre) of His epic poem “Shri Guru Bhagvat”  in Odiya Keertan style in voice of leading singers of Odhisha . He informed the gathering that   the pious  stanzas of  “Shree Guru Bhagwat” is regularly being sung all across in Odhisha today–in  muths, temples, in Keertans in traditional bhagwat style (akin to “baul” sangeet of Bengal). Shree Gurujee informed the gathering that “Shri Guru Bhagwat “ has been published in Odiya language in  four volumes and the first two CDs now being released comprise of rendition of  stanzas set out in the first volume of the epic Odiya treatise “Shree Guru Bhagwat” . The release of other  audio CDs featuring rendition of stanzas set out in“Shree Guru Bhagwat” Volume-I,II&III in Odiya  would follow.

 After an efflux of around 400 years , by  penning the   “Shree Guru Bhagvat”- an epic treatise comprising of 16000 lines (8000 stanzas set in nine syllable metre in Odiya poem) Shree Gurujee has reconnected the present with the rich ancient past of Odiya literature  bringing  the rich “Bhagwat” heritage  to the fore,  thus rekindling the interest of masses in devotion, literature, arts alike as the “Bhagwat” is an integral part of mainstream of Odiya culture depicting its essence.

 Revered Shree Gurujee thanked the gathering ; devotees later  sought blessings from  Revered Shree Gurujee which was followed by Prasad distribution .

On the making of Guru Bhagavat

When writing this New Year message, I suddenly remembered an important date, which I have been trying to recollect since long. During the years 2010 and 2011, my literary work captioned “Shri Guru Bhagavat” was published in Odia language in four volumes. Readers often ask me as to when and why I started writing Shri Guru Bhagavat which has culminated in the form of a voluminous treatise of about sixteen thousand lines. In my Preface to Guru Bhagavat Volume-I , I have stated that I started writing on some day in the later half of the year 2001 at about 11 p.m. Now, I suddenly remember that it was the day next to the day of Deepawali. In a flashback, I also recollect that I had started writing my other work captioned “ Gopyaru Agopya” also on a day next to Deepawali or Kali Puja as it is called in my native place of Odisha. I have never consciously selected a date for writing on matters relating to spirituality or religion but such coincidences sometimes make me wonder about its deeper significance, if any. Is it because my mother worshipped Shri Kali all her life? Is it because I have the highest regard for Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was the devotee par excellence of Shri Kali, besides being a Sadguru himself? Is it because I had burnt my right hand on the day of Kali Puja? When I came to study for my Masters degree in Ramjas College, Delhi, I carried with me a metallic form of Shri Kali, given to me by my mother. Is it because I worshipped Shri Kali for decades that such events of importance had to happen around the Deepawali.

Be that as it may, let me now speak about how I proceeded in writing Shri Guru Bhagavat. I continued to write for about eight years. At first it used to be written in a small diary in which Baba’s photograph was there. Whenever I wrote, I used to put the date and time atop the page. There was no fixed place, time or situation for writing. It could be in the Drawing room, Puja room or under the open sky, in the lawn or even on the roof top. It could be in the car when on a journey. It could be in the Hotel room where I used to put up at times during my stay. It could even be during my stay at Allahabad camp during Kumbha Mela. The flow of writing was so powerful and spontaneous, that time and place made no difference to me. At times, I could write only 20 to 30 lines but at times I could write 200 to 300 lines or even more at a stretch. One day someone gave me two voluminous notebooks. I filled them up with my writings very soon. By the time, I completed the work; it was about 10 to 11 volumes. At times, I used to write on Cosmology and Cosmogony propounded by the ancient Hindu Seers in the same note book.  These writings later became a part of my other Odia treatise captioned “Gopyaru Agopya”.

Interestingly enough, I never pre-conceived the theme of my writings. I wrote as they came to me. Usually, I used to write at night from 11 p.m onwards till I felt that there was nothing more to write at that point of time. My nephew Debabrata Satpathy started helping me in typing the writings in Odia alphabets on a computer. It was a voluminous, arduous and meticulous task which he undertook with utmost sincerity. At that time, there was no concept of chapterisation or sub-chapterisation. At the end of the writing session, I used to give a ‘title’ of a generic or specific nature keeping the basic theme in mind. Such writings and typing work went on simultaneously for years. I must have written more than about 1500-1600 pages in my own hand as I am fond of writing. Sometimes some pages used to get mixed up creating lots of confusion till we had to sit down and serialize the pages with an Index.

 A lot can be written on this subject but keeping the limited space in mind, I am only narrating a bit of my experience. I am sure that other writers writing on spiritually emotive themes must have undergone the same experience in the past or may experience the same in future. What I have realized is that when faith and love towards the Master is intense, literature becomes a spontaneous art of language rather than a literary exercise propelled by sheer intellectualism. May Shri Sai Bless us all.

                                                                                                         Shri C.B. Satpathy

New Delhi

The  magnificent epic “Shree Guru Bhagwat” comprising of 16000 lines in nine syllable meter (navakshri chaand in Odia poem)  authored by Shree Gurujee Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji is an encyclopedia of essence of Guru principal and spiritual knowledge  for every aspirant  on the spiritual path . Aspirants   / seeker from varied paths  can identify with   and seek light  from writings of a realized Paramhans  Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji. Epic treatise  “ Shree Guru Bhagwat” comprises of 8000 couplets comprising of 16000 lines, each couplet woven in  nine syllable meter . The English translation of the epic treatise “Shree Guru Bhagwat” has been done by Revered Gurujee Himself to enable larger section of devotees to acquaint them with “Guru” principle and path.

Speaking on this grand occasion , Revered Gurujee Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji  said that “Shree Guru Bhagwat” is about the Guru principle that is unbound , covering the limitless expanse of the whole(microcosm & macrocosm) transcending time , space continuum  ;  this treatise , a virtual encyclopedia, embraces  the essence of all the paths  .  Sadgurus of many paths find mention in the encyclopedia  “Shree Guru Bhagwat ” which enlightens  the seeker about the subtle principles on which the Masters (Sadguru) Grace acts, divine personality of the Sadguru, the personality & devotion expected from a seeker, different characteristics of seekers/ Master, Knowledge etc . Shree Gurujee  exhorted the gathering to awaken the consciousness  the keys to which lies in Sadguru`s Grace. All the Perfect Masters like Shri Shirdi Sainath,   Sadguru Ramakrishna Paramhansa  et al laid utmost emphasis on following the “Guru” path which is reflected in the Sadguru`s being addressed as “Mowli”(mother) (Supreme compassionate  Masters ), transcending duality in its most innate state. This state of Self denoting equilibrium of forces  can be seen in the  statue of Shri Shirdi Sai which is also known as ardhnarieshwar ,as symbolized by Lord Shiva. Shree Gurujee said that spiritualism enshrines  truth (Self) and essence of spiritualism lies in imbibing and living this truth in daily conduct .

Revered Gurujee said that the limitless bountiful grace of the Sadguru  can only be imagined from the fact that simple , agriculturalist , unknown villagers of Shirdi who lived and served the Compassionate Shirdi Sai like Shama, Kolte Patil etc are known all over the world today.  No wonder then, the Sadguru`s are addressed  as “mowli” (mother).Shree Gurujee said that the (mis)deeds of the chosen children(ankit santan) of the Master (Sadguru)are His(ie. Sadguru`s) and not those of the child. What more assurance can one ask for? Shree Gurujee said that when He started writing these  thoughts that spontaneously manifested from His ( awakened ) Self due to the grace of Shri Shirdi Sai  , He had never thought that the work(“Shree Guru Bhagwat ”)would be published  . Certain close  friends and well wishers who had heard the poem insisted on its(Shree Guru Bhagwat`s ) publication ; sustained efforts to index and type the loose sheets of original writings in Odia  was done by His nephew Itala (Debbrata Satpathy) which culminated in publication of Odia treatise “Shree Guru Bhagwat” , which  is available in almost  all  the temples in Odhisha today  and is widely read  by renowned scholars& common  people alike , and sung/read  in temples , Mutths all over Odhisha .Revered  Shree Gurujee thanked the organizers of the event and blessed the devotees.

On this spiritually ecstatic  occasion , Ms Madhusmita Das — a renowned Odissi dancer from Baripada & Sh Bhagirath Mohant , performed two  beautifully choreographed dance sequence  depicting the theme of primordial Supreme Guru seated in  Self  (Sat -Chida-Anand) controlling the energy forces of creation, maintenance & dissolution (as set out in stanzas 11, 14 & 15 of “Shree Guru Bhagwat”)encompassing the whole in Self  and another  theme depicting surrender of disciple at the feet of Sadguru (breaking of illusion)and creation of chosen child(ankit santan`s) of Master (Sadguru)and the ankit santan`scharacteristic (as set out in stanza stanza 463,465,464 of “Shree Guru Bhagwat”). The melodious rendition of pious  stanzas from “Shree Guru Bhagwat” in voice of Smt Sudha Mishra ( Station Director AIR, Cuttack)  & Sh. Mohapatra  (renowned playback singer from Odhisha) & dance sequence by Ms Madhusmita Das & Sh Bhagirath Mohant charmed  the audience . Smt. Jyotsna ably anchored the programme which was followed by Prasad . Trustees and guests from varied places in India like Tirupati, Moradabad etc attended the function which was broadcasted live on the web.

Enjoy images of certain joyous moments of the beautiful evening  ………!

Release of Shree Guru Bhagvat(Vol-1) English Version authored by Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee on 29th Dec 2011 at Sai Ka Aangan, Gurgaon

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Inspired by Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyji`s underlying  philosophy of  “Serving mankind is serving God”, varied  gamut of activities have been and are being undertaken by different charitable, social institutions across the globe to provide free medical help/facilities, educational opportunities/affording education to poor, organizing relief camps during natural calamities, sponsoring free medical treatment of distressed, providing help to poor etc besides spreading the message of humanism and compassion amongst all .

On the auspicious occasion of Revered Gurujee’s birthday on 24th   December 2011, Shree Shirdi Sai Peeth, Baripada had organized a “Free Health Check-up and Voluntary Blood Donation Camp” to propagate the message of serving humanity and to bond together as enunciated in Shri Sai Charitra by  Shirdi Sai Baba . A distinguished panel of doctors /  physicians specializing in medicine, gynacelogy , Pediatrics, Skin etc . had provided their services in this noble endeavor to approximately 1300 patients . The camp was supported by a team of medicine representatives of Mayurbhanj Chemist & Druggist Association, ORSU and OMRU, who distributed Free Medicines to all the visitors.  The camp started at 9 AM and continued till 4:30 PM. Around 136 people voluntarily donated Blood in the Blood Donation camp, supported by the Red Cross Society, Baripada.

Also, a PARAYAN of SHREE GURU BHAGAVATA was done by the female devotees of the temple.

In the return direction, train number 06102 Sai Nagar Shirdi – Mysore Weekly Express Special will leave Sai Nagar Shirdi on Tuesdays at 11.55pm and reach Bangalore City on Thursdays at 3.25am, leave Bangalore City at 3.30am to reach Mysore at 7.10am.

The first service from Mysore is on November 14 and the last on December 26. The first service from Sai Nagar Shirdi is on November 15 and the last on December 27.

(Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-11/bangalore/30386247_1_special-trains-return-direction-mysore)

 9th Boita Bandana Utshav 2011  was organized to mark the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima & Boita Bandana Utsav (the festival of boats). The programme  began with the invocation  aarti of Lord Shri Jagannath  followed by traditional lamp lighting ceremony by the  chief guest Hon’ble Shri Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik . The chief guest Hon’ble Shri Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik thence  presented the “Odisha Ratna Award” citation and shawl to Shree Gurujee to the  thundering applause  of and standing ovation by  the large gathering of  audience  present on the occasion .

 In his brief thanksgiving  address to the audience, Revered Gurujee said that Odisha’s  excellence  in varied facets  like say art, culture , sculpture  etc has not been optimally  marketed  worldwide &   needs to be suitably  reinforced  in today’s communication driven world to attain overall  progress & development. Revered Gurujee stated that in nature, there exists a pattern/cycle of development of (any/all) civilization ; the cycle of development of state of Odisha would start from  the year 2012 and by the year  2030 a substantially  progressive developed  image  of Odisha would emerge . The seeds of progress which lie in the soil of the  land of Lord Shri Jagannath may bear certain  trial  moments   but the cycle of progress is already thus charted.  Revered Gurujee said that every Odia is a (born) devotee of Lord Jagannath (by birth). Following Shirdi Sai does not entails leaving ones path (of worship) as Shirdi Sai clearly disapproved of the devotee who had not performed his daily worship of Shiva before worshipping Shirdi Sai .  Lord Jagannath is not equivalent of Shri Krishna or that of Lord Vishnu or of other deities. Lord Jagannath, also known as “daru brahma” reflects  more than all these aspects(deities) – Lord Jagannath (path) is something  more  as  it  embraces  within it all the varied streams (of living/ path) that exist  and  reflects the  flowering of the self that  resides at the core of  the most innermost recesses of the Self and (in)its expansion . Shree Gurujee said that in coming years  Odisha would become  famous . Revered Gurujee thanked the organizers and all those present on this auspicious occasion .

The audience were treated to a beautiful Chhau dance performance  depicting the  theme of examination of pupils studying in Gurukul  by the Master,  presented by Chhau dance group artists from Baripada (district Mayurbhanj) Odisha .  The organizers of the function informed  that representations to Ministry of  Culture  are being made to set up the “Chhau Dance Academy” at Baripada  as it(Chhau dance) originates in and reflects the socio- culture  heritage of  Baripada region  . The audience were also presented a brief  information about the varied facets of work dimensions of Revered Gurujee. During the course of the eventful evening, the organizers also felicitated  other members of the community .

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“Living with Sai”, “Aao Sai” , “Tubhyam  Namami Sai  Nathaya” –  music album CDs featuring lyrics and music composition of Gurujee Shri Chandrabhanu Sathpathyji, produced by Times Music, India group are recognized  as benchmark of finest music-lyrics composition and have received immense appreciation from music lovers all over the world for its refreshing authentic soulful music, powerful lyrics bonded with sheer strength of purity of devotion. “Living with Sai” music album  has created a record of sorts for Times  Music, India for being its largest selling  music CD album.

Recently,  music album CD “Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha Namaha”  featuring four devotional mantras on Shri Shirdi Sai sung by Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee  was released by music company Sa- Re- Ga- Ma (Goenka group);  music & lyrics of these beautiful melodious rhythmic  mantra compositions in   the “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namaha Namaha”  mantra  album has been provided   by Shri Gurujee .

Some photos of this memorable evening, capturing the joy ….!

Revered Gurujee Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji had been conferred with “Divya Sangeet Shiromani Award” in recognition of His outstanding contribution in the field of music, lyrics & composition of devotional music. The award presentation ceremony would was held on 4th November 2011 at Idcol Auditorium, Bhubaneshwar by Shirdi Sai Spiritual & Socio-Cultural Trust

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This divine launch was followed by placing of first copy of the album at Sai Baba temple in the holy town of Shirdi by Miss India Ankita Shorey on an auspicious Thursday.

Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji hails from Baripada, in Odisha and has retired as a senior bureaucrat from Government of India. He is a social reformer, writer, Poet and music composer and is known as ‘Gurujee’ by millions of Shirdi Sai Devotees.

He has been a leading torch bearer in spreading the Life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi in India and abroad for over the last two decades. Drawn to Shri Shirdi Sai in the year 1989, he has been instrumental in the construction of more than 260 Sai temples world-wide and started “Sai Utsav” an annual event on the life and teaching of Shirdi Sai Baba. He has authored books titled ‘Shri Shirdi Sai Baba and Other Perfect Masters’ and ‘May I Answer’ in English that are translated in many national & international languages. He has written 16000 verses on various aspects of a Guru-Shishya relationship published in 4 volumes of ‘Shree Guru Bhagvata’ in Odia that is being translated in Hindi and English.

In continuation of his devotion to Shri Shirdi Sai baba he has created this soothing mantra album that reveals devotional ecstasy in the form of prayers. The musical renditions carry the listeners to the world of Sai, establishing a divine communication with Shri Sai encouraging them to chant – “Shri Sainathay Namah Namah.”

Mr. Adarsh Gupta – Business Head, Music, Saregama states, “This album is very special as it has the sacred chants of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba rendered in the voice of Gurujee. We believe that it will delight the followers of Sai Baba with its unique divine experience and we are proud to be a part of this spiritual journey.”

The album priced at Rs.199/- is available nationally at all leading stores.

(Source:http://glamgold.com/?p=19710)

The function commenced with  devotional offerings  to Shri Shirdi Sai followed by ceremonial  lamp lighting . In his address , Sh. Nanda stated that the profound wisdom of the Master is mirrored  in the  epic poem “Shri  Guru  Bhagvat” which would immensely benefit its reader in their journey towards the Self . Shri Nanda said that Revered Gurujee  “Baba” is the chosen child of Shri Shirdi Sai .The  audience was treated to a  delightful documentary capturing  the creation of the epic treatise “Shri Guru Bhagvat” and other works of the Master  . Another highlight of the function was the beautifully  choreographed dance  presented by  Ms. Ahana Ray set to the musical scores of Revered Shri Gurujee`s latest devotional album CD “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namah Namah ” .

Addressing the gathering through His video message on  this joyous occasion  , Revered Gurujee  said that  epic Odiya poem “Shri Guru Bhagvat ” is a spontaneous manifestation of words arising from  the awakened Self ; it comprises of  16000 couplets set in nine syllable meter   elucidating  the  subtle principles of guru –shisya path, definition of Guru(Sadguru), distinct  nature ,characteristics , powers of Guru (and varied nature of Guru),  Self, conduct / characteristic of devotees/disciples  according to the(ir) nature , devotion, values, conduct , path, self realization , method , protection from charlatans,   etc  to guide the seeker on the path of spiritual evolution . He stated that seekers need to be aware of the charlatans found on the  subtle “Guru Path” to protect themselves from descent accompanying such  (unholy) association .  The epic Oriya poem has been published in four volumes , each volume containing approximately 4000 couplets. People from varied parts of the country had been requesting and looking forward to the release /launch of  Hindi version of the  epic poem “Shri Guru Bhagvat” . Shri Gurujee said that the existence of this  world is a truth , the individual self is a truth, the Overself is truth and maya (illusion) also is a reality(truth). To realize this  truth is the essence of life ; life  is  essence of truth. Shri Gurujee informed the gathering that the benefit accruing from  daily reading/ parayan of the spiritual treatise “Shree Guru Bhagwat”is set out in the last* chapter of the fourth volume of the book .(*It states that daily reading of “Shree Guru Bhagwat” and on special occasions like  thursdays, Shivratri, Purnima, Ekadashi etc would yield devotion and benefit its devotees in awakening of the(ir) self by cleansing the mind of its impurities and in realization of the truth ).

Even today ,  adherents of all the paths daily read  the works/ treatises  of spiritual masters to seek self-realization / cleanse the mind of all impurities, which was also advised by Shri Shirdi  Sai to His devotees (as narrated in Shri Sai Satcharitra). Devotees  have been reading  the treatise “Shri Guru Bhagwat” and its stanzas are regularly sung in varied Shirdi Sai temple as keertans.

The devotional music album CD “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namah Namah ” featuring lyrics, music and song rendered by Revered Gurujee Shri Chandrabhanu Satpathyji  was also released  on this auspicious occasion. The album comprising of four mantras on Shri Shirdi Sai  in soulful devotional voice of Revered Gurujee  Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee enthralls the listener with its commanding lyrics , beautiful captivating  tunes which softly reverberates in innermost recesses of your mindscape  taking you to another plane  of  communion with the Self.

Revered Gurujee in His video message said that since ages man has been connecting and reaching the essence/ truth  through medium of words and music in form of “mantras”, which have the ability to unfold the Self through vibrations that resonates in frequency with that pervading in the subtle realms  of the Cosmos . Mantras help in the unfolding of (powers) of the mind .

 “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namah Namah ”  is produced by RPG-Goenka group music company  “Sa-Re-Ga-Ma” , which boasts of largest repertoire of music collections in all genres in India ; Sh Adarsh Gupta of “Sa-Re-Ga-Ma”  informed the audience that  the music CD “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namah Namah ” was produced in a timeframe of mere four weeks– from conceptualization to production stage.

The audience were spell bound by the captivating scores(mantras)   of “ Shri Sai Nathaya Namah Namah ” . In recent past , Times Music India group  had produced music CD “Living With Sai ” ,“Tubhyam Namami Sai Nathaya ”, Aao Sai ”  which featured lyrics and music of Shri Gurujee  which have been  widely appreciated by Sai devotees and public in India and abroad.

The word meditation as is generally understand is to focus one’s mind for a period of time for spiritual purposes.  It also means to think carefully about something in the sense of contemplation.  In the spiritual science of India, meditation is prescribed as a method of spiritual contemplation of God (with form or without form) and Guru, the Spiritual Master.  Some people, at times, use the word ‘concentration’ as a synonym  the word ‘meditation’ .  The generic meaning of the word concentration is to focus all one’s attention on something.  This something  can be a book, or piece of music, on anything else of our everyday life.  While enjoying or doing something for which we have a passion, we do concentrate.  Sometimes when reading a book of interest, we are so intensely focused that we lose the sense of time.

However in the spiritual world one does not say that he concentrates on God, even if concentration is the most essential component of meditation.  In short, meditation can be said to be concentration Plus and the Plus factor here-in means a divine or spiritual aspect .

 When one says that he meditates on God, or practices meditation, it means that (a) the practitioner is stationed or seated himself in a certain place, (b) he focuses his attention on God, Guru or Ishta (personal deity) with form or without form (Saguna or Nirguna )  (c) he continues with the activity for a certain period of time as desired or prescribed (d) during such period of meditation  he startes losing awareness about the surroundings and his  own self ,  wholly or partially.  It is extremely difficult for a person to meditate , in the true sence of the term ,  when he is walking , although one can meditate when lying down in a sleeping posture.  Only the God-intoxicated persons can meditate even when walking or standing as they are, at times, oblivious of their physical existence.

 That is why the Hindu spiritual science (Yoga) prescribes certain physical Asanas (postures) like ‘Padmasana’, ‘Siddhasana’ etc. as a sine-quo-non for yogic meditative practices.  Generally the practitioner is adviced to meditate, sitting at a particular place (on the ground) using a mat made of wool, cloth, grass, etc. Some Yogis at advance stages can meditate sitting on a chair or  bed . Some people also use tiger skin or deer skin for the purpose.  It also prescribes doing meditation facing  certain direction, mostly towards East or North .With exceptions, meditating while facing South is  not prescribed . The practitioner is supposed to wear a clean and loose garment  (to avoid tightness  and avoid physical discomfort) after a bath etc  so that during meditation his mind does not get diverted .

 The Sadhaka ( Spiritual Practitioner ) is supposed to meditate in a quite place without sound or commotion as the mind is prone to get diverted .   At times ,Some devotees sitting in the hustle- bustle of a temple are found to be struggling for concentration, with loud pitched music (Aarthi, bhajan or naam smaran) going on in full blast .  No doubt there is a science of meditation but there cannot be anything like pretentious  art of meditation.

 Another factor the Hindu Yogic science adds to the apple cart of meditation is Pranayama.  In short, pranayam means control of Prana (the vital force of a living organism) through a method of breath control.  Pranayam, if done properly , helps in concentration.  It also gives good health and longevity which helps the yogi to carryon his practices for a long period of time.  In Hatha Yoga ,  usually pranayam is practiced extensively .

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba doesn’t seem  to have adviced his devotees to do Pranayam although he has never said  against it.  Nor did he ever ask his devotees practice Hatha yoga and the types.  He only asked his devotees to purify their mind through reading of religious books, listening and participating in spiritual discources and music (Aarti,Bhajan, Naam smaran etc) and meditation.  He has also spoken about the method of meditation on Him (with form and without form) as mentioned in Shri sai Satcahritra .

 Without being aware of the prerequisites of meditation, some people seem to be satisfied with their own system of meditation.  Such practices may  yield some  benefit but such an exercise may not lead in the right path as desired .  Let us then meditate on Shri Sainath Maharaj as advised by him in Shri Sai Satcharita.

 Jai Shri Sai

–C.B.Satpathy

Train No. 06201 Mysore-Sainagar Shirdi weekly express will leave Mysore at 0950 hrs on Sept 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov 7 and arrive at Shirdi at 1415 hours.

In the return direction, Train No. 06202 Sainagar Shirdi-Mysore Weekly Express will depart at 15-30 hrs on September 27, Oct 4, 11, 18,25, Nov one and eight at 2255 hours.

The Weekly Express Special has total 20 coaches, consisting of Two A.C. 2-tier coaches, Two A.C. 3-tier coaches, Three General Second Class coaches and two Second Class luggage-cum-brake vans.

Courtesy: www.funasia.net

The first volume of the  Hindi version of “Shree Guru Bhagavat” comprises of three parts. First part  detailing the characteristics and subtleties of sadgurus, gurus, mystics etc. Second part deals and elucidates about  different categories of  disciples followed by  third part elucidating upon  sacred diksha (initiation)  and guru-shishya (disciple) bond and other subtle topics . The epic Odia poem is  in four volumes .

The  lyrical stanzas  from this epic poem are regularly being sung at varied Shirdi Sai mandirs in Delhi, Gurgaon, Odisha, abroad etc as offerings to the Supreme ; the melodious rendering of “Shree Guru Bhagavat” is also available in music CD  and can often be heard playing at many temples .

The much awaited  Hindi book version of epic treatise “Shree Guru Bhagavat”  will spread the fragrance of spiritual heritage and subtle Guru  path  amongst all .

“Chandra Bhanu  Satpathy—Divine  Moods” –  a spectacular book  on  Revered Gurujee Shree Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee  depicts the varied facets of  His work dimensions in the spread of World Sai movement, His contribution in the field of Literature, Arts , Music, Education  and presents  its reader with beautiful  simple words of wisdom to reach the “One” in  a language as propounded by Shri Shirdi Sai .

This immensely  impressive  inspirational book of around 180 pages captures the essence of   various moods of  a realized paramhans  Master  in still images as also in His pithy words  transcending all  dimensions,  finely expressed in His daily conduct to look within while being in this world presenting a glimpse of His personal life to the followers of Sai Path  . The book contains perfect stills, compilation of selected  extracts and teachings of Gurujee Shree Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee , quotes, poems and sayings to make the tree of life a whole, as taught by the perfect Masters of yore  for the  seekers .  Paramhans Shri Ramakrishna Thakur  (of Bengal)  often said to His followers that  “ keys are only with a Sadguru ” — This book simply exudes  this  truth .

“ Chandra Bhanu  Satpathy—Divine Moods” book  is available at stall no 6A “Living with Sai—Sai Jeevan” stall ,  (hall no 12) in Delhi Book Fair  , Pragati Maidan, New Delhi .

 “ Chandra Bhanu  Satpathy—Sai Path” is an exquisitely delightful pictorial book of around 180 pages in glossy finish  presenting its reader  with calibrated beautiful images mapping the World Sai movement under the leadership of Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee  . The  impressive  image on the book cover   with a brief  narration about the  untiring  efforts of Shree Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee who has been the inspiration in construction of around 250 temples  of Shree Shirdi Sai across the globe besides various educational/charitable activities  precedes the lovely visual delight of  images capturing  the spread of philosophy & teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai  by the Master , unifying people in harmony across the globe .  Each still visual in this book reflect a moment of history,  speak about the Master and His Work, ushering in Sai Consciousness amongst us all …….Aao Sai. Come, share the beautiful journey & connect with the World Sai  Movement .

Departure time for the train from Chandigarh railway station is 6 am. The train would reach Manmad railway station at 10 pm the following day, Wednesday.

Departure from Manmad station would be at 7 pm on Friday and the train would arrive in Chandigarh on Sunday at 1.55 pm.

The total fare for the two-day journey has been fixed at Rs 3,078 and officials at Ambala division are expecting a heavy rush for train tickets for the special train.

According to, Ambala additional divisional regional manager Sudhir Garg, “The special train is set to commence operations on Tuesday. We would review the situation after a month and decide whether to add more destinations to the train’s course or not.”

He said, “There were plans to extend the run of the Bharat Darshan train up to Chandigarh railway station, link Amritsar and Jammu to the train’s route and extend the duration of the 14-day tour by two days. However, since the Chandigarh-Morinda link has not yet been approved by office of the commissioner of railway safety, all plans for trains from Chandigarh to other parts in north India are on hold and would get going only once the approval is received.”

Entry to Pragati Maidan would be through Gate No 7 (Opp Supreme Court) & Gate No 10. For travellers by Metro, Gate No-10 is ideal. Hall No-12 is relatively easily accessible from the Gate No 7.

All are invited to visit the stall and enjoy the great experience.

 Those who register online will not have to stand in the darshan queue for more than an hour. They will be told the approximate time when they can pay their respect and will be able to finish their visit within an hour of the time mentioned. Those who do not book through this Booking System will have to stand in the regular darshan queue. Devotees can also make Online bookings for Hotel Accommodation at Shirdi. The Dwarawati hotel is used for the Accomodation purpose. Previously, devotees had to stand in queue for getting the accommodation tickets. But with the help of present system, they can book their accomodation at Dwarawati before time at an affordable rate starting from Rs. 500.

Those devotees, who want to attend the Artis of Baba at the Samadhi Mandir, can also reserve before time with the help of the Online booking system. For more information and Online Booking, go to this link https://online.sai.org.in/. Devotees need to be first register themselves in the Website and create an Account, after that they can select the Online services like Darshan, Accomodation, Donation, Annadan etc and make their payments online through the appropriate payment gateways.

Timings, stoppages and dates of service are as follows.

Accordingly, train number 06201 Mysore-Sai Nagar Shirdi weekly express special will depart from Mysore station at 09-50 hrs on Mondays on August 01, 08, 15, 22, 29, 2011, September 05, 12, 2011 and arrive at 14-15 hrs at Sai Nagar Shirdi on Tuesdays.

En route, the Weekly Express Special will depart from Mandya at 10-47 hrs, Ramanagaram at 11-20 hrs, Kengeri at 12-02 hrs,Bangalore City at 13-05 hrs, Bangalore Cantonment at 13-20 hrs, Yelhanka at 13-50 hrs, Hindupur at 15-15 hrs, Dharmavaram at 17-00 hrs, Anantapur at 17-35 hrs, Guntakal at 19-20 hrs, Bellary at 20-45 hrs, Torangallu at 21-20 hrs, Hospet at 21-50 hrs, Koppal at 21-20 hrs, Gadag at 23-30 hrs, Badami at 00- 18 hrs on Tuesday, Bagalkot at 00-55 hrs, Alamatti at 01-57 hrs, Bijapur at 03-37 hrs, depart from Hotgi at 05-55 hrs, at Solapur at 06-45 hrs, Kurdwadi at 07-47 hrs, Daund at 10-00 hrs, Ahmed Nagar at 11-33 hrs, Belapur at 12-42 hrs and at Puntamba at 13-15 hrs.

In the return direction, train number 06202 Sai Nagar Shirdi-Mysore weekly express special will depart from Sai Nagar Shirdi at 15-30 hrs on Tuesdays on August 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, 2011 and September 06 & 13, 2011 and arrive at 22-55 hrs at Mysore on Wednesdays.
En route, the weekly express special will arrive at Puntamba at 16-00 hrs, Belapur at 16-33 hrs, Ahmed Nagar at 17-57 hrs, Daund at 19-40 hrs, Kurdwadi at 22-30 hrs, Solapur at 01-00 hrs on Wednesdays, depart from Hotgi at 01-35 hrs, at Bijapur at 03-50 hrs, Alamatti at 04-52 hrs, Bagalkot at 05-42 hrs, Badami at 06-10 hrs, Gadag at 07-40 hrs, Koppal at 09-07 hrs, Hospet at 09-45 hrs, Torangallu at 10-22hrs, Bellary at 11-20 hrs, Guntakal at 12-25 hrs, Anantpur at 13-27 hrs, Dharmavaram at 15-40 hrs, Hindupur at 17-07 hrs, Yelhanka at 19-00 hrs, Bangalore Cantonment at 19-50 hrs, Bangalore city at 20-25 hrs, Kengeri at 20-44 hrs, Ramanagaram at 21-14 hrs and depart at Mandya at 22-12 hrs.

According to the new idea, devotees would now be taken to Shirdi Dham not on a special tourist train but by the Lucknow-Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express. The journey would be completed in 3rd AC. The passengers willing to travel up to Shirdi shrine will have to place their request with the IRCTC office which, in turn, will get them a confirmed berth in the 3rd AC of the express train.

According to the new idea, devotees would now be taken to Shirdi Dham not on a special tourist train but by the Lucknow-Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express. The journey would be completed in 3rd AC. The passengers willing to travel up to Shirdi shrine will have to place their request with the IRCTC office which, in turn, will get them a confirmed berth in the 3rd AC of the express train.

Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-28/kanpur/29824581_1_shirdi-dham-irctc-office-railway-station

Thousands of devotees participated with fervor and enthusiasm in the auspicious Lord Jagnnath`s Grand Chariot festival organized by Jagannath Society of America in Nasville , Tennessee ( USA) on 10th July 2011 . Revered Gurujee Shree Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee was invited as the chief guest by the Jagannath Society of America in the holy Rath Yatra festival ; Shree Gurujee solemnized the “chhhra pahanra” ritual of the chariots of Lord Shri Balbhadra , Devi Subhadra and Lord Shri Jagannath.

Revered Gurujee addressed the huge gathering of devotees of Lord Shri Jagannath on this auspicious occasion during the festival. The morning programme of the Chariot Festival commenced with the ceremonial worship rituals, pooja and archana. Later in the afternoon, the chief guest of the occasion Revered Gurujee Shree Chandra Bhanu Satpathyjee on his arrival was accorded the traditional ceremonial welcome by the organizers of Jagannath Society of America and was led to the sanctum sanctorum. Against the backdrop of melodious incantations of bhajans recital of Lord Shri Jagannath by the renowned Odia singers Shantanu Mohapatra and Sangeeta Gosain, Revered Gurujee performed the traditional prayers, archana of Mahaprabhu Lord Shri Jagannathji, Devi Subhadra ji and Lord Shri Balbhadra ji enthusing the devotees with devotion and spiritual fervor.

During “pahandi” the huge enthusiastic gathering of devotees carried the deities in procession, the celestial wheel Shri Sudarshan Charkra, followed by Lord Shri Balbhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Shri Jagannath on the way to the grand chariot to the accompaniment of beats of traditional taal, dhol, cymbals and bhajans. Revered Gurujee performed the traditional ceremonial “chhera pahanra” ritual of the chariots of Lord Shri Jagannath ji , Devi Subhadra ji, Lord Shri Balbhadra ji before the start of the chariot pulling by devotees . Later Shree Gurujee addressed the huge gathering of devotees on all pervasive Supreme Mahaprabhu — Lord Shri Jagnnath.

Shree Gurjee’s spiritual discourse enlightened the devotees about the divine, Omnipresent , mystic spiritual philosophy and elements of Lord Shri Jagannath (path). He stated that to imbibe the underlying essence (wholeness) of philosophy of Lord Shri Jagnnath, one would have to first understand the magnificent divinity and universalism of Lord Shri Jagannath . Throughout the history of mankind on this earth, a common parameter of acknowledgment & acceptance of the existence of God (Eeshwar) is prevalent in all the religions. Irrespective of the religion (and its path,concepts), the existence of a Supreme Power (force/ being/ entity)can not be denied which prevades the whole cosmos. This Supreme Power may be termed as Eeshwar, Allah, Parbrahmn or may be called by any other name (This may vary from path to path –added by Ed ) .All living, non–living beings, entity(ies), universe , earth have manifested from this Supreme power and after completing the cycle of life and death merges into (returns to) it . Ever since the creation of this universe , man has always held this belief and made efforts to realize this eternal truth. God is a sovereign repository of unimaginable inexhaustible undefined power and its reach is not limited to any one planet , universe etc. alone —its supreme , eternal, unbound , all encompassing power and divinity embraces every thing in itself. The God lords over innumerable cosmos, universe, solar systems , planets , stellar systems, as its supreme Controller – Creator. Lord Shri Jagannath is the Supreme Controller of all … His domain of influence (Control) is not limited to Puri alone but pervades the entire Cosmos (Whole) . The distinct apparent influence of Lord Shri Jagannath can be seen in the spiritual, cultural, social , historical , architectural , paintwork , literary , artistic, music , and every aspect of living ( all aspects/ fields of life ) in Odisha . Infact, Lord Shri Jagannath is the essence of life and its (life) flow .

Revered Shree Gurjuee said that Lord Shri Jagannath Dharm (path ) is not a part of Bhagwat dharm . Rather Bhagwat dharm is a part(/stream) of Lord Jagnnath Dharm (path) and arises therefrom … .Besides, every path (dharm) be it Shaiva , Vishnu Cult , or be it Shakti path all area part of Lord Shri Jagnnarth Dharm (path). Lord Shri Jagannath Dharm(path) also encompasses , integerating other streams like Nilamadhav, Buaudha, Jaininsm , Aryan Dharm etc , which too are a part of it . Lord Jagnnath`s Path being the oldest path encompasses (embraces ) every other path. Lord Jagananth depicts Ardhnageshwar symbolically. Lord Jagannath is the manifestation of both , the form and the formless God .

After the enlightening speech of Revered Shree Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji , famous dancer Shri Nityanand Das (handicapped- with one leg) and his assistant Shri Bijay Kumar Dash presented a beautiful dance performance “ Pangu langhayate Giriam” before the audience.   The festival concluded with the felicitation of Revered Shree Gurujee by presentation of citation – award on behalf of the organizers of Jagannath Society of America. In His thanks giving speech to the organizers of Jagannath Society of America on being felicitated, Shree Gurujee exhorted the gathering to sincerely research the path of Lord Shri Jagannath and also announced financial support in providing prosthesis to the handicapped dancer Shri Nrityanand Das to the thunderous applause of the house .

The programme concluded with thankful acknowledgment and appreciation of efforts of the Organizers — Shri Manoj Satpathy, Shri Pravir Das and Shri Panchanan Satpathy —whose dedicated hard work underlined the mammoth successful organization of Grand Chariot festival programme possible with tremendous response and participation of devotees of the Lord Jagnnath in the festival.

Source: THE SAMAJ

Gurujee at Nasville(USA) Rathyatra 2011 on 15th July

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The highlights of this year’s Rath Yatra was the presence of Revered Gurujee Shri Chandrabhabu Sathpathyjee on the day of the event. He addressed the devotees and sought blessings from Lord Jagannath for all. He emphasized the importance of Lord Jagannath as the primordial symbolic God of Odisha and has evolved as culture for people of Odisha and beyond. Jagannath culture does not differentiate between upper and lower castes, rich and poor. It is the total life of Odisha. Literature and music is Jagannath culture based. It embodies a culture of its won. Jagannath culture surpasses the thresholds of religion and beliefs. Gurujee dismissed the prevalent practice of contradicting religion and spirituality with Science. “The ability to comprehend matter and energy convertibility can be achieved through consciousness but the reverse is not possible. Consciousness is a superior and finer element. Spirituality can be achieved from consciousness, devotion and love from heart” said Gurujee.

Another highlight of the event was the performance of Odissi Guru Nityananda Das, who even after losing a leg in a tragic bike accident, awed the audience with his spectacular dance dramas – Priya Sakha and Pangu langhate giri, along with Guru Bijaya Kumar Dash, proving that nothing is impossible in this world. Starting from the 42nd Odisha Society of The Americas convention in Dallas, Odias in USA have promoted the super abilities of Nityananda Das to the audiences in many cities of USA, Houston being one of them. In the last few weeks, Guru Nityananda has been instrumental in bringing consciousness, motivation and interest for the art of Odissi dance like never before. The massive audience attending the Houston Rath Yatra gave a standing ovation to the duo with tears filled in their eyes.

More than 2000 devotees gathered for this year’s event with participation from other organizations of greater Houston community viz. ISKCON, Sita Ram foundation, Nama Dwara, Hindus of Greater Houston and many other prominent Indian Americans. At this year’s ceremony, former India Culture Center president Swapan Dhairyawan maintained the position of ‘king’ and was privileged to sweep the floors (Chhera pahanra) before the chariot was pulled by the Houston devotees. “The main purpose of this Rath Yatra festival is to unite people in its festivity. People from all walks, rich and poor or of any religious beliefs come together under one umbrella and participate in the religious as well as cultural activities,” said Raghu Dass of Orissa Culture Center, organizer of the event

“This year’s cultural program has been taken up a notch with a beautiful stage set under the open sky with the chariot as a backdrop where our guests enjoyed an inspiring dance drama performance by an eminent Odissi Dancer, Guru Nityananda Dash and his group,” said Vijay Pallod, member of The Hindus of Greater Houston.

As the festival culminates this year with thousands of devotees sang and danced to the tunes of ‘Jai Jagannath’ pulling the holy chariot making this the biggest and the most successful event in the last four years, Houstonians await eagerly for the next year’s celebrations. With devotion filled in their hearts, Houstonians will wait for their beloved Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Shubhadra.

Gurujee Shree C.B. Satpathyjee has addressed the devotees on July 16th, 5 PM - INDIA HOUSE, Houston in Houston Rath Yatra 2011.

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Let us examine for example about a bee being a teacher of a human being. No one can say that in the ladder of evolution, a bee is more evolved than a human being so as to be able to teach him. Why bee alone, if all the species on the earth are put together, they cannot match the intelligence of a single human being.  In the instant case, the student’s (Shri Dattatreya) mental faculties were so evolved and his thirst for knowledge was so focused that even from a less developed species like a bee or an element like fire, he could pick up important learning points of life. This obviously underscores the importance of the student in the learning process more than that of the teacher. If the student or shishya has the passion to learn, the patience to pursue knowledge and the right attitude towards the Master he can learn even from a distance. The story of Eklavya, in Mahabharata, is a unique example of a student who had truly and devotionally accepted Dronacharya as his Master. He could not be accepted by the Master as a disciple due to the existing social/caste divide. But Eklavya was undaunted in his spirit to learn with the right attitude towards his Master. So he created a Murti (Symbolic representation) of his Guru Dronacharya, placed it in a certain place in the jungle and started worshipping in earnest faith. From that place he used to observe the training imparted by Guru Dronacharya to the Pandavas in Archery with full concentration. Such was his potentiality that soon he excelled in the art and science of archery and became even better than the Pandavas. Such again, was his faith in his Guru that later when his Master Dronacharya wanted the thumb of his right hand as Dakshina, Eklavya did so happily knowing fully well that without the right thumb he would not be able to practice Archery for the rest of his life.

In Indian Hindu mythology, we find these two magnificent personalities excelling in their roles as shishyas (students). Some are of the view that in the field of knowledge both the Teacher and student are equally important, but then knowledge is meant for whom? It is meant for the one who does not have it and who has a need for it. The Teachers (Masters) already have what the student needs. The attitude of the one who needs the knowledge is most important and so the student should know the best way to extract the knowledge from the teacher.

Therefore in order to gain any knowledge, more so when it is about spiritual knowledge, the student needs to have the right aptitude, sensitivity, strong determination and an intrinsic faith in the Master. This vital but pious tradition of Guru Shishya or Master Pupil relationship is continuing in the spiritual tradition of India since long.

Shri C.B. Satpathy, New Delhi

Addressing the gathering of people from Odisha, he reminded them that the rich culture of Odisha, the Konark temple, Odia dance, etc are well known all over the world, and said, we are here not only to relive our culture or to pass on the values to our next generation but also for inter-cultural integration with other groups. Because accepting the best from all other cultures and imbibing them is the essence of the evolution of the human race.

Odias are very peace loving people by nature and normally don’t express themselves through violence; rather they express themselves through various cultural forms like dance, music, art, poetry, writings, etc. He said that we should try to live together each day, as if it is the first and last.  If there is any definition of any religion, then it is the greatest good of the greatest number of people for the longest period of time and not the greatest good of the smallest number of people for the shortest period of time.

History shows that over thousands of years, Odisha has sustained the peaceful co-existence of various groups. The presence of various groups at this gathering shows that we are a lovable group that believes in peace, mutual appreciation of society, religions, people and thus we grow.

He lauded the efforts of OSA for maintaining the culture, values and religious traditions of Odisha and passing them along to their children who are growing up outside Odisha.  Thanking the organizers and participants for the opportunity to be here, he sought blessings for all.

Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji at the 42nd OSA(Oriya Society of America) annual convention held at Dallas, TX USA July 1st to July 4th 2011.

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The organizers had invited some eminent personalities who spearheaded the Sai movement in diverse ways. Our beloved Gurujee Shree C.B.Satpathyjee, who has built more than 230 temples of Shri Sai Baba globally, with many more in their nascent stages, was saluted for His Herculean efforts. Besides, awareness on the life and teachings of Shri Sai has been brought about through literature & music generated by Him. Also group endeavours for the well being of humanity, live participations in Mahakumbh and other melas to cohease together individuals who are attached to Baba, for this Shree Satpathyjee’s contribution to this world of Shirdi Sai Baba is second to none.

At the outset, bhajans were sung by Jagjit Singh and a few others like Saxena Bandhu, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Suresh Wadekar and Shreya Gosal, when Shree Satpathyjee arrived at the venue. He was accorded a Red Carpet Welcome and on His way to His seat. He interacted with the press and satisfied them on their queries like:

• What was His motivation behind 200+ temples world wide?
• How did He have a library with a collection of all the authentic books and documents reaching Him?
• How are all the eminent singers lining up for singing bhajans composed by Him?

And many others.

Revered Gurujee in His usual light manner dispelled their doubts and seated Himself at the place reserved for Him. Shree Satpathyjee was seated in the front row and Mr. Sudhir Dalvi and actor Jackie Schroff were seated along side.

Baba’s Murti was unveiled, Ms. Lara Datta whose family is an ardent devotee of Baba, performed the Aarti. Actor Vivek Oberoi complemented Shree Satpathyjee with a lot of warmth and regard apprising the audience that he felt particularly honoured to have Shree Satpathyjee amidst this gathering, disclosing that he knew Shree Satpathyjee well and had a lot of respect and admiration for Him. Vivek Oberoi said that there was a soul connection between Shree Gurujee & him and that he was most overcome by his simplicity. He reverentially referred to Him as a Living Saint.

He then requested Shree Satpathyjee to take the dais and address the gathering. Gurujee spoke for about 10 minutes and the highlights of the speech are given as under:

• “Samarpan” (total surrender) and “Bhakti” (devotion) are attributes given by God Himself. We should not be egoistic in taking pride in considering these qualities to be ours.
• Shree Satpathyjee’s prayer to Shree Sai was for the empowerment of BABA’s children to enable them to beget HIS grace.
• All devotees undergo similar emotions the world over when the Sadguru seats Himself in their hearts and starts awakening them.
• Baba came as a spiritual experimentalist to bind together three religions- Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.
• The future of Shirdi as it stands today was envisioned as far as in the year 1917 in a dream.
• Sadgurus incarnate every 600 to 700 years on earth to establish a new faith. He cited chronological descent of various important pioneers every 600 years approximately. Sainath Maharaj emerged in the year 1800 and will remain for 700 years. By 2025 Saiism will establish itself and people will christen themselves after Him.

• Sai was not a miracle man. Miracles were just offshoots of His saintliness. People from all over crowded around Him to fulfill their material desires. At times Baba would get disconcerted and had to leave Shirdi twice under such circumstances.
• Baba also suffered discomfort and distress at the hands of devotees. Though out of love and devotion, they would do things that affected His physical disposition. Like, they would bathe Him with milk and feed Him curd, which aggravated His asthma and caused deterioration of health.

After intoxicating the audience with His nectar- filled words, Shri Satpathyjee humblythanked the organizers for having invited him.

• Name of Programme           :       Malik Ek Sur Anek
• Hosted & Covered by           :       Star Plus
• Date of Telecast                      :       3th July 2011
• Time                                               :        6pm To 8Pm

Promo of the event:

(Courtesy:http://theashu.in/2011/06/maalik-ek-sur-anek-sai-baba-event-coming-on-star-puls-3rd-july-6pm/)

Press release of this event is as below

Some memorable photos of the events are as below

Release of Shree Guru Bhagavata(Vol-4) by Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee on 16th June 2011 at Sai International School, Bhuvaneshwar

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Release of Shree Guru Bhagavata(Vol-4) by Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee on 16th June 2011 at Sai International School, Bhuvaneshwar

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Press Release of this event can be read here.

Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee was felicitated by actor Vivek Oberoi who stated that he had never before come across or seen such an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai as Revered Gurujee. Actor Jackie Shroff also sought blessings of Shree Gurujee at this event. The president of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Sh. Jayant Sasane and actor Manoj Kumar of film SHIRDI KE SAIBABA fame (released in 70`s) were also felicitated at this event. Many famous singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Jagjit Singh, Suresh Wadekar, Amit Saxena performed Bhajans of Shree Shirdi Saibaba. Revered Gurujee said that the glory of Shree Shirdi Saibaba will continue to spread and people`s devotion for Shri Shirdi Sai Baba will continue for 600 years. He also stated that a new community with the name of Baba will emerge in future akin to that of Sikhs after the death of Shree Guru Nanakjee.

The proceeds from this function would be utilized in providing free food to the poor -needy people, said the arranger of the event .

Click on the thumbnail below to read the Press Release of this event.

This program is scheduled to be broadcasted at STAR PLUS on 3rd July 2011 at 6 PM onwards.

Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee was felicitated by actor Vivek Oberoi who stated that he had never before come across or seen such an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai as Revered Gurujee. Actor Jackie Shroff also sought blessings of Shree Gurujee at this event. The president of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Sh. Jayant Sasane and actor Manoj Kumar of film SHIRDI KE SAIBABA fame (released in 70`s) were also felicitated at this event. Many famous singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Jagjit Singh, Suresh Wadekar, Amit Saxena performed Bhajans of Shree Shirdi Saibaba. Revered Gurujee said that the glory of Shree Shirdi Saibaba will continue to spread and people`s devotion for Shri Shirdi Sai Baba will continue for 600 years. He also stated that a new community with the name of Baba will emerge in future akin to that of Sikhs after the death of Shree Guru Nanakjee.

The proceeds from this function would be utilized in providing free food to the poor -needy people, said the arranger of the event .

Press Release of this event can be read at our Press Corner Section

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This program is  scheduled to be broadcasted at STAR PLUS on 3rd July 2011 at 6 PM onwards.

The state government has sanctioned Rs 6 crore for developing Shirdi as a pilgrim tourism centre and has also asked the Shirdi Nagar Panchayat to prepare a plan for creating various tourism facilities at the pilgrim town.

Local MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure had sought special funds for Shirdi at a meeting with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in Mumbai in February.

Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has now sanctioned Rs 6 crore for creating various tourism infrastructural facilities around Shirdi.

During the BJP-led NDA government’s regime, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had sanctioned a package of  Rs 100 crores for  development of Shirdi as a pilgrim centre. Some of this fund was utilised for water supply and drainage projects and most of the remaining amount was returned to the centre.

The state government had also sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the development of the Bhandardara dam area in neighbouring Akole taluka as a tourism site. Most of this fund has not been spent to this day. Wakchaure has demanded that the fund be utilised for providing various tourism facilities.

Wakchaure said that there was a large scope to develop pilgrim tourism in Shirdi Lok Sabha constituency, which also includes  Agasti Ashram on the bank of the Pravara river and the town of Newase, where Sant Dnyaneshwar penned ‘Dnyaneshwari’.

(Source:  http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20110512/5471903530389625213.htm)

“Shirdi Sai Baba in Ostali Pravi Ucitelji ” is the Slovenian version of the English book “Shirdi Sai Baba and other Perfect Masters” authored by Revered Gurujee  which depicts at length the life of the  Perfect Master Shirdi Sai Baba and other contemporary Masters –Hazrat Tajjudin Baba, Hazrat Babajaan, Swami Akkallot Maharaj , Saint Sarmad and others  to guide the pilgrims in their path . The release of this book would enable the people in European region to know more  about  the inner values which are at  the core of  the path of the Masters , creating a desirable  urge  to adopt  the teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai , His path per se to meet the Self .

“The Eternal Sai Phenemnon ”  has been  authored by Sh. A.R. Nanda , IAS (Rtd)  which elucidates about  the  glorious manifestation of Shirdi Sai Baba and  prevalence of “eternal Sai consciousness ”  witnessed and experienced  in the  exponentially  increasing spread of His fame and glory till date and its impact in the life and society of mankind , nay universe   . The  surge of  devotion and exponential  spread of  glory of Shirdi Sai Baba  as witnessed in last twenty years  the world  over under the  leadership of Revered Gurujee Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji , as head of World Sai movement has been incisively presented   reflecting the tremendous    impact  of this movement in spreading the core  values of  humanism  and harmony (both within an individual and in his conduct with others inter –se) in world  , which is the essence  of  teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba and its eternal relevance to the  mankind . The well researched book draws extensively from many original documents, magazines, journals , manuscripts  published during the life time of Shri Shirdi Sai and soon thereafter and  presents a unique study of the impact of  the Perfect Master  “Shirdi Sai Baba” and His role in this Universe through the ages .Click on the thumbnails below for enlarged view.

The epic “ Shri Guru Bhagwat” is set in nine syllable meter and comprises of 16000 stanzas. The epic elucidates the subtle principles of  evolution of consciousness and   eulogizes the Masters of  Self  . The book has been dedicated to the Panchasakha of Bhaktiyuga.  You can often listen to the  melodious rendering of  (stanzas of)  “ Shri Guru Bhagwat”  being played  in scores of Shirdi Sai temples  in India & abroad as invocation prayers of Shirdi  Sai .  The epic  narrates the  divinity of  Shree Guru  , His play & Creation  , His playground…Recently, Shri Gurujee was conferred with   “ Mahapurush  Jagnnath  Das  Samman “ award for His excellence  and contribution  in field of  Odiya  Spiritual  literature  for epic poem “ Shri Guru Bhawat “ & treatise  “ Gopy Ru Agopya”.

The press release of this event can be read by visiting the Press Corner.

The press release of this event can be read by clicking on the thumbnail below:-

The Pran Pratisha ceremony of Shirdi Sai Idol at this grand temple of Shirdi Sai at Siula, Pipli, reflecting the omniscience of the self was solemnized by Revered Gurujee Shri Chandrabhanu Satpathyji on 20th April 2011 thus concluding the three day events of Pooja, Homam and Archana in presence of thousands of devotees . Devotees and trustees of various Sai temples from varied parts of the country like Delhi, Noida, Bubneshwar, Tirupati etc formed part of the huge gathering on this auspicious occasion .

With inauguration of this Sai temple at Siula, Pipli, devotees visiting Eastern India`s- Puri-Konark-Bhubaneshwar segment would have a rare privilege & good fortune of having darshan of Shri Shirdi Sai on their way to meet the Lord Jagnnath …. thus taking the message of Shirdi Sai all across the globe , reminding one of the Aarti (of Shirdi Sai ) …”Tu jagannatha tujha deu kashire bhakari” …(Oh Lord! How can i offer a morsel to You, the Lord Jagnnath !). Read the press release of this event by clicking on the thumbnail below.

Press release of this event is as below. Click on the thumbnail to read the news.

The Pran Pratisha ceremony of Shirdi Sai Idol at this  grand temple of  Shirdi Sai at Siula, Pipli,  reflecting the omniscience  of the self  was  solemnized   by Revered Gurujee Shri Chandrabhanu Satpathyji on 20^th April 2011 thus concluding the three day events of Pooja, Homam  and Archana in presence of thousands of devotees  . Devotees and trustees of various Sai temples from varied parts of  the country like Delhi, Noida, Bubneshwar, Tirupati etc formed part of the  huge gathering on this auspicious occasion .

With inauguration of this Sai temple at Siula, Pipli,  devotees visiting Eastern India`s- Puri-Konark-Bhubaneshwar segment  would have a rare privilege &  good fortune of having darshan of Shri Shirdi Sai on their way to meet the Lord Jagnnath …. thus taking the message of Shirdi Sai all across the globe , reminding one of the Aarti (of Shirdi Sai ) …”Tu jagannatha tujha deu kashire bhakari” …(Oh Lord! How can i offer a morsel to You,  the Lord Jagnnath !).

Revered Gurujee inaugurated a new temple of Shree Shirdi Saibaba at PIPILI, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 20th April 2011

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On 17.4.2011 at a glittering function held at Mayfair Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar , Revered Guruji Shri Chandrabhanu Satpathy ji was presented ‘Mahapurusha Jagannath Das Samman’ for His  outstanding contribution to Oriya spiritual literature.

Revered Gurujee has authored  enriching Odia epic  “ Guru Bhagvat – part I & II ”  and treatise  “ Gopyu Ru Agopya”. This  award is  given annually based on a selection process by the members of the selection committee comprising of  outstanding literateurs of Orissa. The award  carries  a cash prize of Rupees One lakh, a shawl and a citation .

Press release of this event can be visited at the “PRESS CORNER” section.

Click on the images for enlarged view.

The total volume of literature pertaining to Shri Shirdi Sai Baba in terms of books, magazines, journals, periodicals and other publications is beyond all calculations.  The spread of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba’s life history, philosophy and teachings propagated through internet, movies, television and radio channels, print, audio and video media in English and most of the languages of India is phenomenal.  The charitable work like hospitals, schools, poor feeding, financial aid to the weaker and disabled sections of the society carried out in His name is immense.

More than this is the fact that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba has penetrated into the lives of millions of His devotees. The more surprising thing is that Shri Shirdi Sai Baba never created any organizational structure for propagation of His own philosophy or name.  The Shree Sai Baba Sansthan at Shirdi is doing its best to cope with the ever growing number of visitors to Shirdi, which touches about sixty thousand persons on an average per day.  This Sai miracle or phenomenon is transparently perceptible from the fact that most of the devotees are self motivated and carry out Baba’s work with missionary zeal.

Not only in India, but in other countries like United States, United Kingdom,  Europe,  Australia,  Africa and even in places like New Zealand, Singapore, etc. a number of temples have come up and more are in the process of coming up.  When I inaugurated a temple in a remote village of Odisha called Tigiria, or a big temple at Dehradun, the state capital of Uttaranchal or at Delhi, the capital of India or at Sydney in Australia or at Chicago or Houston in United States, the involvement of such devotees was basically the same with slight difference because of  local conditions.    All the devotes of Baba feel closeness with Him in some form or the other.  Some of them are emotionally driven to do more and more work in His cause.  Thus the Sai Movement goes on with a poetic spontaneity and lucidity.

When I got drawn into this movement, two decades back in 1990, I had a strange feeling that in the future course of History, the Sai Movement will engulf the whole globe.  I had also foreseen  a new spiritual approach of the confused humanity which can be termed as “SAIISM”.  Today when I look back I find that what Baba said “Main Guli Guli mein rahene wala hun”, is coming true.  Let us, then welcome the Sai Age and be a part of SAIISM, as He is the Master of the Age.  May Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi lead us all towards light.

C. B. Satpathy

“The residents of Shirdi village wanted the temple trust to honour Sachin in a special way. Hence we decided to initiate the ‘Sai Ratna’ award. Sachin will be the first one to be awarded this honour,” trust chairman Jayant Sasane told.

Sasane, however, said that the trust is yet to speak to Tendulkar and work out the finer details of the award. “It was only last (Sunday) evening that we decided to bestow the master batsman with an honour. We shall invite him and all other members of Team India, once we firm up our plans,” he said.

Sasane said that a few players have already visited the temple to seek Sai Baba’s blessings. Zaheer Khan’s mother Zakia, who stays in Shrirampur, 30 km from Shirdi, had also visited the temple.

All-rounder Suresh Raina visited the temple Monday, accompanied by officials of the Sahara group. Sasane had accompanied him to the temple, where he stayed for 10 minutes.The Sansthan also gifted Raina with a gold coin, coconut and a Sai Baba statue.

“Members of the Sai Sansthan met on Monday and it was unanimously decided to confer the Sai Ratna award on Sachin,” chairman of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Jayant Sasane, told PTI.

The award is likely to be given to Sachin after the IPL tournament, he said.

Sasane declined to elaborate on the award, such as its cash component. “We want to recognise achievement, and Sachin’s name came to our mind first,” he said.

(Source:http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sai-ratna-award-for-sachin-tendulkar/148211-3.html)

Accompanied by officials of Sahara group, Raina, reached Shirdi in a private chopper that landed at special helipad near the mandir.

Jayanat S Sasane, chairman of the sansthan recieved Raina and accompanied him to Samadhi Mandir where he stayed for about 10 minutes. Besides Sasane, other trustees who greeted Raina included Ashok Khambekar, Suresh Waghle and T C Pandey.

“We are here to thank Sai and to urge him to be with us all the time,” Raina reportedly said while interacting with sansthan members at Samadhi Mandir.

The sansthan gave a gold coin, coconut and Sai Baba’s statue to Suresh Raina as blessings. While honoring Raina, Jayant S Sasane also announced gold coins in parsad for members of team.

The trust is also planning to develop a convention centre, Sentosa Island-like laser shows, amphitheatres and amusement park in Shirdi, this despite the fact that the largely popular Saibaba was an epitome of simplicity.

On an average, 50,000 people visit the temple every day. On weekends, the figure touches 70,000. Keeping in mind the relentless summers in Shirdi, the trust wants to install airconditioners inside the temple.

During summer, the temperatures often exceed 45 degree Celsius. Jayant Sasane, president of the trust said, “We have completed the survey and the cost of airconditioning the interiors will be around Rs 3.5 crore.” The trust wants to complete this project soon to provide relief to devotees in summer and ventilate the shrine in a better manner.

Centre of attraction

When asked about the need of having such commercial facilities in and around the temple town, Kishor More, chief officer of the trust said, “There are no facilities for entertainment in Shirdi. The amphitheatre, IMAX theatre will be a centre of attraction for visitors.” He added that the amphitheatre would have a seating capacity for 5,000 people. There will be three water screens for the laser shows.

“The project is being executed by Laser Vision which displays shows on Sentosa Island. We plan to have a laser show on Saibaba’s life here,” More said, adding, “The convention centre will accommodate 2,000 people.” Tenders for this project will be awarded in the next meeting of the trust. “The cost of this project will be Rs 24.75 crore and it will require 25 acre of land,” he said.

Another project worth Rs 50 crore Sai Shrushti, depicting Saibaba’s life is coming up on a 30-acre plot. It has been designed by Bollywood director Nitin Desai. The Shrusthi village will have scenes depicting Saibaba’s life in Shirdi.