Sai Baba of Shirdi, a revered saint in Hinduism, is worshiped by millions for his teachings of love, humility, and devotion to God. Sai Baba is considered an incarnation of God by many, and his teachings emphasize the unity of all religions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Sai Baba.
1. Understanding Sai Baba’s Teachings
- Unity of God: Sai Baba preached the unity of God, regardless of religion or sect. He emphasized that all paths lead to the same divine source.
- Service to Humanity: He encouraged helping the poor and needy as a form of worship.
- Faith and Patience: Two of the most important teachings of Sai Baba are "Shraddha" (faith) and "Saburi" (patience).
2. Daily Prayer Routine
Morning Prayer:
- Begin with a clean and calm mind.
- Light a lamp and offer incense to Sai Baba.
- Chant the "Sai Gayatri Mantra":
Om Shri Sai Nathaya Vidmahe Satya Devaya Dhimahi Tanno Sai Prachodayat
- Offer a small portion of food (like fruits or sweets) as Prasad.
Evening Prayer:
- Light a lamp again and sit in front of Sai Baba’s image or idol.
- Recite the "Sai Ashtothram" (108 names of Sai Baba).
- Read a chapter from the Sai Satcharitra (a holy book about Sai Baba’s life and teachings).
- Conclude with the "Sai Baba Aarti".
3. Simple Prayers to Sai Baba
- For Guidance:
Sai Baba, guide my steps, show me the path, Protect me from harm, keep me in your light. Help me stay strong in faith, with patience and love, Lead me to peace, blessed by your grace from above.
- For Health and Well-being:
O Sai Baba, healer of all, Keep me healthy, keep me strong. Bless me with vitality, bless me with life, Protect me from illness, free me from strife.
4. Puja Steps
- Purification: Clean the area where you will perform the puja.
- Invocation: Invoke Sai Baba’s presence by chanting "Om Sai Ram."
- Offering: Offer flowers, incense, and a lighted lamp to Sai Baba’s image or idol.
- Reading/Chanting: Read from the Sai Satcharitra or chant the "Sai Gayatri Mantra" or "Sai Ashtothram."
- Aarti: Perform the Sai Baba Aarti by singing it with devotion.
- Prasad: Offer food, which is then consumed by devotees as a blessing.
- Conclusion: End the puja with a prayer for guidance and blessings.
5. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship Alongside Sai Baba
- Ganesha: Before beginning any prayer, it’s customary to worship Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles.
- Dattatreya: Sai Baba is often considered an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, so worshiping Dattatreya alongside Sai Baba is common.
- Hanuman: Many devotees also worship Lord Hanuman, known for his devotion and strength.
- Lakshmi: For prosperity and well-being, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped alongside Sai Baba.
6. Mantras
- Sai Baba Mahamantra:
Om Sai Namo Namah, Sri Sai Namo Namah, Jai Jai Sai Namo Namah, Sadguru Sai Namo Namah
- Shirdi Sai Baba Mantra:
Om Sai Rakshak Sharnam Deva
7. Rare and Relevant Facts About Sai Baba
- Lived in a Mosque: Sai Baba lived in a dilapidated mosque called Dwarkamai, which he called "Dwaraka."
- No Discrimination: He treated all religions equally, having both Hindu and Muslim followers.
- Udi (Sacred Ash): Sai Baba used Udi, sacred ash, to cure diseases and remove obstacles. Devotees believe in its miraculous powers.
- Annadan (Food Donation): Sai Baba emphasized feeding the poor as a form of worship. Even today, feeding people is an important part of his worship.
- Thursday Devotion: Thursday is considered an auspicious day to worship Sai Baba, and many devotees fast or visit a Sai Baba temple on this day.
8. Significance of Sai Baba’s Temples
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple: The main shrine located in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is the epicenter of Sai Baba’s worship, drawing millions of devotees annually.
- Global Temples: There are Sai Baba temples worldwide, including in the USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries, reflecting his global influence.
Conclusion
Praying to Sai Baba is a simple yet powerful practice rooted in faith, love, and humility. By following the above steps, you can connect with Sai Baba’s teachings and receive his blessings. Whether through daily prayers, chanting mantras, or performing a puja, the essence lies in devotion and the belief that Sai Baba is always there to guide and protect his devotees.