Day - 20: “Om Shri Sai Bhaktavana Pratignyaya Namaha.”

 

Shirdi Sai Ashtotramala – Meaning, Meditation and Miracle

 

Day - 20:  “Om Shri Sai Bhaktavana Pratignyaya Namaha.”

            

Meaning:

Humble salutation to the one who has vowed to protect His devotees. 

Meditation: 

Lord Shiva came out to protect Bhakta Markandeya.  Lord Vishnu came out of the Pillar to protect Bhakta Prahalad.  Hearing the call of Dhraupati, Lord Krishna protected her honour in the court of King Dhrutharashtra.  Every day, even today, there are many instances in which the devotees feel they were protected by the power of the Divine. An avoided accident, a stranger’s critical help, an unbelievable report from the lab, an unexplained recovery from Coma, - God comes to the rescue of the devotee. The divine intervention is definitely there, in many cases through the presence of whom we consider as Bhagwan.

On hearing that her dear young son was down with plague, Baba spoke kindly and softly to Mrs. Khaparde that the sky is beset with clouds; but they will disperse and pass off and everything will be smooth and clear. So saying He lifted up His Kafni up to the waist and showed to all present, four fully developed bubos, as big as eggs and added, “ See how I have to suffer, for My devotees, their difficulties are Mine.” (Shri Sai Satcharita-Ch: 7).

Seeing Baba putting His hand in the fire (Dhuni), Madhavrao clasped His waist and pulled Him back forcibly. When asked why He did that Baba replied that He thrust His hand into the Dhuni to save the child of a Blacksmith which fell into the furnace. He said,” I do not mind My arm being burnt, but I am glad that the life of a child is saved”. (Shri Sai Satcharita-Ch: 7).

On 15^th of October 1918, on the day of Vijaya Dashami Tatya Patil was in his death bed as earlier predicted by Baba. His pulse began to beat very slowly and he was expected to pass away shortly. But a curious thing happened. Tatya remained, his death was averted and Baba took His Maha Samadhi. People said that Baba gave up His life for Tatya. Why He did so? He alone knows as His ways are inscrutable. (Shri Sai Satcharita-Ch: 42).

Baba’s life was full of such instances where His devotees felt protected like a child that always feels the protection of the mother. This feeling continues among millions, with the ever lasing presence of Baba.

He loves His devotees without any idea of gain and regards them as His own and protects them. He is Bhaktavana Pratignyaya.