Day - 22: “Om Shri Sai Aarogya Kshemadaya Namaha.”

 

Shirdi Sai Ashtotramala – Meaning, Meditation and Miracle 

Day - 22: “Om Shri Sai Aarogya Kshemadaya Namaha.”

            

Meaning: 

Humble salutation to the one who grants health, happiness and Security. 

Meditation: 

Body is the temple in which the Self exists till it decides to leave the body. Those who are in pursuit of spiritual advancement also recognize a healthy body as a pre condition for attaining the Self realization. The reason of Yama, Niyama, and Asana being the first three stages in search of God is that they ensure that the search is supported by a healthy body and is not distracted by any illness.   Devotion to God or Guru ensures that the true devotee avoids bad habits, embraces satvic life and is able to control his desires, has a systematic life and thus ensures a healthy body.  The devotee does pilgrimages, observes vrats, and reduces stress by performing his Dharma and Karma and leaving the fruits of his actions to God.  Thus in every way Bhagwan ensures that the true devotee leads a healthy and happy life bodily and continues his journey of finding the ultimate bliss by identifying himself with the God.

People benefited immensely by having Baba’s darshan. Some became hale and hearty, wicked people were turned into good ones. Leprosy was cured in some cases, many got their desires fulfilled, without any medicines being put in the eyes, some blind men got back their sight and some lame ones got their limbs. Nobody could see the end of His extraordinary greatness. (Shri Sai Satcharita Cha: 7).

A devotee of Baba named Bala Ganpath Shimpi, suffered much from malignant type of malaria. He tried all sorts of medicines and decoctions, but in vain. The fever did not abate a jot and so, he ran to Shirdi and fell at Baba’s feet. Baba gave him a strange recipe, in this case as follows:” Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curd in front of the Laxmi temple!” Bala did not know, how to execute this recipe, but no sooner he went home, then, he found rice and curd. After mixing them together, he brought the mixer near the Laxmi temple, where he found a black dog waving its tail. He placed the rice and curd before the dog. The dog ate it and, strange to say, Bala got rid of his Malaria. (Shri Sai Satcharita Ch:13)

Shriman Bapu Saheb Buti suffered, once from dysentery and vomiting. His cupboard was full of patent drugs and medicines, but none of them had any effect. Bapu Saheb got very weak, on account of purging and vomiting, and therefore, was not able to go to Masjid or Baba’s darshan. Baba then sent for him and made him sit before Him and said,” Now, take care, you should not purge any more”, and gestured with His index finger, “The vomiting must also stop.” Now, look at the power of Baba’s words. Both the maladies disappeared and Buti felt well. (Shri Sai Satcharita Ch: 13).

A gentle man from Harda, by name Dattopant, suffered from stomach- ache for about fourteen years. None of the remedies gave him any relief. Then, on hearing Baba’s fame, that He cures diseases by sight, he ran to Shirdi and fell at Baba’s feet. Baba looked at him kindly and gave him blessings. When Baba placed His hand on his head and gave him Udi with blessings, he felt relieved and there was no further trouble from the malady. (Shri Sai Satcharita Ch: 13).

How these devotees got their diseases cured? It was Baba’s words and grace and love for the devotees. Even today millions flock to Shirdi to thank Baba for curing their diseases incredibly responding to their prayers. Yes, He takes care and blesses His devotees with Aarogya and Kshema. He is Aarogya Kshemadaya.