Om Sai Ram 🙏🏻

This was my second trip to Shirdi after February 2023 and my first trip with Ravi Ji. My first trip to Shirdi was in 2013. Since then, I had been trying to go to Shirdi, but it wouldn’t materialise. It was only when Baba decided that I should return to Shirdi that I had the fortune to visit Him there not once but three times in the last 18 months. Though I was keenly looking forward to this trip, I was also slightly apprehensive that I would have to confront my behaviours and thinking patterns. This trip was all about shedding my baggage, accepting my past, forgiving myself and others, and moving ahead with a firm belief and faith in Baba that He has come into my life to help me and uplift me. I also understood that a part of this journey with Baba also meant that there would be tests I would need to pass to confirm or solidify my unwavering faith in Him. I have been through some psychologically and emotionally challenging times in the last two years, which I now believe were meant to awaken me from the damage I was inflicting on myself. I had to the opportunity to confront my baggage by writing down all those fears and thinking patterns that had been bothering me over many years and then burning it all away in Shirdi.

Before arriving at Shirdi, I had the wish to have some experience from Baba to humble me. This may have been childish, but I was longing for His direct experience so as to confirm that he is looking after me. I must say I received His experience on the very first day I arrived at Shirdi and even before taking Sai Baba’s darshan at His Samadhi. Ravi ji had organized to visit the family of Laxmibai Shinde, to whom Baba had donated 9 divine coins representing nine ways of devotion before leaving His mortal coil. I had not known about this and was deeply moved to learn that those 9 coins exist today and that Laxmibai’s family is still the custodian of them. We visited the home of Arun Gaikwad Patil, the great grandson of Laxmibai. We learned about the great work of Arun ji, who takes these 9 framed coins around the world, giving divine opportunity to devotees of Baba to do puja on the 9 coins and receive Baba’s blessings. After our darshan of the 9 coins, Arun ji was enquiring about our plans at Shirdi and whether we needed any help with darshan and aarti tickets. He enquired about where I was from and how many days, I was staying at Shirdi. When he learned that I was from Bangalore, he immediately said, “I will bring 9 coins to your home”. He was leaving for Bangalore for a few days the next day, and it was up to me to decide the date and time. I felt astonished for a few seconds and responded, saying “yes” without any hesitation. I called my mom soon after saying “yes” and explained all that had happened. Mum got very humbled and said she would take care of all the preparations. She reached out to her neighbours, friends, and family. All of them enthusiastically helped mom with the preparations prescribed by Arun Ji, including catering for guests. Arun ji’s visit was set for the same day I was to return to Bangalore after completing my Shirdi trip. By the time I got home from the airport, all the decorations were complete, and we were waiting for Arun Ji to turn up with 9 coins. He promptly arrived at 7 pm and after settling in for a few minutes, he started the puja with Sai Ashtothara Shatanamavali followed by the evening aarti. Arun Ji was insistent that my mom start the puja with him by offering flowers. According to him, mom was the Laxmi of our home, and only after her offering of flowers to Baba were we eligible to partake in the puja. Through word of mouth, more people came to the puja. I was a bit worried about the adequacy of the catering food but then shrugged off the thought, believing Baba would take care of the situation, and I must say there was enough food left over even after many people had come to the puja. It was my and mom’s good fortune and the company of the right people in our lives that culminated in inviting Baba’s 9 coins to our home. We got blessed, and many people who had faith in Baba also got blessed that day. I asked for one experience, which Baba gave me in abundance.

Now, returning to my Shirdi trip, the rest of my trip was spiritually fulfilling. It was a heart-to-heart connection with Ravi Ji’s clients. I had no expectations for this, and it turned out to be so real and beautiful. There were laughs, banter, and the sharing of our life experiences. We had formed our own ritual for the five days we stayed together. We would start the day promptly by taking Baba’s darshan at 6 AM every morning at His Samadhi and then visiting all the deities in and around the Samadhi mandir, followed by visiting Chavadi, Dwarakamai, and Hanuman mandirs. After the morning ritual, each would have their sessions with Ravi Ji and do their writing work. We would meet for lunch and dinner and share our Shirdi experience. Overall, the company of my new friends made this trip even more special.

On one evening, we went to visit devotee houses such as Bade Baba, Mahasalpathi, and Shyama. At Shyama’s house, we met the widow of Shyama’s daughter-in-law, who is around 80 years old. This opportunity to go into the houses of Baba’s devotees was truly humbling. On another evening, I took part with Ravi Ji in donating food to the poor. It was another grounding experience. Countless numbers of people exist from one meal to the next. I am so fortunate that I have had no such struggles in my life. I complain about not having enough money or being able to afford a mortgage even in my early 40s, but there are literally millions of people who exist from one meal to the next. In comparison, I am filled with abundance. Yes, a mortgage is necessary, but I can plan for it and work towards that goal. So, my real problem is all mental, which puts me to shame. I have no right to complain about anything. Like Baba has said, my duty is to behave properly and fulfil my life’s goals of dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

A day was set aside to visit Shani Shingnapur, Saibaba Tapobhumi Mandir, and Meher Baba Samadhi in Meherabad. Baba, by sending me to all these spiritual places, has lessened my karmic burden and, in a way, set me free from my own miserable creation. Now that I have returned to the UK, the real test is to not snap back to my old ways. I am striving to live in the moment and will patiently wait for Baba to reveal his plan for me, which I am sure will happen when the time is right.

I also would like to add that Ravi Ji had organised the Shirdi trip to perfection. The choice of the hotel was great, organisation of local trips, including airport pick-up and drop-off was executed without a single issue. I am a fully satisfied client.

Om Sai Ram