THIS PAGE IS MAINTAINED BY SRI D.SANKARAIH, HYDERABAD, INDIA
E-MAIL :
sainama@yahoo.comSRI BAPATLA HANUMANTHA RAO GARU
Sai Vyasa H H B V N Swamiji, Founder - President, All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Madras did yeomen Sai Seva benefitting non-marathi knowing devotees through his discourses, publications, poojas etc. It is in this context Sainath Maharaj directed Sri Swamiji to contact Sri Hanumantha Rao garu. Sri Rao garu was born on 14-09-1902 to pious couple Sri Bapatla Veeraiah garu and Smt Chinna punnamma garu.He opted teaching profession for livelihood. Himself being a scholar in Sanskrit,Telugu and Hindi ,he authored several books for the benefit of devotee readers.Maya dragged our Rao garu into business field as the meagre income as school teacher was insufficient to meet both ends. But his adventure in business was a total failure as he was destined to do Divine Service in the days to come. In this context, let us note Baba's words "I take everything of you before I give something". Loss of property in business caused depression and he came to the conclusion that he could not survive under those conditions. On 27-12-1944 an old man in yellow dress appeared in his dream. Sri Rao asked the old man "Who are you? What do you want?" "I am Sai Baba. I know you have written several books. Now you propose to write another book(Sant Tulsidas Rama Charitham).Let it be there. You Write these books _ _ _!".So said Sai Baba.He further added observing Rao's silence "What! Do you doubt? I am your Ishta Devata"Baba gave darshan as Siva, Rama, Krishna and Maruthi and again appeared as Sai Baba and blessed with Abhaya Hastha. Thus Sai Baba brought them together through dream visions. Swamiji sent one devotee by name Banda Adinarayana Rao from Chirala a town in Andhra Pradesh to Sri Rao. On learning from the representative of Swamiji that he came to take Rao to Swamiji. It was a pleasant surprise to Rao and his joy knew no bounds as his dream vision was a reality within hours. Sri Swamiji gave Baba's photo, udi and blessed him. He requested Sri Rao to translate some of his books on Sai. On seeing the photo he got conformed that Sai Baba gave him darshan in the dream. Sai nath prabhu had chosen him for spreading Sai's teachings to the Telugu knowing devotees. His Sai seva includes publication of books in Telugu, correspondence with Sai devotees clarifing their doubts, performing Sahasra Nama Pooja on behalf of devotees either in person or inabsentia, arranging discourses on Sai Baba. As assured by Baba "Why fear when I am here?" the wish-fulfilling tree, 'SAI' granted prayers of Sri Rao on behalf of devotees. Sai had chosen him as an instrument in bringing several devotees into Sai fold. He got installed Babas marble Murthy at his Chingangam residence. He retired as a school teacher in the year 1962. This gave lot of opportunity to serve Sainath Prabhu. Some of his Sai experiences are indicated below to confirm Sai is more active from his Samadhi.
1.He prayed to Baba how to maintain the family after retirement from service. Sri Sai appeared in his dream shown a plate on which "Kya thuje upeksha kartha hu?"(What? Do I ignore you?)was inscribed. For 5 years he was appointed on yearly basis so that he could have his monthly income.
2. Once during the year 1962 his house was full of guests. He approached his regular trader for supply of rice. As pantulu garu was due, the trader refused to give further supplies. Naturally the attention of Sri Rao garu diverted on Shirdinath. Most merciful SaiEshwar in the guise of the trader brought half a bag of rice under the plea that fresh stocks arrived.
3.One day Sri Rao was walking in between two rail lines because of certain mental disturbance. He did not observe that a train was coming behind him. Ofcourse he had hearing problem. Sainath physically pulled him outside the railway track.
4.One day when he was writing something a dog carried away his chappal. Having seen this he threw away the other chappal on the dog. But soon realized and prayed "Baba I could not recognize and see you in the dog and threw chappal. As self imposed punishment I shall never wear chappals in my life. But one hot day he was going to his house from the bus stop ,he could not walk .He prayed to Baba and sought Baba's guidance. Suddenly a person with a pair of shoes approached Rao and said "I am having one pair of shoes please take them and pay rupees two only which you are having at present" Saying so he gave the shoes .
5.One day he went to the railway station to go to Vijayawada. But as there was no time to purchase the ticket he dropped the idea. Suddenly a person gave railway ticket to Vijayawada under the plea he had dropped the journey.
6.His proposed trip to Shirdi with his wife was not approved by Baba as He was with him always.
7.Baba cured his eye ailment in a dream.
8.Baba appeared in his dream on 2-2-1959 and showed "Phenomenon in dream is no more when once awakened ,so also the visible world is no more when one attains
realization of one's own self".
9.On 3-4-1960 Baba directed in his dream to lit deep and pray for showering His grace.
10.He had darshan of Baba of Puttaparthi in Banglore and had blessings.
Having served Sai his soul merged into Sai on 7-11-1973 after taking Udi specially brought from Shirdi.
His services to Telugu knowing devotees are memorable. His son Sri Bapatla Venkata Pardhasaradhi is continuing same seva.
May Sai Nath bless us all.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI.
D.SANKARAIAH
HYDERABAD.
SAI SEVAK SIVANESAN SWAMY
(part1)
"A saint only can understand another saint." Being an ordinary man, any attempt on my part to depict a saint's life is a feat. Hence at the outset I prostrate to the Holy Feet of Sainath Maharaj and invoke His grace for penning the following limited points which can be shared by Saichildren of today and tomorrow for understanding Sai's philosophy. Baba told shama who sought permission for writing Sai Satcharitra "When his ego is completly annihilated and there is left no trace of it, I Myself shall enter into him and Myself shall write my life."(Chaptar 2 of Sri SaisatCharithra) We read in Chap 43 & 44 "I am dependent on him who thinks and hungers after Me and who doesn't eat anything with first offering to Me. He who thus comes to Me becomes one with Me, just as a river gets to the sea and becomes merged(one) with it).Again in Chap 2 while stressing the importance of a Guru Baba said " The Guru will take you straight to your destination avoiding wolves tigers and ditches etc. on the way. If there be no guide, there is the danger of your being lost in the jungles or falling into ditches." Those who intimately moved with Swamiji know His surrenderence to Sai is total without a particle of ego and no second passes without Sai's rememberance. His selfless and tireless services is beyond comparision and endeared himself to one and all. His simple talk to devotees in their mothertongue made devotees with little inclination towards real goal hunger after Sai. Having seen the route to destination He acted as perfect guide to make us reach the goal surely and safely. Hope all known devotees will endorse the above facts. He was born on 12th April, 1927 (SriRamaNavamiDay) at Nayakkarpalem in Coimbatore Dist of TamilNadu, India, with indication of spiritual significance viz two front teeth and jata on the back side of his head. This babe was named Sivanesan. Muthiah was his Guru. No doubt H.H Sivanada Swamy of Rishikesh, H.H. Nityananda Swamy of Ganeshpuri had influenced Swamiji's spiritual career. The book 'Jeeva Brahmaikhya Rahasyam' also was his guide. While surmounting Mundane difficulties He reached Shirdi via Bombay,Vajreswary, Nasik and Traimbak. During His short but sweet stay in the divine company of H.H Nityanandaswamy He got an invitation in a dream "Come to Shirdi" one more reminder also was received He missed His way to Shirdi from Nasik and went to Triyambak and stayed in Mauni Baba's ashram. The fakir(Baba) reminded "Why do you stay there I asked you to come to Shirdi." At last SriSivanesam who later dearly called Baba, Swamiji, Gurudev, Satguru and Jagatguru." by countless Sai devotees landed on the holy land of SriKshetra Shirdi shortly after SaiRamaNavami celebration in the year 1953. Perhaps runanubanda made Saimaharaj invite him to Shirdi. In Baba's words "He(Devotee) will be drawn to Shirdi like sparrow with a thread tied to its Feet." The purpose of His taking body might be to further develop Saism with Sai soul in his body. Mr.R.V.Menon wanted me to bring udi from Shirdi through Shivanesan Sadhu sitting in Dwarakamai. I asked the Sadhu "Who is Shivanesan Sadhu ?" "Why ?. what for?."Mr.R.V.Menon wanted udi." "Collect while going back, I am Shivaneshan." was the prompt reply. Innocently I asked seeing his simplest dress "How about your food and money?." "What for money.? I need 75 paise for a washing soap to clean the clothes. Regarding food it is plenty in Sai's Darbar." Was his instant reply. I have yet to understand what is the significance of "washing clothes and 75 paise" Baba burns our sins and desires in the ever burning dhuni. Same evening a railway employee from Perambur workshop Chennai was introduced to me. He got relief from Sai Maharaj for a problem which could not be treated by any doctor. To express his gratitude every year he visits Shirdi on 31,December and Hajamalan 1st,January. I observed he was prostrating to Swamiji followed by Samstan Pujaris. I was surprised and felt bad for not even wishing Swamiji a Namaskar. The next day morning before Kakad Harati I went to Chavadi, I saw Swamiji was sitting in Padmasana. With borrowed faith I prostrated LO! Swamiji was sitting above ground level without any support. This reveals his Yogasampada. In the evening I was talking to the boy to postpone his Bombay visit in view of Proposed strike by Public Transport Workers Union Bombay. Swamiji while passing to Lendibaugh stopped near us and repeated what all
we were discussing. Is it not an indication of his omnipresence?.
(Part 2)
Once some devotees of village RUI(3km from Shirdi) pleaded with Swamiji for accepting a piece of land for constructing an Ashram for him.Swamiji politely turned down the proposal "I cannot be a watchman of the land.I am happy at the feet of Baba here". Where is the need for him to have separate establishment when he is part and parcel of Sai and Shirdi? On another occasion Sri Prabhakar of Datta Venkata Sai Samajam of Kallur, Andhra Pradesh brought a jeep to take Swamiji to Kallur(400km from Shirdi) and show the spiritual development of the place.Swamiji told me "Tell, Prabhakar that place is being developed because I am here."If I leave Shirdi I cannot stay at any one place and I have to roam about." I told another office bearer Sri A.P.Bandodkarji who confirmed the same. This statement confirms that Sainath sitting at Shirdi is doing the Temple development at various places and Swamiji and Sai are not different souls. The Sainama "Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai" is being spread throughout the globe as the moving spirit behind this is Sivanesan Swamiji. I had informed first Swamiji only after getting inspiration at Shirdi to do the Nama Sankeerthana along with other devotees in Lendi Baugh .He did Dhunipooja everyday during 1st NamaSankeertan programme at Shridi from 10-6-82 to 17-6-82. Wherever It was conducted Swamiji used to give udi, Thritha etc. Encouraging, devotees of various centres to do Namajapa is a memorable Saiseva done by him. We learn from chapt.X of Sri Sai Satcharita that Baba "Though He ate, He had no taste and though He saw, He never felt any interest in what He saw. He was as perfect a celibate as Hanuman".Devotees who observed Swamiji confirm the above facts. I had never seen him drinking plain water. He always drinks Baba`s Tirth. Rare he accepts Dakshina even that amount he spends on purchasing meals coupons, books, photos, feeding cows with fresh green grass . There were occasions when he arranged Rail/Bus fares to deserving devotees. Perhaps to teach us he did so.
Swamiji respects other saints-Chief among them are Videhi Sati Anasuya Matha of paradsinga,Avadhoota Rami Reddy Tata of Kallur, Devi Mayamma of Kanyakumari, Nampally Baba of Hyderabad. First two saints visited Shirdi and had discussion in their language with Swamiji. He encourages devotees doing parayana of holy books, Dhunipooja, Pradakshanas to Nanda Deep, Dattatreya , Gurustan, lighting of lamps in Dwaraka Mai. He considers Srikshetra Shridi as holy as any other place. It seems when Swamiji wanted to leave Shirdi he got letter from H.H. Sivananda Swamiji stating " If I get a chance of staying at Shirdi I shall not miss it". In His foreword to Life of SaiBaba by Saivyas B.V. Narasimha Swamiji . H.H.Sivananda Swamiji writes " Saibaba has sanctified and rendered Shirdi one of the holiest places upon earth and a shrine of devout piligrimage to countless people". Such is the sacredness of shirdi. Sri. P.Jyothi Raja (Phone:040-3220119) a portrait Artist of Hyderabad was
chosen by Sainath to draw Dwarakamai potrait through H.H. Sivanesan Swamy. Sri Raja went to Shirdi in the first week of January'1990 with other Sai brothers. They all went to Sivanesan Swamiji's room to pay their respect as usual. Though Sri.Raja's first visit he also accompanied. Sri Swamiji turned to Mr.Jyothi Raja and said "Baba wants to draw His portrait. I conveyed His message. I don't know Baba's intention. If you like you can start the work." It was a pleasent surprise to Mr.Raja. After discussions with Samsthan authorities Sri.Raja started the work in the 3rd week of the January'1990. The artist told me no remuneration was demanded as the offer to draw Rajadhi Raja Yogi Raja Para Bramha Satchithanandha Sainath Maharaj protriat itself was more valuable. H.H Sivanesan Swamiji garlanded and did Harathi to Dwarakamai photo drawn by SriJayaKar and blessed the Artist. Sri Raja took a vow not to take lunch till the portriat was completed. On the 5th day he felt hungry and desired to have food, violating self impossed restriction. Swamiji who knew everything sent "Tali" (plate with food items) offered to Sainath as Naivedya through Christiana alias "Om Sai". Raja was happy to have Baba's Prasad which he considered as a great blessing. It appears this Prasad gave him strength and concentration. The work was completed on 13th,April'1990. He handedover the portriat after Harathi by H.H.Sivanesan Swamy to Samsthan Authorities. Swamiji directed in the year 1993 some devotees of U.S.A. to contact Jyothi Raja for Baba's protriat in different poses. It is said that saints are not alive or dead because of body. Swamiji was aware of the fact that the decaying body had to be given up. He never allowed human efforts for curing his throat disease. He lived on Udi and holy thirtha during that period. Perhaps approval of 108 Glorious names of himself was His last act with body. Kum.Sailaja, Chief Sevika of Rama Sannidhanam (Home for the orphans) Hyderabad Tel: 040-7134877 sent as her monumental Guru Dakshina in the form of this Namavali to Swamiji. He took the paper containing the 108 names kept on His eyes and chest and returned to the giver prior to a couple of seconds of giving up of His mortalcoils. Swamiji who never allowed to touch his feet or say a word of gratitude for the benefit conferred on any devotee through Him.(He always attributes everything to Sai only) took the namavali and blessed. Perhaps it was Sainath who blessed 108 Glorious names of Sivanasen Swamiji for the sake of lakhs of Shirdi followers who considered him as Gurudev. Let us take advantage of this blessing and repeat Swamiji`s Ashtotra Satha Namavali as many times as possible and enjoy Sai bliss. Swamiji left his mortal coils on 12th febraury 1996 . The mortal remains were preserved at "SATHGURU SHIVANASEN SWAMIJI`S MAHASAMADHI STAL" which is about two and half km from Shirdi on Pimple-vadi road. This land belongs to Mehurdhun Endowments Shirdi/Bombay. The trust has various service oriented plans for the benefit of humanity. Civil works are going on very fast. May Sai Sivanasen Swamiji bless Mrs. Zarineji of the Trust to complete the project in a recorded time, so that, the fruits can be enjoyed by one and all. Shirdi piligrimage perhaps is incomplete wihout visiting Swamiji`s Maha Samadhi where Akhand Deep and Akhand Dhuni are maintained in a quite and calm place.
(Part3)
H.H . SAI SIVANASEN SWAMINAMAVALI
Note: Read Om at the begining and Namaha at the end of each nama.
OM GURAVE NAMAHA
,, SAI SWARUPAYA ,,
,, AVADHUTAYA ,,
,, SHIRDIVASAYA ,,
,, SIVA ANVESHANAYA ,,
,, SAI NAMA PRIYAYA ,,
,, DHARMASTHAPANA VRATAYA ,,
,, PREMAVARDHANAYA ,,
,, PUNYAKARTAYA ,,
,, SADBUDDHI PRADAYA ,,
,, SADGATAYE ,,
,, BHAKTA PRABODHAKAYA ,,
,, BHAJANA PRIYAYA ,,
,, BHAKTANAM SAMIKRUTAYA ,,
,, SARVA MATA SAMAASRITAYA ,,
,, SANMAARGAVAALAMBINE ,,
,, MARGADARSAKAAYA ,,
,, PATITODDHAARAAYA ,,
,, ASRITARAKSHAKAYA ,,
,, UDIPRADAATAYA ,,
,, THEERTHAYA ,,
,, SADHAVE ,,
,, MANGALAMURTAYE ,,
,, POOJYAPAADAYA ,,
,, JATADHARAYA ,,
,, SANTHIMAKUTAMANAYA ,,
,,GAMBHIRYAMERUVADANAYA ,,
,, SHANTAYA ,,
,, PRASANNAVADANAYA ,,
,, MITHA BHASHINE ,,
,, MRUDU BHASHINE ,,
,, MAHIMOPETAYA ,,
,, ANTARYAMINE ,,
,, THYAGAMURTAYE ,,
,, PAVITRAYA ,,
,, DEEPTAMURTAYE ,,
,, DIVYAAMBARAYA ,,
,, SWETAAMBARAYA ,,
,, LOKASWAMINE ,,
,, VISWA RAKSHAKAYA ,,
,, VISWA VANDITHAYA ,,
,, SARVANIRNAYAYA ,,
,, SARVA JANA PRAMODAYA ,,
,, SARVA LOKA SARANYAYA ,,
,, SHUBHA PRADATAYA ,,
,, BHAKTODDHARAYA ,,
,, BHAKTA JANA PARIRAKSHAKAYA ,,
,, JEEVADARAYA ,,
,, PRANAPRADAYA ,,
,, SAI TATTWA BODHAKAYA ,,
,, YAGNYA PRIYAYA ,,
,, YAGNAYA ,,
,, NITYAAGNI HOTRAYA ,,
,, NITYAANNADANA PRAMODAYA ,,
,, GRANTHA PATHANA PRIYAYA ,,
,, PARIKRAMA VRATAYA ,,
,, NITYA CHAVADIBHAJANAVRATHAYA ,,
,, NIRAHANKARAYA ,,
,, NIRMOHAYA ,,
,, NIRADAMBARAYA ,,
,, NIRMALA TATTVAYA ,,
,, NIJADHAARAYA ,,
,, NISSANGAYA ,,
,, NISHKALANKAYA ,,
,, SAT DHARMA CHARINE ,,
,, SAT BRAHMA CHARINE ,,
,, SARVAGYANAYA ,,
,, JEEVANMUKTHAYA ,,
,, BHAVA GRAHINE ,,
,, SARVA KARMA PHALA PRADHAYA ,,
,, MAHA MANASE ,,
,, GYANA PRADIPAYA ,,
,, PAVANA CHARITHAYA ,,
,, PREMA SWARUPAYA ,,
,, YAJINE ,,
,, DIVYAVATARAYA ,,
,, DAYA SINDHAVE ,,
,, DHIRODATTAYA ,,
,, DINANAADHAYA ,,
,, SATPURUSHAYA ,,
,, KRUPA SINDHAVE ,,
,, KAMADAHANAAYA ,,
,, KARYAKARANAYA ,,
,, KARUNA VIKSHANAYA ,,
,, IHAPARA SUKHA PRADATAYA ,,
,, PAAPA VIMOCHANAYA ,,
,, MOKSHA PRADAATAAYA ,,
,, BHAVA PASA VIMOOCHAKAAYA ,,
,, PAAPA RAHITAAYA ,,
,, PARAMA PAAVANAAYA ,,
,, POORNANANDAYA ,,
,, AGATITHA GHATANA SAMARDHAYA ,,
,, TAPOMURTHAVE ,,
,, TEJOO RASINE ,,
,, ACHALAYA ,,
,, ABHAYA PRADHAYA ,,
,, SADA RAKSHAKAYA ,,
,, TRILOKA NADHAYA ,,
,, MANASA CHORAYA ,,
,, BHAVA BHAYA HARAYA ,,
,, SAASWATHA MURTAYE ,,
,, POORNA PARESAAYA ,,
,, DEENA DAYA GHATANAYA ,,
,, VIGHNANTAKAYA ,,
,, YOGANIDRAYA ,,
,, DHARMADHYAKSHAYA ,,
,, SADACHARA PRAVARTAKAYA ,,
,, SATYA SWARUPAYA ,,
OM SRI SIVANESAN SWAMINE NAMAHA
OM TATH SATH
D.Sankaraih
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Sai Apostle: Sri Pratti Narayatia Rao
Sadguru Sainath has left no institutions behind Him. Neither did he appoint any successor to His mission. I speak from my tomb, He said. He has been doing so, through some of His blessed children, time and again. Sai Baba's apostles have appeared on earth from time to time, from all religions and places, all walks of life, with the holy mission of spreading Sai message and His sweet love towards His children. These apostles have brought great olace to the spiritually deprived as well as to the materially aspiring. Some of the, Apostles are well known to the world, thanks to their work and the others commitment to highlight their mission. Sai Vichaar would like to present and highlight those apostles and let us on this beautiful Thursday remember with love and reverence to the services of those great men. In this week, let us know more about Sri Pratti Narayana Rao the writer of Sri Sai Satcharitha in Telugu, the book that is revered by scores of Telugu speaking Sai devotees all over the world.
Sri Pratti Narayanarao hails from lchhapuram town in Srikakulam district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He is the eldest son of Sri P. Kamayya and Srimathi Ramaratnam. Sri Pratti Narayanarao left to Shird in the year l950.He procured a job in Bombay by Baba's grace where he used to get Rs.500/- per month. In the year 1953 Baba
appeared in his dream and asked him to go to the city of Secunderbad, AP and translate Sri Sal Satcharitra from English to Telugu. He advised to approach Sri Papayya the chief engineer in public works department. Pratti Narayanarao got financial help from Sri Papayya, moral support from Sri GVR Naidu garu and the help for printing the book from Sri Chanda Narayana Shresti. Sri Narayanarao gave more ,than one hundred lectures on Shirdi Sai in the Indian states of Andhra pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. After performing his untiring
service at the lotus feet of His master, Sri Narayana Rao Merged in Sai at the age of 56 years.
,Sri Narayana Rao had one brother and sister. He worked as a teacher in tutorial college in Vijayanagaram town, A.P. He got married and 'blessed with two sons, Pratt'i Satyanarayana and Pratti Kr'shnarao. It is said that the last days of Sr' Narayana Rao reminded the life history of great Sai devotee Sri Mahalsapathy of Shirdi.
(The infonnation on Sti Pratti Narayana Rao garu is collected and, complied by Saibanisa Gopalarao Ravada based on the information furnished by sri Karri Surya Rao of Vijayanagaram,Sri Vittal of Machilipatnam and Sri Rajeswararao of Secunderabad, A.P.)