Hyderabad Shirdi Sai devotees excitement reached its pinnacle on 17th and 18th of May, when another Shirdi Sai temple was inaugurated at Vijayapuri colony in Vanasthalipuram on 17th of May and inauguration of Dhyana Mandir at Sri Lakshminagar colony in Saidabad on 18th Morning. These two programs were graced by Guruji Shri C.B Satphathyji and witnessed by thousands of devotees.

The Lord Shirdi Sainath has blessed these two occasions, which was evident in the sudden change of the weather. Originally, Hyderabd is burning hot in the summer but, our "oldman" was taking care of His own program. The heavens had opened up on 16th night and brought a sense of relief to the residents of Hyderabad.Surprisingly enough the weather was comparatively cooler on 17th and 18th as well. The effort time and sacrifice put in by the devotees, commitee members and their family and friends is highly commended. The elaborate arrangements made for the convenience of devotees who had come to witness the events is to be greatly appreciated. The devotees went satiated spiritually and gastronomically. The whole air was resounding with the chanting of "Shirdi Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai". The fevering devotion and excitement of the devotees was obvious in their concentration and misted eyes which flowed with ecstasy looking at the divine beauty and lustre on the Murthy of BABA at Vanasthalipuram on 17th and pooja performed at inauguration of Dhyan Mandir on 18th at Saidabad temple. All the devotees participated in the Madhyahnaaarthi at the two events. Shirdi Sai Baba World Congregation Samsthan organised a discourse by Guruji on the 17th evening at Exhibition grounds.

The devotees who had come to attend the events were enchanted by love and compassion shown by Guruji. The most impressive and main feature of these events were the discourses given by Guruji C.B Sathpathyji on Sai Philosophy. Guruji said that all the people are equal in the eyes of Shirdi Sai Baba who is the ultimate Sadguru. During His time Shirdi Sai Baba never showed any distinction between children, men or women. Infact BABA was served selflessly by Bayajabai, Radhakrishna Mai, Lakshimi Bai Shinde, Mrs Kaparde,Mrs Saptanekar. All these women served Baba by feeding him and cleaning the masjid and chavadi where He slept. Guruji said that man lives in the dellusion that he cannot progress spiritually when he is tied down with marital responsibilities. Hence man seeks to be yogi or sanyasi or practice austerity and leave worldly attachments to attain god realisation. Guruji infact stressed that the bonds formed in the present brith are due to the 'rinanubanda' of our previous births hence we are attached emotionally to people. And a householder can achieve greater heights in spirituality by bringing a balanace in his family life and time spent for enchancing his spiritual knowledge. Guruji quoted the examples of Guru Nanak and Buddha who are the householders and evolved to highest level in spirituality after fulfilling their household duties. The true qualities of a devotee are love, compassion and selflessness. Only when a person has these qualities then he/she can rise spiritually.

Guruji time and again stressed to the audience that SAI SATCHARITRA is the only word of Baba which gives us answers for our problems and queries.He said that every one should read atleast a page of the holy book which was written during the time of Baba and with Baba's blessings. Mere reading is of no use, the advises given by Baba should be practiced. This statement was emphasised by BABA himself when he spoke with Mr VH.Thakur in Chapter 21 page 111 of Sai Satcharita by NV Gunaji. Baba said "What Appa told you was all right, but these things have to be practised and lived. Mere reading won't do. You have to think and carry out what you read, otherwise, it is of no use. Mere book-learning, without the grace of the Guru, and self-realisation is of no avail."

Guruji said that during the process of God realisation, man deviates from serving Sadguru. He said that "one should not add personal agenda in BABA's agenda". He elaborated it saying that man should not try to make use of Sadguru's name in furthering his popularity or gain financially. It is very vital that one keeps away the personal issues while serving Baba. He also emphasised that one need not seek to see Sadguru, Having faith and patience alone earns Sadguru's grace which is showered on the devotee through other human beings. Sadguru's touch, look and thought alone is enough to know that He is there for us and cares about us. Miracles should never be used as visiting cards of a Guru. Seeking for miracles brings about destruction of a person and puts a stop to the spiritual growth. An emotionally heightened person has a wrong perception of the guru as he tends to add his emotional feelings to what the guru has said. A balanced and stable mind is successful in pursuing the path of spirituality. Shirdi Sai has proved in his time itself that both Hindu's and Muslims are one and the same. It is the same god called with different names. Though Baba was called a fakir and dressed like one, he respected all religions and advocated Unity among different religions during His time.

Guruji has elaborated all his statements with beautiful examples which made it more interesting and practical to understand by the audience as they pertain to current context and situations. On17th evening at exhibition grounds the program ended with melodious devotional songs by young artists. On request of the audience Guruji sang a prarthana. The dance performance by small children to the tune of "Sai ki palliki challi rey" was colourful and magnificient and moved the audience.

The two days passed off without a hitch by the grace of Sadguru Sainath and the devotees who attended these events are eagerly looking forward to such events in future. May the fire of devotion ever be lit in the hearts of people forever and wipe out the feelings of anger and hatred and ever live in harmony and love.I consider myself to be fortunate to be present here during these two days.

(Contributed by Anitha Kandukuri, Canberra, Australia)