The Glory of Shirdi Sai Ninth Year of Publication - Published as Bi-Weekly www.saidarbarusa.org ~ an affiliate of www.saidarbar.org
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गुरुब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु: गुरुर्दे वो महे श्वर: |
गुरु: शाऺात परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः:||
सबुरी
CONTENT Satsangs of SaiBaNisaji Time Machine Shirdi Dairy Shri Sainath Stavan Manjari The Dreams Train Devotees Corner Children Section Spiritual Gems From Sai Satcharita Quintessence JAI SAI RAM
FROM THE SATSANGS OF SAIBANISA JI Always the purpose or object of an Incarnation is to protect the good and destroy the bad elements. With the incarnations, they try to draw and attach to the evil-doers and then they destroy the darkness of ignorance in them. Our Lord Shri Sai is one such saint who incarnated for the welfare of his devotees. He always loved all his devotees equally and treated everybody equally. He is the sole decision maker of the events happening in the life of his devotees. Shri Sai always leads his devotees in the right path. He suggests to his devotees that Sadhana, Satsang, and Seva are the three ways which takes us closer to Him and His blessings. Shri Sai always says in his teachings that many of his seekers are his devotees and not his disciples. Disciple is one who follows the saint physically all the time and follow their directions immediately. Devotee is one who can follow the saint and his teachings wherever they are and just follow the Lord with thoughts and actions. The devotees could never approach Him, unless He meant to receive them. If their time to meet Sai is not approved by Him, the meeting can never happen. Some men desired to see Sai, but they did not get an opportunity of taking His darshan till his Mahasamadhi. Nobody could go to Shirdi as their own wish and time as it was decided by Him. Baba permitted His devotees to stay in Shirdi, and they had to leave Shirdi, when asked to do so by Him. Everything depends on His will.
*** Bow to Shri Sai ~ Peace be to All
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SAI’S NEWS FROM TIME MACHINE This is a story in Satcharita in Chapter XII. Bhausaheb Dhumal was going to Niphad for a case. On the way, he came to Shirdi, took Baba’s darshan and wanted to proceed immediately. But Baba did not permit his to do so. he made him stay at Shirdi for a week more. In the meanwhile, the magistrate at Niphad suffered intensely from pain in the abdomen and the case was adjourned. Mr.Dhumal was then, allowed to go to attend his case. it went on for some months and was tried by four magistrates. Ultimately, Mr.Dhumal won the case and his client was acquitted.
SHIRDI DAIRY
BY SHRI G.S. KHAPARDE
1910, 11 December Sunday, Shirdi.
I love devotion. ~ Baba
In the morning after I finished my prayer & had a wash, Mr Haribhau Dixit of Bombay with a few companions, Mr Tarkhadkas son of the late Dr Atmaram Pandurang and Mr Mahajani who is a cousin of Annasaheb Mahajani of Akola. We went to Sayinsaheb as usual & today’s conversation was both important & marked by two incidents. Sayin Maharaj said that he used to sit in a corner and desired to exchange the lower part of his body for that of a parrot. The exchange came & he did not realize for a year and lost one lakh of rupees. Then he began to sit near a post & then a great serpent woke up and was very angry. It used to jump up & also fall from above. Then he changed the subject apparently & said that he visited a place and the Patil there would not let him go unless he made a plantation & had a foot path through it. He said he completed both. Some people came in at this point. To the man, he said, “You were a Rohilla before & were looted & made later on into a Bania.” To the woman, he said “you have no body but me to look after you.” Looking round he added that she was a relation of his, & had married the Rohillas who looted the man. Then he said, the world is bad. People were not as they were before. Formerly they used to be pious and trustful. Now they were unbelieving & disposed to contemplate the evil side and then he added something which I could not catch. It was something about his father, grandfather & his becoming the one & the other alternatively. Now as to the incidents, Mr Dixit brought fruits. Sayinsaheb ate some & was distributing the others. Balasaheb, Mamladar of this Taluk, was there & said that Sayin Maharaj was giving away only one fruits of one kind. My son told his friend Patwardhan that Sayin Maharaj accepted or refused fruits in proportion to the devotion with which they were offered. My son Baba tried to tell this to me & wished to do the same to Patwardhan. This made a little noise and Sayin Maharaj looked at me with an eye that blazed wonderfully sparkled with anger. He demanded what I said. I replied that I was saying nothing and that children were talking with each other. He looked at my son and Patwardhan and changed the mood immediately. Towards the close Balasaheb Mirikar remarked that Sayin Maharaj was talking all through to Haribhau Dixit. In the afternoon while we were at meals, Mr Mirikar ’s father who is an Inamdar & a special magistrate at Ahmednagar came. He is a very respectable gentleman of the old stamp. I liked his conversation very much. In the evening we saw Sayin Saheb as usual &at night we sat talking & Mr. Nulkar ’s son Vishwanath did Bhajan as he does every day.
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SHRI SAI NATH STAVAN MANJARI (A Humble Tribute of praise by Dasganu Maharaj)
(Translated from the marathi by Smt.Zarine Taraporevala and edited by Dr. Smt.Indira Kher, Ex.Executive Editor, Shri Sai Leela Magazine)
A HUMBLE TRIBUTE OF PRAISE TO SHRI SAINATH Lock, without your grace Nothing can be right in the world ; SHESHAYEE 30 befrieneded ARJUNA, To uphold the right.
….92
Due to the kindness of SUGRIV, BIBHISHANA Came in contact with King RAM, It is due to the saints, That Shri Hari is thus glorified.
….93
BRAHMAN, being formless, VEDAS cannot describe it. Be endowing it with forms, The saints have reduced the importance of the formless !
….94
VAIKUNTHAPATI, husband of RUKMINI, was made a "Mahra " by DAMAJI ; TO PICK UP CORPSES OF BUFFALOES CHOKHAMELA made JAGAD - ATMA (God) slog.
….95
Knowing the prowess of saints, Jagjivan laboured by carring water. Saints have truly lorded Over God Himself, who is Eternal Truth - Knowledge - Bliss.
….96
There is no need to speak more. You are our mother and our father, Oh, Sadguru Sainath, Dweller of Shirdi village.
….97
Baba, your "LEELAS" No one can truly comprehend ; Then, my plebain speech How can it do justice, tell me ?
....98
30. Vishnu
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THE DREAMS TRAIN (Dreams Of Saibanisa after Undergoing Bypass Surgery on 17-5-1996) Compiled by Saibandhu Raghu Raman Satulury
01-02-1997: Sai appeared as an unknown person and said:
This body is just my house. My Guru has long ago taken me away from it. ~Baba
Please tune in and listen to non-stop bhajans at: www.saibhaktiradio.com
Now you can view this eNewsLetter from iPhone at http://worldofsai.com.
THE
1. I am ever ready to offer shelter to you, when ever and wherever you feel the need to rest. 2. I exist both in your parents as well as in your children. 3. I shall accept whatever you offer me with love. To me love is more valuable than materialistic offerings. Rest assured, you can take refuge in me, as I am everywhere.
DEVOTEES CORNER DEVOTEES EXPERIENCE Sairam! I want to share a Saileela with all of you. This year in March we went to Shirdi. One of our friends from Pune was supposed to have made arrangements for our stay at Shirdi. He gave us the address of one STD booth in Shirdi and told us that someone would be waiting there for us. When we reached there, we found nobody, and a phone call to our friend in Pune went in vain as our friend was not available. We were wanting to attend Baba's Sej Aarti, and were wondering how to go about arranging for a good lodging, have bath and be in the Mandir in time for the Aarti. Suddenly, one man named Ramesh came over to us, took us to one very good lodging, told us that he owned a shop which sells Zari shawls that devotees buy to offer to Baba. Within no time we were ready and ran to the Mandir, as it was very close to the lodging, and believe it or not, we went inside the Mandir, and the Aarti started. We were very happy as it was our sincere wish to attend the Aarti, and returned to our lodging. If Ramesh did not show us the lodging at that particular moment, we couldn't have made it to the Aarti at all Next morning we went near his shop, made inquiries about him, everyone was saying,"Rameshbhai was
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just here, why don't you look for him near the STD booth" We searched for him everywhere, but couldn't find him. Could it have been Baba who came to us in the form of Rameshbhai. We never would know that, but this brought home the truth that Baba comes in any form He chooses to help us out when we are in need. Thank you Baba for making our Aarti Darshan possible. You are always taking care of us, Baba, we are foolish, please remove our veils of ignorance and give us Sadbuddhi and Sadvichaar. Let us have Shraddha and Saburi and bless us always with your name on our lips and in our hearts. Sairam. A SAI Devotee My family is devoted to Baba. My father became a SAI devotee in 1943 and since then the entire family is devoted to Baba. There were many miracles in my father's life out of which I wish to narrate two here 1. My mother lost her first 3 children during pregnancy/child birth. When she was pregnant for the fourth time, my father came to know about Shirdi. He reached Madras from interior Tamilnadu, went to the Central Station and asked for a ticket to Shirdi, without knowing that there was no station under that name. The booking clerk happened to be a SAI devotee and he made all the arrangements for my father's journey to Kopergaon. When my father reached Shirdi, it was a Thursday and Das Ganu Maharaj was performing the Aarthi. My father was standing behind the rails and was crying without accepting the Prasad. Das Ganu told him that he knew what his problem was. My father retorted asking him to spell out. Das Ganu told him about my father's longing for a child and he also told him that my mother would give birth to a male baby. He further advised my father to name all the male children after Baba. Pl remember that though my father was from South who was meeting Das Ganu for the first time, Das Kanu could make all these predictions. It was only the blessings of Baba. My father named all the 3 sons after Baba.2. When my father was worshipping Baba in a small town in Tamilnadu, there was opposition from the Dravidian parties. One of its leaders threatened him even with violence. It so happened that the leader's wife who was in the family way could not deliver the child and her condition became precarious. At the instance of his relatives, the leader sought my father's forgiveness and help. My father gave him udhi and prayed on his behalf. Within half-hour, a male child was born. From that day the Dravidian party leader became a staunch SAI Devotee and a disciple of my father. There were umpteen such instances in my father's life till his demise in 1986. He did not suffer even for a day and he was of the firm conviction that Baba would not allow him to suffer. May Baba bless all of us. OM SHRI SAIRAM A SAI Devotee
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ARTICLES FROM DEVOTEES (A RECORD OF THRILLING EXPERIENCES OF (LATE) DR.P.S.RAMASWAMI AN ARDENT DEVOTEE OF SHRI SHIRDI SAI BABA)
BABA'S MIRACLE THROUGH GURUJI-4 " God fulfils Himself in many ways lest one good custom should corrupt the world" -Tennyson. MIRACLE-CURE OF PSYCHO-SOMATIC ILLNESS (1971)
I look on all with equal eye. ~ Baba
During 1970-72, I was in Gwalior practising as a homoeopath, For some months in early 1971 there was an acute scarcity of kerosene which could not be had for love or for money. Hence my 'kirana' dealer, one Mr. Kapoor, suggested he would introduce me to Mr.J.PGupta, a Sales Engineer of the I.O.C. at Gwalior at that time so that I might seek his good offices for the purpose. Thus, I met the officer. It was towards the beginning of March. Before I could explain the purpose of my visit, Mr.Gupta requested me to hear what he had to say adding it was something personal and important. I was no doubt intrigued. The following is an account of wTiat he said. One day in the preceding September, Mr. Gupta dreamt that while he was on his_way to the office, his scooter skidded near the railway station and he fell down. However, it was out of his mind in the morning. Strange to say, as he was going to the office, at the exact spot indicated in the dream, the scooter skidded throwing him down, though there was no injury as a result. He took it in the stride and soon had no thought for it. Exactly three months later, he dreamt that as he was driving his car and nearing the station, at the selfsame spot where the scooter had skidded, the car turned turtle throwing him off. In the process, his right forearm was fractured and tongue cut and bleeding. Imagine his shock and utter fright on waking to find that the fore-arm was actually fractured causing terrible pain and the tongue half severed and bleeding partly drenching the bed sheet. He was taken to the hospital where the fracture was set and the tongue stitched, and he became all right physically but developed psycho-somatic troubles, for curing which he was advised to go to the A.I.I.M.S. Delhi for psychiatric therapy. Accordingly the gentleman proceeded on leave and, on his way to Delhi visited his native village in U.P where his father, after consulting his friend, a Hanuman devotee, advised his son to go back to Gwalior, saying that he would meet a person by March and, with his help, become all right. Now, we were in the threshold of March, and my being a homoeopath rang a bell for him. he earnestly beseeched me to come to his rescue. So far, so good. But I told Mr. Gupta frankly that I must feel subjectively I had the sanction for doing so. I, therefore advised him to write to Guruji, Shri R. Narayanaswamy Konar of Shri Sai Baba Durbar, Jabalpur, who it was that had launched
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me into homoeopathy and whose anticipatory blessings I always sought before beginning to treat such baffling ailments. He did so. It so happened that Guruji was away on a protected tour, and it was not till the end of April that a reply came telling him to go ahead with my treatment, and that, by Baba's grace, he would be cured. Now, I know that I would be instrumental in bringing about a miracle-cure as had been achieved on previous occasions through the twin blessings of Gurukataksham and Baba's grace before which no illness or evil force can ever stand. The doses of Kali Phos 1m completely cured the gentleman and restored him to normalcy.
Glory be to Shri Shirdi Sai - Grace be to all
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Om Sai Ram English and Telugu Version of SHIRDI SAI NATHUNI MADHURANAMAMRUTHAM (Prema Maniharam) is now available.
Diamond Necklace to Shirdi Sai Baba Publisher: Sterling Publishers This book is about 108 names of Shirdi Sai with Detailed Meaning + Miracles + prayer for each name Please contact:
Sai Giridhar Ari http://www.shirdisaiashtothara.com/ http://shirdisaimadhuranama.blogspot.com/ http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/bookinfo.asp?na=9788120758681
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t i on c e S n e r d Chil
Learn and Participate
Story for this Week: “ SATYAMEVA JAYATE !!!” No collection of moral stories will be complete without the mention of Satya Harishchandra. His story is well known and praised by everyone. Truth is the most fundamental moral to be learnt by everyone and it is alone enough to reach God. The following is a small incident showing Harishchandra, a strict follower of the truth: When travelling in the forest, with his family and Nakshatraka to Varanasi, Harishchandra sees un-controllable forest fire surrounding them. They did not understand the reason for it and Nakshatraka was worried a lot, not knowing the way of getting out of the fire. Harishchandra‟s worries were for a different reason. He was not worried for loosing his life, but was worried if he dies in the fire, then he will not be able to return his debt to Vishwaamitra Maharshi and thus will not be able to keep up his word. Seeing this, Agnideva the fire God (sent by Vishwaamitra) told them a way to cross the fire safely. He said anyone who says that his name is not his own name, can safely walk through fire. Immediately Nakshatraka, to attract them to say a lie, says I name is not Nakshatraka and walks into the fires. Nothing happens to him and he walks back suggesting Harishchandra and his family to try out the same. Obviously Harishchandra will not say a lie, but gets worried since he will be not be able to repay Vishwaamitra maharshi. Seeing the worry of her husband, Chandramati devi does a stotram to agni saying that if she were a pativrata, then the fire must stop. Immediately the huge daavaagni (fire) vanishes and they cross the forest safely.
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The whole episode of Vishwaamitra maharshi testing Harishchandra starts with a conversation at Indra Sabha: A discussion will be raised to zero-in on a vratam (fasting) which anyone whether rich or poor, whether king or servant, kid or elder, male or female can follow, exists or not. Vasishta maharshi suggests that satya vratam (speaking truth always) is there and tells that Harishchandra is a firm follower of it. Vasishta and Vishwaamitra both challenge each other, Vasishta saying "In the impossible event of Harishchandra uttering a lie I will leave sandhyaavandanaadi aahnikas, japa, tapas, remove yagnyopavita, become Bhrasta, have wine and behave in a way co-rishis will hate me, throw me out of there community and eventually goto naraka!". Vishwaanitra says "If Harishchandra stands my tests I will give half of my till now earned entire tapashshakti, make him rule the earth for many years and for 14 manvantaras will make him occupy the ardha-simhaasanam of Indra". Harishchandra in the end qualifies the tests of Vishwaamitra, enjoys all these bhogas and in the end with Lord Shiva's blessings gets liberation. Morals in the Story: 1. Let even death may came, one must never leave the path of truth. 2. Though a person has to face temporary difficulties for following the path of truth, in the end always truth only wins. 3. The power of pativrata is enormous. It seems the power of Agni or howmuch ever tapashshakti cannot equal that of a pativrata.
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SPIRITUAL GEMS FROM SATCHARITA ~ CHAPTER 42 Contributed by: swamy@saimail.com
Baba's Passing Away Baba remembered Laxmibai's service. How could He forget her? Just before leaving the body, He put His hand in His pocket and gave her once Rs.5/- and again Rs.4/-, in all Rs.9/-. This figure (9) is indicative of the nine types of devotion described in chapter 21 or it may be the Dakshina offered at the time of Seemollanghan. Laxmibai was a well-to-do woman and so she was not in want of any money. So Baba might have suggested to her and brought prominently to her notice the nine characteristics of a good disciple mentioned in the 6th verse of chapter ten, skandha eleven of the Bhagwat, wherein first five and then four characteristics are mentioned in the I can not first and second couplets.* Baba followed the order, first paid Rs.5/- and then Rs.4/in all Rs.9/-. Not only nine, but many times nine rupees passed through Laxmibai's hand, but Baba's this gift of Nine, she will ever remember.
do
Sai Ram. anything Those coins are preserved and worshiped by her descendants even today. Sai Ram.
without Being so watchful and conscious, Baba also took other precautions in His last moment. In order that He should not be embroiled or entangled with love and affection Gods’ for His devotees, He ordered them all to clear off. Kakasaheb Dixit, Bapusaheb Booty and others were in the Masjid anxiously waiting upon Baba, but He asked permission. them to go to the Wada and return after meals. They could not leave Baba's presence, nor could they disobey Him. So with heavy hearts and heavy feet they went to the Wada. They knew that Baba's case was very serious and that they could not for~ Baba get Him. They sat for meals, but their mind was elsewhere, it was with Baba. Before they finished, news came to them of Baba's leaving the mortal coil. Leaving their dishes, they ran to the Masjid and found that Baba rested finally on Bayaji's lap. He did not fall down on the ground nor did He lie on His bed, but sitting quietly on His seat and doing charity with His own hand threw off the mortal coil. Saints embody themselves and come into this world with a definite mission and after that is fulfilled they pass away as quietly and easily as they came. Sai Ram. To the Saint, the body is just an instrument like other instruments for carrying out the purpose entrusted by the Lord and thus there is no attachment to the body or any one or any thing else. That is the lesson among others that the Saints are trying to teach us. Let us be worthy disciples and learn the lessons well. Sai Ram.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
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Quintessence from Shri Sai Baba’s Philosophy (By Late Sri Bharam UmamaheswaraRao) ~ Contribution by "Shashank"crazydiode@gmail.com, Mrs and Mr Anand
Chapter 35: The Wheel of Time and the Pangs of sorrow and Death Continued from last issue
29. You come into this world naked and go naked. None is born with wealth and power. None take riches with them when the Soul departs. As long as you live, be like a fruit-tree which takes simple water and gives the world sweet fruits. You must be helpful to all its fruit-trees and perform your duties harmoniously, collectively and perfectly. 30. You are deluded by illusive appearance while in youth. As days pass on, and as the world and family weigh heavy upon you, you feel slavery, bondage, misery and an unsympathetic atmosphere, the sharp teeth of envy, and the chill scorn of pride. Friends forsake; companions prove traitors. Fame and name vanish; wealth and health are spent. Then you seek the eternal solace in God‟s name and faith. You prefer silence and solitude more than talk and multitude. Experience cows-down your pride. 31. The worldly wealth, friendship, relations, titles, pleasures all will one day burst like bubbles and vanish. They will leave you forlorn. The Divine Light burns in your own self; seek it by meditation before the world disappoints you and death calls you. 32. The heart is the seat of the pure Divine; enquire „Who Am I?‟ the answer is „I, I am so and so‟. Here „I am‟ one says, by touching the heart; plunge into the heart in mind-silent. You can attain God who is the self of selves. Your body, however sweet and great it maybe, it cannot grant you eternal joy. The joy of today will end after death, the love of today becomes hatred after death. The only eternal delight is I the Self; it is the divine identification, the sole aim of life that can vouchsafe spotless unperturbed peace and delight. The Pure Spirit is your only relative, friend, support, light, guide and everything. Nothing else can be compared to it. It is your own. This is the only Truth, the only Knowledge worth knowing and the only lasting Bliss. That alone gives noble and high soaring peace and comfort, you must find out thru constant communication. 33. So long as you are in this earth, live in Spiritual Communion, live as a holy family. 34. Having all this on your mind, when death is nearing you, you must face it cheerfully. All of you should keep this in mind. Will be continued... सत्सङ्गत्वे ननस्स्ङ्गत्वं ननस्सङ्गत्वे ननमोहत्वम ् | ननमोहत्वे ननश्चलतत्त्वं ननश्चलतत्त्वे जीवन्मक्ु तः ||
For all SaiDarbarUSA activities in Greater Philadelphia, please visit www.saidarbarusa.org. Sai Temple, Downingtown, PA. (http://www.saitemplepa.com/.) Temple is open on Thursdays and Sundays after 2:00 pm. Please contact Mr. Raj Singh at 610-656-1396 or Sai Temple at 610-269-1112 for more details about the temple activities. For more event info please visit http://www.saitemplepa.com/. UDI Prasaad From Shirdi Now Available in Canada for Distribution : Devotees of Greater Toronto Area can visit Sai Darbar and receive UDI from Baba with His Blessings - Darbar is open for DARSHANbetween 10:30am to 4pm every Thursday. (visits after 4pm pls call to confirm). Devotees in the OTHER PARTS OF CANADA can receive UDI PRASAAD by submitting their request by email at saileela99@gmail.com orSubmit your willingness by visiting www.shirdisainath.org giving your full family name - Phone number postal and email address.
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Disclaimer: The editor does not accept any responsibility for the views expressed in the articles published. This e-magazine is intended for private circulation only. Information contained in this email is about Sri Shirdi Sai Literature and Sanatana Dharma. You have received this magazine because you are either subscribed to this directly or through one of the email groups receiving "The Glory of Shirdi Sai". To Subscribe: You or your interested friends and family members can subscribe for THE GLORY OF SHIRDI SAI by sending an email with the subject line ‘Subscribe’ to members@saidarbarusa.org. To Un-subscribe: If you are a direct member and do not wish to receive this e-magazine in future, please email to members@saidarbarusa.org with the subject line ‘Unsubscribe’. Please send your feedback to feedback@saidarbarusa.org From the Editor’s Desk Control Raga-dvesha, obstructers of the spiritual path. Do your own duty well. Control desire and anger the enemies of wisdom. Master first the senses. Kill this enemy-desire by restraining the self by the Self and by knowing Him who is superior to intellect.” Chapter 3 (37-43). ~ The Bhagavad Gita Sai devotees may continue to write about their Sai-related activities, essays, articles or poetry and send to the email id editor@saidarbarusa.org. We shall put in our best efforts to include them in the upcoming newsletter. Unless the author of the articles explicitly instructs not to publish his/her email id, we will publish them as a matter of routine practice. JAI SAI RAM
Publisher and Editor: Badri Narasimhan Editorial Team: Radhika Nistala, Kanchana Kumar, Sumathi VijayBhaskaran, Sneha Narasimhan Email: editor@saidarbarusa.org
BOW TO SHRI SAI ~ PEACE BE TO ALL