Showing posts with label Shirdi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shirdi. Show all posts
Exclusive | Countdown to Shri Saibaba Samadhi Centenary Year Celebrations
The countdown to this year's much awaited celebration has officially begun. 2017 - 2018 marks the centenary year of Shri Saibaba's Mahasamadhi, and needless to say, devotees are all set to witness a series of spectacular events and activities in Shirdi. Saibaba of Shirdi took Mahasamadhi on the auspicious occasion of Dussera (according to Hindu calendar) in the year 1918. With the year long Shatabdi Punyatithi Utsav set to kickstart on October 1, Shri Saibaba Santhan Trust (shirdi) has begun preparations for the various activities and events that have been planned throughout the year.
The festivities are expected to kickstart with a special ceremony on October 1, 2017. This would be right after the three day Punyatithi utsav, scheduled from September 28 to 30. The ceremony will be attended by special dignitaries, guests and various devotees from across the globe. The trust has planned a host of grand events, including performances, bhajans, parayan among others. The Sai International Marathon is also scheduled to take place on October 15 (which also coincides with Saibaba's Mahasamadhi date according to Gregorian calendar). This, apart from a host of different activities, that will go on till October 2018.
In an exclusive chat with our editor, Smt Rubal Agarwal, CEO - SSST (Shirdi), discussed some of the key activities planned by the trust. Watch the video to know more:
During an exclusive interaction with us in Mumbai, Smt Rubal Agarwal, CEO - SSST (Shirdi) stated that a Paduka Yatra will be organised, wherein Shri Saibaba's original padukas will be taken to various cities across the country. Around the same time, a pair of silver padukas will be taken on an international yatra, which will greatly benefit devotees across the globe. In addition, Shri Suresh Haware - Chairman - SSST (Shirdi) expressed his pleasure on welcoming national and international marathoners and various other participants during the Sai International Marathon. Mr Haware stated that the celebrations would be one of the biggest Sai movements in the world. The trust has also invited top artists from across the country to perform during the year long celebrations. These performances would be offered as part of 'Sai Seva' by the artists.
Well, needless to say, we can't wait to witness the grand celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Love,
The Dancebee
The Traditional Twist
I am not very fond of heavily embellished ethnic outfits. My all time favorite ethnic outfit has to be a simple and elegant lucknowi chikan suit or an elegant anarkali. I also love opting for collared kurtas in cotton. When an occasion demands something traditional, I usually opt for the simple Kurta - Churidaar look, albeit with a twist. Playing with colors and accessories is one such thing. Mixing colours is always fun, especially in summer. I recently did something similar, when I had to attend a morning Puja in Shirdi. And to add some extra fun, I wore my favourite pair of aviators along with it.
There are times when I just like to opt for a classic look. A simple outfit, pair of sunglasses, an elegant watch and I am ready to go. But experimenting with a dash of colors doesn't hurt, especially on a happy, sunny day (and more so, if it is your birthday morning). In this outfit, the pair of colorful earrings and the hint of neon green on my flat sandals broke the monotony of blue and pink.
So, the next time you go traditional, try moving away from the boring route and add a dash of colours to your plain Kurta - Churidaar look. But, don't over - accessorize the look. Stick to one stand out accessory, which can add some drama to your overall outfit. Keep the make - up minimal. I have only opted for a bright shade of pink matte lipstick and an eyeliner.
Outfit details
Kurta: Gift
Leggings (worn as churidaar): Forever 21
Earrings: Forever 21
Watch: Gift
Aviators: Ray Ban
Flats: Max
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Birthday Special | Favourite Day of the Year
Almost everyone knows how much I love birthdays. It is on this day that you were born, and two wonderful people in your life called you their 'little bundle of joy'. This year, my family and friends made sure it was a day week to remember. I am a big fan of surprises, and my friends almost made me cry with their awesomeness. My birthday week started off on an amazing note, with a 'Friends Day Out' at a suburban mall. From eating yummy food to having a blast at the gaming zone, we did it all and boy! It sure was good fun. I came back home with a smile that lasted through the week, and gifts that will stay with me for life.
Two days after the 'Early Birthday Party', my brother surprised me with something that I have been eyeing for a very, very long time. Yes, I am talking about the Apple iPad 4. Don't think I can thank him enough for this present, because I have been saving up for one since a really long time (student life, you see). As they say, sometimes happiness knocks on your door in the most unexpected ways.
I celebrated my birthday in the best way, ever. It was a special occasion, as Ram Navami fell on the same day and there were millions of people in Shirdi who were celebrating Lord Ram's birthday with great joy and elation. With birthday wishes pouring in from almost everywhere, beautiful darshan in the Saibaba samadhi temple, yummy cake, never ending Gujju thali, and a chance to sing Sai Bhajans in front of a huge audience; it truly was a day to remember.
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| My outfit for the Pooja and Bhajan performance on 19th April |
But with all the happiness around, there were a few things that didn't work out the way I expected. My friends tried their best to keep me away from these 'bizarre turn of events', but the inevitable must happen and I got to know about it (mobile internet is to be blamed for that). My mood was all somber, and I was feeling low, that too on my Birthday. But then, I managed to come out of it. Life is a struggle and no matter how hard you work, you may not end up getting the reward that you deserve (in this case, it was not just me, but my friend too). There are ups and downs, and things go wrong. But in the end, what matters is that you gave your best shot at everything, with honesty and a clean heart.
It was during this time, that I realized, there are some people who will stand by you no matter what.
Thank you so much for everything, friends (you know who you are). Each one of you made my birthday week special in some way or the other. But more than that, you guys stood by me when I needed someone the most. Last but not the least, a big bear hug to my family. Such awesome people, I tell you!
Outfit 1
Dress: Calvin Klein Jeans
Necklace: Zara
Footwear: Gift
Outfit 2
Kurta- churidaar: Global Desi
Jhumka: Borrowed from sister
On my lips:
MAC ruby woo and Revlon Cherries in the Snow
Love
The Dancebee
Outfit Post - The Birthday trip
OOTD's are generally planned in advance or in some cases, are planned an hour or two in advance. But you dress up on your Birthday anyway, right? So this post has some pictures from my two day Birthday trip to Shirdi, which was filled with exam preps stress and some excitement too. But, I decided to keep those books away on my special day, to avoid getting a headache. Also, I started to miss my long hair a lot, but the short crop made me feel better, especially in the crazy afternoon heat, which almost touched 40 degrees.
I couldn't go out for my yearly shopping ritual with dad (although my sis and mom are my shopping partners, curbing the urge to shop more and helping me choose the right outfit is only best done by dad), better known as 'The Grand Birthday Shopping' day. So, I opted for a dress I had picked up a fortnight before my birthday, paired it up with the Tresmode kitten heels (My dream of buying Steve Madden pumps on the GBS day with dad were shattered, thanks to exams) and wore a spiral necklace along with a ring. I could have done a lot more, but then, there is always a next time (especially with birthdays, as they come every year). I used MAC's Kajal pencil on my eyes and for my lips, I mixed two lip colors, Revlon lipstick - 'Cherries in the Snow' and NYX lip creme - 'Milan'
Also, I usually wear a traditional outfit for the early morning Pooja in the temple. So, I got myself a bright orange kurta and purple leggings. Again, the make up was simple with some Kajal (MAC kajal pencil) and MAC's Morange lipstick.
And now, some pictures from the Birthday Bash (My idea of a bash is a private affair with family, in Shirdi of course).
Some Chocolate cake for all of you. Thanks for being such wonderful sweethearts!
Dress: Mango
Kitten Heels: Tresmode
Accessories: Bandra
Ethnic twist for the Pooja. Bright orange Kurta with a dash of purple and gold.
PS: Wondering why I don't have any footwear on? Simple, we decided to ditch the footwear at home and head straight to the temple, as the footwear counter outside the temple was all messed up. This picture was taken outside our Hotel room.
Kurta: Haute Curry
Leggings: Shopper's Stop
My family made sure I have a wonderful time on my special day. It's a different story that I had to go through a crazy exam the very next day. Also, I would like to thank all my amazing 'Tweepleos' (Yes! I call my twitter followers that), fans, followers and friends for making my day special with their wonderful messages. Love you all!!
Is your Birthday coming up? Let us know, would love to give you a Shout out on Twitter!
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Love
The Dancebee
Memories - My Childhood in Shirdi
Every time I visit Shirdi, my childhood comes back to tease me!
Every wonderful moment of my childhood spent in Shirdi was beautiful. I thank god for giving me the chance to be born in the 90's, at least before the millennium, Because I enjoyed some amazing, peaceful moments in Shirdi, which cannot be compared to the present day situation!
I remember staying there for 8-10 days, I remember the time when there used to be no crowd in the temple. No one pulled you even if you stood there chanting a shloka, No one touched you if you simply smiled at saibaba's beautiful idol. No one dared to raise their voice in the temple and No one pushed you! The temple, with simple decorations, was so peaceful. I remember playing and running around in the sanctum sanatorium of the Samadhi temple, clicking photographs and even getting the time to pose. I could touch the Samadhi and stand there for 5-10 mins, looking into Saibaba's eyes. There was so much i could do! But today, the only thing I can do is look at the idol and pray, everything else is lost somewhere in the crowd!
The shanti and bhakti hall, made for the convenience of the bhaktas who stand in the Darshan queue, was made in 1998! I remember going there when it was under construction. When it was ready for use, I used to stand on the steel benches and walk in the queue. As time passed, the crowd started swelling and I remember how even years after that, I used to stand on those benches and shout out loudly, "Sainath maharaj ki," waiting for the bhaktas to reply back with a loud 'Jay'!
But today, all I can do with chant the name of lord, while walking quietly in the super long queue.
In Dwarkamai, I remember how all the priests and other workers used to laugh at all my childish antics! I used to sing the whole aarti (which i even do now). My parents used to read the sai satcharitra there, while I was busy lighting up the earthen lamps every Thursday near the fireplace, where baba used to cook his food. Whenever I went to the Dwarkamai, I distributed the holy teerth (water) to everyone and stood there for almost 1-2 hrs. I remember how I fought with a groom who entered the temple with his footwear on. I remember how I used to sweep the temple at night. I remember how I used to offer naivedya (offering of food) to Saibaba at noon. Post noon aarti, all the bhaktas used to mix the food items brought by all the everyone and then, distribute it everywhere. On my birthday, I used to offer some pieces of the cake inside the Dhuni. like an offering made to Agni dev (fire god). But today, the sanctum sanatorium of Dwarkamai is closed on most Weekends and Thursday, teerth & naivedya distribution is stopped by the sansthan (management). The only thing I can do now is take the darshana and be content. The dhuni is permanently closed from all the sides.
The Sansthan premises was like a big playground for me, as I posed, hopped, jumped, danced and sung aartis in loud and clear tones! The sai satyavrat puja was perfect where the priest never ran out of time and recited the full story of Lord satyanarayan properly. During the kakad aarti (morning aarti), everyone inside the sanctum sanatorium was asked to sit down till the priests finished the holy bath of Shri Saibaba. But today, everything has become a part of the fast-paced life. They have cut down on time and made space for more better arrangements. Fair enough! But what about those people who stand up in the middle of an aarti, causing inconvenience to people. They start gossiping when the priest is reciting shlokas. They throw coins and flowers at the Main idol, which may cause permanent damage. Can't people think twice before acting like this?
Shirdi is, was and will always be close to my heart. I will continue to celebrate my birthday there and I will always love everything about my holy watan. But, there were some wonderful days I enjoyed during my childhood in the late 90s. Those days will never come back. The current generation of children who visit Shirdi don't get the privilege of all things nice, the way I got it. They don't get to do everything that i did. So in a way, I was truly lucky. Thank you so much for everything, God.
Om Sai Ram
Bow to shri sai, Peace be to all
Love,
The Dancebee
Sai as Sagun Bhramin
There are two aspects of God or Brahman : (1) the Unmanifested (Nirgun) and (2) the Manifested (Sagun). The Nirgun is formless, while the Sagun is with form, though both denote the same Brahman. Some prefer to worship the former, some the latter. As stated in the Gita (chapter XII) the worship of the latter is easy and preferable. As man has got a form (body, senses, etc.), it is natural and easy for him to worship the God with form. Our love and devotion do not develop unless we worship Sagun Brahman for a certain period of time, and as we advance; it leads us to the worship (meditation) of Nirgun Brahman. So let us start with Sagun worship. Image, altar, fire, light, sun, water, Brahman are the seven objects of worship, but Sadguru is better than all these. Let us, on this occasion, bring to our mind the form of Sai, Who was non-attachment Incarnate, and Who was a resting-place for His whole-hearted devotees. Our faith in His words is the seat of Asan; and our Sankalpa (determination to start and finish the Puja) is the abandonment of all our desires. Some say that Sai was a Bhagwad-bhakta (devotee of the Lord), others say He was a Maha-Bhagwat (a great devotee), but to us He is God Incarnate. He was extremely forgiving, never irritable, straight, soft, tolerant and content beyond comparison.
Though He looked embodied (as having the form), He was really dis-embodied, emotionless, unattached and internally free. The Ganges on its way to the sea, cools and refreshes the creatures affected with heat, gives life to the crops and trees, and quenches the thirst of many. Similarly Saints (Souls) like Sai, while they live their own life, give solace and comfort to all. Lord Krishna has said that 'the Saint is My soul, My living image, I am He or He is My pure form (Being).' This in-describable Shakti or Power of God, known as Pure Existence, Knowledge and Bliss, incarnated in the form of Sai in Shirdi. The Shruti (Taitiriya Upanishad) describes Brahman as Bliss. This we read or hear daily in the books, but the devout people experienced this Brahman or Bliss in Shirdi. Baba, the support of all, required no prop or support (Asan) from anybody. He always used a piece of sack-cloth for His seat, which was covered with a small beautiful bed by His bhaktas and has a bolster placed by them, as a rest to His back. Baba respected the feelings of His devotees and allowed them to worship Him as they liked. Some waved Chamara or fans before Him, some played on musical instruments, some washed His hands and Feet, some others applied scent and chandan, some gave betel nut with leaves and other things, and some others offered naivedya. Though He looked like living in Shirdi, He was present everywhere. This all-pervasiveness of His way daily experienced by His devotees.
Our humble prostration to this all-pervasive Sadguru.
Wonderful vision of Saibaba
As I finished reading the main chapters of Sai satcharitra yesterday, baba blessed me with this wonderful vision to prove that he is with me forever. I saw myself taking darshana in the shri saibaba samadhi mandir. There I saw baba's murti adorned and decked with around 5-6 gold necklaces and the temple was empty! The priest then asked me to perform a puja in the Gurusthan with some other priests and offer 251 belpatra leaves along with milk on the Pindi (which is inside the gurusthan temple).
I performed the puja after which, my parents and I proceeded towards the Dwarkamai temple where the priest gave us food from the Hodge - Podge (which was a custom followed until recently,where naivedya brought by all bhaktas was mixed & distributed after the aarti) and made us sit in two rows in front of the dhuni and baba's picture.
I woke up to this dream to see that the time was 10 am. I couldn't believe all that I saw in my dream. My hair stood at end and I looked at baba's picture which is right next to my bed and slowly whispered, "Om sai ram. Thank you for this heartwarming vision! Baba, I LOVE YOU."
BOW TO SHRI SAI, PEACE BE TO ALL
