'Shirdi Sai Baba - An Inspiring Life'– Book Review

Book on 'Shirdi Sai Baba - An Inspiring Life ' written by Dr Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, published by Harper Collins

My recent read is the book 'Shirdi Sai Baba – An Inspiring Life', written by Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy. For long I had cherished the desire to study the life of Sai Nath, the saintly master who entered Mahasamadhi in 1918, yet whose influence continues to radiate across India and the world. This book opens with the touching account of Baijabai Kote Patil, a simple woman of Shirdi, who was destined to be the first to recognize in him the fragrance of divinity. She lived with her husband and her young son, Tatya Kote Patil. One day, while walking in the thickets, she encountered a boy-like figure seated beneath a tree in solitary meditation. His eyes were closed; his countenance, though youthful, radiated a light not of this world. In that instant her heart knew she was in the presence of one touched by the Eternal.

Baijabai was overwhelmed with compassion. Seeing him in so neglected and uncared-for a state, she hurried home to bring food and water. At first he refused to eat, as if testing the depth of her heart’s sincerity. But her motherly persistence prevailed. When he opened his eyes, she implored him lovingly to accept her offering. He took a morsel and thus began the bond of devotion and service between her and the one who would soon be recognized as Shirdi Sai. She did not know the science of yoga or the scriptures of mysticism; but in her daily act of seeking him in the woods, feeding him before herself, she became an instrument of divine compassion. As per the book, in later years, Baba declared that she had been his sister in past incarnations.

The book also notes the uncertainty around Sai Baba’s year of birth—various dates are given by different sources. But of greater significance are his teachings, universal and timeless: brotherhood of man, cooperative humanism, simplicity in living and the soul’s reliance upon the Guru for both spiritual and earthly guidance. As his circle of devotees grew, Baba extended his daily ministrations. At Dwarkamayi and Chavadi he spent his days receiving, counseling, blessing and uplifting all who came, manifesting his role as God’s servant to humanity.

These events took place in a period of profound transition in India. Between his advent in Shirdi in 1872 and his Mahasamadhi in 1918, the nation’s destiny was reshaped. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 had already resulted in the annexation of India by the British Crown in 1858. The Mughal dynasty had waned and English was imposed as the official language, while Urdu declined. The religious conversions of earlier centuries diminished. In 1875, the Arya Samaj arose, renewing Hindu reform. Nationalist leaders Lal, Bal and Pal began their quest for freedom. Lokmanya Tilak ignited mass consciousness with Ganesh Visarjan and Shivaji Jayanti, inspiring religious nationalism in Maharashtra. Amidst these upheavals, Baba stood as a still point of divine light.

In his small village, he harmonized what the world sought to divide. He drew together people of every religion, caste, language and station in life, embodying in word and action his simple principle: Sabka Malik Ek — “There is but one Master of all.”

His methods were individualized for each soul, yet his principles never altered. However, the goal was one: healing. Though some opposed him, Baba remained unshaken. His heart absorbed all differences. Like the banyan tree that spreads its sheltering branches wide, unmoved by storm, Sai Baba gave refuge to all who sought him.

Baba’s life was simplicity itself. Yet miracles flowed ceaselessly from him both during his earthly sojourn and after his Mahasamadhi. Many learned and skeptical visitors came to test him, only to find themselves transformed by experiences that transcended reason. Such manifestations were not tricks but living assurances of God’s reality, bestowed to awaken faith.

The darbar of Shirdi was a living testimony to unity. Hindus and Muslims, rich and poor, men and women, young and old—all gathered with devotion. Many washed his feet with milk and water or worshipped him with flowers and tears of gratitude. In those days, when Hindu-Muslim unity was sorely needed, his presence dissolved boundaries. To Muslims, he was Awliya, Pir or Paigambar. To Hindus, he was Sadguru Maharaj or Avatar. From dawn until late night; his darbar was alive with prayer and reverence, centered upon him, yet pointing always to the One Spirit behind all forms.

This book reveals not only the life of Sai Baba, but the eternal message he bore: that divinity incarnates again and again to remind humanity of its forgotten unity. The author, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, himself a scholar, philanthropist and spiritual writer, offers a detailed portrayal of the saint. Recipient of six Honoris Causa and author of fifty-five books on saints, astrology, spirituality and divine incarnations—translated into sixteen Indian languages, English and four foreign tongues, his scholarship and devotion have rendered a faithful work.

Shirdi Sai Baba – An Inspiring Life presents us with a picture of one who, though seated in a humbly, encompassed within himself the vastness of eternity. He conquered no kingdom, yet won the empire of countless hearts. He proclaimed no new doctrine, yet renewed the ageless truth: the One Spirit alone is real and to realize it is the purpose of life.

If I were to assign a number as rating for the book, I would unhesitatingly give this book nine out of ten. Yet the measure of such a book is not in numbers. Its worth is in the upliftment it gives to the soul and the reminder that the eternal Master lives within us.

These are my reflections, shaped by my reading. I invite you to read and form your own. For Baba’s truth cannot be confined to words—it is to be felt, like the fragrance of a flower, by the heart that opens to him.

Thank you for visiting.

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Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia