SHIRDI SAI BABA imparted his teachings in various ways. Each of his actions had a hidden meaning and a deep message for masses. On the surface, his intention behind allowing of URS on Rama Navami day and later permitting celebrations of Ram’s Birth on the day was obviously intended to bring about unity of Hindus and Muslims, promoting feeling of brotherhood, mutual cooperation, harmony besides celebrations, festivity, enjoyment and fervour in small village of Shirdi during British ruled Indian era.
Celebrating Hindu God Lord Rama's Birthday each year reminds us of Ram and what Ram stands for. For Hindus Ram stands for ideal human conduct, as son, brother, Prince, Disciple, husband, King etc. Ram signifies victory of good over evil in worldly terms. Ram stands for love, duty, courage, compassion, nobility, valor, humility, respect, peace, stability, sacrifice, devotion and so on.
Significance of Ram naam - Looking deeply we realise that Celebrating this festival each year brings up the efficacy of Ram Naam Jaap. Saibaba had advised many of his devotees to do Smaran(remembrance). Chanting of God’s name is said to be very important and there are so many stories about how chanting God’s name saves a devotee during tough times. All Sai devotees can recall how Saibaba presented Vishnu Sahastranama to Shama to bring about significance of God’s name. And Ram is special to all Hindus.
When we celebrate Ram Navami, we remember Lord Ram, his life and times. We read and sing his leelas( life stories), chant his name with devotion. This brings peace of mind, gives mental strength to overcome difficult life situations.
What is bigger – Lord Ram or his name ‘Ram”? Saibaba perhaps wanted us to understand this. Saint Tulsidas in his epic The Ramayana has explained that while both(Ram and his Name) appear as One but both have mutual relationship of obedient servant and master. Only through high level of spiritual maturity can we comprehend which is bigger. Though both name and person named as Ram have attributes of Supreme Power yet Lord Ram follows his name. Take his Name and he appears. With closed eyes we cannot recognise what is kept on our palm without knowing its name. However, without seeing its form, if we remember name of something, the same can be visualized with love in our heart. Between Nirgun (unseen) and Sagun(seen), the Name is a beautiful Sakshi(witness). Seekers who want to understand the secret and sacred truth of Universe, do so by chanting lord’s name and attain Self Realisation.
When devotees are undergoing turbulent times, name chanting removes their miseries and brings about inner peace. Many Seekers chant name without any desire, material or otherwise, and want to continue chanting. Saint Tulsidas says that Brahman(consciousness) has two forms – Sagun and Nirgun i.e., manifest and unmanifest. Both cannot be defined or measured. Both were, are and will be. Both are magnificent. But Name is bigger than both, and controls both. Nirgun is like a tiny speck of fire hidden deep in wood while sagun is manifest fire itself which we can see with naked eyes. In principle, both are same, yet difficult to understand. However, with Name, both are easy to understand.
Lord Rama took human body, suffered himself, to free earth from ‘Rakshas’, the demons. However his true devotees can easily cross worldly ocean by taking his name only. Saint Tulsidas says Lord Rama freed Ahiliya but his name has reformed negative thoughts of millions around the world. Lord Rama himself killed one ‘Tadkha’ for protecting Saint Vishwamitra but his name alone has destroyed sins of millions just as Sun destroys darkness of night. Rama himself destroyed Shiva’s Bow at Sita Swaymvar but his name itself removes all fears of the world. His name has purified hearts and souls of innumerable human beings and paved way for their ultimate merger with Supreme while Ram himself gave deliverance to only a few like kevat, Shabri and Jatayu etc.
On a special occasion like Ram Navami, when a devotee earnestly sings Ram Naam, with or without understanding true power of Lords name, still the Lord accepts him in his court. Saibaba wanted us to understand that taking God’s name can free us from all kinds of worldly pain, worries and fear. If we make it a habit of Remembering and Meditating on Lords name, it will free us from detachment and bring us eternal happiness. What better day to do it then to do it on Ram Navami day. He chose this day to remind us of importance of remembering God’s name with Love.
Devotee Dhruv attained an eternal position in cosmos by merely chanting Lord’s name. Hanuman ji lovingly controls Shri Ram by earnestly chanting his pure name.
Exoteric form of each world religion preaches use of chanting Lord's name over Rosary beads
Ram, Krishna, Jesus, Prophet Mohd, Guru Nanak Dev may or may not be present today in their physical form but their name SAVES because the name has power. These Gods listen when we call out to them. This is the only way for our better future/ deliverance/ Salvation. Sanatan Dharma, Hindu philosophy is all about what Shirdi Saibaba sums up in one line 'Anubhav karo Satya pehchano (Experience and realise the ultimate TRUTH)
Vandana Ritik Mulchandani
Noida
