Shirdiwale Saibaba Protector of Devotees

SaiBaba preached at Shirdi all his life and performed numerous miracles to convince people that God exists.He healed people's diseases,provided moral and material comfort to his Devotees.Baba helped bring Unity and Harmony between all communities.He said that God is one,but called by different names.He said follow your own religion and seek the truth.

Sai Baba's Assurance to His devotees:

1. No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.

2. He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.

3. Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.

4. Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.

5. Know that My Spirit is immortal. Know this for yourself.

6. Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.

7. In whatever faith men worship Me,even so do I render to them.

8. Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.

9. Knock, and the door shall open.Ask and ye shall be granted.

10. To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted.

11. Blessed is he who has become one with Me.

Design: Made in heavy shining brass.

Brass is well known for its grasping capacity. It grasps the divine spirit upto 30%, when compared to other metals.The spiritual vibrations are attracted towards these shining idols easily.

Dimensions: 7.25 inches (H) x 3.5 inches (W) approx

Weight: 1.4 kgs

Importance of Idol worship: Idols are not the idle fancies of sculptors, but shining channels through which the heart of the devotee is attracted to and flows towards God. Though the image is worshipped, the devotee feels the presence of the Lord in it and pours out his devotion unto it. Regular worship, Puja and other modes of demonstrating our inner feeling of recognition of Divinity in the idol unveils the Divinity latent in it. This is truly a wonder and a miracle. The picture comes to life. The idol speaks. It will answer your questions and solve your problems. The God in you has the power to awaken the latent Divinity in the idol. The lives of Mirabai, Sant Tukaram, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Shri Yogananda are a few instances to prove the point. They proved beyond doubt that idol worship has its own brighter side and through simple faith and intense devotion one can realize God through it.

Idols are the "finite representation of the Infinite". As per Vishnu Samhita (ch 29, v 55-7), persuasively endorses the use of imagery (idols) and puts it: Without a form how can God be mediated upon? If (He is) without any form, where will the mind fix itself? When there is nothing for the mind to attach itself to, it will slip away from meditation or will glide into a state of slumber. Therefore the wise will meditate on some form, remembering, however, that the form is a superimposition and not a reality."

Advance Information*

Introduction

"Shirdiwale Saibaba Protector of Devotees" is an exquisitely crafted spiritual idol encapsulating the profound teachings and assurances provided by Sai Baba, the revered saint of Shirdi. This idol serves not just as a decorative object but as a conduit of divine energy, bringing peace, protection, and spiritual enlightenment to its devotees.

Sai Baba's Assurance to His Devotees

Sai Baba's teachings and assurances form the spiritual core of this idol, providing guidance and comfort to followers worldwide. The significant assurances include:

1. Safety and Protection: “No harm shall befall him who sets his foot on the soil of Shirdi.”
2. Relief from Sorrow: “He who cometh to My Samadhi, his sorrow and suffering shall cease.”
3. Eternal Protection: “Though I be no more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.”
4. Answered Prayers: “Trust in Me and your prayer shall be answered.”
5. Immortality of the Spirit: “Know that My Spirit is immortal. Know this for yourself.”
6. Acceptance to All: “Show unto Me he who sought refuge and been turned away.”
7. Universal Faith: “In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.”
8. Lighten Your Burden: “Not in vain is My Promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.”
9. Fulfillment of Requests: “Knock, and the door shall open. Ask and ye shall be granted.”
10. Gratitude for Surrender: “To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall be ever indebted.”
11. Divine Union: “Blessed is he who has become one with Me.”

Design and Material

Craftsmanship

The "Shirdiwale Saibaba Protector of Devotees" idol is meticulously crafted from heavy, shining brass. The choice of brass is intentional, not just for its durability and classic beauty, but also for its spiritual significance.

Spiritual Significance of Brass

Brass is renowned for its unique ability to grasp and channel spiritual energy. It is believed to capture up to 30% of divine spirit, thus making it an ideal material for sacred idols. The spiritual vibrations are effortlessly attracted to the shining brass, making it a powerful medium for worship.

Dimensions and Weight

This idol of Sai Baba stands at approximately 7.25 inches in height and spans 3.5 inches in width. It has a substantial weight of around 1.4 kilograms, providing a solid presence that enhances its sanctity and the sense of security it imparts.

Importance of Idol Worship

Idol worship, often misunderstood, is a significant practice in many spiritual traditions. It serves as a practical way to focus the mind and connect with the divine. Here's why idol worship is important:

Finite Representation of the Infinite

Idols are seen as finite representations of the infinite divine. This concept is beautifully articulated in the Vishnu Samhita (ch 29, v 55-7), which states:

• “Without a form how can God be mediated upon? If (He is) without any form, where will the mind fix itself? When there is nothing for the mind to attach itself to, it will slip away from meditation or will glide into a state of slumber. Therefore the wise will meditate on some form, remembering, however, that the form is a superimposition and not a reality.”

Channels of Divine Energy

Idols are not merely artistic creations; they are shining channels through which the heart and soul of the devotee are drawn towards God. The material object, while being worshipped, becomes infused with the divine presence, enabling the devotee to express and experience their devotion tangibly.

Spiritual Focus

The physical form of the idol helps in concentrating the mind and emotions. This focus can lead to deeper states of meditation, where the devotee feels a direct connection with the divine essence the idol represents.

Historical and Modern Examples

Historical and modern spiritual figures like Mirabai, Sant Tukaram, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and Shri Yogananda have demonstrated the effectiveness of idol worship. Through their intense devotion and faith, they have proven that divine connection and spiritual realizations can be achieved via idol worship.

Worship and Devotion

Daily Worship

Incorporating the "Shirdiwale Saibaba Protector of Devotees" idol into daily worship can be a transformative experience. Regular worship practices such as:

• Performing Puja (ritual offerings)
• Chanting prayers or mantras
• Meditative sitting with the idol
• Offering flowers, incense, and food

These practices help in unfolding the latent divinity within the idol, allowing it to become a living presence in your spiritual journey