Baba is living in the Statue

Beloved Sairam,

In Sri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 3, Baba said, "If My stories are listened to, all diseases will got rid of. So, hear My stories with respect, and think and meditate on them, assimilate them. This is the way of happiness and contentment". Here these stories are not fictions, these are real life events, and each event has a significant value and teaches us a spiritual lesson.

I wish to share one such story. Smt. Rama Vijaya Kumar is an ardent devotee of Baba and fortunate enough to have close proximity with Baba. In each and every move, she used to get Baba's direction and guidance. After four years of hard work by a team of devotees they have completed Baba's Mandir at Thithipalayam, near Coimbatore. Smt. Rama is looking after day-to-day affairs of the Mandir and Sri. D. Sankaraiah Garu was invited as special guest for the Mandir on 3rd June 2003 and I had an opportunity to be them.

Smt. Rama and her husband Shri. Vijayakumar went to Jaipur to receive Marble Murthi of Baba. After final inspection and clearing final payment, the statue was packed and loaded in a Lorry. After sending the lorry, both left Jaipur and came to Coimbatore. Baba's journey was smooth in all six states except Tamilnadu. In the interstate check-post at Hosur - Tamilnadu Karnataka states border -, the Commercial Tax Officials detained the lorry for the payment of sales tax. This news came as a rude shock to Smt. Rama, as they didn't have any amount to pay tax and the marble Murthi must reach in time as the Kumbabishekam schedule was finalised. She pleaded with the check post in-charge that the statue is for the temple which is open to public and not for any commercial purpose. The officials on duty refused to accept her version and informed her that the box containing marble article, which attracts a duty of certain percentage of its total invoiced value as per sales tax rules.

She cried in front of Baba and asked Him settle this matter. After sometime, a high rank Commercial officer called Smt. Rama and informed her, " Baba came out of the box, came direct to my table and asked me to release Him. So I am taking all the steps to release the lorry. Don't worry"

Marble Murthi of Baba reached safely to Coimbatore and Kumbabishekam had been performed as per schedule on March 03, 2003,

Beloved Saibandus, when you see Baba's statue in any Mandir, never think that is made up with stone, it is real Baba Himself Incarnated for blessing us, protecting us and saving us from our miseries.

Ever yours

In Sai Service

Sivanandam