Devotee Experience

My recent Divine experience at Shirdi – by Radhika Anand

It had long been a cherished desire for my husband and me to make a pilgrimage to Shirdi during our annual trips to India. However, by the grace of Baba, our wish was finally fulfilled just a couple of months ago.
Upon booking our flight tickets, I promptly registered on the Sansthan website to book darshan and Arathi slots in advance. Anticipation filled me as this would be my first journey to Shirdi, and I was eager to spend 3-4 days there, ensuring I could peacefully attend all four Arathis. For some reason, I believe Baba’s presence is especially palpable during the Arathi ceremony. However, when I checked the website exactly a month before our travel date (December 25th, 2023 )I was dismayed to find that Arathi bookings were fully blocked, and I could only secure two darshan slots. Despite reaching out to friends familiar with Shirdi, who explained that year end is a busy holiday time with visitors from around the world, I couldn’t shake off my anxiety. Some suggested trying for NRI quota passes upon arrival, but with the realization of the bustling crowds, I simply prayed that Baba would grant us at least one Arathi.
On the evening of December 25th, we arrived in Shirdi and headed straight to the PR counter for NRI Arathi passes. Unfortunately, we were informed that all slots were fully booked until the first week of January. Disappointed, but I reminded myself that it was Baba’s will and resolved to make the most of our darshan opportunities over the next three days. Despite my disappointment, my husband and I went for each darshan with enthusiasm. However, our darshans were fleeting , only catching glimpses of Sainath Maharaj from the side.
Determined to experience a closer darshan, I prayed fervently to Baba to grant us a full front darshan. To our surprise, the following day while waiting in line, a volunteer opened a gate leading us to the front view, granting us a more prolonged view of Sainathji. Delighted, we also witnessed the evening Arathi at Dwarakamai via CCTV, feeling grateful for Baba’s blessings.
The next day being the last day of our stay, we wanted to have one more darshan before leaving. we went to get darshan pass around noon and there was a long line up . Before me were a young girl and her mother waiting in the line, the girl suddenly turned around and asked me if I am waiting for Arathi pass, I said ‘no I am not lucky, I am waiting for darshan pass’. She quickly replied “aunty don’t say that, you will surely get arathi ticket, Baba will definitely bless you” , I smiled hopelessly while admiring her enthusiasm. she was hoping to take us both with her Arathi pass as her family. She gave me surprises after surprises by guessing I am a non resident and from Toronto.
When her turn came she put a request to the person in charge if it is possible to take her NRI friends to the evening arathi as family. He politely refused and showed us the PR counter for NRIs. At this point I told her that I already tried at NRI counter and they denied as its all fully booked , no point in asking them again. I thanked her immensely for her genuine kindness. But she won’t leave me…”no aunty, please…I will come with you, let me try one more time, how can you return without seeing arathi”…how does she know that I was desperate to see arathi, why should some stranger take so much interest, I was touched by her genuine love. I went and stood in the line with no hope but just to satisfy her. She stood with me and I could not believe the way she talked so convincingly to that PR gentleman , she was literally begging for us. I was blankly looking at her and the persons at the counter. After a few seconds, I don’t know what they discussed …but asked for my passports to check , and gave the arathi pass. I was in total disbelief ! Tears of gratitude flowed as I realized Sri Sadguru SaiBaba’s grace once again. A stranger, a young girl of 20 on her own accord spending so much time for me to get the arathi pass….Unbelievable!!! Mother and daughter were visibly happy and gave me a big hug and promised to see us again sharp @4.45pm where all the arathi pass holders were asked to assemble.
We came to the spot earlier hoping to meet that girl with her twinkling eyes again. I went around the whole area looking for the girl and her mother , but they were nowhere to be seen at all. I thanked emotionally Sri Sainath Sadguru maharaj for granting me darshan in human form too! I felt doubly blessed! Needless to say the Arathi darshan proved to be a profoundly spiritual experience and immensely gratifying.
Thank you for Baba for making our Shirdi trip an unforgettable divine experience!!!!