Biography of a Living Legend

In May 1988, when Baba Gobinddas Sahib merged as one with the Lord, Sai Sadhuram Sahib was grief stricken and wept uncontrollably like a small child. He was inconsolable. Sai said, “As for you all – Baba Sai was your Guru, but for me – he was my world, my mother, my father, and above all my Guru. Baba Gobinddas Sahib has fostered, sheltered, protected and reared me since childhood. I have lost everything”.

The next day, before leaving for Haridwar for the last rites, when everyone assembled in Darbar, there, a disciple Shri Ramesh Bhambhani announced that Baba Gobinddas Sahib had declared in Mumbai in 1978, at the silver jubilee celebrations of His gracing the Gaddi, that His successor would be Bhai Sadhuram, who at that time was only 27 years of age. Baba Gobinddas Sahib must have seen such great ability in Sai Sadhuram Sahib that He made this declaration which was readily accepted by everyone. So Shri Ramesh Bhambhani on behalf of all disciples humbly requested Sai Sadhuram Sahib to accept and grace the Gaddi. Hearing this Sai was overwhelmed, He took the mike in His hands and said, “At this moment, I feel very lonely, as not only my Guru but my everything has been lost. Please forgive me, I feel I am not fully prepared to undertake this responsibility, I need at least 10 years more.” At this time Sai Sadhuram Sahib was only 37 years old.

In 1984, Baba Gobinddas Sahib was unwell and was advised by the local Doctor to be shifted to Mumbai under an experienced Doctor. Accordingly Baba Sai was admitted to Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.  The trustees of the hospital said they would feel honored if Baba Sai would use the room allotted for the trustees. Sai Sadhuram Sahib did not approve of this favour and instead arranged for a private room.  Sai recalls, that once the Chairman of the trust had come for Baba Sai’s darshan.  At that time BabaSai was resting, so the Chairman was denied entry into the room.  Had they availed of the favour, then anyone including a person of lower stature would have walked in at any time for Baba Sai’s darshan and it would be difficult to refuse. Sai are very careful and cautious about accepting favours and being obligated to anyone.

Every morning dhodha & moong is distributed at Darbar Sahib. This tradition has been continuing from Sindh Darbar till the present day. It is said that this Prasad has great significance. This Prasad makes sorrowful people forget their sorrows. It is said that faith & shraddha can make an unhealthy person healthy.

Right from the beginning the food of the Darbar has been very simple. Once someone complained to Baba Gobinddas Sahib that Savitri was using jeera (cumin) in her cooking.  Baba Sai asked Savitri if she was learning new methods of cooking. He said that we have never used such spices like jeera in our cooking right from the time of Sindh. The result will lead to illness. She replied, Sai Sadhuram Sahib had asked her to make tasty vegetables. Hearing this Baba Sai called Sai and asked Him if He had permitted her to use jeera, to which Sai replied that to be satisfied we need to eat tasty food.  If the food is not tasty the guests will order pakoras from outside and satisfy themselves.  That too is part of our expense. On hearing this Baba Sai said that from this day the responsibility of the Bhandara will be on Sai. Baba Gobinddas Sahib said, “Like Shah Sahib had left the reins of his horse in the hands of his Lord, similarly we are handling over the responsibility to you. Now in whichever way want you can spin the wheel”. From that day Baba Sai never interfered in the matters of the Bhandara nor on the quantity of vegetables which were cooked and distributed.

Besides the tookro (dhodha & moong) Sai would see to it that every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner variety of delicacies were made and served.  The tea which was initially prepared twice a day in the morning and evening was now prepared whenever anyone wanted it so that the guests do not go out to eat and drink tea and spend their money unnecessarily. He would happily serve the people. Sai says He gets immense pleasure in feeding, rather than in eating Himself.

In 1983 Sai accompanied by some disciples went to Khatmandu for a vacation and stayed at Shangrila Hotel. There the manager of the Hotel gave everyone tokens of Rs.5000/- for gambling at the Casino. The disciples were very tempted but Sai cautioned them not to accept the tokens because if they lose they will be tempted to put in their own five thousand to win, but if they win they might fall into the habit of gambling. For example, a person with only one peg might develop the habit of drinking. 

In this world there are many temptations so from a very young age one must learn to control themselves. It is easy to get into bad habits but difficult to overcome them. Sai smilingly says that till today there is no school or class which teaches bad habits. Schools classes and Satsangs are there to guide us to conduct ourselves well. 

In 1974 Sai Sadhuram Sahib visited Bombay. He was supposed to return to Ajmer but there was a railway strike, so He planned to return by plane. He requested Shri Gobindram Bhambhani, a disciple to purchase His ticket. In those days the air fare was Rs.264. Sai calculated and gave him the exact amount. On reaching Ajmer Darbar He told Baba that He had sufficient money with Him and so had already paid Shri Godindram Bhambhani for the ticket. Inspite of that Baba Gobinddas Sahib sent a letter to the disciple, to make sure that the money had been paid. Baba Sai did this to show Sai His vigilance and wanted Sai learn about discipline. Sai has grown up in the midst of both – love, affection and a strict upbringing.

In 1980 the second edition of history of Halani Darbar was printed and presented to Sai, when Sai went through the written text, He told the disciples to rewrite it. He said that many people would be reading the history, hence it should be factual and not just full of praises of the Gurus of Halani Darbar. He requested them to concise the book from 1000 pages to 200 pages. This shows us that Sai never approved of unnecessary praise, show and pomp. Sai’s thoughts were always deep rooted, which reflects His high thinking caliber.

From his early childhood Sai have been immersed in Naam. He has control over his mind. To steer from temptation one should have a tremendous will power. Sai recalls an incident of his youth in Hardwar, where he met naked (Nago) fakir. Sai asked him what he had in his mouth, the fakir replied Gutka. Sai asked him how much it had cost him, and the later answered it was for Rs.15. He normally had it 5-6 times in a day as there was some drug in it which was intoxicating. Sai asked him what was the use of this. The true intoxication should be the Lords name, everything else is false. Intoxication is ephemeral. But the pleasure of Naam is everlasting and eternal truth “Naam Tumhari Nanika Chad Rahe Din Raat”.

Sai tells us that as a youth he visited many 5 star hotels, which was a haven of all worldly vices, eg.: paan, supari, cigarette. But never did the desire to indulge arise because of the strict and disciplined upbringing by Baba Sai. When a disciple asked Sai how he managed to abstain from such temptations, Sai said that to reach this state one has to have a strong will power and self-control.

Sai further explains that when the wick is ready all that is required is a spark in the form of a Guru. This is also the culmination of good karmas from our previous births. This facilitates a smooth journey on the spiritual path.

In many Darbars, families offered their children who would be later groomed for the spiritual path. Few are trained to preside for the gaddi, but not all have the inclination. Many of these children by the time they reach youth, get attracted to the worldly ways. On this difficult path you need good karmas and tremendous control over your mind.

Just as Sai is rooted & stable in good principles, He at the same time has an adventurous attitude and Nothing is Impossible approach to life. Sai tells us that once in 1968, He went away to Kumbh Mela in Haridwar without informing anyone. He went alone because he knew that Baba Sai would never let him go alone. Baba Sai were really worried about his absence. He said that Sai never goes anywhere, but if He has gone, it must be to visit his Dadi. At that time Dadi was in Delhi as chacha was not too well. Baba Sai sent an express telegram to Dadi enquiring about Sai. Dadi and everyone else in Delhi became very anxious when they read this telegram. Dadi was unable to return to Ajmer as chacha was still not too well. She sent an express telegram in return to Baba Sai informing him that Sai had not reached Delhi but would like to get intimation about Him when He returned to Ajmer. Sai tells us that He had left for Ajmer from Haridwar the next day. However His train had met with an accident in Delhi. He had only carried Rs 50 with Him when leaving for Haridwar. He remembered where his chacha lived in Delhi. He went to a policeman and asked for directions of the house. The policeman took him to a bus depot and requested the driver to take him to Sarojini Nagar and drop Him near His chacha’s house. When He alighted from the bus, Sai thought He would reach within 15 minutes, but He went on walking for almost 45 minutes constantly enquiring about the location of the house. Finally a gentleman who was going to his office guided Him to Karnani’s house and waited outside till Sai entered the house. Dadi opened the door and seeing Sai hugged him and burst into tears. Sai also started crying. The gentleman was amazed at this sight. Sai thought Dadi would scold Him, but when he saw her He could not control His emotions. Sai realized the extent of anxiety which must have been created in Ajmer. Phones were not common in those days. Dadi lovingly explained to him that good responsible children never leave their homes without informing the elders.

Baba Sai had sent 2 express telegram to enquire about Sai’s arrival. He wanted news about Him by express telegram. This indicated to Sai how worried and anxious Baba Sai was about Sai’s welfare. Sai told Dadi that He was actually returning home to Ajmer but unfortunately His train had met with an accident. He had no money with Him, in Haridwar during the Mela someone had taken away all His belongings and He only had the clothes which he was wearing, Dadi sent a telegram to Ajmer informing Baba of Sai’s arrival. An express telegram was sent by Baba to Dadi requesting her not to leave Sai, but to bring him back to Ajmer whenever she would return. Sai said that he was loved by everyone since childhood as he was a very good child. When he returned to Ajmer, his friend Jacki informed him that ever since He had left Ajmer, neither Baba Sai nor anyone else had eaten anything. Loud speakers were removed from Darbar and the lights were never lit. When Baba Sai received Dadi’s telegram He was relieved. Sai felt bad and said that He had gone to Haridwar, not realizing the anxiety this would cause to Baba Sai. From these examples one can understand how Baba Sai looked after Sai like a loving & caring parent.

Sai teaches us through this story how to have a balanced approach towards life yet at the same time explore your adventurous side. 

Sai talks of the deep spiritual bond between the Gurus and the disciples. Many years ago people (after partition) did not have enough money. One a disciple had borrowed money from his friend and travelled from Bhopal to Ajmer for Baba’s Darshan. This disciple told Baba Gobinddas Sahib that the disciples in Bhopal were in no position to travel to Ajmer, so he requested Baba to visit Bhopal. Baba patiently listened to him and after a few days went to Bhopal accompanied by Sai Sadhuram Sahib and Dada Shamdas. There they saw that the disciple’s hut was made of mud (matti) and due to rain there was a lot of slush. Baba first gave that disciple money to pay back what he had borrowed from his friend for his train fare from Bhopal to Ajmer. There was a Darbar in Bhopal which in Sindh was supported by Halani Darbar. The Sant of this Darbar also needed some money for the maintenance of Darbar and Baba helped him too. Whatever balance money was remaining in His pocket, he distributed amongst rest of the disciples and blessed them. At night he rested with this disciple in the open, on a cot where there was a lot of slush. He sent Sai Sadhuram & Dada Shyamdas with another disciple who had a quarter because of his Government job. When they returned to Ajmer their clothes were covered with dirt and filth. Baba was always very concerned about the wellbeing of his followers. And he instilled these virtues in Sai Sadhuram Sahib.

Sai’s teaching on contentment

In 1967, Sai Sadhuram Sahib went for the 13th day prayer and Bhandara of Baba Tulsiram Sahib in Ajmer. At the meal time (Bhandara) He served himself a small portion of food. A saint who sat next to Him commented – had His Guru not taught Him how to eat. To this Sai replied, He has received so much in abundance that He is always fulfilled and satisfied. The one whose thoughts are always centered around God, have no value for material things. Sai tells us that Baba had given Him such excellent training and cautioned Him at every step and helped Him evolve. He said that we should never leave any food in our thali, nor should we give anything which is left over from our plate (jhootho) to anyone. We should never look into anyone else’s plate. From His childhood Sai had been taught never to look into any ones plate. Whatever one has in his plate he should have it with love and gratitude. He says that when he was young even by mistake if He looked around, He was chided by Baba. The seeds of this virtuous learning have been sowed by Sai in His followers. The followers in Ajmer tell us that we are so contented, that even if there is choicest variety of food before them, they will not bother about it. 

Sai confidently states that even if there is some gold lying around, His disciples will never even look at it.

Whenever any disciple would give any offering for Sai Sadhuram Sahib, Baba Gobinddas Sahib would take it and say He is my own, I will give it to Him myself. Whenever Baba would travel out of Ajmer, He would always take Sai with Him. When the new Darbar was ready in 1966, from that time onwards Baba Sai stopped taking Sai Sadhuram Sahib along with Him, so that He could learn to manage the Darbar and take care of His responsibilities. At that time Sai was only 15 yrs old

Every two years Sai would go out of Ajmer but would never visit or go to the work place of any disciple. The reason being the disciple would either offer gifts ( bheta) or their time.

In those days, Sai Sadhuram Sahib often used to go to Jaipur for errands of  Darbar with His childhood friend Jacki Makhijani. There, they never went to any disciples house or shop (as was their policy). Baba Gobinddas Sahib was so vigilant that on their return He would enquire whether they had met the Jindaram Family. From this He would understand that Sai never visited anyone. Even Baba Gobinddas Sahib followed the same principle that He would never inform His disciples when He was travelling as He did not wish to disturb them. He knew that if they were aware of His program they would surely make an attempt to meet Him and offer Him bheta.

There are several examples of the love and care which Baba Gobinddas Sahib showed His disciples. Once Baba Gobinddas Sahib, Dada Shyamdas and Sai Sadhuram Sahib were travelling by train from Ratlam to Bhopal. At night they reached Ujjain. Early morning they were supposed to reach Bhopal. At dawn, Baba Gobinddas Sahib informed Sai Sadhuram Sahib that the train was stationary and it had not moved at all and they were still at Ujjain. As there was no signal the train had not left the platform. Sai got down from the train and got fresh rotis made from a stall for Baba, which they ate only with tea. Inspite of being the Mahant of Halani Darbar, Baba was so humble that even this simple breakfast of tea and roti satisfied Him. When the disciples of Ujjain and Bhopal got to know this they were staggered and with a heavy heart said, had they been informed by any disciple, they would have willingly served their Guru and at the same time have the opportunity of getting Darshan too. To this Baba said, the disciples would have to get up in the freezing cold and would also need to spend money to travel. Baba did not want to worry His disciples unnecessarily as they had to look after their own families. This shows His concern for His disciples.

Sai just like Baba Sai are always more worried about their disciples even if it is at their own expense. As evident during their many group travels, despite a full day of activity, Sai on more than one occasion have chosen to ignore their own tiredness, and have pushed themselves to spend more time with their disciples. They have been always very thoughful and taken decisions that benefits their disciples more than their own self.  

When Diggi Bazaar Darbar was being constructed, Sai Sadhuram Sahib was only 15-16 yrs old. Baba Gobinddas Sahib assigned the duty of looking after the expenses and keeping a watchful eye on the laborers. He accepted this responsibility with joy and did his duty diligently and to the best of his ability. Dada Shyamdas was in charge of buying goods like cement, bricks, stones, marbles, wood etc. Baba Gobinddas Sahib joined the laborers in their task and he himself would also carry the building materials on his head.

Baba Sadhuram Sahib tells us that the laborers used to say that he was very strict with them. They commented that Chote Baba was very particular and vigilant about every small detail. Even at this young age Sai was so dedicated to his job that he would hurriedly have his meals and resume his duty, or sometimes he would spread his sheet and rest at the site itself. Sai says that more than work, one should be aware of their responsibility and be conscious of the task.  Since at that time the funds were insufficient the work was not done on a contract basis but rather on daily basis. By the Grace of God the entire Darbar was completed with the available Darbar’s fund without asking for any donations. In those days the disciples offerings never exceeded more than five rupees. Baba Gobinddas Sahib was extremely cautious and never spent anything unnecessarily. Sai Sadhuram Sabib said that after partition all the Darbar belongings, like ornaments, utensils and other valuables which were brought from Sindh, were sold to complete the construction of the Ajmer Darbar. In Sindh in Halani, the Darbar had zamindari against which the Bharat Sarkar had taken a loan which they returned with interest, this amounted to Rs 40000. Baba Swaroopdas Sahib and Baba Madhavdas Sahib had land of their own worth Rs One lakh and Twenty Five thousand, all this money was utilized only for the construction of the Darbar. This money was never used for anything else not even to run the Bhandara. This is how Halani Darbar at Ajmer was built from the funds it had.

At the opening of the Darbar only 10 families were able to attend because many disciples could not afford the fares to reach the Darbar.

One of the disciples came and told Baba that one Sant had built a Darbar in Bombay. He had asked his disciples to donate their one months salary towards the construction of the Darbar, so he asked Baba why should he not do the same. Baba replied, my disciples are householders. Our blessings are always with them, they have children, so first let them provide for their own families. We are fakir’s, we are capable of staying anywhere. Hearing this the disciple became quiet. Baba’s policy was, it is better to starve rather than to beg. He inculcated this discipline in such a manner that even in the face of hunger one should not lose our self-respect.

        This same discipline was also evident in recent times during the demonetization period. Sai knowing about all the difficulties that their disciples were going through to get cash from the banks had given strict instructions that everyone should stop keeping Bheta (cash as ardaas) in the Darbar and specially to them directly. Only when the situation improved did they reverse their instructions and start accepting the Bheta.

Some glimpses in the History of Darbar Sahib Halani are being shared here. More in depth History of Darbar Sahib is penned in its own publication “History”. 

Halani Darbar Gaddi is the bastion of Karmayogis.  This is not a Gaddi just made of  brick and mortar but is priceless and valuable and is only comparable to Vaikunth.  

Sindh Halani Darbar had 4 Gaddis, the first Gaddi continues till today because of the dedication and penance and miracle of Saints. Sai says that this miracle filled Gaddi has been blessed with Riddhi-Siddhi.

During the time of Baba Kishandas Sahib, the construction work of Darbar Sahib was carried out under the guidance of  Baba Meherbaksh Sahib. The payment due to the workers used to come from Sakhar, Sindh.  Once when the money did not come on time – Baba Meherbaksh Sahib went to Baba Kishindas Sahib and asked for the money. Baba Kishindas Sahib said that he did not have the money. Baba Meherbaksh Sahib said that please do whatever is necessary as the workers were on a dharna(strike). To that Baba Kishindas Sahib said whatever you require take it from under my Gaddi and once the payment comes keep it back.  When the Gaddi was opened to his astonishment there was not just money in cash – but there was gold, silver and diamonds.  Baba Kishindas Sahib was the beholder of the blessings of Riddhi-Siddhi. These saints have not only exerted themselves doing seva but have motivated the devotees to do seva too. This has uplifted the life of devotees and negated their bad karmas, to make their present birth worthwhile. When devotees come to this wondrous Gaddi with immense unshakable faith they never return empty handed and their desires too are fulfilled.  

Sai Sadhuram Sahib being a true Satguru always pays homage to this Gaddi, without taking any credit to himself. 

We pray that Halani Darbar should always flourish till eternity.

Next Week: Ajmer Darbar Construction stories