Biography of a Living Legend

In his youth, his Chachi (Dadi Dhammi) was asked to look after him. She, like Mata Yashoda considered him as her son and supervised all his activities. He also considered Chachi as his real Mother and gave her both his love and respect. If ever he had to go out for some work or errand and if he happened to return late, as being dutiful and considerate he would always inform her before going so that she should not wait or worry about him.

Once, Sai had gone on a vacation to the South with Dadi and Dada. In the compartment of the train, there was a couple with whom everyone became very friendly. They became so close that the couple did not wish to part. They insisted on staying in the same guest house. They had all their meals together and also went together for sightseeing. They were amazed and attached to Sai’s lovable mischievous nature, so much so that they wanted to adopt Sai. When the time came to leave they bid farewell and said they would never be able to forget this wonderful child. The couple refused to take any money from them, but even at that young tender age, Sai insisted that all account and money matter should be settled. In one more crucial life – changing lesson – Sai tells us that it is always good to help each other but as far as money is concerned even between brothers it is best to keep the account clear.

Respect and discipline is the pride of Halani Darbar. From his early childhood Sai has always emphasized the importance of  respect. Even though one may not greet and say Ram Ram it is necessary to be respectful.

Sai Sadhuram Sahib once told us that in Ajmer there was a master who would sing very well. In 1962 they got him along to Bombay. At that time we used to stay with Shri Jaisaram Ramchandani. There was another singer master Parsuram who lived in Nasik. He also used to join them in Bombay whenever they came. When someone kept Path Sahib of Guru Granth Sahib or requested Babaji to visit their home for Bhandara, it became their routine to sing there. When they saw the charm of  Bombay and heard people praising them, they got carried away. Again when they came to Bombay in 1964, they had come prepared with their songs. Sai Sadhuram Sahib told Baba Gobinddas Sahib that these two singers had come only with the intent to earn fame and money. That was against the principles of our Darbar. Hearing this Baba discontinued this activity. At that time Sai were only 14 years old, other children at that age are generally casual and unconcerned, but Sai was  very thoughtful & unique even at that tender age.

One always notices a divine appearance on the present occupant Sai Sadhuram Sahib’s simplicity and kindness is always reflected  on his face. He always thinks about the well being of others and does his best for everyone. His message to his disciples is ‘Seva’ and ‘Simran’. He constantly guides them to follow this right path.

Sai never went to any formal school. He is gifted and has a keen knowledge of Gurumukhi, Sindhi, Devanagiri, Hindi and English. He has memorized the Baani of Guru Granth Sahib. He has such a great knowledge of Sindhi proverbs that the elders of the Sindhi community are astonished at his fluency and command of the language. 

People often wonder that since he was born in Hindustan, how he had acquired such a vast knowledge of Sindhi proverbs. Many a time, till he himself does not explain the meaning of a Sindhi proverb, even those who are fluent in Sindhi are confused about its meaning.

Some people asked him in astonishment “Since you have never been to school, how did you learn English?”. He tells us that nobody has taught me English, but due to my own interest, on my own I would observe my surroundings and gaze at the signboards and from there, I managed to pick up the language. 

By the Grace of God, ever since his childhood, whatever, he saw and heard by his divine intellect was printed in his mind. His love for reading is so intense, that everyday, he reads several newspapers in different languages. If he sees any scrap of paper, even if it had Prasad wrapped up in it, he reads it with interest.

Sai Sadhuram Sahib has received this illustrious position after undergoing severe penance. His sharp intellect and clear vision has made him aware of all that is going on in this world. He is so knowledgeable that lawyers, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants etc., all gather around him for his guidance. He has an extensive knowledge of computers. He makes his own plane and train bookings, reservations on the computer, whenever he books for travelling abroad with his disciples, he surfs the net and makes his programs and all arrangements before his departure.

Once a Doctor wanted to show something on his laptop. Sai immediately took the laptop from him and surprised the Doctor by getting him the required information.

Sai in his own ways are teaching us – where there is a will there is a way. They are showing us if you work hard and with all your heart nothing is impossible to achieve.

When Sai Sadhuram Sahib was eight years old, Daulatrai’s (Sikh’s of the Darbar) parents requested Baba Gobinddas Sahib if Sai Sadhuram could go along with them to Haridwar and Amritsar with their family, they would take him only if Baba willingly permitted them to do so. Baba  happily agreed. Sai Sadhuram was very friendly and mingled with all of them. They reached Haridwar at about four o’clock in the morning and went to bathe in the holy Ganga. The current of the Ganga was very swift and strong. Daulatrai’s father picked up each child one by one and plunged them into the Holy water. Sai Sadhuram also enjoyed this dip. From Haridwar everyone proceeded to Amritsar where they stayed for four days. Every morning and evening Sai Sadhuram listened attentively to the bani. On the last day, after the Aasa-di-war was over, Sai Sadhuram went and sat in a corner and took up the Khanjari (musical instrument) and with his eyes closed recited ‘Thir Ghar Baiso Har Jan Pyare Satguru Tumhare Kaaj Saware’. After he finished this recitation a large group of people gathered and surrounded the mother and said, “Mataji, all the other children resemble you, but who is this child? She replied, “He is our Guruji’s child and he has accompanied us on this pilgrimage”. The crowd praised the child and commented that he was very promising and powerful and felt that he must be the incarnation of a great prophet.

From his early childhood, Sai Sadhuram Sahib was brought up under the divine guidance of Baba Gobinddas Sahib, with his divinity he not only gave Sai Sadhuram good education, but also taught him to conduct himself with dignity. He instilled principles of love, seva, equality, bhakti (prayer) knowledge and humility and made him the image of sacrifice. 

Baba Gobinddas Sahib was so strict that Sadhuram was not allowed to move while reading the scriptures or reciting the bhajans. Even if he was very thirsty or needed to attend to any call of nature he had to remain very still. Sai Sadhuram Sahib tells us that because of such rigid training, today he can sit without moving for hours together at any Satsang.. 

Also, if he was late in getting up in the morning, or was delayed for his bath (even by five minutes) or could not reach for his daily duties on time. Baba Gobinddas Sahib would make him miss a meal. It is because of these strict rules and regulations, that Sai was able to fulfill all his duties on time. Sai recalls, whatever might be my daily routine, however tired I maybe, I am able to get up automatically without the help of the alarm in the morning. Sai informed that Baba never allowed us to lie down in the presence of chacha as he was much older than us, Baba made us realize that it is our duty to respect our elders. Sai says, “I was never allowed to go out after 9 o’clock at night, this habit has remained with me till today, and so I never go out at night.”

Even today Sai keeps reminding us, habits that are instilled in children when they are young stay with them for life. Invest in your children, the coming generation. The time spent with them teaching them what is right is like watering a sapling and nurturing it and then watching it grow. When that sapling becomes a tree you will see how it keeps giving fruits, shade and so much more. 

Baba Sai loved Sai Sadhuram Sahib so much that when Sai were a child! Baba Sai would get up in the middle of the cold winter nights to check that Sadhu was well covered. If not, then he would gently cover him up so that he would not get disturbed. Once during the Aasa-di-war, one of his disciples noticed the absence of Sai Sadhuram Sahib and so he asked Baba Gobinddas Sahib if he should wake up Sai, to this Baba immediately said not to do so, as he would have been doing penance during throughout the night, so he might have fallen off to sleep now.

Sai Sadhuram Sahib tells us that Baba Gobinddas Sahib showered all his love on him and always fulfilled all his whims and fancies. Whenever young Sadhu would get angry he would pull Baba Sai’s beard. Sai were actually very naughty. One day out of sheer curiosity and mischief Sai took a watch and battered it with a hammer just to see what was inside it. At another time Baba Sai locked young Sadhu in the balcony and went out, when Baba Sai returned he was astonished to see Sadhu outside and asked how he had reached there. Sadhu replied that he was very angry as Baba Sai had left him alone, so he jumped out from the balcony and was waiting outside to receive him.

Though Baba Sai were a very strict disciplinarian, he always enjoyed Sadhu’s mischief. While telling us tales of his childhood pranks Sai told us that once instead of boarding a bus through the door, he jumped in through the window.

In his childhood, Sai Sadhuram with his amusing ways would disturb Harte-maa (his nanny). Sometimes she would say, “Sadhu, if you trouble me, I will slap you” to which he would smilingly respond “Will you hit Baba Swaroopdas Sahib”. Hearing this she would forget all about his mischief and lovingly hug him. In summer, he would take a long hose-pipe and spray water in the angan (verandah) of the Darbar to cool it. He would mischievously spray this water on the children also who were playing there. The children would join him in his fun and enjoy themselves. He would find time to play carom, scrabble, antakshari and many other games with the children who visited the Darbar. He would share all his toys with them. To this day, Sai always is up to his tricks with small children, thus endearing himself to them.

Dadi told us that during Diwali, he would hide crackers in the mud and would secretly light them so that nobody would catch him. Sai Sadhuram Sahib grew up indulging in such amusing, loveable antics (fun games).

Sai Sadhuram Sahib’s early life was in Ajmer where he learnt to read and write in Gurmukhi. It is necessary to mention here that Sai Sadhuram never went to any school. What is remarkable is that he took his first Vachan from Guru Granth Sahib when he was only five years old.

Baba Gobinddas Sahib looked after the child with a lot of love and affection. In the Darbar, there was a lady named Kimat Bai, who was told to look after Sai. At the same time Baba Sahib himself disciplined and controlled him. What could Kimat Bai teach him? Sai Sadhuram tells us that his teachings was to the extent that he was even taught how to hold a glass of water and one should always answer any question with “Ji” and never with ‘Cha’ (what).

These are merely good manners. He himself tells us that Baba Sai instilled in him a very strict and strong foundation – but at the same time he gave him abundant love as well.

Baba Gobinddas Sahib always washed Baba Sadhuram’s plate (juthi thali) as perhaps, he was aware that this boy was not only going to achieve great heights and was also the heir to the Gaddi.

Baba Gobinddas Sahib tells us that after grueling penance he had acquired this esteemed status. but this child Sadhu was born gifted. From his early childhood, whatever he uttered and predicted always came true. Baba Sai cautioned him “Sadhu, be careful of what you say”.

Baba Gobinddas Sahib never gave young Sadhuram any money in his childhood. Nor did his shirts have any pockets till he was 15 years old.

Baba Gobinddas Sahib felt that money should be spent thriftly (frugally) and one should always be in the midst of good company. Sai Sadhuram Sahib tells us that he had never taken a gift of even a rupee from his mother or Dadi. Once on his birthday, his Dadi had got a ring and a watch for him. However she did not give him the gift directly but gave it to Sadhu through Baba Gobinddas Sahib. so that he should remain in discipline.

Sai are a living example of how discipline that is imparted to a child stays with them through their life. We get to take away a learning from this that can be implemented in our lives on imbibing balanced love and discipline in our children. 

Oct 20th 2019

Sai Sadhuram Sahib was born on the 20th March 1951 at Kishinghar in Rajastjanm. He was born on the auspicious Holi day (Dhuriyo) in the household of Shri Nanakram Karnani.

His mother Mata Kaushalya proclaims that when Sai came into this world his body was covered with butter. At that time one could feel the vibrations of drums and heavenly music. In this atmosphere of color, music and harmony, he revealed himself. His horoscope name is Suresh.

When he was only eight months old his parents took him to Darbar Sahib Halani for Blessings. On reaching the Darbar, he crawled up to the Gaddi and sat on it. At this Baba Madhavdas Sahib smiled and said, “What’s  the hurry, this Gaddi belongs to you and you will have to manage it.”

When he was three years old on the New Moon Day (Chand), his parents took him to the Darbar. Seeing the Child, Baba Sai said, “This child belongs to us. Leave him here.” Mata Kaushalya could not say anything to Baba Sai. Considering it as the command of the Satguru, she readily obeyed him. She placed her child at his Holy feet. At that moment, without any hesitation the little child happily sat on his lap.

Shri Daulatrai Raisinghani’s parents were disciples of Darbar Sahib Halani. In Ajmer, they used to stay behind the Darbar. His father was working in the railways. In those days there were not many people who visited the Darbar. His mother used to do seva in the bhandara. At that time the assembly was only about 20-25 people. One day, after the Asadiwar, when Baba Sai was distributing Prasad his mother narrated her dream to him. She said that Baba Swaroopdas Sahib had given her darshan in her dream and said that since the sins have increased on this earth he would be sending his incarnation. He showed her the image of a child. On seeing this child (Suresh) she immediately recognized him and told Baba Sai that this was the child which was shown to her in her dream. Hearing this, Baba Sai was silent and peaceful.

Baba Gobinddas renamed the child ‘Suresh’ to Sadhuram according to the Vachan from Guru Granth Sahib.

Oct 13th 2019

Our Sai is endowed with the gracious qualities of Shri Krishna. He is merciful like Shiva Bholenath and respectful like Shri Ram. He has the divine radiance like Guru Nanak.

Seeing all these wonderful qualities, the thought came to us to write his biography. Before writing about his life, we asked him what he would like to say about him. His humble reply was “My life is an open book”. When we started writing, we understood that his teachings, vachan and his simple mannerisms are his main characteristics. According to Sai in this kalyug, Guru Granth Sahib is the true essence of life (bani). In reality his teaching is his way of life. He has imbibed the teachings of this bani. Proof of all these qualities in the life of Sai have been summed up here.

Sai is humility personified. He carries the adulation and love of his devotees with remarkable and unique ease on his shoulders. His every action speaks volume and a discerning devotee can emulate wisdom from this far beyond the reach of any words. Sai always walks the talk, hence his teachings remain powerful and has a deep impact on the minds of devotes whether young or old without being regimentative.

There are many stories about Sai but we have chosen those that have spoken to us, and that in one way or the other have moved us, whether to tears, to laughter or to quite reflection. Some of these anecdotes encapsulates beautifully profound teachings of Sai and provide a good basis of study and contemplation. There are also stories that capture different virtues of Sai, his wisdom, his reason and clarity, his mysteriousness, his practicality and fearlessness and above all his kindness, compassion, humility.

It is rather surprising that when we first presented Sai with a few vachans, he immediately noticed that we had written, Sai learnt the harmonium from Master Shankar, Sai quickly pointed out and corrected us that it was not right merely to say Master, but with respect we should address him as Shri Master Shankar, as he was Sai’s guide and teacher. From this we understand that Sai himself is noble that he is constantly guiding us with love and kindness and is showing us a new path. As how to lead our lives. His only aim is to sow the seeds of mercy, seva, humility and good will in the minds of his disciples.

There is always a gentle smile on his charming face. To respect and show courtesy to everyone is his speciality. In the assembly of Saints, Sant Shiromani Baba Sadhuram Sahib’s name is always associated with honor and respect. The Guru himself is the image of God. (Guru is Parbhram Parmeshwar).

He always wishes for the well being of all mankind and blesses us with love and affection. He constantly assures us that all will be fine (Sabh Bhalee Thee’ndee).

Sai prays for the peace and happiness of his disciples and is confident that all their desires will be fulfilled.
We do not have the strength to express the glory of Sai Sadhuram Sahib. Even if we try to convert the earth into paper, we will not be able to write all the virtues of our Guru. We will never be able to list out the glories of our Guru, but we definitely realize that the presence of Sai on this planet is for the benefit of his followers.

As we started to pen down Sai’s Vachan and teachings we realized to take real advantage of them we have to go deep into it’s depths. We have all heard Sai’s advise for us that while entering the Darbar we should come with Seva (service) and Simran (chanting) and leave our wealth (paiso) and position (post) outside. Though it is easy to hear and understand, however to go into the depths of this teaching we must understand that Seva and Simran are the essence of humanity. This is the path which leads to progress and helps us to acquire good Karmas. Leaving positions and wealth outside means that Sai saves his disciples from being arrogant. Arrogance not only disturbs you in this life but it destroys your next many births also. Sai says everybody lives (existence) but everybody does not know how to live.

Living is an art. This art we can only achieve (receive) from our Satguru. We bow to Him and His teachings and can only pray that we are able to incorporate them in our daily lives.

Biography of a living legend is a manual for how to live a balanced life and an enriched life. Simply read as a book from end to end is a one-time inspiration, but to be reminded of it regularly as something to dip in again and again and again in this world of technology where attention spans are getting shorter is a different approach. Keeping this in mind and sharing a series of snippets on a regular basis our hope is to encourage as many as possible specially our younger generation and many more to go on and explore for themselves the great treasury of our ancient scriptures and discover with it the same inspiration and guidance that we have been to grateful to find.

Bowing to him, seeking his blessings, we begin:

Oct 6th 2019

Sai Sadhuram Sahib, Mahant Darbar Sahib Halani – A Visionary and a living legend.

Our Sai is a visionary and a living legend. Sai has lived an illustrious and inspiring life, a life full of selfless service to humanity. The aura and wisdom that Sai exudes is in the fact that he practices what he preaches. His frugal living immense compassion is a blessing for devotees from all walks of life. His deep concern and his life’s mission is to make a difference and touch a human life. Sai’s simplicity and his childlike nature make him endearing to one and all. Every aspect of Sai’s life is a learning experience for all.

Under the able guidance of Sai, The Halani Darbar Ajmer carries various philanthropic activities in and around India. Be it camps, in various discipline of medicine or Seva at the Pushkar Mela or langar at various places are a few noteworthy activities. The unique salient feature is that not only the devotees but Sai himself participates in these activities, setting an exemplary example.

On a typical day with his poise, calm and equanimous nature, he is interacting with people from all walks of life. His simple yet profound teachings having the ability to be adapted as a way of life to make a quantum loop in all areas of our life.