It is stated in ”Shri Sai Satcharita” that Bhimaji Patil, a tuberculosis patient was cured of his disease by devoting himself to Baba’s meditation. He was a staunch devotee of Shri Narayan(Lord vishnu). On being cured of his disease by Saibaba, he started a new tradition of worshipping Baba as Satyanarayan, as Baba is the incarnation of Parambrahma Shri Narayan. This is how the Sai Satya Vrata Puja originated .

Shirdi Sai Parivaar started Sai Satya Vrata Puja in the temple on Guru Poornima day in 2012. The puja is conducted once a quarter mostly coinciding with the actual Poornima (Full Moon Day). Around 108 couples can take part in this Puja at any given time. Devotees are usually notified ahead of time on the date/time and how to sign up for the Puja as well as items to bring.

Once Bhimaji Patil of Narayanagaon, Taluka Junnar, Dist. Poona, suffered in the year 1909 A.D. from a severe and chronic chest-disease which ultimately developed into Tuberculosis. He tried all sorts of pathos (remedies), but to no effect.Losing all hopes, he ultimately prayed to God – “Oh Lord Narayana, help me now”. He was brought to Shirdi and taken to the Masjid, and placed before Baba. Mr. Nanasaheb and Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) were then present. Baba pointed out that the disease was due to the previous evil karma, and was not at first disposed to interfere. But the patient cried out in despair that he was helpless, and sought refuge in Him, as He was his last hope, and prayed for mercy. Then Baba’s heart melted an He said, “Stay, cast off your anxiety, your sufferings have come to an end.The Fakir here is very kind and He will cure the disease, and protect all with love and kindness.” The patient vomited blood every five minutes, but there was no vomiting in the presence of Baba.

From the time, Baba uttered the words of hope and mercy, the malady took a favorable turn. Baba cured him in two dreams.

Usually many people forget the blessings they received and also forget how there problems got solved. But Bhimaji did not forget how Baba helped him. Baba also did not expect anything from his devotees, but just grateful remembrance, unchanging faith and devotion. People in the Maharashtra, always celebrate Satya-Narayana Puja in their homes every fortnight or month. But it was this Bhimaji Patil, who started a new Sai Satya-vrata Puja, instead of Satya-Narayana-vrata Puja, in his house, when he returned to his village.

Click here for more details about the  upcoming Sai Satya-Vrata Puja at Shirdi Sai Center.

 BOW TO SRI SAI AND PEACE BE TO ALL