The Sai Baba of Shirdi was a saint/seer who lived between mid 19th Century and early 20th Century. Known for his divine countenance and amazing healing powers, the Baba’s history has always been shrouded in mystery. Dressed in a long, flowing robe like a sufi saint, Sai would preach the highest philosophy, both from Hinduism and Islam. While the Hindus believe that he was an avatar of Dattatreya or Shiva, the Muslims held that the divine being was an incarnation of Kabir. Residing in Shirdi, a district in Maharashtra, Sai led a very simple life. He would eat out of the alms he received from the locals. Sometimes, he himself would go hungry, as he would give away his food to the poor.

Sai was known for his long discourses and the fantastic miracles he performed. No matter how much his adversaries tried to drive him away from Shirdi, he continued to stay on and shower blessings on his devotees. Even today, devotees throng Sai Baba’s shrine at Shirdi to get a glimpse of his idol and be blessed with his grace.