Recharging at Sai Baba’s ashram

Shirley Naidoo visited the Sai ashrum

Shirley Naidoo visited the Sai ashrum

Published Nov 18, 2011

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DURBAN hairstylist Shirley Naidoo has described her recent three-week stay at Sai Baba’s ashram in Puttaparthi, India, as extremely fulfilling.

She said while devotees missed the late Sai Baba’s physical form (he died in April), the bliss, serenity and peace remained at Prashanti Nilyam, his majestic headquarters.

According to Naidoo this pilgrimage was different to the other 10 she had undertaken over the years.

“On this visit I did not see the long lines like in my previous pilgrimages. When Sai Baba was alive thousands of devotees used to wait in long queues. Then thousands of locals and foreigners from various parts of the world stood in 50 to 60 rows for hours before they got to the front.

“This time I noticed that turnout of the the locals had decreased. On this pilgrimage I met devotees from Germany, Russia, Argentina and other countries,’’ said Naidoo.

Naidoo added that Sai Baba’s demise had affected nearby shops, hotels and other businesses.

“It was evident that businesses are feeling the pinch. But devotees who have lived at the ashram for years are optimistic that things will improve in December. The daily rituals and other affairs of the ashram have not stopped.

“On my latest visit between 35 to 50 trucks transported cooked meals, sweetmeats and clothing to people in the various villages.

“It is very difficult to become bored at the ashram,” Naidoo said.

“One can help in the eastern, western and north Indian canteens by cleaning vegetables, cooking meals, cleaning the quarters and doing other things,’’ said Naidoo.

The businesswoman, who used this pilgrimage to “recharge my batteries”, added the museum, schools and the state-of-the-art hospital which Sai Baba had built were functioning like they used to before the spiritual leader died.

“Several foreign doctors and specialists are providing voluntary services at the hospital. I had acupuncture there and spoke to some of the doctors and patients. There were no complaints,’’ she said.

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