(TRAVEL) In the 19th century, an ascetic known as Sai Baba settled in the village of Shirdi in central India. With his long hair and beard, flowing robe and unorthodox lifestyle, he attracted followers from different faiths to listen to his spiritual teachings emphasizing unity.

“Sabka Malik Ek,” he would often say, menaing, “Everyone’s God is One.” Blending Hindu and Islamic traditions, Sai Baba performed remarkable feats that followers viewed as miracles. Tales spread of his divine powers.

Yet the humble teacher emphasized not mystical displays but rather self-improvement, compassion and seeing God in all people.

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After his death in 1918 at an estimated age of 80, Sai Baba’s legacy continued to spread. Several devotees compiled stories of his teachings and reported miracles. Today, over a century later, Shirdi has become a major global pilgrimage site honoring Sai Baba’s vision of unity. 

Sai Baba’s teachings and philosophy

Guided by Advaita vedanta wisdom, Shirdi Sai Baba emphasized the divine oneness uniting humanity. He taught his devotees to look within to find the spark of the divine residing in all our hearts, past surface identities.

With profound — yet accessible messages — Sai Baba shared timeless truths about living with love for all our fellow beings through selfless service.

Rather than preaching doctrine, Sai Baba led by example. His humility and embrace of all people challenged prejudices of that age in Indian society. Baba made his home in an abandoned mosque he named Dwarakamayi, bringing Muslims and Hindus together under one roof. This sanctuary welcomed everyone to experience the harmony at the core of India’s diverse culture and religious heritage.

Shirdi Sai Baba embraced simplicity, while also illuminating complex truths. He asked devotees to look inward, shedding attachment to the material for the divine. Yet his concept of the divine unified rather than divided. He welcomed Hindus and Muslims alike to his modest mosque, serving as a symbol of brotherhood between faiths. His miracles inspired awe of holy powers yet carried deeper lessons on faith over fear or doubt. 

While rooted in Advaita vedanta, his words evoked universal themes echoing across cultures. Detached from dogma, he drew followers to timeless messages of oneness that bind humanity when we see through the illusion of separateness. This practical wisdom comforted and transformed devotees, bringing sacred presence into everyday acts.

Sai Baba’s miracles

Followers of many backgrounds flocked to Shirdi drawn by the mystical events attributed to Sai Baba. His extraordinary feats — from healing illness to averting disasters — evoked awe at his divine capabilities. Yet the humble teacher used these occurrences not to glorify himself, but to stir deeper faith in others.

Once the lamps had no oil, Baba lit them with water instead, portraying how relying on the divine can illuminate even life's darkest aspects. Another time, a dangerous outbreak threatened Shirdi. He ground wheat and cast a protective boundary around the village. To devotees, this signified God’s power to save communities that stay anchored in compassion.

While intrigued by the accounts of miracles, some skeptics also arrived. But Sai Baba welcomed all to see beyond surface illusions to the sacred presence within. Working seeming wonders, this spiritual master harnessed faith itself as a transforming force that unites humanity.

Legacy and global influence

The message of Shirdi's beloved Sai Baba has spread globally, though his humble life unfolded in a remote corner of 19th century India. His teachings advocating unity and service to humanity remain accessible through the Shri Sai Satcharitra, which were written by a close devotee Hemadpant.

Today, Sai Baba’s legacy brings millions of pilgrims annually to the town where he once lived and taught. There they converge at the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, built to honor his memory following his death. This shrine provides an opportunity for multifaith worshipers from around the world to connect with his enduring spirit and wisdom that continues inspiring people to this day.

From the United States to Australia, Sai Baba centers promote not merely devotion, but also humanitarian work — just as the man himself served society’s most vulnerable. By anchoring communities while transcending borders, these hubs reveal the universal appeal of Shirdi’s humble teacher from ages ago.

Promoting goodwill and peace across divisions, Sai Baba’s message resonates globally today as in his own era. Temples worldwide bearing his name attract adherents of many backgrounds, united by shared principles. It fulfills his vision of binding humanity together with bonds of compassion — a legacy that continues to spread light through selfless love in action.

A humble dwelling became a sacred site, where Shirdi Sai Baba lifted the downtrodden. Though he left his body, the spiritual master never departed, his followers believe, as stories of his compassion rippled outward. These days, seekers flock to Shirdi's temples where Baba once walked, hoping to absorb lasting lessons from the mystic.

Suraj Santlani is a freelance writer. He can be reached at imsurajmls@gmail.com.