Who is Sai Baba of Shirdi?
Shirdi Sai Baba is one of India’s most beloved and universally revered spiritual masters. He lived in the small town of Shirdi, Maharashtra, from around 1838 to 1918. His origin remains a divine mystery he appeared as a young boy at the Khandoba temple in Shirdi and lived there until his Mahasamadhi on October 15, 1918.
Sai Baba transcended all religious boundaries. Hindus revered him as an avatar of Lord Shiva or a manifestation of Dattatreya; Muslims saw him as a Sufi fakir. He himself declared the oneness of all religions through his immortal teaching: “Sabka Malik Ek” (There is one God for all).
His two core precepts were Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). He performed countless miracles — healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and guiding seekers on the path to God. Millions of devotees worldwide continue to experience his living presence and guidance even today.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Jai Shirdi Ke Sai Nath, Deen Bandhu Dayal। Sabka Malik Ek Kahi, Keenha Sabhin Nihaal॥
Meaning: Glory to Sai Nath of Shirdi, friend of the destitute and the compassionate one. He proclaimed “There is one God for all” and brought fulfilment to every soul.
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Jai Sai Sadguru Swami, Ghat Ghat Vasi Antaryami। Shraddha Saburi Mantra Sikhaya, Sabka Kalyan Karaya॥ Meaning: Victory to Sai, the true Guru, who dwells within every heart. He taught the twin mantras of Faith and Patience and brought welfare to all.
2. Shirdi Nagari Mein Viraaje, Dwarkamai Mein Aasan Saaje। Dhuni Jalaakar Baitha Fakir, Sabke Dukh Ka Kiya Takeer॥ Meaning: He graced the town of Shirdi and made his seat in Dwarkamai mosque. Seated before the sacred fire like a fakir, he dispelled the suffering of all.
3. Hindu Muslim Sab Ko Pyara, Sai Ka Tha Ghar Sabse Nyara। Masjid Mein Diya Jalaya, Mandir Ka Rang Dikhaya॥ Meaning: Beloved by both Hindus and Muslims, Sai’s home was unlike any other. He lit the lamp in the mosque and revealed the spirit of the temple.
4. Sab Ka Malik Ek Bola, Prem Ka Dvaar Khola। Jaati Dharm Ka Bhed Na Jaana, Sabko Apna Hi Maana॥ Meaning: He declared: “One God for all” and opened the door of love. He knew no distinction of caste or creed he regarded everyone as his own.
5. Bhakton Ko Darsh Dita, Man Ki Peeda Seeta। Jo Koi Shirdi Aata, Maan Maan Ghar Jaata॥ Meaning: He granted his devotees vision and soothed the pain in their hearts. Whoever came to Shirdi returned home feeling deeply honoured and fulfilled.
6. Sai Baba Ki Leela Nyaari, Bhakton Ki Tark Ne Haari। Aandhe Ko Drishti Diya, Aphang Ko Shakti Diya॥ Meaning: Sai Baba’s divine play is unique; devotees’ logic has been humbled. He gave sight to the blind and strength to the lame.
7. Rogi Ko Arogya Diya, Bhikhari Ko Dhana Diya। Nishkamee Ko Mukti Diya, Bhakt Ko Bhagwaan Diya॥ Meaning: He gave health to the sick and wealth to the destitute. He gave liberation to the desireless and the vision of God to the devotee.
8. Chaadar Ki Leela Kari, Diyon Mein Tel Na Bhari। Paani Se Diya Jalaya, Chamatkaar Sab Ko Dikhlaya॥ Meaning: He performed the miracle of the lanterns when there was no oil he poured water instead and the lamps burned. Wonders he showed to all.
9. Udi Ki Vibhuti Deta, Sab Rog Dosh Harta। Udi Se Aarogya Milta, Bhakt Ka Dil Sukh Milta॥ Meaning: He gave sacred ash (Udi) from the dhuni; all diseases and faults were removed. Through the Udi healing was attained and the devotee’s heart found peace.
10. Sai Baba Ka Darbar, Sabka Tha Sab Se Pyar। Amir Ghareeb Sab Aate, Sai Pyaar Se Bhaarate॥ Meaning: Sai Baba’s court welcomed all his love was for everyone. Rich and poor alike came Sai embraced them all with love.
11. Sai Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Man Ki Peeda Door Karo। Shraddha Rakhkar Maango Jo, Sai Zaroor Denge Vo॥ Meaning: Chant Sai’s name and remove the mind’s pain. Whatever you ask with faith Sai will surely grant it.
12. Saburi Rakh Jo Bhakt Koi, Uska Bhala Zaroor Hoi। Sai Ki Raah Mein Chalo, Jeevan Ka Anand Pao॥ Meaning: Whatever devotee practises patience (Saburi) shall certainly be blessed. Walk in Sai’s way and find the joy of life.
13. Sai Baba Ke Charanon Mein, Sukh Shanti Hai Mildai। Jo Koi Sai Ko Dhyata Hai, Woh Sukhi Ho Jaata Hai॥ Meaning: At Sai Baba’s feet, happiness and peace are readily found. Whoever meditates on Sai becomes joyful and content.
14. Sai Naam Amrit Hai Sada, Man Ka Darr Mita Sada। Sai Naam Se Rog Jata, Bhakt Ka Dil Sukh Pata॥ Meaning: Sai’s name is always nectar it always erases the mind’s fear. Sai’s name drives away disease and the devotee’s heart finds peace.
15. Sai Baba Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Par Kripa Ghari Ghari। Jo Koi Unhe Yaad Karta, Uska Jeevan Safal Hota॥ Meaning: Great is Sai Baba’s glory his grace rains on devotees every moment. Whoever remembers him finds their life made fruitful.
16. Guruvaar Ko Jo Pooja Kare, Sai Ki Kirpa Sada Dhare। Thursday Ko Vrat Rakhe Jo, Sai Prasad Woh Pave॥ Meaning: Whoever worships on Thursday carries Sai’s grace always. Whoever fasts on Thursday shall receive Sai’s sacred prasad.
17. Sai Baba Ne Moksha Diya, Bhakt Ko Param Gyan Diya। Jo Sai Ki Sharan Aaya, Uska Beda Paar Lagaya॥ Meaning: Sai Baba granted liberation and bestowed supreme knowledge on devotees. Whoever came to Sai’s shelter he ferried their boat to the other shore.
18. Sai Ka Naam Japo Baar Baar, Jeevan Mein Ho Sukh Apaar। Sai Nath Ki Jai Jai Ho, Bhakton Ka Sankat Dur Ho॥ Meaning: Chant Sai’s name again and again and boundless happiness will fill life. Victory to Sai Nath! May all devotees’ troubles be dispelled.
19. Sai Baba Eke Avataar, Sabke Dil Mein Karte Uddhaar। Ishwar Allah Tero Naam, Sab Ko Dete Hain Aaram॥ Meaning: Sai Baba is a unique avatar who uplifts the heart of all. “Ishwar Allah” — both names are yours you grant rest to all.
20. Shirdi Ka Dham Paavan Hai, Sai Ki Samadhi Shubh Sthan Hai। Jo Koi Shirdi Darshan Kare, Sai Kirpa Uske Andar Bhare॥ Meaning: The abode of Shirdi is sacred; Sai’s Samadhi is a holy place. Whoever visits Shirdi for darshan Sai’s grace fills them within.
21. Sai Baba Deen Dayal Hai, Sabke Jeevan Ka Khyaal Hai। Unke Dar Par Jo Bhi Aaye, Khali Hath Na Wapas Jaaye॥ Meaning: Sai Baba is merciful to the humble he cares for the life of all. Whoever comes to his door never goes back empty-handed.
22. Sai Naam Ki Shakti Se, Mushkilein Door Hoti Hai। Bhakt Ka Dil Nirmala Hota, Maa Sai Ki Kirpa Hoti॥ Meaning: By the power of Sai’s name, difficulties are removed. The devotee’s heart becomes pure and Sai’s grace descends.
23. Sai Baba Ke Charno Ko, Nit Dhyao Har Pal Ko। Man Ki Peeda Dur Hogi, Jeevan Mein Khushi Ayegi॥ Meaning: Meditate on Sai Baba’s feet every moment, every day. The mind’s pain will go away and happiness will come to life.
24. Sai Naam Ka Ratan Amol, Jap Ke Pao Khushi Ka Khol। Jo Jan Sai Ko Bhav Se Jaane, Woh Jeevan Mein Sukh Paane॥ Meaning: Sai’s name is a priceless jewel chant it and open the chest of joy. Whoever knows Sai with devotion finds happiness in life.
25. Sai Baba Ki Duniya Nyaari, Sabke Dil Ko Lagti Pyaari। Unka Darshan Karo Nit, Jeevan Mein Aaye Sukh Pavit॥ Meaning: Sai Baba’s world is unique, beloved by every heart. Seek his darshan daily and pure happiness will come to life.
26. Sai Nath Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Rog Door Ho Jaate Hain। Man Ki Chahat Poori Hoti, Bhakt Ki Taqdeer Seedhi Hoti॥ Meaning: By Sai Nath’s grace, all diseases are removed. The heart’s desires are fulfilled and the devotee’s destiny is straightened.
27. Sai Baba Mera Sahara, Har Sankat Mein Mera Pukara। Sai Naam Japo Sab Log, Door Karoon Sab Rog॥ Meaning: Sai Baba is my support; I call upon him in every difficulty. All people, chant Sai’s name he will drive away every disease and trouble.
28. Sai Baba Ki Aarti Karo, Dhan Dhanya Se Ghar Bharo। Parivar Ka Sukh Badhao, Sai Naam Ko Yaad Dilao॥ Meaning: Perform Sai Baba’s Aarti and fill the home with prosperity. Increase the family’s happiness and keep Sai’s name in remembrance.
29. Sai Baba Ka Prasad Lo, Man Ki Peeda Door Karo। Udi Aur Charanamrit Pao, Sai Kirpa Ko Apnao॥ Meaning: Accept Sai Baba’s prasad and remove the mind’s pain. Receive the sacred Udi and charanamrit and make Sai’s grace your own.
30. Sai Naam Mein Shakti Hai, Sai Naam Mein Bhakti Hai। Sai Naam Jap Lo Sada, Jeevan Mein Mile Sukh Sada॥ Meaning: In Sai’s name there is power in Sai’s name there is devotion. Always chant Sai’s name and life shall always find joy.
31. Guruvaar Ka Din Hai Khaas, Sai Pooja Ka Din Aas। Is Din Vrat Jo Koi Kare, Sai Kirpa Uske Andar Bhare॥ Meaning: Thursday is a special day the day of Sai’s worship and hope. Whoever fasts on this day Sai’s grace fills them within.
32. Sai Baba Ne Karke Dikhai, Prem Aur Seva Ki Badhai। Sabke Dil Ko Jod Diya, Ek Parivar Bana Diya॥ Meaning: Sai Baba showed us love and service in practice. He united every heart and made all one family.
33. Sai Naam Ka Sumiran Karo, Aatma Shakti Ko Jagao। Har Mushkil Se Ubaro, Sai Ki Sharan Mein Aao॥ Meaning: Practise remembrance of Sai’s name and awaken your soul’s power. Rise above every difficulty come to Sai’s shelter.
34. Sai Baba Mere Raksha Karo, Har Buri Shakti Ko Door Karo। Mera Jeevan Safal Karo, Mujhe Teri Sharan Mein Raho॥ Meaning: Sai Baba, protect me and drive away every negative power. Make my life fruitful and keep me within your shelter.
35. Sai Naam Se Sab Kuch Hota, Koi Bhi Khaali Haath Na Rota। Jo Maange Sai Se Bhav Se, Milta Hai Usse Sab Kuch॥ Meaning: Everything happens through Sai’s name no one who comes remains empty-handed. Whatever is asked of Sai with devotion all of it is received.
36. Sai Baba Ke Darshan Se, Man Ka Darr Mita Jaata Hai। Jeevan Mein Umang Aati, Maa Sai Ki Kirpa Hoti॥ Meaning: From Sai Baba’s darshan, the mind’s fear is erased. Enthusiasm blooms in life and Mother Sai’s grace descends.
37. Sai Chalisa Padh Ke Dekho, Jeevan Mein Badlaav Aata Hai। Sai Naam Ki Mahima Nyaari, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyaari॥ Meaning: Read the Sai Chalisa and see transformation comes to life. Sai’s name’s glory is unique and most beloved to devotees.
38. Sai Baba Ke Charan Kamal, Bhakton Ka Jeewan Ho Safal। Sai Naam Ka Path Karo, Har Mushkil Se Mukta Raho॥ Meaning: At Sai Baba’s lotus feet, devotees’ lives become fruitful. Recite Sai’s name and remain free from every difficulty.
39. Sai Naam Ki Mahima Gaao, Sab Pareshaniyon Ko Bhagao। Sai Baba Ki Aarti Gao, Parivar Ko Sukh Dilao॥ Meaning: Sing the glory of Sai’s name and drive away all troubles. Sing Sai Baba’s Aarti and bring happiness to the family.
40. Sai Chalisa Sampan Hua, Sai Kirpa Ka Varan Hua। Jo Bhav Se Padhe Nit Ye Path, Sai Kirpa Rahe Sath॥ Meaning: The Sai Chalisa is complete and Sai’s grace has been invoked. Whoever reads this with devotion every day Sai’s grace shall remain with them always.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Sai Naam Ki Mahima, Gaaye Jo Din Raat। Uska Jeevan Dhanya Ho, Kahe Sai Ki Baat॥
Meaning: Whoever sings of Sai’s name’s glory day and night their life becomes blessed and Sai himself speaks through them.
Benefits of Reciting Sai Baba Chalisa
- Removal of suffering: Relieves physical illness, mental distress, and financial trouble
- Faith and patience: Cultivates Shraddha and Saburi Sai’s two core teachings
- Universal blessing: Beneficial for people of all religions and backgrounds
- Wish fulfilment: Devotees report miraculous answers to heartfelt prayers
- Inner peace: Brings a profound sense of calm, surrender, and trust
Best Time to Chant
- Thursday (Guruvaar) — Sai Baba’s most auspicious day
- Early morning after bathing, before eating
- Sai Baba’s Mahasamadhi anniversary (Vijayadashami / Dussehra)
- Any time of day when you feel the need for his guidance and comfort