Jagannatha Mahaprabhu is worshipped as Narayan or Vishnu when he is on the Ratnavedi (dias) in the sanctum sanctorum, as Ganesha when on the Snanavedi during the Snana Purnima, as Rudra (an expression of Shiva) during the Nava- Kalevara ceremony, as Durga in the Sayana festival and as the Sun when on the Ratha during the RathaYatra “Car festival”. This gives a clear reference to what importance does Lord Jagannath hold in Hindu culture. Despite this, the Hindu’s god was placed at the feet of Sai baba who is considered to be a spiritual leader for some.
Bhagwan Jagannath at the feet of Sai Baba
In a picture circulating on social media, Bhagwan Jagannath can be seen placed at the feet of Sai Baba. A Twitter user shared the picture and tweeted, “No disrespect to Saibhaktas, but I have often seen Saibhaktas trying to equate Sai with other Hindu Gods. Just see in this particular picture, PrabhuJagannatha (a God) is placed at the feet of Sai (a human).”
No disrespect to Sai bhaktas, but I have often seen Sai bhaktas trying to equate Sai with other Hindu Gods. Just see in this particular picture, Prabhu Jagannatha (a God) is placed at the feet of Sai (a human).@TheAtulMishra @tfipost @Bibhunandan5 @simplysappie pic.twitter.com/NcYpmao0FQ
— Saswat Routroy (@SaswatRoutroy) November 26, 2021
Bhagwan Jagannath’s picture placed under Sai baba is disrespect to Hindu Gods as Sai was a man who was acclaimed to be Dharma Guru, Siddha Purush and Yogi Purush. Sai Bhakts, probably have forgotten that even though Sai is worshipped by many, he cannot be bigger than the Hindu Gods.
Sai Baba- spiritual icon or a source of business?
In the year 1838, a Phakeer (Muslim priest) reaches Shirdi and the locals began addressing him as Sai Baba. In a book written by Late Govind Raghunath Dabholkar, the miracles performed by Sai baba are glorified. The believers, instead of digging deep for the references and historical evidences, attribute every good thing to God, Guru or somebody except himself. According to reports, even the photographs displayed and on enquiry at trust office, it was found that there are no original photographs of Sai Baba anywhere.
For many, it will be a shock to know that one requires contact with political bigwigs like MP, MLA, Minister or Govt. Bureaucrat to enter the main temple. For others, a huge donation of Rs.50, 000 might work.
Scam of Sai trusts
The Sai Trusts are the main beneficiary of the large sum donated by the innocent devotees. Trust goes on printing and reprinting the books, magazines and other materials depicting the miraculous power of Saibaba, to encash a good amount of money.
Reportedly, KS Pathak, an IAS officer had found the misappropriation of the large fund by the local trustees who were allegedly looting the public. The golden and silver ornaments, belonging to the Trust, were found in the houses of the trustees. CID officials had investigated the frauds, and the trustees were attempting to further manipulate the investigations by putting political pressure on the receiving officer and the charity commissioner.
People also claimed that Trust has turned the whole village into a five-star hotel. Whereas on the one hand, high rise buildings, asphalt roads, even airports were being built, the local population, on the contrary, were deprived of basic necessities. However, trustees wanted local people to cooperate with them so that they too can get benefited.
Thus, it is evident that even though Sai Baba is worshipped by his devotees, he was just a normal human being. Thus, glorifying him by disrespecting Bhagwan Jagannath is not acceptable at any cost.
I think you are over thinking this . I am pretty sure it was kept only cause of the size of the photos not the implication
Yes. I think like you about it. I see Lord Jagannath at front of Shri Sai Baba, not at his feet.
Now, this is how the religion stands divided. Each trying to dictate how the religion should be followed. Hinduism is an open religion with practices which are mostly scientific. The Bhakthi aspect is fine but starting to nit-pick will only create confusions. Saibaba is a man as he belonged to last century, but there would be a Human aspect to all the gods we worship if we go as far back as possible. Hinduism works on the principle of the cycle of Creation, sustenance and Destruction with the aid of knowledge, wealth/resources and power. So, the underlying principles of Hinduism is absolutely sensible. A guru is the one who can provide us a spiritual experience where we can go beyond the self and feel united with the universe (in a spiritual plane). Hinduism has the anti-dote for the madness in the name of materialism that is consuming the world. That is the primary reason Hinduism is targeted from the left, right and the Centre. Hinduism needs unity than ever before. But, nit-picking and starting unnecessary controversy between different streams within the family of Hinduism should absolutely be desisted. By the way, congress tried the same trick of trying to alienate devotees of Saibaba through a pro-congress sadhu (I don’t want to name him). Now, I see the supposed right wing magazine featuring something that would contribute to similar divide among Hindus. People who wanted to prescribe what all Hindus must do have also been responsible for alienating a lot of Hindus and that is why our religion is second class in our own land. Stop dividing and start uniting Hindus, we have to win a war to even exist in the next century.
Cut the crap man,we need to unite hindus against radical forces and you are giving a new agenda in congressi hand, sai baba’s miracle is not just scripted but is felt even today in the world,trust may be misusing money but that doesnt discount trust of devotees on sai baba and this 50k to enter temple is utter nonsense,you can stand in line and get the darshan for free or pay 100 rs to cut line short (if you are not able to stand in long line and thats not just in shordi in tirupathu and wvery big temple have same arrangements. location of Pictures of sri jagannath prabhu is not to disrespect but might be a mistake and should be considered as same, for sai bhakt all god is one… sabhi bhagwan unko sai baba main dikhte hain…” mano to sabkuch na mano to kuch nahin”
Yes. Sai Baba is beyond the trust or any other group. Like other deities used by bastard preachers for they own profit.