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.