The Mystery of the Tripundra: Transcending Duality through Guru Bhakti
The Leela
In the sacred pages of the Sai Satcharitra, specifically Chapter 11, a fascinating incident unfolds regarding Dr. Pandit, a friend of Tatyasaheb Noolkar. Visiting Shirdi for the first time, Dr. Pandit accompanied Dadasaheb Kelkar to the mosque for Baba’s worship. As Dadasaheb prepared to apply sandalwood paste to Baba’s feet—the customary practice—Dr. Pandit, driven by a surge of inner devotion, snatched the dish of paste from him.
Without hesitation, he applied a neat Tripundra (three horizontal lines) directly onto Baba’s forehead. Dadasaheb watched in trepidation, his heart pounding, for it was well known that Baba never allowed anyone to touch His forehead, often flaring up at such attempts. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, Baba sat still, showing not a trace of anger. instead, He looked quite pleased, accepting the mark as if it were a natural offering.
? The Conflict / Doubt
Why did Sai Baba, who strictly forbade even His most intimate devotees from applying a small tilak to His forehead, allow a first-time visitor like Dr. Pandit to apply a complete Tripundra?
The Revelation
The acceptance of the Tripundra was not a random act of favor but a recognition of Dr. Pandit's spiritual state.
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The Vision of Non-Duality: Dr. Pandit was a disciple of a Brahman Guru. Despite believing Baba to be a Muslim fakir, he did not let religious discrimination cloud his devotion. He saw his own Guru in Baba. As the transcript quotes a sentiment by Ramdas Swami:
"Wherever my mind goes, your image is all I see, and wherever I bow my head, your Lotus feet are there."
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The Hierarchy of Worship (Chakras): The transcript provides a profound esoteric explanation regarding where devotees were allowed to apply paste, correlating it to their spiritual evolution:
- The Feet: Most devotees applied paste here. This corresponds to those who approach God with selfish motives or worldly desires. They cannot rise above the feet.
- The Throat (Vishuddhi Chakra): Only Mhalsapati was allowed to apply paste to Baba's throat. This center represents internal purity and serenity, signifying a devotee who has transcended selfish motives.
- The Forehead (Agnya Chakra): Dr. Pandit was allowed here because he had purified his mind and dropped the barrier of religious difference (Hindu vs. Muslim). He worshiped with the Agnya Chakra awareness—seeing the Guru beyond the form.
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The Ultimate Union: The teaching suggests that journeying beyond the forehead leads to the Sahasrara Chakra, where there is no duality between the devotee and the Master—the devotee becomes Baba Himself.
Scriptural References
đź“– Sai Satcharitra Chapter 11 (Ovi 54)
Watch the Discourse
In the sacred pages of the *Sai Satcharitra*, specifically Chapter 11, a fascinating incident unfolds regarding Dr. Pandit, a friend of Tatyasaheb Noolkar. Visiting Shirdi for the first time, Dr. Pand...
Leela Narration
In the sacred pages of the *Sai Satcharitra*, specifically Chapter 11, a fascinating incident unfolds regarding Dr. Pandit, a friend of Tatyasaheb Noolkar. Visiting Shirdi for the first time, Dr. Pand...