Sai Baba Original Name: Discover the beginning of his mysterious life

Sai Baba’s miraculous life and spiritual teachings made him a revered figure among the masses. Yet, one question still arises in the minds of many devotees – What was Sai Baba Original Name? In this article, we will provide a clear and factual answer to this question, along with sharing some historical aspects of his life.

What Sai Baba Original Name?

Sai Baba’s Original name remains a mystery to this day. Sai Baba never clearly mentioned his birthplace, religion, or original name. When he first arrived in Shirdi, he was recognized as a simple fakir. A devotee of Shirdi named Mahalsapati was the first to address him as “Sai,” and from that moment, he became known as “Sai Baba.”

The word “Sai” means ‘saint’ or ‘fakir’, and “Baba” means ‘father-like’. Thus, this name became a symbol of his personality – a guru and guide who was above all religions.

Beliefs About Sai Baba’s Birth and Name

There are several beliefs regarding Sai Baba’s birth and real name:

• According to some scholars, Sai Baba’s real name might have been Haribhau or Hari. Other beliefs suggest that he was a Brahmin child adopted by a Muslim fakir and raised in the Sufi tradition.
• Sai Baba himself once said: “By birth, I am a Brahmin, by action a Muslim, and by sentiment a Hindu.”

However, none of these theories are supported by any authentic historical documents that can confirm Original Name of Sai Baba Shirdi.

Significance and Origin of the Word “Sai”

The word “Sai” is originally a Persian/Urdu term that means ‘saint’ or ‘holy man’. When he returned to Shirdi for the second time and was meditating under a neem tree, a priest named Mahalsapati saw him and said – “Aao Sai” (Come, Sai).

Since then, the name became associated with him, and he became widely known as “Sai Baba.”

Mentions in Old Books and Scriptures

• The most prominent scripture is the “Shri Sai Satcharitra,” written by Hemadpant (Dabholkar). Even in this text, there is no mention of his real name or birthplace.
• Other biographers like Narasimha Swami and Govind Dabholkar also focused on his miracles and teachings, rather than on his birth or original name.

This clearly shows that Sai Baba’s purpose was not about identity or name, but about spreading service, equality, and devotion.

Spiritual Perspective on the Importance of “Name”

Sai Baba often used to say: “I am not the body, I am the soul. One who wants to know me must look within.” That’s why name, caste, or religion were never important to him. He always taught: One’s identity is not through name, but through actions and service.

Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience) – these were his two greatest teachings.

Sai Baba’s Arrival in Shirdi

• When Sai Baba first arrived in Shirdi, he was meditating under a neem tree.
• He did not introduce himself, nor did he ask anyone for anything.
• The villagers sometimes called him a “mad fakir” and sometimes a “saint.”
• Gradually, his miracles, wisdom, and behavior won everyone’s hearts.

Timeline of Sai Baba’s Life

Here, a Short account of Baba’s life is given –

S.No.	Year	Key Event
1	Around 1838	Birth of Sai Baba (exact place unknown)
2	Around 1858	First arrival in Shirdi
3	Few years later	Left Shirdi and wandered across India
4	Around 1872	Returned to Shirdi and settled permanently
5	1918	Took Mahasamadhi in Shirdi

The Shirdi Sai Baba Original Name remains a mystery even today, but what is certain is the impact of his love, service, and teachings, which continue to guide the lives of millions of devotees. Whatever his name might have been, Sai Baba’s glory and divinity are his true identity. If you liked this article, please share it and do read our other devotional articles: Sai Baba story, Sai Baba ke 11 Vachan, Sai Baba Vrat Katha, and Sai Baba 108 Names.

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