“Sai” His Holy Name 

Sai Baba’s real name, his birthplace and date of birth are unknown. When asked about his past, he often gave elusive responses. The name “Sai” was given to him upon his arrival at Shirdi. Mahalsapati, a local temple priest, recognized him as a Muslim saint and greeted him with the words ‘Ya Sai!’, meaning ‘Welcome Sai!’. Sai or Sayi is a Persian title given to Sufi saints, meaning ‘poor one’ and in Banjara language, “Sayi” means good one.

“Baba”

“Baba” holds a very holy & spiritual meaning in different religions. Let us understand the what this means to everyone on this blessed planet: Sikhs pray to “Guru Nanak Dev Ji”, the founder, who is called “Baba Nanak.” It holds respect and forms part of the names of many essential Gurus. Muslims believe God revealed his message throughout history through prophets like Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and culminating in Muhammad as the final prophet.

Sai Baba believed in “Saab Ka Malik Ek”  God is One. 

Jesus himself used “Holy Father” when praying to God (John 17:11). It refers to the first person of the Trinity, emphasizing God’s holiness and his role as the creator and father figure. Catholics believe the “Holy Father” as an honorific title for the Pope, the head of their Church. It signifies the Pope’s role as the spiritual leader and successor to Saint Peter, the apostle chosen by Jesus. The Buddists believe the word “Bhikkhu” is used in Theravada Buddhism for a fully ordained monk. It carries respect and signifies the individual’s dedication to the monastic life and spiritual pursuit.

Similar to Buddhists, Jainism believes the word “Bhikkhu” for monks and “Sadhu” for ascetics. Both terms convey respect and recognition of their dedication to spiritual practice and detachment from worldly desires. Several indigenous and tribal communities worldwide utilize variations of “Baba” or similar words with respectful meanings.  Thus Baba denotes “holy father”, “saintly father” or “respected man” to Shirdi Sai Baba.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all