Similarities between two great Mahans

Received an interesting email (reproduced at the bottom of this posting) from Mr. K. Bharath Kumar pointing out the similarities between the two great Mahans, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and Arunachala’s own Sri Seshadri Swamigal. 

I’ve also noted the likeness between these saints and often visit the back of the samadhi of Sri Seshadri to take darshan of the statues of the two Mahans sitting side-by-side. 

Two great Mahans

"Sri Seshadri Swamigal arrived at Tiruvannamalai in 1889 when he was 19 years old. He lived uninterruptedly at this place for the next forty 40 years until 1929. He lived the life of an Avadhuta, with no home or ashram, and moved from place to place within Tiruvannamalai. After he left the body, his devotees made his samadhi at a spot off the Chengam Road, which was later to incorporate also an Ashram in his name which is located next to Ramana Maharshi Ashram."

To learn more about the great Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal go to this link here: 

"Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi lived between 1838 and 1918 and whose real name, birthplace and date of birth are not known. An Indian spiritual guru and a fakir that transcended the barriers of religions, Sai Baba of Shirdi was regarded with great reverence by both Hindu and Muslim followers. He lived in a mosque and after death his body was cremated in a Temple. 

His philosophy ingrained 'Shraddha' meaning faith and 'Saburi' meaning compassion. According to him Shraddha and Saburi were the supreme attributes to reach the state of godliness."

To find out more about Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, go to this link here: 

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Similarities between Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai (Arunachala) 

There is a close likeness between Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal of Tiruvannamalai. 

1. Both lived in their chosen small towns for half a century without moving or wandering outside anywhere. 

2. They both lived moderately, placed least emphasis on external appearances, clothes, grooming, etc. 

3. Both were well versed in difficult yogic practices. 

4. Both gave away all material possessions, presents given to them - then and there - without hoarding any possessions. 

5. Both stressed on sincerity of devotion, power through prayers and right conduct to all devotees. 

6. Both were remarkable healers - even mud and sand became effective medicines when given with their blessings. 

7. Both were able to foretell the future of people and prescribed remedies for their problems. 

8. Both manifested themselves as the favorite Gods of their devotees - whatever they may be - i.e., they were personifications of many important Hindu Gods who appeared from both these saints' physical shells on many occasions based on devotees' prayers/needs. 

9. Both of them were very simple in their lifestyles taking the least from humankind and nature and have given maximum service useful for several generations. 

10. Both of them did not write a single book, nor did they give any elaborate lectures. Both conveyed through simple examples and parables - sometimes meaningful sometimes confusing to their devotees. 

11. Both did not start any ashrams, nor did they start new rituals or formal procedures, or a lineage of disciples as most modern saints/sadhus typically do. They were both interested solely for the upliftment of humankind - to move humans towards realizing their true self and God and spent their entire life in this mission. 

12. Both EVEN NOW exist in subtle spiritual form LONG after their samadhis (passing away) and devotees are being helped and guided in mysterious ways by them EVEN NOW. 

[Mr. K. Bharath Kumar]