Shirdi Sai Baba is one of India's most revered saints, transcending religious boundaries and embodying unity and compassion in all his actions. He refused to identify strictly as Hindu or Muslim, embracing the Neti-Neti principle—"neither this nor that"—embodying the divine in all forms. His life and teachings emphasised the equality of all beings, urging his followers to see beyond distinctions and extend kindness to every living being. Whether by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the distressed, Sai Baba devoted himself to the welfare of the needy. He welcomed people of all backgrounds, including the poor, untouchables, and lepers, offering them solace and spiritual guidance. For Sai Baba, service to others was service to God, as he saw the divine presence shining in every being, whether a dog, a bird, or a human.

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In the painting:

In the painting, Sai Baba is under a Neem tree in the village of Shirdi, Maharashtra, where he spent most of his life performing miracles, imparting spiritual teachings, selflessly serving others, and calling on his devotees to do the same:

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“If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away but receive them well and treat them with due respect. God will certainly be pleased if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked, and your verandah to strangers for resting.”

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The giant Neem tree in Shirdi, known as Gurusthan (Guru's Abode), marks the spot where Sai Baba first appeared at sixteen and spent years meditating in stillness. Revered for its healing properties, the tree is said to bear sweet leaves due to Sai Baba's divine grace, and devotees believe that offering incense there brings lifelong blessings.

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Beneath the tree, Sai Baba’s sandals (paduka) are revered as manifestations of his divine presence, with many miracles attributed to their worship.  Through his presence, Sai Baba transformed Shirdi into a sacred space where even the ground he walked upon was blessed.

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In the painting, Sai Baba's hand is depicted in the gesture of granting blessings (ashirwad), as he performed countless miracles, extending his grace to all who sought it. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and even calmed storms. During a cholera epidemic in Shirdi, he miraculously drove the disease away by encircling the village with flour, restoring peace and well-being.

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Sai Baba lived in simplicity, wearing a modest kaftan robe and cloth cap, without worldly possessions. Each day, he humbly collected food alms in a pot, allowing the hungry—humans, animals, and even birds—to eat before himself, emphasising sharing and equality.

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The dog and dove in the painting emphasise Sai Baba's teachings regarding the unity of all living beings and the importance he placed on feeding the hungry, including animals:

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"The appeasement of the dog’s hunger is the same as Mine. The dog has a soul; the creatures may be different, but the hunger of all is the same, though some speak and others are dumb."

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Wherever Sai Baba went, he maintained the sacred Dhuni fire, meditating before it and chanting "Allah Malik" (God is the sole owner). From the Dhuni, he distributed Udi (sacred ash) to his followers, believed to possess healing and karmic-cleansing powers.

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The ever-changing moon in the painting holds deep significance in both Hinduism and Islam. Sai Baba, like the moon, defied singular definition—he lived in a mosque named Dwarkamai, kept the sacred Dhuni, taught from both the Quran and the Gita, and embraced the oneness of all beings.

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At the back of the painting is the village municipality of Shirdi (Chavadi), where Sai Baba slept every alternate night. It is a communal space where village leaders gathered and people met, embodying inclusivity beyond religious boundaries. Like Sai Baba himself, the Chavadi welcomed all, symbolising unity, acceptance, and his universal message.

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In the frame, the words Shraddha (firm faith) and Saburi (patience) appear. Sai Baba emphasised them as the two pillars of spiritual progress, leading to liberation and removing fear and suffering. With these virtues, one transcends obstacles and attains divine grace.

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