Sai Baba Palaki Puja

Sai Baba Palaki Puja: Overview and Relevance

Sai Baba Palaki Puja (also known as Palki Seva or Palki Yatra) is a devotional ritual and procession in honor of Shirdi Sai Baba, where his image, padukas (sacred slippers), and other symbolic items are carried in a palanquin (palki) accompanied by prayers, singing, and rituals. This tradition is rooted in the practices established during Sai Baba’s lifetime and continues to be observed by devotees worldwide, both in temples and in homes.

Historical Background

The tradition of the Palki procession began during Sai Baba’s time in Shirdi. Devotees would escort him in a ceremonial procession with great reverence and festivity. Over time, this practice evolved, and instead of Sai Baba himself, his padukas, photograph, and staff were carried in the palki. This became a weekly ritual, particularly on Thursdays, and continues today among Sai Baba followers everywhere.

Rituals and Practices

• The puja typically begins with the worship of Sai Baba’s image and the palki at the temple or designated starting point. Devotees perform welcoming rituals, offer prayers, sing bhajans, and participate in aarti (ritual waving of lamps).
• The palki, bearing Sai Baba’s image, padukas, and sacred staff, is carried in a procession, often visiting devotees’ homes or encircling the temple premises. At each stop, rituals such as abhishek (ritual bathing), archana (offering of flowers), and satsang (spiritual gathering) are conducted.
• In home visits, the head of the household receives the padukas on their head and carries them through the house, invoking blessings for the family and seeking resolution of personal or familial issues.

Relevance and Significance

• Spiritual Connection: The Palaki Puja is a means for devotees to invite Sai Baba’s divine presence into their lives, homes, and communities. It is believed to bring peace, happiness, and spiritual upliftment.
• Blessings and Protection: Devotees seek Sai Baba’s blessings for health, prosperity, harmony, and the resolution of personal or family challenges. The ritual is seen as a way to surrender worries and receive guidance and protection.
• Community Bonding: The procession fosters unity among devotees, encouraging collective worship, service, and the sharing of spiritual experiences.
• Tradition and Continuity: By reenacting the historic processions, devotees honor Sai Baba’s legacy and keep alive the customs that connect them to the sacred history of Shirdi.