A book on Him
Smt. Nagamani Purnaiya has written a book in Telugu (later also translated into and printed in English), entitled, ‘Divine Leelas of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba ‘. In the foreword to the book she says, “I have availed myself of every opportunity of witnessing His divine powers.” The book describes more than 140 miracles, of which she says “more than 115 were witnessed by me with abundant joy.” Nagamani Amma was the wife of Sri Purnaiya, the chief commercial superintendent, southern railways, and the miracles she records were revealed at what is called the ‘old’ Mandir (temple) in the village, in the first few years after Swami’s announcement. When the present Mandir called Prasanthi Mandir was inaugurated in 1950, the Mandir at the village became old! The miracles described relate to cures effected by the administration of Vibhuti created by Swami, and of raging floods subdued at His command. Baba revealed to her, “It is because of your faith and trust in Me that your bus could cross the river in spite of the surging floods .” Swami created Tulsi (basil leaf) garlands, rings and pendants for personal wear. He also performed surgical operations. “One day I saw Swami throwing something like a banana peel over the wall,” narrates Nagamani Amma. “Then He came towards me and asked for water to wash His hands which were red with blood. ‘You had prayed to me to cure that man, so I operated upon him ,’ He said. That night I could not sleep due to my anxiety for the man, since he was operated upon without cocaine and in full consciousness. I was very troubled by the thought of the pain he must be suffering in the adjacent room, and so I stayed wide awake. At daybreak Swami called me and asked me to give the patient some surgical cotton. ‘Go and give the cotton at once ‘ He commanded. When I went in, after hesitating at the door for a while, I found the patient eating a plate-ful of idlies and chutney. Swami stood behind me. ‘This is not an operation by a doctor,’ He chuckled. ‘I have done it; so there is no pain caused, no rest required and no special diet prescribed. He can eat whatever he wants.’ I was shown a long mark on the stomach but could discover no stitches. Swami said, ‘The Vibhuti I created and applied on his brow acted as an anaesthetic. I created a Trisul (trident) and a knife for the operation. After I had finished, I smeared Vibhuti , and it was all over.’
“On another day, four men came to Prasanthi Nilayam with the intention of testing Swami,” continues Nagamani Purnaiya. “When they reached Bukkapatnam, three miles away, they exchanged the wrist watches they wore, deciding among themselves to find out whether Baba would discover what they had done. ‘If He is God, He should know,’ they thought. Swami called them and said, ‘I know why you have come and what you were talking on the way. One is wearing the watch of the other. I know that you have come to test Me, but this is a place for devotees. You can go back to where you have come from .'”
A Book on Him – A Sacred Journey of Love, Faith, and Divine Remembrance A book on Him is not merely a collection of pages, stories, or written words. It is a sacred offering of devotion, remembrance, and love. When a devotee writes or reads about the Divine, the heart does not only gather information; it enters a deeper relationship with faith. Such a book becomes a bridge between the seeker and the Beloved, between human longing and divine grace.
In ordinary life, many books are written for knowledge, entertainment, history, or success. They may inform the mind, but a spiritual book touches something deeper. A book on Him becomes special because it carries the fragrance of devotion. Every chapter can remind the reader of compassion, miracles, guidance, teachings, and the silent ways in which the Divine transforms human life.
For a devotee, the word “Him” points toward the one who is loved, trusted, worshipped, and remembered with the whole heart. It may refer to the Lord, the Guru, or the divine master who has become the center of one’s faith. A book on Him is therefore not only about describing events. It is about expressing gratitude for a presence that gives strength during sorrow, peace during confusion, and hope during difficult times.
Such a book often begins with love. The writer may feel that no words are enough to describe the greatness of the Divine, yet the heart still wants to try. This feeling itself becomes devotion. The pen becomes an instrument, the words become flowers, and the book becomes an offering. A book on Him teaches that when writing is filled with sincerity, it can become a form of worship.
The stories in a spiritual book may include miracles, teachings, personal experiences, blessings, and moments of transformation. But the real purpose is not only to create wonder. The deeper purpose is to awaken faith and inspire better living. If a reader finishes the book with more love, humility, truthfulness, and desire to serve, then the book has fulfilled its sacred purpose.
A book on Him also reminds us that divine presence is not limited by time. The physical form may not always be before our eyes, but teachings, memories, and grace continue to guide. A written word can carry the power of remembrance. A single line can comfort a tired heart. A single story can restore faith. A single teaching can change the direction of life.
Reading such a book should be done with respect and openness. If the reader approaches it only with curiosity, they may see only events. But if the heart reads with devotion, the same words become alive. The reader begins to feel that the Divine is speaking personally through the pages. This is the beauty of sacred literature.
A book on Him can also become a companion during loneliness. When a devotee feels misunderstood or weak, turning to such a book can bring inner support. The stories remind the heart that divine love is real, prayer is meaningful, and sincere faith is never wasted. The reader feels that they are not alone on the path.
A true spiritual book also corrects the reader gently. It may show that devotion is not only emotion, but transformation. It asks the reader to reduce anger, ego, jealousy, and selfishness. It inspires kindness, service, patience, forgiveness, and surrender. The greatest praise of the Divine is not only written in words, but lived through good conduct.
A book on Him also preserves sacred memories for future generations. Many people may not have seen the Divine Master directly, but through such writings, they can feel His love, teachings, and influence. A book becomes a lamp passed from one hand to another. It keeps faith alive and allows devotion to travel across time.
The reader should not treat such a book as ordinary material. It should be read slowly, with reflection. After reading a story, one can ask, “What lesson is hidden here? How can I apply this in my life? How can I become more loving and sincere?” In this way, reading becomes meditation and reflection becomes practice.
In the end, A book on Him is a sacred reminder that divine love can be remembered, shared, and lived through words. It is not only about Him; it is also a path toward Him. It takes the reader from admiration to devotion, from devotion to reflection, and from reflection to transformation.
A sincere devotee who reads A book on Him with faith slowly becomes calmer, humbler, and more loving. The heart remembers grace, the mind receives guidance, and life becomes more meaningful. This is the blessing of such a book – it turns pages into prayer, stories into inspiration, and remembrance into a living path of divine awareness.
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