Experiences of a Devotee: Sonal Shahir

On the auspicious morning of October 21st, 2025, during the holy season of Diwali, I was blessed with an experience that reaffirmed my faith: Sai Baba is not just a statue; He is a living, breathing presence.

A Divine Leela: Baba is Alive

The Playful Miracles

Around 4:30 AM, I found myself in a dream that felt more like a reality. I was at the MCB Saibaba Temple in Dugspur, Virginia, standing very close to Baba’s idol. A few devotees and volunteers were present in the temple.

The moment the volunteers turned their backs, Baba began a playful Leela. He lifted His left hand from His right ankle and began gesturing toward me like a joyful child. He swayed His fingers rhythmically, almost as if they were dancing. His eyes and hand movements were clearly intended to catch my attention, inviting me into His divine play.

I stood there astonished and thrilled. The child within me awakened, wishing only to play along with Him. Remarkably, whenever the other devotees turned back toward the idol, Baba would become still. As soon as they looked away again, the play resumed. Baba began swaying the toes of His right foot in a rhythmic motion. He then lifted His left hand and touched the surface of the stone He sat upon, as if signaling to me that He could feel its physical presence—that He was truly there.

A Prayer Answered

I woke up at exactly 4:30 AM, my heart overflowing with joy and gratitude. After thanking Baba for this beautiful Darshan, a new desire arose. I prayed, "Baba, please grant me the Darshan of Mohanji in my dreams as well. I have not seen him in so many days."

With that prayer, I fell back asleep, and Baba immediately fulfilled my wish. In this second dream, I saw Mohanji dressed in his white robe. My mother and I were walking behind him when we encountered a statue of Lord Dattatreya beneath a tree. Mohanji stopped for a moment to take Darshan, offering his respect before continuing on his way. As he stepped forward, I looked down and saw his footprints clearly imprinted on the ground.

Overwhelmed with excitement, I jumped toward those holy prints and prostrated fully on the ground. I gathered the Charan-raj (the sacred dust from beneath his lotus feet) and reverently applied it on my forehead and to my mother's forehead.

It was a truly surreal experience, feeling the tangible presence of the Guru. I then saw Mohanji standing on the other side of the road, watching us. At that very moment, my alarm went off and I woke up. It was exactly 6:00 AM.

These dreams have deeply reaffirmed my faith. They served as a divine reminder that Baba is not just a statue—He is alive. He lives and breathes through His Leelas.

I am filled with immense gratitude to Baba and Mohanji for the love and blessings they shower upon us. I offer this testimony with a heart full of devotion.

Always at Your Feet,
Sonal Shahir

The Sacred Dust