Sairam friends,
One of my Sai friend asked if I know any organization which accepts donation for Annadhaan – Poor Feeding and I was thinking what to tell him. I was in Saibaba temple in the evening during Shej Aarti. I usually take the prasad kept in-front of the little Sai Baba, stand in the corner of Dwarakamai and just remain there for devotees to take any snacks or sweets they like.
Some devotees came near me and took the prasad they like. Usually, I think about Sai or my life or simply hum any song in my mind during this time. Yesterday, I noticed a guy who was standing too far in the parking. I nodded my head in a way of calling him near me and asked him to take the prasad. I was surprised he came near me with two palms lifted. I was about to tell him that I have to give all devotees and he can take any prasad he likes from the Bannana leaf.
As he got closer to me, still keeping his palm lifted to accept the whole prasad, I realized he’s poor and really hungry. As soon as he came near me, I gave the whole prasad to him. Seems he was so hungry, he immediately started having it standing in a corner.
One of my friend told me that the same guy went to my friends in temple and told that someone has took him from Palani (60 Kms away) to Coimbatore and left him here. He had requested some money to go back to his village in Palani.
After few minutes, my friend gave some rice which was also given as prasad in main hall. Then, he had given him some money. I also gave my friend some money to handover to the guy and left.
When I saw the guy eating the food in hunger, I realized this is really Annadhaan.
One of my elderly sai friend used to tell this to me. If you really wanted to give food to people, get few parcels, take your vehicle and roam all over the city. Some where in the road sides, you might spot someone who needs food desperately.
He used to tell me this is a real service. We must give food to people who need it that moment.
I encourage devotees to donate money to temples and other organizations but the best thing you can try when you get opportunity is to find someone in need of food and giving them.
Be it food or anything thing you give, make sure it reaches the right person
Do Annadhaan, the right way.
Sai will be happy about it.
I am in hurry now
Tata
Love,
Venkat
Note – I usually get sarees, food etc when ever i visit ancient temples in villages. I give these to the women selling flowers, people around village. They will be happy.
Om sai ram…