Sacred trees planted at Shirdi Baba Temple on KZN’s north coast
Saplings of three trees considered sacred in Hinduism were planted at the sanctification of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, where the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence (MCB) is to be built at Nonoti on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
The Audumbur or cluster fig tree, which is considered to be the home of Lord Dattatreya, a neem tree that will eventually grow into a Gurusthan (a space honouring the Guru or spiritual teacher), and a Bilva tree, which is auspicious to Lord Shiva, were planted at the proposed MCB site.
A life-size idol of the mystic saint, Shirdi Sai Baba, as well murtis of Lord Ganesha and Lord Dattatreya were consecrated at the temple by Shri Sulakhe Maharaj, chief priest of Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi Temple in Shirdi town in Maharashtra, 250km northeast of Mumbai.
The momentous ceremony took place in the presence of Shri Mohanji, a humanitarian whose life purpose is to unite the world with the highest values of love, kindness, compassion and selflessness.
Sulosh Pillay, director of global charity community ACT Foundation, founded by Shri Mohanji, said, “Despite Shri Maharaj’s hectic schedule, we were honoured that he agreed to officiate this ceremony at Shri Mohanji’s request. Shri Maharaj has dedicated his life to Shirdi Sai Baba and has served over 40 years at the temple. Shirdi Sai Baba stood for love, unity, stability and compassion beyond barriersvalues which are much needed in these current times. The presence of Shirdi Sai Baba at the MCB has infused waves of divine energy and positivity and already children have started to visit the temple and pray there in their native languages.”
Pillay said the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence at Nonoti will have a food/ soup kitchen, skills training centre, shelter for the abused, frail care facility, meditation hall and retreat centre.
Addressing the large crowd at the consecration event, Shri Mohanji said it was heart-warming that despite the tragic floods in the Nonoti area, the faith, conviction and commitment of the organising teams saw this event reach completion.
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