Sai Baba of Shirdi was a jewel among Saints. He lived his entire life out in a small and obscure village in India. The villagers of Shirdi each claimed him as a member of their own religion, Muslim or Hindu. He really came to make peace between them and he always encouraged each to follow to his own religious path.

Devotees flocked from all over the country though he never traveled and never cared for fame. Over and over his devotees found he knew their innermost thoughts and details of their lives. He effected cures, conferred health, happiness, and prosperity, and made childless couples conceive. His real purpose though was to awaken in them a longing for the spiritual life. Thousands thought of him as a wonderful saint with miraculous powers but his innermost circle knew him to be in incarnation of God himself. Some said of Dattatreya, others of Shiva, still others saw ecstatic visions of their own beloved Guru or chosen personalized icon of God while gazing at Him. He said that he was the humble servant of God and pleased and furthered all who came in contact with him.

Sai Baba was first seen as a youth of sixteen sitting under a neem tree in Shirdi. None knew his origin or past. Even then he seemed to be full of the knowledge of Brahman. Completely Selfless He had no desire for worldly objects. There was no Maya (illusion) and Mukti (illumination) was serving at his feet. This young lad, fair, smart, and very handsome, was first seen under a Neem tree seated in an Asana . The village was wonderstruck to see such a young lad practicing hard penance,inspite of the heat and cold. He associated with none, unafraid.

There was much speculation of his antecedants. His form and features were so handsome that a mere look endeared him to all. He went to nobody's door, always sat near the Neem tree. Outwardly he looked very young; the compassion and love shone on his face.A great enigma to all.Peace or calm was his ornament and he was the repository of wisdom. He had no love for perishable things and was always engrossed in self-realization. He did not know or care for honor or dishonor. The name of Allah was always on his lips. His inner being was calm as the deep sea. Though he sat in one place,he was fully aware of all . Although he was ascended Master , he acted like a sadhaka (disciple on the spiritual path). He was meek, humble, and pleased all.

A saint name Gangagir who frequented Shirdi said of him on first setting eyes on him "Blessed is Shirdi, that it got this precious jewel". Another saint by name Anandanath said "This is a precious diamond in reality, though he looks like an ordinary man. You will realize this in the near future."

Shri Sai Satcharita, the story of Sai Baba's life and actions was written in his own lifetime and is best known among Sai devotees. Just before leaving his body he told a disciple he would be reborn in a certain village 8 years hence and so it came to pass as Shree Satya Sai Baba.