Sai Baba devotee donates Rs 1 crore to Shirdi trust, says 'gave back what I received'

A Sai Baba devotee based in Hyderabad on Wednesday donated Rs 1 crore using demand drafts to the Saibaba Sansthan Trust. Rajeshwar, A builder by profession, said he had deep faith in the deity and had been helped several times in times of distress.

Shirdi:After receiving more than Rs 400 crore in donations from devotees in 2022, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Maharashtra's Shirdi on Wednesday saw the biggest donation so far in 2023 from a devotee hailing from Hyderabad. Rajeshwar, who owns a business in the city, has donated a sum of Rs 1 crore using four demand drafts, each of Rs 25 lakh.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, the devotee said he wished that the amount be used for medical services provided by the trust. "I am merely giving back what Sai Baba has bestowed upon me so far. In case of any difficulties, I have always sought his advice, and he has helped me every time. I hope the money is used for medical services" said Rajeshwar, who added that he is, by profession, the proprietor of a construction business.

Sai Sansthan Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jadhav thanked Rajeshwar for this feat. He further noted that another Sai devotee, identified as one Subba Reddy, has also provided funds for medical equipments. "Another devotee, namely Subba Reddy, has donated an X-ray machine worth Rs 46 lakhs to the trust" Jadhav said, thanking both devotees for their generosity.

Among the total donation amount in 2022, the largest chunk, amounting to Rs 166 crore, came via cash, whereas a further Rs 144 crore was paid by devotees using other modes of payment, such as credit and debit cards, cheques, and demand drafts.