Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat – The Nine Thursdays Vow
Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat – The Story Behind the Nine Thursdays Vow
Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat is a sacred vow observed by devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba for nine consecutive Thursdays. It is believed that observing this vrat with faith and devotion brings blessings, removes obstacles, and fulfills heartfelt wishes.
Kokilaben’s Story: From Struggles to Miracles
Kokilaben and her husband Maheshbhai lived in a big city. While they loved each other, Maheshbhai had a difficult and irritable nature. This behavior affected their surroundings and gradually their business also started to fail. Maheshbhai became jobless and stayed home all day, growing more frustrated.
Despite all difficulties, Kokilaben remained calm, patient, and had unwavering faith in God.
One afternoon, an old saint appeared at her doorstep. He had a radiant face and asked for some rice and lentils. Kokilaben humbly offered them and greeted him with folded hands. The saint blessed her, saying, “Sai Baba will always keep you happy.”
Kokilaben opened her heart and told the saint all her troubles. He listened with compassion and told her about the powerful spiritual practice of the Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat.
Instructions for Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat
- The vrat can be started on any Thursday with Sai Baba’s name on your lips.
- It is to be observed for 9 consecutive Thursdays.
- Anyone — man, woman, or child — can perform the vrat.
- Devotees may eat fruits, milk, or one simple meal (do not fast completely).
- If possible, visit a Sai Baba temple on these days.
Puja Procedure at Home
- Spread a yellow cloth and place a photo or idol of Sai Baba on it.
- Light a lamp (diya) and clean Baba’s photo gently.
- Apply kumkum (red powder) to Baba’s forehead.
- Offer yellow flowers, fruits, or sweets.
- Read the vrat story and recite Sai Baba’s aarti.
- Express your wish and pray with devotion.
- Distribute prasad to family and friends.
If you miss a Thursday due to unavoidable circumstances, continue the vrat the following week. Women should avoid the vrat during their menstrual cycle and resume afterward.
Celebration on the 9th Thursday
- Feed at least five poor people.
- Distribute the Sai Vrat Katha book or a digital link to friends and devotees.
- You may also share Sai Stavan Manjari as part of the distribution.
Miracles Unfold
Kokilaben observed the vrat with full faith. After the 9th Thursday, her home transformed. Peace returned, Maheshbhai’s nature improved, and their business flourished. Kokilaben’s sister-in-law once visited from Surat and shared her concern about her children failing in school. Kokilaben encouraged her to observe the Sai Nav Guruwar Vrat, assuring her that Sai Baba’s blessings could help. Inspired, her sister-in-law returned to Surat, started the vrat, and soon saw improvements in her children’s studies. She also distributed vrat booklets at her office. One colleague, struggling to get married, soon found a good match. Another neighbor got back her stolen jwellery box while performng this Vrat. These experiences strengthened everyone’s faith in Sai Baba and proved the miraculous power of sincere devotion and the Nine Thursdays Vrat. .
Conclusion
This vrat is especially powerful in the modern age (Kaliyug). Those who observe it with faith (Shraddha) and patience (Saburi) are sure to receive Sai Baba’s blessings. Spreading the word and helping others take up the vrat is also considered a noble act that multiplies the blessings.
Om Sai Ram. May Sai Baba bless you with peace, health, and happiness.