Krishna Sulakhe

Sai Samsthan USA is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. The primary objective of Sai Samsthan USA is to establish Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir in the metropolitan Chicago and facilitate worship services similar to Shri Sai Baba Mandir in Shirdi, India. Other objectives of the organization include charitable activities such as medical aid to the indigent, relief to people affected by natural calamities, organize shelters to the homeless, feeding of the destitute (annadaana); translate, print, publish or distribute books, periodicals and literature to promote the goals and objectives of the organization; to promote Baba’s philosophy, sponsor or support religious, spiritual, cultural, educational or charitable activities or organizations in the United States or abroad.

Sai Samsthan USA has been organizing worship services since its inception. A special worship service on every Thursday evening includes Samoohika Vishnu Sahasra Nama Parayana, Shri Sai Ashtothara, Sri Sai Satcharita Parayana, Bhajans/Kirtans, and Shej Arati followed by Mahaprasad. In addition, all major religious functions such as Sri Rama Navami, Guru Pournima, Gokul Ashtami, Maha Shivaratri, Baba’s Maha Samadhi Day and Datta Jayanti are celebrated with utmost devotion.

Sai Samsthan USA tirelessly searched and found a place to establish Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir Chicago. With the Grace of Baba, Samsthan purchased approximately 5.5 acres of land in Aurora, Illinois and inaugurated Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir Chicago on December 19, 2002, Pournima Thursday and Shri Datta Jayanti Day, a combination that occurs only once in 62 years. Daily worship services and four Aratis have been performed at this location. Shankhusthapana (Ground Breaking Ceremony) was performed from August 26 – 29, 2004 culminating in placing ‘Shankha’ on August 29, 2004, the auspicious Shravana Pournima day. Shilanyas (Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony) was performed on May 22, 2005, the auspicious Buddha Pournima day. Mandir construction was completed and ‘Kumbhabhishekam’ was performed from July 6 – 15, 2006 with ‘Murti Prana Pratishtha’ on July 11, 2006, the auspicious Guru Pournima day. Mandir facilities now include old prayer hall, main mandir, a multi-purpose hall, kitchen and an expanded parking. Mandir also acquired adjacent property to conduct Sunday School for children, ‘Bala Vidya Mandir’ and also for priest’s residence.