Every Sai devotee’s home has one book — Shri Sai Satcharitra. It is the most authentic record we have of Baba’s life, his lilas, and his teachings. Many devotees keep it on the puja shelf but aren’t sure how to actually read it. This guide breaks it down in plain language.
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Who wrote it, and how?
The Satcharitra was written by Hemadpant (Govind Raghunath Dabholkar). It is said Baba placed his hand on Hemadpant’s head and blessed him: “You only be the instrument — gather the stories and the experiences. I will write my own life.” That is why many call this book Baba’s own autobiography.
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How many chapters?
The original Marathi Satcharitra has 53 chapters, filled with Baba’s lilas, devotees’ experiences, and his teachings. Hindi, English and many regional translations carry the same chapter count.
How to do Sapta Parayan (week parayan)
Many devotees do sapta parayan with a sankalp in mind — reading the entire book across seven days.
- Start on Thursday (Baba’s day) and finish the following Wednesday.
- Bathe, clean the puja space, light a lamp and incense, apply Baba’s udi on your forehead.
- Sit before Baba, say your sankalp (resolution / wish), and begin reading with full shraddha.
- Divide the 53 chapters across the 7 days — either at one stretch each day, or split morning and evening.
- Offer a small bhog to Baba each day — fruit, sugar candy, dry fruits, whatever you have.
There are no rigid rules
If circumstances don’t allow — you’re travelling, or unwell — reading with faith is what counts. Even a single line is better than nothing. Chapters 11 and 15 are considered especially blessed when read daily.
Doing parayan in Shirdi
Many devotees come to Shirdi, stay close to the Samadhi Mandir, and finish their parayan sitting in the temple precinct. If that’s on your mind too, the one thing to get right is the stay: within walking distance of the temple, so you can step in for aarti, step out for a chapter, and not lose time to autos. On TripSaffron you’ll find verified hotels in Shirdi with real photos and real distances.
For more on the temple grounds themselves, see the six sacred places connected to Baba and the Shirdi darshan guide.
One short lila from the Satcharitra
If you’re new to the book, a short lila is a gentle way in. Try the night Baba lit lamps with water — a few hundred words from Dwarkamai that show you exactly what kind of teacher Baba was. From there, chapter 1 of the Satcharitra feels easier to open.
🚖Shirdi to Shani Shingnapur, Nashik — in one day
Sedan or Ertiga, driver waits at the temple, all-inclusive. Book direct, no haggling.
See packages →❓ Frequently asked questions
What is Shri Sai Satcharitra?
It is the authoritative biography of Shirdi Sai Baba — Baba’s life, lilas (miracles), and teachings, compiled by Hemadpant (Govind Raghunath Dabholkar). Baba is said to have placed his hand on Hemadpant's head and blessed the writing himself.
How many chapters does it have?
The original Marathi Satcharitra has 53 chapters. Hindi, English and many other translations exist with the same chapter count.
What is Sapta Parayan (week parayan)?
Reading the entire book within seven days — usually starting on Thursday (Baba's day) and finishing the following Wednesday. Many devotees do this with a sankalp (resolution) in mind.
How do I start a parayan?
Bathe, clean your puja space, light a lamp and incense, apply Baba's udi on your forehead, sit before Baba, state your sankalp, and begin reading with full shraddha (faith).
What if I can't read all 53 chapters in a week?
There is no strict rule. Reading with faith — even one line — is better than not reading at all. Chapters 11 and 15 are considered especially blessed when read daily.
Can I do parayan in Shirdi itself?
Many devotees do — staying within walking distance of the Samadhi Mandir, reading the Satcharitra in the temple precinct.
Have you done sapta parayan before? Share your experience in the comments. 🙏
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