Some of his Hindu devotees believe that he was an incarnation of Shiva or Dattatreya. Many devotees believe that he was a Sadguru. There are many stories and eyewitness accounts of miracles he performed. He is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, but especially in India, where he is much revered. The name 'Sai Baba' is a combination of Persian and Indian origin; S�ī (Sa'ih) is the Per
sian term for "well learned" or "knowledgeable", usually attributed to Islamic ascetics, whereas Baba (honorific) is a word meaning "father; grandfather; old man; sir" used in Indo-Aryan languages. The appellative thus refers to Sai Baba as being a "holy father" or "saintly father". His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to a variety of speculations and theories attempting to explain Sai Baba's origins. In his life and teachings he tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam: Sai Baba lived in a mosque which he called Dwarakamayi, practised Hindu and Muslim rituals, taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions and was buried in a Hindu temple in Shirdi. One of his well known epigrams says of God: "Sabka Malik Ek Hai" ("One God governs all") which traces its root to the Bhagavad-Gita and Islam in general, and Sufism, in particular. He always uttered "Allah Malik" - Lord is the sole protector. He had no love for perishable things, and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was his sole concern. Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and guru. His teachings combined elements of Hinduism and Islam and tried to achieve communal harmony between these religions. Sai Baba made eleven assurances to his devotees:
1). Whosoever puts their feet on Shirdi soil, their sufferings will come to an end.
2).The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of Dwarakamai (Mosque).
3). I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
4). My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees. 5. I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb. 6. My mortal remains will speak from My tomb.
7). I am ever living to help and guide all who come to Me, who surrender to Me and who seek refuge in Me.
8). If you look at Me, I look at you.
9). If you cast your burden on Me, I shall surely bear it.
10). If you seek My advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
11). There shall be no want in the house of My devotee.
