Introduction
With the Blessings of Shri Ganesh, Maa Saraswati, and Sai Baba, Sai Yug Network team is offering a humble tribute to the lotus feet of Maha Bhakta and Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Ji.
Lata Ji took birth on 28 September 1929 and merged into The One on 6th February 2022 (Sunday morning, IST) at age of 92.
Many great personalities have often stated that ‘Lataji is a manifestation of Goddess Saraswati’. Ironically, Lata Mangeshkar took samadhi just a day after Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja), which was celebrated on February 5 in India. Note, in some parts of the world (for example USA) it was still the day of Saraswati Puja. So clearly Lata ji who is the manifestation of Maa Saraswati merged back to Maa Saraswati on the very auspicious day dedicated to the worship of Maa Saraswati.
Number 92 implies that one should have confidence in one's talents and capabilities and faith in the Divine Spirit as one is accomplishing the objectives of life and the intentions of the Supreme Power. This clearly fits Lata ji.
Lata Ji’s Personal Connection With Samarth Sadguru Sai Baba
Lata ji had great love and devotion towards Sadguru Sai Baba. She used to often visit Shirdi for the darshan of Baba (ref) . How much Lata ji was connected with Baba, can be easily seen by some instances of her life.
Baba resides in the heart and home of Lata Ji. In the following picture of the Bhaubeej (Bhaidooj) festival where Lata ji’s can be seen with her brother Hridaynath at her home in Mumbai, one can clearly see the beautiful idol of Baba.
Lata ji once gifted Baba’s idol to Legendary actor Shri Rishi Kapoor who thanked him on Twitter. Lata ji replied “Dhanyawad Rishi ji. Baba ke aap bhakt hain, Baba ki kripa hamesha aap sab pe rahegi ye mujhe vishwas hai. (Thank you Rishiji. You are a devotee of Baba. Baba’s blessings will always be on you.)” See the thread below.
Lata Ji often used to post on Social media to wish all Sai devotees on Baba’s Mahasamadhi Diwas. Below are a few tweets from her.
Lata Ji Following The Teachings Of Baba
Lata ji has been actively involved in serving humanity.
Lata ji and family’s non-profit is called Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation. In November 2001, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital was set up in Pune in memory of Lata ji’s father. Today it is one of the largest hospitals in Pune, with 800 beds. The vision of this center is “To provide Rational Ethical Medical Services of Highest Quality to all Patients at affordable cost without any discrimination.” (ref)
Lata ji was part of many charity shows. Some examples
- In June 1985, Lata ji helped raise $150,000 for the United Way of Greater Toronto (a non-profit in Canada). (ref)
- Lata ji organized a special charity show over 40 years ago to raise funds for the establishment of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar College (ref) in Aurad Shahajani in Nilanga tehsil, Latur, Maharashtra.
- Lata Ji performed at a special concert to raise funds for victims of Gujarat’s earthquake.
Lata Ji’s Service To The Lord Using Music As Medium
For 75+ long years, Lata Ji served God by using music as a medium. Lata ji has sung various stutis, Sanskrit verses of great saint-poets, Bhajans, with pure devotion that brings supreme joy and happiness to listeners which cannot be described in words. Lata ji embodies pure devotion, service and love to God.
Lata ji has done wonderful service to Sadguru Sai Baba. She has sung many devotional songs and Aartis of Baba. Following albums are Lata Ji’s two paisa dakshina to Baba.
Album: Sai Baba Aarti and Sai Mantra
Album : OM SAI RAM
Lata Ji’s song “Mere Sai Mere Sai” is played in many Sai Baba temples all over the world, including Samadhi Mandir at Shirdi
If devotees listen attentively to Lata Jis’ reverential and soulful rendition of the Sai Vachan, the 11 promises made by Sai Baba to His devotees, can feel the bliss themselves.
The eagerness to meet Baba can be clearly felt in the beautiful song.
“Man Mandir Mein Aan Birajo Sai Tumko Kabse Pukaroon (Please come and dwell in my heart O Sai, I am calling You from so long)”
Sai Baba has taught us Sabka Malik Ek (Everyone’s Master is One). Lata Ji communicated the same with music by singing the praise of “Allah” and “Ishwar”. She always gave respect to all religions. Her songs “Allah Tero Naam Ishwar Tero Naam Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prJ9NbOycEI) and “Allah Janta Hai ” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCwVPTw6UwY) are great examples of this.
One who sings the glory of God, and also helps humanity to follow the same, what to say about the merit of such a person. We are indebted to Lata Ji for blessing us with divine music and taking us closer to God, our Sadguru Sai Baba.
Jai Sai Ram!
Jai Ho Swar Kokila Bharat Ratan Lata Ji ki!
