Garland of 108 Precious Gems
Ashtotthara Satha Nama Rathnamala
20. Om Sri Sai Jodi Aadipalli Somappaaya Namah
On the 26th November 1958, 3 days after Baba's birthday festival, a devotee from Bangalore left Prasanthi Nilayam by car, taking leave of Baba. On the way, his 2 year old daughter was attacked by 'fits' which became so serious that the child was asphyxiated and it collapsed. Baba knew this and presented Himself before them as a 'Villager' with two other 'Villagers' whom He created. He wanted the child to be given to Him and the two comrades supported the demand. 'Give Him; He will cure it. He has cured thousands', they implored. The Villager (Baba) told them, "I was busy for the last 3 hours; I just now laid Myself for rest; but I came to know that a child was seriously ill on the road. So, I ran up!" He placed the child on His lap and it was cured. He gave it back to the happy parents. They offered Him a rupee and when it was refused, they gave Him a fruit from the many that He had Himself given them at the Nilayam while leaving.
They asked Him His name. He said, "Jodi Aadipalli Somappa". When asked later at the Nilayam, why He chose that name of all others, Baba said, "I am Somappa, Soma appa (Siva) Sa-uma -- Soma. The place of My residence is Aadipalli, the primeval village, Kailas. It is Jodi (belonging to two) because it belongs to Sa and Uma 'Siva-Sakthi', -- the Twin -- Prakrithi and Purusha. This is, therefore, Baba's most appropriate epithet, selected by Himself, for that profound miracle of grace. It reveals His truth as "Siva-Sakthi".
(From : Garland of 108 Precious Gems,
Ashtotthara Sathanama Rathnamala, by Prof N Kasturi)
