AMBROSIA
IN SHIRDI
SAI BHAKTA VINNY
Ambrosia in Shirdi
3000 Copies
If any devotee wishes to use this material
in any form, please contact:
Vinny Chitluri
304, Bhagchand Apartments Pimpalwadi Road
Shirdi-423 109 Phone : 02423 - 55835
First Publication : November 2000
Published by : Vinny Chitluri
Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang,
Radhakrishna Temple,
KBRS Building Kamaraj Road,
Bangalore - 560 042 Phone: 5300116
Rs.70/-
Designed and Printed by : Sri Saipadananda Graphics
Bangalore - 560 004
A WORD ABOUT THE COMPILER
H. H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji
Born in 1943 in Arvankadu (Nilgiris), the
youngest of four children. My father was a hard core atheist, while my
grandmother was a gentle devout lady. Since I was young, my mother was forever
sick, often at death's door. My father took her from one Doctor to another, at
last she was admitted in the Vellore Medical Hospital. To make a very, very long story short, after abdominal
surgery, many tests and many consultations, they too gave up, and asked my
father to take her home.
One day my father read in 'The Hindu' that H.H. Narasimha Swamiji, was coming to Naga Sai temple, Coimbatore. The paper also gave a glowing account of Swamiji's divine nature, but most importantly, how He healed many many people. My father decided to take my mother to Him. Thankfully they took me too. This was in 1949. The day before the meeting my mother had a dream. She saw 'this gentle bearded man with lots and lots of devotees around Him, seated in a palanquin.' He was wearing a short flannel grey Kafni or Kurtha'. She told my father her vivid dream, not knowing that she was to meet Him the next day.
Swamiji asked my father what he wanted
"a promotion, wealth, children or fame". My father pointed to my
mother and said "She is terribly sick, please heal her, I can always find
another wife, but not a mother for my kids". Swamiji asked Dr. Chari to
check her pulse, which was irregular and erratic. Then He placed His palm on
her head. My mother shivered and said "it is icy cold". He again
placed His hand on her head and said "Now what?" My mother was filled
with warmth, and at once held His hand saying 'Aha'. He then gave her Baba's
Udi and a sthothra "Achuta, Anantha Govinda". He asked her to
say it 21 times for 21 days. Also apply Udi and take it internally with water.
While all this was happening I was standing near the door, looking
at this gentle bearded man. I thought this must be Santa Claus. I had an
irresistible urge to pull His beard. He beckoned me to come near, then He
picked me up and sat me on His lap. The feeling was so good that i lay my head
on His chest and patted His beard. He then placed His hand on my head and
blessed me.
Of course, by His and Baba's grace my
mother recovered fully and my father became a Baba bhakta. Sometime later we
went to Madras to thank Him. Swamiji said, "I have done nothing, it's
Baba's Udi and grace, that has worked. So thank Him and pray to Him. By the
way, Prabhu go to Central India and do Baba's prachar". He then gave my
father Udi with a photo of Baba. My father wondered at His words. But some
time later we were transferred to Khamaria, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. There we
started doing Thursday Pujas. Later my father got a Baba temple built. Often my
father reminded all of us of Swamiji's words, telling us that even a mustard
seed of Baba's Prachar and Seva adds up. He on his part visited Shirdi, wrote
prolifically on Baba and held Satsangs.
I finished my
studies and joined the Jabalpur Medical College. Once in 1963 we visited
Shirdi. At that time the Sai Nath Hospital was being built. I vowed to do Seva
(free service) there. After graduating I did my Post Graduation in Kalavathi
Saran Hospital, Delhi and later went to USA. In the US I did my Boards in
Paediatrics and was very successful. By then I had forgotten my vow, the years
rolled by. But a little voice kept asking me whether "All this was
necessary". My father's words kept haunting me. I kept pushing them aside
but the voice persisted. At the height of my career I decided to give it up and
come and live in Shirdi, Baba willing. From 1994 I stayed in Shirdi, I did try
to work in the Hospital but could not do so. I started doing seva for Baba, but
that still was not Prachar.
One day I took
some photos of Baba's Bhaktas whom I love very much. When Bose Anna saw them
and said "Why cannot we have a photo exhibition with printed matter?"
That started it all. From that time I had not looked back.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
With a heart
bursting with gratitude, I humbly lay this book at the Holy Feet of The
Parabrahma Sri Sat'Chit-Anand, Sadguru Sai Nath Maharaj'. Thank you
'Ambrosia' (Baba) for giving me this opportunity, for 'not a leaf moves without
thy consent1.
My heartfelt
gratitude to the descendants of Baba's 'Ankita' devotees in Shirdi, Neemgoan,
Rahata and Mumbai. Thank you for allowing me into your homes and giving me
materials for this book.
My countless
thanks go to B. H. Chamaraj (Anna), President, Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang, Kamaraj
Road, Bangalore, Sri R. Seshadri, President, Sri Sai Spiritual Centre and B. S.
Gopinath of Sri Saipadananda Graphics, Bangalore, for tirelessly helping me, in
ways too numerous to mention.
Last but not
the least to all of you, Baba devotees, who encouraged rne and urged me to
write this book after seeing the Photo Exhibitions.
The book is
Baba's, but the imperfections are mine.
Sai Bhakta Vinny
Contents
1. Gurusthan
2. Dwarakamai
3. Chavadi
5. Dagdi Wada (Samadhi
Mandir)
6. Lendi Bagh
7. Samadhis on the
way to Lendi Bagh
9. Houses in and around
Shirdi that Baba visited
10. Houses of
Baba's Devotees in Shirdi
11. Five blessed
houses that Baba took Bhiksha from
12. Why Dwarakamai?
14. Bhiksha Route
15. Lendi Route
18. Facilities Available in Shirdi
GURU PADUKA'S STHAN OR GURUSTHAN
Baba first
manifested Himself for the sake of His Bhaktas, under the neem (margosa) tree
as a young lad of sixteen. The villagers were amazed to see His divine form and
the hard penance that He did. He did not go to anybody's house and was
oblivious of heat and rain and was in divine bliss. One day Lord Khandoba
possessed the body of some devotee and the people asked him to inquire about
this lad and whence He came from. Lord Khandoba asked them to bring a pickaxe and
dig in a particular place. This was done. Under a flat stone were found four
burning lamps and a corridor leading to a cellar where 'cow-mouth' shaped
structures, wooden boards and necklaces were seen. Khandoba said this lad
practised penance for 12 years here. The people began to question the lad about
this. He diverted the question by telling them that this was His Guru's place
and requested them to guard it well (Ref. ESS, Ch.IV). Nobody knows who was
Baba's Guru and His holy waten. As a reminiscence of Baba's first appearance in
this place, devotees installed Padukas there.
BABA’S
IDOL
On
Gurupurnima 1974 pratishta of this statue took place in Gurusthan with due
formalities. Y.D. Dave, a staunch devotee of Baba, donated the statue which was
carved by Harish Balaji Thalim (son of late Balaji Vasanth Thalim, who made the
statue of Samadhi Mandir). Daily Abhishek takes place at 5 A.M. along with
alankar.
BABA'S PORTRAIT
A beautiful portrait of Baba was installed, inside the small
temple during Baba's lifetime. Arati was done twice a day by Bapu Saheb Jog.
This was later discontinued on Baba's advice. This photo is noteworthy for
giving Sakshatkar and darshan of the Ishta Devata to many devotees. Alankar is
done by the Pujari daily and bhog is offered in the evenings.
SHIVLING
In front of Baba's photo is this Shiv
Ling, given to Megha, and a Nandi. Baba bestowed this favour on Megha by
presenting him with a Shiv Ling following His order to draw a trident (Ref.
ESS, Ch. XXVIII). Megha thus realised that Baba was none other than his Ishta
Dev, Shiva.
Following Mangal Snan of the Baba's statue, this Shiv Ling is
bathed and adorned. On Maha Shivratri, Rudrabhishek and elaborate rituals are
done at the time of Lingodbhav. This Shiv Ling was installed after Megha's
samadhi in 1912.
BABA'S PADUKAS
These marble Padukas are placed on a
pedestal. Two verses of Upasani's Sai Mahima Stotra are engraved on it.
Bhai Alibagkar wished to install
Padukas under the neem tree but could not do so. He communicated this idea to
Dr. Ram Rao Kothari who readily agreed with it. In consultation with Upasani
and other devotees, beautiful marble Padukas were made at Bombay. They were
installed on Shravana 15Ih day of 1912. On that day at 11.00 AM O.K.
Dixit brought them on his head from Khandoba's temple to Dwarakamai in procession. Baba touched the Padukas
saying "These are the feet of the Lord'1 and asked them
to install 'the Padukas' under the Neem tree. Four Brahmins representing four Vedas, came from Kopergoan for performing the ceremony, and local devotees joyously participated in the function. Baba contributed
Rs.25/- for the function. G.K. Dixit, then L.K. Jakhadi, did
worship of the Padukas. Now the Sansthan pujari does abhishek and alankar
daily.
EVER BURNING LAMPS
The two ever burning lamps are placed on the wall protected by silver and glass encasing.
Following the installation of the Padukas, Dr. Kothari sent Rs.2/- per month for lighting the lamps. Then Shagun Meru did the
service. Now the Sansthan does this (Ref. ESS, Ch. V).
THE SACRED NEEM
TREE
Just as the Audumbar and Aswatha trees
are considered sacred, Baba held this Neem tree to be sacred.
This blessed tree was there already, waiting for Baba to
sit under her shade. In
'Sai Mahima Sthothra', Upasani
refers to this Neem tree as surpassing
the 'Kalpa Vriksha' and
showering Ambrosia of Baba's
grace. Because Baba
constantly sat under this Neem tree when
He first came to Shirdi. The leaves are oozing nectar on account of the healing properties. Many devotees are relieved of their ailments by eating the leaves of
this tree. Pradakshina of Gurusthan is done by many devotees
early in the morning, and at other times for
destruction of their Karma, spiritual enlightenment and fulfilment of their wishes.
VIEW OF OUTER
PAVILION OR SABHAMANDAP: (1911) EXTENSION OF DWARAKAMAI
Gopal Gund who started the Urs thought that he should repair the Masjid. But that job was for Nana Chandorkar, and the pavement work for Dixit. Permission at first was not granted, but, on the intervention of Mahalsapathi, it was granted.
Dixit wanted to extend the space in front of the Masjid so that the devotees could use it. He got the material and at
night did the work while Baba slept in the
Chavadi. But the next morning Baba came and uprooted
everything. In 1911 this Sabha Mandap was put in order with great efforts (Ref.
ESS, Ch.VI).
An incident is mentioned, how Baba caught hold of one post with one hand and Tatya's neck with the other hand and shook both. Then taking Tatya's pheta He burnt it offering one rupee from His pocket. Seeing this strange behaviour none dared to intervene. After cooling down He brought one beautiful embroidered pheta and Himself tied it
on Tatya's head. As if Tatya was being given a special honour. (Ref. ESS, Ch.VI).
After
this incident Baba allowed the work to go on smoothly and
thus the devotees had a place for worshipping Baba. The pavilion is still
there where the devotees can see, and participate
in the worship of Baba and also touch the sacred articles used by Baba.
THE BELL
This bell tied above, and to the left of the entrance of Dwarakamai pavilion was tied by Baba. It
rings only three times a day, at 4.00 AM, 11.30 AM and 8.30 PM. It is rung by
the Pujari of Dwarakamai, calling the devout people for Arati. If it is rung
untimely, it signals an untoward incident has taken place somewhere in the
village. The people will assemble in the pavilion, and then go to the place of
the calamity and set it right. This practice is still going on; hence its gong
is tied to the grill.
Mention is made in English Sai
Satcharitra Ch. XVII and XIX. When Baba sent Dhabolkar to Shyama's house to get
Rs.15/- Dakshina, and sit and chit chat with him, Shyama told him the story of
Radhabai 
Deshmukh, and the two paise of Dakshina
meaning 'Sraddha and Saburi'. Just as Shyama finished the story, the bell of
the Masjid started to ring proclaiming that the noon worship and the Arati had
begun and both hurried to the Masjid.
FLAGS OF DWARAKAMAI
Gopal Rao
Gund who started the Urs (Ramanavami celebrations) in Shirdi,
asked his friend Damu Anna to supply a flag for the occasion.
He also induced Nana Saheb Nimonkar to supply another
embroidered flag. Both these flags were taken in procession, and fixed atop the roof
of Dwarakamai. This tradition is still being carried out by their descendants
(Ref. ESS, Ch. VI).
The three carpenter brothers Kondaji,
Gabaji and Tukaram, provided the greatest help in the repairs of
the Masjid.
After
the construction, the management of the Masjid continued with them for
many years. Upto the Mahasamadhi of Sai Baba the sweeping of the Masjid,
cleaning of Baba's utensils, the heating of water, and serving the same to
Baba for washing His mouth and face, was done by Tukaram. Baba would not allow
this to be done by anybody else. Even now the flags brought by
the descendants of Damu Anna and Nimonkar are first placed on the Samadhi. Arati
is performed, then taken to the home of Tukaram by the Sansthan. Again Arati is done, the
flags are hoisted on the staff (pole) prepared by the descendants of the three brothers. Then
with great joy and ceremony it is taken in procession throughout the village and hoisted on the roof
of the Dwarakamai (Ref. SSBS by Pradhan).
The gheru flags on the southern wall of
Dwarakamai are provided by the Sansthan.
RED SMALL PILLAR:
In front of
the Chulli is this sacred pillar. Baba used to sit in front
of
the Chulli while cooking, and rested His back
against this pillar. Once when Nana Saheb Dengle wanted to do
formal worship to Baba, Baba refused and asked him to do the ritual to this
pillar. Every morning the Pujari of Dwarakamai applies Asthagandh to this
pillar.
The unique feature of this pillar is, that if anyone who has pain
in the back or joints, leans against it, the pain abates.
Whenever Baba went out of the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Dwarakamai
He made Pradakshina of this pillar. So also when He returned. One can do the
same and utilise the favour of the pillar.
THREE STEPS IN FRONT OF THE PILLAR
These three steps on the southern side of the Dwarakamai, were
used by Baba to go out and come into the Sanctum Sanctorum. Devotees are
requested to offer namaskar to the above steps as Baba used them.
PADUKAS IN FRONT OF CHARIOT ROOM
Every morning Baba stood here leaning against the wall, while He
looked at the sun. In remembrance of this, two sets of Padukas; (1) small
Padukas are on the southern wall. This is where Baba placed His hand while
leaning against the wall; and (2) just below the small Padukas, is a small
shrine enclosing a bigger set of Padukas. This is the site of Baba's holy
charan.
Daily worship is done by the Pujari of
Dwarakamai.
CHULLI:
Whenever Baba wanted to do Anna Daan He used this Chulli for
preparing the food, and the devotees joyfully ate the Prasad. There are two
copper Handies, a smaller one could feed 50 people. The other could feed a
hundred people to satiation with some food remaining.
When Baba decided to cook He was very meticulous about the salt,
condiments, garnishing and other ingredients. He would go to the grocer, and
the market place, and buy exactly what was required and paid in cash. He
Himself ground the wheat, pulses or jowari.
Baba would prepare meata chaval, mutton pulav, varan with wheat
dumplings or Moong daal dumplings and ambli. Often times instead of a ladle He
would pull up the sleeve of His Kafni and churn the contents with His bare
hands. Yet there was no trace of burns or scalding on His hands.
After the food was cooked to His satisfaction He would carry it
to the Masjid (sanctum sanctorum) of Dwarakamai. The Maulvi would offer Fatiah,
to the food with proper ritual. Then Baba would send the Prasad to Mahalsapathi
and Tathya. The remaining food, Baba served the people assembled there to their
utmost satisfaction. "Take, lake more" He lovingly said (ESS,
Ch.XXXVIII).
The hand mill and the handies used by Baba, are kept m the show
room of the Samadhi Mandir.
CHARIOT (RATH) ROOM:
This room is on the left side, of the
main entrance to Dwarakamai. The old chariot used to be kept in it, which was
presented by Avasthi and Rege. The first procession was taken
on Gurupurnima, 1918, when Baba
reluctantly agreed to the procession, but never sat in it. On festival days the
Rath is taken in procession around the village.
Sivanesan Swami, an ardent devotee of
Baba, who with His tireless efforts cleaned and beautified the Dwarakamai, was
allotted this room by the Sansthan. Now this room is used for storing Udi, and
the chariot has been moved to the 'extension of Samadhi Mandir'.
DHUNI MAA:
The everlasting Dhuni lit by Baba
Himself more than 140 years ago, is still burning. The word 'Dhuni' possibly
comes from the root word 'Dhun' meaning 'to kindle or waft'. Even during the
cholera epidemic, the Panchayats ordained 'no fuel cart should be allowed to
come in the village'. Baba went to the fuel cart and bought wood for His Dhuni.
Like an Agnihotri, keeping His sacred fire alive, throughout His life Baba kept
this Dhuni 'ever1 burning all day and night (Ref. ESS, XXIII).
When Baba slept in the Chavadi,
Radhakrishna Aai cleaned, and whitewashed the Masjid. She had to take out all
the things including the Dhuni and replace it as it was (Ref. ESS, Ch. VI).
At first Baba practised medicine and
became famous as a Hakim. Later He stopped giving medicines, but gave Udi
instead.
Baba's all omnipresence and mercy saved
the blacksmith's child from a horrible death in the furnace. On Shyama's
concern, and questioning Baba replied "When the child slipped into the
furnace, I immediately thrust my hand and saved the
child. I do not mind my arm being burnt, but I ain glad that the
life of the child is saved". What intense mercy and love for
His Bhaktas! This incident bestowed Baba's favour on Bhagoji
Shinde, who daily massaged and bandaged it till Baba's Mahasamadhi (Ref. ESS,
Ch. VII).
Every morning Baba sat in front of this
Dhuni. He seemed to be offering into the Dhuni oblations of the
ego, desires, and all thoughts. 'Allah Mallik', 'Allah
Mallik' He softly said (Ref. ESS, Ch.V).
Sitting by the Dhuni Baba often spoke
of the distant places He went to overnight and what He had done. Those who slept by His side
the whole night at the Dwarakamai knew that His physical body was in Shirdi. But these
statements were occasionally verified and found to be true by Prof. Narke and also others (Ref.
DE).
Devotees may offer wood, gowri, ghee,
nav dhanya and five types of wood to this sacred Dhuni. The Dhuni
Puja is done daily between 11.30 AM and 12.00 noon by the Sansthan. Eleven
coconuts, wood, gowri are offered at this time. This Vaishva
(Agni) Puja is done with Anna Ahuti, as was done by Shagun Meru upon Baba's
instructions.
SMALL PADUKAS IN FRONT OF DHUNI MAA:
These Padukas
are in the NW corner of the Dhuni. It is the sacred place where Baba sat every morning
before 5.00 AM for about an hour. This hour Baba spent in solitude. At that time other
devotees were not allowed to approach Baba, except for the Sevkaries
who
quietly
came and swept the Dwarakamai. Bhagoji Shinde was the first Sevak to go to Baba
and massage His burnt hand.
KOLAMBA:
Baba used to take Biksha from five houses daily. He called out
"Oh. Lassie give me a piece of bread". He begged three to four times a day till noon,
but His Biksha was erratic and
irregular (Ref. ESS,
Ch.VIII). The food thus collected was put in this Kolamba (pot), dogs, cats and
crows freely ate from this
and Baba did not drive
them away. This practice of Biksha
went on till His
Mahasamadhi. If He could not go He deputed someone
else like Vamanrao Patel or G.G. Narke. The Pujari from
Samadhi Mandir comes and offers Bhog to Baba twice a
day, and leaves some Prasad in this Kolamba for the devotees to share. Various devotees offering Prasad to Baba offer it to Dhuni Maa and leave some in this
Kolamba.
WATER POT
Baba Himself used to carry water from the well behind the Samadhi Mandir and fill this pot. Devotees used the water
as Tirth'. Devotees still take this water as 'Tirth'. Now-a-days this pot is being filled by the Pujari of
the Dwarakamai. This pot is next to the Kolamba adjacent to the
southern wall of the Dwarakamai. Devotees may use this
Tirth' togetrelief of
their ailments.
HOOKS ON CEILING
Nana Saheb Dengle brought a wooden plank of about 8' wide and
5' in length and gave it to Baba for sleeping. Baba tied this plank with old rags to the hooks on the ceiling like a swing. After
lighting four Panthis He kept them in each corner of the plank. Baba The Yogi Raj' then slept on this plank. Many
people wondered, and tried to
watch Him get up and down this plank, and so, one day Baba
broke it (Ref. ESS, Ch.X). Dasganu says, "The plank hung so close
to the ceiling that no one could sit upright, one could only sit on it bending
one's body like an arch. Yet this great Yogi slept on it"! (Ref. Bhakta
Leela Amrit, Ch.31). Devotees look with wonderment at the ceiling in front of
the "Nimbar" at these hooks.
"Meditate always on My formless
nature, which is knowledge incarnate, consciousness, and bliss. If you can not
do this, meditate on My Form from top to toe, as you see here night and day "
said Baba to Dhabolkar
(Ref. ESS. Ch. XVII). Although Baba was surrounded by countless devotees,
Shyama and Mahalsapathi being His constant companions, yet none of them saw
Baba get up or get down the 'swing bed'.
"You thought, that I was in Shirdi,
with a body composed of the five elements and 3 1/2 cubics in length, and not
outside of it. Now you see and determine for yourself whether the person you
see here now, is the same you saw at Shirdi'1 said Baba to
Mankar at Machindragada (Satara district) (Ref. ESS, CH. XXXI).
"/ require no door to enter, I
have no form or any extension, I live everywhere, I carry on as the wirepuller,
alt the actions of the men who trust Me and merge in Me" said Baba to
Megha.
Baba was/is Parabrahma. One without birth,
body, age or death. He was, is and will be with us eternally.
So how could they see Him in the 'Anima
state' (formless)?!!
THE NIMBAR
In a Masjid the Nimbar is said to represent the Darga at Macca.
The devout Muslims do Namaz in front of it. In Baba's Dwarakamai it is next to
the everburning lamps on the western wall. It is garlanded daily. Mention is
made of this Nimbar in several places in the Sai Satcharitra. The Urs started
in 1897 during that time the Sandal Procession also took place. This procession
is held in honour of great Muslim saints. Chandan paste and scrapings are put
in a Thali and carried around the village in procession. After returning to the
Masjid the chandan is pasted with the hands on this Nimbar. This Sandal
procession was started by Amir Shakkar Dallal of Korhla. Now the descendants of
Abdul Baba carry on this tradition. (Ref. ESS, Ch. VI).
After the Noon Arati the devotees went home, Baba then went
inside, and sat behind the curtain, with His back to this Nimbar for meals.
There were two rows of Bhaktas one on each side, after all the Naivedya was
mixed together and placed before Baba, who consecrated it and everybody dined
to their hearts' content. (Ref. ESS, Ch.XXXVIII).
EVER BURNING LAMPS
Baba was very fond of lights. He kept
lamps burning perpetually from the beginning of His stay in Dwarakamai. Once
the grocers refused to supply Him with oil. Unperturbed He returned to the
Dwarakamai and lit the lamps with consecrated water and a few drops of oil
(Ref. ESS, Ch V). The Jyoth' has been burning perpetually since Baba's time,
even when the lamps are cleaned.
The oil drippings from the lamp have
healing properties. Numerous
devotees have wonderful experiences with this oil.
JAATH' (HAND
MILL)
Karma is the lower stone, and Bhakti is the
upper stone, and the handle is Gyana. In 1910 cholera broke out in
Shirdi and Baba got a quantity of wheat and started grinding it.
Then four women completed the grinding and then Baba said to
them "Take the flour and throw it on the village border
limits " and thus this Leela stopped cholera from raging in
Shirdi. Besides the philosophical significance and grinding the cholera germs Baba daily ground
sins, mental and physical afflictions and miseries of his innumerable devotees and He is
still doing so (Ref. ESS, Ch. I). Devotees can touch this hand mill
entreating Baba to grind their sins. Another hand mill which Baba
used while cooking, is kept in the show room of Samadhi Mandir.
SACK OF WHEAT
This wheat
bag is kept in a glass encased almirah next to the hand mill. Balaji Patil Newaskar
rendered good seva to Baba, by sweeping and cleaning the streets daily,
through which Baba used to walk. Every year when there was a harvest
in his field he would bring the whole quantity of wheat to
Baba and maintain his family on whatever Baba gave him. (Ref .
ESS, Ch. XXXV). After him, his son also did the same. This bag
was replaced on every Ramanavami day by his family, now the Sansthan does it.
SAI BABA'S PORTRAIT IN
FRONT OF DHUNI MAA:
This portrait is an oil painting by the famous painter Shyamrao Jaykar. Moreshwar Pradhan had brought Jaykar to Shirdi and requested him to make two portraits of
Baba. After Jaykar met Baba he on his own
accord made more than two paintings,
at Baba's bidding, when
Baba said "Aur Banao Jyada Banao, main guttigulli mein rahnewalla
hoon". This painting
was received by the
Sansthan, and after Baba's Mahasamadhi, was installed in the very place where
Baba sat. Many a devotee has had unimaginable, and
inumerable Leelas from
this painting. As this
portrait was made with Baba's consent,
it has got a peculiar
feature, that when a devotee sees it wholeheartedly he gets the living experience of Baba in it. The devotees could not leave Shirdi without Baba's
permission. When they wanted to leave they came to Baba
in the Dwarakamai and asked His permission, took the Udi
given by Baba, and left
with His blessings. Even today devotees go to this portrait, prostrate asking for His permission and
then take the Udi and leave thus having a successful and
safe journey.
SILVER COVERED
PADUKAS IN FRONT OF BABA'S PHOTO:
In front of the portrait painted by
Jaykar, is a pair of silver
covered Padukas. After
Baba's Mahasamadhi Shyama was staying in the Dixit Wada. The Sansthan was
formed and Shyama was asked to pay rent. Shyama however, left
Dixit Wada and took along with him Baba's Padukas and
Photo to his house. The Sansthan requested Shyama to return
them but he refused at first. Then S.B. Dhumal went to his
house with a big procession and Shyama handed over
all the articles. These Padukas are daily worshipped by the
Pujari of Dwarakamai and decorated by the Pujari of Samadhi Mandir
between 11.30 and 12.00 noon. Devotees offer their'Sashtang
Namaskar' to these holy Padukas.
UDI STAND
The railing is attached to a pillar on
which the Udi stand is fixed. The literal meaning of Udi is 'to go'. Baba
gave Udi to His devotees with blessings that they should go to a higher plane in their
spiritual endeavour.
When Baba was in a cheerful mood He
used to sing merrily about the sacred Udi 'Oh playful Rama,
come, come and bring with you sacks of Udi'.
"All the visible phenomena in the
universe are as transient as the ash" taught Baba, so use
discrimination (Ref. ESS, XXXIII).
Baba used to give Udi to the devotees
after the Arati and also at the time of departure.
Udi has healing powers, during Baba's
time it was used for scorpion sting, bubonic plague and the 'Jamner
miracle,' just to mention a few. The power of the Udi is as potent as before, and is still
curing the diseases and Karmic impediments.
Devotees may apply this Udi daily and
take it as Tirth which will eradicate their Karma, diseases, fulfil their
wishes and help them in their spiritual path.
KATHADA (RAILING)
This is the
railing on which Baba rested His left hand. Baba sat near the wall of the
Masjid facing south (towards Dhuni). Baba usually sat on a piece of sack cloth
but His ohaktas lovingly placed a Gaadi over it and bolsters for Him to rest. Baba usually
sat with His legs outstretched and His left hand rested on
this railing.
This railing has been painted over and
over again but if one lovingly rests one's forehead on the railing, one can
feel a depression where Baba probably rested His hand.
BABA'S
BATHING STONE
This stone was prepared by Rambaji of
Nasik. Hearing of Baba's Leelas he came to Shirdi in a mentally disordered
condition. He used to drink Baba's bath water and used it on his body. By doing
so he got rid of his mental disorder. As a reminiscence of this he gratefully
prepared this stone and offered it to Baba to sit and have bath on it. This
practice of using Baba's Abhishek Tirth to cure mental and physical ailments is
still going on today. Devotees carry this Tirth to their homes not only in
India but also far away countries.
AGARBATTI STAND
This small
red Agarbatti stand is on the platform, on the right side of the main entrance
of Dwarakamai. It was there since Baba's time. This was used to fix Agarbattis.
Baba often sat on this platform and distributed Udi after the Noon Arati.
PALKI ROOM
This room is on the right side of the
main entrance of Dwarakamai.
Due to the efforts of
Radhakrishna Mai, Shirdi was turned into a Sansthan. In 1912 a Palki, Rath, many silver utensils and pots were presented. Once this Palki was left outside and some of the silver ornaments were
stolen. The distraught devotees ran to Baba and complained and
Baba simply said "Why did the thieves not take away
the whole Palki ?
". So Purandhare
and Radhakrishna Aai decided to make a room for
it. Purandhare dared to put up the rafters after making five to six holes in the wall of Dwarakamai for support and the Palki was kept there. This Palki was presented by Saddu Bhayya Nayak of Harda.
Baba never sat in the Palki, but His
photo was placed on it.
Every Thursday at 9.15 PM
the Palki is brought in procession to Chavadi.
TORTOISE
This marble tortoise is in the center
of a well, the black tiles surrounding it represent the four flights of steps
leading to the bottom of the well. Numerous meanings are
attached to this tortoise.
(1) The tortoise is an 'avatar' of Vishnu, (2) That one should enter the place of worship like the
tortoise bowing one's head. And leaving the ego outside just as the tortoise in a prostrate position, one should surrender
everything to Baba; (3)
But most importantly the tortoise
is looking at Baba and if we follow her example and look towards Baba He will
surely ]ook after us (eleven sayings of Baba).
Baba said "Just as the tortoise
feeds her young ones whether
they are near her or far
away on the other side of the river
by her loving looks"
so, if we look at 'Mother
Sai' Baba will never forsake
us. This tortoise is worshipped with 'asthagandh' before 'Kakad Arati' and after 11.30 AM before 'Noon
Arati'.
TULASI
BRINDAVAN
Baba planted this Tulasi Brindavan outside His Masjid. After the outer pavilion was constructed, the
devotees brought this
Tulasi Brindavan inside
and tended it. It now stands in the NE corner
and is looked after by the Pujari of Dwarakamai. As it is under
the roof of the Dwarakamai its nourishment is not upto the
mark for lack of sunshine. Every year Tulasi Vivah is done
on the twelfth day of Deewali. SHYAM KARAN
Kasam, a horse merchant, was distraught because his mare had no issue for a very long time. He vowed to Baba that if his mare had a foal, he would offer the first
born to Baba. By Baba's grace the mare did have a series of
issues. So he came and presented Baba with the first born.
Baba called the horse 'Shyam
Karan' as his body was brown while his ears were black. The horse loved Baba and Baba reciprocated.
The trainer Khajgiwalle
saw that the horse was well looked after and decorated. This horse was housed in the room
situated on the eastern side of Dwarakamai; now called
'Shyamsunder' hall.
At every Arati the horse would stand in the Sabha Mandap
(where the tortoise is now) and wait patiently for the Arati to start. When the Arati was begun he danced merrily keeping
beat with the tiny bells tied to his feet. After Baba'sLalkari he would climb
the central steps of Dwarakamai and bow to Baba. Baba blessed him by applying Udi
to his forehead, then all the other Bhaktas received Udi and
Prasad.
On Chavadi
procession days he was fully decorated with mala, leg rings,
bells and a beautiful cloth for his tail. All his decorative articles are
kept in the show room of the Samadhi Mandir. It was a sight worth seeing as he danced all
the way to Chavadi leading the procession. After Baba entered the
Chavadi
he stood
outside facing Baba.
After Baba's
Mahasamadhi he would dance in the Samadhi Mandir during the Aratis and also
participate in the Chavadi procession.
This beloved horse of Baba died in 1945
and his samadhi is built in Lendi Bagh.
Bala Sahcb Sulthe of Shirdi presented
this idol. It was installed on the left side of the stone on which Baba
sat.
This statue was in remembrance of the
deep love that Shyam Karan had for Baba and Baba reciprocated.
STONE ON WHICH BABA SAT
This stone is
placed in the center of the eastern wall of Dwarakamai in a small Mandap.
Baba used to sit on this stone facing west. Marble Padukas were installed on this
stone. The legend has it, that this stone was in Lendibagh.
Abdullah, like the other villagers, used to wash clothes on it. Then
they saw ^aba sitting on it. So they brought it to Dwarakamai and venerated it as Baba's Asan.
BIG PORTRAIT ABOVE THE STONE
D.D. Neroy of Bombay was a great devotee of Baba who made many photo prints of Baba with one of the eleven sayings. Usually he would write, "If you look to Me, I look
to you ". He was a photo merchant and made this beautiful photo. It took him three years to get this photo painted and one and half months to frame it. On the advice of Kamu Baba,
he presented it to the Sansthan to be kept in the
Sabha Mandap.
He has signed only one photo of Baba and this photo is in the Mangal Karyalay.
Baba has given Sakshatkar (darshan) from this photo with blessings and healings.
STATUE OF
TIGER
Installed on 12.11.1969 by Triambkrao
of Ozar village. Seven
days before Baba took
Mahasamadhi the Leela of giving a sick tiger Sadgati
is vividly described (Ref. ESS, Ch.XXXI). This tiger was
brought to Baba with the view to its cure by three Darveshis. After permission was taken they brought the tiger who climbed the steps of Dwarakamai, and
looked at Baba lovingly. Suddenly it moved the tuft of its tail
and dashed it against the ground thrice and fell and died.
With this Darveshis got upset and Baba gave them Rs. 507- and
consoled them. Thus the debt was paid and it met its end at
Baba's holy feet attaining
Sadgati. Baba not only
gave Sadgati to men but also to beasts alike. The Samadhi of this tiger is in
front of Mahadev temple in the old Shanti Niwas
premises.
Chavadi means 'meeting place of the
villagers'.
There are
two Chavadis in Shirdi one south facing and the other north facing, this is
now the Nagar Palika
reading room. Baba at first stayed and slept, in the Masjid.
Then He started sleeping on alternate days in the south facing
Chavadi. This on account
of terrible storm with
strong wind and rain. Baba's devotees
lovingly entreated Him to
go and sleep in the Chavadi, as
the Masjid being old and
dilapidated, might not withstand the storm. At
first Baba refused, but later He assented. Hence He stuck to
this routine and so every alternate day He slept in this Chavadi (Ref. ESS, Ch. XXXIII).
On entering this south facing Chavadi, one can see a plaque on which is written "Shri Sai Nath
Babanchi Lakshmi Bai
Damodar Babre, Chinchanikar Chavadi, Saka 1859". Damodar Babre came from the village Chinchani (Thana district). Hence, every one called him Anna
Chinchanikar. He and his wife came and lived in Shirdi, and
were devoted to Baba. For many years they did nishkama seva
(selfless service) not
expecting or asking
anything from Baba. One day Shyama asked Baba why
He had not blessed this couple with a son? Other devotees were blessed and their wishes were fulfilled. Baba smiled and said "Has it happened
so, that whenever anybody has asked me for any thing, I have not given to him "? Baba being Antaryami saw that the son, would only
continue the name of Anna for one generation. While Baba wanted Anna's name to last for a very, very, long time.
A civil suit regarding his fields was then in progress at Dhanu.
Anna time and again asked Baba about the outcome.
Baba always used
to say "Allah Bhala
Karega". A famous lawyer, Achyut Narayan Khare,
was handling his case. Once someone
wrote to Anna saying that
he had lost the case. Anna ran to Kaka Dixit and informed him, so, both of them came to Baba at Dwarakamai. As they were entering the Dwarakamai, Baba shouted "This old man has no faith in Me,
throw away that
letter". Later
the lawyer informed him that he had won the case and Rs. 1,8007- along with the
court costs was awarded to him. Anna and Kaka went to Baba with the letter in hand. Baba simply said "Have you got faith in
Me now?" Anna placed
the letter at Baba's feet
and said "Baba this is all yours, I do not want
it". Baba refused to accept the money saying that He was a Fakir. Anna begged Baba to accept it.
This conversation went on for some time. Ultimately Kaka suggested that the sum could be used to repair
the Chavadi, and it should be named after Anna and his wife
Lakshmi Bai.
BIG PAINTING
OF BABA ON SOUTHERN WALL
After His Mahasamadhi Baba gave darshan
in the dream of Ambaram of Nausari in 1953. Then Ambaram
painted this portrait from his dream vision. The villagers were attracted to this portrait and the leelas of Baba, so they collected subscriptions, framed it, and brought it to
Shirdi and handed it over to the Sansthan. It was first proposed to keep
this portrait m the Samadhi Mandir. But as the
statue was being prepared this portrait was placed in the Chavadi. Baba used to
sit at this very place during Sej (night) arati and Kakad (early morning) Arati.
SMALL PORTRAIT OF BABA ON SILVER
SINHASAN
This is the
place where Baba slept every alternate day. This portrait in full royal
attire (Raj Upachar) is taken on procession on Thursday, and other holy days like
Ramanavami, Gurupurnima, Dassara in the Palki and Rath.
It has been there
since Baba's time. Every Thursday after the noon Arati it is brought out and kept
on the wooden cot for darshan. Then it is taken to Samadhi Mandir,
where after 'Raj Upachar1 it is taken in the Palki
along with Baba's Padukas and Satka. Arati is done in the Chavadi, and
chillim is offered to Baba in this portrait, then taken back to Samadhi Mandir for Sej Arati. It
is brought back to the Chavadi, after Kakad Arati the next day.
CHAVADI PROCESSION
Since 10'h December, 1910
devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in this Chavadi. They
brought Him in procession in a regal and royal manner from the
Dwarakamai to Chavadi. Even today on Thursdays and other festival
days the procession can be seen.
WOODEN COT
After Baba
took Mahasamadhi on 15Ih October, 1918, (Tuesday) at 2.30 PM
His body was laid on this wooden cot for three days, till 17Ih
October, 1918 (Thursday). As there were differences between His
devotees as to where to intern Him (Ref. ESS, Ch. XLIII & XLIV), on this
wooden cot His 'ast bath was performed. With due formalities His body was
brought in procession to Dagdi Wada (Samadhi Mandir). In the Garbha Gruh i.e.
central portion reserved for Murlidhar "is samadhi was made.
This cot was
previously in Dwarakamai now it
is housed in the Chavadi.
Every Thursday it is taken out and placed in front of the Chavadi and Baba's
palki is placed on it. After
Arati this cot is placed
along the western wall of the Chavadi.
WHEEL CHAIR
In 1886 Baba made an attempt to cross
the borderline. He suffered from
a severe attack of Asthama, and to get rid of it He took samadhi
for 72 hours. Mahalsapathi guarded His body well (Ref.
ESS, Ch. XLIV). Baba coughed off and on. This chair was
presented by a devotee, for Baba to use, and move about in His old age. However, Baba moved freely and occasionally with the help of His devotees. Baba did
touch this chair, and kept it, but never made use of it.
This chair is placed on the north-western corner of the
Chavadi.
GLASS LAMP SHADES (GLOBES)
Radhakrishna Ayi was a young widow from
Pandharpur who came and stayed in Shirdi. She
loved Baba and wanted Him to have a royal sansthan service.
She tirelessly worked to this end and, often asked rich devotees to bring beautiful things for Baba (her Vittal). Kaka
Mahajani on the advice of Radhakrishna Mai brought these glass
globes for Baba's lamps. Govardhan Das brought silk curtains, and new dresses for the volunteers who carry the umbrella
and chamars Shirdi Diary, p. 30).
Just behind
the Gurusthan was this Sathe Wada. Baba told Hari Vinayak Sathe: "Pull
down the village wall and build", meaning to build a residential
building there, and to include the village wall. So he bought the land and
built the Wada (Ref. ESS, Ch. IV). This Wada was the sole resting-place for the
pilgrims who flocked there. Then Dixit Wada was built, and then Butti Wada. Of
these, Sathe Wada was most useful to all in the early days. Sathe states in
Devotees' Experiences that he built this Wada in 1908 or so at Baba's bidding.
When the construction was going on, the walls had to be raised, and some of the
branches of the Neem tree had to be cut off. No one dared to touch it, but Baba
said "Cut off so much as interferes with the construction. Even if
our own foetus lies athwart, the womb must be cut". Still
none dared, then Baba came Himself and cut the obstructing branches.
This Wada is
replete with history as it housed Dada Khelkar and Megha (Ref. ESS, Ch.XXVIII).
Megha loved Baba whom he considered to be Shiva. Megha worshipped Baba in the
Masjid and in this Wada. He prayed to a big picture of Baba given to him by
Dixit. Once Baba gave him a dream vision, Baba said "Megha, draw a
trident" and disappeared. Surprised Megha woke up only to find few
Akshata thrown by Baba on him but the door was locked. So he ran to Baba to ask
Him permission to draw the trident. Baba said "I require dor to
enter, I have no form or any extension, I live everywhere,
I carry on as the wire puller, all the actions of the men who trust Me and
merge in Me". Following this Baba presented him with a Pindi (Shiv
Ling) given to Him by a Ramdasi Devotee. Kapardhe stayed in this Wada and wrote
the memorable 'Shirdi Diary'. As all the devotees who stayed there were
likeminded they had a daily routine. They got up early in the morning for Kakad
Arati, and then came out of the Wada to take Darshan of Baba when He went to
Lendi Bagh and on His return. They also attended the Noon Arati and Sej Arati.
There were regular reading sessions in the evenings when they read Ramayan,
Eknath Bhagvat, and Yoga Vasistha and discussed it. They also had Bhajans
usually sung by Bhishm. He composed the "Sai Sagunopasan" when he
stayed here.
This Wada was
bought by Navalkar and then by the Sansthan,
DIXIT WADA
This Wada is adjacent to 'Gurusthan'.
Kaka Dixit was so pleased with the darshan of Baba that he decided to reside
inShirdi. So he built this Wada on 10.12.1910. In this Wada, a small room
upstairs was used by Dixit for 'Ekanta Dhyan' (solitude and meditation). Baba
said 'Kaka remain in your Wada, upstairs, do not go here and there, do not
come even to Dwarakamai', so for nine months Kaka strictly obeyed Baba's
orders. He did regular study of the X Skanda of the Bhagvat. On Baba's orders
the XI Skand of Eknath Bhagvat which Baba called 'Brindavan Pothi'. He also did
study of various other books after which he and the other devotees had
discussions.
Dixit was a gracious host and asked
Upasani to come and have meals at the Wada and Upasani willingly became his
guest. Baba had told Dhabolkar 'Dixit is a good man, be with him' so Dhabolkar
stayed in this Wada whenever he came to Shirdi. On one occasion he along with
some people were sitting in the upper floor of the Wada, when a serpent came
through a hole in the window frame and sat coiled up. It was noticed and the
people ran to bring sticks but before it was beaten it made a hasty retreat.
When they asked Baba the following day, Baba said 'God lives in all beings
and creatures, whether they be serpents or scorpions, He is a great wirepuller7
(Ref. ESS, XXII). In this Wada Dixit had the portrait of Baba painted by
Shyamrao Jaykar and holy Padukas to which they had regular congregational
worship and hence this Wada became very sacred.
Shyama stayed
in this Wada and lovingly took care of it. When the Sansthan was formed he
moved back to his residence and later this Wada was used as "Prasadalaya"
that thoughtfully catered to the needs of the devotees just as Dixit
lovingly fed many devotees earlier. Later this same Wada was used as a Tea
Canteen for some years.
Gopal Rao Butti was born in Bardi, Nagpur in 1876. He was wealthy, cultured and educated (part of his education was in Manchester, Britain). He had a great love for poetry, fine arts and saints. It was Sakaram B. Dhumal
who brought Butti to Shirdi around 1907. Both were friends
and devoted to Gajanan Maharaj of Shegoan. Butti on meeting
Baba was changed for life. He often visited Shirdi with
his family. Finally, he decided to build a 'small wada' for
himself in Shirdi.
The land adjacent to the Dwarakamai on
its western side was vacant i.e. between Gurusthan and
Dwarakamai. This land Baba
turned into a beautiful
flower garden. When He went to Rahata He
brought with him saplings of Mari Gold, Jai and Jui. After cleaning and scoring the land, He planted them. He lovingly watered them daily. A devotee named Vaman Tatya supplied Him with two earthen pitchers, with these Baba Himself watered, tendered and nourished the plants. This went on
for three years and thus grew a fragrant luscious
beautiful garden (Ref. ESS, Ch. V). This land was bought by
Butti who wanted to build a wada for himself and his
family. One day he and
Shyama both had the same
dream vision in which Baba clearly
instructed him to build a
Wada. So this mansion was built which Baba called 'Dagdi Wada' and at
Baba's Mahasamadhi He instructed His devotees to take Him to Dagdi Wada. Thus
the beautiful garden became Dagdi Wada or Rutti Wada and then
Samadhi Mandir. This Samadhi Mandir now used by devotees of all castes and
creed, rich and poor, able and feeble and devotees from all over the world.
The rest is
history. One day Butti and Shyama were sleeping in the upper storey of Dixit
Wada. Butti had a dream vision in which Baba clearly said "build
your \vada most certainly including in it a temple". Simultaneously
Shyama too had the same dream vision. He was filled with intense love and was
choked with emotion and was weeping in his sleep. Butti questioned him
regarding this. Shyama said Baba came close to me and said "let the
Wada and temple take a concrete shape. I shall fulfil the wishes of all". Both
were astonished to find that their dreams tallied. They went to Kaka Saheb and
together they made a general outline of the project. Early next morning they
went to Baba with the plan. Shyama said "Oh Deva, you don't even let us
sleep peacefully". On hearing this Baba put His hands on His ears and said
"Whatever anyone may say we have been in our own place."
Of course, the plan was immediately sanctioned. Shyama got the
basement, ground floor and well constructed. Baba watched the progress of the
Wada on His daily rounds to Lendi Bagh.
"Put a door here, a window there. Here to the east take
out a gallery. It will enhance the beauty of the Wada"
Baba suggested.
Butti too eagerly watched the progress and he yearned to have a sanctum
sanctorum, with an idol of Muralidhar, his Ishta Devata. Butti would
never begin any work without Baba's consent and blessings. So he informed
Shyama of his wish. Shyama asked Baba while He was going to Lendi Bagh "O
Deva, Babu Saheb here says we should pull down both the walls dividing the hall
and install an idol of Muralidhar. But your permission is necessary". On
hearing this Baba readily gave His consent. Shyama quickly brought a coconut
and asking Baba if the time was auspicious, broke it.
Thus the
sanctum sanctorum was built (ESS Ch.XXXIX).
Because it was
a Wada turned into a Mandir it has a terrace roof later a Gopuram and Kalash
were added (Ref. SL. 1952). A glorious description of the Sthapana of the
Golden Kalash is given in this issue. It says "34 years ago Baba took
Mahasamadhi (15-10-1918) and that day was Dashami (Vijaya Dashami was just
finishing and Ekadashi was starting). That same Muhurth came again on 29-9-1952
at this auspicious muhurth Sthapana of this Kalash was done.
Dr. Paranerakar
Maharaj, a Satpurush, learned and well versed with Puranas, conducted this
'Shubh karya'. Many Brahmins from Alandi and Puna joined him amidst chanting
and rituals, the golden Kalash was taken in a Rath (chariot) procession in the
village. One and all joined in the ceremony and jubilant cries of victory to
Sai Nath Maharaj were heard throughout the village. This swarn Kalash is 3 Vi
foot in height and was taken up at 10.45 AM with chanting and praying, the
Sthapana was done at 11.00 AM exactly at the constellation of Dashami and
Ekadashi as took place 34 years before.
On Dashara
(Oct. 7th, 1954), the life like marble statue was installed on the western
side, on the platform, behind Baba's 
Mahasamadhi by
Swami Sharananand. This idol is made of Italian marble by Balaji Vasant Thalim
of Bombay. This Thalim made this idol in a befitting manner, at the time °f
preparation of this idol, one day Baba gave him Darshan and said "Finish
the work and you will not do any other idol ln future". In
due course Baba gave him Sadgati. So Thalim did not prepare any other idol.
This was a benevolent reward for his service. This idol was taken through the
village with mp and ceremony and with due formalities the
Pratistha was done by the revered Swami Sharananand who had
met Baba before His Mahasamadhi.
LIST OF ARTICLES IN THE SHOW ROOM OF
SAMADHI MANDIR
1. Gadi(old) 1
2. Mukmul Garuda Takke 2
3. Pitambar
(old) 7
4. Padukas
(3 pairs) 6
5. Mukmul
Kafni 1
6. Umbrella
(old broken) 1
7. Takkia
(Pillow) 2
8. Petta
Jarika 1
9. Cloth
belt (old) 3
10. Manjarpad
cloth 15 yds.
11. Mukmul
gaadi (Jodi-6) 12
12. Manjarpad
cloth Kafni 3
13. Choukoni
(Punka) fan with
four sides 1
14. Garud Mark Mukmul Abdairi 3
15. Umbrella Mukmul 3
16. Danda(Satka)
1
17. Brass
tumblers 6
18. Copper deska
(Handi) 2
19. Small original
photo of Baba 1
20. Gramophone (broken) 1
21. Baba's
body brushing stone during bathing 1
22.
Pat Somti (Chockattan) 1
23.
OldChillim 14
24. Shyamsunder Mala 1
25. Gramophone old records 50
26.
Shyamsunder decorated cloth for tail 1
27. Shyamsunder leg ring 1
28. Statue of Shri Hanuman, Shri Ram,
Shri Lakshman, Devi Sita and Shri Krishna 5
29.
Baba's water jug (mug) with silver cover neck 1
30. Silver Abdagiri Kalas 1
31.
Silver Abdagiri Kalas 2
32.
Silver covered Vinjamaram 2
33.
Silver covered peacock hair Vinjamaram 2
34. Silver photo frame 1
35. Silver old throne 1
36.
Silver old umbrella 1
37. Silver one rupee coin mala
(Charminar mark) 19
38. Grinding
stone pair 1 2
Lendi was the name of a little stream
on the outskirts of the village. Hence the land nearby was called 'Lendi Bagh'
by Baba. Baba was rather rigid in this routine, and everyday He made His rounds
in the morning and afternoon to Lendi Ba°h, often accompanied by His Bhaktas,
Butti, Bhagoji and Nimonkar but He entered the garden alone and spent sometime.
This Lendi garden was purchased by Moreshwar Pradhan. A few years before the
land was purchased, Baba took Pradhan and the two sons of Chandorkar to Lendi
Bagh. There Baba dug small holes in the earth and gave some corn to Pradhan to
put in the holes which He covered with earth and asked Pradhan to water them.
Pradhan gave wonderful relevance to this incident as being the first seeds of
thought in his mind to buy this land for Baba's use.
NEEM TREE
To the left of the Nanda Deep are two Neem trees. These were
planted by Baba.
NANDADEEP
When Baba went to Lendi Bagh daily He lit the 'Nanda Deep'. At
that time it was placed in a pit and Abdul Baba looked after it. Abdul states
that Baba sat with His back to the 'Jyoth1 and from there the lamp
was not visible to Baba. Abdul brought pots °t water and placed them near the
Nanda Deep and Baba poured *ater in various directions (Ref. DE, p. 144). In
1942 Galwankar
Ullt
a par over which was placed the Nanda Deep and now it is contained in a marble
pillar and shielded with glass and protected r°m the elements. The
Pujari of the Gurusthan tends it and keeps u Perpetually burning as
Baba did.
PEEPUL TREE
To the right of the Nanda Deep is this holy Peepul tree. Baba went daily to Lendi Bagh and spent
two to three hours below these trees (Neem and Peepul).
This Peepul tree began to dry and Baba gave life to it and made Navgriha installation in this tree, as a
mark of which the stem of this tree has nine large branches and nine roots.
There is also a Ganesh formation on this tree.
Devotees do Pradakshina starting from
the Nanda Deep around the Neem trees, then the Peepul tree and back to Nanda
Deep. This will complete one Pradakshina. Having done so they bow to Nanda Deep
which is the giver of 'light of knowledge', the Neem tree is symbolic of
Lakshmi and the Peepul is Ashwatha representing Lord Shri Krishna. This
particular Peepul tree having the Navgriha and Ganesh on it is considered very
sacred. The women after prayer ceremoniously tie a string round the tree for
the longevity of their husbands.
BABA'S WELL
It is situated
straight ahead of the floral canopied entrance, by the side of the western
compound wall. Baba Himself with the manual help of His devotees both rich and
poor dug and built this well (Ref. SSB, Pradhan, p.48). The water of this well became famous in the vicinity, for driving away fevers and other ailments. Previously
devotees used to take water from this well, and then it
gradually dried up. In 1983 A.R. Shinde deepened this well and water was found
in abundance.
There were two wells in Shirdi in those days, one in Lendi Bagh and the other behind Baba's Samadhi.
Devotees throng to this well and take Darshan of it as it was
dug by Baba Himself.
DATATREYA MANDIR
In front of the
Nanda Deep, a little
distance away is this Dattatreya
Mandir. This temple was
built by two local devotees
of Baba. The statue was
installed with due formalities by the Sansthan
in 1976 August. There is a small Audumbar tree behind this
temple. The Pujari from the Gurusthan looks after this temple. On Dattajayanti Day the Pujaris from the Samadhi Mandir do Arati to Lord Datta. The devotees make Pradakshina of this temple and get their wishes
fulfilled.
Behind this
Datta Mandir was another small Datta Mandir.
SAMADHI OF SHYAM KARAN
A horse merchant, Kasam, had a mare that was issueless for a long time. He made a vow to Baba that if his mare had issues he would give the first issue to Baba. By
the grace of Baba she did have the issues and he gratefully brought the first issue and presented it to Baba. Baba named it
'Shyam Karan'. Inis horse loved Baba and would daily lovingly
take darshan °i Baba. On Chavadi procession days would be dressed royally and
dance all the way to the Chavadi. Baba reciprocated this love by applying Udi on his forehead after the Noon Arati. ecause
of this reciprocal love upon the demise of this horse e Sansthan
honoured it with a Samadhi in Baba's Lendi Bagh.
SAMADHI OF AMIDAS
MEHTA
A devotee named Amidas
Bhavani Mehta wrote and published many stories on Sai Baba in Gujarati
thus spreading the glory of Baba in Gujarat and other States from a
very early time i.e. before 1910 (Ref. ESS, Ch.II).
SAMADHI OF MUKTHARAM
(KHANDESH)
One Muktharam
of Khandesh was at Shirdi before Baba's Mahasamadhi. Two days after Baba's
Mahasamadhi, he stated that Baba had asked him to occupy His seat as
"I am His heir" but everyone dissuaded him. After sometime he
felt that he was being pierced with huge needles in his seat.
The pain
was followed
by bleeding for the next seven to eight days. His suffering was
unbearable and he died with Baba's name on his lips begging for
forgiveness (Ref. MSS, p.38).
FLOWER GARDEN
On the left
side of the entrance to Lendi Bagh is a beautiful flower garden
with beautiful flower trees. It is a serene and beautiful place and a
few years ago it had deer and peacocks living in it. Many a
migratory bird rest there on their way home. This garden is
truly in keeping with Baba's love towards all creations.
With the
Sansthan beautification plan this garden is no more there. The landscape is now
done by the Sansthan.
SAMADHIS ON THE WAY TO LENDI BAGH
HAJI ABDUL BABA
This is the first
Samadhi to your right on the way to Lendi Bagh. Abdul Baba was the premier
Sevak of Baba, who wrote down everything that Baba said, and
read it daily as his Quran. Baba bestowed on him His grace and he progressed spiritually.
After Baba's Mahasamadhi Abdul used this manuscript to prophecy.
He took samadhi on 16th August 1954. His Samadhi is looked after by his
descendants.
NANAVALI
There was in
Shirdi a quaint and queer fellow who looked after Baba's work
and affairs. He loved Baba so much that he breathed his last on
the 13th day of Baba's Mahasamadhi (Ref. ESS, Ch. X).
Once he asked
Baba to get up from His Gadi as he wanted to occupy it. Baba got up and Nanavali sat
there for a little while, then fell prostrate at Baba's feet and left.
The Sansthan
looks
after his samadhi.
V.P. IYER
Just behind
Nanavali's Samadhi is this Samadhi. He was a Sugar
Technologist and worked at various sugar mills. In 1944 he was
transferred to Lakshmi Wadi sugar mills near Kopergoan and became an ardent
devotee of Baba and visited Shirdi frequently. On 27th May, on
his visit to Shirdi he fell ill and Doctors were called to treat him. He lay with
his eyes closed and would open them at times only to look at
Baba's Photo. Then embracing Baba's photo and he said "Baba,
Sai aba' and smilingly breathed his last. The villagers loved him intensely and
they
requested the Sansthan to build his Samadhi in Shirdi.
BAHU MAHARA] KUMBHARA
This Samadhi
is adjacent to Nanavali's Samadhi. Kumbhara was the kindhearted Baba devotee, who
loved children and trees alike. He was very unselfish, and would
give
away clothes and food that were given to him by the villagers. He took
samadhi on 27th April, 1938. His devotees celebrate his
punyatithi in Chaitra Maas by doing Anna Daan.
TATYA KOTE
PATIL
Tatya, the
beloved son of Baijamaa took Samadhi in 1945. He and Baba had a very loving
relationship. Although outwardly they had a playful relationship, Tatya let his
home to sleep in Dwarakamai with Baba for fourteen years. Baba on the other hand is
said to have 'given up His life for Tatya' on Vijayadashami, 1918. Tatya
recovered from his illness and led a peaceful and fruitful life till his
Samadhi.
KANIF NATH
TEMPLE
This temple is in front of the post
office. Kanif Nath is one of the Navnaths. Baba is said
to have visited this temple on various occasions.
Festivals are conducted in this temple in the month of
Shravan, Gokulashtami and other holy days. Daily pujas are conducted by the village Pujari.
MAHALAKSHMI MANDIR
On Pimpalwadi Road adjacent to Pilgrims
Inn is this Mahalakshmi Mandir. Bala Shimpe once suffered from malignant malaria. He tried all sorts of
medicines but it did not
abate. He ran to Shirdi
and fell at Baba's feet. Baba said, "Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curds in front of the Lakshmi Temple". So Bala Shimpe took the rice and curds to the temple, there he found a black
dog wagging its tail. He placed the rice before the dog who
at once ate it, thus ridding him of malaria (Ref. ESS, XIII).
KHANDOBA MANDIR
Khandoba, an Avatar of Shiva, is the
Kul Devata of Maharashtra. This small temple is situated opposite the bus stand and adjacent to 'Sai Nath' Hospital. Mahalsapathi was the
priest of this temple. When Baba came with Chand Patil's Carriage party,
Mahalsapathi came out of the temple and greeted Baba
saying 'Ya Sai'- since then the villagers called "irn SAI BABA. But
later when Baba went into the temple and said it was a fit place for
a Fakir's residence because of tue solitude. Mahalsapathi objected
saying that 'no Muslim should get into his Hindu temple'. Then
Mahalsapathi and Kashiram requested Baba to stay in the Masjid and looked after His needs.
Mahalsapathi was attracted to Baba's divinity that he hardly left
His side.
Baba asked
Upasani to sit quietly (ughe mughe) in this temple for three and
half years for his spiritual advancement and Baba would do the rest. In 1929 Upasani
reconstructed this temple with bricks and mortar and installed a
'Gopurarrf in gratitude to Baba for showering His grace.
On Champa
Shrusti, a grand festival is held here annually. Many devotees
after fervent prayer, walk on the live coal that is kept in
the long pit. The Pujari completes the ceremony by walking on the live coal.
BANYAN TREE
This is the
blessed Banyan tree that gave shade to the marriage party of Chand Patil and family. The
party alighted at the foot of this Banyan tree in Bhagat Mahalsapathi's
field near Khandoba Mandir. Members of the party descended one by one and the Fakir
also got down. Bhagat Mahalsapathy saw the young Fakir and said "Ya Sai"
others also addressed Him as Sai and henceforth He became known as Sai Baba (Ref. ESS. Ch. V). This
tree is on your right side after entering the compound. A small parapet is made
around it and a small Baba's shrine with Padukas are placed there to
commemorate the wonderful return of Sai Baba to Shirdi.
VITTAL MANDIR
This Mandir
is situated on the left side of the street eading to post
office. The Pujari Laxman Rao was very orthodox in his
views. At first he was against Baba, as His routines were
not acceptable to him. Once he fell sick losing all hope of life and Baba saved him from that illness. From that time he became a
staunch devotee of Baba.
His son Bapaji Laxman Ratna Parkhi also fell ill and his
father approached Baba and
entreated Him to cure his
son. Baba scolded him and drove
him away. Later Baba went
to his house and put His hand
over Bapaji's head and he
recovered. Laxman Rao was
so overwhelmed with this
and thought that Baba was none other than God
Himself. Bapaji also became an ardent devotee of Baba and he
was one of the few devotees who were present when Baba took Mahasamadhi.
MARUTI MANDIR (DAKSHINA MUKHI)
This village Mandir has two Maruthi
Vigrahas (idols) denoting one for Shirdi, and the other for
Biragaon village. One saint,
named Devi Das lived at
Shirdi many years before Baba
came here. Baba stayed
with him in this Maruti Mandir (Ref. ESS, Ch.V).
Baba also visited Gangaghir of Punatambe, when He visited
Shirdi, and stayed at this temple. Out of the Dakshina that Baba received He
got this temple repaired.
Baba on His way to the Chavadi stood in front of this Mandir, and waved His hands facing the temple. The Palki also
stops at this spot, and the Chopdars do Lalkari. This holy temple is used by ardent devotees who do Naam
Jap. Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated on a grand scale.
The Nag
Pratistha under the Peepul and Neem tree in front of this temple was made by
B.V. Narasimha Swamy. ^ratistha of Shiv Ling with Nandi was done by Murthikar Bajre Rao Dalve of Bombay on 11.2.1983. The villagers celebrate
Sivaratri on a grand scale.
GANAPATHI, SHANI AND MAHADEV
These small Mandirs in one line are in front of Old Bhakta Niwas
(queue complex). Out of the Dakshina money that Baba received He got
Tatya to repair these
temples. On December 26,1998, after due ritual and ceremony,
the deities of these temples were moved to the Kalash Mandir
under the temple expansion plan. New temples were built.
On 3rd July, 1999 the deities
were housed back in these temples with elaborate ritual
and ceremony.
NARASIMHA TEMPLE
Built in 1964 by the descendants of Sakharam Shelke. It is adjacent to Sakharam's house (near Baba's
Chavadi). The compound houses the samadhis of Ramgiri Bua (Jamner miracle),
Triambak Shelke (son of Sakharam) his wife Arsha Bai. The temple
is looked after and maintained by the Shelke family.
SIVANESAN SWAMIJI'S SAMADHI
Swamiji was born at Nayakkarpalayam in
Coimbatore district on the Ramanavami(i.e. 12th
April, 1927). His parents Alamelu
and Muthaiah were cultured
and well off. He was the youngest
child, who was really not
interested in formal education,
though He did study upto 8lh
standard. He was withdrawn and would wander of to far off places and meditate m
solitude, often missing His meals. He was searching for that light and after His mother's death He left
home. He came 0 Bombay, and did various jobs, there He met Muthaiah Swami ot Vallanadu
village who became His mentor and Guru. He Progressed rapidly spiritually, and
learnt much about the Self, and Vedanta. Deep in His heart He was longing for 'the light'. He left Bombay and wandered
about, and had a brief stay at Nityanand Ashram. From thence to Nasik and
finally to Shirdi in 1953. As soon as He stepped into the Dwarakamai, He knew
He had found The Light' and Baba enveloped Him with His grace. The love and
bond between the two was so deep that He never left Shirdi.
His life at
Shirdi was an endless 'Seva routine'. He worked and cleaned every temple in
Shirdi, but his favourite was DWARAKAMAI. The lamps of Dwarakamai shone
like gold, after He cleaned them. He was made incharge of the Chavadi. He
looked after it lovingly but never forsook Dwarakamai. In His spare time He
would clean the Dwarakamai. from top to bottom.
His clothes were a simple white and he
was just as pure. Any dakshina he received was immediately spent on buying
sacred books or food for the poor. Swamiji was a voracious reader and a
linguist. He knew about ten languages, thus he held Satsang with anybody,
advising and helping them along (using the mother tongue of the devotees). He
was a great advocate of Tradakshina' and would be up, and doing pradakshina
around Gurusthan at about 3.00 or 3.30 AM, thence it was Lendi Bagh and Datta
Mandir. He also advised his devotees to do the same for their health, and
spiritual well being. He started the Chavadi Bhajans after the Evening Arati
for an hour. His favourite was "Sai Bhavani" which is sung the
world over.
Dhuni Puja was a 'must' ritual with him.
Many devotees have benefitted from this and are continuing to do so. He gave
Baba's Udi and Tirth to everyone who went to see him and nobody returned empty
handed. But life at Shirdi was not easy. He often went hungry and without a
place to rest. But this only made Him more energetic, it seems.
He was an
apostle of Baba and He spread Baba's name throughout the world, by asking Baba
devotees to build Baba temples, write their experiences, do Satsang and Naam
Jap.
After short
illness He took Mahasamadhi on 12th February, 1996. His Mahasamadhi
is on Pimpalwadi Road about two and half kilometres from Prasadalay.
HOUSES IN AND
AROUND SHIRDI THAT BABA VISITED
NEEMGOAN
NANA SAHEB DENGLE'S HOUSE
It was Nana Saheb who brought the
wooden plank for Baba to sleep on. This Nana Saheb begged Baba
to allow him to do formal Puja, but Baba refused, and asked him
to do Puja to the pillar (now painted red in the
Dwarakamai). Das Ganu states
in Ch.31 of Bhakt Leela Amrit when the grocers refused to give oil to Baba to light the lamps, and then followed Him to Masjid to see what He would do. Unperturbed
Baba poured consecrated water in the lamps. The grocers watching said
"this man must be down right mad". Nana Saheb
disagreed with them and said, "Shri Hari knows what
power this man has, if a diamond
lies in a heap of stone
would you call it a stone?". After the lamps were lit and burnt throughout
the night, Dengle was full
of astonishment and wonder
and fell at Baba's feet. He
remained a staunch devotee
of Baba forever. This is the home
of Nana and his brother
Bala Saheb Dengle at Nimgoan (Nigoj
Nimgoan). This village
lies 3 km away from Shirdi towards
Kopergoan. Baba rarely
left Shirdi in the physical body but some
afternoons He did visit the home of Bala Saheb Dengle. His younger brother Nana
had no son, though he married a second wife and Baba blessed him with a son. Then Nanasaheb became an ardent devotee of Baba, and
Baba's fame spread far and wide. Along with it, it brought numerous devotees
like Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Keshav Chidambaram (Ref. ESS,
Ch.V). This family was famous because of Nana Saheb's great grandfather
Triambak Dengle, \vho was a Peshwa in 1800 A.D. with an infantry of over 20,000, and was
honoured for his bravery.
KHANDOBA TEMPLE
As one enters this village there is a
Khandoba Temple. Baba used to go and sit in the corner. In memory of
Baba's visit to this temple, the villagers have installed an
idol of Baba and holy Padukas in the corner where Baba used to sit.
CHAVADI
Next to Khandoba's temple there is an
old Chavadi now in ruins. It is said that Baba used to go there and walk up and down. There remains
a plaque on the pillar, which dates it back to 1209 A.D.
HOLY WELL
A little away from the Khandoba temple
lies a well (vihir), more like a tank with steps leading into it. Baba used to draw water from
this well, wash His hands and feet and then go to Khandoba temple. This well is said
to have an underground passage which could be used if the village was
attacked
and
the people could evacuate. Because of Baba's use the water was
sufficient to deal with the needs of the village, "ut it
is not
in use at present.
The door
This door is the
entrance to Nana Saheb's estate, which is inside a fortress, now in ruins.
There are two such doors. It is said when Baba first visited this
house the doors opened automatically
thus welcoming Baba in. The inhabitants of the house were wonderstruck! and
knew that a Satpurush had come.
THE SACRED PLACE WHERE BABA SAT
Vasant
Rao the descendant of Bala Saheb says that Baba rarely went inside the house,
but He sat in the open courtyard. To mark this holy site, they have built a
cement structure with a Tulsi growing in it.
NEEMTREE
The neem tree that grew on its own as
if following Baba's Asan, is a few yards away from where Baba used to sit. It
is said to have grown some 20 years after Baba's Mahasamadhi. It is a luscious
beautiful tree, growing towards Baba's Asan, with lovely green leaves that
truly are not bitter.
RAHATA
VES (ARCH)
At this
Arch the villagers came with band and music to receive Baba whenever He went to Rahata. With a great elate ceremony they accompanied Him in procession when He
returned to Shirdi,
KUSHALCHAND'S HOUSE
Baba
loved Chandra Bhan Seth of Rahata. After the Seth, Baba loved his nephew Kushalchand equally or even more and watched his welfare. Baba rarely left Shirdi but He visited this house off and on. The people of Rahata welcomed Baba at the ves (arched gate) with great pomp and ceremony with band and music. Kushalchand took Baba home and seated Him comfortably, and offered a good lunch, then they talked freely and merrily for sometime and Baba would return (Ref. ESS, Ch. VIII).
An
incident is mentioned where Baba sent Dixit to go to Rahata and fetch Kushachand. Simultaneously He
gave a dream Darshan and asked Kushalchand to come
to Shirdi. At that time Kushalchand did not have a
"tanga" and at that very moment Dixit
reached with his 'tanga' and told him that Baba had sent him
to fetch him. Such was the love that Baba had for Kushalchand
(Ref. ESS, Ch. XXX).
IDGAH
A short distance from Kushalchand's
house is this Idgah. One Fakir from Ahmadnagar named Jawahar AH came to
Rahata with his disciples, and stayed near the Veerbhadra
temple-
This Fakir was very learned and had a sweet tongue, and hence many devout
villagers came to him and respected him- With the help of these villagers he
started to build an Idgah. (a wall before which Muslims pray on Idgah day) near
the Veerbhadra temple. There was some quarrel on account of this and Jawahar
Ali had to leave Rahata. So he came to Shirdi and started acting as Baba's
Guru. He took Him away to Rahata. But the devotees of Baba could not bear to
pan with their Sadguru, so they went in a deputation to bring Baba back. Baba
was standing near this Idgah and they told Him of their wish and finally
succeeded in bringing Baba back to Shirdi (Ref. ESS, Ch.V).
MARUTI MANDIR
Laxman
Govind Munge states that he first visited Baba in 1890 Baba then stayed at this
Maruti Mandir, Rahata. He had gone to Rahata for help, to get funds for his
marriage and Baba provided the money through His Leela.
'SAINIWAS' MUMBAI
DHABOLKAR'S HOUSE
Hemadpant's Simga dinner (Ref. ESS
Ch.XL) was performed in
this very house, that is well maintained and kept as is' with all memorablia.
STAIRCASE
The members were about to start eating,
when footsteps were heard on these stairs, Dhabolkar went immediately
and °pened the door and saw Ali Mohd and Moulana Isnu Mujawar with a packet.
THE POTHI
Dhabolkar started writing the 'Sai
Satcharitra' in 1910 which was published in 1929. This Pothi
should be in every house, and should be lovingly and respectfully read. Baba
will
be pleased
by removing ignorance and poverty, will give knowledge, wealth and
prosperity. With a concentrated mind if one reads atleast a chapter daily, it will
give unbounded happiness. This work should be read at home specifically
on Gurupurnima and on other holy days. "If you study this 'one book' all your
desires will be satisfied and Sai will easily make you cross this 'Bhav
Sagar* ". The sick will get health, poor will get wealth and
the mind will get steadiness (Ref. ESS, Phalastuti, epilogue).
THE DESK
This is the desk at which Dhabolkar wrote the Satcharitra. The place
used to be in the corner of the prayer room just below the
original photos of Baba. At this desk he spent many loving hours writing about the
Leelas of Baba and thus gave us ambrosia.
BABA'SMURTI
This Murti is used for meditating on, and His 'life like
eyes' see through and through you. Many leelas of this murti are stated by Mrs.
Dhabolkar.
SIMGA DINNER PHOTO
This
beautiful plaster of paris statue was brought by All Mohd. and was set
in the place that was reserved for Baba at the 'Simga Dinner' (Ref. ESS,
Ch.XL). Baba kept His Promise to attend the Dinner and arrived in this form.
SACRED ARTICLES
In the Puja
room they have enclosed various items with a wooden railing, at the left corner
is His Pagdi. In a glass topped box two coins given by Baba, holy Padukas of
Baba, spectacles of Hemadpant are kept.
BABA'S PORTRAIT
This beautiful portrait of Baba was
painted by Shyamrao Jaykar. 'Baba sitting on stone' posture is on the left wall
just upon entering the house. It is a masterpiece, luminous, pensive and most
of all forgiving. It was painted on 26.12.1916. It is dated and signed. Many
wondrous things are happening to this photo. Painted some 80 years ago one can
see a 'Sesha Nag' behind Baba, but most interestingly a 'Swastik' on Baba's
chest. It looks like as if someone made a 'Chandan Swastik'. There is another
'Swastik' on Baba's right foot.
DHUPKHED
SW of Aurangabad lies this small
village where Chandbhai Patil was a wealthy village officer. He had no children
but his brother Ansarkhan and his wife Umarbi had a son called Gulab Khan. His
son Lal Khan is alive. He lives in a tiny cottage.
The site where Chand Patil's cottage
was, a temple is now built.
CHANDBHAI PATIL
This Chand
Patil once lost his mare. Lal Khan states tr*at the mare was lost
some 15 to 25 kms from Dhupkhed near the twin villages of Sindhon and Bindhon.
Chand Patil made a thorough
and diligent search of the mare but in vain. So rather disappointed, saddle on
his back, he was returning home, when he saw a Fakir sitting under a mango
tree. The Fakir was preparing to smoke a chillim. On seeing Chandbhai pass by,
He called out to him and asked him about the saddle. Chand Patil told Him the
story of his lost mare. The Fakir asked him to look near the Nala close by and
he found his mare. So he returned to the Fakir with his mare. The chillim was
ready, but two things were wanting, a coal to light the chillim and water to
wet the chappi. The Fakir thrust His prong into the ground and out came the
burning coal, then He dashed the Satka on the ground hence flowed water. The
Fakir took a puff and offered it to Chand Patil. Wonderstruck, Chand Patil
requested the Fakir to visit his house. Baba went to Chand Patil's house and
stayed there for some time. His wife's brother's son was to be married and the
bride was from Shirdi. So along with the marriage party Baba came to Shirdi and
stayed there for sixty years. (Ref. ESS, Ch.V).
HOUSES OF BABA'S DEVOTEES IN SHIRDI
LAKSHMI BAI TUKARAM SHINDE'S HOUSE
In a quite lane in Shirdi is Lakshmi
Bai's house. It is 'as is' while huge buildings and houses are coming up around
it they have not changed this house at all. Lakshmi
Bai was a well-to-do woman, but she worked tirelessly, in
the Masjid and was the only lady allowed to go there at
nights. One evening Baba
told her, He was very
hungry. In a few moments she brought
Bhakar and vegetables and
gave them to Baba who instead
of eating it gave it to a
hungry dog. This upset her. So Baba said "Why do you grieve for
nothing? The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine, know for certain that he who feeds the hungry really serves Me the food. Regard this as an 'axiomatic truth.' " (Ref. ESS, Ch.XLII).
After this incident Lakshmi Bai often
brought Bhakar and milk with which she lovingly fed Baba. She
took Samadhi on 2nd
June, 1963 and the Samadhi
is right in front of her house.
LAKSHMI BAI'S STATUE
Inside the house is a small shrine with Lakshmi Bai's statue, in front of which
are the nine coins enclosed in a glass top box. On Vijayadashami 1918 before
Baba took Mahasamadhi He put His hand in His pocket and gave her Rs.5/- then Rs.4/- totaling Rs.9/- indicative of nine
types of devotion (Ref. ESS Ch. XXI).
BALAJI PILAJI
GURAV
This house is
situated to the left. It is the corner first house while going
from Gurusthan to Sevadham. At the corner is a small shrine with Baba's
Padukas, commemorating the place where Baba rested while going to Lendi
Bagh daily. Balaji came to Shirdi in 1912 with his parents. Both mother and father had
dreamt of Baba. The father in the dream was summoned to Shirdi. While the mother dreamt that
Baba asked her for 50 paise and a piece of cloth, so they both
decided to go to Shirdi. They came from Korallah to Rahata where Tatya's Munim brought them
to Shirdi. Baba abused and beat him and he was often afraid of Baba. But Dixit
allayed his fears saying it was a blessing in disguise. Thus they
stayed on. He played the clarion at Arati and for Baba many times. He carried
Mahalsapathi (after he became blind) on his back to and from his house whenever Baba
called him. Most importantly for us he has the waist cloth (Langoti) of Baba which
was removed during the last bath after Baba took Mahasamadhi. This Langoti was
worshipped by this family.
BHAGHOJI SHINDES HOUSE
This is called
Shinde Wada where Bhagoji stayed. He was the personal companion and Sevak of Baba.
Outwardly he looked unfortunate because of leprosy. He was indeed very
very fortunate to do Seva and be with Baba constantly. Baba once saved him from
death due to high fever, but arrested his leprosy, not curing it
completely. He carried the umbrella for Baba while going to and from Lendi
Bagh. He massaged and Put Panthis on Baba's burnt hand daily till Baba's
Mahasamadhi (Ref. ESS. Ch. VII).
MADHAV RAO DESHPANDE (SHYAMA)
This house is situated towards the
right bylane while going
from Dwarakamai to the
Bazaar. Shyama was 'the Nandi
to Bhola Baba'. He was
born in Nimon and came to Shirdi
at the age of two years
along with his parents and stayed in this house
till his Mahasamadhi. Mention is
made in Sai Satcharitra when Baba asked Dhabolkar to go to
Shyama's house and take Dakshina from him and sit and
chitchat for a while. Shyama came out of the inner room, and
told Dhabolkar to be seated, as he was about to do Puja so
saying he went into the inner room. Dhabolkar sat on this
verandah and waited till he
finished the Puja. Then
Shyama came out and told him the beautiful story
of Radha Bai Deshmukh (Ref. ESS Ch.XVIII & XIX). This
house is very sacred as Baba gave him various books to
keep and read. There is a statue of Ganapati towards the right hand corner in the main room and it is said that
this Ganapati was given by Baba. There are some
original photographs of Baba (going to Lendi Bagh and Baba sitting with Shyama to His left and Mahalsapathi to His right.)
After Shyama, this house was looked
after by his son Udhavrao Deshpande who breathed his last on 27.6.1998. Udhav
Rao stated that he was a young lad before Baba's Mahasamadhi and
often he would play with Baba. Baba loved children a
lot, and he spent many evenings playing with Baba. Once Shyama asked Baba "What would happen to this child?.
It is stated that Baba said, "He will grow up in the Masjid and that there
will be no dearth of funds for his livelihood". Now the widow of
Udhav Rao looks after this
house.
MAHALSAPATHI'S
HOUSE
Mahalsapathi's house is situated in a
narrow lane leading from the Chavadi to Tajim Khan's Darga.
At the Darga, if one turns left and walks a few yards, the
house is to the right in a
narrow lane. Mahalsapathi
was the Pujari of the Khandoba Mandir. He
was a staunch devotee of Baba and spent most of his time
with Him. He was fortunate to sleep in the Dwarakamai along with Baba and Tatya.
Baba gave him Sadgathi on 6th Tuesday, Bhadrapad of
1922, and his Samadhi was made in his house itself. The following
sacred articles were given by Baba to Mahalsapathi.
1. Baba's Kafni
2. Baba's Danda
3. Baba'sUdi
4. Three Silver Rupee Coins
5. Baba's Padukas (one pair)
This house is a place of pilgrimage
because of the sacred articles given by Baba and also
Mahalsapathi's Samadhi. Mahalsap'athi was really a true devotee of Baba and
although he was really very poor he did not deviate
from his spiritual path. He adhered to Baba's advice of not
accepting money or gifts from anyone. We, the devotees, should
be most grateful to Mahalsapathi for guarding Baba's body
when He took '72 hours Samadhi' (Ref. ESS, CH.XLII1, XLIV).
His descendants have preserved and displayed these sacred
articles very nicely and the devotees can have darshan of the same.
ABDUL BABA'S
COTTAGE
This cottage lies in front of the Chavadi. Abdul Baba was
married to Umran Rao Bi and had a son. His father was conferred the title of 'Sultan' and called 'Chotu
Sultan of Manded' village. Abdullah was serving Amiruddin Baba and following the dream vision, Amiruddin sent him to
Shirdi. In Shirdi he worked as a Sevak, doing all kinds
of menial jobs. Having no money he begged for his food. He strictly
followed Baba's instructions 'eat little and sleep
little'.
He slept wherever he could. Then he built a small mud house where the cottage now stands. When the Sansthan was formed they leased the land and cottage to him. He kept busy looking after Baba's Samadhi.
The devotees who visit the cottage have an opportunity to venerate 'the Chimta.' This is said to be given to him by Baba and Abdullah treasured it, prayed to it daily with Loban incense. Abdullah used this for curing the pains and ailments of the devotees. One can also see the original photos of Baba which are framed and hung on the left wall.
Baba is also said to have given him a Satka, and a tin mug. But we
the devotees are most grateful to Abdul Baba who wrote
down 'the sayings, teachings, parables' of Baba and read
them daily as his Quran.
FIVE BLESSED HOUSES THAT BABA TOOK BHIKSHA
FROM
SAKHARAM
PATIL SHELKE
This house is next to Baba's Chavadi with a west face entrance.
Sakharam was a farmer, a wealthy landlord, and devoted to
Baba. The wife of his grandson, Hari Bau, (Sakar Bai) relates how Baba in turn
loved Sakharam. Baba would stand
at the crossroad between
Vaman Rao Gondkar's house and
Shelke's house and call
out "Sakharam Roti de". She also stated
that his son Triambak donated some land to Baba's Sansthan. Triambak's Samadhi
is inside the compound of the Narasimha
Temple which is adjacent
to Sakharam's house. The other two Samadhis are of Thana Bai
(Triambak's wife), and Ramghir Bhau. The Narasimha Temple was
constructed by the Shelke family.
VAMANRAOGONDKAR
This house is on the right hand side
opposite to Sakharam Shelke's house. Vaman Rao was born and
bred in Shirdi. His family were wealthy farmers and
landowners. The descendants say they owned 500 acres of land in and around Shirdi. They also state that they owned Lendi Bagh and adjacent lands. They sold Lendi Bagh to Moreshwar Pradhan who donated it to the Sansthan. This is one of the blessed houses that Baba took Bhiksha from. Mention is made of this house
in Ch.XIX English Sai Satcharitra. Baba placed a ladder against this
house and climbed up on the roof and passed
the roof of Radhakrishna Ayi's house. Baba gave Rs.2/- to Venku
Kamblekar, who brought the
ladder, for his labour.
The other devotees
objected saying that Baba had paid too much. Baba
told them that any labour should be paid for promptly and
adequately. Kamblekar had no children but after he received this money he prospered and got two sons. Vaman Rao Gondkar took
Mahasamadhi on 15.3.1964. His descendants
are living in Shirdi and
carrying on his legacy.
BAYYAJI APPA KOTE
PATH (SAI KUTIR)
Bayyaji Appa Kote Patil was a land owner, revenue and police patel of Birgoan. He states that Baba
took Bhiksha from his house many times up to His Mahasamadhi.
Bayyaji started serving Baba from his 11th
year. He noticed that Baba was
very fair and just and
would enjoin silence on others when Namaj was
being done and vice versa. Sweets and Pedas were distributed to all alike. Baba forewarned him of his father's death, which later happened as Baba had predicted. Baba used to give him Rs.4/- daily and said "Do not eat and
excrete". So
he invested it in land and
had 84 acres. Baba also advised him what to cultivate on it, and He was always
right. On Baba's Mahasamadhi he states that Baba told him "/ am
going, carry me to
the Wada.
All Brahmins mil be living near Me." With these
words He took Mahasamadhi
(Ref. DE, p.158).
BAYAJA BAI KOTE
PATIL (BAYAJA MAA)
This house is situated adjacent to 'Sai
Kutir'. Bayaja Maa came to Shirdi after she married an affluent landowner,
Ganapath Kote Patil. She was a dutiful, loving wife, who did a'l the
household chores. But most of all she loved to cook arid feed
various guests and relatives. 'Food is Brahma' she knew and was the first person to feed Baba when He came to i in the early days. Bayaja Maa recognising His divinity would roam about in search of the Fakir
and feed Him daily (Ref. ESS, Ch. VIII). She then returned home to eat. Her
trouble ended when Baba came to live in the Masjid.
Daily Baba took Biksha from her. She
made fresh food and fed Him lovingly. Baba was very pleased with this. Baba
asked her once what she wanted? "Do you want Sampathi (wealth) or
Santhathi (welfare of your family)"? Unhesitatingly she asked for the
welfare of Tatya, who had no children, though he had three* wives. With Baba's
blessings he had three sons and two daughters. True to His promise Baba looked
after Tatya and his family, and even took 'niryan' for him.
NANDARAMMARWARI
Nandaram was a rich landowner and moneylender by profession. But
he was kindhearted and a gentle person. His grandfather came to Shirdi from
Rajasthan (Kharade village) and Nandaram was born in 1866 and grew up in
Shirdi. Nandaram's house was one of the blessed houses that Baba took Biksha
from. It is said that Baba would visit this house last although it was very
near to the Dwarakamai, almost in front of it. Baba loved this family and He
would call out to Nandaram's wife who had a speech problem. Baba would say "Oh,
Bhopadi Bai, Biksha de". If she was late in offering Biksha He would
shower abuses on her. Baba sometimes asked her to make puran poli and a full
meal. After making all the preparations she would take the thali to the
Dwarakamai, but Baba would eat very little and distribute the rest. In 19U when
plague was rampant in Shirdi the villagers quickly started fleeing. Nandaram
met some of the villagers who remarked that his eyes were red with fever and that was the beginning of
the plague. He was startled to hear this and went on horseback to take Baba's
permission to leave and go to Ekruka. Baba dissuaded him from leaving. He
assured Him that he was not going to die. "7 will not let you die till
I die" and gave him Udi and he recovered. (Ref. DE, p. 153).
Nandaram's grandmother, Radhabai, asked Baba to look after her family as the
male children died in infancy. Baba gave her three mangoes and she got three
sons. After this leela all the male children survived. The best deed he did was
to donate the land that was between Butti Wada and Dwarakamai for Baba's use.
This was done through Damu Anna and hence the Samadhi Mandir was extended.
Nandaram believed in doing good and giving rather than receiving. He also
repaired and made the flooring of Maruti and Ganesh temples. He took
Mahasamadhi on 13.10.1946 and his philanthrophic and social work is carried on
by his descendants.
"This is
our Dwarakamai where you are sitting. She wards off all dangers and anxieties
of the children who sit on her lap" said Baba to Bala Saheb Mirikar who was
going to Chitali, and was to have an encounter with a serpent (Ref. ESS, XXII).
Baba's words are always true. Then why did Baba call this Masjid 'Dwarakamai"?
One can geographically, historically, mythologically place Dwaraka at
Shirdi.
1. Churning of Kshirsagar
The story of churning the Kshirasagar goes like this. It was
agreed by the Gods and Demons that whoever accepted the Halahal (poison) was
also able to partake of the Ambrosia (Amrit). Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and
it was made to stop in His throat. Thus He earned the name "THIRU NEEL
KANTESHWAR" and the place of occurrence got the name "GHAT
SIRAS" (taluq: Parthardi, SE of Shirdi).
After the Halahal, Ambrosia came into creation and the Gods
partook of it. Chandra (Moon) and Surya (Sun) came to know that Rahu and Kethu
stealthily came to the God's side and partook the Ambrosia. They quickly
informed Lord Vishnu about this. Vishnu came in the disguise of the beautiful
Mohini and dazzled Rahu and Kethu and then cut the head of Rahu with her golden
chakra. The place where Rahu's body was thrown is called Rahuri (about 45 kms
from Shirdi) where a temple is said to exist. The place of occurrence is called
Mohini Raj (Arda Nari Nateshwar temple at Newasa; 110 km SE of Shirdi). Kethu's
bodyless head fell in Kethu temple at Rathangad (60 km NW of Rahuri). The
nectar that flowed out of Kethu's mouth at Rathangad became the exalted Parwara
river. This river was originally known as Amrit Vahini (carrier of nectar).
Out of the 14 Ratnas (jewels), Lord Shiva
took Halahal, Ambrosia and Chandra. The place of Chandra is now called
Chandgoan (about 130 kms from Shirdi) where Chandreshwar temple is. Lord
Krishna took Devi Lakshmi, Kausthab (gold making bell), Shank and Dhanur. Lord
Indra took Airavatam, Kamadhenu, Rambha, Parijatham and Dhanvantari (Ashvini
Kumar), the place is called Belapur (25 kms from Shirdi). The Vilveshwar Mandir
is there. The place of Ashvini Kumar is called Ashvi (20 km from Shirdi). Lord
Surya took the seven headed horse and the place is called Kolhar (45 kms from
Shirdi).
2. Yadav dynasty
As late as 12th and 13Ih
century, Yadav (Lord Krishna's dynasty) ruled most of present Maharashtra.
Their capital was Devgad Fort near Aurangabad mentioned in the Dhyaneshwari.
Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna, was born at Kundipur, Amravati
district, near Nagpur. Her father ohishmak, was a king and his capital was
Devgad near Fort Aurangabad.
3. Pandharpur
The southern most tip of Dwaraka is
situated in Sholapur district (450 kms from Shirdi). The story of Pundalik is as follows:
Once Rukmini left Lord Krishna in a huff.
Krishna went after her to pacify her. He roamed the Dhandrivan forest, found
and pacified her. On His way He saw Pundalik doing ardent seva to his parents.
On seeing the Lord, Pundalik threw a brick and asked Krishna to sit a while,
till he had finished. The Lord stood on the brick and waited with astonishment
arms akimbo. The Lord was pleased at the selfless seva and said to Pundalik
'ask for a boon'. Pundalik unhesitantly asked the Lord to come and stay at
Dhandrivan as Vittal. This He did, and the place is called Pandharpur, southern
most tip of Dwaraka.
4. Gopal Kala
Lord Krishna practised Gopal Kala
(parched rice mixed with curds etc. in an earthen pot). Baba too mixed all the
food in the Kolamba and partook of it and distributed it to all. Gopal Kala is
performed by the Sansthan on the completion of all ceremonies at Shirdi.
5. Our Dwarakamai
But the best explanation is given in
English Sai Satcharitra Ch. IV. Definition of Dwaraka quoted from Skanda Purana
'The place where the doors are open for all people regardless of caste,
community and creed, for accomplishing Dharma, Artha,
Kama, and Moksha is called Dwaraka'-
Baba's Masjid in Shirdi is open to one
and all.
Although thousands of devotees flocked at
Baba's feet for health, wealth and progeny, Baba maintained a fairly rigid
routine. He would get up very early in the morning. At about 5.00 AM He was
seen sitting in front of the Dhuni. After His morning ablutions He would again
sit in front of the Dhuni. Purandhare says 'Baba used to sit in front of the
Dhuni leaning against the pillar doing something, people were not allowed to go
near, even 50 ft. away. He used to utter words like "Yade Haq, Allah
Mattik, Alia Vali Hai" (Ref. DE, p. 74).
Abdul Baba and Madhav Fasle would quietly
go about doing their work, sweeping and cleaning the Masjid and replenishing
the lamps with oil and feeding the Dhuni with wood. The first devotee to enter
the Masjid was Bhagoji Shinde. He came daily and massaged Baba's right hand and
lovingly bandaged it. Then he massaged Baba's body. This done, he lit a Chillim
and offered it to Baba. Baba took a puff °r two and gave it to Bhagoji and
between them they took five to six puffs and then Bhagoji quietly
left.
Then a few selected devotees would come
and do seva °f massaging His feet. After this Baba got up and washed His m°uth,
ears and face using plenty of water. This was a sight worth seeing.
He washed Himself in a very gentle manner. *>aba had a bath occasionally
(about once a week or so) in the Vl$ible body, though He often
stated that He had bathed in the 'Ganga aur Jamuna' in the invisible body. Many
a devotee used Baba's bathing water for curing their diseases and were relieved
off them.
At about 8.00 AM Baba went for Biksha to
'the five blessed houses'. Of the food offered, Baba ate very little. He kept
the food in the Kolamba for anyone to eat. Then He had open Darbar (sitting)
till about 9.30 AM. Devotees thronged at His feet to pay respects, thank Him,
and of course ask for favours. After Darbar at about 9.30 AM He went to Lendi
Bagh accompanied by a few devotees and always Bhagoji held the umbrella. Baba
went to Lendi Bagh twice a day, though He went for Biksha many times. Baba
entered Lendi Bagh alone and would sit with His back to the everburning jyoth
(lamp). Abdul Baba was fortunate to be there doing seva. Then Abdul Baba would
bring two pots of water and place them near Baba. Baba was seen pouring the
water in various directions whether He uttered any Mantra or prayer was not
known to Abdul. After about an hour He would return to the Masjid.
The second Darbar would start at about
10.30 AM for about an hour. During this time the devotees lovingly made their
offerings and worshipped Him. Many times Baba bought fruits and distributed
them. He also told stories. Only the devotee for whom it was intended grasped
the meaning; while the rest of the devotees derived valuable lessons from it.
At 11.30 AM the bell rang and the
devotees assembled for congregational worship or Arati. After Arati, Baba and
His devotees had lunch. Between 1.00 and 2.00 PM Baba would be alone. He would
draw the curtain and take out a pouch containing coins and rub them. While
doing this He would say "This is Nona's, this is Kaka's" etc.
If anyone came near He quickly put them in His pouch and hid them in fjis
pocket. At about 2.00 PM He again went to Lendi Bagh for about an hour.
Upon His return from Lendi Bagh, He would
be in the Masjid between 3.00 and 5.00 PM. This time He usually spent alone.
Often He would send a messenger to call a certain devotee and would have a
private session with him.
The Third Darbar was held between 5.00
and 7.00 PM, then He would go for His evening walk. He would walk up and down
in the narrow lane in front of Dwarakamai and would lean against the wall. This
holy site is marked by small Padukas which are now incorporated in the wall.
This is where He probably rested His elbow or arm. The Padukas below are the
holy site where He stood. This place is enclosed in a small shrine.
The bell rang again at 8.30 PM and the
devotees flocked at the outer pavilion. If it was the day for Baba to sleep in
the Chavadi, the devotees gathered there, would do Bhajans and play various
instruments. Most of them were busy making arrangements for the Chavadi
procession. Then the Chavadi Procession took place and Baba was taken to the
Chavadi and after Sej Arati the devotees returned home. Baba slept alone
spreading fifty to sixty chaddars (bed sheets). In the morning He sat in the
Chavadi till Tatya came and invited Him to come to Masjid. In the Masjid Baba
slept along with Mahalsapathi and Tatya.
Bayyaji Patil says Baba took Biksha from
the beginning of His stay in Shirdi till His Mahasamadhi. "Baba would go
over eight times a day for about three years, next three years four times a day
and for twelve years twice a day and during the last twelve years once a
day" (Ref. DE, p. 156). Biksha was a must, if He did not go He sent
someone in His stead e.g. Vaman Rao Patel etc.
In 1916, Prof. G.G. Narke states that he
yearned to do this service when he went to see Baba, Baba suddenly said "Let
this man go and beg for food with that bowl today ", thus fulfilling
his inner most desire (Ref. DE, p. 16).
Baba started His Biksha rounds at about
8.00 AM. He took Biksha from five selected houses. He would place a cloth on
His head which when folded would assume the shape of a Joli. This was used for
dry foods like, chapathi, bhakri, rice etc. In His right hand He carried a
tumerell for liquids.
From the Dwarakamai Baba walked past the
Chavadi and stood in between the houses of Sakharam Shelke and Vaman Rao
Gondkar. These houses are opposite each other with a narrow lane in
between. He stood at a fixed place and called out "Oh, Lassie, give me
a piece of bread". From thence He proceeded to Bayyaji's house.
On the way there was a hillock. Baba
stood there for a while and fed the birds and dogs. In memory of this, Padukas
were installed. These Padukas are now in the wall of Narasimha Lodge. There is
a tiny Mandir enclosing them. The uniqueness of these Padukas are that they are
not raised but engraved in the stone. In between the Padukas there is a water
bowl.
Bayyaji and Tatya's house are next to
each other. After getting Biksha from there He proceeded to Nandaram's house.
This was the fifth and last house. He walked past Tajim Khan Baba's Darga. It
is said that He often went inside this building and then He came to Nandaram' s
house. After receiving Biksha there He returned to the Masjid.
In the Masjid He mixed the food together
and kept it in the Kolamba for any and everyone to partake off it.
Baba went to
Lendi Bagh twice daily in procession with musical accompaniments. After a
'small darbar' at about 9.00 AM He went along with His dear and near devotees.
Nana Saheb Nimonkar was usually on His right, Gopal : Rao Butti at His left,
Bhagoji Shinde at His back holding the embroidered umbrella, while the Chopdars
in their bright uniforms accompanied Him and did Lalkari. They would come out
of the Dwarakamai and after walking a few steps, Baba stood leaning against His
Dwarakamai for a short while. They then proceeded to the corner in front of the
Gurusthan. Here Baba stood facing the Gurusthan and made gestures with His
right hand. The Bhaktas staying in Sathe Wada would eagerly await the
procession and then prostrate before Baba.
They then made
a left turn and proceeded to Pilaji Gurav's house. Here Baba rested against
this house for a while. Padukas were installed at this sacred place. Then they
went passed the Vittal Mandir which is opposite the Seva Dham building.
From there they proceeded towards Kanif Nath's Mandir making a right turn. This
Mandir is blessed because Baba sometimes visited it. This Mandir is opposite
the Post Office.
After
proceeding a little further they walked adjacent to the Nagar-Manmad Highway.
Baba always entered Lendi gagh alone. While the procession of devotees waited
outside. Baba returned to Dwarakamai from Lendi Bagh by the same route.
(in
Shirdi)
DWARAKAMAI
Opens at 4.30
AM
Alankar of all
photos, Padukas, tortoise, small red pillar and Tulasi Brindavan,
Nimbar Dhuni is cleaned, Udi is collected in containers and fresh
firewood and gowri is offered Loban at 5.00 AM
Offering oil to the everburning lamps at 5.15 AM. Breakfast (morning
Naivedya) at 8.30 AM Cleaning of Dwarakamai 11.15 AM.
Vaishva Dev
Puja (Agni/Dhuni Puja) 11.30 AM: This is done by Sansthan on behalf of all the
devotees and rice and ghee are offered to Dhuni Maa as an atonement for the
sins unwittingly caused by killing ants and various other insects (Panchasuna).
Chandan Alankar and Prasad to Baba. Cleaning of Dwarakamai 3.15 PM. i Dhuni
replenished with firewood and gowri at 3.40 PM. j Bhog is offered to Baba ten minutes after Evening Arati.
Cleaning of Dwarakamai 9.00 PM Water for Baba at 9.30 PM
Covering of the
small Mandap with mosquito net and putting a woollen shawl on Baba and Padukas
during winter season. Lighting of the lantern. Dwarakamai closes at 9.45 PM.
The outer
pavilion is opened to devotees for Parayan, Jap and Meditation, throughout the
night.
Chavadi
Opens at 4.30
AM.
Cleaning.
Loban at 4.45 AM.
Cleaning at 11.15 AM.
Loban at 11.40AM.
After Evening Arati the Loban and live
coal are brought from Samadhi Mandir to Chavadi. The Pujari on duty, adds
Loban. Offering of oil to the Ever burning lamps at the time of sunset.
Chavadi closes at 9.00 PM.
thursday
programme
The 'Pitambar'
of the 4Raj Upachar' photo is changed with due
formalities at about 4.40 AM.
After Noon
Arati at about 12.40 PM the Raj Upachar photo is brought and placed on Baba's
cot, and ladies can have Darshan of the same
till about 4.00 PM. Then the photo is taken to Samadhi Mandir and placed along
with the Padukas and Satka on the platform of the Baba's Samadhi. On the
arrival of the Palki from Dwarakamai to Chavadi, it is placed on Baba's cot,
which is kept in front of the Chavadi. The descendants of Tatya have the honour
to carry Baba's photo from the Palki into the Chavadi and place it on the
Sinhasan, while Baiyyaji's descendants carry the Padukas and Satka into the
Chavadi for Arati. Laghu (small) Arati from 9.30 to 9.40 PM.
Chillim offered
to Baba at the time of 'Arati Sai Baba'. Naivedya.
Palki returns
with the photo and Padukas to Samadhi Mandir. The photo comes back to Chavadi
after the Kakad Arati of the next day. Chavadi closes at about 9.45 PM.
Gurusthan
Opens at 4.30
AM. *
Cleaning of the Gurusthan at 4.35 AM.
Mangal snan (Abhishek) to Baba, Shiv
Ling, Nandi and
Padukas between 4.45 and 5.00 AM.
Alankar with Sindhur at 5.00 AM.
Darshan starts from 5.00 AM.
Cleaning at about 11.15 AM.
Chandan Alankar: at 11.30 AM.
Naivedya: at 11.40 AM.
Cleaning: at 4.00 PM and oil is offered
to the lamps.
Bhog: Five minutes after Evening Arati
Bhog is offered by
the Pujari of the Samadhi Mandir.
Closes: at 9.00 PM.
Lingodbhav Puja
is done on the day of Mahasivaratri.
Samadhi
Mandir
Loban offering
4.45 AM (live coal
is taken from the Dhuni).
The temple opens at 5.00 AM for
devotees.
Bhupali at 5.00 AM. ^
KakadArati5.15 AM. j
Butter and sugar Naivedya offered to Baba
after Arati and the same is
distributed to the devotees.
Bhajans at 5.40 AM.
Mangal snan (Abhishek) to Baba and
Baba's Samadhi at 6.15 AM. This Tirth is
made available to
the devotees.
Alankar to Baba, Baba's Samadhi and
Padukas at 6.30 AM.
Bhajans, Baba's Eleven Sayings
(pre-recorded) at 6.40 AM.
Laghu Arati (Shirdi Majhe Pandharpur) at
6.45 AM.
Abhishek is done by Sansthan on behalf of the devotees
between 7.00 and 7.30 AM.
Darshan starts at 7.25 AM.
The descendants of the Abdul Baba do the Alankar
to the
Samadhi at 10.00AM.
Cleaning of Samadhi Mandir at 11.30 AM.
Loban 11.30 to 11.45AM.
Afternoon Arati at 12.05 PM.
Tambul and Bhog to Baba at 12.30 PM.
Cleaning of the Samadhi between 3.00 and 4.00
PM.
Sabja Alankar of the Samadhi at 4.00 PM.
Daily Adhyay reading at 4.00 PM.
Cleaning of the Samadhi Mandir and offering
of Loban before
Evening Arati.
Evening Arati at the time of sunset.
Bhog (Jhunka Bhakar) after Arati.
Bhajans and devotional songs by devotees
9.00 to 9.45 PM.
Sej Arati at 10.00PM.
After Sej Arati Baba is left in
solitude. A mosquito net is
used, and drinking water is kept by
Baba's side.
In the winter season a woollen shawl is
used, otherwise a cotton
shawl along with Rudraksha Mala.
Temple closes abound 11.00 PM.
After every Arati Prasad is distributed
at the back gate of the Samadhi Mandir.
Baba's tirth is
also made available to the public outside the Samadhi Mandir. Devotees can also
take this tirth to their homes.
All the
festivals are .celebrated in Shirdi, but the three important festivals are,
Ramanavami, Gurupurnima and Vijayadashami. These are celebrated with great pomp
and show. Each is a three-day event and the temples are decorated beautifully
with lights, shamianas and look like heaven. In the evenings there are cultural
programmes and bhajans by famous artists.
First Day Event:
1.
Akhand Parayan reading: A day before the devotees may submit their names
for Adhyay reading. After Evening Arati the names are drawn by lottery. These
names are announced through the mike and the chapters are allotted. Thus 53
chapters are allotted with a standby list of five names.
'Name lists'
are pasted at various places for the convenience of devotees. After Kakad Arati
Baba's photo and 'the Pothi' is brought in procession from Samadhi Mandir via:
Gurusthan to the Dwarakamai. The Chopdars surpass themselves giving Lalkari at
the above temples. In the Dwarakamai the photo is placed in the 'silver mandap'
specially made for this occasion, along with the Pothi, After Laghu (small
Arati) the reading begins. Since it is Akhand Parayan the Dwarakamai is opened
throughout the night. Next morning the Parayan is completed. Again with music
and Bhajans the Pothi and the Baba's photo is taken back to the Samadhi Mandir.
2
Palki Procession: The Palki is taken in procession through the
village at 8.45 PM. Upon its return to Samadhi Mandir Sej Arati is performed.
Second Day:
This is the main Utsav for each festival.
Rath procession through the village.
No Sej Arati (night arati),
Samadhi Mandir is kept open the whole
night.
Third Day: No Kakad arati.
Gopal Kala: Hari Kirtan is started
in the morning ending with Gopal Kirtan. Go^al Kala signifies the end of the
festival and ceremonies. A beautifully decorated 'Dhai Handi' is hung in the
Samadhi Mandir. The honour of breaking it is given to Tatya's descendants. The
contents are distributed to the devotees as Prasad. After Gopal Kala there is
Noon Arati.
RAMANAVAMI (THE
FESTIVAL OF RAMA'S BIRTH)
In Chaitra Maas
Ramanavami is celebrated. It was in 1911 that Ramanavami was first celebrated
in Shirdi. The idea originated from the Urs. It was K.G. Bhishm who conceived
of this idea and consulted Kaka Mahajani who readily agreed. Both of them went
to Baba and sought Permission, Baba gave His consent. Since then Ramanavami is
celebrated on a grand scale.
first Day: Akhand Parayan
and Palki procession.
Second Day: The main Utsav
commences.
05.15 Kakad Arati
06.00 AM Completion of Akhand Parayan
06.05 AM Mangal Snan (Holy Bath). The
villagers and devotees go to the Godavari (Kopergoan) and bring water for
Baba's Holy Bath. The 'Kavadis' or water bearers are allowed to wash the
Samadhi and Baba's Padukas.
08.00 to 09.00 AM Changing the sack of
wheat: The sack of wheat is brought in procession from Samadhi Mandir to
Dwarakamai. The old sack is taken to Prasadalay and the new sack is placed in
the Almirah. This tradition was started by Balaji Newaskar. Now trfb Sansthan
performs this ceremony.
12.00 Noon Rama's birth: A cradle
is placed in Samadhi Mandir signifying Rama's Birth. Radhakrishna Mai gave a
cradle when the first time Ramanavami was celebrated in Shirdi and the
tradition continues.
12.30 Noon Afternoon Arati.
02.00 to 04.00
PM Changing of the Flags: The Sansthan Supplies the ochre
(gheru) Flags while the descendants of Damu Anna supply the embroidered flag.
Nimonkar's descendants supply the green flags. At about 02.00 PM the gheru
flags are brought in a procession from Samadhi Mandir lo the open
area adjacent to Pilaji Gurav's house. The green
and embroidered flags are fixed on a long
pole and brought from Tukaram Sutar's house to this place. After Lalkari Laghu
Arati is done. Then the flags are taken in procession to the village with much
dancing and merriment to Dwarakamai. The gheru flags are hoisted on the
southern wall inside the Dwarakamai while the other two are hoisted on the
roof.
09.00 to Sandal Procession: The descendants of Abdul
10.00PM
Baba perform this tradition. A
Thali with sandal and incense are taken in procession around the village to
Abdul Baba's Samadhi thence to the Dwarakamai. The contents are pasted on the
Nimbar with bare hands.
08.45 to Rath Procession
1 1 .00 PM There is no Sej Arati
as Samadhi Mandir is kept
open for whole night for Darshan.
10.00PM Bhajan Programme: The
devotees may onwards participate
in this programme and it joyfully goes on till the wee hours of the next day.
Third Day: There is no Kakad Arati. Gopal Kala.
GURUPURNIMA
In Ashad Maas
(June, July) Gurupurnima is celebrated. In Shirdi the tradition started around
1910. The credit of starting the Guru Puja goes to Nulkar and Dada Kelkar. In a
letter from Nulkar to Chandorkar he mentions how Baba permitted him to do Guru
Puja. "Baba quietly allowed all Upchar (rituals) to be performed and also
return all the Dakshina" (Ref. SL Magazine May-Aug. 1991). He sent a word
to Radhakrishna Mai and Dada Kelkar that Arati was being done and they should
come soon. Since then Gurupurnima is performed with great fanfare.
first Day: Akhand Parayan.
Palki procession through the village
Dwarakamai is kept open the whole night.
Second Day: Is the main Utsav with Rath procession through the village.
There is no Sej Arati as the Samadhi
Mandir is open throughout the whole night for Darshan. the devotees.
Third Day:
No Kakad Arati. Gopal Kala.
VIJAYADASHAMI
In 1918 Ashwini
Maas (Sept. - Oct.) it was the first day of Dakshinayan (southerly declination
of the sun) on Vijayadashami Baba took Mahasamadhi at 02.35 PM. But at 12.30 in
the afternoon of that day Dashami was over and Ekadashi had begun. In the
Muslim month of Moharram it was the ninth day of the ninth month and that night
was the 'night of slaughter'.
Four months
before Baba's Mahasamadhi He sent Imam Bhai Chota Khan and Kasim (son of Bade
Baba) to go to Shamshuddin Mea of Aurangabad. Baba said "Give him (his
Rs.250/-. Do there Moulu, Koali and Nyas ".
Then they were
asked to go to Banne Mea Fakir and garland him and tell him "Navddin,
Nav tarik, Allah meane apna dhunia legaya marjiAllaki" (Ref. DE,
p.277).
The festivities at Shirdi are celebrated
on Vijayadashami.
First Day: Akhand Parayan
Rath procession through the village.
Dwarakamai is open
throughout the whole night
Second Day: Biksha: A day before
names of the devotees participating in the Biksha are taken by lottery. The
devotees assemble in the Samadhi Mandir at 08.00 AM. They are garlanded and
gheru jholies are given to them. They are brought in procession to Dwarakamai.
After Lalkari they are taken to the five houses that Baba took Biksha from. On
the way they accept Biksha from the devotees in return giving some of the
contents from their jolies as Baba's prasad.
Semolanghan: At about 04.00
PM
procession throughout the village.
Bhajans by devotees the whole night. Samadhi Mandir is open the whole night.
Third Day: No Kakad Arati Gopal Kala.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR DEVOTEES:
Accommodation: New Bhakta
Niwas (500 rooms) and more are being constructed. Big rooms for large groups
are also available here. Space for parking the vehicles. Rooms are available in
Prasadalay building and also in Sai Udyan.
Lockers: Lockers and sleeping
arrangements can be had at nominal cost.
Bathing & Toilets:
Devotees can utilise these facilities by paying nominal charges.
Parking Lots: Parking lots
are available next to the Prasadalay for devotees for short visits.
Tea Canteen: The tea
canteens in the Temple premises and also in the New Bhakta Niwas are kept open
round the clock. Tea, Coffee, Milk and Biscuits are available at subsidized
rates. Tea and coffee are available to the pilgrims waiting in Darshan queue.
Tea is made available at free of cost for the devotees during the night times on
the festival days.
Breakfast: Packaged
breakfast is available between 7.00 and 8.30 AM at Prasadalay, Sai Nath
Hospital and at New Bhakta Niwas.
Meals: Tickets are available for meals between
10.00 AM and 10.00PM.
Free Meals: Free meals are
made available at Prasadalay.'
SAI NATH
HOSPITAL: This hospital is situated adjacent to Khandoba Mandir (Opp: ST Bus
stand). This hospital provides a variety of medical treatment with 'out
patient' and in patient'
facilities. Ambulance services are also available. Free eye camps are held
every year and patients from in and around Shirdi utilise this opportunity.
Library: Sansthan
maintains a library where old Sai Leela Magazines and reference books are
available.
Book Shop: Sai literature in
various languages is available at nominal price.
Sacred Clothe Centre: Devotees may
buy clothes and other articles offered to Baba. Auction is held on every
Thursday and Sundays between 9.00 and 11.00 AM. Auction on a grand scale is
done on festival days like Gurupurnima, Sriramanavami and Vijayadashami in the
mornings and evenings. Devotees are requested to use these sacred clothes for
the Puja purposes. These sacred clothes are also known for their healing power.
Laddu Prasad: This packaged
Prasad can be purchased at Rs.57- per packet.
Educational Institutions: Sansthan also
runs an English medium school, one girls Marathi Medium school and an I.T.I.
for the benefit of students.
Mangal Karyalay: This facility
is available for marriages, exhibitions, groups accompanied by Palkhi etc.
Advance booking facility is also available.
Railway Booking Counter: Devotees can reserve their railway
seats/births from the Shirdi Quota.
NOTE: Devotees can perform 'Sai
Satyavrat' and 'Abhishek ' daily by purchasing tickets.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. ESS: English Shri Sai
Satcharitra by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji,
B.A., LL.b.I6Ih Edition published by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan.
2. DE: Devotees'
Experiences of Shri Sai Baba, Pans I, II & III by H.H. Narasimha
Swamiji. Published By Akhanda Sai
Naama Sapthaha Samithi, Hyderabad.
3. Shirdi Diary of the
Hon'ble Mr. G.S. Khaparde. Published by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi.
4. Sai Leela Magazine,
official organ of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi.
5. Shri Sai Baba of
Shirdi (A glimpse of Indian Spirituality) by Late Rao Bahadur M.W. Pradhan.
Published by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi.
6.
Ambrosia in Shirdi by Ramalinga Swamy.
BABA WITH BOOK IN HAND
This
is a rare photo of Baba with a book in His hand. On Gurupurnima day numerous
Bhaktas came to Baba and placed a book before Him. Hoping that He might return
it with His blessings. So they could study it and benefit from it. Baba
however, took a book from one devotee and gave it to another. This photo is
from the First Edition of the Marathi Satcharitra. The text says Baba with
Tukaram's Gatha in hand.
INVISIBLE BABA
This
is a photograph of Baba along with His Bhaktas going to Lendi Bagh. A devotee
wished to take a photo of Baba and sought permission. Baba refused but said "Take
the photo of my feet only". The
Bhakta nonetheless took the Photo of the whole procession. The Umbrella and
Bhagoji Shinde and other Bhaktas are visible but in place of Baba is the
luminous light only His feet are visible.
WITH CONSENT
The legend says
that once a Bhakta yearned to have a photograph of Baba. He told a friend of
his to take a photo and gave him his camera. His friend came to Shirdi and had
darshan of Baba and forgot his friend's request. Baba waited patiently for
sometime and then asked the friend to take His photo. The friend was thus
reminded of the request and he took Baba's photo.
