Chavadi Procession
In this chapter, Hemadpant, after making some
preliminary observations on some points of Vedanta,
describes the Chavadi procession.
Preliminary
Blessed is Sai’s life for His devotees, blessed is His daily routine.
His ways and actions are indescribable. Some times He was intoxicated
with Brahmanand (divine bliss) and at other times, completely Selfabsorbed.
While doing so many things at the same time, He was yet
unconcerned with them. Though He seemed at times quite inactive He
was not idle or dozing; He always abided in His own Self. Though He
looked calm and placid as the sea, He was deep and unfathomable.
Who can describe His ineffable nature? He regarded men as brothers,
women as sisters and mothers. He was a Perfect Celibate, as everybody
knows. May the knowledge we got in His company, last long unto
death. Let us ever serve Him with whole-hearted devotion to His Feet.
Let us see Him (God) in all beings and let us constantly remember His
name.
Hemadpant after making some lengthy dissertations on some topics
of Vedanta, which he himself considers, as a digression, goes on to
describe the Chavadi procession.
Chavadi Procession
Baba’s dormitory has been already described. One day He slept in
the Masjid and on the next, in the Chavadi near the Masjid. He slept
in the Masjid and in the Chavadi on alternate days. This alternate
sleeping at both these places went on till Baba’s Mahasamadhi. From
10th December 1909, devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba
in the Chavadi. This we will now describe, with His grace. When the
day of retiring to the Chavadi came, people flocked to the Masjid and
did Bhajan in the Mandap (courtyard) for a few hours. Behind them
was a beautiful Palanquin, to the right a Tulsi-vrindavan, and in front
Baba adorned His seat, and there were the devotees singing Bhajan.
Men and women, who had a liking for the bhajan came in time. Some
took tal, chiplis and kartal, mridang, khanjiri and ghol (all musical
instruments), in their hands and conducted the bhajan. Sai Baba was
the Magnet, Who drew all the devotees to Him. Outside in the open,
some trimmed their Divatyas (torches), some decorated the palanquin,
some stood with cane-sticks in their hands and hailed victory to Baba.
The corners were decorated with buntings. In the Masjid, rows of burning
oil lamps shed their light. Baba’s horse ‘Shyam-karna’ stood fully
decorated outside. Then Tatya Patil came with a group of men to Baba
and asked Him to be ready. Baba sat quiet in His place, till Tatya came
and helped Him to get up by putting his arm under Baba’s arm. Tatya
called Baba, by the name of Mama (maternal uncle). Really their
relationship was extremely intimate. Baba wore on His body the usual
Kafni, took His Satka (short stick) under His arm-pit and after taking
His Chillim (tobacco-pipe) and tobacco, and placing a cloth over His
shoulder became ready to start. Then Tatya placed a golden-embroidered
beautiful Shela (shawl) over His body. After this, Baba himself put a few
fuel sticks into the Dhuni to keep it alive and with his right hand
extinguished the lamp burning near the Dhuni and then started for the
Chavadi. Then all sorts of musical instruments, band and horns etc.
gave out different sounds, and fire-works exhibited various coloured
views. Men and women singing Baba’s name, started walking, doing
bhajan to the accompaniment of mridang and veena. Some danced with
joy and some carried various flags. The Bhaldars announced Baba’s
name, when He came on the steps of the Masjid. On two sides of Baba
stood persons, who held Chamars and others, who fanned Baba. On
the way were spread folds of cloth, which Baba walked on, being
supported by devotees’ hands, Tatya Patil held the left hand and
Mhalsapati the right, and Bapusaheb Jog held the Chhatra (umbrella)
over His head. In this fashion, Baba marched on to the Chavadi. The
fully decorated horse, named Shyamkarna led the way and behind him,
were all the carriers, waiters, musical players and the crowd of devotees.
Hari-naam (the name of the Lord) was being chanted to the
accompaniment of music, as also the name of Sai. In this manner the
procession reached the corner, and everyone who joined this party,
seemed pleased and delighted.
On reaching this corner, Baba stood facing the Chavadi and shone
with a peculiar aura. It seemed as if the face of Baba took over the glory
of the rising sun. Baba stood there with a concentrated mind, facing the
north, as if He was signalling something. All the instruments played
music, while Baba moved His right hand up and down for some time.
Kakasaheb Dixit at this time, came forward with a silver plate,
containing flowers besmeared with Gulal (red powder) and threw them
on Baba’s body, off and on. The musical instruments played their best
at this juncture and Baba’s face beamed with radiance and beauty, and
all the persons viewed this lustre to their hearts content. Words fail to
describe the splendour of this scene. Some times Mhalsapati began to
dance, as if possessed by some Deity; but all were surprised to see that
Baba’s concentration was least disturbed. With a lantern in his hand,
Tatya Patil walked on Baba’s left side and Bhagat Mhalsapati on the
right, holding in his hand the hem of Baba’s garment. What a beautiful
procession and what an expression of devotion! To witness this men
and women, poor and rich, flocked there. Baba walked at very slow
pace. Bhaktas followed on both sides with love and devotion. With joy
permeating the whole atmosphere of the place, the procession reached
the Chavadi. Those days are gone now. Nobody can see them in future,
but by remembering and visualizing that sight, we can bring solace and
ecstasy to our minds.
The Chavadi was also fully decorated with a good white ceiling,
mirrors, and many sorts of lamps. On reaching there, Tatya went ahead
and spread an Asan (seat-cushion) and placing a bolster, made Baba
sit there and made Him wear Angarkha (coat). Then the devotees
worshipped Him in various ways. They put a crown on His head with
a tuft above, placed garlands of flowers and jewels round His neck and
marking His forehead with musk-mixed vertical lines (as Vaishnava
devotees do), they gazed at Him for long to their heart’s content. They
changed His head-dress now, and then held it aloft on the head, fearing
that Baba might throw it away. Baba knew what the Bhaktas wished
for and meekly submitted to all thier ways without objection. With these
adornments, He looked wonderful and beautiful.
Nanasaheb Nimonkar held the Chhatra (State umbrella) with its
beautiful pendants, which moved in a circle, with its supporting stick.
Bapusaheb Jog washed His Feet in a silver dish, offered ‘Arghya’ and
worship with due rituals, then besmeared His arms with sandal paste
and offered Him Tambul (betel-leaves). Baba sat on the Asan (Gadi),
while Tatya and others kept standing. When Baba sat on the Gadi,
supporting Himself against the bolster, devotees on both sides waved
Chamars and fans. Shama then prepared the Chillim and handed it
over to Tatya Patil, who drew a flame out of it by inhaling a deep breath
through his mouth and then gave it to Baba. After Baba had His smoke,
it was given to Bhagat Mhalsapati and then it was passed round to all.
Blessed was the inanimate Chillim. It had first to undergo many ordeals
of penance, such as being kneaded by pot-makers, dried in the sun and
burnt in fire, and then it had the good fortune to get the contact of
Baba’s hand and His kiss. After this function was over, devotees put
garlands of flowers around His neck and gave Him scent and bunches
of flowers. Baba, Who was an Incarnation of dispassion, cared a fig for
all these necklaces of jewels and garlands of flowers and other
decorations, but out of real love to His devotees, He allowed them to
have their own way and to please themselves. Finally, Bapusaheb Jog
waved the Arati over Baba, observing all formalities and the musical
instruments played their auspicious tunes. When this Arati was over,
the devotees returned home, one by one saluting Baba and taking His
leave. When Tatya Patil, after offering Chillim, Attar (scent) and rosewater,
stood to depart, Baba said to him lovingly, “Guard Me properly,
Go if you like but return sometimes at night and enquire for Me.” On
replying in the affirmative, Tatya Patil left the Chavadi and went home.
Then, Baba Himself prepared His bed. He arranged some sheets one
upon another, and thus making His bed, went to rest.
We shall also now take rest and close this chapter with a request
to the readers that, they should remember Baba and His Chavadi
procession daily before they retire and go to bed.
Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all
In this chapter, Hemadpant, after making some
preliminary observations on some points of Vedanta,
describes the Chavadi procession.
Preliminary
Blessed is Sai’s life for His devotees, blessed is His daily routine.
His ways and actions are indescribable. Some times He was intoxicated
with Brahmanand (divine bliss) and at other times, completely Selfabsorbed.
While doing so many things at the same time, He was yet
unconcerned with them. Though He seemed at times quite inactive He
was not idle or dozing; He always abided in His own Self. Though He
looked calm and placid as the sea, He was deep and unfathomable.
Who can describe His ineffable nature? He regarded men as brothers,
women as sisters and mothers. He was a Perfect Celibate, as everybody
knows. May the knowledge we got in His company, last long unto
death. Let us ever serve Him with whole-hearted devotion to His Feet.
Let us see Him (God) in all beings and let us constantly remember His
name.
Hemadpant after making some lengthy dissertations on some topics
of Vedanta, which he himself considers, as a digression, goes on to
describe the Chavadi procession.
Chavadi Procession
Baba’s dormitory has been already described. One day He slept in
the Masjid and on the next, in the Chavadi near the Masjid. He slept
in the Masjid and in the Chavadi on alternate days. This alternate
sleeping at both these places went on till Baba’s Mahasamadhi. From
10th December 1909, devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba
in the Chavadi. This we will now describe, with His grace. When the
day of retiring to the Chavadi came, people flocked to the Masjid and
did Bhajan in the Mandap (courtyard) for a few hours. Behind them
was a beautiful Palanquin, to the right a Tulsi-vrindavan, and in front
Baba adorned His seat, and there were the devotees singing Bhajan.
Men and women, who had a liking for the bhajan came in time. Some
took tal, chiplis and kartal, mridang, khanjiri and ghol (all musical
instruments), in their hands and conducted the bhajan. Sai Baba was
the Magnet, Who drew all the devotees to Him. Outside in the open,
some trimmed their Divatyas (torches), some decorated the palanquin,
some stood with cane-sticks in their hands and hailed victory to Baba.
The corners were decorated with buntings. In the Masjid, rows of burning
oil lamps shed their light. Baba’s horse ‘Shyam-karna’ stood fully
decorated outside. Then Tatya Patil came with a group of men to Baba
and asked Him to be ready. Baba sat quiet in His place, till Tatya came
and helped Him to get up by putting his arm under Baba’s arm. Tatya
called Baba, by the name of Mama (maternal uncle). Really their
relationship was extremely intimate. Baba wore on His body the usual
Kafni, took His Satka (short stick) under His arm-pit and after taking
His Chillim (tobacco-pipe) and tobacco, and placing a cloth over His
shoulder became ready to start. Then Tatya placed a golden-embroidered
beautiful Shela (shawl) over His body. After this, Baba himself put a few
fuel sticks into the Dhuni to keep it alive and with his right hand
extinguished the lamp burning near the Dhuni and then started for the
Chavadi. Then all sorts of musical instruments, band and horns etc.
gave out different sounds, and fire-works exhibited various coloured
views. Men and women singing Baba’s name, started walking, doing
bhajan to the accompaniment of mridang and veena. Some danced with
joy and some carried various flags. The Bhaldars announced Baba’s
name, when He came on the steps of the Masjid. On two sides of Baba
stood persons, who held Chamars and others, who fanned Baba. On
the way were spread folds of cloth, which Baba walked on, being
supported by devotees’ hands, Tatya Patil held the left hand and
Mhalsapati the right, and Bapusaheb Jog held the Chhatra (umbrella)
over His head. In this fashion, Baba marched on to the Chavadi. The
fully decorated horse, named Shyamkarna led the way and behind him,
were all the carriers, waiters, musical players and the crowd of devotees.
Hari-naam (the name of the Lord) was being chanted to the
accompaniment of music, as also the name of Sai. In this manner the
procession reached the corner, and everyone who joined this party,
seemed pleased and delighted.
On reaching this corner, Baba stood facing the Chavadi and shone
with a peculiar aura. It seemed as if the face of Baba took over the glory
of the rising sun. Baba stood there with a concentrated mind, facing the
north, as if He was signalling something. All the instruments played
music, while Baba moved His right hand up and down for some time.
Kakasaheb Dixit at this time, came forward with a silver plate,
containing flowers besmeared with Gulal (red powder) and threw them
on Baba’s body, off and on. The musical instruments played their best
at this juncture and Baba’s face beamed with radiance and beauty, and
all the persons viewed this lustre to their hearts content. Words fail to
describe the splendour of this scene. Some times Mhalsapati began to
dance, as if possessed by some Deity; but all were surprised to see that
Baba’s concentration was least disturbed. With a lantern in his hand,
Tatya Patil walked on Baba’s left side and Bhagat Mhalsapati on the
right, holding in his hand the hem of Baba’s garment. What a beautiful
procession and what an expression of devotion! To witness this men
and women, poor and rich, flocked there. Baba walked at very slow
pace. Bhaktas followed on both sides with love and devotion. With joy
permeating the whole atmosphere of the place, the procession reached
the Chavadi. Those days are gone now. Nobody can see them in future,
but by remembering and visualizing that sight, we can bring solace and
ecstasy to our minds.
The Chavadi was also fully decorated with a good white ceiling,
mirrors, and many sorts of lamps. On reaching there, Tatya went ahead
and spread an Asan (seat-cushion) and placing a bolster, made Baba
sit there and made Him wear Angarkha (coat). Then the devotees
worshipped Him in various ways. They put a crown on His head with
a tuft above, placed garlands of flowers and jewels round His neck and
marking His forehead with musk-mixed vertical lines (as Vaishnava
devotees do), they gazed at Him for long to their heart’s content. They
changed His head-dress now, and then held it aloft on the head, fearing
that Baba might throw it away. Baba knew what the Bhaktas wished
for and meekly submitted to all thier ways without objection. With these
adornments, He looked wonderful and beautiful.
Nanasaheb Nimonkar held the Chhatra (State umbrella) with its
beautiful pendants, which moved in a circle, with its supporting stick.
Bapusaheb Jog washed His Feet in a silver dish, offered ‘Arghya’ and
worship with due rituals, then besmeared His arms with sandal paste
and offered Him Tambul (betel-leaves). Baba sat on the Asan (Gadi),
while Tatya and others kept standing. When Baba sat on the Gadi,
supporting Himself against the bolster, devotees on both sides waved
Chamars and fans. Shama then prepared the Chillim and handed it
over to Tatya Patil, who drew a flame out of it by inhaling a deep breath
through his mouth and then gave it to Baba. After Baba had His smoke,
it was given to Bhagat Mhalsapati and then it was passed round to all.
Blessed was the inanimate Chillim. It had first to undergo many ordeals
of penance, such as being kneaded by pot-makers, dried in the sun and
burnt in fire, and then it had the good fortune to get the contact of
Baba’s hand and His kiss. After this function was over, devotees put
garlands of flowers around His neck and gave Him scent and bunches
of flowers. Baba, Who was an Incarnation of dispassion, cared a fig for
all these necklaces of jewels and garlands of flowers and other
decorations, but out of real love to His devotees, He allowed them to
have their own way and to please themselves. Finally, Bapusaheb Jog
waved the Arati over Baba, observing all formalities and the musical
instruments played their auspicious tunes. When this Arati was over,
the devotees returned home, one by one saluting Baba and taking His
leave. When Tatya Patil, after offering Chillim, Attar (scent) and rosewater,
stood to depart, Baba said to him lovingly, “Guard Me properly,
Go if you like but return sometimes at night and enquire for Me.” On
replying in the affirmative, Tatya Patil left the Chavadi and went home.
Then, Baba Himself prepared His bed. He arranged some sheets one
upon another, and thus making His bed, went to rest.
We shall also now take rest and close this chapter with a request
to the readers that, they should remember Baba and His Chavadi
procession daily before they retire and go to bed.
Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all
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