Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 13

More Sai Leelas – Diseases cured (1) Bhimaji Patil
(2) Bala Shimpi (3) Bapusaheb Buti (4) Alandi
Swami (5) Kaka Mahajani (6) Dattopant of Harda

The Inscrutable Power of Maya

Baba’s words were always short, deep, full of meaning, effective
and well-balanced. He was ever content and never cared for anything.
He said, “Though I am a Fakir, have no house or wife, and though,
leaving all care, I stay at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often.
Though, I forgot Myself but she cannot forget Me. She always envelops
Me. This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) harrasses even
Lord Brahma and others, then, what to speak of a poor Fakir, like Me?
Those, who take refuge in God, will be freed from Her clutches with His
grace.”
In such terms Baba spoke about the power of Maya. Lord Shri
Krishna has said to Uddhava in the Bhagwat that the saints are His
living forms and see, what Baba has said for the welfare of His devotees,
“Those, who are fortunate and whose demerits have vanished, take
to My worship. If you always say “Sai, Sai”, I shall take you over the
seven seas believe in these words, and you will be certainly benefitted.
I do not need any paraphernalia of worship – either eight-fold or
sixteen-fold. I rest there, where there is full devotion.” Now, read,
what Sai did for the welfare of those who surrendered themselves to
Him.

Bhimaji Patil

One Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon, Taluka Junnar, Distt. Poona,
suffered in the year 1909 from a severe and chronic chest-disease,
which ultimately developed into tuberculosis. He tried all sorts of pathies
(remedies) but to no effect. Losing all hopes, he ultimately prayed to
God, “Oh Lord Narayan, help me now!” It is a well-known fact that,
when our circumstances are well, we do not remember God but when
calamities and adversities overtake us, we are reminded of Him. So,
Bhimaji now turned to God. It occured to him that, he should consult
Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, a great devotee of Baba, in this respect. So,
he wrote to him a letter, giving all details of his malady and asking for
his opinion. In reply, Mr. Nanasaheb wrote to him that, there was only
one remedy left; and that was to take recourse to Baba’s Feet. Relying
on Mr. Nanasaheb’s advice, he made preparations for going to Shirdi.
He was brought to Shirdi and taken to the Masjid and placed before
Baba. Mr Nanasaheb and Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) were present
there. Baba pointed out that, the disease was due to the previous evil
Karma and was not disposed to interfere. But the patient cried out in
despair that, he was helpless and, sought refuge in Him, as He was his
last hope and prayed for mercy. Baba’s heart melted and He said, “Stay,
cast off your anxiety, your sufferings have come to an end. However,
oppressed and troubled one may be, as soon as he steps in the
Masjid, he is on the pathway to happiness. The Fakir here is very kind
and He will cure the disease and protect all with love and kindness.”
The patient used to vomit blood every five minutes, but there was no
vomitting in the presence of Baba. From the time, Baba uttered the
words of mercy, the malady took a favourable turn. Baba asked him to
stay in Bhimabai’s house, which was not a convenient and fit place but
Baba’s order had to be obeyed. While he was staying there, Baba cured
him by two dreams. In the first dream, he saw himself as a boy, suffering
the severe pain of a flogging, which he received for not reciting his
poetry lesson before his class-master. In the second dream, someone
caused him intense pain by rolling a stone up and down over his chest.
With the pain, thus suffered in dream, his cure was complete and he
went home. He then, often came to Shirdi, gratefully remembering what
Baba did for him and prostrated before Him. Baba also did not expect
anything from devotees but remembrance, unswerving faith and
devotion. People in Maharashtra always celebrate Satya-Narayan Puja
in their homes every fortnight or month but, it was this Bhimaji Patil,
who started a new Sai Satya-vrata Puja, instead of Satya-Narayan-vrata
Puja, in his house, when he returned to his village.

Bala Ganpat Shimpi

Another devotee of Baba, by name Bala Ganpat Shimpi, suffered
much from a malignant type of malaria. He tried all sorts of medicines
and decoctions, but in vain. The fever did not abate a jot and so, he ran
to Shirdi and fell at Baba’s Feet. Baba gave him a strange recipe, in this
case as follows: “Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curd
in front of the Laxmi temple!” Bala did not know, how to execute this
recipe but no sooner he went home, then, he found rice and curd. After
mixing them together, he brought the mixture near the Laxmi temple,
where he found a black dog waving its tail. He placed the curd and rice
before the dog. The dog ate it and, strange to say, Bala got rid of his
malaria.

Bapusaheb Buti

Shriman Bapusaheb Buti suffered, once from dysentery and
vomitting. His cupboard was full of patent drugs and medicines; but
none of them had any effect. Bapusaheb got very weak, on account of
purgings and vomittings and therefore, was not able to go to the Masjid
for Baba’s darshan. Baba then, sent for him and made him sit before
Him and said, “Now, take care, you should not purge any more,” and
gestured with His index-finger, “The vomitting must also stop.” Now,
look at the power of Baba’s words. Both the maladies disappeared and
Buti felt well.
On another occasion, he had an attack of cholera and suffered
from severe thirst. Dr. Pillai tried all sorts of remedies, but could give
him no relief. Then, he went to Baba and consulted Him as, to what to
drink, that would allay his thirst and cure the disease. Baba prescribed
an infusion of almonds, walnuts, pistachio (a kind of dry fruit), boiled
in sugared milk. This would be considered a cause for fatal aggravation
of the disease by any other doctor or physician, but in implicit obedience
to Baba’s order, the infusion was administered and strange to say, the
disease was cured.

Alandi Swami

A Swami from Alandi, with a desire for Baba’s darshan, came to
Shirdi. He suffered from severe pain in his ear, which prevented him
from getting sleep. He was operated for this, but it served no purpose.
The pain was severe and he did not know what to do. While he was
returning, he came to take Baba’s leave, when Shama (Madhavrao
Deshpande) requested Baba to do something for the pain in the Swami’s
ear. Baba comforted him saying, “Allah Accha Karega (God will do
good)!” The Swami, then, returned to Poona, and after a week sent a
letter to Shirdi, stating that the pain in his ear had subsided, though the
swelling was there and in order to get the swelling removed, he went
to Mumbai for operation but the surgeon on examining the ear said that,
no operation was necessary. Such was the wonderful and potent effect
of Baba’s words!

Kaka Mahajani

Another devotee, named Kaka Mahajani, suffered once from
diarrhoea. In order that, there should be no break in his services to
Baba, Kaka kept a Tambya (pot) with water in some corner of the Masjid
and whenever there was a call, he would go out. As Sai Baba knew
everything, Kaka did not inform Him of his disease, thinking that, Baba
would of His own cure it soon. The work of constructing the pavement
in front of the Masjid was permitted by Baba but when the actual work
began, Baba got wild and shouted out loudly. Everybody ran away and
as Kaka was also doing the same, Baba caught hold of him and made
him sit there. In the confusion that followed, somebody left a small
pouch of groundnuts there. Baba took a handful of groundnuts, rubbed
them in His hands, blew away the skins and gave the clean nuts to
Kaka and made him eat them. Scolding and cleaning the nuts and
making Kaka eat them, went on simultaneously. Baba Himself ate some
of them. Then, when the nuts were finished, Baba asked him to fetch
water, as He felt thirsty. Kaka brought a pitcher full of water. Then,
Baba drank some water and made Kaka also drink it. Baba declared,
“Now, your diarrhoea has stopped and you may attend to the work of
the pavement.” In the meanwhile other people, who had run away,
returned and started the work, and Kaka, whose motions had stopped,
also joined them. Are groundnuts medicine for diarrhoea? According to
current medical opinion, groundnuts would aggravate the disease and
not cure it. The true medicine, in this, as in other cases, was Baba’s
word.

Dattopant of Harda

A gentleman from Harda, by name Dattopant, suffered from
stomach-ache for about fourteen years. None of the remedies gave him
any relief. Then, on hearing Baba’s fame, that He cures diseases by
sight, he ran to Shirdi and fell at Baba’s Feet. Baba looked at him kindly
and gave him blessings. When Baba placed His hand on his head and
gave him udi with blessings, he felt relieved and there was no further
trouble about the malady.
Towards the end of this chapter, three cases are cited in footnotes :
1. Madhavrao Deshpande suffered from piles. Baba gave him
decoction of Sonamukhi (senna pods). This relieved him. Then,
after two years the trouble reocurred and Madhavrao took the
same decoction without consulting Baba. The result was that,
the disease aggravated, but later on it was cured by Baba’s
grace.
2. Kaka Mahajani’s elder brother, Gangadharpant, suffered for
many years from stomach-pain. Hearing Baba’s fame he came
to Shirdi and requested Baba to cure him. Baba touched his
belly and said, “God will cure.” From that time, there was, no
stomach-pain and he was completely cured.
3. Nanasaheb Chandorkar also once suffered from acute stomachpain,
he was restless the whole day and night. Doctors
administered injections, which produced no effect. Then he
approached Baba, Who told him to eat burfi (a kind of
sweetmeat) mixed with ghee. This recipe gave him complete
relief.
All these stories show that, the real medicine that cured the various
diseases permanently, was Baba’s word and grace, and not any
medicines or drugs.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 12

Sai Leelas – Experiences of (1) Kaka Mahajani (2)
Dhumal Pleader (3) Mrs. Nimonkar (4) Mule Shastri
(5) A Doctor

Now, let us see in this chapter, how devotees were
received and treated by Baba.

Saints’ Mission

We have seen before, that the purpose or object of Divine
Incarnation is to protect the good and destroy the wicked. But, the
mission of the saints is quite different. To them the good and the
wicked are the same. First they draw the evil-doers and set them on
the right path. They are the Agasti to destroy the Bhava-sagar (the
ocean of worldly existence) or the sun to destroy the darkness of
ignorance. The God dwells in the saints. In fact, they are not different
from Him. Our Sai is One of these, Who incarnated for the welfare
of the devotees. Supreme in knowledge and surrounded with divine
aura, He loved all beings equally. He was unattached. Foes and
friends, kings and paupers, all were same to Him. Hear His Leelas!
For the sake of devotees, He gave His stock of merits and was ever
alert to help them. But, the devotees could never approach Him,
unless He meant to receive them. If their appointed time did not
come, they did not remember Baba, and His Leelas could not reach
their ears. Then, how could they think of seeing Him? Some men
desired to see Sai Baba, but they did not get any opportunity of
taking His darshan, till His Mahasamadhi. There are many such
persons, whose desire for Baba’s darshan was not thus satisfied.
If these persons, believing in Him, listen to His Leelas, there quest
for darshan will be, to a great extent, satisfied by the Leelas. Even
if some persons went there by sheer luck and took Baba’s darshan,
were they able to stay there longer? No. Nobody could go there of
his own accord and nobody could stay there longer if Baba did not
wish so. They could stay there, so long as Baba pemitted them to
stay, and had to leave the place, when asked to do so by Him so,
everything depended on Baba’s divine will.

Kaka Mahajani

Once, Kaka Mahajani went to Shirdi from Mumbai. He wanted to
stay there for one week and enjoy the Gokul Ashtami festival. As soon
as he took Baba’s darshan, Baba asked him, “When are you returning
home?” He was rather surprised at this question, but he had to give an
answer. He said that he would go home, when He ordered him to do
so. Then, Baba said, “Go tomorrow!” Baba’s word was law and had to
be obeyed. Kaka Mahajani, therefore, left Shirdi, immediately. When he
went to his office in Mumbai, he found his employer anxiously waiting
for him. His Munim, i.e. the manager, suddenly fell ill, hence, Kaka’s
presence was absolutely necessary. He had sent a letter to Kaka at
Shirdi, which was redirected to him at Mumbai.

Bhausaheb Dhumal

Now, listen to another story. Once, Bhausaheb Dhumal was going
to Niphad for a case. On the way, he came to Shirdi, took Baba’s
darshan and wanted to proceed to Niphad immediately. But, Baba did
not premit him to do so. He made him stay at Shirdi, for a week or more.
In the meanwhile, the magistrate at Niphad suffered intensely from
pain in his abdomen and the case was adjourned. Mr. Dhumal was
then, allowed to go and attend to his case. It went on for some months
and was tried by four magistrates. Ultimately, Mr. Dhumal won the case
and his client was acquitted.

Mrs. Nimonkar

Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar, Watandar of Nimon and Honorary
magistrate, was staying at Shirdi with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Nimonkar
were spending most of their time in the Masjid with Baba and serving
Him. It so happened, that their son fell ill at Belapur and the mother
decided, with Baba’s consent, to go to Belapur and see her son and
other relatives, and stay there for a few days, but Mr. Nanasaheb asked
her to return the next day. The lady was in a fix and did not know, what
to do, but her God Sai came to her help. While leaving Shirdi, she went
to Baba, Who was standing in front of Sathe’s wada, with Mr. Nanasaheb
and others, and prostrated at His Feet and asked His permission to go.
Baba said to her, “Go, go quickly, be calm and unperturbed. Stay
comfortably at Belapur for four days! See all your relatives and then
return to Shirdi!” How opportune were Baba’s words! Mr. Nanasaheb’s
proposal was overruled by Baba’s decree.

Mule Shastri of Nasik

An orthodox Agnihotri Brahmin of Nasik, Mule Shastri, who had
studied the six Shastras and was well-versed in astrology and palmistry,
once came to Shirdi to see Mr. Bapusaheb Buti, the famous millionaire
of Nagpur. After seeing him, he and others, went to see Baba in the
Masjid. Baba bought various fruits and other things from vendors with
His own money and distributed them to the people present in the
Masjid. Baba used to press the mango on all sides so skillfully that
when Baba sucked it, he got all the pulp at once in his mouth and could
throw away the seed. Plantains were peeled off by Baba and the pulp
was distributed to the devotees, while the skins were retained by Baba
for Himself. Mule Shastri, as a palmist, wanted to examine Baba’s palm
and asked Him to extend His hand. Baba ignored his request and gave
four plantains to him. Then, they all returned to the Wada and Mule
Shastri bathed, wore fresh clothes and started his routine duties, viz.
Agnihotra etc. Then, Baba as usual started for Lendi and said, “Take
some Geru (i.e. a red miry substance, used to dye clothes in saffroncolour),
we shall today don saffron-coloured cloth. None understood,
what Baba meant. Then after some time, when Baba returned and
preparations for the noon-Arati were being made, Bapusaheb Jog asked
Mule Shastri, whether he would accompany him for the Arati. He
replied that he would see Baba in the afternoon. Baba sat on his seat,
was worshipped by the devotees and Arati commenced. Then, Baba
said, “Get some Dakshina from the new (Nasik) Brahmin.” Buti himself
went to the Wada to get the Dakshina and when he gave Baba’s
message to Mule Shastri, he was sorely perplexed. He thought in his
mind thus, “I am a pure Agnihotri Brahmin, why should I pay Dakshina?
Baba may be a great Saint. I am not His dependent.” But, since a great
Saint, like Sai baba was asking for Dakshina through a millionaire like
Buti, he could not refuse. So, leaving his routine unfinished, he started
with Buti for Masjid. Thinking himself holy and the Masjid otherwise,
he remained at a distance, and after joining his palms threw flowers at
Baba from there. Then, lo! all of a sudden, he saw not Baba but his late
Guru Gholap Swami there. He was wonder-struck. Could this be a
dream? No, it was not, as he was wide awake, but how could his late
Guru Gholap be there? He was speechless for some time. He pinched
himself and thought again, but could not reconcile to the fact of his late
Guru Gholap being in the Masjid. Ultimately, leaving aside all doubt,
he went up, fell at his Guru’s feet and then, stood there with folded
hands. Other people sang Baba’s Arati, while Mule Shastri chanted
loudly his Guru’s name. Then, casting off all pride of caste and
sacredness, he fell at his Guru’s feet and closed his eyes. When he got
up and opened his eyes, he saw Baba asking for Dakshina. Seeing
Baba’s blissful form and His inconceivable power, Mule Shastri forgot
himself. He was extremely pleased, his eyes were full of tears of joy. He
again saluted Baba and gave the Dakshina. He said that his doubt was
removed and he saw his own Guru. On seeing this wonderful Leela of
Baba all the people, including Mule Shastri, were much moved and they
realized the meaning of Baba’s words, “Bring Geru, we shall don
saffron-coloured clothes.” Such is the wonderful Leela of Baba.

A Doctor

Once a Mamlatdar came to Shirdi, with a doctor friend of his. The
doctor said that his Deity was Ram and that, he woud not bow before
a Mohammeden and so, he was unwilling to go to Shirdi. The Mamlatdar
replied, that nobody would press him to bow down. So, he should come
and give the pleasure of his company. Accordingly, they reached Shirdi
and went to the Masjid for Baba’s darshan. All were wonder-struck to
see, the doctor going ahead and saluting Baba. They asked him, how
he forgot his resolve and bowed down to a Mussalman. Then, the
doctor replied that, he saw his beloved Deity, Ram, on the seat and he
therefore, prostrated himself before Him. Then, as he was saying this,
he again saw, Sai Baba there. Being dismayed, he again said, “Is this
a dream? How could He be a Mohammeden? He is a great
Yogasampanna (full of Yoga) Avatar.”
Next day, he made a vow and began to fast. He absented himself
from the Masjid, resolving not to go there, until Baba blessed him. Three
days passed and on the fourth day, a close friend of his, from Khandesh,
turned up; and with him, he went to the Masjid for Baba’s darshan.
After the salutation, Baba asked him, whether anybody had gone to call
him that he had come. Hearing this vital question, the doctor was
moved. The same night he was blessed by Baba and he experienced
Bliss Supreme, in his sleep. Then, he left for his town where he remained
in the same state for a fortnight. Thus, his devotion for Sai Baba increased
manifold.
The moral of all the stories mentioned above, specially, that of
Mule Shastri, is that, we should have firm faith in our Guru and on
none else.
More Leelas of Sai Baba will be described in the next chapter.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 10

Sai Baba’s Mode of Life – His Sleeping-plank – His
Stay in Shirdi – His Teachings – His Humility –
Nanavali –The Easiest Path

Remember Him (Sai Baba) always with love, for He
was ever engrossed in doing good to all, and always
abided in His Self. To remember Him only, is to solve the riddle of life
and death. This is the best and easiest of Sadhanas, as it involves no
expenditure. A little exertion here brings great rewards. So, as long as
our senses are sound, we should, minute by minute, practise this
Sadhana. All other Gods are illusory, Guru is the only God. If we
believe in Sadguru’s holy feet, He can change our fortune for the better.
If we serve him sincerely, we get rid of our worldly afflictions. We need
not study any philosophy, like the Nyaya and the Mimansa. As we
trust the helmsman in crossing rivers and seas, so, we have to trust
our Sadguru in getting over the ocean of worldly existence. The Sadguru
looks to the intense feeling and devotion of his devotees, endows them
with knowledge and eternal bliss.
In the last chapter, Baba’s mendicancy and devotees’ experiences
and other subjects are dealt with. Let the readers now read, where and
how Baba lived, how He slept and how He taught etc.

Baba’s Wonderful Bed-stead

Let us first see where and how Baba slept, Mr. Nanasaheb Dengle
brought for Sai Baba, a wooden plank, about 4 arms in length and only
a span in breath, for sleeping upon. Instead of keeping the plank on the
floor and then sleeping on it, Baba tied it like a swing to the rafters of
the Masjid with old shreds or rags and commenced to sleep upon it. The
rags were so thin and worn out that it was a wonder, how they could
bear or support the weight of the plank itself, let alone the weight of
Baba. But, somehow or other it was Baba’s sheer Leela that the worn
out rags did sustain the plank, along with the weight of Baba on it. On
the four corners of this plank, Baba lighted Panatis (earthen lamps), one
at each corner and kept them burning the whole night. It was a sight
for the gods to see Baba sitting or sleeping on this plank! It was a
wonder to all, how Baba got up and down the plank. Out of curiosity,
many observers kept watching the process of mounting and
dismounting, but none succeeded. As crowds began to swell, so as to
detect this wonderful feat, Baba one day broke the plank into pieces and
threw it away. Baba had all the eight Maha Siddhis (powers) at His
command. He neither practised nor craved for them. They came to Him
naturally, as a result of His spiritual perfection.

Manifestation of Brahma

Though, Sai Baba looked like a man, three cubits and a half in
length, still He dwelt in the hearts of all. Inwardly, He was unattached
and indifferent but outwardly, He longed for mass welfare. Though,
inwardly, an abode of peace, He looked outwardly restless. Inwardly,
He had the state of Brahma, outwardly he seemed engrossed in the
world. Some times He looked on all with affection and at times He
threw stones at them; some times He scolded them, while at times He
embraced them and was calm, composed, tolerant and well-balanced.
He always abided and was engrossed in the Self, and was well-disposed
towards His Bhaktas. He always sat on one Asan and never travelled.
His ‘satka’ was a small stick, which He always carried in His hand.
He was calm and thought-free. He never cared for wealth and fame, and
lived on alms. Such a life He led. He always uttered “Allah Malik” (God
is the real owner). Entire and unbroken was His love for the Bhaktas.
He was the mine or store-house for self-knowledge and full of Divine
Bliss. Such was the Divine Form of Sai Baba, boundless, endless and
undifferentiated. One principle, which envelopes the whole universe
(from a stone to Brahma), incarnated in Sai Baba. The really meritorious
and fortunate people got this treasure-grove in their hands, while those
people, who not knowing the real worth of Sai Baba, took Him to be a
mere human being, were indeed unfortunate.

His Stay in Shirdi and Probable Birth-date

None knew or knows the parents and the exact date of birth of Sai
Baba; but it can be approximately determined by His stay in Shirdi.
Baba first came to Shirdi when he was a young lad of sixteen and
stayed there for three years. Then, all of a sudden, He disappeared for
some time. After some time, He reappeared in the Nizam state, near
Aurangabad and again came to Shirdi, with the marriage-party of
Chand Patil, when He was about twenty years old. Thence, He stayed
in Shirdi for an unbroken period of sixty years, after which Baba took
His Maha-samadhi in the year 1918. From this, we can say that the year
of Baba’s birth is approximately 1838 A.D.

Baba’s Mission and Advice

Saint Ramdas (1608-1681) flourished in the 17th century, and
fulfilled to a great extent his mission of protecting cows and Brahmins
against the Yavanas (Mohammedens); but within two centuries after
him, the split between the two communities – Hindus and Mohammedens
widened up and Sai Baba came to bridge that gulf. His constant advice
to all was to this effect. “Ram (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the
God of the Mohammedens) were one and the same; there was not the
slightest difference between them then, why should their devotees fall
out and quarrel among themselves? You ignorant folk, join hands and
bring both the communities together, act sanely and thus, you will gain
your object of national unity. It is not good to dispute and argue. So,
don’t argue, don’t emulate others. Always consider your interest and
welfare. The Lord will protect you. Yoga, sacrifice, penance and
knowledge are the means to attain God. If you do not succeed in this
by any means, in vain is your birth. If anyone does any evil unto you,
do not retaliate. If you can do anything, do some good unto others.”
This in short was Sai Baba’s advice to all, and this will stand us in
good stead both in material and spiritual matters.

Sai Baba as Sadguru

There are many so-called Gurus, who go about from house to
house with cymbals and Vina in their hands, and make a show of their
spirituality. They blow Mantras into the ears of their disciples and
extract money from them. They profess to teach piety and religion to
their disciples, but are themselves impious and irreligious. Sai Baba
never thought of making the least show of His worth (piety). He had
no Body-consciousness but He had great love for His disciples. There
are two kinds of Gurus (1) ‘Niyat’ (appointed or fixed) and (2) ‘Aniyat’
(unappointed or general). The latter by their advice develop the good
qualities in us, purify our hearts and set us on the path of salvation;
but contact with the former, dispels our sense of dualities (sense of
difference), and establishes us in Unity by making us realize “Thou art
that”. There are various Gurus imparting to us various kinds of worldly
knowledge but he, who fixes us in our Nature (Self) and carries us
beyond the ocean of worldly existence, is the Sadguru. Sai Baba was
such a Sadguru. His greatness is indescribable. If anybody went to take
His darshan, He, without being asked, would give every detail of his
past, present and future. He saw Divinity in all beings. Friends and foes
were alike to Him. Disinterested and balanced, He obliged the evildoers
as well as the pious. He was the same in prosperity and adversity.
No doubt ever touched Him. Though, He acted through the body He
was, not in the least, attached to His body or house. Though, He looked
embodied, He was really unembodied, i.e., free from gross existence.
Blessed are the people of Shirdi, who worshipped Sai as their
God. While eating, drinking, working in their backyards and fields, and
doing various household works, they always remembered Sai and sang
His glory. They knew no other God except Sai. What to speak of the
sweetness of the love of the women of Shirdi! They were quite ignorant
but their pure love inspired them to compose poems or songs in their
simple rustic language. Letters of learning they had none, still one can
discern real poetry in their simple songs. It is not intelligence, but love,
that inspires real poetry as such. Real poetry is the manifestation of true
love, and this can be seen and appreciated by intelligent listeners.
Collection of these folk-songs is desirable and by Baba's wish some
fortunate devotee may undertake the task of compiling and publishing
these folk-songs, either in the Sai Leela magazine or separately in a
book.

Baba’s Humility

Lord or Bhagwan is said to have six qualities, viz. (1) Fame, (2)
Wealth, (3) Non-attachment, (4) Knowledge, (5) Grandeur and (6)
Liberality. Baba had all these in Him. He incarnated in flesh, for the
sake of Bhaktas. Wonderful was His grace and kindness, for He drew
the devotees to Him, or how else could one have known Him. For the
sake of His Bhaktas Baba spoke such words, the Goddess of Speech
could not utter. Here is a specimen. Baba spoke very humbly as follows :
“Slave of slaves I am your debtor. I am satisfied at your darshan. It is
a great favour that I saw your feet. I am an insect in your excreta. I
consider Myself blessed thereby.” What humility is this!
Though, outwardly Baba seemed to enjoy sense-objects, He had
not the least flavour in them, nor even the consciousness of enjoying
them. Though, He ate, He had no taste and though, He saw, He never
felt any interest in what He saw. Regarding passion, He was as perfect
a celibate as Hanuman. He was not attached to anything. He was pure
consciousness, the resting place of desire, anger, envy and other feelings.
In short, He was disinterested, free and perfect. A striking instance may
be cited in illustration of this statement.

Nanavali

There was in Shirdi, a very quaint and queer fellow, by name
Nanavali. He looked to Baba’s work and affairs. He once approached
Baba, Who was seated on His Gadi (seat) and asked Him to get up, as
he wanted to occupy the same. Baba, at once got up and left the seat,
which he had occupied. After sitting there a while Nanavali got up, and
asked Baba to resume His seat. Then, Baba sat down and Nanavali fell
at His feet. Baba did not show the slightest displeasure in being dictated
to or ousted.
This Nanavali loved Baba so much that, he breathed his last, on
the thirteenth day of Baba’s Maha-samadhi.

The Easiest Path : Hearing the stories of the saints and being in their
company

Though, Sai Baba acted outwardly like an ordinary man, His
action showed extraordinary wisdom and skill. Whatever He did, was
done for the good of His devotees. He never prescribed any Asan,
regulation of breathing or any rites to His Bhaktas, nor did He blow any
Mantra into their ears. He told them to leave off all cleverness, and
always remember “Sai” “Sai”. If you did that, He said, all your
shackles would be removed and you would be free. Sitting through
five fires, sacrifices, chantings, eight-fold Yoga are possible for the
Brahmins only, they are of no use to the other classes. The function of
the mind is to think, it cannot remain without thinking for a minute. If
you give it a sense-object, it will think about it. If you give it Guru, it
will think about Guru. You have heard most attentively the grandeur
of Sai. This is the natural rememberance of Sai. Hearing the stories of
the saints is not so difficult, as the other Sadhanas, mentioned above.
They (stories) remove all fear of this Sansar (worldly existence) and take
you on to the spiritual path. So, listen to these stories, meditate on them
and assimilate them. You may attend to your worldly duties, but give
your mind to Sai and His stories, and then, He is sure to bless you. This
is the easiest path, but why do not all take to it? The reason is that
without God’s grace, we do not get the desire to listen to the stories of
saints. With God’s grace everything is smooth and easy. Hearing the
stories of the saints is, in a way, keeping their company. The importance
of the company of the saints is very great. It removes our bodyconsciousness
and egoism, destroys completely the chain of our birth
and death, cuts asunder all the knots of the mind and takes us to God,
Who is pure consciousness. It certainly increases our non-attachment
to sense-objects and makes us quite indifferent to pleasures and pains,
and leads us onward on the spiritual path. If you have no other
Sadhana, such as uttering God’s name, worship or devotion etc. but if
you take refuge in them (saints) whole-heartedly, they will carry you off
safely across the ocean of worldly existence. It is for this reason that the
saints manifest themselves in this world. Even sacred rivers such as the
Ganges, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri etc., which wash away the sins
of the world, desire that the saints should come to them, for a bath and
purify them. Such is the grandeur of the Saint. It is on account of the
store of merit in past births that we have attained the feet of Sai Baba.
We conclude this chapter with meditation on Sai’s Form. He, the
graceful and handsome Sai, standing on the edge of the Masjid and
distributing Udi to each and every Bhakta, with a view to his welfare,
He, Who thinks of the world as an illusion and Who is ever engrossed
in Supreme Bliss – before Him, we humbly prostrate ourselves.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 9

Effect of Compliance and Non-compliance with
Baba’s Orders at the Time of Taking Leave – A few
Instances – Mendicancy and its Necessity –
Devotees’ (Tarkhad family’s) Experiences – Baba fed
sumptuously

At the end of the last chapter, it was briefly stated that the Bhaktas,
who obeyed Baba’s orders at the time of taking leave, fared well and
those, who disobeyed them, suffered many a mishap. This statement
will be amplified and illustrated, with a few striking instances, and by
other matters dealt with in this chapter.

Characteristic of Shirdi – Pilgrimage

One special peculiarity of Shirdi-pilgrimage was, that none could
leave Shirdi, without Baba’s permission and if he did, he invited troubles;
but if any one was asked to quit Shirdi, he could stay there no longer.
Baba gave certain suggestions or hints, when devotees went to bid
good-bye and take leave. These suggestions had to be followed. If they
were not followed or were departed from, accidents were sure to befall
them. We give below a few instances.

Tatya Kote Patil

Tatya Kote was once going in a tonga to Kopargaon bazaar. He
came in haste to the Masjid, saluted Baba, and said that he would go
to Kopargaon bazaar. Baba said, “Don’t make haste, stop a little, forget
the bazaar, don’t go out of the village”. On seeing his anxiousness to
go, Baba asked him to take Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande), with him.
Not minding this direction, Tatya Kote immediately drove off his tonga.
Of the two horses, one, which cost Rs. 300/-, was very active and
restless. After passing Sawli Vihir, it began to run rashly, got a sprain
in its waist and fell down. Tatya was not much hurt but, was reminded
of Mother Sai’s direction. On another occasion, while proceeding to
Kolhar village, he disregarded Baba’s direction and drove in a tonga,
which met with a similar accident.

European Gentleman

One European gentleman of Mumbai once came to Shirdi, with an
introductory note from Nanasaheb Chandorkar, and with some object
in view. He was comfortably accommodated in a tent. He wanted to
kneel before Baba and kiss His hand. Therefore, he tried thrice to step
into the Masjid but Baba prevented him from doing so. He was asked
to sit in the open courtyard below and take Baba’s darshan from there.
Not pleased with the reception he got, he wanted to leave Shirdi at once
and came to bid good-bye. Baba asked him to go the next day and not
to hurry. People also requested him to abide by Baba’s instructions. Not
listening to all this he left Shirdi in a tonga. The horses ran all right but
when Sawli Vihir was passed, a bicycle came in front, on seeing which
the horses were frightened and ran fast. The tonga turned topsy-turvy
and the gentleman fell down, and was dragged over some distance. He
was immediately rescued, but had to go and lie in Kopargaon hospital,
for the treatment of his injuries. Such experiences were legion, and
people learnt the lesson, that those who disobeyed Baba’s instructions,
met with accidents in one way or the other, and those who obeyed them,
were safe and happy.

The Necessity of Mendicancy

Now to return to the question of mendicancy. A question may
arise in the minds of some that, if Baba was such a great personage-God
manifest, why should He have taken recourse to begging bowl
throughout His life? This question may be considered and replied from
two standpoints. (1) Who are the people, who have a right to live by the
begging-bowl? Our Shastras say that those persons, who, after getting
rid of or becoming free from the three main desires, viz. (1) for progeny,
(2) for wealth, (3) for fame, and accept Sanyaas, are the fit persons to
live by begging alms. They cannot make cooking arrangements and
dine at their home. The duty of feeding them is laid on the shoulders
of house-holders. Sai Baba was neither a house-holder nor Vanaprastha.
He was a celibate Sanyaasi, i.e. Sanyaasi from boy-hood. His firm
conviction was that the universe was His home He was the Lord
Vasudeva – the Supporter of the universe and the Imperishable Brahma.
So, He had full right to take recourse to begging. (2) Now, from the
standpoint of *Panchasoona – five sins and their atonement. We all
know that in order to prepare food-stuffs and meals, the house-holders
have to go through five actions or processes, viz. (1) Kandani – Pounding,
(2) Peshani – Grinding, (3) Udakumbhi – Washing pots, (4) Marjani –
Sweeping and Cleaning, (5) Chulli – Lighting hearths. These processes
involve destruction of a lot of small insects and creatures; and thus, the
house-holders incur sin. In order to atone for his sins, our Shastras
prescribe six kinds of sacrifices,* viz., (1) Brahma Yagnya, (2)
Vedadhyayan – offerings to Brahman or the study of the Vedas, (3) Pitri
Yagnya – offerings to the ancestors, (4) Dev Yagnya – offerings to the
Gods, (5) Bhoota Yagnya – offerings to the beings, (6) Manushya Atithi
Yagnya – offerings to men or uninvited guests. If these sacrifices, enjoined
by the Shastras, are duly performed, the purification of their minds is
effected and this helps them to get knowledge and self-realization.
Baba, in going from house to house, reminded the inmates of their
sacred duty, and fortunate were the people who got the lesson at their
homes from Baba.

Devotees’ Experiences

Now to return to the other more interesting subject ... Lord Krishna
has said in the Bhagvad Gita (9-26), “Whosoever devoutly offers to Me
a leaf, a flower or a fruit or water, of that pure-hearted man, I accept
that pious offering.” In the case of Sai Baba, if a devotee intended really
to offer anything to Sai Baba, and if he afterwards forgot to offer the
same, Baba reminded him or his friend about the offering, and made
him bring it to Him and then accepted it, and blessed the devotee. A few
instances are given below.

Tarkhad Family (father and son)

Mr. Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad, formerly a
Prarthana Samajist, was a staunch devotee of Sai Baba. His wife and
son loved Baba equally or perhaps more. It was once proposed that
Master Tarkhad should go with his mother to Shirdi and spend his
summer vacation there; but the son was unwilling to go, as he thought
that, in case, he left his home in Bandra, the worship of Sai Baba in the
house would not be properly attended to as his father, being a Prarthana
Samajist, would not care to worship Sai Baba’s picture. However, on his
father’s giving an assurance under oath that, he would perform the
worship exactly as his son was doing, the mother and the son left for
Shirdi on a Friday night.

Next day (Saturday) Mr. Tarkhad got up early, took his bath and
before proceeding with the Puja, prostrated himself before the Shrine
and said, “Baba, I am going to perform the Puja exactly as my son has
been doing but please, let it not be a formal drill.” Saying so, he performed
the Puja and offered a few pieces of lump-sugar as Naivaidya (offering).
The sugar was distributed at lunch time .
That evening and next day-Sunday, everything went on well. The
following Monday was a working day and it also passed well. Mr.
Tarkhad, who had never performed Puja like this in all his life, felt great
confidence within himself, that every thing was passing on quite
satisfactorily, as per the promise given to the son. Next Tuesday, he
performed the morning Puja as usual and left for his work. Coming
home at noon, he found that, there was no Prasad (sugar) to partake of,
when the meal was served. He asked the servant-cook, who told him
that there was no offering made that morning, and that he had completely
forgotten to perform that part of the Puja (offering Naivaidya). At this,
he left his seat and prostrated himself before the Shrine, expressed his
regret at the same time chiding Baba for the want of guidance in making
the whole affair a matter of mere drill. Then, he wrote a letter to his son,
stating the facts and requested him to lay it at Baba’s Feet, and ask His
pardon for his neglect.
This happened in Bandra at about Tuesday noon.
At about the same time, when the noon Arati was about to
commence in Shirdi, Baba said to Mrs. Tarkhad, “Mother, I had been
to your house in Bandra, with a view to have something to eat. I found
the door locked. I, somehow, got an entry and found to My regret that
Bhau (Mr. Tarkhad) had left nothing to eat for Me. So, I have returned
with my hunger unappeased”.
The lady did not understand this but the son, who was close – by,
understood the whole thing that there was something wrong with the
Puja in Bandra and he therefore, requested Baba to permit him to go
home. Baba refused this, but allowed him to perform Puja there. Then,
the son wrote a letter to his father stating all that took place at Shirdi
and implored his father not to neglect the Puja at home.
Both these letters crossed each other and were delivered to the
respective parties the next day. Is this not wonderful?

Mrs. Tarkhad

Let us now take up the case of Mrs. Tarkhad herself. She offered
three things, viz. (1) Bharit (roasted brinjal mixed with curds and
spice), (2) Kacharya (circular pieces of brinjal fried in ghee), (3) Pedha
(sweetmeat ball). Let us see, how Baba accepted these.
Once Mr. Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare of Bandra, a great devotee
of Baba started for Shirdi with family. Mrs. Tarkhad went to Mrs.
Purandare and gave her two brinjals and requested her to prepare
Bharit of one brinjal and Kacharya of the other, when she went to Shirdi
and serve Baba with them. After reaching Shirdi, Mrs. Purandare went
with her dish of Bharit to the Masjid, when Baba was just sitting for
meals. Baba found the Bharit very tasty. So, He distributed it to all and
said that, He wanted Kacharya now. A word was sent to
Radhakrishnamai that, Baba wanted Kacharya. She was in a fix, as that
was no season of brinjals. How to get brinjals was the question? When
an enquiry was made as to who brought the Bharit, it was found that
Mrs. Purandare was entrusted with the duty of serving Kacharya.
Everybody then came to know the significance of Baba’s enquiry
regarding Kacharya and was wonder-struck at Baba’s all-pervasive
knowledge.
In December, 1915, one Govind Balaram Mankar wanted to go to
Shirdi to perform the obsequies of his father. Before he left, he came to
see Mr. Tarkhad. Then Mrs. Tarkhad wanted to send something with
him to Baba. She searched the whole house, but found nothing except
a Pedha, which had already been offered as Naivaidya. The boy Govind
was in mourning. Out of great devotion to Baba, she sent the Pedha
with him, hoping that Baba would accept and eat it. Govind went to
Shirdi and saw Baba but forgot to take the Pedha with him. Baba simply
waited. When again he went to Baba in the afternoon, he went emptyhanded,
without the Pedha. Baba could wait no longer and did ask him
straight, “What did you bring for Me?” “Nothing” was the reply. Baba
asked him again. The same reply came forth again. Then, Baba asked
him the question, “Did not the mother (Mrs. Tarkhad) give some
sweetmeat to you for Me, at the time of your starting?” The boy then
remembered the whole thing. He felt abashed, asked Baba’s pardon, ran
to his lodging, brought the Pedha and gave it to Baba. As soon as Baba
got it in His hand, He put it into His mouth and gulped it down. Thus,
the devotion of Mrs. Tarkhad was recognised and accepted. “As men
believe in Me, so do I accept them” (Gita, 4-11) was proved in this case.

Baba Fed Sumptuously, How?

Once, Mrs. Tarkhad was staying in a certain house in Shirdi. At
noon meals were ready and being served, when a hungry dog turned
up there and began to bark. Mrs. Tarkhad got up at once and threw a
piece of bread which the dog gulped with great relish. In the afternoon
when she went to the Masjid and sat at some distance, Sai Baba said
to her, “Mother, you have fed Me sumptuously, My famished Pranas
(life-forces) have been satisfied. Ever act like this, and this will stand
you in good stead. Sitting in this Masjid I shall never, never speak
untruth. Take pity on Me like this! First give bread to the hungry and
then, eat yourself. Note this well!” She could not understand at first the
meaning of what Baba said. So, she replied, “Baba, how could I feed
You? I am myself dependent on others and take my food from them on
payment.” Then, Baba replied, “Eating that lovely bread I am heartily
contended and I am still belching. The dog, which you saw before
meals and to which you gave the piece of bread, is one with Me, so
also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are one with Me. I am
roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures, is My
beloved. So, abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve
Me as you did today.” Drinking these nectar-like words she was moved,
her eyes were brimmed with tears, her throat was choked and her joy
knew no bounds.

Moral

“See God in all beings!” is the moral of this chapter. The
Upanishads, the Gita and the Bhagawat, all exhort us to perceive God
or Divinity in all the creatures. By the instance, given at the end of this
chapter and other numerous to mention, Sai Baba has practically
demonstrated to us, how to put the Upanishadic teachings into practice.
In this way Sai Baba stands as the best Exponent or Teacher of the
Upanishadic doctrines.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 8

Importance of Human Birth – Sai Baba begging Food
– Baijabai’s Service – Sai Baba’s Dormitory – His
Affection for Khushalchand.

As hinted in the last chapter, Hemadpant now explains
at length in his preliminary remarks, the importance of
human birth and then proceeds to relate, how Sai Baba begged His
food; how Baijabai served Him; how He slept in the Masjid, with Tatya
Kote Patil and Mhalsapati and how He loved Khushalchand of Rahata.

Importance of Human Birth

In this wonderful universe, God has created millions (84 lakhs
according to Hindu shastra calculation) of creatures (including Gods,
demi-gods, insects, beasts and men) inhabiting heaven, hell, earth, ocean,
sky and other intermediate regions. Of these, those creatures or souls,
whose merits preponderate, go to heaven and live there till they enjoy
the fruits of their actions and when this is done, they are cast down;
while those souls, whose sins or demerits preponderate, go down to
hell and suffer the consequences of their misdeeds for as long as they
deserve it. When their merits and demerits balance each other, they are
born on earth as human beings and are given a chance to work out their
salvation. Ultimately, when their merits and demerits both are worked
out completely, they get their deliverance and become free. To put the
matter in a nutshell, souls get their birth or transmigration according
to their deeds and evolvement.

Special Value of the Human Body

As we all know, four things are common to all the creatures, viz.,
food, sleep, fear and sexual union. In the case of man, he is endowed
with a special faculty, viz, knowledge, with the help of which he can
attain God-vision, which is impossible in any other species. It is for this
reason that gods envy the human species and aspire to be born as men
on earth, so as to get their final deliverance.
Some say that there is nothing worse than the human body, which
is full of filth, mucus, phlegm and dirt and which is subject to decay,
disease and death. This is true to a certain extent, but in spite of these
drawbacks and defects, the special value of the human body is – that
man has got the capacity to acquire knowledge. It is only due to the
human body or on account of it, that one can think of the perishable
and transitory nature of the body itself and of the world, and have
aversion for sense-enjoyments, and can discriminate between the unreal
and the real, and thus attain God-vision. So, if we reject or neglect the
body, because it is filthy, we lose the chance of God-vision and if we
indulge it and run after sense-enjoyments, because it is precious, we go
to hell. The proper course, therefore, for us to pursue, is the following;
that the body should neither be neglected nor fondled, but should be
properly cared for, just as a traveller on horse-back takes care of his
horse on the way, till he reaches his destination and returns home.
Thus, the body should ever be used or engaged to attain God-vision or
self-realization, which is the supreme end of life.
It is said that, though God created various kinds of creatures, He
was not satisfied, for none of them was able to know and appreciate His
work. So he had to create a special being – man, and endow him with
a special faculty, viz, Knowledge; and when He saw that man was able
to appreciate His Leela, marvellous work and intelligence, He was
highly pleased and satisfied. (Vide, Bhagawat, 11-9-28) So really, it is
fortunate to get a human body, better still to be born in a Brahmin family
and best, to get an opportunity of being close to Sai Baba’s Feet and
surrendering to Him.

Man’s Endeavour

Realizing how precious human life is and knowing that death is
certain and may snatch us at any time, we should be ever alert to
achieve the object of our lives, we should not make the least delay, but
make every possible haste to gain our object, just as a king leaves no
stone unturned to seek his lost son. So with all earnestness, we should
strive to attain our end, i.e. self-realization. Casting aside laziness,
warding off drowsiness, we should day and night meditate on the self.
If we fail to do this, we reduce ourselves to the level of beasts.

How to Proceed?

The most effective and speedy way to gain our object is to approach
a worthy saint or sage – Sadguru, who has himself attained God-vision.
What cannot be achieved by hearing religious discourses and study of
religious texts is easily obtained in the company of such worthy souls.
Just as the sun only gives light, which all the stars put together cannot
do, so the Sadguru alone imparts spiritual wisdom, which all the
sacred books and sermons cannot do. His movements and simple talks
give us ‘silent’ advice. The virtues of forgiveness, calmness,
disinterestedness, charity, benevolence, control of mind and body,
egolessness etc. are observed by the disciples, as they are being practised
in such pure and holy company. This enlightens their minds and lifts
them up spiritually. Sai Baba was such a Sage or Sadguru. Though He
acted as a Fakir (mendicant), He was always engrossed in Self. He
always loved all beings, in whom He saw God or Divinity. By pleasures
He was not elated. He was not depressed by misfortunes. A king and
a pauper were the same to Him. He Whose glance would turn a beggar
into a king, used to go begging food from door to door in Shirdi, and
let us now see how He did it.

Baba Begging Food

Blessed are the people of Shirdi, in front of whose houses, Baba
stood as a beggar and called out, “Oh Mai, give Me a piece of bread!”
and spread out His hand to receive the same. In one hand He carried
a Tumrel (tinpot) and in the other a Zoli or Choupadari, i.e., a rectangular
piece of cloth. He visited certain houses daily. Liquid or semi-liquid
things, such as soup, vegetables, milk or butter-milk, were received in
the tinpot, while cooked rice, bread and such solid things were taken
in the Zoli. Baba’s tongue knew no taste, as He had acquired control
over it. So how could He care for the taste of different things mixed up
together? Whatever things He got in His Zoli and in the tinpot, were
mixed together and partaken by Baba to His heart’s content. Whether
particular things were tasty or otherwise, was never noticed by Baba,
as His tongue was devoid of the sense of taste altogether. Baba begged
till noon, but His begging was very irregular. Some days He went a few
rounds on other days up to twelve noon. The food thus collected was
kept in a Kundi, i.e., earthen pot. Dogs, cats and crows freely ate from
it and Baba never drove them away. The woman who swept the floor
of the Masjid, took some 10 or 12 pieces of bread to her house and
nobody prevented her from doing so. How could He, Who, even in
dreams never warded off cats and dogs by harsh words and signs,
refuse food to poor helpless people? Blessed indeed is the life of such
a Noble Person! People in Shirdi took Him in the beginning for a mad
Fakir. He was known in the village by this name. How could one, who
lived on alms by begging a few crumbs of bread, be revered and
worshipped? But this Fakir was very liberal of heart, detached and
charitable. Though He looked restless from outside, He was firm and
steady inside. His way was inscrutable. Still in that small village, there
were a few kind and blessed people, who recognized and regarded Him
as a Great Soul. One such person's account is given below.

Baijabai’s Brilliant Service

Tatya Kote’s mother, Baijabai, used to go to the woods every after
noon with a basket on her head containing bread and vegetables. She
roamed in the jungles kos (about 3 miles) after kos, trampling bushes
and shrubs in search of the mad Fakir and after finding Him, fell at His
Feet. The Fakir sat calm and motionless in meditation, while she placed
a leaf before Him, spread her things-eatables, bread, vegetables etc.
thereon, and fed Him. Wonderful was her faith and service. Every day
she roamed at noon in the jungles and insisted upon Baba to partake
of the lunch. Her service, Upasana or penance, by whatever name we
call it, was never forgotten by Baba till the end. Remembering fully what
service she rendered, Baba benefitted her son significantly. Both the son
and the mother, had great faith in the Fakir, Who was their God. Baba
often said to them that “Fakiri (mendicacy) is real, Lordship (riches) is
transient.” After some years Baba stopped going into the woods and
began to live in the village, and take His food in the Masjid thus,
Baijabai’s troubles of roaming in the jungles ended.

Dormitory of Trio

Ever blessed are the saints, in whose heart Lord Vasudeva dwells
and fortunate indeed are the devotees, who get the benefit of the company
of such saints. Two such fortunate fellows, Tatya Kote Patil and Bhagat
Mhalsapati, equally shared the company of Sai Baba. Baba also loved
them both. These three persons slept in the Masjid with their heads
towards the east, west and north, and with their feet touching one
another's at the centre. After spreading their beds, they lay on them,
chitchatting and gossiping till late at night. If any one of them showed
any signs of sleep, others would wake him up. For instance, if Tatya
began to snore, Baba at once got up and shook him from side to side
and pressed his head. If it was Mhalsapati, He pulled him close, stroked
his legs and patted his back. In this way for a period of 14 years, Tatya,
leaving his parents at home, slept in the Masjid on account of his deep
love for Baba. How happy and never to be forgotten were those days!
How to measure that love and how to value the grace of Baba! After the
passing away of his father, Tatya took charge of the household affairs
and began to sleep at home.

Khushalchand of Rahata

Baba loved Ganpat Kote Patil of Shirdi. He loved
Chandrabhansheth Marwadi of Rahata equally. After the demise of this
Sheth, Baba loved his nephew Khushalchand equally or perhaps more,
and looked after his welfare, day and night. Some times in a bullock
cart, at other times in a tonga, with intimate devotees Baba went to
Rahata. People of that village would come out with band and music
and receive Baba at the gate of the village and prostrate before Him.
Then He was taken into the village with great honour and ceremony.
Khushalchand took Baba to his house, seated Him on a comfortable
seat and gave Him a good meal. Then they talked freely and merrily for
some time, after which Baba returned to Shirdi, giving delight and
blessings to all.
Shirdi is midway and equi-distant from Rahata on one side (south)
and Nimgaon on the other (north). Baba never went beyond these
places during His life time. He never saw any train nor travelled by it.
Still He knew exactly the timings of arrivals and departures of all trains.
Devotees who acted according to Baba’s instructions given at the time
of taking His leave, fared well, while those who disregarded them,
suffered many a mishap and accident. More about this and other matters
will be told in the next chapter.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 7

Wonderful Incarnation – Behaviour of Sai Baba –
His Yogic practices – His All-pervasiveness and
Mercy – Leper Devotee’s service – Master
Khaparde’s plague case – Going to Pandharpur

Wonderful Incarnation

Sai Baba knew all Yogic practices. He was well-versed in the six
processes including Dhauti (stomach-cleaning, by a moistened piece of
linen 3' in breadth and 22½' in length), Khandayog, i.e. separating His
limbs and joining them again and Samadhi etc. If you thought that He
was a Hindu, He looked like a Yavan. If you thought Him to be a
Yavan, He looked like a pious Hindu. No one definitely knew whether
He was a Hindu or a Mohammeden. He celebrated the Hindu festival
of Ram Navami with all due formalities, and at the same time permitted
the ‘Sandal’ procession of the Mohammedens. He encouraged wrestling
bouts in this festival. When the Gokul Ashtami came, He got the ‘Gopalkala’
ceremony duly performed, and on Id festivals, He allowed the
Mohammedens, to say their prayers (Namaz) in His Masjid. Once,
during a Moharrum festival, some Mohammedens proposed to construct
a Taziya or Tabut in the Masjid, keep it there for some days and
afterwards take it in procession through village. Sai Baba allowed the
keeping of the Tabut for four days and on the fifth day got it removed
from the Masjid, without the least compunction. If we say that He was
a Mohammeden, His ears were pierced (i.e. had holes, according to
Hindu custom). If you think that He was a Hindu, He advocated the
practice of circumcision (though, according to Mr. Nanasaheb
Chandorkar, who observed Him closely, He was not Himself circumcised.
Vide article in Sai Leela on “Baba Hindu ki Yavan”, by B.V. Dev, page
562). If you call Him Hindu, He always lived in the Masjid; if
Mohammeden, He had always the Dhuni-sacred fire there, and the
following things, which are contrary to Mohammeden religion, i.e.,
grinding on the handmill, blowing of the conch and bells, oblation in
the fire, Bhajan, giving of food and worship of Baba’s Feet by means of
Arghya (water), were allowed there. If you think that He was a
Mohammeden, the best of Brahmins and Agnihotris, leaving aside their
orthodox ways, fell prostrate at His Feet. Those who went to make
enquiries about His caste, were dumb-founded and were captured by
His darshan. So, none could definitely decide, whether Sai Baba was
a Hindu or a Mohammeden*. This is no wonder for he who completely
surrenders himself to the Lord, by getting rid of his egoism and bodyconsciousness,
thus becomes one with Him, and has nothing to do with
any questions of caste or nationality. Baba saw no difference between
any two castes and even between beings. He took meat and fish with
Fakirs but did not grumble, when dogs touched the dishes with their
mouths.
Such a unique and wonderful incarnation was Sai Baba. On
account of the merits in my past birth, I had the good fortune to sit at
His Feet and enjoy His blessed company. The joy and delight I derived
therefrom, was incomparable. In fact, Sai Baba was pure Anand and
consciousness. I cannot sufficiently describe Him, His greatness and
uniqueness. He who took delight at His Feet, was established in His
own self. Many Sanyaasis, Sadhaks and all sorts of men aspiring for
salvation came to Sai Baba. He always walked, talked and laughed
with them and always uttered “Allah Malik” (God is the sole owner).
He never liked discussion or disputation. He was always calm and
controlled, though irritable at times, always preached Vedanta and
nobody knew till the last, Who was Baba? Princes and poor people
were treated alike by Him. He knew the inmost secrets of all and when
He gave expression to them, all were surprised. He was the repository
of all knowledge, still He feigned ignorance. He also disliked honour.
Such were the characteristics of Sai Baba. Though He had a human
body, His deeds testified to His Godhood. All people considered Him
as the God in Shirdi.

Behaviour of Sai Baba

Ignorant that I am, I cannot describe Baba’s miracles. He got
almost all the temples in Shirdi repaired. Through Tatya Patil, the
temples of Shani, Ganapati, Shankar-Parvati, Village Diety and Maruti
were put in order. His charity was also remarkable. The money He used
to collect as Dakshina, was freely distributed, Rs. 20 to some, Rs. 15 or
50 to others, every day. The recepients thought that this was 'pure'
charity money; and Baba wished that it should be usefully employed.
People benefitted immensely by having Baba’s darshan. Some
became hale and hearty, wicked people were turned into good ones.
Leprosy was cured in some cases, many got their desires fulfilled,
without any medicine being put in the eyes, some blind men got back
their sight and some lame ones got their limbs. Nobody could see the
end of His extraordinary greatness. His fame spread far and wide, and
pilgrims from all sides flocked to Shirdi. Baba had his ‘Asan’ near the
Dhuni and always rested there. He sat there in meditation, sometimes
without a bath.
He used to tie a small white turban on His head and wear a clean
Dhotar round His waist, and a shirt on His body. This was His attire in
the beginning. He first practised medicine in the village, He examined
patients and gave medicines. He was always successful and He became
famous as a Hakim (doctor). A curious case may be narrated here. One
devotee had his eyes quite red and swollen. No doctor was available in
Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. In such cases other doctors
would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc.
Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘Beeba’ (some Carpus
Ana Cardium, i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them and thrust
them on in each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth – bandage round
them. Next day the bandage was removed and water was poured over
them. The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear.
Though, the eyes are very delicate, the Beeba caused no hurt but removed
the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured, this is only one
instance in this regard.

Baba’s Yogic Practices

Baba knew all the processes and practices of Yoga. Two of them
will be described here :

(1) DHAUTI KRIYA or CLEANSING PROCESS : Every third day,
Baba went to the well near Banyan tree, at a considerable distance from
the Masjid washed His mouth and had a bath. On one occasion, He
was seen throwing up His intestines, clean them inside outside and
place them on a Jamb tree for drying. There are people in Shirdi, who
have actually seen this and who have testified to this fact. Ordinary
Dhauti is done by a moistened piece of linen, 3 inches broad 22½ ft.
long. This piece is gulped down the throat and allowed to remain in
the stomach for about half an hour for being reacted there and then
taken out. But Baba’s Dhauti was quite unique and extraordinary.

KHANDA YOGA : In this practice Baba extracted the limbs from His
body and left them separately at different places in the Masjid. Once a
gentleman went to the Masjid and saw the limbs of Baba lying in
separate places. He was terrified, he first thought of running to the
village officers and informing them of Baba being hacked to pieces and
murdered. He thought that perhaps he would be held responsible, as
he was the first informant and knew something of the affair. So he kept
silent. But, next day, when he went to the Masjid, he was very much
surprised to see Baba, hale and hearty as before. He thought that what
he had seen the previous day, was only a dream.
Baba practised Yoga since His infancy and nobody knew or
guessed the proficiency He had attained in it. He charged no fees for
His cures, became renowned and famous by virtue of His merits, gave
health to many a poor and suffering person. This famous Doctor of
doctors cared not for His interests, but always worked for the good and
welfare of others, Himself suffering unbearable and terrible pain many
a time in the process. One such instance I will relate now, which will
show the all-pervasive and the most merciful character of Sai Baba.

Baba’s All-pervasiveness and Mercy

In the year 1910, Baba was sitting near the Dhuni on Diwali and
warming Himself. He was putting fire-wood into the Dhuni, which was
burning brightly. A little later instead of pushing logs of wood, Baba
pushed His arm into the Dhuni, His arm was scorched and burnt. This
was noticed by the errand boy Madhav and also by Madhavrao
Deshpande (Shama). They, at once, ran to Baba and Madhavrao clasped
Baba, by His waist from behind and dragged Him forcibly backward
and asked, “Deva, why You done this?” Then Baba came to His senses
and replied, “The wife of a blacksmith at some distant place was
working the bellows of a furnace, her husband called her, forgetting
that her child was on her lap, she got up hastily and the child slipped
into the furnace. I immediately thrust My hand into the furnace and
saved the child. I do not mind My arm being burnt but, I am glad that
the life of the child is saved.”

Leper Devotee’s Service

On hearing the news of Baba’s hand being burnt from (Shama)
Madhavrao Deshpande, Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar accompanied by
the famous doctor Parmanand of Mumbai with his medical outfit,
consisting of ointments, lint and bandages etc. rushed to Shirdi and
requested Baba to allow Dr. Parmanand to examine the arm and dress
the wound, caused by the burn. This was refused. Ever since the burnt
arm was dressed by Bhagoji Shinde, a leper devotee. His treatment
consisted in massaging the burnt part with Ghee and then, placing a
leaf over it and bandaging it tightly. Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar
solicited Baba many a time to unfasten the bandages, get the wound
examined, dressed and treated by Dr. Parmanand, with the object that
it may heal fast. Dr. Parmanand himself made similar requests but Baba
postponed it by saying that Allah was His Doctor and did not allow
His arm to be examined. Dr. Parmanand’s medicines were not exposed
to the air of Shirdi and they remained intact, but he had the good
fortune of getting a darshan of Baba. Bhagoji was allowed to treat the
hand daily. After some days, the arm healed and all were happy. Still
we do not know whether any trace of pain was left or not. Every
morning, Bhagoji went through his programme of untying the bandages,
massaging the arm with ghee and tightly bandaging it again. This went
on till Sai Baba’s Samadhi (death). Sai Baba a perfect Siddha as He was
did not really want this treatment, but out of love for His devotee, He
allowed the ‘Upasana’ – service of Bhagoji to go on uninterrupted all
along. When Baba started for Lendi, Bhagoji held an umbrella over Him
and accompanied Him. Every morning when Baba sat near the post
close to the Dhuni, Bhagoji was present and started his service. Bhagoji
was a sinner in his past birth. He was suffering from leprosy, his
fingers had shrunk, his body was full of pus and smelling badly.
Though outwardly he seemed so unfortunate, he was really very lucky
and happy, for he was the premier servant of Baba, and got the benefit
of His company.

Master Khaparde’s Plague Case

I shall now relate another instance of Baba’s wonderful Leela.
Mrs. Khaparde, the wife of Mr. Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amaravati, was
staying at Shirdi with her young son for some days. One day the son
got high fever, which further developed into bubonic plague. The mother
was frightened and felt most uneasy. She thought of leaving the place
for Amaravati and went near Baba in the evening, when He was coming
near the Wada (now Samadhi Mandir) in His evening rounds, for
asking His permission. She informed Him in a trembling tone, that her
dear young son was down with plague. Baba spoke kindly and softly
to her, saying that the sky is beset with clouds; but they will melt and
pass off and everything will be smooth and clear. So saying He lifted
up His Kafni up to the waist and showed to all present, four fully
developed bubos, as big as eggs and added, “See, how I have to suffer
for My devotees, their difficulties are Mine.” Seeing this unique and
extraordinary deed (Leela), the people were convinced as to how the
saints suffer pains for their devotees. The hearts of the saints is softer
than wax, it is soft in and out as butter. They love their devotees without
any idea of gain, and regard them as their true relatives.

Going to Pandharpur

I shall now close this chapter, after relating a story illustrating
how Sai Baba loved His devotees and anticipated their wishes and
movements. Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who was a great devotee of
Baba, was Mamlatdar at Nandurbar in Khandesh. He got an order of
transfer to Pandharpur. His devotion to Sai Baba bore fruit, as he got
an order to go and stay at Pandharpur which is regarded as the
‘Bhuvaikuntha’ – Heaven on the earth. Nanasaheb had to take immediate
charge, so he left for the place without even writing or informing anybody
at Shirdi. He wanted to give a surprise visit at Shirdi – his Pandharpur,
see and salute his Vithoba (Baba) and then proceed further. Nobody
knew of Nanasaheb’s departure for Shirdi but Sai Baba knew all about
this, as His eyes were everywhere (omniscient). As soon as Nanasaheb
approached Nimgaon, a few miles from Shirdi, there was a stir in the
masjid at Shirdi. Baba was sitting and talking with Mhalsapati, Appa
Shinde and Kashiram, when He at once said, “Let us all four do some
Bhajan, the doors of Pandhari are open, let us sing merrily!” Then they
began to sing in chorus, the bhava of the song being “I have to go to
Pandharpur and I have to stay on there, for it is the house of my Lord.”
Baba sang and the devotees followed Him. After a shortwhile
Nanasaheb came there with his family, prostrated before Baba and
requested Him to accompany them to Pandharpur and stay with them
1. Ghee – It is prepared by melting the butter and boiling it for sometime and then
filtering it. 1. Mamlatdar – Revenue Officer
there. This solicitation was not necessary, as the devotees told Nanasaheb
that Baba was already in the mood of going to Pandharpur and staying
there. Hearing this Nanasaheb was moved and fell at Baba’s Feet. Then
after getting Baba’s permission, Udi (sacred ash) and blessings,
Nanasaheb left for Pandharpur.
There is no end to Baba’s stories; but let me now stop here,
reserving for the next chapter other topics, such as importance of human
life, Baba’s living on alms, Baijabai’s service and other stories.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 6

RAM NAVAMI FESTIVAL AND MASJID
REPAIRS

Efficacy of the Touch of the Guru’s Hand – Ram
Navami Festival – Its Origin, Transformation etc.
– Repairs of the Masjid.

Before describing Ram Navami Festival and Masjid repairs, the
author makes some preliminary remarks about Sadguru as follows :
Efficacy of the Touch of the Guru’s Hand
When Sadguru is the helmsman he is sure to carry us safely and
easily beyond the worldly ocean. The word Sadguru brings to mind Sai
Baba, the Perfect Master. He appears to me, as if standing before me and
applying Udi (sacred ashes) to my forehead and placing his hand of
blessing on my head. Then joy fills my heart and love overflows my
eyes. Wonderful is the power of the touch of Guru’s hand. The subtlebody
(consisting of thoughts and desires) which cannot be burnt by the
gross fire, is destroyed by the mere touch of the Guru’s hand, and the
sins of many past births are cleaned and washed away. Even the
speech of those, who feel agitated, when they hear religious and Godly
talks, attain calmness. The sight of Sai Baba’s handsome form chokes
our throat with joy, makes the eyes overflow with tears and overwhelms
the heart with emotions. It awakens in us “I am He” (Soham) Brahma
consciousness, manifests the joy of self-realization and dissolving the
distinction of I and Thou, makes us one with the Supreme (One Reality).
When I begin to read scriptures, at every step I am reminded of my
Sadguru, Sai Baba, Who assumes the form of Rama or Krishna and
makes me listen to His Life. For instance, when I sit to listen to Bhagwat,
Sai becomes Krishna from top to toe, and I think He sings the Bhagwat
or Uddhav Gita (song of teachings by Lord Shri Krishna to His disciple,
Uddhav) for the welfare of the devotees. When I myself start to write
anything, I cannot compose a few words or sentences; but when He of
His own accord makes me write, I go on writing... and there is no end
to it. When the disciple’s egoism props up, He presses it down with His
hand and gives him His own power, makes him achieve His object and
thus, satisfies and blesses him. If any one prostrates before Sai and
surrenders his heart and soul to Him, then all the chief objects of life,
viz., Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (Desire) and
Moksha (Deliverance), are attained easily and unsolicitedly. Four paths,
viz., of Karma, Dnyan, Yoga and Bhakti lead us separately to God. Of
these, the path of Bhakti is thorny and full of pits and ditches and thus,
difficult to traverse; but if you, relying on your Sadguru avoid the pits
and thorns and walk straight, it will take you to your destination (God),
so says Sai Baba.
After philosophising about the self-existent Brahma, His power
(Maya) to create this world and the world created, and stating that all
these three are ultimately one and the same, the author quotes Sai
Baba’s words guaranteeing the welfare of the Bhaktas :
“There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding food and
clothes in My devotee’s home. It is my special characteristic, that I
always look to and provide for, the welfare of those devotees, who
worship Me whole-heartedly with their minds ever fixed on Me. Lord
Krishna has also said the same in the Gita. Therefore strive not much
for food and clothes. If you want anything, beg of the Lord, renounce
worldly honours, try to get Lord’s grace and blessings and be honoured
in His court. Do not be deluded by worldly honour. The form of the
Deity should be firmly fixed in the mind. Let all the senses and mind
be ever devoted to the worship of the Lord, let there be no attraction for
any other thing. Fix the mind in remembering Me always, so that it will
not wander elsewhere, towards body, wealth and home. Then it will be
calm, peaceful and care-free. This is the sign of the mind being well
engaged in good company. If the mind is vagrant, it cannot be called
well-merged in Him.”
After quoting these words, the author goes on to relate the story
of Ram Navami festival in Shirdi. As Ram Navami is the most celebrated
festival at Shirdi, another fuller account, as published in Sri Sai Leela
Magazine of 1925, page 197, is also referred to and a summary of the
festival, as related in both these accounts is attempted here.

Origin

One Mr. Gopalrao Gund, was a surveyor in Survey dept. at
Kopergaon. He was a great devotee of Baba. He had three wives but had
no issue. With Sai Baba’s blessings, a son was born to him. In the joy
that he felt due to this, an idea of celebrating a fair or ‘Urus’ occurred
to him in the year 1897, and he placed it for consideration before other
Shirdi devotees, viz. Tatya Patil, Dada Kote Patil and Madhavrao
Deshpande (Shama). They all approved of the idea, and obtained Sai
Baba’s permission and blessings for it. Then an application was made
to get the Collector’s sanction for celebrating the Urus, but as the
village Kulkarni held against holding the fair the sanction was refused.
But, as Sai Baba had blessed it, they tried again and ultimately succeeded
in getting the Collector’s sanction. The day for the Urus was fixed on
Ram Navami, after having consultation with Sai Baba. It seems He had
some purpose behind this, viz. the unification of the two festivals, the
Urus and the Ram Navami and the unification of the two communities
– the Hindus and the Mohammedens. As future events showed, this
end or object was duly achieved.
Though the permission was obtained, but other difficulties cropped
up. Shirdi was a village and there was scarcity of water. There were two
wells in the village, the one in use dried up soon and the water from
the second was brackish. This brackish water was turned into sweet
water by Sai Baba, by putting flowers into it. As the water of this well
was insufficient, so Tatya Patil had to arrange to get water from outside.
Temporary shops were to be constructed and wrestling bouts arranged.
Gopalrao Gund had a friend by name Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar.
He also was similarly unhappy in the matter of progeny, though he had
two wives. He too was blessed by Sai Baba with sons and Mr. Gund
prevailed upon his friend to prepare and supply one flag for the
procession of the fair. He also succeeded in inducing Mr. Nanasaheb
Nimonkar to supply another flag. Both these flags were taken in
procession through the village and finally, fixed at the two corners of
the Masjid, which is called by Sai Baba as ‘Dwarkamai’. This is being
done even now.

The ‘Sandal’ Procession

There was another procession which was started in this fair. The
idea of ‘Sandal’ procession originated with one Mr. Amir Shakkar
Dalal, a Mohammeden Bhakta from Korhla. This procession is held in
honour of great Muslim Saints. Sandal i.e. Chandan paste and scrappings
are put in the Thali (flat dishes) with incense burning before them and
carried in procession to the accompaniment of band and music through
the village and then, after returning to the Masjid, the contents of the
dishes are thrown on the ‘Nimbar’ (niche) and walls of the Masjid. This
work was managed by Mr. Amir Shakkar for the first three years and
then afterwards, by his wife. So, on the same day the two processions,
the ‘Flags’ by the Hindus and ‘Sandal’ by the Muslims, went on side
by side and are still going on without any problem.

Arrangement

This day was very dear and sacred to the devotees of Sai Baba.
Most of them turned up for the occasion and took part in the management
of the fair. Tatya Kote Patil looked to all outward affairs, while the
internal management was entirely left to Radhakrishnamai, a female
devotee of Baba. Her residence was full of guests on the occasion, and
she had to look after their needs, and also arrange for all the
paraphernalia of the fair. Another work, which she willingly did, was
to clean and white-wash the entire Masjid, its walls and floor, which
were blackened and were full of soot on account of the perpetual Dhuni
(sacred fire) of Sai Baba. This she did during the night, when Sai Baba
had gone to sleep every alternate night in the Chavadi. She had to take
out all the things, including the Dhuni, and after thorough cleaning
and white-washing replace them, as they were before. Feeding the poor,
which was so dear to Sai Baba, was also a important item in this fair.
For this purpose, cooking on a grand scale and preparing various sweet
dishes, was done in Radhakrishnamai’s lodging, and various rich and
wealthy devotees took a leading part in this.

Transformation of Urus into Ram Navami Festival

Things were going on in this way and the fair was gradually
increasing in importance till 1912, when a change took place. That year
one devotee, Mr. Krishnarao Jogeshwar Bhishm (the author of ‘Sai
Sagunopasana’), came for the fair with Dadasaheb Khaparde of
Amaravati and was staying (on the previous day) in the Dixit Wada.
While he was lying in the verandah, and while Mr. Laxmanrao alias
Kaka Mahajani was going with Puja materials to the Masjid, a thought
arose in his mind and he accosted the latter thus – There is some
providential arrangement in the fact that the Urus or fair is celebrated
in Shirdi on Ram Navami; Ram Navami is very dear to all the Hindus,
then why not begin the Ram Navami festival – the celebration of the
birth of Shri Ram on this day here? Kaka Mahajani liked the idea, and
it was arranged to get Baba’s permission in this matter. The main
difficulty was how to secure a Haridas who would do ‘Kirtan’ and sing
the glories of the Lord on the occasion. But, Bhishm solved the difficulty
by saying that his ‘Ram Akhyan’, the composition on Rama’s birth was
ready and he would do the ‘Kirtan’ himself, while Kaka Mahajani
should play on the harmonium. It was also arranged to get the
‘Sunthavada’ (ginger-powder mixed with sugar) as Prasad, prepared
by Radhakrishnamai. So they immediately went to the Masjid to get
Baba’s permission. Baba Who knew everything and aware of what was
happening there, asked Mahajani, as to what was going on in the
Wada. Being rather perturbed Mahajani could not catch the purport of
the question and remained silent. Then Baba asked Bhishm what he
had to say. He explained the idea of celebrating Ram Navami festival
and asked for Baba’s permission and Baba gladly gave it. All rejoiced
and made preparations for the Jayanti festival. Next day the Masjid
was decorated with buntings etc., a cradle was supplied by
Radhakrishnamai and placed in front of Baba’s seat and the proceedings
started. Bhishm stood up for Kirtan and Mahajani began to play on the
harmonium. Sai Baba sent a man to call Mahajani. He was hesitating
to go, doubtful whether Baba would allow the festival to go on but
when he went to Baba, the latter asked him as to what was going on
and why the cradle was placed there. He asnwered that the Ram
Navami festival had commenced and the cradle was put out for that
purpose. Then Baba took a garland from the ‘Nimbar’ (niche) and
placed it round his neck and sent another garland for Bhishm. Then the
Kirtan commenced. When it came to a close, loud sounds of “Victory
to Ram” went up and Gulal (colour-powder) was thrown up all around,
amidst band and music. Everybody was overjoyed, when suddenly a
roar was heard. The red-powder thrown promiscuously, went up and
somehow fell into Baba’s eyes. Baba got wild and began to scold and
abuse loudly. People got frightened and took to their heels. The intimate
devotees who knew Baba well, took these scoldings and outpourings of
Baba, as blessings in disguise. They thought that when Ram was born,
it was proper for Baba to get wild and enraged to kill Ravan and his
demons, in the form of egoism and wicked thoughts etc. Besides they
knew that, whenever a new thing was undertaken at Shirdi, it was
usual with Baba to get wild and angry and so they kept quiet.
Radhakrishnamai was rather afraid and thought that Baba might break
her cradle and she asked Mahajani to pull the cradle back. When he
went to loosen and unfasten the cradle, Baba went to him and asked
him not to remove it. Then after some time Baba became calm and that
day’s programme, including Mahapuja and Arati was finished. Later
on Mr. Mahajani asked Baba for permission to remove the cradle, Baba
refused the same saying that, the festival was not yet over. Next day
another ‘Kirtan’ and Gopal-kala ceremony [an earthern pot containing
parched rice mixed with curd is hung, to be broken after the ‘Kirtan’,
and the contents distributed to all, as was done by Lord Krishna
amongst His cow-herd (friends)], was performed and then, Baba allowed
the cradle to be removed. While the Ram Navami festival was thus
going on, the procession of the two flags by day and that of the ‘Sandal’
by night, went off with the usual pomp and show. From this time
onwards, the ‘Urus of Baba’ was transformed into the Ram Navami
festival.
From next year (1913), the items in the programme of Ram Navami
began to increase. Radhakrishnamai started a ‘Naam-saptah’ (singing
the glory of God’s name continuously day and night for seven days),
from (eleventh) day of Chaitra. For this all devotees took part by turns
and she also joined it sometimes early in the morning. As Ram Navami
festival is celebrated in many places all over the country, the difficulty
of getting a Haridas was felt again. But 5 or 6 days before the festival,
Mahajani incidentally met Balabua who was known as modern Tukaram
and got him to do the ‘Kirtan’ that year. The next year (1914), another
Balabua Satarkar of Birhad Siddha-kavathe, district Satara, could not
act as a Haridas in his own town, as plague was prevailing there and
so he came to Shirdi. With Baba’s permission, which was secured
through Kakasaheb Dixit, he did the Kirtan and was sufficiently
recompensed for his labour. The difficulty of getting a new Haridas
every year was finally solved from 1914 by Sai Baba, as He entrusted
this function to Das Ganu Maharaj permanently and since that time he
has been successfully and creditably conducting that function until
now.
Since 1912, this festival began to grow gradually year by year.
From the 8th to 12th of Chaitra, Shirdi looked like a bee-hive of men.
Shops began to increase. Celebrated wrestlers took part in wrestling
bouts. Feeding of the poor was done on a grander scale. Hard work and
sincere efforts of Radhakrishnamai turned Shirdi into a Sansthan. (State)
Paraphernalia increased. A beautiful horse, a palanquin, chariot and
many silver items, utensils, pots, buckets, pictures, mirrors etc. were
presented. Elephants were also sent for the procession. Though, all this
paraphernalia increased enormously, Sai Baba ignored all these things
and maintained His simplicity and modesty as before. It is to be noted
that both the Hindus and Mohammedens have been working in unison,
in both the processions during the entire festival, and there has been no
confrontation or quarrel between them at all so far. First about 5000-
7000 people used to gather, but that figure went up to 75,000 in some
years, still, there was no outbreak of any epidemic disease nor any riots
worth the name during past so many years.

Repairs to the Masjid

Another important idea occurred to Gopal Gund. Just as he started
the Urus or fair, he thought that he should repair and renovate the
Masjid. So in order to carry out the repairs, he collected stones and got
them dressed. But this work was not assigned to him. This was reserved
for Nanasaheb Chandorkar and the pavement-work for Kakasaheb Dixit.
Initially Baba was unwilling to allow them to have work done, but with
the intervention of Mhalsapati, a local devotee of Baba, His permission
was secured. Baba took a small Gadi for His seat, discarding the usual
piece of sack-cloth, used till then. In 1911, the Sabha Mandap (courtyard)
was also put in order with great labour and effort. The open space
in front of the Masjid was very small and inconvenient. Kakasaheb
Dixit wanted to extend it and put a roofing on it. At great expense, he
got iron-posts, pillars and trusses and started the work. At night all the
devotees worked hard and fixed the posts; but Baba when he returned
from Chavadi next morning, uprooted them all and threw them out.
Once it so happened that Baba got very excited, caught a pole with one
hand and began to shake and uproot it and with the other hand caught
Tatya Patil's neck. He took by force Tatya’s Pheta, struck a match, set
it on fire and threw it, in a pit. At that time, Baba’s eyes flashed like
burning embers. None dared to look at Him. All got terribly frightened.
Baba took out a rupee from his pocket and threw it there, as if it were
an offering on an auspicious occasion. Tatya was also much frightened.
None knew, what was going to happen to Tatya and none dared to
interfere. Bhagoji Shinde, the leper devotee of Baba, made a bold advance,
but he was pushed aside by Baba. Madhavrao was also similarly
treated, pelted with brick-pieces. So all those who went to intercede
were similarly dealt with. But, after some time, Baba’s anger cooled
down. He sent for a shop-keeper, got from him an embroidered Pheta
and Himself tied it on Tatya’s head, as if he was being given a special
honour. All the people were wonderstruck to see this strange behaviour
of Baba. They were at a loss to know, what enraged Baba so suddenly
and what led Him to assault Tatya Patil, and why His anger cooled
down the next moment. Baba was sometimes very calm and quiet and
talked sweet things with love, but suddenly, with or without any reason,
got enraged. Many such incidents may be related; but I do not know
which to choose and which to omit. I therefore, refer them as they occur
to me.
In the next chapter the question, whether Baba was a Hindu or a
Mohammeden will be taken up and His Yogic practices and powers
and other matters will also be dealt with.

Bow to Shri Sai Baba – Peace be to all