Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter IV
SAI BABA’S FIRST ADVENT IN SHIRDI
Mission of the Saints - Shirdi a Holy Tirth - Personality of Sai Baba - Dictum of Goulibuva - Appearance of Vithal - Kshirsagar’s Story - Das Ganu’s Bath in Prayag - Immaculate Conception of Sai Baba and His First Advent in Shirdi - Three Wadas.
In the last chapter, I described the circumstances which led me to write Sai-Sat-Charita. Let me now describe the first advent of Sai Baba in Shirdi.Mission of the Saints
Lord Krishna says in Bhagvadgita (Chapter IV, 7-8) that "Whenever there is a decay of Dharma (righteousness) and an ascendancy of unrighteousness, I manifest Myself; and for the protection of the virtuous, the destruction of the vicious and for the establishment of righteousness, I manifest Myself in age after age".
This is the mission of Lord, and the Sages and Saints, Who are His representatives and Who appear here at proper times, help in their own way to fulfil that mission. For instance, when the twice born, i.e. the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas neglect their duties and when the Shudras try to usurp the rights of the higher classes, when spiritual preceptors are not respected but humiliated, when nobody cares for religious instructions, when every body thinks himself very learned, when people begin to partake of forbidden foods and intoxicating drinks, when under the cloak of religion, people indulge in malpractices, when people belonging to different sects fight amongst themselves, when Brahmins fail to do Sandhya adoration, and the orthodox their religious practices, when Yogis neglect their meditation, when people begin to think that wealth, progeny, wife are their sole concern, and thus turn away from the true path of salvation, then do Saints appear and try to set matters right by their words and action. They serve us as beacon-lights, and show us the right path, and the right way for us to follow. In this way, many saints, viz. Nivritti, Jnanadev, Muktabai, Namdev, Gora, Gonayi, Ekanath, Tukaram, Narahari, Narsi Bhai, Sajan Kasai, Sawata, Ramdas, and various others did appear at various times to show the right path to the people, and so presently came Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Lord Krishna says in Bhagvadgita (Chapter IV, 7-8) that "Whenever there is a decay of Dharma (righteousness) and an ascendancy of unrighteousness, I manifest Myself; and for the protection of the virtuous, the destruction of the vicious and for the establishment of righteousness, I manifest Myself in age after age".
This is the mission of Lord, and the Sages and Saints, Who are His representatives and Who appear here at proper times, help in their own way to fulfil that mission. For instance, when the twice born, i.e. the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas neglect their duties and when the Shudras try to usurp the rights of the higher classes, when spiritual preceptors are not respected but humiliated, when nobody cares for religious instructions, when every body thinks himself very learned, when people begin to partake of forbidden foods and intoxicating drinks, when under the cloak of religion, people indulge in malpractices, when people belonging to different sects fight amongst themselves, when Brahmins fail to do Sandhya adoration, and the orthodox their religious practices, when Yogis neglect their meditation, when people begin to think that wealth, progeny, wife are their sole concern, and thus turn away from the true path of salvation, then do Saints appear and try to set matters right by their words and action. They serve us as beacon-lights, and show us the right path, and the right way for us to follow. In this way, many saints, viz. Nivritti, Jnanadev, Muktabai, Namdev, Gora, Gonayi, Ekanath, Tukaram, Narahari, Narsi Bhai, Sajan Kasai, Sawata, Ramdas, and various others did appear at various times to show the right path to the people, and so presently came Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Sai Ram. The above gives Shri Hemadpant's understanding of the Mission of the Saints in the light of what Shri Krishna stated in Shri Bhagavad Geeta (Gita). It is to be noted that Shri Hemadpant like all normal people, had certain inherent limitations of perspective due to his family background. Baba, was beyond all these considerations, but He never advocated any of His devotees to transgress their social religious duties. So the writings of Shri Hemadpant are to be understood keeping the social perspective in view. Sai Ram.
Shirdi - A Holy Tirth
The banks of the Godavari river, in the Ahmednagar District, are very fortunate for they gave birth and refuge to many a Saint, prominent amongst them being Jnaneshwar. Shirdi also falls in the Kopargaon Taluka of the Ahmednagar District. After crossing the Godavari river at Kopargaon, one gets the way to Shirdi. When you go three Koss (9 miles), you come to Nimgaon, from whence, Shirdi is visible. Shirdi is as famous and well-known as other holy places like Gangapur, Narsinhwadi, Audumbar on the banks of Krishna river. As the devotee Damaji flourished in and blessed Mangalvedha (near Pandharpur) as Samarth Ramdas at Sajjangad, as Shri Narasimha Saraswati at Saraswatiwadi, so Sainath flourished at Shirdi and blessed it.
Personality of Sai Baba
It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. Let us see what sort of a personage Sai Baba was. He conquered this Samsar (worldly existence), which is very difficult and hard to cross. Peace or mental calm was His ornament, and He was the repository of wisdom. He was the home of Vaishnava devotees, most liberal (like Karna) amongst liberals, the quint-essence of all essences. He had no love for perishable things, and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was His sole concern.
Sai Ram. It should be our sole concern also. All things are perishable. The One, which has no beginning and hence has no end, is called Self. And to realize it and to abide in it, is the true sign of a Yogi. Intellectual under- standing of this truth is no doubt a step in the right direction, but one can't realize the Self, with one's intellect, which is a part of the mind. Self is beyond the mind.
He felt no pleasure in the things of this world or of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as a mirror, and His speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people were the same to Him. He did not know or care for honour or dishonour. He was the Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all people, saw the actings and dances of Nautchgirls and heard Gajjal songs. Still, He swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium).
Sai Ram. He could do that because he remained unaffected by His senses. Later in Sat Charitra, Chapter 49, Page 252, is the beautiful advice given by Sai to Shri Nanasaheb Chandorkar, when the latter was affected by the sight of the beautiful face of a lady when she removed her veil while taking Baba's darshan. So, intellectual understanding has to be experienced. Baba too gave the same advice to Shri V.H.Thakur (Chapter 21, page 111)- "What Appa told you was all right; but these things have to be practiced and lived. Mere reading won't do. You have to think and carry out, what you read, otherwise, it is of no use. Mere book-learning, without the grace of the Guru, and self-realization is of no avail." Dear Sai Bandhus, the above words of Sai are applicable to all of us, first to this writer. So, let us pray to Sadguru Sai Maharaj for showering His grace on us! Sai Ram.
Shirdi - A Holy Tirth
The banks of the Godavari river, in the Ahmednagar District, are very fortunate for they gave birth and refuge to many a Saint, prominent amongst them being Jnaneshwar. Shirdi also falls in the Kopargaon Taluka of the Ahmednagar District. After crossing the Godavari river at Kopargaon, one gets the way to Shirdi. When you go three Koss (9 miles), you come to Nimgaon, from whence, Shirdi is visible. Shirdi is as famous and well-known as other holy places like Gangapur, Narsinhwadi, Audumbar on the banks of Krishna river. As the devotee Damaji flourished in and blessed Mangalvedha (near Pandharpur) as Samarth Ramdas at Sajjangad, as Shri Narasimha Saraswati at Saraswatiwadi, so Sainath flourished at Shirdi and blessed it.
Personality of Sai Baba
It is on account of Sai Baba that Shirdi grew into importance. Let us see what sort of a personage Sai Baba was. He conquered this Samsar (worldly existence), which is very difficult and hard to cross. Peace or mental calm was His ornament, and He was the repository of wisdom. He was the home of Vaishnava devotees, most liberal (like Karna) amongst liberals, the quint-essence of all essences. He had no love for perishable things, and was always engrossed in self-realization, which was His sole concern.
Sai Ram. It should be our sole concern also. All things are perishable. The One, which has no beginning and hence has no end, is called Self. And to realize it and to abide in it, is the true sign of a Yogi. Intellectual under- standing of this truth is no doubt a step in the right direction, but one can't realize the Self, with one's intellect, which is a part of the mind. Self is beyond the mind.
He felt no pleasure in the things of this world or of the world beyond. His Antarang (heart) was as clear as a mirror, and His speech always rained nectar. The rich or poor people were the same to Him. He did not know or care for honour or dishonour. He was the Lord of all beings. He spoke freely and mixed with all people, saw the actings and dances of Nautchgirls and heard Gajjal songs. Still, He swerved not an inch from Samadhi (mental equilibrium).
Sai Ram. He could do that because he remained unaffected by His senses. Later in Sat Charitra, Chapter 49, Page 252, is the beautiful advice given by Sai to Shri Nanasaheb Chandorkar, when the latter was affected by the sight of the beautiful face of a lady when she removed her veil while taking Baba's darshan. So, intellectual understanding has to be experienced. Baba too gave the same advice to Shri V.H.Thakur (Chapter 21, page 111)- "What Appa told you was all right; but these things have to be practiced and lived. Mere reading won't do. You have to think and carry out, what you read, otherwise, it is of no use. Mere book-learning, without the grace of the Guru, and self-realization is of no avail." Dear Sai Bandhus, the above words of Sai are applicable to all of us, first to this writer. So, let us pray to Sadguru Sai Maharaj for showering His grace on us! Sai Ram.
Sai Ram. Dear Sai Bandhus, you have noticed a small deviation in this article from the previous ones, in that quotations and incidents from the later chapters of Sai Satcharitra are coming up now, apparently out of their ordered sequence. I submit that what is being presented here is His grace and He knows best what is due where. Also kindly remember Shri Hemadpant's words: The life of the Saint is neither logical nor dialectical. Elsewhere, Shri Hemadpants too confesses: I don't know which one to write and which one to omit, I write as the spirit taht Sai moves. Sai Ram.
The name of Allah was always on His lips. While the world awoke, He slept; and while the world slept, He was vigilant. His abdomen (Inside) was as calm as the deep sea. His Ashram could not be determined, nor His actions could be definitely determined, and though He sat (lived) in one place, He knew all the transactions of the world. His Darbar was imposing. He told daily hundreds of stories, still He swerved not an inch from His vow of silence. He always leaned against the wall in the Masjid or walked morning, noon and evening towards Lendi (Nala) and Chavadi; still He at all times abided in the Self. Though a Siddha, He acted like a Sadhaka.
Sai Ram. So, Sai is showing us through His conduct that a Sadhaka should not act like a Siddha. Of course, such tests do come in the path to test the Sadhaka. If he passes the tests, he progresses further. If he fails, he has to renew the struggle. Not that his sadhana is in vain. Sri Krishna clearly gives an assurance in Gita that an Yogabrashta (the one who has failed to complete the journey in one life) is born with appropriate circumstances in his next life so that his progress is faster. All Sai devotees also, need have no fear. Our sadhana is never wasted. Sadguru Sai calls us to Him in whatever form and wherever we are (Story of goats, story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbasappa and the story of Khaparde's wife are wonderful examples). Sai Ram.
He was meek, humble and egoless, and pleased all. Such was Sai Baba, and as the soil of Shirdi was trodden by Sai Baba's Feet, it attained extraordinary importance. As jnaneshwar elevated Alandi, Ekanath did to Paithan, so Sai Baba raised Shirdi. Blessed are the grass-leaves and stones of Shirdi, for they could easily kiss the Holy Feet of Sai Baba, and take their dust on their head. Shirdi became to us, devotees, another Pandharpur, Jagannath, Dwarka, Banaras (Kashi) and Rameshwar, Badrikedar, Nasik, Tryambakeshwar, Ujjain, and Maha Kaleshwar or Mahabaleshwar Gokarn. Contact of Sai Baba in Shirdi was like our Veda and Tantra; it quieted our Samsara (world consciousness) and rendered self-realization easy. The darshana of shri Sai was our Yoga-Sadhana, and talk with Him removed our sins. Shampooing His Legs was our bath in Triveni Prayag, and drinking the holy water of His Feet destroyed our desires. To us, His commands were Vedas, and accepting (eating) His Udi (sacred ashes) and Prasad was all purifying. He was our Shri Krishna and Shri Rama who gave us solace and He was our Para Brahma (Absolute Reality). He was Himself beyond the Pair of dwandwas (opposite), never dejected nor elated. He was always engrossed in His Self as 'Existence, Knowledge and Bliss.' Shirdi was His centre; but His field of action extended far and wide, to Punjab, Calcutta, North India, Gujarat, Dacca (Now in Bangladesh) and Konkan. Thus the fame of Sai Baba spread, far, and wide, and people from all parts came to take His darshana and be blessed. By mere darshan, minds of people, whether, pure or impure, would become at once quiet.
Sai Ram. True. Like in Sri Maha Bharat, the great epic, the Ashram of Sage Kanwa is described (the story of Shakuntala and Dushyant, the story of the birth of Bharata, later beautifully dramatised by great Kalidasa in Abhijnana Shakuntalam), wherein it was mentioned that cows, tigers etc., which are elsewhere enemies were living in perfect friendship. Similarly in Kailas, the abode of Sri Siva, snakes and peacocks, rat, bull and lion all live in peace. He (Somadev Swami) remembered his Guru's saying that:"That is our abode and place of rest, where the mind is most pleased and charmed."- See Chapter 49. So, whether pure or impure, all minds were at rest in Sai's presence. But those who were pure, continued to be at rest even after leaving His physical presence, whereas in the case of the impure, materialistic desires used to crop up like boils, once they left His physical presence, since they forgot Him afterwards. Sai, is the wire-puller and slowly but steadily, He works on their minds, pulls out all the weeds, and plants the seeds of bhakti. His name is the balm for all Bhava-roga generated boils and skin rashes!!! Sai Ram.
They got here the same sort of unparalleled joy that devotees get at Pandharpur by seeing Vithal Rakhumai. This is not an exaggeration. Consider what a devotee says in this respect.
They got here the same sort of unparalleled joy that devotees get at Pandharpur by seeing Vithal Rakhumai. This is not an exaggeration. Consider what a devotee says in this respect.
Dictum of Goulibuva
An old devotee by name Goulibuva, aged about 95 years, was a Varkari of Pandhari. He stayed 8 months at Pandharpur and four months - Ashadha to Kartik (July - November) on the banks of the Ganges. He had an ass with him for carrying his luggage, and a disciple, as his companion. Every year he made his Vari or trip to Pandharpur and came to Shirdi to see Sai Baba, Whom he loved most. He used to stare at Baba and say, "This is Pandharinath Vithal incarnate, the merciful Lord of the poor and helpless." This Goulibuva was an old devotee of Vithoba, and had made many a tripto Pandhari; and he testified that Sai Baba was real Pandharinath.
Vithal Himself Appeared
Sai Baba was very fond of remembering and singing God's name. He always uttered Allah Malik(God is Lord) and in His presence made others sing God's name continuously, day and night, for 7 days. This is called Namasaptaha. Once He asked Das Ganu Maharaj to do the Namasaptaha. He replied that he would do it, provided he was assured that Vithal would appear at the end of the 7th day. Then Baba, placing His hand on his breast assured him that certainly Vithal would appear, but that the devotee must be 'earnest and devout'. The Dankapuri (Takore) of Takurnath, the Pandhari of Vithal, the Dwarka of Ranchhod (Krishna) is here (Shirdi). One need not go far out to see Dwarka. Will Vithal come here from some outside place? He is here. Only when the devotee is bursting with love and devotion, Vithal will manifest Himself here (Shirdi).
An old devotee by name Goulibuva, aged about 95 years, was a Varkari of Pandhari. He stayed 8 months at Pandharpur and four months - Ashadha to Kartik (July - November) on the banks of the Ganges. He had an ass with him for carrying his luggage, and a disciple, as his companion. Every year he made his Vari or trip to Pandharpur and came to Shirdi to see Sai Baba, Whom he loved most. He used to stare at Baba and say, "This is Pandharinath Vithal incarnate, the merciful Lord of the poor and helpless." This Goulibuva was an old devotee of Vithoba, and had made many a tripto Pandhari; and he testified that Sai Baba was real Pandharinath.
Vithal Himself Appeared
Sai Baba was very fond of remembering and singing God's name. He always uttered Allah Malik(God is Lord) and in His presence made others sing God's name continuously, day and night, for 7 days. This is called Namasaptaha. Once He asked Das Ganu Maharaj to do the Namasaptaha. He replied that he would do it, provided he was assured that Vithal would appear at the end of the 7th day. Then Baba, placing His hand on his breast assured him that certainly Vithal would appear, but that the devotee must be 'earnest and devout'. The Dankapuri (Takore) of Takurnath, the Pandhari of Vithal, the Dwarka of Ranchhod (Krishna) is here (Shirdi). One need not go far out to see Dwarka. Will Vithal come here from some outside place? He is here. Only when the devotee is bursting with love and devotion, Vithal will manifest Himself here (Shirdi).
Sai Ram. One has to turn around and has to go far in, cross the sea of the mind, which is full of crocodiles of desire, whales of anger etc., before reaching the Heart, where Vitthal is seated. Sai Ram. Love is different from lust, desire. Devotion is the means of getting rid of the ego. Ego is the biggest barrier in spiritual progress. One may be able to cross Himalayas but one can't cross the ego-mountain. The story of Vindhya Mountain and the sage Agastya is very relevant here. Sai Ram.
After the Saptaha was over, Vithal did manifest Himself in the following manner. Kakasaheb Dixit was, as usual, sitting in meditation after the bath, and he saw Vithal in a vision. When he went at noon for Baba's darshana, Baba asked him point-blank - "Did Vithal Patil come? Did you see Him? He is a very truant fellow, catch Him firmly, otherwise, he will escape, if you be a little inattentive." This happened in the morning and at noon there was another Vithal darshana. One hawker from outside, came there for selling 25 or 30 pictures of Vithoba. This picture exactly tallied with the figure, that appeared in Kakasaheb's vision. On seeing this and remembering Baba's words, Kakasaheb Dixit was much surprised and delighted. He bought one picture of Vithoba, and placed it in his shrine for worship.
Sai Ram. Das Ganu Maharaj did the Saptah (Seven days of non-stop chanting of God's name), but Vitthal appeared to Sri Kakasaheb Dixit. Strange? Yes and No. Vitthal appeared to those who were ready to see Him. Baba asked him point-blank, "Did Vitthal Patil come? Did you see Him? He is a very truant fellow, catch Him firmly, otherwise, He will escape, if you are a little inattentive." Vitthal is tied by Shraddha (Attention-devotion). Pure minds are able to hold attention on God always. Impure minds are distracted by worldly thoughts and desires. How to purify the mind? Remember Him and His name often, even mechanically. Remember Him when worldly desires trouble you. Dear Sai Bandhu, don't think I am preaching to you. I am reiterating this for my benefit since Iam also still troubled by the worldly desires and keep forgetting Him. So, let us say with all our might: Sai Natha Maharaj ki Jai!!!"
If that was Baba's kindness to a devotee who had a lot of Shraddha, Faith in Him, let us now see how Baba helped another person, who had strayed from the path of devotion. Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar's story below is a real gem. The father of Bhagwantrao was a devotee of Vithoba. After his death, the son stopped everything - the Vari, annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the worship and even Shraaddha ceremony (his duty to his departed father and other Pitru Devatas). Baba willed and pulled Bhagwantrao to Shirdi. Sai Ram.
Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar's Story
How fond was Baba for Vithal worship was illustrated in Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar's story. The father of Bhagwantrao was a devotee of Vithoba, and used to make Varis (annual trips) to Pandharpur. He also had an image of Vithoba at home, which he worshipped. After his death, the son stopped everything - the Vari, the worship and shraddha ceremony etc. When Bhagwantrao came to Shirdi, Baba on remembering his father, at once said - "His father was my friend, so I dragged him (the son) here. He never offered naivaidya (offering of food) and so he starved Vithal and Me. So I brought him here. I shall remonstrate him now and set him to worship."
Sai Ram. What a great kindness! Baba remembered Bhagwantrao's father's friendship and service and helped the son by pulling him on to the right path! Deva Yagna and Pitru Yagna are among the daily Yagnas, which are to be performed in atonement of the Pancha Sunas (five sins) incurred by a householder in the act of preparation of food, cleaning the house etc. This is described in the later chapters. Baba indicated that He was one with Vitthal by saying that 'he (Bhaganwantrao) never offered Naivaidya and so, starved Vitthal and Me.' In fact, by starving Vitthal and Baba, Bhagwantrao starved himself spiritually and Baba, who is Sarvantaryami, took pity on Bhagwantrao and pulled his body and mind to Shirdi. Shraadddha ceremony (I have used double a, to indicate the pronunciation and differentiate it from Shraddha, Faith. For Hindus, offering annual oblations and food to forefathers is a very important duty. And since it is to be performed with a lot of Faith, Shraddha, it is called Shraaddha (annual ceremony). Bhagwantrao out of Ashrarddha (lack of faith, carelessness), slipped in his duty as a son.
How fond was Baba for Vithal worship was illustrated in Bhagwantrao Kshirsagar's story. The father of Bhagwantrao was a devotee of Vithoba, and used to make Varis (annual trips) to Pandharpur. He also had an image of Vithoba at home, which he worshipped. After his death, the son stopped everything - the Vari, the worship and shraddha ceremony etc. When Bhagwantrao came to Shirdi, Baba on remembering his father, at once said - "His father was my friend, so I dragged him (the son) here. He never offered naivaidya (offering of food) and so he starved Vithal and Me. So I brought him here. I shall remonstrate him now and set him to worship."
Sai Ram. What a great kindness! Baba remembered Bhagwantrao's father's friendship and service and helped the son by pulling him on to the right path! Deva Yagna and Pitru Yagna are among the daily Yagnas, which are to be performed in atonement of the Pancha Sunas (five sins) incurred by a householder in the act of preparation of food, cleaning the house etc. This is described in the later chapters. Baba indicated that He was one with Vitthal by saying that 'he (Bhaganwantrao) never offered Naivaidya and so, starved Vitthal and Me.' In fact, by starving Vitthal and Baba, Bhagwantrao starved himself spiritually and Baba, who is Sarvantaryami, took pity on Bhagwantrao and pulled his body and mind to Shirdi. Shraadddha ceremony (I have used double a, to indicate the pronunciation and differentiate it from Shraddha, Faith. For Hindus, offering annual oblations and food to forefathers is a very important duty. And since it is to be performed with a lot of Faith, Shraddha, it is called Shraaddha (annual ceremony). Bhagwantrao out of Ashrarddha (lack of faith, carelessness), slipped in his duty as a son.
The above incident and a few more (Bayajabai's service in chapter 8, Pitale's in Chapter 26 etc.) clearly indicate that the Satkarmas (good actions) performed by parents help the children, in addition to the parents of course. So, if any of you are worried about your children, spouses etc., please do Parayana (regular reading) of Sri Sai Satcharitra and Sri Guru Charitra. Sai will be pleased and will help you and the person for whom you have prayed. I have experienced this and invite you to please satisfy yourself by your own experience. Sai Ram.
Das Ganu's Bath in Prayag
The Hindus think that a bath in the holy Tirth of Prayag, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet, is very meritorious and thousands of pilgrims go there, at periodical times, to have the sacred bath there. Once, Das Ganu thought that he should go to Prayag for a bath, and came to Baba to get His permission for doing so. Baba replied to him - "It is not necessary to go so long. Our Prayag is here, believe me." Then wonder of wonders! When Das Ganu placed his head on Baba's Feet, out came or flowed streams, of Ganga - Yamuna water, from both the toes of Baba. Seeing this miracle, Das Ganu was overwhelmed with feelings of love and adoration and was full of tears. Inwardly, he felt inspired, and his speech burst forth into a song in praise of Baba and His Leelas.
Das Ganu's Bath in Prayag
The Hindus think that a bath in the holy Tirth of Prayag, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet, is very meritorious and thousands of pilgrims go there, at periodical times, to have the sacred bath there. Once, Das Ganu thought that he should go to Prayag for a bath, and came to Baba to get His permission for doing so. Baba replied to him - "It is not necessary to go so long. Our Prayag is here, believe me." Then wonder of wonders! When Das Ganu placed his head on Baba's Feet, out came or flowed streams, of Ganga - Yamuna water, from both the toes of Baba. Seeing this miracle, Das Ganu was overwhelmed with feelings of love and adoration and was full of tears. Inwardly, he felt inspired, and his speech burst forth into a song in praise of Baba and His Leelas.
Sai Ram. The above helps us take a spiritual bath of purification in the Spiritual Spring of Ganga and yamuna that sprang from the toes of Baba's feet and that story which sprang from the pen of Shri Hemadpant. Baba assured him that "It is not necessary to go so far. Our Prayag is here, (if you) believe Me!" Where there is Faith, there purity is present and faith washes away all our sins. Sai Ram.
Immaculate Conception of Sai Baba and His First Advent in Shirdi
Nobody knew the parents, birth or birth-place of Sai Baba. Many enquiries were made, many questions were put to Baba and others regarding these items, but no satisfactory answer or information has yet been obtained. Practically we know nothing about these matters. Namdev and Kabir were not born like ordinary mortals. They were found as infants in mother-of-pearls, Namdev being found on the bank Bhimrathi river by Gonayee, and Kabir on the bank Bhagirathi river by Tamal. Similar was the case with Sai Baba.
Immaculate Conception of Sai Baba and His First Advent in Shirdi
Nobody knew the parents, birth or birth-place of Sai Baba. Many enquiries were made, many questions were put to Baba and others regarding these items, but no satisfactory answer or information has yet been obtained. Practically we know nothing about these matters. Namdev and Kabir were not born like ordinary mortals. They were found as infants in mother-of-pearls, Namdev being found on the bank Bhimrathi river by Gonayee, and Kabir on the bank Bhagirathi river by Tamal. Similar was the case with Sai Baba.
Sai Ram. Sai is considered by almost all devotees to be a Datta Avatar like Shri Akkalkot Swami and Shri Manikprabhu Maharaj, after Sripada Vallabha and Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swamy. It is interesting to see that in the case of Sripada Vallabha and Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swamy, no one has seen their passing away. And in the case of Sri Akkalkot Swami (also called Swami Samartha) and Sri Sai Baba, no one has seen their beginning. Datta's ways are beyond human comprehension. Sai Ram.
He first manifested Himself as a young lad of sixteen under a Neem tree in Shirdi, for the sake of Bhaktas. Even then He seemed to be full with the knowledge of Brahman. He had no desire for worldly objects even in dream. He kicked out Maya; and Mukti (deliverance) was serving at His feet. One old woman of Shirdi, the mother of Nana Chopdar, described Him thus. This young lad, fair, smart and very handsome, was first seen under the Neem tree, seated in an Asan. The people of the village were wonder-struck to see such a young lad practising hard penance, not minding heat and cold. By day he associated with none, by night he was afraid of nobody. People were wondering and asking, whence this young chap had turned up. His form and features were so beautiful that a mere look endeared Him to all. He went to nobody's door, always sat near the Neem tree. Outwardly he looked very young; but by His action he was really a Great Soul. He was the embodiment of dispassion and was an enigma to all. One day it so happened, that God Khandoba possessed the body of some devotee and people began to ask Him, "Deva (God), you please enquire what blessed father's son is this lad and whence did He come". God Khandoba asked them to bring a pick-axe and dig in a particular place. When it was dug, bricks were found underneath a flat stone. When the stone was removed, a corridor led to a cellar where cow-mouth-shaped structures, wooden boards, necklaces were seen. Khandoba said - "This lad practiced penance here for 12 years." Then the people began to question the lad about this. He put them off the scent by telling them that it was His Guru's place, His holy Watan and requested them to guard it well. The people then closed the corridor as before. As Ashwattha and Audumbar trees are held sacred, Baba regarded this Neem tree equally sacred and loved it most. Mhalasapati and other Shirdi devotees regard this site as the resting place (Samadhi-Sthana) of Baba's Guru and prostrate before it.
Three Wadas
(1) The site with the Neem tree and surrounding space was bought by Mr. Hari Vinayak Sathe, and on this site a big building styled Sathe's Wada was erected. This Wada was the sole resting place for pilgrims, who flocked there. A Par (platform) was built round the neem tree and lofts with steps were constructed. Under the steps, there is a niche facing South and devotees sit on the Par (platform) facing north. It is believed, that he who burns incense there, on Thursday and Friday evenings will, by God's grace, be happy. This Wada was old and dilapidated and needed repairs. The necessary repairs, additions and alterations have been made now by the Sansthan. (Swamy's note: I could not see this Wada when I visited Shirdi.) (2) Then after some years another Wada, Dixit's Wada was constructed. Kakasaheb Dixit, Solicitor of Bombay, had gone to England. He had injured his leg by an accident there. The injury could not be got rid of by any means. Nanasaheb Chandorkar advised him to try Sai Baba. So he saw Sai Baba in 1909 A.D., and requested Him to cure rather the lameness of his mind than that of his leg. He was so much pleased with the darshan of Sai Baba, that he decided to reside in Shirdi. So he built a Wada for himself and other devotees. The foundation of this building was laid on 10-12-1910. On this day, two other important events took place. (1) Mr. Dadasaheb Khaparde was given permission to return home, and (2) the night Arti in Chavadi was commenced. The Wada was complete and was inhabited on the Rama-Navami day in 1911 A.D., with due rites and formalities.
(1) The site with the Neem tree and surrounding space was bought by Mr. Hari Vinayak Sathe, and on this site a big building styled Sathe's Wada was erected. This Wada was the sole resting place for pilgrims, who flocked there. A Par (platform) was built round the neem tree and lofts with steps were constructed. Under the steps, there is a niche facing South and devotees sit on the Par (platform) facing north. It is believed, that he who burns incense there, on Thursday and Friday evenings will, by God's grace, be happy. This Wada was old and dilapidated and needed repairs. The necessary repairs, additions and alterations have been made now by the Sansthan. (Swamy's note: I could not see this Wada when I visited Shirdi.) (2) Then after some years another Wada, Dixit's Wada was constructed. Kakasaheb Dixit, Solicitor of Bombay, had gone to England. He had injured his leg by an accident there. The injury could not be got rid of by any means. Nanasaheb Chandorkar advised him to try Sai Baba. So he saw Sai Baba in 1909 A.D., and requested Him to cure rather the lameness of his mind than that of his leg. He was so much pleased with the darshan of Sai Baba, that he decided to reside in Shirdi. So he built a Wada for himself and other devotees. The foundation of this building was laid on 10-12-1910. On this day, two other important events took place. (1) Mr. Dadasaheb Khaparde was given permission to return home, and (2) the night Arti in Chavadi was commenced. The Wada was complete and was inhabited on the Rama-Navami day in 1911 A.D., with due rites and formalities.
Sai Ram. Talking about Dixit's Wada, Shri Hemadpant pays a great tribute to Sri Kakasaheb Dixit. So, he saw Sai Baba in 1909 A.D., and requested Him to cure rather the lameness of his mind than that of his leg." What a great mind! Kakasaheb knew by his poorvajanma Punyam, merits of past births, what is important. Let us all pray to Sai Maharaj to cure our mind and spirit and if He be pleased and thinks it necessary, to cure our physical ailments also. Sai Ram.
(3)Then another Wada or palatial mansion was put up by the famous millionaire, Mr. Booty, of Nagpur. Lots of money were spent on this building, but all the amount was well utilized, as Sai Baba's body is resting in this Wada, which is now called the Samadhi Mandir. The site of this Mandir had formerly a garden, which was watered and looked after by Baba. Three Wadas thus sprang up, where there was none formerly. Of these, Sathe's Wada was most useful to all, in the early days.
(3)Then another Wada or palatial mansion was put up by the famous millionaire, Mr. Booty, of Nagpur. Lots of money were spent on this building, but all the amount was well utilized, as Sai Baba's body is resting in this Wada, which is now called the Samadhi Mandir. The site of this Mandir had formerly a garden, which was watered and looked after by Baba. Three Wadas thus sprang up, where there was none formerly. Of these, Sathe's Wada was most useful to all, in the early days.
Sai Ram. The third Wada, was built by Sriman Buti and is the present Samadhi Mandir, where the physical remains of Sai Baba are kept. The site of this Mandir had formerly a garden, which was watered and looked after by Baba. Thus it was well prepared by Baba, freed of all weeds, physical and spiritual and all the positive vibrations of those flowers made that place fit to receive Baba's body.
Do the three Wadas represent the Three Gunas, the Three Sheaths (physical, mental and spiritual)? Do they represent the Tripuras? Is Baba the Tripurasundari (Divine Mother)? We may speculate. Shirdi and Samadhi Mandir have especially has become a powerful spiritual magnet, which draws devotees from far and near. While the other two Wadas are named after the devotees (Sathe and Dixit), Buti's Wada was the most fortunate since it became Baba's Samadhi Mandir. Sriman Buti was a multi-millionaire of Nagpur and was also spiritually and devotionally very rich. So, he became a fit instrument for carrying out Baba's wish to be interred there and from there continue His mission of putting people on the right path. Sai Ram.
The story of the garden, attended to by Sai Baba with the help of Vaman Tatya, the temporary absence of Sai Baba from Shirdi, and His coming again to Shirdi with the marriage-party of Chand Patil, the company of Devidas, Jankidas and Gangagir, Baba's wrestling match with Mohdin Tamboli, residence in Masjid, love of Mr. Dengale and other devotees; and other incidents will be described in the next Chapter.
Do the three Wadas represent the Three Gunas, the Three Sheaths (physical, mental and spiritual)? Do they represent the Tripuras? Is Baba the Tripurasundari (Divine Mother)? We may speculate. Shirdi and Samadhi Mandir have especially has become a powerful spiritual magnet, which draws devotees from far and near. While the other two Wadas are named after the devotees (Sathe and Dixit), Buti's Wada was the most fortunate since it became Baba's Samadhi Mandir. Sriman Buti was a multi-millionaire of Nagpur and was also spiritually and devotionally very rich. So, he became a fit instrument for carrying out Baba's wish to be interred there and from there continue His mission of putting people on the right path. Sai Ram.
The story of the garden, attended to by Sai Baba with the help of Vaman Tatya, the temporary absence of Sai Baba from Shirdi, and His coming again to Shirdi with the marriage-party of Chand Patil, the company of Devidas, Jankidas and Gangagir, Baba's wrestling match with Mohdin Tamboli, residence in Masjid, love of Mr. Dengale and other devotees; and other incidents will be described in the next Chapter.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
