Sai Ram. Now, let us take up the spiritual gems from Chapter 5 of Sri Sat Charitra. Incidents from the earlier or later chapters or from other sources, as inspired by the Master, will also be connected. Sai Ram.
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter V
Baba’s Return with Chand Patil’s Marriage - party - Welcomed and Addressed as "Sai" - Contact with Other Saints - His Dress and Daily Routine - The Story of the Padukas - Wrestling Bout with Mohdin and Change in Life - Turning Water into Oil - The Pseudo - Guru Javhar Ali.
As hinted in the last Chapter, I shall now describe first how Sai Baba returned to Shirdi after His disappearance.
There lived in the Aurangabad District (Nizam State), in a village called Dhoop, a well-to-do Mahomedan gentleman by name Chand Patil.
Sai Ram. Dhoop means fragrant smoke. And where there is smoke there will be fire as the adage goes. So, from Dhoop (also spelt as Dhup), proceeded the man, heralding the Fire of Knowledge in the form of Sai. Chand means Moon, who rules over mind. Mind is the medium through which the body experiences the spirit. Thus Sai chose Chand Patil as the medium through which His greatness (fragrance) became available to the whole world. Sai Ram.
While he was making a trip to Aurangabad, he lost his mare. For two long months, he made a diligent search but could get no trace of the lost mare. After being disappointed, he returned from Aurangabad with the saddle on his back. After travelling four Koss and a half, he came, on the way, to a mango tree under the foot of which sat a RATNA(queer fellow). He had a cap on His head, wore Kafni (long robe) and had a "Satka" (short stick) under His arm-pit and He was preparing to smoke a Chilim (pipe). On seeing Chand Patil pass by the way, He called out to him and asked him to have a smoke and to rest a little. The Fakir asked him about the saddle. Chand Patil replied that it was of his mare which was lost. The queer fellow or Fakir asked him to make a search in the Nala close by. He went and the wonder of wonders! he found out the mare.
Sai Ram. The mare represents God's grace (Chapter 21, story of Anantrao Patankar), and like Chand Patil, we too have lost or misplaced the Grace by forgetting God / Guru / our true nature. And the Sadguru, out of His kindness, draws us to him and helps us in regaining the lost mare. Sai Ram.
He thought that this Fakir was not an ordinary man, but an Avalia (a great saint). He returned to the Fakir with the mare. The Chilim was ready for being smoked, but two things were wanting; (1) fire to light the pipe, and (2) water to wet the chhapi (piece of cloth through which smoke is drawn up). The Fakir took His prong and thrust it forcibly into the ground and out came a live burning coal, which He put on the pipe. Then He dashed the Satka on the ground, from whence water began to ooze. The chhapi was wetted with that water, was then wrung out and wrapped round the pipe. Thus everything being complete, the Fakir smoked the Chilim and then gave it also to Chand Patil.
Sai Ram. This is one form of Guru's uchhishta, i.e. prasad from Guru, the left over. Accepting it is the first major step in one's spiritual progress. In chapter 50, the story of Shri Balaram Dhurandhar is given, where too Baba gave that gentleman, the Chillim to smoke. In that case, the gentleman was not used to smoking, but accepted it, took a few respectful puffs and handed the Chillim back to Baba, only to be wonder struck at finding that his long-standing asthma has gone! Chand Patil, no doubt was not having any such problems and was probably quite accustomed to smoking. But his accepting Baba's Chillim and smoking must have certainly helped him spiritually. It certainly made his name immortal, since millions of Sai devotees now know his name, long after he passed away. Is that not a wonderful gift from Baba? There is another interesting story of Kushabhav, another great devotee of Sai, who also lapped up Guru Ucchishta and Sai, though pretended initially to be angry, gave him a boon that udhi from Sai's dhuni will come to the hands of Kusha Bhav where ever he is, when he needs it. This gift was used by Kusha Bhav for helping many people and this story is shared by Sri B V Narasimhaswamy a great disciple of Sai Baba, in his book, "Devotees Experiences". Sai Ram.
On seeing all this, Chand Patil was wonderstruck. He requested the Fakir to come to his home and accept his hospitality. Next day He went to the Patil’s house and stayed there for some time. The Patil was a village - officer of Dhoop. His wife’s brother’s son was to be married and the bride was from Shirdi. So Patil made preparations to start for Shirdi for the marriage. The Fakir also accompanied the marriage-party. The marriage went off without any hitch, the party returned to Dhoop, except the Fakir alone stayed in Shirdi, and remained there forever.
How the Fakir Got the Name Sai
When the marriage - party came to Shirdi, it alighted at the foot of a Banyan tree in Bhagata Mhalsapati’s field near Khandoba’s temple. The carts were loosened in the open court-yard of Khandoba’s temple. The carts were loosened in the open court-yard of Khandoba’s temple, and the members of the party descended one by one, and the Fakir also got down. Bhagat Mhalsapati saw the young Fakir getting down and accosted Him "YA SAI" (Welcome Sai). Others also addressed Him as Sai and thence-forth he became known as Sai Baba.
Sai Ram. It seems Sai has the meaning of a Saint, a holy man. To me, SAI means SPIRITUAL, ABSOLUTE and INFINITE;The SATCHIDANANDA PARA BRAHMA. The PURE AWARENESS or CONSCIOUSNESS. The marriage party of Chand Patil, a Muslim gentleman got down in the fields adjoining to Khandoba's ( a Hindu God) temple. And Mhalsapati, the priest of Khandoba welcomed Him as Sai. It is as if the main purpose of Sai's advent in Shirdi, viz., the integration of the two communities was made clear that day itself. It was as if one chapter of God's great Drama unfolded on that great day.
Baba told seekers many times that He is not confined to the place Shirdi, or by time or by His 3 and a half cubit tall body. Thus He clearly identified Himself with the ULTIMATE. At some other time, He also said that He was not God, He was a servant of God. And sometimes, He said that He was an agent of God, that He was given vast powers. At other times, He also said that He is the indweller, the wire Puller. These apparently contradictory statements are all true, since they were told to different persons at different times, keeping their spiritual maturity or the lack of it in view. Ultimately the Seeker, the Guru and the God are one. The seeker or disciple is not aware of this unity, which the Guru is aware. Sai Ram.
Contact with Other Saints
Sai Baba began to stay in a deserted Masjid. One Saint named Devidas was living in Shirdi many years before Baba came there. Baba liked his company. He stayed with him in the Maruti temple, in the Chavadi, and some time lived alone. Then came another Saint by name Jankidas. Baba spent most of His time in talking with him, or Jankidas went to Baba’s residence . So also one Vaishya house-holder Saint, from Puntambe by name Gangagir always frequented Shirdi. When he first saw Sai Baba, carrying pitchers of water in both hands, for watering the garden, he was amazed and said openly, "Blessed is Shirdi, that it got this precious Jewel. This man is carrying water to-day; but He is not an ordinary fellow. As this land (Shirdi) was lucky and meritorious, it secured this Jewel." So also one famous Saint by name Anandnath of Yewala Math, a disciple of Akkalkot Maharaj came to Shirdi with some Shirdi people. When he saw Sai Baba, he said openly, "This is a precious Diamond in reality. Though he looks like an ordinary man, he is not a ‘gar’ (ordinary stone) but a Diamond. You will realize this in the near future." Saying this he returned to Yewala. This was said while Sai Baba was a youngster.
Sai Ram. There is a saying that a flower can't hide its fragrance, a candle can't hide its light. Thus though Sai was at that point of time, trying to be anonymous and ordinary, it wasn't to be. The other saints were sufficiently advanced to realise the spiritual power silently radiating out of Sai, the youngster. Physically He might have been young, but spiritually He was quite old. Did He remember His past lives at that point of time? We don't know, but can only guess. He probably knew His mission even then. He was not the hurrying or worrying type. He knew that things will take place at the right time. Sai Ram.
Baba’s Dress and Daily Routine
In his young days, Sai Baba grew hair on His head; never had His head shaved. He dressed like an athlete.
Sai Ram. He probably adopted this dress and hairstyle to just look like an ordinary man, or He was trying to convey a great spiritual lesson that even ordinary men, who are caught up in materialistic desires can, at the appropriate time, change over to a spiritual mode of life. Or that dress and hair style have no link to spirituality. Sai Ram.
When He went to Rahata (3 miles from Shirdi), He brought with Him small plants of Merry Gold, Jai and Jui, and after cleaning, he planted and watered them. A devotee by name Vaman Tatya supplied Him daily with two earthen pitchers. With these Baba Himself used to water the plants. He drew water from the well and carried the pitchers on His shoulders. In the evening the pitchers were kept at the foot of the Neem tree. As soon as they were placed there, they were broken, as they were made of raw earth and not baked. Next day, Tatya supplied two fresh pitchers. This course went on for 3 years; and with Sai Baba’s toil and labour, there grew a flower-garden. On this site, at present, stands the big mansion - Samadhi Mandir of Baba, which is now frequented and used by so many devotees.
Sai Ram. Sai Baba prepared very carefully His resting place, so that it is free from all negative vibrations, so that devotees who come to visit His Samadhi, get the benefit of only the positive vibrations. In fact, all the plants planted by Him represent individual souls like us. He planted us in His spiritual garden and took good care of us. The pots made of unbaked clay were held together by His power, and when their purpose was served at the end of the day, they returned to the mother earth from whom they took their birth. Sai was thus hinting at how we should live. Our birth is for a specific purpose, which we may not be aware. When the purpose is over, we return to the five elements from which we took our bodies or rather our maker who gave us the body. Sai Ram.
The Story of Padukas (foot-prints) under the Neem Tree
A devotee of Akkalkot Maharaj by name Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar worshipped the photo of Akkalkot Maharaj. He once thought of going to Akkalkot (Sholapur District), taking the darshana of the Padukas (foot-prints) of the Maharaj and offering his sincere worship there; but before he could go there, he got a vision in his dream. Akkalkot Maharaj appeared in the vision and said to him - "Now Shirdi is my resting place, go there and offer your Worship." So Bhai changed his plan and came to Shirdi, worshipped Baba, stayed there for six months and was happy. As a reminiscence of this vision etc., he prepared the Padukas and installed them on an auspicious day of Shravan, Shaka 1834 (1912 A.D.) under the Neem tree with due ceremonies and formalities, conducted by Dada Kelkar and Upasani. One Dixit Brahmin was appointed for worship, and the management was entrusted to devotee Sagun.
Sai Ram. The version of the story of Padukas as given by Shri Hemadpant is slightly different from the 'full story' given by Shri Gunaji based on the published version of Shri B.V.Dev, another great Sai devotee of that time. The differences are slight, but significant. In Shri Dev's version, when Shri Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar, went to Shirdi en route to Akkalkot and went to Sai after the installation of the Padukas to take His permission to go to Akkalkot to visit that Maharaj, Sri Sai is reported to have dissuaded him saying, - "Oh, what is there in Akkalkot? Why do you go there? The incumbent Maharaj of that place is here, myself." Hearing this Bhai did not go to Akkalkot." Whereas in Shri Hemadpant's version, Akkalkot Maharaj appeared to Shri Alibagkar in a dream and told him, "Now Shirdi is my resting place, go there and offer your Worship." So Bhai changed his plan and came to Shirdi, worshipped Baba, stayed there for six months and was happy. Which is correct or both are correct, only Sai and Akkalkot Maharaj (they are One) know. However, one important aspect of the story is that we got Padukas to worship, thanks to Bhai Krishnaji, who was an able instrument in the hands of God. And thanks to Shri Upasani Baba, we got a nice Sloka about the greatness of Sai. Sai Ram.
Complete Version of this Story
Mr. B.V. Deo, Retired Mamalatdar of Thana, and a great devotee of Sai Baba, made enquired about this matter with Sagun Meru Naik and Govind Kamlakar Dixit and has published a full version of the Padukas in Sai Leela Vol. 11, No. 1, page 25. It runs as follows:
In 1834 Shaka (1912 A.D.) one Doctor Ramarao Kothare of Bombay came to Shirdi for Baba’s darshana. His compounder; and his friend, Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar, accompanied him. The compounder and Bhai became intimate with Sagun Meru Naik and G.K. Dixit. While discussing things, these persons thought that there must be some memorial of the fact of Sai Baba’s first coming to Shirdi and sitting under the holy Neem tree. They thought of installing Baba’s Padukas there and were going to make them of some rough stones. Then Bhai’s friend, the compounder, suggested that if this matter be made known to his master, Dr. Ramarao Kothare, who would prepare nice Padukas for this purpose. All liked the proposal and Dr. Kothare was informed of it. He came to Shirdi and drew a plan of the Padukas. He went to Upasani Maharaj in Khandoba’s temple, and showed him his plan. The latter made many improvements, drew lotuses, flowers, conch, disc, man etc., and suggested that the following SHLOKA (verse) regarding Neem tree’s great ness and Baba’s Yogi powers be inscribed. The verse was as follows:
Sai Ram. These symbols like lotus and sankhu etc. are found in the feet of great Saints and were similar to the good signs described in Shri Guru Charitra (the birth of Sri Pada Vallabha, the first incarnation in Kali Yug of Lord Dattatreya, for example). Baba probably never allowed anyone to check out His feet (after all He declined to show His palm to Moolay Shastri as we shall see in later chapters and also discouraged His devotees from placing too much faith in astrology). So, Upasani's suggestion was out of reverence to Baba's powers, which He has already experienced by that time. And the Feet of the Lord are anyway known to contain all the auspicious signs so those devotees, who take shelter at His feet, never have to fear anything. Thus, the story of Padukas gives us an opportunity to realize the Oneness of Akkalkot Maharaj, Sai and God. Sai Ram.
"Sada Nimbarvrikshasya mooladhiwasat,
Sudhasravinam tiktamapi-apriyam tam,
Tarum Kalpavrikshadhikam sadhayantam
Namameeshwaram Sadgurum Sai Natham"
Upasani’s suggestions were accepted and carried out. The Padukas were made in Bombay and sent to Shirdi with the compounder. Baba said that they should be installed on the Pournima (15th) of Shravan. On that day at 11 a.m., G.K. Dixit brought them on his head from Khandoba’s temple to the Dwarkamai (Masjid) in procession. Baba touched the Padukas, saying that these are the feet of the Lord and asked the people to instal them, under foot of the Neem tree.
Sai Ram. Baba always or most of the time, described Himself as a humble devotee of God. This act of His touching the Padukas saying that those are the feet of the Lord is one good example. Only one instance of Baba saying His feet are old and holy comes up, when an advocate from Akkalkot (isn't it a nice coincidence that Akkalkot figures in both the stories?), Shri Sapatnekar went to get Baba's blessing. Initially Sai punishes that man for his earlier lack of faith as expressed in ridiculing his co-student Shri Shevade, but later when Saptnekar repents truly, blesses him. "With these words, He placed His blessing hand on his head and comforted him saying - "These feet are old and holy, you are care-free now; place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object." "Sapatnekar was much moved with emotion, he bathed Baba's feet with his tears and then returned to his residence."(Chapter48, SaiSatcharitra). Sai Ram. Sai showed that when awareness is one with God, we become God and when that awareness is lacking; we are his humble servants. Sai Ram.
A day before, one Parsi devotee of Bombay named Pastha Shet sent Rs.25/- by money order. Baba gave this sum for the installation of the Padhukas. The total expense of installation came up to Rs.100/- out of which Rs.75/- were collected by subscriptions. For the first 5 years, G.K. Dixit worshipped the Padukas daily and then this was done by Laxman Kacheshwar Jakhadi. In the first five years, Dr. Kothare sent Rs. 2 per month for lighting and he also sent the railing round the Padukas. The expense of bringing the railing from the station to Shirdi (Rs. 7-8-0) (presently Rs.7.50p) and roofing was paid by Sagun Meru Naik. Now, Jakhadi (Nana Pujari) does the worship and Sagun Meru Naik offers the naivaidya and lights the evening lamps.
Bhai Krishnaji was orginally a devotee of Akkalkot Maharaj. He had come to Shirdi at the installation of the Padukas, in Shaka 1834 on his way to Akkalkot. He wanted to go to Akkalkot after taking the darshana of Baba. He asked Baba’s permission for this. Baba said - "Oh, what is there in Akkalkot? Why do you go there? The incumbent Maharaj of that place is here, Myself." Hearing this Bhai did not go to Akkalkot. He came to Shirdi off and on, after the installation of the Padukas.
Mr. B.V. Deo concluded that Hemadpant did not know these details. Had be known them, he would not have failed to depict them in his Sat-charita.
Wresting Bout with Mohdin Tamboli and Change in Life
To return to other stories of Baba. There was a wrestler in Shirdi, by name Mohdin Tamboli. Baba and he did not agree on some items, and both had a fight. In this Baba was defeated. Thenceforth, Baba changed His dress and mode of living. He donned Kafni, wore a Langot (waist band) and covered His head with a piece of cloth. He took a piece of sack-cloth for His seat, sack-cloth for His bed and was content with wearing torn and worn out rags. He always said that "Poverty is better than Kingship, far better than Lordship. The Lord is always brother (befriender) of the poor." Gangagir was also very fond of wrestling. While he was once wrestling, a similar feeling of dispassion came over him, and at the proper time he heard the voice of an adept, saying that he should wear out his body, playing with God. So he too gave up Samsara and turned towards God-realization. He established a math on the banks of the river near Puntambe, and lived there with disciples.
Sai Ram. The above story is really enlightening. It may be recalled that Sai dressed like an athlete. He grew long hair. He was fond of wrestling. When the time came, Baba 'lost' a wrestling fight with Mohiddin Tamboli and used that opportunity to gain a great spiritual victory over materialistic desires. He converted a worldly loss into a great spiritual gain. He changed His mode of dressing and shaved His head. He also consciously changed His external living style. He deliberately chose the life style of a Fakir. Saint Gangagir also had a similar spiritual experience. Both these incidents are spiritually parallel to the struggle that the Elephant King (Gajendra) put up with the Crocodile (Makar) depicted in Srimad Bhagavatham. Man is especially endowed with two natures, the lower, which runs after worldly pleasures and is full of desires for wealth, name, fame etc., and the higher nature of discrimination and devotion. Baba, showed through His wrestling bout with Tamboli that sooner or later, we are bound to lose to someone. We should use that loss to learn a spiritual lesson and stop struggling with a desire for victory. By surrendering to God, we are freed from struggles. Sai Ram.
Sai Baba did not mix and speak with the people. He only gave answers when he was questioned. By day he always sat under the Neem tree, sometimes under the shade of a branch of a Babul tree near the stream at the outskirts of the village. In the afternoon, He used to walk at random and go at times to Nimgaon. There He frequented the house of Balasaheb Dengale. Baba loved Mr. Balasaheb. His younger brother, named Nanasaheb, had no son, though he married a second wife. Balasaheb sent Nanasaheb for taking darshana of Sai Baba, and after some time with His grace, Nanasaheb got a son. From that time onwards, people began to come in numbers to see Sai Baba, and His fame began to spread and reached Ahmednagar; from thence Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Keshav Chidamber, and many others began to come to Shirdi.
Sai Ram. He used these miracles to pull the devotees to Him, increase their Sraddha and thus help them on their spiritual journey. Sai Ram.
Baba was surrounded by His devotees during day; and slept at night in an old and dilapidated Masjid. Baba’s paraphernalia at this time consisted of a Chilim, tobacco, a "Tumrel" (tin pot), long flowing Kafni, a piece of cloth round His head, and a Satka (short stick), which He always kept with Him. The piece of white cloth on the head was twisted like matted hair, and flowed down from the left ear on the back. This was not washed for weeks. He wore no shoes, no sandals. A piece of sack-cloth was His seat for most of the day. He wore a coupin (waist-cloth-band) and for warding off cold he always sat in front of a Dhuni (sacred fire) facing south with His left hand resting on the wooden railing. In that Dhuni, He offered as oblation; egoism, desires and all thoughts and always uttered Allah Malik (God is the sole owner).
Sai Ram. Baba thus showed His affinity to Agni. No wonder Sri Tembe Maharaj (Sri Vasudevananda Saraswati, a great Datta Bhakta and considered as incarnation of Sri Datta) addressed Sai as His Elder brother. No wonder, Sai was a bit favorably inclined towards the Nasik Agnihotri Brahmin, Moolay Sastri. (We will meet both in later chapters). Moolay Shastri was the disciple of another great Guru. Sai was always gentle with devotees of other Sadgurus who came to visit Him. Sai also showed that He is one with Siva, who burnt down Kama Deva, the God of Desire in the Fire, which emanated from His Third Eye. Sai Ram.
The Masjid in which He sat was only of two room dimensions, where all devotees came and saw Him. After 1912 A.D., there was a change. The old Masjid was repaired and a pavement was constructed. Before Baba came to live in this Masjid, He lived for a long time in a place Takia, where with GHUNGUR (small bells) on His legs, Baba danced beautifully sang with tender love.
Turning Water into Oil
Sai Baba was very fond of lights. He used to borrow oil from shop-keepers, and keep lamps burning the whole night in the Masjid and temple. This went on for some time. The Banias, who supplied oil gratis, once met together and decided not to give Him oil. When, as usual, Baba went to ask for oil, they all gave Him a distinct No. Unperturbed, Baba returned to the Masjid and kept the dry wicks in the lamps. The banias were watching Him with curiosity. Baba took the Tumrel (tin pot) which contained very little (a few drops) of oil, put water into it and drank it and forced it fall in the container. After consecrating the tin-pot in this way, He again took water in the tin-pot and filled all the lamps with it and lighted them. To the surprise and dismay of the watching Banias, the lamps began to burn and kept burning the whole night. The Banias repented and apologized. Baba forgave them and asked them to be more truthful in future.
Sai Ram. In a later chapter, He tells Smt. Kasibai Kanitkar, who was wondering whether Sai belonged to Black or White Lodge of Magicians, ("When once I went to Shirdi, I was thinking seriously about this in my mind. As soon as I approached the steps of the Dwarakamai, Baba came to the front and pointing to His chest and staring at me spoke rather vehemently - "This is a Brahmin, pure Brahmin. He has nothing to do with black things." Again pointing to his chest - "This Brahmin can bring lacks of men on the white path...") It is not therefore surprising that Sai was fond of lights, the external light representing the internal spiritual light, which He was trying to light up in our hearts. His begging and borrowing oil from the grocers of Shirdi was for their benefit. Once they all joined hands (we are all united in our ignorance of our true nature!) and declined to oblige to Him with the daily supply of oil, He was unperturbed and used water instead. By His spiritual power, the water could keep the lamps burning in the Dwarakamai through out the night. So, what Baba was trying to teach us through that episode is that we should remain unperturbed in the face of adversities; God will take care of us. Our Faith is the lamp. Our Patience with those who try to oppose us (both external and internal enemies) is the oil. Faith and patience (Shraddha and Saburi) will light the spiritual lamp in us. Sai Ram.
The Pseudo-Guru Javhar Ali
Five years after the wrestling bout mentioned above, one Fakir from Ahmednager by name Javhar Ali, came to Rahata with his disciples and stayed in Bakhal (spacious room) near Virabhadra temple. The Fakir was learned, could repeat the whole Koran and had a sweet tongue. Many religious and devout people of the village came to him and began to respect him. With the help of the people, he started to build an Idgah ( a wall before which Mahomedans pray on Idgah day), near the Virabhadra temple. There was some quarrel about this affair, on account of which, Javhar Ali had to leave Rahata. Then he came to Shirdi and lived in the Masjid with Baba. People were captured by his sweet talk, and he began to call Baba his disciple. Baba did not object and consented to be his Chela.
Sai Ram. Many of us fall into this trap of intellectual egoism and the pride of learning. True knowledge has no place for pride and only gives humility. Another trait of a true Jnani is Love. Let us see how Sai transformed this man. Sai Ram.
Then both Guru and Chela decided to return to Rahata and live there. The Guru (Teacher) never knew his disciple’s worth, but the disciple knew the defects of the Guru, still he never disrespected him, observing carefully his duties. He even served the Master in various ways. They used to come to Shirdi off and on, but their main stay was in Rahata. The loving devotees of Baba in Shirdi did not like, that Baba should stay away from them in Rahata. So they went in a deputation to bring Baba back to Shirdi. When they met Baba near the Idgah and told the purpose for which they came, Baba said to them that the Fakir was an ill-tempered fellow, he would not leave him and that they should better return to Shirdi without him, before the Fakir returned. While they were thus talking, the Fakir turned up and was very angry with them for trying to take away his disciple. There was some discussion and altercation and it was finally decided that both the Guru and Chela should return to Shirdi. And so they returned and lived in shirdi. But after a few days the Guru was tested by Devidas and he was found wanting. Twelve years before Baba arrived in Shirdi with the marriage-party, this Devidas aged about 10 or 11 came to Shirdi and lived in the Maruti temple. Devidas had fine features and brilliant eyes, and he was dispassion incarnate and a Jnani. Many persons, namely Tatya Kote, Kashinath and others regarded, him as their Guru. They brought Javhar Ali in his presence, and in the discussion that followed, Javhar was worsted and fled from Shirdi. He went and stayed in Bijapur and returned after many years to Shirdi, and prostrated himself before Sai Baba. The delusion that he was Guru and Sai Baba his Chela, was cleared away, and as he repented, Sai Baba treated him with respect. In this case Sai Baba showed by actual conduct how one should get rid of egoism and do the duties of a disciple to attain the highest end, viz., self-realization. This story is told here according to the version given by Mhalsapati ( a great devotee of Baba).
Sai Ram. Sai showed through the above story that to be a good leader, one must first be a good follower. He also, showed that the disciple is not required to exercise any judgement about the Guru (the inappropriateness of a Kindergarten student judging his teacher's worth may be a good analogy). God actually sends the pseudo-Guru to test the disciple's ego-mind. The disciple who takes his Guru to be God will benefit and will be protected by that God. This point was emphasised by Sri Guru Datta in Sri Guru Charitra also. Any bad experience the disciple goes through will enrich him spiritually. Sai of course was imbued with all Divine qualities and was fully aware of the pseudo-Guru's faults, but He showed us a good example, by behaving like an ordinary person. The pseudo-Guru, later realized his mistake and surrendered to Sai. Doing one's duty sincerely leads to self-realization, i.e. realization that the same Self shines through various bodies and that the Guru and the Chela are two aspects of the same Self. Sai Ram.
In the next Chapter will be described Rama-Navami Festival, the Masjid, its former condition and later improvement etc.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
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