Dasganu and Isavasya Upanishad.

Dasganu spread the name of Saibaba by his beautiful discourses. He had a rare efficiency to write Marathi poetry. He tried his hands to translate one of the smallest Upanishad yet very profound one, "Isavasya Upanishad". It contained only 18 stanzas but covered the most profound and philosophical subject of "Imminence of God in the creation". The very first stanza depicts that "All this is God"-"Isawasyam Idam Sarvam". The essence of this Upanishad teaches that everything is permeated by God and one should be content with what God has blessed him with. We should not hanker for the possession of others. Dasganu attempted to bring the content of Isavasya in Marathi 'Ovi" verses. Though he translated the Upanishad, he was not satisfied with the outcome. Hence, he thought of consulting Saibaba to solve the riddle. Baba told him, "Do not worry, the servant maid of Kaka Saheb in Villeparle will show you the way. People who assembled in the Masjid thought that Baba is cutting jokes. But Dasganu knew that Baba's words contain real Truth. Hence, he proceeded to Villeparle, a suburb of present Mumbai and he was taking rest at the house of Kaka. Suddenly he heard a melodious and beautiful song from the lips of a servantmaid. She was singing about the colour and design of a beautiful sari. In fact, the girl was wearing torn cloths on her body but had an exuberant mood. Hence when he was presented with a pair of new cloths, he requested the host to provide the servant girl, a beautiful half sari and as per the wish of Dasganu, the servant maid got a beautiful half sari. She wore it on the next day, danced her way, played with the girls in the locality and won the games. The next day, she kept the sari in her house and wore a torn cloth on her body and was attending to her cores. She was as happy as she wore a new dress and bubbling with joy. Dasganu found that happiness and sorrow depend on the condition of the mind and not on external things. Thus he was shown the rear truth by the servant maid in practical terms. This is one of a rare miracle by Baba. Saisaran, Sairam.

How Baba taught a lesson to Hemadpant?

Once Baba asked Hemadpant to go to Shama and fetch him Rs.15/- as Dakshina and sit with him for a while and chit chat with him. It so happened that Hemadpant was pressing the feet of Baba and one devotee who was blessed by Baba within seven days of reaching Shirdi was present. Hemadpant was staying in Shirdi from 1910. He had a perturbing thought. The new devotee was blessed by Baba within seven days of his arrival whereas his long stay (1910-1917) didn't fetch him the grace of Baba. As Baba is aware of the innermost thoughts of his devotees, he asked Hemadpant to go to Shama and chitchat with him and come back. Thus Hemadpant was in Shama's house. Shama was astonished at the arrival of Hemadpant. He asked him, "How you are here at this hour? It seems you are coming from the Masjid, "What is the matter?. Hemadpant patiently explained him, that Baba has directed him to Shama to fetch Rs.15/- as Dakshina as well as to sit and chitchat with you. Then Shama told him, Please ease yourself and i will be back. He gave him a panvada for eating. When Hemadpant sat on the front side verandah, he found Jnaneswari, a holy book for parayan. In fact, Hemadpant was in the habit of reading this holy book daily. On the particular day, he could not complete the parayan. Hence he opened the book. Mysteriously, the unread portion came to his view and he finished reading it. He thought that Baba sent him to Shama to complete the Parayan. Meanwhile Shama returned and enquired Hemadpant the purpose. The later told him, "Let us talk about the leelas of Baba. Shama told him, i am an illeterate riot whereas you are an educated man. You are here for the past so many years and watching the leelas of Sai. However, one incident comes to my memory. There was one illeterate old woman named "Radhabai". She was the mother of Kasaba Deshmuk. She came to Shirdi alongwith the people of Sangamner. She loved Baba and attached to Him. She inwardly prayed for some holy sacred mantra diretly for recitation from Baba. She went to her staying place and abstained from food and water for three days thinking that she should eat only after getting her wish fulfilled. Shama interwined on her behalf and begged Baba, that she should be blessed with mantra otherwise people will blame Baba that she perished since Baba has not granted her genuine desire. Baba called her to His presence and pleaded, "Oh mother! why do you subject yourself to this ordeal? My guru never blown any mantra on my ear. He was compassionate and incarnation of Love. He looked after me lovingly. He shaved my head and asked two pieces of copper coins. Ofcourse my Guru is not after money. What he wanted is "Faith and Patience". Thus I served him for twelve long years. He never gave me any sacred formula for repeating. His love is like that of a tortoise which looks after the baby tortoises by its look. It never feeds the babies nor give warmth by its presence. Thus the baby tortoises are cared by the mere look of the mother. Thus My Guru showered his grace and love to me through His gracious glance. Hence do not crave for any mantra from me. The story impressed Hemadpant very much and he found that his mind could get peace by hearing the beautiful story of the old lady and thus he was blessed by Baba in a timely manner. Saisaran, Sairam.

The Miser and Brahma jnana.

Is it easy to acquire "Brahma Jnana"? The following episode of Saicharita gives a fine example. A rich man who possessed every thing and who lacked nothing materially somehow developed a desire to get "Brahma jnana". But his close friend chided him for this attempt. His friend told him, "You are too much concerned with the worldly riches, wife, children and comforts. How can you seek the greatest gift of "Brahma Jnana" When you think twice to help the poor, how can you aspire for Brahma Jnana? Unconcerned with the comments of his friend, this rich man engaged a tonga(horse cart) for the up and down journey. Thus, he came to the immediate presence of Saibaba and pleaded, "Baba! People say that you can grant "Brahma jnana" to those who are eager. I have come from a long distance. I have every thing, a man can desire. If only I get this gift, i will consider myself as fortunate. Baba told the miser, Oh man! I consider this moment as very fortunate. None comes to me for Brahma Jnana. Everybody pester me for mundane things. Hence, it is an unique opportunity. Sit here calmly and i will explain to you the entire gamut of "Brhama jnana". Thus Baba made him to sit for sometime and meanwhile Baba called a boy and asked him to procure a hand loan of Rs.5/- from Nandu Marwadi. The boy returned saying that Nandu was not there. He was sent to Bala groacer with the same results. This was repeated by Baba two or more times. The miser was sitting all the while noticing this drama. He was anxious to get the Brahma jnana and hence he pestered Baba saying, "Show me this Jnana early so that i can return satisfied". Baba told him, Oh Man! Don't you notice all the happenings here. This miser could have easily lent Baba Rs.5/- which is a very small amount. He was unable to decide even this. But he was asking Baba for Brahma jnana. Baba repeated, "It is not easy to get Brahma jnana for a miser like you". You have to sacrifice your all for the sake of Brahma jnana. You have to sacrifice the instruments of action and the senses. You have to sacrifice your mind. You have to sacrifice your possessiveness and wealth. Then only you become qualified for this knowledge. Remove from your pocket the value of fifty times five. The miser was astonished at the exact amount he was keeping in his pocket. He removed the currency notes and it was exactly Rs.250/-. You role your notes and keep it. If you are reluctant to spare even Rs.5/- how you can desire for the great knowledge? Thus the miser and all those who assembled in the mosque become wiser by Baba's teachings on that day. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba's peculiar ways of curing the devotees.

How Saibaba cured the diseases of many of his devotees is legend. His treatment is also very peculiar and differ from normal treatment. To a man who was suffering from ailment of eye, Baba prescribed "peepa paste"(this is used for making marks in the cloths by washer man for identification. The paste was introduced in the eye of the suffering man and a bandage was tied. Next day, water was poured copiously over the eye and the eye became clean and the man was cured completely. Normally none will use 'peepa' for eye ailment. When Shama was suffering from piles complaint, Baba prescribed him juice from the senna pods. This cured Shama. After some time, Shama suffered from piles once again. Without consulting Baba, he took the same medicine prescribed earlier but the disease was aggrevated. Shama approached Baba who cured him by His grace. One Alandi Swami was suffering from severe ear ache. He was operated upon but his ear ache did not subside. Hence he came to the mosque and had Dharsan of Saibaba. Baba touched his ear and said, Allah Acha Karega. After taking Dharsan and Udhi, the Swami returned to Bombay. He consulted a Doctor who examined him and said, there is no need for any further operation. In few days, he was completly cured as foretold by Baba. Saisaran, Sairam.

Merits of reading Sai Sat charita.

Sai Satcharita has been written for daily reading. It is like reading other holy books and the efficacy of reading it daily has been explained in the Satcharita. Those who read the entire book in a week sitting in the Dwarakamai Masjid gets immense spiritual benefits. All the genuine desires of the devotees are fulfilled by Baba. In addition to temporal benefits, it purifies our soul of blemishes like "Vishnu Sahasranama". Hence, those who are intent upon their spiritual welfare should do daily reading of Satcharita. May Lord Sai bless all, who read the Divine history with faith and Love. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba's instructions must be followed in toto.

Those people who listened to Baba's instructions while leaving Shirdi, were always safe. Those who have not followed his instructions, suffered many difficulties en route. Tatya Patil once wanted to leave Shirdi for market in a tonga driven by new horse. He went to the mosque to get the permission of Baba before leaving for the market. Baba said, "Don't go now! Atleast take Shama with you. As Tatya was in a hurry, he went to the market without listening to Baba's warning. As one of the horse was new, it got freightened on seeing a bicycle on the way and it ran fast, and it fell down toppling the cart. Fortunately Tatya was not hurt much. He remembered Baba's warning. Likewise one European gentleman, who wanted to enter into the masjid and kiss Baba's hand was prevented from entering by Baba. He was not happy with the treatment meted out to him. He wanted to leave Shirdi. He asked Baba's permission. Baba said, "Do not go to day". But the gentleman left without following Baba's warning. Initially, the horses were running normally. But near the Savulviheer well, a cyclist passed by. Excited by this, the horses ran very fast, stumbled upon a stone which tilted the cart. The European was thrown out and dragged for a few distance and he sustained bruises. He was admitted to Kopergaon hospital and he had to stay there for few days for the cure. Thus those who listened to Baba were safe. We must follow Baba's dictum. Saisarn, Sairam.

Tatya, Bayaji Bai and Baba.

Tatya Kote Patil received abundant love from Shirdi Baba. Tatya called Baba as 'Mama'. Bayaji ma treated Baba as her own close relative. She was eager to feed Baba as if a mother feeds her child. The crazy fakir used to wander deep inside the jungle. Bayaji Ma used to wander miles together to search out for the mad fakir. It is not the end. Baba used to be seated on some rock deeply absorbed in his own Self. He will be oblivious of Bayaji ma's presence. She never gave up. She used to spread the leaf before him who is sitting like a statue. She force fed Baba with the chappathi, vegetable etc. Baba remembered her great service and hence he showered his full blessings on Tatya. He allowed Tatya and Mahlsapathi to stay in the mosque in the night. They will be discussing many items till midnight. But poor Tatya and Mahlsapathi could not resist sleeping and they used to doze off in the middle. Baba will hit them, shake them until they wake up. These sweet ordeals lasted for many years. When Tatya's father passed away, Baba allowed Tatya to stay in his house. It is an open secret, Baba gave his life to save Tatya when he was laid up with fever during the Vijayadasami day in 1918. Two years back, Baba told Ramachandra Patil, "Tatya will pass away during Dusserah two years hence. As per Baba's prediction came true. Tatya was laid up with fever for many days before Vijayadasami. He had feeble pulse on that day. People thought that he will pass away. But a transformation took place. Baba passed away on Vijayadasami day and Tatya become alright. Thus Tatya was taken care fully by Baba. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba took over the sufferings and diseases from devotees.

Saibaba suffers for the sake of devotees many a time. He won't reveal it. But when the mother of kaparde narrated Baba, that her young son was suffering from fever with bubonic plague, Baba said, "Do not worry, the thick clouds will disperse and the sky will become pure once again". He lifted his kafni and shown to the mother of the boy kaparde, fully grown bubonic plague boils. He said, i have to suffer for the sake of my devotee. Thus assured of Baba's protection, the mother was relieved of her worry. Once during Deepavali day in 1910, Baba was silently sitting beside the fire and he was feeding the fire with logs of firewood. Suddenly he inserted his own hand in the fire instead of the logs. Finding such catostrope Shama and a servant working in the mosque, "Madhav' came to the place and pulled Baba by waist and removed him bodily. Before that it was found that Baba's hand has been scalded by the fire. Baba came to his conscious and said, 'in a distant place, a blacksmith's wife was pumping air in to the fireplace. When her husband suddenly called, she rushed to his presence without noticing her baby slipped in to the fire. I inserted my hand and saved the child. I am glad that the child is saved. No matter if my hand is scalded. Coming to know such mishap, Nana Saheb brought a Doctor named Paramanand to attend Baba. Baba refused such treatment. His lepor devotee, Bagoji applied ghee to the affected place and bandaged it after keeping a green leaf over the wound. Finally the hand was healed. But the process of applying ghee and bandaging with leaves by Bayaji continued till Baba's Mahasamadhi. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba's Padukas were installed under the Neem tree.

Once, Govinda kamalakar Dixit, came to Shirdi. There was a discussion on Baba's first visit to Shirdi. It was revealed that Baba used to sit under a neem tree when he came to Shirdi initially. Hence Govinda Kamalakkar confided with other devotees that there should be some memorial indicating Baba's first visit. Hence Kaka Sahab Dixit, purchased the place around the neem tree to commemorate the first visit of Baba to Shirdi. It was decided to establish the foot prints engraved in a stone under the neem tree. At that time Govinda Kamalakkar has said, If his master comes to know of the plan, he will provide a much better 'foot imprints in some superior metal'. Hence, the plan was discussed with His master Kothari. He came to Shirdi and got a plan of the foot print and it was taken to Upasani Maharaj, who improvised with some figures and a sanskrit stanza indicating the greatness of the footprints. Accordingly the engraved foot prints were brought to Shirdi. Baba gave Rs.25/- for embedding the foot prints. It was carried on the head of BB Narke. Baba blessed the symbols saying that this is the foot prints of the Lord and it may be installed on Sravana Purnima day. Accordingly it was fixed on Sravana Purnima. A fence was added later. Those who light fragrance on Thursdays at the place will be blessed much. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba and Rohilla!

When Baba came to Shirdi and was staying in the dilapidated mosque, one "Rohilla" came over there and started staying with Baba. He was well built, and was wearing a kafni like Baba. Day and night he used to recite the 'kalma'(verses from Quran). His voice was very hoarse and his way of recitation disturbed the peace loving people of Shirdi. They were working in the fields all day long and when they were returning to their huts, they were facing the hoarse sound of Rohilla and hence they could not rest peacefully. Hence, they requested Baba to stop the hoarse cries of the Rohilla. Baba got angry and chided the villagers saying, " you people don't bother about the Rohilla, and attend to your works. This Rohilla is always haunted by a woman "Sandipee"(in fact there were no woman, it was the bad traits, Baba refered) Baba told the villagers not to worry and in course of time, the cries of the Rohilla will subside. Here Baba has taught us a good lesson. We should not bother about others. we should attend to our own works. Saisaran, Sairam.

Hemadpant gets the blessings of Baba for writing Satcharita!

When Annasaheb Dabolkar(Hemadpant), the author of Saisatcharita, was contemplating upon writing the holy episodes of Saibaba, first he was reluctant feeling that he is not aware of the mind of his own friend or his own mind. How he can attempt to write the life of a Gnani or Avatar of God! One who attempt to write the life of a saint, should be a saint himself. But Hemadpant lamented that he is of ordinary intelligence. A man can measure the deapth of an ocean. He can cover the sky with cloth decorations. But how he can write with mere words, the life of a saint? He will become a laughing stock! Hence he was reluctant to ask the permission of Baba. Hence he requested Shama(Madhava Rao) to plead on behalf of him. On one occasion, Shama told Baba, "This man wants to write your story, Do not say that you are an ordinary Fakir, Your grace alone can achieve this. Baba melted at those words and placed His beneficial palm on the head of Hemadpant and said, "Let him keep notes and records of events, i will myself let it happen. Let him become absolutely egoless. Then i will myself enter Him and write my story. Thus Hemadpant got courage and started keeping notes.Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba broke the sleeping plank to pieces due to curious crowd!

Baba used to sleep on a plank suspended from the rafters of the Mosque. The rafters were in crumbling stage. In addition, the plank was suspended by tying on the four corners with torn cloth pieces. It was really a wonder, when the cloth pieces can not even bear the weight of the plank, it was bearing the weight of Baba sleeping on the plank. In addition, it was suspended at an height. No body had any clue how Baba climbed the plank from the ground. Many people were eagerly watching to see how Baba climbed, but none could succeed. It was mysterious, Baba was seen sleeping on this plank at a height. In addition, four lamps used to burn throughout the night on the four corners of the plank. When there was huge crowd to watch the mystery of Baba lying on the small plank, Baba got angry and he has broken the planks to pieces! Nana Saheb Dangle told Baba, he will arrange a new plank for Baba to sleep. But Baba told him, He doesn't want to sleep on the plank, leaving Mahlsapathy. Then Dangle told Baba, he will arrange a separate plank for Mahlsapathy. Baba declined saying, No! Mahlsapathy is unable to sleep in the floor properly. How can he sleep on the plank. One who is able to sleep with eyes open can alone sleep over the plank. Saisaran, Sairam.

Sapatnekar and Baba.

There was one advocate 'Sapatnekar' who lost his only son due to a throat disease. When Sapatnekar was studying in Law Collage, all his class mates were comparing notes for the preparation of final examination. There was one more student called 'Chevade". All his friends observed that he has not prepared well and he is likely to fail in the final examination. But Chevade asserted, that he has the blessings of Saibaba, who has assured him that he will clear the examination. Sapatnekar was astonished at the statement of Chevade. He asked him who is the saint, he is venerating so high? Chevade has told Sapatnekar that there is a holy saint in Shirdi, living in a mosque. There may be so many saints but none can be compared to him. Whatever he tells comes true. Both of them passed out of the Collage and Sapatnekar was pursuing his legal profession. After many years, he lost his only son. He was anguished much. He could not get peace of mind. He went on pilgrimage and visited several holy places but he could not gain peace of mind. He remembered the words of his old friend "Chevade' and reached Shirdi. But he could not get permission to come near Baba. He consulted one devotee Bala simpi who asked Sapatnekar to purchase photos of Baba. When one photo was handed over to Baba, he jokingly replied that the photo is Sapatnekar's lover photo. But he could not get near dharsan. He was asked to go away. With heavy heart he prayed that he should be admitted when he comes there next time. After a year or so, Sapatnekar's wife dreamt that she was proceeding to a well with an empty pot. One fakir who was following her asked her, "Why this anxiety. I will fill up your pot. She got freightened by the conversation and fled the place. She woke up from the dream and told her husband that this is the best time to visit Shirdi.

Accordingly, both went to Shirdi and found that Baba was away. When she was waiting, Baba was nearing her. She found that the fakir in the dream resembled Baba. Baba told a sheperdess that his ankle and waist was paining for a long time and now he feels free from the pain. Sapatnekar's wife found that the reference was about her own condition and to her astonishment she was relieved off from pain.

Again Sapatnekar went to the Mosque and went near Baba. Baba told him to go away. This time Sapatnekar was feeling sad and thought that his past actions are the reasons for Baba's displeasure. Hence he prayed to be forgiven and went near Baba and placed his head on Baba's feet. Baba mysteriously told the entire story of Sapatnekar to a devotee and about the loss of his son. Sapatnekar was astonished. Baba told him that the same son will be brought to his wife's womb and he blessed him thus. Accordingly within a year Sapatnekar got a son by Baba's blessings.Saisaran,Sairam.

Padare brothers from Mumbai and Baba.

In mumbai, there were three brothers from "Padare family". They were deeply religious people and pious. Once Baba told the devotees in the mosque, to day many people from my Darbar will come. Shortly afterwards, Padare brothers came to the Mosque and they were Satwic in nature. Baba told the gathering that these are the people, i mention. As the brothers went back to their native, they mentioned the happenings in the mosque and all the relatives were impressed about the glory of Baba. Whenever chance permits, the brothers came to Shirdi and spend their time in the Presence of Baba. Once Baba gave the Chilm he was smoking to Padare. That was a most fortunate time for Padare. He was suffering from Asthma for the past several years. After smoking the Chilm, he was cured of the Asthma attack. Saisaran, Sairam.

Nana saheb was corrected by Baba.

Once Nanasaheb Chandorkar came to Shirdi alongwith one of his close relative, Biniwala. As soon as they reached mosque, Baba got angry with Nana. Unable to understand the reasons for Baba's anger, Nana requested Baba, the reasons for the sudden anger. Baba asked him how he came to Shirdi? Nana understood the question and requested Baba to forgive him. Whenever Nana Saheb visits Shirdi, he used to visit Datta temple on the banks of Godavari. This time, to avoid delay, he came along with his relative directly to Shirdi without visiting the Datta temple. Nana said, while bathing in the Godavari, a big thorn pierced him. Baba said, it is a small punishment and henceforth he should be more careful. Thus Baba taught him a lesson! Saisaran, Sairam.

Saibaba's peculiar ways of handling people.

Sitting in a remote corner of the Masjid, Saibaba was aware of the happenings around the world. He know when the trains will come to Kopergaon, though Baba has not seen a train nor traveled in it. He is Sarvantaryami(One who is the indweller of all beings). Hence He is aware of the thoughts rising in the mind of devotees instantaneously. He encouraged good and noble thoughts and advised the devotees to avoid bad thoughts. None could gauge him however much intelligent they are. People of authority like the Commissioner, Collector and other high ranking officials were unable to contradict Baba on any issues. Once there was an enquiry. Certain thief who was caught by the Police took the name of Saibaba. Police were suspicious and started investigation. They came to the Mosque and enquired Baba. The conversation was some what like this: Police Officer: What is your Name, Baba: All names are mine. Police: What is your Age; Baba: I am ageless, more than 50000 yrs. Police: Do you know the thief: Yes, I know each and every body. Likewise the conversation went on. Unable to get any clue, the Police party returned exhausted.Saisaran, Sairam.

Sai's initial years recalled here.

Shirdi Avatar is not an isolated one. In fact, Sai Avatar are Three. Lord Shiva manifested as Shirdi Sai as per the boon granted to Devagiri amma. Though she left the baby under the care of mother nature after delivery to follow her Dharma of following her husband, Baba came under the care of one Muslim gentleman who had no issues. He handed over the baby to his Bivi who brought Sai with great affection and care. But the boy Sai was mischivous in his own way. He went to the Hindu temple and start saying Ram is Allah! People got offended by his audacity. He went to the mosque and said, Shiva is Allah!. Both the communities got offended by such pranks of Sai and they started complaining about the boy to the mother who was helpless. She already lost her husbend who predeceased her. Now she was contemplating on how to set right the behaviour of the boy. She heard about one "Venkusa", a preceptor who tend young boys and teach them spirituality. Hence she brought young Sai under the care of Shri Venkusa, who readily accepted the boy under his benign care. It is another episode how he came to Shirdi and finally settled there in the old dilapidated mosque! Saisaran, Sairam.

How Baba cured Beemaji Patel?

Many people approached Saibaba in Shirdi when He was in physical presence. Most of them went there to seek remedy for the problems that assail them in the world and family. Many sought wealth, some went for progeny, many more went for seeking cure of their diseases both minor and major nature. Baba entertained most of them and allowed them to pour their sufferings in front of Him. He remedied many of their problems. To some, he was not inclined to interfere in their karma. Still, when the devotees persisted and cried for the help, his heart melted and He assured them His protection saying; "Stay, cast off anxiety, the benevolent mother Masudi Mai removes the suffering of those who climb their steps. Those who climb the steps of the Mosque will never be perturbed any more. To Bheem bai, who was suffering from TB and vomiting blood every now and then, Baba was keeping silent initially but when Beemaji cried, He said, "Cast of your anxiety, go and stay in a devotee's place. Beemaji went as per the instruction of Baba. The place lacked cleanliness and hygeine. However he dreamt two horrible dreams. In one dream, some body was rolling a big stone over his chest. In the next dream, he suffered beatings from the teacher for not learning the lessons. These two dreams removed his past karma and he was thus cured by Baba's grace. He went back to his native and started performing "Sai Sathya vrata' instead of Satyanarayana Vrata as prevelant in Maharashtra. Saisaran, Sairam.

His tombs looks after the welfare of the devotees.

Though His holy form has been entombed in Butiwada, He has assured the devotees, "My tomb shall speak to the needs of my devotees. My skeleton will discuss the devotee's welfare. "I am ever active, even after leaving this earthly body. Yes, many past devotees who had the good fortune of remaining in the Divine Presence when He was physically present in the Masjid, do enjoy His benign protection from all troubles and calamities. The prayers of devotees are fulfilled in a miraculous manner. Devotees throng in thousands every day to see Baba's Dharsan and to touch the Samadhi. Offerings are made in the form of garlands, flowers, cloths, sweet meat etc. Everything is offered back to the devotees as Prasad after Divine consecration. People enjoy His Divine grace mysteriously though his physical form has vanished from our midst. Reading the Satcharita in the Dwarakamai has cured many melodies that assail the devotees. Make it a point to visit Shirdi atleast once in your life time. Saisaran, Sairam.

The text Ramavijayam was read before Baba.

Saibaba followed the custom of ordinary people before He embarked on His final journey. He asked one "Vaje" to read "Ramavijayam", a text read at the presence of dying people. Vaje read it thrice and got tired. Baba asked him to take rest and was waiting for the final moments. On the day, He asked his close devotees to go and take their meals. They were unable to leave His Presence, since they were fearing the imminent event. Still, they left with heavy heart and partook their meals silently. While they were eating, news came that Baba breathed His last! Filled with agony, they left the meals and rushed to the place. Baba was lying on Bade baba's shoulder. Those who were present at the scene were dumbstruck. Soon news spread like wildfire. Entire village gathered near the masjid. Many wept uncontrollably. Many were rolling on the ground. People were expressing their sorrow in several ways. Sai Maharaj has clearly spelled out before passing away, "Take me to the Takadhi wada, i will become alright. Catching the significance, His mortal remains were entombed in Buti Mandir(Wada) in the place resereved for the deity"Muralidhar". In fact, Baba became Muralidhar for the devotees. Saisaran, Sairam.

Baba's predictions about His passing away.

In Saisatcharita, we come across at least three occasions on which he predicts about His departure from this world. It was during Dusserah, Vijayadasami day, he roared and tore all his cloths including the langot and thrown them in the sacred fire. The fire after consuming the cloths Baba wore, emitting bright flame. Immediately his lepor devotee Bagoji tried to wind a new groyn cloth and he succeeded. The devotees asked Baba the reason for His anger. Baba said, this is my "Sillangan" meaning crossing the border. Exactly after two years, Baba cast aside His Physical Frame. Thirty two years before his Mahasamadhi, Baba was deeply affected by Asthma complaint. He wanted to raise his spirit above to get relief. He asked his close devotee, Mahlsapathi to guard his body for three days. If he returns, every thing will be well, otherwise, he instructed that His body may be interred under a tree and two flags may be planted on it. Shri Mahlsapathi by his single hearted devotion, kept the body on his bosam without stirring. The villagers told Mahlsapathy to hand over the body for disposal. But Mahlsapathy kept the body for 72 hours and fortunately Baba returned to the Physical Frame. In a third prediction, he told one of his devotee Ramachandra Dada that Tatya will pass away during Vijayadasami two years later. Hence Ramachandra Dada kept this secret in his mind and he was greately perturbed about the health of Tatya Kote Patil. As predicted by Baba, Tatya fell ill two years later and he was unable to stir from his bed. Tatya had faith in Baba and Baba had faith in Hari. Tatya's pulse started beating very slowly and it seemed that his end is imminent. But suddenly, Baba passed away on Vijayadasami and Tatya became well. People thought that Baba has taken the illness of Tatya and passed away to save him. Only God alone know the Truth. Saisaran, Sairam.