Baba's initial devotees.

Saibaba had few devotees in the initial period in Shirdi. Prominant among them are the Pujari of Khandoba temple, Shri Mahlsapathi, Madhav Rao(Shama) and Tatya Kote Patil, the son of Bayaji Ma who used to search out Sai in jungles and force feed him. Baba loved all of them alike. He allowed them in the Mosque and especially Mahlsapathy and Tatya stayed with Baba many years in the Mosque during the night time and they were conversing among themselves about many items. If any of them is found sleepy, Baba will press their head to wake them up. Usually Mahlsapathy used to doze. When Baba asked him to keep awake and watch Namajapa by placing his hand on the heart of Sai, his hand will become weighty indicating his sleep. He will sway his head more often indicating his sleep. After some time, when Tatya's father passed away, Baba asked Tatya to go and sleep in his house.Also, he asked Mahlsapathy to go and sleep in his house. But Mahlsapathy was not willing to leave Baba along. However Baba persisted and asked Mahlsapathy to go to his house. Subsequently a son was born to Mahlsapathy who was having three daughters. Baba used to say to Mahlsapathy, Daughters are like "Tamarind fruit" but a son is "Mango fruit". Thus Baba looked after the welfare of those devotees and saw that they progress in spiritual as well as temporal welfare. Sairam, Saisaran.