Baba and Vijayadasami!

Saibaba and Vijayadasami kindles lofty memories to Sai devotees. Yes, it was on Vijayadasami day during the year 1918, Baba left his mortal coil at around 2-30 PM after asking some of his close devotees to go and have their lunch. They were reluctant but left with heavy heart. Still some devotees sat on the steps. It was the fortunate "Laxmi Bai" to receive the last blessings from Sai in the form of nine silver coins. Baba then said, Take Me to Dakdi wada, there I will become well! saying these few words he laid his head on the shoulder of a devotee and left his mortal coil. The devotee cried as "Baba". It seemed that Baba said "Ha" but it was evident that Baba left safely. Nana Nimonkar poured water on Baba's mouth but it came out. The news spread too quickly. Those devotees who left for their meals at the behest of Baba came running leaving their meals. People expressed the grief in many ways. Many cried pitiably. Many rolled on the ground. Many swooned. Then the talk about interring Baba's body was held. Some devotees remembered Baba's last words and said, they preferred interring Baba's body in Buti's Takadi Wada as per Baba's last wish. Some said, it should be interred on the open ground. The arguement went on for many hours. Ultimately, the suggestion to inter Baba's mortal coil in Buti Wada gained two third support and Baba's remains were interred ceremoniously after taking procession in Buti Wada. Thus Buti Wada became the Samadhi Mandir of Saibaba. Lakhs and Lakhs of people throng to Shirdi to visit the Samadhi and take Dharsan of the Marble idol of Saibaba which looks like Real. Sairam, Saisaran.

Bagat Mahlsapathy and Baba!

Saibaba came to Shirdi alongwith a marriage party. The marriage party returned but Saibaba choose to stay in Shirdi. It was Bakat Mahlsapathy who welcomed Saibaba first in Shirdi with the words "Ya Sai". This name struck him permanantly. Also Mahlsapathy became his devotee initially and Shama and others joined thereafter. Mahlsapathy was a poor man from 'goldsmith' caste. He had three daughters. He used to sleep in the Masjid alongwith Tatya Patil and Saibaba. Once Baba directed Mahlsapathy to go and sleep in his house. But Mahlsapathy did not heed Baba. Saibaba forced him again and he had to relent. Saibaba told him that 'daughters are like tamarind fruit whereas a son is a mango fruit'. Mahlsapathy had a son subsequent to the command of Baba. Mahlsapathy being poor was unable to make both ends meet. But Baba never allowed him to earn. However Baba looked after his welfare spiritually. Once a Sait named Hansraj desired to give Mahlsapathy a huge sum. But Baba had not allowed him to accept the amount. Baba had in his mind the spiritual upliftment of His Bagat rather than the material welfare. Mahlsapathy too evinced much interest in spiritual path shown by Baba and he devoloped much detachment towards material life and world. Thus Saibaba ensured his spiritual progress. Sairam, Saisaran.

Remember God before eating!

Sometimes, Saibaba used to joke with his devotees. It so happened that one devotee was sitting near Baba. Another devotee noticed some grains in the fold of the shirt. This has become a topic of fun on that day. The devotee who had no inkling as to how those grains have found place in his shirt fold. Finding him searching for the reason, Saibaba said, "What is there to know? I know the habit of the person. He used to eat grains alone. Today being Shandy day in Shirdi, he went to Shandy and hence he was eating the grains. The devotee got sad and said, "Baba! i have not gone to the Shandy to day. In fact, i have never visited the Shandy. I do not partake any thing without offering to anybody. Why you are charging me saying, 'this fellow used to eat without offering anything to anybody?. Baba then said, "yes, i know you used to share the eatables with others". But if there is nobody nearby, "Do you remember Me before eating". Thus the devotee was given a beautiful lesson that one should always remember God before eating. What a nice lesson? Sairam, Saisaran.

Shirdi Baba-Real facts regarding his birth.

Many devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba are not aware of Baba's birth and childhood days. On 28 September 1990, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has revealed the following astonishing facts about Saibaba: Saibaba was born on 28 Sep' 1835 as a result of blessings and boon granted to his mother by Lord Shiva himself. Manifesting in front of the humble cottage in the guise of a old man, Lord has tested "Devagiri amma", the mother would be of "Sai". It seems that in the Nizam State, there was a village "Pathri" where a dovout couple lived. They were issueless. Hence they were spending their time in remembering God and led their life from the meagre income from a boat. Gangabava, the would be father of Sai, used to ply the boat to transport people across the river. Thus he earned a little money and spent it on running his family. Devagiriamma, the devout wife of Gangabhava was sincerely serving her husband's need and took care of him.

One day there was a storm and hence Gangabhava decided to spend the night in his boat lest it would be swept away in the flood. Hence he took his food and asked Devagiriamma to take care and left the house. She also took her food and started to rest on her bed. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Devagiriamma opened the door thinking that her husband might have returned. To her surprise, there was a old man who pleaded with her to provide him a resting place for the night. Devagiriamma showed him a place in the outer verandha and bolted the doors inside and started resting. Again, there was a knock in the door. She opened the door and found that the old man was asking for food to appease his hunger. She hurried to the kitchen and found some rice and curd. She mixed it and gave it to the old man. Again she retreaded inside and lay on her bed. The third time, there was a knock. This time, the old man has requested her, "My feet are aching, Can you press it for some time?. Unable to face such request, she went to her prayer room and started pleading with Mother Parvati, to rescue her from such a piquant situation. Suddenly she remembered that there may be some maid in the nearby houses, who may respond to offer such service for money. She went to places and unfortunately, none was available. After some time, there was a tap on the door. One servant maid, who told her that 'she was away on some work' it seems that somebody from the house needs her service". Getting relief for the timely help she asked the maid to press the feet of the old man and returned to her room. Surprisingly there was one more knock on the door. Since there was a lady outside, Devagiriamma opened the door. To her utter surprise, there stood Siva and Parvati in their Divine form and blessed her for her sincere devotion. Mother Parvati blessed Devagiriamma, that a son would be born. Again there was one more boon. A daughter would be born and by offering her in marriage, they would get merit. Finally, Lord Shiva spoke and told Devagiriamma, that He himself would take birth as a third son to her. Blessing her thus, they vanished mysteriously.

The husband returned in the morning and hearing the narration from his wife, he ridiculed her. He said, it is your own imagination. How could Lord Shiva and Parvati come to their humble dwelling. Your mind is in confusion. He was not willing to believe her version though she confirmed again and again, the events on the previous night. To prove the blessings, Devagiriamma conceived and delivered a son. After some time, she again become pregnant and this time a daughter was born. Finding the truth about the blessings, Gangabhava became remorse for not believing his innocent wife when she told him the events. He said, "You are really fortunate that the Lord and Parvati came to you and blessed you thrice. I am not so fortunate. Now my only concern is to do penance and to get the coveted Dharsan of the Lord. He was impatient to leave the house early. As blessed by Shiva, Devagiriamma conceived for the third time and nine months have passed. Unable to wait any longer, the husband told Devagiriamma, "I am leaving the house". Being a devout wife, she too followed him but on the way, labor pain has started. They rested below a huge tree and soon Devagiriamma delived the third child. But she made a sari bit torn from her as a bed and placed the child over it and spread green leaves over it. She started following her husband with great detachment. A Muslim Sufi, who was issueless, happened to come near the tree.Hence the Sufi took the baby and handed over to his wife. The muslim lady brought up the child with care. Soon her husband passed away. The boy was four at the time.But his activities have become a concern to the muslim lady. The boy would go to Hindu temple and say, I am Allah! Shiva is Allah!. People got angry and reported the matter to the muslim lady. The boy would visit the mosque and utter such words which would infuriate the muslim devotees. Finding that the boy is uncontrollable, she handed over the boy to One Guru "Venkusa", who accepted the boy in his custody. From the year 1839 to 1851, the boy was under the custody of the saint "Venkusa". As the Guru was very loving to the new boy "Sai", other disciples got jealous of the boy. Then Saibaba left his Guru and was wandering in the west. He came to Shirdi but after sometime left the place. Again he came back to Shirdi alongwith a marriage party of Chandpatil. From then onwards till his death he stayed there continuously (From 1853 to 1918). Sairam, Saisaran.

Mega, a sincre and true devotee!

Mega is one great devotee of Saibaba. He was illeterate but humble. Initially, he was not willing to go to Shirdi, thinking that Baba is a Muslim and he was not inclined to worship a Muslim. He was forced to go to Shirdi with an introduction letter. He requested his master not to send him to Shirdi. Initially when he reached Shirdi and went to Dwarakamai, Baba hurled abuses on him saying, "You are a high caste Brahmin, How you can bow before a Muslim? saying thus Baba has not allowed him to come near. But somehow impressed with Baba's Omnipotence in knowing his innermost thoughts, Mega was sitting in a corner watching the people who worship Baba. Still he was not much convinced. Hence he returned to his native and from there he went to Trayambakeswar and stayed there for one and half years. Subsequently, he returned to Shirdi and on the intervention of Dada Kelkar, he too was admitted near Baba. Mega worshipped Baba in his own way. After worshiping other deities in Shirdi, he used to come to Dwarakamai and started messaging the feet of Sai. He used to pour water on the feet and drank the water poured on Baba's feet.

Saibaba blessed Mega in some mysterious manner. Once when Mega was sleeping in his room, in the early morning, he saw Baba inside the room. Baba showered rice grains on his head and said, "Draw Trisul". Saying this he vanished. Mega was unable to believe his own eyes. Hence when he went to Baba, he enquired whether he has to draw "Trisul". Baba told him, "My words are never hollow. When i told you earlier, why you are asking Me? Mega said, that his prsence inside a locked room seem like an illusion" Baba told him, i need no enterance to go over any place. I have no length or bredth. Doing the worship for many years, finally Mega passed away during the year 1912. Baba passed his hand on Mega's body and said, "This is my real devotee". Also Baba fed people in the memory of his great devotee Mega. Sairam, Saisaran.

The Blessed people of Shirdi!

Many people started visiting Baba in Dwaraka Mai for removal of their sufferings and for gaining wealth, progeny and other benefits. Saibaba treated all with love. He granted their heart's desire. But few devotees came to Baba seeking the real aim of life. They are "Bagat Mahlsapathy, Shri Kaparde, Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Dasganu Maharaj. Kakasaheb Dixit, Sriman Buti also are some notable devotees who constructed their own wada in Shirdi. In this regard Sriman Buti is blessed in such a way, that his wada now accommodates Baba's mortal remains. Lakhs and lakhs of devotees are visiting Shirdi, nowadays which has become a famous pilgrim centre in Maharashtra. Regular Artis and Bhajans, Puja etc are being conducted with frequent procession of Baba's Paduka and other memorials in a palank every Thursday with lot of fanfare. Such a remote hamlet, unknown to the outside world till Baba made His place of residence. The dust and grass, Baba treaded everyday for His Biksha are really very fortunate. The people of Shirdi are most fortunate for they were blessed with the opportunity to see Him, talk with him and receive the blessed Udhi from His own hand. Sairam. Saisaran.

How Damodar was blessed with children?

Damodar Savalram(Damu Anna) was a regular visitor to Shirdi from the year 1895. He had no issues though he was wealthy. He had two wives. One day Baba received a parcel of mango fruits booked in the name of Shama for Baba. Baba kept four mangoes in his kolomba and said this is for Damu Anna. After few hours, Damu Anna reached Shirdi and visited Dwarakamai for the Dharsan of Baba. Baba told him, "Damiya take these four fruits and give them to your youngest wife. This "Amra Leela" will grant children. As directed by Baba, Damu Anna gave those fruits to his youngest wife. In course of time, she delivered. Altogether four daughters and four sons were born to Damu Anna as predicted by Baba. Sairam, Saisaran.

How Mirikar was forewarned by Baba?

Saibaba's ways are very peculiar and none can gauge his words or warnings. Once Shri Mirikar came to the Masjid to take Dharsan of Baba before leaving for some official tour to Chitali. Baba gave him Dharsan and gave him permission. While doing so, he asked Mirikar, "Do you know lamba bhava? He is very cruel. But what harm it will do to the children of Dwarakamai and Baba made some signs with his hand and palm that resembles a snake. Baba asked Mirikar to take Shama alongwith him. But when Shama asked Mirikar whether he would accompany him, Mirikar said that it would be inconvenient to him. Shama went to Baba and told him, Mirikar's views. Baba said, O.K., we have to tell people good things, If they don't listen, what we can do. Things will happen as destained. After contemplating a while, Mirikar changed his mind and consented to take Shama with him to Chitali. Shama again went to Baba and obtained his permission to leave for Chitali. Then both of them proceeded to Chitali in a tonga. When they reached there, the officials have not yet turned up. Hence they were sitting in the Maruti temple, reading newspaper. Mirikar's upper cloth was near his waist and one snake was silently lying on one portion of the cloth. Some peon noticed the snake and started shouting as Snake! Then Mirikar moved away without causing disturbance. The snake was immediately killed by the peon and others. Thus Baba saved Mirikar from an impending danger which he foresaw and warned him ahead. This is the way of Saibaba. Sairam, Saisaran.

Sai Sath Charita parayan.

Shri Hemadpant(Govinda Ragunath Dabolkar) has explained in his book "Sai Sath charita", his incompetability to write a book on Saibaba. He laments that he is not able to understand the mind of his friend nor he is able to understand his own mind. How he can attempt to write about the 'inscrutable Sai". One must be a jnani to write about a jnani. But he is an ordinary house holder with medium capacity. However, he adds that "Baba's grance alone can make his attempt to succeed. Hence, he requested another devotee to intercede on his behalf to get the permission from "Sai". The request was made to Baba when Hemadpant was present. Baba atonce approved the plan. He said, "let him keep notes of the events. "I have to myself write the Satcharita through him. Let him be devoid of 'ego or ahamkar and consider himself as my instrument. Let him not try to emphasize his own views. Let him avoid all arguements and remain humble. Then I will enter him and get it written through him. Now we all know and read the beautiful Sat Charita which is being read in thousands of households as a "Parayana"(daily reading). It is published in many languages. Those who read it dutifully daily atleast one chapter will realize the aim of life.-Baba. Sairam, Saisaran.

How Baba cured Beemaji Patel of TB?

One Beemaji Patel from Junnar Taluk, Narayangao village was suffering due to various ailments and he developed Tuberculosis. There was no end to his sufferings. Desparately he was searching for Divine help. Fortunately, he was guided to Baba. Initially, Baba was not willing to interfere in the karma of Beemaji. But Beemaji cried out loudly and held Baba's feet. Baba softened and told him, "Do not cry! your sufferings will come to an end. By uttering these words, Beemaji found great relief. Actually he was vomitting blood every five minutes. But after Baba's assurance, he was relileved to a great extent. Baba asked him to stay in the house of Bheembai. Though it was not a hygenic place, yet Beemaji obeyed the instructions. During his stay there, he dreamt two horrible dreams. In one dream, his school teacher was thrashing him with a cane for not memorizing some poem. In the second dream, one huge stone was pressed against his chest up and down. He underwent great pain during the dream itself. By these two dreams, he was completely cured! As a mark of thanksgiving, Beemaji started observing, "Sai Satya Vrata Puja" instead of Satya Narayana Puja!. Sairam, Saisaran.

Haji Siddique Palke and Baba.

Shama(Madhava Rao Deshpande) was a humble school master, who was very close to Baba. People who want the blessings of Sai, some times could not get it. Hence they sought the intercession from Shama. Since Baba was very kind to Shama, his help was sought by some devotees. Haji Siddique Palke was an aged Muslim, who had sought nearness to Baba. He was not allowed to climb the steps of the Mosque instead he was asked to take Dharsan from the open area in front of the mosque. The Haji was greately perturbed by the neglect of Baba. He was staying there in Shirdi for many months with the hope of seeking an audience with Baba and to remain near Him. He thought of a way. He approached Shama and requested him to intervene on behalf of him. Shama said, "Baba's Dharbar is open". However, he will intercede and request Baba at an appropriate occasion. Once Shama asked Baba, "Baba! many people come here and climb the mosque and take your Dharsan. The Haji is waiting for several months, anxious to get your Dharsan. But you have not allowed him to climb the mosque. Baba told Shama, "Oh Shama! You are really ignorant. If the Fakir is not allowing some to come near, what i can do? :You go and ask him whether he will give Me Rs 40000/- in four instalments. Then Shama went to the Haji and enquired from him about Baba's question. The Haji humbly replied that he is prepared to give even 40 lakhs. Again Baba asked him through Shama, Baba is going to prepare the meat of a goat. What part of the goat, the Haji would like to receive? To this question, the Haji replied, He would be very glad to accept even a small bit of meat from Baba's colombo(vessel). After hearing about the replies, Baba threw the mud pots and colombo and came near the Haji and told him, "You are proud of your pilgrimage to Mecca but you do not know Me! After uttering these words, Baba sent the Haji, one basket full of fruits and allowed the Haji to come near Him. He gave the Haji money and dined with him.Thus the Haji was admitted into the Durbar of Sai. That is the way and love of Baba to the Haji.

Saibaba's assurances.

Saibaba's mood can never be predicted by anybody. At times he will be serene and exude all warmth and love. At times, without any provocation or reason, he used to abuse all and throw the mud pots etc. At those times, his eyes will be red and rotating with anger. None prefer to go near Saibaba at those times. Soon he will become calm. He will tell his devotees, "I never get angry! If i get angry with my children, where they will go. A mother never gets angry with her children. I love my devotees. I take care of their needs.He has uttered, "If you look to Me, i look to you! If you cast your burden upon Me, I shall surely bear it. If you seek my advise and help, it shall be given to you atonce. "Those who climb the steps of my mosque will become happy. They will not suffer any more. Those who have full faith upon his words reaped immense benefits. Sairam, Saisaran.

Radhakrishna Ayi, a humble devotee!

Radhakrishnaayi or mai is one woman devotee who served Baba in her own humble way. During the festival times like "Ramanavami" her house will be buzzling with cooking for the devotees and visitors. She will be assisted by several rich devotees who provide the resources for the cooking. Many people helped her in actual cooking by way of cutting the vegetables and other preparations. Whenever Baba slept in the Chavadi which is nearer to the Dwarakamai, she will remove the burned items neately, apply whitewash to the walls darkened by the soot and clean every thing and replace them neatly. She also participated in the Namasaptaha that was conducted for seven days during the Ramanavami celeberations. She was very much devoted to Sai. She managed the many events single handedly and she was responsible for gathering many things for the worship of Baba. Baba disapproved all the materials that was kept in the worship. He used to say that his property is the chilm and tin and the satka. Unnecessarily people dump many unwanted things in the masjid. Sairam, Saisaran.

Nana's thirst was quenched!

Nanasaheb Chandorkar was one influential devotee. He was a Deputy Collector. He came to Shirdi hearing about the fame of Baba. He was very much impressed with what he has seen. He was sincere and humble and he could gain Baba's love and his faith in Baba grew into leaps and bounds. Once he was on tour. On the road, he heard that one devotee's wife has developed pleague and was high with fever. Unfortunately, Nana was not having any Udhi given by Baba. Hence, he prayed Baba and took some mud and applied on the forehead of his wife. Immediately at the same time, the wife of the devotee was relieved from fever and she started to recover speedily. Once Nana went to Harischandra Hill to take Dharsan of a deity on the hill. It was severe summer. Nana was suffering from thirst. He could not find even a drop of water anywhere. He thought within himself, If Baba was there, he would definitely provide water. As soon as the thought struck him, a bill(a hilly tribe) was seen. Nana asked him if there is any water source nearby. The bill told him just below the very rock he was sitting, water will be found. With difficulty the rock was removed and lo! there was handful of water to quench the thirst of Nana. At the same time in the Masjid at Shirdi, Baba made some peculiar sound and when asked, he said, Nana is in need of water at a distant hill! Exactly at the same time, the Bill was seen by Nana. What a Divine Miracle. Sairam, Saisaran.

Urus and Ramanavami.

Muslims celeberate "Urus" by taking sandal paste and sandal powder in plates in procession. Saibaba allowed the procession on a particular day. From that time every year the local Muslims took procession of the sandal paste and powder and applied the paste in the mosque walls. The rest of the material was poured in "Nimbar" pits. One day a peculiar thought arose in the mind of a devotee of Baba. He thought that Baba gave permission for celeberation of "Urus" on "Rama Navami" day, a festival for Hindus. The devotee thought within himself that there must be Divine coincidence for performing the Urus on Ramanavami day. Why not ask Baba permission to celeberate the Ramanavami on that day. The main event of Ramanavami day is narrating the story of Rama. Who will narrate the story was the problem. But that was resolved by selecting each year one Puranik who happened to be conversant with the narration of "Rama katha". Every year, due to Divine blessings, one pundit or other happened to visit Shirdi and they were ready to perform the narration. Finally Baba appointed "Dasganu Maharaj" to narrate the same every year. Though the festivals were celeberated on the same day, no untoward happenings were noticed and Hindus and Muslims celeberated their festival peacefully. Sairam, Saisaran.

Wealth and Woman.

Mahlsapathy was a poor gold smith. He was a great devotee of Saibaba. He was privilaged to sleep in the Masjid every alternate day alongwith Tatya Kote Patil. Baba loved them much. Though Mahlsapathy was poor, Saibaba never allowed him to earn by any other means. Seeing the condition of Mahlsapathy, one Marwadi named Hansraj wanted to give a good sum of money to him but Baba has not allowed Mahlsapathy to accept the same. Only Saibaba knows what should be given, when and to whom. In matters of receiving Dakshina from the Devotees, Sai has not asked all. He said, "I ask only from those, Allah points". By giving the money, the devotee is rid of the debt due. Baba never kept any money with Him when the day ends. He used to distribute the Dakshina to different people in different proportions. None can understand the reasons behind Baba's actions. In fact the desire for wealth and woman are the greatest hurdles in the path of spiritual aspirant. Saibaba saw to that his devotees never fell prey to these vices. Sairam, Saisaran.

All creatures have Atma!

The people of Shirdi are very fortunate, especially those who were contemporary to Saibaba are the luckiest lot. They might not know their blessings. Everyday, they had the fortune to see Saibaba, took Udhi from His Divine Hand and some even drank the water that was used to clean the Divine Feet of Sai. He was the embodiment of Love and He loved His devotees as His own children. Night and Day, he was concerned about their welfare. Hence the devotees could spend their time without any burden or botheration. They have left all their concerns in his hand and enjoyed peaceful existence. Sai wanted nothing from His dear devotees. He wants them to remember Him always and see Him in all creatures. Once, He asked Lakshmi, "Oh Lakshmi! I am hungry, bring me food. Immediately, the devotee Lakshmi prepared food and brought roti, subji etc and placed in front of Sai. However Sai did not eat the food and He took the food and placed it in front of a dog which ate all with gusto. Lakshmi was annoyed. Oh Baba, why you pestered me to bring food? i prepared everything with my own hand and without tasting even a little bit, you placed it before the dog? Baba replied calmly, Oh Lakshmi! why you are perturbed. All creatures whether they talk or not has a soul which is Atma. Paramatma resides in all the creatures as Atma. The dog was hungry and hence i appeased its hunger. Such a beautiful teaching was given to the devotee Lakshmi on that day. What a nice episode? Sairam, Saisaran.

Baba raising Lendi garden.

During the initial years of his stay, Saibaba gave medicines to the people who came to him with various ailments. He was always successful in curing their diseases. People started approaching him for their health problems. Saibaba liked the company of Janakidas and Devidass. They will come to his place or he will go to their place. Devidass was residing in Shirdi few years before Baba came there. He was having a beautiful eyes. He was a Jnani. A Vaisya saint from Puntambi came to Shirdi once. After seeing Baba carrying pitchers of water to water the seeds, the saint said, "He is not an ordinary man. He is really a diamond. The people of Shirdi are very lucky to have such a worthy gem.Baba brought flower seeds of "Joy, Jui and Sendhu". He raised a beautiful garden in Lendi in which stand the beautiful Samadhi temple of Saibaba now. He brought those seeds from nearby places. Vaman Tatya gave him daily two unbaked earthern pots. Baba brought water in those pots and he used to place them beneath a tree after completing watering. As soon as he place those pots under the tree, the pots disintegrated due to raw mud pots. (to continue)

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.

Sai's intial years in Shirdi and his routine.

In the initial years of his stay in Shirdi, Sai contacted one Janakidas. He also interacted with one Devidas. These two are saintly people. He begged his food from five houses. Whatever he got from these five houses were collected by him in a cloth bag if it is "Roti or solid items. If it is liquid, Sai received them in a tin container. After collecting his "Biksha, he mixed them all and offered to Allah. He took his food from this and left the balance in a container. The woman who cleaned the mosque, took about 4 or five rotis for her family. Even dogs and cats ate the rest. Baba never drove these creatures for He visusalized Allah in all the beings. Some times, he will not be seen in the masjid. During the time, he used to visit a distant well far away from the mosque. He used to take bath, clean his internal system in a peculiar way. He used to vomit his intestine and wash it and dry it on a Jambu tree. After which he used to swallow them. These are Yogi's way. NONE should dare to copy this. He used to wander long inside the adjoining jungles and bushes. During those times, Bayaji Ma, a devout lady took great pain in searching for Sai, took rotis and subji on her head searching for him in every nook and corner. Finding Sai sitting like a statue on a rocky bed, she would spread the food on a plate and compelled him to partake it. Otherwise she would force feed him. Such was her love for Sai.(to be contd)