An old woman of Shiridi, the mother of Nana Chop dar described the then Baba in the following manner. "Thi young lad, fair, smart and very handsome was first seen under the Neem tree. He is seated in an 'Asan' (a posture for sitting at the time of meditation) He was practising hard penance, not minding heat and cold. He spoke to none. He was fearless. Without caring for food, He would always be in Samadhi (deep meditation).

He lived there for about 3 years. He suddenly disappeared. His where abouts were not known to any one for about a Year.

One day in 1858, Chand Patil, a gentleman happened to see Baba sitting under a mango tree as a Fakir near the village of Dhoop in the district of Aurangabad. Then He had a cap on His head. He wore Kafni (long robe). He had a Satka (iron rod) under his armpit. He was preparing to smoke a Chilim (a pipe to smoke).

Baba helped Chandpatil to find his lost horse. Patil was attracted by miraculous ways of Baba who got water by piercing the Satka into earth. Baba also got fire by striking the earth with Satka. (So Patil invited Baba to his house. He thought "He is not an ordinary man. He is owlia".

So while going to Shiridi for the marriage Of His brother-in-law's son, Chand Patil, requested Baba to accompany them. So in 1858, Baba came to Shiridi for the second time in a bullock-cart of the marriage party.

The bullock carts of the wedding party halted near Khandoba's temple in Shiridi. Members of the party were getting down from their carts. The namleless young Fakir, Baba, was also getting down the cart. Bhagat Mahalsapathi, the preist, saw Him and said "Ya Sai, Welcome Sai. Others also addressed Him "Sai". Ever after He became known as "SAI BABA". As Sai Baba permanantly settled in the village of Sliiridi ever after. He is called, "SHIRIDI SAI BABA".

After Sai Baba coming to shiridl for the second time in 1858, He lived in the place for 60 years and entered into Maha Samadhi at the age of 80 years.

In Shiridi, Baba lived In Dwarakamai .

Baba arranged for permanent Dhuni (Nityagni Hotra) in the Dwarakamai. It is kept burning for ever. He also grew Tulasi Vanam in front of the Dwarakamai.

Baba used'to wear ringing bells (Gazzelu) to His feet and sing and dance (Nrutyam) with other Sadhus near "Thakiya" (Ratcha Banda) up to 1890.

Baba used to wear shorts (Langooti) and a long flowing kafni and a piece of cloth round His head. The piece of white cloth on the head was twisted like matted hair and flowed down from the left ear on the back.

Earlier, a tailor by name Kasi Rani gave Baba a green jubba and a Cap. He wore them. But later He always wore white robes only.

In the beginning, Shiridi villagers thought that Baba as insane. He used to murmur to himself now and then. He would be angry and cry out at others. His behaviour was peculiar and unintelligible.

Babia used to sit on a piece of sack cloth in North-East corner of the Dwarakamai all day long. He would not sleep in day time. He would just glance at the new comers when visitors came. Then he engage himself in his routine work. He would speak but littile. He would answer only when he was asked for something or other.

Baba was pretty with golden hue (Hiranya varna) His eyes shone brightly in darkness. His lovely smile is very sweet and fascinating. He was of 5ft 6inches height.

Baba liked children very much. He used himself in engaging them in conversationtion. He was free with them and allowed them to do what ever they liked to do. He even took them into his arms and carried them . He allowed no one punish children. One day His devotee Syama tried to punish his child Uddava Rao Desapande. Baba stopped him from doing so.

Baba possessed only a few needed things. They were (a) A Chilim, (b) tobacco (c) a Tumru (tinpot) (d) long flowing Kafni (e) a piece of cloth round His head (f) a Satka (short iron bar) and (g) a piece of sack cloth for His seat. See, How simple He is !

Baba always used to say , "Allah Atcha Karega". It means "God always does Good". Baba knows all languages But He spoke in Marati Language only.

Baba, in early years of his Stay in Shiridi, brought Varities,of flower plants of Merry Gold, Jai and Jui from a place Rahata at a distance of three miles from Shiridi. He cleaned the place and planted them A devotee by name Vaman Tatya supplied him daily with two earthen uhburnt pitchers. He used to draw water from the well with the pitchers, carry them to the plants and water them .Thus He carried on the work for three years. A beautiful flower garden came into existence. At present, We have Samadhi Mandhir in the flower garden place.

In 1912 the Dwarakamai was repaired with Polished Stones. Baba usde to sit there on a cushion from that time. For warding off cold, He always sat infront of the "DHUNI" (sacred fire), facing south, with His left hand resting on a wooden railing. Photos of Baba taken in this posture are called Dwaaraka Mayi photoes. At present there are such photoes and padukas of Baba kept at that place.

The two Greatest devotees that first recognised Baba as incornation of God, are 1. Mahalsapathi , and 2.Bayaji Bai. Bayaji Bai was the mother of Tatya Kote Patil. She was attracted by the grace of Baba. She used to Prepare bread and vegetables for Baba every day. She would search for Him everywhere including in woods. She would make Him eat and drink. Only after He ate She would eat. This kind of taking food after He ate, she continued even after He gave up His wanderings and made the Dwarakamai, His residence. He used to beg food after He settled in the Dwarakamai. Yet she used to take her meals only after she comes to know of His eating ever after.

Baba used to beg at five houses. He never took coffee or tea. Amean Bhai, Was the first to give alms to Baba. He called at the doors of 1. Sakharam Shil ke 2. Nandu Marwadi 3. Ganapathi Rao Kothe Patil 4. Bayaji Mami and 5. Vaman Godkar.

Every day at 12 noon, Baba used to go out with His Tumrol (Tin Pot) in one hand and Joli (cloth for collceting alms) in other for begging. He would cry, "Sister! A piece of bread". He would have the bread placed in the Joli and all other things into Tumrol.

Baba would come to Dwarakamai after begging. He would put, all things in a big pot. He would put some of it into Dhuni. It is "Ahuthi". Some portion of it would be taken by the sweeper of the Dwarakamai as her share. Then Baba would enjoy the remaining in company of Birds, Dogs and Cats. He loves all living beings He would never try to drive them away. They eat freely without fear or anxiety in His company.

Baba would also collect various kinds of raw stuffs required for making eatables. He would also with His own hands grind Wheat flour on a hand mail. He would cook the articles in big pots put on brick Ovens constructed in front of the Dwarakamai. He used no Theddu (Wooden or Iron instrument for stirring boiling articles). He would put His hand into the boiling things and stir them. It is a miracle. His hand was never burnt or hurt. He would distribute the eatables thus made to His devotees and the poor. How kind He is to the poor.

Baba used to take betel leaves etc (Pawn Killey) twice a day, day and night. After eating the leaves he would eat much fress water. After mid day meal, He would take pawn and take rest for a while. Radha Krishna Mayee a devotee of Baba, would be sending him every time.

The practice of giving Arati (Presenting lighted wicks and camphor to deity) four times a day in the presence of Baba began in the Year 1908 at the instance of Radha Krishna Mayee.

 1. At 5-15 A.M. Kakada Arati (Dawn) is given

 2. At 12-00 noon Mid-day or Noon Arati

 3. At 6-15 P. M. Sandhya Arati (Dusk) It is given at the time of sun set.

 4 . At 10.00 P.M Seja Arati.

From 10.12.1909 on alternate days they began giving Seja Arati and Kakada Arati (next day morning) respectively in the Chavadi. Megha used to do it in the beginning. Later Bapu Saheb Jog under took it. It is now being done in the Samadhi Mandir only.

After mid-day Arati, Baba would go out of the Dwarakamai and stand leaning against a wall, running along a road He would then put Udi (ashes) on the foreheads of devotees and pour out some more of it into their hands.

Baba would then gracefully address each devotee taking permission to leave him. and ask him to go for meals.

He would say, "Brother ! Go for mid-day meal or "Bapu ! Go and take meals".

Devotees used to present Baba some coins. if Kani coin ( 1/4th anna) is given, he would put it into His own pocket. If Ardhana coin (1/2 anna or two Kanis coin) is given, He would return it. He would buy oil and tobacco with the presented coins.

As the number of devotee visitors had increased, He began to demand "Dakshinas". He would say "If I take one rupee as Dakshina from any body, I have to return it ten fold to him". He. Also used to do so. But He never kept them money for Himself. Every evening, He used to give away the whole amount of collections of the day to the poor. How kind He is to Poor!

Baba would demand His devotees to pay Him Dakshina to advance in spiritual line. Puranda Rey had to pay two coins. They Were Nishta (Faith) and Saburi (Patience). The wife of Tharkad was made to pay six rupees in kind. They are called Arishadvarga (Six inner enemies of man). They are 1. Kama 2.Krodha 3.Lobha 4.Moha 5.Mada and 6.Macharya.

Ashada Purnima is also called Guru Purima. It was only for celebrating this festival that devotees had permission of Baba. Now also devotees of Baba celebrtate Guru Purnima day in great pomp and colour.

Sai used to sleep on a torn Mat every night in the Dwarakamai in company with Thathya Kote Patil and Mahalsapathi. They kept their heads to East, North and west. Their feet touched together. They used to speak till they got sleep. They kept sleeping like-wise for 14 years. Tathya Kote Patil discontinued sleeping there after the death of his own father.

Mr Nana Saheb Dangle brought for Sai Baba wooden plank, about 4 arms in length and only a span in breadth. Baba tied it like a swing to the rafters of Dwarakamai with old rags. The rags could not even bear the weight of the plank. But Baba would sit on it and lie over it with lighted pots on all four sides of the narrow plank. It was a great wonder for His devotees.

Some devotees asked Baba to allow them to take His Photo. Baba unwillingly gave His permission. They took photoes of Him. His feet only are found in the photoes. When it was brought to the notice of Baba, He remarked, "Feet are the only important parts of the Body". They are Guru Charanamulu (feet of Guru).

Learn to sit at the feet of Sat Guru, Sai Baba.

Sri Vasudeva Sada Siva Joshi was a devotee of Baba. He sent photographer to Shiridi to take the photo of Baba. The Photographer forgetting his, purpose, Sat in front of Baba looking at the Latters face with great enthusiasim. Baba said to him, "You are here to take my photo. You are sitting in front of me without taking photo. Take the Photo. The photographer took the photo of Baba with His permission. It is very attractive with "Varada Mudra" (Blessing posture).

Baba used to sleep in Chavadi every alternate day from 10. 12.1909. Procession of Chavadi festival used to go from Dwarakamai to Chavadi.

There is a well near a Banayan tree at a far off place from the Dwarakamai. Baba used to go there every third day for washing and bathing, for some time in the beginning. Later, He used to bathe in the Dwarakamai itself. Devotees used to erect a curtain and place behind it two buckets of water. He used to take bath for one and half an hour. No one was allowed to touch Him while bathing. After bathing, He would go near Dhuni and stand there. The devotees would rub His body with towels.

Baba knows all kinds of yogas. His way of practising the yoga of Dhouthi Is very surprising (Cleaning the inner organs of Body). One day He vomitted out His lungs, cleaned them and placed them on the branch of a Jamboo tree. Many devotees of Baba witnessed it.

He also knows Khanda yoga. One day He separated each and every part of His body and kept them all in different places in Dwarakamai. Appa Bhill saw the parts and thought that Baba was cruelly murdered. But when he came to Dwarakamai the next morning, he was surprised to see Baba sitting alive in tact.

Baba used to have a.brick kept under his head every night before going to sleep. It was broken. Then Baba remarked, "My fortune itself is broken into pieces". It was construed as a sign for approaching end".

It was 10PM On Margasira Purnima in the year 1886. Baba was lying On the thighs of Mahalsapathi. Suddenly the breath of Baba stopped. He became lifeless. He entered Into Samadhi. He lay unconscious for 3 days for about 72 hours, He was in Samadhi. At 3 A.M. on the third day, Baba became conscious. Mahalsapathi was so fortunate as to have the Lord Sai Baba lying on his thighs all through for 3 days. He gave us back the Lord in consciousness. How unique the incident is !

It was after about 32 Years after the 'Incidents it happened. It was at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the 15th October, 1918. Dhasami 'Thidhi passed away and Ekadasi Ghadiyalu were continuing, Baba said, "This place (Dwarakamai) is not convenient. Take me to the building of Buty". It will be better there, They were his last words. So saying, He fell aside on Bayaji and breathed His last. His sacred body was taken to the building of Buty, in great procession. He was laid in peace after 36 Hrs, where the idol of 'Muralidhar' was intended to be installed, it is now the "Baba Samadi Mandir".

Bayaji bai had served Baba with great devotion. Thathya was her son. He fell ill and was on death bed. Suddenly Baba gave up His body. Thathya recovered soon after the incident and became healthy. It was said Baba had given up the soul to save the life of the son of His great devotee, Bayagji Bai.

Before His sacred body was laid in rest He appeared to His devotees. Lakshmana Mama Joshi and Dasaganu, in dreams and asked the former to give his sacred body Arati and the latter to garland His physical remains. They enjoyed their previlleges given by Lord Baba also had heard Ramavijayam read to Him by His devotee Vajhe before He breathed His last.

Baba's sacred body was kept exposed for 36 hours. Professor Narkey observed that it did not get stiff and that all the limbs were elastic. His Kafni could be taken out without bring torn to pieces. Can there be death to Anantha ?

They tied the pieces of broken brick used as pillow by Baba with a silver wire and kept it under His head in the Samadhi. Green Kafni and Green Cap Presented to Baba by the tailor, Kasi Ram, were also placed in the Samadhi.

Obsequies (functions relating to the dead) of Baba were celebrated by Upasani Baba and Bala Saheb Bate with great reverance. They gave food to all (anna santharpana)

Baba gave darsan in dream to the sister-in all Of M W'. Pradhan and said "Cover my samadhi with the pethambaram (cloth made of best silk) in your bag". As was asked she got the pithmbaram cover the samadhi.

A life like Chitrapatam (picture) of Baba was painted by Syama rao Jyakar. It was kept on the west side of the Baba’s Samadhi till 1956.

Later Thalim a sculptor carved a life like white marble statue of sri sai Baba by his grace. It was installed in 1956 by Sai Saranananda behind Baba’s samadhi in the place of Chitrapatam in Samadhi Mandhiram. Devotee go there for Darshanam.

Let us pray the Lord saintah , in samadhi with all earness to bless our littile planet, the Earth, with peace and prosperity.

AUTHOR : Sai Bhaktha Aluru Gopalarao, Ponnur, A.P, India