Shirdi -the three wadas

[SS91]

Three Wadas

(1) The site with the Neem tree and surrounding space was bought by Mr. Hari Vinayak Sathe, and on this site a big building styled Sathe's Wada was erected. This Wada was the sole resting place for pilgrims, who flocked there. A Par (platform) was built round the Neem tree and lofts with steps were constructed. Under the steps, there is a niche facing south and devotees sit on the Par (platform) facing north. It is believed that, he, who bums incense there, on Thursday and Friday evenings will, by God's grace, be happy. This Wada was old and dilapidated and needed repairs. The necessary repairs, additions and alterations have been made now by the Sansthan.

(2) Then, after some years, another Wada, Dixit's Wada was constructed. Kakasaheb Dixit, Solicitor ofMumbai, had gone to England. He had injured his leg by an accident there. The injury could not be got rid of by any means. Nanasaheb Chandorkar advised him to try Sai Baba. So, he saw Sai Baba in 1909.A.D., and requested Him to cure rather the lameness of his mind than that of his leg. He was so much pleased with the darshan of Sai Baba, that, he decided to reside in Shirdi. So, he built a Wada for himself and other devotees. The. foundation of this building was laid on 10-12-1910. On this day, two other important events took place. (1) Mr. Dadasaheb Khaparde was given permission to return home, and (2) the night, when Arati in Chavadi was commenced. The Wada was complete and was inhabited on the Ram Navami day in 1911 A.D" with due rites and formalities

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(3) Then, another Wada or palatial mansion was put up by the famous millionaire, Mr. Buti, of Nagpur. Lots of money were spent on this building; but all the amount was well utilized, as Sai Baba's body is resting in this Wada, which is now called the 'Samadhi Mandir'. The site of this Mandir had formerly a garden, which was watered and looked after by Baba. Three Wadas thus sprang up, where there was none formerly. Of these, Sathe's Wada was most useful to all, in the early days.



OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!