HOUSES OF BABA'S DEVOTEES IN SHIRDI

[SS91]

Lets explore Shirdi-HOUSES OF BABA'S DEVOTEES IN SHIRDI

   
MAHALSAPATHI'S HOUSE

Mahalsapathi's house is situated in a narrow lane leading from the Chavadi
to Tajim Khan's Darga. At the Darga, if one turns left and walks a few
yards, the house is to the right in a narrow lane. Mahalsapathi was the
Pujari of the Khandoba Mandir. He was a staunch devotee of Baba and spent
most of his time with Him. He was fortunate to sleep in the Dwarakamai along
with Baba and Tatya. Baba gave him Sadgathi on 6th Tuesday, Bhadrapad of
1922, and his Samadhi was made in his house itself. The following sacred
articles were given by Baba to Mahalsapathi.
1. Baba's Kafni
2. Baba's Danda
3. Baba'sUdi
4. Three Silver Rupee Coins
5. Baba's Padukas (one pair)
This house is a place of pilgrimage because of the sacred articles given by
Baba and also Mahalsapathi's Samadhi. Mahalsap'athi was really a true
devotee of Baba and although he was really very poor he did not deviate from
his spiritual path. He adhered to Baba's advice of not accepting money or
gifts from anyone. We, the devotees, should be most grateful to Mahalsapathi
for guarding Baba's body when He took '72 hours Samadhi' (Ref. ESS,
CH.XLII1, XLIV). His descendants have preserved and displayed these sacred
articles very nicely and the devotees can have darshan of the same.

ABDUL BABA'S COTTAGE
This cottage lies in front of the Chavadi. Abdul Baba was married to Umran
Rao Bi and had a son. His father was conferred the title of 'Sultan' and
called 'Chotu Sultan of Manded' village. Abdullah was serving Amiruddin Baba
and following the dream vision, Amiruddin sent him to Shirdi. In Shirdi he
worked as a Sevak, doing all kinds of menial jobs. Having no money he begged
for his food. He strictly followed Baba's instructions 'eat little and sleep
little'.
He slept wherever he could. Then he built a small mud house where the
cottage now stands. When the Sansthan was formed they leased the land and
cottage to him. He kept busy looking after Baba's Samadhi.
The devotees who visit the cottage have an opportunity to venerate 'the
Chimta.' This is said to be given to him by Baba and Abdullah treasured it,
prayed to it daily with Loban incense. Abdullah used this for curing the
pains and ailments of the devotees. One can also see the original photos of
Baba which are framed and hung on the left wall.
Baba is also said to have given him a Satka, and a tin mug. But we the
devotees are most grateful to Abdul Baba who wrote down 'the sayings,
teachings, parables' of Baba and read them daily as his Quran.




subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.

[san2004]

Om Sai Ram,
During Shirdi Darshan one must also have Darshan of the cottages of Mahalsapati,Abdul Baba and LaxmiBai's cottage.
The nine coins given by Baba to Laxmibai are also kept in her cottage.
Jai Sai Ram,
Sanjiv

[Shammi]

SAIRAM
Other than Darshan of the cottages of Mahalsapati,Abdul Baba and LaxmiBai's cottage hope you also had  darshan of  Shama's house
Its near to the Dwarkamai



Bow to Sri Sai - Raksha Karo Deva !!!

[san2004]

Om Sai Ram,
No I did not have Darshan of Shamas House. Maybe Baba has clubbed it for my next visit...hope its soon...
Jai Sai Ram,
Sanjiv

[Dipika]

OMSAIRAM Subhasrini ji,
Thanks for updating us.I have also been to Abdul baba's cottage,Laxmi bai,Mahalspati's house.Shama's house was locked ,so could'nt go inside.
Subhasrini thanks for ur call today.

Sai baba let your holy lotus feet be our sole refuge.OMSAIRAM


dipika duggal

[san2004]

OM SAI RAM,
Any idea why it was locked Dipika? Does it open for darshan on specific days or timings?
Jai Sai Ram,
Sanjiv

[SS91]

LENDI ROUTE





Baba went to Lendi Bagh twice daily in procession with musical
accompaniments. After a 'small darbar' at about 9.00 AM He went along with
His dear and near devotees. Nana Saheb Nimonkar was usually on His right,
Gopal : Rao Butti at His left, Bhagoji Shinde at His back holding the
embroidered umbrella, while the Chopdars in their bright uniforms
accompanied Him and did Lalkari. They would come out of the Dwarakamai and
after walking a few steps, Baba stood leaning against His Dwarakamai for a
short while. They then proceeded to the corner in front of the Gurusthan.
Here Baba stood facing the Gurusthan and made gestures with His right hand.
The Bhaktas staying in Sathe Wada would eagerly await the procession and
then prostrate before Baba.
They then made a left turn and proceeded to Pilaji Gurav's house. Here Baba
rested against this house for a while. Padukas were installed at this sacred
place. Then they went passed the Vittal Mandir which is opposite the Seva
Dham building. From there they proceeded towards Kanif Nath's Mandir making
a right turn. This Mandir is blessed because Baba sometimes visited it. This
Mandir is opposite the Post Office.
After proceeding a little further they walked adjacent to the Nagar-Manmad
Highway. Baba always entered Lendi gagh alone. While the procession of
devotees waited outside. Baba returned to Dwarakamai from Lendi Bagh by the
same route.

subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.

[SS91]

BHIKSHA ROUTE


Bayyaji Patil says Baba took Biksha from the beginning of His stay in Shirdi
till His Mahasamadhi. "Baba would go over eight times a day for about three
years, next three years four times a day and for twelve years twice a day
and during the last twelve years once a day" (Ref. DE, p. 156). Biksha was a
must, if He did not go He sent someone in His stead e.g. Vaman Rao Patel
etc.
In 1916, Prof. G.G. Narke states that he yearned to do this service when he
went to see Baba, Baba suddenly said "Let this man go and beg for food with
that bowl today ", thus fulfilling his inner most desire (Ref. DE, p. 16).
Baba started His Biksha rounds at about 8.00 AM. He took Biksha from five
selected houses. He would place a cloth on His head which when folded would
assume the shape of a Joli. This was used for dry foods like, chapathi,
bhakri, rice etc. In His right hand He carried a tumerell for liquids.
From the Dwarakamai Baba walked past the Chavadi and stood in between the
houses of Sakharam Shelke and Vaman Rao Gondkar. These houses are opposite
each other with a narrow lane in between. He stood at a fixed place and
called out "Oh, Lassie, give me a piece of bread". From thence He proceeded
to Bayyaji's house.
On the way there was a hillock. Baba stood there for a while and fed the
birds and dogs. In memory of this, Padukas were installed. These Padukas are
now in the wall of Narasimha Lodge. There is a tiny Mandir enclosing them.
The uniqueness of these Padukas are that they are not raised but engraved in
the stone. In between the Padukas there is a water bowl.
Bayyaji and Tatya's house are next to each other. After getting Biksha from
there He proceeded to Nandaram's house. This was the fifth and last house.
He walked past Tajim Khan Baba's Darga. It is said that He often went inside
this building and then He came to Nandaram' s house. After receiving Biksha
there He returned to the Masjid.
In the Masjid He mixed the food together and kept it in the Kolamba for any
and everyone to partake off it.

subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.

[SS91]

DAILY ROUTINE
(in Shirdi)
DWARAKAMAI
Opens at 4.30 AM
Alankar of all photos, Padukas, tortoise, small red pillar and Tulasi
Brindavan, Nimbar Dhuni is cleaned, Udi is collected in containers and fresh
firewood and gowri is offered Loban at 5.00 AM
Offering oil to the everburning lamps at 5.15 AM. Breakfast (morning
Naivedya) at 8.30 AM Cleaning of Dwarakamai 11.15 AM.
Vaishva Dev Puja (Agni/Dhuni Puja) 11.30 AM: This is done by Sansthan on
behalf of all the devotees and rice and ghee are offered to Dhuni Maa as an
atonement for the sins unwittingly caused by killing ants and various other
insects (Panchasuna). Chandan Alankar and Prasad to Baba. Cleaning of
Dwarakamai 3.15 PM. i Dhuni replenished with firewood and gowri at 3.40 PM.
j Bhog is offered to Baba ten minutes after Evening Arati. Cleaning of
Dwarakamai 9.00 PM Water for Baba at 9.30 PM
Covering of the small Mandap with mosquito net and putting a woollen shawl
on Baba and Padukas during winter season. Lighting of the lantern.
Dwarakamai closes at 9.45 PM.
The outer pavilion is opened to devotees for Parayan, Jap and Meditation,
throughout the night.

courtesy saileela magazine

subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.

[SS91]

Chavadi
Opens at 4.30 AM.
Cleaning.
Loban at 4.45 AM.
Cleaning at 11.15 AM.
Loban at 11.40AM.
After Evening Arati the Loban and live coal are brought from Samadhi Mandir
to Chavadi. The Pujari on duty, adds Loban. Offering of oil to the Ever
burning lamps at the time of sunset.
Chavadi closes at 9.00 PM.
THURSDAY PROGRAMME
The 'Pitambar' of the 4Raj Upachar' photo is changed with due formalities at
about 4.40 AM.
After Noon Arati at about 12.40 PM the Raj Upachar photo is brought and
placed on Baba's cot, and ladies can have Darshan of the same till about
4.00 PM. Then the photo is taken to Samadhi Mandir and placed along with the
Padukas and Satka on the platform of the Baba's Samadhi. On the arrival of
the Palki from Dwarakamai to Chavadi, it is placed on Baba's cot, which is
kept in front of the Chavadi. The descendants of Tatya have the honour to
carry Baba's photo from the Palki into the Chavadi and place it on the
Sinhasan, while Baiyyaji's descendants carry the Padukas and Satka into the
Chavadi for Arati. Laghu (small) Arati from 9.30 to 9.40 PM.
Chillim offered to Baba at the time of 'Arati Sai Baba'. Naivedya.
Palki returns with the photo and Padukas to Samadhi Mandir. The photo comes
back to Chavadi after the Kakad Arati of the next day. Chavadi closes at
about 9.45 PM.

subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.

[SS91]

Lets explore Shirdi-Gurusthan

   
Gurusthan



Opens at 4.30 AM. *
Cleaning of the Gurusthan at 4.35 AM.
Mangal snan (Abhishek) to Baba, Shiv Ling, Nandi and
Padukas between 4.45 and 5.00 AM.
Alankar with Sindhur at 5.00 AM.
Darshan starts from 5.00 AM.
Cleaning at about 11.15 AM.
Chandan Alankar: at 11.30 AM.
Naivedya: at 11.40 AM.
Cleaning: at 4.00 PM and oil is offered to the lamps.
Bhog: Five minutes after Evening Arati Bhog is offered by
the Pujari of the Samadhi Mandir.
Closes: at 9.00 PM.
Lingodbhav Puja is done on the day of Mahasivaratri.

subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.