"I draw to Me, My man from far off or even across the seven Seas to Shirdi, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet"-Shirdi Sai Baba, Indian Spiritual Guru-God

Thanks SSS Trust, Shirdi

People from different Religious, Geographical, Economic, and Social backgrounds are brought together here. Their prayers are delivered and successfully resolved with the grace of the Indian spiritual SadGuru-God, Shirdi Sai Baba.

Category: Pulls

  • Testimonials about Sai Baba, Online

    Testimonials about Sai Baba, Online

    Shirdi Sai Baba, revered as a saint and a manifestation of God by his devotees, performed countless miracles during his lifetime and continues to bless his followers even today.

    Here’s a curated collection of testimonials from various publicly available sources, reflecting the deep faith and experiences of devotees:

    1. Healing and Health Miracles:
    • Many testimonials speak of Sai Baba’s intervention in grave health conditions.
      • One devotee shared how their mother battled both a brain tumor and cancer; and through continuous prayers to Sai Baba, she survived and recovered, defying medical odds.
      • Another account describes a child who fell seriously ill and was in great distress,; but after fervent prayers and repeating Sai Baba’s name, the child miraculously recovered and started speaking normally.
      • A devotee suffering from a painful cyst behind their knee, which made daily puja difficult, found complete relief by applying Sai Baba’s Udi (sacred ash), enabling them to perform their spiritual practices without pain.
      • A particularly striking testimonial recounts a person who was stabbed multiple times, with the knife blade even entering their heart. They screamed “Baba help me” and lost consciousness. Despite two cardiac arrests and doctors believing survival was impossible, they miraculously recovered, with the medical team attributing it solely to a miracle.
    1. Guidance and Problem Solving:
    • Finding Lost Items: There are numerous stories of lost possessions being recovered through Sai Baba’s grace.
      • One devotee’s restless child misplaced a phone, and after a fervent prayer to Sai Baba, the phone was miraculously found ringing within the child’s bag.
      • Another account details a lost purse on a bus, which was later retrieved with all important documents, highlighting Baba’s help in seemingly small matters.
    • Career and Financial Blessings: Devotees have shared experiences of securing jobs against all odds, even without applying, after praying to Sai Baba.
      • One person, after facing significant financial losses and personal challenges, found their life gradually returning to normalcy with Baba’s blessings.
    • Overcoming Obstacles in Life: Testimonials often highlight how Sai Baba helps devotees navigate difficult situations, from resolving workplace tensions to facilitating smooth transitions in life.
    1. Divine Intervention and Presence:
    • Being “Called” to Shirdi: Some devotees describe a profound, unplanned urge to visit Shirdi, which inexplicably materializes into a trip, signifying Sai Baba’s direct invitation and presence in their lives.
    • Dreams and Visions: Sai Baba often appears in dreams, offering guidance, blessings, or even materializing Udi (sacred ash) when a devotee is in need, as shared by those who received Udi in dreams during illness.
    • Answers to Prayers (Big and Small): Devotees recount how Sai Baba answers both profound and seemingly trivial prayers, demonstrating his constant attentiveness to their needs. This includes a father’s blood pressure normalizing during a health scare after chanting “Om Sai Rakshak Sharanam.”
    1. Transformation and Spiritual Growth:
    • Instilling Faith and Patience: Many testimonials emphasize Sai Baba’s teachings of “Shraddha” (faith) and “Saburi” (patience) as cornerstones for experiencing his grace. Devotees often express how their unwavering faith in Baba helped them overcome immense suffering and transform their lives.
    • Experiencing Inner Peace: Beyond material benefits, many devotees share how connecting with Sai Baba brings a profound sense of inner peace, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment, even amidst life’s challenges
    • These testimonials, sourced from Online devotional blogs like Rgyan and Shirdi Sai Baba Experiences, temple websites such as Shirdi Sai Baba Kripa and Shirdi Sai Baba Devotees, and open forums like Sai Vichaar and Quora, [Thanks to each Websites /Blogs] through AI,
      • collectively paint a picture of Shirdi Sai Baba as a compassionate and powerful divine presence who continues to touch the lives of his devotees in miraculous ways.
  • Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    A captivating exploration of the profound themes and vital truths surrounding Shirdi Sai Baba reveals a figure of immense spiritual significance.

    I. The Nature and Identity of Sai Baba

    Sai Baba is a divine, omniscient, and omnipresent, being whose true nature transcends conventional human and religious classifications.

    • Ambiguity of Origin and Faith:
      • Baba’s identity as Hindu or Muslim is deliberately obscured, highlighting his universality.
      • He celebrated both Hindu festivals (Rama-Navami, Gokul Ashtami) and allowed Muslim practices (Sandal procession, Namaj in Masjid).
      • His physical attributes (pierced ears like a Hindu, advocacy of circumcision, but not circumcised himself) further blurred the lines.
      • No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mahomedan.
    • Divine Incarnation and Sadguru:
      • Baba is depicted as a “Wonderful Incarnation,” a “precious Jewel,” and a “precious Diamond.”
      • He is the “crest-jewel of the Saints, who is the home of all auspicious things, who is our Atmaram (Dear Self), and who is the able refuge of the devotees.”
      • He is explicitly referred to as a “Sadguru,” a true spiritual master.
      • “Lord (God) dwells in the Saints.
        • In fact they are not different from Him.
        • Our Sai is One of these,
          • Who incarnated for the welfare of the devotees,
          • Supreme in knowledge and surrounded with divine lustre.”
    • Omniscience and Omnipresence: Baba has absolute knowledge of the past, present, and future.
      • He knew Mr.Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about cotton speculation and his desire to offer Baba a share of profits.
      • He knew Mr. Cholkar’s secret vow regarding sugar and his decision to forego sugar. Baba remarked, “Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you.”
      • He knew Mr.Hari Kanoba’s name, parentage, and other details about him, even though it was Hari’s first visit to Shirdi.
      • He read Somadeva Swami’s critical thoughts about the flags at the Mosque, directly addressing them.
      • He knew about one pleader’s slander behind His back at Bar Council, demonstrating “His omniscience and His using it for correcting people and setting them on the right path.”
      • He correctly predicted and averted the death of Ramachandra Patil and foresaw Tatya Patil’s passing.
    • He is described as “omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited.”
    • Detachment and Humility: Despite his divine powers, Baba lived a life of extreme simplicity and humility. He lived on alms, possessing nothing, and residing in a deserted Masjid. He begged for food daily, mixing all offerings together, and “His tongue knew no taste.” Dogs, cats, and crows freely ate from his earthen pot, and “Baba never drove them away.”

    II. The Role and Importance of the Sadguru

    The Sadguru (Guru, who realized Self) as the sole means to spiritual liberation and worldly well-being.

    • Bridge to Salvation:
      • The Sadguru is essential for crossing the “worldly ocean.”
      • “Where Real or Sadguru is the helmsman, he is sure to carry us safely and easily beyond the worldly ocean.”
      • The Vedas alone cannot achieve this; “It is only the Sad-guru, who can do so and make you, see the Lord in all creatures.”
    • Destroys Egoism and Sins:
      • The touch of the Guru’s hand is described as having “wonderful… power.”
      • It can destroy the “subtle-body (consisting of thoughts and desires)” and cleanse “sins of many past births.”
      • M. Hemadpant said, when starting writing Shri Sai SatCharitra, “Sai Baba took away my egoism and wrote Himself His stories.”
    • Catalyst for Transformation:
      • Baba’s darshan (sight) leads to profound inner change:
        • “by His darshana our thoughts are changed,
        • the force of previous actions is abated and
        • gradually non-attachment of dispassion towards worldly objects grows up.”
      • He transforms his devotees into “Himself (His nature).”
    • Teacher and Guide:
      • The Sadguru Sai teaches based on the disciple’s qualifications, without unsettling their minds.
      • He dispels ignorance (“Destroying ignorance is Jnana”) and
      • He helps the disciple realize their true Self (“You are God, you are mighty and opulent.”).
    • Unconditional Love and Service:
      • A true Sadguru expects no service or profit,
      • but instead wishes to serve his disciples, treating them as equals or even as Brahma.
      • “Baba had great love for the disciples.”
        • He “loved all beings equally.
        • He was unattached. Foes and friends, kings and paupers, were the same to Him.”

    III. Key Teachings and Practices Advocated by Sai Baba

    Baba’s teachings, though sometimes indirect, emphasized faith, surrender, moral conduct, and devotion.

    • Faith (Nishtha) and Patience (Saburi): These were presented as two coins of devotion by Baba to His Guru.
      • Baba said: “This is one pice -Faith. Patience or perseverance is the other pice. I waited patiently and very long on My Guru and served him. This Saburi will ferry you across the sea of this mundane existence.” (pice=1/100 INR)
    • Complete Surrender: “If any one prostrates before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him,
      • then unsolicited, all the chief objects of life viz. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (Desire) and Moksha (Deliverance), are easily and unsolicitedly attained.”
      • “The best way, therefore, to get free from the shackles of Maya is our complete and whole-hearted surrender to Baba.”
    • Charity and Non-Attachment to Wealth: Baba frequently extracted “Dakshina” (offerings),
      • not for personal gain, but “to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds.”
      • He asserted that “He had to give back hundred times more of what He received.”
      • He discouraged debt for spiritual purposes: “Baba never liked people to run into debt for taking His darshan, or celebrating any holiday or making any pilgrimage.”
      • He considered “money as a danger or bar to spiritual progress.”
    • Ethical Conduct and Self-Correction:
      • He advised against discourteously turning away those who come to you, emphasizing:
      • “Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give
        • water to the thirsty,
        • bread to the hungry,
        • clothes to the naked, and
        • your verandah of your Home to strangers for sitting and resting.”
    • Baba condemned slander:
      • “Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you,
      • do not resent by giving any bitter reply.
      • If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.”
      • He used the example of a pig eating filth to correct a slanderer, stating, “Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart’s content.”
    • Baba taught the importance of offering everything to the Guru before enjoyment:
      • “before the senses, mind and intellect enjoy their objects, Sai should first be remembered, and if this be done, it is in a way an offering to Him...
      • all the Vrittis (thoughts) regarding Desire, Anger, Avarice etc. should first be offered and directed to the Guru.”
    • He guided devotees to remain calm and composed, engage in good actions, and perform duties without attachment.
    • Remembrance of God/Guru (Dhyana/Bhajan): Baba advised various forms of devotion, including
      • “remembering My name,”
      • “hearing His Leelas,”
      • “worship of His Feet,” and
      • studying sacred scriptures like Shri Sai SatCharitra, Bhagwat, Jnaneshwari, and Vishnu-Sahasra-Nam.
      • He stated, “If you always say ‘Sai, Sai’ I shall take you over the seven seas.”

    IV. The Human and the Divine

    • Interaction with Devotees:
      • Baba allowed devotees to serve him in their own way,
      • demonstrating his “dependency on Bhaktas” (in the sense that he allowed their devotion to manifest).
      • He engaged in normal conversation, jokes, and sometimes strong reprimands, always with a deeper purpose.
    • The Guru-Disciple Relationship: The relationship is central. Disciples are encouraged to fully surrender and trust the Guru. The Guru sees beyond superficiality and acts for the disciple’s ultimate good.
    • Transcending Form:
      • While he had a physical form, Baba’s true nature was “unattached and indifferent” and “the state of Brahman.”
      • He demonstrated “Khandayoga, i.e., separating His limbs and joining them again,”
      • His visible form was merely a “mould” for the “liquid essence of Pure Self.”

    V. Miraculous Powers (Leelas) and Their Purpose

    Baba’s “Leelas” (divine plays or miracles) are frequently cited, serving not as ends in themselves, but as tools to deepen devotees’ faith, teach spiritual lessons, and alleviate suffering.

    • Manifestation of Divine Power:Grinding Wheat: Initially misunderstood as mundane, Baba’s grinding of wheat was a symbolic act to “destroy the cholera epidemic in Shirdi” with the flour.
    • Turning Water into Oil: This demonstrated his control over natural elements(fire) and taught the Banias (Oil Traders) a lesson in /
    • ‘truthfulness.
    • Curing Diseases: He cured various ailments, including eye problems with Beeba (marking nuts-Carpus Ana Cardium) and diarrhea with groundnuts, emphasizing that “The true medicine… was Baba’s word.”
    • Saving from Calamities: He averted the snake bite for Shama and predicted/averted the death of Ramachandra Patil. He also saved Mr. Mirikar from a potential snake bite.
    • Fulfilling Desires (within divine plan):
      • The “Amra-Leela” story illustrates his power. Four mangoes, given by Sai resulted in four sons and four daughters for Damu Anna. This happened despite astrological predictions.
      • He facilitated the return of a stolen jewel-box and a stolen sum of money.
    • Disguised Blessings and Tests:Baba’s “rage” and “abuses” were often a “blessing in disguise,” as seen with Somadeva Swami, or a direct command to the poison in Shama’s case.
    • Drawing Devotees and Confirming Faith:
      • The numerous anecdotes of individuals being drawn to Shirdi, despite their initial reluctance (Hemadpant’s own journey, Kakaji Vaidya being directed by Goddess Sapta-Shringi, the “idolater” friend of Kaka Mahajani) highlight Baba’s magnetic spiritual pull.
      • His precise knowledge of hidden thoughts or distant events served to “create faith and devotion” in his devotees.
    • Guaranteeing the Welfare of His devotees:
      • “There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding Food and clothes in My devotee’s home.”
    • In a nutshell
      • Baba’s teachings
        • emphasize love, compassion, and faith,
        • uniting all religions and
        • inspiring devotion beyond boundaries.
      • His miraculous acts instill hope, and
      • His wisdom fosters inner peace.

  • BABA WORSHIP II- Congregational

    The next step was from individual worship to congregational worship. It was in 1908 that the change was started. Congregational worship implied that there would be some one to officiate as the pujari (Priest) and that he would be available at various periods of worship viz. Matins, vespers, night artis and noon artis etc.

    For this purpose, Hari  Vinayak Sathe, a Settlement Officer, (who in 1905 was blessed by Baba, with the promise of a son in case he married, and who got married in consequence) sent up one Megha-shyam called Megha to Shirdi. So that he might officiate as the pujari and carry on congregational worship.

    Megha usually went out five miles to fetch Godavari water for the daily worship, and three or four miles to fetch bel leaves which are said to be specially appropriate for Siva (=Sai, for Megha) worship (Eka Bilvam Sivarpanam that is one bel leaf even is sufficient offering to Siva). When the very orthodox Megha thus became an ardent devotee of Baba, others followed suit and joined in the congregational worship.

  • BABA WORSHIP I -Individual Worship

    The benefits attending Baba-worship were quickly seen and hence Devotees from outside the Shirdi village, that is, from the immediate neighbourhood were drawn to the worship. This spread gradually from place to place and people from even remote parts were attracted to the worship.

    Individual   worship itself was first not systematic, nor organised. But K.G. Bhishma, a good Kirtankar and a great adherent of Vittal-worship at Pandharpur, drew up the ritual for Sai-Baba-worship on practically the same lines as the Pandharpur-worship.

    He brought a set of artis that is ritualistic; verses for use by individuals at Shirdi, (and these were sent up by Baba to Nana Saheb Chandorkar at Jamnere) were approved of by HIM.

  • Earlier Years at Shirdi VI-Second Impediment

    The second impediment is more interesting. Baba had both Hindu and Muslim features in his body and in his actions and practice, and, HIS mission in life was to unify Hindus and Muslims into one compact mass with common religious, spiritual and worldly interests.

    As he had a Hindu Guru, namely, Gopal Rao Deshmukh alias Venkatesa or Venkusa, he was considered fitted to guide his Hindu followers.

    In order to guide his Muslim followers, initiation into Islamic scripture by a Maulana was essential according to public opinion. So, his destiny had to be fulfilled by his getting a second Guru, a Muslim. Jawar Ali Maulana was a distinguished Maulana of the last century, residing for some time at Rahata. He had extraordinary ability and learning, but had disagreed with his Rahata followers.

    He came to Shirdi and noted that Baba had a large Hindu following who worshipped him at the Mosque. He called upon Baba to come out of the Mosque and asked him whether he knew the Koran and the Shariat. Baba had learnt neither.

    So Jawar Ali Maulana ordered him to accompany him to Rahata and there Baba was living with this Guru for about two months. The Guru initiated him into the mysteries of Islamic spiritual literature.

    Baba did humble seva to this Guru, carrying water pots, fetching faggots, lighting up fire, doing hard physical work, which others would complain of. But in the case of Baba, he accepted his position as the sishya of Jawar Ali with perfect sincerity and underwent with sweet complacency, all the ordeal and the course of training given to him.

    The villagers of Shirdi, headed by Mahlsapathy who were very anxious to have Baba back again permanently settled at Shirdi, requested the Maulana to allow them to take Sai Baba with them. This was agreed to by the Maulana on the condition that with Baba he also should be taken to Shirdi, and that both he and Baba should be fed and supported by the villagers of Shirdi. So both came and lived at the Shirdi Mosque.

    Some time later, Jawar Ali was drawn purposely into a dispute with Devadas, a noted Hindu saint living in a chavadi at Shirdi, and Devadas’s questions cornered Jawar Ali. The latter had to make so many admissions that the surrounding spectators were moved to laughter. Jawar Ali resenting this humiliation left Shirdi and did not return there for long years to come.

    Baba’s worship at the Shirdi Mosque went on and gathered strength. What appeared as the second impediment tended only to increase the devotees’ attachment through Viraha and admiration and helped Baba’s mission. It must be noted here that the worship mentioned here is individual worship, each one going to Baba and placing flowers on his feet and treating him as God, Avatar or Guru.

  • “Give your guest, cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

    “Give your guest, cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

    Dasganu was once performing his Kirtan and singing the glory of Sai Baba, in the Koupineshwar temple in Thana.

    One Mr. Cholkar, a poor man serving as a candidate in the Civil Courts in Thana, was amongst the audience. He heard Dasganu’s Kirtan most attentively and was much moved.

    He there and then mentally bowed and vowed to Baba saying – “Baba, I am a poor man, unable to support my family. If by your grace, I pass the departmental examination and get a permanent post, I shall go to Shirdi. I will fall at Your Feet. I will also distribute sugar-candy in Your name.” As good luck would have it, Mr.Cholkar did pass the examination. He got the permanent post. Now it remained for him to fulfil his vow. The sooner, the better.

    Mr. Cholkar was a poor man with a large family to support; and he could not afford to pay for the expenses of a Shirdi trip. As is well said, one can easily cross over Nahne ghat in Thana District. It is easy even to cross the Sahyadri Range. However, it is very difficult for a poor man to cross Umbareghat, i.e., the threshold of his house.

    As Mr. Cholkar was anxious to fulfill his vow as early as possible, he resolved to economize, cut down his expenses, and save money. He determined not to use sugar in his diet; and began to take his tea without it.

    He saved some money in this way. Then, he came to Shirdi and took Baba’s darshan. He fell at His Feet and offered a coconut. He distributed it with a clean conscience along with sugar-candy as per his vow. He told Baba that he was much pleased with His darshan and that his desires were fulfilled that day.

    Mr. Cholkar was in the Masjid with his host Bapusaheb Jog. When the host and the guest both got up and were about to leave the Masjid, Baba spoke to Jog as follows:- “Give him (your guest) cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar.”

    Hearing these significant words, Mr. Cholkar was much moved, he was wonderstruck, his eyes were bedewed with tears, and he fell at Baba’s Feet again. Mr. Jog was also curious about this direction, regarding the tea-cups to be given to his guest.

    Baba wanted by His words to create faith and devotion in Cholkar’s mind. He hinted as it were, that He got the sugar-candy as per his vow and that He knew full well his secret determination not to use sugar in his diet.

    Baba meant to say, “If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus.”

    SSSC Ch-15

  • Hemadpant, The Author of “Shri Sai Satcharita”

    Hemadpant, The Author of “Shri Sai Satcharita”

    Govind Raghunath Dabolkar, called Anna Saheb Dabolkar, was Mamlatdar and first class resident Magistrate.

    His work ‘Sai Satcharitra’ in Marathi Ovi verse extends to a thousand pages. Maharashtra Sai bhaktas treat it as Sai Ramayana or modern Guru Charitra. They give it the respect due to ancient puranas. Even others respect it when they gain access through N.V. Gunjaji’s English adaptation or translations in Telugu, etc.

    This work is highly meritorious and has been the instrument for many people becoming Sai bhaktas. The verses are highly sonorous. The stories about Sai Baba collected from various individuals are based on actual experiences. These stories have great charm and are always fresh.

    On his first visit to Shirdi and Sai Baba in 1910, went to the mosque. He and his friend Bala Saheb Bhate prostrated before Baba. Baba pointed to Dabolkar and said, ‘What talk was going on there at the wada? And what did this Hemad Pant say (pointing his chin to Dabolkar)?’. Dabolkar’s name was not Hemad Pant at all.

    Hemadpant-“I began to think why Sai Baba should call me by the name Hemadpant. This word is a corrupt form of Hemadripant.

    This Hemadripant was a wellknown Minister of the kings Mahadev and Ramadev of Devgiri of the Yadav dynasty. He was very learned and good-natured. He authored good works, such as Chaturvarga Chintamani (dealing with spiritual subjects) and Rajprashasti. He invented and started new methods of accounts  and was the originator of the Ovi (Marathi Shorthand) script.

    But I was quite the opposite, an ignoramus, and have dull, mediocre intellect. I could not understand why the name or title was conferred upon me. However, after thinking seriously about it, I thought that the title was a dart to destroy my ego. This way, I should always remain meek and humble. It was also a compliment paid to me for the cleverness in the discussion#. (# before he started from Wada/Lodge to Sai Temple, he had some hot discussion with Bala Saheb Bhate about”Guru’s essential ” for 30 minutes)”.

    Looking to the future history, we think that Baba’s word (calling Mr. Dabholkar by the name Hemadpant) was significant and prophetic, as we find that he looked after the management of Sai Sansthan very intelligently, kept nicely all the accounts and helped greatly in the publications of ‘Sai Lila Masik (Magazine)’ also as the author of such a good work “Shri Sai Satcharita (SSSC)”, which deals with such important and spiritual subjects as Jnana, Bhakti and dispassion, self-surrender and self-realization.

  • Pulls Banjabi Ramlal to Shirdi

    Once a Punjabi Brahmin of Bombay named Ramalal got a dream in which Baba  appeared and asked him to come to Shirdi.

    Baba appeared to him as a Mahant (Saint), but he did not know His whereabouts. He thought that he should go and see Him, but as he knew not His address, he did not know what to do.

    But He Who calls anybody for an interview makes the necessary arrangements for the same. The same happened in this case. The same afternoon when he was strolling in the streets, he saw a picture of Baba in a shop. The features of the Mahant, he saw in the dream, exactly tallied with those of the picture.

    Then making enquiries, he came to know that the picture was of Sai Baba of Shirdi. He then went soon after to Shirdi and stayed there till his death.

    In this way Baba brought His devotees to Shirdi for darshan and satisfied their wants, material as well as spiritual.

  • FULL LIFE JOURNEY

    FULL LIFE JOURNEY

    CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF EVENTS (Episodes) CONCERNING SHRI SAI BABA 

    1835/38

    Sai Baba was born in very early hours of September 27 or 28, 1835 to a poor Hindu couple, Gangabhavadya and Devagiriamma. The newborn infant is left in the woods, abandoned (at Lord Siva temple*). The infant is immediately discovered and adopted by a childless Muslim fakir and his wife.

    1838

    Sai Baba lives with the Muslim couple for 4 years. Meanwhile the fakir dies. The wife is left to tend the child alone. Even as a small child Baba stirs up sentiments between the Hindu and Muslim community by worshiping Allah in Hindu temples, and Hindu gods in the mosque. In fear of increased problems by a sole widow, Baba is handed over for care with a local mendicant and story-teller, Venkusa.

    1839-51

    Sai Baba spent 12 years with his Guru. The name of his Guru was Gopal Rao Deshmukh (Venkusa, also known as Venkavadhuta) of Selu. Some say “Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi”. Arrival of Devidas at Shirdi (Aged 10-11 years) took place in 1846. When he enquired, BABA mentioned the name of his GURU as Venkusa implying VISHNU (Parvardigar).

    1851

    Sai Baba first appeared at Shirdi and stays in the village for two months. He is noted to reside day and night under a Neem Tree (aged about 16 Years) which he claims is growing over the tomb of his old guru. After two months Baba disappeared to an unknown place.

    1852-54

    Baba may have gone to many places including Manik Nagar to meet Manic Prabhu, who is one of the incarnation of Lord Datta*.

    1854

    sai Baba first come to Shirdi when he was 16 years old. The mother of Nana chopdar may have seen and guessed the age of Baba as 16 years. He stayed at Shirdi for 9 months and then disappeared to an unknown place.*

    1855-1857

    Sai Baba travels about from place to place and finally ends up, beneath the mango tree near/in Dhoopkheda (or Dhoop) in Aurangabad District. There he ends up attending the marriage of Chand Patil’s nephew in 1858.

    1858

    Sai Baba returns to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil and remained at Shirdi for ever till His Samadhi.

    After reached at Khandoba temple of Shirdi, mahalsapthi may have seen and called him as “Avo Sai”. From that day, the young fakir named as Sai Baba in public.

    A widowed Deputy Collector and Settlement Officer by name H.V. Sathe (Hari Vinayaka Sathe) comes to Shirdi on the death of his wife. Baba takes great fondness to Sathe. Sathe was the first to set up apartments at Shirdi for temporary visitors.

    Baba regarded Sathe as his right hand in regard to all matters. Because Baba was keeping Sathe close to him and relying on him for everything, the residents of Shirdi grew jealous towards him.

    1859-61*

    1. Sai Baba begin to stay in deserted Masjid.
    2. Baba liked the company of saint Devidas, who was living many years before Baba came there; He stayed with Devidas in Maruthi temple, in the chavadi and sometimes lived alone.
    3. Vaman Tatya, devotee, supplied daily two fresh pitchers for 3 years; and with Sai Baba ‘ s toilet and labour, there( now Baba’s samadhi) grew a flower garden

    29th November 1865 Wednesday *

    Saint Manik Prabhu of Humanabad in Bidar District of Karnataka passed away

    30th April 1878, Tuesday *

    H. H. Akkalkot Swami left His mortal coil at Akkalkot in Solapur District of Maharashtra. (First appeared in 1835). It is reported that three of them (Manik Prabhu, Swami Samartha and SAIBABA) met at Humanabad.

    1873.

    Saints and holy men were coming to Shirdi for darshan of Baba, like Ramanand bikar, a disciple of Shri Akkalkot Maharaj.*

    1878.

    Keshav Nayak along with his son Ramachandra came to Shirdi. Baba asked some to pluck some Neem leaves and eat. These tasted very sweet*.

    1878, 23rd February, Saturday

    Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon appeared first time as a lad under the banyan tree at Shegaon. On his mahasamadhi day ie 8\9\1910, Baba at dwarakamai said to the devotees that ‘My Gajanan has left me’.*

    1879.

    Mamaltdar, chidamber Keshav Godgil was the first Government official,who considered Sai Baba as a Jnyani.*

    1881

    Madhavrao Deshpande ( Shyama), a primary school teacher at Shirdi accepted Sai Baba as his Sadguru.*

    1885

    Saint Anandnath (aged 95 years) of Yewala Math and a disciple of Akkalkot Swami visited Shirdi and seeing Sai Baba exclaimed, “This is a precious real diamond.”

    1886, April 16

    Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahansa of Bengal 1886.

    1886, 10th December, Friday night *

    On the Datta jayanthi Day, Baba suffered of Asthma. To get rid of it, Baba decided to take his parna high up and go to samadhi. He said to Mahalsapthi ” Protect My body for three days. If I return, it will be alright; if I don’t, bury my body in that open land ( pointing to it) and fix two flags there as a mark”;. Saying this, Baba fell down at about 10PM, as if His prana left tthe body.

    All the people including Shirdi villagers came, wanted to hold enquiry and bury the body; but Mahalsapthi prevented this.

    After three days passed, Baba showed signs of life at 3 AM and returned to life again. This incident imposed the villagers of Shirdi to accept Baba as an incarnation of God, instead of common mad Fakir.

    1887

    Manthrapragada Ramalaksmhi Devi, and his husband Venkata Narasimha Rao, who were childless in spite of efforts, visited their Guru, Shirdi Sai Baba, in 1887 and prayed to him for a child. As the fruit of Shirdi Sai Baba’s grace, a girl child was born to them on August 8, 1888. Shirdi Sai Baba himself gave name, Shringeri Sharada Devi: as she was of fair complexion. Baba used to lovingly call me Gori.*

    1889

    Abdullah arrived at Shirdi from Nanded (in West Khandesh near Jalgaon and Amalner). Baba welcomed by saying ‘my crow has come’.*

    1891.

    First invitation was given by Baba to Nana Saheb Chandorkar.

    1892

    Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time after being invited by BABA many a time showing his intimate relations with NANA since his four births. “You are not aware of it, but I am. That’s why I called you here”*

    1892, 20th October Thursday, Diwali*

    Baba lighted the lamps with water, when the oil shopkeepers refused to give oil for his lamps.

    This is an important miracle, local people astonished very much.

    1893*

    Das Ganu (Ganesh Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe) accompanied with Nanasaheb Chandorkar came to Shirdi for the first time.

    1894.*

    1. Bala saheb bhate came to Shirdi for the first time.
    2. some intolerant Muslims led by kazi of sangamner wanted to create problems. But Baba dissuaded them and Mahalsapthi was allowed to worship Him.

    1895

    Damodar Savalram Rasane (Dammu Anna) first visited, to show his gratitude to Sai Baba with a prayer to get children.*

    1896

    Celebration of ‘Urus’ (fair) started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Gopal Rao Gund, a Circle Inspector of Kopargaon.

    1898

    Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank. (Unknown year) About this time, the parents of Shyam came to Shirdi with the two-year old child named Mohan Shyam. A small school for children was adjoining Baba’s room. Shyam used to watch Baba at nights through the ventilator. Baba used to sleep on an eighteen-inch wide plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank. Shyam was apprehensive that Baba might fall from his lofty but narrow perch during sleep. Shyam prayed to stay near Baba and serve him for his remaining days.

    1899-1900

    Nanasaheb Chandorkar visited Shirdi with his sister-in-law’s husband, Shri Biniwale. Baba scolded Nanasaheb for dissuading Biniwale, a devotee of Shri Dattatreya from visiting Datta Temple on the bank of Godavari River to avoid delay in reaching Shirdi.

    1900-1902

    Sai Baba like a learned Pandit explained Geeta to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who believed that BABA was not well versed with Sanskrit language of Pundits (learned people).

    1903

    Das Ganu left Govt. service and as per Baba’s instructions settled at Nanded and started performing keertan and writing life histories of recent saints.

    1903

    Das Ganu’s book ‘Sant Kathamrit’ was published. (Ch. 57 about Sai Baba’s advice to Nanasaheb Chandorkar).

    1904, April

    Rao Bahadur H. V. Sathe first arrived at Shirdi. (Aged about 49 years).

    1904-1905

    Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner in Jalgaon District had severe pains of delivery. Sai baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi from Shirdi and she had a safe delivery. Sai Baba even took the form of Tonga’s Rajput driver to make Ramgir reach Jamner safe and on time.

    1906

    Das Ganu’s book ‘Bhakta-Leelamrit’ was published. (Chapters. 31, 32 and 33 about Sai Baba).

    1906

    Nanasaheb Chandorkar was transferred as Mamlatdar from Nandurbar to Pandharpur. On
    the way, he stopped at Shird! With his family and started requesting Baba to accompany
    them to Pandharpur and stay there permanently with them. The devotees then told
    Nanasaheb about the singing of bhajan just finished in which Baba’s mood of going to
    Pandharpur and staying there forever was expressed. The text of the song was, ‘I want to go and stay at Pandharpur.

    1906

    Shivamma Thayee’s uncle meets Baba for the first time, while Baba is visiting Vellakinaru in Coimbatore. Baba told Shivamma’s uncle, ‘She is the only girl in the whole lot who will be a highly elevated soul.’ Baba then slowly chanted the Gayatri Mantra to Shivamma.

    1907

    Radhakrishna Mai (Sunderabai Kshirsagar) arrived at Shirdi. (Young good-looking widow aged 25 years). She was blessed by BABA who used to send a part of food collected as (Bhiksha) to her.

    1908

    Sathe Wada was constructed.

    1908 Ekadashi

    Kashirarn Shimpi died. (Chaitra Shuddha 11). BABA saved his life in a mysterious way when he was assaulted by Thieves in a jungle.

    1908

    Pundalikrao of Nanded met Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. (Tembe Swami) at Rajahmundry on banks of Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and Swami gave a coconut to be presented to Sai Baba. BABA showed cognizance of Swamiji’s gift and showed his oneness with Swami by describing him as his brother (Bhau).

    1908

    Shri Tatyasaheb Noolkar, (Aged 45 years) the Sub-judge of Pandharpur first arrived at Shirdi in 1908. Gurupournima festival was prompted by Baba for Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others.

    1909

    Saibaba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, and an atheist, on his very first visit and Balasaheb lost complete interest in worldly matters. He retired prematurely from service and settled down at Shirdi permanently.

    1909

    Bapusaheb (Sakharam Hari) Jog on retirement from Govt. service came to stay at Shirdi permanently accompanied by his wife.

    1909

    Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon (Pune District) came to Shirdi for getting his chronic tuberculosis at the last stage and was cured by Baba’s blessings.

    1909, Nov 2

    Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit (Aged 45 years), a prominent solicitor and M.L.C. first arrived at Shirdi. Baba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba’s orders.

    1909, Dec 10

    Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days.

    1909, Dec 25

    Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar.

    1910

    Baba’s ‘Handi’ ritual, occasionally cooking food Himself in a big copper pot and distributing it to devotees and poor people without discrimination. This practice continued till this year. After wards owing to Das Ganu’s keertans (musical recitals praising Baba), Baba’s fame spread far and wide and devotees started flocking together in large numbers offering large quantities of food as ‘naivedya’ and thus there was no need of ‘Handi.

    1910

    Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad from Bandra (Bombay) first visited Shirdi

    1910

    Rao Bahadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan of Santa Cruz (Bombay) first visited Shirdi.

    1910

    Govind Raghunath alias Annasaheb Dabholkar (Aged 51 years), the author of Shri Sai Satcharita (Marathi), had his first darshan of Sai Baba and received significant and prophetic title of ‘Hemadpant. Baba gave him his blessings and inspired him to write SAI SATCHARITA – a religious scripture describing BABA’s life story and his divine play (leela) as monumental as GURU CHARITRA- the old monumental POTHI – a poetic religious scripture inspiring worship to GURU, NARASINHA SARASWATI.

    1910

    Balkrishna Vishwanath alias Balasaheb Dev (Dahanu Mamlatdar) first visited Shirdi prompted by Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Dev used to describe him as Baba’s child – with a full sense of surrender.

    1910

    Bhadrapad Shuddha 5H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon (Buldhana District of Maharashtra) left His mortal coil. (First appeared in 1878). At that very time at Shirdi, Sai Baba grieved profusely and said, “Hallo! My Gajanan is gone. I must take bath again in reverence to the Great Soul.”

    1910

    Shrimant Gopalrao Mukund alias Bapu Saheb Butty of Nagpur, (a rich statesman) started staying permanently at Shirdi.

    1910

    Harishchandra Pitale’s son suffering from epilepsy was cured by Baba’s mere glance at him. Baba gave Pitale three rupees and reminded him of two rupees earlier received by him from Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and thus showed his oneness with all the other SAINTS (Vibhutis).

    1910, Ashwin Vady13

    Sai Baba pushed his arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith’s child. ‘The arm was scorched and burnt. Nanasaheb came from Bombay with Dr. Parmananda but Baba did not allow the doctor to treat him. Bhagoji Shinde’s service of massaging the arm with ghee and bandaging it continued till Baba’s Samadhi. This episode is in testimony to BABA’s cosmic existence- HIS super consciousness.

    1910 Dec 5

    Hon’ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amravati (Maharashtra) first visited Shirdi. (Refused on 10 Dec. 1910) Mr. Babasaheb Khaparde was an ardent devotee of BABA and his efforts were instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak- (a great national leader-Khapurde’s contemporary) to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan and blessings in his movement for India’s freedom from the British Rule.

    1910, Dec10

    Foundation-stone of Dixit Wada laid with Baba’s permission.

    1910, Christmas

    Lala Lakhamichand of Santacruz (Bombay) came to Shirdi. Baba loved him very much and affectionately accepted his petty gifts given with love.

    1910

    Megha returns to Shirdi and stays till his death. In Baba’s company he underwent mysterious experiences which transformed Megha from an atheist to an ardent devotee of Baba and spent his life in the service of Sai -Shiva. He regarded Baba as Shiva-Shankar (Lord Shiva- Shankar -the welfare Doer).

    1911

    Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on a pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, halted at Shirdi and breathed his last while reading ‘Bhagawat’ (a religious script written by Saint Eknath) for 3 days on Baba’s advice.

    1911, March

    Tatyasaheb Nulkar (Aged 48), the Sub-judge of Pandharpur breathed, his last at Shirdi. Baba showed HIS oneness with Tatya Nulkar and described him as a pure soul and expressed HIS grief at Nulkars demise.

    After Tatyasaheb Nulkar passed away, Megha took over the regular daily worship of Baba in the Dwarakamai. (He used to stand on one leg while performing the Arati). Tatyasaheb Nulkar relinquished everything and stayed at Shirdi in Baba’s company till his demise Baba bestowed him with the unique experiences in self-realization. Baba advised him and Mr Shyama Deshpande to perform Guru Worship (Pooja).

    1911

    Ram-Navami Festival was started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani.

    1911, Ram-Navami

    Construction of Dixit Wada was completed and was inhabited with due rites.

    1911

    Extension and roofing of the open space in front of the Dwarakamai was carried out by Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba got enraged and tried to shake and uproot a pole. Then removing Tatya Patil’s paghree, struck a match, set the paghree on fire and threw it in a pit along with one rupee as if an auspicious offering to avert evil. Baba never liked renovation of his dwelling place viz. Dwarakamai (the masjid) and opposed any such effort by the devotees.

    1911

    Somdav Swami Alias Hardwar Swami visited Shirdi.

    1911, June 27

    Kashinath Govind Upasani (aged 41 years) first visited Shirdi and returned again on 6 July. Baba ordered him to stay for 4 years in the Khandoba Temple.

    1911, Dec

    Kashinath Upasani composed the famous ‘Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra (hymn) in Sanskrit. (Now being recited daily during Arati at Shirdi).

    1911, Dec

    Bubonic plague raged at Shirdi (Lasted up to March 15 next year) Baba however saved lives of plague inflicted devotees by taking upon himself i.e. On his body the malody.

    1911, Dec

    Baba’s grinding of wheat in the hand-mill. It was not wheat that was ground but plague or cholera itself was ground to pieces and cast out of village. Seeing this Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was inspired to write ‘Shri Sai Satcharita.’

    1911, Dec5

    Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amravati arrived at Shirdi again with family and stayed for 3 months. Shri Krishna Bhishma the author of Arati book ‘Sagunopasana’ accompanied him. Dadasaheb Khaparde wrote diary (daily record of his stay at Shirdi in Baba’s company).

    1911, Dec 11

    Waman Rao Patel (Aged 22 years) (Later Swami Sai Sharanananda) first arrived at Shirdi.

    1911, Dec 13

    Chandrabhan Shet Marwari, uncle of Khushalchand of Rahata, expired.

    1911, Dec 16

    Dr. Capt. Hate first visited Shirdi (who had just appeared at LCPS examination.) Baba sent him a message in the dream saying, ‘have you forgotten me?’.

    1911, Dec 19

    Sai Baba’s great devotee and a great saint of Nath-Panth order, Shri Rama Maruti visited Shirdi. (Stayed for 34 days.) ‘. Ram Maruti offered ‘Naivedya’ to Baba and Baba very affectionately took a part of it (SWEET SANJA).

    1911-12

    Sagun Meru Naik arrived at Shirdi at the age of 23 and on Baba’s advice settled permanently running a small restaurant for the devotees visiting Shirdi.

    1912, Jan

    Dadasaheb Khaparde’s youngest son Balwant was cured of bubonic plague by Baba by taking the disease on himself.

    1912, Jan 3

    Megha fed some Brahmins on completion of his Gayatri Punascharana (a religious ritual). Dadasaheb Khaparde attended it at Sathe Wada.

    1912, Jan 19

    Megha died at Shirdi at about 4 A.M. Baba lamented loudly and followed the funeral procession for some distance. Baba showered flowers on Megha’s body.

    1912, Jan 20

    Bapusaheb Jog started performing Baba’s Pooja and Arati after Megha’s death. He continued this till Baba’s Samadhi and even some years afterwards until he shifted to Sakori and joined Upasani Maharaj there.

    1912

    Transformation of Dwarakamai (the masjid) started. Pits were patched up and the stone slabs fixed on the floor. Baba gave up sack-cloth seat and started using cushion scat and bolster in deference to devotees’ wishes.

    1912 Jan

    Ganapatrao, father of Tatya Kote Patil passed away. Tatya Patil stopped sleeping in the Dwarakamai with Baba.

    1912, Feb 25

    Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama) left Shirdi to attend Kakasaheb Dixit’s son’s thread-ceremony at Nagpur and Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s son’s wedding at Gwalior. From there accompanied by Appa Kote, he went on a pilgrimage to Mathura, Prayag, Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya. At Gaya Madhavrao saw Baba’s picture at the priest’s house and was reminded of Baba’s words, “After visiting Kashi and Prayag I would be reaching the religious place ahead of Shama.”

    1912, Mar 15

    Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amravati. Mrs. Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind.

    1912, Ram-Navami

    Dada Maharaj Satarkar, known as ‘Modern Tukaram’, was invited to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan.When he bowed down in obeisance, Baba said, “I know this man since last 4 years”. Bala Buva had never met Sai Baba before but 4 years ago at Bombay, he had prostrated before Baba’s picture. Thus Baba proved to His devotees that seeing His picture was equivalent to seeing Him in person.

    1912, April

    First visit of Balaram Dhurandhar along with his brothers. Before they arrived Baba had expressed, “Today many of my Durbar people are coming”. Baba offered Balaram Chillim to smoke and since then his 6 year old asthma was cured forever.

    1912, Shravan 15

    Guru-Sthan padukas were installed under the Neem Tree at Shirdi.

    1913.

    First visit of Mahadev Rao Sapatnekar of Akkalkot accompanied by his younger brother Pandit Rao. When Mahadev Rao prostrated before Baba, Baba shouted ‘Chal hat’ (Get away) in the protest of absence of faith in Saptnekar’s mind and his prejudice for Baba.

    1913

    Baba gave at Dwarakamai darshan of himself as Vitthal and Rakhumai of Pandharpur to the wife and mother of R. B. Purandare of Bandra.

    1913, Ram-Navami

    BalaBuva Satarkar performed Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi and Baba gave him a gift of Rs.150/- for the Kirtan. These coins were collected in a dish (Thali) after Baba’s prayer (Arati). Baba poured the whole dish in Satarkar bag (zoli)

    1913, May

    Waman Rao Patel (Aged 24 – 25 Years.) (Swami Sai Sharananandaji) visited Shirdi again and this time stayed for 11 months.

    1913

    Rao Bahadur Sathe got a son by Baba’s Grace at the age of 57 years.

    1914

    Sapatnekar of Akkalkot arrived at Shirdi again with wife and returned being blessed for begetting a son.

    1914, Feb 14

    Mr.B.V. Deo (Mamlatdar of Dahanu in Thane District) was charged and reprimanded by Baba for stealing His rag and after lot of abusing and scolding was favoured with instruction to read Gnyaneshawari regularly every day as per Deo’s desire. This episode is an example of how Baba sometimes displayed his transcendental powers to read devotees mental inclinations even without formal oral communication.

    1914, Feb 22

    A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and seeing Baba eating bread with onion got suspicious and disappointed. However Baba proved His power of omniscience by reading his mind and the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed.

    1914, April 2

    Before the year was over, Baba appeared to Deo in a dream and inquired if he understood Gnyaneshawari properly. Deo said ‘No’ and added that without Baba’s Grace it will not be understood. Then Baba explained to Deo how to read it slowly (and without making haste) with full concentration for knowing the subtle meaning between the lines (Bodha – Knowledge)

    1914, Ram-Navami

    Das Ganu was ordained by Baba to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi every year.

    1914, Shravan

    H. H. Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Aged 80 years) (Tembe Swami) left His mundane body at Garudeshwar on the banks of River Narmada in Gujarat.

    1914. July 15

    Kashinath Upasani left Shirdi (Total stay 3 years, 19 days) and proceeded towards Nagpur, Khadakpur etc.

    1915, Dec

    Sai Baba suffered from asthma and was very weak. Yet He climbed over Radhakrishna Mai’s roof with a ladder. Paid Rs. 2/- to the person bringing and placing the ladder. Honouring a worker for his work, Baba showed how Dignity of labour should be maintained.

    1915, Dec

    Balakram Mankar passed away at Shirdi.

    1915, Dec

    Mrs. Tarkhad (wife of Babasaheb Tarkhad of Bandra) sent a pedha (made of milk and sugar) which was already offered as naivedya and that too with Balakram’s son Govindji who was in mourning. Yet Baba swallowed it with great eagerness and love.

    1915, Dec 30

    Construction work of Butty’s Wada was in progress. Baba occasionally used to go at this place to see the progress of this work and gave instructions.

    1916

    Sai Baba made Das Ganu to do ‘Nam-Saptah and Kirtan’ at Shirdi for a week.

    1916

    Radhakrishna Mai (Aged 35 years) passed away. Baba used to bless her by sending a portion of food collected by him by way of Bhiksha.

    1916.

    Arrival of a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order). Baba gave darshan to the chief’s wife in the form of her beloved deity Shri Rama. The chief also got a dream and his attitude towards Baba was completely changed.

    1916

    Nephew of Dr. Mulky from Malegaon (District Nasik), suffering from tubercular bone-abscess, was fully cured by Sai Baba’s Udi and his loving glance. The doctor himself visited Shirdi afterwards and became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba realizing that Baba’s service is to be performed not only for the sake of money or other mundane things but for the welfare of the disabled, helpless and downtrodden.

    1916

    Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) retired from Govt. service. On Guru Purnima Day while at Shirdi, Anna Chinchanikar pleaded before Baba for getting some other appointment for Hemadpant as his pension was quite insufficient and his family was growing. Baba assured him about his source of income for livelihood after retirement.

    1916, Vijaya Dashami

    When in the evening Shirdi residents were returning from ‘Simollanghan’ ceremony (crossing of the border or limits of the kingdom village), Baba suddenly got into wild rage and taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota (loin cloth) etc., tore them into pieces and threw them in the burning Dhuni before Him. The fire in the Dhuni became brighter and Baba stood there stark naked. Later when cooled down and dressed again Baba said, “This is My Simollanghan” and thus hinted at His departure from this world soon on Dassehra Day. This Darshan provided enlightenment that Baba’s body cannot be described as Hindu or Muslim or of any cast or belonging to any religion in vogue.

    1916

    Ramchandra Dada Patil became seriously ill. One night. Appearing before him, Baba told him that he would recover soon but Tatya Patil will die on Vijaya Dashami Day in 1918. Thus by substituting Tatya’s name for HIS, Baba foretold Tatya’s passing away. However, Baba sacrificed his body to save devotees life by saying ‘instead of him another person will go?’.

    1916

    Baba averted Gopal Narayan Ambadekar’s effort of suicide by prompting him to read an appropriate incident from Akkalkot Swami’s Chaitra (religious scripture) and avoided greatest sin in his devotees life.

    1917

    Shyam, the faithful servant of Baba falls at Baba’s feet and dies, merging in Baba.

    1917

    Baba tells Shringeri Sharada Devi, “Gori, I will appear in Andhra [Pradesh] with the same name of Sai Baba but in another Avatar. Then again, you will come to me. I will keep you with me and give you joy.”

    1917

    Baba names a young girl Shivamma Taiyee and proclaims that she will be a saint.

    1917

    Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (District Thane) wished to offer. One more rupee to Baba while leaving Shirdi, but could not do so. On the way at Nasik, in the Kala Rama Temple another saint Narasing Maharaj demanded one rupee from him. Karnik gave it willingly thinking that Baba was demanding the rupee he wanted to offer at Shirdi. Baba fulfilled in HIS many mysterious ways devotees’ desire to offer dakshina through all the media.

    1917

    Sai Baba appeared at Thane (North of Bombay) to inquire the well-being of Appa Saheb Kulkarni’s wife and children when he was away on tour. When Appa Saheb returned Baba not only fulfilled his desire of offering Rs.10 as Dakshina but also favoured him by returning nine rupees consecrated by His touch. These nine rupees are the symbol of nine bhakti services done to HIM.

    1917

    Upasani Maharaj (Aged 47 years) made Sakori (near Rahata) his permanent residence.

    1918

    Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan purchased Lendi Baug and later presented it to Shirdi Sansthan’. Baba himself planted some trees at the Lendi Baug.

    1918, April 1

    At Vile Parle (East) (now suburb of Bombay) on Hanuman Road, Narayan Mahadev Thosar’s residence (later known as Narayan Ashram) was built a Hanuman Temple. On the day it was consecrated, Baba paid Rs. 25 to a Brahmin named Waze and made him performs Shri Satya- Narayan Pooja.

    1918

    Prof. G. G. Narke, son-in-law of Butty got a permanent job by Baba’s Grace as Professor in the Engineering College at Pune. Baba always remembered him by saying ‘where has he (Narke) gone? Baba gave him a begging bag (zoli) for collecting food -an exercise in cultivating humility and eliminating ego.

    1918, August

    Baba offered Hemadpant a glass of butter-milk and said, “Drink it all, you won’t get such opportunity again suggesting that time for his Samadhi has arrived.

    1918, Sep 9

    Das Ganu wrote ‘Shri Sai Stavan Manjaril at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the banks of River Narmada.

    1918, Sept 28

    Nath Panthi saint Rama-Maruti of Kalyan passed away.

    1918, Sept 28

    Sai Baba had a slight attack of fever which lasted for 3-4 days. Since then Baba abstained from food and day by day His weakness increased.

    1918, Oct 1

    Baba asked a Brahmin devotee by the name Waze to read ‘Ram- Vijay’ (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days.

    1918, Oct 8

    A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated.

    1918, Oct 15, Tuesday

    On Vijaya Dashmi, Sai Baba left his mortal coil at about 2-30 p.m. Few minutes before He gave Rs. 9/- as Prasad to Laxmi Shinde. These nine coins represent nine dimensional devotion to GOD.

    1918 Oct 16

    Wednesday Early morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur, in dream and said, “The Dwarakamai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover my body copiously with flowers”.

    1918, Oct 16

    Wednesday in the evening Baba’s body was taken in procession through the Shirdi village and then interred in Butty Wada with due formalities.

    1918, Oct 27 On the 13th day Baba’s devotees from all over gathered and funeral rites were performed by Balasaheb Bhate with a feast (Bhandara) to Brahmins and poor. Later Upasani accompanied by Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) and performed all the remaining obsequies on the banks of River Ganges.

    Thanks: Internet peoples