In Sai’s Proximity – Mrs. Mugdha Divadkar
Radhabai Gondkar, Narayan Teli, Appaji Kote Patil, Ramchandradada Patil and Bhagchand Marwadi, RAGHUJI SHINDE, BHAGOJI SHINDE, LAXMIBAI SHINDE
When Sai Baba started permanently residing at Shirdi, He began collecting Bhiksha (alms). Many saints follow a practice of collecting Bhiksha only from five households. Accordingly, Sai Baba regularly visited only the five households. He went to the houses of Bayjabai Ganpat Kote Patil, Radhabai Gondkar Patil, Nandaramshet Marwadi, Appaji Kote Patil, and Santaji Bhivsan Shelke Patil. He generally went to them twice every day. However, sometimes He visited as many times as He wished.
Radhabai Gondkar Patil
Baba sometimes acted in a child-like manner. At such times, He specially called Appaji or Radhabai and said in a complaining tone, “Appa, see that Telin (wife of Teli – oil manufacturer) abuses me a lot. That Wanin (wife of a Wani – grocer) harasses me a lot. That Narayan Teli also gives me a lot of trouble.” Suddenly, He used to point a finger at a by-stander and said, “I am very much fed up now. I will come with you.” In reply, Appaji used to say in a cajoling tone, ‘‘Baba, you don’t worry. I will take proper care of all of them.” Radhabai also said, “Baba, you have patience. I will drive away these whores. They trouble you a lot. Isn’t it ?” Then, Baba used to smile and ask them to depart by saying, “Go, take the Udi and go to your homes.” It was Baba’s practice to refer to evils as ‘Telya’, ‘Kotya’, ‘Wanin.
Narayan Teli
As you enter the Masjid, on left hand side adjacent to the Masjid but a little towards the back, was the residence of Narayan Teli and his family. Baba came to Shirdi for the second time along with the marriage party of Amin Bhai and started residing in the Masjid. From that time, Narayan Teli’s wife started a practice of giving Baba half of a Bhakri (bread) and something to accompany it. Sometimes, Baba also went to her to ask for Bhiksha.
Appaji Kote Patil
Several times every day, for some reason or the other, Baba used to utter the names of Narayan Teli or Appaji Kote. It was obvious that his these utterances were not meant for that specific person.
Appaji Kote Patil of Shirdi was a rich and elderly person. His words were treated with respect in the village. By nature, he was strict and very demanding. His thoughts were ancient and he observed old traditions such as untouchability etc. Baba loved him very much and therefore, Baba gave Appaji the benefit of pilgrimage of Mathura, Kashi, Prayag, Gaya and other holy places along with Madhavrao Deshpande.
When Baba was Dehadhari (in mortal form), Appaji used to sleep in Chavadi along with other elders like Mhalsapati, Vithoba Gondkar and Appaji Bhilla.
After the Mahanirvan of Baba, majority of the devotees wanted to abide by Baba’s wishes and decided to place Baba’s mortal body inside Butti Wada. However, Appaji adopted a stance different from others. He and some Muslims wanted the body to be placed in an open ground.
It happened thus,
While on His way to Lendi, Baba used to stop near Wada and staring at a particular place, He used to say, “This Hagdodichi Jaga (place which was garbage dump) is my place.’’
After Bapusaheb Butti started construction of Wada at that place, Baba suddenly used to arrive on the site and gave different instructions. Baba also appeared in dreams of Bapusaheb Butti and Madhavrao Deshpande and instructed them to build a temple in the Wada and install a statue of Muralidhar in it.
While an order was being placed for the purchase of Sinhasan (throne) for Lord Muralidhar, Baba repeatedly started saying, “Let us come and stay in this Wada. We will have a nice time playing and conversing with Bal-Gopal.” Looking at Bala Chopdar, He used to say, “This Bala will roar and announce arrivals and departures.”
In this manner, Baba had given indications in advance about His wishes to permanently settle down in the Wada. However, no one realized the importance of His words at that time. Without anyone realizing it, Baba had stopped the work of the statue.
The last words uttered by Baba were -“Take me to Butti’s Wada.” Taking into consideration all these facts, majority of the devotees decided to place the mortal body of Baba in the Wada and build a tomb. Accordingly, the construction workers started preparations for the foundation of the tomb at the place originally demarcated for throne of Lord Muralidhar.
However, some Muslims held a different view. According to them “A tomb is to be constructed in an open space. Therefore, putting it in a closed place like Wada would be improper. Further, Butti is a Brahmin. He is likely to forbid entry of Muslims into the Wada and they will be deprived of taking Darshan of Baba.” Ameer Shakkar - a Muslim from village Korhala - assumed leadership of the group. In the dead of night, he met Appaji Kote Patil. After talking to him for a considerable time, he managed to convince Appaji of his view. Appaji gathered villagers from all age groups and conveyed and convinced them of his view. They also agreed with him. Next day morning, Appaji and his group called all the villagers and placed before them their view of supporting construction of the tomb outside the village.
Ramchandra Dada Patil
In the above mention dispute regard the place of tomb, Ramchandradada Patil took a firm stand to bring Baba’s wishes into reality !
Tatyaba Patil was the village head in reality. However, he was very much sick at that time and was unable to move from a place. He called Ramchandra Patil and told him, “Do whatever is possible, but see that Baba is kept in Butti’s Wada !” Ramchandra Patil accepted the responsibility. Everyone’s wish was also like-wise. In firm and clear words he announced, “As per the consensus of everyone, it has been decided to build the memorial of Baba in the Butti Wada only. There is not going to be any change in this.” Hearing this, Appa Kote became furious. In reality, he was the grandfather of Ramchandra Patil. Listening to the utterances of his grandson his anger knew no bounds. In a fit of anger he told Ramchandradada that he will not allow him to step into his house. The grandson was equally headstrong. His faith in Baba was steadfast. On its strength, he replied to his grandfather, “As long as you are alive, I will also not step into your house. But, Baba’s memorial will take shape in Butti Wada only.”
Ramchandra remained true to his words. He stepped into Appaji’s house only after his death.
Ramchandra Patil was born in the year 1879-80 in the village Shirdi. His full name was Ramchandra Dadaji Kote Patil. At the young age of 16, due to a startling experience about Baba, he came into close contact with Babasaheb Dengale. Till that time, he had not realized that Baba is an incarnation of the Almighty. However, from the age of 18, he started regularly visiting Baba.
In the year 1915, Raobahadur Sathe established an organization by the name ‘Dakshina Bhiksha Sanstha’. Ramchandra Patil was its secretary.
Once Ramchandradada was seriously ill. Baba appeared in his dream and warned, ‘‘Your death has been averted. However, after two years - on the day of Dassera - Tatyaba will be no more.” He also told him, “Do not disclose this to anyone.” However, Bala Shimpi was a close friend of Ramchandradada and he confided this secret in him. Thereafter, exactly two years later, on 15th October 1918 Baba laid down His life and saved the life of Tatyaba.
Bhagchand Marwadi
Bhagchand Marwadi was the owner of a grocery shop from Shirdi. There were occasions when Baba asked for Dakshina from a devotee whose pockets were empty. In such an event, Baba asked the devotee to bring the Dakshina from Bhagchand Marwadi,
Once, a person approached Baba and asked him, “What is the nature of Brahma ?” Without replying his question, Baba told, “Bring Rs. 100 as Dakshina from Bhagchand Marwadi !” The Marwadi, instead of giving money, said, “Convey my Namaskar to Baba.” On his return, Baba sent that person to another place for bringning Dakshina. He returned empty handed from even there.
Ultimately, Baba asked Nanasaheb Chandorkar to bring Rs. 100 from Bhagchand Marwadi. Without going himself, Nanasaheb sent a note to Bhagchand and immediately he sent Rs. 100. Seeing this, Baba observed, “In this world, things happen like this.”
The gentleman was unable to understand the meaning hidden in this chain of events and sought clarification from Dasganu. Dasganu said, ‘‘See, when others asked for money, they did not get it; but Nanasaheb got it immediately. The person who asks for anything must first deserve it. How can a person who wants to know, what is Brahma - just out of curiosity - can see it ?”
The five elements of the world are in the control of saintly persons. Baba had given proved this from time to time. Once, Baba told Bhagchand, “Go... Run ! Your bale of hay has caught fire.” Bhagchand rushed and saw that some bales had really caught fire. Baba Himself also reached the place, made some gestures with His hands and the fire immediately got extinguished.
In the evening, Nanasaheb Chandorkar and some other devotees came for Baba’s Darshan. Nana bowed down before Baba. Baba said, “Nana, see how selfish some people are. I alerted him and even extinguished the fire that his bale had caught. But, he still says - ‘I incurred loss. My one bale was ruined.’ And he is harassing me. Profit - loss, birth - death are all in the hands of the Almighty. How do the people forget this ? What is the point in saying - this is mine and that is mine? How can one say that the bale was of this Marwadi ? In reality, it belongs to the dried grass. It got created from seeds. The seeds took roots in the earth. Got water from clouds. And grew because of sunshine. Now, these three are the real owners of the dried grass. And this man is claiming its ownership. Nana, at least you try to put some sense in him. Unnecessarily he is lamenting on the loss of a thing which was never his in the first place. The God gives with one hand takes away with the other. And hence, we experience joys and sorrows. But, he does not realize this. Is it not his ignorance ?”
Then, turning to the Marwadi, Baba said, “Go Shethji ! Go, take Udi and go home and sit with peace. In some other commercial transaction you will make money and your losses will be recouped. Don’t worry.”
RAGHUJI SHINDE
A follower of Vaishnav sect. believes that the entire world is Vishnumay (Vishnu is omni present). The Almighty does not like to differentiate between different beings. When the same God appears in the form of a saintly person, He takes it upon Himself to experience the sufferings and joys felt by the other beings. Therefore, Sai Baba always said - “If you say ill things to some one, then it is I who fall sick.”
This is because in the eyes of the saints all are equal. They look upon all the beings – whether good or evil - as if Bhagwant lives in them. ‘Forgiveness’ is their inherent nature. It is the rule of this Universe that everything – whether living or non-living – God emerges from Parmatma and it is also going to end in the Parmatma. Therefore, a kind soul as well as a hardened criminal is going to culminate – whether knowingly or unknowingly – in Parmatma. The saints know this and hence, continuously work for the Atmaunnati (upliftment) of every one. They cannot do any deed which may not be beneficial to someone. They always wish the betterment of all. Further, as they are omni knowledge, no error is possible at their hands.
Baba has given the experience of this to His devotees in the story of Raghuji Shinde.
Raghugi Shinde (a reference to whom is made in the 35th Chapter of Shri Sai Satcharita) was the elder brother of Bhagoji Shinde. Raghuji was a Sevekari of Baba. Once, he found himself in a very difficult situation.
Like any other village, the residents of Shirdi of that time were also divided in two major factions opposed to each other.
The opposite faction falsely alleged that Raghuji Shinde and his people had misbehaved with the wife of Birdichand Marwadi and filed a criminal case against him.
The case began in the Kopargaon Court before Magistrate Appasaheb. The false case was filed on the compliant of a so called ‘witness’ to the alleged incident. Unfortunately, giving credence to the false deposition of this ‘witness’, all the accused - barring one – were declared guilty and were sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment. Raghuji was one of them.
In this entire unfortunate incident, the sympathies of Tatyasaheb (Kote Patil) were with the accused. Therefore, with an intention to save the accused, he met the prominent lawyers present at that time in Shirdi – namely, famous lawyer Dadasaheb Khaparde, Kakasaheb Dixit and retired Magistrate Shri R. B. Sathe. But, all of them firmly stated that as the judgment was iron-clad, any efforts to save the accused would be futile. Not only this, after seeing the judgment, Kakasaheb pointedly told Baba, “Baba, the judgment is backed by solid evidence. Don’t try to save Raghuji in this matter.” In reply, Baba gave a faint smile and said, ‘‘No... No. How can I do anything ? And, who am I to do something ?”
Tatyaba grew restless with these developments. He once again made enquiries with Baba. Baba told him to take the papers to Shri R. B. Dhumal. He went through the papers and said that there doesn’t seem to be any hope. However, as Baba had sent Tatyaba, Dhumal studied the judgment once again more closely, prepared a draft of appeal and with it went to the District Magistrate’s residence. Surprisingly, the Magistrate – without perusing the papers – simply relied on, what was narrated to him by Dhumal and issued oral instructions for the release of the accused. Very eagerly he asked Dhumal, “How is your Sai Baba ? Is He a Hindu or a Muslim ?”
Here, in the Ahmednagar Jail, every minute Raghuji was praying Baba for his release. On the third night, Baba appeared in his dream and said, ‘‘Do not be afraid. I will release all of you.”
Hearing clearly the words of Baba, Raghuji started crying in his sleep. In the very morning, the warder woke up Raghuji from his sleep and announced, “Go ! You have been released.”
Narrating this experience, Shri Raosaheb Dhumal writes -
“The release was made without referring to the papers of the Lower Court or without consulting the Public Prosecutor. This and the curiosity questions asked by the Magistrate about Baba clearly indicate the power that had worked the miracle.”
Because this was immediately proved. In Shirdi, people were making preparations for the cremation of 7 year-old daughter of Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba said to them, “Wait for some time. Don’t go immediately. I am going to show you a miracle.”
People expected the dead girl to rise once again. Even after waiting for some time, they did not see miracle taking place and so went for the cremation. Just then Shri Dhumal arrived from Nagpur and informed everyone that all the innocent people - who were made falsely involved in the case – were released. The people realized as to what miracle Baba was talking about.
“I look after everyone equally !” Baba said from time to time. The above incident is an excellent example of how true His saying was.
An experience narrated by Raghuji to Narsinhaswami –
“This is a story of the times when Baba used to distribute medicines amongst the villagers of Shirdi. When Baba arrived in Shirdi, Amin Bhai used to serve Him meals. This Amin Bhai sometimes came to the house of my maternal aunt. Her son – Ganpat Hari Kanade – was 35 years old. He used frequently get fever. He was suffering from leprosy.
Once Amin Bhai said to my Aunt, ‘There is a saintly person in our village. He will give medicines to your son.’
Thereafter once, Baba came to my aunt’s place. He told Ganpat to catch a cobra. Baba prepared a medicine from the cobra’s venom and gave it to Ganpat. His health started improving. Baba had asked him to abstain from sexual relations. However, Ganpat did not adhere to Baba’s advice. Therefore, Baba stopped giving him medicines. His illness began worsening and ultimately he died.’’
Did Baba stop distribution of medicines after this event ? Baba had Himself told Kakasaheb Dixit that He had stopped His practice of dispensing medicines; because a patient had not adhered to the restrictions.
BHAGOJI SHINDE
Bhagoji Shinde – a leper – was staying with Baba. From the beginning he was a resident of Shirdi. He was suffering from leprosy. He was losing the fingers of his hands and legs. But, this same Bhagoji served Baba through out his life and made his life worthy.
After Baba arrived in Shirdi, in the initial period, He distributed medicines to the poor and needy. When Bhagoji’s illness reached serious stage, his all relatives gave up all hopes about his survival. Near about the same time, Baba went to Bhagoji’s house. He gave him some medicines. Further, he branded Bhagoji with hot iron rod on his back and both ears. Bhagoji’s fever disappeared. However, the leprosy continued. But, Baba did not allow the illness to become worse.
After completing His morning chores, Baba used sit near Dhuni (holy fire) and Bhagoji used to press His body.
On the day of Dhana Trayodashi in the year 1910, while chitchatting Baba suddenly put His hand in the fire raging in front of Him. Madhavrao Deshpande was nearby. He immediately pulled Baba back. At some other place at the same time, the daughter of an iron smith was accidentally falling in the furnace. By putting His hand in the holy flames, Baba had saved the lucky girl.
After hearing that, Baba has burnt his hand, Nanasaheb Chandorkar brought a famous doctor by the name Paramanand from Mumbai to Shirdi. But, Baba did not allow the doctor to examine His hand. Instead, He used to ask Bhagoji to apply ghee to the burnt portion of His hand, place the leaf of a tree on it and then bandaged it very tightly. With the passage of time, the hand got cured of the burns. Even then, thereafter every day in the early morning, the ceremony continued - Bhagoji releasing the earlier bandage, massaging the portion of hand, then once again applying ghee and tying fresh bandage. Once, this was accomplished, Bagoji used fill the Chillum and light it. Then Baba would smoke and pass it on to Bhagoji. He used to smoke and return it to Baba. After 5-6 such exchanges, Bhagoji would go back to his home. Baba used to smoke the Chillum given by Bhagoji with great love and affection. This explains His Avatar Karya.
Every day Baba would go to Lendi Baug and Bhagoji used to hold the holy umbrella above His head. Bhagoji’s body was full of leprosy wounds which emanated foul smell. In spite of this, Baba distributed Udi at Bhagoji’s hands. The devotees - who accepted Udi at his hands - always benefited immensely.
Bhagoji continued this Seva till Baba’s Maha Nirvan. Really, Bhagoji was very fortunate to have the honor be in the company of Baba. He was one of the few devotees who were present in the Masjid at the time of Baba’s Maha Nirvan.
LAXMIBAI SHINDE
Laxmibai Tukaram Shinde – a resident of Shirdi – was a keen devotee of Baba. Bhagoji Shinde was her husband’s uncle.
Baba’s Darbar was open to all. No one was barred from entering the Masjid. However, after Baba’s evening stroll every one went back to their homes and returned only after the next day-break. No one entered Masjid at the time of night. Only three persons were exception – Mhalsapati, Dada Kelkar and Laxmibai. They were not barred from entering the Masjid even at night.
Once, in the evening, as usual Baba was reclining against the wall and chatting with Tatya Patil. Laxmibai came there and bowed down before him. Baba said, “Laxmibai ! I am very hungry.” Laxmibai rushed to her home and gladly prepared Bhakaris etc. immediately and brought that hot food to Baba.
Baba picked up the plate and placed it before a dog. Laxmibai was surprised to see this. She could not stop herself from saying, “Baba, I hurriedly cooked the food for you; but you gave it to that cussed dog. You did not even taste a morsel.” Baba replied, “Laxmibai, there is God in every being. If your food enters any mouth that is hungry, be assured that it has fallen into my own mouth.” Thus, Baba gave a lesson in Paramartha to Laxmibai.
From that day onwards, Laxmibai started bringing Bhakaris for Baba. She mixed it with milk and with great love brought it to Baba. Baba on His part also waited for her Bhakaris and did not touch any food till these arrived. On some occasions, it was long past the lunch time and everyone would be feeling pangs of hunger. But, still Baba would not start His meals till Laxmibai’s Bhakaris arrived.
After some period, Baba started demanding Kheer made from Shevaya. After Laxmibai brought the Kheer, Baba would ask her to sit besides Him. He used to taste a little and sent the rest of the Kheer to Radhakrishna Aai.
And, it was to she to whom Baba took out from the pocket of His Kafni and gave – first five and then four - a total nine coins to Laxmibai. It was a symbol of Navavidha Bhakti.
Laxmibai breathed her last and laid down her life at the feet of Shri Sai in 1963.
