Chapter 8 - Historical Commentary - a podcast by Sai Babas Devotee Speaks

In chapter number 8, ovi 117, it says Tatya and Mhalsapati both slept in the mosque. Their heads used to be in the east, west and north, while their feet would touch each other in the centre. Thus, Tatya slept with his head towards the east, Mhalsapati towards the west, and Baba with his head towards the north. However, they chatted through the night. Thus, Tatya slept with Baba for 14 years. But, after his father passed away, he started going home as he had to shoulder the responsibilities of his family. In the Vastu Shastra, it is recommended that we sleep with the head towards the south or the east, and sleeping with the head towards the north and west is not recommended. The reason is because the blood contains iron, and when we sleep with the head towards the north, the magnetic centre of the earth attracts the iron present in the blood. This creates pressure in the brain and can make you mentally unhealthy, and lack of proper sleep makes you feel irritated. Its regular practice can lead to brain haemorrhage. The magnetic force should flow from the feet towards the head, and not vice versa. However, Baba, in his compassion, let his divine energy flow through his feet into Tatya and Mhalsapati. How incredible was the love for these two. Sleeping in the east direction is good, but sleeping in the west direction can be harmful, which includes sleeping with your feet towards the east side. Moreover, your head should be placed in the east direction as it improves memory, concentration, good health and spirituality in a person. More on Baba’s sleeping practices will be uncovered in the forthcoming chapters. The Bhiksha route, the human Rhuns, or debt, have already been discussed in chapter six. Here, a short sketch of the lives of these blessed devotees is given. The five Bhiksha houses are of Sakharam Patil Shelke, Vamanrao Gondkar, Bhayaji Appa Kote Patil, Bayaja Bai Ganpat Kote Patil, Nandaram Marwadi Sanklecha.
Baba also followed the tenets of the Dutta Sampradaya, and Buddhist traditions, and used to take Bhiksha from the five blessed houses till his Maha Samadhi. He not only did this but also encouraged his devotees to take Bhiksha from the houses in Shirdi. Baba very clearly showed that he wanted his devotees to be devoid of ego and also be humble. It is believed that by taking Bhiksha, Baba used to take away a part or one third of the Sanchita, and the Prarabdha Karma of His devotees.
Sakaram Patil Shelke’s House
This house is near the Chavadi, with a west-facing entrance. Sakaram was a farmer and a wealthy landlord, and was devoted to Baba. Sakrabai, the wife of his grandson, Haribhau, states that Baba loved Sakaram immensely. Baba stood at the crossroad between his and Vamanrao Gondkar’s house and called out, “Sakaram, roti de.” She also stated that Triyambak, Haribhau’s father, donated some land to the Baba Sansthan. The land for the Shirdi bus stand was donated by him. Triyambak Samadhi is in the compound of the Narasimha Temple, which is behind Sakaram’s home. The other two Samadhis are of Thanabai, Triyambak’s wife, and Ramgir Bua, who is mentioned in chapter 33 of the Sri Sai Satcharita. There were many Gosavis living in Shirdi at that time. Their Samadhis are in that compound. Unfortunately, their names are not known. The Narasimha Temple was constructed by the Shelke family. Lord Narasimha is the Kul Devata of the family. A priest performs Pooja daily along with Aarti and offers Bhog. Around the year 2000, the house was sold by his descendants and a multi-storey shopping centre now stands in its place.
Vaman Rao Gondkar’s House
This house is on the right side opposite to Sakaram's home. Vaman Rao was born and bred in Shirdi. His father was affluent. They were farmers and landowners. His descendants say that they owned 500 acres of land in and around Shirdi. They also state that they owned Lendi Bagh and adjacent lands. They sold Lendi Bagh to Moreshwar Pradhan, who then gave it to the Sansthan. This is one of the blessed houses that Baba took Bhiksha from.
Mention is made of this house in Sri Sai Satcharita Chapter 19, when Baba placed a ladder against this house and climbed up on the roof. Then he crossed the roof of Radha Krishna Mai's house and descended on the rear side. At that time, Baba was very sick and so was Radha Krishna Mai. Purandare had pleaded with Baba to cure Mai, and this was Baba’s unique remedy.
Baba gave 2 rupees to Venku Shimpi Kamblekar, who brought the ladder, for his labour. The other devotees objected, saying that Baba had paid too much. Baba told them that any work that was done should be paid for promptly and adequately. Kamblekar had no children but after he received this money he prospered and got two sons.
Vaman Rao Gondkar, after leading a prosperous life, died on 15th April 1964. His descendants are still living in Shirdi and carrying on his legacy. The Palkhi and Rath, when taken in procession through the village on festivals, stop first at this house. The family is given the honour of doing the first Pooja to Baba, the Palkhi and the Rath.

Bayaji Appa Kote Patil’s House
His house is named Sai Kutir, and is at the end of Kote Gully. He was born in Shirdi and was close to Baba since infancy, as his father was a staunch devotee. He started serving Baba at the age of eleven.
Bayaji noted that Baba was very fair and just, and would enjoin silence on the Hindus when Namaz was being performed, and vice versa. Sweets were distributed to all alike.
He worked as a revenue officer and a police officer in Birgoan. He was very affluent and owned 84 acres of land. Baba used to give him 4 rupees daily, and say, "Do not eat and excrete it." So he invested it in land. Baba advised him what and when to cultivate on it. Once he did not heed Baba’s advice, and there was no yield and he incurred a loss of 300 rupees.
He was with Baba when His Maha Samadhi occurred. Baba distinctly told him, "I am leaving. Carry me to the Wada. All Brahmins will be near me." Baba was sitting when he breathed his last. Nanasaheb Nimonkar poured some water into his mouth, but the water came out. Bayaji tried to collect the water by placing his cupped palm below Baba's chin. Baba then leaned on him and took Samadhi.
His descendant, Gopinath Kote, still lives in that very house. The Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan has given that family the honour of carrying Baba’s Padukas and Satka for the Chavadi procession.
Bayaja Bai Ganpat Kote Patil’s House
This house is situated adjacent to Sai Kutir. Bayaja Bai came to Shirdi after she married an affluent landowner, Ganpath Kote Patil. She was a dutiful, loving wife, who did all the household chores. She loved to cook and feed the various guests and relatives that came to her home. “Food is Brahma” she knew and she was the first lady to feed Baba.
In Chapter 8 of the Sri Sai Satcharita, her love, devotion and caring is beautifully described. Words fail to describe the incredible Seva that she did by feeding her Sadguru. Patiently, she waited for Him to come to his normal state from his Samadhi. Then, she probably fed him like Yashoda would feed Bala Gopala.
In those days, there were dense forests around Shirdi, yet she carried a basket of freshly prepared Bhakris and curried vegetables to feed the Fakir. It did not bother her that society would frown on a lady going to the forest alone and feeding a man. Baba was a Sadguru and she was determined to feed Him, neither did her husband object to this. What an extraordinary act of love and devotion. Her trouble ended when Baba came to live in the Dwarka Mai. Every day, Baba took Bhiksha from her home. As soon as she heard Baba's voice, she left whatever she was doing, whether it was attending to the cattle or the horses, went inside and prepared fresh Bhakri and curried vegetables for Him. Baba was very pleased with her love and devotion. Once Baba asked her, “Bai, what do you want? Sampathi (wealth) or Santhathi (children)?” Unhesitatingly, she asked for the welfare of Tatya. She was very concerned that although Tatya had three wives, he had no children.
When Baba was in his physical form, Aarti was performed to him. Usually during Madhav Adkar’s Aarti ‘Aarti Sai Baba Sowkya Dathaara Jeeva,’ He was offered the Chillim. Baba would take a puff or two and then pass it around.
The Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan has bestowed the honour of carrying Baba’s photograph during the Palkhi procession to their descendants. Viju Kote Patil, who is Tatya’s grandson, and Gopinath Kote, who is Bayaji’s grandson, go to the Samadhi Mandir just before the Palkhi procession. The Pujari gives Baba’s photograph to Viju, and the case containing the Padukas to Gopinath. Earlier, they would ascend the steps of the Samadhi to pick them up, but this was stopped some years ago. They then carry them to the waiting Palkhi and place them inside. Then the Palkhi proceeds to the Dwarka Mai. Viju then takes Baba’s photograph and places it on the stone for a short while. After Baba has sat on the stone for some time, He is taken to the sanctum sanctorum. The photograph is then placed in the Mandap for some time. Then, it is brought to the Palkhi and placed in it.
Until Viju signals to the Palkhi bearers to lift the Palkhi, it is not lifted. Just as Baba would not get up until Tatya came and lifted Him and asked Him to go for the Palkhi procession. The Palkhi then goes to the Chavadi, and Aarti is performed there. At this time, Baba is offered a lighted Chillum by Viju.

Nandaram Marwari Sanklecha’s House
Nandaram was a rich landowner and a moneylender by profession. He was kind-hearted and a gentle person. His grandfather came to Shirdi from Rajasthan (Kharade village). Nandaram was born in 1866 and grew up in Shirdi. He came close to Baba in 1875. His devotion increased by leaps and bounds. In fact, he spent most of his time with Baba.
His house was one of the five blessed houses that Baba took Bhiksha from. It is said that Baba visited this house last, although it was very near to the Dwarka Mai. Baba loved this family and He would call out to Nandaram's wife, Radhabai, who had a lisp. Baba would say, "Oh, Bhopadi Bai, Bhiksha de.” If she was late in offering Bhiksha, He would shower abuses on her and return to the Dwarka Mai.
Radhabai was devoted to Baba. She knew Baba’s abuses were blessings in disguise. Every Diwali, she used to get five yards of white Manjarpat (coarse cotton), stitch a Kafni and present it to Baba. Baba used to wear it immediately with great joy and happiness.
Nandaram's grandmother asked Baba to look after her family, as the male children used to die in infancy. Baba gave her three mangoes, and she had three sons. After this Aam Leela, all the sons survived.
The best deed that Nandaram did was to donate the land between Butti Wada and Dwarka Mai. This deed was done through Damu Anna and hence the Samadhi Mandir was extended. Nandaram believed in doing good, in giving rather than receiving. He also repaired and laid the floor tiles in the Maruti and Ganapati Mandir.
He died on 13th October, 1946. His philanthropic and social work is carried on by his descendants. The information about these blessed devotees is given by their descendants.
The home of Chandrabhan Seth
Baba loved the Sand family very much and would go to their home quite often. Mention is made of them in Chapter 8 of the Sri Sai Satcharita. If one goes west from Shirdi to Rahata, and enters the vess of Rahata, the house is situated to the left. Shivram, the grandfather of Kushalchand came with his family to Rahata from Rajasthan and settled there. The family was known as the Rahatikars as they resided in Rahata. He had three sons, Ramchandra, Chandrabhan and Brijchandra. Kushal Chand was the eldest son of Ramchandra. They were Marwadi Jains and very affluent. It is important to note that though they were Jains by religion, it did not matter to Baba or the Sand family. Without a shadow of a doubt, Baba had equality of vision, and a great deal of love for this family.
Even today, as you enter the room where Baba sat, you see a small shrine mounted on the wall on your left hand side. The shrine houses Lord Mahavir, and above it, a small photograph Baba sitting on the stone. It is an original photograph of Baba, given to the family by Baba himself. Pooja of both these deities are performed daily. Every evening, an oil lamp is lit and placed at the holy site where Baba sat. This is a form of adoration and veneration. The place where Baba sat is well preserved and so is the room. The family owned 2000 acres of land. The family business was named Shivram Ramchandra Sand until 1928. They also owned cotton mills in Aurangabad, Jalna, Selu, and warehouses at the cotton market, Ahmednagar and various places. They had ginning factories in Ahmednagar, Vamburi and a moneylending business in Ganj Bazaar, Ahmednagar.
Chandrabhan Sand of Rahata
His date of birth is not known, but he died on 13 December 1911. The ties from previous birth between Chandrabhan and Baba were strong. Though affluent and prosperous, he was very humble, devout, and loved Baba a great deal. He had no children as the pregnancies resulted either in miscarriage or stillbirth.
It is said that he had three wives. Yet, he did not ask Baba to bless him with children. His nephew, Kushalchand, however, was very concerned. So he asked Baba to bless his uncle. In 1903, by Baba's grace, a son was born. They named him Amolakchand, who lived happily for 75 years. Amolakchand says that Baba visited their home, and the last time that Baba visited was three days prior to his Maha Samadhi. The family would seat Baba comfortably and offer light refreshments. Baba would stay there for about 15 to 30 minutes, and then return to Shirdi. The villagers took Baba in procession with the accompaniment of music, and saw Him off at the gate.
Kushalchand
He was born in 1854 to Ramchandra. Though he was born into an extremely affluent family, he was very humble. He did not have any formal education, but was a shrewd business person. With his expertise, their business flourished. Baba loved Kushalchand a great deal, and He would meet him at least every fortnight. If Kushalchand was unable to visit Shirdi, Baba would send a Tonga to fetch him. Whenever Baba visited Rahata, he would go by Tonga, or would walk all the way. Upon reaching Rahata, He would first go to the orchard owned by Kushalchand, which is next to the main road. There, He would sit under a tree known as Adansonia Digitata for some time, then He would send someone to tell the Seth that He had arrived. This tree which is near the boundary of the orchard is called Kalpavruksha, as Baba sat under it, and thus blessed. The tree is on the way from Shirdi to Rahata, on the left hand side, and very close to the main road. The fruit of this tree has magnetic properties, i.e., when two fruits touch each other, they bind together. Baba then sent a message to Kushalchand, who left his work and came immediately to fetch Baba. Kushalchand gave Baba a royal welcome. He came to the orchard along with a musical band and with a great deal of pomp and ceremony, Baba was welcomed to their residence.
At his home, Baba was worshipped and given a comfortable seat with a huge bolster to rest His back. Then, the ladies would offer him fruits, sweets, savouries and refreshments. Baba, however, usually ate a small piece of Roti with milk. Then, after spending a pleasant half an hour, He would return to Shirdi. Kushalchand states that Baba stayed at the Chavadi, in Rahata, for some months before he went to Shirdi. After leading a fruitful life, he died on November 15, 1918. The love between Baba and Kushalchand was so deep that Kushalchand could not bear the thought of being separated from his Guru. He breathed this last exactly a month after Baba's Maha Samadhi.
This is taken from the Sri Sai Leela magazine, volume 66. no. 4.

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