BABA'S IDOL, SAMADHI AND THREE STEPS (INSET TALIM)

BABA'S IDOL, SAMADHI AND THREE STEPS (INSET TALIM)

On Dashara (October 1954), the lifelike marble statue was installed on the western side, on the platform behind, Baba's Mahasamadhi by Swami Sharanananad. This idol is made of Italian marble by Balaji Vasant Thalim of Bombay. This Thalim made this idol in a befitting manner, at the time of preparation of this idol, one day Baba gave him Darshan and said, "Finish the work and you will not do any other idol in future." In due course Baba gave him Sadgati.. So Thalim did not prepare any other idol. This was a benevolent reward for his service. This idol was taken through the village with pomp and cermony and with due formalities the Pratistha was done by the revered Swami Sharananad who met Baba before His Mahasamadhi.

FRONT VIEW OF BABA'S IDOL IN THE SAMADHI MANDIR

THE KING OF KINGS

OUTERVIEW OF SAMADHI MANDIR (INSET GOPAL RAO BUTTI)

The land adjacent to Dwarakamai on its western side was vacant i.e., between Gurusthan and Dwarakamai. This land Baba turned into a beautiful flower garden. This land was brought by Butti who wanted to build a Wada for himself and his family. One day he and Shyama both had the same dream vision in which Baba clearly instructed him to build a Wada. So this mansion was built which Baba called "DAGDI WADA" and at Baba's Mahasamadhi He instructed His devotees to take Him to Dagdi Wada. Thus the beautiful garden became Dagdi Wada or Butti Wada and then Samadhi Mandir. This SAmadhi Mandir is now used by devotees of all castes and creed, rich and poor, the able and feeble and devotees from all over the world.
Butti and Shyama had the same dream, in which Baba clearly said "build your Wada most certainly including in it a temple'. Butti questioned Shyama regarding this and Shyama said Baba came close to me and said "let the Wada and temple take a concrete shape, I shall fulfil the wishes of all."

KALASH STAPHANA (1952)

Because the Wada was turned into a Mandir, it has a terrace roof later a Gopuram and Kalash were added (Reference Sai Leela Masik 1952). and on 29-9-1952, the muhurth Sthapana of the Kalash was done. Dr.Paranerakar Maharaj, a Satpurush, learned and well versed with Puaranas conducted this 'Shubh Karya'. This Kalash is three and half foot in height and was taken up at 10.45 am with chanting and praying, the Sthapana was done at 11.00 AM exactly at the constellation of Dashama and Ekadasi as took place 34 years (when Baba took Mahasamadhi)

NANDI IN FRONT OF BABA'S IDOL IN SAMADHI MANDIR

ARTICLES IN SHOW ROOM

BABAS SAMADHI

PADUKAS AND SATKA ON SAMADHI BEFORE PALKI PROCESSION

Baba's Chavadi

(Photos courtesy : Sai Bhakta Dr.Vinni, Shirdi- Author of Ambrosia in Shirdi )
CHAVADI
(Chavadi means 'meeting place of the villagers')

OUTER VIEW OF CHAVADI

Chavadi means 'meeting place of the villagers'.
There are two Chavadis in Shirdi one south facing and the other north facing, this is now the Nagar Palika reading room. Baba at first stayed and slept, in the Masjid. Then He started sleeping on alternate days in the south facing Chavadi. This on account of terrible storm with strong wind and rain. Baba's devotees lovingly entreated Him to go and sleep in the Chavadi, as the Masjid being old and dilapidated, might not withstand the storm. At first Baba refused, but later He assented. Hence He stuck to this routine and so every alternate day He slept in this Chavadi (Ref. ESS, Ch. XXXIII).

SIGN BOARD AND BABA'S PORTRAIT PAINTED BY AMBARAM

After His Mahasamadhi Baba gave darshan in the dream of Ambaram of Nausari in 1953. Then Ambaram painted this portrait from his dream vision.. The villagers were attracted to this portrait and the leelas of Baba, so they collected subscriptions, framed it, and brought it to Shirdi and handed it over to the Sansthan. It was first proposed to keep this portrait m the Samadhi Mandir. But as the statue was being prepared this portrait was placed in the Chavadi. Baba used to sit at this very place during Sej (night) arati and Kakad (early morning) Arati.

SMALL PORTRAIT OF BABA ON SILVER SINHASAN

This is the place where Baba slept every alternate day. This portrait in full royal attire (Raj Upachar) is taken on procession on Thrursday, and other holy days like Ramanavami, Gurupurnima, Dassara in the Palki and Rath. It has been there since Baba's time. Every Thursday after the noon Arati it is brought kept on the wooden cot for darshan.Then it is taken to Samadhi Mandir, where after 'Raj Upachar' it is taken in the Palki along with Baba's Padukas and Satka. Arati is done in the Chavadi, and chillim is offered to Baba in this portrait, then taken back to Samadhi Mandir for Sej Arati. It is brought back to the Chavadi, after Kakad Arati the next day.

CHAVADI PROCESSION

Since December 10th 1910, devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in this Chavadi. They brought in procession in a regal and royal manner from Dwarakamai to Chavadi. Even today on Thursdays and other festival days the procession can be seen.

WHEEL CHAIR

Baba coughed off and on. This chair was presented by a devotee, for Baba to use, and move about in His old age. However, Baba moved freely and ocassionally with the help of His devotees. Baba did touch this chair, and kept it, but never made use of it.. This chair is placed on the north-western corner of the Chavadi.

CHAVADI IN OLDEN DAYS

Guru Paadukabhyam

Sai Baba Wallpaper :)

1024 x 768

Happy Dussehra

Baba Old Photos