Source : ‘The Loving God’ by Dr. G. R. Vijayakumar
On 13th October 1918, placing his hands on Buti’s shoulder, Baba went to see Buti’s Wada. Madhava Rao, Kaka Dixit and others followed. Bhagoji held an umbrella over Baba’s head to cover him against bright sunshine.
Baba was happy with the Wada and the temple in it. He said, “Shama, this is beautiful! I feel like coming to stay here myself!” Buti was happy and told him, “Then why not shift here immediately, Baba.”
Baba said – “Oh, no! I just blurt like that! I have passed my life in that mosque! You have all come to see me there! You turned my Masjid into a Mandir! You have made this fakir as your Madhav! That is your greatness! I got everything therein. But have the same feeling for the entire mankind. See Madhav in every man! That would be the right reward of my mission. That would be my true worship!”
Buti felt highly elevated that the money spent on the Wada was worth it! The Mandir was immensely liked by Baba!
Baba came out of the temple and said to Madhava Rao – “Shama, all these people have come from outside and given me boundless love! But you all in this village have actually brought me up – from my tender age to what I am today! Indeed, I cannot repay this debt of Shirdi village! When I came here, I was a boy of sixteen years and I have spent over sixty years with you all in your loving company! A beggar like me you accepted as God! When I used to go out for my begging rounds, I would meet you all. Now, Shama it is difficult for me to walk! Still I feel like seeing all once again!” Baba was immensely emotional that day! Hence Madhava Rao said – “Let us go around the village, Baba, slowly, slowly.”
Baba took Shama’s support and moved towards the village. Others were following. On his way Baba would stop before all the village temples, fold his hands before deities to express his reverence and then proceed again. He always respected the Hindu Gods! He would personally offer flowers from Lendi Baug, enquire whether regular worship is done and offer financial help and would look after renovation of old temples. He would advise his Hindu devotees to offer worship at these temples. The only thing he hated most was when these people worshipped stone idols but illtreated humans!
His age-old feet moved slowly. When he reached the cemetery, he remembered Megha. He sat there for a few minutes. He halted near Kondaji’s house and enquired about the three carpenter brothers. Going ahead he met the children of Appa Jogale, Kashiram Tailor and recollected the fragrance of their departed parents’ love for him. In all houses, Baba saw his pictures being reverentially worshipped!
He arrived at Vaman Potter’s house. He was no more, and his children and grandchildren welcomed Baba. Baba blessed the children and recollected as to how Vaman supplied one hundred eight earthen lamps for him to light on a ‘Deepawali’ night!
Madhava Rao remembered all those miracles of Baba! All his obligations! All his acts of nobility! He began to wonder why Baba was so much emotional today!
Baba moved ahead. He came across Appa Kulkarni’s house. When his widow bowed down to him, he recollected Appa’s efforts in making Nana Saheb Chandorkar and Dasa Ganu come to Shirdi! He went to Kulkarni Physician’s house and the old man was deeply meditating on Sai
Baba! He looked at his wife’s picture and recollected her devotion.
Baba walked ahead! The news that Baba is going around the village reached Lakshmibhai Shindhe. Quickly she baked one crisp bread, applied ghee to it and keeping it ready with chutney and jaggery in a plate, she awaited Baba’s arrival. Baba blessed her and ate the bread she gave.
Next was Tatya’s house. Baba remembered his mother Bayaja Maa. He recollected as to how she used to tread the jungle path to feed him those days. He saw Tatya who was bed-ridden. He cheered him up! He applied Udi on his forehead and assured him that he will take care of his welfare! He declared that Tatya was not going to die! Someone else will take his place. He did not disclose as to who that someone else was! On hearing about Tatya, somebody brought sweets. Baba distributed sweets to all those present! While others were jubilant and out of anxiety, deep in his heart Madhava Rao wondered as to whether this ‘someone’ who has to take the place of Tatya is Sai Baba himself!
Baba went around the houses of other devotees in Shirdi. Ultimately, he reached the mosque. He fell sick with fever. Even then he kept sitting resting against a cushion. He gave darshan to thousands of devotees.
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