A detailed chronological journey through the life and leelas of Shirdi Sai Baba
Born in the village of Pathri in District Parbhani of Maharashtra. This date has been confirmed by various sources, including Shri Satya Sai Baba.
Sai Baba spent 12 years with His Guru. The name of His Guru is not exactly known but could be 'Venkusa' alias Gopalarao Deshmukh of Selu or a 'Sufi' fakir. Some say Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi.
At the young age of about 16 years, Sai Baba first appeared under the Neem Tree in Shirdi. After some time, He disappeared to an unknown place.
Returned to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil of village Dhoop in Aurangabad District. This marked the beginning of His permanent stay in Shirdi.
To cure Himself of asthma, Sai Baba went into samadhi for 72 hours, demonstrating His yogic powers.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time, marking the beginning of a significant devotee's journey.
The celebration of 'Urus' (fair) started at Shirdi due to the efforts of Gopalrao Gund, Circle Inspector of Kopargaon.
Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7-8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank, demonstrating His divine powers.
Sai Baba, like a learned Pandit, explained the deep meanings of the Bhagavad Gita to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, showing His profound spiritual knowledge.
Das Ganu left Government service and, as per Baba's instructions, settled at Nanded to perform keertans and write life histories of recent saints. His book 'Sant Kathamrit' was published the same year.
When Nanasaheb Chandorkar's pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner had severe labor pains, Baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi. Remarkably, Baba even took the form of the tonga and its driver to ensure timely delivery of His blessings.
The Sathe Wada was constructed, adding to the growing infrastructure around Baba's presence in Shirdi.
Prompted by Baba, Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others started formal Guru-worship on this day.
Baba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon and an atheist. This act completely transformed him - he lost interest in worldly matters, retired prematurely, and settled permanently in Shirdi.
Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, a devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar, demonstrating His divine nature.
Baba's practice of cooking food Himself in a big pot (Handi) and distributing it to devotees ended this year. The practice became unnecessary as devotees began offering large quantities of food as naivadya due to increased following from Das Ganu's keertans.
When H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon left his mortal coil, Sai Baba at Shirdi grieved profusely and said, "Hello! My Gajanan is gone," showing the spiritual connection between saints.
The foundation-stone of Dixit Wada was laid with Baba's permission, marking another significant development in Shirdi's infrastructure.
Sai Baba pushed His arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith's child. His arm was severely burnt, but He refused medical treatment, allowing only Bhagoji Shinde to massage it with ghee.
Baba performed a significant act suggesting His upcoming departure. He tore His kafni and threw it in the Dhuni, saying "This is My Simollanghan," hinting at His future departure on Dussehra.
Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, halted at Shirdi. Following Baba's advice, he read 'Bhagawat' for three days before peacefully passing away.
The Ram-Navami Festival was initiated at Shirdi through the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani. The Dixit Wada construction was also completed and inhabited with due rites on this day.
When bubonic plague struck Shirdi, Baba ground wheat in a handmill. It wasn't wheat that was ground, but the plague itself was ground to pieces and cast out of the village. This inspired Hemadpant to write 'Shri Sai Satcharita.'
Kashinath Upasani composed the famous 'Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra' in Sanskrit, which is now recited daily during Arati at Shirdi.
Baba cured Dadasaheb Khaparde's youngest son Balwant of bubonic plague by taking the disease upon Himself, demonstrating His divine love for devotees.
Megha, a devoted servant of Baba, passed away. Baba lamented loudly, followed the funeral procession, and showered flowers on Megha's body, showing His love for His devotees.
Despite suffering from asthma and being very weak, Baba climbed over Radhakrishna Mai's roof with a ladder, paying Rs. 2/- to the person who brought the ladder.
Sai Baba made Das Ganu conduct 'Nam-saptah and Kirtan' at Shirdi for a week, promoting devotional practices.
When a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order) visited, Baba gave darshan to the chief's wife in the form of her beloved deity Shri Rama. The chief also received a divine dream that transformed his attitude towards Baba.
A tiger met its death at Baba's feet and presence, receiving emancipation - a unique incident showing Baba's divine power over all beings.
Sai Baba developed a slight fever which lasted for 3-4 days. From this point, He began abstaining from food, and His physical weakness increased daily.
Baba asked a Brahmin devotee named Waze to read 'Ramvijay' (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days, showing the importance of spiritual texts even in His final days.
In one of His last miracles, a tiger met its death at Baba's feet and attained liberation, demonstrating His divine power till the very end.
On Vijaya Dashami day, just before His Mahasamadhi, Baba gave His final charity of Rs. 9/- to Laxmibai Shinde. He then left His mortal coil, fulfilling His own prophecy of passing away on Dussehra day.
Early morning, Baba appeared to Das Ganu in Pandharpur in a dream saying, "The Dwaraka mai has collapsed. All the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body with flowers."
Baba's body was taken in a grand procession through Shirdi village and then interred in the Butty Wada with all proper ceremonies. This location would become the sacred Samadhi Mandir.
Devotees from all over gathered for the 13th day rites. Balasaheb Bhate performed the funeral ceremonies with a feast for Brahmins and the poor. Later, Upasani Maharaj and Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) to perform the remaining obsequies on the banks of the Ganges.
Even after His Mahasamadhi, Sai Baba continued to appear in dreams and visions to His devotees, fulfilling His promise: "I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb... My mortal remains will speak from my tomb."
On Vijaya Dashami, Sai Baba left His mortal coil. Just before departing, He gave nine rupees as charity to Laxmibai Shinde, symbolizing the nine forms of devotion. The next day, His body was interred in the Butty Wada, which is now the Samadhi Mandir.