Lets Explore Shirdi - Dagdi Wada (Samadhi Mandir)

[Guest guest]

Thus the sanctum sanctorum was built (ESS Ch.XXXIX).

Because it was a Wada turned into a Mandir it has a terrace roof later a

Gopuram and Kalash were added (Ref. SL. 1952). A glorious description of the

Sthapana of the Golden Kalash is given in this issue. It says "34 years ago

Baba took Mahasamadhi (15-10-1918) and that day was Dashami (Vijaya Dashami

was just finishing and Ekadashi was starting). That same Muhurth came again

on 29-9-1952 at this auspicious muhurth Sthapana of this Kalash was done.

Dr. Paranerakar Maharaj, a Satpurush, learned and well versed with Puranas,

conducted this 'Shubh karya'. Many Brahmins from Alandi and Puna joined him

amidst chanting and rituals, the golden Kalash was taken in a Rath (chariot)

procession in the village. One and all joined in the ceremony and jubilant

cries of victory to Sai Nath Maharaj were heard throughout the village. This

swarn Kalash is 3 Vi 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 Dashami and Ekadashi as took place 34 years before.

On Dashara (Oct. 7th, 1954), the life like marble statue was installed on

the western side, on the platform, behind Baba's Mahasamadhi by Swami

Sharananand. 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 °f

preparation of this idol, one day Baba gave him Darshan and said "Finish the

work and you will not do any other idol ln 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 mp and

ceremony and with due formalities the Pratistha was done by the revered

Swami Sharananand who had met Baba before His Mahasamadhi.

 

(Adopted from Ambrosia In Shirdi by Dr.Vinny Chitluri, this book can be read

at http://saileelas.org/books/ambrosiainshirdi1.htm and this book is a

virtual guide on Shirdi with

lots of rare photos on Baba)