Lets explore Shirdi-HOUSES OF BABA'S DEVOTEES IN SHIRDI

[Guest guest]

MAHALSAPATHI'S HOUSE

Mahalsapathi's house is situated in a narrow lane leading from the Chavadi

to Tajim Khan's Darga. At the Darga, if one turns left and walks a few

yards, the house is to the right in a narrow lane. Mahalsapathi was the

Pujari of the Khandoba Mandir. He was a staunch devotee of Baba and spent

most of his time with Him. He was fortunate to sleep in the Dwarakamai along

with Baba and Tatya. Baba gave him Sadgathi on 6th Tuesday, Bhadrapad of

1922, and his Samadhi was made in his house itself. The following sacred

articles were given by Baba to Mahalsapathi.

1. Baba's Kafni

2. Baba's Danda

3. Baba'sUdi

4. Three Silver Rupee Coins

5. Baba's Padukas (one pair)

This house is a place of pilgrimage because of the sacred articles given by

Baba and also Mahalsapathi's Samadhi. Mahalsap'athi was really a true

devotee of Baba and although he was really very poor he did not deviate from

his spiritual path. He adhered to Baba's advice of not accepting money or

gifts from anyone. We, the devotees, should be most grateful to Mahalsapathi

for guarding Baba's body when He took '72 hours Samadhi' (Ref. ESS,

CH.XLII1, XLIV). His descendants have preserved and displayed these sacred

articles very nicely and the devotees can have darshan of the same.

 

ABDUL BABA'S COTTAGE

This cottage lies in front of the Chavadi. Abdul Baba was married to Umran

Rao Bi and had a son. His father was conferred the title of 'Sultan' and

called 'Chotu Sultan of Manded' village. Abdullah was serving Amiruddin Baba

and following the dream vision, Amiruddin sent him to Shirdi. In Shirdi he

worked as a Sevak, doing all kinds of menial jobs. Having no money he begged

for his food. He strictly followed Baba's instructions 'eat little and sleep

little'.

He slept wherever he could. Then he built a small mud house where the

cottage now stands. When the Sansthan was formed they leased the land and

cottage to him. He kept busy looking after Baba's Samadhi.

The devotees who visit the cottage have an opportunity to venerate 'the

Chimta.' This is said to be given to him by Baba and Abdullah treasured it,

prayed to it daily with Loban incense. Abdullah used this for curing the

pains and ailments of the devotees. One can also see the original photos of

Baba which are framed and hung on the left wall.

Baba is also said to have given him a Satka, and a tin mug. But we the

devotees are most grateful to Abdul Baba who wrote down 'the sayings,

teachings, parables' of Baba and read them daily as his Quran.

 

 

(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. This book can be purchased from Dr.Vinny

Chitluri 304, Bhagchand Apartments Pimpalwadi Road Shird, District

Ahmednagar, Maharastra India Pin-423 109 Phone : 91-02423 - 255835, cost

INR.70)