CHAWADI

[Guest guest]

CHAWADI Chawri is situated on the east of Dwarkamai, a few yards away. This is the place where Baba used to sleep on alternate nights. Baba's Shej aarti(Night aarti) started from here only in the year 1910. On alternate days the Kakad Aarti (Morning aarti) also took place at the Chawri before Baba went to Dwarkamai. Chawri (or Chawadi in Marathi language) means the main square of the village where people assemble at leisure.The Chawri is divided into two sections with a partition of grill. The section on the right side is where Baba used to put up for night. In those days no ladies were allowed to enter this section of night shelter as an observance of discipline. This practice continues even today. The left section of Chawri is open to all and there are no restrictions on entry. Devotees often sit in the left section and sing

group devotional songs. A large portrait of Baba (the photograph of Baba sitting on the stone) adorns a silver throne placed in the right section where Baba used to sleep. There is another portrait in oil in the left section, which was presented by some devotee. Chawri has glass lamps hanging from the ceilings, wall size mirrors and many paintings and photographs since old days. There is a wheel chair presented by a devotee and also a bed on which Baba's holy body was given the last bath after he breathed His last. The palanquin procession used to take place between Dwarkamai and Chawri on those days when Baba was to come for sleeping in Chawri. After reaching Chawri Baba would spend some time with his devotees, which was called Night court `Ratri durbar' of Shri Sai. Today also the overwhelming presence of Baba is felt in the palanquin procession from Dwarkamai to Chawri on every Thursday and other

special occasions. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.