BABA'S SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENTS FROM HIS TOMB

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BABA’S SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENTS FROM HIS TOMB

When Baba’s life left his body in October 1918, that was a great blow to

all his bhaktas. But there was the further danger of confusion and conflict

about the disposal of Sai’s body. The proper disposal of Sai body was

essential for the carrying out of his mission, because Baba had said, "Even

from the tomb, I will be active". Where was the tomb to be? Who was to build

it? In whose charge was it to be? The almost universal belief of people (Hindus

and Muslims alike), when Baba passed away, was that Sai Baba, living in the

Mosque, was a Muslim, and so the Muslims including Bade Baba gathered round the

body, and they wished to be in charge of his tomb. Baba was a famous Avallia.

His tomb would be visited by innumerable people, and miracles would be

performed there. The offerings by the visiting pilgrims would be abundant. The

tomb would be a very important place. Hence the Muslims thought and said that

they should be in charge of the tomb. Unfortunately, they were few in numbers,

and they had not the influence or the means to erect a suitable tomb for the

Avallia. The Hindus stressed the fact of custom (Mamul) that the vast mass of

people that worshipped Baba were Hindus, and, therefore, they were the proper

persons to arrange for the tomb to be worshipped. The Kopergaon Mamlatdar

arrived on the scene and asked each party to put forward its representation

with largely signed mahazars. The Hindus were in larger number, and their

mahazars also were numerous. The Muslim signatories to the Muslim mahazar were

very few. As for Baba’s own wishes in the matter that was not well known.

He never talked about it. But during his last illness he said, "Carry me to the

Wada." (i.e., Buty Wada) Buty was quite willing that his building should become

the tomb of Baba. The Mamlatdar pointed out his difficulties. He said that if

all parties agreed, he could give direction for the disposal of the body in

accordance with the terms of the agreement. If they did not, he said, they

should go to Ahmednagar, and get the District Magistrate’s decree, and he

(Mamlatdar) would have to act upon that decree. Then Dixit was ready to go to

Ahmednagar. As he was a solicitor of high repute, the Muslims thought that if

he went to Ahmednagar, he would get the District Magistrate’s order in

his favour, and they would be nowhere. So, they came to an agreement with

Hindus that Baba’s body should be in Buty Wada, and, as usual the

management of the tomb etc., should also be with the Hindus, but Muslims should

be allowed free access even though it was in a Hindu gentlemen's house, and that

Mamul should continue. So, the Mamlatdar himself passed such an order, and

Baba’s body was buried without any difficulty at Buty wada, where it

still remains. That was only a temporary settlement . The more important matter

was as to the guidance of the future. That should be a scheme sanctioned by the

District Court of Ahmednagar H. S. Dixit with his remarkable legal ability, his

worldly wisdom, and great bhakti, drew up a Scheme and presented it with the

signatures of a number of influential devotees. That was sanctioned by the

District Court in 1922 and that governs the Shirdi Sai Sansthan and

Baba’s tomb and other affairs. The property of the Sansthan vested in a

body of trustees with a managing committee of fifteen. Dixit contented himself

with being the Honorary Secretary, and his able management pleased all parties.

H. S. Dixit thus laid firm foundation for the success of the Shirdi Sai

Sansthan, and he must be given the credit for its present position. This may be

ranked as one of his great services to Sai and the public or to humanity.

Written by: HH Pujyasri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji in Life of Sai Baba

(To read more articles on Shirdi Sai Baba, please visit http://shirdisaibaba.blogspot.com/)