Sai Satcharitra-Let us all read it together, a little everyday

[Guest guest]

Construction of the Samadhi-Mandir

Baba never talked, nor ever made any fuss about the things which He wanted to

accomplish, but He so skillfully arranged the circumstances and surroundings

that the people were surprised at the slow but sure results attained. The

construction of the Samadhi-mandir is an instance in point. Shriman Bapusaheb

Booty, the famous multi-millionaire of Nagpur lived in Shirdi whith his family.

Once an idea arose in his mind that he should have a building of his own there.

Sometimes after this, while he was sleeping in Dixit's Wada, he got a vision.

Bava appeared in his dream and ordered him to build a Wada of his own with

temple. Shama who was sleeping there, got also a similar vision. When Bapusaheb

was awakened, he saw Shama crying and asked him why. The latter replied that in

his vision Baba came close to him and ordered distinctly - "Build the Wada with

the temple. I shall fulfill the desires of all.

Hearing the sweet and loving words of Baba, I was overpowered with emotion, my

throat was choked, my eyes were overflowing with tears, and I began to cry."

Bapusaheb was surprised to see that both their visions tallied. Being a rich

and capable man, he decided to build a Wada there and drew up a plan with

Madhavarao (Shama). Kakasaheb Dixit also approved of it. And when it was placed

before Baba, He also sanctioned it immediately. Then the construction-work was

duly started and under the supervision of Shama, the ground floor, the cellar

and the well were completed. Baba also on his way to and from Lendi suggested

certain improvements. Further work was entrusted to Bapusaheb Jog and when it

was going on, an idea struck Bapusaheb Booty's mind that there should be an

open room or platform and in the centre the image of Murlidhar (Lord Krishna

with the flute) be installed. He asked Shama to refer this matter to Baba and

get His consent. The latter asked Baba about this when He was just

passing by the Wada. Hearing Shama, Baba gave His consent saying, "after the

temple is complete I will come there to stay" and staring at the Wada He added

- "after the Wada is complete, we shall use it ourselves, we shall live, move

and play there, embrace each other, and be very happy." Then Shama asked Baba

whether this was the auspicious time to begin the foundation-work of the

central room of the Shrine. The latter answered in the affirmative. Shama got a

coconut broke it and started the work. In due time the work was completed and an

order was also given for making a good image of Murlidhar. But before it was

ready, a new thing turned up. Baba became seriously ill and was about to pass

away. Bapusaheb became very sad and dejected, thinking that if Baba passed

away, his Wada would not be consecrated by the holy touch of Baba's Feet, and

all his money (about a lakh of rupees) would be wasted away. But the words

"Place or keep Me in the Wada" which came out of Baba's mouth just

before His passing away, consoled not only Bapusaheb, but one and all. In due

time Baba's holy body was placed and preserved in the central shrine meant or

designed for Murlidhar and Baba Himself became Murlidhar and the Wada thus

became the Samadhi-mandir of Sai Baba. His wonderful life is unfathomable.

Blessed and fortunate is Bapusaheb Booty in whose Wada lies the holy and the pure body of Baba.

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

"Gurur Brahma Gurur VishnuGurur Devoh Maheshwar;Gurur Shakshat

ParambramhaTashmai Shri Gurur Veh Namah"May the Merciful Sri Sai Baba always

shower His grace on us and our families and remove our problems and anxieties

by giving us all - strength , goodluck, success and happiness with peace of

mind.Sai bhakt,Deepa Hdebu7366

Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.