// OM SAI// STORY OF SAI BABAS SAMADHI IN BUTTY WADA ORIGIN OF THE SAMADHI MANDIR - The Shrine which houses Baba Samadhi was originally constructed as a Wada (large private house) during Babas last years in his physical body. It is built on the land that Baba had tended as a garden. Sai Baba seemed to like growing plants and in his early days he cleared and levelled this land, which had been used as dumping ground. Using seeds that he had brought from Rahata, he planted it with jasmine and marigold. For about three years Baba would water the plants every day and distribute the flowers to the local temples. The Shrine was built by Shri Gopalrao Mukund Butty (Bapusaheb Butty), the famous multi-millionaire of Nagpur. He was introduced to Sai Baba by a Lawyer from Nasik Shri Sakharam Balwant Dhumal, about ten years before Babas Mahasamadhi Once an idea arose in Bapusaheb Buttys mind that he should have a building of his own there. Sometime after this, once while he was sleeping in Dixits Wada, he got a vision. Baba appeared in his dream and ordered him to build a Wada of his own, with a temple. Shama who was sleeping there, got also a similar vision. When Bapusaheb awoke, he saw Shama crying and asked him why. Shama 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 placed before Baba, it was sanctioned immediately. The construction started around 1915. It was built in stone and was therefore known as Dagadi (stone) Wada. But Baba had mentioned about this construction in 1913 itself to Narke. Sri Butty, with the help of Shama, Kaka Saheb Dixit and others, had procured the material required for the construction of the Wada, and engaged the required workers. Shama was supervising the work. The underground structure, the outside structure and digging of the well were completed. Baba also saw the construction work daily on his way to Lendi Bagh and back to the mosque. Sometimes, Baba would indicate some alterations and give some suggestions. Slowly the workers also developed devotion and faith in Baba. They saluted Baba every day before the commencement of work and also at closing time. The building material and the implements were taken care of by Bapu Saheb Jog. With Baba’s blessings, the building rose quickly . Then Shama asked Baba whether it was the auspicious time to begin the foundation-work of the Shrines central room. Baba gave an affirmative reply and so Shama immediately fetched and broke a coconut as Mahurat (good omen) and the work was begun. The foundation was quickly laid, and while the pedestal was being prepared, an idea struck Bapusaheb Buttys mind that in the center an Idol of Murlidhar (Lord Krishna with the flute) be installed. He asked Shama to refer this matter to Baba and get His consent. So Shama asked Baba about this when Baba was just passing by the Wada. Baba declined to give permission, stating that 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. On another occasion, Baba sat cross-legged on the Base constructed for installing Sri Krishna’s idol. Butty once again asked Baba’s permission to get the idol prepared - Baba asked whether he was not Sri Krishna. He told Butty to wait patiently for some time, saying that the idol could be installed afterwards. Nobody could understand the inner meaning of Baba’s words. Then on 28th September`1918, Baba got a slight attack of fever which lasted for a couple of days, but afterwards Baba gave up his food and thereby he grew weaker and weaker. Butty felt dejected, wondering whether Baba would live to even see the completed wada, never mind grace it with his presence. The whole construction seemed pointless to him if Baba was not going to remain there in his body. However, Baba was to move into the Wada in a way that had not been foreseen by others. Babas health rapidly deteriorated and on Tuesday 15th October`1918, Baba told that He did not feel well there (in the Masjid) and that He should be taken to the Dagadi (stone) Wada of Butty, where He would be alright. Saying these last words, He leaned on Bayajis body and at about 02:30 p.m Baba breathed His last. (Vide Professor G.G. Narkes letter, dated 05th November`1918, to Dadasaheb Khaparde - Leela magazine, Page 78, 1st year).
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 22:33:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015