Madhavrao Deshpande (Shyama)

Shyama Part 1:

Introduction and Birth details:

Madhavrao deserves special place among the devotees of Sri Sai Baba. Baba himself reiterated this several times. Once Baba told him that their relationship is for 72 lives. Baba used to send Shyama as his representative whenever people requested him to attend any major household functions. Such is the importance of Madhavrao Deshpande. He had utmost faith in Baba. His faith was undisturbed even in the mist of adversity. When he was bitten by a snake and about to die even then his faith towards Baba was indescribable. He is the perfect example and lived the life of Shradda and Sabhuri. We are really blessed to learn about such a person and Baba’s blessings will be always with us.

Madhavrao Deshpande might have born around 1860. Sai named him as Shyama. He was born in Nimon village of Ahamadnagar district. He grew up there until age2. His father got married three times without any children. Then he gets married to sister of one by name Laxman Kulkarni in Shirdi village. Then he had 3 boys. Shyama was the oldest. His 2 brothers were Kashinath and Bapaji Balwant, By age 3, Shyama’s father moved his family to Shirdi. 

Shyama had his elementary education in Marathi school. He finished 6^th grade. He joins as a teacher in the same school later. He reportedly did not learn either Sanskrit or English. Being a village teacher he was well respected. In those days teachers were respected really well. This school was next to Dwarakamai. At that time the masjid was dilapidated. One of the Circle Inspector donated the rooms for the school. Later years Radhakrishna Aai used to live there. After that this became the place for Baba’s Horse Shyamasundar.

Pujyasri B V Narasimha Swami ji interviewed Shyama in 1938 and gave us some details. Shyama was probably approaching 80 years of age at that time. Through Sai leela magazine, khaparde dairy and other sources gave us lot of details about Madhavrao Deshpande.  Shyama did not realize the greatness of Baba for several years. Shyama while working as a school teacher, sometimes used to sleep in the school. Through the window of the school he used to observe Baba’s routine. Baba sometimes used to sit in Marurhi Temple near the masjid. He used to go for Bikshaw (Alms). Some times Shyama heard different languages from the Dwarakamai such as Hindi, Urdu, Persian, English and Marathi. Baba was observed to be alone during those times. At times he used to dance with bells in his legs and sing songs in a rhythmic way. He showed all kinds of talents. He used to use 2 earthen pots to water the plants. This was his routine as described by Shyama.

Shyama’s family details:

Madhavrao married twice. His first wife was Savitribai. He had one son, Eknathpant, from her. Madhavrao’s second wife was Dwarkabai. They had two sons - Jagannathpant and Uddhavrao - and a daughter – Babitai. Uddavrao was the only one who frequently accompanied his father to visit Baba. Baba also loved Uddavrao very much and used to give sweets and other food items. He did not want to go to school even at the age of 6. Shyama was worried that he was not showing interest in studies. One day he ran after him to discipline and Uddavrao ran to Baba. Baba told Shyama that he will take care of him and not to worry. As promised, Uddavrao later worked as a Priest for Shirdi Sansthan for number of years. There was no mention of other kids in relation to Sai. Madhavrao was tall, well-built and very healthy. His complexion was wheatish. Up to the age of 72, he did not suffer from any ailments. He did not suffer even from simple maladies like fever or head-ache.

Shyama’s Work details:

 After completing his education, he taught in the village Marathi school, as an Assistant Teacher, for a few years. Nana Ratna Parkhe was his Headmaster and superior. One Laxman Master was another teacher above him. When Madhavrao started working in the school, his age was about 14-15. Madhavrao worked as a teacher for five or six years. He gave up that place, when he was transferred from Shirdi. 

After resigning the teacher job, till the end of his life, he worked as a village doctor. He used to give medicines after taking Baba’s name. Madhavrao was an expert at diagnosing various diseases and knowing properties of various medicines. He was also very good at diagnosing the ailment by merely feeling the pulse. He had gained the knowledge on his own and did not learn it from anyone. He carried a stock of Indian and foreign medicines. He could earn some money by practicing medicines. He used to mix Baba’s Udi in the medicines. Besides, he also used to refer to books on Ayurveda from time to time. He used medicines manufactured in the factories. He also prepared some of the medicines himself. 

Madhavrao had some income from a piece of land at village Nimon as well as from his medical practice. He did not use any of the medicines for himself. He always relied on Baba for every ailment. After a while, he started taking care of visitors who came to see Baba. He helped them in arranging lodging and communicated their needs to Baba. In this way he worked relentlessly all his life in serving Baba. Everyone gave similar kind of respect as they used to give Baba.

 OM SAI RAM!

The story of Mhalsapati; Part 4: Jejuri

The story of Mhalsapati

Baba helping Mhalsapati in Jejuri pilgrimage:

Once Mhalsapati and other devotees, were going on their horses, the police intercepted them on the way and examined their passes. Finding one having no pass, they stopped him and put him into the police station; and the procession could not start from the village. That man had to go and get a pass from the Kulkarni. That Kulkarni delayed the issue of a pass and said 'You go on splitting fuel for me'. He gave Mhalsapati's man an axe to split fuel. Then the man took up the axe and after few strokes, the handle was broken. Then the Kulkarni gave him a second handle. The second handle also broke. Then a third handle was given, and that also shared the same fate. Then the Kulkarni said, 'God does not allow you to work', and gave him the pass.

 On one occasion when Mhalsapati and party reached Jejuri, 150 miles from Shirdi, plague was raging there, and Mahlsapathy sat down dejected leaning against his palki (Kavadi), not knowing what to do. Suddenly he saw Baba behind him; and Baba vanished. Then he got up and told his companions: 'Baba is with us and we need not worry'. Accordingly the pilgrimage was satisfactorily over, and there was no loss of life. When he returned to Shirdi, Baba told him, 'I found you leaning against the Palki at JeJuri'. Mhalsapati was convinced that his eyes did not deceive him at Jejuri and that Baba was everywhere guarding his bhaktas.

On another occasion when Mahlsapathy and his group had gone for an annual Jejuri pilgrimage, they were returning followed by another group i.e. Malam Bhagat Pilki. Then they met thieves who were armed with axes and who wore masks or were covering their faces with thick blankets. As they approached the Palki to rob it, Mhalsapati courageo­usly took out a handful of Bhandar, i.e. coloured rice and sandal and threw it at them as prasad. Then they quietly retreated in to the woods. Then Mhalsapati and his friends went on followed by Malam Bhagat palki, and they noted that there was no image in their own palki. All the party looked into it (i.e., Mhalsapati's palki) to see whether all their images were there. They found none. Then someone said. 'Are we to carry an empty palki to Shirdi? That day was a Sunday, which is Khandoba's day. Then Mhalsapati said, 'No pilgrimage on Sunday' but the others had disagreed, and now Mhalsapati told others, 'This is the evil of doing pilgrimage on Sunday’. Suddenly Mhalsapati got in to a trance, and Khandoba talking through him said, ‘Arre, what day is this? Is it not my day? Why are you carrying palki? To-day I am busy hunting out on a hill. After hunting is over, I will come to Shirdi. You had better go now'. Then he woke up from trance, and the palki went on and came to Kandoba's temple at Shirdi. People at Shirdi, came to the palki to take Darsan. One Shakaram looked into the palki and found all the images ' there. 'What is the talk of all the images missing?' he asked the people. He showed them, and said 'Here are all the images'.

 Baba was ever present and all the time protected Mhalsapati. He works like a protective shield for his devotees. Whenever we surrender to Baba, there develops a relationship. When Baba was in flesh, he did not care for his own body in protecting his devotees.

Mhalsapati leaving his body:

Baba knew the present, past and future. When Mhalsapati had his second male child in 1897 and took him to Baba and asked him to give him a name. Baba, evidently to prevent his being too much attached to the son, told him "Look after the child for 25 years and that would be sufficient". Mhalsa did not understand all this, or that 25 years period indicated the length of his life which was to end in 1922; but with true humility and submission he told Baba that "looking after" the child was not in his power-but only in Baba's power.

Baba had given Mhalsapati a hint. He told him once when he (Mhalsapati) was preparing to light a lamp and fill up Baba's pipe, “Arre Bhagat, in a few days from this, I will be going somewhere. After that, you come at night for 2 or 4 years”. This was not understood by Mhalsapati. Mhalsapati was able to do his nightly usual puja to Baba only for 2 or 4 years, for he passed away on 11—9—1922.

When Baba took Mahasamadhi (left his mortal body) in 1918, Mhalsapati declined all food and fasted for 13 days. Probably to prevent a shock, Baba had given him hints of his (Baba's) impending final departure. Mhalsapati always followed the path of Dharma and was very faithful to Baba’s teachings.  

The end of such a soul when life passes away must necessarily be a good end, (sadgati). Baba made this assurance doubly sure and granted him the merit of dying on an Ekadasi day (with God in his mind and on his lips) just as he did this for several other devotees of his. Bhagavad Gita says; that “Whatever a person thinks of (being in constant touch with it) at the time of death he reaches”.

Mhalsapati was well aware of the timing of his death and had full-consciousness and control of his mind. 

The day was Monday (which is in the month of Badrapada, Ekadasi), 11th Sep. 1922. This is supposed to be very auspicious day and that to it was a Monday which is sacred to Lord Siva his Khandoba. 

He told his family as follows; “To-day is my father's Shraddha day (Death anniversary). Finish cooking soon. To-day I close my earthly life and go to Heaven”. 

One of the Brahmins by the name Laxman, came and finished the required rituals for the anniversary.  Guests were fed after which family meals were finished. Mhalsapati took betel leaves and betel nuts after his meal. 

After chewing a bit, he put on a kupni (garment which was given by Baba). He asked his friends who were there that day, Bala Gurav, Ramachandra Kothe, etc., to do Rama nama japa (Recitation of Lord Rama’s name). While recitation was going on, he called his son, and he gave him his stick. 

Mhalsapati said to his son, 'Spend time piously in Uttama Bhakti Marga i.e. in holy devotion. All that I told you will happen." 

Then Mhalsapati uttered the word 'Ram’ and breathed his last. Thus he passed away in calm faith and cheerfulness on the 11th September 1922.

Mhalsapati is a great soul and he gave us direction in how to worship Baba. He taught us the value of life, how to live and follow Dharma. 

OM SAI RAM!

The Story of Mhalsapati

Baba protecting Mhalsapati & his family:

Baba coming in the form of Rupees 10:

As we discussed earlier Mhalsapati and his family had to fast without food on several occasions. One time it was miserable and the fast lasted for a long time. Then Baba told Mhalsapati’s wife that he himself is coming to their house and do not reject him. At the same time H.S Dixit came to Baba with an envelope and told Baba that he wanted his permission to send that to Mhalsapati. Baba knows everything and what is in that envelope. Then Mhalsapati accepted this envelope and opened it. He saw 10 rupees in that and they had to accept it because Baba told them not to reject this. In this way Baba took care of our great bhakta’s family.

Baba cautioning Mhalsapati about snakes: 

Shirdi was well known for snakes at that time. One evening Mhalsapati was about to go home and Baba told him at that time; “Bhagat ! You are going to see two thieves”. Then he saw two snakes. One snake was seen near Dwarakamai and other at a neighbor’s house. At another instance, he saw another snake while coming from his house. Baba warned him prior to that and asked him to come with a lamp. Without a lamp he could have stepped on this snake. But with Baba’s grace he was protected.

Mhalsapati was asked not to lie down on his back:  

One time Baba cautioned Mhalsapati not to lie down on his back. But when he went home, he eats “Burphy” and became giddy, looses consciousness. He became delirious and stretched his legs. He was on his back with in no time. When he became conscious he could not bend his legs. Then his daughters had to massage his legs. Then he was able to walk and went to see Baba. Baba then said “Didn’t I tell you not to lie on your back”.

Protecting his family:

Once Baba told Mhalsapati that there was something bad at Khandoba. His wife and his daughters became sick. This was around 1908. But I am here, you don’t worry. During that time so many Doctors came to Shirdi. But Baba assured him and cured all the diseases. Another time his wife was at her mother’s house. She had a tumor in her throat. But she could not reach her husband and wanted to write a letter. Then Baba told him “Your wife has a tumor in her throat and I am going to cure it”.  Mhalsapati later received the letter that she had a tumor but it disappeared without any treatment. When Baba told him about this he could not understand the intensity of the problem but had complete faith in Baba.

Mhalsapati insulted by his In-Laws:

Once Mhalsapati was invited by his in-laws and he decided to visit them. He came to Baba to ask for permission. Baba told him that it is not good idea to visit them. Because they invited him, he decided to take any kind of challenge. They all eat before Mhalsapati’s arrival. He was insulted by them in a worst possible way. But he felt that he fulfilled his responsibility. He came back to Shirdi and told Baba all the details of his trip. We can recognize his greatness and his indifference to all these worldly issues.

Astinagram visit: 

There was a village by name “Astinagram” about six to ten miles from Shirdi. One of the Sai devotees by name Ram Bhav Harde, requested Mhalsapati to host a Scripture (Purana) reading followed by dinner.  This Purana is called Mhalsapati (Khandoba) Purana. Then Mhalsapati went to seek Baba’s permission. Baba then told him that he should not go and there will be a fight there. Yet having been invited, Mhalsapati decided to go. He sat and read the Purana and while this is going on there was a commotion between two groups of boys. Then they started exchanging words. Then words quickly came to blows and sticks. The people were scattered and ran away from the place. Then Mhalsapati also had to pack his stuff and follow the crowd. He returned to Shirdi and told Baba every thing. But with Sai’s grace nothing happened to Mhalsapati.

Vittal Darshan- Going to Pandharpur:  

Mhalsapati’s faith in Khandoba was unquestionable. He had Lord Khandoba appear in his dream and told him to visit Pandharpur. For a person who has difficulty financially, it is not possible to have a pilgrimage. But by God’s grace, he got some help for his journey from a wealthy family. When he reached Pandharpur, the crowds were large and unmanageable. The professional priests demand money for the entrance. He did not have any money on him. As he was moving with the crowd nearer to Vittoba (Diety), suddenly people began to note that Mhalsapati’s face was exactly like Khnadoba. They started saying “Here comes Khandoba to take a darshan of Vittoba”. They all give way to Mhalsapati and he had a clear darshan of Viitoba. This was like a miracle and Mhalsapati was blessed again by the Great Sai.

 OM SAI RAM

MHALSAPATHI

Part 1:

Great Sai always protects his devotees at all times. He manifested as human form with five elements of nature and took the responsibility of protecting the mankind. He took care of his governing responsibilities all the time and even when everyone is sleeping. He never disappointed anyone who believed in him. In this process of God protecting his children, Mahalsapathy took a lead role along with Shirdi Sai.

Mhalsapathi strictly followed four Purushardhas (Fundamental responsibilities) of human kind without any compromise and he walked the Shradda & Sabhuri path that was shown by Sai. He stood out second to none in following these principles. Whoever listens or reads his story, will attain utmost peace and receive blessings from Sai.  This great devotee of Sai never yielded to pressures in following his principles. He followed Dharma (righteousness) in spite of difficulties, only took what he deserved, controlled his desires, and always longed only for life’s goal that is relief from Birth- Death cycle. His life is an example for all the Sai devotees.

Mhalsa means Mother Parvathi (Consort of Lord Shiva) and Mhalsapathi means husband of Mother Parvathi that is Lord Shiva. That’s why Mhalsapathi always worshipped Khandoba (Lord Shiva). He revered Sai as his Guru and he worshipped him as his Khandoba. He lived all his life in Shirdi which is in Kopergaon taluk. He only had elementary education in a small village school. Mhalsapathi acquired goldsmith (sonar) profession as a hereditary means from his family. The sonars vie with Brahmins and others in their social and religi­ous observances and sometimes style themselves Brah­mins and wear the sacred thread. Even in that commu­nity, he was noted for his fervent devotion to his tutelary deity Khandoba (known also as Mhalsapathi). Mhalsapathi Purana was his Bible or Ramayana for daily study and for sacred reading at the periodical gatherings of sonars and at the temple (family temple). He had three daughters, one son and his wife was very pious and followed her husband in every aspect of life. He did not have any major income from his 7 ½ acres barren land and there were not many rich people in a small village who can order golden ornaments.  His Khandoba temple was also in dilapidated state. He was fairly free from worldly desires. The family had a scanty income from the voluntary offerings at their temple which went to the temple maintenance.

 He had complete faith in his God and was waiting for a Guru. Kasiram Shimpe, Appa Bhil and Mhalsapathi were dedicated in serving any passerby Fakirs or Saints. Kasiram and Appa used to receive and help not only Hindu saints such as  Devidas, Janakidas, etc., but also fakirs when   these   visited   the   village or stayed there. Kasiram    and     Appa    had    some   means,    but   poor Mhalsapathi offered   his services and   zeal,   and   these three worked   together.     It   was   Mhalsapathi's   good fortune, that he   had very close contact with Sri Sai Baba for a very long period-over 40 (nearly 50) years.  

Mhalsapathi naming Sai:

When Shirdi Sai came as a teenage boy, Mhalsapathi recognized the special characters and greatness. It was about   1872 per­haps   that   Sai   Baba entered   the   village along with a "Barat", i.e.  a bridegroom's party of Moslems headed  by Chand Bhai, Patil of Dhupkeda (in the "Nizam's State"). Then Sai Baba separated from the marriage group very near Khandoba temple at the outskirts of Shirdi and sauntered along almost till the threshold of Khandoba temple. Mhalsapathi, who was inside worshipping Khandoba, noticed Baba's presence and, with usual civility and regard, invited him to sit. After a few minutes, the fakir Baba remarked- "How secluded and quiet a place is the Khandoba temple, best fitted for a Fakir to be in". Then it was that Mhalsapathi put his conservative back up and protested against the proposal that a Moslem should reside in Khandoba temple which in his opinion was unthinkable. Most Moslems at that time were assumed as iconoclasts, (i.e. breakers of images) and, therefore, Mhalsapathi prevented Baba from entering the temple which contained the images of Khandoba etc. Finding Mhalsapathi 's objection to be natural, Baba said, 'God is one for Hindus, Moslems, and all, but, as you object to my entry, I shall go'. So saying Baba went away. In one respect, it is a fact of happy augury that the person who started Sai worship was a pious and orthodox Hindu, who first raised the orthodox objection to Baba's stepping into and residing at the Khandoba temple in his charge, but soon developed into the most zealous admirer and ardent worshipper of Baba.

Mhalsapathi starting Sai’s worship:

It is this zealous admiration and ardor of the highly virtuous goldsmith that forced Baba to reverence him in turn and to accept the flowers, sandal, and other things placed on his feet by way of homage. His self dedication and great attachment to Sai Baba were irresistible for a large-hearted soul like Sai, and so he (Mhalsapathi) was the first and only person allowed for a long time to worship Sai.  Several in the village initially considered Sai as a mad Fakir until he showed the miracle of lighting the lamps with water.  Mahalsapathy used to go to Dwarakamai every day and worshipped Sai by placing flowers and sandal at the feet of Baba and offered milk.  Sai Baba the fakir could not object to them even though these were offered in the Mosque. When these grew definitely more and more like worship, then Baba himself felt how incongruous Hindu worship of himself was in the Mosque, though it had to grow and develop from there. Baba was an absolute "Vairagya Purusha'' and never cared for wealth or women.   This developed later into regular puja (worship) by the use of sandal paste and flowers on Baba's   feet, neck,   and finally on his forehead also. Even after that, local magnates like Nana Saheb Dengle, who wanted to do Baba's puja,   were not allowed to do it.   Baba would tell them:   'There   is the pillar in this Dwarakamayi   (Mosque).   Do puja to the pillar”.   That of course, they did not care to do.   Nana Saheb Dengle later requested the intersession of Dagdubhai, a constant companion of Baba and, encouraged by his words,   did puja and became   Baba's   second   worshipper,   Baba gradually allowed others to do his puja, and then Baba's puja became general. Few realized the part played by Mhalsapathi as the pioneer of Sai puja and the Sai movement.

Mhalsapathi giving up his profession:



Mhalsapathi had a very intimate relationship with Baba. He was disgusted with his life when he had all kinds of difficulties and by the death of his only son. His land yielded   nothing, and the goldsmith's profession yielded also practically nothing. So, he was ready for the   orders   of   his   own Ishta Devata, Khandoba. Khandoba came upon   him, that is, possessed his body, and gave him visions. In the first vision, he was told that he was to take Khandoba (i.e. movable images) from the Khandoba temple to his own house, and worship him there with concentration.  In another vision, Khandoba appeared as an old Brahmin and said to him, “What?   Can you not get your bread without your profession of goldsmith?”   Then Mhalsapathi   answered   the    vision.    'Yes.   I shall   give up'. Then the vision said,    'Touch my feet, and hold on to my feet”.   From that time forwards, he gave up goldsmith's work in perfect trust.  Being disgusted with life, he did not care to sleep   at home   for   that   would   develop his family cares and burdens, i.e. Samsara, still further.

Birth of his second son:

He   enjoyed Baba's Company day   and night and was greatly benefitted thereby.   At the Mosque and at the Chavadi, Baba slept on alternate nights and to both places Mhalsapathi went and had his bed along with Baba. Mhalsapathi 's main     work     was   to   be   with   Baba and he never failed to be with and sleep with Baba.   But on   one occasion, early in   life,   about   1896,     Baba himself said, “Arre Baagat, listen to my fakiri   words, which are always true. You have been sleeping here and not with your wife.   But you have got only daughter (the only son he had    must   have   died   before   1896.) You go and take bed in your house, and you will then get a son,"   In spite of Baba's pressure, he declined   to   go   home as he did not want   his   family (samsara)   to   increase.   But his friend  Kasiram   Simpi compelled him and  took him home and left him there. Thereafter he took his bed in his house. He started it on the Janmashtami of 1896, and on the next Janmashtami (1897) a son was born to him. Baba's words are ever true and never false.

Night Vigil with Baba:

But, having got a son, he resumed his old vow of not developing Samsara and ever afterwards slept only with Baba, in the Mosque, and at the chavadi. Mhalsapathi would spread his own cloth and on that Baba (when not lying on the plank) would lie on one half, and he would lie on the other. Baba also gave him very hard duties which others could not possibly undertake. Baba would tell Mhalsapathi, "You had better sit up. Do not go to sleep. Place your hand on my heart. I will be going on with remembrance of Allah, Nama Smaran, that is, a half conscious trance, and during that Nama Smaran, the heart beat would clearly show you that I am still having Nama Smaran. If that suddenly goes away and natural sleep supervenes, wake me up." The heart beat during natural sleep would be evidently different from the heart beat of the contemplative trance. Thus neither Baba nor Mhalsapathi would sleep at night. Both would keep awake, Baba for directly communing with God, and by that means doing service to numerous devotees in various places, and Mhalsapathi for sharing the merit (punya) by keeping the vigil with Baba and benefiting himself morally and spiritually by his pious service. His tapas was the same practically as the tapas of Baba, that is, vigil for holy purposes.

Principles of Mhalsapathi:

He also had great control over all his senses (Indriyas), not merely over the sex urge but also over hunger and other urges and cravings, though he was not able to overcome sleep always. At times for a fortnight he would go without food, purely by the power of his will, and sometimes his family also would suffer as shortage of food was the consequent of Mhalsapathi 's having no profession and no earning and his rejection of offers of money and goods. This is a very important point to note about Mhalsapathi. His attitude towards acceptance of alms is one which very orthodox Hindus would understand. He regarded all acceptances of alms from others as a direct interference with his own perfection of power. Baba told Mhalsapathi several times;-'Take this Rs. 3. Go on taking it'. Mhalsapathi invariably refused. Baba even added. 'Go on receiving Rs. 3. I will make you well-to-do, and other people will come to you and depend on you and look to your favor; make your life comfortable." Mhalsapathi invariably replied: 'I do not want all that. I want only to worship your feet.' He counted his avoidance of gifts and contentment with his lot as far above his attaining or retaining material wealth. He (M) would not sleep on cots. He would not care to have comforts of any other sort, even though these were available or offered to him. Baba had to offer inducements of "Abhaya" and support, etc. to various people to raise them to high spiritual effort. But in tha case of Mahalsapathy, no inducements and assurances were required, as Mhalsapathi had already achieved the high, water mark of purity, virtue, austerity (tapas), and wisdom (Jnana), so far as that was possible in his circumstances.

OM SAI RAM!

The story of Mhalsapati

Part 2:

Mhalsapati’s role in Baba’s 72 hour Samadhi:

Sai Baba could have taken Mahasamadhi 32 years prior to real Mahasamadhi day in 1918. It was because of great bhakta Mhalsapati that situation was averted. We can imagine without his persistence what could have happened. This was the gift to mankind given by Baba through Mhalsapati.

 On Margashirsh Purnima day (thirty-two years before the Mahasamadhi) Baba had an attack of asthma and he became very uneasy. In order to bear this bodily pain, Baba raised his ‘prana’ high up and went into samadhi. Baba told Mhalsapati as follows;

“For three days from now I will rise my ‘prana’ high up and go into samadhi. Do not wake me up”. Baba told them. “See that corner of the courtyard,” Baba said pointing his finger. “Dig there for my samadhi and place me there”. Then looking at Mhalsapati, he point blank said to him: “Do not neglect me for three days. Place two flags at that site as an indication”. Saying this, he raised his ‘prana’ high up. Suddenly he whirled around and became unconscious. Mhalsapati placed him on his lap. Others lost hope. It was about 10 o’clock at night when this happened. Oh, everyone became still, thinking about the sudden turn of events.

There was neither breath nor pulse. It seemed as if there was no life in the body. The people were in a state of deep fright. But Sai was absolutely at peace. Then Mhalsapati remained alert day and night and took care of Sai. He sat wide awake near him. Though Sai himself had ordered that the samadhi be dug yet no one had the courage to do that. Seeing Baba in a state of samadhi, the whole village assembled there. Bhagat Mhalsapati did not remove the body from the lap.

The people would get a shock if they realized that the body was lifeless. Sai, therefore, seemed to have deceived the people by saying that the body should be kept for three days. The breath had stopped. All the sense organs were at a standstill. There was no trace of movement. The lustre of his face had dimmed. He had lost consciousness of the surroundings. He was totally silent. How could he come back to consciousness? This was the great worry for all.

 Two days had passed but he did not gain consciousness. Moulvis, maulanas and fakirs came and gave their opinion for future action. Appa Kulkarni and Kashiram also came. They took a firm decision that Baba had achieved his abode of peace and the body should be given eternal rest. Some said: “Wait a little longer. Such haste is not good. Baba was not like ordinary people. Baba’s words come true”. Others promptly replied: “How will the life spirit return to a body which is ice cold? How foolish all these are! Dig a grave at the place shown (by him). Call all the people. Perform the last rites on time. Make all the preparations.”

 Thus, while the discussions to do or nor to do went on, the time period of three days was over. Then, early in the morning, at 3 o’clock, the life spirit was observed as returning. Very slowly his eyes opened, the body stirred and the limbs stretched, the breath re-commenced and the abdomen was seen to move. His face showed a cheerful expression, the eyes began to blink, the unconsciousness went and a state of awakening arose. It seemed as if he had been reminded of a body he had forgotten. The lost treasure had been found again and was freely available.

 Seeing Sai fully conscious everyone rejoiced. By the Grace of God a great calamity had been averted. The devotees were wonder struck. Bhagat (Mhalsapati) looked at Sai’s face, marvelling, as he gently moved his neck. The moulvis and fakirs lost face. In this manner, a terrible event passed.

Mhalsapati supported Baba's body on his own knee, and when officers, including the village headman karnam, etc., held an inquest over the body, declared it dead, and wanted it to be buried. Mhalsapati with the help of others stoutly opposed their proposal and saved Baba from losing his body. Thus, he rendered a valuable service in 1886, after which Baba lived for 32 years to create this huge Sai movement that has covered this land. If Mhalsapati had failed in his duty, and Baba had been buried perhaps the course of history might have been different. We cannot imagine that situation but we know that Baba intended this kind of miracle.

Similar kind of responsibility was given by Baba to Mhalsapathi another time but in a different way.

Trying to save Nigoj Patil’s wife:

 Once upon a time, Mhalsapati came to Dwarakamai to sleep there.  As usual, he had spread his cloth and Baba was lying on one half of that cloth, and he was lying on the other. Then Baba told him. 'I say, come on. To-day we shall be on the watch. The rude Rohilla (death from plague) wanting to take away the wife of the Nigoj Patil. I am praying to Allah to prevent that by Nama Smaran. You had better see that no one comes and disturbs me in my Nama Smaran.' 

Accordingly Mhalsapathi kept awake to try and see that no disturbance took place. But, unfortunately, in the middle of the night the Nivas Mamlatdar had come. He and his subordinates took a fancy to take Baba's darsan, which could be had for nothing, so, at midnight, the worker (peon) of the Mamlat­dar came and stating that Darsan was wanted and udhi was wanted, made a noise. Mhalsapathi tried to prevent it but who could prevent official hauteur or jabardas ? Mhalsapathi was trying to oblige the peon by getting down the steps to give him some udhi, but the noise made disturbed Baba's trance (contemplation), and Baba sat up, and hurled foul curses and told Mhalsapathi. 'Arre Bhagat, you are a man with family! And don't you know what is taking place at Nigoj? This disturbance has caused a failure in my efforts. That Patil's wife is dead. Let that go. What has happened is for the best'. In his anger, Baba threw away Mahlsa-pathy's cloth on him, telling him that he should not allow disturbance like that to Baba's holy work of contemplation and prayer.

After that Mhalsapati served Baba for so many years with dedication and assisted Baba in his night vigil in an effort to save millions of people. It is a blessing to listen or read about that kind of Bhakta of Baba.

OM SAI RAM!