Note: Chronological list of events concerning Shri Shiridi SaiBaba collected from Official Website of Shri Saibaba Sansthan, Shirdi for the purpose of Sai Devotees.
1838
Hemadripant has approximately determined the date of Sai Baba's birth as A.D. 1838.
1842-54
Sai Baba spent 12 years with his Guru. The name of his Guru is not exactly known but could be 'Venuksha' alias Gopalarao Deshmukh of Selu or even a 'Sufi' fakir. Some say " Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi". Arrival of Devidas at Shirdi (Aged 10-11 years) took place in 1846. When he enquired, BABA mentioned the name of his GURU as Venkusa implying VISHNU (Parvardigar).
1854
Sai Baba first appeared at Shirdi under the Neem Tree (aged about 19 Years) and after sometime disappeared to an unknown place.
1858
Sai Baba returned to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil of village called Dhoop in Aurangabad District and remained at Shirdi for ever till His Samadhi.
1865
Saint Manik Prabhu of Homanabad in Bidar District of Karnataka passed away in 1878, Chaitra Vadya 14. H. H. Akkalkot Swami left His mortal coil at Akkalkot in Solapur District of Maharashtra. (First appeared in 1835). It is reported that three of them (Manik Prabhu, Swami Samartha and SAIBABA) met at Humanabad.
1885
Saint Anandnath (aged 95 years) of Yewala Math and a disciple of Akkalkot Swami visited Shirdi and seeing Sai Baba exclaimed, "This is a precious real diamond."
1886
Margashirsh 15 Sai Baba got rid of an attack of asthma, by going into samadhi for 72 Hrs. April 16 Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahansa of Bengal
1889
Abdullah arrived at Shirdi from Nanded (in West Khandesh near Jalgaon and Amalner)
1892 (approx)
Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time after being invited by BABA many a time showing his intimate relations with NANA since his many previous births.
1894 (approx)
Das Ganu (Ganesh Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe) accompanied Nanasaheb Chandorkar to Shirdi for the first time.
1896
Celebration of 'Urus' ( fair) started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Gopalrao Gund, a Circle Inspector of Kopargaon.
1897
Son (Nanasaheb Rasane) was born to Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar by Sai Baba's Grace.
1898
Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank.
1899-1900
Nanasaheb Chandorkar visited Shirdi with his sister-in-law's husband, Shri Biniwale. Baba scolded Nanasaheb for dissuading Biniwale, a devotee of Shri Dattatmya from visiting Datta Temple on the bank of Godavari River to avoid delay in reaching Shirdi.
1900-1902
Sai Baba like a learned Pandit explained Geeta to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who believed that BABA was not well versed with Sanskrit language of Pandits (learned people).
1903
Das Ganu left Govt. service and as per Baba's instructions settled at Nanded and started performing keertans and writing life histories of recent saints. Das Ganu's book 'Sant Kathamrit' was published. (Ch. 57 about Sai Baba's advice to Nanasaheb Chandorkar).
1904-1905
Rao Bahadur H. V. Sathe first arrived at Shirdi. (Aged 49 years). Nanasaheb Chandorkar's pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner in Jalgaon District had severe pains of delivery. Sai baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi from Shirdi and she had a safe delivery. Sai Baba even took the form of tonga's Rajput driver to make Ramgir reach Jamner safe and on time.
1906
Das Ganu's book 'Bhakta-Leelamrit' was published. (Chs.. 31, 32 and 33 about Sai Baba). Nanasaheb Chandorkar was transferred as Mamlatdar from Nandurbar to Pandharpur. On the way, he stopped at Shird! with his family and started requesting Baba to accompany them to Pandharpur and stay there permanently with them. The devotees then told Nanasaheb about the singing of bhajan just finished in which Baba's mood of going to Pandharpur and staying there for ever was expressed. The text of the song was,'I want to go and stay at Pandharpur .'
1907
Radhakrishna Mai (Sunderabai Kshirsagar) arrived at Shirdi.(Young good-looking widow aged 25 years). She was blessed by BABA who used to send a part of food collected as (Bhiksha) to her.
1908
Sathe Wada was constructed. EkadashiKashirarn Shimpi died. (Chaitra Shuddha 11). BABA saved his life in a mysterious way when he was assaulted by Thieves in a jungle. Pundalikrao of Nanded met Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. (Tembe Swami) at Rajahmundry on banks of Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and Swami gave a coconut to be presented to Sai Baba. BABA showed cognizance of Swamiji's gilt and showed his oneness with Swami by describing him as his brother (Bhau). Shri Tatyasaheb Noolkar, (Aged 45 years) the Sub-judge of Pandharpur first arrived at Shirdi in 1908. Gurupournima festival was prompted by Baba for Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others.
1909
Saibaba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, and an atheist, on his very first visit and Balasaheb lost complete interest in worldly matters. He retired prematurely from service and settled down at Shirdi permanently. Bapusaheb (Sakharam Hari) Jog on retirement from Govt. service came to stay at Shirdi permanently accompanied by his wife. Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon (Pune District) came to Shirdi for getting his chronic tuberculosis at the last stage and was cured by Baba's blessings. Nov 2 Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit (Aged 45 years), a prominent solicitor and M.L.C. first arrived at Shirdi. Baba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders. Dec 10 Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days. Dec 25 Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar.
1910
Baba's 'Handi' ritual, occasionally cooking food Himself in a big copper pot and distributing it to devotees and poor people without discrimination. This practice continued till this year. After wards owing to Das Ganu's keertans (musical recitals praising Baba), Baba's fame spread far and wide and devotees started flocking together in large numbers offering large quantities of food as 'naivedya' and thus there was no need of 'Handi. Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad from Bandra (Bombay) first visited Shirdi. Rao Bahadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan of Santacruz (Bombay) first visited Shirdi. Govind Raghunath alias Annasaheb Dabholkar (Aged 51 years), the author of Shri Sai Satcharita (Marathi), had his first darshan of Sai Baba and received significant and prophetic title of 'Hemadpant. Baba gave him his blessings and inspired him to write SAI SATCHARITA - a religious scripture describing BABA's life story and his divine play (leela) as monumental as GURU CHARITRA- the old monumental POTHI - a poetic religious scripture inspiring worship to GURU, NARASINHA SARASWATI. Balkrishna Vishwanath alias Balasaheb Deo (Dahanu Mamlatdar) first visited Shirdi prompted by Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Deo used to describe him as Baba's child - with a full sense of surrender. Bhadrapad Shuddha 5, H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon (Buldhana District of Maharashtra) left His mortal coil. (First appeared in 1878). At that very time at Shirdi, Sai Baba grieved profusely and said, "Hallo! My Gajanan is gone. I must take bath again in reverance to the Great Soul." Shrimant Gopalrao Mukund alias Bapu saheb Butty of Nagpur, (a rich statesman) started staying permanently at Shirdi. Harishchandra Pitale's son suffering from epilepsy, was cured by Baba's mere glance at him. Baba gave Pitale three rupees and reminded him of two rupees earlier received by him from Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and thus showed his oneness with all the other SAINTS (Vibhutis). Ashwin Vady13 Sai Baba pushed his arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith's child. 'The arm was scorched and burnt. Nanasaheb came from Bombay with Dr. Parmananda but Baba did not allow the doctor to treat him.Bhagoji Shinde's service of massaging the arm with ghee and bandaging it continued till Baba's Samadhi. This episode is in testimony to BABA's cosmic existence- HIS super consciousness. Dec 5 Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti (Maharashtra) first visited Shirdi. (Refused on 10 Dec. 1910) Mr.Babasaheb Khaprde was an ardent devotee of BABA and his efforts were instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak- (a great national leader -Khapurde's contemparary) to Shirdi for Baba's darshan and blessings in his movement for India's freedom from the British Rule. Dec10 Foundation-stone of Dixit Wada laid with Baba's permission. Christmas Lala Lakhamichand of Santacruz (Bombay) came to Shirdi. Baba loved him very much and affectionately accepted his petty gifts given with love. Megha returns to Shirdi and stays till his death. In Baba's company he underwent mysterious experiences which transformed Megha from an athiest to an ardent devotee of Baba and spent his life in the service of Sai -Shiva. He regarded Baba as Shiva-Shankar (Lord Shiva-Shankar -the welfare Doer).
1911
Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on a pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, haulted at Shirdi and breathed his last while reading 'Bhagawat' (a religious script written by Saint Eknath) for 3 days on Baba's advice. March Tatyasaheb Nulkar (Aged 48), the Sub-judge of Pandharpur breathed, his last at Shirdi . Baba showed HIS oneness with Tatya Nulkar and described him as a pure soul and expressed HIS grief at Nulkars demise.After Tatyasaheb Nulkar passed away, Megha took over the regular daily worship of Baba in the Dwarakamai. (He used to stand on one leg while performing the Arati). Tatyasaheb Nulkar relinquished everything and stayed at Shirdi in Baba's company till his demise Baba bestowed him with the unique experiences in self realization. Baba advised him and Mr Shyama Deshpande to perform Guru worship (Pooja). Ram-Navami Festival was started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani. Construction of Dixit Wada was completed and was inhabited with due rites. Extension and roofing of the open space in front of the Dwarakamai was carried out by Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba got enraged and tried to shake and uproot a pole. Then removing Tatya Patil's pugree, struck a match, set the pugree on fire and threw it in a pit along with one rupee as if an auspicious offering to avert evil. Baba never liked renovation of his dwelling place viz. Dwarkamai (the masjid) and opposed any such effort by the devotees.1911Somdav Swami alias Haridwar Swami visited Shirdi. June 27, Kashinath Govind Upaswii (aged 41 years) first visited Shirdi and returned again on 6 July. Baba ordered him to stay for 4 years in the Khandoba Temple. Dec, Kashinath Upasani composed the famous 'Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra (hymn) in Sanskrit. (Now being recited daily during Arati at Shirdi.) Bubonic plague raged at Shirdi (Lasted upto March 15 next year) Baba however saved lives of plague inflicted devotees by taking upon himself i.e. on his body the malody. Baba's grinding of wheat in the hand-mill. It was not wheat that was ground but plague or cholera itself was ground to pieces and cast out of village. Seeing this Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was inspired to write 'Shri Sai Satcharita.' Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti arrived at Shirdi again with family and stayed for 3 months. Shri Krishna Bhishma the author of Arati book 'Sagunopasana' accompanied him. Dadasaheb Khaparde wrote diary (daily record of his stay at Shirdi in Baba's company). Waman Rao Patel (Aged 22 years) (Later Swami Sai Sharanananda) first arrived at Shirdi. Chandrabhan Shet Marwadi, uncle of Khushalchand of Rahata. expired. Dr. Capt. Hate first visited Shirdi (who had just appeared at LCPS examination.) Baba sent him a messege in the dream saying, 'have you forgotten me?'. Sai Baba's great devotee and a great saint of Nath-panth order, Shri Rama Maruti visited Shirdi. (Stayed for 34 days.) '. Ram Maruti offered 'Naivedya' to Baba and Baba very affectionately took a part of it (SWEET SANJA).
1911-12
Sagun Meru Naik arrived at Shirdi at the age of 23 and on Baba's advice settled permanently running a small restaurant for the devotees visiting Shirdi.
1912
Dadasaheb Khaparde's youngest son Balwant was cured of bubonic plague by Baba by taking the disease on himself. Megha fed some Brahmins on completion of his Gayatri Punascharana (a religious ritual). Dadasaheb Khaparde attended it at Sathe Wada. Megha died at Shirdi at about 4 A.M. Baba lamented loudly and followed the funeral procession for some distance. Baba showered flowers on Megha's body. Bapusaheb Jog started performing Baba's Pooja and Arati after Megha's death.He continued this till Baba's Samadhi and even some years afterwards until he shifted to Sakuri and joined Upasani Maharaj there. Transformation of Dwarakamai (the masjid) started. Pits were patched up and the stone slabs fixed on the floor. Baba gave up sack-cloth seat and started using cushion scat and boister in deference to devotees' wishes. Ganapatrao, father of Tatya Kote Patil passed away. Tatya Patil stopped sleeping in the Dwarakamai with Baba. Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama) left Shirdi to attend Kakasaheb Dixit's son's thread-ceremony at Nagpur and Nanasaheb Chandorkar's son's wedding at Gwalior. From there accompanied by Appa Kote, he went on a pilgrimage to Mathura, Prayag, Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya. At Gaya Madhavrao saw Baba's picture at the priest's house and was reminded of Baba's words, "After visiting Kashi and Prayag I would be reaching the religious place ahead of Shama." Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amraoti. Mrs. Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind. Dada Maharaj Satarkar, known as 'Modern Tukaram', was invited to perform Ram-navami Kirtan.When he bowed down in obeisance, Baba said, "I know this man since last 4 years". Bala Buva had never met Sai Baba before but 4 years ago at Bombay, he had prostrated before Baba's picture. Thus Baba proved to His devotees that seeing His picture was equivalent to seeing Him in person. First visit of Balaram Dhurandhar along with his brothers. Before they arrived Baba had expressed, "Today many of my Durbar people are coming". Baba offered Balaram Chillim to smoke and since then his 6 year old asthma was cured for ever. Guru-sthan padukas were installed under the Neem Tree at Shirdi.
1913
First visit of Mahadev Rao Sapatnekar of Akkalkot accompanied by his younger brother Pandit Rao. When Mahadev Rao prostrated before Baba, Baba shouted 'Chal hat' (Get away) in the protest of absence of faith in Saptnekar's mind and his prejudice for Baba. Baba gave at Dwarakamai darshan of himself as Vitthal and Rakhumai of Pandharpur to the wife and mother of R. B. Purandare of Bandra. Bala Buva Satarkar performed Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi and Baba gave him a gift of Rs.150/- for the Kirtan. These coins were collected in a dish (Thali) after Baba's prayer (Aarti). Baba poured the whole dish in Satarkars bag (zoli). Wamanrao Patel (Aged 24 - 25 Years.) (Swami Sai Sharanananda ji) visited Shirdi again and this time stayed for 11 months. Rao Bahadur Sathe got a son by Baba's Grace at the age of 57 years.
1914
Sapatnekar of Akkalkot arrived at Shirdi again with wife and returned being blessed for begetting a son. Mr.B.V. Deo (Memlatdar of Dahanu in Thane Distict) was charged and reprimanded by Baba for stealing His rag and after lot of abusing and scolding was favoured with instruction to read Dnyaneshawari regularly every day as per Deo's desire. This episode is an example of how Baba sometimes displayed his transcendental powers to read devotees mental inclinations even without formal oral communication. A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and seeing Baba eating bread with onion got suspicious and disappointed. However Baba proved His power of omniscience by reading his mind and the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed. Before the year was over, Baba appeared to Deo in a dream and inquired if he understood Dnyaneshwari properly. Deo said 'No' and added that without Baba's Grace it will not be understood. Then Baba explained to Deo how to read it slowly (and without making haste) with full concentration for knowing the subtle meaning between the lines (Bodha -Knowledge). Das Ganu was ordained by Baba to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi every year. H. H. Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Aged 80 years) (Tembe Swami) left His mundane body at Garudeshwar on the banks of River Nannada in Gujarat. Kashinath Upasani left Shird! (total stay 3 years, 19 days) and proceeded towards Nagpur, Khadakpur etc.
1915
Sai Baba suffered from asthma and was very weak. Yet He climbed over Radhakrishna Mai's roof with a ladder. Paid Rs. 2/- to the person bringing and placing the ladder. Honouring a worker for his work, Baba showed how Dignity of labour should be maintained. Balakram Mankar passed away at Shirdi. Mrs Tarkhad (wife of Babasaheb Tarkhad of Bandra) sent a pedha (made of milk and sugar) which was already offered as naivedya and that too with Balakram's son Govindji who was in mourning. Yet Baba swollowed it with great eagerness and love Construction work of Butty's Wada was in progress. Baba occasionally used to go at this place to see the progress of this work and gave instructions.
1916
Sai Baba made Das Ganu to do 'Nam-saptah and Kirtan' at Shirdi for a week. Radhakrishna Mai (Aged 35 years) passed away. Baba used to bless her by sending a portion of food collected by him by way of Bhiksha. Arrival of a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order). Baba gave darshan to the chief's wife in the form of her beloved diety Shri Rama. The chief also got a dream and his attitude towards Baba was completely changed. Nephew of Dr. Mulky from Malegaon (District Nasik), suffering from tubercular bone-abcess, was fully cured by Sai Baba's Udi and his loving glance. The doctor himself visited Shirdi afterwards and became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba realising that Baba's service is to be performed not only for the sake of money or other mundane things but for the welfare of the disabled, helpless and downtrodden. Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) retired from Govt. service. On Guru Poumima Day while at Shirdi, Anna Chinchanikar pleaded before Baba for getting some other appointment for Hemadpant as his pension was quite insufficient and his family was growing. Baba assured him about his source of income for livelyhood after retirement. When in the evening Shirdi residents were returning from 'Simollanghan' ceremony (crossing of the border or limits of the kingdom village), Baba suddenly got into wild rage and taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota (loin cloth) etc., tore them into pieces and threw them in the burning Dhuni before Him. The fire in the Dhuni became brighter and Baba stood there stark naked. Later when cooled down and dressed again Baba said, "This is My Simollanghan" and thus hinted at His departure from this world soon on Dassehra Day. This Darshan provided an enlightenment that Baba's body cannot be described as Hindu or Muslim or of any cast or belonging to any religion in vogue. 1916Ramchandra Dada Patil became seriously ill. One night. appearing before him, Baba told him that he would recover soon but Tatya Patil will die on Vijaya Dashami Day in 1918. Thus by substituting Tatya's name for HIS, Baba foretold Tatya's passing away. However, Baba sacrificed his body to save devotees life by saying 'instead of him another person will go?'. Baba averted Gopal Narayan Ambadekar's effort of suicide by prompting him to read an appropriate incident from Akkalkot Swami's Chaiitra (religious scripture) and avoided greatest sin in his devotees life.
1917
Parayana (recitation for 7 days) of Guru Charitra by one Mr Sathe (Not Rao Bahadur Sathe of Sathe Wada) and Baba's vision to him on the last day. Shama narrated to Hemadpant the story of Radhabai Deshmukh and Baba asking Hemadpant to narrate the same to Him again blessed Hemadpant by pouring into his hands sugar-candy as prasad. Lokmanya Tilak arrived at Shird! with Dadasaheb Khaparde for Baba's Darshan. Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (District Thane) wished to offerd. one more rupee to Baba while leaving Shirdi, but could not do so. On the way at Nasik, in the Kala Rama Temple another saint Narasing Maharaj demanded one rupee from him. Karnik gave it willingly thinking that Baba was demanding the rupee he wanted to offer at Shirdi. Baba fulfilled in HIS many mysterious ways devotees' desire to offer dakshina through all the media. Sai Baba appeared at Thane (North of Bombay) to inquire the well-being of Appasaheb Kulkarni's wife and children when he was away on tour. When Appasaheb returned Baba not only fulfilled his desire of offering Rs.10 as Dakshina but also favoured him by returning nine rupees consecrated by His touch. These nine rupees are the symbol of nine bhakti services done to HIM. Upasani Maharaj (Aged 47 years) made Sakuri (near Rahata) his permanent residence.
1918
Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan purchased Lendi Baug and later presented it to Shirdi Sansthan'. Baba himself planted some trees at the Lendi Baug. At Vile Parle (East) (now suburb of Bombay) on Hanuman Road, Narayan Mahadev Thosar's residence (later known as Narayan Ashram) was built a Hanuman Temple. On the day it was consecrated, Baba paid Rs. 25 to a Brahmin named Waze and made him perform Shri Satya-narayan Pooja. Prof. G. G. Narke, son-in-law of Butty got a permanent job by Baba's Grace as Professor in the Engineering College at Pune. Baba always remebered him by saying 'where has he (Narke) gone? Baba gave him a begging bag (zoli) for collecting food -an exercise in cultivating humility and eliminating ego. Baba offered Hemadpant a glass of butter-milk and said, "Drink it all, you won't get such opportunity again suggesting that time for his Samadhi has arrived. Das Ganu wrote 'Shri Sai Stavan Manjaril at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the banks of River Narmada. Nath Panthi saint Rama-Maruti of Kalyan passed away. Sai Baba had a slight attack of fever which lasted for 3- 4 days. Since then Baba abstained from food and day by day His weakness increased. Baba asked a Brahmin devotee by the name Waze to read 'Raum- Vijay' (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days. A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated.
1918, Oct 15, Tuesday
On Vijaya Dashmi, Sai Baba left his mortal coil at about 2-30 p.m. Few minutes before He gave Rs. 9/- as prasad to Laxmi Shinde. These nine coins represent nine dimensional devotion to GOD.
1918, Oct 16 Wednesday
Early morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur, in dream and said, "The Dwaraka mai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body copiously with flowers". Wednesday in the evening Baba's body was taken in procession through the Shirdi village and then interred in Butty Wada with due formalities. On the 13th day Baba's devotees from all over gathered and funeral rites were performed by Balasaheb Bhate with a feast (Bhandara) to Brahmins and poor. Later Upasani accompanied by Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) and performed all the remaining obsequies on the banks of River Ganges.
Sri Satchidananda Samartha Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai - OMSRISAIRAM
1838
Hemadripant has approximately determined the date of Sai Baba's birth as A.D. 1838.
1842-54
Sai Baba spent 12 years with his Guru. The name of his Guru is not exactly known but could be 'Venuksha' alias Gopalarao Deshmukh of Selu or even a 'Sufi' fakir. Some say " Baba practiced penance at the tomb of His Guru in the cellar under the Neem Tree at Shirdi". Arrival of Devidas at Shirdi (Aged 10-11 years) took place in 1846. When he enquired, BABA mentioned the name of his GURU as Venkusa implying VISHNU (Parvardigar).
1854
Sai Baba first appeared at Shirdi under the Neem Tree (aged about 19 Years) and after sometime disappeared to an unknown place.
1858
Sai Baba returned to Shirdi along with the marriage-party of Chand Patil of village called Dhoop in Aurangabad District and remained at Shirdi for ever till His Samadhi.
1865
Saint Manik Prabhu of Homanabad in Bidar District of Karnataka passed away in 1878, Chaitra Vadya 14. H. H. Akkalkot Swami left His mortal coil at Akkalkot in Solapur District of Maharashtra. (First appeared in 1835). It is reported that three of them (Manik Prabhu, Swami Samartha and SAIBABA) met at Humanabad.
1885
Saint Anandnath (aged 95 years) of Yewala Math and a disciple of Akkalkot Swami visited Shirdi and seeing Sai Baba exclaimed, "This is a precious real diamond."
1886
Margashirsh 15 Sai Baba got rid of an attack of asthma, by going into samadhi for 72 Hrs. April 16 Mahasamadhi of Shri Ramkrishna Paramahansa of Bengal
1889
Abdullah arrived at Shirdi from Nanded (in West Khandesh near Jalgaon and Amalner)
1892 (approx)
Nanasaheb Chandorkar arrived at Shirdi for the first time after being invited by BABA many a time showing his intimate relations with NANA since his many previous births.
1894 (approx)
Das Ganu (Ganesh Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe) accompanied Nanasaheb Chandorkar to Shirdi for the first time.
1896
Celebration of 'Urus' ( fair) started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Gopalrao Gund, a Circle Inspector of Kopargaon.
1897
Son (Nanasaheb Rasane) was born to Damu Anna Kasar of Ahmednagar by Sai Baba's Grace.
1898
Sai Baba was seen sleeping on a narrow plank suspended with old rags about 7 or 8 feet above ground with lighted lamps placed on the plank.
1899-1900
Nanasaheb Chandorkar visited Shirdi with his sister-in-law's husband, Shri Biniwale. Baba scolded Nanasaheb for dissuading Biniwale, a devotee of Shri Dattatmya from visiting Datta Temple on the bank of Godavari River to avoid delay in reaching Shirdi.
1900-1902
Sai Baba like a learned Pandit explained Geeta to Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who believed that BABA was not well versed with Sanskrit language of Pandits (learned people).
1903
Das Ganu left Govt. service and as per Baba's instructions settled at Nanded and started performing keertans and writing life histories of recent saints. Das Ganu's book 'Sant Kathamrit' was published. (Ch. 57 about Sai Baba's advice to Nanasaheb Chandorkar).
1904-1905
Rao Bahadur H. V. Sathe first arrived at Shirdi. (Aged 49 years). Nanasaheb Chandorkar's pregnant daughter Mainatai at Jamner in Jalgaon District had severe pains of delivery. Sai baba sent Udi and Arati with Ramgir Gosavi from Shirdi and she had a safe delivery. Sai Baba even took the form of tonga's Rajput driver to make Ramgir reach Jamner safe and on time.
1906
Das Ganu's book 'Bhakta-Leelamrit' was published. (Chs.. 31, 32 and 33 about Sai Baba). Nanasaheb Chandorkar was transferred as Mamlatdar from Nandurbar to Pandharpur. On the way, he stopped at Shird! with his family and started requesting Baba to accompany them to Pandharpur and stay there permanently with them. The devotees then told Nanasaheb about the singing of bhajan just finished in which Baba's mood of going to Pandharpur and staying there for ever was expressed. The text of the song was,'I want to go and stay at Pandharpur .'
1907
Radhakrishna Mai (Sunderabai Kshirsagar) arrived at Shirdi.(Young good-looking widow aged 25 years). She was blessed by BABA who used to send a part of food collected as (Bhiksha) to her.
1908
Sathe Wada was constructed. EkadashiKashirarn Shimpi died. (Chaitra Shuddha 11). BABA saved his life in a mysterious way when he was assaulted by Thieves in a jungle. Pundalikrao of Nanded met Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati. (Tembe Swami) at Rajahmundry on banks of Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh and Swami gave a coconut to be presented to Sai Baba. BABA showed cognizance of Swamiji's gilt and showed his oneness with Swami by describing him as his brother (Bhau). Shri Tatyasaheb Noolkar, (Aged 45 years) the Sub-judge of Pandharpur first arrived at Shirdi in 1908. Gurupournima festival was prompted by Baba for Dada Kelkar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Madhavrao Deshpande and others.
1909
Saibaba threw an ochre garment on Balasaheb Bhate, Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, and an atheist, on his very first visit and Balasaheb lost complete interest in worldly matters. He retired prematurely from service and settled down at Shirdi permanently. Bapusaheb (Sakharam Hari) Jog on retirement from Govt. service came to stay at Shirdi permanently accompanied by his wife. Bhimaji Patil of Narayangaon (Pune District) came to Shirdi for getting his chronic tuberculosis at the last stage and was cured by Baba's blessings. Nov 2 Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit (Aged 45 years), a prominent solicitor and M.L.C. first arrived at Shirdi. Baba used to call him affectionately Langda Kaka and removed fear complex from his mind. Kaka Dixit was known for his obedience to Baba's orders. Dec 10 Devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi, where He slept on alternate days. Dec 25 Baba gave darshan in the form of Sri Rama to a doctor, devotee of Sri Rama who came with a Mamlatdar.
1910
Baba's 'Handi' ritual, occasionally cooking food Himself in a big copper pot and distributing it to devotees and poor people without discrimination. This practice continued till this year. After wards owing to Das Ganu's keertans (musical recitals praising Baba), Baba's fame spread far and wide and devotees started flocking together in large numbers offering large quantities of food as 'naivedya' and thus there was no need of 'Handi. Ramachandra Atmaram alias Babasaheb Tarkhad from Bandra (Bombay) first visited Shirdi. Rao Bahadur Moreshwar W. Pradhan of Santacruz (Bombay) first visited Shirdi. Govind Raghunath alias Annasaheb Dabholkar (Aged 51 years), the author of Shri Sai Satcharita (Marathi), had his first darshan of Sai Baba and received significant and prophetic title of 'Hemadpant. Baba gave him his blessings and inspired him to write SAI SATCHARITA - a religious scripture describing BABA's life story and his divine play (leela) as monumental as GURU CHARITRA- the old monumental POTHI - a poetic religious scripture inspiring worship to GURU, NARASINHA SARASWATI. Balkrishna Vishwanath alias Balasaheb Deo (Dahanu Mamlatdar) first visited Shirdi prompted by Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Deo used to describe him as Baba's child - with a full sense of surrender. Bhadrapad Shuddha 5, H. H. Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon (Buldhana District of Maharashtra) left His mortal coil. (First appeared in 1878). At that very time at Shirdi, Sai Baba grieved profusely and said, "Hallo! My Gajanan is gone. I must take bath again in reverance to the Great Soul." Shrimant Gopalrao Mukund alias Bapu saheb Butty of Nagpur, (a rich statesman) started staying permanently at Shirdi. Harishchandra Pitale's son suffering from epilepsy, was cured by Baba's mere glance at him. Baba gave Pitale three rupees and reminded him of two rupees earlier received by him from Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and thus showed his oneness with all the other SAINTS (Vibhutis). Ashwin Vady13 Sai Baba pushed his arm into the brightly burning Dhuni to save a blacksmith's child. 'The arm was scorched and burnt. Nanasaheb came from Bombay with Dr. Parmananda but Baba did not allow the doctor to treat him.Bhagoji Shinde's service of massaging the arm with ghee and bandaging it continued till Baba's Samadhi. This episode is in testimony to BABA's cosmic existence- HIS super consciousness. Dec 5 Hon'ble Mr. Ganesh Shrikrishna alias Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti (Maharashtra) first visited Shirdi. (Refused on 10 Dec. 1910) Mr.Babasaheb Khaprde was an ardent devotee of BABA and his efforts were instrumental in bringing Loka Manya Tilak- (a great national leader -Khapurde's contemparary) to Shirdi for Baba's darshan and blessings in his movement for India's freedom from the British Rule. Dec10 Foundation-stone of Dixit Wada laid with Baba's permission. Christmas Lala Lakhamichand of Santacruz (Bombay) came to Shirdi. Baba loved him very much and affectionately accepted his petty gifts given with love. Megha returns to Shirdi and stays till his death. In Baba's company he underwent mysterious experiences which transformed Megha from an athiest to an ardent devotee of Baba and spent his life in the service of Sai -Shiva. He regarded Baba as Shiva-Shankar (Lord Shiva-Shankar -the welfare Doer).
1911
Madrasi Sanyasi Vijayanand, while on a pilgrimage to Manas Sarovar, haulted at Shirdi and breathed his last while reading 'Bhagawat' (a religious script written by Saint Eknath) for 3 days on Baba's advice. March Tatyasaheb Nulkar (Aged 48), the Sub-judge of Pandharpur breathed, his last at Shirdi . Baba showed HIS oneness with Tatya Nulkar and described him as a pure soul and expressed HIS grief at Nulkars demise.After Tatyasaheb Nulkar passed away, Megha took over the regular daily worship of Baba in the Dwarakamai. (He used to stand on one leg while performing the Arati). Tatyasaheb Nulkar relinquished everything and stayed at Shirdi in Baba's company till his demise Baba bestowed him with the unique experiences in self realization. Baba advised him and Mr Shyama Deshpande to perform Guru worship (Pooja). Ram-Navami Festival was started at Shirdi owing to the efforts of Shri Bhishma and Kaka Mahajani. Construction of Dixit Wada was completed and was inhabited with due rites. Extension and roofing of the open space in front of the Dwarakamai was carried out by Kakasaheb Dixit. Baba got enraged and tried to shake and uproot a pole. Then removing Tatya Patil's pugree, struck a match, set the pugree on fire and threw it in a pit along with one rupee as if an auspicious offering to avert evil. Baba never liked renovation of his dwelling place viz. Dwarkamai (the masjid) and opposed any such effort by the devotees.1911Somdav Swami alias Haridwar Swami visited Shirdi. June 27, Kashinath Govind Upaswii (aged 41 years) first visited Shirdi and returned again on 6 July. Baba ordered him to stay for 4 years in the Khandoba Temple. Dec, Kashinath Upasani composed the famous 'Shri Sainath Mahimna Stotra (hymn) in Sanskrit. (Now being recited daily during Arati at Shirdi.) Bubonic plague raged at Shirdi (Lasted upto March 15 next year) Baba however saved lives of plague inflicted devotees by taking upon himself i.e. on his body the malody. Baba's grinding of wheat in the hand-mill. It was not wheat that was ground but plague or cholera itself was ground to pieces and cast out of village. Seeing this Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) was inspired to write 'Shri Sai Satcharita.' Dadasaheb Khaparde of Amraoti arrived at Shirdi again with family and stayed for 3 months. Shri Krishna Bhishma the author of Arati book 'Sagunopasana' accompanied him. Dadasaheb Khaparde wrote diary (daily record of his stay at Shirdi in Baba's company). Waman Rao Patel (Aged 22 years) (Later Swami Sai Sharanananda) first arrived at Shirdi. Chandrabhan Shet Marwadi, uncle of Khushalchand of Rahata. expired. Dr. Capt. Hate first visited Shirdi (who had just appeared at LCPS examination.) Baba sent him a messege in the dream saying, 'have you forgotten me?'. Sai Baba's great devotee and a great saint of Nath-panth order, Shri Rama Maruti visited Shirdi. (Stayed for 34 days.) '. Ram Maruti offered 'Naivedya' to Baba and Baba very affectionately took a part of it (SWEET SANJA).
1911-12
Sagun Meru Naik arrived at Shirdi at the age of 23 and on Baba's advice settled permanently running a small restaurant for the devotees visiting Shirdi.
1912
Dadasaheb Khaparde's youngest son Balwant was cured of bubonic plague by Baba by taking the disease on himself. Megha fed some Brahmins on completion of his Gayatri Punascharana (a religious ritual). Dadasaheb Khaparde attended it at Sathe Wada. Megha died at Shirdi at about 4 A.M. Baba lamented loudly and followed the funeral procession for some distance. Baba showered flowers on Megha's body. Bapusaheb Jog started performing Baba's Pooja and Arati after Megha's death.He continued this till Baba's Samadhi and even some years afterwards until he shifted to Sakuri and joined Upasani Maharaj there. Transformation of Dwarakamai (the masjid) started. Pits were patched up and the stone slabs fixed on the floor. Baba gave up sack-cloth seat and started using cushion scat and boister in deference to devotees' wishes. Ganapatrao, father of Tatya Kote Patil passed away. Tatya Patil stopped sleeping in the Dwarakamai with Baba. Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama) left Shirdi to attend Kakasaheb Dixit's son's thread-ceremony at Nagpur and Nanasaheb Chandorkar's son's wedding at Gwalior. From there accompanied by Appa Kote, he went on a pilgrimage to Mathura, Prayag, Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya. At Gaya Madhavrao saw Baba's picture at the priest's house and was reminded of Baba's words, "After visiting Kashi and Prayag I would be reaching the religious place ahead of Shama." Dadasaheb Khaparde returned to Amraoti. Mrs. Laxmibai Khaparde stayed behind. Dada Maharaj Satarkar, known as 'Modern Tukaram', was invited to perform Ram-navami Kirtan.When he bowed down in obeisance, Baba said, "I know this man since last 4 years". Bala Buva had never met Sai Baba before but 4 years ago at Bombay, he had prostrated before Baba's picture. Thus Baba proved to His devotees that seeing His picture was equivalent to seeing Him in person. First visit of Balaram Dhurandhar along with his brothers. Before they arrived Baba had expressed, "Today many of my Durbar people are coming". Baba offered Balaram Chillim to smoke and since then his 6 year old asthma was cured for ever. Guru-sthan padukas were installed under the Neem Tree at Shirdi.
1913
First visit of Mahadev Rao Sapatnekar of Akkalkot accompanied by his younger brother Pandit Rao. When Mahadev Rao prostrated before Baba, Baba shouted 'Chal hat' (Get away) in the protest of absence of faith in Saptnekar's mind and his prejudice for Baba. Baba gave at Dwarakamai darshan of himself as Vitthal and Rakhumai of Pandharpur to the wife and mother of R. B. Purandare of Bandra. Bala Buva Satarkar performed Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi and Baba gave him a gift of Rs.150/- for the Kirtan. These coins were collected in a dish (Thali) after Baba's prayer (Aarti). Baba poured the whole dish in Satarkars bag (zoli). Wamanrao Patel (Aged 24 - 25 Years.) (Swami Sai Sharanananda ji) visited Shirdi again and this time stayed for 11 months. Rao Bahadur Sathe got a son by Baba's Grace at the age of 57 years.
1914
Sapatnekar of Akkalkot arrived at Shirdi again with wife and returned being blessed for begetting a son. Mr.B.V. Deo (Memlatdar of Dahanu in Thane Distict) was charged and reprimanded by Baba for stealing His rag and after lot of abusing and scolding was favoured with instruction to read Dnyaneshawari regularly every day as per Deo's desire. This episode is an example of how Baba sometimes displayed his transcendental powers to read devotees mental inclinations even without formal oral communication. A Sadhak of Yoga (Swami Ram Baba) visited Shirdi and seeing Baba eating bread with onion got suspicious and disappointed. However Baba proved His power of omniscience by reading his mind and the Sadhak returned highly satisfied and blessed. Before the year was over, Baba appeared to Deo in a dream and inquired if he understood Dnyaneshwari properly. Deo said 'No' and added that without Baba's Grace it will not be understood. Then Baba explained to Deo how to read it slowly (and without making haste) with full concentration for knowing the subtle meaning between the lines (Bodha -Knowledge). Das Ganu was ordained by Baba to perform Ram-Navami Kirtan at Shirdi every year. H. H. Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati (Aged 80 years) (Tembe Swami) left His mundane body at Garudeshwar on the banks of River Nannada in Gujarat. Kashinath Upasani left Shird! (total stay 3 years, 19 days) and proceeded towards Nagpur, Khadakpur etc.
1915
Sai Baba suffered from asthma and was very weak. Yet He climbed over Radhakrishna Mai's roof with a ladder. Paid Rs. 2/- to the person bringing and placing the ladder. Honouring a worker for his work, Baba showed how Dignity of labour should be maintained. Balakram Mankar passed away at Shirdi. Mrs Tarkhad (wife of Babasaheb Tarkhad of Bandra) sent a pedha (made of milk and sugar) which was already offered as naivedya and that too with Balakram's son Govindji who was in mourning. Yet Baba swollowed it with great eagerness and love Construction work of Butty's Wada was in progress. Baba occasionally used to go at this place to see the progress of this work and gave instructions.
1916
Sai Baba made Das Ganu to do 'Nam-saptah and Kirtan' at Shirdi for a week. Radhakrishna Mai (Aged 35 years) passed away. Baba used to bless her by sending a portion of food collected by him by way of Bhiksha. Arrival of a Madrasi Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramdasi Order). Baba gave darshan to the chief's wife in the form of her beloved diety Shri Rama. The chief also got a dream and his attitude towards Baba was completely changed. Nephew of Dr. Mulky from Malegaon (District Nasik), suffering from tubercular bone-abcess, was fully cured by Sai Baba's Udi and his loving glance. The doctor himself visited Shirdi afterwards and became a staunch devotee of Shri Sai Baba realising that Baba's service is to be performed not only for the sake of money or other mundane things but for the welfare of the disabled, helpless and downtrodden. Annasaheb Dabholkar (Hemadpant) retired from Govt. service. On Guru Poumima Day while at Shirdi, Anna Chinchanikar pleaded before Baba for getting some other appointment for Hemadpant as his pension was quite insufficient and his family was growing. Baba assured him about his source of income for livelyhood after retirement. When in the evening Shirdi residents were returning from 'Simollanghan' ceremony (crossing of the border or limits of the kingdom village), Baba suddenly got into wild rage and taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota (loin cloth) etc., tore them into pieces and threw them in the burning Dhuni before Him. The fire in the Dhuni became brighter and Baba stood there stark naked. Later when cooled down and dressed again Baba said, "This is My Simollanghan" and thus hinted at His departure from this world soon on Dassehra Day. This Darshan provided an enlightenment that Baba's body cannot be described as Hindu or Muslim or of any cast or belonging to any religion in vogue. 1916Ramchandra Dada Patil became seriously ill. One night. appearing before him, Baba told him that he would recover soon but Tatya Patil will die on Vijaya Dashami Day in 1918. Thus by substituting Tatya's name for HIS, Baba foretold Tatya's passing away. However, Baba sacrificed his body to save devotees life by saying 'instead of him another person will go?'. Baba averted Gopal Narayan Ambadekar's effort of suicide by prompting him to read an appropriate incident from Akkalkot Swami's Chaiitra (religious scripture) and avoided greatest sin in his devotees life.
1917
Parayana (recitation for 7 days) of Guru Charitra by one Mr Sathe (Not Rao Bahadur Sathe of Sathe Wada) and Baba's vision to him on the last day. Shama narrated to Hemadpant the story of Radhabai Deshmukh and Baba asking Hemadpant to narrate the same to Him again blessed Hemadpant by pouring into his hands sugar-candy as prasad. Lokmanya Tilak arrived at Shird! with Dadasaheb Khaparde for Baba's Darshan. Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (District Thane) wished to offerd. one more rupee to Baba while leaving Shirdi, but could not do so. On the way at Nasik, in the Kala Rama Temple another saint Narasing Maharaj demanded one rupee from him. Karnik gave it willingly thinking that Baba was demanding the rupee he wanted to offer at Shirdi. Baba fulfilled in HIS many mysterious ways devotees' desire to offer dakshina through all the media. Sai Baba appeared at Thane (North of Bombay) to inquire the well-being of Appasaheb Kulkarni's wife and children when he was away on tour. When Appasaheb returned Baba not only fulfilled his desire of offering Rs.10 as Dakshina but also favoured him by returning nine rupees consecrated by His touch. These nine rupees are the symbol of nine bhakti services done to HIM. Upasani Maharaj (Aged 47 years) made Sakuri (near Rahata) his permanent residence.
1918
Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan purchased Lendi Baug and later presented it to Shirdi Sansthan'. Baba himself planted some trees at the Lendi Baug. At Vile Parle (East) (now suburb of Bombay) on Hanuman Road, Narayan Mahadev Thosar's residence (later known as Narayan Ashram) was built a Hanuman Temple. On the day it was consecrated, Baba paid Rs. 25 to a Brahmin named Waze and made him perform Shri Satya-narayan Pooja. Prof. G. G. Narke, son-in-law of Butty got a permanent job by Baba's Grace as Professor in the Engineering College at Pune. Baba always remebered him by saying 'where has he (Narke) gone? Baba gave him a begging bag (zoli) for collecting food -an exercise in cultivating humility and eliminating ego. Baba offered Hemadpant a glass of butter-milk and said, "Drink it all, you won't get such opportunity again suggesting that time for his Samadhi has arrived. Das Ganu wrote 'Shri Sai Stavan Manjaril at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the banks of River Narmada. Nath Panthi saint Rama-Maruti of Kalyan passed away. Sai Baba had a slight attack of fever which lasted for 3- 4 days. Since then Baba abstained from food and day by day His weakness increased. Baba asked a Brahmin devotee by the name Waze to read 'Raum- Vijay' (by Sridhar Swami) and listened to it for 14 days. A tiger met its death at the feet and presence of Sai Baba and was emancipated.
1918, Oct 15, Tuesday
On Vijaya Dashmi, Sai Baba left his mortal coil at about 2-30 p.m. Few minutes before He gave Rs. 9/- as prasad to Laxmi Shinde. These nine coins represent nine dimensional devotion to GOD.
1918, Oct 16 Wednesday
Early morning Baba appeared to Das Ganu at Pandharpur, in dream and said, "The Dwaraka mai has collapsed and all the oilmen and grocers have troubled Me a lot. So I am leaving the place. Go there quickly and cover My body copiously with flowers". Wednesday in the evening Baba's body was taken in procession through the Shirdi village and then interred in Butty Wada with due formalities. On the 13th day Baba's devotees from all over gathered and funeral rites were performed by Balasaheb Bhate with a feast (Bhandara) to Brahmins and poor. Later Upasani accompanied by Bapusaheb Jog went to Prayag (Allahabad) and performed all the remaining obsequies on the banks of River Ganges.
Sri Satchidananda Samartha Sadguru Sainath Maharaj ki Jai - OMSRISAIRAM
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