Om Sai Shri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai
From 10th December 1909, devotees began to offer regular worship to Baba in the Chavadi. This, we will now describe with His grace. When the turn of retiring to the Chavadi came, people flocked to the Masjid and made bhajan in the mandap (courtyard) for a few hours. Behind them was a beautiful Rath (small carriage), to the right a Tulsi-vrindavan and in front Baba, and between these, the devotees fond of bhajan. Men and women, who had a liking for the bhajan came in time. Some took Tal, Chiplis and Kartal, Mridang, Khanjiri and Ghol (all musical instruments) in their hands and conducted the bhajan, Sai Baba was the Magnet, Who drew all the devotees to Him there. Outside in the open, some trimmed their divatyas, (torches), some decorated the palanquin, some stood with cane-sticks in their hands and uttered cries of victory to Baba. The corner was decorated with buntings. Round about the Masjid, rows of burning oil lamps shed their light. Baba's horse 'Shyamakarna' stood fully decorated outside. Then Tatya Patil came, with a party of men, to Baba, and asked him to be ready. Baba sat quiet in His place, till Tatya came; and helped Him to get up by putting his arm under Baba's arm-pit. Tatya called Baba by the name of Mama (maternal uncle). Really their relationship was extremely intimate. Baba wore on his body the usual Kafni, took His satka (short stick) under His arm-pit, and after taking His chilim (tobacco-pipe) and tobacco, and placing a cloth over His shoulder became ready to start. Then Tatya placed a golden-embroidered beautiful Shela (Shawl), over His body, After this Baba, moving a little into the fire the bundle of fuel-sticks, lying behind, with His right toe; and then extinguishing the burning lamp with His right hand, started for the Chavadi. Then all sorts of musical instruments, tashe, band and horns and mridang, gave out their different sounds; and fire-works exhibited their different and various coloured views. Men and women, singing Baba's name, started walking, making bhajan to the accompaniment of mridang and veena. Some danced with joy and some carried various flags and standards. The Bhaldars announced Baba's name, when He came on the steps of the Masjid. On the two sides of Baba stood persons, who held chavaris and others who fanned Baba. On the way were spread folds of cloth, on which Baba walked on, being supported by devotees hands. Tatya Patil held the left hand and Mhalsapati the right; and Bapusaheb jog held the chhatra (umbrella), over His head. In this fashion, Baba marched on to the Chavadi. The fully decorated red horse, named Shyamkarna led the way' and behind him were all the carriers, waiters, musical players and the crowd of devotees. Hari-nama (the name of the Lord) chanted to the accompaniment of music rent the skies, as also the name of Sai. In this manner the procession reached the corner when all the persons, that joined this party, seemed well-pleased and delighted.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
