In chapter number 8, ovi 117, it says Tatya and Mhalsapati both slept in the mosque. Their heads used to be in the east, west and north, while their feet would touch each other in the centre. Thus, Tatya slept with his head towards the east, Mhalsapati towards the west, and Baba with his head towards the north. However, they chatted through the night. Thus, Tatya slept with Baba for 14 years. But, after his father passed away, he started going home as he had to shoulder the responsibilities of his family. In the Vastu Shastra, it is recommended that we sleep with the head towards the south or the east, and sleeping with the head towards the north and west is not recommended. The reason is because the blood contains iron, and when we sleep with the head towards the north, the magnetic centre of the earth attracts the iron present in the blood. This creates pressure in the brain and can make you mentally unhealthy, and lack of proper sleep makes you feel irritated. Its regular practice can lead to brain haemorrhage. The magnetic force should flow from the feet towards the head, and not vice versa. However, Baba, in his compassion, let his divine energy flow through his feet into Tatya and Mhalsapati. How incredible was the love for these two. Sleeping in the east direction is good, but sleeping in the west direction can be harmful, which includes sleeping with your feet towards the east side. Moreover, your head should be placed in the east direction as it improves memory, concentration, good health and spirituality in a person. More on Baba’s sleeping practices will be uncovered in the forthcoming chapters. The Bhiksha route, the human Rhuns, or debt, have already been discussed in chapter six. Here, a short sketch of the lives of these blessed devotees is given. The five Bhiksha houses are of Sakharam Patil Shelke, Vamanrao Gondkar, Bhayaji Appa Kote Patil, Bayaja Bai Ganpat Kote Patil, Nandaram Marwadi Sanklecha.
Baba also followed the tenets of the Dutta Sampradaya, and Buddhist traditions, and used to take Bhiksha from the five blessed houses till his Maha Samadhi. He not only did this but also encouraged his devotees to take Bhiksha from the houses in Shirdi. Baba very clearly showed that he wanted his devotees to be devoid of ego and also be humble. It is believed that by taking Bhiksha, Baba used to take away a part or one third of the Sanchita, and the Prarabdha Karma of His devotees.
Sakaram Patil Shelke’s House
This house is near the Chavadi, with a west-facing entrance. Sakaram was a farmer and a wealthy landlord, and was devoted to Baba. Sakrabai, the wife of his grandson, Haribhau, states that Baba loved Sakaram immensely. Baba stood at the crossroad between his and Vamanrao Gondkar’s house and called out, “Sakaram, roti de.” She also stated that Triyambak, Haribhau’s father, donated some land to the Baba Sansthan. The land for the Shirdi bus stand was donated by him. Triyambak Samadhi is in the compound of the Narasimha Temple, which is behind Sakaram’s home. The other two Samadhis are of Thanabai, Triyambak’s wife, and Ramgir Bua, who is mentioned in chapter 33 of the Sri Sai Satcharita. There were many Gosavis living in Shirdi at that time. Their Samadhis are in that compound. Unfortunately, their names are not known. The Narasimha Temple was constructed by the Shelke family. Lord Narasimha is the Kul Devata of the family. A priest performs Pooja daily along with Aarti and offers Bhog. Around the year 2000, the house was sold by his descendants and a multi-storey shopping centre now stands in its place.
Vaman Rao Gondkar’s House
This house is on the right side opposite to Sakaram's home. Vaman Rao was born and bred in Shirdi. His father was affluent. They were farmers and landowners. His descendants say that they owned 500 acres of land in and around Shirdi. They also state that they owned Lendi Bagh and adjacent lands. They sold Lendi Bagh to Moreshwar Pradhan, who then gave it to the Sansthan. This is one of the blessed houses that Baba took Bhiksha from.
Mention is made of this house in Sri Sai Satcharita Chapter 19, when Baba placed a ladder against this house and climbed up on the roof. Then he crossed the roof of Radha Krishna Mai's house and descended on the rear side. At that time, Baba was very sick and so was Radha Krishna Mai. Purandare had pleaded with Baba to cure Mai, and this was Baba’s unique remedy.
Baba gave 2 rupees to Venku Shimpi Kamblekar, who brought the ladder, for his labour. The other devotees objected, saying that Baba had paid too much. Baba told them that any work that was done should be paid for promptly and adequately. Kamblekar had no children but after he received this money he prospered and got two sons.
Vaman Rao Gondkar, after leading a prosperous life, died on 15th April 1964. His descendants are still living in Shirdi and carrying on his legacy. The Palkhi and Rath, when taken in procession through the village on festivals, stop first at this...
