Life of Sai Baba — Volume 3, Chapter 1: Baba’s Lovers

The chapter

The volume begins with Bayyaji Bai, the wife of Shirdi’s Patel. When Baba first came to the village, she was drawn to him without seeking any reward. If Baba wandered into the surrounding woods and missed his meal, she searched for him from tree to tree, brought food and waited until he ate. Baba later said that she had supported him in previous births and called her his sister.

Her love continued through her son Tatya Patil. Baba protected Tatya through repeated dangers, and Tatya became one of the earliest and most constant figures among Baba’s devotees. The author presents Bayyaji Bai’s service as the seed from which many other relationships with Baba grew.

The account then turns to R. B. Purandhare because his long testimony records the details of a devotee’s contact with Baba. Purandhare heard about Baba through Das Ganu’s kirtans, which spoke of Tukaram, Namdev and the living saint at Shirdi. He was a modest Bombay clerk earning thirty-five rupees a month while supporting his mother, wife, brother and child.

When Purandhare decided to travel to Shirdi, his young child was ill and the family hesitated. He nevertheless took the child with him. At Shirdi the child’s condition improved, and the experience strengthened Purandhare’s confidence in Baba. The chapter sets these events beside the selfless service of Bayyaji Bai and the loyalty of Tatya to show devotion expressed through care, sacrifice and reliance on Baba.

What this account invites us to reflect on

Bayyaji Bai’s search through the woods, Tatya’s long dependence on Baba and Purandhare’s journey with his sick child are concrete acts of devotion. In each case, love is shown through what the devotee does when trust has to carry an ordinary life.

Editorial note: This page is a concise paraphrase for web presentation and does not reproduce the complete chapter. Please consult the original PDF for the full account and wording.