Mahalsapathy

Among Sai Baba’s earliest disciples and the most intimate and one who stayed with him longest was Mahalsapathy, a goldsmith by caste and priest of the Khandoba temple in Shirdi. He was a poor and uncultured villager who, thinking Baba was a Muslim, objected to his entering the temple and staying there but soon became his most zealous admirer and ardent worshipper.

Baba found his devotion, dedication and attachment irresistible and accepted the flowers, sandal and other offerings placed at this feet in worship by Mahalsapathy, who was the only person allowed to worship Baba in this way for a long time.

His family consisted of his wife, three daughters and a son who was born very late in his life through the grace of Baba. After his first encounter with Baba he developed respect and reverence for him although he was perplexed by his behaviour sometimes which made the rustic folk call him a “mad Fakir”.

He was first person who called Baba as “Sai”. As days passed by Mahalsapathy came closer and closer to Baba and became a part of Baba’s daily life. He kept Baba Company day and night and slept in the mosque with him. He spread his own cloth and on this he and Baba slept he occupying one half and Baba on the other half of the cloth. Baba never sleeps. His soul always meditates for the people to protect them from wrong forces as well as diseases. This is general experience of Mahalsapathy.This means Baba and Mahalsapathy totally devoted their life for the world.

One night Baba told him:”Tonight we shall be on the watch”. The rude Rohilla (death from plague) is wanting to take away the wife of Nigoj Patil. I am praying to Allah to prevent that by namasmaranam. You must see that no one comes and disturb me. “Accordingly Mahalsapathy kept vigil but unfortunately for him in the middle of the night the nivas mamladar (Village official)” and his peon came and wanted darshan of Baba. Mahalsapathy tried to stop them but failed and Baba’s meditation was disturbed. Baba rebuked Mahlsapathy and said in anger,” You are a man with a family. Don’t you know that what is taking place at Nigoj’s house? This disturbance has caused a failure in my effort. That Patil’s wife is dead.

Mahlsapathy continued his nighty puja of Baba after his death in October 1918 but his own death came four years later. He gave his staff to his son and told him:”Spend time piously in utttam bhakti marga “.He died in 11 September 1922, he uttered a word ‘Ram’ and died.Mahlsapathy is one of the diamond of Saibaba .He devoted his whole life to Sai Baba and Khandoba.