There are uncountable numbers of famous devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba in the past and present but few are known and respected as Prime Devotees.
A display board and I at Dr. Gondkar Complex, next to Hotel Eshosans Palace, near Andhra Bank, Pimpalwadi Road, Shirdi.
Shailajamaa was present. She is the granddaughter of Laxmibai Shinde. Nine (9) coins were donated by Saibaba as Prasad to Laxmibai Shinde just before attaining samadhi on 15th October 1918 at Shirdi.
Baba arrived from Dhoop Kheda, Aurangabad along with Chand Bhai Baraat (wedding procession) and stayed at Shirdi.
Saibaba used to address Laxmibai Shinde as ‘Laxmimaa.’ The day Baba attain Samadhi all the big three festivals Muharram/Dussehra/Buddha Jayanti was on that day. Laxmibai used to serve Saibaba meals every day and on the last day, Baba donated nine coins (5 first And then 4 more) as his last Prasad to his faithful devotee Laxmibai. These coins are called Nav-vidha bhakti (the 9 forms of devotion to attain the Supreme Lord) and represent the nine forms of Goddess – Navadurga.
Laxmibai served Saibaba for 40-45 years with utmost devotion and care. In the year 1963, Laxmibai handed over these divine coins to her daughter-in-law and now the coins are with granddaughter Shailajamaa – daughter of Sonubai.
Shailajamaa was 16-17 years old when Laxmibai narrated her History. Currently, there is nobody left from the time of Saibaba as said by Shailajamaa. Arun Rao Gaikwad Patil – The great-grandson of Laxmibai Shinde is planning a temple at Shirdi in memory of Laxmibai And Sonubai.
Thank you Maa for narrating important history – said I.
Prayers with folded hands. Head down and finally Charan Sparsh (feet touching as respect to elders).
One more famous devotee house – Hotel Saish, Pimpalwadi Road, Shirdi. The hotel manager was present and on request, he requested one of his employees to guide us on the path towards a house behind the hotel within the same premises to have a darshan (glimpse) of batua (wallet) of Saibaba. The house is of Baijabai another prime devotee of Saibaba.
And finally Haji Abdul Baba’s hut within Saibaba temple premises.
Haji Abdul Baba was with Shri Sai Baba from 1889 to 1918.
He uses to read Quran every day to Sai Baba and use to perform all jobs given to him by Sai Baba.
In 1918 Shri Sai Baba took samadhi and Haji Abdul Baba undertook seva, archana and puja at Sai Baba’s Samadhi.
Hai Abdul Baba took samadhi in 1954.
Items given by Shri Sai Baba to Haji Abdul Baba and original photos are kept at this place for darshan.
Kins of Haji Abdul Baba now perform sewa (service) at this place.
(Source: Display Board)