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First Shirdi Sai Baba temple
World’s first Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located in Bhivpuri near Karjat ( Maharashtra). This temple was built in 1916 when Shirdi Sai Baba was still in his physical form. Not many know that this temple was built even before Shirdi Sai Baba temple. Since a lot of devotees are not aware of this temple, hence today’s post will take you all through the journey of how this temple was built.
The dome of the temple is clearly visible from the Bhivpuri road railway station. In the amidst of sprawling fields rests our Sai Baba in the premises of this temple. The history of this temple reveals how beautifully Sai Baba pulls an atheist to his lotus feet and turns him into a staunch devotee.
Bhivpuri Shirdi Sai Temple was built by Shri K R Pradhan. Mr. Pradhan worked as a debt collector for a Mumbai based gentleman. A very close friend of Mr. Pradhan was a great devotee of Sai Baba, he would often go to Shirdi to seek Sai Baba’s blessings. On one occasion Mr. Pradhan happened to visit his friend just as when he was about to leave for shirdi, he insisted Mr.Pradhan to accompany him to shirdi. Since K V Pradhan was an atheist he was not really willing to go but his friend’s constant pursuasion made him agree on one condition that he should not be forced to go to Dwarkamai to seek Sai Baba’s darshan.
Both reached Shirdi the next day. As the noon arti started Mr.Padhan’s friend left for Dwarkamai to attend the arti whereas Mr. Pradhan stayed back in the wada. The sounds of bells and gongs reached Pradhan’s ears and he couldn’t resist and subconsciously started walking towards Dwarkamai. He never knew that this will not just take him to Dwarkamai but on a spiritual journey where Sai Baba is the destination. He reached Dwarkamai and quietly sat in one coner. Mr. Pradhan was in a state of complete trance. He was totally immersed in Sai Baba’s love. Just then Sai Baba called him and asked him for dakshina, Prashan had rupee 2500 in his pocket he gave it all to Sai Baba. Later he realised that the money belonged to his employer as he had collected it from various debtors. Now Pradhan was a bit sad as how would he face his employer. Mr.Pradhan’s friend told him not to worry Sai Baba would take care of everything.
Pradhan left for Bhivpuri from Shirdi, as he reached kopergaon he realised he didn’t have enough money to pay for the horse-cart. Suddenly an unknown man arrived out of nowhere and paid for Pradhan’s horse-cart and also bought him a ticket for mumbai. Mr. Pradhan was astonished at these course of events. He then reached his home. Since he was guilty of facing his employer he sent a message for his employer that he was unwell and would resume his join once he recovered. His employer sent back a message approving his leave and also asking him that why had he sent double the amount of debt collected. Pradhan’s shock knew no bounds, he immediately realised it was all Sai Baba’s leela.
After this incident Mr. Pradhan became a staunch devotee of Sai Baba. He would visit Shirdi quite often to seek Sai Baba’s darshan. Whenever Pradhan visited Shirdi he would always ask Sai Baba to visit his home in Bhivpuri. Once in 1916 Sai Baba gave Mr. Pradhan his statue and asked him to built a Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Bhivpuri. Pradhan forgot about this once he returned, then on his next visit to Shirdi, Sai Baba asked him” why do you come here, when I’am residing in your house. Go back and do as I had told you”. Mr. Pradhan returnrd to Bhivpuri and followed Sai Baba’s instructions and built Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Bhivpuri. Mr. Pradhan’s son-in-law, Shri VV Gupte had a major contribution towards the develpoment of this temple.
🌷SRI SATCHIDANANDA SADGURU SAINATH MAHARAJ KI JAI 🌷