CHAWRI
Chawri
is situated on the east of Dwarkamai, a few
yards away. This is the place where Baba used to sleep on alternate
nights. Baba’s Shej aarti(Night aarti)
started from here only in the year 1910. On alternate days the Kakad
Aarti (Morning aarti) also took place at the Chawri before Baba
went to Dwarkamai. Chawri (or Chawadi in Marathi language) means
the main square of the village where people assemble at leisure.
The Chawri is divided into two sections with a
partition of grill. The section on the right side is where Baba
used to put up for night. In those days no ladies were allowed to
enter this section of night shelter as an observance of discipline.
This practice continues even today. The left section of Chawri is
open to all and there are no restrictions on entry. Devotees often
sit in the left section and sing group devotional songs.
A large portrait of Baba (the photograph
of Baba sitting on the stone) adorns a silver throne placed
in the right section where Baba used to sleep. There is another
portrait in oil in the left section, which was presented by some
devotee.
Chawri has glass lamps hanging from the ceilings,
wall size mirrors and many paintings and photographs since old days.
There is a wheel chair presented by a devotee and also a bed on
which Baba's holy body was given the last bath after he breathed
His last.
The palanquin procession
used to take place between Dwarkamai and Chawri on those days when
Baba was to come for sleeping in Chawri. After reaching Chawri Baba
would spend some time with his devotees, which was called Night
court ‘Ratri durbar' of Shri Sai. Today also the overwhelming
presence of Baba is felt in the palanquin procession from Dwarkamai
to Chawri on every Thursday and other special
occasions.
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