Sai Baba Temple In Shiridi

 Shriman Bapusaheb Booty was a famous multi-millionaire of Nagpur. He later lived in Shirdi with his family.

 Once an idea arose in his mind that he should have a building of his own there. He got a vision one day while he was sleeping in Dixit's Wada. Baba appeared in his dream and ordered him to build a Wada of his own with the temple. Shama who was also sleeping there too saw a similar dream. 

When Bapusaheb woke up, he saw Shama crying. On being asked the reason, the latter replied that in his dream Baba came close to him and ordered distinctly to build the Wada with the temple. And he shall fulfill the desires of all!

 Hearing the sweet and loving words of Baba, Shama was overpowered with emotion and his throat choked, his eyes were full of tears!

 Bapusaheb was surprised to see that both of them got the same dream!

Being a rich and capable man, he decided to build a Wada there and drew up a plan with Madhavarao (Shama). Kakasaheb Dixit also approved of it. And then all went to Baba for its approval. Baba also sanctioned it immediately.

 Then the construction-work was duly started and under the supervision of Shama, the ground floor, the cellar, and the well were completed. Baba also on his way to and from Lendi suggested certain improvements. Further work was entrusted to Bapusaheb Jog and when it was going on, an idea struck Bapusaheb Booty's mind that there should be an open room or platform and in the center the image of Murlidhar (Lord Krishna with the flute) be installed.

 He asked Shama to convey this idea to Baba and get His consent. The latter asked Baba about this when He was just passing by the Wada.

 Hearing Shama, Baba gave His consent and said that after the temple is completed he would come to stay there. And staring at the Wada He added that after the Wada is complete, we shall use it ourselves, we shall live, move and play there, embrace each other, and be very happy!

 Then Shama asked Baba whether this was the auspicious time to begin the foundation-work of the central room of the Shrine. The latter answered in the affirmative. Shama broke a coconut and started the work. In due time the work was completed and an order was also given for making a good image of Murlidhar.

 But before it was ready, the events began to take a turn. Baba became seriously ill and was about to pass away!

Bapusaheb became very sad and dejected and thought that if Baba passed away, his Wada would not be consecrated by the holy touch of Baba's Feet, and all his money (about a lakh of rupees) would be wasted away!

But the words 'Place or keep Me in the Wada' which came out of Baba's mouth just before His passing away, consoled not only Bapusaheb but one and all!

In due time Baba's holy body was placed and preserved in the central shrine meant or designed for Murlidhar and Baba Himself became Murlidhar and the Wada thus became the Samadhi-mandir of Sai Baba! 

Blessed and fortunate was Bapusaheb Booty in whose Wada lies the holy and the pure body of Baba!

The life-size stone sculpture of Sai baba which is kept in the central shrine in Samadhi Mandir,also known as Sri Sai Baba Temple is made by Balaji Vasant Talim.