Satsang When and where the First Ever Saibaba Mandir was constructed?

Part 2

The friends reached Shirdi and stayed in the wada. As it was
time for the noon arati, Pradhan’s friend went to the mosque
but Pradhan stayed in the wada. The bell rang from the
mosque for the arati and Pradhan could hear it from his room.
The deep gongs of the bell stirred him as never before. He was
enchanted by the sound and unknowingly started walking to
the mosque from where this heavenly sound was issuing forth.
He reached the mosque and sat in a corner. Looking at Baba,
he was immersed in a state of bliss. After the arati was over the
other devotees took udi (the ashes from the ever-burning fire,
called a dhuni, kept by Baba) from Baba and left the mosque.
Pradhan was still in a state of bliss and was unaware of
everything but Baba. Sri Sai then called Pradhan to draw near
and asked him for dakshina (in India, it is the custom when
visiting a saint to present him or her with a gift). Pradhan had
Rs 2500 in his pocket. This was the amount he had collected
for his employer from the various debtors. He took out the entire
cash from his pocket and, placing it all in Baba’s hands, returned
to his room still in the same state of bliss. A little later, Pradhan
came to realize that he had given the entire amount to Baba and
was surprised that he could do such a thing with his employer’s
money. His friend told him not to worry as Baba would take care
to see that Pradhan would not get into any trouble because of
this.

Pradhan started back via Kopergaon from Shirdi in a horse-cart.
It was only after he reached Kopergaon that he realised that he
had no money, even for the hire of the cart. He requested the cart
man to take his ring, sell it and return the remaining cash after
taking his fare. While this was going on a well-dressed gentleman,
unknown to Pradhan, arrived. After inquiring about the matter he
not only paid the cart man but also bought a ticket to Mumbai for
Pradhan and left as mysteriously as he came.

Pradhan reached Bhivpuri. He did not know how he could face his
employer and tell him that he had used all the money which he
had collected. To gain time, he sent word to his employer that he
was sick and would come to work once he had recovered. The
employer sent word back granting leave till Pradhan was well
enough to return to work. He also wanted to know why Pradhan
had sent double the money he had collected and what he was to
do with the excess? Pradhan saw Baba’s hand in this and was
thrilled to the core of his being by the kindness shown to him by
Baba. He was electrified that Baba had showered his grace on
him to such an extent in the very first darshan. He became a
staunch devotee of Baba and would often go to Shirdi to visit
Baba and take his blessings. Pradhan would plead with Baba to
come to Bhivpuri whenever he went to Shirdi. Once, in 1916, Baba
gave his photo to Pradhan and said, “Go to Bhivpuri. Build a temple
for me there. Keep this statue in the temple and worship it. You
need not come to Shirdi any more.” Pradhan returned to Bhivpuri
but did not follow Baba’s instructions. When he next came to
Shirdi Baba said, “When I have come to your house, why have you
come here? Bhivpuri is your Shirdi. Go there and do as I told you.”

(to be contd...)
(Source Saipatham Magazine)