Chavadi & The Thursday Palkhi Tradition
During the last decade of his life, Sai Baba slept in Chavadi every alternate night. The weekly Thursday procession (Palkhi Sohala) from Dwarkamai to Chavadi continues today with immense fanfare, silver palanquin, royal umbrellas, and traditional Maharashtrian dhol-tasha.
- Chavadi Interior: Features Baba's wooden bed, white portrait, and wheelchair presented by a devotee.
- Gender Segregation: Preserving traditional practice, the room has distinct seating sections for male and female devotees.
Gurusthan: The Sacred Bitter Neem Tree
Gurusthan ('seat of the Guru') is the spot under a neem tree where Baba was first sighted by Shirdi villagers as a 16-year-old youth sitting in deep meditation. Baba declared this sacred spot was where his own Guru performed austerities.
- Sweet Leaves Miracle: Devotees believe leaves from one specific branch of this otherwise bitter neem tree taste miraculously sweet.
- Marble Padukas: Marble footprints installed under the tree in 1912 by devotee Bhai Krishnaji Albagkar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Thursday Palkhi procession begin?
The Palkhi leaves Dwarkamai at 9:15 PM every Thursday night, reaching Chavadi amidst devotional singing.