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Sri Saibaba 94th Punyatithi
Vijayadashami is celebrated throughout India, under different names and with regional variations, as the victory of good over evil. For Sai devotees, it is venerated as the holy day that their beloved Gurudeva(Saibaba) attained Mahasamadhi (also known as Punyatithi) and is a big festival in Shirdi.
Baba left His mortal coil on the 15th October 1918. Two years before i.e. in 1916 Baba gave an indication of His passing away. On the Vijayadashami, Baba, all of a sudden got into wild rage in the evening, when people were returning from Seemolanghan (Crossing the border of the village). Taking off His head-dress, Kafni and Langota etc. He tore them and threw them into the Dhuni before Him. He stood there stark naked and with his burning red eyes shouted "You fellows now have a look and decide finally whether I am a Muslim or Hindu". Everybody was trembling with fear and nobody dared to approach Baba. After some time Bhagoji Shinde the leper devotee of Baba went boldly near him and succeeded in tying a Langota round his waist and said, "Baba, what is all this?" Today is "Seemolanghan i.e. Dasara" Baba striking the ground with His satka said, "This is my Seemolanghan", Baba did not cool down till 11.00 P.M. and people doubted, whether the Chavadi procession would ever take place that night. After an hour Baba resumed His normal condition and dressing Himself as usual attended the Chavadi procession. By this incident Baba suggested that Dasara was the proper time for Him to cross the border of life.
Baba gave another indication as follows:
Ramchandra Patil became seriously ill. He tried all remedies, but finding no relief despaired of his life was awaiting for the last moment. Then, one midnight Baba stood near his bed. Patil held His feet and said, "I have lost all my hopes. Please tell me definitely when I shall die.". Merciful Baba said, "Don't be anxious, your Hundi (Death-warrant) has been withdrawn but I am afraid of Tatya Patil. He will pass away on Vijayadashami of 1918.
Ramachandra Dada soon left bed and soon was on his legs. Time passed quickly. The month of Bhadrappad of Shake 1840 (1918 AD) was ending and Tatya fell sick and was bed ridden Baba was also down with fever. Tatya had full faith in Baba. Tatya's illness grew from bad to worse and could not move at all but always remembered Baba. The day predicated i.e. Vijayadashami was impending and Ramchandra Dada and Bala Shimpi who was told the predication were terribly frightened about Tatya. Tatya's end was near. But a surprise thing happened, Tatya remained and Baba passed away instead. People said that Baba gave his life for Tatya and made Vijayadashami more significant for Sai devotees.
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