Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Announced Reincarnation of Kaka saheb Dixit on 2007 May 17th and declared again on 2010 April 10th in ND in front of SSS members.
Kaka was my Prime devotee and Kaka is my Prime devotee.
Hari Sitharam Dixit ( Kaka Saheb Dixit) was a very Prime Devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba. Hari Sitaram Dixit, a well-known solicitor of Bombay, he was very largely responsible for the establishment and progress of Shirdi Sai Sansthan, the affairs were managed by him as Hon., Secretary very ably and enthusiastically up to the time of his death, i.e., 5-7-1926. He was also responsible for drawing large numbers to Shirdi and filling them with admiration and enthusiasm for Sai Baba. The ‘Sai Lila Masik’ the Marathi monthly organ of the Sai Sansthan, which had the same result, was mainly his work, up to July 1926, most of his experiences and those of his friends (numbering 151 and more) swelling the first four volumes of that journal and still giving excellent guidance to devotees.
H S Dixit was born in 1864 of high caste Nagari Brahmin parents enjoying a high position and affluence at Khandwa. His scholastic career was bright as he secured a first class in Matric and good marks in F.A., B.A., and L.L.B., He very soon settled himself as a leading solicitor at Bombay, and his name frequently appeared in Law Reports and in the press as distinguishing himself as an able advocate in sensational cases e.g., Bhavnagar Exposures, Sedition trials against Poona Vaibhava, Lok B.G. Tilak and Globe and Times of India, etc., He attained great fame and wide popularity and commanded high esteem both with the people and the Government. He had numerous public activities; political, social, municipal, etc., by means of which he was rendering good and valuable service to the public. In politics, he was in the Indian National Congress, and he was the redoubtful follower of Sir Pherozesha Mehta. He was an elected member of Bombay Legislative Council from 1910 till he gave it up to devote himself to spiritual progress under Sai Baba. He was also an elected Fellow of Bombay University, a Notary Public, and Justice of Peace. He achieved great fame by his bold speeches (e.g., by being the sole protestor against Valedictory address to H.E. Lord Sandhurst who prosecuted Tilak) and action in the councils. He helped bodies by serving on Committees with his keen intellect and strenuous observation and study. He was Secretary of the Indian National Congress of 1940 at Bombay wherein D. Nowroji stated its goal to be attainment of Swarajya. He rapidly rose by his influence and ability to greater and greater positions of honour and, had he continued in that line, he would surely have achieved a Knighthood, membership of the Executive Council and appointment as Commissioner of the some province with ample emoluments and gunfire salutes. But his destiny and rinanubhandha drew him to other lines and the turning point was what – looked like a mischance. He was in the Bombay Corporation also as a councilor; and he frequently served on other public bodies. He was a patriotic and self-sacrificing man, and for the sake of principle and public good, he readily resigned his position in the Corporation, and walked hard for national welfare.
About 1906 he went to England. There he had some accident in which his leg was injured. In spite of repeated efforts, the injury could not be cured. The limping impeded free movement, as there was pain if he walked a few furlongs. Not only did it make him look awkward, it made him less fit for his numerous activities, personal, domestic, political, legal and public, and thus had the double effect of giving him an inferiority complex and a disgust for these aspects of life, thus preparing him for the nobler and holier life. About 1909, Nana Saheb Chandorkar advised him to go and see Sai Baba, the wonderful personality at Shirdi, who might cure his lameness. The same year he went to Ahmadnagar in connection with some Council election business to the house of Sardar Kaka Saheb Mirikar, who was a Sai bhakta, and who had with him a huge picture of Sai Baba. Dixit saw the picture and his reverence were heightened.
Learning of Dixit’s desire to go to Baba, he (Sardar) sent for Madhava Rao Deshpande otherwise known as Shama. Baba’s constant attendant, who had gone to Ahmadnagar, and asked him to take Dixit to Baba. Accordingly Shama took him to Baba in 1909. This very first experience which Dixit had in connection with Baba strengthened his attachment to and admiration for Baba, especially because he had from infancy a great desire to be with Sadhus and Saints. He repeated his visits to Shirdi frequently, and in 1910 resolved to have a building of his own there. So the foundation stone was laid for wada there in December 1910, popularly known afterwards as Kakawada or Dixit wada. The work was pushed through and completed in five months (i.e.) in April 1911. From the very beginning Kaka wanted only a very small room for himself upstairs for Ekanta Dyana (solitude and meditation). The rest of the building was used by the pilgrims i.e., public. Baba’s kindness towards him was manifested from the very beginning, and Baba expressed this to others also. He told Anna Saheb Dabolkar Kaka Saheb is a good man. Be guided by what he says’. He told R. B Purandhare to be with Kaka Saheb and assist him. The greatest interest in a saint for any seriously minded person is, and ought to be, spiritual interest. So, though originally Dixit's idea was to go to Baba for the cure of his lameness, he soon gave up that idea and said "Lameness of the body does not matter much", and wanted Sai to cure the lameness of his soul, Sai made distinct promises to Dixit, whom he always called "Kaka", meaning uncle. As many persons called him "Kaka", Sai Baba also called him "Kaka". One of the early notable statements of Baba was "I will take my ‘Kaka’ in a vimana" (BCS 100) meaning thereby that he would give Kaka a happy end – Anayasa Marana and Sadgati. Baba did give him both as will appear from what follows. Dixit in 1909 was a leading solicitor with a highly lucrative practice and had made his name in notable trials. He had abundance of social contact and great influence in social and political matters. In 1909 he was only 45 years old and hehad a very good prospects of amassing much wealth and achieve, many honours in social and political matters also. Perhaps due to early contact with saints, such as Dattaa Maharaja, his mind, however, was drawn away from worldly attractions, and the meeting with a wonderful personality as Baba gave a powerful impetus. On account of Rinanubandha, Baba drew him (see BCS 502). Almost from the beginning of his contact with Baba he resolved to have Satsanga with Baba, and to embark on a spiritual career under Sai’s guidance, whatever may be its consequence on his worldly affairs. Though his income was ample, his generosity and liberality left very little fluid resources remaining with him and, barring his three bungalows at Bombay, Ville Parle, and Lonavla, which did not yield any income, he had no other property. Yet Sai’s attractions being strong, his visits to Shirdi were more and more frequent and his attention to practice was greatly diminished. One consequence of this diminution was that his partners in the solicitor business, viz., Rao Bahadur S. Narapandas and Dhanji Shah broke up their partnership with him, and he had to form a new firm with a newly enrolled advocate Purushotham Rai Markhad, for his partner. That gentleman also, on account of Dixit’s frequent absence and lack of interest withdrew his partnership. Other partners also, Mareklal etc., very soon left him alone or rather he left them very soon, and his income from law became very little. From 1911 onwards, his practice may be said to have been nil, though Baba asked him to go to Bombay to practice. He obeyed Baba and went to Bombay, but returned soon as his heart was at Shirdi and not at Bombay. All his friends, acquaintance, and admirers were astonished when he closed his lucrative practice in 1912, and several people were saying that ‘A Fakir called Sai Baba had cast a fascination on him that pushed him to Shirdi and made him crazy.’
H S Dixit was born in 1864 of high caste Nagari Brahmin parents enjoying a high position and affluence at Khandwa. His scholastic career was bright as he secured a first class in Matric and good marks in F.A., B.A., and L.L.B., He very soon settled himself as a leading solicitor at Bombay, and his name frequently appeared in Law Reports and in the press as distinguishing himself as an able advocate in sensational cases e.g., Bhavnagar Exposures, Sedition trials against Poona Vaibhava, Lok B.G. Tilak and Globe and Times of India, etc., He attained great fame and wide popularity and commanded high esteem both with the people and the Government. He had numerous public activities; political, social, municipal, etc., by means of which he was rendering good and valuable service to the public. In politics, he was in the Indian National Congress, and he was the redoubtful follower of Sir Pherozesha Mehta. He was an elected member of Bombay Legislative Council from 1910 till he gave it up to devote himself to spiritual progress under Sai Baba. He was also an elected Fellow of Bombay University, a Notary Public, and Justice of Peace. He achieved great fame by his bold speeches (e.g., by being the sole protestor against Valedictory address to H.E. Lord Sandhurst who prosecuted Tilak) and action in the councils. He helped bodies by serving on Committees with his keen intellect and strenuous observation and study. He was Secretary of the Indian National Congress of 1940 at Bombay wherein D. Nowroji stated its goal to be attainment of Swarajya. He rapidly rose by his influence and ability to greater and greater positions of honour and, had he continued in that line, he would surely have achieved a Knighthood, membership of the Executive Council and appointment as Commissioner of the some province with ample emoluments and gunfire salutes. But his destiny and rinanubhandha drew him to other lines and the turning point was what – looked like a mischance. He was in the Bombay Corporation also as a councilor; and he frequently served on other public bodies. He was a patriotic and self-sacrificing man, and for the sake of principle and public good, he readily resigned his position in the Corporation, and walked hard for national welfare.
About 1906 he went to England. There he had some accident in which his leg was injured. In spite of repeated efforts, the injury could not be cured. The limping impeded free movement, as there was pain if he walked a few furlongs. Not only did it make him look awkward, it made him less fit for his numerous activities, personal, domestic, political, legal and public, and thus had the double effect of giving him an inferiority complex and a disgust for these aspects of life, thus preparing him for the nobler and holier life. About 1909, Nana Saheb Chandorkar advised him to go and see Sai Baba, the wonderful personality at Shirdi, who might cure his lameness. The same year he went to Ahmadnagar in connection with some Council election business to the house of Sardar Kaka Saheb Mirikar, who was a Sai bhakta, and who had with him a huge picture of Sai Baba. Dixit saw the picture and his reverence were heightened.
Learning of Dixit’s desire to go to Baba, he (Sardar) sent for Madhava Rao Deshpande otherwise known as Shama. Baba’s constant attendant, who had gone to Ahmadnagar, and asked him to take Dixit to Baba. Accordingly Shama took him to Baba in 1909. This very first experience which Dixit had in connection with Baba strengthened his attachment to and admiration for Baba, especially because he had from infancy a great desire to be with Sadhus and Saints. He repeated his visits to Shirdi frequently, and in 1910 resolved to have a building of his own there. So the foundation stone was laid for wada there in December 1910, popularly known afterwards as Kakawada or Dixit wada. The work was pushed through and completed in five months (i.e.) in April 1911. From the very beginning Kaka wanted only a very small room for himself upstairs for Ekanta Dyana (solitude and meditation). The rest of the building was used by the pilgrims i.e., public. Baba’s kindness towards him was manifested from the very beginning, and Baba expressed this to others also. He told Anna Saheb Dabolkar Kaka Saheb is a good man. Be guided by what he says’. He told R. B Purandhare to be with Kaka Saheb and assist him. The greatest interest in a saint for any seriously minded person is, and ought to be, spiritual interest. So, though originally Dixit's idea was to go to Baba for the cure of his lameness, he soon gave up that idea and said "Lameness of the body does not matter much", and wanted Sai to cure the lameness of his soul, Sai made distinct promises to Dixit, whom he always called "Kaka", meaning uncle. As many persons called him "Kaka", Sai Baba also called him "Kaka". One of the early notable statements of Baba was "I will take my ‘Kaka’ in a vimana" (BCS 100) meaning thereby that he would give Kaka a happy end – Anayasa Marana and Sadgati. Baba did give him both as will appear from what follows. Dixit in 1909 was a leading solicitor with a highly lucrative practice and had made his name in notable trials. He had abundance of social contact and great influence in social and political matters. In 1909 he was only 45 years old and hehad a very good prospects of amassing much wealth and achieve, many honours in social and political matters also. Perhaps due to early contact with saints, such as Dattaa Maharaja, his mind, however, was drawn away from worldly attractions, and the meeting with a wonderful personality as Baba gave a powerful impetus. On account of Rinanubandha, Baba drew him (see BCS 502). Almost from the beginning of his contact with Baba he resolved to have Satsanga with Baba, and to embark on a spiritual career under Sai’s guidance, whatever may be its consequence on his worldly affairs. Though his income was ample, his generosity and liberality left very little fluid resources remaining with him and, barring his three bungalows at Bombay, Ville Parle, and Lonavla, which did not yield any income, he had no other property. Yet Sai’s attractions being strong, his visits to Shirdi were more and more frequent and his attention to practice was greatly diminished. One consequence of this diminution was that his partners in the solicitor business, viz., Rao Bahadur S. Narapandas and Dhanji Shah broke up their partnership with him, and he had to form a new firm with a newly enrolled advocate Purushotham Rai Markhad, for his partner. That gentleman also, on account of Dixit’s frequent absence and lack of interest withdrew his partnership. Other partners also, Mareklal etc., very soon left him alone or rather he left them very soon, and his income from law became very little. From 1911 onwards, his practice may be said to have been nil, though Baba asked him to go to Bombay to practice. He obeyed Baba and went to Bombay, but returned soon as his heart was at Shirdi and not at Bombay. All his friends, acquaintance, and admirers were astonished when he closed his lucrative practice in 1912, and several people were saying that ‘A Fakir called Sai Baba had cast a fascination on him that pushed him to Shirdi and made him crazy.’
After the death of his loving daughter Vatsali in 1911, Kakasaheb Dixit isolated himself from worldly attachments. He decided to live on whatever he could earn with grace of Almighty. He brought all his wealth to Shirdi and placed it at Lotus Feet of Baba.Sai Baba knew that Kakasaheb will need money in future so He said, "O Keep the money with you only. It will be useful in your old age".
Kakasaheb said, "Your blessings are with me. I do not need this money." Kakasaheb emptied the bag of money before Baba even though He refused.
Baba did not keep even a single penny with Him and donated all the money generously among other devotees present in Dwarkamai.
Famous judge of Mumbai Shri Garade was also present in Dwarkamai at this occasion. He was surprised at this deed of Kakasaheb.
Kakasaheb did not mind Baba's not accepting his gift and distributing it among the devotees. He wore the same smile on his face which was alwayspresent . Kakasaheb said to Baba while pressing His legs, "Baba this world is full of pits and falls, please have mercy on me and give me permission to sacrifice this Sansar."
Baba answered, "Kaka! You have only one Sansar. I have many but still I don’t think to leave any of them. Then why do you want to leave your one and only one Sansar? So stick to whatever you have and that will do you good in future".
It was in the year 1918, when Baba took Mahasamadhi. At the time Kakasaheb's age was about 54 years. He abdicated all his wealth at Holy Feet of Baba. He generously used left over money for charity. He was always engrossed in Sai Naam Jaap. Days passed by like this and Kakasaheb was pressed underdebt of Rs. 30,000. Only millionaires took such considerable debts at that time. Kakasaheb was tensed about repayment of the debt . His condition grew from bad to worse as the date of repayment was nearing. Kakasaheb had not taken even a single penny from anyone as his life and now he had to hear abuses from creditors for money. He could not bear the burden of worry anddebt. He was feeling morose, dejected and helpless. He started losing hope for help from all directions.
Kakasaheb had to repay a big amount of debt and only six days were left. He was pennyless and expected that those six days should never end. He thought for some or the other way all the day and night. On one such night, he was thinking and went to sleep unknowingly. He had following strange dream :
The same creditor came to recover his money from Kakasaheb Dixit. Kakasaheb Dixit answered, "Right now six days are remaining to repay thedebt. You need not worry; I will repay full debt in time. I am not an ordinary man. I am popular among many famous personalities like Chimanlal Setalwad and have maintained good relations with all of them. So there is no reason to worry. Now you go and come after six days".
Thus the dream ended. Kakasaheb woke up. Placing his hand on head in dismay, Kakasaheb realized his mistake what he did in dream. He thought, "I have surrendered myself to Baba in all respects. Baba's treasury is ever full like Kuber's treasury or even more than that, then how can I ask help and support from an ordinary person like Chimanlal Setalvaad?" He started shedding tears in front of Baba's picture. He begged for forgiveness to Baba mentally saying and praying, "Baba there is no one else in my heart and mind other than You. You only are my Maai-Baap (parents). My words are not untrue and without meaning. Baba, You are Antaryami (knower of inner thoughts). You can judge Yourself Baba that I am not speaking untruth. Baba, You cannot leave me any day, I fold my hands before You, please forgive me as I showed my dependency on that Chimanlal Setalwad in dream. Please forgive me Baba..."
Days passed by and the day of repayment of loan was nearing. Only one day was left and Kakasaheb sat in his office thinking and trying to find some solution and way to come out of this problem. A young lad turned up. His complexion was fair and he had bright eyes. His name was Chandravadan Nanavati. He gave introduction to Kakasaheb that he was son of Shri Nanavati and Kakasaheb loved him very much when he was a kid. Also he asked the reason for Kakasaheb's worry and morose condition. He added, "Uncle, I have come here for special work and I wish to invest some amount of money lying idle with me through you. I am very well aware of your relations with my father. Now a days money cannot be given for investment to any unfamiliar person. I am here because I trust you fully."
Kakasaheb said, "O, son, these days I am very worried. You make arrangement for investment elsewhere. I have many debts to repay and I don’t have enough money, so if your money is used by me in wrong way, how will I show you my face?"
Chandravadan said, "Uncle why do you say so? There is no difference between you and my father in my opinion. If my money proves useful to you in your tough times, I will be more than happy. You can use my money as per your wish." Thus saying he kept Rs. 30,000 on the table and went away.
Thus Kakasaheb repaid his debt well in time and was saved from any misery with the grace of Baba. Baba as a loving father arranged everything in time. So those who surrender themselves completely to Baba, all their problems and calamities are taken care of by Baba.
Kakasaheb said, "Your blessings are with me. I do not need this money." Kakasaheb emptied the bag of money before Baba even though He refused.
Baba did not keep even a single penny with Him and donated all the money generously among other devotees present in Dwarkamai.
Famous judge of Mumbai Shri Garade was also present in Dwarkamai at this occasion. He was surprised at this deed of Kakasaheb.
Kakasaheb did not mind Baba's not accepting his gift and distributing it among the devotees. He wore the same smile on his face which was alwayspresent . Kakasaheb said to Baba while pressing His legs, "Baba this world is full of pits and falls, please have mercy on me and give me permission to sacrifice this Sansar."
Baba answered, "Kaka! You have only one Sansar. I have many but still I don’t think to leave any of them. Then why do you want to leave your one and only one Sansar? So stick to whatever you have and that will do you good in future".
It was in the year 1918, when Baba took Mahasamadhi. At the time Kakasaheb's age was about 54 years. He abdicated all his wealth at Holy Feet of Baba. He generously used left over money for charity. He was always engrossed in Sai Naam Jaap. Days passed by like this and Kakasaheb was pressed underdebt of Rs. 30,000. Only millionaires took such considerable debts at that time. Kakasaheb was tensed about repayment of the debt . His condition grew from bad to worse as the date of repayment was nearing. Kakasaheb had not taken even a single penny from anyone as his life and now he had to hear abuses from creditors for money. He could not bear the burden of worry anddebt. He was feeling morose, dejected and helpless. He started losing hope for help from all directions.
Kakasaheb had to repay a big amount of debt and only six days were left. He was pennyless and expected that those six days should never end. He thought for some or the other way all the day and night. On one such night, he was thinking and went to sleep unknowingly. He had following strange dream :
The same creditor came to recover his money from Kakasaheb Dixit. Kakasaheb Dixit answered, "Right now six days are remaining to repay thedebt. You need not worry; I will repay full debt in time. I am not an ordinary man. I am popular among many famous personalities like Chimanlal Setalwad and have maintained good relations with all of them. So there is no reason to worry. Now you go and come after six days".
Thus the dream ended. Kakasaheb woke up. Placing his hand on head in dismay, Kakasaheb realized his mistake what he did in dream. He thought, "I have surrendered myself to Baba in all respects. Baba's treasury is ever full like Kuber's treasury or even more than that, then how can I ask help and support from an ordinary person like Chimanlal Setalvaad?" He started shedding tears in front of Baba's picture. He begged for forgiveness to Baba mentally saying and praying, "Baba there is no one else in my heart and mind other than You. You only are my Maai-Baap (parents). My words are not untrue and without meaning. Baba, You are Antaryami (knower of inner thoughts). You can judge Yourself Baba that I am not speaking untruth. Baba, You cannot leave me any day, I fold my hands before You, please forgive me as I showed my dependency on that Chimanlal Setalwad in dream. Please forgive me Baba..."
Days passed by and the day of repayment of loan was nearing. Only one day was left and Kakasaheb sat in his office thinking and trying to find some solution and way to come out of this problem. A young lad turned up. His complexion was fair and he had bright eyes. His name was Chandravadan Nanavati. He gave introduction to Kakasaheb that he was son of Shri Nanavati and Kakasaheb loved him very much when he was a kid. Also he asked the reason for Kakasaheb's worry and morose condition. He added, "Uncle, I have come here for special work and I wish to invest some amount of money lying idle with me through you. I am very well aware of your relations with my father. Now a days money cannot be given for investment to any unfamiliar person. I am here because I trust you fully."
Kakasaheb said, "O, son, these days I am very worried. You make arrangement for investment elsewhere. I have many debts to repay and I don’t have enough money, so if your money is used by me in wrong way, how will I show you my face?"
Chandravadan said, "Uncle why do you say so? There is no difference between you and my father in my opinion. If my money proves useful to you in your tough times, I will be more than happy. You can use my money as per your wish." Thus saying he kept Rs. 30,000 on the table and went away.
Thus Kakasaheb repaid his debt well in time and was saved from any misery with the grace of Baba. Baba as a loving father arranged everything in time. So those who surrender themselves completely to Baba, all their problems and calamities are taken care of by Baba.
Sai Baba Always with Kaka
When Baba's life left His body in October 1918, it was a great blow to all His devotees. But there was further danger of confusion and conflict about the disposal of Sai's body. The proper disposal of the Sai body was essential for the carrying out of His mission, because Baba had said, 'Even from the tomb, I will be active'. Where was this tomb to be? Who was to build it? In whose charge was it to be? The almost universal belief of people (Hindus and Muslims alike), when Baba passed away was that Sai Baba, living in the Mosque, was a Muslim, and so the Muslims including Bade Baba gathered the body, and they wished to be in charge of his tomb. Baba was a famous Avalia. His tomb would be visited by innumerable people, and miracles would be performed there. The offerings by the visiting pilgrims would be abundant. The tomb would be a very important place. Hence the Muslims thought and said that they should be in charge of the tomb. Unfortunately, they were few in numbers, and they had neither the influence nor the means to erect a suitable tomb for the Avalia. The Hindus stressed the fact of custom that the vast mass of people that worshipped Baba was Hindus, and, therefore, they were the proper persons to arrange for the tomb to be worshipped.
The Kopergaon Mamlatdar arrived on the scene and asked each party to put forward its representation with largely signed mahazars. The Hindus were in larger number, and their mahazars also were numerous. The Muslim signatories to the Musim mahazar were very few. As for Baba's own wishes in the matter, it was not well known. He never talked about it. But during His last illness He said 'Carry me to the Wada', (i.e. Buty wada). Buty was quite willing that his building should become the tomb of Baba. The Mamlatdar pointed out his difficulties. He said that if all parties agreed, he could give directions for the disposal of the body in accordance with the terms of the agreement. If they did not, he said, they should go to Ahmednagar, and get the District Magistrate's decree, and he (Mamlatdar) would have to act upon that decree. Kakasaheb Dixit was willing to go to Ahmednagar. As he was a solicitor of high repute, the Muslims thought that if he went to Ahmednagar, he would get the District Magistrate's order in his own favour, and they would be nowhere. So, they came to an agreement with the Hindus that Baba's body should be in Buty wada, and the management of the tomb would also be with the Hindus, but Muslims should be allowed free access even though it was in a Hindu gentleman's house, and that mamul should continue. So, the Mamlatdar himself passed an order, and Baba's body was buried without any difficulty at Buty wada, where it still remains. That was only a temporary settlement.
The more important matter was as to the guidance of the future. It should be according to a scheme sanctioned by the District Court of Ahmednagar. Kakasaheb Dixit with his remarkable legal ability, his worldly wisdom, and great devotion, drew up a scheme and presented it with the signatures of number of influential devotees. It was sanctioned by the District Court in 1922. The scheme governs the Shirdi Sai Sansthan and Baba's tomb and other affairs. The property of the Sansthan vested in a body of trustees with managing committee of fifteen. Dixit contented himself with being the Honorary Secretary, and his able management pleased all parties. Kakasaheb Dixit thus laid firm foundation for the success of the Shirdi Sai Sansthan, and he must be given the credit for its present position. This may be ranked as one of his great services to Sai and to the public or to humanity.
The Kopergaon Mamlatdar arrived on the scene and asked each party to put forward its representation with largely signed mahazars. The Hindus were in larger number, and their mahazars also were numerous. The Muslim signatories to the Musim mahazar were very few. As for Baba's own wishes in the matter, it was not well known. He never talked about it. But during His last illness He said 'Carry me to the Wada', (i.e. Buty wada). Buty was quite willing that his building should become the tomb of Baba. The Mamlatdar pointed out his difficulties. He said that if all parties agreed, he could give directions for the disposal of the body in accordance with the terms of the agreement. If they did not, he said, they should go to Ahmednagar, and get the District Magistrate's decree, and he (Mamlatdar) would have to act upon that decree. Kakasaheb Dixit was willing to go to Ahmednagar. As he was a solicitor of high repute, the Muslims thought that if he went to Ahmednagar, he would get the District Magistrate's order in his own favour, and they would be nowhere. So, they came to an agreement with the Hindus that Baba's body should be in Buty wada, and the management of the tomb would also be with the Hindus, but Muslims should be allowed free access even though it was in a Hindu gentleman's house, and that mamul should continue. So, the Mamlatdar himself passed an order, and Baba's body was buried without any difficulty at Buty wada, where it still remains. That was only a temporary settlement.
The more important matter was as to the guidance of the future. It should be according to a scheme sanctioned by the District Court of Ahmednagar. Kakasaheb Dixit with his remarkable legal ability, his worldly wisdom, and great devotion, drew up a scheme and presented it with the signatures of number of influential devotees. It was sanctioned by the District Court in 1922. The scheme governs the Shirdi Sai Sansthan and Baba's tomb and other affairs. The property of the Sansthan vested in a body of trustees with managing committee of fifteen. Dixit contented himself with being the Honorary Secretary, and his able management pleased all parties. Kakasaheb Dixit thus laid firm foundation for the success of the Shirdi Sai Sansthan, and he must be given the credit for its present position. This may be ranked as one of his great services to Sai and to the public or to humanity.
The other assurance Baba gave to Kakasaheb Dixit was "Mi tula vimaanaatoon ghevoon jaayin (I will take you in a vimana)". Taking in a vimana is what occurs in puranas. When holy persons like Tukaram die, their souls go to Heaven in a vimana. So, Baba's words were understood to mean that Kaka would have excellent Sadgati. Kaka was assured of his future and also that his death would be happy and peaceful. Let us see how Baba fulfilled this assurance also.
It is commonly believed that death on an Ekadashi Day carries a man to Heaven. Kaka Dixit had that belief, and he mentions it in his preface to Sai Satcharitra. Page 4 of Sri Sai Lila Masik contains the preface of the earliest part of Sai Satcharitra, Volume I No. I of year 1923, where he says, 'It is fitting that the death of Hari bhaktas should be on Hari's own day, that is, Ekadashi' (because Ekadashi is devoted to Hari bhajan). Dixit notes that Baba gave this Ekadashi death to Kasiram, Appa Bhil and other bhaktas. We may also note here that Mhalsapathi died on an Ekadashi day as also Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Tatya Patel, and others. Therefore, it is most fitting that Dixit should die on an Ekadashi day according to the current belief of the virtues of death on that day.
He had excellent company in Anna Saheb Dabholkar, the author of Sai Satcharitra, and Tendulkar, the composer (along with his wife) of innumerable songs on Sai Baba (found in the Sai Bhajanamala) both of whom were very deeply attached to Sai Baba and prized Dixit's company on that account. The portions, which in his daily pothi, Dixit had to study on 4-7-1926 were Gajendra Moksha, that is, the giving of Moksha to an Elephant by God (Sundarakanda, 21st Adhyaya of Eknath Bhavartha Ramayana). This book was studied by Dixit every night, and on the night preceding his death, 4-7-1926, he had a dream. In that dream he had a vision of Sai Baba and noticed that Baba came up and got into the upper part of Annasaheb's body, and Annasaheb was holding Baba in a fast embrace with great love. This dream he communicated early morning after waking to Annasaheb, Deshpande, Legate, and others. His parayana of Eknath Bhagavata also on that very day of his departure was of the portion which dealt with the Ashta Maha Siddhis in Chapter XV of Ekadasa Skanda, especially verse 23. It says
Parakaayam Vis can siddhah Aatmanam Tatra Bhaavayet,
Pindam hitva Viscef pranaah Vaayu bhutah shadanghrivat.
Pindam hitva Viscef pranaah Vaayu bhutah shadanghrivat.
When a siddha wishes to enter into the body of another creature, he has only to mentally carry himself into the body of that other creature, giving up mentally his own body, carrying himself in an aerial body, just as a bee leaves one flower and flies into another.
The commentary of Eknath's stanza is extremely brilliant and Kakasaheb read that with overflowing heart and as described in that stanza, he himself, like a bee, flew from his body to some other body arranged for him by Baba's Grace at the time of death in accordance with Baba's promise.
On 5-7-1926, the Ekadashi day, he was starting from Ville Parle (suburb of Bombay) to go to Dr. Deshmukh's dispensary at Bombay to see his ailing son Ramakrishna. Annasaheb Dabholkar had spent with him some time in excellent bhajan and pothi and was starting to go to his own station. When both of them, alongwith Tendulkar, came to the platform after the scheduled time, they found the train also was late. The train came just in time for them to catch it. All the three of them got into the train, and the words which came from Kakasaheb were, 'Annasaheb, Just see! How merciful Baba is! He has given us this train this minute. He has not made us wait even a minute.' He then looked into his pocket time table and said, "Baba has made the train come late and enabled us to catch it. Or else we would have to be stranded at Colaba and be frustrated. So, this is Sai's grace". Thus, sitting facing Anna Saheb, Kakasaheb remembered Baba's loving grace and appeared to fall asleep. Dabholkar first thought be was sleeping. When he went near him to hold his head and asked him, “Are you sleeping?” there was no reply. Then Dabholkar feared that Kakasaheb had fainted. Making Kaka lie down, Dabholkar noted the apparently hopeless condition of Kakasaheb. The train was speeding from station to station. Annasaheb told his friend Tendulkar in the carriage that he should tell the Guard so that they may carry down Kaka's body from the carriage. But as there was a big crowd and heavy rain, he could not do this at Bandra (suburb of Bombay), and so only at Mahim (another suburb of Bombay) he got down and told the Guard. The Guard arranged to phone to Parel (suburb of Bombay) for a stretcher and doctor, and at Parel, the body was taken out. The doctor examined the body and said that life was extinct. On account of the suddenness of death, there would have been difficulties of inquest. But luckily they got the doctor's certificate, and the body was committed to the care of Annasaheb. The main point for us to see is how Baba carried out his undertaking to carry Kaka in a Vimana. Tukaram was carried to Heaven in a Vimana, and that was a fine, blissful, and excellent end. But that was a miracle - Without any miracle, Baba had given Kaka a very high end.
There was no pain or fear before life departed from his body. His was a happy death even from the worldly standpoint. But from the spiritual viewpoint it was a highly blissful end. The death in such circumstances meant Sadgati to the Soul. According to the Gita, what a man thinks of at the time of his death, he becomes, in his next birth. Here Kaka was thinking of his Guru at the close of life as "That wonderful God that delayed the train for him." So, the mood of gratitude and love towards Sai was the mood in which he passed away. Dixit would go to his Gurudeva, and live along with him after his death. Baba has stated, "God has agents everywhere. They have vast powers. I have vast powers”. He has mentioned how he is exercising those powers. He says 'Sit quiet, Uge Muge. I will do the needful. I will take you to the end.' Baba refers to himself thus, 'This is a Brahmin, a white Brahmin, a pure Brahmin; this Brahmin will lead lakhs of people to the shubra marga and take them to the goal right up to the end'. He says, 'I draw my devotee to me at the time of his death, even though he may die a thousand miles away from Shirdi. I will not allow my devotee to be lost. I will account to God for all those that have been given to me'.
A study of the life of Kakasaheb Dixit might be of greater help to most of us than the lives of other devotees. Dixit was a worldly solicitor or businessman and was not marked out for any extraordinary spiritual career like that of a Sadguru. What is important in Dixit's life is that from his ordinary level of a businessman, he made the very best use of his life after 45 years of it were over, and by the kindness of Baba, he was able to surrender himself more and more to his Sadguru and to attain, as a result thereof, perfect reliance on Baba's assurance that every responsibility of his would be borne by Baba, and the consequent fullness of peace and calmness. He could and did carry on his affairs, spiritual and temporal, with total nishta and saburi in his Master, being assured of getting the best out of his life. This is all that most of us can aim at. We can see that Kaka had first a brilliant worldly life and an equally brilliant or even more brilliant success in the spiritual line, and that he died a happy death, 'being taken in a Vimana' by the Guru. Every one of us, though we are not face to face with Sai Baba as Dixit was between 1902 and 1918, can still have, even now, the same faith, the same surrender and the same assurance from Sadguru Sai that he will look after all our concerns and the consequent fearlessness and calm with the certainty of happy death like Kaka's. Sai Baba is not dead. He is God, and cannot die. When his body was lying in the Dwarakamayee, he appeared to and told Lakshman, 'Jog thinks I am dead; no, I am alive. Therefore do pooja and arati'. He has repeatedly said that his tomb will speak and move with those who make him their sole refuge. Baba said, 'I shall be active and vigorous from the tomb also. Even after my Mahasamadhi, I shall be with you, the moment you think of me at any place. As soon as a devotee calls unto me with love, I will appear.'
A study of the life of Kakasaheb Dixit might be of greater help to most of us than the lives of other devotees. Dixit was a worldly solicitor or businessman and was not marked out for any extraordinary spiritual career like that of a Sadguru. What is important in Dixit's life is that from his ordinary level of a businessman, he made the very best use of his life after 45 years of it were over, and by the kindness of Baba, he was able to surrender himself more and more to his Sadguru and to attain, as a result thereof, perfect reliance on Baba's assurance that every responsibility of his would be borne by Baba, and the consequent fullness of peace and calmness. He could and did carry on his affairs, spiritual and temporal, with total nishta and saburi in his Master, being assured of getting the best out of his life. This is all that most of us can aim at. We can see that Kaka had first a brilliant worldly life and an equally brilliant or even more brilliant success in the spiritual line, and that he died a happy death, 'being taken in a Vimana' by the Guru. Every one of us, though we are not face to face with Sai Baba as Dixit was between 1902 and 1918, can still have, even now, the same faith, the same surrender and the same assurance from Sadguru Sai that he will look after all our concerns and the consequent fearlessness and calm with the certainty of happy death like Kaka's. Sai Baba is not dead. He is God, and cannot die. When his body was lying in the Dwarakamayee, he appeared to and told Lakshman, 'Jog thinks I am dead; no, I am alive. Therefore do pooja and arati'. He has repeatedly said that his tomb will speak and move with those who make him their sole refuge. Baba said, 'I shall be active and vigorous from the tomb also. Even after my Mahasamadhi, I shall be with you, the moment you think of me at any place. As soon as a devotee calls unto me with love, I will appear.'
Kaka Saheb Dixit now starts his mission again in Sri Lanka
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai baba Declared Kaka Saheb dixit is Born again in Ceylon to complete his mission. He will continue my message to more and more devotees. Sai Baba said “ Soon after Kaka’s death he was born at Puttaparthi as Krisna kamaladasan, He died at early 30’s and I want him to be with Prema Sai Baba. That’s why I sent Krisna back to Vikunta. Now he already started doing my duty and he will continue that till 2044. Kaka, Krisna and kanchan these are the three stages of my one prime devotee.”
