It is noteworthy that Merwan Seth had especially chosen Kasba Peth for his toddyshop. Kasba Peth is the oldest part of the city. At the time, it was a neighborhood of mostly Bhois — lower-caste fishermen. They were uneducated, simple men who earned their livelihood by catching fish at a nearby river, and although they were virile, hearty fellows, they were devoted to Merwan Seth. Thus, similar to Jesus of Nazareth, Meher Baba's initial work of drawing others to him began with these fisherman. The toddyshop became his net wherein the local "fishes" were caught.
But others, too, were hearing about the extraordinary Irani toddyshop owner. Sadashiv was by then intimate with Merwan Seth and spoke often about him to his friends and associates in the courthouse where he worked as a clerk. They in turn would come to the toddyshop to meet Merwan Seth.
A room adjoining Merwan and Behramji's toddyshop at 721 Kasba Peth was rented from Sadashiv. Merwan Seth instructed that it be used as a place of worship. The little room was completely transformed and became a small temple. Paintings and photographs of different Perfect Masters and saints were hung on the walls; a photograph of Upasni Maharaj was given the most prominent position. Hindu arti and puja ceremonies were performed every morning and evening, usually led by Merwan Seth himself, who would afterwards distribute prasad of fruits or sweets. Special public programs were arranged on Thursdays and Sundays (the traditional days of worship in India).
Once a genuine saint whose name was Khwaja Shaikh Salahuddin had lived in Kasba Peth. Although this saint was of the Mohammedan faith, both Muslims and Hindus would take darshan at his tomb located there. As a consequence, both Muslims and Hindus would approach Merwan Seth when he became recognized as someone of elevated spiritual status. To maintain a harmonious atmosphere of brotherly love between the Muslims and the Hindus was no easy task. Merwan Seth paid particular attention to satisfying the individual needs and respecting the values of both these religious communities. The Hindus were allowed to perform arti, bhajans and kirtans as well as other rites. Whenever the Muslims attended, qawaali songs would be played — the singing often led by Merwan Seth accompanying himself on an Indian drum called a dholak .
The atmosphere around the toddyshop was of intoxication, while the atmosphere around the temple-room was of fire! Merwan Seth had created an atmosphere aflame with the love of God, and people in the area were becoming intoxicated with divine wine.