Gadge Maharaj sent word with a messenger for his beloved Vithoba to come to his dharamshala. That night, tens of thousands of pilgrims had gathered to hear spiritual discourses and kirtans delivered by Maharaj and his devotees. Since Maharaj wished to personally escort Baba to the site, at 9:30 P.M., Baba left with everyone to hear the kirtan on the banks of the holy Chandrabhaga River. He drove to Maharaj's dharamshala, where Gadge Maharaj joined him in the car. In the car, Maharaj confessed, "My joy knows no bounds at having you here today, Baba."
"I, too, feel happy to be here," Baba stated as he patted Gadge Maharaj gently on the back and stroked his cheek.
Eruch recalled that "Maharaj nestled close to Baba, like a child who seeks his mother's love and protection. It appeared as if he had at long last laid down the burden of his strenuous life at the feet of his Beloved and was — in the real sense and for the first time — relaxing from care."
When Baba arrived, the kirtan was already in progress. Kaikadi Maharaj (Gadge Maharaj's chief disciple) was standing on a huge pile of sand which served as a stage, addressing over the microphone the thousands of pilgrims seated on the riverbank. The crowd sat listening in rapt attention. The cold was intense, but even though Vithoba (Baba) was dressed in thin apparel, he was, nonetheless, radiantly happy!
Standing beside Baba and holding his hand, Gadge Maharaj addressed the multitude: "Have the darshan of Meher Baba! Jagat Guru Meher Baba! Try to realize how fortunate you are that although you came here to worship the Lord's image in stone, you find instead amidst you the Lord of the universe. You can never realize how happy I am that Baba is near me today."
Baba had declared that Vithoba would do as Maharaj bade. Maharaj said, "Stand up," and Baba stood up. Maharaj said, "Sit down," and Baba sat.
The kirtan singing continued. Maharaj again urged the gathering, "Make the most of this rare occasion and fill your hearts with Baba's darshan." Dhake spoke on Baba's life and read out one of his messages. Bhajans began, and another of Maharaj's devotees, Namanand Maharaj, said a few words.
Baba asked Gadge Maharaj, "Now, what is left?"
"Whatever you say, Baba," he replied.
Baba smiled and stated, "All right; now, do as I tell you. Take me to the leper colony. I will bathe them."