The number of people coming for the Master's darshan increased to such an extent that seating at the programs became a problem. In response, Baba selected a spot near the Post Office and gave instructions to erect a large hall, 96 feet long and 66 feet wide. Named after his Master, Sai Baba, it was called Sai Darbar (Sai's Court). Baba laid the foundation for it on Sunday, 29 November, in the presence of hundreds who had come for his darshan.
Built under Ajoba's supervision, Sai Darbar was made of bamboo matting and corrugated iron sheets. At one end a stage was constructed for performances. The large building was completed a month later, and Baba began giving darshan inside it during large functions and celebrations. Later, the last part of his book was written in Sai Darbar.
By this time there were 500 people living at Meherabad, and a new kitchen was built in order to accommodate their meals. It was officially opened with an inauguration ceremony on 30 November, when Baba himself lit the hearths for the first time, followed by Zoroastrian prayers by Pesu. During the function, Sawlaram sang bhajans and gramophone records were played, while sweets and tea were served. Food was prepared separately for the Hindus. They were so strict that no one of another caste or religion was even allowed to touch their drinking water.
On 9 December 1925, it was reported in the newspaper that Mahatma Gandhi was in search of a guru.
This prompted Baba to remark, "Gandhi is already greatly prepared for a divine upliftment without being conscious of it. After two or three more births, he will become a Sadguru."
The mandali were encouraged when Baba further remarked about them, "But you [lot] are far better off than Gandhi. You have already come across a guru, whereas he is still searching for one to whom he can surrender his body and soul."
Baba was making similar promises to others in the mandali.
In a handwritten letter to Ramjoo on 11 December, Baba said: "I love you as my own Self. Not a second are you out of my mental sphere. Nowadays the explanations bewilder the mandali here. Yes, one day you two chaps [Ramjoo and Ghani] will see actual[ly], so don't fret. Remember me."
Barsoap came to Meherabad for a few days, and Sadashiv arrived on the 11thand left the same evening.1 Before going, Sadashiv, the mandali and Baba walked up Meherabad Hill to have a picnic supper near the Water Tank (although Baba had been fasting recently). As the amount of vegetables was insufficient, Baba became very upset and later berated Naja, who had done the cooking.
Footnotes
- 1.Barsoap rejoined those staying at Meherabad as a resident in the first months of 1926.