First Sai Temple in India after Mahasamadhi at Kudal

2. Sai Baba Temple in Kudal
Distance from Ratnagiri to Kudal is about 138 KM towards Goa)

Village Kavilkate is located about half a mile to the west of Kudal railway station in Sidhudurg district of Maharashtra state. In the village, there is a beautiful temple of Shri Sai Baba in Sai Nagar. The lovely statue of Sai Baba gives emmense pleasure to the eyes and the tranquil surroundings give calm peace of mind to the devotees. The creation of this temple is an ample evidence of Shri Sai. A resident of Kavilkate Late Ramchandra Madaye was an ardent Datta devotee.

He had a Drishtant (vision or divine appearance) that Lord Datta is in Shirdi in the form of Sai. And, this Datta’s Das – who was always engrossed in chanting the name of God Shri Grurdev Datta – turned towards Shirdi. He almost lost consciousness, when he had first Darshan of Shri Sai. He had the unique bliss of having met Datta. Sai Baba gave him a Rupee One. He preserved it as a price-less treasure. He took several residents of Kudal with him to Shirdi and gave them the benefit of Sai Darshan.

In 1918, Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on the day of Vijayadashmi, Tuesday, the 15th October. In 1919, Baba’s first Punyatithi (death anniversary) was publicly observed in Kudal besides Shirdi. It was observed at the hands of Madayebua. He utilized the One Rupee given by Baba for the purpose. Thereafter, in 1922, on the fourth Punyatithi of Sai Baba, Madayebua built a Sai Mandir. He installed a six feet statue of Sai Baba sculpted by Shri Baburao Sarang.

After Baba’s Mahasamadhi – as per His own wishes – His mortal body was placed in Butti Wada at Shirdi and a tomb was erected over it. A photo frame was positioned there. After 36 years, in 1954, a five and half feet statue, sculpted by Shri Bhausaheb Talim, was installed in Sai Samadhi Mandir.

Late Shri Nagesh Atmaram Sawant was actively associated with the installation of the statue. He was also a Managing Trustee of the  Sai Sansthan for a long period of time. In an article, written by him (published in  ‘Shri Saileela’ – Year 7th, Volumes 5-6-7), he has stated about Kudal’s Madayebua’s Mandir as follows -

In December 1922, I went to Konkan on vacation. I met Shri Madayebua in the Shri Sai Darbar established by him. A large and fully asceticism image of Shri Baba has been installed there. Seeing such a brilliant image, who cannot be blessed with heavenly contentment ! My joy knew no bounds. My delight increased many times, as I received a  latest copy of ‘Shri Saileela’ there and avidly read it.

The Mandir built by Dattadas Madayebua was renovated in 1983 and a new seven and half feet statue (sculpted by Shri Sham Sarang – son of ShriBaburao Sarang) was installed. The Madir was managed from 1922 to 1946 by Dattadas Madayebua, from 1946 to 1999 by his son Shri Shripad Madaye and therafter by his grandson Shri Rajan Madaye.

– Sadanand L. Wairkar, Borivali, Mumbai.(Article and Photo used by courtesy of devotee who wrote them)