Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki jai.
The brick that was closely connected with Sai Baba
There is a mention of a brick in Shri Sai Satcharitra . The brick was very dear to Sai Baba and He mourned and cried when the brick was broken. He said that his physical presence was associated with the brick, and as the brick was broken, He too will have to leave this physical.
The brick was His constant companion and was dear to Him since he first came to Shirdi. Sai Baba took care of the brick with great love, affection and respect. Sai Baba in His characteristic way referred the brick as “Her”. Although the brick was earthen she was baked well and was sturdy. The size of the brick was 1 foot in length, 9 inches wide and 3 inches in depth.
Sai Baba while sitting alone in Dwarkamai in noon, would support His hand on this holy brick. At night He would support his head on the brick, using her as pillow.
Mhalsapati and Kashiram Shimpy use to worship Her and perform Mangal snan (holy bath). After the mangal snan they would carefully place her against the pillar adjacent to Dhuni Maa to dry. At night they would wrap her with a clean cloth and gave her to Sai Baba to place his head on Her.
The mention of the brick in Holy script Shri Sai SatCharitra
The brick was dearer to Sai Baba as His life. Sai Baba’s physical presence was closely connected with the brick. So the mention of the brick is make in Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter number 44, Nirayan (leaving the physical body) of Shri SaiNath. 
Some excerpts from the same are given below.
For years there used to be an old brick of Baba’s, on which he rested his head, while sitting in yogasan. Every night in Solitude, Baba used to take support of this brick and spend the time peacefully submerged in the divine self. This practice had continued unhindered for years.
One day while Baba was not in the mosque (Dwarkamai), a young boy was sweeping it. He lifted the brick just a little to sweep underneath it. As it was destined the brick slept from his hand and broke into two pieces.
What Sai Baba said about the brick (mentioned in Sai SatCharitra)
When Sai Baba herd about this, His eyes were full of tears, He was filled with regrets. His heart was torn apart with grief and His throat chocked with emotions. He said, “It is not the brick but the fortune that has broken.”
“The brick, in the company of which, I go into state of Self-absorption, and which was dearer to me as life itself – that companion of mine is broken and I too, cannot remain without it.
“The brick, my companion of lifetime, has gone, leaving me behind.”
Mention of brick in Bhakti SarAmrit written by Das Ganu Maharaj
Das Ganu Maharaj was a Sai Baba devotee who was instrumental in spreading the grace of Sai Baba through his kirtans (singing of bhajans (devotional songs) and Naamsmaran (chanting of God’s or Saint’s name). He also had written few books about Sai Baba and saints. He composed many bhajans dedicated to his Sadguru Shri Sai Baba.
Bhakti SarAmrit written in 1925 A.D., a book written on Sai Baba’s life stories,before Sai Baba visited Shirdi. Das Ganu in an interview taken by Shri Narasimha Swamiji had told that, some facts i.e. autobiographical reminiscences came from Sai Baba’s own mouth. These were few. He had made some inquires about Sai Baba before writing this work and some facts were written from his personal knowledge, while he spent time with Baba.
In the book it is mentioned that Chandodkar was surprised at the Sai’s love for brick. He also
felt that Baba should use a more comfortable pillow, and not the hard brick covered with cloth. So with folded hands, he told, “Baba do not place your head on this brick, I will furnish you with a pillow.”
What Sai Baba said about the brick (mentioned in Bhakti SantAmrit by Das Ganu).
Sainath Maharaj replied to this plea of Nana Chandodkar,
He said, “Nana, the worth of the brick cannot be measured, even if you make lakh of pillows. This brick is my Guru’s gift to me. My dear man, the value of her is greater than that of universe. This brick is the object of my meditation and also my meditation. This brick is my visible life. If it is broken, this body of mine will also die.
Then Baba relates the story behind the brick of how, it was hurled at Him with the intention of killing Him. His Guru suspended the brick in air for one and a half hour. Since the force of brick was destined to hit a head taking the life away from that body, the Sadguru offered His head to the force of the brick. To this Baba said, “This shows, that the saints always suffer, to relive others from their sufferings. They have powers within themselves, but will not manifest their powers.”
“My Sadguru gifted me with this brick.” said Sai Baba. “As my Guru’s feet (charan) touched this brick, i use her as a pillow.” He whose head is at Guru’s feet, His shadow or darkness is also precious. So i place my head at Guru’s feet.”
Sai Baba continued, “Every morning Nana, you and others come and fall at my feet. I dedicate those prostrations to my Guru’s grace. Therefore it is proper for me, to place my head on this brick.”
Where is the broken brick now?
The above question used to come to my mind while my frequent visits to sacred Shirdi, soon after my first experiences in Shirdi. As most of the places gave me good unknown experiences within. There was (and is) a deep love with Sai Baba, Shirdi and things associated with Baba. Today most of the things that Sai Baba used can be seen in the museum in Shirdi. I had searched for the sacred brick every time i visited Shirdi, until i found that the broken brick was placed as pillow of our dear Baba in the Samadhi. I deep sense of grief touches my heart as i wrote the above line, and tears are almost there in the eyes.
Baba i love you.Tears flows as i write this. I cannot imagine the grief of those who laughed and talked with him, at that moment. Om Shri Sai you are always with us.
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