In this rare old photograph we can see how baba's darbar
used to look in the early twentieth century.
devotees some-times used to offer sacred books to Baba
to gain his blessings before embarking on a reading.
Here we see baba (seated) looking at a collection of abhangs
(a type of lyrical poem) by Sant Tukaram - Tukaram Gatha.
The picture of Baba (without the backdrop of
the mosque was published in the first edition
of Sri Sai Sacharitra in 1930

On each side of the lower section of the mosque is a small shed. One contains the palanquin used for processions and the other, until recently, used to house the rath, or chariot, used for festivals.

The chariot was presented by M. B. Rege and Avasthi and used only once during Baba's lifetime, on Gurupoornima 1918. Permission for this was given reluctantly by Baba and he himself never went in it.

With the extension of the Samadhi Mandir in 1999 the chariot was moved and the shed is now used for storing firewood and udi. The other shed (on the right as you face the steps), holds within its fabric a tale of great passion and determination that took place in 1912.

A silver palanquin (not the one that is now used) was acquired by some enthusiastic devotees, led by Radhakrishnayi and R. B. Purandhare, who were resolute that Baba should have some fine royal paraphernalia, despite Baba not wanting it. The palanquin was given by Sadhu Bhaiya Naik from Harda and his two brothers. When it was delivered, Baba shouted his objections and would not allow it to be unwrapped. It remained so for about three months, until Purandhare finally succeeded in persuading Baba to allow it to be opened. Still Baba refused to touch it and did not even want it inside the mosque, whereas the devotees were insisting that Baba climb inside it and use it for the Chavadi procession. After much wrangling, Baba finally gave his padukas (in this case, his sandals) for the purpose and the procession went ahead, but Baba would not allow the palanquin back inside and he never did set foot in it. That night, some silver ornaments were stolen off it. When news of the theft was brought to Baba, he commented that it was a pity the whole thing had not been taken!