1920s : Meher Baba garlanded during a darshan event. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
1920s : Meher Baba garlanded during a darshan event. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

 

ESTABLISHING  HIS  CENTRE

 

1924 - Part B

 

Chapter 7 :

 

 British-India flag
British-India flag
The map shows all the trips Meher Baba made from Aug. to Dec. 2024. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
The map shows all the trips Meher Baba made from Aug. to Dec. 2024. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

1.                                              INTRODUCTION

 

 

The story of Meher Baba's advent continues from Chapter 6.

 

This web page / chapter 7, will follow Meher Baba ( Merwan Irani ) in the second-half of  1924 with his first close group of both male & female followers.

 

The beginning of this page continues the story from the previous page, Chapter 6 with Meher Baba and his first group of men mandali ( close ones ) residing in different locations such as Quetta, Karachi, Bombay, Poona, Lonavla and in Ahmednagar. There were some long distance walks and trips throughout India in rapid succession, Baba not quite settling down in the area near Arangaon village, which was later known as Meherabad.

 

Click on images and maps to enlarge them, also click on the under-scored names to visit their web-pages.

 

 

 

                               1924  JULY - DECEMBER

 

CONTENT : 1.   INTRODUCTION

                     2.  JOURNEY TO SOUTHERN INDIA

                     3.  TRIP TO CALCUTTA

                     4 VISIT TO KASHMIR

                     5.  VISIT TO BARODA

                     6.  VISIT TO GOA

                     7.  RETURN TO MEHERABAD

                     8.  LIVING IN BOMBAY

                     9.  TRIP TO BELGAUM

                     

 

Page references are marked RD ( Ramjoo's Diary ) & LM ( Lord Meher ).

Click on the following button to visit the previous page in Meher Baba's Advent.

 

 

 

2.                JOURNEY TO SOUTHERN INDIA

 

 

Map showing a part of Southern India that Meher Baba travelled. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map showing a part of Southern India that Meher Baba travelled. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
1920s : Madras Central Railway Station.. Image rendered by Anthony Zois.
1920s : Madras Central Railway Station.. Image rendered by Anthony Zois.

 

 

Meher Baba departed Poona in the *early-afternoon of 2nd August for Raichur by train  ( central southern India ). Many had come to the railway station to see Baba and his 4 men companions.

They were ; Beheramji Irani, Padri Driver, Gustadji Hansotia and Baily Irani.

Soon afterwards, Baba changed his mind and wanted to go to Madras ( Chennai ) instead, so the difference of the rail tickets was paid. They arrived at 9:30 am on the *3rd Aug. at Madras Central Station, they moved then to the Shaikh Sidiqui Choultry rest house near the station.

Madras ( now Chennai ) is on the southern-east coast of India.

 

Here, Baba made preparations to visit Porto Novo ( Parangipettai ) on India's south-east coast, south of Madras, which recently had devastating floods, causing damage to lives and property. They left the following night 4th Aug. for the Madras Beach station of the S.I. Railway.

Upon arrival, there were vast crowds clamouring to travel and after many attempts to purchase tickets, they discovered that there were none available, so they returned to the rest house.

 

RD p353-5

 

Please note : The book "Ramjoo's Diary" does not state who is actually the diary keeper for this journey.  *The book mistakenly gave an arrival time in Madras of 9:30pm 3rd Aug. Travelling at an average of about 50-60 kms an hour for 1,092 kms, the arrival time in Madras would be 9:30am, 3rd.Aug. A 12 hour difference.

Times & distances are shown in the next section below. Webmaster

 

August 1924 Historical Time

 

1st Aug : Born - Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2015 

2nd Aug : Born - Carroll O'Connor (John Carroll O'Connor), American TV actor known for portraying Queens resident Archie Bunker in the situation comedy All in the Family, and other films. (d. 2001)

-- James Baldwin, American novelist, non-fiction author and playwright known for the novel Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), and the book Notes of a Native Son (1955); in Harlem, New York City (d. 1987)

3rd Aug : Amanullah Khan, King of Afghanistan, declared a jihad war against six tribes who had commenced the Khost rebellion,

-- A group of 150 Soviet troops crossed the border into Poland and attacked the town of Stołpce.

Died : Joseph Conrad (pen name for Józef Konrad Korzeniowski), 66, Polish-born British novelist known for Lord Jim and other works.

4th Aug : The first Women's International and British Games, also called the "Women's Olympiad", was held in London with women from six European nations (Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Switzerland at the UK) competing.

 

 

 BEHERAM H. IRANI        PADRI DRIVER             GUSTADJI HANSOTIA            BAILY IRANI

Madras Egmore ( Beach ) Station of the S.I. Railway. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
Madras Egmore ( Beach ) Station of the S.I. Railway. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

The following railway station name signs are in order of travelling from Poona to Ooty.

 

The distance between Poona and Madras by train  is about 1,095 kms / 680 miles. This takes between 18.5 & 19.5 hours by today's trains.

The distance between Madras and Ooty by train is about 503 kms / 312 miles. This takes about 15 hours today.

The total one way is about 1,600 kms / 990 miles and takes about 33-35 hours today's trains.

The Madras sign was not available to be included with the other signs below.

Some of the towns travelled through by Meher Baba will also have a web page for them with extra details featured.

 

Total trip: 2,101 kms / 1,304 miles

 

Early 1900s ; Madras. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Early 1900s ; Madras. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

 August continued ...

 

The next day, 5th August they decided to go to Nilgiri Hills instead, some 330 miles away (532 kms). This is located on the western side of southern India, south of Mysore (Mysuru). They departed on the 5th Aug. at 6:30pm for Ooty, travelling 3rd class. Baba slept that night on part of a bench.

 

Some time in the early morning, they thought they were heading towards Metropalayam Junction (Mettupalaiyam), but they found they were heading in another direction, because while they slept, their carriage was attached to another train. They eventually arrived at this junction on the 6th. Baba referred to this place as "Petroleum".

 

RD p355

 

July 1924 Historical Time

 

5th Aug : The German delegation, including Chancellor Wilhelm Marx and Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann, joined the London reparations conference.

 

Map shows the train route from Madras to Ooty-Nilgiri Hills. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the train route from Madras to Ooty-Nilgiri Hills. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

Baba had a bad stomach upset during this travelling. At 12:15pm, they changed to the miniature train on a narrow rail gauge, to take them up to the hills, reaching Ooty at 3:30pm and at a height of 7,250 feet (2,210 metres) above sea level, and it was very cold.

 

There were no suitable hotel lodgings anywhere, those that were available, were too unsanitary. They sought permission and they slept the night in an empty train carriage parked on a siding. They left Ooty at 6:20pm after touring the nearby area and returned by train to Coonoor at 7:45pm.

 

That night, Baba had a fever all night, and by the next morning 7th August, he insisted on walking, to "Petroleum", some 21 miles (34 kms) away, leaving at 7:20am. Along the way, they had lunch and Baba told Padri "Don't ever become a Baba if you can help it".

 

RD p356

 

 

Map : Train Route to Ooty from Madras. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map : Train Route to Ooty from Madras. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map showing both Rail & Road routes from Coimbatore to Ooty. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map showing both Rail & Road routes from Coimbatore to Ooty. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

Although this whole area consisted mainly of tea plantations, all of the tea produced went for export, and only coffee was offered at all of the stops. Baba consumed nothing the whole way. They reached Kellar (Kalla) station after trekking for 16 miles ( 26 kms) and they covered the remaining 5 miles (8 kms) by train to Metropalayam.

They returned to Madras by train without incident arriving at 8:30am on 8th August.

After arriving, they stayed in one of the traveller's hotels. One of the men travelling with Meher Baba- Baily Irani, said he had enough and was sent back to Poona with some excess luggage by train.

 

The other 3 men went with Baba to the Central Madras Railway Station on the 9th and departing at 8am. The men were Padri, Beheramji & Gustadji.

 

RD p.357-8

LM p.666

 

 

 

3.                         TRIP TO CALCUTTA

 

Meher Baba and his men arrived at Howrah, a suburb of Calcutta at 5 pm, 11th August. They first went to the Moghuls Hotel near the station, staying on the 1st Floor, but the place was filthy, so they moved to the Punjabi Hotel taking a 2nd class room. It was very run-down but clean compared to the others. That night they took a joy ride and did some sight-seeing for 2 hours before returning to their hotel.

 

 

Map shows the Train route from Madras to Howrah, West Bengal State. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the Train route from Madras to Howrah, West Bengal State. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

            Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa                      Swami Vivekananda

 

August continued ...

 

The next morning - 12th August, they went to Dakshineshwar after crossing the Hooghly River in a launch, to a place associated with Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa ( 1836-1886) were his disciple - Swami Vivekananda's lived. When they arrived they saw a blind beggar sitting, very neglected, in a dirty place. Baba and his men removed him, cleaned him, then fed and placed him in a better place. They then proceeded to Ramakrishna's Mission visiting  Belur Math the main temple of the Mission, which is situated by the shores of the river.

Baba instructed his men to pay their respects at the room which was once occupied by Shri Ramakrishna. The other rooms were occupied by Vivekananda and others of their circle. They also visited a small tomb which had a small photo of Ramakrishna, Baba gave the caretaker some instructions on how to do devotional exercises. They then returned to their hotel.

 

LM p.670

RD p.358

 

Madras to Howrah : 1,661 kms / 1,032 miles ( rail )

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshineswar_Kali_Temple

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramakrishnahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Vivekananda

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belur_Math

Howrah Station in 1920s. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
Howrah Station in 1920s. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
Map showing parts of Howrah & Calcutta. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map showing parts of Howrah & Calcutta. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

 

 

4.                         TRIP TO  KASHMIR  

 

                     13th August - 9th September

 

 

 On the 12th August at 7:30pm, Meher Baba and his 3 men left Calcutta from Howrah Station for Hardwar ( Haridwar ), taking 2 days  to reach. The next day, they changed into the O. & R. Railway at Moghul Sarai Junction, near Benares,  They arrived at Hardwar on the 14th August.

 

They went to a Hindu travellers' house, but there were no available rooms. However, they were allowed to stay in one part of the verandah. After some time they went to bathe in the sacred Ganges River, but the water at the bathing steps were in a muddied condition, so they returned to the shelter.

 

* Howrah to Hardwar : 1,517 kms / 943 miles ( rail )

 

 

Map shows the train route from Howrah to Hardwar. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the train route from Howrah to Hardwar. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Hardwar and the Ganges River
Hardwar and the Ganges River

 

August continued ...

 

They later hired a Ford taxi car to take them to Rishikesh, about 14 miles / 23kms away, where a number of ascetics lived. The car was very run-down, especially the seats which were torn. In addition, the tyres began deflating and the engine had problems. They decided to take a more costlier and better car instead.

The road was rough and zig-zagged all the way to Rishikesh. When they arrived, Baba bowed to many pilgrims and lepers as he had been doing throughout his tour.

He also had a conversation with an ascetic known as Nepali Baba.

From there they walked to the foot of the Himalayan to a rope bridge ( about 9 miles / 15kms), and then proceeded to the village of * Laxman Zula ( known as the Cradle of Luxman ).

At 1pm, they went back to Hardwar. Once there, they planned a foot journey to Sakori.

Adi and Vajifdar were telegrammed with instructions for Vajifdar to meet them at Lakhsar

( Laskar ) .

 

* The modern name is Lakshman Jhula & the Rope bridge is now a Suspension bridge named the Janki Bridge. A point of interest, near the village is the ashram the Beatles attended in early 1968.

LM p.671

RD p.359

 

Note : The 284 ft rope bridge that Baba crossed the Ganges river was washed away 2 months after his visit. A suspension bridge was built in 1930.

 

The property that the Beatles & other celebrities visited in 1968 for meditation, is now a tiger's reserve.

 

* Hardwar to Rishikesh : 17 kms / 11 miles ( road )

* Rishikesh to Laxman Zula : 13 kms / 8 miles ( road )

Total return : 30 kms / 19 miles

 

  Howrah to Hardwar : 1,517 kms / 943 miles ( rail )

 

Rishikesh with the the Lakshma Jhula Bridge & the Ganges River.
Rishikesh with the the Lakshma Jhula Bridge & the Ganges River.
Maps shows the road route from Hardwar Railway Station to Rishikesh. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Maps shows the road route from Hardwar Railway Station to Rishikesh. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Feb.1968 : The Beatles and their patrners & others at the Maharishi Ashram in Rishikesh.
Feb.1968 : The Beatles and their patrners & others at the Maharishi Ashram in Rishikesh.

 

 

5.                         TRIP TO  BARODA 

 

 

August continued ...

 

The next morning 15th August, at 6am, they went to the nearby railway station to wash themselves, because it was too dirty where they were staying. After washing up and having tea, Baba was still not eating. They began their walk towards Lakhsar ( Laskar )

Baba was not doing very well, but they continued, but with a heavy kit and a hot sun, they only achieved 10 miles. On arrival at Pathri Railway station, they camped in a meadow. Later on meeting some sadhus, Baba bowed down to them and gave advice. Padri removed a thorn deeply lodged in one of the sadhu's leg and bandaged it.

 

LM p.671-5

RD p.359-362

 

 

Satellite map showing the path they walked from Hardwar & Pathri, then by train to Moradabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Satellite map showing the path they walked from Hardwar & Pathri, then by train to Moradabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

           PADRI  DRIVER                      SADASHIV PATEL                       HORMUZD VAJIFDAR

 

 

August continued ...

 

The next morning, 16th August, Baba was still not well; he had no sleep, but he still led the walk, leaving at 5:45am. After 4 miles, a long haired Muslim man approached Baba, and shook his hand before continuing. Baba said he was a 'Abdul', a spiritual agent for Baba's spiritual work. It then started to rain and they took shelter in a cabin near the tracks. They had breakfast, and when the rain stopped, they continued their walk.

 

Baba broke his fast after he had some hot chutney which he consumed to eliminate his dysentery. They reached Lakhsar at 1pm. After their 9 mile walk, they washed themselves at a public well, ate lunch at a Hindu restaurant and then rested at waiting room of the Railway station. Later they sought accommodation at a nearby Hindu resting place, but the stench of nearby gutters forced them to return to the Station, where they were allowed to stay for 2 days.

 

The next day, 17th August, Sadashiv Patel was telegrammed to meet them in Benares. Baba spent his time in the town looking for sadhus, bowing, etc. Vajifdar arrived at 4am on the 18th. They were all in agreement to end the foot journey and take the train for Moradabad at 1:30pm, arriving there at 6pm. It was estimated that Baba had bowed down to 5,000 pilgrims in the previous weeks.

 

In this town, Baba went looking for more sadhus. They met a 'mast' - God intoxicated man, who had not moved from his seated position for 4 years, defecating where he sat. They tried to bath him but he refused.

 

LM p.671-5

RD p.359-362

 

* Hardwar to Pathri : 13 kms / 8 miles ( road - walked )

* Pathri to Laksar : 14 kms / 9 miles ( road - walked )

 

 

 

Map shows the rail route from Laksar to Moradabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the rail route from Laksar to Moradabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

They then departed for Bhopal the next day, 19th August, changing at Lucknow. Padri was sent to Benares to meet with Sadashiv, and from there he was to proceed to Baroda, where they would all join up.

 

* Laksa to Moradabad  - 141 kms / 88 miles ( rail )

 

 

Map shows the next stage of the rail journey between Moradabad & Lucknow. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the next stage of the rail journey between Moradabad & Lucknow. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

Baba and the remaining men, changed trains at Jhansi and arrived in Bhopal on 20th Aug. in the afternoon, Baba again went to look for sadhus. Adi arrived from Ahmednager and pleaded with Baba to end his wandering and to come back to Meherabad. That night they left for Ratlam, Beheramji was sent ahead to Baroda (Vadodara) to make arrangements.

 

LM p.671-5

RD p.359-362

Note : The above paragraph mentions 3 distinct rail sections between Lucknow & Ratlam. The following list mentions these rail sections of this journey.

 

* Lucknow to Jhansi : 312 kms / 194 miles ( rail )

* Jhansi to Bhopal : 292 kms / 141 miles ( rail )

* Bhopal to Ratlam : 285 kms / 177 miles ( rail )

 

Map shows the continuing train journey from Lucknow to Jhansi. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the continuing train journey from Lucknow to Jhansi. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map show the train journey continuing from Jhansi to Bhopal, Ujjain & Ratlam. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map show the train journey continuing from Jhansi to Bhopal, Ujjain & Ratlam. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

 

August continued ...

 

On the train to Baroda, Baba's health suffered so, after arriving, they decided to rest in Baroda for a couple of nights. They reached Ratlam in the morning of 22nd August. Here again, Baba walked about the train seeking sadhus and bowing down to them. They left Ratlam and reached Baroda at 8pm with all the men staying in the Gujarat Hindu Lodge in the Syaii Gunj.

 

Here Baba stated "After journeying to Mt. Abu, our tour will end and we will return to Meherabad and settle down".

Everyone was glad to hear that. Adi was sent back to Ahmednagar.

In Baroda, they went sightseeing, visiting the Maharaj's palace, museums, art gallery, etc.

 

Baba changed his plan stating "We will settle in the village of Sinhgarh near Poona. Sinhgarh is a suitable place for the permanent mandali to live. There we all can lead a quiet life since it is secluded and conveniently located with plenty of water. And, besides, it is Babajan's territory !"

 

LM p.675-6

RD p.363

 

* Ratlam to Baroda : 262 kms / 163 miles ( rail )

 

Map shows the rail journey between Ratlam & Baroda. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the rail journey between Ratlam & Baroda. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

Meher Baba left 2 days later on 24th August at 10pm, and arrived in Ujjain on the 25th at 1pm. Later they found many sadhus on the banks of the Sipra (Shipra) River, lepers were there as well. Money was distributed to them after Baba bowed down to them.

Nearby there was a Shiva Temple on the banks, with some sadhus in a hut next to it. They later left Ujjain at 4pm and arrived at Mortakka south of Indore at 10pm, the same day.

 

*The nearest railway station to Mortakka is called Omkareshwar Road Railway Station.

 

* Baroda to Ujjain : 358 kms / 222 miles ( rail )

* Ujjain to Mortakka : 109 kms / 68 miles ( rail )

 

Temples & Bathing steps at the Shipra River, Ujjain
Temples & Bathing steps at the Shipra River, Ujjain
Map shows the rail journey from Baroda to Ujjain, then to Indore & Mortakka. Map graphice by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the rail journey from Baroda to Ujjain, then to Indore & Mortakka. Map graphice by Anthony Zois.
 Metre Gauge train passing over the Narmada river near Omkareshwar Road railway station.
Metre Gauge train passing over the Narmada river near Omkareshwar Road railway station.

 

August continued ...

 

They slept on the railway platform  and the next morning, 26th August, they rode on a bullock cart to Omkareshwar ( an island in the Namada River ) some 9 miles away to the East; a famous Hindu place of pilgrimage "Mandhata" where Upasni Maharaj had meditated and entered a state of 'samadhi', which then led him to contact Perfect Masters Narayan Maharaj and Sai Baba.

Meanwhile, Padri had dysentery and had remained in the town, Baba was quite ill as well.

 

LM p.677

RD p.364

 

* Mortakka to Omkareshwar : 15 kms / 9 miles ( road - bullock cart )

Total return : 964 kms / 599 miles

 

 

Perfect Masters : Upasni Maharaj        Sai Baba of Shirdi                 Narayan Maharaj

Map show the train line from Ujjain & the road to Omkareshwar & Mandhata. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map show the train line from Ujjain & the road to Omkareshwar & Mandhata. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
An aerial view of Mandhata Island. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
An aerial view of Mandhata Island. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
People bathing in the Namada River at Omkareshwar.
People bathing in the Namada River at Omkareshwar.

 

 

26th August continued ...

 

In Omkareshwar, Baba met a Bengali 'pundit' ( a priest or scholar) named Nirmal Ananda Swami; the locals called him 'Mahatma' - a great soul.  Baba spoke in English with the Swami, telling him to disguise himself  so Baba could seek out other sadhus in the area, with his help. Sadhus were found and Baba bowed down to them.

Baba told Sadashiv to bathe in the Narmada River.

They returned to Mortakka ( Omkareshwar Road Railway Station ) at 10pm and departed for Baroda immediately.

The next day 27th August, when Baba's train halted briefly, a Muslim man insisted on meeting 'this man', Baba. After he had taken a block of opium with a chapatti, he shook his hand and started to loudly praise the virtues of Mt. Abu, Baba was impressed by this man and decided to go there.

 

Later that night, they all arrived again in Baroda  and stayed in the same hotel as before. Sadashiv returned to Poona on the same train.

 

LM p.677

RD p.364

 

Map shows rail & road routes to Pavagad Hill temples. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows rail & road routes to Pavagad Hill temples. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

The next afternoon, 28th August at 4pm, they walked to Pavagarh ( Pavagad ) town and further along reached the foot of the mountain ( Pavagarh Hills ) at 9pm. They made their way through a narrow jungle path reaching a dharmashla and rested for the night. A local policeman urged them all to sleep indoors due to wild animals roaming the jungle.

On the 29th, they awoke at 6am and soon began climbing the steep mountain. Fog had settled during their trek, and Baba was still very sick with his stomach, but he kept a brisk pace, stopping for tea a couple of times. After climbing for 3 miles, they reached the summit and the Hindu temple ( Kalika Mata Temple ) at the top, which was dedicated to 'Kali' - the mother of the Universe.

 

Baba and the Mandali went into the temple and bowed down to the 'Divine Mother'.

Beyond the temple was the tomb of a Muslim saint *Sajjan Shah Wali, Baba led the men inside and they bowed down on the saint's tomb.

They then hiked to the ruin fort of Pavaghad. They all took in the scenic views of the mountain range and valley and then Baba talked to the men sbout whether they should move there permanently or at the Sinhgad forts near Poona. They then descended the mountain at 12pm and had lunch. They then returned to Baroda at 8:15pm, staying at the Gujarat Lodge.

 

Baroda to Pavaghad : 55 kms / 34 miles ( rail & walked )

Total return : 110 kms / 68 miles

 

 

Map is a close up of the Pavagarh Hill Temple area. Map grathics by Anthony Zois.
Map is a close up of the Pavagarh Hill Temple area. Map grathics by Anthony Zois.
This is the original temple that Meher Baba visited, it was later destroyed in 2022 and replaced with a more Hindu theme design.
This is the original temple that Meher Baba visited, it was later destroyed in 2022 and replaced with a more Hindu theme design.

 

 Webmaster

 

In the original text in both publications of Ramjoo Diaries & Lord Meher Vol 2, they mention going to Mt. Abu from Pavaghad. The actual location of Mt. Abu in Rajasthan is some 343 kms / 213 miles away. What I believe they were actually implying was that the mount at Pavaghad is the Gujarat version of the actual Mt. Abu. The mention of Mt. Abu in text from the start of the first paragraph above, was removed.

* There is no mention of Sajjan Shah Wali's tomb at Pavagadh, but there was of Sadan Shah Pir.

Sajjan Shah Wali's tomb is located in Jalgaon, some 443 kms / 275 miles away from Baroda.

 

The old structure when Baba visited in 1924 contained both temples, but in 2022 the tomb of Sadan Shah Pir was dismantled and moved elsewhere and a whole new temple was built. This is part of the Hindu Nationalist policy to ancient shrines.

In the original texts, it's stated they "hiked to a fort" after visiting the temple.

Not sure where this fort is, possibly near Champaner.

The road-path from the village of Pavaghad to the Kalika Mata Temple is a long convoluted trek, especially a century ago, due to the terrain.

 

 

Map of India with marker.                                  Topographical maps of Pavaghad Mount

1924 Map shows the final stage - Baroda to Bombay, of his huge India trip. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
1924 Map shows the final stage - Baroda to Bombay, of his huge India trip. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.

 

August continued ...

 

The next day, 30th August, Baba said to the men " Oh God, I am not a Baba!" and then cried out "It is you who have bestowed Baba-hood upon me ! Now sadhus and saints want to crush me !"

It appeared later, all these calls, etcetera, were just Baba goading Padri who was 21 y.o.

He had many disturbing thoughts about spirituality ever since he took the animals- Sufi & Saint to Upasni Maharaj, who would abuse him terribly, this had shaken Padri, very much.

 

On the 9th September, Baba left Baroda after 18 days and headed for Bombay by train. Adi was telegraphed instructing him to meet them at Vajidfar's home in the Irani Mansion in Dadar. They stayed there for a week; a permanent residence still was not decided.

 

 * Baroda to Bombay : 394 kms / 244 miles ( rail )

Total trip : Hardwar to Bombay : 2,817 kms / 1,750 miles

 

 

 

 

6.                         TRIP TO  GOA  

 

The map shows the rail route from Bombay to Marmagoa, Goa via Poona. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
The map shows the rail route from Bombay to Marmagoa, Goa via Poona. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the various routes taken to get to Panjim, Goa. Map graphics by AnthonyZois.
Map shows the various routes taken to get to Panjim, Goa. Map graphics by AnthonyZois.

 

 

September continued ...

 

After a few days, Baba decided to go, by train, to Goa with some of the Mandali by train. Padri stayed in Bombay, but Vajidfar, Gustadji, Beheramji and Masaji left for Panjim, via Poona, on the 14th September, travelling on the M. & S.M. rail line. They halted in Londa, due to Vajidfar's fever.

 

When they arrived at Castle Rock Station, all their luggage, except for Baba's bed roll, was disinfected using steam. On the way to Marmagao, they viewed the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Masaji was looking after Vajidfar. They left the train at the port of Marmagao, and then took a steam-boat, taking a couple of hours to get to Panjim. They stayed at a Christian hotel.

There were many churches in Goa, especially the Good Jesus Basilica, which contained the mummified body of Francis Xavier, who's revered as a saint. Baba made an extensive tour of the church, even climbing the dark stairs to the high dome.

 

LM p.680

RD p.365

 

Note : In the original text, it's stated they visited the 3 Waterfalls. The actual waterfalls they did visit were the Dudhsagar Falls, sometimes referred to as 4 Waterfalls. The 3 Waterfalls are located over 200 miles further south.

 

 

* Bombay to Poona : 169 kms / 105 miles ( rail )

* Poona to Londa : 468 kms / 291 miles ( rail )

* Londa to Mormugao : 109 kms / 68 miles ( rail )

* Mormugao to Panjim : 11 kms / 7 miles ( boat )

 

Total : 757 kms / 470 miles

Total return to Bombay : 1,514 kms / 940 miles

 

 Click on images to enlarge and descriptions

Map shows the rail route takem between Bombay & Ahmednagar, then by road to Meherabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the rail route takem between Bombay & Ahmednagar, then by road to Meherabad. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Photo by Bif Soper. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
Photo by Bif Soper. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

 

7.                     RETURN TO  MEHERABAD  

 

 

October 1924

 

After staying in Goa for 3 days, they left on the 3rd October, returning to Bombay via the same route by which they arrived. They arrived in Bombay on the 4th October, where they stayed initially at the Irani Mansions. During October and November, Baba travelled several times between Bombay and Ahmednagar. The plan to move to Sinhgad was stopped.

 

Meher Baba started to visit a cotton mill named Akbar Press, in Ahmednagar, which was the family home of Nusserwan Satha.  Baba's mail would be addressed there and Nusserwan would forward it to him at Meherabad. In the years that followed, the Satha and later the Jessawala families became very significant in Baba's life.

Later, the 2 men who were leaders of Arangaon, the town nearest to Meherabad, introduced the villagers to Meher Baba.

 

On 18th November, Baba observed silence for a week, staying in his Jhopdi / hut which was locked, while Padri kept watch all day outside. Everyone kept away from him, except Padri.

 

Bombay to Poona to Dhond to Ahmednagar to Meherabad : 328 kms / 204 miles

Return distance : 656 kms / 407 miles

X 3 visits =  1,968 kms / 1,221 miles ( 3 times return - each visit 656 kms )

 

 

                         PADRI  DRIVER                                                 NAOSHERWAN SATHA

Present-day map shows Ahmednagar with Meherabad & Arangaon nearby. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Present-day map shows Ahmednagar with Meherabad & Arangaon nearby. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
1900s : Ahmednagar Railway Station. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
1900s : Ahmednagar Railway Station. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

 

 

8.                       LIVING IN BOMBAY 

 

December 1924

 

In the first week of December, Baba travelled with Padri, Masaji and Gustadji to Bombay. They rented a room at the Bharucha Building, and stayed there into January 1925.

 

Baba had arranged, prior to his visit to Persia, for Mehera, Naja and Daulat to come and stay with him, and share a room. They were to cook the meals. Baba was still fasting and occasionally ate, but he remained on liquids, mostly warm water mixed with sugar.

 

 

 

Map shows a portion of Bombay with the Victoria Gardens which Meher Baba visited during December 1924.
Map shows a portion of Bombay with the Victoria Gardens which Meher Baba visited during December 1924.

      DAULAT IRANI                 MEHERA IRANI                    NAJA IRANI           CHANJI DADACHANJI

 

 

December continued.....

 

One day in December, Baba instructed Chanji to take Mehera, Naja and Daulat to see a film at his Madelaine Cinema, which he owned. They were wearing ordinary saris and as they were leaving, Baba remarked to them, "Have you all turned into nuns ? Do clothes have any connection with spirituality ? NO !  Change your clothes and then let's go! "

 

The ladies were happy, putting on their finest saris and they went with Baba to the cinema.

Baba only watched half the film and they returned to their residency. During this month, Chanji was asked to sell his cinema, and after disposing of all of his worldly possessions, to come and stay permanently with the Mandali.

 

During December, Baba would take walks in the Victoria Gardens every day for a week along with Mehera, Khorshed, Dina and Soonamasi. One day, as he was coming down through the planes, he pointed to a bench in the park. A man accused him of staring at his family. The ladies all laughed. He later kept silent for another week and no-one was to enter his room. Gustadji kept watch. This was the 4th time ha had kept silent, twice in May at the Jhopdi, once in November and now in December.

 

LM p.683-6

 

     KHORSHED                  SOONAMASI              DINA TALATI                 MADELAINE CINEMA        

 

 

 

9.                       TRIP TO  BELGAUM

 

Map shows the rail route from Bombay to Belgaum via Poona. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows the rail route from Bombay to Belgaum via Poona. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
1910s - A Guard of Honour at Belgaum Railway Station. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
1910s - A Guard of Honour at Belgaum Railway Station. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

 

December continued....

 

A 'Qawaali' musical programme was held outside their house, with Baba listening to it. Baba recited the whole programme to the women, he had a melodious voice and said "One should get so drowned in the love of the Divine Beloved, that one is unaware of anything else. There is no rule underlying this path except for the lover to consider the Divine Beloved's pleasure as his own".

 

Later in December, Baba travelled to Belgaum in the south of Bombay with only his uncle Masaji, and after roaming the town, they returned to Bombay.

 

LM p.687

RD p.366

 

* Bombay to Belgaum : 596 kms / 370 miles ( rail )

Total return to Bombay : 1,192 kms / 740 miles

 

 

August to end December 2024 Travelling

 

Poona to Madras & Sth India tour : 2,101 kms / 1,304 miles ( rail & walking )

Madras to Howrah : 1,661 kms / 1,032 miles ( rail )

Howrah to Hardwar : 1,517 kms / 943 miles ( rail )

Hardwar to Bombay : 2,817 kms / 1,750 miles ( rail & walking )

Bombay to Goa return : 1,514 kms / 940 miles ( rail & boat )

Bombay to Ahmednagar : 1,968 kms / 1,221 miles ( 3 times return - each 656 kms )

Bombay to Belgaum return : 1,192 kms / 740 miles ( rail )

 

TOTAL DISTANCE : 12,770 kms /  7,935 miles

 

 

 

This concludes the very hectic year of 1924.

 

 

 

 

The following map illustrates all the trips Meher Baba made within British India in all 1924.

 

Map shows all the trips made in India in 1924. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
Map shows all the trips made in India in 1924. Map graphics by Anthony Zois.
 1925 : Meher Baba with Naosherwan Sathar holding the umbrella at Meherabad, India. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.
1925 : Meher Baba with Naosherwan Sathar holding the umbrella at Meherabad, India. Image rendition by Anthony Zois.

 

 

 

REFERENCE  BOOKS

 

The reference books that were used on this webpage : 

 

Lord Meher Vol.2          - Bhau Kalchuri          pages 589 - 687

Ramjoo's Diary             -  Ramjoo Abdulla        pages 352 - 367

The Perfect Master      - Charles B. Purdom   pages 67 - 72

The God-Man                - Charles B. Purdom   pages 46 - 49

 

 

 

Posted : 3rd April 2024