Devotee biography

Tatya Kote Patil

Bayajabai's son. Called Baba "Mama." Slept beside Baba and Mhalsapati for 14 years. The Vijayadashami 1918 prediction concerned him — Baba's life given in his stead.

Maternal Lineage

Son of Bayajabai, who for years walked koss after koss through the jungle daily carrying a basket of bread and vegetables to feed the wandering young Baba. (Ch. 8)

Intimacy

Tatya called Baba "Mama" (maternal uncle). Their relationship was, in Hemadpant's word, extremely intimate. In the Chavadi procession Tatya helped Baba up by putting his arm under Baba's armpit, threw the gold-embroidered Shela over him to start the procession, held Baba's left hand all the way, and drew flame from the chillim by his breath for Baba's first puff. (Ch. 37)

The Sleeping Arrangement

For fourteen years Tatya slept beside Baba and Mhalsapati in the masjid. He left his parents at home to do so. After his father's death he returned to sleep at his own house. (Ch. 8)

Compliance Tests

When Tatya ignored Baba's order not to go out of the village and drove to the Kopergaon bazar, his Rs. 300 active horse sprained its waist past Sawul well. A similar accident happened on the way to Kolhar. The instructions, given without explanation in advance, were always exactly timed. (Ch. 9)

The 1918 Death-Exchange

Two years before Mahasamadhi, Baba had told the dying Ramachandra Dada Patil at his bedside: "Your hundi has been withdrawn and you will soon recover. But I am afraid of Tatya Patil. He will pass away on Vijayadashami of Shaka 1840." Ramachandra confided in Bala Shimpi only. As Dasara 1918 approached, Tatya did fall gravely ill — and Baba's fever worsened in parallel. On the day, Tatya's death was averted and Baba passed away in his stead. People said Baba gave up his life for Tatya. (Ch. 42)