The early years of Sai Baba remain a mystery, much like the Shruti and Smriti of sacred lore — known only in essence, not detail. Most accounts suggest he was born around 1838, possibly in Pathri (Maharashtra), though no conclusive record exists. He appeared at the small village of Shirdi, in the Ahmednagar district of the then Bombay Presidency, as a young fakir clothed in simple attire. At first, Baba lived under a neem tree — now the revered Gurusthan — before moving into a dilapidated mosque, which he lovingly called Dwarkamai. Over the years, this humble setting became the spiritual heart of Shirdi, where people of all faiths gathered to seek guidance, healing, and divine grace.