Balasaheb Bhate

Balasaheb Bhate was the Mamlatdar of Kopargaon, the senior revenue officer of the taluka. He was an educated, worldly man who enjoyed life and openly made fun of people who went to see a "mad fakir" in Shirdi. When friends finally persuaded him to visit, Baba's presence changed him completely on the very first day.

Bhate did not want to leave. He extended his stay again and again, took a year's leave, and finally resigned from government service to live in Shirdi near Baba. Baba himself arranged that he receive a pension. Bhate spent his days in study and prayer. Every afternoon he read the Gita, the Dnyaneshwari, the Eknathi Bhagavat and other scriptures in Baba's presence, while other devotees listened.

Baba had Bhate perform rituals that showed his new humility, and the once proud officer happily accepted whatever duty Baba gave him. He remained in Shirdi in Baba's service, and it was Bhate who gave Appasaheb Kulkarni the picture of Baba that Appa worshipped in Thana.