Sai Mahabhakta Shri.Vinayak Appaji Vaidya belonged to Kayastha Prabhu caste and worked as a Clerk with Bombay Port Trust's Chief Accountant's Office situated at Versova Road, Andheri, Mumbai of Maharashtra State.

He was inspired by Das Ganu Maharaj's Kirtan which prompted him to go to Shirdi. Accordingly he went during Easter Festival in the year 1912. The later visits were only after Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi in the year 1918. He regularly visited Shirdi especially during the festival of Ramanavami.

In the year 1923, Baba appeared in his wife's dream and told her that a case would be brought against her husband Vinayak and that she should tell her husband not to fear. Accordingly, a case was filed against Vinayak. But the final outcome of the case was in Vinayak's favour.

Around the year 1926, Vinayak's brother's daughter aged about 3 years was suffering from fever for the past several days. Despite treated by doctors there was not much relief. The feve hovered around the alarming 105 degrees. Everybody thought that she would pass away. Vinayak gave her Baba's Udhi. Within 3 or 4 days, she recovered completely from fever.

In the year 1927, his wife suffered from Tuberculosis also known as Consumption Disease. She suffered for about 8 months and there was no hope of her recovery. Vinayak took her to Shirdi and within 4 days her fever completely stopped. He immediately returned back to Andheri. However, the fever started bothering her again after about 10 days thereby resulting in relapse of Tuberculosis. Vinayak thought that his wife's condition was hopeless and that he should take her to his village. But, Sai Baba appeared in her dream and said that she would be allright in due course of time. Within fifteen days time, the fever stopped.After this, she began to gain weight as well and recovered completely and gave birth to four children after this incident.

Once on a Thursday in June, Baba appeared before Vinayak's wife and wanted a Patka ( a towel to tie around the head). She had none with her. So she gave him some Rice and Dal. Baba received the alms given by her and disappeared. Vinayak's wife had never seen Sai Baba. However, from the description of the visitor made by her, Vinayak inferred that it must be none other than Sai Baba. Vinayak always thought that Sai Baba was always behind him protecting him in every aspect of his life. Whenever there was some difficulty, He got over them with Baba's help.

In the year 1933, he stayed in Shirdi for about 20 days. He used to get dream visions of Baba. He also experienced the healing powers of Udhi.

Once in 1933, Baba appeared in his dream. Vinayak gave him one rupee. Baba returned the amount back to him and said: "Take as much as you want". Within next one month, Vinayak got promoted to higher position unexpectedly.

(Source:Devotees' Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Parts I, II and III by Poojya Shri.B.V.Narasimha Swamiji)