Well known Author and Freedom fighter late Shri.Maganlal Tapidas Jarmanwala was born in a mediocre family in Surat on 16th October 1922. He lost his father at a very early age and was brought up by his mother under severe poverty. Hence, his student life was curtailed and he studied upto 4th standard in Gujarati Medium. In spite of all these hurdles, he dreamt of becoming a good Writer. Since his childhood, he started writing small poetries. At a very young age of 20 years, he actively joined the “freedom movement of India”. Thus, he served the Country for many years of his life. During his participation in freedom movement, the British Government many times sentencsentenced him and sent him to jail. However, he was never overpowered by them. Recognizing his qualities of Patriotism and his involvement in freedom movement, the then Prime Minster of India Smt.Indira Gandhi awarded a 'Tamrapatra' (a trophy) to him.

By nature he was candid, an out spoken man with a noble heart who always lead the way of truthfulness. He stood firmly and never left his craving of writing despite many ups and downs and hurdles in his personal as well as public life. Along with discharging his Social responsibility, he never stopped writing. In this way, he wrote many books on Spirituality and other subjects.

His last, unique and precious work is the magnum opus 'Shri Sai Sarovar' book in Gujarati language. After completion of this book, on 7th January 1991, he suffered a massive heart attack and left to the heavenly abode. But he gave Sai devotees precious and divine gift in the form of “Shri Sai Sarovar” which will be remembered for ever.

The author had distributed approximately 45000 numbers of 'Shri Sai Sarovar and other Gujarati Books written by him free of cost to the people as a part of his contribution towards Social Service initiative. His other Guajarati works include 'Maa Amba', 'BahucharKhyati', 'Surat ni Guide', 'Sant Nirmaladasaji', 'Tapi na Tirtho'( in two editions), 'Renuka Bhavani ', 'Maa Bahusmarana', 'Giranari Krupa', 'Surate Shirdi', Sai Zalak part 1 and 2 (in to editions)', etc.

The author emphasizes and writes that 'Shri Sai Sarovar' is a creation as per the divine motivation and directions provided by Shri Sai Baba Himself and that nothing is added from his own imagination. This magnum opus work avoids cumbersome religious rituals and fructifies like 'KALPAVRIKSHA'. The only perquisite required are faith and patience in Shri Sai Baba.

The first publication of 'Shri Sai Sarovar' was done during year 1986-87. It was highly praised and welcomed during year 1990 at congregation of Akhil Bharatiya Sai Bhakta Sammelan which was held at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Many great Writers, Poets, Officers, Saints and great souls participated in this conference. The author was awarded and felicitated with the title 'Shri Sai Sahitya Ratna' at the conference.

Author's children feel proud to be born to such a patriot freedom fighter and spiritual writer.

About Shri Sai Sarovar Book

'Shri Sai Sarovar' Book is not just a divine on the life and techings of Sai Baba, but it is the largest available treatise on the life and teachings of Shri Sai baba published in Guajarati language. This magnum opus has been brought out by the author in two volumes. vol.1 and vol. 2.

There are many books written on Shri Sai Baba and are available in the market. But this book is a very unique composition. Most of the tales, episodes have been provided with maximum possible accurate details like day, dates, time & horoscopes etc. The author has carried out extensive research on Shri Sai Baba's Biography. Incidents related to Sadguru 'Shri Sai Baba', many other contemporary Saints, Mahatmas, Rishimuni's and ardent disciples of 'Shri Sai baba' have been described in detail in the two volumes of 'Shri Sai Sarovar '.

The book encompasses many short biography and episodes on Godavari Maa of Sakori village, Shri Rang Avadhut Maharaj , Sant Shri Girnariji, the devoted worshiper of Gayatri Shri Shantavanaji Maharaj , Sant Shri Mounibaba, Sant Shri Narmadanandji Maharaj (of Shri Datta Ashram, Uchhali), Shri Sai Baba's near and dear Saint 'Sant Shri Sai Sharananandji Maharaj. Besides this, Parsi Sai Bhakt Shri Limaji Darasha Gandhi of Bharuch (who was the coordinator of Shirdi Trust) and Shri Madrasi Swami handed over very old and carefully preserved treasure of literatures related to Shri Sai Baba to the author of this book and thus contributed and helped in the writing of this magnum opus work 'Shri Sai Sarovar'.

Shri.Dabholkarji, Shri.Dasganu Maharaj, Shri Vaman Rao Gokhale, Shri Balkrishna Dev, Professor Shri.Narake who were also prolific Writers and remained near and dear of Shri Sai Baba. The author studied in depth their literature as well which helped him immensely in writing this book 'Shri Sai Sarovar'.

Also, since the year 1910, an advocate from Amaravati Shri.Ganesh Rao Krishna Rao Khaparde used to write daily diary titled 'Shirdi Diary', describing daily activities of Baba and other activities pertaining to the then 'Shirdi village. The same was also studied in depth by the author and its essence has been stuffed in the two volumes. The author had procured the biography and important information regarding Sai Baba's intimate devotee'Shri. Mahalsapati who stayed day and night with Sai Baba, from his son Shri.Martand Mahalsapathi.'Shri.Balaji Pilaji Gurav (a Shehnai player during Sai's sojourn) who was lucky enough to remain present at the last moments of Baba's Samadhi had given precious details to the author of this book. Shri.Balaji Pilaji Gurv had given details regarding persons present at that time of Shri Sai Baba's Maha Samadhi, the extent of sadness amongst disciples and public during the last moments of Sai Baba's final journey, final rituals performed from beginning to the end construction of Shri Sai Baba's Samadhi Mandir. Shri. Balaji Pilaji Gurva provided minutest details to the author which when read by the devotees are sure to fill their hearts with sorrow. These details have been provided in 46th chapter of Shri Sai Sarovar, Volume 2.

The two volumes of the book also describes brief biographies of many Saints and great souls. Pujya Shri.Mota, a resident of small village Savali who made “ HARI OM ” phrase popular amongst almost every home in Gujarat is given in the book. The difficulties he faced during his childhood and youth days, the progress he made on spiritual path and his performing difficult rituals during his youth days have been described in the book. In spite of his family related problems, obstructions, how he strictly followed instructions given by his guru's, how he simultaneously managed his social obligations and spiritual sadhana are well described. Hi is meeting with Shri Upasani Maharaj etc., have also been described in the book. Most important event of Spiritual significance is that, almost 20 years after Shri Sai Baba took Maha Samadhi, Shri Mota received a hand written letter by Sai Baba with a clear instructions to go to Karachi where Shri.Mota met Sai Baba in an Idgah Masjid! In that Masjid, Shri Sai Baba had ordered him to run naked on the streets of Karachi. This incident is well described by author in Volume 2 of 'Shri Sai Sarovar'.

The biography of Shri Upasani Maharaj describes his journey of evolution from the earlier Shri.Kashinath Shastri of from village Satana to Shri.Upasani Maharaj of Shirdi. While reading this episode, Sai devotees are sure to choke with emotion and cannot stop crying. Throughout his life, this divine saint remained dressed in the rags of torn jute! In the ruins of'Khandoba' temple in Shirdi he stayed between poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes and termite mounds in naked condition for four years with a condition of a half dead person, with lots of pain. He didn't even consume any food or water for two years. Even though he was from a noble Brahmin family, he lifted shit pots on his head, ate dirty and un-hygienic food, lifted dirty goods. With the help of donkey's he lifted and transported goods. With the help of Ox he ploughed farms. Worked as labourer and broke stones for making of the roads. People considered him as a madman and beaten him, treated him with detestation. In the village Sakori, he remained confined in a small wooden cage for two years. But in spite of all these tortures, silence was his language. The orders, instructions given by Sai Baba were his duty. Reading all these descriptions narrated in the book, Sai devotees will definitely feel dismayed and sigh comes out with the question mark in their mind, that why Spiritual Roads are filled with such difficulty to tread? The author has covered all these details in chapter 33 to 37 in this volume of 'Shri Sai Sarovar'.

In the same way, due importance has been given to other devotees who were fortunate enough to remain in touch with Shri Sai Baba. This includes Shri.Madhavrao Deshpande, Shri.Dasganu Maharaj, Shri.Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Shri.Abdul Baba, Shri.Kashiram Shimpi (tailor), Shri.Bhagoji Shinde etc. The book also describes how a Guajarati devotee from village Dharasana of Bardoli Shri.Vamanrao became Shri.Sharananand. Shri.Sharanand's divine experiences in Shirdi have also been beautifully described by the author.

In the same way, this reservoir titled "Shri Sai Sarovar" of Shri Sai Baba is inclusive of streams of many more divine stories, devotee's biography like Shri.Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare, Shri.,Tarkhad', Shri.Mahalsapati, 'Shri. Ganpatrao Narke, Shri.Kusha Bhau, Shri.Appa Kote, Shri.Gopalrao Gund, Shri.Kakasaheb Dixit, Shri.Tatya Kote Patil, Shri.Bala Bhavu, Shri Sagun Meru Nayak, Shri.Deva Mamalatdar, Shri P.R.Avasthi, Dr.Chidambaram Pillay, Shri Bapusaheb Jog etc.

The author has given separate section for women devotees of Shri Sai Baba in these volumes. This includes Bayajama, Laxmibai Shinde, Radhakrishna Mai', Durgabai Karamakar, Savitribai Tendulkar, Malanbai Devangakar, Chandrabai Borkar, Tarabai Tarkhad', Chhotubai Moreshwar Pradhan, Mainatai, Kamalabai Pitale' etc., with interesting stories of these devotees.

Besides, the author has given due importance to express the feelings of animals, insects etc., which are unable to express their feelings in language spoken by human beings. The description of “cry of distress of a bull” makes our heart cry. Reincarnation of sparrows, story of snake and a frog, lizard sisters, defence of puppy, the boon of life blessed by Sai Baba to a baby goat and many more stories of silent expressions of many animals, insects are described by the author. It is impossible to count the waves of the sea. In the same way, we are unable to count the divine ripples of 'Shri Sai Sarovar '.

In the story of Shri.Rang Avadhut Maharaj who wrote "Dattabavani", 'the author has described the evolution of Shri.Panduranga Valame to Shri.Rang Avadhut Maharaj. The description of pilgrimage of Narmada is so beautifully described that the reader may feel his own self undertaking this pilgrimage. The hand written documents of Dattabavani of Shri.Rang Avadhut Maharaj has been provided along with its elaborated interpretation in 'Shri Sai Sarovar'.

Not only these, the divine vicinity of Sant Shri.Hansdeva Maharaj, Sant Shri.Maher Baba', Shri.Gadge Maharaj, Shri Dhunivala Dada narrated in the book are very heart touching indeed. The Tajuddin Baba' story, the Tajuddin 2nd also known as Shri.Anna Baba who was physically present at the time of writing of Shri Sai Sarovar Book, has personally blessed the book and said that “The book shall be unique on the subject of Shri Sai Baba in the world”.

The difficult work which can be described as “searching of a needle from a heap of grass” has been carried out by the author. For the purpose of writing the book, the author has travelled extensively in many forests, ruins of caves, many difficult terrains and visited great souls. He also visited remotest places of Gujarat and Maharashtra state and contacted hundreds of fortunate devotees, worshippers of Shri.Sai Baba and collected the details which in initial stages, he used to prepare it as a collection of rough notes. And in due course, the same was compiled and brought out as Volume 1 and 2 of “Shri Sai Sarovar” .

This Book includes 'Mangala Kakad Aarti', 'Madhyan Aarti', 'Dhup Sandhya Aarti' and different stotras and prayers sung in Marathi language on Shri Sai Baba. The Aarti's and Stotras are given with its translated meanings in Guajarati language. Besides many “Vratas”, its descriptions as per Indian culture and its importance is covered in short, in related chapters of the volumes by the author.

Lieutenant Colonel Mukund Rao Nimbalkar, a great devotee of Shri.Sai baba, who served in Indian army for 29 years and also had imparted his great contribution in writing articles related to Shri Sai Baba' for Shri Sai Leela Magazine published by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan. This is being published by 'Shirdi Sansthan' since year 1921. Shri.Mukund Rao Nimbalkar had also written many books like 'Shri Sai Baba No Bhodh Sar Ane Tatvagyan', 'Aava Hata Amara Baba'. 'Shri Gurugeeta'. Shri.Mukund Rao Nimbalkar has personally expressed that” 'Shri Sai Sarovar', is a unique and great book which provides information and educates Sai devotees about Shri Sai Baba and can called as an "Encyclopaedia". Those who understand Gujarati language, must read this Book and always keep a copy with them for their Spiritual Evolution. Just like we find shells, sand, pearls, vegetation in the sea, in the same way, we can find extensive details on various topics on Shri.Sai Baba from the bottom of the reservoir namely 'Shri Sai Sarovar'. The Lieutenant Colonel Shri.Mukund Rao Nimbalka' has expressed further that “without the blessings of 'Shri Sai Mauli' it is just impossible to write such a great book and the author deserves due respect and appreciation! For this reason, I recommend it to dear devotees of 'Shri Sai Baba“. Sai Devotees can see this view expressed by Late Shri.Nimbalkar in Shri Sai Leela Magazine which was published during year 1988.

Author's daughter Smt.Rekhaben M patel ventured to put humble efforts in the new edition of 'Shri Sai Sarovar' with some related corrections and added new portions to the stories, at the end of each chapter which has been labelled as 'ARCHAN'. The portion was added to provide more details which was already written by the Author. For the purpose, Smt.Rekhaben M Patel has visited related experts and prepared the write-ups with 'qualitative research'.

One important information is about Gujarati devotee Shri.Amidas Mehta whose shrine is present even to this day in Shirdi. He was the native of 'Bhavnagar' and a very strict devotee of lord 'Shri Krishna'. He was strictly following rules laid by 'Pushti Marg' and always reciting the name of 'Shri Dwarakadhish' during day and night. But, during the later years, he left his royal life and decided to stay at the lotus feet of Shri Sai Baba in Shirdi. "Why he left his material gains and decided to reside in 'Shirdi' only Until his last breath?" has been well described in detail in this new edition of 'Shri Sai Sarovar'. This information is made available now for the first-time to the devotees of Shri Sai Baba in last 100 years.

Along with all the above rare and vital information, the volumes have been made more attractive with new appearance, with the help of latest computerized techniques. Better quality photographs, good quality of papers, firm and long lasting binding can be seen in the new volumes. Smt.Rekhaben M Patel has also taken care to correct the minute spelling mistakes as per her best understanding and tried to make the book more colourful and beautiful. While doing this, she has taken care to maintain the true meanings and expressions of the original author. Besides, the photographs related to the stories narrated by the author which he could could not get at that point of time, have been procured and incorporated in the new volumes wherever they were available. Thus, with rare photographs and 1550 pages have been carefully tailored. Now with the divine blessings of 'Sri Sai Baba' and her father, Smt.Rekhaben M Patel has been successful in bringing out the new volumes of 'shri Sai Sarovar ' and has offered them in the hands of esteemed devotees of 'Shri Sai Baba'.Which she feels like "fragrance added to gold".

Smt.Rekhaben M Patel also feels that the book 'Shri Sai Sarovar' is the largest book (In volumes 1-2) written in Gujarati literature, and may also qualify for an entry into the 'Limca Book of Records'.

We are giving below the contact details of Smt.Rekhaben M Patel for the benefit of Sai Devotees:

(Source: Personal Interview with Smt.Rekhaben M Patel, Author's daughter on 15th August 2017)