Helpless to do anything

Some time back I received a call from a friend of mine who lives in Shirdi. It was about issue regarding Babas idol in Shirdi. She mentioned that the toe of Baba which rests on the ground is getting dented and expressed inability to do anything about it. I living away from Shirdi and if I was in the same place too did I have a chance to glance at Babas idol closely to see if what she says is right? And what measures can I ask the Sansthan to take when they have dedicated themselves to the service of our father day and night.
Every visit of mine to Shirdi confirms the conviction I developed towards Sai. Sai changes our habitual life into divine; and I see it in the people of Shirdi. Determination is the power from which devotion springs and loving attachment to God; this sort of attachment brings a state of constant joy and peace in life. In Shirdi Sansthan from the top rung to the one who sweeps the streets I see this sort of dedication and devotion in them.
With so much effort and dedication on the part of the Sansthan I feel hesitant even to raise such question. But a devotees concern regarding this is engulfed with love and affection for Baba.

(Photograph based on which idol was sculpted)

We travel all the way from where ever we live to Shirdi just to have a glimpse of our Sainath. It may be for few moments that our eyes feast upon Baba but we do not mind waiting for few hours just for that cherished moment. We are grateful to the person who has given us this idol of Baba on which we all bestow our prayers and feel a sense of fulfilment. He was Shilpa Maharshi Balaji Vasantrao Talim.
His father Vasanth Rao was a building contractor for the Nizam of Hyderabad. Balaji was born in 1888 in Hyderabad. His father died early, leaving .behind his wife Saraswathi, and three small children who migrated to Mumbai.
After primary education Balaji joined the J.J School of Art to learn sculpture. He won the "Dolly Khurshatjee" scholarship thus enabling him to complete his education. Balaji was a brilliant sculptor and painter, portraits being his speciality. In 1918 'Thalim's Art Studio' was established. He won many prestigious awards, gold medals, and accolades. The committee for 'Beautification of Mumbai' choose him to sculpt the statues. Mumbai is dotted by his sculpture from Flora Fountain to the High Court and everywhere else. The Britishers appreciated his work and gave him assignments. Balaji was a highly spiritual, religious, philosophical and a man of principles.
The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan gave him the humongous task of sculpting Baba's idol. Meticulously he got his tools 'made to order' from iron-smiths and carpenters. Zealously and full of religious fervour he carved Baba's Murthy. He hoped and prayed saying "If Sri Sai Baba gives me darshan while making His Murthy the Murthy will be worthy and the devotees also will have feelings of devotion". And sure enough he got Baba's darshan in the studio while sculpting. The beautiful Murthy is world famous. It is worshipped by devotees who flock lo the Samadhi Mandir from all over the world. Caste, creed and a social status is no bar. The gates of the Samadhi Mandir are opened to everyone , the rich and the poor, sophisticated and the village folk all stand in the line from the wee hours of the morning to behold it. If the lines arc too big devotees lift their neck and jostle for space to peep at it through the door in the rear or through the open windows of the Samadhi Mandir. Just a glimpse, a passing glance is enough to fill them with joy. Baba on His part looks, hears and blesses everyone. It is the most photographed idol in the whole world. The height of the idol is 5' 5". The work is commissioned in 1952 and prathista took place in 1954. At the age of 82 on December 25,1970 he breathed his last. But Baba's Murthy in Samadhi Mandir lives on.

SHILPA MAHARSHI BALAJI VASANTRAO TALIM AT WORK

the mould Shri Sai Baba

(after the idol was installed)