1945

It was probably during the 'Paata Mandiram' (Old Mandir) days that Bhajan singing, and a set of rules for conducting the Bhajans as it exists today, were initiated. Baba would Himself sing the concluding Bhajans, offer Arati to the Shirdi Baba idol and bring the plate with the camphor flame to all those assembled. Once a week Baba would permit chosen devotees to worship His feet (Pada Puja). To a chosen few, Baba would grant interviews behind an improvised curtain near His small room. Many miracles have occurred during these 'Paata Mandiram' days. For instance, the first recorded surgical operation - herniotomy on Dr. Padmanabhan's brother - was done in Baba's room in the 'Paata Mandiram'. Sri Tirumala Rao, a devotee from Bangalore, planned to construct a new Mandir between the Sathyamma and Gopala Krishna temples.

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba - A Story of God as Man, Chapter -2