He lived in Shiridi, a village in Maharashtra, India. He had a great healing touch and it was believed that even a single glance could cure people. There is no authentic record of his early life but when he landed in Shiridi, people recognised his powers and addressed him as ‘Sa’ (Master). According to some devotees, he is an incarnation of Lord Raam. He kept a sacred fire perpetual (dhuni) and gave its ash as a holy remnant (prasad) to all who came to him for help and blessings.

Once legend has it that Sai Baba was an incarnation of Shiv Ji. Once, according to them as a child when he opened his mouth, Shiv Ji could be seen inside. Since then the lay people started worshipping him.