The latest in the series of startling revelations about the lavish, sinful life that fake godman Sarati Baba led for years is that the Baba had engaged beautiful women for his Palank Seva (bed service).
Investigation has revealed that the Pahuda lagi (sleeping ritual) of the Baba was scheduled at 11 pm every day. As the Baba slept on the Ananta Naga Palank (wooden bed crafted in the shape of a cobra), young and beautiful women offered him Seva while others performed Devadasi dance. The women for the Palanka Seva were handpicked by the Baba and took turns in offering this special service.
The ritual used to take place in an exclusive two-storied building behind the Shrimad Sarathi temple inside the ashram premises. The building has two bedrooms, one each on the ground and first floor. While only the closest aides and women servitors were allowed to enter the bedroom on the ground floor, special invitees had access to the bedroom on the first floor where the Pahuda lagi was held, reliable sources said.
Prior to the Pahuda lagi, three to beautiful women would stand in front of the bedroom for the Palanka Seva. They would change their dresses and wear new sarees given by the ashram. After the Baba entered the bedroom, the women would follow him with Chamar in their hands. The number of women who remained in the bedroom was decided by the Baba. Even women from outside the State were engaged in the Palanka Seva.
Soft traditional music was played in the bedroom at the time of the Palanka Seva. While two women performed Devdasi dance, other women used to perform the Chamar (breezing) Seva. The Baba at times video-recorded the Devdasi dance.
These women usually came out of the bedroom of the Baba at about 4 am and left for their homes either by their own vehicles or were dropped home by ashram vehicles.