AFTER BABA'S ARRIVAL in Bangalore, his attention focussed on two things: his mast work and establishing a Universal Spiritual Centre. The site for the ashram was selected twenty-two miles away from Bangalore at Byramangala, three miles from the Bidadi railway station. More than five hundred and sixty acres of land were purchased, and plans for erecting nine separate structures were drawn up, containing three hundred and fifty rooms.

The foundation laying ceremony was initially fixed for the 25th of October. But the local farmers requested that the ceremony be held after harvesting the crops on the Byramangala property, even though the property no longer belonged to them. October 25th was also the day of convocation at Mysore University. Therefore, the ceremony was postponed until the middle of December. The land had belonged to about forty village farmers and the government, and its purchase had been greatly facilitated and quickened through the influence of Governor Mirza Ismail.

When Baba had first arrived in Bangalore, no rain had fallen and the crops were drying up. The farmers of the villages surrounding Byramangala came to know about Baba and one day approached him, praying to him to send rain soon. Baba ironically advised them, "The best remedy is to let me go from here! Drive me away! It is my misery to be always stuck in dry places." But Baba then assured them that rain would fall. From the next day, rains did begin, gladdening the hearts of the poor farmers.

The Hindu festival of Dassera was elaborately celebrated every year in Mysore. On October 19th, Baba went there with the women mandali in Elizabeth's car. A few of the men also went, and Donkin drove the bus. They arrived in Mysore at 6 P.M., and stayed in the Yelwal bungalow. Baba and the men slept outside in the servants' quarters and the women stayed in the main house. Gustadji, Nilu, Papa Jessawala and his son Meherwan arrived the next day.

Baba took the women to the city zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hill temple and other places of interest. According to Baba's wish, the Governor Ismail of Mysore made arrangements, so that at the time of Baba's visits with the women mandali, no man was to be seen at those places. Governor Ismail gave his fullest cooperation in such matters, and carried out Baba's wishes in all respects. Baba, however, was in such a hurry while visiting any spot that the women were not allowed to enjoy the sights.