Shirdi Sai Baba- Maharashtra: Sai Baba’s Abode

Many visit Shirdi Sai Baba temple and thousands of people go on pilgrims to Shirdi every week. You will learn more on Shirdi Sai Baba, in this travel destination guide. Shirdi, once a sleepy village town, is today perhaps India’s most urban and developed pilgrimage centre. Home to one of India’s most revered modern-day saint, Sri Sai Baba; Shirdi is among the most prime spiritual centres in India. Located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the historical temple city of Shirdi is well connected to all major towns in the region.

Shirdi is among the most secular Hindu temple sites in India as there are no restrictions on visitors on the basis of religion or caste in any part of the temple town. Consequently, Shirdi is seen by some to be more spiritual than religious. Shirdi’s patron saint, Sri Sai Baba was an ascetic who preached religious equality and worked for the general good of the society. It is said that Sai Baba is not his original name, and that this name was given to him by his first devotee. Sai Baba lived in Shirdi for a period of around sixty years.

PLACES to VISIT in Shirdi- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  • The pivotal temple in Shirdi is the Samadhi Mandir of Sri Sai Baba, which also houses the Samadhi (final resting place) of Sri Sai Baba.
  • Located in the heart of Shirdi, the temple was actually owned by Shreemant Gopalrao, a famous devotee and a millionaire from Nagpur. Gopalrao wanted to install a statue of Murlidhar in the temple, and legend has it that in order that his devotee’s wish be fulfilled, Sai Baba himself became a statue of Murlidhar.
  • Just besides the Samadhi Mandir is Dwarkamai, Sai Baba’s residence for life. Prior to his arrival, Dwarkamai was actually a dillapitated mosque. Baba chose to live in the mosque and also repaired the same. Today, Dwarkamai contains many stories from Baba’s life, for example, the stone on which Baba used to sit, the stool which Baba used for bathing, the bag used by Sai Baba to store grains, etc.
  • Another place which chronicles one of the most important events of Baba’s life is Gurusthan. Gurusthan is the site of the neem tree under which Shirdi Sai Baba was first spotted as a child ascetic. A few minutes walk away from Gurusthan is Chavadi, the place where Baba would spent his alternate nights. Chavadi also houses the Lendi Baug, a garden that was looked after by Sai Baba himself. Some of the other prominent places in Shirdi are the famous temples of Datta (locally referred to as Datta Mandir) and Khandoba (Khandoba Mandir).

Shirdi Sai Baba- TRAVEL TIPS 

  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English are widely spoken.
  • Cuisine: Due to Shirdi’s rapid modernization, Indian cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available.

Shirdi is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple tour in India. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com

BEST TIME to visit Shirdi

Shirdi can be visited any time of the year. However, it is advisable that one avoids visiting Shirdi during the monsoons, as the unpredictable weather and heavy rains often cause road and air traffic disruptions.

BEST WAY to reach Shirdi

  • By Air: The airport nearest to Shirdi is Nashik that lies a decent 119 kms away.
  • By Rail: Kopargaon, 12 kms away, is the nearest railway station; however, Manmad, located 83 kms away, is deemed by many to b more comfortable.
  • By Road: Shirdi, Maharashtra is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region. Local transport in Shirdi comprises taxis, buses and auto rickshaws.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels and rooms are available to suit all budgets. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple tours.