Shirdi was the home of Sai Baba for more than 50 years. It was here that Sai Baba lived, preached, met people and performed many of his miracles. Today, Sai Baba rests in Shirdi’s Sai Baba Mandir, which is visited by thousands of devotees each day. People stand in queues and travel long distances to perform the Aarti and Darshan at Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple. Besides, the Gurusthan, Dwarkamai and Saiteerth Theme Park are other spiritual places of interest that are closely related to the life of Sai Baba.
How to reach Shirdi
Shirdi is located in the Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra and is well-connected to all major cities of the country and state. Public buses and private transports both can be availed from main cities of Maharashtra, such as Nashik, Mumbai and Pune. Besides, many trains stop and run to and fro from the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. The Shirdi Airport has also been recently inaugurated which connects the town to cities, such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai etc.
Sai Baba Temple
- It is believed that Sai Baba came to Shirdi in 1858 and stayed there until his demise in 1918. There are several temples and religious sites in the city centered around his lifetime. However, the Sai Baba Mandir located in the heart of the city is where the Samadhi of the great saint is. And hence, it undoubtedly, is the most important shrine for all Sai Baba believers.
- Sai Baba Mandir is managed by the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust that runs the everyday functions of the temple. The main highlight of the temple is the Samadhi Mandir which has a lovely marble statue of the revered saint. Devotees throng to the Samadhi that holds the mortal remains of Sai Baba. With prayers, wishes and a clean and true heart, pilgrims await for a glimpse of the benevolent statue. And as they lift their heads after they bow in front of the Samadhi, they feel a sense of relief and gratitude.
- Also, one of the best things of the Sai Baba Temple is that people from all religions, caste and creed can pay a visit and seek blessings. Sai Baba himself, in his lifetime, propagated ‘Sabka Malik Ek’, emphasizing that all of humanity was equal in the eyes of God. And hence, with faith and belief, anyone can pay homage to the great saint.
- The entire day at the Sai Temple is well planned. Some of the temple proceedings include Kakad or Morning Aarti at 5:15 AM, Darshan at 6:25 AM, Dhuni Puja at 11:30 AM, the mid-day aarti, Pothi at 4:00 PM, Dhoop Aarti at sunset and Shej Aarti at 10:00 PM.
Temple Services
For the service and convenience of devotees, the temple trust offers various activities and amenities. There are portals where visitors can avail of services ranging from accommodation, donations, Aarti and Darshan passes, publications and more. Most of these facilities can be booked online through the temple’s website. Besides, Bhojanalya prepares and serves food to hundreds of devotees throughout the day. Counters for railway tickets, lockers and many other facilities are also provided for devotees by the temple trust.
Other Religious Attractions in Shirdi
The Sai Mandir is undoubtedly the main attraction and the primary reason why people visit Shirdi. However, one can visit Dwarkamai where Sai Baba lived or Gurusthan where he spent most of his time in Shirdi. Besides the historic and religious sites, there is also the Saiteerth Theme Park that is a new-age enterprise merging technology and religious zeal to create a state-of-the-art experience.
Saiteerth Theme Park
- The Saiteerth Theme Park is located only a few minutes from the Shirdi Temple. For devotees, a visit to the theme park is almost a natural extension of their visit to the temple. With the same mental and spiritual well-being, as that in the temple, devotees find peace and calmness at Saiteerth.
- The Sai Mosiac made from Rubik Cubes or the laser show that showcases the life of Sai Baba are brilliant visual experiences for devotees. Similarly, attractions such as, Dwarkamai and Sab Ka Malik Ek are informative and spiritual, shedding light on the journey of the Baba’s life, his philosophies and his immense impact on the lives of the people. Other religious shows at Saiteerth, include Lanka Dahan (based on the life of Hanuman) and Teerth Yatra (a temple ride through the important temples of India).
- There is something almost magical about Shirdi as it exudes an aura of purity and divinity. The temples and religious places touch and influence not only devotees, but anyone who visits them. The Sai Baba Mandir, of course, shines bright in the spiritual landscape of Shirdi, and is the focal religious center where devotees flock in huge numbers. During festivals the crowds multiple manifold and the shrine is abuzz with increased fervor. Hence, the Sai Temple, along with the other religious attractions, such Saiteerth Theme Park make visiting Shirdi an enlightening and holistically holy experience.
