Shirdi, India
Situated in the Ahmednagar district of the western state of Maharashtra, Shirdi is one of the most significant and massively blessed pious destinations in India. The small town is believed to be the abode of Sai Baba, the renowned saint of the 20th century. This Shirdi travel guide scouts one to the celestial streets of Shirdi. It is believed that Sai Baba spent 50 years of His life at this place preaching His most famous saying “Sabka Maalik Ek (One God for all).” Though a small town, it attracts huge of tourists all around the year who throng the place to pay their homage in the famous ‘Sai Mandir’ which is a major attraction of Shirdi tourism.
Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid, where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire is referred to as "dhuni" that still burns here and its ash or "udhi" is smeared on devotees. The town of Shirdi is blessed with warmth, affection and love of the large number of devotees. The Gurusthan is a jewel in the crown of Shirdi, the place where Sai Baba came to Shirdi as a Bal Yogi. The great saint left his residence (and took salvation) in the year 1918. Chavadi, Dwarkamai and Adul Baba Cottage are some of the must visit tourist attractions in Shirdi. Apart from these, tourist places to visit close to Shirdi are famous tourist destinations of Maharashtra - heritage sites like Ajanta, Ellora and Aurangabad, hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Khandala and Lonavala and clamoring cities like Pune and Mumbai.
Visit in Shirdi
If you are planning Shirdi city tour and wondering which places to visit, then read on to this page. Here is the list of tourist places in Shirdi that you must pay a visit:
The Sai Baba Mandir (Sai Baba temple) is the major attraction which attracts thousands of devotees visiting this town. The temple is located in the center of the town. Sai Baba Mandir has the honor of being the Samadhi (burial site) of the revered saint Sai Baba. There is no entry fee at the temple. However, you might not be able spend more than a couple of minutes at the Samadhi as other devotees will be waiting behind you in the line. You must attend the spiritual aartis which are performed at different times from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. You must attend any of them when you are here.
Dwarkamai has a special place in the hearts of the devotees of Sai Baba. It is an iconic mosque; this place is where the Sai Baba lived for a very long period of time (about 60 years) prior taking Samadhi in the year 1918. The stunning oil paintings of Sai Baba are one of the key features at Dwarkamai.
Gurusthan is the place where Sai Baba was first spot by the villagers, sitting under a neem tree. He was around 16 years old at that time. It is believed by devotees that burning incense sticks at this place can cure all of their ailments. Also, eating the leaves of this huge neem tree is also believed to cure many ailments of devotees.
It is situated right opposite to the Gurusthan Temple and is a popular place to visit in the town. The museum features a collection of the personal belongings of Sai Baba like robes, pipes, footwear, old gramophone records and cooking utensils. The Dixit Wada Museum was established by Kakasaheb Dixit in the year 1911 on the event of Ram Navami.
Adul Baba was one of the most devoted and ardent followers of Sai Baba. The cottage where Adul Baba used to stay is a popular place of religious as well as historical importance. The outer room of this small cottage houses exhibits of Sai Baba with Adul Baba.
Lendi Bagh (or Lendi Garden) was once a dense forest where Sai Baba used to spend quite time in meditating. After His meditation, Sai Baba would sit under a neem tree with his followers around him ready to listen to His preaching. This place also holds an important place in the list of tourist attractions.
It is a small dwelling situated close to the Masjid. It is the place where Sai Baba used to spend his every alternate night. There is an 'Asan' or seat in this place on which he used to sit.
Situated at the Ahmednagar - Kopergaon road, it is one of the most ancient temples of Shirdi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. At this temple, a priest called Baba first with the name "Sai". Therefore, he became famous in the world as Sai Baba.
It is another attraction of the town. This is house of one of the most passionate devotees of Sai Baba. The place houses many coins that were gift from Sai Baba himself.
It is another religious attraction in the town. Maruti Temple is a temple dedicated to Monkey god of Lord Hanuman Mandir. It is one among the oldest temples in the Shirdi temple complex. People coming here do pay a visit to this place.
Shani Shingnapur is a small village located around in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra around 72.7 KM away from Shirdi. This village houses the most revered Shani Mandir. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shani, also known as “Shri Shaneshwara”. Devotees from all across the around the world come here to pay homage to Lord Shani and seek blessings of their deity. A unique feature of this temple is that Lord Shaneshwar is not housed in a temple structure; the wonderful black statue of the deity stands on a simple platform. Another incredible thing about this temple village is that the villagers not at all lock their homes whether it is day or night and believe Shanidev as their protectors.
Shirdi, India
April - mid-June, Dry heat
Temperature:30.0°C-40.0°C
June - August, Moderate rainfall
Annual rainfall -1100 mm
November - February, Mild & pleasant
Temperature:15.5°C-7.0°C
Sights of Shirdi
