Shirdi

Shirdi, mostly known for the great saint Shirdi Sai Baba, is situated in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. Shirdi, also known as the Land of Sai, is a popular destination of pilgrims throughout the year. The earlier history of Shirdi is not known but Shirdi shot to fame during the earlier 20th Century. The name ‘Shirdi’ is interconnected with the life of Shirdi Sai Baba. Shirdi Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was sixteen years old and stayed there until his death in 1918. Through Shirdi Sai Baba, Shirdi has earned a significant place among the pilgrimage destinations of India. Shirdi is a small town in Maharashtra that comprises an area of about 3 sq. km. Shirdi is located at a distance of about 297 km from Mumbai, 82 km from Ahmednagar and 80 km from the religious city of Nasik and 16 km from Kopargaon. 

Sightseeing in Shirdi -

Chavadi: Chavadi is situated close to Dwarkamai Mosque. During the days when Sai Baba was living in the mosque, he came to the chavadi  along with his nearest followers on every alternative night to sleep. These days, the visit to chavadi on every alternative night is assisted with palki processions with huge crowd of devotees accompanying the idol of Sai Baba. Palki is decorated with beautiful flowers. Idol of Sai Baba is placed inside the palki. The procession takes place every Thursday.

Dwarkamai Mosque: Dwarkamai mosque is located on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi Mandir. The saint stayed in this place till his end. The place has many oil paintings of the saint. These paintings are the main attraction. 

Shri Khandoba Mandir: Shri Khandoba Mandir has icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai. The temple is dedicated to Khandoba, who is the presiding deity of the town. It is believed that Sai Baba came to Shirdi for a second time with a marriage party and set his foot under the banyan tree. The priest named Mhalsapati first spotted the nameless fakir and welcomed him to Shirdi by saying 'Aao Sai', which in Marathi means 'welcome Sai'.

Gurusthan: Gurusthan is the place, where Sai Baba first appeared to the world as a 16 year old boy. It is situated under the sacred Neem Tree, which is very popular for providing shelter to Sai Baba. Renovated on 30th September, 1941, the site also contains a small shrine. A portrait of Sai Baba has been placed on an elevated platform of this shrine. A marble statue of Sai Baba is located near this shrine.

Maruti Mandir: Maruti Mandir is located in the lane that runs between Dwarkamai Mosque and  Chavadi. It is marked by a pair of trees enclosed by a circular railing. Two Hanuman images mark the entrance of the temple. In the corner, few weights and dumbbells can be seen, which are used by young men to exercise at the auspicious place.

Lendi Baug: Lendi Baug is a beautiful garden that is situated at Shirdi-Manmad State Highway. It is the place where Sai Baba used to go everyday in the morning and afternoon for watering the plants. The huge Neem tree inside the garden premises provided shade and rest to Sai Baba during his lifetime. Beside the tree, there is a marble 'Deepgraha', which was lighted by Baba in a small pit. In a glass box in this Deepgraha, deepak continues to burn from dusk to dawn even till today. Other attractions of Lendi Baug are a samadhi of Sai Baba's horse named Datta Mandir, and a well, which is known as  'Baba'sas ‘Baba’s Shivdi'.

How to reach-

By Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi.

By Train: Of recent, trains services have also began operation from the different parts of the country for Shirdi. Located just 10 kms away from the temple, the newly built railway station of Shirdi now runs many trains from across the country. The trains also have air conditioned compartments and various classes to suit every pocket.

By Road: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi.