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Shirdi
Shirdi, a small hamlet situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is renowned for once being the abode of Shri Sai Baba. Thronged by devotees throughout the year, the town contributed majorly to the travel and tourism industry of India. The exact geographical location of the town is 19°45 North and 74°25 East and it lies at a distance of around 266 km from Mumbai and 207 km from Pune. People come to Shirdi from various corners of the world to pay obeisance at the Shirdi Sai Temple.
Sai Baba was basically a Fakir, who was held in regard and honor by Hindus and Muslims alike. He went to temples as well as mosques and believed in both 'Bhagwan' and 'Allah'. Infact, Sai Baba preached others to forget communal differences and live in harmony with each other. Baba is said to have first come to the village of Shirdi, as a sixteen years old boy. During the time, he took refuge in the Khandoba Temple and started living there. It was then only that a villager (Mahalsapathi) started calling him by the name of Sai (saint).
Sai Baba started calling a village woman (Baijyabai) as his mother. Soon, the villagers started believing him to be an incarnation of God and began worshipping him. However, after sometime, Sai Baba left Shirdi and returned there after a gap of many years. Mahalsapathi, Baijyabai and other villagers recognized him. Since that time and till his death, Sai Baba stayed at Dwarkamai in Shirdi. Throughout his life, he preached the message of unity, communal harmony, brotherhood, Single 'God' and karma.
Sai Baba was basically a Fakir, who was held in regard and honor by Hindus and Muslims alike. He went to temples as well as mosques and believed in both 'Bhagwan' and 'Allah'. Infact, Sai Baba preached others to forget communal differences and live in harmony with each other. Baba is said to have first come to the village of Shirdi, as a sixteen years old boy. During the time, he took refuge in the Khandoba Temple and started living there. It was then only that a villager (Mahalsapathi) started calling him by the name of Sai (saint).
Sai Baba started calling a village woman (Baijyabai) as his mother. Soon, the villagers started believing him to be an incarnation of God and began worshipping him. However, after sometime, Sai Baba left Shirdi and returned there after a gap of many years. Mahalsapathi, Baijyabai and other villagers recognized him. Since that time and till his death, Sai Baba stayed at Dwarkamai in Shirdi. Throughout his life, he preached the message of unity, communal harmony, brotherhood, Single 'God' and karma.
| State | : | Maharashtra |
| Location | : | Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra |
| Altitude | : | 565 m |
| Population | : | approx. 26,169 (in 2001) |
| Sex Ratio | : | 945 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 70% |
| ISD/STD Code | : | +91 2423 |
| Best time to visit | : | June to March |
| Rainfall | : | 510.0 (mm/month) |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 36°C Max. - 20 °C Min. Winter: 28°C Max. - 18°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Dry |
| Clothing | : | comfy clothes with cotton fabric |
| Local Languages | : | Marathi, Hindi, English |
Sai Baba Temple
The holy town in Maharashtra, known as Shirdi, is held in great reverence by people. The reason for this is that the town is believed to be the place where Sai Baba lived for a major part of his life and he left for the holy abode from here only. Today, Shirdi houses the Sai Baba Temple.
Shri Khandoba Mandir
Shri Khandoba Mandir is situated near the Shri Sainath Hospital. It enshrines the idol of Khandoba, along with that of Banai and Mhalsai. It is believed that when Sai Baba set his foot in Shirdi for the second time, Khandoba was the first place where he was welcomed.
Shri Gurusthan Mandir
Shri Gurusthan Mandir is the place where Sai Baba was seen, when he appeared in Shirdi for the first time, as a boy of 16 years. Infact, this place is believed to be the gurusthan (seat of the teacher) of Shri Sai Baba, that's why the name. The Neem (Margosa) tree situated here find reference in Sai Sat-Charitra. Devotees believe that if you burn incense at the Shri Gurusthan Mandir, your wishes will get fulfilled.
Dwarkamai (Mosque)
Dwarkamai is the mosque where Sai Baba used to stay, when he came to Shirdi for the second time. It is situated to the right of the entrance of Sai Mandir. Those who visit the mandir make it a point to visit Dwarkamai also. The mosque still houses the shila (stone), on which Baba used to sit. The Sacred Fire that Sai Baba used to light in his lifetime has still been kept burning. It is from this fire that udi (vibhuti) is distributed amongst the devotees.
Chawadi
Sai Baba used to go on a procession, from Dwarkamai to Chawadi, on every alternate day. Thereafter, he used to sleep there only. Today, a palanquin procession of Baba's Photo, Holy Padukas and Satka is taken out every Thursday, to Chawadi. Divided into two parts, Chawadi houses of a huge portrait of Baba, along with his wooden bed and white chair.
Lendi Baug
Lendi Baug is the garden where Sai Baba used to go daily, for watering the plants. He used to go there every morning and afternoon and rest under a Neem tree. Besides the tree is Nandadeep, a deepak (diya) that used to lit by the Baba everyday in the pit dug by him. Today, the pit has been converted into a marble deepgriha (lighthouse), with a glass box in which the deep continues to burn. The other attractions of the Lendi Baug are Datta Mandir (samadhi of Sai Baba's horse, Sham Sundar) and Baba's Shivdi, a well.
Samadhi of Abdulbaba
The man who used to read Quran to Sai Baba was fondly known as Abdulbaba. The people of the town and those of Shirdi have sincere devotion towards Abdulbaba, who was also one of the most fervent followers of Baba. His samadhi is situated inside the premises of Shri Sai Baba Temple. The cottage where he used to live still stands intact and houses the photos and various items handled by him as well as Sai Baba.
Maruti Temple
Maruti Mandir is situated at a few minutes distance from the cottage of Abdulbaba. Sai Baba had a special devotion for the temple and used to visit it on a regular basis. He also conducted satsangs at the Maruti Temple, along with Devidas - a bal yogi, who used to reside in the temple 10-12 years before Baba came in Shirdi.
Shri Ganesh Temple, Shri Shani Temple and Shri Mahadev Temple
The three temples of Lord Ganesha, Shani Dev and Shri Mahadev are definitely worth having a look at.
Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi
Tatya was the son of Bayjabai, the woman whom Sai Baba referred to as his mother. He was also one of the most dedicated followers of Baba and continued serving him till his death. Tatya died in the year 1945 and later, his samadhi was built near Lendi Baug.
Nana Walli's Samadhi
Nana Walli was also counted amongst the most passionate devotees and followers of Shri Sai Baba. He was a little different from the others in the way he behaved. He mainly concerned himself with looking after the daily schedule of Shri Saibaba. Nana Walli breathed his last in the year 1918 and thereafter, his samadhi was also built near Lendi Baug.
Bhau Kumbhar's Samadhi
Last but not the least; we have the samadhi of Shri Bhau Maharaj, another one of the devoted followers of Shri Sai Baba. He left for the holy abode in the year 1938 and his samadhi is also situated near Lendi Baug.
PLACE NEAR SHIRDI
Nashik
Nashik is one of the main cities of Maharashtra and serves as the administrative headquarters of the district of the same name. The exact geographical location of the city is between 18.33 deg and 20.53 deg North Latitude and between 73.16 deg and 75.16 deg East Longitude.
Pune
Pune, the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, is counted amongst the most developed cities of India. It situated on the edge of the Deccan Plains, quite near to the Western Ghat Mountains. This location of the city has resulted in it being known as the 'Queen of the Deccan' also.
Sakori
Situated at a distance of merely 5 km from Shirdi is Sakori, known for its Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan. The place is especially popular amongst pilgrims who have come to Shirdi in hope of peace and tranquility. This is because the Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan, founded by Upasani Baba in the year 1917, offers its visitors complete solitude and serenity. It seems to be reverberating with positive energy, which is hard to be missed by anyone.
Shanisinghnapur
Shanisinghnapur is a village regarded to be the holy seat of Shani Dev. It is located at a distance of around 70 km from Shirdi and is visited by people whose Shani (Saturn planet) is in disarray. They perform pooja and abhishek at the Shari Shaneshvar tirtha situated here, to appease the dev. Though the place seems to be full with Shani bhakts throughout the month, exceptional rush is seen on Amavasya (no moon day).
The holy town in Maharashtra, known as Shirdi, is held in great reverence by people. The reason for this is that the town is believed to be the place where Sai Baba lived for a major part of his life and he left for the holy abode from here only. Today, Shirdi houses the Sai Baba Temple.
Shri Khandoba Mandir
Shri Khandoba Mandir is situated near the Shri Sainath Hospital. It enshrines the idol of Khandoba, along with that of Banai and Mhalsai. It is believed that when Sai Baba set his foot in Shirdi for the second time, Khandoba was the first place where he was welcomed.
Shri Gurusthan Mandir
Shri Gurusthan Mandir is the place where Sai Baba was seen, when he appeared in Shirdi for the first time, as a boy of 16 years. Infact, this place is believed to be the gurusthan (seat of the teacher) of Shri Sai Baba, that's why the name. The Neem (Margosa) tree situated here find reference in Sai Sat-Charitra. Devotees believe that if you burn incense at the Shri Gurusthan Mandir, your wishes will get fulfilled.
Dwarkamai (Mosque)
Dwarkamai is the mosque where Sai Baba used to stay, when he came to Shirdi for the second time. It is situated to the right of the entrance of Sai Mandir. Those who visit the mandir make it a point to visit Dwarkamai also. The mosque still houses the shila (stone), on which Baba used to sit. The Sacred Fire that Sai Baba used to light in his lifetime has still been kept burning. It is from this fire that udi (vibhuti) is distributed amongst the devotees.
Chawadi
Sai Baba used to go on a procession, from Dwarkamai to Chawadi, on every alternate day. Thereafter, he used to sleep there only. Today, a palanquin procession of Baba's Photo, Holy Padukas and Satka is taken out every Thursday, to Chawadi. Divided into two parts, Chawadi houses of a huge portrait of Baba, along with his wooden bed and white chair.
Lendi Baug
Lendi Baug is the garden where Sai Baba used to go daily, for watering the plants. He used to go there every morning and afternoon and rest under a Neem tree. Besides the tree is Nandadeep, a deepak (diya) that used to lit by the Baba everyday in the pit dug by him. Today, the pit has been converted into a marble deepgriha (lighthouse), with a glass box in which the deep continues to burn. The other attractions of the Lendi Baug are Datta Mandir (samadhi of Sai Baba's horse, Sham Sundar) and Baba's Shivdi, a well.
Samadhi of Abdulbaba
The man who used to read Quran to Sai Baba was fondly known as Abdulbaba. The people of the town and those of Shirdi have sincere devotion towards Abdulbaba, who was also one of the most fervent followers of Baba. His samadhi is situated inside the premises of Shri Sai Baba Temple. The cottage where he used to live still stands intact and houses the photos and various items handled by him as well as Sai Baba.
Maruti Temple
Maruti Mandir is situated at a few minutes distance from the cottage of Abdulbaba. Sai Baba had a special devotion for the temple and used to visit it on a regular basis. He also conducted satsangs at the Maruti Temple, along with Devidas - a bal yogi, who used to reside in the temple 10-12 years before Baba came in Shirdi.
Shri Ganesh Temple, Shri Shani Temple and Shri Mahadev Temple
The three temples of Lord Ganesha, Shani Dev and Shri Mahadev are definitely worth having a look at.
Shri Tatya Kote Samadhi
Tatya was the son of Bayjabai, the woman whom Sai Baba referred to as his mother. He was also one of the most dedicated followers of Baba and continued serving him till his death. Tatya died in the year 1945 and later, his samadhi was built near Lendi Baug.
Nana Walli's Samadhi
Nana Walli was also counted amongst the most passionate devotees and followers of Shri Sai Baba. He was a little different from the others in the way he behaved. He mainly concerned himself with looking after the daily schedule of Shri Saibaba. Nana Walli breathed his last in the year 1918 and thereafter, his samadhi was also built near Lendi Baug.
Bhau Kumbhar's Samadhi
Last but not the least; we have the samadhi of Shri Bhau Maharaj, another one of the devoted followers of Shri Sai Baba. He left for the holy abode in the year 1938 and his samadhi is also situated near Lendi Baug.
PLACE NEAR SHIRDI
Nashik
Nashik is one of the main cities of Maharashtra and serves as the administrative headquarters of the district of the same name. The exact geographical location of the city is between 18.33 deg and 20.53 deg North Latitude and between 73.16 deg and 75.16 deg East Longitude.
Pune
Pune, the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, is counted amongst the most developed cities of India. It situated on the edge of the Deccan Plains, quite near to the Western Ghat Mountains. This location of the city has resulted in it being known as the 'Queen of the Deccan' also.
Sakori
Situated at a distance of merely 5 km from Shirdi is Sakori, known for its Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan. The place is especially popular amongst pilgrims who have come to Shirdi in hope of peace and tranquility. This is because the Shri Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan, founded by Upasani Baba in the year 1917, offers its visitors complete solitude and serenity. It seems to be reverberating with positive energy, which is hard to be missed by anyone.
Shanisinghnapur
Shanisinghnapur is a village regarded to be the holy seat of Shani Dev. It is located at a distance of around 70 km from Shirdi and is visited by people whose Shani (Saturn planet) is in disarray. They perform pooja and abhishek at the Shari Shaneshvar tirtha situated here, to appease the dev. Though the place seems to be full with Shani bhakts throughout the month, exceptional rush is seen on Amavasya (no moon day).
Summers (March to May) have maximum and minimum temperatures of 40°C and 21°C, typically people avoid visiting during the hot months of April and May.
Monsoons (June to August) offer scanty rainfalls and may be opted for sightseeing and Ashram visit.
Winters (December to February) have a maximum and minimum temperature of 32°C and 8°C, most of the travelers prefer this period.
Monsoons (June to August) offer scanty rainfalls and may be opted for sightseeing and Ashram visit.
Winters (December to February) have a maximum and minimum temperature of 32°C and 8°C, most of the travelers prefer this period.
By Air:
The domestic airport that falls nearest to Shirdi is situated in the Nashik city. It is approximately 75 km away and is well connected with most of the major cities in India. The next closest domestic airport is that of Pune. The international airport nearest to Shirdi is the Chhatrapti Shivaji International Airport, situated in Mumbai. It is well connected with the key cities in India as well as abroad.
By Railway:
Kopergaon railway station, which falls on the Daund-Manmad Line, provides the nearest rail head from Shirdi. The Manmad railway station, at a distance of 58 km, also lies close to the sacred town. Both the stations have trains to most of the key cities in the country, solving the problem of getting to the town.
By Road:
The revered town of Shirdi falls on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, making it quite accessible for those traveling by road. One can take State Transport as well as private buses for reaching any city in Maharashtra and neighboring states, from Shirdi. Private taxis are also easily available.
The domestic airport that falls nearest to Shirdi is situated in the Nashik city. It is approximately 75 km away and is well connected with most of the major cities in India. The next closest domestic airport is that of Pune. The international airport nearest to Shirdi is the Chhatrapti Shivaji International Airport, situated in Mumbai. It is well connected with the key cities in India as well as abroad.
By Railway:
Kopergaon railway station, which falls on the Daund-Manmad Line, provides the nearest rail head from Shirdi. The Manmad railway station, at a distance of 58 km, also lies close to the sacred town. Both the stations have trains to most of the key cities in the country, solving the problem of getting to the town.
By Road:
The revered town of Shirdi falls on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, making it quite accessible for those traveling by road. One can take State Transport as well as private buses for reaching any city in Maharashtra and neighboring states, from Shirdi. Private taxis are also easily available.
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