SHIRDI

 Adorned with the pride of being one of the most visited devotional places in India this small city of Shirdi is located in the Kopargaon taluk of Maharashtra. Located about 285kms away from the bustling Mumbai, this tiny place has gained utmost importance as a pilgrimage centre as legends say that the great saint Sai Baba (of the 20th century), dwelled at Shirdi and 

had offered selfless service to the people of Shirdi. 

 Shirdi Sai Baba temple is the glory of this fantastic place and has proudly gained international attention. This beautiful mandir is thronged by devotees belonging to all castes and religions without any discrimination. Sai baba is said to the incarnation of Lord Shiva, came here at the age of 16 and spent most of his time in meditation. Historians say that baba stayed at Dwarkamayee Masjid for more than 50 years. Gurustan is the place where baba entered Shirdi as a youth and sat under the neem tree meditating. People visit Sai baba’s Samadhi with utmost devotion . People can also fill their eyes with the articles used by baba.

 The village offers unpolluted environment for a rejuvenating stay in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. 

Shirdi is best visited during monsoon.

                                                    PLACES TO VISIT

Samadhi Mandir : Shreemant Gopalrao Buti a rich and faithful devotee hailing from Nagpur  constructed this temple in about 1917 and wished to install the beautiful idol of Lord Shiva here. But baba himself became the main diety there  After his death  a beautiful memorial dedicated to the great baba was constructed using the white marble.

The temple constructed with attracting silver pillars and mind-blowing carvings  mesmerizes the visitors. Opposite to the main temple there is a big hall. This temple witnesses huge inflow of visitors almost round the year.

Dwarakamai : This mosque which is located to the right of the mandir is said to be the place where Sri Sai baba dwelled. Visitors pay a visit here after visiting the main temple. The most interesting feature of this place is that the candle/deepam lit by baba is still burning bright.

Shani Singapur : This village is located about 65 kms away from Shirdi. This small hamlet arouses curiosity in the visitor as no house in this village has doors. It is believed that Lord Shanishwar will protect this tiny place from all hardships and theft.

Gurusthan :  This place is given prime importance as a pilgrimage centre as its is believed that Sai Baba entered Shirdi as a youth saint and sat under a neem tree and was engrossed in deep meditation. This temple consists of photo of Sri Saibaba.

Chavadi :  During the last 10 years of Baba’s lifespan, he used to sleep alternate nights at Chavadi. Baba is taken on a procession from Dwarkamai to Chavadi  every Thursday.  Chavadi consists of wooden bed ,white chair and footwear used by baba. 

By Air : Aurangabad airport which is at a distance of 150kms, is  well connected to  the major towns. Pune airport is about 231 kms and Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji airport which runs both national and international flights is about 296 km from Shirdi. 

By Rail/Train : Kopoergaon railway station is about 16kms from Shirdi. Manmad station is 60 kms. The online railway ticket reservation centre at Shirdi is making the travel of the visitors more convenient.

 

By Road : MTDC runs buses from all major towns and cities of Maharashtra.