Shirdi is a religious site close to Nasik and home of great saint Sai Baba which has various temples other than the popular Sai Baba temple and a few historical sites.
Shirdi is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and holds strong importance as a holy and pilgrim site by Sai Baba devotees. Shirdi is a small town filled with religious spots and activities which will soothe and calm your soul. The atmosphere here is filled with chants lingering with spirituality and the whole grandness about the same leaves all the devotees spellbound. There are many places to see in Shirdi such as Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai masjid, Chavadi, Shani Shignapur among other.
Best Time To Visit Shirdi
Between June and February, during the monsoons from June to September and the winters from October to February, are the best periods to visit Shirdi. It is mostly visited for religious activities, mainly to seek blessings and offer prayers at the famed Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The temperature during these months remains bearable for visitors. So whether one is standing in long lines for darshan or exploring the town, winters and monsoon provide quite a respite from the otherwise hot and humid weather in Shirdi.
History of Shirdi
The great saint Sai Baba came to Shirdi and made it his home. In the village, he spent his days teaching, preaching, and praying for several decades. Before departing for heavens, he requested the villagers to bury his mortal remains in a designated place and build a Samadhi Mandir over it.
In 1954, a large marble idol of Sai Baba in a sitting position was made right next to the Samadhi.
The temple housing his tomb was erected at a large private house, which was constructed when he was alive. Sai Baba used to plant saplings around his house and water them. Built by a multimillionaire from Nagpur, Gopalrao Booty, the house was used as a resting place for the saint.
When Sai Baba fell ill, he remained in the house, and later, after his demise, he was buried in the house. Later, the temple was built over the house, which was twice the size of the same.
Several changes took place in the temple over a period of time to be able to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Places To Visit In Shirdi
1. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Mandir
The Sansthan Mandir is one of the most popular and holy shrines in India. The temple is dedicated to Sai Baba and the devotees can avail all facilities of the holy place from darshan lines, dining halls, donation counters, prasad lines to railway booking counters.
2. Shani Shingnapur
One of the most intriguing places of Maharashtra, this village has no doors in any of the shops or houses to its name. The villagers have a strong belief that their Lord Shaneshwar is always protecting them from all the evils. It is located only 65 kilometers away from Shirdi and is one of the most visited places near Shirdi.
3. Samadhi Mandir
Owned and constructed by a millionaire from Nagpur, who was an ardent devotee of Sai Baba, Samadhi Mandir was built over the burial place of the saint. Initially, he wanted to install an idol of Lord Murlidhar and therefore Sai Baba revealed that he is one himself.
4. Gurusthan
Gurusthan is the place where the great saint Sai Baba first made an appearance in front of the world as a 16-year-old boy. It is located under a tree of Neem. It has a shrine on which a portrait of Sai Baba is placed with a Shivaling and the Nandi bull right in front of it.
5. Dwarkamai
Dwarkamai is one of the most cherished places in Shirdi. As it is believed that Dwarkamai is the heart of Shirdi and the place where Sai Baba spent a major part of his life and his last moments.
6. Lendi Baug
Lendi Baug is a beautiful garden which is situated at Shirdi-Manmade State highway. Sai Baba used to visit the garden and water the plants daily.
How To Reach Shirdi
Shirdi is very well connected by a network of roads from all the major cities of India. One can also board trains to the cities of Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Manmad and then hire a private taxi or a bus to reach Shirdi. Another easy mode of transport is by air to the cities of Mumbai and Pune and then a journey via road to reach Shirdi.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Mumbai
- Nearest airport. Aurangabad Airport
- Nearest railway station. Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station
- Distance from Mumbai. 242 Kms
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By Air
The Aurangabad airport is the nearest airbase to Shirdi. After deboarding the flight at Aurangabad, you can hop on a bus that will drop you at Shirdi.
- Distance from Aurangabad Airport. 96 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Shirdi
By Train
Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is very well connected to other cities in India.
- Distance from Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. 3 Kms
By Road
Intrastate buses run frequently from nearby cities that can take you to Shirdi.
- Distance from Pune. 35 Kms
Travel Tip
Shirdi holds great significance among the devotees and thousands of them visit the temple every day. During times of pandemic, make sure that you follow all the necessary guidelines.
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