Shirdi
Shirdi, located in the Ahmednagar district of the Indian state of Maharashtra, is the home of the saint Sai Baba. His teachings on religious tolerance, love, and compassion attracted people who came in hundreds to hear his discourse and witness the many miracles he is believed to have performed. Shirdi is dotted with shrines dedicated to various important events from Baba’s life. This holy town near Nasik exudes spirituality with its numerous temples in honour of Sai Baba. Contained in about two sq.km, it still attracts thousands of followers and devotees all through the year.
The Samadhi Mandir which houses Baba’s interned remains is the most important pilgrimage center. Made in white marble with delicate carvings, it houses a huge marble statue of Sai Baba and also memorabilia from his life. The nearby Dwarkamai Masjid is a mosque where Sai Baba resided and interacted with the people. The Neem tree beneath which Baba sat on his first visit to Shirdi as a boy is the Gurusthan. The shrine here contains his statue and portrait
It was at the Khandoba Mandir that the temple priests proclaimed him to be a saint. Baba’s white chair and wooden bed can be seen housed in Chavadi Mandir where he used to reside on alternate days. A small but beautiful garden, the Lendi Baug is where Baba used to meditate. Shirdi also has a lighthouse Nandadeep constructed by the Baba.
Three temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shani, and Mahadev are also there in Shirdi. To get the real feel of the spiritual energy and excitement radiated by Shirdi, a visit during the festive season is a must. The festivals of Ram Navami, GuruPurnima and Shirdi Vijayadashami are celebrated with full fervor. The town is transformed with religious activities and processions.
Two other important pilgrimage sites nearby that one can travel to easily are the home of Sri Upasani Baba in the town of Sakori, 5 km from Shirdi and the abode of Lord Shani situated 70 km away at Shanisinghnapur village. Worshippers throng here during Shani Amavasya. As a travel destination, Shirdi attracts travelers from India and abroad in large numbers.
The Samadhi Mandir which houses Baba’s interned remains is the most important pilgrimage center. Made in white marble with delicate carvings, it houses a huge marble statue of Sai Baba and also memorabilia from his life. The nearby Dwarkamai Masjid is a mosque where Sai Baba resided and interacted with the people. The Neem tree beneath which Baba sat on his first visit to Shirdi as a boy is the Gurusthan. The shrine here contains his statue and portrait
It was at the Khandoba Mandir that the temple priests proclaimed him to be a saint. Baba’s white chair and wooden bed can be seen housed in Chavadi Mandir where he used to reside on alternate days. A small but beautiful garden, the Lendi Baug is where Baba used to meditate. Shirdi also has a lighthouse Nandadeep constructed by the Baba.
Three temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Shani, and Mahadev are also there in Shirdi. To get the real feel of the spiritual energy and excitement radiated by Shirdi, a visit during the festive season is a must. The festivals of Ram Navami, GuruPurnima and Shirdi Vijayadashami are celebrated with full fervor. The town is transformed with religious activities and processions.
Two other important pilgrimage sites nearby that one can travel to easily are the home of Sri Upasani Baba in the town of Sakori, 5 km from Shirdi and the abode of Lord Shani situated 70 km away at Shanisinghnapur village. Worshippers throng here during Shani Amavasya. As a travel destination, Shirdi attracts travelers from India and abroad in large numbers.
